Day 3 of @loceitweek, even more rushed than the others so far. I really should be in bed right now. Oh well. Enjoy! 💛💙
Masterpost | Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost | Ao3
Summary: Logan doesn't understand his homework, Janus stops him from freaking out about it.
Content Warnings: Anxiety Spiral
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Logan stared at the pages before him, holding back tears. This should be easy for him, it had always been easy so far, so why was he struggling so much? He wiped his eyes and tried to refocus on the start of the page again. Maybe if he read it one more time it would make sense.
It didn’t.
He couldn’t understand it.
He was going to fail.
First this course and then his degree, he knew it, he-
“Hey.”
A firm voice pulled him out of his spiraling thoughts. He looked up to see Janus, a fellow student and acquaintance of his, standing next to him, watching him with concern in his eyes.
“I think you need a break, Logan.”
He shook his head. He needed to finish this, he had a schedule, he couldn’t-
“It can wait, Logan. This isn’t due until next week and you are clearly overworked. Let me treat you to a coffee and we will work on it together afterwards if you really want to get it done today.”
Logan hesitated. Coffee wasn’t part of his schedule. It wasn’t even healthy to drink at this hour.
“It can be something other than coffee. You just need to step away from this for a moment.”
Is Janus reading his mind? He’s not talking out loud, his mouth is too dry for him to say anything.
“You are so much easier to read than you think, darling,” Janus chuckled, placing a hand on his shoulder and using the other to close the textbook in front of him. “And I have good intuition, so I can guess what most people are thinking.”
That was plausible, he thought. But he still wasn’t sure about taking an unscheduled break.
“Logan, please.”
Why were those words so much more convincing than anything else Janus had said?
He nodded, closing the notebook that still laid in front of him. Then he reached for his water bottle and took a long drink. The cool liquid felt so refreshing, and he finally felt his words return to him.
“Thank you, Janus.”
“No problem. I want my future firm partner to be in best shape after all,” he joked, and Logan couldn’t help but smile. Yes, working together with Janus sounded like a promising future.
Written for @loceitweek, Day 2: Masks - WC: 1498 - Rated: T - Alcohol, swearing, mentions of non-consensual drugging, vomiting/nausea
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Everything hurt.
Janus blinked against the sunbeam targeting his face, lids sandpaper against his eyes. He turned his head and sharp, hot pain shot up his shoulder and neck before radiating out through his back and limbs. “Fuck.” He couldn’t get more than a croak past his dry throat. Even his tongue and teeth hurt, his mouth swollen, arid, and foul.
“Excellent…” The quiet voice rattled through his skull and he winced. “You are awake.”
“Either that or dead,” he muttered, eyes now squeezed shut.
Bare feet slapped against the hardwood floor past him and, after a clattering racket, the red glow bleeding through his eyelids faded. “Any better?” the voice said, even quieter this time.
Janus grunted and pried his head and shoulders up off the sinking soft surface he was lying on. He fell back almost immediately, a fresh ache exploding in his head as the room spun and his stomach flipped. “Sick—” he managed before he turned and heaved up the scant contents of his stomach. There was rushed movement near him and firm hands turned him to his side.
“Get it out,” the voice muttered near his ear. “That’s it, right in the bucket… you’ll feel better.”
When he finally stopped, something cool and wet was pressed to forehead and another dabbed at his mouth, his face, his neck. Janus cracked one eye open and spotted a colorful flash of floral brocade tucked under a dark blue apron.
“Necktie,” he groaned.
“So you do remember where you are,” Logan murmured. The cloth moved away, followed by the swish of water, then soon returned, cool and soothing.
He reached out blindly, brushing against the prim knot at the other man’s neck. “It's Seattle. You’re the only man our age who owns one of these,” he said, wincing at the deafening volume of his own voice. “Let alone actually wears the damn thing.”
Logan chuckled, low and quiet. The sound rumbled through his chest where Janus belatedly realized he’d been leaning. His brain told him to sit up all the way, but his body wouldn’t listen, and his head bobbed ineffectually against Logan’s shoulder. “Take it slow,” he said, shifting until Janus’ head was pillowed against muscle instead of the sharp corner where clavicle met shoulder bone.
The cloth moved to his neck, the light pressure easing the knotted muscle he’d woken up with, and he couldn’t help a low sigh. His hand flopped to his other side, rubbing the upholstery next to him.
Janus frowned. “This isn’t my couch.” He peered through narrowed eyes, ignoring the renewed pounding in his head. “Where am I?”
“My apartment,” Logan said after a moment. “You were… unwell last night at the party. You told me you lived a mile from campus and I asked you if I could bring you here.” His movements slowed and he set the cloth aside. Janus eyed it, already missing the soft touch. “You said it was—”
“Better than fucking in the elevator,” he finished, a flash of last night filling his mind.
“Well, yes.” Logan cleared his throat, a bubble of a mirth behind his words. “I was about to paraphrase that you thought it was wise.” He picked up the cloth again and resumed dabbing against his skin. “We can both be right.”
Janus barked out a half-laugh then winced. “Oh, don’t make me laugh!”
“I shall endeavor to be as boring as possible, then.”
True to his promise, Logan fell silent, moving only to refresh the cloth once it became warm.
Dread churned in his gut until he feared he’d be sick again. Finally, he asked, “What happened?”
“I will tell you everything I know, however I do not wish to impact your memory with my own perception,” Logan said slowly. “What do you remember?”
I remember watching the door, waiting for you to arrive.
“I was at Jack’s… I had a few drinks…” He chuckled, the movement rattling his brain against his skull. He breathed into the pain and nodded. Slowly. “I’d picked which guy I’d take home if you didn’t show.”
He smirked, one eyebrow a perfect arch over those damned glasses. “You were that certain I’d go home with you?” He wet the cloth and wrung it out again. “I could’ve been there to pick up your friend.”
“Ow,” he laughed and groaned at the same time. “What did I say about making me laugh, Necktie?”
Chuckling quietly, Logan reached for a small bottle of water and opened it in front of him. “Slow sips,” he said, pressing it into his hands. “It will help with the headache.”
He followed Logan’s instructions, annoyed he was right. “You gave me water,” he said suddenly, staring down at the bottle. Logan remained silent, but after a while Janus shook his head. “I… I don’t remember much else. Fuzzy thoughts…”
The hand holding the bottle shook and Logan took it from him. “You were unconscious when I arrived.” His lips tightened into a thin line and his brow furrowed, annoyance or perhaps concern darkening his steely blue eyes.
His pupils had shrunk.
Fear.
“I was able to wake you and you told me you’d had four…” Logan shook his head and inhaled slowly. “You were far more impaired than someone who’d had four bourbons over a few hours. I… offered to bring you home and as we were leaving… A man, one of the other guests, accosted us.”
Logan turned his head and looked closely at him, that same strange mix of emotions flitting over his face, like he couldn’t pick which one. “I believe he drugged you. He… he tried to stop us from leaving.” A smile sparkled across his face. “You fought back. Half conscious, and knocked over, you still managed to take him down and pin him to the floor.”
“Hmph,” he grunted, rotating his shoulder. “That explains this.”
“Are you in pain?” Logan turned again and scanned him with those laser eyes. “I mean…”
“Nothing a hot shower and some stretches won’t solve.”
“You are welcome to…” He gestured half-heartedly toward one of the doors in the hallway. “Of course, if you would not prefer your own shower.”
Janus nodded, letting where he would shower be a problem for the future. Even this short conversation drained him and it was a struggle not to let his full weight rest against Logan’s side. His apron smelled like coffee grounds and cinnamon. He wondered if his nursemaid would allow him a cup of coffee.
The thought alone was enough to turn his stomach and he closed his eyes. The unease didn't fade and the flashes from his dreams grew brighter. “Did I… did I say anything else last night?” he asked. His fingers scrunched against the plush sofa cushion, hand empty. He’d dreamt… Janus opened his eyes with a little sigh. He’d dreamt his hand had not been empty.
“There was some… flirting,” Logan said carefully. “No more than one might anticipate given the circumstances.”
“Nothing…” There'd been music, different music that from that fucking party. Soft. A peaceful rumble. Logan’s voice. “Nothing else?”
He shifted next to him and pressed the water bottle into his hands. Logan watched silently as he sipped. “You…” he murmured when Janus lowered the bottle. “You dreamt. And… spoke a little in your sleep.”
His name sat on Janus’ tongue, heavy and sweet. He hadn’t said it in so long. “Anything stand out?” he asked, desperate to hear anything but the answer he knew Logan would give.
“You called me Gabe.”
Janus couldn’t hide the hitch in his breathing but Logan didn’t ask him to explain, didn’t ask him if he was alright. If he’d said anything about Gabe… Logan would know he wasn’t.
Logan sat quietly with him until the room stopped spinning long enough for him to lean against the back rest. “I recognize food may be the last on your priorities at the moment…” He frowned, peering closely at his eyes as he avoided his gaze. Logan then picked up his hand and pressed the nail bed on each finger, watching intently. “But you are dehydrated and likely your electrolytes are unbalanced, as well.”
Janus’ hand was still resting in his and he stared down at it for a moment before slowly letting it rest on his lap.
“If you will allow me to prepare something for you…” He began to gather a bowl and tissues from the table.
“Before you—” Janus began, watching him work. “The—the cloth was…”
Logan looked down at the cotton cloth in his hand, then nodded. He dipped it in the water and wrung it out. He smiled, a soft, gentle smile, nothing like the little smirk from before or his failed attempt to hide a laugh. Just… soft. "Forehead?"
Janus nodded once. “Thank you,” he murmured and averted his eyes as Logan carefully laid the cloth against his skin.
“It’s my pleasure, Janus,” he whispered. Janus closed his eyes, afraid the rest of his mask might crumble under the weight of that smile if looked at it for much longer. “I will return with some ginger tea and crackers. Some broth.” Logan said after a long moment. “Rest.”
Nodding, Janus leaned back against the couch and tugged the cloth down over his eyes.
Logan was preparing how he would want a Crofter's commercial to go, for if he gets the chance to share. Janus comes in while Logan is practicing to flirt with him.
Warnings: suggestive themes
Relationships: Logan/Janus
Wordcount: 1405
Notes: Loceit Week 2023 Day 5 Philosophy/Science (I chose science) Sorry this is late. I don't know if I'll have any more for @loceitweek as I only decided this week to write this one. The topic this week has inspired me though. I may write other Loceit fics, like maybe for the multifandom pride prompts I've been attempting (which will also be late).
Logan looked around at his setup with a nod. It wasn’t much, but it was perfect for what he was going for. Logan had been preparing in his head what kind of commercial he would have proposed for Crofters. If it ever came up that was.
He cleared his throat and smoothed out his lab coat. Logan then waved a hand at the nearby whiteboards to write out what he said. It would look better to be handwritten in real time for the actual thing when he showed the others. This was just for practice though.
He held up the crofters’ jar, presenting it to where he knew the camera would be. Logan had been listing helpful facts about the jam for a minute and a half when he heard someone go,
“Hmm.”
Logan stopped and looked in that direction. He hadn’t thought anyone was in here. To his surprise, Janus was sitting nearby, smirking at him.
Janus clapped.
“What a well-done presentation, Logan. I apologize for interrupting you. It was not my intention.”
Logan frowned at the other, unsure about that. Logan cleared his throat and set the jar of jam off to the side.
“Janus. I did not expect you in here. Did you need something?”
Janus hmmed again and stood up. He stretched languidly, bringing attention to his different outfit of choice. Then he started to walk over to Logan.
“Noo, not necessarily. Perhaps I just wanted to hear you ramble on intelligently about something of interest to you,” Janus said with a smirk.
Logan’s eyes widened. Janus walked closer to Logan, who then coughed to the side. Logan hadn’t expected anyone to actually want to hear him spew facts like that. The others had always acted like it was a necessity that nobody actually liked.
“I-is that so?” Logan cleared his throat again. He was usually so much better at holding his composure than this. Janus had simply caught him off guard by saying so.
“And the outfit?” Logan asked, gesturing to Janus’ new getup.
Janus was wearing a lab coat, like Logan’s own. Except he had a yellow shirt peaking out where Logan’s typical polo was similarly visible. Janus was also wearing safety goggles as well.
Janus hummed again, stepping even closer.
“Maybe I just wanted to match the vibe of your setup, hm? I think the scientist look works, don’t you?” He asked with a playful smirk.
“Ah well, yes. Of course, it works,” Logan started,
“I had the lab coat set up for this scene to show safety was a priority. And how the production of Crofters would be hygienic. Of course, we wouldn’t be near anything that would be a contamination concern anyways, as it is more for the aesthetic of the commercial.”
Janus sighed at that.
“Logan, I’m not doubting the merits of wearing a lab coat here. I know you have good plans for these things,” Janus said.
“You do?” Logan asked.
“Mhmm,” When Janus was close enough, he reached over and started toying with the lapels of Logan’s lab coat.
“I just think the whole scientist look, with the lab coats, works for us. Aesthetically, as you would say. I certainly appreciate intellectual looks,” Janus said with that smooth voice of his.
“O-oh,” Logan said. Janus’ fingers were warm where Logan could feel him brushing against his coat. Amidst messing with the lapels.
Logan found he didn’t mind it, even if it was unexpected. Nobody got this close to him.
Janus leaned in.
“Did you want to keep going? I wouldn’t be opposed to assisting you.” Janus said.
Logan hesitated. He was sufficiently distracted now. Admitting such a thing felt embarrassing though.
“Uh, well,”
“Or did I throw you off your vibe?” Janus asked.
Logan really needed to add that word to his slang vocab. He was hearing it a lot more now.
“I wouldn’t say you threw me off. I am physically right where I was when I started. I also knew I would be presenting this in front of others at some point. Theoretically, I should be fine.”
“Theoretically?” Janus asked with a knowing smile.
“Uh, well,” Logan wasn’t sure what he should say here. Janus hmmed.
“It’s okay if I distracted you, Logan. I am well aware you didn’t expect me to be here,” Janus said.
“How did you know I would be here anyways?” Logan asked.
“I didn’t originally,” Janus continued. “But I was bored and I overheard you as I passed this room amidst my wandering. Figured I could learn something and maybe have some fun. Which I definitely have.”
Janus was smirking again, which e often did.
Logan blinked. “Oh? You were enjoying my presentation?”
“Of course,” Janus said, “Although, I have more fun interacting with you.” Janus paused in his teasing to lightly poke Logan in the chest.
“I-is that so?” Logan asked.
Janus winked at him in response.
“Why are you interacting with me in this way?” Logan asked.
“Because it’s fun, as I said,” Janus continued, “Is that alright?”
“I suppose,” Logan said.
Janus frowned slightly and stepped away.
“Logan, I know you’re not the best at admitting to your wants, but you need to be clear about how you feel about my teasing. It’s no fun if I am actively making you uncomfortable. I get a hard enough time from the others. About whether I actually respect personal boundaries.”
Logan blinked at that.
“Wouldn’t that be more of a concern from Remus than you?” Logan asked. Janus sighed and shrugged. Logan frowned but nodded.
“I see what you are saying. I would not want to make things worse for you.”
“Logan, it’s not about that,” Janus said. “You are not responsible for anything that affects me except your own actions. Which you are fine with at this point by the way. Nothing else should be a factor in stating your boundaries. Aside from what you are comfortable with.”
Logan nodded again. He knew Janus had a point.
“Right, of course.”
But then came the harder part of admitting he didn’t mind Janus’ actions, because what would that mean next?
“It’s okay if you don’t know, Logan,” Janus said with a more genuine smile this time.
“I should have asked earlier anyways. I just like to be playful, you know how I am.”
Logan supposed he did. Although Logan saw this side more when Janus was around Logan now.
Logan took a breath. He was curious though where they could go from here. Logan was definitely one to seek after knowledge. Even in the case that it could affect his personal relationships, though not in a bad way.
“I…did not mind, Janus,” Logan said, not meeting the other’s eyes. He figured he should have at least looked at Janus while admitting so. But it was harder than he expected for some reason. Plus, Logan could feel his cheeks warming.
After a moment, Janus stepped up to Logan again.
“You are sure?” Janus asked.
Logan nodded.
“Yes. I am just…not used to admitting such things.”
Janus hummed again before reaching forward again to trace his fingers against Logan.
“That’s okay, Logan. It can be a process. It does make me wonder if you would prefer moving slower than I had in mind then.”
Logan’s breath caught, and he got himself to look at Janus in the face then. Janus looked back at him.
“I would like to know what you mean, first. And, I’m sorry if my need for clear wording changes the uh ‘mood’ at all, as the twins have told me in the past.”
Janus gave him a soft look at that and shook his head.
“Logan, you are not ruining anything. I know who you are. How do you know I don’t get hot and bothered by more words anyways?”
Logan narrowed his eyes in confusion.
“Hot and bothered? I certainly wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable at all, that doesn’t sound pleasant. Should we get some air in here?”
Janus threw his head back in a laugh. Then he suddenly gripped his fingers around the coat lapels and pulled Logan against him. The breath from Janus’ lips brushed Logan’s own as he said,
“How about we head up to my room and I show you what I really mean by that?” Janus asked.
Here's the second story for @loceitweek, this time with a more mysterious setting. Hope you enjoy 🥰
Masterpost | Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost | Ao3
Summary: Logan disliked masquerade balls but when he's approached by an enchanting stranger, he might just change his mind.
No content warnings
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Logan watched the crowd over the rim of his champagne glass. He hated balls in general and adding masks to the mix just made things worse in his opinion, because it led to people doing one of three things:
One: Do an intentionally bad job of hiding who they are so they can brag about being easy to recognize.
Two: Use the anonymity to be the biggest assholes without consequences.
Three: Actually just being decent.
The third category was the one Logan was a part of and sadly in the minority. Even from his spot leaning against the wall in a rather quiet corner, he could clearly hear the gossip being shared, hardly quieter than normal speaking volume because who would ever be able to track the source back to them? From elsewhere he could hear someone declaring that their hairstyle is just too recognizable to be mistaken. As if he couldn’t have styled it differently for the evening if he really didn’t want to be identified.
Logan sighed.
He truly hated being here, but he had to endure for at least another hour. He had promised his parents.
He took another sip of his champagne, eyes wandering over the crowd in the hopes of catching a glimpse of anything or anyone that would relieve him of his boredom.
“You look like you want to murder everyone in this room, darling,” a voice commented directly next to him making Logan flinch. He hadn’t seen – or heard – anyone approach, but there was a man standing by his side, smirking at him.
The man wore a yellow and black suit, immaculately ironed, with gloves covering his hands. His blond hair was tied in a long braid that laid across his shoulder and the right side of his face was covered by a rather simple black mask while the other side was covered in… were those scales?
“I know I look dashing, dear, but don’t you think you’re staring too much?” the stranger asked, still smirking. Logan startled out of his thoughts and looked away, blushing.
“I apologize, you caught me off guard.”
“I hadn’t noticed.” Logan might have not been the best at reading social cues but even he could pick up on the other’s sarcasm. His blush deepened.
“I didn’t hear you approach. And your choice of attire is unusual, so I couldn’t help but… stare,” he justified awkwardly, causing the stranger to laugh.
“Don’t worry, darling, you haven’t been the first one this evening that lost their words from looking at me.” The easy confidence the stranger spoke with somehow worsened Logan’s flush, and he refused to look back at the other’s face.
“Well, I’m sure none of them expected to see someone with such, um, unique choice of make-up,” he commented after clearing his throat.
“Whatever do you mean?” the stranger asked in a very faux tone that showed his amusement.
“Your- the scales.”
“Oh, those aren’t make-up, darling. They’re real.”
“Huh?”
“They’re real,” the stranger repeated after Logan’s head snapped back to his face in surprise. “Would you like to touch them to confirm?”
“I couldn’t possibly… You shouldn’t allow-“
“Oh, I never said I would allow it.”
“But you asked-“
“I asked if you wanted to, not that you could.”
Logan was once again speechless, and the stranger seemed to take great pleasure in that fact. He was smirking at him and despite knowing that it would usually infuriate him to be treated like this, Logan couldn’t help but be enchanted by this man.
“Would you like to dance?”
“Excuse me?” Logan was entirely unable to follow the sudden switch of conversation topic. The stranger didn’t seem to mind, he simply held out his hand for Logan to take.
“A dance. If you would indulge me.”
Logan usually wasn’t much for dancing, and a glance at the other people on the floor enforced this. But he did want to spend more time with this stranger, for reasons he couldn’t – and didn’t really want to – understand. The other man cocked his head at his hesitation before taking a look at the dance floor himself.
“If you would rather we go outside, I wouldn’t mind,” he offered with a smile that still contained his cocky attitude but also held a softness that Logan couldn’t resist. With a nod, he took the strangers hand and let himself be led outside.
~~~
The cool breeze outside made Logan breathe a bit easier. The murmur of the crowd inside was cut off as the door behind them closed but the stranger didn’t stop pulling him away until they were in the middle of a flower garden a good distance away from any curious eyes.
“Is this better, darling?” the man asked, pulling Logan closer and moving him into waltzing position effortlessly. It took Logan a moment to regain his voice as he stared into the stranger’s eyes.
“But there’s no music,” he whispered finally. The man chuckled.
“That is quite alright, I am confident in my ability to keep the rhythm. Just let me lead.”
Unwilling to protest, Logan simply nodded and the stranger smiled before starting to waltz. And as he had promised, their rhythm didn’t falter and Logan found it much easier than ever before to follow his footsteps.
“You are quite talented, my dear,” the man commented after a few minutes of silent dancing, once again startling Logan out of his revelry.
“You are doing most of the work,” he reflected, blushing once more.
“And you are keeping up.”
Logan didn’t know how to answer that, so instead he asked, “Why me?”
“What do you mean, darling?”
“Why did you pick me, out of all the people in that room? I’m sure you could have had any partner you wanted.”
“I could have. And I did.”
“But why me?”
“Why not?”
Again, Logan didn’t really know how to answer. Because he was unremarkable? Because he was actively avoiding socializing? Because he usually was a killjoy?
But before he could spiral into self-doubt, the stranger spoke up again.
“You were interesting. You watched the room with eyes – very beautiful ones at that – that looked so bored and I couldn’t help but want to see a spark of something more in them.” Logan hadn’t noticed that they had stopped dancing until the stranger cupped his cheek and leaned in close, causing his breath to catch in his chest.
“I can see there is so much more to you than you show, so much intelligence behind that mask, that is wasted with people like them.”
Logan’s blush had returned tenfold, and the stranger seemed to notice because the smirk returned to his lips.
“I look forward to seeing your destiny unfold, my dear,” the stranger hummed, now so close that Logan could feel his breath ghosting over his lips. He didn’t dare move.
“Let us meet again under the full moon, my love, and then I will show you a world that will truly appreciate your talents.”
Those last words were whispered in Logan’s ear and then he blinked and the stranger was gone. He stood alone amongst the flowers, unsure of what just happened but he knew he wouldn’t be as bored anymore soon.
@loceitweek is back and so am I! This first one is a bit rushed since I was busy this week and was too exhausted to work on this earlier but it still turned out pretty cute I think 🤭 Starting this off with Intruloceit because of Remus' birthday, though it is focused on Loceit, don't worry 💛💙
Masterpost | Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost | Ao3
Summary: Janus goes to Logan's shop to pick him up for their dinner for their husband's birthday.
No content warnings
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“I apologize but we are closed for the day,” Logan called as the bell attached to the shop entrance door rang.
“Punctual as always, dear,” a smooth voice responded and Logan rounded the corner to find one of his husbands standing there, smiling.
“Ah, Janus. Have you finished for the day as well then?”
“Indeed. But Remus is still finishing up his last customer.”
“I see. If you would flip the sign on the door for me, I can finish up his bouquet and we can pick him up together.” Without waiting for an answer, Logan disappeared back into the back of his shop. Janus huffed but followed his husband’s instructions before going towards the back himself. Finding Logan in the process of pushing some sticks between a bunch of roses was not what he expected, especially the color of the flowers.
“Did you dye those roses using ink?” he chuckled. Logan, who apparently hadn’t heard him enter, quickly turned around, his cheeks tinted red.
“Well… Yes. Yellow roses I had already and while blue roses do exist, they are genetically modified and not easy to acquire and there are no green ones, but Remus expressed that he liked our colors together and he expressed interest in receiving a bunch of roses after we watched those romantic comedies together and I figured he would like the science behind it, so…” Janus stopped Logan’s embarrassed rambling by putting a finger to his lips.
“Darling, I wasn’t making fun of you. I think it’s a very sweet idea and Remus will appreciate them. Especially if you left the thorns.”
“I did. He told me before that he thinks it’s a waste to cut them off,” Logan mumbled, face turned away from his husband to hide his blush. This side of Logan was one Janus rarely got to see, flustered and shy. He enjoyed the sight immensely, but they should get back to Remus’ store next door before he finished the last tattoo of the day.
“If you are done arranging them, we should leave before Remus goes home without us.” Logan snorted, shaking his head.
“You know as well as I do that he would never. He would sooner break in here to find us than go home alone.”
“I do not know what you are talking about, he would use the first opportunity he got to get away from us,” Janus smirked. Logan rolled his eyes fondly and got back to putting the last touches on his arrangement. Janus kissed his head before moving to start cleaning up the place a bit so they could leave sooner. He helped out with both of his husbands’ stores regularly, while also taking art commissions for his own income, so he knew his way around.
Two minutes later, all tools were in their places, the plants who needed it were watered and the bouquet was finished, which meant that Logan could lock up in peace and they could go to collect their other husband for his birthday dinner.
“Thank you for helping, Janus. I would have run much later on my own,” Logan commented while locking the last door.
“I would have never anticipated that exact scenario and planned accordingly,” Janus quipped, earning a huff from Logan.
“You can be insufferable.”
“Oh, I am aware.”
Laughing, they went to pick up Remus, who loved the flowers so much he wouldn’t stop hugging them until they were almost late for their reservation. A successful birthday celebration indeed.
Day 4 of @loceitweek and we're back to the romantic! This time it's Logan comforting Janus, hope you enjoy 💛💙
Masterpost | Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost | Ao3
Summary: Janus had an argument with Virgil and goes to Logan to cool off.
No content warnings!
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The door to Logan’s room burst open without warning.
“Ridiculous! Completely ridiculous!” Janus grumbled, walking in and closing the door behind him none too gently. Logan raised his eyebrows and closed the book he had been engrossed in until a few seconds ago – after marking his spot of course.
“What happened, love?” he asked, concerned. Janus simply huffed, shaking his head.
“Virgil just- ugh.” He walked over to his boyfriend, throwing himself next to him and placing his head in Logan’s lap after discarding his hat. Familiar with Janus’ non-verbal way of asking for comfort, Logan began gently running his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair and carefully untangling the knots he found. Janus sighed in content, shoulders already losing some tension.
“Thank you, darling.”
“It is my pleasure. Would you like to stay like this in silence for a while or do you want to talk about your issue?”
“Your pragmatism is appreciated. I think I need to vent for a moment. Let me finish before you offer any solutions?”
“Of course.”
“Thanks.” Janus took a deep breath and a moment to sort his thoughts. “I was assisting Thomas today, to keep his stress levels from rising, since, as we both know, he has been struggling with that recently. But Virgil wouldn’t let me work in peace. He hovered at my shoulder constantly, questioned everything I did or suggested and kept Thomas on edge all day. And when I asked him to back off a bit, he blew up on me, accusing me of trying to manipulate Thomas and having ulterior motives, which is why I was trying to get rid of him. Definitely what I was doing.” Janus rolled his eyes and Logan couldn’t help a fond smile appearing on his lips. He couldn’t help but find his boyfriend’s need for dramatics endearing.
“I know Virgil doesn’t trust me, and I get why, it’s a fair stance, I did some shitty stuff to him in the past, but I always had Thomas’ best interest in mind, even back then! How am I supposed to regain his trust if he is actively sabotaging everything I try to do to help!?”
“Are you now ready to hear my thoughts, or have you not finished?” Logan asked, patiently, after his boyfriend was quiet for a few seconds. Janus smiled at him, very grateful for his support.
“I mean, I could go on for at least an hour, but I think I got the point across, so it might be best you tell me what to do before I talk myself into a rage again,” he sighed. Logan nodded in understanding, after all, this has happened a few times already.
“I have a few questions for you first, if that is alright with you?”
“Sure.”
“Question One: How long has Virgil been with you today?”
“Most of the day. At least six to eight hours, I presume.”
“Alright. Question Two: How have you dealt with his criticism before asking him to leave?”
“I didn’t ask him to leave, just not to be… as involved.”
“Either way, what was your response before that point?”
“I either didn’t engage or explained to him my reasoning. Which he then mostly insulted in return.” Janus had closed his eyes at that point, solely focusing on the hands in his hair and the comfort they brought.
“I understand. So, you were patient with Virgil for hours and even offered him an opportunity to discuss your actions civilly?”
“Yes.”
“Well then, I’d first like to say that I’m proud of you for being so patient. I know the two of you have a hard time getting along on your best days. Related to that, I believe that Virgil is most likely more irritated than usual due to Thomas’ recent increase in obligations, which might have influenced his behavior today. Which is not to say he was justified in his reaction. If you would like, I could talk to him about activities to destress himself as well as Thomas.”
“I appreciate you wanting to help, dear, but I don’t think that would be very effective. He has accepted that we are dating but I think he believes I’m manipulating you as well if you take my side constantly to resolve arguments.”
“A fair point. Then may I suggest asking Patton for help, even if they are not on the best terms, I think having him as a mediator is a possible solution.”
Janus hummed, pushing his head more firmly into Logan’s hand. Sometimes Logan couldn’t help but think that a cat would fit his boyfriend better than a snake.
“I’ll think about it. Thank you, darling, I feel much better.”
“I am happy that I could assist you. Now, would you like to continue watching of The Good Place?”
“I would love to, as long as you keep your hand where it is.”
“Of course.”
“Wonderful.”
They fell asleep together not even an hour later with Logan’s hand still buried in Janus’ hair.
We reach the end of another @loceitweek. It was very fun participating again, thank you mods for organizing 🥰 I hope you enjoy this last story of mine! 💛💙
Masterpost | Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost | Ao3
Summary: Janus is a Clockmaker with his own shop. When a particular customer comes in, things change in a ways Janus doesn't know - yet.
Content Warnings: Philosophical discussions, Death mention, Afterlife mention, Mention of burning and fire
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Janus was in the middle of installing a gear into his newest work when the bell above the shop entrance rang.
“One moment, please!” he called out, steadying his hand once more before moving the piece into place. It fit perfectly. With a sigh of relief, he pushed the magnifying lens away from his eye and wiped away the sweat on his brow. He allowed himself a short moment of rest before placing his tools aside and walking towards the front.
“Sorry about that, I was in the middle of an assembly,” he explained to the customer who was closely examining his wares. “How can I help you?”
The customer turn to face him and Janus was immediately struck by his deep blue eyes that almost seemed to draw him in. The other man must have noticed him staring because he quickly broke eye-contact and cleared his throat.
Janus shook his head. What just happened? Sure, he had had gay moments before but never like this. This felt different. It had felt… unnatural.
“I simply came in to browse. It is rare to see a proper clockmaker shop these days,” the man explained in a smooth tone that was very pleasing to Janus’ ears. In an attractive way this time, not that weird floating feeling he had got from looking into the man’s eyes.
“Yes, indeed. I doubt I would be able to do this if not for my uncle owning the building. I would never be able to afford the rent, but he’s always been very supportive of me.”
“I see. An understanding and supportive family is a great blessing indeed,” the man nodded. “If you don’t mind my asking, why are you making clocks and watches? With the advance of modern technology, most simply rely on their devices to tell the time. Some of the younger generations don’t even know how to read the time without a digital display anymore.”
Janus eyed the man. That was quite the personal question and he was normally not keen on sharing such details with strangers, but he was also a good judge of character – at least he thought so – and something told him that he could trust this man. Well, what was the harm in telling him?
“I always found clocks fascinating, the hands ever moving, the gears ever turning, everything needs to move precisely how it should for it to work. My grandfather had a small collection of watches, some quite valuable antiques actually. They were so pretty; I could hardly take my eyes off of them. And to just imagine of much effort and precision went into making them, it was like a miracle to me. I wanted to try it for myself, and now, here I am,” Janus smiled, leaning against the counter of his shop and watched his own creations tick away.
“Time is such a fascinating part of our lives, don’t you think?” he continued, absentmindedly stroking his finger across the face of his own watch. “An unstoppable force that dictates everything we do. The fact that we have limited time to live, to do the things we want to do, is what drives us forward the most and I don’t think people appreciate it enough. They’re afraid of death to the point that they curse the passage of time that brings them closer to the brink and I can’t think of anything more beautiful than to watch it pass and change our surroundings. Imagine how dull it would be if everything stayed the same if time didn’t pass. I don’t think enough people appreciate that about time passing. And I think having a watch, a separate tool dedicated to time, is a reminder to be grateful for the life we get to live, no matter how short or long.” He looked up and was met by those deep blue, captivating eyes again. Quickly, he looked away.
The movement seemed to startle the man out of his own thoughts and he cleared his throat again.
“That is some profound reasoning. I’m impressed.” Janus shrugged.
“It’s simply my opinion. Not many I’ve spoken to about it agree with me.”
“No, I imagine they wouldn’t. Thank you for your explanation. I will come by again.” With that the man hurried out the door and Janus wondered if he had just imagined the pink tint to the stranger’s cheeks.
~~~
Janus didn’t know what happened. One moment he was struggling to breathe, the smoke suffocating him, unable to move to escape the heat of the flames, and then, suddenly, everything had vanished. Or maybe he had vanished. The floor – or whatever was under him now – felt cool to the touch but not uncomfortably so. The air was clean and carried a hint of something he couldn’t identify.
He could breathe again. He wasn’t burning anymore. What the hell was going on?
“I’m sorry for my abrupt actions,” a voice he found familiar but couldn’t quite place, suddenly spoke above him, “but I couldn’t remain idle. Can you stand?” Slowly, because he still didn’t know what was happening and felt very disoriented, Janus pushed himself up.
“Where am I?” he asked before looking at where the voice had come from. He was met by a face he recognized though he didn’t know from where until he focused on the eyes. Deep, blue, and captivating. “You’re that customer from a few years back.”
“Indeed.” The man offered him a hand to help him completely to his feet which Janus accepted. He was wary of the stranger, but something about him felt so unthreatening he couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
“You didn’t answer my question,” Janus reminded once he was standing. Looking around he found himself in an observatory of some kind, with a glass dome surrounding them and a sea of stars as long as the eye could see. Wherever he was, it was not Earth.
“It is not an easy question to answer.”
“I imagine it wouldn’t be. Am I dead?”
“Yes, in a sense.”
“Elaborate.” The man sighed before motioning Janus to follow him towards the giant telescope in the middle of the dome.
“Your human perception of death… I do not understand it fully, I must admit, but if I were to use terms that relate to what most of your kind believes, then I would be what you would call a deity. My domain is the passage of time and the movement of space. And in the moment of your death, I pulled away your essence from the world you know to here.”
“My essence? As in my soul?” Janus asked as they climbed the steps up to the lens of the telescope.
“It is not entirely similar to what you would call ‘a soul’ but close enough to make the comparison, I suppose.”
“Then what happens to me now?”
“That is up to you,” the man – no, god, apparently – shrugs as he motions for Janus to take a seat in one of the chairs placed beside the telescope while the god – feels weird to call him that, Janus thinks – places himself in front of the lens. “It was my thoughtless action that brought you here, but I will not force you to stay.”
“So I wasn’t supposed to be here?”
“No, you weren’t. This is a space of my creation, for me alone.”
“Then why did you bring me here?”
“I… am not quite sure of that myself. Unlike what you humans believe, even as a deity, I am not all-knowing. Especially you humans confound me often. Which is why I travel to your world every once in a while. I have watched you for millennia. Watched you curse my domain for ending your lives and keeping you from reaching what goals you strive towards, but you, you were so different that day in your store. You understood the value of my work and I found myself wanting to converse with you longer, but I am not supposed to interfere with your world. There are others – other deities if you so will – who care for your kind and do not wish for ours to change yours.
“So I kept an eye on you from afar and when you were on the brink of death, of disappearing from my sight, I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out and bringing you here.”
“Won’t the other deities reprimand you for that? If you aren’t supposed to interfere?” Janus questioned.
“I did not interfere with what was supposed to happen. You still died. Your body will still be found and mourned. Time will continue the same as if I had not acted.”
“What about where I was supposed to go from there? Shouldn’t my ‘essence’ as you call it not be somewhere else?”
“No. It would have simply disappeared.”
“So there is no life after death?”
“There is not.”
“I see.”
“You are quite accepting of this shift in your perceived reality.”
“I suppose I am,” Janus smiled, coyly, as the deity faced him again after having looked through the lens for the last part of their conversation. “I never saw much sense in committing to a believe I couldn’t prove, so religion didn’t interest me. If you are a deity and you say this is how reality works, then I can accept that.”
“You truly are strange.”
“So I’ve been told.”
The deity laughed.
“I truly hope you will stay a while. I haven’t had good company in so long.”
“I have no where else to be, apparently. So why not.”
“I am grateful.”
“I’m Janus.”
The deity smiled and reached out a hand.
“Logos. But I would like you to refer to me as Logan.”
“Sure. Thank you for bringing me here, Logan. I look forward to learning about this reality from your perspective.”
Back again with Day 5 of @loceitweek. I am super tired, hopefully this is still good 😅 Enjoy!💛💙
Masterpost | Loceit Week 2023 Masterpost | Ao3
Summary: Janus gets startled by a small explosion in the basement. Logan handles the aftermath all wrong.
Content Warnings: Blood mention, minor non-descript injuries
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A loud boom startled Janus out of his chair. Without thinking, he quickly stumbled down the stairs to the basement, where his partner’s lab was located. When he entered, the sprinkler system had already put out what had been on fire and the smoke was also almost completely gone due to the ventilation system. Janus was never so thankful for Logan’s insistence on extra safety precautions even if they had been anything but cheap.
But speaking of Logan, Janus had to look around for a moment to find his partner, slumped on the group and breathing heavily. Janus hurried to his side, even if that meant getting wet.
“Logan! Can you hear me?” he called, kneeling down next to him but not yet wanting to touch.
“Ugh,” Logan groaned, slowly sitting up. Janus hovered next to him. Then he saw red dripping down Logan’s face.
“You’re bleeding!”
“I’m fine,” Logan mumbled, trying to get to his feet.
“Oh yeah, you are definitely fine after blowing yourself up!” Janus grit his teeth, getting up and stabilizing his partner. Logan didn’t seem to appreciate that, trying to push him away to stand on his own but almost fell over in the process. Janus tightened his grip.
“We’re getting you upstairs so I can look at your wounds.”
“No, I’m… fine. I need to… clean up and… try again,” Logan insisted, as he managed to successfully pull himself away from Janus though he needed to lean heavily on a table to stay upright.
“You are not seriously thinking of going back to work! You’re injured.”
“Hardly. I’m fine.” Janus watch with his mouth agape as Logan tried to shuffle along the tables to the other side of the room where his experiment had seemingly created a small explosion that had knocked him back.
“I will not stand for this,” Janus mumbled before walking over to Logan in two large steps and lifting him up in his arms princess style without further hesitation and turning towards the stairs.
“Wha- Janus!” Logan protested but his attempts at struggling were weak and clearly uncoordinated.
“You are getting treatment. Right now.”
“It’s entirely unnecessary-“
“Stop.” Janus had said it with a tone that got Logan to shut up immediately. “You’re hurt. When I agreed to you installing that lab in our house, it was under the condition that you would take care of yourself and not over do it. Getting injuries treated is part of that. Clean up can wait until you are able to stand on your own for more than five seconds.”
Logan was quiet after that and Janus could carry him to their bathroom and set him down on their toilet without any more struggle. As he retrieved that first aid kit, Logan spoke up.
“I’m sorry,” he said, softly. Janus sighed.
“I accept your apology. Just don’t stop me from treating you again, you scared me half to death.”
“I’m sorry for that, too.”
“Stop making me sound like a mother reprimanding her preschooler.”
