Emerald Eyes
Chapter 2: That Man
Word Count: 1079 (Ao3)
Characters: Janus, Patton, Roman
Ship: Roceit, eventual Royaliceit
Warnings: genderfluid!Janus, implied cheating
Janus returns to their favorite club, dressed in a new suit, and tries to woo Roman (and succeeds in wooing him and Patton) but there’s a small problem...
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Janus let out a breath they didn't know they were holding and entered the jazz club. The air around them was different and any eyes that landed on them held a different sort of enamor. The flat black leather shoes changed their gait, the cologne Remus provided gave them a certain scent that was dastardly and alluring, and the pencil mustache—well Janus was glad they avoided it while Remus and Virgil flirted.
They felt just as confident as the night before as they made their way to the bar. They caught Patton staring at them as he slowly dried a mug. They had to stop and say hi.
"Well hello handsome, what're you having?" Patton greeted them with the same cheer and respect he always managed. Janus leaned against the bar and smirked.
"I'll take the usual, and a bite out of Roman if I can get his attention," Janus purred, "And you're lucky I don't mind a little flirting from a little groggy frog."
"JJ!" Pat gasped and beamed, "Is that really you!? You look amazing! I love the hat and the ponytail—it's so suave!"
"Always the flatterer," Janus chuckled. Patton flushed lightly and shrugged.
"I see someone who looks good, I'm gonna say something! And you just so happen to look like someone who I'd want to meet for coffee."
"I'd hope you're being hypothetical, that wedding ring of yours looks rather binding."
"You wouldn't be interested in little old me that way!" Patton giggled, "Besides, it looks like your target is at table seven. Want some liquid courage before you strike, you dashing viper, you?"
"No, thank you," Janus hummed and scanned the floor. Just like Patton said, Roman was moping around table seven and headed to the bar.
"And before I strike, do me a favor and don't sell yourself so short. You and I both know that I have more than one type and room for more than just one," Janus said and lounged against the bar. Patton's eyes went wide for a fraction of a second just before Roman approached them.
"Hey there Princey Pie, why so glum?" Patton greeted him. Roman sighed and shook his head.
“The charming woman I met yesterday isn’t here. I certainly can’t expect her to show nightly, but I am disappointed.”
“Then perhaps, a handsome man like you should consider expanding your options,” Janus hummed and flashed a coy smirk, “I’ve already considered mine.” Roman’s jaw dropped and his face heated up. Janus snickered and took his hand. They brought it to their lips and grinned at him.
“Is there something wrong?”
“My good sir, there is far too much right for anything to be wrong!” Roman answered hastily. Oh he was flustered! It got a good chuckle out of Patton.
“I disagree, you see, you haven’t even considered asking me to dance,” they purred. Roman and Patton went weak at the knees. Janus was going to charm Roman like a snake!
“I–I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to — erm, well, would you be so kind as to join me on the dancefloor?” Roman stammered. Janus cocked their head to the side and motioned for Roman to lead the way. Patton watched them go with a soft sigh. Roman was too cute and Janus, well they were far more than Patton anticipated, and he expected quite a lot.
Roman never expected to be swept off his feet by a stranger. This person was stunning and cool with a smirk that set his blood on fire. Their silky voice was music to his ears, singing songs of flattery and hidden promises.
"You are quite adept at following," Janus hummed and led Roman to table seven. They pulled out his chair for him and pushed him in. Roman flushed and smiled.
"Perhaps it's because you have a way of leading a dance. You must have some training."
"I'm only trained in serving princes," Janus said and sat across from him, "I'm so glad my training has prepared me for meeting a real prince tonight."
"Such flattery, how am I to be sure you aren't a prince looking to steal me away for the night?"
"Steal?" Janus laughed, "My dear Roman, if you come willingly with me, it's hardly theft."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I leave here alone, as planned. And perhaps I'll return tomorrow, perhaps not."
"Perhaps we could meet up at this lovely little cafe on Second st. for lunch instead. You are an enigma that I would like to unravel."
"Roman, darling," Janus cooed, reaching across the table to gently grab his chin, "I'm afraid that's not something I can agree to. I work during the day, uptown. It pains me to say it, especially to a face as radiant as yours, but I have to decline this time."
"Then perhaps another time, for now let's chat and rest for a while," Roman sighed. Janus pulled their hand back and checked their watch. They had time.
"Do let's," Janus hummed and crossed their legs, "I'm rather curious about the woman you mentioned earlier, not in a suggestive way, mind you, but I would love to know what draws you in. I've cast my line."
"She is a serpentine beauty with long dark hair and a lethal smile. She's so witty and charming and brilliant!" Roman swooned, "You would get along with her, I think. She is quite a catch."
"And yet you agreed to spend the evening with me. I'm flattered, Roman," they cooed, “I can understand your earlier disappointment.”
"Yes, well, that was before such a suave gentleman swept me off my feet,” Roman said with a laugh and grabbed their hand. That’s when Janus noticed the stage light glinting off his hand. Their stomach twisted at the sight of a wedding ring on his finger, but naturally they played it cool.
“And I’m afraid that you’ll have to come back down to earth, Roman. It’s time I left. Clocking in early puts a damper on things,” they said and got up, letting go of his hand, “Send my regards to your spouse.” Roman’s jaw dropped and he scrambled to his feet to explain, but Janus was too quick, and most certainly not close to tears.
Roman stared after them as they left, his gut wrenching. He looked to the bar, only to see Patton shaking his head disappointedly at him. He would find Janus and explain himself, even if it was the last thing he did!
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