Chapter Text
The rain outside was steady, driving off any wanderers. The only people out were those coming home, but even then, there were very few. The hour was late, the sun was gone, and only cold air filled the void. The street was mostly empty, with everyone curled up in their apartments. Despite closed windows and hostile blinds, warm marigold light bled from the apartments, through wall cracks, under doors, around window frames. It didn’t make up for the dark street-light, but it was enough.
Enough for the one pedestrian. He gripped his coat against the cold air, kept his head down amidst the rain. His hat caught most of the water, but every now and then a stray drop struck his face. Raising a yellow glove, Janus wiped away the careless drop. The cold night wasn’t unusual, but he rushed home nonetheless. He approached the only apartment not leaking golden light, and tried the door. Locked. He knew someone was home, but the door remained obstinately shut. Using a sand colored key, Janus unlocked the door.
Instantly, the scent of burnt something greeted the man as he flipped on the lights. While returning his cloak and hat to a coat closet, he started to speak. He was announcing himself in a calm tone, loud enough to get the attention of any residents, but low enough that the neighbors wouldn’t hear. He had perfected this voice, knowing what exact decibels would alert his roommates without scaring them. Only one was home, but that was normal.
Slowly, Vergil wheeled into view, moving purple headphones to rest around his neck. His wheelchair was silent, and the man was equally quiet. Janus regarded his roommate, noticing the purple hoodie. Verge had been wearing it for days now.
“Remus got here early,” Vergil finally said. He started to move back to wherever he had been before Janus got home (probably his room), and was replaced by another figure. Running at full speed, Remus tackled Janus into the wall, hugging his roommate fiercely. Janus patted the man with a gloved hand, allowing a small smile to slink onto his face. It had been a long day, but Remus’ excitement was comforting.
After a moment, Remus let go, revealing his appearance. He was only wearing briefs and a single sock. Repressing a sigh, Janus moved further into the house, only half listening to Remus filling him in on the day’s events.
“We finished shooting early, so I beat the rain. I thought Small, Dark, And Emo would’ve been happy to see me but he was working so I decided to eat something. I made some for you, if you check the kitchen. It’s a new creation, but I really outdid myself this time.”
To Janus’ mild surprise, Vergil was in the kitchen space, absent-mindedly munching on a piece of pizza while looking at his laptop. The entire apartment smelled of burning, but it was strongest in here. A can of hairspray, lighter, and fire-extinguisher lay on the table next to Vergil’s laptop. Deciding not knowing was better, Janus opened a small refrigerator and grabbed a pre-made salad. The Starbucks outside of his office sold them infrequently, but he had snatched one earlier this morning.
Cracking open the plastic, Janus sat next to Vergil. Remus had stopped talking, retreating to his room with a paper plate full of something that looked very burnt. Janus waited until Remus was out of earshot before speaking.
“Vergil, I’m beginning to believe that you were born in that hoodie.” At that, the youngest roommate looked up, making eye contact.
“You’re already wearing gloves, why don’t you do the dishes tonight?” His retort was sharp, but playful. Vergil smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
Janus laughed, and ate. Vergil was recounting a moment from earlier that day, something about a spider in his room. Remus would be back in time, once he had finished whatever he was doing. Savoring the moment, Janus finished his dinner and checked the time on his phone. 10:34. They were technically done working, but their job had only just begun.