7:12pm

Heyyy 👀 I'm finally writing a story in the POV of Deceit after ages of not doing sooooo

Au
—

"This has to be-" Janus cut short with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. Yet another bench he found in this painfully large garden that wasn't the right one. Disdainfully he withdrew his phone from his back pocket and read through the messages again, 'the bench was white and hard to miss' - yet Janus had been here for half an hour with no luck. Every single bench he's found was black, and steadfastly losing hope of finding the white one.

He had debated calling the man he was supposed to meet here numerous times, but he insisted their first vocal conversation should be in real life. Janus didn't know why or really understand his reasoning, and when he asked the man replied cryptically, he'd 'understand' once they had met.

Grunting he continued. At this point it seemed like a wild goose chase, but on the off chance it wasn't Janus wouldn't leave; he needed this. The man - who didn't give his name either - promised him five grand for a commission, but the commission had to be painted in his home, however the man wanted to meet Janus in person first away from his home, just in case. Which was why Janus was searching through the city's garden. It was extremely large and surrounded by trees, it took twenty minutes to arrive at the entrance after parting from the main road. He hadn't been here a lot, mainly because it's so expensive, but the man promised to pay for him, when he arrived all he had to do was give his name and he was allowed in free of charge.

Janus didn't necessarily feel bad or guilty, if people were willing to pay for him he'd never hesitate or try to argue, he learned accepting money from others as soon as it was given was his best chance at living, after all he was extremely poor.

This five grand commission could mean everything; he prayed the man would trust him, but unfortunately Janus wasn't a trustworthy person by nature. He has manipulated, deceived and wronged countless people in the past - he could 'turn it off' as it were and act politely, of course he didn't need to lie and manipulate every single person he meets, but he's discovered that living life alone without friends or family was incredibly easy, easier than having a responsibility of friendship on his shoulders.

He wanted the commission to go smoothly, but not too smoothly. As in; he'd paint the piece, take the money and never interact with the man again. Unless he offered the same price for another piece, but Janus couldn't see that happening.

Painfully another twenty minutes had passed, Janus still hadn't found this godforsaken white bench. He swore under his breath and paused on the marble pathway, waiting by a nearby bush for a family to walk by, which one did moments later. Relieved, he walked up to the mother with a soft smile on his lips; the smile was a lie in itself, to gain trust from the stranger.

"Excuse me, I hate to be a bother" he started, her husband and three kids all glancing towards him. "But do you know where the 'white bench' is?"

The mother smiled in return, "of course honey, the bench isn't an actual bench which is why it can be confusing. It was made from white flowers and is preserved at the north end of the garden, that way" she pointed the direction opposite to which Janus had been walking, "we have a spare map- did they not give you one?" She then withdrew a map from her pocket, handing it over to Janus who flipped it open, noticing the walk to the white bench would take a bastardly ten minutes.

"Thank you" Janus mumbled, avoiding answering her question which may start a longer conversation and following the map without looking back. Typically he found politely exiting from conversation let him get away without fuss; he recalled one time he simply walked away after a stranger had helped, which earned a black eye from said stranger who was a stickler for manners.

Janus would've gotten revenge, but involving himself with people more than he had to was never his style.

Finally, finally he saw the 'white bench' in the distance which - like the woman explained - was a bench made from flowers, delicately boarded off from anyone. Plus a guard stood not too far away, Janus assumed this bench was a prized possession.

"You've made it"

Just as Janus began to wonder where, or who the man was, the voice made him turn sharply and be greeted face to face by the stranger. Janus quickly realised why he wanted to meet here rather than his house - because he wasn't much of a stranger at all, and rather an incredibly famous businessman known as Logan Atlas, who started his work from the ground up; admired by many, including people who typically want to eat the rich because of his generous donations and forward thinking. People still want to eat him, though.

He's never a millionaire for long because of how much he gives away, Janus personally respected him but never gave him a spare thought, or any famous person for that manner. Still, meeting him in person was quite the shock; he would assume someone like him would pay a well-known, famous artist rather than someone who sells their small to large sized canvases on an array of online media's.

He's never had his art shown in a museum or on a news broadcast- how did Logan find his?

"I- yes" Janus stumbled, holding out a hand which was encased by a yellow glove. "Janus Mendacium"

Logan shook his hand politely, "Logan Atlas. Your name is incredibly unique" he pointed out after, Janus shrugged his shoulders lightly. "What can I say? I got lucky"

"Indeed. I assume you've guessed why I wanted to meet here of all places, rather than my home?" He began, gesturing to a black bench not too far away, indicating they should sit down together, which Janus agreed to.

"Yes, I have. I can also certainly see why you of all people want a commission from such a mediocre artist" Janus drawled, taking the spot beside him rather gracefully. Logan crossed one leg over the other, shaking his head. "You are far from mediocre, Janus. I requested one of my sons to find an artist online they liked, my youngest suggested your work and I was instantly onboard. I admire your style and think it's unfortunate you let your pieces go for such low prices"

Janus' questions were quickly answered, Logan wasn't that old but of course he wasn't the one to find him. He didn't seem the type to scroll through Instagram which Janus was most popular on. He did feel a little honoured his son liked his work though, and couldn't help but let a small, proud smirk edge at his lips.

"Mhm, if I were to boost my prices no one would buy a single one. I'm not a respectable name; people spend thousands for the artist, not the art" Logan nodded grimly in agreement, "unfortunately so, one of my acquaintances suggested I were to place a painting above my fire place, but giving so much money to a well-known artist while there are so many undiscovered talents made me feel uneasy. And that is why I asked my sons for help; they're much more adept to social media than I" he pointed out with a lack of shame, turning to look at Janus who had kept his gaze on him from his peripheral, quickly meeting his eye.

"It will be on a large canvas, is that alright with you?"

Janus nodded softly, he's done many commissions in the past, no one has ever been so caring before. It was a nice and he embraced the difference, wishing more people were like him.

"Wonderful. I noticed how incredible your realism is, and I wanted the piece to be of my three children. I regretfully don't have any pictures of them, and I want to change that" he explained further, Janus watched the way his eyes filled with pure emotion at the mention of his children, he must really love them.

"It may take some time" Janus pointed out, but Logan waved his hand dismissively. "You take all the time you need. The quality of the piece really depends on how much time and effort goes into it, and I have my full trust that you will do an excellent job. Now; which days of the week are you most free?"

Janus really started to like Logan from this conversation alone, he came of in a genuine, trustworthy manner. While his full trust did put a little pressure on him, he knew the piece wouldn't be too difficult to pull of - especially if Logan is willing to give him so much time.

"I'm free every day apart from Sunday's" he replied, "but if I am to do this piece in your home, I'd need to pay for transportation which may be a problem-"

"Say no more" Logan cut him off, "I'll get my chauffeur to take you to and from my home. I'm in no rush for this to be completed, so you can text me on days you feel are best for your schedule. My chauffeur can pick you up from any location if you would rather me not knowing your address, and you can stay for however many hours you prefer" he spoke, laying out all sorts of options that made Janus feel almost... cared for, in an odd way. Logan really was taking this seriously, and taking his feelings into account, trying his best to not make Janus feel uncomfortable in any way. Furthermore, he was willing to give Janus his chauffeur.

It was quite outstanding, Janus wasn't expecting this at all but is pleasantly surprised.

"Oh and- thank you for agreeing to this. I hope getting home won't be too much trouble?"

Janus shook his head, "not at all, you're most welcome Mr. Atlas"

Logan smiled briefly, "no need for formalities, call me Logan"

Janus smiled back in return, "not a problem, Logan"

With that he stood up from the bench and slowly parted away, before disappearing round a corner he looked over his shoulder to see Logan looking towards the white bench, a soft smile resting on his lips. He'd send him a text tomorrow, it was Tuesday and he really wanted the piece to be done as soon as possible mostly because he needed the money, and he didn't want to get too close to Logan during this.

—

The morning peeked through Janus' blinds, pouring a yellow glow into the room. He rolled onto his stomach and sighed, stretching his arms high above his head before snuggling his face against the pillows. With the limited money he had he made sure to spend the most on things that were important; his bedding. The pillows, quilt and mattress were all perfect, costly but perfect, which mattered incredibly to Janus.

Pushing himself up, he yawned and rubbed his tired eyes, right beside his bed was his window - a design choice made by him. He grew up with his bed beside the window always, and sometimes couldn't sleep without. He peered through the blinds, relieved it was a nice day, cars humming down the street on their way to work, people beginning their days by running or grabbing a coffee.

Janus adored the hustle and bustle city life had to offer, he couldn't ever live in the countryside or a close-knit community. It would be too boring for him. Plus the echoes of cars, motorbikes and drunken slurs always eased him off to a restful slumber at night.

Making his bed, he pushed off his pyjama bottoms, replacing them with black trousers. He then searched through his closet for the best shirt he had which was a yellow button-up. Putting that on, he stood before his cracked mirror, grimacing at his hair. He really needed a shower but today wasn't his turn, he shared an apartment with three others and they had to limit their water usage.

Fortunately he often wore his favourite bollar hat, like yesterday when he first met Logan, so it wouldn't be odd to see him with it. Tucking most of his hair under, he placed the hat evenly atop his head, perfect to hide most of his face from strangers who may stare.

Pulling on his yellow gloves he packed his bag with all the paint supplies he would need, he had to buy the cheap stuff otherwise he wouldn't have any money left. Hopefully Logan wouldn't mind, or he'd suggest buying some better products.

Unlocking his door he stepped out into the dimly let, mouldy hallway. Taking a quick look to make sure he was alone, he pulled closed the door and locked it. The roommates he lived with weren't trustworthy at all, and had stolen some stuff from his room in the past. He couldn't blame them much, they were all in the same terrible situation, yet he could still hold a grudge. Luckily they never found his hidden box which he placed under the floorboards underneath the closet. It was filled with treasures he couldn't part with under any circumstance.

He slowly walked towards the kitchen, splashing his face with a little water to look a bit more presentable. Grabbing some bread, he slathered on a bit of jam and sat down at the island counter. He wouldn't have time to make toast, plus he preferred using the least amount of electricity possible, lest his roommates get on his ass about it.

After finishing his breakfast and tidying up the kitchen a slight bit, his entire body froze when he heard a door opening. Quickly grabbing his bag, he steadily walked to the front door and opened it, barely shutting it in time before he were to see a glimpse of one of the roommates coming out to their joint living room/kitchen area.

The apartment building was old and unkempt, the landlord couldn't give two shits about the place and only cared for the rent paid his way. Not many people lived there, the people who did Janus didn't like any of them. They were mostly men in their mid forties, two women lived together on the top floor, but they both sold drugs, so Janus didn't exactly like them either.

The three he lived with were just older than he, and Janus was eighteen. Although he was more mature than them combined, but knew to stay out of their way. He didn't like talking to them, they rarely spoke to each other now that he thought about it.

Leaving the building he walked to the nearest Target, he prefers using the bathroom in here, after all it feels safer. While doing so he opened up his DM's with Logan and shot him a text, hoping he'd be free today, otherwise Janus would either have to sneak back inside to his room or spend the day out.

Janus - I'm free today, what time would you prefer?

Not expecting a fast response, he pocketed his phone and left the stall, washing his hands and drying them hurriedly to replace the gloves. Thankfully not many people were there at such early times, and human life was pretty barren from the store.

Slowly grazing through the aisle he felt his phone vibrate.

Logan - Perfect. What time would be best for you? I personally do not mind.

Janus toyed with the specific time while leaving the store, sitting down on a bench outside before typing his response.

Janus - Would 9am be suitable?

Logan - Definitely. Where shall my chauffeur pick you up?

Janus gazed across the parking lot of the Target, he decided the best way to kill time would be to visit the local park, so he told Logan the location and they ended the conversation there.

As Janus stood up he began to wonder what Logan's house would be like, if he would continue being so polite, if he were to potentially meet his children. He knew Logan had kids, it was all over the news when he and his ex-wife adopted them. He didn't know their names or ages but knew when he and his wife had a divorce he kept the children. Apparently she was 'so upset' over the divorce she wasn't mentally stable enough to care for them.

Janus respected that decision, but knew it was an excuse, because she never visited. How did he know this? She moved to France with her new boyfriend two weeks after the divorce finally took place in court.

Sometimes he couldn't escape the media, but in this case it seemed potent lest he says anything that may pull a few harsh strings.

Entering the park he walked across the cobble path, eventually splitting away onto the grass. He always sat down on the small hill with the tall cherry tree, it gave him a perfect view of the field with it's neatly arranged flower beds and array of different tree types.

Like the countless times before, he took out his sketchbook and began to draw, it wouldn't hurt to get some practice in before he began the commission later today.

—

Logan - The chauffeur has arrived towards the west entrance.

Janus looked down at his phone after it buzzed, quickly collecting his things once reading the message. Thankfully the west entrance was the closest to him and he didn't leave the chauffeur waiting too long before he reached the fancy, slick black car. He didn't know what brand it was, nor could he care.

The window pulled down and a young woman poked her head out, "what's your name, sweetie?"

"Janus Mendacium" he replied and she beamed, gesturing to the back. "Hop in! Mr. Atlas' waiting for you"

Janus quickly took a seat in the back, a little shocked at how... expensive the inside looked. He felt extremely out of place, never being in a place which blatantly cost a lot of money. He gripped the seatbelt with such delicacy, he couldn't imagine the amount of money he'd have to pay if he stained, damaged or broke anything in here.

"Mr. Atlas keeps his cars stocked with candy 'cus his kids like it so much. Want some?" The driver offered, without even waiting for a response she pressed a button which made secret compartments pop out from the sides of the car, each holding a glass jar filled with assortments of candies. Janus gazed at all the colourful, unhealthy sweets - he didn't want to take any in case he had to pay, or if Logan found out, what if it upset him? The sweets were for his kids, after all.

"He said to offer you some" she added once realising he hadn't taken a bite. Oh, well... he wouldn't want to be rude and decline. Unable to remember the last time he had candy, he slowly pulled off one of his gloves and removed the lid to the closest jar to him. It was filled to the brim with sour candies; his favourite. Taking one he placed it on his tongue, twisting up his face at the sudden sour sensation, he should've expected it but didn't remember them being so strong.

Still, once it wore off he almost moaned in delight at the taste, unable to stop himself from taking a few more.

The drive took less than an hour, by the time they made it to the richer side of the city Janus was entranced with the big, fancy buildings that he couldn't even imagine the cost of. They drove straight through the richest part of town to the other side, a tall black fence cutting off a private lane through an archway of trees. It was so long Janus couldn't see the end of it.

The chauffeur drove up to the gate, leaned out the window and pressed in a code. Janus didn't see what it was, nor would he want to pry, before his attention was taken to the gates which opened automatically, letting the car drive down the long road. Being them the gates shut and locked.

"I was amazed when I first visited here" the driver started conversation, "it's something straight from a fairy tale"

Janus hummed softly in response, waiting only two minutes before he saw what the driver meant. The lane turned a sharp left which finally revealed Logan's home. A simple two story house Janus honestly wasn't expecting, he thought it would be a mansion like all the other houses in this area, but it was pretty quaint and cute. With ivy growing up the walls, the garden surrounding the place full of life, chirping birds, humming bees, beautiful butterflies hoping from flower to flower.

It was like something from a child's animated movie, the vibrancy, untouched bushes, trees towering over everything without a worry. Janus adored it, but would hate to live here permanently.

The car stopped inside of the garage which, after Janus looked outside the window, was filled with bikes, scooters, water guns - things you'd expect in a family home.

He didn't imagine any of this; he assumed everything would be neat, organised, a modernised vibe (aka fake stretches of grass, trees cut short and styled perfectly, flowers placed symmetrically either side of a polished pathway leading directly to the front door, but it was the exact opposite).

Not that he was complaining, he could tell Logan wasn't as cut off from the real world like other celebrities. He wasn't vain or materialistic, he cared for the small things and certainly gave his children a great place to be raised.

"He's waiting for you inside, just head on in" the driver snapped him from his thoughts, he thanked her quietly and stepped outside, carrying his bag on one shoulder as he stepped over a bunch of kids toys left on the ground. Crossing the dirt pathway, a strip of grass growing betwixt the car tire indents, he stepped through a small archway, pushing side a few vines that had grown too long.

It was beautiful closer up, a clear area for people to play without bothering the plant life, to the right a medium-sized fountain and the left a table with six chairs and a wide umbrella above it.

The door was faded white, paint chipping off in areas. Yet that made it look better in that old-aesthetic way.

Opening the door, he stepped inside the homely place. From the start he noticed not many paintings hung from the walls, which was why he assumed Logan's friend-acquaintance?- suggested he had a piece placed above his mantel. Everywhere was lit by natural light that streamed through the windows and out the open doors.

It felt like a family lived there, even making a small smile grace Janus' features.

"You didn't even consider one of the artists I suggested?" Janus heard a feminine voice coming from further in the house. He didn't want to go exploring as if he owned the place but he didn't want to stand in the foyer awkwardly until someone noticed him either. Tugging his gloves on tighter to his hands, he slowly crossed over the wooden slates and down a hallway, pausing outside of the door-less archway that led to a kitchen.

The window above the sink had faded-baby pink curtains pulled either side, the countertops were white and cleaned pristinely, and the draws/cupboard doors were made from a light birch wood, complimenting the room very well.

"I considered them all" Logan remarked to his female guest who stood beside him at the small kitchen island, "but my children didn't like any of them, and neither did I. The most famous person on that list painted a canvas purple and sold it for billions - why would I give them more money when I could give it to those who not only deserve it more but would benefit more from it? I chose Janus because my children approved and I adored his work. It is not your place to say who I choose" Janus quirked an eyebrow, smirking amusedly at the gawk on the lady's face.

"You let those kids boss you around" she retaliated after a moment of wiping the shock from her face. Logan turned away from her to roll his eyes. "They've never bossed me around a day in my life. I simply involve them with the decisions in the place they live. And we're all comfortable here because of that - this isn't a testament to your parenting but your children currently live in dorms, while mine still live here" he remarked with sizzles of fire on his tongue, his lady friend twisted her mouth into sneer, then sighed and rummaged through her handbag.

"One day you'll understand, Atlas. And that day you'll let someone clean that garden" she whipped out her phone and hurriedly tapped out a text, Janus waited for Logan to retort but he didn't - instead he walked over to the sink and filled a glass up with water.

"Anyway- I need to go. Is our date still on this Friday?"

Janus wanted to scoff, date? After talking to him like that? He almost spat out non-existent water from his mouth when Logan agreed. "Perfect, see you then" she leaned up to peck his cheek before leaving through the second doorway that took her through the living room.

Janus waited until she left through the front door before stepping inside the room, finally gaining Logan's attention.

"You're here" he commented, "I hope the journey here was adequate?"

"Indeed" Janus replied, resting his hands on the counter. "Shall we begin?"

"Yes, of course" Logan placed the glass into the sink, leading Janus into the living room. The coffee table had been moved to the side, in it's place stood an easel with a large white canvas resting on it. "I'm far from an expert on paint" Logan began, pulling a brief case out from underneath a tea table beside the armchair, red with plush cushions. "But after looking at your drawings and descriptions, I noticed your favourite type of paint was oil? So I bought a set, in case you run out or don't want to waste your own" he opened the brief case to reveal many tubes of oil paints, all sorts of colours and shades Janus had never owned before and had to mix himself.

He stood in awe of it for a second, when he suggested to himself Logan may buy him some more art products he didn't actually think he would, and this is before he realised Janus barely had anything.

"I don't know what to say" Janus murmured, placing his bag by his feet, gently trailing his fingers across the paint. Logan was right, oil paints were his absolute favourite, unfortunately they're quite expensive so he only uses his limited amount on pieces of art that mean the most.

"You don't have to say anything" Logan replied with a small, reassuring smile. He left the paints on the coffee table, twisting around and grabbing a photo frame on the window sill. "I found this in an old album. It is my favourite picture of my children. Taken on the first anniversary of us... me adopting them" he corrected himself, Janus didn't comment or even glance at him, he knew it stung.

Janus looked at the picture, three boys with happy smiles on their faces. Two of them stood behind third, they looked incredibly similar with olive-skin, green eyes and brown hair. The difference being the boy on the left had his hair neatly swooped to the side, while the right's hair was messed up - like he just woke up and hadn't touched his hair with a brush in years. The smaller stood in front, his hair was curly and blond, some wisps reaching his blue, shining eyes. He was much paler with freckles adorning every inch of his skin shown. And, like Logan, had glasses perched on his nose. Blue rimmed, matching the denim overalls and white shirt he wore.

"How old are they?" Janus had to pry, Logan's thumb gently trailed across the golden-painted frame. "Roman and Remus" he pointed to the boys behind, Janus presumed twins, "were fifteen. Patton was fourteen" he explained, handing the photo to Janus.

"This was taken only a few years ago, the twins are now nineteen and Patton is eighteen, they're currently in college and should be back later, but I'm sure you'll be gone by then" Logan supplied, turning and taking a seat on the couch. "You can start whenever you're ready" he offered, picking up a book from the table and opening it to its first page.

Janus hovered where he stood for only a moment before standing in front of the canvas, looking down at the photo in his grip. He'd need to make general markings and outlines on the canvas before he could even think about painting - placing the photo frame (which was thankfully quite large) onto the stool that matched the easel he rummaged through his bag for his pencil case, the zip was broke but it worked to keep his pencils, pens and necessary things alike inside.

Taking out a pencil, ruler and rubber he gently took the photo out of the frame, noting down the dimensions from the photo. How many inches the boys were from the edges, how close they were to each other - he'd need to map out the exact locations onto the bigger surface of the canvas after measuring it and multiplying the original measurements from the photo.

(By the way- I have nO fucking clue what I'm talking about, I've watched like three or four art videos by Joana Ceddia and she does this? Although she never took any art classes, so I can't remember if it's a her thing or if it's an artist thing - either way bare in mind I have no fucking idea hfbfndns)

While he worked, he sometimes glanced up at Logan who seemed enthralled in his book, but whenever Janus didn't have his eyes on him he could sense the man was watching.

"Who was that woman?" He asked, curiosity getting the better of him. He wasn't going to make a friendship with Logan, but that didn't mean they couldn't converse with each other at all. "Claudia? She's my current romantic partner" Logan replied, idly flicking a page back and forth. Janus rose his eyebrow, "romantic partner?" He repeated, standing up to measure the canvas. Logan watched him curiously.

"Yes, I'm... not current with teenage slang"

"It's not slang" Janus corrected, "everyone uses boyfriend, girlfriend, partner..." he paused, then rolled his eyes, "unless, of course, you're a prune"

"Oh- does that make me a prune?"

Janus glanced at Logan halfway behind the canvas, "you're asking someone who barely knows you? Seems smart, business-man" he quipped, Logan managed a soft chuckle, eyes focused on his book yet mind someplace else. "Yes, now that I think about it, it is rather silly of me" he agreed, although Janus didn't intend it in that way, he merely didn't want conversations to get too deep. Not that it was deep at all, but as this is what Janus classified as 'deep', one could work out he wanted to keep conversation as light as a feather.

They both went silent after that, Janus figured out the measurements and mapped them out on the canvas to keep the painting even and not one sided or too squished. Afterwards he replaced the photo back into the frame and checked the time - an hour and a half had passed already.

Measurements took a disgusting amount of time, but to Janus they were necessary and helped out an incredible amount.

He pulled out his old, tatted and stained palette - it was made from wood, the edges were peeling and some parts were growing mould. Janus quickly hid it behind the canvas, he didn't want Logan realising all of his stuff were absolutely wrecked by time and constant use.

Placing it on the stool, he opened the brief case and grabbed the colours he'd need. The background in the photo frame was a dark maroon, which should be easily to replicate. The general area around the children was slightly brighter, as blending was one of his favourite things to do with oil paints specifically he'd have a field trip with this.

Unscrewing one of the paint tubes, he peeled off the sticker and gazed at the colour that slowly oozed out onto the palette. He couldn't remember the last time he had such nice paints - back when he wasn't as poor as he is now. He isn't going bankrupt anytime soon but to him every penny mattered, which meant having to buy the cheapest stuff, unfortunately.

Still- he was glad Logan had some hindsight to buy the paint, even if the person who commissions the artist never buys them the items they would need. Janus guessed that made him, genuinely, an incredibly selfless guy.

Janus couldn't see the reason behind it, self-preservation is the only reason why he wasn't living on the streets. Then again he supposed they did have drastically different lives.

He could be selfless without worry, while Janus didn't have that luxury.

He sat down and began to paint, getting caught up in the colours, the blending, he didn't realise two hours had passed by the time he finished half of the background. He stood up and stretched his arms, bones clicking from his back.

Logan looked up from his book which only had a quarter left, sending him a questioning look. "Are you finished for the day?" He asked, yet spoke in a tone that was almost suggesting the idea, rather than asking. Janus looked at what he had done so far, if he were to leave it until tomorrow it wouldn't cause much strife. The part he has done he was happy with, and if he did get home now he could work on another piece which he needed to finish and put up on his websites to sell.

Plus, he didn't want to get burn out on a commission - otherwise it won't be up to his greatest standard and Logan might peg down the price.

"... yes" he settled on after a moment, Logan smiled and shut his book.

"You can take the paint home if you like, I'll be one moment" he disappeared to the kitchen, leaving behind a shocked but relieved Janus. With these paints he could start work on another commission which needed finishing before the end of the week. It could be one of the best he's made in awhile!

Elated, he quickly stuffed the brief case into his bag, then wrapped the palette in a large zip-lock bag, putting that in too, with his paint brushes and pencil case. Once closing it Logan returned with a glass of lemonade.

"It isn't carbonated" Logan pointed out after Janus took it, the ice cubes clinging against each other. "Freshly squeezed lemons with sugar from my son's garden. Remus enjoys tending the plants, fruit and vegetables. It helps calms him down when..." Logan paused, "my apologies, I won't tell you for the sake of my sons privacy, but he does an excellent job"

Janus waved off the matter dismissively, he wouldn't want to know about his son's afflictions anyway. Taking a sip he almost groaned, all he's had for years is water or artificial juice, so this was absolutely incredible. He quickly drunk it, faster than Logan expected but the man made a mental note of that.

"Would you like to return home now?" Logan pondered, taking the empty glass from the teenager. Janus could hear the silent invitation for him to stay and have a possible tour of his home or his garden, and that was a sure-fire way of starting a friendship or at least a closer bond, so he nodded quickly.

"Yes, please"

Logan acquiesced to his wishes and called the chauffeur who often spent her time in the conservatory, listening to podcasts while sewing hats for her ferrets and rats.

Janus left the building with her, she was rambling about something interesting from the most recent podcast she finished, Janus didn't pay attention lest he accidentally mentions it later on, making it appear he was a good person.

Inside of the car Janus gazed up at the beautiful house before it was out of sight.

He really didn't want to become close with Logan but he was happy his son found his page and suggested him. After all, he wouldn't have gotten the chance to see his home or take a collection of oil paints - or after the commission is finished collect five fucking grand.

Those were the reasons he was happy. Those and those only, for sure, definitely.

—
Obviously I never finished this, but the part I did write I didn't want to delete, so if you want, you can finish it whichever way you like :)

10:25am