Re: carriage house: matt/atticus
[Anyone would be a liability on this particular mission. Any extra body was an extra body that Corinthian could inhabit. Had ways to get it out of a demon, or assumed Claire had ways to get it out of a demon. A human probably wouldn't survive. However old and strong Matt was, metal arm and all, he was only human. Knew Matt might not see it that way, but Atticus knew better, and he chuckled when Matt said Janus probably hadn't wanted him, Atticus, anywhere near Corinthian.] Are probably right. Doesn't think very much of me. Have a tendency to be somewhat lazy. Might've noticed. [Smiled. Didn't mind that reputation at all. Had cultivated it. Did think Janus cared, for what it was worth, but wasn't blind to his own imperfections, knew what this was about.]
Welcome. [Watched Matt take that swallow of beer. Watched the other man's throat work during the silence. Leaned against the touch of fingertips. Didn't mind the metal.]
Thinks she did say. [PJ. Didn't fight it when Matt sat up again. Moved enough to let Matt retract his arm if he wanted to.] High school was a long time ago. Remember it all in a blur of parties I didn't want to attend and classes I forgot to do my homework for. Wasn't popular. Did make out with a girl or two. Didn't find it very interesting, but did it. Was never part of the popular circle, but think PJ is reacting to the concept that friends don't date people their friends are in love with. Think we're breaking rules here. [Sat back against the arm that Matt had not retracted, even when he, Atticus, sat forward.
Turned slightly on the couch. Watched the other man talk about reading people. Felt the hand tapping behind his shoulder. Could smell the warm beer. Could smell metal. Could smell the man across from him. Heard the words louder than they were being spoken. Was starting to realize stress made everything more immediate. Tapped out his cigarette and left it in the tray. Was stressed. Janus. Corinthian. Even PJ, who Atticus didn't want to hurt. He'd embarked down this wolf path to help her feel less alone. Hadn't done that, had he? Growled low. Unintentional, the sound was belly rumble and chest. Didn't even notice it.
Would be incorrect to say he pounced on the man beside him, but Atticus did reach out the arm that wasn't pressed to the back of the couch. Was his bad shoulder. Was still sore. No, in truth, hurt like a bitch to snake it out how he did. But he did snake his arm out. Thick fingers splayed against Matt's cheek, and enough of this talking. Atticus closed the distance and covered the other man's mouth with his own.]