Re: Room 12: Janus A/Steve M
[He'd never thought to think Atticus meant anything he said as an imperative, and the thought was as disconcerting as it was interesting. Steve nodded to himself.] I can see that. It never occurred to me to do that, but, I can see why that might be hard to ascertain. That'll make you defensive quick, won't it? [And to clarify, he smiled and said,] That's the general 'you,' not you.
[The man was privy to the relief that overcame the woman on the bed. She lost some of the tension that kept her taut. Steve wanted to pat her on the shoulder in camaraderie, but he didn't know if it'd scare her, if she couldn't see it coming.] I do understand. That said, I don't know that I can say Atticus is doing anything wrong. That he is comfortable with it isn't better or worse than your being uncomfortable. You know what I mean? But I understand there's disappointment on both sides. [Janus bit her bottom lip. Steve only smiled slightly, again to himself, when she said she knew he was one of the people Atticus was seeing. He was glad he wasn't the first one to break it to her (or that's how he took it). At least until she said Atticus only knew five men or so. Then, he realized Allen had only reached the conclusion as Teddy had.—But, he smiled still when Janus did.] I don't know about that, [he said of the title bestowed upon him,] but thank you. If it's me you're worried about with him, though, you don't have to be. You're more than attractive, and, more than that, he already likes you, a lot.
[Steve said all of this, but quieted when he was warned that Janus was going to change. Where the woman had been sitting, there was a thin, young man, and Steve recognized him. Boy, did he. Memories crowded. He looked at Allen, both curious and concerned. Now that he could be seen, he did put a hand on one narrow shoulder bracingly.] Is that better? [The headache.]