Re: [En route: Janus, Steve, Atticus]
Wasn't so long ago that Janus was alive, and Atticus didn't think humanity was shaken off that easily. Especially not when someone had to keep living as a human and among humans. Gender mattered to people, whether it felt right or wrong or somewhere in-between. Too, Atticus just wasn't existential enough to forget gender. He was trying to get comfortable with the concept of sexuality and attraction not being tied to an individual body or appearance, and that was hard enough for someone like him. Looked out the window, lost in thought as the plane landed. Janus was asking questions that Atticus never thought to ask. Might sound contradictory here, but liked having people keep their own secrets.
The conversation then became heated. Was almost sorry he'd voiced his thoughts about Matt's kidnappers. Almost. Almost, because Atticus wasn't the type of man who kept his mouth shut when he felt it needed to be open.
Listened. To both of them. Considered puzzle books and wiggling fingers while he did. "Trust what you see," is all he finally said. He wasn't one of those conspiracy theorists who thought the government was evil. Wasn't a protester for the lives of people with powers. But knew that every story was told from the vantage point of the teller, and that vantage point would always be what benefitted them. Knew Matt could be lethal. Knew they weren't rescuing a puppy.
The car was waiting, just as it was supposed to be. Black and sleek, no driver, despite the fact that it usually came with a driver. Would be better if no one saw where they were headed. Felt like an old Bond movie a little. Took the comm and got behind the steering wheel. Even in a state of emergency, Atticus loved cars. Carressed the steering wheel and nodded when Steve outlined his plan.
The drive to the brownstone was short, and the place was closed up. None of the staff were present. They came once a month to dust and mend things, but wasn't that time of month. Atticus parked the car and walked up to the door. Long time no see. He put the key in the lock, almost surprised when it turned easily and in defiance of the passage of time. Stepped inside. "Bedrooms are upstairs. Take whichever you like."