Re: [The Capital Mall: Atticus & Janus]
Atticus was willing to talk about his family. Hadn't come up much. Didn't mind talking, despite all that laziness. Just didn't think Janus was interested in a lot of conversation about the past. Often wondered how things worked between Janus and Steve. Steve always liked talking. Atticus, himself, was a bit concerned on that front; didn't seem to be saying the right things to Steve lately. But was an old dog, and everyone knew the saying about old dogs and new tricks; wasn't likely to change his stripes at this late stage.
Ricardo was a distraction from any thoughts about upbringing or grading papers. Janus relieving him of his bag was also a distraction. Atticus turned his head to watch the strap come off his shoulder. Returned his attention to Ricardo when Janus pointed, and then was newly distracted when the sweater was pulled on. Looked a little like a confused dog. A confused wolf? Regardless, was out of his element, and he realized it.
"Your inner demon is showing." Said that like it was a joke, attention on the glow of Janus' eyes. In the corner of the dressing room a teenage haunt, a girl who looked like she'd just walked out of Hot Topic, giggled, and Atticus waved her off thoughtlessly. Wasn't bothered by her. She hung around often. He just reached back between his shoulderblades and pulled the comfortable sweater off. Handed it to Janus, and then he smiled a smirk of a smile at Ricardo. "Something red for him. Soft. A sweater? Not too loose. I'm the one paying." That last bit was very entitled sounding. For once, sounded like that guy that could rent a luxury jet at a moment's notice. Turned his attention back to Janus. "Make Steve do this too?" he asked. Curious, as he reached back and pulled his undershirt off too and handed that over. Furred belly and chest, thinner than he had been the year before, and he scratched that belly idly with thick fingers.