Re: [Carriage House: Steve, Janus, Atticus]
[There were undercurrents—a lot of them. Like the place where rivers meet, boughs and branches becoming one, but their grains still tearing at one another, power in momentum. Something was happening, but Steve was too hazy from the drugs or just too stupid to figure it out. He looked at Atticus with confusion evident as the man spoke to Janus, and he tried, with just his expression, to ask what was up. But, Atticus spoke instead of the wolf, of his injuries, and, well, at least Janus piped up then to say it wasn't Atticus at the club.] You need to stop getting into trouble when I'm not here, [was all he said, teasingly, hoping to lighten the mood a little. Steve wasn't really the type to need to do that kind of thing—he didn't need humor to make moments bearable, but it felt like the right thing. Though, again, maybe he was just confused.] We'll figure it out, [he continued about the wolf thing.
Allen was sort of looking away, then occupying himself with his phone, and Steve, who was now on the sofa, turned his attention to Atticus, who was now excusing himself. The man sighed. He lolled his head back and stared up at the ceiling, before Janus spoke. He glanced over.] No, no. They let me go. It'll be fine. I'll—I'll figure it out. [He smiled slightly.] But thanks for having my back.
[In a bracing movement, Steve put his hand to Atticus' thigh. Squeezed, patted, and then used the man to leverage himself upright and to his feet again.] I'll go shower. Seems important to you. [He smiled at both men and began his way to the stairs. He stopped once, to look back at them.] I'm glad to be back. Sorry if I worried you. [He ran a hand over his face, over his mouth, before letting it drop back to his side in a heavy swing.] I'll be upstairs, if you need me. [He nodded, then carried on, shuffling upstairs and to a blessed shower.]