"Do you even know which one you'd want first?" Roman asks.
You go to answer him but... you don't know what he means.
You tilt your head to the side, "want which what first now?"
"Tattoo ya dingle" Roman laughs.
"Is there some kinda list I don't know about?"
Roman's laugh peters out, "oh yeah... right no memories of self-" he shuffles in place for a second "-last I knew you have a whole folder in your phone dedicated to ideas."
"Aw sick" you exclaim tapping your phone open and going to your gallery, "hoooo shit this is a cluster fuck."
Roman looks over your shoulder to see, "par for the course I'd say."
The gallery is a chaotic organization, but you can parse through easily enough to find the folder you're looking for because what other folder would be named Stabby Art unless you were a murderer.
"I could be, you don’t know" you chuckle under your breath.
I know All Remus, don't forget.
You roll your eyes and open the folder, it just goes to show that it isn't in fact chock full of dead bodies made to be art, but art made to go on bodies - live ones.
"How am I supposed to choose!" you say scrolling through the myriad of pictures, there does seem to be an almost never ending amount to them.
"I know the answer to that" Janus pipes up.
You both turn your attention to him when he doesn't say any more.
"And that would be?" Roman asks.
Janus holds out his hand, "I'd need to see the picture, gimme your phone."
You hand it over, he scrolls for what seems like minutes... perhaps even seconds.
"Here we are" he says tapping the picture and handing the phone back to you.
"Of course" Roman smiles, "that is so you."
"It's an octopus! covered in eyes! and slime! and teeth!" you exclaim, "it's perfect!"
"It should be, you designed it" Janus informs.
That sure is a... design - are you sure you want to go through getting a tattoo this detailed and have it disappear tomorrow?
"Uh, ch’yeah! this is the perfect end for this day!"
"Where do you want it?" Roman asks.
"Tramp stamp!" you holler throwing your shirt off with one swift movement.
"Okay... we'll need to be somewhere you can be laying down."
"Fort tattoo! I'll lay on the bed we made" you grab Roman's arm pulling him towards the living room, "let's goooooooo!"
"One minute" Roman laughs, "I need to get my equipment and sanitize the area! chill your beans for a sec."
You cross your arms, "fine if you have to."
"I do, now wait" he tells you before walking off.
"I'll get more drinks" Janus says going to the fridge, he comes back with a case of some kind of mixed drink, "your favorite" he says handing you one.
Reading the label shows that your favorite alcoholic beverage is apparently a whiskey based mule and you don't have anything to say against it as you take your first sip.
"Oh that fucking slaps" you declare enthusiastically sipping it more.
"Remus..." Janus starts after a few minutes of uncharacteristic but comfortable silence.
You look look over to him, his eyes bore into you.
When he goes to speak however, Roman comes back and Janus shuts his mouth with an annoyed clack.
"I wrapped and sanitized the area as well as I possibly could, so let's do this!" Roman announces only a little shakily.
He seems unsure of this.
"You gucci there bro?"
"I... just haven't... tattooed a live person before."
"You've tattooed a dead body!?" you shout a little too enthused.
Both Janus and Roman take a moment to stare at you - probably to see how long it takes you to figure out that what you just said was dumb.
"Okay sure, but he didn't have to word it like that" you defend, "got my hopes all up and whatnot" you pout, "whatever let's get this thang started!"
You rush out of the dining area, only to rush back in to yoink the drinks to then again rush back out yelling to the others to hurry up.
You plop yourself stomach down on the plastic covered cushions and rest your arms over their little ledge.
Janus sits at his chair, you guys made sure that it wasn't covered up or used for your fort.
Roman seems like he's not exactly sure where he's supposed to sit.
"Usually this is done at a table and I have a wheelie chair..."
"Just straddle his legs" Janus suggests, "it's the perfect angle."
Roman is absolutely scarlet and his nod is jerky, "y- yeah that would work."
"C'mon Romie" you tease wiggling your hips, "sit on me."
He kicks your side playfully, "you get no tattoos from me!"
"Aw what! nooo I'll behave!" you whine.
"You better" he warns taking his spot over you, "now stay still I need to prep you."
A snicker escapes you and go to say something raunchy but Roman cuts you off, "shut up - don't even say it, I just heard myself."
"I wasn't going to say anything" you smirk.
"I don't believe you" he responds, "now stop your wiggling I need to shave you and after I'm going to draw your drawing on you with my marker."
"Alright alright" you lay your chin on your arms and close your eyes as he prepares.
Being shaved by someone else is a funny feeling but not unwelcome and the marker feels cold and soft if a bit tickly.
Roman doesn't speak, he's in full concentration mode as he draws.
When he's done drawing he hands you back your phone, "are you ready for the stabbing?"
"Hell yeah brother! stab me! stab me! stab me! stab me!" you chant thumping your fists on the floor.
"Stay still or I can't start!" he laughs holding on to your sides.
His hands are soft and warm, his touch stops your bouncy enthusiasm, "yep uh huh yessir Roman sir."
The buzz of the gun whirs to life and when the needle touches your back you practically melt - weird reaction but okay.
Janus lets out a soft chuckle, "you're like a kitten getting brushed."
"It's weirdly soothing" you purr.
"You always did have a high pain tolerance" Roman says, "to the point of masochism sometimes."
"That tracks" you grin.
"One time when we were little" Roman starts, "you fell out of our tree house and broke your arm - the bone stuck right out but you just found it hilarious and fascinating, you've always been a little odd when it comes to intense pain."
"Maybe it's a defense mechanism" Janus inputs, "if it's funny then you're not hurting."
"Why would I need to have that as a defense mechanism?"
"Who can say" Janus hums.
"You've always been like that, I think you were born with it" Roman muses, "some adults in our life kept saying you had a demon attached to your soul from day one."
"A demon huh?" you snort, "that's pretty dramatic."
"Trouble follows you wherever you are, either of your own doing or a crazy random happenstance - it's pretty impressive when you think about it."
"I'm just a fun guy like that" you say boastfully poking your own cheek.
"Getting amnesia and having to go through time loops is only the next logical step of trouble to find yourself in" Janus interjects.
You bark out a laugh, "more like a leap! I doubt there was any small steps leading up to this!"
"I hope this stays" Roman says, "the tattoo I mean - it would be really cool for the next Roman to see it, although you'd have no proof it was me unless I signed it" he laughs, "I don't think I've heard of any tattoo artist doing that."
"Why don't you?" you ask.
"You want me to permanently put my name on you?" he says it like it's the most inconceivable thing in the world.
"Why not" you simply reply.
"Th- I can't dothat Rem!"
He sure does seem flustered at the mere thought of it.
Janus rolls his eyes, "just put a little Roman marking somewhere."
"Yeah a Roman mark! and if my room actually doesn't reset items Janny can video us!" you chirp handing the other your phone.
"I'll get the best shots possible" he tells you with a very silly seriousness as he takes your phone.
He takes a few photos right away and laughs when he swipes through them then shoves it in your face, "this one is my favorite."
The picture is... amazing, the angle is just perfect enough that it makes it look like Roman is laying his face on your ass.
You are not able to stay still, the laughter that ripples through you is gut busting and Roman squawks pulling back so he doesn't mess up.
"Remus! you almost made me fuck up!"
"Okay but" you can't stop the immense giggles bubbling out every time you think about it, "look at it!"
Janus leans over to show Roman while you try to control yourself.
"Why would you take it at that angle!" he shouts.
"Oh shut up" Janus snarks, "it's funny."
"It's fucking hilarious!" you emphasize.
"I also took good ones, if it matters to you that much" Janus swipes over.
This one is much nicer, the angle is higher and you're looking up at the camera with a silly cutesy expression while Roman is concentrated on your tattoo, his tongue is slightly caught between his front teeth.
"If that picture stays I want you to send it to me, even though I won't remember this moment" Roman tells you.
"I'm sure I'll get loads more for you to not remember, but I will which is pretty ironic."
Janus chuckles, "making memories no one else will remember as you're trying to remember your own life, it's kinda poetic."
"So what little mark are ya gonna do?"
Roman hums, "something simple that won't mess with the original art..."
"Eh you know I don't really care" you swat one of your hands about, "but ya have time to think."
You glance over your shoulder, Roman is looking at the work he's already done with determination.
"I'm making sure this will be the best tattoo you ever get!" he proclaims then chuckles, "well until the next one I do anyway" and then he's back in full creative mode with the needle back at your skin.
He's adorable, no other word for it.
No that's not true, but I'll leave those thoughts for later examination.
The dopey smile you have on doesn't miss Janus' eye, there's an expression there but he stays silent.
>He might be untrustworthy, he keeps too much to himself.
Your smile turns to a frown but you shake it before it can settle too deep.
I do agree with that thought though Remus, maybe you shouldn't be so open with him in the future.
Don't roll your eyes at me, it's good to keep things to yourself.
Stop making faces, mockery isn't very nice.
Janus nudges your arm with his foot, you look up at him and he's staring down at you quizzically.
You tap your head and make one of your hands do a talking motion then taking your other hand you make it shoot the talking one dead, the puppet hand dramatically flings around before flopping to the ground splayed open.
Have I mentioned before how very charming you are...
Janus silently laughs at your little hand puppet play and softly stomps on the 'dead' puppet hand a few times.
I'm starting to see why you guys get along so well...
Stop smiling like that, I can take a hint for when I'm not wanted - I'll keep my thoughts to myself for now.
You clap without noise.
Rude.
"You guys are weirdly quiet" Roman murmurs, "minus the odd choking noises" he snickers.
"Oh yeah ya know" you start, "just doing some mostly silent puppetry to pass the time."
"I think we all need another round" Janus announces, he pours some wine for himself, hands Roman a bottle of something and opens you another Mule.
"Are you an alcoholic?" you blurt.
Janus chortles, "no dear not anymore."
"Anymore?" both you and Roman ask.
"Yes, well everybody has a past" he answers swirling his wine, "I've told Remus everything before all this amnesia business."
Roman just gives a short hum as an answer not pushing any further.
Unlike you.
"What happened?"
Janus softly smiles down to you, "darling I would much prefer not to get in to that at this moment."
You bob your head around, "okaaaaay, but I'mma get it outta you sooner or later Janny."
Janus laughs a bit at your slightly serious sounding claim, "honey you technically already have" he leans down and lays a finger to your nose, "you just don't remember it."
You gnash your teeth at his finger, he predictably evades the danger your mouth delivers.
You pout, "it doesn't count if I don't remember it!"
He leans back with a smirk, pats your head with a foot and coos, "my poor Stink Bug, it does indeed count."
"Fine, keep your secrets" you stick your tongue out at him.
He laughs a little more this time, "once again: technically not a secret."
"Don't you technically me" you also laugh out grabbing his leg that's still perched on your head to shake him about.
Roman cries out at your sudden movement as Janus squalls at the wine that spills on his shirt.
You freeze, you can feel Roman frozen in place as well, both of you waiting with bated breath to see what he does.
"This is why we can't have nice things" he fusses with a sigh getting up, "no worries though I'll just... stain treat it."
Off he goes through the sheet door.
"He's always so patient with you" Roman speaks with a softness close to a whisper, "even though you can tell he's annoyed or angry, he's never snippy with you."
You lay back down, your chin resting between your crossed arms again, "me specifically?"
"You specifically."
You make a thoughtful noise.
When Janus gets back he scratches your skull soothingly before sitting down again.
The chatter resumes its snarky silliness, Roman full in concentration again.
The process of this tattoo is taking quite a while isn't it?
You snort, "duh it's a large piece of art ya dingle bitch."
Your words are slightly slurred Remus, you may want to slow down.
"I am perfectly fine thank you vvvvvverrry much, besides there's no more."
"Talking to that voice again love?" Janus asks.
"Mmhm, complaining about how long it's taking."
"It's only been about two hours" he says, "oh what, is it bored? it doesn't have to be here if it doesn't want to."
Tell him I don't appreciate being mocked.
"Keep mocking him Janny, he loves it."
I don't know what I expected from you.
"Does it now?" he chuckles.
"Oh yeah" you say and laugh trying to get the rest if your words out, "he super gets off to it."
Real mature.
He laughs with you, "little baby bitch voice likes to be degraded?"
Your howls jostle Roman, you can feel the gun dig a little deeper than it has been so far.
"Oh fuck sorry, I don't know how that happened" Roman apologizes, "you didn't even move that much..."
"Maybe you shouldn't drink and tattoo" Janus snarks.
"I haven't been" Roman shoots back, "I haven't had a drink since dinner, I'm not a moron."
Janus stares at Roman, "that may just be the smartest thing you've ever done" he claps softly, "congratulations for coming up in the world."
"If I wasn't preoccupied I would throw something at you" Roman grumbles.
"Too bad you are" Janus smirks.
Less than a second after that remark a pillow is flung right at Janus' face.
Roman laughs as he gets to his feet, "I'm done now."
"Oh sweet!" you exclaim flipping around, in your haste to see the finished tattoo you flip too fast and land on your back.
I would ask if that hurt but your laughter deems the inquary unnecessary.
"Remus be careful!" Roman fusses, "that's an open wound!"
"So whhhaaaaat" you giggle and stare up at him.
He smiles while stretching his arms above his head, his back cracks and he lets out a contented sigh.
You're staring.
Remus you are staring at his stomach from where his shirt is riding up, how cliche can you get?
>Wait no, this is not appropriate! snap out of it man.
You shake your head...
You shake your head.
Remus!?
Roman stops stretching and glances down to your stupid little face.
Ah, that got your attention - don't curl your lip at me, you're the one who's ogling your brother.
"What's wrong?" Roman asks, "are you okay?"
"Oh yeah peachy Bro-Hoe" you mumble sitting up, "is just... you’re prebby."
Janus chokes, his foot pushes the back of your head - intentional or not who knows.
Roman clears his throat, he visibly puffs himself up and brings his hand to his chest, "but of course I am" he moves his hand away from his chest to point at you, "and you are drunk, it's water time."
He leaves the living room and Janus jumps you.
"What was that?" he whispers.
"What? he is."
"That's besides the point-"
You poke both his cheeks with a gasp, "ohhhh you do think he's hot!"
"Anyone with eyes can see that" he hisses.
Your giggles are bubbling over as you put your fingers up to your mouth, "ohhohoooo don't worry, I'll keep your secretssssssss."
"Thank you" he deadpans.
"Of course bestie" you smile.
A water bottle bounces on the makeshift bed next to you.
"Don't worry" Roman smirks with a wink, "I'll keep it too."
Janus lets out a long groan, "I'm going to bed."
"What no it's not that late!" you protest.
"I have to take a shower, my routine takes a while and it's almost ten" he kisses the top of your head, "goodnight, I hope today stays with us."
"You do?" both you and Roman ask.
He looks to Roman then back at you, "yes."
He leaves the fort.
Roman plops down next to you, picks up and opens the water to hand it to you.
You greedily drink down the whole bottle, crush it up and toss it - it hits against one of the sheet walls unceremoniously falling out of sight.
"You wanna see?" Roman asks handing you his phone.
Oh yes your new tattoo!
Grabbing it egarly so you can bask in the sight of your first ink and Romans first work on a human body.
You're speechless.
How do I do that?
Roman tilts his head, waiting for your answer.
"It's the best thing ever" you say with awe.
Roman beams, "yeah?"
You lock eyes with him, "of course! I really hope it stays!"
"Me too, this night has been fun - and surprising a little too, I think Janus is warming up to me."
"As much as I think looping more would be fun" you begin, "this would be a good place to stop."
"Yeah" he agrees.
"I don't want this night to end" you slur.
Roman chuckles, "but you're tired huh?"
You nod.
"You always get sleepy when you drink" he says.
"Good ta know" you smile, "can I see that picture?"
Roman's brows scrunch, "what picture?"
"The one you were embaaaaaaarrassed about."
"I... forgot about that."
"IIIIIIII didn't~" you sing.
"Yeah okay” he sighs, “I said I’d show you, I'll send it to you" he says picking up his tablet, your phone chimes a few seconds later.
Roman stops you from looking at it by putting his hand on your hand, his face is pink, “can... can you look at it later?"
"Why?"
"I don't know if I want a live reaction."
You pap his cheek playfully, "you're silly but ooooookaaaay."
Your head lolls to the side, you're very close to falling asleep.
"Alright, it's bedtime" Roman jostles you.
"I can sleep here" you mumble.
"What happened to seeing if your room is a safe space?"
"I guess that's important..."
Roman breathes out a laugh, "yeah it is - and hey it might not matter I could still be here tomorrow."
"Oh!" you jerk up, "come sleep in my room!"
Roman makes a face, "your room is filthy there's nowhere for me to sleep."
You deflate, "ah yeah thas true."
Roman wraps an arm around your shoulders and squeezes, "I'll always be here no matter how many loops there are - now go to bed."
You stumble to your feet using Roman's shoulder and head to heft yourself up.
"Yeeeeaaaaah goodnight Romie."
"Goodnight Rems."
You shuffle your way to your room, not bothering to turn the light on as you swing the door closed.
You flop yourself on your messy bed face first practically already asleep.
Snuffling awake you remember to look at the drawing, the brightness of the phone screen blinds you for a second and you navigate to your messages with squinted eyes.
Your breath catches with awe once more today at one of Romans art works.
It's a beautifully detailed and cartoonish drawing of you.
You recognize the shocking reds and oranges of the evening sky just a few hours ago, they're splayed all around your frame in what you can only assume is Roman Vision.
It's a brilliant rendering, your face is still slightly in view and you can see how he put sparkles in your eye.
Smiling you drop your arm to the ground along with the phone.
The last thought you have before falling asleep is that, perhaps Roman wasn't agreeing about the sunset being beautiful.
You fall asleep peacefully in your bed, a little drunk.
That's the end of Loop Four!
No poll today obviously so I'll see you tomorrow!
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