The Sanders Sides

5 - Secrets

"This isn't—" Roman began, but Remus cut him off with a choked cry of, "SHUT UP!"

There was a beat of tense silence where the only sound was Remus's ragged breathing. Then, with a shaky breath, Roman started walking closer, a slow, deliberate pace.

"What are you doing?" Remus shrieked, his voice high-pitched with fear. "I said stay back! I'm gonna hurt you if you don't!"

Roman didn't falter. "Then do it," he said, his voice calm despite the rising panic in his chest.

Remus's face contorted further, tears welling in his eyes. "Stop!" he choked out, the box cutter trembling in his hand.

Roman continued his approach, each step a silent challenge. He stopped just out of arm's reach, their eyes locked in a silent battle. "Go on," he urged, his voice low and steady. "What are you waiting for?"

Remus's entire body trembled. With a whimper, he lowered the box cutter, the blade clattering harmlessly to the floor.

"You done?" Roman asked, his voice laced with a hint of sadness.

Remus stared at his hand, now empty, then back at Roman. Shame and regret flickered across his face.

"And they call me a drama queen," Roman said, a wry smile pulling at his lips. "Feeling better, hehe? I know when you care, brother. Perks of being related."

Remus remained silent, his gaze downcast. Seeing his brother like this, vulnerable and hurting, ripped at Roman's heart. But he knew the only way to get through to him was through touch.

In a swift move, Roman surprised Remus by reaching out and pulling him into a tight hug. The tension in Remus's body instantly increased, but Roman held him firm.

"Remus," he whispered into his ear, "I know you care. We both almost lost each other. Let's grieve together, okay?"

Remus stayed rigid for a moment, but then, slowly, his arms wrapped around Roman, clinging to him desperately. The dam broke, and Remus's choked sobs echoed through the empty hallway, a sound of grief and relief intertwined.

Roman held Remus close, his own voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry I put you through that," he murmured. "I wasn't thinking about my safety, it's not fair, I know. And you have every right to be mad at me. But Virgil, he's our best friend, and... well, believe me, I would've done the same for you."

He pulled back slightly, holding Remus at arm's length. "Look what you felt, Remus," he said gently, "it's what everyone feels when they're upset: anger, confusion, sadness. It's okay."

Remus sniffled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "But not me..." he mumbled, his voice barely audible.

"Everyone goes through that, Remus," Roman insisted, squeezing his brother's shoulder.

Remus scoffed. "What are you, a saint or something?"

Roman chuckled, a real, genuine laugh that warmed the tense air. "No," he said, shaking his head. "That's totally Danny DeVito."

A flicker of a smile touched Remus's lips. "Pffft," he snorted, wiping his nose with a sleeve.

"See, there's that smile," Roman said, nudging him playfully. "Come on, the rest are probably waiting to hear good news. Patton's probably baking a victory cake already."

Remus started to follow him but then hesitated. "Hey..." he mumbled, stopping Roman in his tracks.

The living room was a tableau of hushed chaos. Patton paced nervously, his eyes darting between the clock and the front door. Virgil, his face pale and drawn, sat on the couch, his hands clasped tightly together. Logan, his expression a mask of grim determination, moved around the room, making silent preparations.