The Sanders Sides

10 - Eavesdropping

The fluorescent lights of the college cafeteria buzzed overhead, casting a sterile white glow over the scattered tables occupied by students hunched over laptops or laughing in groups. Remus Sanders, usually a whirlwind of chaotic energy and theatrical pronouncements, sat uncharacteristically quiet, poking listlessly at his salad. Across from him, Janus, with his ever-present bowler hat casting a shadow over his half-snake face, eyed him with amusement.

"Remus," Janus drawled, his voice a smooth baritone, "you look about as lively as a week-old croissant. What's got your creative spark sputtering?"

Remus sighed, a theatrical flourish even in his dejection. "It's just... a writer's block, you see. The worst kind. The kind that steals your inspiration and leaves you staring at a blank page like a lost puppy."

Janus raised an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his reptilian eye. "Hmm, that sounds... troublesome. Especially for someone who usually writes dialogue like eavesdropping on a Shakespearean soap opera."

Remus gave a half-hearted chuckle. "It's true. Even my inner monologue has gone silent. Just a vast emptiness where witty remarks and dramatic pronouncements used to reside."

Janus leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Tell you what, Remus. Maybe your writer's block needs a little... inspiration."

Remus perked up slightly, a flicker of his usual mischievousness returning to his eyes. "Oh? Do elaborate, my scaly friend."

Janus smirked. "Remember that saying Patton keeps quoting? The one about nobody planning a murder out loud?"

Remus's lips curled into a sly grin. "Ah yes, a classic. What are you suggesting?"

Janus chuckled, a sound like rustling leaves. "Perhaps a little eavesdropping trip? Maybe there's a juicy conversation waiting to be overheard, a dramatic exchange ripe for the picking. Just the thing to get your creative juices flowing again."

Remus's eyes gleamed with a mixture of excitement and mischief. The prospect of a forbidden adventure, a stolen conversation to fuel his artistic fire, was exactly the spark he needed. "Janus, my friend," he declared, his voice regaining its usual theatrical flair, "you're a genius! Let's go find some inspiration, shall we? After all, the show must go on, even if the script needs a little... borrowing."

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Janus slid out of the booth, his movements silent despite his bulky frame. Remus followed suit, his brown and green highlighted hair bouncing with each step. They weaved through the cafeteria like shadows, their ears pricked for the most promising conversation.

A group of girls huddled at a corner table, their voices animated with laughter and gossip, caught their attention. Janus paused, his snake half slithering closer, his ear practically brushing a stray strand of hair belonging to a girl with bright pink hair.

"Did you see the new guy in Professor Kerr's class?" one of the girls, sporting vibrant purple hair, squealed.

"The one with the dreamy eyes and the British accent?" another chimed in, her voice filled with awe.

"Oh my god, yes!" Pink-haired confirmed, her eyes sparkling. "He's like, a real-life Prince Charming."

Remus nudged Janus, his eyes wide with theatrical delight. This was gold! A forbidden love story brewing!

Janus, ever the pragmatist, shot him a withering look. "Fascinating. But how does this translate into writer's block, my friend?"

"Patience, my scaly companion," Remus hissed back, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's more."

The purple-haired girl leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Apparently, he's single. Can you believe it?"

A chorus of gasps filled the air. The girls launched into a flurry of speculation, dissecting the new guy's every detail and formulating elaborate plans to get his attention.