The Sanders Sides

12 - Fangirls

A wry smile played on Arya's lips as she listened to Virgil finish his explanation. "Sounds like our Patton's got himself in a bit of a pickle, doesn't he?" she said, her voice laced with amusement.

Virgil shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flitting between Arya and Patton, who was now watching them with a hesitant curiosity.

"Don't worry, Virge," Arya said, clapping him on the shoulder with surprising strength. "This doesn't make Patton a bad boyfriend. In fact, it probably means the opposite."

"The opposite?" Virgil echoed, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Arya leaned back, her eyes twinkling with knowing. "Think about it. Patton's the most sensitive soul I know. He cares deeply, maybe even too deeply sometimes. Seeing those girls fawn over Roman probably triggered a whole mess of insecurities. Maybe he's worried Timothy will get the same kind of attention, or maybe... " Her voice trailed off, a thoughtful glint entering her eyes.

"Maybe what?" Patton prompted, unable to contain his curiosity.

Arya met his gaze, her expression softening. "Maybe it made him realize just how much Timothy means to him. Maybe this whole thing isn't about Roman or some fleeting jealousy. Maybe it's about coming to terms with the depth of his feelings for Timothy."

Patton's cheeks flushed a faint pink, but a flicker of understanding ignited in his eyes. "You think... you think I love him?" he stammered, the question laced with a mixture of hope and trepidation.

Arya squeezed his hand gently. "Patton, honey," she said, her voice filled with warmth, "you practically light up whenever he's around. You two have this... connection, a bond that goes beyond words. Love is a complicated thing, especially for a beautiful soul like you. Sometimes it gets messy, sometimes it gets confusing, and that's okay."

Patton stared at her, his heart pounding a frantic rhythm against his ribs. Everything she said resonated with him, the truth of it sharp and clear. He loved Timothy, of that he was certain. But this unexpected wave of... something... had thrown him for a loop.

"Maybe I just... need some time to figure things out," he confessed, his voice barely a whisper.

Arya nodded, her understanding evident. "Of course you do," she said with a gentle smile. "And hey, if you need someone to talk to, someone who won't judge, you know where to find me. Always."

Patton offered her a grateful smile, a wave of relief washing over him. He glanced at Virgil, who was watching him with a mixture of concern and a newfound empathy.

"And Virgil too, of course," Arya added with a wink. "Though his listening skills might need some work."

Virgil harrumphed, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He might not always understand Patton's whirlwind of emotions, but he knew one thing for sure: his best friend deserved all the happiness in the world.

As they settled back into their conversation, a newfound sense of understanding settled over the table. Patton's confusion might not have vanished entirely, but with Arya's unwavering support and Virgil's loyal presence by his side, he knew he wasn't alone. And that, in the messy labyrinth of love and friendship, was a beautiful thing in itself.

The clatter of trays and the murmur of lunchtime chatter filled the air as Roman navigated the crowded cafeteria, a tray laden with a double cheeseburger and fries balanced precariously in his hands. He searched for Logan, their usual corner table already occupied by a couple engrossed in a heated debate.

Roman sighed, his stomach grumbling in protest. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on a group of girls from his drama class huddled by a window. Chloe, the girl with the perpetually bright pink hair, was in the center, her voice animated as she spoke.