The Sanders Sides

18 - Waffles

A week had passed since Roman's confession, a week filled with stolen glances, shy smiles, and a newfound understanding between him and Patton. They hadn't made any grand pronouncements, hadn't declared themselves a crushes, because it was purely platonic. Instead, they were navigating this new territory with cautious steps, savoring the unspoken language of lingering touches and meaningful silences.

However, the past week had taken a toll on Patton. Midterms were looming, his part-time job at the bakery had become unexpectedly demanding, and to top it all off, his phone had decided to stage a dramatic self-destruction, leaving him cut off from the world. Patton, usually a beacon of positivity, had become a shell of his usual self, slumped shoulders and dark circles under his eyes betraying his exhaustion.

Roman, noticing the change in his friend, felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. He couldn't stand seeing Patton so down. So, after a particularly grueling day for Patton, Roman hatched a plan.

That evening, after their friends had dispersed for the night, Roman entered their room to find Patton sprawled on his bed, textbooks abandoned on the floor. He looked up as Roman entered, a tired smile flickering across his face.

"Hey, Ro," he said, his voice raspy. "Rough day?"

Roman nodded, his gaze lingering on Patton's worn-out expression. "Tell me about it," he said, then, on a whim, added, "You know what might help? A change of scenery."

Patton's brow furrowed in confusion. "A change of scenery?"

"Exactly," Roman declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Instead of staring at these textbooks, how about... we cuddle up on my bed and forget the world exists for a while?"

Patton's cheeks flushed a faint pink. "Cuddle?" he echoed, surprised by the suggestion.

Roman chuckled. "Don't worry, it's not what you think. Just... comfortable silence, maybe some light snoozing. You know, the good kind of therapy."

Patton hesitated for a moment, then a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "The good kind, huh? Alright, Roman, you win. Therapy it is."

With surprising strength, Roman pushed his bed across the room, placing it flush against Patton's. He threw on an extra duvet, creating a makeshift haven of pillows and blankets.

Patton crawled in first, pulling the duvet up to his chin. Roman followed suit, the space between them a comfortable distance, just enough for a sense of security without feeling crowded. The silence settled around them, punctuated only by the soft rustle of their breathing.

Roman expected awkwardness, but instead, a wave of peaceful contentment washed over him. He glanced at Patton, his friend's eyes already closed, a faint smile playing on his lips. Roman felt a warmth spreading through him, a sense of belonging he hadn't known he craved.

They didn't talk much that night. They didn't need to. In the comfortable silence, in the shared space of their beds pushed together, they communicated something unspoken, a silent promise of support and understanding. As sleep eventually claimed them, Roman drifted off with a single thought echoing in his mind: maybe this, right here, was the perfect kind of slow. Roman smiled as Patton snuggled into him with his star stuffed animal

Sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, painting diagonal stripes across the makeshift bed they'd created. Roman sat propped up against the headboard, a textbook open on his lap, his brow furrowed in concentration. He was trying to focus on his economics paper, but his mind kept wandering, replaying the events of the previous night like a comforting film reel.

A soft groan from beside him drew his attention. Patton stirred in his sleep, his face scrunched up in a momentary frown. But then, his eyes fluttered open, revealing a pair of sleepy puppy eyes that instantly melted Roman's focus.