The Sanders Sides

23 - Horror Movie Cuddling

A giggle escaped Patton's lips as he playfully swatted at a stray bit of blue glitter clinging to his cheek. The impromptu makeup challenge had been more fun than he'd anticipated, the flirty banter with Roman leaving a pleasant warmth bubbling in his chest.

"Alright, drama king," Patton declared, addressing Roman with a playful jab, "I think I've had enough artistic expression for one morning. I'm going to go check on Janus, Virgil, and Remus. See if they survived the movie marathon in one piece."

Roman, still sporting his smudged blue eyeshadow, raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Oh, I'm sure they'll be fine," he said, his voice dripping with mock concern. "Remus thrives on chaos, Virgil probably fell asleep halfway through the first movie, and Janus... well, Janus is Janus."

Patton laughed. "True enough. But still," he said, his voice softening, "it wouldn't hurt to check on them and make sure they're alright."

Roman smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "Always the caretaker, Patton. That's one of the things I love most about you."

Patton's cheeks flushed a faint pink at the unexpected compliment. He quickly deflected it with a playful nudge. "Oh, stop it, you charmer," he teased. "Just... don't get into too much trouble while I'm gone, okay?"

Roman winked. "Wouldn't dream of it, sunshine. But hey," he added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "if things get too boring with the brooding trio, you know where to find me."

Patton's heart skipped a beat, his gaze lingering on Roman for a moment too long. Then, with a shy smile, he turned and headed for the stairs.

As he ascended, the memory of Roman's words, the warmth in his eyes, sent a sweet shiver down Patton's spine. There was definitely something different brewing between them, a delicious uncertainty that both excited and terrified him. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to their friendship than they both dared to admit. But for now, he would settle for the stolen glances, the playful banter, and the unspoken promise that hung heavy in the air. With a smile on his lips and a song in his heart, Patton continued his way towards Janus, Virgil, and Remus's room, eager to see what chaotic aftermath awaited him.

With a playful wave goodbye to Patton's retreating figure, Roman's smile faltered slightly. The playful energy of the morning began to simmer down, replaced by a quiet yearning that settled in his chest. He glanced around the room, the remnants of their little makeup battle scattered across the coffee table. A stray blue heart rhinestone twinkled accusingly from the floor.

He sighed, a mixture of amusement and frustration bubbling up inside him. Patton. That walking ray of sunshine who had a knack for making his heart do somersaults and his brain short-circuit.

Roman had never quite figured out Patton. One moment he was a beacon of positivity, the next he possessed an unexpected depth that left Roman both intrigued and slightly intimidated. But one thing was certain – Patton made him feel alive in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.

Needing a distraction, Roman gravitated towards his violin case, a familiar comfort resting against the wall. The smooth wood felt cool against his fingertips as he ran his hand over it. Music had always been his refuge, a way to express the emotions that often tangled themselves up inside him.

He opened the case, the familiar scent of rosin and aged wood filling his nostrils. He lifted the violin out, its curves fitting perfectly into his hands. He tuned the strings with practiced ease, the sound filling the room with a soft hum.

For a moment, Roman simply stood there, holding the violin against his shoulder, the silence heavy with unspoken emotions. Then, he closed his eyes and began to play.