The Sanders Sides

33 - Dance Dance Revolution

As they exited the theater, the cool night air washed over them, offering a welcome contrast to the charged atmosphere backstage. Roman lingered beside Patton, a hesitant smile playing on his lips.

"Hey," he began, breaking the comfortable silence. "About that kiss..."

Patton felt his cheeks heat up again. "Yeah?"

"It wasn't... exactly supposed to be like that," Roman admitted. "In the script, it was just a quick peck."

Patton raised an eyebrow. "So, what happened then?"

Roman chuckled, a nervous edge to the sound. "Maybe you're just a good actor," he said, bumping Patton's shoulder playfully. "You got a little carried away with the whole being-in-love thing."

Patton scoffed playfully. "Says the guy who looked like he was about to confess his undying devotion."

Roman winced, his smile faltering. "Okay, maybe it wasn't all your fault." He paused, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "But seriously, Patton, you were amazing out there. I had no idea you knew the lines so well."

Patton shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Like I said, desperate times. Besides, you were the one who needed saving."

A flicker of something akin to gratitude flashed in Roman's eyes. "Yeah, you definitely saved the day... and maybe my dignity."

They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, the unspoken truth hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Roman stopped, turning to face Patton.

"You know," he said, his voice serious, "we should probably talk about... everything."

Patton's heart hammered against his ribs. He knew Roman was right. But the fear of ruining their friendship, of admitting the depth of his feelings, held him back.

He took a deep breath. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice barely a whisper. "Maybe... later."

Roman's gaze softened, a hint of understanding flickering in his eyes. "Later," he echoed, a hesitant smile gracing his lips.

They continued walking, the path ahead shrouded in the uncertainty of unspoken feelings. But for now, the comfortable companionship, the knowledge that they had faced their fears together, both on stage and off, offered a comforting warmth. They had a story, a secret kiss shared under the spotlight, and the promise of a conversation that could change everything. As they walked into the night, hand brushing against hand, the stage lights might have dimmed, but the curtain on their story had just begun to rise.

The post-show adrenaline buzz thrummed through the group as they piled into Logan's car, a chaotic symphony of laughter and chatter. Roman, still flushed with the performance's raw emotions, settled into the passenger seat, stealing a glance at Patton across the car. Patton, ever the free spirit, had somehow managed to grab the shotgun seat from Virgil, who grumbled good-naturedly in the back next to Remus and Janus.

As Logan pulled out of the theater parking lot, the familiar opening chords of "Sunroof" by Nicky Youre and dazy began to blare from the car speakers. Patton, unable to contain his exuberance, leaned forward, unlatching the sunroof with a triumphant grin.

"Sunroof time!" he declared, throwing his head out the window, the cool night air whipping through his hair.

The song, a fitting anthem for the evening's unexpected events, instantly brought a smile to everyone's face. Virgil, despite his usual stoicism, couldn't help but crack a smirk as Patton belted out the chorus, his voice raw but joyous.

Roman laughed, turning up the volume even higher. "Living your best life, I see, Patton?"

Patton, his face lit by the moon and the faint glow of city lights, turned back with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just seizing the moment, Prince Charming! How about you join me?"