The Sanders Sides

34 - Summer Break

The air crackled with a bittersweet energy as the guys packed their belongings. The summer break loomed, a time for family reunions and relaxation, but also a temporary goodbye to the chaotic haven they called home. Patton, his suitcase overflowing with mismatched t-shirts and worn paperbacks, wrestled with the zipper.

"Seriously, Patton," Virgil grumbled from the doorway, "how do you manage to pack so much stuff in such a small space?"

Patton grinned, finally zipping the suitcase shut with a triumphant thump. "It's an art form, Virgil. One you clearly haven't mastered."

Virgil rolled his eyes, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Roman, already dressed and looking uncharacteristically put-together for a travel day, chuckled.

"Come on, lovebirds," he said, using his signature annoying nickname for them. "Let's get a picture before Logan escapes."

He whipped out his phone, snapping a picture of the four of them piled haphazardly on Logan's bed. Patton, with a goofy grin, was sprawled across Roman's lap, their arms slung around each other in a casual manner that sent a jolt through Roman's system. Virgil, ever the enigma, sat on the edge of the bed, a smirk playing on his lips, while Janus leaned against the headboard, his expression unreadable.

Logan, already halfway out the door, stuck his head back in with a mischievous grin. "Just posted this to my story," he declared, holding up his phone. "Caption: 'Praying on their downfall (meaning I'm praying they don't fall off my bed).' May the odds be ever in my favor."

With a final wave, he disappeared out the door, leaving behind a trail of laughter. The playful argument about who was most likely to fall off the bed died down as an uncomfortable silence settled in the room.

Patton, the first to break the tension, scrambled to his feet. "Well," he said, his voice uncharacteristically subdued. "Guess I should get going too. See you guys in a few weeks?"

Roman nodded, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. "Yeah, see you then."

Patton lingered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Roman's face. But whatever he was about to say died on his lips. With a final awkward goodbye, he shouldered his suitcase and headed out the door.

Virgil, ever the observer, shot Roman a knowing glance. "So," he drawled, "anything you want to tell me?"

Roman sighed, sinking back onto the bed. "There's nothing to tell," he mumbled, avoiding Virgil's gaze.

But Virgil wasn't convinced. He knew Roman better than anyone. "Yeah, right," he said, his voice laced with skepticism.

Just then, Janus spoke up, his voice quiet but firm. "Actually, Virgil," he said, his gaze fixed on Roman. "There is something we need to discuss."

Roman's head snapped up, surprise flickering in his eyes. Virgil, for once, seemed equally surprised by Janus's sudden seriousness.

As Janus launched into an explanation, a mix of guilt and relief washing over Roman's face, it became clear that their goodbyes weren't quite over yet. Logan's playful prank had inadvertently triggered a conversation far more important, a conversation that could change the dynamics of their chaotic little family forever.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Remus and Arya were packing their own bags, a different kind of goodbye brewing. Unlike the others, they didn't have a family waiting for them back home. But even in the face of their uncertain futures, a quiet strength and a shared determination flickered in their eyes.

As the house emptied, a bittersweet feeling hung in the air. The summer break stretched before them, filled with possibilities and goodbyes. But one thing was certain: the bonds forged in this ramshackle Victorian, the laughter and tears shared, would hold them together, no matter the distance. The story of these friends, a story filled with love, loss, and the courage to face their true feelings, was far from over. The summer break was just another chapter, waiting to be written.