The Sanders Sides

35 - Family: Roman

The sleek limousine glided to a stop before the imposing wrought-iron gates of Kensington Estate. Roman, stiff from the long train journey, emerged, his heart a curious mix of excitement and apprehension. He hadn't seen his parents in weeks, and while he missed their warmth, their expectations often felt like a heavy mantle to bear.

As he walked towards the grand oak doors, they swung open with a dramatic whoosh. There, standing in the opulent foyer, were Raymond and Anne, their faces beaming with delight.

"Roman!" Anne cried, rushing forward and engulfing him in a tight hug. Her familiar scent of lavender and bergamot filled his senses, a wave of welcome comfort. "My darling boy, you're finally home! We've missed you terribly."

The , a man built with imposing stature and regal bearing, clapped Roman on the shoulder with a gruff affection. "Good to have you back, son. How was the play? Did you dazzle them on the stage?"

A smile tugged at Roman's lips. The play, the friends, the chaotic joy - it all felt like a distant memory in this world of marble floors and polished brass. But he found himself recounting his experiences, the successes and the challenges, embellished with a hint of the camaraderie he'd shared with his friends.

His parents listened intently, genuine interest shining in their eyes. As he spoke about the house they shared, the raucous laughter, and the late-night talks that stretched into the early hours, a flicker of something new crossed their faces. It wasn't disapproval, but rather a flicker of curiosity, of seeing their son in a light they hadn't witnessed before.

When he came to the part about living with a group of friends, a first for him, the patted his hand gently. "It's good you made connections, Roman. Friends are important, especially at your age."

The cleared his throat, his voice deeper now. "Indeed. But remember, dear son, your time at university, your future endeavors, those are paramount. You have a role to play in this dom, a legacy to uphold."

Roman nodded, the weight of his future pressing down on him. However, something had shifted within him. The vibrant world he'd experienced with his friends, the freedom, the laughter, it had awakened a yearning for a life that felt less... prescribed. He wouldn't let go of his responsibilities, but a seed of rebellion, of forging his own path, had been planted in his heart.

"I don't want to be a prince anymore. I don't like the attention it gives me and I dont want to run a dom either. Neither do Remus and Arya... we're so sorry... But we love our found family in our friends..."

The and said nothing but left with a not of approval.

As they walked towards the library, where a crackling fire awaited them and a lavish meal promised to vanquish his travel weariness, a new resolve settled in Roman's eyes. He may have returned to the gilded cage of his family's expectations, but he wasn't the same prince who had left. He carried within him the echoes of laughter, the warmth of friendship, and the faintest flicker of something far more daring – the courage to find his own happily ever after, even if it meant rewriting the royal fairytale.

The story wasn't over. It was simply ta a new turn, a turn that would weave the threads of duty with the vibrant colors of friendship, and perhaps, just perhaps, the blossoming hope of love.

Roman reached his hand into his pocket, instinctively feeling for the familiar outline of his phone. As he pulled it out, a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes. He unlocked it, navigating away from the endless news articles and royal notifications to his photo gallery. There, nestled between a picture of a majestic palace façade and a posed portrait with a visiting dignitary, lay the image he craved.

It was a polaroid picture, its edges slightly yellowed, capturing a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The six of them – him, Patton, Logan, Virgil, Remus, and Janus – were crammed together on Logan's messy bed, a tangled mess of limbs and goofy smiles. Patton, with his signature wild hair and infectious grin, sprawled across Roman's lap, their arms thrown casually around each other. A memory of their dance-off, the shy brush of their hands, and the warmth that had sparked within him flooded back.