Bonded by the Blues | A Sander Sides Book

Chapter 8 - Lost in a Big Blue Hall: Part 4

--Virgil--

I looked down to escape Dorian's toothy grin and slit eyes. I couldn't just ignore him as I would have done in any other situation. Why did I let myself be talked into being in this group? What do I do now? It's Roman's fault –

Right on cue, Roman put a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, V. You can always share your ideas. Just go ahead."

I couldn't. I shrugged his hand off and shook my head.

"Okay then," said Roman. He rose and put his hands on his hips, the picture of one in command. "We have one job to do: make a presentation about friendship. We're not doing a good job at it right now. Can we please save our nonsense for later and start?" He waggled his eyebrows. "We can do better than this sorry show, people!"

He was looking straight at Dorian. The rest were silent. The POS had the audacity to lean back and put his hands behind his head. "Sure"

"Excellent! Now let's get cracking!" said Roman clapping his hands enthusiastically. "Let's divide the sub topics between us!"

Huh. Who'd have thought his energy was so infectious? I guess I need my exact opposite to be comfortable with.

"Excuse me?"

We looked up. It was the Coordinator.

"This is Patton," She said looking flustered. "He's goin' ta join ya'll. Say 'Hi!' to the nice people, Patton!"

I blinked. Was she for real? I blinked again when the guy actually waved and said a chirpy "Hello!" Somebody better watch out for him, or else the cold hard fist of reality will punch the innocence out of this precious cinnamon roll.

Patton sat down. "Do you know anyone called Logan?"

"Logan?" asked someone else in the group. "Doesn't ring a bell."

"Here, I'll introduce the guys –" began Roman.

"Hi, Pat" Dorian said, rolling the name somehow.

"Ooooooh! I know you! You're Dory, right?" Patton said, beaming.

Roman guffawed, Felicity giggled and Dierdre gave a wicked grin. I stuffed my fist in mouth to hold back the laughter, loving the scrunched up look on Dorian's face. Priceless. This was turning out to be better than I feared.

"Dorian. But I don't mind Dory, not from you, pet." Dorian chucked Patton under his chin.

I could feel Roman's torso stiffen next to mine. "You two know each other?"

"Oh yeah, I've seen him around campus," said Dorian casually.

Patton's nose turned bright red; it took me a moment to realise that he was blushing. I'd hate to have my blushes be so visible. No hiding. Poor him. I sighed. I didn't want to get tangled up in all this petty drama. I noticed Roman's face heating up. His eyes flicked between Dorian and Patton. His eyes were clouded with disappointment and... jealousy? Wait did he like Dorian or something? I thought back, and Roman had been noticeably all over Dorian when they entered the hall. I pretended not to, but I couldn't help but keep an eye out to see if Roman was anywhere around when I was on campus... I swear that's not creepy as it sounds.

Patton was chatting with everyone, and Dorian seemed a lot more relaxed too. I guess Patton was good at being friendly.

On the other hand, Roman had resumed telling everyone one what to do. He sure likes being the one in charge, doesn't he? The bossy brat. I hope he doesn't ask me to –

I shook my head. I had bigger bats to butcher. If Roman was after Dorian, why on Earth did he all but serenade me to join the group? Was he using me to make Dorian jealous? He jolly well was. Hmph. I retreated into my hoodie, as noticed someone's eyes on me. Deidre's. Oh. You got it just now, eh? Her look seemed to say. I glared right back. Okay now this was NOT fun. I wondered if I could sneak away.