Getting Better
Title: Getting Better
Author: vicious_remarks
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Ryan/Brendon
Summary: When it comes to Brendon's happiness, Ryan's willing to wait for a lot of things.
Disclaimer: Not real
Author Notes: After the immensely encouraging amount of feedback from the first part to Business as Usual, plus a few suggestions, I wrote a second part. I hope you enjoy! =D
It's after three in the afternoon when Ryan gets a text.
He's been laying around all morning watching Law & Order, only getting up to pour himself a glass of orange juice and make some toast. After hours of shifting and turning in bed, his phone had gotten lost amongst the sheets, and it feels alarmingly good as it vibrates against the inside of his thigh. Good enough that he bites the inside of his cheek and breathes deeply. Brendon's departing promise had left him a little restless; insides warm with liquid heat, skin tingling. It isn't anything he can't handle, though, and he's more than willing to wait for his boyfriend.
Reaching under the blankets he fumbles around for his phone, and flips it open when he finds it, pulling it out to read the message. It's from Brendon, and Ryan supposes he should have figured it would be, but Brendon's not really supposed to use his phone when he's at work. The text reads, shower and start getting ready, and it makes Ryan roll his eyes. He replies, you're not my keeper, but rolls out of bed anyway. Walking to the bathroom he tugs his sweat pants down off his hips, and kicks them off from around his ankles as he shuts the door behind him.
After he showers, he checks his phone again and finds another message from Brendon, this one reading, I might as well be wear something nice please, i KNOW you have nice clothes, and if Ryan didn't know how important this dinner was to and for Brendon, he would have put up more of a fight about being told what to do. But as it is, Brendon's been stressing the significance of this night since his boss propositioned him a week ago, and Brendon keeps murmuring into his ear, This could be it, Ry, this could be it, when they're pressed together late at night. Ryan's not one to mess with chances that are introduced, either, and this could be as good for him as it is for Brendon. A house would be a pleasant change; he'd like to live in a house with Brendon.
Ryan answers, i'm not wearing any clothes.
Not even a minute later his phone goes off and he opens it as he sits down on the bed, towel around his waist, and he draws his knees up to his chest and wraps his free arm around his shins, resting his chin on his legs. The text says, does that mean you showered? And Ryan snorts good naturedly, a small grin on his face. Yes, asshole, he texts back and doesn't bother to shut his phone this time, just waits for the message box to appear again and presses accept the minute it does. In that case tell me all about it. Ryan laughs, open and easy in the empty apartment and wishes for a moment that Brendon was here with him, but pushes the longing away just as swiftly as it came. Brendon is working more for them, to make things better, and that isn't implying that things are bad, but they aren't kids anymore, they aren't lost and confused teenagers still trying to figure out how to get by in life. They're older now, their situations better, but that doesn't mean they don't want more. Doesn't mean they can't have more.
It isn't easy, nothing ever is, but they get by.
He replies, Finish up at work so you can come home and see for yourself. He stands up, towel dropping from his waist, and closes his phone, placing it on the nightstand so he can hear when it vibrates again. He goes to the dresser first and grabs a pair of underwear out of the drawer before heading to the closet both he and Brendon share and opening the sliding glass door to the left. Shifting through the clothes he hears his phone buzz behind him and pulls the white pinstriped button down shirt off the hanger and slipping it on his shoulders before he ambles over and opens his phone to read Brendon's reply of, You tease, i'll see you when i get home <3 The heart makes Ryan grin a little stupidly, and he feels ridiculous when he sends back a <3 but refrains from thinking too much of it because, well, he's past finding fault in all the good things he's got in his life now.
When Ryan had told Brendon, anxiously, that he was quitting his job managing the library to accept an offer to write a book for a major publishing company, Brendon had grinned, wide and ecstatic as he wrapped himself around Ryan, whispering congratulations in his ear as he maneuvered them back into the bedroom to celebrate.
Brendon is one of those good things.
- - - -
At five-fifteen Brendon comes bursting through the front door, startling Ryan who is involved in an episode of CSI: NY and making him knock the glass of water he has settled on the arm of the couch to the floor.
"Jesus, Bren," Ryan hisses, surprised, and he reaches down to pick the glass up off the floor, ignoring the puddle of water that's soaking into the rug. He's thankful it's only water, and that he won't have to scrub a stain of something darker out of the carpet later that evening.
"Sorry," Brendon apologizes, but he sounds rushed and mildly panicked as he disappears into their bedroom, throwing off his tie and shirt along the way. Ryan sighs and rubs his forehead, unfolding his legs from under himself as he raises from the couch and heads toward the counter, leaning across it to place the glass in the sink and then he walks back to the bedroom, snatching Brendon's discarded clothes from the floor. He throws the shirt in the hamper when he enters the room and casually strolls over to the closet, where Brendon's frantically searching through his dress shirts. Ryan places the tie on the hanger they have fixed to the inside of the closet and crosses his arms after, leans against the wall next to him and quirks an eyebrow, watching his boyfriend expectantly.
“Hey, quicksilver.” Ryan says when Brendon doesn't acknowledge him, “you alright?”
Brendon pauses only for a moment in his search to look at Ryan and smile, but it's tight and short, and then he's back to hurriedly hunting for a shirt. Ryan reaches out, presses a hand to the middle of Brendon's back and says, “What's up,” as gently as he can so he doesn't agitate Brendon more than he already is.
Yanking out a dark red button up, Brendon hazardously slips his arms in and tugs it on, fumbling with the buttons in his haste, and Ryan pushes off the wall, steps into Brendon's space and bats his boyfriend's fingers away, replacing them with his own to calmly fasten the buttons through their respective holes. Brendon closes his eyes and lets out a breath. When Ryan finishes he runs his hands down Brendon's chest, smoothing out the wrinkles in the shirt and then slides them up to his boyfriend's shoulders to massage them, coaxing the tension out of the muscles with his hands. Brendon tips forward and presses their foreheads together, curling his own hands around Ryan's sharp hip bones, fingers slipping under the other's shirt.
“Where's the fire?” Ryan murmurs, ducking a little so he can peer up into Brendon's eyes, and Brendon can't resist that concerned, inquiring look.
“I'm just, I'm nervous,” Brendon admits a bit sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders, “this is a big deal, and I'm running a little late, and I was afraid I wouldn't have anything to wear, and also, that you wouldn't be ready.”
“So little faith,” Ryan mutters, smirking as he touches their lips together and feels the last of the stiffness drain out of Brendon's body.
“Mmm,” Brendon hums as they separate, waiting a moment before slowly opening his eyes, “thank you.”
Ryan grins cheekily, “Yeah, well, you can thank me later. Now finish getting ready and let's go and get this thing over with.”
Snorting, Brendon pinches Ryan's sides, causing the taller man to flinch and protest, but he (reluctantly) draws away from his boyfriend and wanders over to the dresser and sprays some cologne again, the same one as that morning before glancing back at Ryan. “You ready?” He asks, running his fingers through his hair and Ryan absently touches his own hair, wavy and a little shaggy, and nods.
“Yeah.”
“Let's go then,” Brendon says, and they descend out of the bedroom and to the front door where they both stop to put their jackets on. Brendon gets his on first and watches as Ryan pulls his on, fingertips folded around the cuffs of his sleeves to prevent them from bunching up under the jacket.
“What?” Ryan questions when he catches Brendon looking, and Brendon shakes his head dismissively, grinning.
“Nothing,” he replies, shuffling closer and grabbing a fistful of fabric from Ryan's black jacket, drawing himself closer, “you look nice, is all.” He says, glancing down to take in Ryan's dark blue jeans, pinstriped shirt, and burgundy vest.
“Thanks,” Ryan says quietly, resting his hands on the small of Brendon's back, “you do too.” And it's true; the dark red shirt looks gorgeous against Brendon's pale skin and dark hair and eyes.
“Thanks,” Brendon mimics, tilting his head to the side and Ryan takes the hint and moves forward the rest of the way, closing the distance between their lips and kisses Brendon slow and deep; tongues touching languidly, lapping together slickly. It's a little messy when they part; their saliva still mixed, but neither of them mind and merely surge forward to kiss again, a swift peck to assure they don't get too carried away. “C'mon,” Brendon urges and steps away, straightening his clothes before opening the front door and taking Ryan's hand into his free one as they make their way out of the apartment building.
- - - -
Brendon's boss is a small, dark man with a flawless smile and a slightly cartoon-ish face. He's isn't unpleasant looking, though, not at all, and seated next to him at a table of four is an equally as small and flawless woman with auburn hair and small features. The couple stands up as Brendon and Ryan approach, both smiling their megawatt smiles, and Ryan unconsciously shifts a little closer to his boyfriend.
“Brendon,” the man greets warmly as soon as they're standing behind their chairs.
Brendon smiles back, “Mr. Wentz,” he says politely, and then gestures towards Ryan, “this is my boyfriend, Ryan.” He introduces, and it's impossible to miss the fond tone in his voice, but he remains impressively professional.
“Please, call me Pete,” Mr. Wentz - Pete - amends before moving his eyes to Ryan and extending his hand, “It's a pleasure to meet you Ryan.”
Hesitating for only a fraction of a second, Ryan takes the hand offered to him, and firmly shakes it, before dropping the other hand and replying, “You too,” and he's a little nervous, but he hopes it doesn't show too bad.
“This is my wife, Ashlee,” Pete says, and Brendon and Ryan smile and nod at her, both shaking her hand as well before they pull out their chairs and all four of them sit down.
As far as introductions go, Ryan figures that it wasn't bad at all, compared to some. And Pete nor Ashlee had batted an eyelash when Brendon said 'boyfriend' so he counts that as a win.
- - - -
Pete is also kind of ridiculous.
He laughs, jokes and makes fairly lewd comments at Ryan and Brendon, but when Ryan glances at his boyfriend he sees no trace of discomfort, and that allows him to relax a little more. The suggestions just roll off his back, and he even chuckles at some and shares amused looks with Brendon all throughout the meal. Ryan applauds Ashlee though; Pete is obviously quite a handful, and she holds up well as her husband leers at the other two men, merely shooting him exasperatedly affectionate glances and reminding him, Pete, hush, that's personal. All in all it's a nice meal, there's no tension or awkwardness, even when Pete manages to keep his mouth shut for more than a few seconds. There also isn't any mention of business, and Ryan's curious if there is going to be at all, or whether this is kind of a test.
His question is answered when the four are awaiting the bill and Pete sits back in his chair and folds his hands over his abdomen, peering at Brendon seriously. Beside him, Brendon immediately stiffens, posture suddenly rigid except for his left leg which is bouncing up and down anxiously. Subtly, Ryan places his hand on Brendon's knee to still him and squeezes his hand reassuringly. Brendon doesn't turn his head to acknowledge him, but he does reach down and place a hand over top of Ryan's.
“So,” Pete begins, “as you know I'm looking for someone to fill in the position of my assistant since Patrick has now become my partner.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Ryan can see Brendon slowly nod his head, and he isn't sure the other boy is breathing, but he himself is pretty tense, unable to look away from Pete, riveted in his chair with nerves.
“Both Patrick and I discussed all the possible candidates and decided you would be the best choice. You work the hardest, and you're a very quick learner. We wanted to talk to you first, before giving you the job.” He says.
Brendon's voice is a little strained when he says, “About?”
“We want you to know about the changes that would come should you accept this job,” Pete continues, and Brendon nods again. “You'd be working later hours all five days a week, but you would have weekends off, and a higher rate of holiday and vacation pay. Also, you would be accompanying us on business trips, every so often,” he spares a glance at Ryan, “of course, though, Ryan is welcome to come with you.”
“I.” Brendon swallows, and clears his throat, “Uh, al-alright.”
Suddenly, Pete grins, wide and dazzling, and extends his hand once more, “Would you like to accept the position of my new assistant, Mr. Urie?” He asks, but it's easy to tell he's already quite aware of the answer.
Brendon finally looks at Ryan, and he's starting to grin, and it's contagious because Ryan's beginning to grin too, until they're both smiling a little stupidly, and Brendon's standing up and taking Pete's hand, shaking it enthusiastically and saying, yes, yes, of course I would, thank you. There's no question in the decision, it's obvious the right one to make, and soon they're all standing as Pete pays the bill, ignoring both Ryan and Brendon's offer to take care of their half.
“Congratulations,” Ashlee says kindly as Pete helps her into her coat, and it's only now Ryan notices she's pregnant, “From what I've heard you've certainly earned it.”
Brendon beams at her, says, “Thank you,” and they all begin to exit the restaurant together, chatting aimlessly. When they're outside, they pause before parting ways, and Brendon thanks Pete again, a bit breathless with excitement, and Pete laughs, saying he'll see Brendon the day after tomorrow so that Brendon can have a day to celebrate. He accentuates the comment with a lascivious wink and waves as he and his wife disperse to their car. Brendon's careful to wait before he's certain his boss is gone before facing Ryan, expression positively ecstatic as he grabs Ryan and picks him up, spinning him around and Ryan laughs, happy and excited as he wraps his arms around Brendon's neck and kisses him forcefully. He doesn't even care that they're in full view of the entire restaurant, plus the people wandering in front of it and in the parking lot.
Yeah, things are pretty damn good.
- - - -
They manage to keep their hands to themselves all the way home in the car, and even up the steps to their apartment, but once the door is open Brendon caves and gathers Ryan up in his arms bridal style, and god, it's such a girl thing to do but Ryan doesn't protest, and Brendon kicks the door shut with his heel and carries Ryan back to their bedroom, tossing him onto the bed once they're standing at the foot of it. Ryan leans back on his elbows and grins, delighted, as Brendon follows him, crawling up Ryan's body and efficiently pinning him with his hands on either side of Ryan's head. Ryan spreads his legs, allowing Brendon to settle between them as he raises himself up and kisses Brendon, immediately parting his lips when Brendon licks across them. This time they're celebrating for Brendon's good news; Ryan's more than willing to comply to Brendon's desires.
Ryan figures they're both impossibly grateful for the day off tomorrow.
Author's Notes: I may or may not write the day after, it depends. Maybe I can be persuaded. Or I can persuade someone else to write it instead. XD Feedback is always lovely, and thank you SO, SO much to the people who read and commented the first part. It meant a LOT, and was ridiculously encouraging.
Author: vicious_remarks
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Ryan/Brendon
Summary: When it comes to Brendon's happiness, Ryan's willing to wait for a lot of things.
Disclaimer: Not real
Author Notes: After the immensely encouraging amount of feedback from the first part to Business as Usual, plus a few suggestions, I wrote a second part. I hope you enjoy! =D
It's after three in the afternoon when Ryan gets a text.
He's been laying around all morning watching Law & Order, only getting up to pour himself a glass of orange juice and make some toast. After hours of shifting and turning in bed, his phone had gotten lost amongst the sheets, and it feels alarmingly good as it vibrates against the inside of his thigh. Good enough that he bites the inside of his cheek and breathes deeply. Brendon's departing promise had left him a little restless; insides warm with liquid heat, skin tingling. It isn't anything he can't handle, though, and he's more than willing to wait for his boyfriend.
Reaching under the blankets he fumbles around for his phone, and flips it open when he finds it, pulling it out to read the message. It's from Brendon, and Ryan supposes he should have figured it would be, but Brendon's not really supposed to use his phone when he's at work. The text reads, shower and start getting ready, and it makes Ryan roll his eyes. He replies, you're not my keeper, but rolls out of bed anyway. Walking to the bathroom he tugs his sweat pants down off his hips, and kicks them off from around his ankles as he shuts the door behind him.
After he showers, he checks his phone again and finds another message from Brendon, this one reading, I might as well be wear something nice please, i KNOW you have nice clothes, and if Ryan didn't know how important this dinner was to and for Brendon, he would have put up more of a fight about being told what to do. But as it is, Brendon's been stressing the significance of this night since his boss propositioned him a week ago, and Brendon keeps murmuring into his ear, This could be it, Ry, this could be it, when they're pressed together late at night. Ryan's not one to mess with chances that are introduced, either, and this could be as good for him as it is for Brendon. A house would be a pleasant change; he'd like to live in a house with Brendon.
Ryan answers, i'm not wearing any clothes.
Not even a minute later his phone goes off and he opens it as he sits down on the bed, towel around his waist, and he draws his knees up to his chest and wraps his free arm around his shins, resting his chin on his legs. The text says, does that mean you showered? And Ryan snorts good naturedly, a small grin on his face. Yes, asshole, he texts back and doesn't bother to shut his phone this time, just waits for the message box to appear again and presses accept the minute it does. In that case tell me all about it. Ryan laughs, open and easy in the empty apartment and wishes for a moment that Brendon was here with him, but pushes the longing away just as swiftly as it came. Brendon is working more for them, to make things better, and that isn't implying that things are bad, but they aren't kids anymore, they aren't lost and confused teenagers still trying to figure out how to get by in life. They're older now, their situations better, but that doesn't mean they don't want more. Doesn't mean they can't have more.
It isn't easy, nothing ever is, but they get by.
He replies, Finish up at work so you can come home and see for yourself. He stands up, towel dropping from his waist, and closes his phone, placing it on the nightstand so he can hear when it vibrates again. He goes to the dresser first and grabs a pair of underwear out of the drawer before heading to the closet both he and Brendon share and opening the sliding glass door to the left. Shifting through the clothes he hears his phone buzz behind him and pulls the white pinstriped button down shirt off the hanger and slipping it on his shoulders before he ambles over and opens his phone to read Brendon's reply of, You tease, i'll see you when i get home <3 The heart makes Ryan grin a little stupidly, and he feels ridiculous when he sends back a <3 but refrains from thinking too much of it because, well, he's past finding fault in all the good things he's got in his life now.
When Ryan had told Brendon, anxiously, that he was quitting his job managing the library to accept an offer to write a book for a major publishing company, Brendon had grinned, wide and ecstatic as he wrapped himself around Ryan, whispering congratulations in his ear as he maneuvered them back into the bedroom to celebrate.
Brendon is one of those good things.
- - - -
At five-fifteen Brendon comes bursting through the front door, startling Ryan who is involved in an episode of CSI: NY and making him knock the glass of water he has settled on the arm of the couch to the floor.
"Jesus, Bren," Ryan hisses, surprised, and he reaches down to pick the glass up off the floor, ignoring the puddle of water that's soaking into the rug. He's thankful it's only water, and that he won't have to scrub a stain of something darker out of the carpet later that evening.
"Sorry," Brendon apologizes, but he sounds rushed and mildly panicked as he disappears into their bedroom, throwing off his tie and shirt along the way. Ryan sighs and rubs his forehead, unfolding his legs from under himself as he raises from the couch and heads toward the counter, leaning across it to place the glass in the sink and then he walks back to the bedroom, snatching Brendon's discarded clothes from the floor. He throws the shirt in the hamper when he enters the room and casually strolls over to the closet, where Brendon's frantically searching through his dress shirts. Ryan places the tie on the hanger they have fixed to the inside of the closet and crosses his arms after, leans against the wall next to him and quirks an eyebrow, watching his boyfriend expectantly.
“Hey, quicksilver.” Ryan says when Brendon doesn't acknowledge him, “you alright?”
Brendon pauses only for a moment in his search to look at Ryan and smile, but it's tight and short, and then he's back to hurriedly hunting for a shirt. Ryan reaches out, presses a hand to the middle of Brendon's back and says, “What's up,” as gently as he can so he doesn't agitate Brendon more than he already is.
Yanking out a dark red button up, Brendon hazardously slips his arms in and tugs it on, fumbling with the buttons in his haste, and Ryan pushes off the wall, steps into Brendon's space and bats his boyfriend's fingers away, replacing them with his own to calmly fasten the buttons through their respective holes. Brendon closes his eyes and lets out a breath. When Ryan finishes he runs his hands down Brendon's chest, smoothing out the wrinkles in the shirt and then slides them up to his boyfriend's shoulders to massage them, coaxing the tension out of the muscles with his hands. Brendon tips forward and presses their foreheads together, curling his own hands around Ryan's sharp hip bones, fingers slipping under the other's shirt.
“Where's the fire?” Ryan murmurs, ducking a little so he can peer up into Brendon's eyes, and Brendon can't resist that concerned, inquiring look.
“I'm just, I'm nervous,” Brendon admits a bit sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders, “this is a big deal, and I'm running a little late, and I was afraid I wouldn't have anything to wear, and also, that you wouldn't be ready.”
“So little faith,” Ryan mutters, smirking as he touches their lips together and feels the last of the stiffness drain out of Brendon's body.
“Mmm,” Brendon hums as they separate, waiting a moment before slowly opening his eyes, “thank you.”
Ryan grins cheekily, “Yeah, well, you can thank me later. Now finish getting ready and let's go and get this thing over with.”
Snorting, Brendon pinches Ryan's sides, causing the taller man to flinch and protest, but he (reluctantly) draws away from his boyfriend and wanders over to the dresser and sprays some cologne again, the same one as that morning before glancing back at Ryan. “You ready?” He asks, running his fingers through his hair and Ryan absently touches his own hair, wavy and a little shaggy, and nods.
“Yeah.”
“Let's go then,” Brendon says, and they descend out of the bedroom and to the front door where they both stop to put their jackets on. Brendon gets his on first and watches as Ryan pulls his on, fingertips folded around the cuffs of his sleeves to prevent them from bunching up under the jacket.
“What?” Ryan questions when he catches Brendon looking, and Brendon shakes his head dismissively, grinning.
“Nothing,” he replies, shuffling closer and grabbing a fistful of fabric from Ryan's black jacket, drawing himself closer, “you look nice, is all.” He says, glancing down to take in Ryan's dark blue jeans, pinstriped shirt, and burgundy vest.
“Thanks,” Ryan says quietly, resting his hands on the small of Brendon's back, “you do too.” And it's true; the dark red shirt looks gorgeous against Brendon's pale skin and dark hair and eyes.
“Thanks,” Brendon mimics, tilting his head to the side and Ryan takes the hint and moves forward the rest of the way, closing the distance between their lips and kisses Brendon slow and deep; tongues touching languidly, lapping together slickly. It's a little messy when they part; their saliva still mixed, but neither of them mind and merely surge forward to kiss again, a swift peck to assure they don't get too carried away. “C'mon,” Brendon urges and steps away, straightening his clothes before opening the front door and taking Ryan's hand into his free one as they make their way out of the apartment building.
- - - -
Brendon's boss is a small, dark man with a flawless smile and a slightly cartoon-ish face. He's isn't unpleasant looking, though, not at all, and seated next to him at a table of four is an equally as small and flawless woman with auburn hair and small features. The couple stands up as Brendon and Ryan approach, both smiling their megawatt smiles, and Ryan unconsciously shifts a little closer to his boyfriend.
“Brendon,” the man greets warmly as soon as they're standing behind their chairs.
Brendon smiles back, “Mr. Wentz,” he says politely, and then gestures towards Ryan, “this is my boyfriend, Ryan.” He introduces, and it's impossible to miss the fond tone in his voice, but he remains impressively professional.
“Please, call me Pete,” Mr. Wentz - Pete - amends before moving his eyes to Ryan and extending his hand, “It's a pleasure to meet you Ryan.”
Hesitating for only a fraction of a second, Ryan takes the hand offered to him, and firmly shakes it, before dropping the other hand and replying, “You too,” and he's a little nervous, but he hopes it doesn't show too bad.
“This is my wife, Ashlee,” Pete says, and Brendon and Ryan smile and nod at her, both shaking her hand as well before they pull out their chairs and all four of them sit down.
As far as introductions go, Ryan figures that it wasn't bad at all, compared to some. And Pete nor Ashlee had batted an eyelash when Brendon said 'boyfriend' so he counts that as a win.
- - - -
Pete is also kind of ridiculous.
He laughs, jokes and makes fairly lewd comments at Ryan and Brendon, but when Ryan glances at his boyfriend he sees no trace of discomfort, and that allows him to relax a little more. The suggestions just roll off his back, and he even chuckles at some and shares amused looks with Brendon all throughout the meal. Ryan applauds Ashlee though; Pete is obviously quite a handful, and she holds up well as her husband leers at the other two men, merely shooting him exasperatedly affectionate glances and reminding him, Pete, hush, that's personal. All in all it's a nice meal, there's no tension or awkwardness, even when Pete manages to keep his mouth shut for more than a few seconds. There also isn't any mention of business, and Ryan's curious if there is going to be at all, or whether this is kind of a test.
His question is answered when the four are awaiting the bill and Pete sits back in his chair and folds his hands over his abdomen, peering at Brendon seriously. Beside him, Brendon immediately stiffens, posture suddenly rigid except for his left leg which is bouncing up and down anxiously. Subtly, Ryan places his hand on Brendon's knee to still him and squeezes his hand reassuringly. Brendon doesn't turn his head to acknowledge him, but he does reach down and place a hand over top of Ryan's.
“So,” Pete begins, “as you know I'm looking for someone to fill in the position of my assistant since Patrick has now become my partner.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Ryan can see Brendon slowly nod his head, and he isn't sure the other boy is breathing, but he himself is pretty tense, unable to look away from Pete, riveted in his chair with nerves.
“Both Patrick and I discussed all the possible candidates and decided you would be the best choice. You work the hardest, and you're a very quick learner. We wanted to talk to you first, before giving you the job.” He says.
Brendon's voice is a little strained when he says, “About?”
“We want you to know about the changes that would come should you accept this job,” Pete continues, and Brendon nods again. “You'd be working later hours all five days a week, but you would have weekends off, and a higher rate of holiday and vacation pay. Also, you would be accompanying us on business trips, every so often,” he spares a glance at Ryan, “of course, though, Ryan is welcome to come with you.”
“I.” Brendon swallows, and clears his throat, “Uh, al-alright.”
Suddenly, Pete grins, wide and dazzling, and extends his hand once more, “Would you like to accept the position of my new assistant, Mr. Urie?” He asks, but it's easy to tell he's already quite aware of the answer.
Brendon finally looks at Ryan, and he's starting to grin, and it's contagious because Ryan's beginning to grin too, until they're both smiling a little stupidly, and Brendon's standing up and taking Pete's hand, shaking it enthusiastically and saying, yes, yes, of course I would, thank you. There's no question in the decision, it's obvious the right one to make, and soon they're all standing as Pete pays the bill, ignoring both Ryan and Brendon's offer to take care of their half.
“Congratulations,” Ashlee says kindly as Pete helps her into her coat, and it's only now Ryan notices she's pregnant, “From what I've heard you've certainly earned it.”
Brendon beams at her, says, “Thank you,” and they all begin to exit the restaurant together, chatting aimlessly. When they're outside, they pause before parting ways, and Brendon thanks Pete again, a bit breathless with excitement, and Pete laughs, saying he'll see Brendon the day after tomorrow so that Brendon can have a day to celebrate. He accentuates the comment with a lascivious wink and waves as he and his wife disperse to their car. Brendon's careful to wait before he's certain his boss is gone before facing Ryan, expression positively ecstatic as he grabs Ryan and picks him up, spinning him around and Ryan laughs, happy and excited as he wraps his arms around Brendon's neck and kisses him forcefully. He doesn't even care that they're in full view of the entire restaurant, plus the people wandering in front of it and in the parking lot.
Yeah, things are pretty damn good.
- - - -
They manage to keep their hands to themselves all the way home in the car, and even up the steps to their apartment, but once the door is open Brendon caves and gathers Ryan up in his arms bridal style, and god, it's such a girl thing to do but Ryan doesn't protest, and Brendon kicks the door shut with his heel and carries Ryan back to their bedroom, tossing him onto the bed once they're standing at the foot of it. Ryan leans back on his elbows and grins, delighted, as Brendon follows him, crawling up Ryan's body and efficiently pinning him with his hands on either side of Ryan's head. Ryan spreads his legs, allowing Brendon to settle between them as he raises himself up and kisses Brendon, immediately parting his lips when Brendon licks across them. This time they're celebrating for Brendon's good news; Ryan's more than willing to comply to Brendon's desires.
Ryan figures they're both impossibly grateful for the day off tomorrow.
Author's Notes: I may or may not write the day after, it depends. Maybe I can be persuaded. Or I can persuade someone else to write it instead. XD Feedback is always lovely, and thank you SO, SO much to the people who read and commented the first part. It meant a LOT, and was ridiculously encouraging.