Jigoku Gakuen 24
Title Jigoku Gakuen
Author: deadoralive0013
Pairing: Ryden, a bit of Joncer, a bit of Gabilliam (yes… it’s official now)
Rating: PG13
POV: 3rd
Summary: (High school AU) Ryan just wanted to finish high school and make it to college so he worked (sometimes even odd jobs) to save up. When he transferred to Vegas for his final year, he found out that sometimes, money is the least of one’s worries. Like in his case, it was his face.
Excerpt for this chapter:
“You got company?” Gabe asked.
“As a matter of fact. Ryan will be coming over,” Brendon answered proudly.
“That explains the bitchiness to your friends,” Gabe said nodding.
Warnings: Beware. Overused plot. Beware. Straight guy turning gay. Beware! UNBETA-ED!
Beta: roboticeyes
Disclaimer: I own the plot but nothing else...
Notes: At the end of each chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24
It took all of his discipline which also included a lot of reading, and Lisa’s mix of cooking prowess and lectures about not wandering on the mountains to bring back the full use of Ryan’s leg. It was fairly hard to do since the doctor insisted that he use the crutches until the pain was gone which turned out to be almost a week. He still had to go to school and no one could stop him from continuing work.
“I am going to completely break your leg, Ryan Ross if you don’t stay put on that bed!” Lisa threatened him on the night of his return to Vegas after Ryan told her that he will still do his shift at the bookshop.
Spencer looked up from his laptop where he had been downloading files for his cousin and stared at his mother.
“I’m fine. I’ll take the bus or something,” Ryan told her stubbornly.
Lisa looked like she was about to pull her hair off in frustration. She turned to the door instead while Spencer suppressed his laughter and tried to focus on the other things on Ryan’s study table. He had been hanging around his cousin’s room since they got back.
“Benny! Benny!” she called urgently.
The dull sound of the TV downstairs was lowered and then was suddenly gone. There were footsteps on the stairs and in a flash, her husband was beside her. “You called?”
“Would you please talk some sense into your nephew’s head!” she told him seriously before exiting the room, probably to blow off some steam or find something to pester her son with.
Benny stared at Ryan tiredly before walking by his bed and sitting down. “Lisa is right. There is no way you can ride your bike with a sprained ankle.”
Ryan knew that he lost the argument right then. Of course he knew he was being stupid and stubborn and that there’s no way he can get around the place in his condition but he just wasn’t used to giving up this easily. He was hoping that something, maybe a miraculous regeneration rate of his foot that he had never noticed before would come up and help him get back to his normal daily routines.
And as if the heavens were listening, something did come up. It wasn’t the inhuman healing powers Ryan was expecting but something more attainable, in the form of a red sports car.
The morning after, Ryan and Spencer sat at breakfast while Lisa loaded their plates with carbohydrates in every form when a knock on their front door was heard. Benny frowned a little at his newspaper and took a long sip of his coffee. At the second knock, he put his paper down.
“I’ll get it,” he told them needlessly, thinking that it was probably their neighbor or the newspaper guy.
What Benny didn’t expect was to see the son of his boss on his doorstep wearing a smile so big and shiny, he felt like shielding his eyes. “Brendon?”
“Good morning Mr. Smith,” Brendon greeted confidently, his hands in the front pocket of his black hoodie.
“Good morning to you too,” Benny answered uncertainly. He continued observing the boy with narrowed eyes.
“Are Ryan and Spencer home?” Brendon asked suddenly snapping him out of his daze.
On cue, Spencer appeared beside his father. “Who-”
“Hi Spencer,” Brendon greeted again.
Spencer’s eyes widened. “Brendon.”
Brendon smiled at him sheepishly. He turned to his father to find him staring back pointedly as if to say ‘I didn’t know you’re friends with him’.
“It’s a long story,” Spencer told him in a low voice.
“Ummm... Can I come in?” Brendon asked uncertainly shifting his gaze from Benny to Spencer and back again.
“Of course,” Benny said stepping out of the way and motioned Brendon to come in. “Sorry about that.”
They all walked in, Spencer leading the way while Benny trailed behind them after closing the door. Spencer watched Brendon like a hawk and found him looking around their living room with mild interest.
“Nice house,” Brendon commented.
“Thanks,” Benny said. “Come on, we’re just having breakfast. I hope you like pancakes.”
“I love pancakes,” Brendon said with a smile.
When they reached the dining room, Lisa was all but forcing yet another serving of breakfast at Ryan. She had just placed a fresh plateful of food in front of Ryan and her nephew immediately took it to Spencer’s plate and dumped almost half of it as soon as Lisa turned her back at him. They both froze as Spencer and Benny reappeared with the new arrival. Spencer mouthed ‘I saw that’ to him while Brendon openly laughed.
“We got company,” Benny announced enthusiastically before ushering Brendon to the table.
“Hello Mrs. Smith, Ryan,” Brendon greeted them, making sure his gaze lingered a little more on Ryan as their eyes met.
Ryan looked surprised but he quickly recovered and returned Brendon’s smile warmly.
“What a polite boy,” she commented with a smile. “New addition to the gang?”
“Mom this is Brendon Urie,” Spencer said hurriedly. He forgot this was the first time Lisa met Brendon. “He’s a friend from school.”
“Then he’s most welcome,” she said before turning to Brendon again. “Take a seat dear. I’ll get you a fresh plate.”
“Thanks,” Brendon said and took the seat in front of Ryan as Lisa walked back to her kitchen.
“So uh, Brendon, this is a pleasant surprise,” Benny said.
“Well I didn’t mean to catch you guys while having breakfast but I was a little worried that I won’t reach you before you left for school,” Brendon told them.
“It’s more than an hour more before we usually leave,” Ryan told him.
“Yeah, so what’s up?” Spencer asked.
Benny pretended not to listen as he picked up his paper again. Brendon didn’t really mind though.
“Nothing. I just figured that, with what happened during the school trip Ryan needs a ride,” he explained. “I got a car and we’re going to the same place anyway.”
Lisa suddenly reappeared with a plate loaded with pancakes, eggs, toast and lots of other things. Brendon perked up as she placed it in front of him. “Eat,” she ordered.
“Yes, ma’am,” Brendon said happily before digging in.
Lisa smiled at their guest. “I have a feeling that I will like your new friend,” she told Spencer and Ryan. They both smiled at her before she went back to the kitchen where something was still cooking.
“That’s very kind of you Brendon,” Benny said putting his paper down. “I’m not needed at school until later before lunch and I was going to give them a lift. They used to just ride their bikes to school since our schedules don’t match.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Brendon told them after swallowing. “I don’t mind at all. In fact, if you want I can come over and give Ryan and Spencer a lift until Ryan gets better. I can drive them home too.”
Spencer nudged Ryan lightly under the table while Ryan was staring at his plate with great interest. He turned to his cousin and was annoyed when Spencer gave him a look that said it all. He could feel his cheeks burning.
“So what do you say?” Brendon asked them.
“That’ll be great,” Spencer said quickly before Ryan can say anything.
“Okay then,” Brendon said happily and continued eating. His plate was almost empty.
They finished breakfast and got their stuff ready. They said good bye to Spencer’s parents who saw them off to the door.
“It was nice meeting you Brendon,” Lisa said before turning to Ryan. “I expect you to be home early. Don’t you dare even think about doing your shift tonight.”
Ryan groaned while Brendon’s ears perked up again. “I can give him a ride to work and a ride home, Mrs. Smith,” he told her.
“That’s very sweet of you dear but I don’t think Ryan should do his shifts just yet. The place where Ryan works might be far from your usual route,” Lisa said.
“Oh I don’t mind. Plus I can help him in the shop too. I have quite a lot of free time,” Brendon said easily.
And just like that, Brendon became Ryan’s personal driver and assistant. It was not as if he was complaining but Ryan still felt a little uneasy. Sure, Brendon cared about him and apparently was willing to do everything for him but Ryan somehow felt like he was taking advantage of the other’s feeling s for him. He wasn’t used to getting this much attention.
For the next five days, Ryan arrived at school with Spencer and Brendon and the student body once again buzzed at the site. Everyone was talking about Brendon giving Ryan rides and helping him to his classes whenever he can. Ryan ignored them all, trying to focus on getting better while Brendon flaunted to the whole school not so discreetly that maybe Ryan and him were now official.
“It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong,” Brendon told Ryan when he asked the other about it. “We’re together now and maybe it’s good to let everyone know now, you know, so that everything’s clear and... established. Unless it bothers you or something...”
“No, it doesn’t,” Ryan said quickly.
“Good, because I already told my other friends,” Brendon said before kissing Ryan’s forehead quickly. “You know Ryland and the rest of the people sitting at that table?”
“I think so,” Ryan said blinking, half wondering if he really knew who Ryland was and half thinking about how fast Brendon could move sometimes.
So established they became. Lunches were spent together with Brendon, Gabe, Jon, Patrick, William, Spencer and Ryan, all sitting together and chatting happily. There were still haters popping up every now and then but they were mostly on the school’s forum site where they could bash Ryan all they want under an anonymous name.
However, Spencer found out one night that Ryan did not only earn himself haters but also some fans. He called his cousin that night to showed Ryan a new thread started by an anonymous person about his supposed admirers.
“Look at this guy here,” Spencer told him smirking as he scrolled down the page and began reading. “I have the shittiest luck of all. I first saw Ryan Ross at the parking lot on the first day of school and had a crush on him ever since. I was building up the courage to ask him out when Brendon named him on his request. I knew I couldn’t have him now.”
Ryan flinched a little while Spencer shook his head gravely saying, “What a poor guy. He must have been heartbroken.”
Ryan rolled his eyes and stared at the computer screen. “These people are just confused. I bet they’re just saying these things now because Brendon and I are now together.”
“Whatever, dude,” Spencer told him. “At least now we know why Brendon wanted both of you to be established to the whole school,” he added putting air quotes on the word ‘establish’.
During shifts, Brendon would stick around until Ryan was done and take him home. Pete was ecstatic on the first night and he and Brendon celebrated while Ryan tried to hush them up while serving from behind the counter.
“Please ignore them. They had too much drinks earlier,” Ryan explained when a group of costumers stared at Brendon and Pete weirdly while the two sang some out of tune version of an old love song.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Saturday finally came and Ryan was only too happy to get rid of the crutches. He missed walking around without those so he woke up early and decided that he should take a jog outside. He put on a loose white shirt and shorts before slipping his running shoes on. No more pain was felt and he was glad.
It was the first time he ever took the time to jog since he moved here and Ryan had to admit that the streets of the suburbs looked nice in the morning. He decided to head for the small park Spencer showed him, pocketing his phone and leaving a note for the Smiths who were still asleep.
He walked out of the front door, closing it behind him as quietly as possible before taking in the surroundings outside as he started to jog and experimenting with the weights he can put on his foot. The morning breeze felt pleasant against his face, beating through his hair as he jogged down the neighborhood. The streets were still empty with only the newspaper boy and his bike roaming around throwing the paper to the houses’ doorsteps.
Ryan could see the faintest hints of gold as the sun started to rise from the horizon after some time and he decided that he should do this more often. Catching things just as they were about get started and assume their monotonous stance for the rest of the day gave a sense of contentment in some sort of way that he knew he saw the way things were at their simplest and most beautiful. Ryan smiled a little at the thoughts he was forming in his head. Back to basics shouldn’t be new to him since he just had a really up-close and intimate bonding with a mountain.
He hadn’t even made it to the park yet when suddenly, his phone rang. His hand searched the pocket of his shorts for the rectangular device and put it to his ear without stopping, half sure already of who it was. “Hello?”
“Where are you?”
Ryan smiled slightly. Brendon’s voice sounded demanding. “I’m out. Jogging.”
“I know that already. I saw the note.”
“You’re in the Smith’s house?” Ryan asked.
“I told you I’m coming over remember?”
“But it’s what, six in the morning? The sun isn’t even up yet,” Ryan told him as he crossed the road.
“So? Lisa opened the door for me and told me to come right in. I didn’t know you’re out, I didn’t even know that you jog, Ry. Your leg might still not be up to it. Anyway, just tell me where you are.”
Ryan paused to catch his breath. He could see Brendon’s face in his head looking like he was betrayed because Ryan didn’t inform him of his jogging plan. One thing that Ryan was starting to realize about Brendon was that he was extremely possessive, at least when it came to Ryan. Ryan hadn’t made up his mind yet if that was a good or a bad thing but right then, he decided that it was endearing.
“There’s a park near the house, about four blocks away,” Ryan muttered into the phone before starting to walk.
“Yeah, I think I saw that already when I took a wrong turn or something. Wait for me there, okay?”
“See you,” Ryan said before hanging up and pocketing his phone.
It took him a couple of minutes more before reaching the said park. It was not crowded except for a few more early joggers like himself, some having their dogs in tow. Ryan checked his watch and predicted Brendon will take a few more minutes so he decided to go around the park a couple of times while waiting. Ryan took a deep breath and allowed himself to smile a little at the prospect of a nice morning before starting on his feet.
It was becoming a little warmer as the sun continued to rise. Ryan concentrated on the path before him while getting a little glimpse of the trees and the benches at the peripheries of his vision in mild golden blurs. He enjoyed the feeling of sweat slowly building up at the sides of his face and at his back making his shirt stick to his skin.
An old couple sat on one of the benches Ryan passed by. They were smiling at each other as they talked about something that he failed to hear. At the other side of the park, a woman in tight sweat pants was listening to her iPod and she smiled slightly at him as he jogged by her. Ryan nodded at her politely and then quickened his pace. He went around a few more times and glanced at his watch again. What was taking Brendon so long?
Suddenly, a strong force struck Ryan from behind sending him on the ground. He cursed loudly as he felt his knees hit the ground then his palms. Good thing the grass was thick.
“Fuck!” Ryan muttered as he stilled his vision and tried to regain his bearings. He automatically reached his ankle and tried to move it. Relief came over him as soon he did because it didn’t hurt.
“Shit dude, I am so sorry.”
Ryan let himself sit on the ground before looking up at the person who bumped into him. He was a little taller than Ryan with shocking long blond hair and he was smiling slightly. Ryan didn’t think anything was funny.
“What’s so funny?” he asked before he could stop himself. Ryan thought this was probably a bad idea seeing as this guy can probably beat the crap out of him without a problem but he was feeling a little reckless at the moment so he even allowed himself to glare for good measure.
“Nothing, I just uh, you don’t recognize me do you?” the guy asked before extending his hand to him.
Ryan frowned, feeling a tad more pissed. What did this guy thought he was, famous? He decided not to answer immediately and took his sweet time standing up ignoring the hand the other offered before brushing dirt off his shorts. “Am I suppose to?”
The guy laughed again. “Oh my, you really are as antisocial as they say.”
So maybe that wasn’t exactly friendly but what was Ryan supposed to say? The guy bumped him and now he was making him look stupid. I’ll give you antisocial, he thought grimly.
“I’m sorry,” the guy said finally sensing Ryan’s irritation. “I’m Chase. Ryan right?”
“How did you know my name?” Ryan asked apprehensively.
The guy who said he was Chase might have looked a little crestfallen. “We go to the same school. Palo Verde?”
Now it made sense. “Oh, right,” Ryan said monotonously.
“How come I never saw you here before? I always jog here Saturdays,” Chase said not bothering to hide his interest.
“It’s my first time today,” he answered simply. He wasn’t really good in making small talk. Why is he talking to him anyway?
Chase nodded like everything was justified. “Of course, of course.”
“And it probably will be his last too.”
Ryan and Chase turned to find Brendon beside Ryan holding two cups of coffee and looking extremely pissed. “Coffee?” he told Ryan as he handed him the cup.
“Thanks,” Ryan said taking it.
“Chase, what a nice surprise,” Brendon said turning to the other.
“Hey Brendon,” Chase said though he didn’t look too happy about seeing him.
“You look like you could use a coffee,” Brendon told him seriously. “Why don’t you go get it?”
Brendon’s voice was laced with an unspoken threat that Ryan suddenly grabbed his arm. Chase looked like he wanted to say something back but decided to bite his tongue for a moment instead before nodding and walking away.
“So Chase huh?” Brendon said rounding up at Ryan.
“You seriously think he was flirting or something?” Ryan asked in return.
Brendon huffed loudly. “Ryan, I know how you can be oblivious sometimes but that guy was eating you with his eyes. Didn’t you feel it?”
Ryan rolled his eyes before taking a sip of his coffee. “Maybe because I wasn’t paying attention.”
Brendon sighed and almost pouted.
“Trust me, the only thing that guy made me feel was throw a punch and then run away. He’s quite bigger than me so maybe I also felt a little cowardly too,” Ryan added and Brendon smiled at him.
“Come on,” he told Ryan and grabbed his hand before dragging him to the nearest bench.
“What took you so long?” Ryan asked as they took sat down.
“Apparently, a lot of people get their coffee in the morning,” Brendon told him. “Had I known Chase will be here I would have brought Zack along.”
Ryan laughed lightly. “Yeah, because even with the two of us, there’s no chance that we’ll be able to take him down.”
They laughed some more and then a comfortable silence took over. Brendon grabbed Ryan’s hand and put it on his lap before angling the other’s head to his shoulder so that Ryan was leaning against him. Ryan didn’t struggle and just let Brendon position him as he pleased. They stayed like that for a long time, just enjoying the air and watching the other people jog and walk.
“Let’s go out tonight,” Brendon said suddenly.
Ryan adjusted his head a little and smiled. “Where to?”
Brendon started stroking his hair and drawing lazy circles on his hand. “Anywhere you like. I don’t care as long as you say yes.”
Not far from them was a fat lady was being taught by her husband how to throw a Frisbee. Both Ryan and Brendon watched her passively as she swung her arms with much enthusiasm.
“Hmmm...” Ryan said thinking of places he wanted to go. There were a lot of course but as it turned out, he didn’t really care either. “You choose.”
“We can... go out of town?” Brendon suggested.
“I got a curfew,” Ryan said.
The husband was now walking several meters away from the fat woman and was encouraging her to try her first throw with a smile. She seemed a little reluctant.
“That sucks,” Brendon said and Ryan could feel him nodding. “Why don’t you just hangout at my place then? I have a lot of movies, a pool table, a swimming pool...”
“Uh-hum,” Ryan muttered. “Sounds like plan. We can even continue working on chemistry.”
Brendon groaned. “Okay, but after we have some fun. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” he replied.
The Frisbee was finally in the air, zooming past everybody’s head by an inch or two until it swerved slightly to hit the husband square on the forehead. Brendon and Ryan chuckled a little. They didn’t even need to say why the other was laughing.
“What time should I come get you?” Brendon asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ll be at the mall this afternoon for a job that Pete has found for me and I don’t really know how long that would take,” Ryan answered before sitting up straight.
“What?” Brendon asked frustrated. “A job. You found another fucking job.”
“What’s so wrong about that?” Ryan asked defensively.
“I don’t know, I just, don’t you ever get tired? I mean, yeah, I understand you need the money and all but really, you’re just a teenager. Like me, and Gabe, and everyone else at school,” Brendon rambled.
Ryan laughed. “Hiding behind my age won’t get me to college. Just imagine this as something that is analogous to William’s online games, or to Jon’s love for sandals.”
Brendon shook his head but was unable to hold back a smile. He knew quite a number of people but Ryan has got to be the most mature person he met. No matter what the other say, Brendon firmly believed that having fun is in the nature of every young person and no amount of denying will erase it even for Ryan. He presumed that the other just had learned how to sacrifice these things for more important matters that will help him set up the future he wanted to have. Another thing he loved about him, he guessed.
Ryan was smiling at him fondly and Brendon just wanted to kiss his face off. “Be thankful we’re in a public place or you are so dead.”
Ryan looked a little confused at that which just made Brendon a little more impulsive. He kissed Ryan full on the lips, not bothering to pull back as he said, “Okay but make sure you take care of yourself and... make time for me too.”
Brendon was a little surprised but still delighted nonetheless when Ryan muttered ‘whatever’ against his lips in return. They pulled back grinning at each other and went back to people watching with Ryan’s head back on his shoulder.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Ryan sighed loudly in front of Spencer’s laptop making his cousin turn to him with a questioning look. He shrugged at his cousin as if to say ‘nothing’ and went back to the computer screen. He stared at the computer screen and let his eyes become hypnotized by the rhythmic blinking of the tiny vertical line on his empty document.
“I don’t know what to do,” Ryan announced to no one in particular.
There was a loud snapping sound as Spencer closed his book with more force than was necessary. He walked over to Ryan and shook his head at the site of his nonexistent homework.
“You do know that that’s due on Monday, right?” Spencer asked him. “I have finished that paper two days ago, me. I’ve never been ahead of you on homework.”
Ryan nodded without looking away from the screen.
Spencer glared at the back of Ryan’s head. “If you’re not going to tell me what’s bothering you, at least try to pretend that you still care about school and write the damn paper already.”
“Sorry. I want to tell you, Spence. I really do,” Ryan said giving him a serious look.
“But you just won’t,” Spencer cut in. “I’ve been asking you since yesterday.”
“I told you it’s... personal and a little, no, greatly embarrassing,” Ryan told him.
Spencer stared at him. “We’ve known each other since we were in diapers. I’ve seen every possible embarrassing thing that you could ever do so there’s no reason to go all shy now.”
“No, not this one,” Ryan said simply.
Spencer sighed deeply. “Ry, it’s me. You know you can talk to me about anything.”
Ryan stared at Spencer, considering him with an unreadable expression. He shifted in his place and leaned in closer looking serious. Spencer copied his movements, glad that his cousin had finally decided to tell him whatever it was.
Spencer had been really curious about it since Ryan usually wasn’t embarrassed about anything. Well, not really anything, Spencer thought. It’s just that his cousin never did anything that would embarrass himself and having this one thing right now just made this all the more serious.
“Promise you’ll give this your best understanding,” Ryan said.
Spencer nodded seriously, his curiosity and concern increasing. “Okay.”
“And don’t you dare laugh,” Ryan added and he nodded again.
“Okay. You see this thing with Brendon,” Ryan began and Spencer just knew this was about Brendon. Why didn’t he see that coming? He didn’t interrupt though, just nodded encouragingly.
“I really want it to go well. Brendon is really special to me and I want to make him happy,” Ryan continued, his eyes involuntarily averting towards the floor. Spencer could see his cheeks starting to blush.
“Even with Helen we never gone farther than kissing and, and, I know Brendon is expecting something,” Ryan went on in top speed. “But with guys I just, I don’t, I have no fucking idea.”
Spencer allowed some minutes of silence to take over after that with him just watching Ryan destroy the hem of his shirt. What was he suppose to say to that?
Ryan chanced a glance at him looking too embarrassed yet very confused. Spencer thought his cousin should lay off the poor shirt.
“Oh, uh, I see,” Spencer said lamely now wishing that he didn’t talk Ryan into telling him.
“I told you,” Ryan said managing a shy smile.
Spencer laughed nodding slightly. “I guess we didn’t cover sex problems when we were little.”
“No, we didn’t,” Ryan told him.
Bringing that up told them just how much things had changed since they met Brendon and his friends. Ryan glanced at his cousin and was relieved that he wasn’t laughing and instead looking like he was in deep thinking.
“I don’t know Ry,” Spencer suddenly said. “I think Bren knows well about... things. I guess he’ll guide you or something if... it, comes.”
“That’s what I thought,” Ryan said with a shrug, almost bored.
“Did you talk about it?” Spencer asked hesitantly.
Ryan’s cheeks were tinted again. “No. I think he’s more touchy about it than I am,” he said.
“Right, right,” Spencer said nodding to himself. “He’s waiting for you then.”
“I know!” Ryan almost exclaimed in frustration and Spencer visibly jumped. “I appreciate that he’s being considerate but, I don’t think I can... I want to but... I, like...”
Spencer stared at his cousin sympathetically. Ryan looked painfully torn Spencer almost hated Brendon for doing this to him. He was about to say something comforting to him when Ryan suddenly rose looking alarmed.
“What is it?” Spencer asked.
“I almost forgot. I got a job at the mall today,” Ryan announced before dashing for the door.
Some things never change, Spencer thought.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Traffic was miraculously cooperative and Ryan arrived at the mall in record time. He ran through the sea of people, dodging shoppers and their little kids. He was in front of Big Chick’s with two minutes to spare and he smiled. Ryan paused to catch his breath before stepping in and finding Pete. He was at the back getting more chicken to fry looking like he had been working for hours already. He waved at Ryan when he saw him though before leading him to the small locker room.
“Here are your uniform,” Pete said handing Ryan a small pile of neatly folded clothes. “Change into them and come find me outside after.”
Ryan nodded. “Okay.”
Pete nodded back before walking towards the door of Big Chick’s small locker room. He straightened his half apron and gave his side bang a slight stroke before opening the door and disappearing behind it.
Ryan sighed and proceeded to inspecting the uniform. As expected, they were exactly like Pete’s. A yellow shirt with an even more yellow chick that was holding the chicken thigh was printed in front. The name of the chicken place was also printed in huge bold letters on the black half apron. It could be worse, Ryan decided before shrugging and starting to change.
He was ready in a flash. Ryan straightened his attire and moved his arms experimentally. He seemed satisfied so he headed for the door and stepped out.
Big Chick’s was looking quite full. Almost all of the tables were already occupied by costumers and Ryan could see a few children here and there running around the place with gravy-stained bibs. He almost tripped from a little girl who glared him.
“Sorry,” he told her and she gave his leg a kick before running away.
Ryan laughed a little and went on, careful this time to not anger any more toddlers. He spotted Pete by the entrance standing like a weird security guard.
“Hey,” he greeted as soon as he was within earshot.
Pete examined him from head to foot and nodded approvingly. “About a size bigger but it would do.”
“Yeah,” Ryan said looking down at himself.
“Here,” Pete said handing him a thick stack of flyers. “We’re going to the fountain area of the mall and hand out flyers to as many people as we can. My supervisor will check up on us once in a while so do your best. He might give you another job if you do well.”
“Okay,” Ryan said determined.
He followed Pete through the jungle of mall goers stuffing the flyers in the pocket of his apron. They reached it after a some time and Pete told him to put on his best smile.
“And remember,” Pete began after telling Ryan to straighten his posture too. “Say the place’s motto with a congenial air. Repeat after me, Big Chick’s Chicken. We serve the best fried chicken.”
Ryan nodded pushing aside thoughts like ‘this is stupid’ and ‘this is embarrassing’. “Big Chick’s Chicken. We serve the best fried chicken,” he tried with a stiff smile.
“That’ll do,” Pete said dismissively.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Gabe threw his shirt into the air and shouted ‘fucker’ loudly before running and jumping in the water headfirst. Jon laughed loudly and proceeded to applauding him as Gabe’s head resurfaced. He bowed to them gracefully, blowing kisses in all directions to the non-existent crowd.
“Thank you, thank you,” Gabe muttered.
Brendon opened the door and entered the pool area of his house laughing a little. “That was you?”
“Whatever it was, yes it was me,” Gabe said.
Brendon took a seat on the bar. “I didn’t even know that you guys are here. How come you can enter my place without me knowing?”
Jon shrugged. “Since we know each other most of our lives and your security guy trusts us enough to not kill you behind his back?”
“Right,” Brendon said.
“Since when did it bother you that we’re here? You love having us here,” Gabe said taking a seat beside Brendon and soaking the chair in the process.
“Uhuh,” Brendon said eying his furniture but decided not to comment on it. “Anyway, you two are going to have to clear off tonight.”
Jon raised an eyebrow while Gabe smirked.
“You got company?” Gabe asked.
“As a matter of fact. Ryan will be coming over,” Brendon answered proudly.
“That explains the bitchiness to your friends,” Gabe said nodding.
Jon laughed. “You got that right. But seriously Bren, you might not have noticed it but these past few days, you seem a little... off.”
“Off?” Brendon repeated questioningly. “What’s ‘off’?”
“I don’t know... like someone who’s got a period,” Jon explained and Brendon raised an eyebrow. “When you’re happy, you’re really happy and then all it takes is one teeny tiny thing to set you off in the wrong way.”
“Come to think of it, yeah, I think so too,” Gabe said.
“Is there something you want to tell us?” Jon asked seriously.
“Maybe about Ryan?” Gabe added.
“What? No! Ryan and I... everything’s going really well between us,” Brendon said.
Jon nodded while Gabe looked like he was fighting the urge to laugh.
“What?” Brendon asked dangerously.
“There he goes again,” Gabe muttered in a singsong tone while Jon blurted out his laughter.
Brendon rolled his eyes and glared at them before crossing his arms in front of him, all but keeping himself from throwing both of them into the pool. Jon struggled to shut himself up and keep his face straight. After a few minutes, he finally managed to do so.
“Done?” Brendon asked pointedly.
“Sorry,” Jon said and nodded.
“Go on, ask him,” Gabe managed to say in between his laughter. Brendon glared at him.
“Ask me what?” he demanded.
Jon cleared his throat before regaining his composure. “Well, me and Gabe have been talking-and”
“No shit,” Brendon cut in and Jon pretended not to hear.
“We’ve been talking about you, about how you seem kind of tense these days and we were just, uh, wondering or uh, thinking, that maybe...” Jon trailed off.
“You’re killing him man,” Gabe told him still sniggering slightly.
“Oh fuck you, Sapporta,” Brendon said irritated. He breathed deeply before turning back to them. “Are you both just going to sit there and irritate the hell out of me or will you spill?”
Gabe and Jon exchanged glances before Gabe decided Jon was apparently too kind to say whatever it was.
“Let me put it this way,” he began seriously. “We are guessing that you and Ross are, uh, taking it slow?”
“So what if we are?” Brendon asked still annoyed. “Is that bad?”
“You’re missing the point,” Gabe said shaking his head. “You and Ryan are taking it slow...”
“And you seem happy but also really cranky at times...” Jon joined in.
Brendon stared at his two friends who were both craning their necks towards him expecting him to realize... something. What the hell was it? So he wanted to take things slow with Ryan because he didn’t want to mess up, was that bad? So he maybe he was a little cranky, and possibly a little frustrated that Ryan was now his boyfriend and yet... Oh.
Jon and Gabe seemed to have read the dawning comprehension on his face because they were both giggling again. Giggling for fuck’s sakes.
“You two think that I’m cranky because I’m not getting any?” Brendon asked bluntly and both of them laughed openly.
“Holy crap,” Jon interjected clutching wiping tears from his eyes.
“I knew it! I knew it!” Gabe said clutching his sides.
“You two are unbelievable,” Brendon told them. “Sometimes I really wonder why I’m friends with you two. Is there even a point why you oh so thoughtfully pointed out that I’m sexually deprived?”
“Well, yeah. Of course,” Jon said calming himself down.
“Yeah, yeah. Aside form the fact that it is totally hilarious for someone like you to be in this kind of situation, there’s a perfectly good reason for pointing that out,” Gabe added.
“Which is?” he asked.
Gabe shrugged. “I don’t know. But I’m sure Jon has something,” he told Brendon before turning to Jon. “Don’t you Jon?”
Jon rolled his eyes. “We weren’t going to bring it up until you told us earlier that Ryan is coming over tonight.”
“Oh this is going to be good,” Gabe muttered as he scooted closer. Jone ignored him.
“I’m just worried. Ryan is... he’s different aside from the fact that maybe he’s still got some issues regarding about his orientation,” Jon explained.
“Jon, I wouldn’t be sexually frustrated if I’m forcing Ryan to anything he doesn’t want,” Brendon said.
“I know,” Jon said nodding. “And I’m really proud of you because knowing you, it must have been difficult.”
“You have no idea,” Brendon muttered and Gabe cracked up again.
“I’m just saying that you have to careful, you know, not only for Ryan but also for yourself. I’m betting Ryan doeasn’t even realize what he’s doing to you so just... just be patient,” Jon finished.
“Spoken like true a man of experience,” Gabe said nodding gravely and Jon punched his arm.
Brendon smiled at them. “Thanks but you don’t have to worry about us. I get what you’re saying but really, we’ll be fine. We’ll figure it out.”
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Brendon hated driving to the mall so he avoided the place as much as possible and only going there when he absolutely needed to. But earlier, he received a text from Ryan saying that he might be home a little later than expected and Brendon was sure that it was a totally legit reason to be there. So he set off immediately and was now parking his car before he got out of his vehicle. He frowned a little upon seeing the tasteless throng and ignored them, trying to remember where Big Chick’s was as he walked towards the entrance.
It wasn’t the crowdedness per se, Brendon thought as he walked deeper into the building. He loved the crowd, and the noise, and maybe it was a little packed but maybe he liked that a little too.
A cold icky feeling was suddenly on the thigh area of his pants followed by a really loud wail from below. Brendon looked down and saw a little boy crying while holding an empty sugar cone because guess what, the whole scoop of chocolate ice cream with fucking chocolate syrup was now on his new skinny jeans. Right. That’s why he hated the mall.
“You took my ice kwim!” the kid said pointing an accusing finger at him.
“I most certainly did not!” Brendon said indignantly as the kid attracted attention from the passersby. “I mean, you bumped into me, but it’s okay.”
“Bad owd man! Gimme back my ice kwim!”
Brendon’s face contorted upon hearing ‘owd’. He was pretty sure it was meant to be ‘old’ but he let it slide, giving the little boy a stiff smile. He’s just a child, he told himself. “Listen, I’m going to buy you a new one okay?”
“Mr. Chicken got me that ice kwim. Ask Mr. Chicken to get me one again,” the boy demanded.
The corner of his eye twitched but he just smiled again. “Alright, where is this Mr. Chicken?”
The little boy tugged at his light brown curls and furiously brushed his nose. “Come one,” he said before extending his small hand at him.
Brendon stared at the small hand stained with something dark brown and something else that looked like mud. “Errm...”
“Well?” the boy said shaking his hand impatiently at him. “Hewiii!”
Brendon reluctantly gave his hand which the kid immediately gripped with surprising tightness before pulling him towards the right urgently.
“Mr. Chicken is nice but I’m not suwr he will wisten to grandpa’s,” the kid said shooting Brendon a frown as if blaming him why he had to be so old.
“Hey,” Brendon said sharply as he let the kid lead him. “Let’s get things clear okay? I am not a grandpa. I am young. I’m just in high school.”
“Mr. Chicken’s in high skwool too,” the kid said nodding approvingly. “Maybe he’ll wisten to you.”
Brendon didn’t know how to respond to that so he decided not to say anything. He glanced at his watch and sighed. Wherever Mr. Chicken was, Brendon hoped it wasn’t too far or he’ll be late getting Ryan.
“That’s Mr. Chicken,” the kid said excitedly suddenly stopping and pointing furiously at a big, yellow mascot who was currently giving away balloons to the kiddy costumers of Big Chick’s Chicken.
“I wanna bawoon! I wanna bawoon!” the kid said before running off towards mascot shouting ‘Mr. Chicken!’ as he went.
“I see you found Aaron.”
Brendon turned and found Pete walking towards him in the same uniform Ryan and him saw him wore last time. “Aaron?”
“Yup,” Pete said and glanced at the said boy who was now fighting his way through the sea of other kids to reach the mascot. “Crazy little fucker-I mean child. Won’t calm down until Ryan bought him ice cream from the parlor from across. Fucking rascal, I mean, little angel has got a big mouth too.”
Brendon laughed. “Yeah. He’s been calling me grandpa since I first saw him.”
“So,” Pete said turning back to Brendon. “You came to pick up Ryan?”
Brendon nodded while watching Aaron receive his yellow balloon from the Mascot. “Yup. Do you know where he is?”
“You’re looking at him,” Pete said.
Brendon raised an eyebrow at Pete and the other just stared pointedly at the mascot. “That’s Ryan?”
“The love of your life,” Pete said.
It wasn’t long until they saw Aaron walking back to their direction with Mr. Chicken in tow. He was wearing a proud smile and suddenly stuck out his tongue when he saw Pete.
“My mommy towd me you are gay,” Aaron told Pete.
“Yeah?” Pete asked smirking at the boy. “You know what a gay is?”
Aaron looked confused and suddenly, Mr. Chicken removed his head to reveal the face of Ryan Ross. Brendon smiled widely.
“Pete, he’s just a kid,” Ryan said in a warning voice.
“I wasn’t going to tell him,” Pete said through gritted teeth.
“Whoa...” Aaron said, eyes big while looking at Ryan. “Mr. Chicken is a girl!”
Both Pete and Brendon laughed loudly and Ryan glared them both. He turned to Aaron and sat down to his level.
“No, Mr. Chicken isn’t a girl. I’m a boy. Your mom already told you mascots aren’t real?” Ryan asked him calmly.
“Yes but... Are you sure you are a boy?” Aaron asked Ryan while staring at him through narrowed eyes.
“See that?” Ryan asked him pointing his feathery wing to his adam’s apple. “That’s an adam’s apple right there. Girls don’t have that.”
“Ohhh...” Aaron muttered sounding genuinely amazed before putting his own finger on his throat. “I don’t have one!” he said with a panicky voice.
The three laughed at him and Aaron looked like he was going to cry.
“Hey, once you grow up some more, you’ll have your own adam’s apple so don’t worry,” Brendon said and Aaron looked convinced.
“So, Mr. Chicken,” Brendon said turning to Ryan who immediately put on the chicken head back into place. “I was told by this boy that you need to buy him another ice cream but I propose that since it is my fault, I’ll be the one to buy the ice cream and treat Mr. Chicken too.”
Aaron seemed to like this idea. “Wet’s go! Wet’s go!”
“I hate to be the party pooper but,” Pete cut in and check his watch. “Mr. Chicken still got fifteen more minutes before he can go out for ice cream.”
“Oh that’s okay,” Brendon said quickly. “The offer doesn’t expire until twelve tonight.”
“Ooh! Ooh! Like Cindewella!” Aaron said excitedly.
“Yes,” Brendon told him before staring at the chicken head. “Just like Cinderella.”
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Brendon’s house looked deserted but Ryan knew that the maids were somewhere in the house probably hiding or something.
“So what do you want to do? We can watch a movie or I can teach you how to play pool,” Brendon said as they entered the front door.
“I don’t know. What movies do you have?” Ryan asked.
“There’s a list at my home theater,” Brendon said. “And I got popcorn in the kitchen.”
“Okay,” Ryan said and let Brendon drag him to wherever.
“Let’s get the popcorn first,” Brendon told him and Ryan nodded.
They reached the kitchen. Brendon started to rummage through his cupboards while Ryan admired the chess-like squares of the floor.
“Need help?” he asked him.
“No I just,” Brendon muttered as he took down jars of peanut butter and packs of crisps. “I know they keep it here... somewhere... here!”
He shook the box of microwavable popcorn triumphantly at Ryan before tearing the side open and extracting a packet. Ryan watched as Brendon read the back of the pack for the instructions, slightly frowning.
“You’ve never made your own popcorn before, have you?” Ryan asked.
“No, I did it once,” Brendon said briefly glancing up at him. “But that was years ago.”
Ryan laughed and decided to lend Brendon a hand. He walked towards him and grabbed the small bag from him. He walked towards the microwave, placed the bag in and punched a few numbers. The machine immediately came into life.
“I was going to do exactly that,” Brendon said.
Ryan rolled his eyes. “It’s really easy but you might want to consider other ways to get your popcorn. Some people have raised health concerns against that one,” he said pointing at the machine.
“You know,” Brendon began as he walked towards Ryan. “You look hotter when you’re being nerdy.”
Ryan blushed. He could feel his heart racing as Brendon got closer and closer. He averted his eyes and stared at the floor. Ryan knew times like this were coming but he still lose it whenever he and Brendon did anything even though they’re now together.
Before he knew what was happening, Brendon was against him and was slowly pushing him back against the kitchen counter. He looked up nervously to find Brendon’s eyes looking at him in a very unnerving way. He felt his back hit mildly the corner of the counter and oh look, he was trapped.
“B-Bren, I,” Ryan rambled incoherently not knowing what else to do.
“Sshhh...” Brendon hushed him up putting a finger against Ryan’s lips. “Don’t be afraid.”
Ryan’s hands were trembling as he gripped the side of the counter tighter. He swallowed and nodded a little, not really knowing what he was agreeing to but it was Brendon and Ryan found him really persuasive. Brendon smiled at him before removing the finger on his lips just to put it at the side of Ryan’s face. Ryan blinked feeling an arm snaking around his waste and Brendon was moving, closer and closer until he could feel his breath against his cheek.
Ryan tried to push away the butterflies in his stomach and concentrate on Brendon’s lips on his, soft and warm. His breath hitched as he felt the familiar tongue sliding at his lower lip and he complied, parting his lips slightly. It slid in his mouth, wet and smooth, and Ryan just let Brendon take over.
Brendon used his hold on the side of Ryan’s face to pull the other closer. He groaned when he felt Ryan slightly leaning back so he placed his hand instead on the back of Ryan’s neck to keep him close, earning him a small whimper from the other which he might just find a little exciting.
Something about taking over Ryan’s innocence and his reluctance was extremely satisfying so he made the movements of his tongue more aggressive, more dominating. He lightly bit the lower lip before sucking on it and Brendon decided he can’t have enough. He was feeling more and more aroused and maybe he was losing his mind. He promised to himself that he’ll never force anything on Ryan but right now, Ryan was letting him. He pulled back briefly to catch his breath and take in Ryan’s dazed expression and swollen red lips. Brendon smirked before leaning in once more, and claiming Ryan’s lips again without waiting for the other’s response.
The microwave sounded loudly to signal that their popcorn was ready but Brendon wasn’t really into popcorn right now so he ignored it. Ryan seemed to have got the hint and just let Brendon do as he pleased which incidentally, he had no problem at all.
They kissed for what felt like hours and it was Ryan who pulled back this time because he seriously needed oxygen, feeling his bottom lip slide between Brendon’s teeth as he pulled away.
“Are you okay with that?” Brendon asked him breathily, still not moving back.
Ryan bit his bottom lip and nodded. “Yeah, I guess.”
Brendon smiled, eyes still hazy. “I don’t want to push my luck but I kind of wanted to make out with you more for a while now and it would really suck if you say no.”
Ryan laughed softly. “I, uh, I’m not really good with these things.”
Brendon shook his head and stroked Ryan’s cheek. “It doesn’t matter. All I care about is it’s you.”
Ryan stared at him with an unreadable expression and for moment Brendon was convinced that the other was going to bring out a knife from somewhere and stab out his heart. “Or we can go watch a movie if you want. I’ll just-uh”
“Okay,” Ryan said.
“Okay let’s watch a movie or okay let’s go make out in my room?” Brendon asked sounding a little hopeful.
Ryan bit his lower lip again and Brendon was sure he was doing that on purpose just to spite him and see him suffer. Brendon held his breath waiting.
“How about you choose,” Ryan said and Brendon couldn’t tell if the other was teasing or scared.
But he did say he could choose right? Brendon thought that was a no brainer and it took a fraction of a second before he was grabbing Ryan by the arm and dragging him upstairs.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
NOTES:
Before anyone throws anything at anyone, I’m saying now that the next chapter is already in progress and will be posted soon. This contains what is supposed to be the 25th’s first part hence this chapter being longer.
I’m still waiting for the right time to start the end (how ironic XD) but... yeah. Still don’t know how many more chapters. I really hope I finish this before the second semester and start posting the new fic already...
This is un-everything (yes I know, you know :D) and potentially sucking at parts but I may do something about it... and oh yeah, watch out for msbenzedrine’s fic too. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this.
Author: deadoralive0013
Pairing: Ryden, a bit of Joncer, a bit of Gabilliam (yes… it’s official now)
Rating: PG13
POV: 3rd
Summary: (High school AU) Ryan just wanted to finish high school and make it to college so he worked (sometimes even odd jobs) to save up. When he transferred to Vegas for his final year, he found out that sometimes, money is the least of one’s worries. Like in his case, it was his face.
Excerpt for this chapter:
“You got company?” Gabe asked.
“As a matter of fact. Ryan will be coming over,” Brendon answered proudly.
“That explains the bitchiness to your friends,” Gabe said nodding.
Warnings: Beware. Overused plot. Beware. Straight guy turning gay. Beware! UNBETA-ED!
Beta: roboticeyes
Disclaimer: I own the plot but nothing else...
Notes: At the end of each chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24
It took all of his discipline which also included a lot of reading, and Lisa’s mix of cooking prowess and lectures about not wandering on the mountains to bring back the full use of Ryan’s leg. It was fairly hard to do since the doctor insisted that he use the crutches until the pain was gone which turned out to be almost a week. He still had to go to school and no one could stop him from continuing work.
“I am going to completely break your leg, Ryan Ross if you don’t stay put on that bed!” Lisa threatened him on the night of his return to Vegas after Ryan told her that he will still do his shift at the bookshop.
Spencer looked up from his laptop where he had been downloading files for his cousin and stared at his mother.
“I’m fine. I’ll take the bus or something,” Ryan told her stubbornly.
Lisa looked like she was about to pull her hair off in frustration. She turned to the door instead while Spencer suppressed his laughter and tried to focus on the other things on Ryan’s study table. He had been hanging around his cousin’s room since they got back.
“Benny! Benny!” she called urgently.
The dull sound of the TV downstairs was lowered and then was suddenly gone. There were footsteps on the stairs and in a flash, her husband was beside her. “You called?”
“Would you please talk some sense into your nephew’s head!” she told him seriously before exiting the room, probably to blow off some steam or find something to pester her son with.
Benny stared at Ryan tiredly before walking by his bed and sitting down. “Lisa is right. There is no way you can ride your bike with a sprained ankle.”
Ryan knew that he lost the argument right then. Of course he knew he was being stupid and stubborn and that there’s no way he can get around the place in his condition but he just wasn’t used to giving up this easily. He was hoping that something, maybe a miraculous regeneration rate of his foot that he had never noticed before would come up and help him get back to his normal daily routines.
And as if the heavens were listening, something did come up. It wasn’t the inhuman healing powers Ryan was expecting but something more attainable, in the form of a red sports car.
The morning after, Ryan and Spencer sat at breakfast while Lisa loaded their plates with carbohydrates in every form when a knock on their front door was heard. Benny frowned a little at his newspaper and took a long sip of his coffee. At the second knock, he put his paper down.
“I’ll get it,” he told them needlessly, thinking that it was probably their neighbor or the newspaper guy.
What Benny didn’t expect was to see the son of his boss on his doorstep wearing a smile so big and shiny, he felt like shielding his eyes. “Brendon?”
“Good morning Mr. Smith,” Brendon greeted confidently, his hands in the front pocket of his black hoodie.
“Good morning to you too,” Benny answered uncertainly. He continued observing the boy with narrowed eyes.
“Are Ryan and Spencer home?” Brendon asked suddenly snapping him out of his daze.
On cue, Spencer appeared beside his father. “Who-”
“Hi Spencer,” Brendon greeted again.
Spencer’s eyes widened. “Brendon.”
Brendon smiled at him sheepishly. He turned to his father to find him staring back pointedly as if to say ‘I didn’t know you’re friends with him’.
“It’s a long story,” Spencer told him in a low voice.
“Ummm... Can I come in?” Brendon asked uncertainly shifting his gaze from Benny to Spencer and back again.
“Of course,” Benny said stepping out of the way and motioned Brendon to come in. “Sorry about that.”
They all walked in, Spencer leading the way while Benny trailed behind them after closing the door. Spencer watched Brendon like a hawk and found him looking around their living room with mild interest.
“Nice house,” Brendon commented.
“Thanks,” Benny said. “Come on, we’re just having breakfast. I hope you like pancakes.”
“I love pancakes,” Brendon said with a smile.
When they reached the dining room, Lisa was all but forcing yet another serving of breakfast at Ryan. She had just placed a fresh plateful of food in front of Ryan and her nephew immediately took it to Spencer’s plate and dumped almost half of it as soon as Lisa turned her back at him. They both froze as Spencer and Benny reappeared with the new arrival. Spencer mouthed ‘I saw that’ to him while Brendon openly laughed.
“We got company,” Benny announced enthusiastically before ushering Brendon to the table.
“Hello Mrs. Smith, Ryan,” Brendon greeted them, making sure his gaze lingered a little more on Ryan as their eyes met.
Ryan looked surprised but he quickly recovered and returned Brendon’s smile warmly.
“What a polite boy,” she commented with a smile. “New addition to the gang?”
“Mom this is Brendon Urie,” Spencer said hurriedly. He forgot this was the first time Lisa met Brendon. “He’s a friend from school.”
“Then he’s most welcome,” she said before turning to Brendon again. “Take a seat dear. I’ll get you a fresh plate.”
“Thanks,” Brendon said and took the seat in front of Ryan as Lisa walked back to her kitchen.
“So uh, Brendon, this is a pleasant surprise,” Benny said.
“Well I didn’t mean to catch you guys while having breakfast but I was a little worried that I won’t reach you before you left for school,” Brendon told them.
“It’s more than an hour more before we usually leave,” Ryan told him.
“Yeah, so what’s up?” Spencer asked.
Benny pretended not to listen as he picked up his paper again. Brendon didn’t really mind though.
“Nothing. I just figured that, with what happened during the school trip Ryan needs a ride,” he explained. “I got a car and we’re going to the same place anyway.”
Lisa suddenly reappeared with a plate loaded with pancakes, eggs, toast and lots of other things. Brendon perked up as she placed it in front of him. “Eat,” she ordered.
“Yes, ma’am,” Brendon said happily before digging in.
Lisa smiled at their guest. “I have a feeling that I will like your new friend,” she told Spencer and Ryan. They both smiled at her before she went back to the kitchen where something was still cooking.
“That’s very kind of you Brendon,” Benny said putting his paper down. “I’m not needed at school until later before lunch and I was going to give them a lift. They used to just ride their bikes to school since our schedules don’t match.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Brendon told them after swallowing. “I don’t mind at all. In fact, if you want I can come over and give Ryan and Spencer a lift until Ryan gets better. I can drive them home too.”
Spencer nudged Ryan lightly under the table while Ryan was staring at his plate with great interest. He turned to his cousin and was annoyed when Spencer gave him a look that said it all. He could feel his cheeks burning.
“So what do you say?” Brendon asked them.
“That’ll be great,” Spencer said quickly before Ryan can say anything.
“Okay then,” Brendon said happily and continued eating. His plate was almost empty.
They finished breakfast and got their stuff ready. They said good bye to Spencer’s parents who saw them off to the door.
“It was nice meeting you Brendon,” Lisa said before turning to Ryan. “I expect you to be home early. Don’t you dare even think about doing your shift tonight.”
Ryan groaned while Brendon’s ears perked up again. “I can give him a ride to work and a ride home, Mrs. Smith,” he told her.
“That’s very sweet of you dear but I don’t think Ryan should do his shifts just yet. The place where Ryan works might be far from your usual route,” Lisa said.
“Oh I don’t mind. Plus I can help him in the shop too. I have quite a lot of free time,” Brendon said easily.
And just like that, Brendon became Ryan’s personal driver and assistant. It was not as if he was complaining but Ryan still felt a little uneasy. Sure, Brendon cared about him and apparently was willing to do everything for him but Ryan somehow felt like he was taking advantage of the other’s feeling s for him. He wasn’t used to getting this much attention.
For the next five days, Ryan arrived at school with Spencer and Brendon and the student body once again buzzed at the site. Everyone was talking about Brendon giving Ryan rides and helping him to his classes whenever he can. Ryan ignored them all, trying to focus on getting better while Brendon flaunted to the whole school not so discreetly that maybe Ryan and him were now official.
“It’s not like I’m doing anything wrong,” Brendon told Ryan when he asked the other about it. “We’re together now and maybe it’s good to let everyone know now, you know, so that everything’s clear and... established. Unless it bothers you or something...”
“No, it doesn’t,” Ryan said quickly.
“Good, because I already told my other friends,” Brendon said before kissing Ryan’s forehead quickly. “You know Ryland and the rest of the people sitting at that table?”
“I think so,” Ryan said blinking, half wondering if he really knew who Ryland was and half thinking about how fast Brendon could move sometimes.
So established they became. Lunches were spent together with Brendon, Gabe, Jon, Patrick, William, Spencer and Ryan, all sitting together and chatting happily. There were still haters popping up every now and then but they were mostly on the school’s forum site where they could bash Ryan all they want under an anonymous name.
However, Spencer found out one night that Ryan did not only earn himself haters but also some fans. He called his cousin that night to showed Ryan a new thread started by an anonymous person about his supposed admirers.
“Look at this guy here,” Spencer told him smirking as he scrolled down the page and began reading. “I have the shittiest luck of all. I first saw Ryan Ross at the parking lot on the first day of school and had a crush on him ever since. I was building up the courage to ask him out when Brendon named him on his request. I knew I couldn’t have him now.”
Ryan flinched a little while Spencer shook his head gravely saying, “What a poor guy. He must have been heartbroken.”
Ryan rolled his eyes and stared at the computer screen. “These people are just confused. I bet they’re just saying these things now because Brendon and I are now together.”
“Whatever, dude,” Spencer told him. “At least now we know why Brendon wanted both of you to be established to the whole school,” he added putting air quotes on the word ‘establish’.
During shifts, Brendon would stick around until Ryan was done and take him home. Pete was ecstatic on the first night and he and Brendon celebrated while Ryan tried to hush them up while serving from behind the counter.
“Please ignore them. They had too much drinks earlier,” Ryan explained when a group of costumers stared at Brendon and Pete weirdly while the two sang some out of tune version of an old love song.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Saturday finally came and Ryan was only too happy to get rid of the crutches. He missed walking around without those so he woke up early and decided that he should take a jog outside. He put on a loose white shirt and shorts before slipping his running shoes on. No more pain was felt and he was glad.
It was the first time he ever took the time to jog since he moved here and Ryan had to admit that the streets of the suburbs looked nice in the morning. He decided to head for the small park Spencer showed him, pocketing his phone and leaving a note for the Smiths who were still asleep.
He walked out of the front door, closing it behind him as quietly as possible before taking in the surroundings outside as he started to jog and experimenting with the weights he can put on his foot. The morning breeze felt pleasant against his face, beating through his hair as he jogged down the neighborhood. The streets were still empty with only the newspaper boy and his bike roaming around throwing the paper to the houses’ doorsteps.
Ryan could see the faintest hints of gold as the sun started to rise from the horizon after some time and he decided that he should do this more often. Catching things just as they were about get started and assume their monotonous stance for the rest of the day gave a sense of contentment in some sort of way that he knew he saw the way things were at their simplest and most beautiful. Ryan smiled a little at the thoughts he was forming in his head. Back to basics shouldn’t be new to him since he just had a really up-close and intimate bonding with a mountain.
He hadn’t even made it to the park yet when suddenly, his phone rang. His hand searched the pocket of his shorts for the rectangular device and put it to his ear without stopping, half sure already of who it was. “Hello?”
“Where are you?”
Ryan smiled slightly. Brendon’s voice sounded demanding. “I’m out. Jogging.”
“I know that already. I saw the note.”
“You’re in the Smith’s house?” Ryan asked.
“I told you I’m coming over remember?”
“But it’s what, six in the morning? The sun isn’t even up yet,” Ryan told him as he crossed the road.
“So? Lisa opened the door for me and told me to come right in. I didn’t know you’re out, I didn’t even know that you jog, Ry. Your leg might still not be up to it. Anyway, just tell me where you are.”
Ryan paused to catch his breath. He could see Brendon’s face in his head looking like he was betrayed because Ryan didn’t inform him of his jogging plan. One thing that Ryan was starting to realize about Brendon was that he was extremely possessive, at least when it came to Ryan. Ryan hadn’t made up his mind yet if that was a good or a bad thing but right then, he decided that it was endearing.
“There’s a park near the house, about four blocks away,” Ryan muttered into the phone before starting to walk.
“Yeah, I think I saw that already when I took a wrong turn or something. Wait for me there, okay?”
“See you,” Ryan said before hanging up and pocketing his phone.
It took him a couple of minutes more before reaching the said park. It was not crowded except for a few more early joggers like himself, some having their dogs in tow. Ryan checked his watch and predicted Brendon will take a few more minutes so he decided to go around the park a couple of times while waiting. Ryan took a deep breath and allowed himself to smile a little at the prospect of a nice morning before starting on his feet.
It was becoming a little warmer as the sun continued to rise. Ryan concentrated on the path before him while getting a little glimpse of the trees and the benches at the peripheries of his vision in mild golden blurs. He enjoyed the feeling of sweat slowly building up at the sides of his face and at his back making his shirt stick to his skin.
An old couple sat on one of the benches Ryan passed by. They were smiling at each other as they talked about something that he failed to hear. At the other side of the park, a woman in tight sweat pants was listening to her iPod and she smiled slightly at him as he jogged by her. Ryan nodded at her politely and then quickened his pace. He went around a few more times and glanced at his watch again. What was taking Brendon so long?
Suddenly, a strong force struck Ryan from behind sending him on the ground. He cursed loudly as he felt his knees hit the ground then his palms. Good thing the grass was thick.
“Fuck!” Ryan muttered as he stilled his vision and tried to regain his bearings. He automatically reached his ankle and tried to move it. Relief came over him as soon he did because it didn’t hurt.
“Shit dude, I am so sorry.”
Ryan let himself sit on the ground before looking up at the person who bumped into him. He was a little taller than Ryan with shocking long blond hair and he was smiling slightly. Ryan didn’t think anything was funny.
“What’s so funny?” he asked before he could stop himself. Ryan thought this was probably a bad idea seeing as this guy can probably beat the crap out of him without a problem but he was feeling a little reckless at the moment so he even allowed himself to glare for good measure.
“Nothing, I just uh, you don’t recognize me do you?” the guy asked before extending his hand to him.
Ryan frowned, feeling a tad more pissed. What did this guy thought he was, famous? He decided not to answer immediately and took his sweet time standing up ignoring the hand the other offered before brushing dirt off his shorts. “Am I suppose to?”
The guy laughed again. “Oh my, you really are as antisocial as they say.”
So maybe that wasn’t exactly friendly but what was Ryan supposed to say? The guy bumped him and now he was making him look stupid. I’ll give you antisocial, he thought grimly.
“I’m sorry,” the guy said finally sensing Ryan’s irritation. “I’m Chase. Ryan right?”
“How did you know my name?” Ryan asked apprehensively.
The guy who said he was Chase might have looked a little crestfallen. “We go to the same school. Palo Verde?”
Now it made sense. “Oh, right,” Ryan said monotonously.
“How come I never saw you here before? I always jog here Saturdays,” Chase said not bothering to hide his interest.
“It’s my first time today,” he answered simply. He wasn’t really good in making small talk. Why is he talking to him anyway?
Chase nodded like everything was justified. “Of course, of course.”
“And it probably will be his last too.”
Ryan and Chase turned to find Brendon beside Ryan holding two cups of coffee and looking extremely pissed. “Coffee?” he told Ryan as he handed him the cup.
“Thanks,” Ryan said taking it.
“Chase, what a nice surprise,” Brendon said turning to the other.
“Hey Brendon,” Chase said though he didn’t look too happy about seeing him.
“You look like you could use a coffee,” Brendon told him seriously. “Why don’t you go get it?”
Brendon’s voice was laced with an unspoken threat that Ryan suddenly grabbed his arm. Chase looked like he wanted to say something back but decided to bite his tongue for a moment instead before nodding and walking away.
“So Chase huh?” Brendon said rounding up at Ryan.
“You seriously think he was flirting or something?” Ryan asked in return.
Brendon huffed loudly. “Ryan, I know how you can be oblivious sometimes but that guy was eating you with his eyes. Didn’t you feel it?”
Ryan rolled his eyes before taking a sip of his coffee. “Maybe because I wasn’t paying attention.”
Brendon sighed and almost pouted.
“Trust me, the only thing that guy made me feel was throw a punch and then run away. He’s quite bigger than me so maybe I also felt a little cowardly too,” Ryan added and Brendon smiled at him.
“Come on,” he told Ryan and grabbed his hand before dragging him to the nearest bench.
“What took you so long?” Ryan asked as they took sat down.
“Apparently, a lot of people get their coffee in the morning,” Brendon told him. “Had I known Chase will be here I would have brought Zack along.”
Ryan laughed lightly. “Yeah, because even with the two of us, there’s no chance that we’ll be able to take him down.”
They laughed some more and then a comfortable silence took over. Brendon grabbed Ryan’s hand and put it on his lap before angling the other’s head to his shoulder so that Ryan was leaning against him. Ryan didn’t struggle and just let Brendon position him as he pleased. They stayed like that for a long time, just enjoying the air and watching the other people jog and walk.
“Let’s go out tonight,” Brendon said suddenly.
Ryan adjusted his head a little and smiled. “Where to?”
Brendon started stroking his hair and drawing lazy circles on his hand. “Anywhere you like. I don’t care as long as you say yes.”
Not far from them was a fat lady was being taught by her husband how to throw a Frisbee. Both Ryan and Brendon watched her passively as she swung her arms with much enthusiasm.
“Hmmm...” Ryan said thinking of places he wanted to go. There were a lot of course but as it turned out, he didn’t really care either. “You choose.”
“We can... go out of town?” Brendon suggested.
“I got a curfew,” Ryan said.
The husband was now walking several meters away from the fat woman and was encouraging her to try her first throw with a smile. She seemed a little reluctant.
“That sucks,” Brendon said and Ryan could feel him nodding. “Why don’t you just hangout at my place then? I have a lot of movies, a pool table, a swimming pool...”
“Uh-hum,” Ryan muttered. “Sounds like plan. We can even continue working on chemistry.”
Brendon groaned. “Okay, but after we have some fun. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” he replied.
The Frisbee was finally in the air, zooming past everybody’s head by an inch or two until it swerved slightly to hit the husband square on the forehead. Brendon and Ryan chuckled a little. They didn’t even need to say why the other was laughing.
“What time should I come get you?” Brendon asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ll be at the mall this afternoon for a job that Pete has found for me and I don’t really know how long that would take,” Ryan answered before sitting up straight.
“What?” Brendon asked frustrated. “A job. You found another fucking job.”
“What’s so wrong about that?” Ryan asked defensively.
“I don’t know, I just, don’t you ever get tired? I mean, yeah, I understand you need the money and all but really, you’re just a teenager. Like me, and Gabe, and everyone else at school,” Brendon rambled.
Ryan laughed. “Hiding behind my age won’t get me to college. Just imagine this as something that is analogous to William’s online games, or to Jon’s love for sandals.”
Brendon shook his head but was unable to hold back a smile. He knew quite a number of people but Ryan has got to be the most mature person he met. No matter what the other say, Brendon firmly believed that having fun is in the nature of every young person and no amount of denying will erase it even for Ryan. He presumed that the other just had learned how to sacrifice these things for more important matters that will help him set up the future he wanted to have. Another thing he loved about him, he guessed.
Ryan was smiling at him fondly and Brendon just wanted to kiss his face off. “Be thankful we’re in a public place or you are so dead.”
Ryan looked a little confused at that which just made Brendon a little more impulsive. He kissed Ryan full on the lips, not bothering to pull back as he said, “Okay but make sure you take care of yourself and... make time for me too.”
Brendon was a little surprised but still delighted nonetheless when Ryan muttered ‘whatever’ against his lips in return. They pulled back grinning at each other and went back to people watching with Ryan’s head back on his shoulder.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Ryan sighed loudly in front of Spencer’s laptop making his cousin turn to him with a questioning look. He shrugged at his cousin as if to say ‘nothing’ and went back to the computer screen. He stared at the computer screen and let his eyes become hypnotized by the rhythmic blinking of the tiny vertical line on his empty document.
“I don’t know what to do,” Ryan announced to no one in particular.
There was a loud snapping sound as Spencer closed his book with more force than was necessary. He walked over to Ryan and shook his head at the site of his nonexistent homework.
“You do know that that’s due on Monday, right?” Spencer asked him. “I have finished that paper two days ago, me. I’ve never been ahead of you on homework.”
Ryan nodded without looking away from the screen.
Spencer glared at the back of Ryan’s head. “If you’re not going to tell me what’s bothering you, at least try to pretend that you still care about school and write the damn paper already.”
“Sorry. I want to tell you, Spence. I really do,” Ryan said giving him a serious look.
“But you just won’t,” Spencer cut in. “I’ve been asking you since yesterday.”
“I told you it’s... personal and a little, no, greatly embarrassing,” Ryan told him.
Spencer stared at him. “We’ve known each other since we were in diapers. I’ve seen every possible embarrassing thing that you could ever do so there’s no reason to go all shy now.”
“No, not this one,” Ryan said simply.
Spencer sighed deeply. “Ry, it’s me. You know you can talk to me about anything.”
Ryan stared at Spencer, considering him with an unreadable expression. He shifted in his place and leaned in closer looking serious. Spencer copied his movements, glad that his cousin had finally decided to tell him whatever it was.
Spencer had been really curious about it since Ryan usually wasn’t embarrassed about anything. Well, not really anything, Spencer thought. It’s just that his cousin never did anything that would embarrass himself and having this one thing right now just made this all the more serious.
“Promise you’ll give this your best understanding,” Ryan said.
Spencer nodded seriously, his curiosity and concern increasing. “Okay.”
“And don’t you dare laugh,” Ryan added and he nodded again.
“Okay. You see this thing with Brendon,” Ryan began and Spencer just knew this was about Brendon. Why didn’t he see that coming? He didn’t interrupt though, just nodded encouragingly.
“I really want it to go well. Brendon is really special to me and I want to make him happy,” Ryan continued, his eyes involuntarily averting towards the floor. Spencer could see his cheeks starting to blush.
“Even with Helen we never gone farther than kissing and, and, I know Brendon is expecting something,” Ryan went on in top speed. “But with guys I just, I don’t, I have no fucking idea.”
Spencer allowed some minutes of silence to take over after that with him just watching Ryan destroy the hem of his shirt. What was he suppose to say to that?
Ryan chanced a glance at him looking too embarrassed yet very confused. Spencer thought his cousin should lay off the poor shirt.
“Oh, uh, I see,” Spencer said lamely now wishing that he didn’t talk Ryan into telling him.
“I told you,” Ryan said managing a shy smile.
Spencer laughed nodding slightly. “I guess we didn’t cover sex problems when we were little.”
“No, we didn’t,” Ryan told him.
Bringing that up told them just how much things had changed since they met Brendon and his friends. Ryan glanced at his cousin and was relieved that he wasn’t laughing and instead looking like he was in deep thinking.
“I don’t know Ry,” Spencer suddenly said. “I think Bren knows well about... things. I guess he’ll guide you or something if... it, comes.”
“That’s what I thought,” Ryan said with a shrug, almost bored.
“Did you talk about it?” Spencer asked hesitantly.
Ryan’s cheeks were tinted again. “No. I think he’s more touchy about it than I am,” he said.
“Right, right,” Spencer said nodding to himself. “He’s waiting for you then.”
“I know!” Ryan almost exclaimed in frustration and Spencer visibly jumped. “I appreciate that he’s being considerate but, I don’t think I can... I want to but... I, like...”
Spencer stared at his cousin sympathetically. Ryan looked painfully torn Spencer almost hated Brendon for doing this to him. He was about to say something comforting to him when Ryan suddenly rose looking alarmed.
“What is it?” Spencer asked.
“I almost forgot. I got a job at the mall today,” Ryan announced before dashing for the door.
Some things never change, Spencer thought.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Traffic was miraculously cooperative and Ryan arrived at the mall in record time. He ran through the sea of people, dodging shoppers and their little kids. He was in front of Big Chick’s with two minutes to spare and he smiled. Ryan paused to catch his breath before stepping in and finding Pete. He was at the back getting more chicken to fry looking like he had been working for hours already. He waved at Ryan when he saw him though before leading him to the small locker room.
“Here are your uniform,” Pete said handing Ryan a small pile of neatly folded clothes. “Change into them and come find me outside after.”
Ryan nodded. “Okay.”
Pete nodded back before walking towards the door of Big Chick’s small locker room. He straightened his half apron and gave his side bang a slight stroke before opening the door and disappearing behind it.
Ryan sighed and proceeded to inspecting the uniform. As expected, they were exactly like Pete’s. A yellow shirt with an even more yellow chick that was holding the chicken thigh was printed in front. The name of the chicken place was also printed in huge bold letters on the black half apron. It could be worse, Ryan decided before shrugging and starting to change.
He was ready in a flash. Ryan straightened his attire and moved his arms experimentally. He seemed satisfied so he headed for the door and stepped out.
Big Chick’s was looking quite full. Almost all of the tables were already occupied by costumers and Ryan could see a few children here and there running around the place with gravy-stained bibs. He almost tripped from a little girl who glared him.
“Sorry,” he told her and she gave his leg a kick before running away.
Ryan laughed a little and went on, careful this time to not anger any more toddlers. He spotted Pete by the entrance standing like a weird security guard.
“Hey,” he greeted as soon as he was within earshot.
Pete examined him from head to foot and nodded approvingly. “About a size bigger but it would do.”
“Yeah,” Ryan said looking down at himself.
“Here,” Pete said handing him a thick stack of flyers. “We’re going to the fountain area of the mall and hand out flyers to as many people as we can. My supervisor will check up on us once in a while so do your best. He might give you another job if you do well.”
“Okay,” Ryan said determined.
He followed Pete through the jungle of mall goers stuffing the flyers in the pocket of his apron. They reached it after a some time and Pete told him to put on his best smile.
“And remember,” Pete began after telling Ryan to straighten his posture too. “Say the place’s motto with a congenial air. Repeat after me, Big Chick’s Chicken. We serve the best fried chicken.”
Ryan nodded pushing aside thoughts like ‘this is stupid’ and ‘this is embarrassing’. “Big Chick’s Chicken. We serve the best fried chicken,” he tried with a stiff smile.
“That’ll do,” Pete said dismissively.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Gabe threw his shirt into the air and shouted ‘fucker’ loudly before running and jumping in the water headfirst. Jon laughed loudly and proceeded to applauding him as Gabe’s head resurfaced. He bowed to them gracefully, blowing kisses in all directions to the non-existent crowd.
“Thank you, thank you,” Gabe muttered.
Brendon opened the door and entered the pool area of his house laughing a little. “That was you?”
“Whatever it was, yes it was me,” Gabe said.
Brendon took a seat on the bar. “I didn’t even know that you guys are here. How come you can enter my place without me knowing?”
Jon shrugged. “Since we know each other most of our lives and your security guy trusts us enough to not kill you behind his back?”
“Right,” Brendon said.
“Since when did it bother you that we’re here? You love having us here,” Gabe said taking a seat beside Brendon and soaking the chair in the process.
“Uhuh,” Brendon said eying his furniture but decided not to comment on it. “Anyway, you two are going to have to clear off tonight.”
Jon raised an eyebrow while Gabe smirked.
“You got company?” Gabe asked.
“As a matter of fact. Ryan will be coming over,” Brendon answered proudly.
“That explains the bitchiness to your friends,” Gabe said nodding.
Jon laughed. “You got that right. But seriously Bren, you might not have noticed it but these past few days, you seem a little... off.”
“Off?” Brendon repeated questioningly. “What’s ‘off’?”
“I don’t know... like someone who’s got a period,” Jon explained and Brendon raised an eyebrow. “When you’re happy, you’re really happy and then all it takes is one teeny tiny thing to set you off in the wrong way.”
“Come to think of it, yeah, I think so too,” Gabe said.
“Is there something you want to tell us?” Jon asked seriously.
“Maybe about Ryan?” Gabe added.
“What? No! Ryan and I... everything’s going really well between us,” Brendon said.
Jon nodded while Gabe looked like he was fighting the urge to laugh.
“What?” Brendon asked dangerously.
“There he goes again,” Gabe muttered in a singsong tone while Jon blurted out his laughter.
Brendon rolled his eyes and glared at them before crossing his arms in front of him, all but keeping himself from throwing both of them into the pool. Jon struggled to shut himself up and keep his face straight. After a few minutes, he finally managed to do so.
“Done?” Brendon asked pointedly.
“Sorry,” Jon said and nodded.
“Go on, ask him,” Gabe managed to say in between his laughter. Brendon glared at him.
“Ask me what?” he demanded.
Jon cleared his throat before regaining his composure. “Well, me and Gabe have been talking-and”
“No shit,” Brendon cut in and Jon pretended not to hear.
“We’ve been talking about you, about how you seem kind of tense these days and we were just, uh, wondering or uh, thinking, that maybe...” Jon trailed off.
“You’re killing him man,” Gabe told him still sniggering slightly.
“Oh fuck you, Sapporta,” Brendon said irritated. He breathed deeply before turning back to them. “Are you both just going to sit there and irritate the hell out of me or will you spill?”
Gabe and Jon exchanged glances before Gabe decided Jon was apparently too kind to say whatever it was.
“Let me put it this way,” he began seriously. “We are guessing that you and Ross are, uh, taking it slow?”
“So what if we are?” Brendon asked still annoyed. “Is that bad?”
“You’re missing the point,” Gabe said shaking his head. “You and Ryan are taking it slow...”
“And you seem happy but also really cranky at times...” Jon joined in.
Brendon stared at his two friends who were both craning their necks towards him expecting him to realize... something. What the hell was it? So he wanted to take things slow with Ryan because he didn’t want to mess up, was that bad? So he maybe he was a little cranky, and possibly a little frustrated that Ryan was now his boyfriend and yet... Oh.
Jon and Gabe seemed to have read the dawning comprehension on his face because they were both giggling again. Giggling for fuck’s sakes.
“You two think that I’m cranky because I’m not getting any?” Brendon asked bluntly and both of them laughed openly.
“Holy crap,” Jon interjected clutching wiping tears from his eyes.
“I knew it! I knew it!” Gabe said clutching his sides.
“You two are unbelievable,” Brendon told them. “Sometimes I really wonder why I’m friends with you two. Is there even a point why you oh so thoughtfully pointed out that I’m sexually deprived?”
“Well, yeah. Of course,” Jon said calming himself down.
“Yeah, yeah. Aside form the fact that it is totally hilarious for someone like you to be in this kind of situation, there’s a perfectly good reason for pointing that out,” Gabe added.
“Which is?” he asked.
Gabe shrugged. “I don’t know. But I’m sure Jon has something,” he told Brendon before turning to Jon. “Don’t you Jon?”
Jon rolled his eyes. “We weren’t going to bring it up until you told us earlier that Ryan is coming over tonight.”
“Oh this is going to be good,” Gabe muttered as he scooted closer. Jone ignored him.
“I’m just worried. Ryan is... he’s different aside from the fact that maybe he’s still got some issues regarding about his orientation,” Jon explained.
“Jon, I wouldn’t be sexually frustrated if I’m forcing Ryan to anything he doesn’t want,” Brendon said.
“I know,” Jon said nodding. “And I’m really proud of you because knowing you, it must have been difficult.”
“You have no idea,” Brendon muttered and Gabe cracked up again.
“I’m just saying that you have to careful, you know, not only for Ryan but also for yourself. I’m betting Ryan doeasn’t even realize what he’s doing to you so just... just be patient,” Jon finished.
“Spoken like true a man of experience,” Gabe said nodding gravely and Jon punched his arm.
Brendon smiled at them. “Thanks but you don’t have to worry about us. I get what you’re saying but really, we’ll be fine. We’ll figure it out.”
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Brendon hated driving to the mall so he avoided the place as much as possible and only going there when he absolutely needed to. But earlier, he received a text from Ryan saying that he might be home a little later than expected and Brendon was sure that it was a totally legit reason to be there. So he set off immediately and was now parking his car before he got out of his vehicle. He frowned a little upon seeing the tasteless throng and ignored them, trying to remember where Big Chick’s was as he walked towards the entrance.
It wasn’t the crowdedness per se, Brendon thought as he walked deeper into the building. He loved the crowd, and the noise, and maybe it was a little packed but maybe he liked that a little too.
A cold icky feeling was suddenly on the thigh area of his pants followed by a really loud wail from below. Brendon looked down and saw a little boy crying while holding an empty sugar cone because guess what, the whole scoop of chocolate ice cream with fucking chocolate syrup was now on his new skinny jeans. Right. That’s why he hated the mall.
“You took my ice kwim!” the kid said pointing an accusing finger at him.
“I most certainly did not!” Brendon said indignantly as the kid attracted attention from the passersby. “I mean, you bumped into me, but it’s okay.”
“Bad owd man! Gimme back my ice kwim!”
Brendon’s face contorted upon hearing ‘owd’. He was pretty sure it was meant to be ‘old’ but he let it slide, giving the little boy a stiff smile. He’s just a child, he told himself. “Listen, I’m going to buy you a new one okay?”
“Mr. Chicken got me that ice kwim. Ask Mr. Chicken to get me one again,” the boy demanded.
The corner of his eye twitched but he just smiled again. “Alright, where is this Mr. Chicken?”
The little boy tugged at his light brown curls and furiously brushed his nose. “Come one,” he said before extending his small hand at him.
Brendon stared at the small hand stained with something dark brown and something else that looked like mud. “Errm...”
“Well?” the boy said shaking his hand impatiently at him. “Hewiii!”
Brendon reluctantly gave his hand which the kid immediately gripped with surprising tightness before pulling him towards the right urgently.
“Mr. Chicken is nice but I’m not suwr he will wisten to grandpa’s,” the kid said shooting Brendon a frown as if blaming him why he had to be so old.
“Hey,” Brendon said sharply as he let the kid lead him. “Let’s get things clear okay? I am not a grandpa. I am young. I’m just in high school.”
“Mr. Chicken’s in high skwool too,” the kid said nodding approvingly. “Maybe he’ll wisten to you.”
Brendon didn’t know how to respond to that so he decided not to say anything. He glanced at his watch and sighed. Wherever Mr. Chicken was, Brendon hoped it wasn’t too far or he’ll be late getting Ryan.
“That’s Mr. Chicken,” the kid said excitedly suddenly stopping and pointing furiously at a big, yellow mascot who was currently giving away balloons to the kiddy costumers of Big Chick’s Chicken.
“I wanna bawoon! I wanna bawoon!” the kid said before running off towards mascot shouting ‘Mr. Chicken!’ as he went.
“I see you found Aaron.”
Brendon turned and found Pete walking towards him in the same uniform Ryan and him saw him wore last time. “Aaron?”
“Yup,” Pete said and glanced at the said boy who was now fighting his way through the sea of other kids to reach the mascot. “Crazy little fucker-I mean child. Won’t calm down until Ryan bought him ice cream from the parlor from across. Fucking rascal, I mean, little angel has got a big mouth too.”
Brendon laughed. “Yeah. He’s been calling me grandpa since I first saw him.”
“So,” Pete said turning back to Brendon. “You came to pick up Ryan?”
Brendon nodded while watching Aaron receive his yellow balloon from the Mascot. “Yup. Do you know where he is?”
“You’re looking at him,” Pete said.
Brendon raised an eyebrow at Pete and the other just stared pointedly at the mascot. “That’s Ryan?”
“The love of your life,” Pete said.
It wasn’t long until they saw Aaron walking back to their direction with Mr. Chicken in tow. He was wearing a proud smile and suddenly stuck out his tongue when he saw Pete.
“My mommy towd me you are gay,” Aaron told Pete.
“Yeah?” Pete asked smirking at the boy. “You know what a gay is?”
Aaron looked confused and suddenly, Mr. Chicken removed his head to reveal the face of Ryan Ross. Brendon smiled widely.
“Pete, he’s just a kid,” Ryan said in a warning voice.
“I wasn’t going to tell him,” Pete said through gritted teeth.
“Whoa...” Aaron said, eyes big while looking at Ryan. “Mr. Chicken is a girl!”
Both Pete and Brendon laughed loudly and Ryan glared them both. He turned to Aaron and sat down to his level.
“No, Mr. Chicken isn’t a girl. I’m a boy. Your mom already told you mascots aren’t real?” Ryan asked him calmly.
“Yes but... Are you sure you are a boy?” Aaron asked Ryan while staring at him through narrowed eyes.
“See that?” Ryan asked him pointing his feathery wing to his adam’s apple. “That’s an adam’s apple right there. Girls don’t have that.”
“Ohhh...” Aaron muttered sounding genuinely amazed before putting his own finger on his throat. “I don’t have one!” he said with a panicky voice.
The three laughed at him and Aaron looked like he was going to cry.
“Hey, once you grow up some more, you’ll have your own adam’s apple so don’t worry,” Brendon said and Aaron looked convinced.
“So, Mr. Chicken,” Brendon said turning to Ryan who immediately put on the chicken head back into place. “I was told by this boy that you need to buy him another ice cream but I propose that since it is my fault, I’ll be the one to buy the ice cream and treat Mr. Chicken too.”
Aaron seemed to like this idea. “Wet’s go! Wet’s go!”
“I hate to be the party pooper but,” Pete cut in and check his watch. “Mr. Chicken still got fifteen more minutes before he can go out for ice cream.”
“Oh that’s okay,” Brendon said quickly. “The offer doesn’t expire until twelve tonight.”
“Ooh! Ooh! Like Cindewella!” Aaron said excitedly.
“Yes,” Brendon told him before staring at the chicken head. “Just like Cinderella.”
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Brendon’s house looked deserted but Ryan knew that the maids were somewhere in the house probably hiding or something.
“So what do you want to do? We can watch a movie or I can teach you how to play pool,” Brendon said as they entered the front door.
“I don’t know. What movies do you have?” Ryan asked.
“There’s a list at my home theater,” Brendon said. “And I got popcorn in the kitchen.”
“Okay,” Ryan said and let Brendon drag him to wherever.
“Let’s get the popcorn first,” Brendon told him and Ryan nodded.
They reached the kitchen. Brendon started to rummage through his cupboards while Ryan admired the chess-like squares of the floor.
“Need help?” he asked him.
“No I just,” Brendon muttered as he took down jars of peanut butter and packs of crisps. “I know they keep it here... somewhere... here!”
He shook the box of microwavable popcorn triumphantly at Ryan before tearing the side open and extracting a packet. Ryan watched as Brendon read the back of the pack for the instructions, slightly frowning.
“You’ve never made your own popcorn before, have you?” Ryan asked.
“No, I did it once,” Brendon said briefly glancing up at him. “But that was years ago.”
Ryan laughed and decided to lend Brendon a hand. He walked towards him and grabbed the small bag from him. He walked towards the microwave, placed the bag in and punched a few numbers. The machine immediately came into life.
“I was going to do exactly that,” Brendon said.
Ryan rolled his eyes. “It’s really easy but you might want to consider other ways to get your popcorn. Some people have raised health concerns against that one,” he said pointing at the machine.
“You know,” Brendon began as he walked towards Ryan. “You look hotter when you’re being nerdy.”
Ryan blushed. He could feel his heart racing as Brendon got closer and closer. He averted his eyes and stared at the floor. Ryan knew times like this were coming but he still lose it whenever he and Brendon did anything even though they’re now together.
Before he knew what was happening, Brendon was against him and was slowly pushing him back against the kitchen counter. He looked up nervously to find Brendon’s eyes looking at him in a very unnerving way. He felt his back hit mildly the corner of the counter and oh look, he was trapped.
“B-Bren, I,” Ryan rambled incoherently not knowing what else to do.
“Sshhh...” Brendon hushed him up putting a finger against Ryan’s lips. “Don’t be afraid.”
Ryan’s hands were trembling as he gripped the side of the counter tighter. He swallowed and nodded a little, not really knowing what he was agreeing to but it was Brendon and Ryan found him really persuasive. Brendon smiled at him before removing the finger on his lips just to put it at the side of Ryan’s face. Ryan blinked feeling an arm snaking around his waste and Brendon was moving, closer and closer until he could feel his breath against his cheek.
Ryan tried to push away the butterflies in his stomach and concentrate on Brendon’s lips on his, soft and warm. His breath hitched as he felt the familiar tongue sliding at his lower lip and he complied, parting his lips slightly. It slid in his mouth, wet and smooth, and Ryan just let Brendon take over.
Brendon used his hold on the side of Ryan’s face to pull the other closer. He groaned when he felt Ryan slightly leaning back so he placed his hand instead on the back of Ryan’s neck to keep him close, earning him a small whimper from the other which he might just find a little exciting.
Something about taking over Ryan’s innocence and his reluctance was extremely satisfying so he made the movements of his tongue more aggressive, more dominating. He lightly bit the lower lip before sucking on it and Brendon decided he can’t have enough. He was feeling more and more aroused and maybe he was losing his mind. He promised to himself that he’ll never force anything on Ryan but right now, Ryan was letting him. He pulled back briefly to catch his breath and take in Ryan’s dazed expression and swollen red lips. Brendon smirked before leaning in once more, and claiming Ryan’s lips again without waiting for the other’s response.
The microwave sounded loudly to signal that their popcorn was ready but Brendon wasn’t really into popcorn right now so he ignored it. Ryan seemed to have got the hint and just let Brendon do as he pleased which incidentally, he had no problem at all.
They kissed for what felt like hours and it was Ryan who pulled back this time because he seriously needed oxygen, feeling his bottom lip slide between Brendon’s teeth as he pulled away.
“Are you okay with that?” Brendon asked him breathily, still not moving back.
Ryan bit his bottom lip and nodded. “Yeah, I guess.”
Brendon smiled, eyes still hazy. “I don’t want to push my luck but I kind of wanted to make out with you more for a while now and it would really suck if you say no.”
Ryan laughed softly. “I, uh, I’m not really good with these things.”
Brendon shook his head and stroked Ryan’s cheek. “It doesn’t matter. All I care about is it’s you.”
Ryan stared at him with an unreadable expression and for moment Brendon was convinced that the other was going to bring out a knife from somewhere and stab out his heart. “Or we can go watch a movie if you want. I’ll just-uh”
“Okay,” Ryan said.
“Okay let’s watch a movie or okay let’s go make out in my room?” Brendon asked sounding a little hopeful.
Ryan bit his lower lip again and Brendon was sure he was doing that on purpose just to spite him and see him suffer. Brendon held his breath waiting.
“How about you choose,” Ryan said and Brendon couldn’t tell if the other was teasing or scared.
But he did say he could choose right? Brendon thought that was a no brainer and it took a fraction of a second before he was grabbing Ryan by the arm and dragging him upstairs.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
NOTES:
Before anyone throws anything at anyone, I’m saying now that the next chapter is already in progress and will be posted soon. This contains what is supposed to be the 25th’s first part hence this chapter being longer.
I’m still waiting for the right time to start the end (how ironic XD) but... yeah. Still don’t know how many more chapters. I really hope I finish this before the second semester and start posting the new fic already...
This is un-everything (yes I know, you know :D) and potentially sucking at parts but I may do something about it... and oh yeah, watch out for msbenzedrine’s fic too. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this.