Eyes Shining Brighter Than The Moon. [standalone!]
Title: Eyes Shining Brighter Than The Moon.
Author: hearts_lust
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Ryan/Jon
POV: Third, Ryan.
Summary: “Hey, if I’ve heard right, you’re the bitch. At least I don’t bottom in my relationship,” Brendon replies with a smirk.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, sadly.
Author's Note: This was written for x_feanaryo because it's her birthday and I told her I'd write her a story with her favorite pairing! I love the outcome of this and it's a standalone only.
Staring out of the window, he realizes that it’s just another day. Another twenty-four hours to waste away by staring at the television with a blank expression, watching but not really seeing anything. Listening, but not really hearing anything. It’s April 12th, Brendon’s birthday, and he forgot. Ryan actually forgot his best friend’s birthday and if it weren’t for Jon, he would have never known.
“Talked to Brendon yet?” he asked from the Chicago airport, returning from LA.
“No, why would I? It’s just Saturday; I don’t talk to Brendon on Saturday. He’s normally with his parents,” Ryan replied, playing with the fabric on his jeans.
“Dude I doubt he’s with his parents. He turned twenty-one today and you know that he’s probably out partying, getting fucking wasted.”
“Shit it is his birthday, isn’t it?”
“Did Ryan forget his best friend’s birthday?” Jon faked a gasp and Ryan could tell he was smiling.
“Yes, asshole, I did. Should I call him now or wait until tomorrow.”
“It’s only noon so I’m guessing now would be okay. He probably won’t party until Pete gets there with the alcohol. Just like your twenty-first, Ry!”
Ryan remembered that just like it was yesterday. Brendon and Spencer weren’t allowed to attend seeing as how they weren’t twenty-one, but it was a great party. Ryan met a lot of people, had a lot of fun, drank maybe too much, and probably did some things he should regret if he could remember.
“Fuck you, Walker. Are you coming for his birthday?”
“Not this year. Now go call him before I fly there and shank you, bitch.”
Ryan laughed. “Whatever. Bye Jon.”
Ryan hung up the phone and that’s where he is now. He’s still sitting on the couch, cell phone in hand, trying to remember the number that’s in his cell. He remembers, barely, and quickly dials the number, getting voicemail.
“Hey, It’s Brendon. Sorry I didn’t answer but I’m probably out getting drunk because I’M OFFICIALLY TWENTY-ONE!”
He could hear the cheers in the background. Brendon had already been out and had already done his partying, if it weren’t still going on. Ryan laughed at Brendon’s voicemail and left a brief message, ending it with an, “oh, by the way, happy fucking birthday, motherfucker. Have a great twenty-first, dude.”
***
Ryan just got out of the shower. He’s walking around his lonely apartment, towel wrapped around his waist, getting him something to eat. He opens the cabinets and there’s nothing; not even peanut butter. He opens the refrigerator to find the same thing, only it’s expired milk.
“I’ve got to go shopping,” he said to no one but himself. He walked out of the kitchen, frustrated, and back into his bedroom. Hobo was on his bed, tail wagging. “Hey girl,” he said, bending over and petting her. “Wanna go for a walk today?”
She barked her response and he laughed as her tongue hung out of her mouth. He shook his head and let his towel drop to the floor, going and grabbing a pair of clean boxers from a drawer. He took the towel and dried it his hair with it, throwing it onto his bed when he was done.
He picked a loose green t-shirt and pair a basketball shorts that made his legs look stupid for an outfit. It was hot outside, he was taking Hobo for a walk-he didn’t feel like tight clothing and sweating right after a shower.
“Ready girl?” he asked as he grabbed her leash, hooking it onto her collar. She excitedly jumped off the bed and ran to the front of the house, barking at the front door. “I’m coming, I’m coming,” Ryan said, running after her. He slipped his shoes on and opened the front door.
The two walked around the block and to the nearest park. Ryan sat on a bench while Hobo played with the nearby birds. His phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket, not even bothering to look at the caller ID.
“Ross speaking,” he said.
“What the fuck? Since when do you answer the phone all formal like?” Jon laughed on the other end. “I’m coming to see you.”
Ryan’s face lit up. “Really?” he asked. “Just me or like, Spencer and Brendon, too?”
“Just you and Hobo,” he replied. “Don’t get too excited.”
“When are you coming!?” Ryan asked.
Sure, Jon was “just a friend” but Ryan enjoyed spending time with Jon. Jon understood him, Jon cared, Jon listened, Jon helped-Jon was mature.
“I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“Wait, what’s today?”
“Um,” Jon said, taking the phone off his ear and looking at the date. “It’s May 8th, why?”
“Just making sure I didn’t like, magically skip half my life,” Ryan laughed.
“Right,” Jon said with a laugh. “Well I’ll call you when I get there. See you in like, four hours dude.”
“Yeah bye, dickhead.”
“Bye skank!” Jon screamed before hanging up.
Ryan laughed because seriously? Did Jon just call him a skank?
“Come on, Hobo, let’s go home. Jon’s coming to see us!”
She barked, tongue hanging out of her mouth and tail wagging. Hobo loves Jon.
***
“Your place is boring, Ry,” Jon said.
They were lying on the floor of Ryan’s living room, Ryan’s feet at Jon’s head and vice versa.
“Well I’m sorry that this isn’t Chicago.”
“But it’s Vegas.”
“So?”
“And we’re two legal adults.”
“And?”
“And there’s a bunch of clubs.”
“Your point?”
“Let’s go to one!”
“Jon,” Ryan whined, “I haven’t seen you since you left us for Chicago. If I promise we’ll go tomorrow night can we just stay here tonight?”
“Yeah,” Jon said without a hint of disappointment. “We can do that.”
Jon moved so that he was lying next to Ryan, their feet touching. It was enough to send jolts throughout Ryan’s body. “So what’re we gonna do?” Ryan asked Jon, wondering what the hell that was that just happened.
“What movies do you have?”
“Hardly any, I’m afraid,” Ryan said in despair. He had an urge, suddenly, to turn his head and kiss his best friend, but resisted. If he were to act on that impulse, it could be bad for him-bad for the band.
“What a shame. What do you have, though?”
“Mostly Disney for my little sister when she comes over.”
“And Brendon.”
“And Brendon,” Ryan smiled. “You’re warm.” Ryan rolled into Jon, snuggling into the warmth. To his surprise, Jon wrapped an arm around Ryan and they both soon fell asleep.
***
This was the worst idea Ryan had ever had. If it wasn’t bad enough that him and Jon were at a club, they were at a gay club. Jon had convinced Ryan that plenty of “straight” guys went in. Personally, Ryan was tired of getting hit on.
“Hey baby,” another face said. “Is this seat taken?”
How fucking cliché.
“Yeah, as a matter of fact it is,” Jon said as politely as possibly to the nameless guy. “He’s mine; back off.”
“Okay, okay. Sorry man.”
Jon sat next to Ryan and ordered a drink, taking Ryan’s hand in his for the sake of it. Ryan felt those jolts of energy going through his body and he smiled.
“Thanks,” he said to Jon after sipping on his own drink.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jon said. “Just protecting you s’all.”
“Sure you didn’t just come to get me drunk?”
“That too,” Jon laughed.
“Ah, so the rumors were true. You do wanna fuck me!” Ryan laughed.
“Look’s like I’m caught,” Jon said, dropping Ryan’s hand and raising his own.
Flashes went off but neither boy noticed, too caught up in their priceless conversation that they more than likely wouldn’t remember tomorrow.
***
“What the fuck is this!?” Jon screamed as he looked at the morning paper.
“Rockstars Jon Walker and Ryan Ross from Panic at the Disco found in gay club last night. Walker admitted to Ross that he wanted sex.”
It was all over the front page and suddenly their phones rang. “Hello?” Ryan said into his.
“Explain to me what the fuck the cover story on the paper is about,” Pete said through the phone.
“It’s a mistake, Pete, I swear.”
“It better be because I thought we agreed that relationships were to be kept on the DL.”
“Pete I know what we agreed too, okay? We didn’t even see cameras flashing, I swear.”
“Ryan do you know how much shit your band gets everyday? Everybody already thinks you’re the gayest band on the Earth; way to give them proof!”
“Pete, we’re not together, okay? You think I don’t feel shitty about this?”
“You better be damn lucky I like you, Ross, or I’d tear up your contract right fucking now.”
“Thank you, Pete.”
“Yeah, well, I have more important things to attend to rather than teenager shit. Bye.”
Ryan wanted to say “fuck you” but hung up instead. He turned his phone off afterwards, deciding it would be best if he didn’t answer his phone today.
“Okay, okay. No, Spencer, we’re not dating. If we were don’t you think we’d tell you!? Spencer. Spencer just shut up. No, Spencer, no! Yeah, bye.” Jon hung up his phone, turning it off like Ryan had previously done.
“What’d we do to deserve this?” Ryan asked as he sat on the couch, staring out of the window.
“We didn’t do anything, Ryan,” Jon said, wrapping an arm around Ryan’s shoulders and pulling him closer. “People are just dicks.”
“Apparently they like to see us suck them, too.”
“I wonder what it tastes like.”
“What the hell!?” Ryan laughed. “Why do you care what a dick tastes like!?” Ryan asked with another laugh.
“I was totally just kidding dude! I know what one tastes like. Been there, done that, and totally would do it again.”
Ryan just turned to look at Jon with a confused expression. Jon returned the confusion with a smirk before turning away and closing his eyes.
***
Jon’s been at Ryan’s for a while now. Not that Ryan’s complaining, but he wonders if he’ll ever leave. Ryan hopes not; Ryan hopes he stays forever.
“Jon, can I ask you something?” he says one day while they’re lazing around.
“Yeah sure. Ask away.”
“Are you gay?”
Jon stopped, looking at Ryan. “What?” was his reply.
“Are you, ya know, gay?”
“N-not particularly, why?”
“Well the other day you said you knew what a dick tastes like and that you’d totally do it again. How do you explain that?”
“I’m not gay, Ryan, and I’m not bisexual, either. I guess I’m just…not…straight.”
“Oh. I see.”
“Why do you ask?”
“Oh-no reason,” Ryan says with a slight blush.
Jon pretends not to see the red tint that now decorates Ryan’s face. “Come on, Ry. Why do you ask? Be honest with me.”
“I’ve just… never done anything like that. With a guy, I mean. I’ve never been with a guy before.”
“Were you thinking about it?” Jon questions.
“I don’t-I don’t know.”
Jon got off the couch and walked to the bar area where Ryan was standing. They smiled at each other and Jon leaned forward a little bit. Ryan got the hint and his breath hitched, his eyes closing. Jon closed his eyes, too, but not until their lips met.
It was innocent, no tongue, but it was special. Jon placed a hand on Ryan’s cheek and held his lips against Ryan’s. They pulled away, a smile on both of their faces.
“Thanks,” Ryan said softly, burying his face into Jon’s neck.
Jon smiled. “Any day.”
***
“I have to go back to Chicago soon,” Jon says one night while they’re lying in the bed. “I want you to come with me.”
“Really? What for?” Ryan questions, turning to look into Jon’s eyes. Even if it was dark in the room, Jon’s eyes shined brighter than the moon ever could.
“I don’t know,” Jon said with a smile. “Just because.”
“Okay,” Ryan said, returning the smile. “When are you leaving?”
“In a few weeks.”
Jon scooted closer and wrapped an arm around Ryan’s waist. The feeling of Jon’s skin on his made Ryan’s skin feel like it was on fire. Jon’s finger drew patterns into Ryan’s hip bone, smiling at what he was writing.
“What are you writing?” Ryan asked.
Jon had been writing, I want you to date me into Ryan’s skin, hoping that the younger male could figure it out.
“How about I’ll write a letter into your skin and you tell me what it is?”
“Okay, I like games,” Ryan said.
Jon drew the first letter and Ryan said, “I.”
“Good, good,” Jon said. “Next word.”
Jon drew the second word and Ryan said, “What? Do that again.”
So he did. “Want. I want.”
“Yeah, yeah. Ready?”
Ryan nodded and Jon drew. “You. I want you.”
Jon drew the next one and Ryan said, “To. I want you to.”
“See if you can figure out the rest.”
“Do you want me to give you a blowjob?” Ryan laughed, jokingly.
“Yeah, Ry, go for it! Taste that dick,” Jon laughed. “Ready for your next word?”
“Yeah,” Ryan said.
Jon drew the second to last word. “Date. I want you to date. Wait. I think I get it.” Ryan paused for a moment and Jon closed his eyes. “You want me to date you?” Ryan asked quietly.
“Y-yeah,” Jon stuttered out. He knew they had only kissed that once, a few days ago in the kitchen, but Jon felt something-something incredible that just ate at him.
Ryan smiled and said, “yes,” before kissing Jon lightly on the lips.
***
“This is Pete.” Ryan called Pete because someone had to know, just so Ryan could feel like this was okay.
“It’s Ry.”
“Oh, hey. How are things with the band since those rumors?”
“Oh they’re great. It’s not like they believe it.”
“Good, good; now we just have to get the public to believe it, too,” Pete said with a laugh.
“Yeah… Can we talk for a minute?”
“That’s the whole point of a phone conversation, Ross.”
“Shut up. About something serious.”
“Yeah, but hurry up. I have to meet Patrick in a few at Starbucks to decide on something for Cobra.”
“Okay. Well the other night…” Ryan told the whole story, starting from when they had kissed first. “…and I just don’t know if this relationship is going to work with the band and everything.”
“Hm,” Pete said, soaking in all the new information. “It’ll work, Ry, you just have to put some effort into it.”
“Thanks, Pete. I gotta go, though. Jon’s waking up and we’re going to Brendon’s.”
“Bye, Ross.”
Ryan hangs up his phone and throws it onto the couch before walking back into his bedroom, Jon sitting up and rubbing his eyes. Ryan smiles and walks over, sitting down next to Jon and kissing his cheek.
“Morning,” he said against his skin.
“Shower,” Jon said with a smile, getting up and heading for the bathroom.
Ryan lay back down, closing his eyes momentarily and thinking about how great his life is at the moment.
***
“What brings you two here?” Brendon asks when he opens the door.
“Can two of your bandmates not randomly show up on your doorstep?”
“Not without wanting something. Since when are you in town, Jon?”
“I’ve been here since like, the 8th of May,” Jon replied, pushing past Brendon and into the cozy little apartment.
“Dude that’s like, almost a month.”
“Seriously?” Jon questions. “What’s today?”
“June 2nd.”
“You’re lying.”
“Nope. Brendon does not lie.”
“That was a lie in itself!” Ryan squealed. “You lied when you said you didn’t eat all of that chocolate we got from a fan in Belgium. I didn’t even get any!” Ryan pouts at this memory. He’d always wanted to try the chocolate there, but since Brendon decided to be a dick, he never got the chance.
“Hey! I was hungry and we were dangerously low on food. Besides, that chocolate was delicious!”
“Yeah, well, it’s not like the rest of us would know,” Jon said.
Ryan stalked over to the couch in Brendon’s living room, taking a seat while Jon does the same. Brendon sits in a chair across the room and looks at the two, obviously noticing something’s different for the first time.
“Am I missing something?” Brendon asked.
“Um,” was Ryan’s reply, “what would you be missing?”
“I don’t know. I just sense this… I don’t know, connection between you two. Nevermind, it doesn’t make sense. Wanna watch a movie?”
“Sure,” Ryan says, sending a look that Jon returns. “Whatcha got?”
“I have a lot of Disney, but I don’t really watch it all that much anymore. It’s basically for my little niece when she visits. I have, uh, some vampire movies and one with Jared Leto in it.”
“Shit,” Jon said. “I vote Jared Leto. That man has the most gorgeous eyes, ever.”
“They’re just like Spencer’s,” Brendon said, shrugging his shoulders and putting the DVD into the DVD player.
“Yeah but this is Jared Leto,” Jon said.
“What’s so great about him?” Brendon questions, pressing the play button and watching the opening credits dance across the screen.
Jon’s jaw drops and he’s speechless. Ryan pretty much does the same because, hello? This is Jared Leto. One of the world’s sexiest men alive and how the fuck does Brendon not see that!?
“Right,” Ryan says, nodding. “You’re stupid, B.”
“Shut the fuck up. Movie’s on.”
Ryan and Jon turn their attention to the movie, waiting on Jared Leto to appear in the window. When the “nice bad guy”, as Jon likes to call him, breaks into the house and lets Jared in, the smiles on both Ryan and Jon are huge. They both think that man is dead sexy.
***
“I’m glad you came to Chicago with me,” Jon whispered in Ryan’s ear on the plane. Since they’re in public, they can’t do anything that a “couple” would do-if you can even call what Ryan and Jon have that. To them, they’re just two guys who like each other can claim the title “boyfriends.”
“I’m glad, too,” Ryan replies with a smile. The lady walks past them for the tenth time within five minutes. “I’m sleepy,” Ryan says to Jon. “Can I lay on you?”
“Yeah, but remember: nothing above or below my shoulders. Friends don’t do things like that.”
Ryan almost laughs, but finds some self-control. He lays his head down on Jon’s shoulder and suddenly everything’s right in the world. He quickly falls into a sleep, but is awoken three hours later to Jon.
“Was it just me or did those four hours seem like ten minutes?” Ryan asks once they’re in a cab heading for Jon’s place.
“Apparently it was just you, sleepy head. I didn’t sleep so, obviously, four hours was more like three days.”
“Really? I never thought of it that way,” Ryan says with a smile. “I always figured that if it was quick for me, it was quick for everyone else, too. I didn’t know you all had to actually wait.”
“Ryan you’re hilarious,” Jon says.
The cab pulls up to Jon’s apartment complex. He hands the driver a fifty and exits the car, grabbing Ryan’s hand to help him out as well. It’s stormy outside so when they see a flash, neither boy thinks anything of it.
They take their bags out of the back and head up to the apartment to get some good sleep.
***
Ryan wakes up to a phone ringing, two actually. “Hello?” he sleepily breathes into his.
“Ross I thought we talked about this. You and Jon are not to suppose to be a couple in public.”
“We aren’t. I swear to God, Pete, we’re not. We only act like a couple in our house.”
“Ryan go look at the front fucking page of the newspaper. Tell me what the fuck that is!?”
Ryan got out of bed and went to Jon’s front door, pulling it open and snatching the newspaper off the grounded. He went back into the bedroom, sitting down and staring at the cover page.
“Pete I swear. He was helping me out of the cab. It wasn’t anything more than a friendly act. Wouldn’t you help Patrick or Joe or Andy out a cab? I know you would.”
“Ryan that’s not the point. The point is that you and Jon are a couple, and if things like this keep getting out, the public are going to believe it whether it’s true or not. It’s like I told you the first time, Ryan. People think your band is one of the gayest in the label. I get letters from people telling me that I made a bad decision in signing you guys, and right about now I’m thinking they’re right, Ryan.”
“Pete, why won’t you listen to me? I promise you that this is not right. It wasn’t even meant like that.” By now, Ryan’s crying because this is his life in jeopardy. “I promise, Pete.”
Pete sighs on the other end. “Since you’re in Chicago, Patrick and I will stop by Jon’s later to discuss this. I have to go meet Ashlee for breakfast.”
Ryan didn’t even bother saying bye when he hung the phone. He turned it off, much like the last time, and did the same to Jon’s. Jon was still sound asleep under the covers so when Ryan crawled over to him, wrapping his arms around the older boy, Jon was very much aware of a cold, wet substance hitting his shoulder.
“Ry, what’s wrong?” he asked, quickly turning over to face his boyfriend.
Ryan picked up the newspaper behind him and showed it to Jon. “That’s what’s wrong. Pete regrets signing us to the label. He’s stopping by later to “discuss” things and we all know that’s bad.”
“I don’t understand why they won’t leave us alone,” Jon says while he’s analyzing the newspaper. “It’s not like we’re interesting. And Ry, don’t worry, okay? Pete’s not going to fire us, I promise.”
Jon kisses Ryan’s forehead and rubs the younger boys back.
***
“Ryan, everyone at FBR is highly disappointed in you, as well as Jon. Everyone under the label clearly had an agreement to keep relationships, band wise or not, out of the public’s eye. So far, both you and Jon have been cover stories more than once for the newspaper. What are we going to do with you?”
“Pete, don’t be too hard on them,” Patrick says. “Ryan, just tell us exactly what happened this last time. Don’t leave anything out. This is your career we’re talking about.”
Ryan takes a breath. “On the plane I had slept some. We got a cab from the airport to Jon’s place and when we got here, I was still a little drowsy. Jon helped me out of the cab and wrapped an arm around my waist so I wouldn’t fall. It’s wasn’t anything more than friendly, I promise.”
“What about the first time?” Patrick questions.
“The night before, we had been discussing going to a bar. I told Jon I just wanted to stay home that night and the next we’d go to whatever club or bar he wanted. We went to some but finally went to this gay bar. Jon convinced me that plenty of straight guys go in and I just wanted something to drink, anyway. I was getting hit on and Jon walked up saying I was his so the guy would leave me alone. The whole ‘I came to fuck you’ thing was a joke.”
Pete sighs and drops his head into his hands. Jon wraps an arm around Ryan and pulls him close, knowing that tears are on the way.
“Ryan, Jon, I should tear up both of your contracts right now. Panic at the Disco can and will find a new guitarist and bassist. However,” Pete says. “I have more of a heart than that and obviously all of this was a misunderstanding.”
“Thank you so much,” Jon says with a smile.
“But,” Patrick says, “if either one of you are on the cover of a newspaper again about a relationship, you will be out of the band, understand? This label doesn’t need all of this bullshit.”
“Understood,” Ryan and Jon says.
Pete and Patrick let themselves out, allowing the two boys to breathe a sigh of relief.
***
Ryan and Jon are sitting in a café somewhere on the outskirts of Chicago, just sitting and talking. They’re empty plates are decorating the table, both boys now just picking at the crumbs on the plates.
“Are you done, sir?” the waitress asked, a fake smile plastered on her face.
“Um, yeah, thanks,” Jon said as she took his and Ryan’s plates away. “So where were we?” Jon asked, eyeing after the girl.
“I think we were talking about the new songs.”
“Right, right. So what were you thinking they should be like?”
“Well I’m not sure, exactly,” Ryan explained, “but like I told the Rolling Stones; I want it to be fairy tale like, ya know?”
“I get you,” Jon said, sipping his coffee. “I like that idea.”
“I’ve got some songs played out in my head, too.”
“Really? You should play them for me sometime.”
Ryan blushed a deep shade of red and Jon smiled, loving the fact that a few simple words from his lips could cause this.
“Maybe,” Ryan eventually said.
“Can you I get you anything else?” the waitress asked, fake smile still plastered onto her overly done face.
“Um, not for me. What about you, Ry?” Jon asked.
“No, I’m good. Could we have the check please?”
“It’s on the house,” she says, walking away and through the swinging doors.
“Well that was nice,” Ryan said with a smile as they got out of their seats, heading for the exit. They got into Jon’s car and drove back into town, not really wanting to but having no other choice. “I think we should stop by Clandestine,” Ryan said. “I could use a shirt or two.”
“I bet you could,” Jon said with a laugh, taking a hand off the steering wheel and lacing it with his boyfriend.
Neither boy could believe they had been dating for two months already.
***
“You know, I have to go back to Vegas sooner or later. All of my stuff is there; Hobo, too.”
“Move in with me,” Jon whispered into Ryan’s shoulder. “It’s lonely here.”
“You mean that?” Ryan asked, wrapping his arm tighter around Jon’s body.
“Of course I do,” Jon smiled, kissing Ryan square on the lips. “Let’s fly out to Vegas on Thursday and get everything. I’m sure Spencer can sell your apartment for you.”
“Alright,” Ryan sighed.
Thursday came faster than he thought. They were boarding a plane now, excited to return to Vegas. The plane took off and Ryan fell asleep instantly against Jon’s shoulder-a friendly like act.
“Come on, Ry, we’re here,” Jon said to his boyfriend, trying to wake him up.
“Ugh, I don’t wanna,” Ryan said sleeply.
“Good thing we’re not going back ‘til tomorrow,” Jon said. He helped Ryan out of his seat and off the plane, also helping him into Spencer’s car when they found it. In the car, Ryan grabs onto Jon’s hand once they’re away from the crowds of people. Jon smiled at Ryan and gently kissed his lips.
“Here ya go,” Spencer said as he parked the car in Ryan’s driveway. “I can’t believe you’re gonna sell your house, Ry. You’ve like, lived here forever.”
Ryan laughed. “Don’t worry, Spen. It’s not like we’re breaking up! I’ll see in like, five weeks when we start touring again.”
“But it won’t be the same!” Spencer pouted.
“Aw, poor baby,” Ryan said, patting his best friend’s head. “Now get your ass in here and help me pack. Put in the trunk of my car ‘cause I think I wanna drive back.”
Jon snapped his head in the direction of Ryan. “Drive? That’s gonna take forever.”
“I know but that’s more time I can hold your hand. Besides, I don’t like flying on public airplanes. It’s a little too crowded for my liking.”
“Oh, okay,” Jon said.
All three boys started packing everything in sight, leaving behind the refrigerator, washer and dryer, couch, and bed. Ryan decided that those things could go to either Brendon or Spencer, seeing as how both boys needed a new one. It took them six hours to completely pack everything.
“I’m pretty sure,” Spencer started, “that you have way too much shit.”
Ryan laughed. “Shut up or I’ll sell the couch.”
“Sorry!” Spencer squeaked. “But I think you guys should leave tonight. Chicago’s a long way.”
“He’s probably right,” Jon said. “Where’s Hobo?”
“She’s at Brendon’s, remember?” Ryan replied.
“Oh yeah.”
They started to take everything out to the car, barely fitting it all into the trunk and backseat.
“I guess I’ll see you in five weeks,” Spencer said sadly.
“Go play with Brendon, Spencer. I’m not that far away.”
Spencer smiled a little and pulled his best friend into a lung crushing hug. “See you in five weeks,” Spencer breathed into his Ryan’s hair. Ryan stopped the urge to laugh because it wasn’t like he was dying, or moving away and they would never see each other again.
“Bye Spen,” Ryan said, pulling away and getting into the passenger side of the car, Jon driving.
***
“What’s up?” Brendon asks when he answers the door. “Thought you were in Chicago.”
“Came to get Hobo,” Ryan explains, “I’m leaving.”
Brendon’s jaw goes slack. “W-what?” he stutters out. “What do you mean, ‘leaving.’”
“I mean I’m going to live with Jon in Chicago. It’s easier for us this way, you know?”
“Oh,” Brendon says sadly, “okay. Hobo’s in my room. I’ll go get her for you.”
Jon and Ryan step inside, sitting on the worn out sofa that Brendon’s had since age fifteen. He comes back shortly with Hobo in his arms-she’s licking his face and he’s laughing.
“She been good?” Ryan asks shortly.
“Yeah. Real good, actually. I think I may have fallen in love with her,” Brendon laughs.
“Wow, B, that’s creepy,” Ryan laughs, too. “Well we gotta go… I’ll call you, okay?”
“Alright,” Brendon says, pulling Ryan into a hug much like Spencer had done. “Love you,” he says into the older boy’s hair.
“You too, B.”
***
They’ve been on the road for three hours now, and neither one of them know where in the hell they are.
“I think we’re somewhere in Arizona or Utah, maybe even Colorado.”
“Ry, I doubt we made it to Colorado in three hours. We’re more than likely in Arizona.”
“How long, exactly, does it take to Chicago from Las Vegas when you’re driving, Jon?”
“About twenty-five hours, why? Thinking it wasn’t such a good idea or something?”
“Exactly my thoughts,” Ryan sighed. A twenty-five hour road trip meant he’d have to drive-something he rarely doesn’t, and doesn’t like to do.
“I won’t make you drive,” Jon said, reading his boyfriend’s mind.
“No. There’s no way in hell I’d even be considered a good boyfriend if I made you drive the whole time,” Ryan answered, Hobo twitching in his lap.
“Don’t worry about it, Ry. I know you don’t like to.”
Ryan smiled because Jon really is amazing.
***
Longest twenty-five hours of Ryan’s life. Not only did Jon only stop to get gas and maybe some food, but they didn’t even stop to sleep. Ryan slept some, as comfortable as you can get in a too-small, too-crowded car with a dog on your lap, that is.
Once they’ve pulled up to Jon’s apartment, Pete and Patrick are they to help unload boxes. Jon doesn’t know how they know, but it must’ve been Spencer or Brendon. They get it all out of Ryan’s car in about an hour and a half, sitting down to eat a quick lunch.
“I can’t believe you drove,” Patrick says, taking a bite out of his turkey and cheese sandwich. “Gas must’ve cost a fortune.”
Jon shrugged-it didn’t matter anyway.
“Shit, Pat, we gotta go. Thanks for the food, guys, but we have to meet Gabe and the boys about their record.”
“See ya,” Jon waves.
Ryan smiles and waves them off, turning back to Jon and smiling. Hobo barked from somewhere in the apartment, taking in her surroundings. She hobbled into the living room and jumped on the couch, lying down and falling asleep. Ryan awed, pulling his cell phone out and snapping a picture. Jon laughed at his boyfriend for being so cute.
“Were you laughing at me, Jon Walker?” Ryan laughed.
“Who me? No way!”
“Yeah I bet,” Ryan said, faking anger.
“Aw, Rybear,” Jon smiles, pulling Ryan closer and kissing his cheek. “Why would I laugh at you? You’re too damn cute!”
“Yeah, yeah, Walker. You’re just full of lies,” Ryan smiled.
“You know you love it,” Jon said.
“What if I don’t?” Ryan asked, looking at Jon in the eye.
“Then I guess you moved in with me for nothing then, huh?”
Jon smiled and Ryan did, too, connecting their lips and kissing gently. Hobo barked and got up, running to them and pawing at Ryan’s foot. He laughed into Jon’s mouth and pulled away, looking down at his dog.
“What is it, girl?” he asked.
She barked, again.
“I think she needs to go out. Ryan, I swear, if she pees on this floor I will kill you.”
“Calm down, I’m taking her out now,” Ryan laughs. He hooks her leash to her collar and takes her out of the apartment building, letting her walk around for a few. It’s windy, a little cold, and Hobo is taking her sweet time. “Come on, girl,” Ryan says under his breathe, moving his body around to create some sort of heat. Finally she’s done and Ryan all but runs back to their apartment.
***
Ryan’s been living with Jon for three months and things have been going great. Of course, five weeks after they moved in together they had to start touring again, and that’s where they’ve been since, but they still live together. They’re currently in Europe, Ryan sitting in Jon’s lap, staring out of the window.
“I wonder if our Belgium fans will bring me more chocolate,” Brendon says as he walks from the bunks.
“I don’t know but you’re not eating all of it this time, bitch.”
“I’m not a bitch!”
“Are too,” Ryan jokes.
“Hey, if I’ve heard right, you’re the bitch. At least I don’t bottom in my relationship,” Brendon replies with a smirk.
Ryan’s jaw drops, his face reddening. Jon laughs and Spencer screams, “Ew, ew, ew! I totally didn’t wanna know that about my best friend!” as he covers his hears and heads for the bunks.
“I hate you,” Ryan says to Brendon, face still red.
“Nah, you love me.”
---
If there are any errors that aren't major, don't worry about them. If you do happen to see something major, though, please tell me so I can fix it. This was not beta'd, but I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to x_feanaryo.
Author: hearts_lust
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Ryan/Jon
POV: Third, Ryan.
Summary: “Hey, if I’ve heard right, you’re the bitch. At least I don’t bottom in my relationship,” Brendon replies with a smirk.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, sadly.
Author's Note: This was written for x_feanaryo because it's her birthday and I told her I'd write her a story with her favorite pairing! I love the outcome of this and it's a standalone only.
Staring out of the window, he realizes that it’s just another day. Another twenty-four hours to waste away by staring at the television with a blank expression, watching but not really seeing anything. Listening, but not really hearing anything. It’s April 12th, Brendon’s birthday, and he forgot. Ryan actually forgot his best friend’s birthday and if it weren’t for Jon, he would have never known.
“Talked to Brendon yet?” he asked from the Chicago airport, returning from LA.
“No, why would I? It’s just Saturday; I don’t talk to Brendon on Saturday. He’s normally with his parents,” Ryan replied, playing with the fabric on his jeans.
“Dude I doubt he’s with his parents. He turned twenty-one today and you know that he’s probably out partying, getting fucking wasted.”
“Shit it is his birthday, isn’t it?”
“Did Ryan forget his best friend’s birthday?” Jon faked a gasp and Ryan could tell he was smiling.
“Yes, asshole, I did. Should I call him now or wait until tomorrow.”
“It’s only noon so I’m guessing now would be okay. He probably won’t party until Pete gets there with the alcohol. Just like your twenty-first, Ry!”
Ryan remembered that just like it was yesterday. Brendon and Spencer weren’t allowed to attend seeing as how they weren’t twenty-one, but it was a great party. Ryan met a lot of people, had a lot of fun, drank maybe too much, and probably did some things he should regret if he could remember.
“Fuck you, Walker. Are you coming for his birthday?”
“Not this year. Now go call him before I fly there and shank you, bitch.”
Ryan laughed. “Whatever. Bye Jon.”
Ryan hung up the phone and that’s where he is now. He’s still sitting on the couch, cell phone in hand, trying to remember the number that’s in his cell. He remembers, barely, and quickly dials the number, getting voicemail.
“Hey, It’s Brendon. Sorry I didn’t answer but I’m probably out getting drunk because I’M OFFICIALLY TWENTY-ONE!”
He could hear the cheers in the background. Brendon had already been out and had already done his partying, if it weren’t still going on. Ryan laughed at Brendon’s voicemail and left a brief message, ending it with an, “oh, by the way, happy fucking birthday, motherfucker. Have a great twenty-first, dude.”
***
Ryan just got out of the shower. He’s walking around his lonely apartment, towel wrapped around his waist, getting him something to eat. He opens the cabinets and there’s nothing; not even peanut butter. He opens the refrigerator to find the same thing, only it’s expired milk.
“I’ve got to go shopping,” he said to no one but himself. He walked out of the kitchen, frustrated, and back into his bedroom. Hobo was on his bed, tail wagging. “Hey girl,” he said, bending over and petting her. “Wanna go for a walk today?”
She barked her response and he laughed as her tongue hung out of her mouth. He shook his head and let his towel drop to the floor, going and grabbing a pair of clean boxers from a drawer. He took the towel and dried it his hair with it, throwing it onto his bed when he was done.
He picked a loose green t-shirt and pair a basketball shorts that made his legs look stupid for an outfit. It was hot outside, he was taking Hobo for a walk-he didn’t feel like tight clothing and sweating right after a shower.
“Ready girl?” he asked as he grabbed her leash, hooking it onto her collar. She excitedly jumped off the bed and ran to the front of the house, barking at the front door. “I’m coming, I’m coming,” Ryan said, running after her. He slipped his shoes on and opened the front door.
The two walked around the block and to the nearest park. Ryan sat on a bench while Hobo played with the nearby birds. His phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket, not even bothering to look at the caller ID.
“Ross speaking,” he said.
“What the fuck? Since when do you answer the phone all formal like?” Jon laughed on the other end. “I’m coming to see you.”
Ryan’s face lit up. “Really?” he asked. “Just me or like, Spencer and Brendon, too?”
“Just you and Hobo,” he replied. “Don’t get too excited.”
“When are you coming!?” Ryan asked.
Sure, Jon was “just a friend” but Ryan enjoyed spending time with Jon. Jon understood him, Jon cared, Jon listened, Jon helped-Jon was mature.
“I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“Wait, what’s today?”
“Um,” Jon said, taking the phone off his ear and looking at the date. “It’s May 8th, why?”
“Just making sure I didn’t like, magically skip half my life,” Ryan laughed.
“Right,” Jon said with a laugh. “Well I’ll call you when I get there. See you in like, four hours dude.”
“Yeah bye, dickhead.”
“Bye skank!” Jon screamed before hanging up.
Ryan laughed because seriously? Did Jon just call him a skank?
“Come on, Hobo, let’s go home. Jon’s coming to see us!”
She barked, tongue hanging out of her mouth and tail wagging. Hobo loves Jon.
***
“Your place is boring, Ry,” Jon said.
They were lying on the floor of Ryan’s living room, Ryan’s feet at Jon’s head and vice versa.
“Well I’m sorry that this isn’t Chicago.”
“But it’s Vegas.”
“So?”
“And we’re two legal adults.”
“And?”
“And there’s a bunch of clubs.”
“Your point?”
“Let’s go to one!”
“Jon,” Ryan whined, “I haven’t seen you since you left us for Chicago. If I promise we’ll go tomorrow night can we just stay here tonight?”
“Yeah,” Jon said without a hint of disappointment. “We can do that.”
Jon moved so that he was lying next to Ryan, their feet touching. It was enough to send jolts throughout Ryan’s body. “So what’re we gonna do?” Ryan asked Jon, wondering what the hell that was that just happened.
“What movies do you have?”
“Hardly any, I’m afraid,” Ryan said in despair. He had an urge, suddenly, to turn his head and kiss his best friend, but resisted. If he were to act on that impulse, it could be bad for him-bad for the band.
“What a shame. What do you have, though?”
“Mostly Disney for my little sister when she comes over.”
“And Brendon.”
“And Brendon,” Ryan smiled. “You’re warm.” Ryan rolled into Jon, snuggling into the warmth. To his surprise, Jon wrapped an arm around Ryan and they both soon fell asleep.
***
This was the worst idea Ryan had ever had. If it wasn’t bad enough that him and Jon were at a club, they were at a gay club. Jon had convinced Ryan that plenty of “straight” guys went in. Personally, Ryan was tired of getting hit on.
“Hey baby,” another face said. “Is this seat taken?”
How fucking cliché.
“Yeah, as a matter of fact it is,” Jon said as politely as possibly to the nameless guy. “He’s mine; back off.”
“Okay, okay. Sorry man.”
Jon sat next to Ryan and ordered a drink, taking Ryan’s hand in his for the sake of it. Ryan felt those jolts of energy going through his body and he smiled.
“Thanks,” he said to Jon after sipping on his own drink.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jon said. “Just protecting you s’all.”
“Sure you didn’t just come to get me drunk?”
“That too,” Jon laughed.
“Ah, so the rumors were true. You do wanna fuck me!” Ryan laughed.
“Look’s like I’m caught,” Jon said, dropping Ryan’s hand and raising his own.
Flashes went off but neither boy noticed, too caught up in their priceless conversation that they more than likely wouldn’t remember tomorrow.
***
“What the fuck is this!?” Jon screamed as he looked at the morning paper.
“Rockstars Jon Walker and Ryan Ross from Panic at the Disco found in gay club last night. Walker admitted to Ross that he wanted sex.”
It was all over the front page and suddenly their phones rang. “Hello?” Ryan said into his.
“Explain to me what the fuck the cover story on the paper is about,” Pete said through the phone.
“It’s a mistake, Pete, I swear.”
“It better be because I thought we agreed that relationships were to be kept on the DL.”
“Pete I know what we agreed too, okay? We didn’t even see cameras flashing, I swear.”
“Ryan do you know how much shit your band gets everyday? Everybody already thinks you’re the gayest band on the Earth; way to give them proof!”
“Pete, we’re not together, okay? You think I don’t feel shitty about this?”
“You better be damn lucky I like you, Ross, or I’d tear up your contract right fucking now.”
“Thank you, Pete.”
“Yeah, well, I have more important things to attend to rather than teenager shit. Bye.”
Ryan wanted to say “fuck you” but hung up instead. He turned his phone off afterwards, deciding it would be best if he didn’t answer his phone today.
“Okay, okay. No, Spencer, we’re not dating. If we were don’t you think we’d tell you!? Spencer. Spencer just shut up. No, Spencer, no! Yeah, bye.” Jon hung up his phone, turning it off like Ryan had previously done.
“What’d we do to deserve this?” Ryan asked as he sat on the couch, staring out of the window.
“We didn’t do anything, Ryan,” Jon said, wrapping an arm around Ryan’s shoulders and pulling him closer. “People are just dicks.”
“Apparently they like to see us suck them, too.”
“I wonder what it tastes like.”
“What the hell!?” Ryan laughed. “Why do you care what a dick tastes like!?” Ryan asked with another laugh.
“I was totally just kidding dude! I know what one tastes like. Been there, done that, and totally would do it again.”
Ryan just turned to look at Jon with a confused expression. Jon returned the confusion with a smirk before turning away and closing his eyes.
***
Jon’s been at Ryan’s for a while now. Not that Ryan’s complaining, but he wonders if he’ll ever leave. Ryan hopes not; Ryan hopes he stays forever.
“Jon, can I ask you something?” he says one day while they’re lazing around.
“Yeah sure. Ask away.”
“Are you gay?”
Jon stopped, looking at Ryan. “What?” was his reply.
“Are you, ya know, gay?”
“N-not particularly, why?”
“Well the other day you said you knew what a dick tastes like and that you’d totally do it again. How do you explain that?”
“I’m not gay, Ryan, and I’m not bisexual, either. I guess I’m just…not…straight.”
“Oh. I see.”
“Why do you ask?”
“Oh-no reason,” Ryan says with a slight blush.
Jon pretends not to see the red tint that now decorates Ryan’s face. “Come on, Ry. Why do you ask? Be honest with me.”
“I’ve just… never done anything like that. With a guy, I mean. I’ve never been with a guy before.”
“Were you thinking about it?” Jon questions.
“I don’t-I don’t know.”
Jon got off the couch and walked to the bar area where Ryan was standing. They smiled at each other and Jon leaned forward a little bit. Ryan got the hint and his breath hitched, his eyes closing. Jon closed his eyes, too, but not until their lips met.
It was innocent, no tongue, but it was special. Jon placed a hand on Ryan’s cheek and held his lips against Ryan’s. They pulled away, a smile on both of their faces.
“Thanks,” Ryan said softly, burying his face into Jon’s neck.
Jon smiled. “Any day.”
***
“I have to go back to Chicago soon,” Jon says one night while they’re lying in the bed. “I want you to come with me.”
“Really? What for?” Ryan questions, turning to look into Jon’s eyes. Even if it was dark in the room, Jon’s eyes shined brighter than the moon ever could.
“I don’t know,” Jon said with a smile. “Just because.”
“Okay,” Ryan said, returning the smile. “When are you leaving?”
“In a few weeks.”
Jon scooted closer and wrapped an arm around Ryan’s waist. The feeling of Jon’s skin on his made Ryan’s skin feel like it was on fire. Jon’s finger drew patterns into Ryan’s hip bone, smiling at what he was writing.
“What are you writing?” Ryan asked.
Jon had been writing, I want you to date me into Ryan’s skin, hoping that the younger male could figure it out.
“How about I’ll write a letter into your skin and you tell me what it is?”
“Okay, I like games,” Ryan said.
Jon drew the first letter and Ryan said, “I.”
“Good, good,” Jon said. “Next word.”
Jon drew the second word and Ryan said, “What? Do that again.”
So he did. “Want. I want.”
“Yeah, yeah. Ready?”
Ryan nodded and Jon drew. “You. I want you.”
Jon drew the next one and Ryan said, “To. I want you to.”
“See if you can figure out the rest.”
“Do you want me to give you a blowjob?” Ryan laughed, jokingly.
“Yeah, Ry, go for it! Taste that dick,” Jon laughed. “Ready for your next word?”
“Yeah,” Ryan said.
Jon drew the second to last word. “Date. I want you to date. Wait. I think I get it.” Ryan paused for a moment and Jon closed his eyes. “You want me to date you?” Ryan asked quietly.
“Y-yeah,” Jon stuttered out. He knew they had only kissed that once, a few days ago in the kitchen, but Jon felt something-something incredible that just ate at him.
Ryan smiled and said, “yes,” before kissing Jon lightly on the lips.
***
“This is Pete.” Ryan called Pete because someone had to know, just so Ryan could feel like this was okay.
“It’s Ry.”
“Oh, hey. How are things with the band since those rumors?”
“Oh they’re great. It’s not like they believe it.”
“Good, good; now we just have to get the public to believe it, too,” Pete said with a laugh.
“Yeah… Can we talk for a minute?”
“That’s the whole point of a phone conversation, Ross.”
“Shut up. About something serious.”
“Yeah, but hurry up. I have to meet Patrick in a few at Starbucks to decide on something for Cobra.”
“Okay. Well the other night…” Ryan told the whole story, starting from when they had kissed first. “…and I just don’t know if this relationship is going to work with the band and everything.”
“Hm,” Pete said, soaking in all the new information. “It’ll work, Ry, you just have to put some effort into it.”
“Thanks, Pete. I gotta go, though. Jon’s waking up and we’re going to Brendon’s.”
“Bye, Ross.”
Ryan hangs up his phone and throws it onto the couch before walking back into his bedroom, Jon sitting up and rubbing his eyes. Ryan smiles and walks over, sitting down next to Jon and kissing his cheek.
“Morning,” he said against his skin.
“Shower,” Jon said with a smile, getting up and heading for the bathroom.
Ryan lay back down, closing his eyes momentarily and thinking about how great his life is at the moment.
***
“What brings you two here?” Brendon asks when he opens the door.
“Can two of your bandmates not randomly show up on your doorstep?”
“Not without wanting something. Since when are you in town, Jon?”
“I’ve been here since like, the 8th of May,” Jon replied, pushing past Brendon and into the cozy little apartment.
“Dude that’s like, almost a month.”
“Seriously?” Jon questions. “What’s today?”
“June 2nd.”
“You’re lying.”
“Nope. Brendon does not lie.”
“That was a lie in itself!” Ryan squealed. “You lied when you said you didn’t eat all of that chocolate we got from a fan in Belgium. I didn’t even get any!” Ryan pouts at this memory. He’d always wanted to try the chocolate there, but since Brendon decided to be a dick, he never got the chance.
“Hey! I was hungry and we were dangerously low on food. Besides, that chocolate was delicious!”
“Yeah, well, it’s not like the rest of us would know,” Jon said.
Ryan stalked over to the couch in Brendon’s living room, taking a seat while Jon does the same. Brendon sits in a chair across the room and looks at the two, obviously noticing something’s different for the first time.
“Am I missing something?” Brendon asked.
“Um,” was Ryan’s reply, “what would you be missing?”
“I don’t know. I just sense this… I don’t know, connection between you two. Nevermind, it doesn’t make sense. Wanna watch a movie?”
“Sure,” Ryan says, sending a look that Jon returns. “Whatcha got?”
“I have a lot of Disney, but I don’t really watch it all that much anymore. It’s basically for my little niece when she visits. I have, uh, some vampire movies and one with Jared Leto in it.”
“Shit,” Jon said. “I vote Jared Leto. That man has the most gorgeous eyes, ever.”
“They’re just like Spencer’s,” Brendon said, shrugging his shoulders and putting the DVD into the DVD player.
“Yeah but this is Jared Leto,” Jon said.
“What’s so great about him?” Brendon questions, pressing the play button and watching the opening credits dance across the screen.
Jon’s jaw drops and he’s speechless. Ryan pretty much does the same because, hello? This is Jared Leto. One of the world’s sexiest men alive and how the fuck does Brendon not see that!?
“Right,” Ryan says, nodding. “You’re stupid, B.”
“Shut the fuck up. Movie’s on.”
Ryan and Jon turn their attention to the movie, waiting on Jared Leto to appear in the window. When the “nice bad guy”, as Jon likes to call him, breaks into the house and lets Jared in, the smiles on both Ryan and Jon are huge. They both think that man is dead sexy.
***
“I’m glad you came to Chicago with me,” Jon whispered in Ryan’s ear on the plane. Since they’re in public, they can’t do anything that a “couple” would do-if you can even call what Ryan and Jon have that. To them, they’re just two guys who like each other can claim the title “boyfriends.”
“I’m glad, too,” Ryan replies with a smile. The lady walks past them for the tenth time within five minutes. “I’m sleepy,” Ryan says to Jon. “Can I lay on you?”
“Yeah, but remember: nothing above or below my shoulders. Friends don’t do things like that.”
Ryan almost laughs, but finds some self-control. He lays his head down on Jon’s shoulder and suddenly everything’s right in the world. He quickly falls into a sleep, but is awoken three hours later to Jon.
“Was it just me or did those four hours seem like ten minutes?” Ryan asks once they’re in a cab heading for Jon’s place.
“Apparently it was just you, sleepy head. I didn’t sleep so, obviously, four hours was more like three days.”
“Really? I never thought of it that way,” Ryan says with a smile. “I always figured that if it was quick for me, it was quick for everyone else, too. I didn’t know you all had to actually wait.”
“Ryan you’re hilarious,” Jon says.
The cab pulls up to Jon’s apartment complex. He hands the driver a fifty and exits the car, grabbing Ryan’s hand to help him out as well. It’s stormy outside so when they see a flash, neither boy thinks anything of it.
They take their bags out of the back and head up to the apartment to get some good sleep.
***
Ryan wakes up to a phone ringing, two actually. “Hello?” he sleepily breathes into his.
“Ross I thought we talked about this. You and Jon are not to suppose to be a couple in public.”
“We aren’t. I swear to God, Pete, we’re not. We only act like a couple in our house.”
“Ryan go look at the front fucking page of the newspaper. Tell me what the fuck that is!?”
Ryan got out of bed and went to Jon’s front door, pulling it open and snatching the newspaper off the grounded. He went back into the bedroom, sitting down and staring at the cover page.
“Pete I swear. He was helping me out of the cab. It wasn’t anything more than a friendly act. Wouldn’t you help Patrick or Joe or Andy out a cab? I know you would.”
“Ryan that’s not the point. The point is that you and Jon are a couple, and if things like this keep getting out, the public are going to believe it whether it’s true or not. It’s like I told you the first time, Ryan. People think your band is one of the gayest in the label. I get letters from people telling me that I made a bad decision in signing you guys, and right about now I’m thinking they’re right, Ryan.”
“Pete, why won’t you listen to me? I promise you that this is not right. It wasn’t even meant like that.” By now, Ryan’s crying because this is his life in jeopardy. “I promise, Pete.”
Pete sighs on the other end. “Since you’re in Chicago, Patrick and I will stop by Jon’s later to discuss this. I have to go meet Ashlee for breakfast.”
Ryan didn’t even bother saying bye when he hung the phone. He turned it off, much like the last time, and did the same to Jon’s. Jon was still sound asleep under the covers so when Ryan crawled over to him, wrapping his arms around the older boy, Jon was very much aware of a cold, wet substance hitting his shoulder.
“Ry, what’s wrong?” he asked, quickly turning over to face his boyfriend.
Ryan picked up the newspaper behind him and showed it to Jon. “That’s what’s wrong. Pete regrets signing us to the label. He’s stopping by later to “discuss” things and we all know that’s bad.”
“I don’t understand why they won’t leave us alone,” Jon says while he’s analyzing the newspaper. “It’s not like we’re interesting. And Ry, don’t worry, okay? Pete’s not going to fire us, I promise.”
Jon kisses Ryan’s forehead and rubs the younger boys back.
***
“Ryan, everyone at FBR is highly disappointed in you, as well as Jon. Everyone under the label clearly had an agreement to keep relationships, band wise or not, out of the public’s eye. So far, both you and Jon have been cover stories more than once for the newspaper. What are we going to do with you?”
“Pete, don’t be too hard on them,” Patrick says. “Ryan, just tell us exactly what happened this last time. Don’t leave anything out. This is your career we’re talking about.”
Ryan takes a breath. “On the plane I had slept some. We got a cab from the airport to Jon’s place and when we got here, I was still a little drowsy. Jon helped me out of the cab and wrapped an arm around my waist so I wouldn’t fall. It’s wasn’t anything more than friendly, I promise.”
“What about the first time?” Patrick questions.
“The night before, we had been discussing going to a bar. I told Jon I just wanted to stay home that night and the next we’d go to whatever club or bar he wanted. We went to some but finally went to this gay bar. Jon convinced me that plenty of straight guys go in and I just wanted something to drink, anyway. I was getting hit on and Jon walked up saying I was his so the guy would leave me alone. The whole ‘I came to fuck you’ thing was a joke.”
Pete sighs and drops his head into his hands. Jon wraps an arm around Ryan and pulls him close, knowing that tears are on the way.
“Ryan, Jon, I should tear up both of your contracts right now. Panic at the Disco can and will find a new guitarist and bassist. However,” Pete says. “I have more of a heart than that and obviously all of this was a misunderstanding.”
“Thank you so much,” Jon says with a smile.
“But,” Patrick says, “if either one of you are on the cover of a newspaper again about a relationship, you will be out of the band, understand? This label doesn’t need all of this bullshit.”
“Understood,” Ryan and Jon says.
Pete and Patrick let themselves out, allowing the two boys to breathe a sigh of relief.
***
Ryan and Jon are sitting in a café somewhere on the outskirts of Chicago, just sitting and talking. They’re empty plates are decorating the table, both boys now just picking at the crumbs on the plates.
“Are you done, sir?” the waitress asked, a fake smile plastered on her face.
“Um, yeah, thanks,” Jon said as she took his and Ryan’s plates away. “So where were we?” Jon asked, eyeing after the girl.
“I think we were talking about the new songs.”
“Right, right. So what were you thinking they should be like?”
“Well I’m not sure, exactly,” Ryan explained, “but like I told the Rolling Stones; I want it to be fairy tale like, ya know?”
“I get you,” Jon said, sipping his coffee. “I like that idea.”
“I’ve got some songs played out in my head, too.”
“Really? You should play them for me sometime.”
Ryan blushed a deep shade of red and Jon smiled, loving the fact that a few simple words from his lips could cause this.
“Maybe,” Ryan eventually said.
“Can you I get you anything else?” the waitress asked, fake smile still plastered onto her overly done face.
“Um, not for me. What about you, Ry?” Jon asked.
“No, I’m good. Could we have the check please?”
“It’s on the house,” she says, walking away and through the swinging doors.
“Well that was nice,” Ryan said with a smile as they got out of their seats, heading for the exit. They got into Jon’s car and drove back into town, not really wanting to but having no other choice. “I think we should stop by Clandestine,” Ryan said. “I could use a shirt or two.”
“I bet you could,” Jon said with a laugh, taking a hand off the steering wheel and lacing it with his boyfriend.
Neither boy could believe they had been dating for two months already.
***
“You know, I have to go back to Vegas sooner or later. All of my stuff is there; Hobo, too.”
“Move in with me,” Jon whispered into Ryan’s shoulder. “It’s lonely here.”
“You mean that?” Ryan asked, wrapping his arm tighter around Jon’s body.
“Of course I do,” Jon smiled, kissing Ryan square on the lips. “Let’s fly out to Vegas on Thursday and get everything. I’m sure Spencer can sell your apartment for you.”
“Alright,” Ryan sighed.
Thursday came faster than he thought. They were boarding a plane now, excited to return to Vegas. The plane took off and Ryan fell asleep instantly against Jon’s shoulder-a friendly like act.
“Come on, Ry, we’re here,” Jon said to his boyfriend, trying to wake him up.
“Ugh, I don’t wanna,” Ryan said sleeply.
“Good thing we’re not going back ‘til tomorrow,” Jon said. He helped Ryan out of his seat and off the plane, also helping him into Spencer’s car when they found it. In the car, Ryan grabs onto Jon’s hand once they’re away from the crowds of people. Jon smiled at Ryan and gently kissed his lips.
“Here ya go,” Spencer said as he parked the car in Ryan’s driveway. “I can’t believe you’re gonna sell your house, Ry. You’ve like, lived here forever.”
Ryan laughed. “Don’t worry, Spen. It’s not like we’re breaking up! I’ll see in like, five weeks when we start touring again.”
“But it won’t be the same!” Spencer pouted.
“Aw, poor baby,” Ryan said, patting his best friend’s head. “Now get your ass in here and help me pack. Put in the trunk of my car ‘cause I think I wanna drive back.”
Jon snapped his head in the direction of Ryan. “Drive? That’s gonna take forever.”
“I know but that’s more time I can hold your hand. Besides, I don’t like flying on public airplanes. It’s a little too crowded for my liking.”
“Oh, okay,” Jon said.
All three boys started packing everything in sight, leaving behind the refrigerator, washer and dryer, couch, and bed. Ryan decided that those things could go to either Brendon or Spencer, seeing as how both boys needed a new one. It took them six hours to completely pack everything.
“I’m pretty sure,” Spencer started, “that you have way too much shit.”
Ryan laughed. “Shut up or I’ll sell the couch.”
“Sorry!” Spencer squeaked. “But I think you guys should leave tonight. Chicago’s a long way.”
“He’s probably right,” Jon said. “Where’s Hobo?”
“She’s at Brendon’s, remember?” Ryan replied.
“Oh yeah.”
They started to take everything out to the car, barely fitting it all into the trunk and backseat.
“I guess I’ll see you in five weeks,” Spencer said sadly.
“Go play with Brendon, Spencer. I’m not that far away.”
Spencer smiled a little and pulled his best friend into a lung crushing hug. “See you in five weeks,” Spencer breathed into his Ryan’s hair. Ryan stopped the urge to laugh because it wasn’t like he was dying, or moving away and they would never see each other again.
“Bye Spen,” Ryan said, pulling away and getting into the passenger side of the car, Jon driving.
***
“What’s up?” Brendon asks when he answers the door. “Thought you were in Chicago.”
“Came to get Hobo,” Ryan explains, “I’m leaving.”
Brendon’s jaw goes slack. “W-what?” he stutters out. “What do you mean, ‘leaving.’”
“I mean I’m going to live with Jon in Chicago. It’s easier for us this way, you know?”
“Oh,” Brendon says sadly, “okay. Hobo’s in my room. I’ll go get her for you.”
Jon and Ryan step inside, sitting on the worn out sofa that Brendon’s had since age fifteen. He comes back shortly with Hobo in his arms-she’s licking his face and he’s laughing.
“She been good?” Ryan asks shortly.
“Yeah. Real good, actually. I think I may have fallen in love with her,” Brendon laughs.
“Wow, B, that’s creepy,” Ryan laughs, too. “Well we gotta go… I’ll call you, okay?”
“Alright,” Brendon says, pulling Ryan into a hug much like Spencer had done. “Love you,” he says into the older boy’s hair.
“You too, B.”
***
They’ve been on the road for three hours now, and neither one of them know where in the hell they are.
“I think we’re somewhere in Arizona or Utah, maybe even Colorado.”
“Ry, I doubt we made it to Colorado in three hours. We’re more than likely in Arizona.”
“How long, exactly, does it take to Chicago from Las Vegas when you’re driving, Jon?”
“About twenty-five hours, why? Thinking it wasn’t such a good idea or something?”
“Exactly my thoughts,” Ryan sighed. A twenty-five hour road trip meant he’d have to drive-something he rarely doesn’t, and doesn’t like to do.
“I won’t make you drive,” Jon said, reading his boyfriend’s mind.
“No. There’s no way in hell I’d even be considered a good boyfriend if I made you drive the whole time,” Ryan answered, Hobo twitching in his lap.
“Don’t worry about it, Ry. I know you don’t like to.”
Ryan smiled because Jon really is amazing.
***
Longest twenty-five hours of Ryan’s life. Not only did Jon only stop to get gas and maybe some food, but they didn’t even stop to sleep. Ryan slept some, as comfortable as you can get in a too-small, too-crowded car with a dog on your lap, that is.
Once they’ve pulled up to Jon’s apartment, Pete and Patrick are they to help unload boxes. Jon doesn’t know how they know, but it must’ve been Spencer or Brendon. They get it all out of Ryan’s car in about an hour and a half, sitting down to eat a quick lunch.
“I can’t believe you drove,” Patrick says, taking a bite out of his turkey and cheese sandwich. “Gas must’ve cost a fortune.”
Jon shrugged-it didn’t matter anyway.
“Shit, Pat, we gotta go. Thanks for the food, guys, but we have to meet Gabe and the boys about their record.”
“See ya,” Jon waves.
Ryan smiles and waves them off, turning back to Jon and smiling. Hobo barked from somewhere in the apartment, taking in her surroundings. She hobbled into the living room and jumped on the couch, lying down and falling asleep. Ryan awed, pulling his cell phone out and snapping a picture. Jon laughed at his boyfriend for being so cute.
“Were you laughing at me, Jon Walker?” Ryan laughed.
“Who me? No way!”
“Yeah I bet,” Ryan said, faking anger.
“Aw, Rybear,” Jon smiles, pulling Ryan closer and kissing his cheek. “Why would I laugh at you? You’re too damn cute!”
“Yeah, yeah, Walker. You’re just full of lies,” Ryan smiled.
“You know you love it,” Jon said.
“What if I don’t?” Ryan asked, looking at Jon in the eye.
“Then I guess you moved in with me for nothing then, huh?”
Jon smiled and Ryan did, too, connecting their lips and kissing gently. Hobo barked and got up, running to them and pawing at Ryan’s foot. He laughed into Jon’s mouth and pulled away, looking down at his dog.
“What is it, girl?” he asked.
She barked, again.
“I think she needs to go out. Ryan, I swear, if she pees on this floor I will kill you.”
“Calm down, I’m taking her out now,” Ryan laughs. He hooks her leash to her collar and takes her out of the apartment building, letting her walk around for a few. It’s windy, a little cold, and Hobo is taking her sweet time. “Come on, girl,” Ryan says under his breathe, moving his body around to create some sort of heat. Finally she’s done and Ryan all but runs back to their apartment.
***
Ryan’s been living with Jon for three months and things have been going great. Of course, five weeks after they moved in together they had to start touring again, and that’s where they’ve been since, but they still live together. They’re currently in Europe, Ryan sitting in Jon’s lap, staring out of the window.
“I wonder if our Belgium fans will bring me more chocolate,” Brendon says as he walks from the bunks.
“I don’t know but you’re not eating all of it this time, bitch.”
“I’m not a bitch!”
“Are too,” Ryan jokes.
“Hey, if I’ve heard right, you’re the bitch. At least I don’t bottom in my relationship,” Brendon replies with a smirk.
Ryan’s jaw drops, his face reddening. Jon laughs and Spencer screams, “Ew, ew, ew! I totally didn’t wanna know that about my best friend!” as he covers his hears and heads for the bunks.
“I hate you,” Ryan says to Brendon, face still red.
“Nah, you love me.”
---
If there are any errors that aren't major, don't worry about them. If you do happen to see something major, though, please tell me so I can fix it. This was not beta'd, but I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to x_feanaryo.