The Uninvited Chapter 16
Title: The Uninvited
Author: msbenzedrine
Pairing: Ryden
Rating: PG13
POV: 3rd
Summary: (high school AU) Brendon’s life took a huge turn when he found himself suddenly living with his rich new guardian and her family in a mansion Brendon thought only existed in TV shows after his foster mom died. Living in luxury would be fine or much peaceful if it wasn’t for his guardian’s son, Ryan, a rich kid his age who didn’t like having uninvited guests around. Living together should be interesting.
Warnings: Lots of curses on this chapter.
Beta: deadoralive0013
Disclaimer: wish they were mine
Notes: Sixteenth
16
Jon pulled over at a nice Victorian house. Spencer’s jaw almost dropped when Jon actually got off the car and waited for him outside, almost impatiently.
“Seriously!?” Spencer muttered, eyes still wide as he got out of the car and glanced at the nice neighborhood. Jon looked like he was about to explode laughing.
“This isn’t Matt’s house obviously. We can’t park near his house. He knows my car, so I need to keep distance. We march from here,” Jon returned and began walking forward. Spencer caught up with him soon.
“I feel uneasy, like something bad has happened,” Spencer said beside Jon as they did a fast walk to the next street. “And I do get it when something does happen. My instincts are pretty accurate.”
Jon blinked at him but Spencer had to say it. “Brendon will be fine,” Jon whispered. He wanted to add ‘I hope’, because he knew what Matt could do but he didn’t.
They took a turn to a less fashioned lane of houses and Spencer ducked when Jon suddenly did. They reached a pretty slummy establishment, no flowers in the garden. The garage was closed and Spencer could make out the inside of the house - half empty and definitely unclean. For the first time he thought his own room was clean.
“Shh,” Jon hushed needlessly as they crawled forward, closing to the garage. Spencer followed him until they stopped by the battered wall. There was a crack on the side, large enough for both of them to peek in. Jon positioned himself first and when Spencer saw him cover his mouth in awe, Spencer quickly squished himself to get a look.
It didn’t look good.
“What the,” Spencer whispered and his voice drifted off at what he saw.
Jon looked even worse. Spencer shook him and said, “That’s not fucking fair! There are like seven big guys there beating Brendon out! Aren’t we going to help him out!?”
“Shh!” Jon struggled from the grass to cover Spencer’s mouth. “Do you think we’d stand a chance against those men!?” Jon said almost to a shout and removed his hand when Spencer calmed down. “Besides, are you capable of fighting? Fist fights I mean.”
“I’ve never been in a fight. But look! Brendon’s not even moving at all! He might get himself killed!” Spencer screeched and eyed the huge guys angrily as they laughed.
“No. He must have just passed out already,” Jon commented as he peeked in again, pushing Spencer a little to the side. “What the - is that… Amber,” Jon said and shook his head and looked away.
“Amber?! That’s Brendon’s girlfriend, right?”
“I think, ex-girlfriend,” Jon corrected.
“What?!” Spencer said and Jon had to cover his mouth again.
“Story later. For now we need to call for help,” Jon said, turned to get to his feet and abruptly fell back with a slight cry when another pair of figures towered above them.
“Ryan,” Spencer said brightly like Ryan could take down the big guys. If he’d even do that. “Bill.”
William appeared behind Ryan. “Where’s Brendon?” Ryan whispered and both he and William ducked down on the grass to hide themselves. Ryan was not deaf. He could hear the snickering and the mocking and he could definitely hear Matt shit-talking with Amber crying in the background.
It made his insides squirm unpleasantly when Jon and Spencer exchanged glances. Ryan pushed them aside and peeked at the crack himself.
Ryan dropped on the grass on a sitting position and was covering his mouth.
“What is it?!” William mumbled.
“Is Brendon unconscious?” Ryan asked softly, eyes blinking. Matt and his friends were in a circle around Brendon, beating him even though he had already blacked out. It made him want to crush Matt in his own hands right now. He couldn’t bear seeing Brendon in this condition. Ryan got to his feet and was about to walk to the other side of the garage where the entrance door was but Jon managed to take a good hold of his arm.
“Ryan no!” Jon said as he pulled him back.
“Fuck it, Jon! Let go!” Ryan said and he wasn’t mumbling at all. He was speaking at the normal level of his voice. And Jon must’ve noticed it by now. With the way Ryan was looking away and all, that he was holding back tears.
“Ryan!” Jon pleaded.
“No, don’t stop him. That’s bad, Jonathan Walker. We could use some more speed bag in there,” Matt said, arms crossed on his chest and face a smug.
Jon’s heart almost sunk at the sight of Matt and his buddies appearing from nowhere. How did they even...
“Fuck you,” Ryan muttered with pure wrath at Matt who laughed incredulously at him.
“Ryan,” Jon said, getting up to his feet. William and Spencer followed. The last time they’d check, there were about seven of them. But Spencer recounted and there were about fourteen of them now. He couldn’t figure out where they came from, like the ground spat them out or something...
Jon swallowed as Matt approached them, dragging his steel-toe boots as he strode. “Join us,” he whispered as soon as he was close enough at Ryan’s face and added, “I won’t take no for an answer.” His eyes were dark as he walked back into the garage, his company awaiting Jon and the rest to walk into the garage before they followed.
“Fuck,” Spencer grunted when one of Matt’s cronies pushed him in.
And there was Amber, kept to the side and her eyeliner running down her cheeks. Fucking ugly. They flinched as their eyes landed on Brendon who was on the ground and drenched. He could barely open his eyes and he was just groaning in pain.
Jon shook his head. “Matt what have you done?!”
They all rushed to Brendon’s side. Ryan’s eyes couldn’t hold back the tears any longer as he bent down to plant a kiss on Brendon’s bloodied forehead.
“Don’t,” Brendon mumbled and winced in pain when William tried to move his apparently broken arm and William immediately uttered an apology.
“Fuck, what?” Ryan said and Jon pointed at Brendon’s arm, which was folded in an awkward position behind his back. Ryan instantly got to his feet and dashed to face Matt, the fucker.
“You’re dead,” Ryan whispered, his eyes pointed and angry at Matt but the other just gave him a lopsided smile. It was the first time Ryan felt so brave, unafraid of pain or what might happen to him due to his impulsive actions. But fuck pain when it was someone he truly cared for - someone he loved.
“Did I hear that right, skinny ass?” Matt said and shoved at Ryan’s shoulders and Ryan almost fell, but he caught himself just in time.
“Ryan!” William said and he and Spencer came to Ryan’s aid, stopping him from lunging at Matt again. Each held on his shoulder.
Matt laughed. “I like it, thin guys who fight. I feed on that kind of anger,” he said and licked his lips. Ryan gritted his teeth.
“Ryan you can’t take him on,” Spencer whispered at Ryan, his eyes narrowed at Matt and his cronies. “We can’t take him on. Not to mention his friends.”
“That’s about it. I’m actually excited. Excuse me, I have to finish Brendon first before I get to you guys,” Matt declared and marched towards Brendon. Ryan actually tried to jump in on Matt and give him a good hit but his allies got to him first and shoved him away and down, Spencer and William going the same way. Some of Matt’s friends blocked their way.
Ryan could only see some silhouette. Jon must’ve tried but failed too. “Brendon!” Ryan screamed and he couldn’t see it clearly when the garage door burst open and some men came in.
“Pete!” Ryan shouted, more of to confirm and yes, Pete was rushing towards them with a few of his friends. Ryan’s face brightened. He had never been so happy to see his butler.
“Ryan, what the fuck are -”
“Brendon!”
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It was two days before Brendon finally woke up. He was still in the hospital and he was not too surprised to see that it was Ryan who was watching over him.
Brendon looked around the private room and he did want to laugh at the sight of Ryan Ross fixing the flowers on his side table. He looked too absorbed with it and his brows creased trying to balance the bouquet on the table.
Ryan was in his usual skinny jeans and tight v-neck. His hair was flat down but it still looked good and Brendon wondered if Ryan had even the time to style it. He probably just came from school and went straight to the hospital. “Hey,” Brendon mumbled and Ryan turned to look at him like he was surprised. “That’s mine?”
“Yeah,” Ryan replied and walked to the edge of the bed. He sat on the chair beside it. It was quite uncomfortable for him but he was kind of happy now that Brendon had regained consciousness. He wanted to ask him a lot of things and he wanted to know how he ended up there at Matt’s garage, but Brendon had just woken up and he didn’t want to ruin this moment. “But don’t get the wrong idea. Mom and dad sent that bouquet.”
“Really?” Brendon smiled and moved his head slowly to take a closer look at the flowers. They looked fresh and red. Mrs. Ross never failed to impress him with her good memory. Brendon couldn’t even remember telling her that red was his favorite. “So did they visit me?”
Ryan laughed and crossed his arms. “That would be a miracle. Mom’s in another country right now. Somewhere in Europe I guess for a business trip and dad... well you know him. He’s never home. Always busy,” Ryan said like it didn’t matter but Brendon frowned, face twitching a bit when he accidentally moved his right arm which was elevated and bandaged. Ryan sighed. “Don’t give me that look, Brendon. I got the same bouquet when I met an accident years ago.”
Brendon smiled at him timidly and Ryan swore if he continued looking at him he might just actually do him right there. Fuck the bandages and the bruises, Ryan thought as he looked away.
“Accident? What kind?” Brendon asked, slowly getting enthused by Ryan. He never knew Ryan did some sport, if it was sport he was talking about.
Ryan sighed. “I fell off in a recital when I was in fifth grade. I played violin and my stupid classmate threw me a live spider. I panicked and thank heavens I fell off the stage,” he said in a monotonous voice. He chanced a glance at Brendon and he was biting his lip like he was stopping himself from laughing.
“A spider? Seriously?” Brendon asked skeptically. Ryan glared at him. “Okay, okay, sorry ‘bout that.”
Ryan breathed deeply. “It’s okay. But how are you feeling now?”
“I’m just fine except for this arm,” Brendon said, his face looking more serious now as he began to recollect. “Where’s Matt? Amber?”
Ryan shook his head. “Pete dealt with the bastard. They’re probably dead now,” he said and watched as Brendon’s eyes widened in shock. “Nah, they’re probably beaten up good... and home.”
Brendon breathed out in relief. He was not going to dwell on that at the moment. “So Pete’s a member of the Mafia or what?”
“He owns a bar.”
“And a member of the Mafia?”
“Just the bar.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Okay, Pete owns a bar and is a member of the Mafia.”
Brendon rolled his eyes.
There was silence for a few moments. Ryan fixed some of his stuff in his messenger bag when Brendon broke the silence. “So, did Jon come here already?”
“Yeah. We were actually the ones who brought you here. Jon, Spence, Bill, and me.”
Brendon nodded thankfully. “Thank you guys. But how did you even know I was there?”
“I told Jon what happened. He had a clue as to where you might be and he was not wrong,” Ryan replied, looking down on his bag and fixing whatever’s inside of it. He looked up at Brendon and added, “You’re a fucking asshole, you know that?”
Brendon blinked.
“You could’ve died out there if we didn’t come in time to rescue you,” Ryan added painfully. The scene played on his mind again and it made him want to hug Brendon.
“I’m sorry,” Brendon said apologetically with a frown. “I didn’t know what was coming. Amber sent me a message, telling me that if I didn’t come she would kill herself.”
“And that stupidity of yours almost killed you,” Ryan countered almost angrily.
“Ryan, I didn’t know what was coming. ” Brendon’s voice faded, seeing how disappointed and sad Ryan was. He swore he saw a tear fall from that hazel eye and Brendon couldn’t forgive himself for that. “Ryan, I’m sorry.”
Ryan got up and walked over to Brendon’s bed. Looking down on Brendon boosted his ego and it felt like he could talk all he wanted and Brendon couldn’t do anything about it. “So Amber’s still important to you, huh.”
Brendon swallowed. “Ryan, don’t even... I wasn’t even thinking of getting back... I don’t love her anymore. Don’t be silly, you should know better than that,” Brendon returned. He was going to say a lot more - more important things. First and foremost he wanted to tell him how he felt about Ryan and how he’d want things to progress. He also wanted to tell him how he refused to go back to Amber. Even if it cost him his arm.
Ryan looked impatient. Brendon looked from side to side, unsure if he should say it. He just didn’t feel like it was the right time... but it also felt like it was the right time. Ryan looked like he was waiting for whatever Brendon was going to say.
He lost patience. Ryan turned and walked away, tears welling up his eyes again and Brendon’s heart just sank at that. “Ryan,” he called.
“Save it for Amber,” Ryan whispered before he shut the door behind him.
Brendon bit his lip.
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Brendon was back in class two weeks after he had recovered. He and Ryan didn’t have much time together, let alone talk. Ryan was still pissed and Brendon got a bit tired of it already.
It was like they were back where they started, with Ryan not talking to him except when it was absolutely necessary like when they’re leaving or something. And it was very awkward. After all the nasty things they’ve done together, Ryan still kept his distance. Somehow.
“You’re not talking to Brendon,” Spencer asked Ryan. It was the last week before winter break. Spencer, William, and Ryan were at the coffee shop right after class.
“I am,” Ryan said flatly, obviously hating the topic. “Spence, I don’t honestly know where your question is going.” Ryan took a small sip from his cup.
Spencer sighed, a long and tired one before slouching in his seat. He rubbed his temples and said, “I don’t usually say this word Ryan. In fact almost never, but yeah, fuck you. You’re giving him cold treatment,” Spencer blurted out and Ryan blinked after he said the ‘fuck’ part.
“What?” Ryan asked.
“What the hell, you wouldn’t even be here if you two were in good terms,” Spencer said. And he really wanted to add the things that Jon told him. Brendon had been talking to Jon about how Ryan had been treating him lately and Spencer knew that they liked each other. From the moment he and Jon discussed stuff...
“What would you -” Ryan paused. Oh yeah, Spencer once told him that he’s Ryan’s best friend... and that’s why he knew a lot about him and the things around him. Ryan’s eyes widened at the realization. “How the fuck would you even know, Spence?”
Spencer rolled his eyes. “Oh come on, Ryan. I’m your best friend! And maybe the part where you’re almost bawling during the time Brendon was missing. It wasn’t that hard to guess.”
“Yeah, and the more you reason that out to me the more it gives me the creeps,” Ryan said earnestly and added, “have you attached some tracking chips on me?”
Spencer rolled his eyes again but this time he was on the verge of laughing. “No, of course not. Listen, I’ve been talking to Jon. And Brendon has been talking to Jon. So yeah, I think you get the idea?” Spencer explained, gesturing in the air. Spencer paused for a minute and when he saw the impression that Ryan was not going to give him a serious talk here, he added, “Are you not going to talk to him? It’s not like, well, he’s not getting back with Amber at all.”
Ryan rolled his eyes. “What made you think this is about that ugly bilk?”
Spencer shut his eyes closed for a second in irritation. “Ryan? Do you even hear yourself?”
Ryan sighed and glared at Spencer. He didn’t like it. In fact, he never liked it when Spencer was correct and he was on the wrong. He often dealt with it with a raised brow. “So Brendumb really has some nice friends,” Ryan said, frowning and shaking his head.
“He hears himself, Spence,” William muttered. “Ryan just does not want to deal with it.”
“And adding to Brendon’s long list of good friends is Bill,” Ryan appended, rolling his eyes at William who quietly sipped on his cup.
“And you’re back to your old childlike self,” Spencer said in dismay, shaking his head.
“You never complained about me being childish before,” Ryan defended.
“Yeah, ‘cause you were tolerable before. But seeing you now getting pissed off by Brendon, you’re getting worse,” Spencer muttered. Now he was less aggressive and calmer.
“Why won’t you try talking to him, Ryan?” William said then turned to Spencer. “Let’s just allow them to fix this on their own, Spence.”
Spencer looked more considerate now and Ryan as well. “Yeah, I guess Bill’s right. Sorry Ry,” Spencer muttered but he quickly added, “but you have to talk to Brendon, really, and I’m pretty sure things will work out between the two of you.”
“Yeah, I will,” Ryan returned.
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Brendon thought it was not necessary but he’d do it anyway. He needed to say something, make it official so that she would not be bothering him anymore.
He sighed, slouched a bit more on the park bench. He told her to come by two and it was already fifteen past two, he checked. But she agreed to come so he would wait and he would not send her another message.
It was the park near the convenience store Amber worked at. The people that filled it looked familiar because Brendon had frequented this place before. Now he watched the distant ice cream shop and he smiled as he remembered that that was where he first bought ice cream for Ryan.
Brendon quickly composed himself when he saw a familiar someone walking towards him. She wore the usual - skinny jeans, plain blue top. He smiled timidly as soon as Amber was close enough and she returned the favor quickly.
Her smile faded when she sat beside him on the bench and she saw the sling on Brendon’s arm. She looked remorseful when Brendon moved uncomfortably beside her to try and hide the sling.
“Hey,” he greeted, almost a mild whisper but she heard it quite perfectly. She looked him in the eyes and there was no trace of anger in him. “Thanks for coming out.”
“Yeah,” she replied, looking up at the afternoon sky. “Listen, Brendon, I’m really really sorry... I knew I shouldn’t have...” Amber quieted down and scratched the back of her head. She knew it. It was all her fault.
“I understand that you’re with Matt now,” Brendon began and she frowned at that.
“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “Brendon, I -”
“Amber, I’m sorry,” Brendon cut in softly. He was keeping his distance from her. “Let’s move on, both of us. It’s for the better. I came here just to make it official.” Brendon frowned. It looked like Amber was going to cry and she looked away to wipe those tears. “Amber, you must understand. I uh...”
“Brendon, I can explain,” she pleaded, her eyes meeting Brendon’s and she reached up to touch his face.
“No,” Brendon said and he moved her hand away. “I think you need not explain anything. Matt already did that for you,” he said.
“Brendon you’ve got to hear what I’m going to say,” Amber tried.
“Just,” Brendon said and sighed before he added, “no. I’m sorry Amber, I’m going to leave. So don’t try to call me anymore. I want to end this as pleasantly as possible so don’t make it anymore difficult.” Brendon got up from the bench and began walking away. He never thought it’d be this hard. Amber was still his friend, a close friend. He was not still over the shock that Amber actually cheated on him.
He heard her call his name but he refused to look back. We both must move on, he thought and pocketed his hand as he walked.
Brendon missed going home in a bus. Ryan’s car was comfortable, yes, but the atmosphere now was different. There was a mellow background song and seated before him was an old lady with her grandson who was sleeping. It was not grand or too cold in the bus. He just thought it was less complicated, than it was when he sat on Ryan’s passenger seat.
And when Brendon got home, the lights were out. Ryan was probably not yet home. Maybe he’s with Spencer and William again, having coffee or at the mall. Brendon smiled when he passed by the kitchen and saw Pete with an apron hanging around his neck. Far from the Pete he remembered that night.
“Hey,” Pete called out and smiled. “I’m baking banana cake. Where’s Ryan?”
Brendon bit his lip and entered the kitchen, sitting down on the chair by the small table. Pete opened the oven and the air was filled with the scent of vanilla and banana and bread. “I don’t know,” Brendon answered and shook his head.
Pete creased his brows at him disbelievingly. “What?”
“Maybe he’s with Spence and Bill, having coffee or something.”
“Oh,” Pete replied and stuffed the cake on a huge plate. He stopped before Brendon and gave him an understanding look. “I see.”
Brendon needed something to divert the subject. And he’d been wanting to ask Pete about it too. “I’ve been wondering Pete,” he began and Pete took the seat opposite him, urging him to continue. “How did you deal with Matt and his friends? I mean, he’s huge and his friends are too.”
“He’s huge, yeah,” he answered thoughtfully. “But I’m definitely tougher than him, that bastard,” Pete said distastefully and clenched his fists again in anger. “I told the motherfucker that if he showed up again I would fucking kill him.”
“Whoa,” Brendon said, obviously astounded by the way Pete suddenly changed from a calm guy to a serious gangster-like one. “So... you’re a martial artist? Or you’re just a member of a gang?”
Pete released a sigh and smiled at him. “No, and no. I just own a bar,” he said dismissively.
“It’s okay if you’re not telling me. I’m going to find out anyway,” Brendon said with a mild laugh and got up from his seat. “I’m biting the banana cake later.”
“Yeah, and I’m leaving.”
Brendon rolled his eyes as he got out of the kitchen and into the hallway to his room. Pete’s a cool guy. Probably cool to hang out with, but Brendon was so sure he’d rather be with Ryan. Yeah, he was cool with that especially if Ryan was talking to him.
Brendon entered his room and sat on the edge of his bed. On the mahogany side table sat the yellow vase Ryan gave him as a welcome gift.
A lot had happened to him since the woman he had known as his mother died. Brendon was homeless until she found him. He was thankful for her, really. She adopted him and gave him her last name. He told her he was not fitting for it but now that she’s gone it was the only thing that he had that would remind him.
Margaret was Susan’s sister, that’s why Susan took him in. Susan was grateful for Brendon too because he took good care of Margaret when she got sick.
Amber was his life back then. She was his best friend and he thought it was her when she sneaked out into the night with him. He thought it was perfect when he met her mother and her little brother Dustin. When he stood up for her...
Brendon might not have felt it, but as he lay down on his bed a tear rolled down his cheek. It was just too sad for him to remember the past again. He really wished Ryan was here now. Even if he was quite sure that Ryan would just probably laugh at him or insult him if he saw him, Brendon would still want him here even just for his presence. Or just knowing he was there.
He heard a faint thud on the front door. Pete must have left already. Brendon sighed and felt his phone vibrate. He took it out and was a little depressed that it was Mrs. Ross. He answered anyway.
“Brendon, honey, how are you doing?” Susan sounded worried.
Brendon smiled. “I’m fine. How ‘bout you? I hope you’re safe there.”
“Yes, but I heard your arm’s broken? How long is it before you can move your arm again?”
“Oh, uh,” Brendon paused and took a good look at his bandaged arm. “The doctor said recovery’s for at least a month and I would have to have a check-up like every week. But it’s fine now, I can slightly move it.”
“Glad to hear that. George was worried sick. I told him I’d give you boys a call.” She said and Brendon smiled even more. It was nice to hear that they cared. “So, I’ve sent you boys your plane tickets.”
“Plane tickets?” Brendon repeated. “To where?”
“Christmas, Brendon,” Susan said and he could almost see her smile. “I’d like to see you and Ryan. Your tickets are for London. George and I will meet you there then we’ll have a flight for Hawaii. We have a rest house in Keawakapu Beach.”
Oh. Brendon blinked. That was one hell of a plan for Christmas.
“George and I had looked forward to that day when we all go there as a family,” Susan added with a euphoric laughter. Brendon felt butterflies in his stomach at the sound of family. “Will you tell Ryan? I called him but he said he’s busy and I’m not really sure he was listening. Your flight’s on Friday, after school.”
“Oh, sure. I’ll tell him when he gets home,” Brendon replied with a smile.
“That’s good. Okay, I’ll have to go now. I’m actually in a business meeting. I just called to check and tell you the news,” she said before Brendon bid her goodbye and they both hung up.
Brendon sighed. Never had he rode a plane before. Never had he went to London and Hawaii and he heard those were nice places. And his first cruise would be with Ryan. He hoped it would be a smooth one. Maybe it would be a great chance, to tell Ryan everything.
Brendon wanted to jump out of joy. Just as excited he was, he felt his stomach rumble a little when he heard the front door clunk open and close again. Brendon was still amazed at how the sound resonated at the painfully quiet house.
Anyway Brendon got up from his bed and dashed out to the kitchen, where he knew Ryan would be first going for a banana cake.
“Hey,” Brendon greeted, face bright at Ryan who was leaning at the countertop, holding a slice of banana cake in his hand.
Ryan raised an eyebrow at Brendon. “What?” he asked flatly.
“Aunt Susan called,” Brendon began, feeling his throat suddenly go dry. “She said she sent us plane tickets to London for Christmas. Then she and Uncle George will meet us there.”
Ryan nodded his head. “I know. So that’s why you’re excited?”
Brendon blinked. Okay this was going from awkward to worse. It was kind of weird, that he was having the exact same feeling he had when Ryan turned him to Big Ben on his first day at Palo Verde.
Brendon did not know how to respond to that. Should he say yes? Will that break Ryan’s stone heart? Or should he say otherwise because he was tired of Ryan being so cocky and ignoring him all the time.
Brendon nodded despite himself.
Ryan’s face went smug again. “Well, I’m not even going to that trip,” Ryan said in an in-your-face tone before he began walking past Brendon, their shoulders hitting with force as Ryan went.
Brendon inhaled and when he was sure that Ryan was out of the kitchen, he massaged his temples. It hurt, a lot. In the emotional sense, it was more agonizing than when he felt his arm get broken.
Maybe he should follow Ryan or something. He was saving it for Christmas but who would he say it to if the person he most wanted to be with for Christmas would not go with him in the trip?
Brendon barely noticed it himself but he was already marching towards Ryan’s room and he didn’t knock. Ryan won’t open the door for him anyway.
“Hey,” Brendon said to the figure lying on the couch.
“Why are you here?”
“Look,” Brendon said and moved to face Ryan who was hiding his face under a pillow. “I’m sorry, okay? I just had to make sure Amber wouldn’t do anything stupid then. I can’t allow someone getting hurt because of me.”
Ryan remained silent.
“Ryan? I’m not... I don’t love her.” It was difficult to say. Brendon had to choose his words carefully because he didn’t want to say that three-word phrase just yet. He was saving the moment on the eve of Christmas... or sometime after that.
Ryan pulled at the beige pillow to reveal his eyes and his gaze landed on Brendon. “Yeah? I saw you together,” Ryan said though his words came out a little garbled through the pillow. Brendon was standing over him and Ryan almost flinched when Brendon smiled, like he was trying to suppress a mild laughter. “Alright, now you think it’s funny.”
“No, no, no!” Brendon said, shaking his hands in the air with a smile. “It’s just that,” Brendon tried, composing himself once again. “Yes, I met up with Amber after what she’s done. I’m not gonna lie. I’ve been her for so long that it’s so difficult to end things. We talked, but I just did because I want to clear things up between us. I didn’t want her to call me anymore, to see me, or anything.”
“Yeah,” Ryan sighed. He could feel his breath through the soft cotton pillow and he hid his face underneath it again. “That won’t change my decision, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He swallowed.
“I’m not trying to make you change your mind, Ryan. I’m just trying to make you understand...” Brendon said with a smile. “I’m leaving your ticket here beside your laptop.”
“I’ll throw that away,” Ryan muttered, not moving at all.
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In the morning Brendon overslept. He did it on purpose because he was tired of trying to make Ryan listen. Maybe that’ll tire Ryan out too, if Brendon ignored him as well.
When Brendon got to school he went straight to the library because he wouldn’t make it to his English class. In fact, he’d rather have a good talk with Jon than sit in Anderson’s class and pretend to be listening.
“Jon,” Brendon greeted cheerfully and waved at Jon who was stacking up some books in the circulation area. Jon waved back, a signal for Brendon to walk closer.
“How’s your arm?” Jon asked, sitting on the floor and sorting some books. Brendon sat in front of him and smiled.
“I think this won’t take a month. It barely aches anymore,” Brendon replied and eyed the books Jon was fixing. Jon noticed and asked softly, “Is it Ryan?”
Brendon let out a sigh. “Yeah, Ryan.”
Jon smiled at him. “I think you like him,” he said.
“No, not in that manner,” Brendon said quickly and frowned at Jon but when he saw that look in Jon’s face, he knew that Jon knew the truth. “How did you...”
“Uh, I guess it shows,” Jon explained as he began on the second pile. Brendon gaped at him disbelievingly. “Spencer, William, and I had noticed it already.”
Brendon was still gaping and he blinked. He was giving Jon a what-the-fuck face. “Uh,” Brendon said, trying to recompose himself. Okay, his friends knew. “Okay...”
“I’m actually happy that you’ve broke up with Amber. In fact, ten times happier. If you love him I’m fine with it,” Jon said, not looking up from the books.
“Oh, okay,” Brendon replied. He didn’t know if he should be happy that Jon had accepted it already. “Okay,” Brendon sounded like he was now more convinced. “Jon, I love him. But, he still won’t talk to me. He even said that he wasn’t going to London with me.”
“London?” Jon said, surprised. “You’re going to London for Christmas?”
Brendon got distracted. He just told Jon that Ryan won’t be going with him to London for Christmas and it seemed that the London part was what caught Jon’s attention. “Uh, yes. London then to Hawaii,” Brendon said, a little confused. “But Ryan said he won’t be going.”
“No shit Brendon! You’re going to London! And Hawaii! For vacation! How cool is that?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m actually excited. Well, was,” Brendon said with an honest smile. He shook his head in an instant and said, “Jon, Ryan said he won’t be going.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Jon said apologetically and continued sorting the books out. “Hmm,” he added.
“My life still sucks,” Brendon announced, looking up at the ceiling of the room in disappointment. “I’d be in two of the most wonderful places on Earth and Ryan won’t even...” Brendon sighed.
“So when’s your flight?” Jon asked.
“Tomorrow,” Brendon replied.
“Okay. I’ll try and talk to Spencer later,” Jon uttered.
“Spencer?”
“Yeah, we kinda talk a lot,” Jon said and looked away. Brendon narrowed his eyes at him and he quickly added, “About you and Ryan.”
Brendon abruptly raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh... ‘kay,” he said. “Thanks.”
“No problem.”
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That night, Jon relayed everything to Spencer and Spencer talked to Ryan yet again the next day after their class, which was their last day in school before winter break.
“Where’s Brendon?” Spencer asked as he stuffed his things from his locker to his bag. They were getting their stuff before the break.
“Where’s who?” Ryan repeated, retrieving his own stuff from his locker.
“Don’t play dumb. Brendon, of course,” Spencer said incredulously.
“Why’re you asking me?” Ryan returned, kind of irritated.
“Ryan,” Spencer called out impatiently.
“He’s probably home, getting his luggage together for the flight.”
“And why are you here?”
“Because I’m not going to spend Christmas with him. I mean, I’m not going in the same flight as him. I’d go directly to Hawaii next week, after Christmas and avoid him as much as I could,” Ryan said.
“What?” Spencer asked. “Did you even try talking to him?”
“No,” Ryan said flatly. “I saw him with Amber again.” Ryan dropped his things and suddenly covered his mouth.
“Now didn’t you say this wasn’t about Amber and Brendon?” Spencer asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. But it just actually confirmed it. Ryan had an issue with Amber. He was right about the Ryan-loves-Brendon thing.
“It isn’t!” Ryan said, almost to a shout. His face grew hot at that and he could tell that Spencer was seeing through him now. “Well, after what happened? Why would he still go and see her?”
“You’re being obnoxious, Ryan.” Spencer dropped his stuff on his bag and turned to face Ryan. “Brendon was not going to get back with that Amber.”
Ryan blinked. People just kept pushing him. He kept silent for a moment. He might not be able to handle this.
“Yeah, he told me that too,” he said apathetically but inside his head he thought his heart is about to explode due to the fact that Brendon would be leaving and possibly he’s in the airport by now. He didn’t check the time of the flight so he wasn’t so sure. His heart was thumping.
“Ryan. It’s not yet too late,” Spencer said kindly. “You should follow him.”
“F-fuck that.” Ryan’s mind was giving him incoherent thoughts. He barely processed the words that Spencer said. His mind was clouded with thoughts of Brendon and Brendon being alone and lonely. Not to mention his right arm was still fragile. His mind was definitely fucking with him.
“Ryan?” Spencer said, tapping on Ryan’s shoulder.
“What?” Ryan replied suddenly.
“You should follow him.”
Ryan placed the last of his stuff in his bag and closed his it. He began walking away and Spencer called out, “Where’re you going?”
“Home.”
Spencer knew how much of a lie it was, by the way Ryan walked in a hurried pace. “Yeah, right,” he said with a smile and felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
“Yeah?” he said into the receiver.
“Coffee?”
“Yeah, I’d love that. Then we might check out some books at the mall, what do you say?” Spencer smiled and Ryan disappeared from the corner of the hallway. “Great.”
Notes: Sorry. I got this beta-ed last Thursday but I got disappointed and thus the delay. :(
Woo.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDON <3
April 12, 2010
Author: msbenzedrine
Pairing: Ryden
Rating: PG13
POV: 3rd
Summary: (high school AU) Brendon’s life took a huge turn when he found himself suddenly living with his rich new guardian and her family in a mansion Brendon thought only existed in TV shows after his foster mom died. Living in luxury would be fine or much peaceful if it wasn’t for his guardian’s son, Ryan, a rich kid his age who didn’t like having uninvited guests around. Living together should be interesting.
Warnings: Lots of curses on this chapter.
Beta: deadoralive0013
Disclaimer: wish they were mine
Notes: Sixteenth
16
Jon pulled over at a nice Victorian house. Spencer’s jaw almost dropped when Jon actually got off the car and waited for him outside, almost impatiently.
“Seriously!?” Spencer muttered, eyes still wide as he got out of the car and glanced at the nice neighborhood. Jon looked like he was about to explode laughing.
“This isn’t Matt’s house obviously. We can’t park near his house. He knows my car, so I need to keep distance. We march from here,” Jon returned and began walking forward. Spencer caught up with him soon.
“I feel uneasy, like something bad has happened,” Spencer said beside Jon as they did a fast walk to the next street. “And I do get it when something does happen. My instincts are pretty accurate.”
Jon blinked at him but Spencer had to say it. “Brendon will be fine,” Jon whispered. He wanted to add ‘I hope’, because he knew what Matt could do but he didn’t.
They took a turn to a less fashioned lane of houses and Spencer ducked when Jon suddenly did. They reached a pretty slummy establishment, no flowers in the garden. The garage was closed and Spencer could make out the inside of the house - half empty and definitely unclean. For the first time he thought his own room was clean.
“Shh,” Jon hushed needlessly as they crawled forward, closing to the garage. Spencer followed him until they stopped by the battered wall. There was a crack on the side, large enough for both of them to peek in. Jon positioned himself first and when Spencer saw him cover his mouth in awe, Spencer quickly squished himself to get a look.
It didn’t look good.
“What the,” Spencer whispered and his voice drifted off at what he saw.
Jon looked even worse. Spencer shook him and said, “That’s not fucking fair! There are like seven big guys there beating Brendon out! Aren’t we going to help him out!?”
“Shh!” Jon struggled from the grass to cover Spencer’s mouth. “Do you think we’d stand a chance against those men!?” Jon said almost to a shout and removed his hand when Spencer calmed down. “Besides, are you capable of fighting? Fist fights I mean.”
“I’ve never been in a fight. But look! Brendon’s not even moving at all! He might get himself killed!” Spencer screeched and eyed the huge guys angrily as they laughed.
“No. He must have just passed out already,” Jon commented as he peeked in again, pushing Spencer a little to the side. “What the - is that… Amber,” Jon said and shook his head and looked away.
“Amber?! That’s Brendon’s girlfriend, right?”
“I think, ex-girlfriend,” Jon corrected.
“What?!” Spencer said and Jon had to cover his mouth again.
“Story later. For now we need to call for help,” Jon said, turned to get to his feet and abruptly fell back with a slight cry when another pair of figures towered above them.
“Ryan,” Spencer said brightly like Ryan could take down the big guys. If he’d even do that. “Bill.”
William appeared behind Ryan. “Where’s Brendon?” Ryan whispered and both he and William ducked down on the grass to hide themselves. Ryan was not deaf. He could hear the snickering and the mocking and he could definitely hear Matt shit-talking with Amber crying in the background.
It made his insides squirm unpleasantly when Jon and Spencer exchanged glances. Ryan pushed them aside and peeked at the crack himself.
Ryan dropped on the grass on a sitting position and was covering his mouth.
“What is it?!” William mumbled.
“Is Brendon unconscious?” Ryan asked softly, eyes blinking. Matt and his friends were in a circle around Brendon, beating him even though he had already blacked out. It made him want to crush Matt in his own hands right now. He couldn’t bear seeing Brendon in this condition. Ryan got to his feet and was about to walk to the other side of the garage where the entrance door was but Jon managed to take a good hold of his arm.
“Ryan no!” Jon said as he pulled him back.
“Fuck it, Jon! Let go!” Ryan said and he wasn’t mumbling at all. He was speaking at the normal level of his voice. And Jon must’ve noticed it by now. With the way Ryan was looking away and all, that he was holding back tears.
“Ryan!” Jon pleaded.
“No, don’t stop him. That’s bad, Jonathan Walker. We could use some more speed bag in there,” Matt said, arms crossed on his chest and face a smug.
Jon’s heart almost sunk at the sight of Matt and his buddies appearing from nowhere. How did they even...
“Fuck you,” Ryan muttered with pure wrath at Matt who laughed incredulously at him.
“Ryan,” Jon said, getting up to his feet. William and Spencer followed. The last time they’d check, there were about seven of them. But Spencer recounted and there were about fourteen of them now. He couldn’t figure out where they came from, like the ground spat them out or something...
Jon swallowed as Matt approached them, dragging his steel-toe boots as he strode. “Join us,” he whispered as soon as he was close enough at Ryan’s face and added, “I won’t take no for an answer.” His eyes were dark as he walked back into the garage, his company awaiting Jon and the rest to walk into the garage before they followed.
“Fuck,” Spencer grunted when one of Matt’s cronies pushed him in.
And there was Amber, kept to the side and her eyeliner running down her cheeks. Fucking ugly. They flinched as their eyes landed on Brendon who was on the ground and drenched. He could barely open his eyes and he was just groaning in pain.
Jon shook his head. “Matt what have you done?!”
They all rushed to Brendon’s side. Ryan’s eyes couldn’t hold back the tears any longer as he bent down to plant a kiss on Brendon’s bloodied forehead.
“Don’t,” Brendon mumbled and winced in pain when William tried to move his apparently broken arm and William immediately uttered an apology.
“Fuck, what?” Ryan said and Jon pointed at Brendon’s arm, which was folded in an awkward position behind his back. Ryan instantly got to his feet and dashed to face Matt, the fucker.
“You’re dead,” Ryan whispered, his eyes pointed and angry at Matt but the other just gave him a lopsided smile. It was the first time Ryan felt so brave, unafraid of pain or what might happen to him due to his impulsive actions. But fuck pain when it was someone he truly cared for - someone he loved.
“Did I hear that right, skinny ass?” Matt said and shoved at Ryan’s shoulders and Ryan almost fell, but he caught himself just in time.
“Ryan!” William said and he and Spencer came to Ryan’s aid, stopping him from lunging at Matt again. Each held on his shoulder.
Matt laughed. “I like it, thin guys who fight. I feed on that kind of anger,” he said and licked his lips. Ryan gritted his teeth.
“Ryan you can’t take him on,” Spencer whispered at Ryan, his eyes narrowed at Matt and his cronies. “We can’t take him on. Not to mention his friends.”
“That’s about it. I’m actually excited. Excuse me, I have to finish Brendon first before I get to you guys,” Matt declared and marched towards Brendon. Ryan actually tried to jump in on Matt and give him a good hit but his allies got to him first and shoved him away and down, Spencer and William going the same way. Some of Matt’s friends blocked their way.
Ryan could only see some silhouette. Jon must’ve tried but failed too. “Brendon!” Ryan screamed and he couldn’t see it clearly when the garage door burst open and some men came in.
“Pete!” Ryan shouted, more of to confirm and yes, Pete was rushing towards them with a few of his friends. Ryan’s face brightened. He had never been so happy to see his butler.
“Ryan, what the fuck are -”
“Brendon!”
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It was two days before Brendon finally woke up. He was still in the hospital and he was not too surprised to see that it was Ryan who was watching over him.
Brendon looked around the private room and he did want to laugh at the sight of Ryan Ross fixing the flowers on his side table. He looked too absorbed with it and his brows creased trying to balance the bouquet on the table.
Ryan was in his usual skinny jeans and tight v-neck. His hair was flat down but it still looked good and Brendon wondered if Ryan had even the time to style it. He probably just came from school and went straight to the hospital. “Hey,” Brendon mumbled and Ryan turned to look at him like he was surprised. “That’s mine?”
“Yeah,” Ryan replied and walked to the edge of the bed. He sat on the chair beside it. It was quite uncomfortable for him but he was kind of happy now that Brendon had regained consciousness. He wanted to ask him a lot of things and he wanted to know how he ended up there at Matt’s garage, but Brendon had just woken up and he didn’t want to ruin this moment. “But don’t get the wrong idea. Mom and dad sent that bouquet.”
“Really?” Brendon smiled and moved his head slowly to take a closer look at the flowers. They looked fresh and red. Mrs. Ross never failed to impress him with her good memory. Brendon couldn’t even remember telling her that red was his favorite. “So did they visit me?”
Ryan laughed and crossed his arms. “That would be a miracle. Mom’s in another country right now. Somewhere in Europe I guess for a business trip and dad... well you know him. He’s never home. Always busy,” Ryan said like it didn’t matter but Brendon frowned, face twitching a bit when he accidentally moved his right arm which was elevated and bandaged. Ryan sighed. “Don’t give me that look, Brendon. I got the same bouquet when I met an accident years ago.”
Brendon smiled at him timidly and Ryan swore if he continued looking at him he might just actually do him right there. Fuck the bandages and the bruises, Ryan thought as he looked away.
“Accident? What kind?” Brendon asked, slowly getting enthused by Ryan. He never knew Ryan did some sport, if it was sport he was talking about.
Ryan sighed. “I fell off in a recital when I was in fifth grade. I played violin and my stupid classmate threw me a live spider. I panicked and thank heavens I fell off the stage,” he said in a monotonous voice. He chanced a glance at Brendon and he was biting his lip like he was stopping himself from laughing.
“A spider? Seriously?” Brendon asked skeptically. Ryan glared at him. “Okay, okay, sorry ‘bout that.”
Ryan breathed deeply. “It’s okay. But how are you feeling now?”
“I’m just fine except for this arm,” Brendon said, his face looking more serious now as he began to recollect. “Where’s Matt? Amber?”
Ryan shook his head. “Pete dealt with the bastard. They’re probably dead now,” he said and watched as Brendon’s eyes widened in shock. “Nah, they’re probably beaten up good... and home.”
Brendon breathed out in relief. He was not going to dwell on that at the moment. “So Pete’s a member of the Mafia or what?”
“He owns a bar.”
“And a member of the Mafia?”
“Just the bar.”
“Yeah, right.”
“Okay, Pete owns a bar and is a member of the Mafia.”
Brendon rolled his eyes.
There was silence for a few moments. Ryan fixed some of his stuff in his messenger bag when Brendon broke the silence. “So, did Jon come here already?”
“Yeah. We were actually the ones who brought you here. Jon, Spence, Bill, and me.”
Brendon nodded thankfully. “Thank you guys. But how did you even know I was there?”
“I told Jon what happened. He had a clue as to where you might be and he was not wrong,” Ryan replied, looking down on his bag and fixing whatever’s inside of it. He looked up at Brendon and added, “You’re a fucking asshole, you know that?”
Brendon blinked.
“You could’ve died out there if we didn’t come in time to rescue you,” Ryan added painfully. The scene played on his mind again and it made him want to hug Brendon.
“I’m sorry,” Brendon said apologetically with a frown. “I didn’t know what was coming. Amber sent me a message, telling me that if I didn’t come she would kill herself.”
“And that stupidity of yours almost killed you,” Ryan countered almost angrily.
“Ryan, I didn’t know what was coming. ” Brendon’s voice faded, seeing how disappointed and sad Ryan was. He swore he saw a tear fall from that hazel eye and Brendon couldn’t forgive himself for that. “Ryan, I’m sorry.”
Ryan got up and walked over to Brendon’s bed. Looking down on Brendon boosted his ego and it felt like he could talk all he wanted and Brendon couldn’t do anything about it. “So Amber’s still important to you, huh.”
Brendon swallowed. “Ryan, don’t even... I wasn’t even thinking of getting back... I don’t love her anymore. Don’t be silly, you should know better than that,” Brendon returned. He was going to say a lot more - more important things. First and foremost he wanted to tell him how he felt about Ryan and how he’d want things to progress. He also wanted to tell him how he refused to go back to Amber. Even if it cost him his arm.
Ryan looked impatient. Brendon looked from side to side, unsure if he should say it. He just didn’t feel like it was the right time... but it also felt like it was the right time. Ryan looked like he was waiting for whatever Brendon was going to say.
He lost patience. Ryan turned and walked away, tears welling up his eyes again and Brendon’s heart just sank at that. “Ryan,” he called.
“Save it for Amber,” Ryan whispered before he shut the door behind him.
Brendon bit his lip.
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Brendon was back in class two weeks after he had recovered. He and Ryan didn’t have much time together, let alone talk. Ryan was still pissed and Brendon got a bit tired of it already.
It was like they were back where they started, with Ryan not talking to him except when it was absolutely necessary like when they’re leaving or something. And it was very awkward. After all the nasty things they’ve done together, Ryan still kept his distance. Somehow.
“You’re not talking to Brendon,” Spencer asked Ryan. It was the last week before winter break. Spencer, William, and Ryan were at the coffee shop right after class.
“I am,” Ryan said flatly, obviously hating the topic. “Spence, I don’t honestly know where your question is going.” Ryan took a small sip from his cup.
Spencer sighed, a long and tired one before slouching in his seat. He rubbed his temples and said, “I don’t usually say this word Ryan. In fact almost never, but yeah, fuck you. You’re giving him cold treatment,” Spencer blurted out and Ryan blinked after he said the ‘fuck’ part.
“What?” Ryan asked.
“What the hell, you wouldn’t even be here if you two were in good terms,” Spencer said. And he really wanted to add the things that Jon told him. Brendon had been talking to Jon about how Ryan had been treating him lately and Spencer knew that they liked each other. From the moment he and Jon discussed stuff...
“What would you -” Ryan paused. Oh yeah, Spencer once told him that he’s Ryan’s best friend... and that’s why he knew a lot about him and the things around him. Ryan’s eyes widened at the realization. “How the fuck would you even know, Spence?”
Spencer rolled his eyes. “Oh come on, Ryan. I’m your best friend! And maybe the part where you’re almost bawling during the time Brendon was missing. It wasn’t that hard to guess.”
“Yeah, and the more you reason that out to me the more it gives me the creeps,” Ryan said earnestly and added, “have you attached some tracking chips on me?”
Spencer rolled his eyes again but this time he was on the verge of laughing. “No, of course not. Listen, I’ve been talking to Jon. And Brendon has been talking to Jon. So yeah, I think you get the idea?” Spencer explained, gesturing in the air. Spencer paused for a minute and when he saw the impression that Ryan was not going to give him a serious talk here, he added, “Are you not going to talk to him? It’s not like, well, he’s not getting back with Amber at all.”
Ryan rolled his eyes. “What made you think this is about that ugly bilk?”
Spencer shut his eyes closed for a second in irritation. “Ryan? Do you even hear yourself?”
Ryan sighed and glared at Spencer. He didn’t like it. In fact, he never liked it when Spencer was correct and he was on the wrong. He often dealt with it with a raised brow. “So Brendumb really has some nice friends,” Ryan said, frowning and shaking his head.
“He hears himself, Spence,” William muttered. “Ryan just does not want to deal with it.”
“And adding to Brendon’s long list of good friends is Bill,” Ryan appended, rolling his eyes at William who quietly sipped on his cup.
“And you’re back to your old childlike self,” Spencer said in dismay, shaking his head.
“You never complained about me being childish before,” Ryan defended.
“Yeah, ‘cause you were tolerable before. But seeing you now getting pissed off by Brendon, you’re getting worse,” Spencer muttered. Now he was less aggressive and calmer.
“Why won’t you try talking to him, Ryan?” William said then turned to Spencer. “Let’s just allow them to fix this on their own, Spence.”
Spencer looked more considerate now and Ryan as well. “Yeah, I guess Bill’s right. Sorry Ry,” Spencer muttered but he quickly added, “but you have to talk to Brendon, really, and I’m pretty sure things will work out between the two of you.”
“Yeah, I will,” Ryan returned.
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Brendon thought it was not necessary but he’d do it anyway. He needed to say something, make it official so that she would not be bothering him anymore.
He sighed, slouched a bit more on the park bench. He told her to come by two and it was already fifteen past two, he checked. But she agreed to come so he would wait and he would not send her another message.
It was the park near the convenience store Amber worked at. The people that filled it looked familiar because Brendon had frequented this place before. Now he watched the distant ice cream shop and he smiled as he remembered that that was where he first bought ice cream for Ryan.
Brendon quickly composed himself when he saw a familiar someone walking towards him. She wore the usual - skinny jeans, plain blue top. He smiled timidly as soon as Amber was close enough and she returned the favor quickly.
Her smile faded when she sat beside him on the bench and she saw the sling on Brendon’s arm. She looked remorseful when Brendon moved uncomfortably beside her to try and hide the sling.
“Hey,” he greeted, almost a mild whisper but she heard it quite perfectly. She looked him in the eyes and there was no trace of anger in him. “Thanks for coming out.”
“Yeah,” she replied, looking up at the afternoon sky. “Listen, Brendon, I’m really really sorry... I knew I shouldn’t have...” Amber quieted down and scratched the back of her head. She knew it. It was all her fault.
“I understand that you’re with Matt now,” Brendon began and she frowned at that.
“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “Brendon, I -”
“Amber, I’m sorry,” Brendon cut in softly. He was keeping his distance from her. “Let’s move on, both of us. It’s for the better. I came here just to make it official.” Brendon frowned. It looked like Amber was going to cry and she looked away to wipe those tears. “Amber, you must understand. I uh...”
“Brendon, I can explain,” she pleaded, her eyes meeting Brendon’s and she reached up to touch his face.
“No,” Brendon said and he moved her hand away. “I think you need not explain anything. Matt already did that for you,” he said.
“Brendon you’ve got to hear what I’m going to say,” Amber tried.
“Just,” Brendon said and sighed before he added, “no. I’m sorry Amber, I’m going to leave. So don’t try to call me anymore. I want to end this as pleasantly as possible so don’t make it anymore difficult.” Brendon got up from the bench and began walking away. He never thought it’d be this hard. Amber was still his friend, a close friend. He was not still over the shock that Amber actually cheated on him.
He heard her call his name but he refused to look back. We both must move on, he thought and pocketed his hand as he walked.
Brendon missed going home in a bus. Ryan’s car was comfortable, yes, but the atmosphere now was different. There was a mellow background song and seated before him was an old lady with her grandson who was sleeping. It was not grand or too cold in the bus. He just thought it was less complicated, than it was when he sat on Ryan’s passenger seat.
And when Brendon got home, the lights were out. Ryan was probably not yet home. Maybe he’s with Spencer and William again, having coffee or at the mall. Brendon smiled when he passed by the kitchen and saw Pete with an apron hanging around his neck. Far from the Pete he remembered that night.
“Hey,” Pete called out and smiled. “I’m baking banana cake. Where’s Ryan?”
Brendon bit his lip and entered the kitchen, sitting down on the chair by the small table. Pete opened the oven and the air was filled with the scent of vanilla and banana and bread. “I don’t know,” Brendon answered and shook his head.
Pete creased his brows at him disbelievingly. “What?”
“Maybe he’s with Spence and Bill, having coffee or something.”
“Oh,” Pete replied and stuffed the cake on a huge plate. He stopped before Brendon and gave him an understanding look. “I see.”
Brendon needed something to divert the subject. And he’d been wanting to ask Pete about it too. “I’ve been wondering Pete,” he began and Pete took the seat opposite him, urging him to continue. “How did you deal with Matt and his friends? I mean, he’s huge and his friends are too.”
“He’s huge, yeah,” he answered thoughtfully. “But I’m definitely tougher than him, that bastard,” Pete said distastefully and clenched his fists again in anger. “I told the motherfucker that if he showed up again I would fucking kill him.”
“Whoa,” Brendon said, obviously astounded by the way Pete suddenly changed from a calm guy to a serious gangster-like one. “So... you’re a martial artist? Or you’re just a member of a gang?”
Pete released a sigh and smiled at him. “No, and no. I just own a bar,” he said dismissively.
“It’s okay if you’re not telling me. I’m going to find out anyway,” Brendon said with a mild laugh and got up from his seat. “I’m biting the banana cake later.”
“Yeah, and I’m leaving.”
Brendon rolled his eyes as he got out of the kitchen and into the hallway to his room. Pete’s a cool guy. Probably cool to hang out with, but Brendon was so sure he’d rather be with Ryan. Yeah, he was cool with that especially if Ryan was talking to him.
Brendon entered his room and sat on the edge of his bed. On the mahogany side table sat the yellow vase Ryan gave him as a welcome gift.
A lot had happened to him since the woman he had known as his mother died. Brendon was homeless until she found him. He was thankful for her, really. She adopted him and gave him her last name. He told her he was not fitting for it but now that she’s gone it was the only thing that he had that would remind him.
Margaret was Susan’s sister, that’s why Susan took him in. Susan was grateful for Brendon too because he took good care of Margaret when she got sick.
Amber was his life back then. She was his best friend and he thought it was her when she sneaked out into the night with him. He thought it was perfect when he met her mother and her little brother Dustin. When he stood up for her...
Brendon might not have felt it, but as he lay down on his bed a tear rolled down his cheek. It was just too sad for him to remember the past again. He really wished Ryan was here now. Even if he was quite sure that Ryan would just probably laugh at him or insult him if he saw him, Brendon would still want him here even just for his presence. Or just knowing he was there.
He heard a faint thud on the front door. Pete must have left already. Brendon sighed and felt his phone vibrate. He took it out and was a little depressed that it was Mrs. Ross. He answered anyway.
“Brendon, honey, how are you doing?” Susan sounded worried.
Brendon smiled. “I’m fine. How ‘bout you? I hope you’re safe there.”
“Yes, but I heard your arm’s broken? How long is it before you can move your arm again?”
“Oh, uh,” Brendon paused and took a good look at his bandaged arm. “The doctor said recovery’s for at least a month and I would have to have a check-up like every week. But it’s fine now, I can slightly move it.”
“Glad to hear that. George was worried sick. I told him I’d give you boys a call.” She said and Brendon smiled even more. It was nice to hear that they cared. “So, I’ve sent you boys your plane tickets.”
“Plane tickets?” Brendon repeated. “To where?”
“Christmas, Brendon,” Susan said and he could almost see her smile. “I’d like to see you and Ryan. Your tickets are for London. George and I will meet you there then we’ll have a flight for Hawaii. We have a rest house in Keawakapu Beach.”
Oh. Brendon blinked. That was one hell of a plan for Christmas.
“George and I had looked forward to that day when we all go there as a family,” Susan added with a euphoric laughter. Brendon felt butterflies in his stomach at the sound of family. “Will you tell Ryan? I called him but he said he’s busy and I’m not really sure he was listening. Your flight’s on Friday, after school.”
“Oh, sure. I’ll tell him when he gets home,” Brendon replied with a smile.
“That’s good. Okay, I’ll have to go now. I’m actually in a business meeting. I just called to check and tell you the news,” she said before Brendon bid her goodbye and they both hung up.
Brendon sighed. Never had he rode a plane before. Never had he went to London and Hawaii and he heard those were nice places. And his first cruise would be with Ryan. He hoped it would be a smooth one. Maybe it would be a great chance, to tell Ryan everything.
Brendon wanted to jump out of joy. Just as excited he was, he felt his stomach rumble a little when he heard the front door clunk open and close again. Brendon was still amazed at how the sound resonated at the painfully quiet house.
Anyway Brendon got up from his bed and dashed out to the kitchen, where he knew Ryan would be first going for a banana cake.
“Hey,” Brendon greeted, face bright at Ryan who was leaning at the countertop, holding a slice of banana cake in his hand.
Ryan raised an eyebrow at Brendon. “What?” he asked flatly.
“Aunt Susan called,” Brendon began, feeling his throat suddenly go dry. “She said she sent us plane tickets to London for Christmas. Then she and Uncle George will meet us there.”
Ryan nodded his head. “I know. So that’s why you’re excited?”
Brendon blinked. Okay this was going from awkward to worse. It was kind of weird, that he was having the exact same feeling he had when Ryan turned him to Big Ben on his first day at Palo Verde.
Brendon did not know how to respond to that. Should he say yes? Will that break Ryan’s stone heart? Or should he say otherwise because he was tired of Ryan being so cocky and ignoring him all the time.
Brendon nodded despite himself.
Ryan’s face went smug again. “Well, I’m not even going to that trip,” Ryan said in an in-your-face tone before he began walking past Brendon, their shoulders hitting with force as Ryan went.
Brendon inhaled and when he was sure that Ryan was out of the kitchen, he massaged his temples. It hurt, a lot. In the emotional sense, it was more agonizing than when he felt his arm get broken.
Maybe he should follow Ryan or something. He was saving it for Christmas but who would he say it to if the person he most wanted to be with for Christmas would not go with him in the trip?
Brendon barely noticed it himself but he was already marching towards Ryan’s room and he didn’t knock. Ryan won’t open the door for him anyway.
“Hey,” Brendon said to the figure lying on the couch.
“Why are you here?”
“Look,” Brendon said and moved to face Ryan who was hiding his face under a pillow. “I’m sorry, okay? I just had to make sure Amber wouldn’t do anything stupid then. I can’t allow someone getting hurt because of me.”
Ryan remained silent.
“Ryan? I’m not... I don’t love her.” It was difficult to say. Brendon had to choose his words carefully because he didn’t want to say that three-word phrase just yet. He was saving the moment on the eve of Christmas... or sometime after that.
Ryan pulled at the beige pillow to reveal his eyes and his gaze landed on Brendon. “Yeah? I saw you together,” Ryan said though his words came out a little garbled through the pillow. Brendon was standing over him and Ryan almost flinched when Brendon smiled, like he was trying to suppress a mild laughter. “Alright, now you think it’s funny.”
“No, no, no!” Brendon said, shaking his hands in the air with a smile. “It’s just that,” Brendon tried, composing himself once again. “Yes, I met up with Amber after what she’s done. I’m not gonna lie. I’ve been her for so long that it’s so difficult to end things. We talked, but I just did because I want to clear things up between us. I didn’t want her to call me anymore, to see me, or anything.”
“Yeah,” Ryan sighed. He could feel his breath through the soft cotton pillow and he hid his face underneath it again. “That won’t change my decision, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He swallowed.
“I’m not trying to make you change your mind, Ryan. I’m just trying to make you understand...” Brendon said with a smile. “I’m leaving your ticket here beside your laptop.”
“I’ll throw that away,” Ryan muttered, not moving at all.
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In the morning Brendon overslept. He did it on purpose because he was tired of trying to make Ryan listen. Maybe that’ll tire Ryan out too, if Brendon ignored him as well.
When Brendon got to school he went straight to the library because he wouldn’t make it to his English class. In fact, he’d rather have a good talk with Jon than sit in Anderson’s class and pretend to be listening.
“Jon,” Brendon greeted cheerfully and waved at Jon who was stacking up some books in the circulation area. Jon waved back, a signal for Brendon to walk closer.
“How’s your arm?” Jon asked, sitting on the floor and sorting some books. Brendon sat in front of him and smiled.
“I think this won’t take a month. It barely aches anymore,” Brendon replied and eyed the books Jon was fixing. Jon noticed and asked softly, “Is it Ryan?”
Brendon let out a sigh. “Yeah, Ryan.”
Jon smiled at him. “I think you like him,” he said.
“No, not in that manner,” Brendon said quickly and frowned at Jon but when he saw that look in Jon’s face, he knew that Jon knew the truth. “How did you...”
“Uh, I guess it shows,” Jon explained as he began on the second pile. Brendon gaped at him disbelievingly. “Spencer, William, and I had noticed it already.”
Brendon was still gaping and he blinked. He was giving Jon a what-the-fuck face. “Uh,” Brendon said, trying to recompose himself. Okay, his friends knew. “Okay...”
“I’m actually happy that you’ve broke up with Amber. In fact, ten times happier. If you love him I’m fine with it,” Jon said, not looking up from the books.
“Oh, okay,” Brendon replied. He didn’t know if he should be happy that Jon had accepted it already. “Okay,” Brendon sounded like he was now more convinced. “Jon, I love him. But, he still won’t talk to me. He even said that he wasn’t going to London with me.”
“London?” Jon said, surprised. “You’re going to London for Christmas?”
Brendon got distracted. He just told Jon that Ryan won’t be going with him to London for Christmas and it seemed that the London part was what caught Jon’s attention. “Uh, yes. London then to Hawaii,” Brendon said, a little confused. “But Ryan said he won’t be going.”
“No shit Brendon! You’re going to London! And Hawaii! For vacation! How cool is that?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m actually excited. Well, was,” Brendon said with an honest smile. He shook his head in an instant and said, “Jon, Ryan said he won’t be going.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Jon said apologetically and continued sorting the books out. “Hmm,” he added.
“My life still sucks,” Brendon announced, looking up at the ceiling of the room in disappointment. “I’d be in two of the most wonderful places on Earth and Ryan won’t even...” Brendon sighed.
“So when’s your flight?” Jon asked.
“Tomorrow,” Brendon replied.
“Okay. I’ll try and talk to Spencer later,” Jon uttered.
“Spencer?”
“Yeah, we kinda talk a lot,” Jon said and looked away. Brendon narrowed his eyes at him and he quickly added, “About you and Ryan.”
Brendon abruptly raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh... ‘kay,” he said. “Thanks.”
“No problem.”
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That night, Jon relayed everything to Spencer and Spencer talked to Ryan yet again the next day after their class, which was their last day in school before winter break.
“Where’s Brendon?” Spencer asked as he stuffed his things from his locker to his bag. They were getting their stuff before the break.
“Where’s who?” Ryan repeated, retrieving his own stuff from his locker.
“Don’t play dumb. Brendon, of course,” Spencer said incredulously.
“Why’re you asking me?” Ryan returned, kind of irritated.
“Ryan,” Spencer called out impatiently.
“He’s probably home, getting his luggage together for the flight.”
“And why are you here?”
“Because I’m not going to spend Christmas with him. I mean, I’m not going in the same flight as him. I’d go directly to Hawaii next week, after Christmas and avoid him as much as I could,” Ryan said.
“What?” Spencer asked. “Did you even try talking to him?”
“No,” Ryan said flatly. “I saw him with Amber again.” Ryan dropped his things and suddenly covered his mouth.
“Now didn’t you say this wasn’t about Amber and Brendon?” Spencer asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion. But it just actually confirmed it. Ryan had an issue with Amber. He was right about the Ryan-loves-Brendon thing.
“It isn’t!” Ryan said, almost to a shout. His face grew hot at that and he could tell that Spencer was seeing through him now. “Well, after what happened? Why would he still go and see her?”
“You’re being obnoxious, Ryan.” Spencer dropped his stuff on his bag and turned to face Ryan. “Brendon was not going to get back with that Amber.”
Ryan blinked. People just kept pushing him. He kept silent for a moment. He might not be able to handle this.
“Yeah, he told me that too,” he said apathetically but inside his head he thought his heart is about to explode due to the fact that Brendon would be leaving and possibly he’s in the airport by now. He didn’t check the time of the flight so he wasn’t so sure. His heart was thumping.
“Ryan. It’s not yet too late,” Spencer said kindly. “You should follow him.”
“F-fuck that.” Ryan’s mind was giving him incoherent thoughts. He barely processed the words that Spencer said. His mind was clouded with thoughts of Brendon and Brendon being alone and lonely. Not to mention his right arm was still fragile. His mind was definitely fucking with him.
“Ryan?” Spencer said, tapping on Ryan’s shoulder.
“What?” Ryan replied suddenly.
“You should follow him.”
Ryan placed the last of his stuff in his bag and closed his it. He began walking away and Spencer called out, “Where’re you going?”
“Home.”
Spencer knew how much of a lie it was, by the way Ryan walked in a hurried pace. “Yeah, right,” he said with a smile and felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
“Yeah?” he said into the receiver.
“Coffee?”
“Yeah, I’d love that. Then we might check out some books at the mall, what do you say?” Spencer smiled and Ryan disappeared from the corner of the hallway. “Great.”
Notes: Sorry. I got this beta-ed last Thursday but I got disappointed and thus the delay. :(
Woo.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDON <3
April 12, 2010