Fic: Let’s imagine the end before we even begin (We had it all in front of us) - [3/3]
Title: ‘Let’s imagine the end before we even begin (We had it all in front of us)’ [3/3]
Author: jen_jm
Pairing: Jon/Ryan, Brendon/Shane. Brief mention of hypothetic Brendon/Ryan.
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 19,000 total words
Warnings: wizard!AU, language
POV: third
Disclaimer: Completely not true. I really don’t mean to offend anyone and nothing of what I wrote in this story is to be considered real, it’s all fiction.
Author’s Notes: Title from The Academy Is…’s “The test” and We The Kings’ “All Again For You”. As ever, feel free to report any mistake. Constructive criticism is welcome, feedback makes me happy!
Summary: “Brendon isn’t the kind of guy who lets things go easily, Jon knows it well. He’s lived with the boy for the past ten years, first at the Academy and then in Chicago, where they share a magic shop and an apartment. Still, it’s a bit disturbing how obsessed Brendon has become with this.” - Brendon cheats and uses his powers to get Ryan’s attention, but things don’t go the way he planned.
Crossposted
Part 1
Part 2
~~
The following morning
Jon wakes up and it takes him a few seconds to remember why he’s sleeping in the same bed as Ryan. Then it all comes back: the movie, the aura reading and the kissing. Lots of kissing. He stretches his back with a wide smile and glances at the clock, noticing it’s 11.53 am. With a little frown he looks at Ryan and lies down on his side again, bringing his hand to the boy’s shoulder.
“Hey, Ryan,” Jon calls as he strokes Ryan’s arm, gentle and soothing, not really aiming at waking him up. “C’mon, wake up.”
Ryan mumbles something and opens his eyes, yawning loudly. “Wha?”
“You’re so sexy when you wake up,” Jon says with a grin, then snickers at Ryan’s glare. “What time’s your class?”
“Nine,” Ryan replies with another yawn, then sees the amused frown on Jon’s face. “What?”
“You didn’t set the alarm,” Jon informs with a little smile and bites on his lip when Ryan sits up, unbelieving.
“Great,” Ryan whines as he lets himself fall back on the bed, then glances at Jon. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because you missed class,” Jon just says, then laughs when the boy narrows his eyes at him. “And I can do this,” he adds as he moves forward and kisses his way down Ryan’s neck, making him giggle.
“Dork.” Ryan does nothing to stop him and just trails his hand in Jon’s hair, forgetting about his class. “I’ll just warn Spencer I’m fine.”
“Good.” Jon withdraws and looks at him in the eye. “D’you have plans for this afternoon?”
“No,” Ryan replies, a little wary and a little amused at the same time.
“Good,” Jon whispers, smiling widely. “I wanna take you somewhere.”
“Should I be scared?” Ryan asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Nope.” Jon kisses him on the cheek and starts to stand.
“Where are you going?” Ryan pouts a little, raising on both elbows. “You owe me cuddles,” he adds, then blushes a little when he realizes he hasn’t only thought it. “Did I just say it out loud?”
“You did,” Jon confirms as he crawls back on the bed until he’s looming over Ryan. “Well, well, you are a softie after all.”
“Am not,” Ryan buries himself in the blanket, but the boy pulls it down enough to see his face.
“It’s cute.” Jon leans down and kisses him this time, still smiling through it.
“Where are you taking me?” Ryan whispers a few seconds later, nibbling gently at Jon’s lower lip. When the boy just shakes his head ‘no’, Ryan pouts again, gaining just a smirk in reply. “Tease.”
“Surprise.” Jon just stands again, stretching his back. “I have to go home and reassure Brendon no one kidnapped me,” he adds and sees Ryan nod with a smile. “I’ll come get you in a couple of hours, okay?”
Ryan nods again and Jon leans down to kiss him again before heading for the bathroom.
~
As soon as Jon walks in the shop, he stops dead in his tracks. Brendon is standing behind the counter and Shane is trapped between him and the shelves as they kiss. Jon clears his throat and Brendon jumps back, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, but relaxes as soon as he sees it’s Jon.
“I won’t even ask.” Jon shakes his head and takes off his jacket. Patrick walks in from the back door, bringing a jar with him. “Hi, Patrick.”
“Hi, guy who dates my students,” Patrick replies with a wave, gaining an amused frown from the boy.
“You were dressed like that, last night,” Brendon immediately points out, grinning from ear to ear. “Someone got lucky?”
“I got very lucky,” Jon admits with a wide smile. “From the moment you brought Ryan in here.”
“Oh my, that’s cheesy,” Patrick says, then laughs at the pout on Jon’s face. “C’mon, even I can be a little more dignified about Pete.”
“D’you think it’s possible to fall in love in just four days?” Jon ignores the comment and just sits down on the nearest chair, smiling.
“I think it’s possible to fall in love in just four minutes,” Patrick says and now his smile is warmer.
“Okay, that’s cheesy.” Brendon arches an eyebrow at Patrick and gains a slap on the arm from his boyfriend.
“It’s not cheesy, it’s romantic,” Shane retorts, addressing Jon a meaningful glance.
“Romantic,” Jon agrees as he stands, looking for his keys. “And now that I know everything is under control here, I’ll go get a shower.”
“Are you two going out again?” Brendon laughs, amused and a bit surprised.
“Yep,” Jon waves at them and reaches the door, jacket in hand, then turns. “No more making out where the customers can see you.”
“Bitch.” Brendon sticks his tongue out at him and Patrick shakes his head.
“I’ve been told that before, yes.” Jon shrugs and walks outside with a smug grin on his lips.
~
When the car stops in front of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Ryan turns to look at him with a wide smile. Jon remembers Ryan saying he definitely wants to visit the zoo, because he’s moved to Chicago just a couple of years before and hasn’t done it yet.
Jon has noticed he has a very good memory when it comes to Ryan.
“I guess it was a good choice, then,” Jon says as he parks the car and unfastens his seat belt.
“It is.” Ryan leans closer to place a kiss on his cheek, happy. “Thanks.”
“It’s a pleasure, cupcake,” Jon replies as they both get out of the car.
“Cupcake?” Ryan asks with a raised eyebrow, but the look on his face tells Jon he finds the nickname hilarious.
“What? It’s cute.” Jon shrugs takes Ryan’s hand in his own, leading him towards the entry.
“You’re not calling me cupcake,” Ryan says, then bursts out laughing.
“Cookie?” Jon offers with a snicker, then tries to keep a straight face. “Or maybe something very embarrassing like love muffin.”
“Oh God, leave the pastries alone,” Ryan chokes out between laughter.
“You’re just insanely cute, I need a pet name,” Jon says as he presses a kiss on the side of Ryan’s neck while they wait for their turn for the tickets.
“What happened to you?” Ryan asks as he giggles, but doesn’t try to move away.
“Nothing, I’m just happy,” Jon replies with a warm smile, then thinks for a few seconds. “Ry,” he adds with a tentative glance.
“That’s definitely better,” Ryan admits, then looks ahead when they reach the tickets stand.
Jon gets the tickets for both and a couple of minutes later they’re looking at the map, deciding which way to start.
They spend the following hour walking around, watching the animals through the enclosures and making jokes about Madagascar. When they decide to stop for a break, Jon buys them cotton candy and they both sit on a bench, looking at the people walking by.
“I feel like a kid.” Ryan giggles eating some of the candy as Jon takes his free hand in his own, entwining their fingers.
“That’s a very good thing,” Jon declares with a nod. “It means I’m not boring you with my conversation.”
“You’re not,” Ryan reassures him and rests his head on the boy’s shoulder, still taking small bites at the piece of cotton candy.
Jon is about to reply, but he sees a well-dressed woman walking a few feet away. She addresses them a disgusted look and they both notice it.
“Bitch,” Jon mutters as he glares back at her and narrows his eyes. A second later one of her heels break and she almost falls.
“Jon.” Ryan sounds surprised and amused, and the wizard laughs a little.
As the woman looks at the ruined shoe, the other heel breaks as well, making her fall flat on her ass.
“Jon!” Ryan says as he represses a fit of giggles.
“What?” Jon fakes innocence and looks away, but as she starts to stand, he moves his hand and her skirt rips right in the middle, exposing the back of her underwear.
Ryan is laughing now, not even trying to stop, but he presses his face against the side of Jon’s shoulder to hide it from the people around. “You’re so bad.”
“She deserved it,” Jon says with a smirk, then squeezes Ryan’s hand in his own.
The woman quickly walks away, embarrassed and angry at the same time as she walks barefoot on the concrete. Jon laughs a little as he watches her go, then turns to look at Ryan, who is doing the same.
They decide to finish the tour of the zoo and, much to Jon’s surprise, they keep holding hands as they walk and eat the cotton candy. Jon has to admit Ryan is right, it does feel like being kids again, or maybe just teenagers, but Jon doesn’t remember feeling this good with anyone else in his entire life.
~~
Later that afternoon
“Is someone in here?” Pete asks as he walks in the shop with an arched eyebrow.
Shane stumbles out of the back door and starts apologizing, then stops when he sees it’s Pete. “Hey,” he says with a frown. “Pete.”
“Zane,” Pete replies, causing the boy to roll his eyes, while Brendon joins them.
“Shane,” Brendon corrects him with a glare. “For fuck’s sake, Pete, can you at least try to remember it?”
“Jeez, calm down, kid.” Pete laughs a little, shaking his head. “D’you get this bitchy every time someone interrupts your making out session during work time?”
“Yes,” Brendon tilts his chin up, unashamed. “And I was having quite a good time, so I hope it’s something important.”
“Here,” Pete says with a smirk as he puts a little bottle on the counter. “The counter-potion, give it to Jon as soon as he comes home.”
“It’s ready?” Shane asks, surprised and a little worried.
“Patrick said Jon’s getting way too much into it, so I speeded it up.” Pete shrugs and turns towards the door again. “Let me know how it goes.”
“Sure,” Brendon replies with a little frown, his smile now gone.
“I’m not sure Jon will be too happy about it,” Shane mutters when the door closes after Pete.
“It can’t last forever.” Brendon puts the potion on a shelf, safe, then turns with a little smile. “I don’t really know what I was thinking when I made the potion.”
“You don’t usually think when you do that kind of stuff,” Shane offers with a grin, then sits on the counter in front of Brendon. “You just obsess until you find something more interesting.”
“Just so you know,” Brendon says as he walks closer. “I’m not obsessing over you.”
“You have no idea how glad I am to hear that,” Shane laughs a little, then pulls the boy in a brief kiss.
“You know, we could all have dinner together,” Brendon muses, stroking Shane’s back with his hand. “I mean, you, me, Jon and Ryan.”
“You’re not gonna hit on Ryan, right?” Shane asks with an arched eyebrow, causing his boyfriend to laugh.
“I have no reason to.” Brendon leans in to kiss him again and Shane nibbles at his lip, half-smirking. “I should be ordering the shelves.”
“We’ll do that later,” Shane whispers as he lowers to kiss Brendon’s neck. “I like distracting you.”
“I noticed,” Brendon replies with a grin, then pulls the boy off the counter and in the back of the shop again.
~
“I really had fun today,” Ryan says as the car stops in front of his house. “I don’t usually like people so quickly, this is just… surreal.”
“In a good sense, I hope.” Jon laughs and feels secretly relieved when the boy nods.
“It’s a little scary, but you know, maybe it’s just meant to be,” Ryan admits with a little shrug and a soft blush. “Oh God, I sound like Julia Roberts.”
Jon laughs at that, leaning towards him to place an innocent kiss on Ryan’s mouth. “You’re so much hotter than her.”
“Dork,” Ryan pushes him back with a snicker and bites on his lower lip. “Would it be weird if I said I want to see you tomorrow?”
“It wouldn’t,” Jon replies with a wide smile. “Because I’m totally seeing you tomorrow.”
Ryan mirrors his expression and leans closer to kiss him briefly. “Okay, then.”
“See you tomorrow.” Jon steals another kiss, then lets the boy get out of the car.
Jon watches as Ryan reaches the main door of his condo and turns to wave at him with a smile. He waves back and only when the boy is gone, he starts the car again and heads for the shop.
He whistles to himself the whole time, even as he swings the door open and walks inside, surprised to see Shane and Brendon talking and not making out.
“Jon,” Shane says with an hesitant smile, then glances at Brendon.
“Pete dropped by a while ago to leave this,” Brendon informs as he puts the counter-potion on the counter.
“Oh.” Jon’s smile fades visibly at that and Shane bites on his lower lip, unsure.
“Maybe you shouldn’t tell him,” Shane suggests, much to their surprise.
“I won’t lie to him, Shane, I--” Jon shakes his head and sits on one of the chairs. “I don’t want to base this relationship on a lie, on a trick, he’s-- he deserves better than that.”
“What if he gets mad and kicks you out?” Brendon asks with a worried frown, looking at his friend.
“I don’t know, I-- I’ll just find a way to deal with it,” Jon replies, then takes a deep breath. “I don’t wanna lie to him.”
“Okay, then.” Brendon nods and hands him the potion, smiling a little.
“What about we go out tonight?” Shane proposes with a shrug. “The three of us, like the old times.”
Jon shakes his head ‘no’ and Shane frowns, surprised. “I just want to do this as soon as I can,” he says as he gestures towards the bottle.
“You’re going now?” Brendon asks, surprised and quite worried.
“I want to end this, I-- I wouldn’t sleep otherwise.” Jon feels his heart ache as he realizes how true those words are. There’s no need to delay this any further. When has his damn conscience woken up?
“Call us if you need help,” Brendon offers with a frown, then watches his friend walk out of the shop.
“We shouldn’t let him go like that,” Shane whispers, looking at his boyfriend.
“He’s right, he can’t just keep lying to Ryan.” Brendon shakes his head and sighs, still serious.
“But he’s not lying,” Shane insists, but looks away when Brendon addresses him a confused frown. “Never mind.”
“What d’you mean?” Brendon asks, bringing his hand to Shane’s chin to make him look up. At the guilty look in Shane’s eyes, Brendon’s mouth drops open in shock. “Shane.”
~
Jon waits for the door to open and he really doesn’t expect to be pulled in such a passionate kiss just for showing up.
“Wow,” Jon whispers with a little smile as Ryan withdraws and leads him inside.
“I didn’t expect to see you before tomorrow,” Ryan explains with a shrug, then closes the door. When he turns he sees the look on Jon’s face and his smile disappears. “What’s going on?”
“I need to tell you something,” Jon says, then wants to slap himself for the awful start. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but-- I have to.”
“You’re scaring me.” Ryan sits down at the kitchen counter and Jon does the same, facing him.
“This is so hard, Ryan, because I--” Jon pauses, taking a deep breath, then looks at the boy in the eye. “Remember when Brendon offered you that tea at the shop?” Ryan nods, but doesn’t say a word. “He wanted to date you, no matter what it took and he--” Jon sees Ryan’s eyes widen a bit at that. “He gave you a love potion.”
“What?” Ryan asks, paling a little as he shakes his head. “No, that doesn’t make sense, I-- I’ve never felt anything for Brendon.”
“That’s because the potion worked on me, not on Brendon,” Jon replies and sees the exact moment Ryan realizes what that means. He sees the exact moment he loses Ryan.
“So the time we spent together, the aura thing, even what I’m feeling-- it’s all a lie?” Ryan whispers and his eyes water a bit. “You’ve been joking me the entire time?”
“No, no, no, I wasn’t,” Jon immediately retorts, but when he moves forwards to take Ryan’s hand, the boy moves back, furious. “I wasn’t joking, everything I told you in the past few days is true.”
“Make it stop,” Ryan mutters, looking at him with anger. “Make it fucking stop.”
Jon nods and takes the counter-potion from his pocket. “This is gonna cancel the effects.”
Ryan takes it without a word and hesitates, looking at the little bottle. Then, he opens it and drinks the content in one sip. Jon stands quickly, ready to catch Ryan when he passes out, but nothing happens. The potion was supposed to make him pass out, he’s sure of that.
“Wait--” Jon frowns, confused and a little scared.
“Now get out of my house,” Ryan blink away the tears and his jaw tightens. “Get the fuck out and don’t come back.”
“Ryan, I--” Jon starts to say, but Ryan slaps him hard enough to make his skin sting. “I’m sorry.”
“I hate you,” Ryan whispers, wiping his tears quickly. “Leave me the fuck alone.”
Jon stands there for a few seconds, feeling his heart freeze in his chest and break into several, tiny pieces. He starts saying something, but Ryan just turns away and walks to the kitchen sink, visibly repressing sobs.
Without another word Jon walks out of the door and downstairs, not even registering his own actions. He’s feeling numb, empty, like a part of him has been torn. And it has. He remembers Patrick’s words, it is possible to fall in love in such a short time, but he doubts that making it go away can be just as quick.
When he gets in the car he sees five missed calls on the phone he left there, all from Brendon, but he doesn’t call back, he just heads home.
~~
Two days later
“I can’t stand seeing him like that,” Shane whispers as he and Brendon fix one of the shelves. “We have to tell him.”
“No.” Brendon shakes his head, determined. “He told him, it’s late now, it would only make it worse.”
“I know, but--” Shane takes a deep breath and glances at the counter where Jon is reading. He’s been doing that a lot in the past two days, trying to keep his mind busy, but it’s easy to see how hard is all that on him. “I didn’t mean to cause all this.”
“I know,” Brendon reassures him with a little smile.
They both turn when the door opens and a boy walks in. Jon looks up as well and his expression darkens immediately.
“What the hell is going on?” Spencer asks as he reaches the counter, looking directly at Jon. “Ryan’s been locked up in his room for two days, he barely talks to me.”
Jon looks down at that, feeling his chest tighten painfully. “It’s something between me and Ryan.”
“No, it’s not.” Spencer shakes his head, angry. “I’ve known Ryan for longer than you, he just went through so much shit, you have no right to mess him up like that.”
“That’s not what I was trying to do,” Jon spits, equally pissed. “I never meant to hurt him.”
“Well, you did,” Spencer retorts, walking closer. “But still, all he fucking talks about is you.”
“That’s because he’s angry,” Jon says with sigh, then looks away.
“That’s because he’s head over heels for a fucking jerk.” Spencer sees the wizard look up sharply at that, then chuckles unhappily. “And I have no idea how you did that, you’ve known him for what? A week?”
“What d’you want me to do? Apologize?” Jon asks, raising his hands in surrender. “He won’t even answer my calls.”
“Find a wait to fix this,” Spencer just says, then turns and storms out of the shop, slamming the door closed.
“The counter-potion didn’t work,” Jon announces with a sigh, worried.
“There was no potion in the first place,” Shane suddenly says, surprising Jon.
“What d’you mean?” Jon asks as his frown deepens and he straightens. Shane just shakes his head at that and reaches for his jacket, then runs outside.
“What’s going on?” Jon turns to look at Brendon, suspicious and a little worried.
~
“Hey, uh, wait up!” Shane yells as he reaches Spencer on the sidewalk.
“What d’you want?” Spencer looks at him from head to tow, skeptical.
“I need to talk to Ryan,” Shane says as he locks their gazes together.
“I don’t think so.” Spencer turns and resumes walking.
“Aren’t you the one who wants to see all this fixed?” Shane stares at him, stubborn and determined, knowing that if there’s a chance to convince Ryan to talk to Jon again, he has to try.
“I don’t even know who you are.” Spencer shakes his head, confused. “Why d’you think Ryan’s gonna listen to you?”
“Just trust me, okay?” Shane bites on his lower lip. “I want this to be fixed as much as you do.”
“Fine, get in the car.” Spencer gestures him towards the passenger seat and Shane complies immediately, sighing in relief.
~
“Shane did what?” Jon almost yells, unbelieving. “So I fucked everything up for nothing?”
“No you didn’t, you told Ryan the truth, or, well, what you thought was the truth,” Brendon replies, shaking his head. “You spent the entire four days convinced of that.”
“But that’s not why I kept dating him!” Jon retorts, angry and confused at the same time. “Why didn’t Shane say anything?”
“He was worried I was gonna get mad at him,” Brendon shrugs and looks at Jon in the eye, genuinely sorry. “You know better than me why he did that, Jon.”
“Ryan would never believe it, if I told him.” Jon stands from the chair and walks over the shelves, thoughtful. “Not that he’s going to give me a chance to explain, anyway.”
“He just needs time to let the anger cool down,” Brendon says, squeezing his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
“Call your boyfriend, tell him he can come home, I won’t rip his throat,” Jon replies with a little smile.
“I’m sorry, Jon,” Brendon whispers as he pulls the boy in a tight hug. “I promise I’ll never make love potions ever again.”
“You better.” Jon laughs a little, but it’s empty, almost forced.
As Brendon takes his phone to call Shane, Jon sits back with his book, trying to free his mind from everything else. He’s never been a fan of over-thinking, he just wants to find a way to make the dull, constant pain just fade until it goes away. Until then, his plan is to shut off his brain.
~~
“Spencer, I told you to leave me the fuck alone,” Ryan snaps as he opens the door of his room, angry. He freezes when he sees Shane standing there. “What d’you want?”
“Just sit back and listen to me,” Shane replies, determined and a little bossy. Without waiting for an answer he walks past Ryan and the boy closes the door.
“He sent you?” Ryan shakes his head, unbelieving.
“He doesn’t know I’m here,” Shane just says, looking at the boy in the eye. “There was no potion,” he adds after a few seconds of silence. “When Brendon was waiting for you-- I replaced it with plain water.”
“What?” Ryan asks with a skeptical frown, but doesn’t try to kick him out. Shane takes it as a good sign.
“I didn’t want Brendon to, you know, get his way with you,” Shane explains and looks at the floor for a few seconds, slightly ashamed. “I’ve been in love with him for, like, ever and he was obsessed with you.”
“So I never drank the potion?” Ryan sounds unbelieving, almost hopeful.
“No, there was no potion in the first place,” Shane confirms as he looks up again. “And that’s why the counter-potion Jon gave you didn’t work.”
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” Ryan shakes his head and sits on the bed, confused.
“You wouldn’t feel like this, if I was lying,” Shane pauses and studies the boy’s reaction. “You wouldn’t even remember feeling like this, if what you feel for Jon came from a potion.”
“There’s no potion, then?” Ryan asks, still not completely convinced.
“No,” Shane confirms once again.
“But Jon thought there was,” Ryan points out with a trace of anger in his voice.
“And he told you,” Shane adds for him, trying to sound reasonable.
“He lied to me,” Ryan retorts, visibly angry now.
“He told you the truth when it counted, he could have kept lying, he could have given you the counter-potion without you knowing it, but he didn’t, that’s not Jon,” Shane corrects him, shaking his head. “He told you the truth before it was too late.”
“It is too late.” Ryan looks away at that, not wanting to let Shane know how much he means those words.
“It’s late for him too, and that’s why it hasn’t been easy for him to tell you.” Shane takes a deep breath and waits for the boy to look at him again. “He just wanted to know you, he never planned any of this,” he pauses and sees a slight surprise in Ryan gaze. “Everyone makes mistakes, Ryan, but what he feels for you is true, it’s not a trick.”
“I don’t know,” Ryan whispers and closes his eyes. “This is so confusing.”
“It’s just confusing if you want it to be.” Shane takes a step towards him. “Just think about how you felt when you were with him, then decide if you want to lose that,” he pauses and sees Ryan look at him again, surprised. “It’s not easy to find someone who loves you back.”
Ryan hesitates for several seconds as his fingers play nervously with his sleeves. Shane watches him and sighs, knowing he’s done what he could, now it was up to Ryan.
“I’ll think about it,” Ryan whispers, looking up with damp eyes.
Shane nods and reaches the door, then hesitates for a second before walking out.
~~
Two weeks later
“Jon, where the hell did you put the Celtic runes books?” Brendon yells from the stairs he’s using to reach the highest shelf.
“I haven’t touched the books,” Jon replies with a snort, not even looking up from his magazine.
“I did,” Shane announces as he walks in, bringing bags with him. “I just thought alphabetical order is better, after all.”
“You traitor.” Brendon glares and gets off the stairs, sighing. “It’s gonna take hours to find it.”
“I’m cooking something special tonight,” Shane replies as he lifts one of the bags, ignoring his boyfriend’s pout. “I just swung by to tell you I’m gonna cut your fingers off if you’re late. 7 pm, okay?”
“Okay, boss,” Jon says with a chuckle and an amused frown. “You need help?”
“I’ll be fine, just don’t be late,” Shane repeats, then heads out of the shop.
“I should have pouted more, he didn’t even notice it.” Brendon purses his lips, thoughtful.
“Maybe he’s just immune to it, now,” Jon offers with a smirk. “By the way, don’t mess the books again, alphabetical order won.”
“Bitches,” Brendon mutters as he resumes looking for the book.
It’s just a couple of hours later when the phone rings and Jon reaches for it with a bored sigh. He doesn’t have time to say anything, though.
“It’s 6.30, so you’d better move your pretty magic asses and come home,” Shane warns from the other end of the line.
“Fine, fine, we’re coming,” Jon replies with a laughter, then hangs up. “Your boyfriend’s gonna throw a fit if we don’t go.”
“Okay.” Brendon stretches his back and yawns, looking at the clock. “I just hope his dinner doesn’t involve fish. I hate fish.”
“Of course you do, you’re a vegetarian.” Jon arches an eyebrow at him and chuckles.
They both put on their jackets and close the shop quickly, then get in the car just as it starts to rain. By the time they get home there are thunders and lightning, and Brendon swears out loud when he steps right in a puddle as he gets out of the car.
“I hate rain,” Brendon mutters as he uses his powers to dry the jeans, while Jon just shakes his head, highly amused.
It’s been a full week since the last time he tried calling Ryan - without success - and things are slowly going back to normality. It doesn’t even hurt so much anymore, if he manages to keep his mind busy with something else. Brendon and Shane usually help a lot with that. Even that dinner is probably Shane’s way to apologize for, like, the hundredth time.
As they walk in, a strong scent of food reaches them, making both their stomach mumble.
“You’re not late,” Shane declares with a wide smile and a green apron. “Good boys.”
“Do we get a prize?” Brendon wiggles his eyebrows and his boyfriends grins.
“Of course, you get to set the table,” Shane answers as he gestures Brendon towards the necessary, that has been already prepared on the counter.
“What do I do?” Jon asks, trying to hide his amusement, then he notices something. “Four glasses?”
“Oh, yeah, we’re probably having a guest,” Shane replies distractedly, then goes back to the stoves.
“Pete,” Brendon muses with a shrug, then resumes setting the table. Jon helps him, then they both end up on the couch, since Shane refuses to let them work in the kitchen.
When the doorbell rings about ten minutes later, Jon stands and goes to open. But when he does, he just freezes with his hand on the doorknob. Ryan is standing there with an unsure expression, holding a bottle of wine.
“I think we should talk,” Ryan says as he walks past Jon and into the house, putting the bottle on the nearby table.
“This way,” Jon just replies, unable to put together another sentence as he guides Ryan towards his room, under Brendon’s shocked gaze.
When the door closes after them, Ryan turns to face him, biting on his lip, but doesn’t say a word.
“What about we get a coffee and we try this from the top?” Jon suggests, collecting all his guts to sound like he believes there’s a chance Ryan might say yes.
“What about we skip the coffee part and you just make it up to me for being such a selfish jerk?” Ryan whispers, but despite his words there’s a glimpse of a smile in his eyes.
“Are you serious?” Jon asks, too shocked to understand the change in the boy’s behavior.
“I’m not ready to lose this,” Ryan explains with a little sigh. “We-- I just tried to erase you from my life for the past two weeks, and I’ve never failed so miserably in my whole life.”
“I never meant to make you go through all that, I shouldn’t have lied to you.” Jon takes a step towards him and reaches out to touch his cheek, glad when the boy doesn’t move back. “But I swear to God, I never ever lied about what I feel for you, Ryan.”
“Why d’you think I’m here?” Ryan leans in the touch and closes his eyes as he takes a shaky breath. “It’s not gonna be like before.”
“No,” Jon admits, pulling him in a hug as he feels his heart swell. “I swear it’s gonna be better.”
Ryan chuckles at that, but when he withdraws to look at Jon again, there’s a little smile on his lips. “And you’re still not calling me cupcake, okay?”
Jon laughs at that and kisses Ryan, relieved when the boy kisses him back. “Okay,” he whispers on his lips a few seconds later.
“And if Brendon makes another love potion, you can bet your head I’ll fucking kill him,” Ryan mutters as he wipes his eyes, then takes a deep breath.
“I’ve forbidden him to make love potions ever again,” Jon reassures him with a little smirk. “Besides, I don’t think he’ll need it.”
“Good.” Ryan withdraws and smiles widely for the first time since walking in. “Spencer told me he yelled at you.”
“He’s a good friend, he worries,” Jon says with a nod and a soft chuckle.
“Shane’s a good friend too,” Ryan replies as he takes Jon’s hand in his own. “Too bad he ended up with Brendon.”
“I guess it takes time to learn how to love him.” Jon laughs as they open the door and find Brendon against the other side, obviously trying to eavesdrop. “Or maybe not,” he adds with a glare.
“Brendon!” Shane almost yells as he walks out of the kitchen and understands what’s going on.
“Oh, c’mon, I was just worried,” Brendon justifies himself with a shrug, then grins at Ryan. “By the way, I’m done stalking you.”
“Do I get to eathim for dinner?” Ryan glares and Jon looks at him, biting back a smile, still unbelieving. Ryan is there. “Make a dirty joke and I’m out of the door,” he warns when he sees the wicked smirk on Brendon’s face.
“Brendon, for fuck’s sake, shut up,” Jon immediately says and the other wizard glares at them both.
“You’re no fun,” Brendon complains, gaining a slap on the arm from his boyfriend.
“Are you staying, then?” Shane asks as he looks at Ryan with a wide smile.
“I’m staying,” Ryan replies as he squeezes Jon’s hand and the boy does the same in return.
~~
end
A/N:So, here it is, my first RyWalk. Hopefully it won’t be the last one. LOL
Thanks to everyone who’s given this a try, I hope you enjoyed it. :D
JM
Author: jen_jm
Pairing: Jon/Ryan, Brendon/Shane. Brief mention of hypothetic Brendon/Ryan.
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 19,000 total words
Warnings: wizard!AU, language
POV: third
Disclaimer: Completely not true. I really don’t mean to offend anyone and nothing of what I wrote in this story is to be considered real, it’s all fiction.
Author’s Notes: Title from The Academy Is…’s “The test” and We The Kings’ “All Again For You”. As ever, feel free to report any mistake. Constructive criticism is welcome, feedback makes me happy!
Summary: “Brendon isn’t the kind of guy who lets things go easily, Jon knows it well. He’s lived with the boy for the past ten years, first at the Academy and then in Chicago, where they share a magic shop and an apartment. Still, it’s a bit disturbing how obsessed Brendon has become with this.” - Brendon cheats and uses his powers to get Ryan’s attention, but things don’t go the way he planned.
Crossposted
Part 1
Part 2
~~
The following morning
Jon wakes up and it takes him a few seconds to remember why he’s sleeping in the same bed as Ryan. Then it all comes back: the movie, the aura reading and the kissing. Lots of kissing. He stretches his back with a wide smile and glances at the clock, noticing it’s 11.53 am. With a little frown he looks at Ryan and lies down on his side again, bringing his hand to the boy’s shoulder.
“Hey, Ryan,” Jon calls as he strokes Ryan’s arm, gentle and soothing, not really aiming at waking him up. “C’mon, wake up.”
Ryan mumbles something and opens his eyes, yawning loudly. “Wha?”
“You’re so sexy when you wake up,” Jon says with a grin, then snickers at Ryan’s glare. “What time’s your class?”
“Nine,” Ryan replies with another yawn, then sees the amused frown on Jon’s face. “What?”
“You didn’t set the alarm,” Jon informs with a little smile and bites on his lip when Ryan sits up, unbelieving.
“Great,” Ryan whines as he lets himself fall back on the bed, then glances at Jon. “Why are you smiling like that?”
“Because you missed class,” Jon just says, then laughs when the boy narrows his eyes at him. “And I can do this,” he adds as he moves forward and kisses his way down Ryan’s neck, making him giggle.
“Dork.” Ryan does nothing to stop him and just trails his hand in Jon’s hair, forgetting about his class. “I’ll just warn Spencer I’m fine.”
“Good.” Jon withdraws and looks at him in the eye. “D’you have plans for this afternoon?”
“No,” Ryan replies, a little wary and a little amused at the same time.
“Good,” Jon whispers, smiling widely. “I wanna take you somewhere.”
“Should I be scared?” Ryan asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Nope.” Jon kisses him on the cheek and starts to stand.
“Where are you going?” Ryan pouts a little, raising on both elbows. “You owe me cuddles,” he adds, then blushes a little when he realizes he hasn’t only thought it. “Did I just say it out loud?”
“You did,” Jon confirms as he crawls back on the bed until he’s looming over Ryan. “Well, well, you are a softie after all.”
“Am not,” Ryan buries himself in the blanket, but the boy pulls it down enough to see his face.
“It’s cute.” Jon leans down and kisses him this time, still smiling through it.
“Where are you taking me?” Ryan whispers a few seconds later, nibbling gently at Jon’s lower lip. When the boy just shakes his head ‘no’, Ryan pouts again, gaining just a smirk in reply. “Tease.”
“Surprise.” Jon just stands again, stretching his back. “I have to go home and reassure Brendon no one kidnapped me,” he adds and sees Ryan nod with a smile. “I’ll come get you in a couple of hours, okay?”
Ryan nods again and Jon leans down to kiss him again before heading for the bathroom.
~
As soon as Jon walks in the shop, he stops dead in his tracks. Brendon is standing behind the counter and Shane is trapped between him and the shelves as they kiss. Jon clears his throat and Brendon jumps back, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, but relaxes as soon as he sees it’s Jon.
“I won’t even ask.” Jon shakes his head and takes off his jacket. Patrick walks in from the back door, bringing a jar with him. “Hi, Patrick.”
“Hi, guy who dates my students,” Patrick replies with a wave, gaining an amused frown from the boy.
“You were dressed like that, last night,” Brendon immediately points out, grinning from ear to ear. “Someone got lucky?”
“I got very lucky,” Jon admits with a wide smile. “From the moment you brought Ryan in here.”
“Oh my, that’s cheesy,” Patrick says, then laughs at the pout on Jon’s face. “C’mon, even I can be a little more dignified about Pete.”
“D’you think it’s possible to fall in love in just four days?” Jon ignores the comment and just sits down on the nearest chair, smiling.
“I think it’s possible to fall in love in just four minutes,” Patrick says and now his smile is warmer.
“Okay, that’s cheesy.” Brendon arches an eyebrow at Patrick and gains a slap on the arm from his boyfriend.
“It’s not cheesy, it’s romantic,” Shane retorts, addressing Jon a meaningful glance.
“Romantic,” Jon agrees as he stands, looking for his keys. “And now that I know everything is under control here, I’ll go get a shower.”
“Are you two going out again?” Brendon laughs, amused and a bit surprised.
“Yep,” Jon waves at them and reaches the door, jacket in hand, then turns. “No more making out where the customers can see you.”
“Bitch.” Brendon sticks his tongue out at him and Patrick shakes his head.
“I’ve been told that before, yes.” Jon shrugs and walks outside with a smug grin on his lips.
~
When the car stops in front of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Ryan turns to look at him with a wide smile. Jon remembers Ryan saying he definitely wants to visit the zoo, because he’s moved to Chicago just a couple of years before and hasn’t done it yet.
Jon has noticed he has a very good memory when it comes to Ryan.
“I guess it was a good choice, then,” Jon says as he parks the car and unfastens his seat belt.
“It is.” Ryan leans closer to place a kiss on his cheek, happy. “Thanks.”
“It’s a pleasure, cupcake,” Jon replies as they both get out of the car.
“Cupcake?” Ryan asks with a raised eyebrow, but the look on his face tells Jon he finds the nickname hilarious.
“What? It’s cute.” Jon shrugs takes Ryan’s hand in his own, leading him towards the entry.
“You’re not calling me cupcake,” Ryan says, then bursts out laughing.
“Cookie?” Jon offers with a snicker, then tries to keep a straight face. “Or maybe something very embarrassing like love muffin.”
“Oh God, leave the pastries alone,” Ryan chokes out between laughter.
“You’re just insanely cute, I need a pet name,” Jon says as he presses a kiss on the side of Ryan’s neck while they wait for their turn for the tickets.
“What happened to you?” Ryan asks as he giggles, but doesn’t try to move away.
“Nothing, I’m just happy,” Jon replies with a warm smile, then thinks for a few seconds. “Ry,” he adds with a tentative glance.
“That’s definitely better,” Ryan admits, then looks ahead when they reach the tickets stand.
Jon gets the tickets for both and a couple of minutes later they’re looking at the map, deciding which way to start.
They spend the following hour walking around, watching the animals through the enclosures and making jokes about Madagascar. When they decide to stop for a break, Jon buys them cotton candy and they both sit on a bench, looking at the people walking by.
“I feel like a kid.” Ryan giggles eating some of the candy as Jon takes his free hand in his own, entwining their fingers.
“That’s a very good thing,” Jon declares with a nod. “It means I’m not boring you with my conversation.”
“You’re not,” Ryan reassures him and rests his head on the boy’s shoulder, still taking small bites at the piece of cotton candy.
Jon is about to reply, but he sees a well-dressed woman walking a few feet away. She addresses them a disgusted look and they both notice it.
“Bitch,” Jon mutters as he glares back at her and narrows his eyes. A second later one of her heels break and she almost falls.
“Jon.” Ryan sounds surprised and amused, and the wizard laughs a little.
As the woman looks at the ruined shoe, the other heel breaks as well, making her fall flat on her ass.
“Jon!” Ryan says as he represses a fit of giggles.
“What?” Jon fakes innocence and looks away, but as she starts to stand, he moves his hand and her skirt rips right in the middle, exposing the back of her underwear.
Ryan is laughing now, not even trying to stop, but he presses his face against the side of Jon’s shoulder to hide it from the people around. “You’re so bad.”
“She deserved it,” Jon says with a smirk, then squeezes Ryan’s hand in his own.
The woman quickly walks away, embarrassed and angry at the same time as she walks barefoot on the concrete. Jon laughs a little as he watches her go, then turns to look at Ryan, who is doing the same.
They decide to finish the tour of the zoo and, much to Jon’s surprise, they keep holding hands as they walk and eat the cotton candy. Jon has to admit Ryan is right, it does feel like being kids again, or maybe just teenagers, but Jon doesn’t remember feeling this good with anyone else in his entire life.
~~
Later that afternoon
“Is someone in here?” Pete asks as he walks in the shop with an arched eyebrow.
Shane stumbles out of the back door and starts apologizing, then stops when he sees it’s Pete. “Hey,” he says with a frown. “Pete.”
“Zane,” Pete replies, causing the boy to roll his eyes, while Brendon joins them.
“Shane,” Brendon corrects him with a glare. “For fuck’s sake, Pete, can you at least try to remember it?”
“Jeez, calm down, kid.” Pete laughs a little, shaking his head. “D’you get this bitchy every time someone interrupts your making out session during work time?”
“Yes,” Brendon tilts his chin up, unashamed. “And I was having quite a good time, so I hope it’s something important.”
“Here,” Pete says with a smirk as he puts a little bottle on the counter. “The counter-potion, give it to Jon as soon as he comes home.”
“It’s ready?” Shane asks, surprised and a little worried.
“Patrick said Jon’s getting way too much into it, so I speeded it up.” Pete shrugs and turns towards the door again. “Let me know how it goes.”
“Sure,” Brendon replies with a little frown, his smile now gone.
“I’m not sure Jon will be too happy about it,” Shane mutters when the door closes after Pete.
“It can’t last forever.” Brendon puts the potion on a shelf, safe, then turns with a little smile. “I don’t really know what I was thinking when I made the potion.”
“You don’t usually think when you do that kind of stuff,” Shane offers with a grin, then sits on the counter in front of Brendon. “You just obsess until you find something more interesting.”
“Just so you know,” Brendon says as he walks closer. “I’m not obsessing over you.”
“You have no idea how glad I am to hear that,” Shane laughs a little, then pulls the boy in a brief kiss.
“You know, we could all have dinner together,” Brendon muses, stroking Shane’s back with his hand. “I mean, you, me, Jon and Ryan.”
“You’re not gonna hit on Ryan, right?” Shane asks with an arched eyebrow, causing his boyfriend to laugh.
“I have no reason to.” Brendon leans in to kiss him again and Shane nibbles at his lip, half-smirking. “I should be ordering the shelves.”
“We’ll do that later,” Shane whispers as he lowers to kiss Brendon’s neck. “I like distracting you.”
“I noticed,” Brendon replies with a grin, then pulls the boy off the counter and in the back of the shop again.
~
“I really had fun today,” Ryan says as the car stops in front of his house. “I don’t usually like people so quickly, this is just… surreal.”
“In a good sense, I hope.” Jon laughs and feels secretly relieved when the boy nods.
“It’s a little scary, but you know, maybe it’s just meant to be,” Ryan admits with a little shrug and a soft blush. “Oh God, I sound like Julia Roberts.”
Jon laughs at that, leaning towards him to place an innocent kiss on Ryan’s mouth. “You’re so much hotter than her.”
“Dork,” Ryan pushes him back with a snicker and bites on his lower lip. “Would it be weird if I said I want to see you tomorrow?”
“It wouldn’t,” Jon replies with a wide smile. “Because I’m totally seeing you tomorrow.”
Ryan mirrors his expression and leans closer to kiss him briefly. “Okay, then.”
“See you tomorrow.” Jon steals another kiss, then lets the boy get out of the car.
Jon watches as Ryan reaches the main door of his condo and turns to wave at him with a smile. He waves back and only when the boy is gone, he starts the car again and heads for the shop.
He whistles to himself the whole time, even as he swings the door open and walks inside, surprised to see Shane and Brendon talking and not making out.
“Jon,” Shane says with an hesitant smile, then glances at Brendon.
“Pete dropped by a while ago to leave this,” Brendon informs as he puts the counter-potion on the counter.
“Oh.” Jon’s smile fades visibly at that and Shane bites on his lower lip, unsure.
“Maybe you shouldn’t tell him,” Shane suggests, much to their surprise.
“I won’t lie to him, Shane, I--” Jon shakes his head and sits on one of the chairs. “I don’t want to base this relationship on a lie, on a trick, he’s-- he deserves better than that.”
“What if he gets mad and kicks you out?” Brendon asks with a worried frown, looking at his friend.
“I don’t know, I-- I’ll just find a way to deal with it,” Jon replies, then takes a deep breath. “I don’t wanna lie to him.”
“Okay, then.” Brendon nods and hands him the potion, smiling a little.
“What about we go out tonight?” Shane proposes with a shrug. “The three of us, like the old times.”
Jon shakes his head ‘no’ and Shane frowns, surprised. “I just want to do this as soon as I can,” he says as he gestures towards the bottle.
“You’re going now?” Brendon asks, surprised and quite worried.
“I want to end this, I-- I wouldn’t sleep otherwise.” Jon feels his heart ache as he realizes how true those words are. There’s no need to delay this any further. When has his damn conscience woken up?
“Call us if you need help,” Brendon offers with a frown, then watches his friend walk out of the shop.
“We shouldn’t let him go like that,” Shane whispers, looking at his boyfriend.
“He’s right, he can’t just keep lying to Ryan.” Brendon shakes his head and sighs, still serious.
“But he’s not lying,” Shane insists, but looks away when Brendon addresses him a confused frown. “Never mind.”
“What d’you mean?” Brendon asks, bringing his hand to Shane’s chin to make him look up. At the guilty look in Shane’s eyes, Brendon’s mouth drops open in shock. “Shane.”
~
Jon waits for the door to open and he really doesn’t expect to be pulled in such a passionate kiss just for showing up.
“Wow,” Jon whispers with a little smile as Ryan withdraws and leads him inside.
“I didn’t expect to see you before tomorrow,” Ryan explains with a shrug, then closes the door. When he turns he sees the look on Jon’s face and his smile disappears. “What’s going on?”
“I need to tell you something,” Jon says, then wants to slap himself for the awful start. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but-- I have to.”
“You’re scaring me.” Ryan sits down at the kitchen counter and Jon does the same, facing him.
“This is so hard, Ryan, because I--” Jon pauses, taking a deep breath, then looks at the boy in the eye. “Remember when Brendon offered you that tea at the shop?” Ryan nods, but doesn’t say a word. “He wanted to date you, no matter what it took and he--” Jon sees Ryan’s eyes widen a bit at that. “He gave you a love potion.”
“What?” Ryan asks, paling a little as he shakes his head. “No, that doesn’t make sense, I-- I’ve never felt anything for Brendon.”
“That’s because the potion worked on me, not on Brendon,” Jon replies and sees the exact moment Ryan realizes what that means. He sees the exact moment he loses Ryan.
“So the time we spent together, the aura thing, even what I’m feeling-- it’s all a lie?” Ryan whispers and his eyes water a bit. “You’ve been joking me the entire time?”
“No, no, no, I wasn’t,” Jon immediately retorts, but when he moves forwards to take Ryan’s hand, the boy moves back, furious. “I wasn’t joking, everything I told you in the past few days is true.”
“Make it stop,” Ryan mutters, looking at him with anger. “Make it fucking stop.”
Jon nods and takes the counter-potion from his pocket. “This is gonna cancel the effects.”
Ryan takes it without a word and hesitates, looking at the little bottle. Then, he opens it and drinks the content in one sip. Jon stands quickly, ready to catch Ryan when he passes out, but nothing happens. The potion was supposed to make him pass out, he’s sure of that.
“Wait--” Jon frowns, confused and a little scared.
“Now get out of my house,” Ryan blink away the tears and his jaw tightens. “Get the fuck out and don’t come back.”
“Ryan, I--” Jon starts to say, but Ryan slaps him hard enough to make his skin sting. “I’m sorry.”
“I hate you,” Ryan whispers, wiping his tears quickly. “Leave me the fuck alone.”
Jon stands there for a few seconds, feeling his heart freeze in his chest and break into several, tiny pieces. He starts saying something, but Ryan just turns away and walks to the kitchen sink, visibly repressing sobs.
Without another word Jon walks out of the door and downstairs, not even registering his own actions. He’s feeling numb, empty, like a part of him has been torn. And it has. He remembers Patrick’s words, it is possible to fall in love in such a short time, but he doubts that making it go away can be just as quick.
When he gets in the car he sees five missed calls on the phone he left there, all from Brendon, but he doesn’t call back, he just heads home.
~~
Two days later
“I can’t stand seeing him like that,” Shane whispers as he and Brendon fix one of the shelves. “We have to tell him.”
“No.” Brendon shakes his head, determined. “He told him, it’s late now, it would only make it worse.”
“I know, but--” Shane takes a deep breath and glances at the counter where Jon is reading. He’s been doing that a lot in the past two days, trying to keep his mind busy, but it’s easy to see how hard is all that on him. “I didn’t mean to cause all this.”
“I know,” Brendon reassures him with a little smile.
They both turn when the door opens and a boy walks in. Jon looks up as well and his expression darkens immediately.
“What the hell is going on?” Spencer asks as he reaches the counter, looking directly at Jon. “Ryan’s been locked up in his room for two days, he barely talks to me.”
Jon looks down at that, feeling his chest tighten painfully. “It’s something between me and Ryan.”
“No, it’s not.” Spencer shakes his head, angry. “I’ve known Ryan for longer than you, he just went through so much shit, you have no right to mess him up like that.”
“That’s not what I was trying to do,” Jon spits, equally pissed. “I never meant to hurt him.”
“Well, you did,” Spencer retorts, walking closer. “But still, all he fucking talks about is you.”
“That’s because he’s angry,” Jon says with sigh, then looks away.
“That’s because he’s head over heels for a fucking jerk.” Spencer sees the wizard look up sharply at that, then chuckles unhappily. “And I have no idea how you did that, you’ve known him for what? A week?”
“What d’you want me to do? Apologize?” Jon asks, raising his hands in surrender. “He won’t even answer my calls.”
“Find a wait to fix this,” Spencer just says, then turns and storms out of the shop, slamming the door closed.
“The counter-potion didn’t work,” Jon announces with a sigh, worried.
“There was no potion in the first place,” Shane suddenly says, surprising Jon.
“What d’you mean?” Jon asks as his frown deepens and he straightens. Shane just shakes his head at that and reaches for his jacket, then runs outside.
“What’s going on?” Jon turns to look at Brendon, suspicious and a little worried.
~
“Hey, uh, wait up!” Shane yells as he reaches Spencer on the sidewalk.
“What d’you want?” Spencer looks at him from head to tow, skeptical.
“I need to talk to Ryan,” Shane says as he locks their gazes together.
“I don’t think so.” Spencer turns and resumes walking.
“Aren’t you the one who wants to see all this fixed?” Shane stares at him, stubborn and determined, knowing that if there’s a chance to convince Ryan to talk to Jon again, he has to try.
“I don’t even know who you are.” Spencer shakes his head, confused. “Why d’you think Ryan’s gonna listen to you?”
“Just trust me, okay?” Shane bites on his lower lip. “I want this to be fixed as much as you do.”
“Fine, get in the car.” Spencer gestures him towards the passenger seat and Shane complies immediately, sighing in relief.
~
“Shane did what?” Jon almost yells, unbelieving. “So I fucked everything up for nothing?”
“No you didn’t, you told Ryan the truth, or, well, what you thought was the truth,” Brendon replies, shaking his head. “You spent the entire four days convinced of that.”
“But that’s not why I kept dating him!” Jon retorts, angry and confused at the same time. “Why didn’t Shane say anything?”
“He was worried I was gonna get mad at him,” Brendon shrugs and looks at Jon in the eye, genuinely sorry. “You know better than me why he did that, Jon.”
“Ryan would never believe it, if I told him.” Jon stands from the chair and walks over the shelves, thoughtful. “Not that he’s going to give me a chance to explain, anyway.”
“He just needs time to let the anger cool down,” Brendon says, squeezing his friend’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
“Call your boyfriend, tell him he can come home, I won’t rip his throat,” Jon replies with a little smile.
“I’m sorry, Jon,” Brendon whispers as he pulls the boy in a tight hug. “I promise I’ll never make love potions ever again.”
“You better.” Jon laughs a little, but it’s empty, almost forced.
As Brendon takes his phone to call Shane, Jon sits back with his book, trying to free his mind from everything else. He’s never been a fan of over-thinking, he just wants to find a way to make the dull, constant pain just fade until it goes away. Until then, his plan is to shut off his brain.
~~
“Spencer, I told you to leave me the fuck alone,” Ryan snaps as he opens the door of his room, angry. He freezes when he sees Shane standing there. “What d’you want?”
“Just sit back and listen to me,” Shane replies, determined and a little bossy. Without waiting for an answer he walks past Ryan and the boy closes the door.
“He sent you?” Ryan shakes his head, unbelieving.
“He doesn’t know I’m here,” Shane just says, looking at the boy in the eye. “There was no potion,” he adds after a few seconds of silence. “When Brendon was waiting for you-- I replaced it with plain water.”
“What?” Ryan asks with a skeptical frown, but doesn’t try to kick him out. Shane takes it as a good sign.
“I didn’t want Brendon to, you know, get his way with you,” Shane explains and looks at the floor for a few seconds, slightly ashamed. “I’ve been in love with him for, like, ever and he was obsessed with you.”
“So I never drank the potion?” Ryan sounds unbelieving, almost hopeful.
“No, there was no potion in the first place,” Shane confirms as he looks up again. “And that’s why the counter-potion Jon gave you didn’t work.”
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” Ryan shakes his head and sits on the bed, confused.
“You wouldn’t feel like this, if I was lying,” Shane pauses and studies the boy’s reaction. “You wouldn’t even remember feeling like this, if what you feel for Jon came from a potion.”
“There’s no potion, then?” Ryan asks, still not completely convinced.
“No,” Shane confirms once again.
“But Jon thought there was,” Ryan points out with a trace of anger in his voice.
“And he told you,” Shane adds for him, trying to sound reasonable.
“He lied to me,” Ryan retorts, visibly angry now.
“He told you the truth when it counted, he could have kept lying, he could have given you the counter-potion without you knowing it, but he didn’t, that’s not Jon,” Shane corrects him, shaking his head. “He told you the truth before it was too late.”
“It is too late.” Ryan looks away at that, not wanting to let Shane know how much he means those words.
“It’s late for him too, and that’s why it hasn’t been easy for him to tell you.” Shane takes a deep breath and waits for the boy to look at him again. “He just wanted to know you, he never planned any of this,” he pauses and sees a slight surprise in Ryan gaze. “Everyone makes mistakes, Ryan, but what he feels for you is true, it’s not a trick.”
“I don’t know,” Ryan whispers and closes his eyes. “This is so confusing.”
“It’s just confusing if you want it to be.” Shane takes a step towards him. “Just think about how you felt when you were with him, then decide if you want to lose that,” he pauses and sees Ryan look at him again, surprised. “It’s not easy to find someone who loves you back.”
Ryan hesitates for several seconds as his fingers play nervously with his sleeves. Shane watches him and sighs, knowing he’s done what he could, now it was up to Ryan.
“I’ll think about it,” Ryan whispers, looking up with damp eyes.
Shane nods and reaches the door, then hesitates for a second before walking out.
~~
Two weeks later
“Jon, where the hell did you put the Celtic runes books?” Brendon yells from the stairs he’s using to reach the highest shelf.
“I haven’t touched the books,” Jon replies with a snort, not even looking up from his magazine.
“I did,” Shane announces as he walks in, bringing bags with him. “I just thought alphabetical order is better, after all.”
“You traitor.” Brendon glares and gets off the stairs, sighing. “It’s gonna take hours to find it.”
“I’m cooking something special tonight,” Shane replies as he lifts one of the bags, ignoring his boyfriend’s pout. “I just swung by to tell you I’m gonna cut your fingers off if you’re late. 7 pm, okay?”
“Okay, boss,” Jon says with a chuckle and an amused frown. “You need help?”
“I’ll be fine, just don’t be late,” Shane repeats, then heads out of the shop.
“I should have pouted more, he didn’t even notice it.” Brendon purses his lips, thoughtful.
“Maybe he’s just immune to it, now,” Jon offers with a smirk. “By the way, don’t mess the books again, alphabetical order won.”
“Bitches,” Brendon mutters as he resumes looking for the book.
It’s just a couple of hours later when the phone rings and Jon reaches for it with a bored sigh. He doesn’t have time to say anything, though.
“It’s 6.30, so you’d better move your pretty magic asses and come home,” Shane warns from the other end of the line.
“Fine, fine, we’re coming,” Jon replies with a laughter, then hangs up. “Your boyfriend’s gonna throw a fit if we don’t go.”
“Okay.” Brendon stretches his back and yawns, looking at the clock. “I just hope his dinner doesn’t involve fish. I hate fish.”
“Of course you do, you’re a vegetarian.” Jon arches an eyebrow at him and chuckles.
They both put on their jackets and close the shop quickly, then get in the car just as it starts to rain. By the time they get home there are thunders and lightning, and Brendon swears out loud when he steps right in a puddle as he gets out of the car.
“I hate rain,” Brendon mutters as he uses his powers to dry the jeans, while Jon just shakes his head, highly amused.
It’s been a full week since the last time he tried calling Ryan - without success - and things are slowly going back to normality. It doesn’t even hurt so much anymore, if he manages to keep his mind busy with something else. Brendon and Shane usually help a lot with that. Even that dinner is probably Shane’s way to apologize for, like, the hundredth time.
As they walk in, a strong scent of food reaches them, making both their stomach mumble.
“You’re not late,” Shane declares with a wide smile and a green apron. “Good boys.”
“Do we get a prize?” Brendon wiggles his eyebrows and his boyfriends grins.
“Of course, you get to set the table,” Shane answers as he gestures Brendon towards the necessary, that has been already prepared on the counter.
“What do I do?” Jon asks, trying to hide his amusement, then he notices something. “Four glasses?”
“Oh, yeah, we’re probably having a guest,” Shane replies distractedly, then goes back to the stoves.
“Pete,” Brendon muses with a shrug, then resumes setting the table. Jon helps him, then they both end up on the couch, since Shane refuses to let them work in the kitchen.
When the doorbell rings about ten minutes later, Jon stands and goes to open. But when he does, he just freezes with his hand on the doorknob. Ryan is standing there with an unsure expression, holding a bottle of wine.
“I think we should talk,” Ryan says as he walks past Jon and into the house, putting the bottle on the nearby table.
“This way,” Jon just replies, unable to put together another sentence as he guides Ryan towards his room, under Brendon’s shocked gaze.
When the door closes after them, Ryan turns to face him, biting on his lip, but doesn’t say a word.
“What about we get a coffee and we try this from the top?” Jon suggests, collecting all his guts to sound like he believes there’s a chance Ryan might say yes.
“What about we skip the coffee part and you just make it up to me for being such a selfish jerk?” Ryan whispers, but despite his words there’s a glimpse of a smile in his eyes.
“Are you serious?” Jon asks, too shocked to understand the change in the boy’s behavior.
“I’m not ready to lose this,” Ryan explains with a little sigh. “We-- I just tried to erase you from my life for the past two weeks, and I’ve never failed so miserably in my whole life.”
“I never meant to make you go through all that, I shouldn’t have lied to you.” Jon takes a step towards him and reaches out to touch his cheek, glad when the boy doesn’t move back. “But I swear to God, I never ever lied about what I feel for you, Ryan.”
“Why d’you think I’m here?” Ryan leans in the touch and closes his eyes as he takes a shaky breath. “It’s not gonna be like before.”
“No,” Jon admits, pulling him in a hug as he feels his heart swell. “I swear it’s gonna be better.”
Ryan chuckles at that, but when he withdraws to look at Jon again, there’s a little smile on his lips. “And you’re still not calling me cupcake, okay?”
Jon laughs at that and kisses Ryan, relieved when the boy kisses him back. “Okay,” he whispers on his lips a few seconds later.
“And if Brendon makes another love potion, you can bet your head I’ll fucking kill him,” Ryan mutters as he wipes his eyes, then takes a deep breath.
“I’ve forbidden him to make love potions ever again,” Jon reassures him with a little smirk. “Besides, I don’t think he’ll need it.”
“Good.” Ryan withdraws and smiles widely for the first time since walking in. “Spencer told me he yelled at you.”
“He’s a good friend, he worries,” Jon says with a nod and a soft chuckle.
“Shane’s a good friend too,” Ryan replies as he takes Jon’s hand in his own. “Too bad he ended up with Brendon.”
“I guess it takes time to learn how to love him.” Jon laughs as they open the door and find Brendon against the other side, obviously trying to eavesdrop. “Or maybe not,” he adds with a glare.
“Brendon!” Shane almost yells as he walks out of the kitchen and understands what’s going on.
“Oh, c’mon, I was just worried,” Brendon justifies himself with a shrug, then grins at Ryan. “By the way, I’m done stalking you.”
“Do I get to eathim for dinner?” Ryan glares and Jon looks at him, biting back a smile, still unbelieving. Ryan is there. “Make a dirty joke and I’m out of the door,” he warns when he sees the wicked smirk on Brendon’s face.
“Brendon, for fuck’s sake, shut up,” Jon immediately says and the other wizard glares at them both.
“You’re no fun,” Brendon complains, gaining a slap on the arm from his boyfriend.
“Are you staying, then?” Shane asks as he looks at Ryan with a wide smile.
“I’m staying,” Ryan replies as he squeezes Jon’s hand and the boy does the same in return.
~~
end
A/N:So, here it is, my first RyWalk. Hopefully it won’t be the last one. LOL
Thanks to everyone who’s given this a try, I hope you enjoyed it. :D
JM