Eventual Gabe/Brendon fic
This was written at a wee hour in the morning
Brendon was uncomfortable.
Not because, as some would believe, he's at a Pete Wentz (and by extension all of Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance) party. He's cool with being around these guys, since he's toured with pretty much all of them and gotten to know them. There's one person, however, he just doesn't like.
Gabe Saporta.
He doesn't hate him or anything, but he just can't be around the guy. Being in this scene means that you have to get used to basically being molested by everyone that you know/tour with. Brendon is usually okay with this, encourages it, even. But, there's something about the way Gabe does it that makes Brendon squirm.
It's been this way long enough that Spencer knows about it. Ian and Dallon have toured with Gabe, so they love the guy. That's probably the reason he's here. He couldn't decline a party with this many of his friends without tipping them off. He takes a swig of his beer and looks around the room.
Dallon and Ian are sitting at the bar having what looks to be a passionate debate with Alex Suarez and Nate Novarro. The four catch his eye and raise their beers in salute. Brendon raises his back and they go back to their debate. He likes Nate and Alex, they're cool and great pranking masterminds.
Spencer is talking to Sierra, Blake, Hayley, and Travie. Brendon take another sip now that his band has been accounted for. He still looks around, though, just to gauge where people are.
Sisky and Victoria walk behind Brendon and he can hear her say, “...I will never get drunk enough for that to happen.” He doesn't want to know. She squeezes his shoulder as they pass and he grins at her. Victoria is brilliant and sassy and Brendon adores her.
Ryland walks in front of him as he turns back to people watching. He's got a tray full of beers and he plops one in front of Brendon and they do a bro shake before Ryland goes off, presumably to deliver more beers. Ryland is hysterical and charismatic. Brendon loves hanging out with him.
He watches as the one member of Cobra Starship he doesn't like steals two beers off of Ryland's tray. One for him and one for his dancing partner, William Beckett. William takes the beer from Gabe all while still grinding on him. Brendon scoffs quietly. At first he thought it was Gabe and William that he didn't like, but now he knows better. William is awkward like Brendon can be, although much less so than most people think of him as, and he is astoundingly insightful. Brendon counts him as one of his closest friends.
Brendon finishes his beer and reaches for the one Ryland gave him. He leans back and stares at the bar, thinking of just why he doesn't like Gabe.
Gabe creeps Brendon out. He's always overly affectionate with people. He knows the fans write a lot of fanfiction about Gabe and other people. That's because he gives them material. Again, Brendon's used to it, but Gabe doesn't seem to have boundaries. He's really tall too. Literally and figuratively. Brendon knows that Gabe isn't that much taller than Dallon and he doesn't really notice the height difference with him. Gabe, however, has an ego that gives him another foot over everybody so he appears much taller. Also, he leers at people and his smile is something Brendon imagines serial killers have.
Sometimes he'll stumble across some post by a fan talking about how they met him and he was nice or did something really sweet and he'll get mad at himself for not liking the guy. He hasn't actually spent that much time around Gabe in the first place. Yes they toured together, but everybody and their mother was on that same tour. That tour is the reason why if he ever has a stupid and childish idea, he'll hit up the All Time Low guys, because those guys are insane as shit and up for anything. Just ask their fanbase.
Also, people are different when they're on tour. The energy of the shows combined with the alcohol and just general excitement of doing what they love make people crazy. He's seen interviews of Gabe and he looks relatively low-key.
He doesn't have time to ponder these opposing viewpoints because the object of his thoughts is swaggering towards him. He sighs and sips his beer, mentally preparing himself for whatever Gabe is going to say.
Gabe plops down next to him, “Hey man, long time no see.” Another thing about Gabe, he doesn't seem to be very good at catching onto the fact that certain people don't like him.
Brendon isn't a jerk, though, and would never tell him, so he smiles and says, “Yeah, definitely. What's up?”
Gabe shrugs, “We put out the album, feedback has been mixed, but you can't please everybody, y'know?”
Brendon nods and, even though he doesn't like him, that feeling is something every musician can relate to.
“Well, from what I've heard, it's pretty good.” Brendon says. He's really only heard You Make Me `Feel, because everybody has, and Disaster Boy, the second because Victoria sang on it and he wanted to hear her. Also, having a fellow musician who you kind of know compliment you is nice.
Gabe grins and Brendon mentally shudders. Serial killer.
“Thanks, dude. Big fan of yours too. Always liked the cinematic vibe you get from it.”
It's something Brendon's heard multiple times, so he just tilts his beer in Gabe's direction and then sips it again.
He's wondering how long Gabe is gonna bother him when there's a loud crash. Everyone turns to see Nate on the ground looking a little dazed, but otherwise laughing. The stool he's been sitting on is lying next to him. He stand up, picks up the stool, and waves. Everyone laughs and goes back to their conversations. Brendon turns to say something about how for once Gabe might not be the drunkest person here when he sees his face. Gabe is still looking at Nate, his eyebrows furrowed with, what is that, concern?
Gabe looks at Brendon, “Hey, 'scuse me for a second. I'm gonna go make sure he's okay. I thought I saw him hit his head on the bar.”
Brendon watches him go, and a part of him is oddly touched that Gabe is so protective of his friends. He watches Gabe go up to Nate, who's still in the same group he was when Brendon first spotted him. Gabe greets everybody and claps Nate on the shoulder. He asks Nate something that Brendon doesn't have a prayer of hearing. Nate rolls his eyes, but he's still grinning. His grin turns sheepish though when Gabe says something else. He shakes his head and waves his hand at Gabe dismissively and Gabe turns to leave, whacking the back of Nate's head as he does.
Gabe walks back to Brendon and sits back down, sighing. “Well, he's not drunk and doesn't appear to be concussed, but he's still a dipshit.”
Brendon chuckles, “At least he'll be able to play. He really did us a solid by playing for us when Spencer couldn't.”
Gabe sips his beer, nodding, “Yeah, we heard that he wouldn't be able to play, so I suggested to Pete that Nate play for him so you guys didn't have to cancel.”
Brendon is taken aback, he always thought that it was just Nate who offered. “Thanks, Gabe, that was really cool of you.” His thank you is genuine, it was a really big thing that they were able to play.
Gabe half smiles and Brendon doesn't find it creepy. Hm. “Yeah, well, I'm sure you'd do the same. I really am a good guy.” The last part comes out half-joking and Brendon feels his gut twist in guilt.
Brendon signals Ryland, who's walking past with an empty tray, for two more beers. He wants to get to know Gabe all of a sudden. Ryland nods at Brendon and punches Gabe in the arm as he goes to the bar.
“Little shit.” Gabe chuckles watching him.
“I hope you're talking about Nate, because last time I checked, you only have a couple inches on Ryland.” says a voice behind them.
“Victoria,” Gabe trills, “my darling, how are you?” She rolls her eyes and plops down on his lap, smiling at Brendon.
Brendon smiles back, “I promise you, I haven't drugged him. He's like this.” Victoria giggles and Gabe smacks her leg. She hits Gabe's shoulder in retaliation.
Ryland comes back with the beers. He puts them down, then turns to the person occupying Gabe's lap. “Victoria, your argument settling services are needed by our dear friends and bandmates at the bar.”
She sighs and pushes herself off of Gabe's lap, kissing him on the forehead as she walks up to the group still arguing at the bar. Gabe and Brendon watch as she walks up to Alex at the bar and shoves him off of his seat and sits down as he grabs another one nearby, grumbling.
“Why are you guys so violent with each other?” is the phrase that somehow manages to escape Brendon's mouth.
Gabe throws his head back as he laughs and Brendon finds himself smiling.
“Oh man, I dunno, I guess we do it because it's a way of saying 'I got your back' to one another. Plus, it's something I used to do with my friends when I was younger.”
“You got a crew, I got crew too?” Brendon quotes, smiling as he sips his third beer.
Gabe tilts his beer towards Brendon and he clinks it with his own. They drink.
“Exactly. This shit doesn't always come out of nowhere, y'know.”
Brendon nods, but he's confused as to just how he ended up having a decent conversation with Gabe Saporta.
“Hey, are you hungry? There's an awesome diner just a couple blocks over, their pancakes are the shit.”
Brendon checks his watch. It's three in the morning. He shrugs, “Why not?” and he and Gabe get up to
leave.
They see William at the entrance, putting on his coat.
“Hey guys, diner trip?” This last part is clearly aimed at Gabe and Brendon wonders just where in the list of people Gabe has taken to this place he falls.
Gabe nods, “Always, my breakfast buddy.” Brendon raises an eyebrow at the name, but says nothing.
William embraces Gabe and then says, “Order chocolate chip pancakes in my honor,okay?” Gabe salutes him and they say in unison “with extra whipped cream.”
They both chuckle and William claps Brendon on the shoulder and smiles at him in a knowing way and Brendon is confused. William shoots Gabe a look that Brendon can't quite decipher, but it makes Gabe grin and William grins in return and then leaves. They step out a few minutes later and Gabe leads him in the opposite direction that William had gone in. They're quiet for a few minutes, sobering up a bit.
Brendon isn't sure he wants to know, but he asks anyway. “Breakfast buddy?”
Gabe chuckles fondly, “Yeah, sometimes when Bilvy and I are at a party, or are in the same place, we'll take off and grab breakfast somewhere. He always gets chocolate chip pancakes and I will get whatever pancake sounds the best. The place we're going to serves whipped cream with their pancakes and he always gets extra whipped cream that we split.”
Brendon nods, digesting this. Everyone knows that Gabe and William are friends, but he didn't expect them to have traditions.
“He didn't seem surprised that you're taking me there. You do that often?”
Gabe is silent for a couple minutes before saying cautiously, “No, just Bilvy. But, he
knows that..."
“Knows that what?”
Gabe stops and faces Brendon, his smile is sheepish now, “Knows that I kinda, sorta have a thing for you.”
Brendon stands there, gaping. Well that explains the look between the two back at the club. He's barely spoken to Gabe, but Gabe has a crush on him. That's just weird.
“I know we haven't ever actually talked that much or anything, but we run in the same circle and we're always at the same parties. It's kind of an admire from afar thing.” Gabe is looking everywhere but at Brendon.
Brendon, meanwhile, is looking at Gabe. Really looking at him. He isn't actually tall as Brendon always thinks he is and when he looks up at Brendon, his smile is soft and embarrassed. Definitely not creepy. Brendon's stomach rumbles quietly, reminding him that he was promised pancakes.
Gabe is really uncomfortable now. “Well, aren't you going to say something?”
Brendon nods, “How about we get food first, and then I'll tell you what my thoughts on that are.”
He watches as Gabe weighs this, probably trying to decide if he's being rejected or not. Judging by Gabe's nod, he's decided that he isn't. Brendon isn't sure if he is or not.
While they eat, Brendon mentally weighs what he knows about Gabe. He's got a big ego, but he goes the extra mile to make sure that his friends know that he cares. He's overly affectionate with everyone, but then again, William manages to put up with it. He also has great taste in diners.
They're walking away from the restaurant when Brendon stops Gabe and says, “Well, I've thought about it.”
Gabe sighs and Brendon can see him setting himself up for rejection, but he still says “And?”
Brendon takes a deep breath and goes on his tiptoes, because Gabe is still taller than him, and presses a kiss to his lips. It's light, but Brendon knows that Gabe will get the picture.
He rocks back onto the balls of his feet and watches as Gabe's shock turns into a broad smile. He says, “So that's a yes, I take it?”
Brendon nods his head, trying and failing to hold back a smile of his own. They turn to keep walking and Gabe takes Brendon's hand.
Gabe leans into him, “This might be too soon, but my place isn't too far from the party. We could, uh, get to know each other better there.” This last part is accented with a raised eyebrow.
Brendon considers this, “Well, you did take me out for food.” Gabe grins and as they stop on the corner to wait for the light kisses him. It's deeper than their first one, and hints at more.
The light changes and they cross the street, holding hands still. Gabe nuzzles Brendon's head as they continue walking. He remembers William's smile earlier and wonders just how his friend knew that he was going to end up with Gabe. He'll ponder that another time. Brendon looks at Gabe and smiles to himself. This was not how he was imagining his night ending. Gabe squeezes his hand and Brendon knows that he was wrong about Gabe. He's never been so happy to be wrong about someone before.
Brendon was uncomfortable.
Not because, as some would believe, he's at a Pete Wentz (and by extension all of Fueled By Ramen/Decaydance) party. He's cool with being around these guys, since he's toured with pretty much all of them and gotten to know them. There's one person, however, he just doesn't like.
Gabe Saporta.
He doesn't hate him or anything, but he just can't be around the guy. Being in this scene means that you have to get used to basically being molested by everyone that you know/tour with. Brendon is usually okay with this, encourages it, even. But, there's something about the way Gabe does it that makes Brendon squirm.
It's been this way long enough that Spencer knows about it. Ian and Dallon have toured with Gabe, so they love the guy. That's probably the reason he's here. He couldn't decline a party with this many of his friends without tipping them off. He takes a swig of his beer and looks around the room.
Dallon and Ian are sitting at the bar having what looks to be a passionate debate with Alex Suarez and Nate Novarro. The four catch his eye and raise their beers in salute. Brendon raises his back and they go back to their debate. He likes Nate and Alex, they're cool and great pranking masterminds.
Spencer is talking to Sierra, Blake, Hayley, and Travie. Brendon take another sip now that his band has been accounted for. He still looks around, though, just to gauge where people are.
Sisky and Victoria walk behind Brendon and he can hear her say, “...I will never get drunk enough for that to happen.” He doesn't want to know. She squeezes his shoulder as they pass and he grins at her. Victoria is brilliant and sassy and Brendon adores her.
Ryland walks in front of him as he turns back to people watching. He's got a tray full of beers and he plops one in front of Brendon and they do a bro shake before Ryland goes off, presumably to deliver more beers. Ryland is hysterical and charismatic. Brendon loves hanging out with him.
He watches as the one member of Cobra Starship he doesn't like steals two beers off of Ryland's tray. One for him and one for his dancing partner, William Beckett. William takes the beer from Gabe all while still grinding on him. Brendon scoffs quietly. At first he thought it was Gabe and William that he didn't like, but now he knows better. William is awkward like Brendon can be, although much less so than most people think of him as, and he is astoundingly insightful. Brendon counts him as one of his closest friends.
Brendon finishes his beer and reaches for the one Ryland gave him. He leans back and stares at the bar, thinking of just why he doesn't like Gabe.
Gabe creeps Brendon out. He's always overly affectionate with people. He knows the fans write a lot of fanfiction about Gabe and other people. That's because he gives them material. Again, Brendon's used to it, but Gabe doesn't seem to have boundaries. He's really tall too. Literally and figuratively. Brendon knows that Gabe isn't that much taller than Dallon and he doesn't really notice the height difference with him. Gabe, however, has an ego that gives him another foot over everybody so he appears much taller. Also, he leers at people and his smile is something Brendon imagines serial killers have.
Sometimes he'll stumble across some post by a fan talking about how they met him and he was nice or did something really sweet and he'll get mad at himself for not liking the guy. He hasn't actually spent that much time around Gabe in the first place. Yes they toured together, but everybody and their mother was on that same tour. That tour is the reason why if he ever has a stupid and childish idea, he'll hit up the All Time Low guys, because those guys are insane as shit and up for anything. Just ask their fanbase.
Also, people are different when they're on tour. The energy of the shows combined with the alcohol and just general excitement of doing what they love make people crazy. He's seen interviews of Gabe and he looks relatively low-key.
He doesn't have time to ponder these opposing viewpoints because the object of his thoughts is swaggering towards him. He sighs and sips his beer, mentally preparing himself for whatever Gabe is going to say.
Gabe plops down next to him, “Hey man, long time no see.” Another thing about Gabe, he doesn't seem to be very good at catching onto the fact that certain people don't like him.
Brendon isn't a jerk, though, and would never tell him, so he smiles and says, “Yeah, definitely. What's up?”
Gabe shrugs, “We put out the album, feedback has been mixed, but you can't please everybody, y'know?”
Brendon nods and, even though he doesn't like him, that feeling is something every musician can relate to.
“Well, from what I've heard, it's pretty good.” Brendon says. He's really only heard You Make Me `Feel, because everybody has, and Disaster Boy, the second because Victoria sang on it and he wanted to hear her. Also, having a fellow musician who you kind of know compliment you is nice.
Gabe grins and Brendon mentally shudders. Serial killer.
“Thanks, dude. Big fan of yours too. Always liked the cinematic vibe you get from it.”
It's something Brendon's heard multiple times, so he just tilts his beer in Gabe's direction and then sips it again.
He's wondering how long Gabe is gonna bother him when there's a loud crash. Everyone turns to see Nate on the ground looking a little dazed, but otherwise laughing. The stool he's been sitting on is lying next to him. He stand up, picks up the stool, and waves. Everyone laughs and goes back to their conversations. Brendon turns to say something about how for once Gabe might not be the drunkest person here when he sees his face. Gabe is still looking at Nate, his eyebrows furrowed with, what is that, concern?
Gabe looks at Brendon, “Hey, 'scuse me for a second. I'm gonna go make sure he's okay. I thought I saw him hit his head on the bar.”
Brendon watches him go, and a part of him is oddly touched that Gabe is so protective of his friends. He watches Gabe go up to Nate, who's still in the same group he was when Brendon first spotted him. Gabe greets everybody and claps Nate on the shoulder. He asks Nate something that Brendon doesn't have a prayer of hearing. Nate rolls his eyes, but he's still grinning. His grin turns sheepish though when Gabe says something else. He shakes his head and waves his hand at Gabe dismissively and Gabe turns to leave, whacking the back of Nate's head as he does.
Gabe walks back to Brendon and sits back down, sighing. “Well, he's not drunk and doesn't appear to be concussed, but he's still a dipshit.”
Brendon chuckles, “At least he'll be able to play. He really did us a solid by playing for us when Spencer couldn't.”
Gabe sips his beer, nodding, “Yeah, we heard that he wouldn't be able to play, so I suggested to Pete that Nate play for him so you guys didn't have to cancel.”
Brendon is taken aback, he always thought that it was just Nate who offered. “Thanks, Gabe, that was really cool of you.” His thank you is genuine, it was a really big thing that they were able to play.
Gabe half smiles and Brendon doesn't find it creepy. Hm. “Yeah, well, I'm sure you'd do the same. I really am a good guy.” The last part comes out half-joking and Brendon feels his gut twist in guilt.
Brendon signals Ryland, who's walking past with an empty tray, for two more beers. He wants to get to know Gabe all of a sudden. Ryland nods at Brendon and punches Gabe in the arm as he goes to the bar.
“Little shit.” Gabe chuckles watching him.
“I hope you're talking about Nate, because last time I checked, you only have a couple inches on Ryland.” says a voice behind them.
“Victoria,” Gabe trills, “my darling, how are you?” She rolls her eyes and plops down on his lap, smiling at Brendon.
Brendon smiles back, “I promise you, I haven't drugged him. He's like this.” Victoria giggles and Gabe smacks her leg. She hits Gabe's shoulder in retaliation.
Ryland comes back with the beers. He puts them down, then turns to the person occupying Gabe's lap. “Victoria, your argument settling services are needed by our dear friends and bandmates at the bar.”
She sighs and pushes herself off of Gabe's lap, kissing him on the forehead as she walks up to the group still arguing at the bar. Gabe and Brendon watch as she walks up to Alex at the bar and shoves him off of his seat and sits down as he grabs another one nearby, grumbling.
“Why are you guys so violent with each other?” is the phrase that somehow manages to escape Brendon's mouth.
Gabe throws his head back as he laughs and Brendon finds himself smiling.
“Oh man, I dunno, I guess we do it because it's a way of saying 'I got your back' to one another. Plus, it's something I used to do with my friends when I was younger.”
“You got a crew, I got crew too?” Brendon quotes, smiling as he sips his third beer.
Gabe tilts his beer towards Brendon and he clinks it with his own. They drink.
“Exactly. This shit doesn't always come out of nowhere, y'know.”
Brendon nods, but he's confused as to just how he ended up having a decent conversation with Gabe Saporta.
“Hey, are you hungry? There's an awesome diner just a couple blocks over, their pancakes are the shit.”
Brendon checks his watch. It's three in the morning. He shrugs, “Why not?” and he and Gabe get up to
leave.
They see William at the entrance, putting on his coat.
“Hey guys, diner trip?” This last part is clearly aimed at Gabe and Brendon wonders just where in the list of people Gabe has taken to this place he falls.
Gabe nods, “Always, my breakfast buddy.” Brendon raises an eyebrow at the name, but says nothing.
William embraces Gabe and then says, “Order chocolate chip pancakes in my honor,okay?” Gabe salutes him and they say in unison “with extra whipped cream.”
They both chuckle and William claps Brendon on the shoulder and smiles at him in a knowing way and Brendon is confused. William shoots Gabe a look that Brendon can't quite decipher, but it makes Gabe grin and William grins in return and then leaves. They step out a few minutes later and Gabe leads him in the opposite direction that William had gone in. They're quiet for a few minutes, sobering up a bit.
Brendon isn't sure he wants to know, but he asks anyway. “Breakfast buddy?”
Gabe chuckles fondly, “Yeah, sometimes when Bilvy and I are at a party, or are in the same place, we'll take off and grab breakfast somewhere. He always gets chocolate chip pancakes and I will get whatever pancake sounds the best. The place we're going to serves whipped cream with their pancakes and he always gets extra whipped cream that we split.”
Brendon nods, digesting this. Everyone knows that Gabe and William are friends, but he didn't expect them to have traditions.
“He didn't seem surprised that you're taking me there. You do that often?”
Gabe is silent for a couple minutes before saying cautiously, “No, just Bilvy. But, he
knows that..."
“Knows that what?”
Gabe stops and faces Brendon, his smile is sheepish now, “Knows that I kinda, sorta have a thing for you.”
Brendon stands there, gaping. Well that explains the look between the two back at the club. He's barely spoken to Gabe, but Gabe has a crush on him. That's just weird.
“I know we haven't ever actually talked that much or anything, but we run in the same circle and we're always at the same parties. It's kind of an admire from afar thing.” Gabe is looking everywhere but at Brendon.
Brendon, meanwhile, is looking at Gabe. Really looking at him. He isn't actually tall as Brendon always thinks he is and when he looks up at Brendon, his smile is soft and embarrassed. Definitely not creepy. Brendon's stomach rumbles quietly, reminding him that he was promised pancakes.
Gabe is really uncomfortable now. “Well, aren't you going to say something?”
Brendon nods, “How about we get food first, and then I'll tell you what my thoughts on that are.”
He watches as Gabe weighs this, probably trying to decide if he's being rejected or not. Judging by Gabe's nod, he's decided that he isn't. Brendon isn't sure if he is or not.
While they eat, Brendon mentally weighs what he knows about Gabe. He's got a big ego, but he goes the extra mile to make sure that his friends know that he cares. He's overly affectionate with everyone, but then again, William manages to put up with it. He also has great taste in diners.
They're walking away from the restaurant when Brendon stops Gabe and says, “Well, I've thought about it.”
Gabe sighs and Brendon can see him setting himself up for rejection, but he still says “And?”
Brendon takes a deep breath and goes on his tiptoes, because Gabe is still taller than him, and presses a kiss to his lips. It's light, but Brendon knows that Gabe will get the picture.
He rocks back onto the balls of his feet and watches as Gabe's shock turns into a broad smile. He says, “So that's a yes, I take it?”
Brendon nods his head, trying and failing to hold back a smile of his own. They turn to keep walking and Gabe takes Brendon's hand.
Gabe leans into him, “This might be too soon, but my place isn't too far from the party. We could, uh, get to know each other better there.” This last part is accented with a raised eyebrow.
Brendon considers this, “Well, you did take me out for food.” Gabe grins and as they stop on the corner to wait for the light kisses him. It's deeper than their first one, and hints at more.
The light changes and they cross the street, holding hands still. Gabe nuzzles Brendon's head as they continue walking. He remembers William's smile earlier and wonders just how his friend knew that he was going to end up with Gabe. He'll ponder that another time. Brendon looks at Gabe and smiles to himself. This was not how he was imagining his night ending. Gabe squeezes his hand and Brendon knows that he was wrong about Gabe. He's never been so happy to be wrong about someone before.