One-Night Stand Forever - [Twenty-One]
The last day of the second-to-last week of school felt like Ryan's final day on Earth, if his last day of life were to be more drawn out with irritating situations awaiting him in every direction he turned. Time downright refuses to fly when William Beckett pesters you endlessly and Travis McCoy nearly stalks you into every crevice of the school grounds.
"I still can't believe this," William complained for what had to be the hundredth time since the first morning bell rang. "You're talking to Urie. Hanging out with him, even. It's kind of obnoxious."
Gabe remained silent at the long-haired boy's side, a steady arm around his slender waist. Ryan searched for a hint of annoyance hidden deep inside of brown eyes, but emerged with no luck; Gabe really liked William, if he possessed the ability to sit there, motionless, while his boyfriend bashed one of his best friends.
Ryan's gaze traveled back to his own best friend. "He's not that bad, Will."
"Well this is just fucking awesome!" Will barked. Sarcasm dribbled down his chin. "Now you have a crush on him."
Ryan was quick to retort. "What? No!" William had to be joking, because Ryan did not have feelings for Brendon Urie. Brendon was bipolar and a totally huge douche at times. He also had despicable fashion taste. Maybe he wasn't sporting hideous sweatpants and sweat-stained t-shirts each day like Ryan, but he also wasn't with child, leaving him lacking an excuse. "He just isn't as mean as he was before," Ryan reasoned, grimacing at the memory of the blinding clash of red sneakers with a lavender hoodie. "He's pretty cool when he's calmed down."
At Ryan's dazed expression, William said, "Even better. You're in love with him."
"I need to get to class," Ryan breathed.
He set off down the hall, hearing Will's repetitive huffs and Gabe's call of, "Travie is looking for you, by the way."
How surprising.
Travis had tried discussing summer plans with Ryan again and again throughout the day, and every time Ryan had politely responded with a notification that he would be rather preoccupied with a child. Unfortunately, that only seemed to encourage Travis to think up additional "kid-friendly" activities that they could partake in, such as bowling (who the fuck takes a newborn bowling?) and going to the park (pushing an infant down a slide?).
"Oh, hey!" Travis exclaimed from across the hall. Ryan briefly considered making a mad dash for his classroom only a few feet away. Travis stopped him with a hand on his arm and a grin much too large. "So I was thinking that we could chill after school today. You know, go see a movie."
The remaining hours of the day weren't expected to be taken by any other occurrences, so Ryan nodded. Travis deserved at least a few chances. Besides, the only other available alternative was Brendon. But Ryan didn't want to spend every waking minute with the baby's father, especially when the boy was nowhere near boyfriend material.
"Sweet. Meet me by my car after school?"
Ryan really shouldn't have agreed. Really. Going on a double date was something that he had never expected to do in his entire life, and Gabe and William were just sitting on the hood of Travis' Mustang like it was a normal thing, like they were happy to be dragged along. It was quite intimidating the way that William's upper lip twisted into a smirk as Ryan approached, caution lacing every hesitant step. Gabe's soft smile should have been even more indication that things weren't going to go well, but Ryan sunk into the passenger's seat anyway, hoping for the best.
Perhaps he would get lucky. Perhaps they would have an awesome time and sparks would fly and chemistry would be easily recognized. Ryan really hoped for the best.
It wasn't until their arrival at the theatre that the adamant crossing of two thin fingers proved ineffective, and it was all due to the fact that William suggested a romantic comedy. His brown eyes flared with something akin to accomplishment as he stared a melancholy Ryan down.
Travis rubbed his arm and attempted to console him by saying, "It's not like we'll be watching the movie much anyway."
At that moment, Ryan wanted to be carried away by a colossal tsunami, or set to fire, or at least given the opportunity to vomit. On their way through the doors, his stomach clenched painfully in a final attempt to free him of the situation, but to no avail. The contents of his stomach just wouldn't retrace their footsteps. But at the burning and the tightening of his muscles, Ryan's brain uncovered a scheme.
"Wow," he sighed dramatically. His body draped itself across Travis' shoulder. "I think I might be having another episode of false labor."
The solicitous expressions on each face of those standing next to him guaranteed Ryan that the first step of his plan had been completed. The second? Getting away.
Ryan knew that the boys would reluctantly give up their date to drive him home, but William was at his side in seconds, one hand on his stomach and the other on his back, like Ryan couldn't hold himself up.
"I've got you. I've got you." William whispered the reassurances into the curve of chestnut hair above his ear over and over. An arm flung around the taller boy's shoulder and Ryan added in a few heavy pants. "Okay, we need to get him home."
Flash. Home. William was bound to explode at the mere knowledge of what was hidden inside Ryan's house.
"Actually, can you drop me off at my mom's work?"
It was ridiculous, this dodging the chance of getting kissed by Travis. There was an odd squirming in the pool of Ryan's gut, and that was reason enough to climb back into the car. Travis' lips, his hands; Ryan trembled in discomfort at the thought of what could have happened. He wouldn't have said no, because Ryan feared rejection, mostly when it involved rejecting others.
His mumble of, "Sorry," turned the heads of Travis and Gabe. William was busy nibbling at his fingertips and gazing out at cloudy skies.
"No worries, Ry," Gabe said. "We can hang out another time."
Ryan looked to Travis. He would have to tell him sooner or later, to let him down. The final rejection. His palms became clammy.
When they pulled up to the salon, Travis came around to open his door, and William eyed him through the window. Ryan had known his best friend long enough to know that look. William was practically reading Ryan's mind. He didn't particularly approve of the things he was discovering.
Travis coaxed him over beside the brick wall and Ryan followed, albeit reluctantly.
"So, listen. I know you think this won't work out or whatever because of the baby, but I'm gonna keep fighting, no matter how hard you fight back." Ryan's mouth dropped open. Travis appeared smug.
"I'm… I'm not ready for a relationship, Travie. I don't want one," he explained, arms flailing about.
Travis' smile continued to grow. That bugged Ryan. "Then don't think of it as a romantic relationship. Think of it as more of a friendly one. Friends with benefits."
Out of the corner of his eye, Ryan noticed his mother analyzing the two boys through the glass.
"I have to go," he said, withstanding the two seconds it took Travis to kiss his cheek, and turning for the door. Below the chime of the bell and after the opening click of a car door, Ryan could've sworn he heard Travis speak a low, "Damn stubborn, that's what that boy is." He ventured on into the shop.
--
"He really just let it slide? I would've been like, 'Damn, boy. You gotta be trippin' if you think I'm gonna believe that. Achoo! Pardon me, I'm allergic to bullshit.'"
Ryan laughed openly at Brendon's faulty impression of Travis. He scooted further down on the couch, wrapping the fleece blanket tighter around himself. Brendon tucked his bare feet under the few inches not occupied by Ryan's form.
"Well," Ryan began, voice shy, because stroking Brendon's ego was not on the list of his most favorite things to do," I guess he is a little creepy."
"I told you!" Brendon cheered. He beamed victoriously, and Ryan felt his own lips betraying him and quirking upwards. Brendon's smiles were kind of contagious.
"Hey, boys," Ryan's mom greeted them, struggling through the front door with arms weighed down by brown paper bags filled to the brim with groceries. By the time Brendon's left foot met the carpet, Ryan was already chuckling to himself. Brendon shot him a scowl, which hastily flipped upside down as he approached Mrs. Ross. "Thank you, Brendon."
"It's really no problem, Mrs. Ross, after all you've already done for me."
Her eyelashes fluttered from her place behind the kitchen counter. Ryan rolled his eyes. Either his mother was falling for this, or she was falling for Brendon. He gagged at the idea of the latter.
"You know you're welcome here anytime."
"Thank you, ma'am," Brendon spoke, and was that a slight bow? If this were to continue, Ryan would need to leave the room. Suppressed giggles threatened to erupt from his throat.
Even after his mother said goodnight and went off down the hallway, Ryan was still gleaming with the hilarity of the situation. He opened his mouth to speak, but Brendon leaped across the couch cushions and planted a hand on his stupid, mocking mouth. Ryan's tongue darted out to lick it.
Brendon flew backwards. "Gross!"
"You're such a kiss-ass, Urie," Ryan jeered, clutching onto the nearest throw pillow just in case Brendon decided to attack again.
The younger boy sat back on his knees and looked down at the other laying below him. Ryan could feel the shift in the atmosphere at the fall of thick lips. "You would be, too, if you needed a place to stay."
Lightening the mood, Ryan shrugged out an easy, "True."
He stood up unhurriedly, one hand snug on his swollen midsection and the other bracing himself on the couch's arm. Brown eyes watched as he wobbled over to the kitchen.
"I swear," he huffed, searching through the contents of his freezer, "if he doesn't ask to come out soon, I'm gonna force him out." He paused his scavenging and glanced down. "You can't stay in there forever, and if you don't leave by next week, I'm grounding you for life."
"Real threatening, Ross, especially in your baby voice," Brendon stated, sauntering into the kitchen, plaid sleepwear low on his hips. "This is how you do it." To Ryan's surprise, he dropped to his knees on the dirty kitchen tile and grabbed at Ryan's hips. "Listen, Walker."
"Beckett."
"Walker. You have seven days. Seven days to decide what you want to do. If you ask politely, we'll let you out, but if you refuse to leave, the doctors won't care; they'll take you out anyway. Then you'll receive your punishment. We're talking severe, like, being locked in a winter coat closet, nothing but a stereo to keep you company, with 'Barbie Girl' on repeat."
Ryan put a finger to his chin. "That's actually a pretty good song."
"Okay, fine. We're sending you to live with Travis."
"Morbid."
Brendon winked up at Ryan. He didn't melt, just escaped Brendon's grasp to find the cheeseburger Hot Pockets.
Before he could reach into the chilly expanse of frozen foods, a pair of arms had made their way around his body and desperate lips were at the nape of his neck.
"Bren." No response. Nothing but a trail of moisture up his hairline. "Brendon."
"Ry, we haven't done it in like, a week and a half," Brendon whined. The press of his lips became harder, more aggressive.
Ryan's shoulders fell. "Of course we haven't. I'm the size of a horse."
"What are you talking about?" Brendon asked innocently, as innocent as one could be with fingers dipping into the waistband of Ryan's pajama pants. "You're gorgeous. You're also in the perfect position for me to take you right against this counter." The growl in Brendon's tone was evident, but Ryan remained unfazed. He slid to the left, placing a Hot Pocket in the microwave, Brendon attached onto his back like a leech. "You want my cock buried deep in your ass?" Brendon thrust his hips forward, his hand wrapped around the skin of Ryan's flaccid cock.
"Nope." Ryan removed the other's hand from his pants. "But," he said seductively. He twisted his neck to catch Brendon's hopeful expression and darkened his eyes; Brendon always liked that. "The shower." Brendon nodded vigorously and motioned for Ryan to keep speaking. "No matter which way you turn the knob, the water comes out cold. Perfect for your little, ahem, situation."
Brendon narrowed his eyes and backed up. "Buzzkill."
"Well it's either that or getting pregnant and going over to Travie's."
"You're such a pervert," Brendon said, slowly shuffling towards the hallway, presumably to take a shower.
"I'm not the one with the huge boner," Ryan called over his shoulder.
"I'm going to blow my load all over your shower just because you said that."
"Now look who's the pervert."
And even though Ryan was focused on the steaming food in front of him, he could practically feel the middle finger Brendon tossed in the air.
"I still can't believe this," William complained for what had to be the hundredth time since the first morning bell rang. "You're talking to Urie. Hanging out with him, even. It's kind of obnoxious."
Gabe remained silent at the long-haired boy's side, a steady arm around his slender waist. Ryan searched for a hint of annoyance hidden deep inside of brown eyes, but emerged with no luck; Gabe really liked William, if he possessed the ability to sit there, motionless, while his boyfriend bashed one of his best friends.
Ryan's gaze traveled back to his own best friend. "He's not that bad, Will."
"Well this is just fucking awesome!" Will barked. Sarcasm dribbled down his chin. "Now you have a crush on him."
Ryan was quick to retort. "What? No!" William had to be joking, because Ryan did not have feelings for Brendon Urie. Brendon was bipolar and a totally huge douche at times. He also had despicable fashion taste. Maybe he wasn't sporting hideous sweatpants and sweat-stained t-shirts each day like Ryan, but he also wasn't with child, leaving him lacking an excuse. "He just isn't as mean as he was before," Ryan reasoned, grimacing at the memory of the blinding clash of red sneakers with a lavender hoodie. "He's pretty cool when he's calmed down."
At Ryan's dazed expression, William said, "Even better. You're in love with him."
"I need to get to class," Ryan breathed.
He set off down the hall, hearing Will's repetitive huffs and Gabe's call of, "Travie is looking for you, by the way."
How surprising.
Travis had tried discussing summer plans with Ryan again and again throughout the day, and every time Ryan had politely responded with a notification that he would be rather preoccupied with a child. Unfortunately, that only seemed to encourage Travis to think up additional "kid-friendly" activities that they could partake in, such as bowling (who the fuck takes a newborn bowling?) and going to the park (pushing an infant down a slide?).
"Oh, hey!" Travis exclaimed from across the hall. Ryan briefly considered making a mad dash for his classroom only a few feet away. Travis stopped him with a hand on his arm and a grin much too large. "So I was thinking that we could chill after school today. You know, go see a movie."
The remaining hours of the day weren't expected to be taken by any other occurrences, so Ryan nodded. Travis deserved at least a few chances. Besides, the only other available alternative was Brendon. But Ryan didn't want to spend every waking minute with the baby's father, especially when the boy was nowhere near boyfriend material.
"Sweet. Meet me by my car after school?"
Ryan really shouldn't have agreed. Really. Going on a double date was something that he had never expected to do in his entire life, and Gabe and William were just sitting on the hood of Travis' Mustang like it was a normal thing, like they were happy to be dragged along. It was quite intimidating the way that William's upper lip twisted into a smirk as Ryan approached, caution lacing every hesitant step. Gabe's soft smile should have been even more indication that things weren't going to go well, but Ryan sunk into the passenger's seat anyway, hoping for the best.
Perhaps he would get lucky. Perhaps they would have an awesome time and sparks would fly and chemistry would be easily recognized. Ryan really hoped for the best.
It wasn't until their arrival at the theatre that the adamant crossing of two thin fingers proved ineffective, and it was all due to the fact that William suggested a romantic comedy. His brown eyes flared with something akin to accomplishment as he stared a melancholy Ryan down.
Travis rubbed his arm and attempted to console him by saying, "It's not like we'll be watching the movie much anyway."
At that moment, Ryan wanted to be carried away by a colossal tsunami, or set to fire, or at least given the opportunity to vomit. On their way through the doors, his stomach clenched painfully in a final attempt to free him of the situation, but to no avail. The contents of his stomach just wouldn't retrace their footsteps. But at the burning and the tightening of his muscles, Ryan's brain uncovered a scheme.
"Wow," he sighed dramatically. His body draped itself across Travis' shoulder. "I think I might be having another episode of false labor."
The solicitous expressions on each face of those standing next to him guaranteed Ryan that the first step of his plan had been completed. The second? Getting away.
Ryan knew that the boys would reluctantly give up their date to drive him home, but William was at his side in seconds, one hand on his stomach and the other on his back, like Ryan couldn't hold himself up.
"I've got you. I've got you." William whispered the reassurances into the curve of chestnut hair above his ear over and over. An arm flung around the taller boy's shoulder and Ryan added in a few heavy pants. "Okay, we need to get him home."
Flash. Home. William was bound to explode at the mere knowledge of what was hidden inside Ryan's house.
"Actually, can you drop me off at my mom's work?"
It was ridiculous, this dodging the chance of getting kissed by Travis. There was an odd squirming in the pool of Ryan's gut, and that was reason enough to climb back into the car. Travis' lips, his hands; Ryan trembled in discomfort at the thought of what could have happened. He wouldn't have said no, because Ryan feared rejection, mostly when it involved rejecting others.
His mumble of, "Sorry," turned the heads of Travis and Gabe. William was busy nibbling at his fingertips and gazing out at cloudy skies.
"No worries, Ry," Gabe said. "We can hang out another time."
Ryan looked to Travis. He would have to tell him sooner or later, to let him down. The final rejection. His palms became clammy.
When they pulled up to the salon, Travis came around to open his door, and William eyed him through the window. Ryan had known his best friend long enough to know that look. William was practically reading Ryan's mind. He didn't particularly approve of the things he was discovering.
Travis coaxed him over beside the brick wall and Ryan followed, albeit reluctantly.
"So, listen. I know you think this won't work out or whatever because of the baby, but I'm gonna keep fighting, no matter how hard you fight back." Ryan's mouth dropped open. Travis appeared smug.
"I'm… I'm not ready for a relationship, Travie. I don't want one," he explained, arms flailing about.
Travis' smile continued to grow. That bugged Ryan. "Then don't think of it as a romantic relationship. Think of it as more of a friendly one. Friends with benefits."
Out of the corner of his eye, Ryan noticed his mother analyzing the two boys through the glass.
"I have to go," he said, withstanding the two seconds it took Travis to kiss his cheek, and turning for the door. Below the chime of the bell and after the opening click of a car door, Ryan could've sworn he heard Travis speak a low, "Damn stubborn, that's what that boy is." He ventured on into the shop.
--
"He really just let it slide? I would've been like, 'Damn, boy. You gotta be trippin' if you think I'm gonna believe that. Achoo! Pardon me, I'm allergic to bullshit.'"
Ryan laughed openly at Brendon's faulty impression of Travis. He scooted further down on the couch, wrapping the fleece blanket tighter around himself. Brendon tucked his bare feet under the few inches not occupied by Ryan's form.
"Well," Ryan began, voice shy, because stroking Brendon's ego was not on the list of his most favorite things to do," I guess he is a little creepy."
"I told you!" Brendon cheered. He beamed victoriously, and Ryan felt his own lips betraying him and quirking upwards. Brendon's smiles were kind of contagious.
"Hey, boys," Ryan's mom greeted them, struggling through the front door with arms weighed down by brown paper bags filled to the brim with groceries. By the time Brendon's left foot met the carpet, Ryan was already chuckling to himself. Brendon shot him a scowl, which hastily flipped upside down as he approached Mrs. Ross. "Thank you, Brendon."
"It's really no problem, Mrs. Ross, after all you've already done for me."
Her eyelashes fluttered from her place behind the kitchen counter. Ryan rolled his eyes. Either his mother was falling for this, or she was falling for Brendon. He gagged at the idea of the latter.
"You know you're welcome here anytime."
"Thank you, ma'am," Brendon spoke, and was that a slight bow? If this were to continue, Ryan would need to leave the room. Suppressed giggles threatened to erupt from his throat.
Even after his mother said goodnight and went off down the hallway, Ryan was still gleaming with the hilarity of the situation. He opened his mouth to speak, but Brendon leaped across the couch cushions and planted a hand on his stupid, mocking mouth. Ryan's tongue darted out to lick it.
Brendon flew backwards. "Gross!"
"You're such a kiss-ass, Urie," Ryan jeered, clutching onto the nearest throw pillow just in case Brendon decided to attack again.
The younger boy sat back on his knees and looked down at the other laying below him. Ryan could feel the shift in the atmosphere at the fall of thick lips. "You would be, too, if you needed a place to stay."
Lightening the mood, Ryan shrugged out an easy, "True."
He stood up unhurriedly, one hand snug on his swollen midsection and the other bracing himself on the couch's arm. Brown eyes watched as he wobbled over to the kitchen.
"I swear," he huffed, searching through the contents of his freezer, "if he doesn't ask to come out soon, I'm gonna force him out." He paused his scavenging and glanced down. "You can't stay in there forever, and if you don't leave by next week, I'm grounding you for life."
"Real threatening, Ross, especially in your baby voice," Brendon stated, sauntering into the kitchen, plaid sleepwear low on his hips. "This is how you do it." To Ryan's surprise, he dropped to his knees on the dirty kitchen tile and grabbed at Ryan's hips. "Listen, Walker."
"Beckett."
"Walker. You have seven days. Seven days to decide what you want to do. If you ask politely, we'll let you out, but if you refuse to leave, the doctors won't care; they'll take you out anyway. Then you'll receive your punishment. We're talking severe, like, being locked in a winter coat closet, nothing but a stereo to keep you company, with 'Barbie Girl' on repeat."
Ryan put a finger to his chin. "That's actually a pretty good song."
"Okay, fine. We're sending you to live with Travis."
"Morbid."
Brendon winked up at Ryan. He didn't melt, just escaped Brendon's grasp to find the cheeseburger Hot Pockets.
Before he could reach into the chilly expanse of frozen foods, a pair of arms had made their way around his body and desperate lips were at the nape of his neck.
"Bren." No response. Nothing but a trail of moisture up his hairline. "Brendon."
"Ry, we haven't done it in like, a week and a half," Brendon whined. The press of his lips became harder, more aggressive.
Ryan's shoulders fell. "Of course we haven't. I'm the size of a horse."
"What are you talking about?" Brendon asked innocently, as innocent as one could be with fingers dipping into the waistband of Ryan's pajama pants. "You're gorgeous. You're also in the perfect position for me to take you right against this counter." The growl in Brendon's tone was evident, but Ryan remained unfazed. He slid to the left, placing a Hot Pocket in the microwave, Brendon attached onto his back like a leech. "You want my cock buried deep in your ass?" Brendon thrust his hips forward, his hand wrapped around the skin of Ryan's flaccid cock.
"Nope." Ryan removed the other's hand from his pants. "But," he said seductively. He twisted his neck to catch Brendon's hopeful expression and darkened his eyes; Brendon always liked that. "The shower." Brendon nodded vigorously and motioned for Ryan to keep speaking. "No matter which way you turn the knob, the water comes out cold. Perfect for your little, ahem, situation."
Brendon narrowed his eyes and backed up. "Buzzkill."
"Well it's either that or getting pregnant and going over to Travie's."
"You're such a pervert," Brendon said, slowly shuffling towards the hallway, presumably to take a shower.
"I'm not the one with the huge boner," Ryan called over his shoulder.
"I'm going to blow my load all over your shower just because you said that."
"Now look who's the pervert."
And even though Ryan was focused on the steaming food in front of him, he could practically feel the middle finger Brendon tossed in the air.