I'll Always Be By Your Side. (Ryden)

Chapter 16:

Brendon's POV

I reached my arm over to get closer to Ryan, but his side is cold. I opened my eyes to only see a pillow. Maybe he had to go to the bathroom or got hungry. I found my pajama bottoms and slid them in before climbing out of the bunk. I walked over to the small lounge to see Ryan sitting there with his head in his hands, and Spencer rubbing his back. What's wrong with him? I remember him being upset from that dream but that can't be the case anymore. I sat down next to him and rubbed his knee.

"Ryan, hey." He looked up and what was left of his eyeliner is smudged all around his eyes. I could tell he was crying and is trying to stop. "C'mere," I opened my arms and his long arms wrapped themselves around me. "What's wrong?" He only shook his head and I looked at Spencer. He sighed and mouthed "something about his dad." He can't bother Ryan anymore though so why is he upset about it. I do remember seeing Ryan receive numerous messages from him and never answering them. Is he going to be at a show and try to get backstage or something? We already took care of that. No family members backstage unless we give note saying they are going to be there. I rubbed Ryan's back in light circles attemptting to soothe him. "Ryan, do you want to talk about it?" He again shook his head and held on tighter. I sighed and let my head hang. Spencer got up leaving us to be the only ones in the room. "Talk to me, please."

"He's dying, Bren." I stayed still not saying anything at all. How am I suppose to react to something like this. It's the only family member that Ryan has and he's not happy about it. It's not like the man was a complete ass. It was only when he drank which didn't regularly happen until these past three or so years. "I can't be happy about this like you might-"

"I'm not happy about it. You obviously aren't, and since when should someone be happy about someone's life ending. He caused you a lot of grief, but that doesn't mean he didn't cause you any joy at some point." Ryan lifted his head to look me in the eyes. Tears were welling up in them. I quickly moved my hands up to wipe them away with my thumbs. "It's okay. It's all going to be okay." He slowly nodded his head and closed his eyes. If he can manage to believe it, then maybe I can too. His eyes began to slowly open revealing the wonderful golden hue. He seemed much more calm but as gorgeous as ever. I can't think of him any less perfect, even with puffy red eyes.

"I love you more than you'll ever know." Then he kissed me. At first all I could feel was urgency like he's trying to shut his mind off, but slowly it became soft and tender. His hands found their way into my hair and combed through it. I felt something wet drip on to my cheek so I pulled away.

"Ry, hey, if you need to cry thats okay." He looked down into his lap and let his hands cover his face. I pulled him into me and just held him. "I love you, Ryan, more than you'll ever know," I whispered as my fingers rubbed lightly on his head to calm him. Eventually he ended up falling asleep, and I let myself do the same.

I woke up to Ryan still laying in my arms. Luckliy, he's still asleep. I ran my hand through his hair gently hoping not to disturb him.

** AUTHORS NOTE **
Ugh, I feel bad for not updating sooner. This is such a short chapter I know. I told myself I would never update something so short if the chapter wasn't finished. Here I am doing so though. I've been really busy with choir practices, social events, and working on my artwork to sell. I'm finally going to have time this weekend to work on the story though. I'll try to get another full chapter up by Sunday night. No promises though. xxx