Barry's POV
Ross was visiting tonight; Dan was gone for a while. He was off on vacation, doing whatever his heart desired. He needed the break, but it was just kinda weird not having his energy around. Knock, knock, knock. Ross is probably here. I walk to the door, calmly open it, despite Ross's eager knocks.
"Hi, Barry!" Ross energetically greets me, jumping up and down with a small bag he packed.
"Someone's hyper!" I exclaim, smiling at his boundless energy.
"Yep! That's why I decided without your permission that I'm staying the night!" He laughed, inviting himself in.
"That's fine," I informed him, "I had no plans, anyhow."
"That's good, then!" Ross gave me a thumbs up.
"What's in there?" I took a peek at his luggage. He brought the usual sleeping bag and pillow, along with some candy.
"Oh, is that food I see?" I smiled.
"Yea, why not, right?" Ross grabbed a few bits of chocolate, and threw them to me, "Think fast!" He exclaimed ten seconds after he threw them. I missed, being unprepared for the sudden shower.
"Oww, what the hell?" I shout grouchily.
"You had to think fast about it, faster than I can talk!" He grinned at my annoyance.
"Oh, screw you!"
"Hahahah!" He cackled, "Yep, screw me, indeed!" He knew he deserved the harsh comment.
"If you keep this up, I might just leave you," I continue to joke.
"Wha- no," Ross actually took my comment quite seriously, "Please don't."
"I'm still joking!" I was confused at his serious demeanor, his sudden shift in attitude.
"Ha, I know..." Ross sighed with relief, which made me wonder why he was even so nervous.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I ask, concerned at Ross's new attitude.
"Uhm..." Ross thought for a moment, "N-nothing."
"Please tell me. If I can help, I want to be there," I was determined to support him.
"I guess you can't," he was much less energetic now, his previous happiness being replaced with sadness and unwillingness.
"I just- I want to be here for you," I put a hand on Ross's shoulder.
"It really isn't anything for me to be worried about; it'll work itself out eventually!" He reassured me, once again putting on a smile.
"If I shouldn't worry, then what is it?" I just needed to make sure.
"I- I really like someone..." He blushed, smiling shyly.
"And who would that be?" I ask, glad it wasn't anything too life-changing for the worse, not expecting an answer.
"I-it's a guy," Ross gave me a hint.
"And...?" I wasn't going to judge him on that.
"He's one of the grumps," Ross wasn't even looking at me at this point.
"Woah, big hint there! Who?" I ask again, still not expecting to receive a straightforward answer.
"He's been on the show for a long while..."
"Arin?" I guessed, to which Ross shook his head.
"N-no, not Arin... H-he's in this room right now, talking to me," Ross was shaking badly as I realized who he was talking about.
I point to myself, not speaking, in shock. He couldn't possibly mean me! No way it could be me.
He nodded, "Y-yea," his voice was a whisper at this point, barely audible.
"Uh... Ross?" I couldn't think of anything else to say.
Ross fell into my arms, filled with stresses, "Barry!" He cried out, sobbing from the sheer stress.
"Ross?! Shhh... It's alright. I- I love you, too," I accepted.
"I- I was so scared you would say no..." Ross nuzzled closer to me as I slowly led us to my bed, sitting us both down.
"We're gonna sleep here together tonight, whether you like it or not," I wanted him close by tonight.
"I-" I cut Ross off with a small kiss.
"Shhh," I stroke his hair, keeping Ross very close.
"Can I just-" I wouldn't allow him to talk; this time I pinned him down on the bed, our hands now interlocked.
"No," I lean in for another kiss.
Ross just hummed, accepting the fact that he would have to stay silent.
"Good," I whisper to him, giving him this praise.
"Yea, I am pretty awesome," Ross smirked at my annoyance once again.
I collapsed on top of him, hearing a shocked yelp, so I swiftly moved to the side. I snuggled him close, not allowing his escape. Ross sighed contently once I settled in.
We did fall asleep pretty early, but we had the rest of our lives ahead of us.
