stage boy | sequel

2; cassidy

Four days until Halloween and oh boy, was I nervous. Ryan and I were taking a walk around the neighborhood, just to get some fresh air. A small dog came scurrying up to us.

"Hey, this looks kind of like Bogart." I said. Ryan nodded,

"Yeah, it does." We kneeled down and tried to check for tags but there was nothing there. A woman came running around the corner with another dog, this one on its leash. She had brown hair and bright blue eyes. She was stunning.

"Hi, sorry! He got off his leash." she panted and leaned down to clip the dogs leash back onto his collar.

"It's fine. Have a good day." Ryan smiled. She returned one and we walked separate ways. "Did she seem familiar to you?"

"Yeah, kind of. I dunno why." I shrugged. Ryan nodded.

"Pizza?" he asked, pointing to a pizza parlor down the hill.

"Fuck yeah. Race you!" I yelled and started sprinting, Ryan catching up quickly due to his giraffe legs.

"Beat 'cha." he grinned evilly. He didn't even look winded, where as I was heaving.

"Holy shit, I'm out of shape." I bent over trying to catch my breath before we went into the restaurant.

**

Ryan and I were in the car, outside of Adam Levine's party. His hand was on my thigh.

He took a deep breath, "You ready?" I nodded. We got out of the car and walked up. As soon as we stepped in the door, the smell of booze was like a smack to the face. I was staying sober for the night. Ryan and I had to get home somehow. It was crowded, all the people here squished together in a poorly air conditioned room. Hot and sticky bodies dancing on each other, pieces of peoples costumes nearly decapitating some people. Why did I come here again?

"Hey, I see Dan." Ryan nudged me. I looked over to where he was pointing and saw none other than Dan Keyes. We walked over and he greeted us immediately, Lexi beside him.

"Hey guys." he smiled.

"Hey." Ryan said, leaning on the table that was beside us. He pushed his hood down of his costume. I can't imagine how sweaty he must be in that. I couldn't help but picture a sweaty, naked Ryan. Sweat rolling down his chin and he flips his wet hair out of his face. Stop. This is not the time.

"We're going to get drinks. 'Whaddya want?" Lexi asked.

"Beer, please."

"Water's good." I smiled. She nodded and her and Dan walked off into the crowd to find drinks.

"This isn't that bad, huh?" Ryan muttered. I nodded,

"Could be wo—"

"Ryan? Cassidy?" I heard his voice from behind me. For the love of god. I forgot about him. Ryan's eyes widened and I turned slowly to fake smile at him. He was in a skeleton costume (which didn't leave much to your imagination,) his black hair slicked back on his forehead and his face painted. On his shoulders was a leather jacket, and beside him was a girl— oh. It's the girl with the dog. That was Bogart.

"Hi Brendon..." I acknowledged. Ryan stood awkwardly beside me.

"So.. What are you guys up to?" he asked.

"Nothing much, really," Ryan answered, his eyebrows furrowed a little, "You?"

"Oh, well I have a new album coming out in January. It's just me now, Spence quit the band." he said. I felt my heart drop a little. I wonder why Spencer left. I hope they didn't end up fighting like we did. If I'm honest, I wish Ryan and Spencer were still friends. They knew each other for so long.

"How are you touring then? Who's joining you?" I asked.

"Uh, my buddies Dan and Kenny, and uh... Dallon." he said. My eyes widened,

"Dallon, really? I haven't seen him since 2007." Ryan said in disbelief. Brendon nodded. I leaned my head on Ryan's shoulder, not thinking much of it. Brendon's eyes flicked back and forth between us.

"Are you dating?" he asked. I was taken aback by the sudden question. I keep forgetting he doesn't know. I lifted my head off Ry's shoulder.

"Y-Yeah.." I said sheepishly. Brendon clenched his jaw.

"How long?" he seemed angry, but he shouldn't be. He has no input in our lives.

"Since 2009..." Ryan scratched the back of his head. Brendon nodded, clicking his tongue.

"I see." he stared at the floor. "Oh, right. You haven't met my wife, Sarah." he said, and gestured to the woman beside him.

"Hi." I waved awkwardly and ryan nodded toward her. She smiled.

"How long have you been married?" Ryan asked.

"About two years. Our anniversary is April 27th." Brendon smiled. I could tell he was happy with this girl, and that's all I could really ask for.