The Gay Band Book

I Fell In Love With You Like You Fall Asleep, Slowly, Then All At Once [Ryden]

*you should listen to the song as you read. The lyrics aren't what are relevant to the oneshot (well, kind of) but more so how the song sounds. Plus, Sleeping At Last is a quality band*

"I fell in love with you like how you fall asleep, slowly, then all at once"

At first, Ryan thought it was just a friend-crush. Just being kind of happy and content around Brendon, wanting to talk to him a lot, you know. Obviously typical best-friend stuff.

At first, Brendon thought it was just a platonic thing. An "i really appreciate you and your existence and our friendship".

They were as close as best friends could be. Attached at the hip, always laughing at each other and teasing each other, doing any best-friendsy things you could imagine. In fact, some people even asked them if they were a thing.

Brendon didn't even realize he was falling for Ryan. It didn't seem any different to him. He loved talking to his best friend, loved their inside jokes, and just loved his best friend in general because he was amazing.

Ryan didn't realize he was falling for Brendon, either. Nothing had changed, right? They were just the best of best friends who cared about each other. Right?

But then, there were subtle differences.

The butterflies Brendon felt when Ryan offered to share his bunk instead of making Brendon sleep on the couch because he was washing his sheets and pillowcase. When Brendon rolled onto his side just to appreciate Ryan's appearance and being extremely comforted by his best friend's presence.

The looks they shared on stage. One would look up from playing, notice the other staring, and then would smile and shyly look away. Then later, they'd pretend nothing happened, because that's just best friends, right?

To be honest, Brendon was the one who stared at Ryan more. Jon and Spencer sure noticed, but Ryan was oblivious to Brendon's obvious heart eyes.

Speaking of staring, Brendon did so much of it that he began to notice the smallest details. How did he never notice the honey hue to Ryan's eyes? Or how pretty he was when doing such menial tasks? Like when he wrote lyrics, whilst thinking, he'd bite his lip and tap his pencil anxiously between his thumb and forefinger.

Things became more obvious one day on tour. While moving guitars and amps, Ryan tripped and let out a shriek. Brendon swiftly looked up and, smiling the dopiest, loveliest smile, he snorted.

"Wh-what was so funny?" Ryan asked, straightening himself out and putting his hands on his hips.

"That noise. Was adorable."

Ryan's face immediately turned a light shade of pink. He quickly turned around, hiding his face in his sleeves and going to pick up a guitar case.

"Aw, sugarcane," Brendon murmured, stepping forward and turning Ryan around, pulling his sleeves gently away from his face. "You're so cute, Ry."

"S-shut up," Ryan stammered, still refusing to look at Brendon, especially at their close proximity. 

"You're such a dork," Brendon laughed softly. "Look at me." He gently cupped Ryan's face, turning it to look at him.

Instead of meeting Brendon's eyes, Ryan kept his gaze lower, which just so happened to be Brendon's lips.

"C'mon babe, look at me," Brendon encouraged, tilting Ryan's chin up so they made eye contact.

Ryan was an awkward fuck, he couldn't really believe this was happening? Or was he reading too much into it? Is this just what...best best friends do? He didn't have much more time to think as Brendon said, "You know, this has been going on a long time. I think I love you."

"No shit," Ryan chuckled, deciding "fuck it" and leaning in to kiss Brendon.

When they pulled away, Brendon brought his arms around Ryan's lower back and pulled him closer (if that was even possible).

"That...wow." Ryan whispered.

Brendon smiled widely. "You know...I really think I fell in love with you a long time ago. I fell in love with you like you fall asleep. Slowly...Then all at once. Today was my realization of 'all at once'."

Ryan hid a small smile in Brendon's chest. "How poetic." he murmured, not long after finally saying "I love you".

what do you mean I write off my past experiences and memories....ahem. Not like half of my old oneshots aren't based off or hints towards people.

Also, god I love Ryden so much??  I remember how much I loved them last summer and just? Fuck?

Also also, I started writing this in...October 2016. So it might seem a bit disorganized and messy and not quite how I wanted to write it. Also also also, this song brings back specific memories and feelings and just ahhh.

-j