Tripping Down 12 Steps Into Malibu

Promotion

It was obvious that Ryan was trying to avoid Brendon. He woke up early just to shower and dress before Brendon was awake. He ate breakfast with the early risers. When Brendon entered the cafeteria to eat, Ryan was leaving. When he was going back to the room, Ryan left out again to do god knows what. They were briefly in the cafeteria at the same time for lunch. Ryan sat with his back facing Brendon.

It didn't make sense. He'd been acting that way since his withdrawal symptoms started. And although they weren't as bad as the first night, he was still clearly dealing with them. But now he was trying to hide it. As if he didn't want Brendon to help him.

But he couldn't dwell on the mystery of his roommate for too long. It was Friday after all. And Friday meant Dallon was coming. One look at the clock confirmed that his fiancé would already be waiting on him.

He took a final look in the mirror. Fluffing his blow dried locks. Tuesday he looked terrible when Dallon visited. Today he wanted to look better. To show the love of his life that getting clean didn't have to mean looking dirty.

Of course Ryan wasn't in the room when he left out. He wouldn't be there when he got back either. No, Ryan was going to stay away from their bedroom until it was time for sleep. Avoiding uncomfortable situations was incredibly childish. He wasn't going to confront him on it though.

Dallon was sitting at their usual table. Dressed as smart as always. His impatient fingers tapped the melody to a song Brendon couldn't identify. His wondering eyes slid around the open area. Stopping when they landed on their target. His welcoming smile made Brendon grin back. He rushed to the table just to press his lips against Dallon's waiting ones.

"Well hello to you too." He grinned over at him. "You look great today."

"Thanks. I would compliment you but you look great everyday. So it's pointless."

"Don't make me blush."

"I missed you."

"No where near as much as I missed you."

"Doubtful."

"I miss you every second of every day. I can't go more than two minutes without seeing something that reminds me of you."

"Oh yeah?" He challenged. "Like what?"

"Well," Dallon sat back in the chair to think. "While I was waiting for you to walk in, some guy walked past in a Sinatra t-shirt."

"I love Sinatra."

"I know. It reminded me of when you sung My Funny Valentine on karaoke night."

"I remember that." Brendon laughed. "I was fucking wasted."

"And still you managed to sing like an angel."

"Now you're making me blush."

"You're cute when you blush." Dallon placed his elbow on the table. Resting his chin in his palm. "You know I love you, right?"

"Duh." Brendon rolled his eyes jokingly.

"No, I'm serious." Dallon placed his hand on the table, palm up. Brendon sat his hand on top of his. "I love you more than anyone." He squeezed his fingers. "You understand that?"

"Of course I do." Brendon squeezed his hand back. "Is something wrong?"

"Y-You know my job at the firm?"