skirts // ryden

thirty // vol. 1 finale

Brendon's heart is a dimly lit candle with warm golden light emanating off of it. It always flickered, wanting to keep its warmth for the coming season that would be cold and dreary without the crackle of fire and light from the measly little object. Nonetheless, the candle will continue to fight through its days until the wax becomes shorter and shorter, dripping down the sides as it melts. The melting wax is Brendon's tears flooding steadily down his cheeks, warm and disgusting as it pools on the floor. Upon further inspection of the surroundings, there is a box of matches that lays idle near the candle, one carved piece of wood still encased inside of the container, destined to be used just like the rest of the discarded ones. So why does the candle continue to flicker even as it dies? It is because of this single match. The candle desperately wants the match to fulfill its purpose, but it cannot do so without a candle. An utterly broken, dying, and used candle. Ryan is the match, you see, and Brendon has waited so very patiently. He has waited for the match to be struck, giving it fire and thus, giving it life. Giving it love. However, Ryan did not allow Brendon to give him the kiss that would strike this match. This means the candle will, of course, continue to melt while the match remains unused inside of its box.

The air in Brendon's throat hitches, causing the teenager to choke for a second or two out of utter shock. He blinked rapidly before quietly retracting his fingertips from Ryan's flushed cheeks, the ghost of his fingers lingering on his face even after Brendon has his hands clasped together on his lap. He awkwardly twiddled his fingers, nails clicking against each other as his digits danced about atop his legs. Staring downward, Brendon could feel the slow wave of guilt wash over him. After a few drawn out moments of silence wavered over the two, the chattering of other patrons seeming to muddle their silence. Brendon could feel himself let out a dry laugh. Ryan glanced at him, confused by how he was laughing at a time like this.

"God, I'm a fucking idiot. I made you uncomfortable. I shouldn't have asked. I should go.."

Brendon stood, using his backside to push his chair away. The abrupt gesture caused the legs of the wooden object to scuff noisily against the floor. Startled, Ryan rose to his feet as well, his calloused fingers wrapping around Brendon's arm in an attempt to stop his movements. Brendon stiffened under the Ryan's touch, turning his head to look away from the boy he loved so dearly. When Ryan did not let go, Brendon huffed and finally forced himself to look at him. At the sight of Ryan, Brendon could feel himself take a blow to the heart, a familiar euphoric feeling floating in his head and chest. From his already beautiful features to the warm glow of the sun through the window, Ryan looked like a stunning porcelain doll. His large doe eyes twinkled a chocolatey brown color, his pale skin void of any imperfections. Ryan was dangling very dangerously from an edge, Brendon's common sense and respect being the thin string holding him from plummeting down into nothingness. Thankfully, Ryan decided to speak, reeling him away from the edge; one step closer to safety.

"I'm sorry, Brendon. I'm so sorry. I should've let you kiss me."

It was then Ryan's turn to look away. He released Brendon's arm from his grasp, his doll-like face soon covered by a hand with long fingers and bitten fingernails. Brendon's posture softened and he shifted to remove Ryan's hand from his face. A red glow adorned the taller boy's cheeks when his gaze moved downward to see their now interlocked hands sitting idle between the two of them. Brendon smiled at Ryan's reaction, his eyes now sparkling to match his usual cheerful demeanor. He settled a finger under Ryan's down turned chin, tilting it up so the two were making eye contact. A smudge of his confidence recovered, Brendon opened his mouth to speak.

"Let's get out of here."

Ryan chuckled, his laugh sounding like an unsung melody to Brendon's lovestruck senses. He hesitantly pecked Ryan's cheek before pulling him out of the building, the door swinging behind as they exited. The hem of Ryan's skirt fluttered along with the warm breeze, the wind carrying the two as they ran down the pavement and across the street. Finally, the jerky movements stilled when the boys were left as panting messes at the bus stop that they were previously stationed at only a small while ago. Brendon happened to notice Ryan looking at him, a bewildered expression scrawled across his facial features. After waiting in a new and young state of silence, a bus rolled to the stop, its large tires letting out a howl as they screeched against the road. Ryan scoffed at the sight of the vehicle.