The Liar From Hell (Shyan) [Completed]

Them

When it started to get dark out, Shane went to grab a couple drinks for their movie night they had decided to have. When he came back, Ryan already had Paddington up on the TV, popcorn in a bowl on the table, and blankets spread across the couch.

"Paddington? Really?" Shane placed the two cases of beer on the coffee table, taking a seat next to his friend. "It's rated PG, Ryan."

"Hey! How dare you! This movie is a work of art and you cannot change my mind." Shane expected a laugh to follow, but when he looked at Ryan's face he could see that he was dead serious.

"Okay okay! I get it." He chuckled and opened two bottles of beer, handing one to Ryan. The shorter man pressed play on the movie and relaxed into the couch.

•

As the movie went on, both men both had a few too many beers to drink. Shane's reaction to the alcohol was laughing at every stupid joke he heard in the children's movie. He thought Ryan's would be the same, but when he looked over, he saw tears running down his friends face. He quickly grabbed the remote, pausing the movie.

"Ryan? What's wrong? Are you okay?" When he got no answer, Shane got off the couch and sat down in front of him. "Ry, look at me. Talk to me. What's the matter?"

The shorter man sniffled, wiping the tear from his eyes. "I'm never gonna stop seeing that...thing...never..." He broke out into another round of sobs, taking short labored breaths.

"Hey..Hey...that's not true. It isn't true, Ryan. Breathe. Please. Breathe for me." Shane gently rubbed his back, trying to calm down his intoxicated friend. "It's still a fresh wound, Ry. You just gotta give it time." Shane could tell Ryan was trying to slow his breathing, but it didn't seem to be working. Shane sat back next to him on the couch, pulling the smaller man into his lap. He cradled him in his arms, running his long fingers through his friends hair. "Shhh...it's alright..."

Shane held Ryan for a long while, until his breathing became softer and he seemed calm enough to go to bed. He gently picked the man up, carrying him to his bedroom and laying him down on the bed. He sat down next to him, continuing to rub his back soothingly. Ryan sat up, leaning against the headboard and rubbing his eyes tiredly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You've got nothing to be sorry for. I should've never even let you go in there. I knew something bad would happen. It's my fault." Shane chewed on his lip, sighing. "Nothing we can do now but wait for the memory to fade. And it will, Ryan. Trust me." All Ryan could do was nod. Crossing his legs over his lap.

"Why do you care about me so much Shane? I mean, what's different? I don't know for sure, but I've never really heard you talk about anyone else special."

Shane shrugged, staring at the wall in front of him. "I've never really had a friend like you, I guess. No ones really cared about me as unconditionally as you do. Even when you found out about me Ryan, I swear, I never doubted you for a second. I knew you would come back for me. I knew you wouldn't tell anyone. From the moment I met you I trusted you. And I've never trusted anyone like that before. Ever. You're just so...I don't know. You."

Ryan stared up at the taller mans face. "Shane. Look at me." His friend obliged and turned his head to Ryan, who now was sitting up on his knees facing Shane. He looked up into his eyes, and he closed the gap between them.