The Office Oneshots

Before You Go (Ryan x Reader)

A clamorous shuffle of employees interrupted the usual silence that befell the office in its closing hours. Pam smiled occasionally at the exiting person before resuming her work, which was most probably Solitaire. You had just gotten off of your final sales call for the day, to which you gladly hung up the phone and rose from your seat with a triumphant exhale. You stretched your arm before absentmindedly wandering over to Pam's desk, where you leaned forward and gave her a tired smile. The receptionist returned your smile, though as you were about to open your mouth to say something to her you felt a light hand rested on your shoulder.

Brows raised in curiosity, you turned around to face none other than Ryan Howard. You could've sworn you saw this determined look in his eyes with a big grin, as if he'd just accomplished some enormous feat. Laughing slightly at his newfound confidence, you just tilted your head slightly to the side in curiosity. "Ryan?" you first questioned, your expression reflecting the amusement of the situation.

"Y/N, hey! I was just wondering if you'd be interested in drinks tonight." He suddenly insisted, leading you to be taken completely by surprise. You shot a look to Pam before straightening yourself up and shooting him a teasing yet ultimately curious smile.

Nodding your head slightly, you crossed your arms over your chest in slight interest. "Of course, I'd be interested! But what's the occasion?"

Ryan's smile widened at this, and he exhaled as if this newfound strength within him was just flowing. "You won't believe this, but I got the job at corporate." He paused as if he himself were trying to take in the words he'd just spoken. "I'm just... so excited!"

You initially gasped with shock as your eyes widened, a slight laugh escaping your lips. "Wow, Ryan! That is amazing, congratulations! I am so proud of you." You paused for a moment, blinking as you studied his expression. You shook your head in amazement. "Wow," came your breathy laugh as you looked at him with your remaining disbelief.

The man nodded his head, quickly fixing his tie as he caught on to the gaze the two of you had maintained. He quickly cleared his throat, flashing a quick smile though dismissing your excitement for the time being. You realized it as well, to which you broke his gaze and for a moment also cleared your throat. Finally, your gaze wandered back up to him, to which your excitement dwindled slightly.

"So," he began slowly, "eight-thirty work for you?"

You nodded, "eight-thirty sounds perfect. See you then, Ryan."

Ryan took a step back and went to grab his coat, to which he quickly checked his watch and nodded. "Later, L/N," he dismissed, exiting out the door. You simply inhaled sharply as you couldn't suppress your smile, to which Pam eagerly teased you about it. Though you wouldn't lie, there was just something about Ryan that was different today. Whether it was good or bad, you would have yet to find out.

-

Despite Scranton's humble populations, even the most local of bars managed to fill up to their limit on Friday nights. The blaring music was trampled by the loud conversations, though it hadn't been a concern to either of you. Although, when you'd finally made it to the bar, you'd found there was only one barstool left, to which Ryan insisted you take. Of course, the two of you went back and forth for the time being until Ryan reluctantly took the seat, to which you only slightly rubbed in his face with a beaming grin.

Your time at the bar was short-lived, however. One drink for the both of you before there was a mutual agreement to ditch this place and head to an old diner situated a few miles out from the bar. The old diner had a sort of old charm to it, you'd always thought. There had been several nights you'd gone here just for a sort of pick-me-up whenever those particularly hard days hit you. Sometimes you'd come here with Pam, once with Michael and a few others in the office, and now with Ryan. You had to admit, coming to a favorited place that you'd typically frequented alone with a friend had a warm feeling to it, something almost bittersweet. Ryan was leaving, but at least he was having a warm goodbye.