The Waiter and The Musician (Ryden)

Chapter 2

It had been a few days since Ryan went back to the diner. Though him and Brendon talked on the phone, Brendon always cut the conversations short for reasons he'd never explain. It was just simple back and forth about each others day. Ryan had always been a guarded person, so getting personal with someone was always difficult for him.

The next time he walked into the diner, his eyes scanned the room just like the first time he walked in. Only this time, he was actually looking for something, well someone to be exact. Then he spotted him, standing behind the counter talking to an older gentleman. He watched Brendon talk so easily and smile as he conversed with the man. 

When Brendon clearly hadn't noticed him yet, Ryan moved to his spot in the corner of the diner. Instead of writing, Ryan simply watched Brendon at work, the way he served with his smile, how he easily glided around the floor.

While lost in thought, Ryan heard someone clear their throat to get his attention. To his disappointment, it wasn't the same waiter as last time. The lady was pretty attractive herself, but not the type who would cause Ryan's eyes to wander. 

"My name is Sarah and I'll be your server today. Can I start you off with something to drink?" Ryan thought back to when Brendon told him the same thing just a few days ago. He was tempted to request Brendon to be his waiter, but didn't want to come off as disrespectful. He looked over at the working man, frowning in disappointment before turning to Sarah.

"Actually, I'm ready to order."

"Oh, okay." Sarah replied a bit surprised at him making a decision so quickly. "And what would you like?" Ryan stole another glance at Brendon with a smile. "I'll have a burger with bacon, lettuce and tomato. Also a side of fries and a lemonade, please." Sarah smiled as she wrote down the order. 

"Alright, I'll have that out for you in a little bit." Ryan thanked her as she walked away. Pulling out his journal, he tried getting into his writing mode, but he kept getting distracted by the thought of the man who had been occupying his mind a little too much lately.

Lost in thought, he didn't realize when Sarah brought out his food. The scent of his burger is what brought him back to reality, but only for a little bit before he tried to work on his music. It wasn't until Ryan saw a man move to sit across from him that he picked his head up from his journal. 

"Hey stranger." Brendon propped his head on the palm of his hand as he smiled at Ryan. "Didn't think to say 'hi'?" Ryan felt his face heat up at the question. Of course he wanted to say 'hi' to the man he couldn't stop staring at when he walked in. 

"You were busy working." Ryan gave a lame excuse. 

"So?" Brendon asked teasingly, loving the pink color on the boy's face. Ryan only gave a shrug in response. Leaning over the table a bit, Brendon looked at the open page of Ryan's journal. "What you writing there?" Ryan bit his lip nervously as his hand automatically went to close the book.

"Oh, it's nothing important really." 

"Oh, come on Ross. You won't be able to hide from me forever." Ryan knew that the boy was right, but a part of him couldn't help to deny his words. Ryan looked up only to meet Brendon giving him puppy dog eyes. Ryan groaned inwardly, knowing that with that look, he would never be able to say 'no' to Brendon.

He quickly averted his eyes. If he couldn't see Brendon, he wouldn't be able to fall under his spell. After a while, Brendon sighed in defeat. "Okay then. You don't have to tell me. Gotta any plans for tonight?"

"No. Was just gonna come here then go home." Brendon hummed in approval.

"That's nice. My shift's over so I was just gonna head home too." Brendon stared intently into Ryan's, willing him to ask a question. Ryan stared back cluelessly, trying to piece together the information Brendon apparently gave him. Finally understanding, Ryan mentally slapped himself for being so slow.