The Waiter and The Musician (Ryden)

Chapter 3

The next two weeks since Brendon's first visit consisted of jam out sessions, movie nights, and get to know each other talks at Ryan's place. Ryan enjoyed watching Brendon sing and play on the different instruments in his music room just as much as he enjoyed Brendon arguing with the lead actress while they watched horror movies.

But what he looked forward to the most were the times Brendon would lean into Ryan in exhaustion after work and accidentally fall asleep against him. Ryan would run his fingers through Brendon's hair as he watched him sleep. No matter what though, Brendon always left Ryan's place by 9:10 at night, no sooner, no later. 

Ryan was leaning back on his couch, lazily strumming his guitar while he watched whatever random show played on tv. When he heard a knock on the door, he made his way to the door peeking through the peep hole. He saw Brendon looking down, rocking back and forth nervously. His hands were tucked into his jacket pockets. With a smile, Ryan opened the door.  

"Hey, Bren." He said stepping aside to let the other in. As Brendon walked in and headed straight to the couch, taking a seat on the edge. Ryan began to worry about the boy who was still looking down at his fidgeting hands that rested on bouncy knees. "Are you okay?" Ryan heard Brendon sigh heavily as he took a seat next to him. 

"There's something I need to tell you." Brendon breathed as he worked up the nerve to let more words come out. "I.." He stopped while Ryan sat willing him to continue before he could allow his mind to come up with their own conclusions.

Ryan's hands began to sweat as his mind started feeding him reasons as to why Brendon was here. He knows you like him. He doesn't want to hang out with you anymore. Why can't you open up to someone for once? 

"I.. I like you." Brendon said hesitantly, stopping all of Ryan's thoughts. It took a little for Ryan's mind to process what Brendon just said. When it finally did, his anxiety was replaced with butterflies fluttering in his stomach, tickling a smile on his face. He felt the blush as he looked over at the still nervous boy.

"I like you too." Brendon's shoulders visibly relaxed the slightest bit. A smile tugged the corners of Brendon's mouth. Ryan didn't let himself think before he said, "let me take you on a date." Brendon looked over at him shyly. "Tonight."

He got excited as he watched Brendon nod his head. Brendon stopped then quickly shook his head and avoided Ryan's eyes. Listening to Brendon's first response, he took Brendon's hand and stood them up. Brendon only resisted a little before letting Ryan lead him to the front door. 

They made their way outside to Ryan's car, Ryan held the passenger door open as Brendon climbed in. Getting into the driver's seat, Brendon questioned, "where are we going?" Staring down at his lap, Ryan searched his mind for somewhere to take Brendon. His eyes lit up as he realized the perfect place to go. Looking at the time, he was happy to see they wouldn't close for another two hours. Leaving Brendon's question unanswered, he started the car and headed out to the road. 

Within ten minutes, Ryan pulled into the parking lot. Brendon looked out the window at the store sign as Ryan got out and walked around the car. He opened the door, offering a hand helping Brendon out. "Where are we?" Ryan stayed silent as they approached to the door.

The neon sign flashing on the window read 'Old Fashioned Records.' Again, Ryan opened the door, letting Brendon go in first. A few steps into the store, Ryan watched as Brendon took in the sight of his favorite record store. 

They stood on a dark, hardwood floor taking in the place. The walls were lined with colored vinyls that seemed to glow under the ceiling lights. There were multiple signed vinyls placed in display cases at the end of the countless rows of music. The sections of music were divided by year releases, genres, and the format of albums. Various record players were placed around the room. A corner of the room was dedicated to instruments the customers were free to jam out with.