The Waiter and The Musician (Ryden)

Extra Scenes

These scenes take place during the two year gap between chapter 12 and the epilogue. They're not in any particular order, just short scenes that I didn't put in the actual story. 

"Brendon, I can't do this." Ryan had been pacing in his studio for the past ten minutes. Brendon stood at the doorway trying to think of ways to calm him down.

"Babe, it's gonna be okay. Please just sit down." Ryan moved over to his stool and plopped down. He held his head in his hands as Brendon went over and kneeled in front of him. "You've played in front of small crowds before. Why is this any different?"

"Because it's too real now. Of course I've dreamed of this day for ages, but now that I have an actual shot, it's just, I don't know if I can do it." Brendon took Ryan's hands in his own. 

"You are the most talented musician I've ever seen. There's no doubt in my mind that Mr. Wentz is going to sign you." Ryan lifted his head to meet Brendon's eyes. 

"You really think I can do this?" 

"Is that even a question? I know you can do it." Ryan looked down as he played with Brendon's hands.

"Do you think Jon and Spencer will want to keep doing this with me? I mean, it was just for fun before. Now, it's a lot more commitment." 

"They've told you themselves how much this band means to them. I think they'll be on board with this chance." Ryan nodded and let himself get lost in thought for a moment. When he finally looked back at Brendon, he took a deep breath.

"Okay." Brendon grinned excitedly. "But only if you do it with me." His face shifted from excited to surprised. 

"Ryan, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not? You've filled in for us before, the crowd loves you and you're the real reason we have this shot." Brendon shook his head.

"That's not true. Mr. Wentz said he'd been following you guys for a while and liked your sound."

"But he didn't come up to us until that night you took lead vocals." Brendon was the one looking down nervously now.

"I don't know Ry."

"I don't want to do this if I can't have you by my side." Brendon took a deep breath and nodded.

"Fine, but I'm not quitting my job at the diner. Even since Sarah took over, it's been like a second home and I don't wanna leave that." Ryan nodded with a smile.

"I wouldn't ask you yo do that." Ryan wrapped his arms around Brendon, hugging him tightly. "What would I do without you?"

"You'd be completely lost and miserable," Brendon replied jokingly. Ryan pulled him into a deep kiss, smiling when he pulled away. "Alright, so what song do you wanna play for him?" Ryan looked down with a small blush.

"I was thinking maybe that one we wrote together." Brendon smiled and walked over Ryan's wall of guitars. He grabbed two acoustic guitars and went back to Ryan, handing him one. He pulled a stool next to Ryan and they both positioned the guitars over their lap. "Ready?" Ryan nodded and started strumming softly. Brendon began singing and played his own guitar. 

"If all our life is but a dream
Fantastic posing greed
Then we should feed our jewelry to the sea
For diamonds do appear to be
Just like broken glass to me."

When they finished, they put down their guitars. Ryan smiled and pulled Brendon onto his lap. Brendon positioned himself so he saddled Ryan's lap and his arms were wrapped around his neck. Ryan had his arms around Brendon's waist, holding him securely to him. They stared into each other's eyes, occasionally sharing a kiss.