ALL CREDITS GO TO "fullcollapse" on livejournal for this absolutely beautiful story. Mostly AU, high school age setting. With the help of his friends, Ryan has just learned how to like life. Brendon hasn't yet found such luck. This is a story about strong relationships, trust, not wanting to be alone, and holding hands. There's a river, and just like its never-ending path to the ocean, some things just go on forever. Sometimes you need someone more than you need yourself, and sometimes, that's okay. Rating: R. Word count: 200,000+

Ryan laughs, "No, we're just friends. There's nothing between us," Brendon's smile wavers the slightest and he forces a laugh, "Yeah, nothing." Despite being abnormally close to his best friend, Ryan Ross has it programmed into his head that anything and everything between him and Brendon is entirely platonic. On Brendon's part though, it's not quite the same. (RyDen ft Brallon, Highschool AU)