Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

„Hi.“ Ryan whisper-shouts over the loud music of the packed club as he leans close to Oliver’s ear. He turns around, looking at Ryan and the way his cheeks are tinged a deep red from the amount of alcohol they’ve both had. His face starts to sport the same grin that’s currently edged onto Ryan’s.

„Hi.“ Oliver responds in the same bashful but amused tone that his friend had just used. He feels the thumping bass from the dance floor all the way to the booth that him, Ryan and a few of their co-stars have situated themselves in. They’d just wrapped filming of season eight and now they’re here, at their annual wrap-party. Judging by the haze and slight motion blur that he’s experiencing, he can only come to the conclusion that they’ve already had quite a few drinks. His guess confirms itself when he quickly glances away from Ryan and down onto the table, seeing masses of empty glasses in front of them.

„Fancy seeing you here.“ Ryan says like this is the most hilarious thing he’s ever come up with which draws Oliver’s gaze immediately back to him. He winks at Oliver or at least tries to, clearly having reached a level of drunkenness that makes simple tasks like blinking a challenge. Oliver, clearly just as inebriated, does actually think that this is the funniest possible thing Ryan could’ve said just now and tries his hardest to keep his laugh under control. Doing his best to entertain Ryan’s little scenario he puts on his most serious expression, which isn’t serious at all in his current state.

„Didn’t think I’d run into you here.“ Failing at keeping his answer nonchalant he grins throughout the entire sentence and can see that Ryan’s grin also couldn’t be wiped off his face no matter how hard you tried in this moment.

„We fucking smashed it this season, didn’t we?“ Ryan asks coyly but also with such a drunken conviction and smugness that it makes Oliver reel. Not knowing it was possible, his grin widens even more, surely reaching the crinkles by his eyes at this point.

„Fuck yeah, we did.“ Ryan’s infectious energy is transferring more and more  onto Oliver with every passing second, making him infinitely more excited. „Remember the day we got the script of the episode that Tommy broke up with Buck and literally bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate never having to see that dinosaur again.“ He can’t help having to stop his little story every few words, too entertained by himself to control his laughter.

„Oh my god.“ Ryan nearly shouts with a loud and rumbling laugh that Oliver can feel reverberate throughout his entire body as Ryan is pressed flush against his side by now. He makes it sound like he’s never heard the story with how happy he is about hearing it again. „Best. Day. Ever!“ 

„Actually,“ Oliver interjects, looking hazily and full of amusement at Ryan, their faces only inches away from one another. „Second best day ever.“ Ryan looks at him puzzled, trying his hardest to think of another situation that Oliver could be referring to. But it seems like his foggy mind can’t come up with anything as he just blankly stares back at him. „You doing the Risky Business dance.“ Oliver reminds him and immediately bursts out laughing while Ryan lets out a sound mixture of groaning and laughing as he buries his face in Oliver’s shoulder.

„Sometimes I forget you were there for the filming of that scene.“ Ryan mutters into his flannel and Oliver’s surprised he can even make out the words with the blaring music and the distraction of Ryan’s hot breath making his way through the fabric of his top.

„There’s literally no way I would’ve missed that. Only over my dead body.“ Oliver says, still remembering those hours clear as day and how much he’d laughed. Just as Oliver is about to lean his own head on Ryan’s, the other moves away from his shoulder and suddenly looks at him with a mischievous smirk and a raised eyebrow. „What?“ Oliver asks a moment later when Ryan doesn’t respond, slightly swaying into his space without the weight of the other against his side. He’s already expecting the worst.

„So what I’m taking from this is that you desperately wanted to see me dance in nothing but my briefs and a button-up.“ Ryan’s voice is low and teasing. Oliver would’ve been able to simply roll his eyes and tease him back on any other day, in any other situation. But in his drunken haze, he physically isn’t able to come up with any fitting response to turn the situation around, his brain totally short-circuiting. Because Ryan is kinda right. He doesn’t want him to be, but it’s a realization he’s had lately. Ryan is attractive. No, Ryan is hot. Actually downright sinful to look at, he thinks. That mustache had done things for him he didn’t know possible and was probably the start of this little Ryan-shaped problem in his head.

„You wish.“ Is the only thing that he can muster and trust himself to say because who knows what his drunken brain might come up with otherwise. And he does not want to drunkenly confess to his friend that he finds him incredibly hot. He should really stop drinking for tonight. On the other hand, it’s doing a fantastic job at hiding the deep blush he’s felt creeping into his cheeks at Ryan’s comment. You gotta look at the bright side of things, right? Though it doesn’t seem like Ryan is believing a word he’s saying which just makes it worse for Oliver. Or maybe it’s just Ryan’s own inebriation that makes him overly smug but dazed at the same time.

„You sure? I wouldn’t blame you,“ He starts with a grin on his face before suddenly springing up from his seat into a standing position. He turns around, showing Oliver his backside. „‘cause I do have a really nice ass.“ Ryan bursts out laughing as Oliver’s eyes widen in shock at his bluntness. And it’s not like he’s wrong. He does have a great ass. He’s spent quite some time sneaking glances of it over the last few weeks. Information he’ll certainly take to the grave with him. Thankfully he’s saved from answering and the situation overall when Kenny arrives back at the table, a tray full of shots in his hands. 

„Who’s got a nice ass?“ Kenny asks, taking in the scene unfolding in front of him while simultaneously drawing the attention of everyone to him and Ryan.

„Me.“ Ryan answers like it’s a matter of fact. And well, it kinda is, Oliver thinks. Kenny’s gaze flickers suspiciously between the two of them, trying to figure out what’s going on. When he doesn’t succeed after about five seconds he simply gives up, turning the situation around.

„True that.“ He announces loudly to the entire group. „To Ryan’s great ass.“ He announces to the table as he raises a shot from the tray into the air waiting for the others to join him. It doesn’t take long before everybody takes a pint until only Oliver is left. Everybody stares at him expectantly, including Ryan, who has a gleeful and smug grin on his face. He hates all of them in this moment. Trying his best to not seem suspicious and affected by the situation, he also takes a shot and lifts it into the air, followed by everybody’s cheers, while Ryan still focuses his gaze in him, the smug grin never leaving his face. Oliver holds the eye contact as best as he can, though feeling his composure crumble under the intense eye contact. He is once again saved by his co-stars when they all bring their glasses together. He absolutely loves them.

„To Ryan’s great ass.“ They all chorus and Oliver looks around the group and whispers the same before they all let the liquid burn down their throat, shuddering at the intensity of the taste. He truly doesn’t know how much more he can take.

Suddenly and acutely aware of his situation, Oliver feels like all eyes are on him and they all somehow know that he’s into Ryan. In reality they’re already deep in conversation again. So despite, loving his cast mates immensely, alcohol and a secret crush aren’t the best combination and he feels the need to get out of here. Then he feels Ryan’s hand on his knee. 

„Hey, you okay?“ He asks, looking as concerned as the amount of alcohol he’s had allows him to be. Oliver’s breath halts for a moment and he tries really hard to think straight for a moment and what he’s gonna say next. He can says yes and be stuck here for who knows how long. He can say yes and then say he’s gonna leave. But Ryan wouldn’t let that slide even in his drunken state and would certainly start asking questions. Saying no simply is not an option. Then an idea strikes him like lightning. 

„You think we can sneak out of here without anybody noticing?“ Oliver asks, leaning closely to Ryan so that no one else will hear. He can feel Ryan shudder next to him with how close they are again. The mischief and promise of thrill is written all over his face when Ryan looks at him, wordlessly asking if he’s serious. If he can’t get out of here by himself without making Ryan suspicious, then he’s just gotta involve him and drag him down with him if to goes to hell. Oliver nods, his grin only widening. Ryan mirrors him and the smile on his face expands with every second.

„You have a plan already?“ He asks, his face alone telling that he’s one hundred percent on board with Oliver’s plan and antics. They gleam into each others eyes with nothing but unadulterated drunken joy on their minds.

„Nope, I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.“ He admits with a giggle when Ryan raises his eyebrow at him, trying to look annoyed but failing terribly at it. A giggle for gods sake. When’s the last time someone has made him giggle? He thinks hard for a moment, trying to come up with an idea to impress Ryan. „We’ll both say we have to go to the toilet.“ Oliver says and immediately realizes what a stupid plan that is. Before Ryan has the chance to make fun of him for it, he says „Don’t even say it.“

„What? That it’s a terrible plan?“ Ryan laughs drunkly and Oliver loves that sound. Might be top three sounds he’s ever heard. But because the laugh is still directed at him, this time he’s the one burying his face in Ryan’s shoulder. 

„Jerk.“ Oliver grumbles into his shirt and he’s not sure if Ryan hears it with how quietly he’s said it. 

„I have a better idea.“ Ryan says, slightly leaning down sideways so his voice comes out right next to Oliver’s ear, making him shudder against Ryan once again. He hums, waiting for Ryan to continue, enjoying the closeness between them. „We’ll say we’re gonna get another drink and just don’t come back so they’ll think we got lost at the bar or on the dance floor.“

Objectively it’s not much better of an idea than his own, but maybe it’s because the idea came out of Ryan’s mouth that he thinks it’s the best idea he’s heard all night. He simply can’t be sure.

„Perfect.“ Oliver agrees, having lifted his head, now looking mischievously into Ryan’s deep brown eyes with his pupils blown wide. „Whenever you’re ready.“ 

It takes a moment before Ryan swiftly gets up, only nearly toppling over. He reaches his hand out to Oliver, pulling him up as soon as he links them together. The motion blur is more intense than he anticipated but he tries his best to steady himself with his hand in Ryan’s to not raise any suspicions about his state of inebriation.

„We’re gonna go get another drink.“ Ryan announces to the group, not really caring who hears them, who ignores them or who looks with raised eyebrows at them. Before anyone can say anything about or to them, Ryan is already dragging him through the crowd and Oliver is trying his best to keep up, holding onto Ryan for dear life as to not lose him in the sea of people. 

After an eternity and the blink of an eye at the same time, Oliver finally breathes fresh air again. It immediately clears his foggy brain a tiny bit. He takes a few seconds to just focus on his breathing and to recover from being dragged up and down that club. Only then does he notice that he’s still holding on to Ryan’s hand. He tries to nonchalantly break apart their intertwined hands and runs his then free hand through his hair and ruffles it, feeling successful in his attempt to not appear weird about it.

Oliver leans against the cold brick wall behind him and closes his eyes for a short moment, enjoying the relative quiet compared to the deafening noises inside. He feels his shoulder brushed when Ryan leans next to him, both of them simply existing next to each other in this moment, not a single worry on his mind.

„So, what now?“ Ryan asks without looking at him, both of them still only staring into the star-studded sky. And that’s a good question, really, Oliver thinks. He actually hadn’t thought that far ahead when he’d proposed sneaking out. So indeed, what now? Oliver hums, communicating to Ryan that he’s heard his question, without answering immediately. Neither of them says anything for another minute. „My place is pretty close.“ Oliver hears Ryan say beside him and feels his gaze on himself. It’s a statement but somehow sounds more like a question the way he just said it.

 He turns his head slightly, looking at Ryan for the first time since leaving the club. His face is illuminated by a lamppost, the moon, the stars and whatever else Oliver doesn’t have the capacity to comprehend at the moment because he’s only looking at Ryan. And for the first time this evening, or well since they got absolutely wasted, there is no smug grin on Ryan’s face. His expression almost uncertain.

„Yeah?“ Oliver asks, his voice nothing more than a soft whisper but the quiet ambience still making it pierce the relative silence. 

„Yeah.“ Ryan replies instantly, almost sounding breathless when there’s absolutely no reason for him to be.

„Okay.“ He simply says, somehow really content with the feeling of going back to Ryan’s place. His thoughts get interrupted by a stupid drunken idea that doesn’t make any sense but that he also has no power resisting. The wicked grin returns to his face. „Race you there!“ He suddenly shouts, way too loud for the current setting, before immediately taking off into whatever direction calls his name, he feels the cold breeze of the night hit his face, making him feel truly alive for the first time tonight with Ryan’s loud laugh echoing behind him. It’s not a fast run, nor a particularly coordinated one, but he’s moving and he feels free and like nothing can stop him, so that’s all that really counts. Until he does get stopped.

His arm is being grabbed and he comes to an abrupt halt as he turns around, seeing Ryan right behind him, this time really breathless, from running after him and putting up with Oliver’s antics. Ryan only laughs at him when Oliver can’t keep the stupid and innocent smile off his face.

„You can’t run to my place, Oliver.“ Ryan laughs, trying to sound reasonable and logical, but failing as his words are underlined by laughter and what seem to Oliver like genuine joy and happiness. „We have to call an Uber.“

„Ugh, you’re no fun.“ Oliver retorts even though, when he thinks about it hard enough, he knows that Ryan is right.

„I’m plenty fun, just so you know.“ Bumping into his shoulder, Ryan looks at him like he can’t let Oliver’s statement exist in the world. „I just snuck out of our own wrap party for you. That’s quite fun if you ask me.“ Oliver thinks about it for a moment, truly contemplating if Ryan is fun to him. The answer is obvious.

„Okay, I retract may statement.“ Lifting a finger into the air, he looks at Ryan with a somewhat serious expression. „But only if you call us an Uber in the next ten seconds so I can crash on your couch as soon as possible.“ Ryan laughs brightly and in that moment, Oliver selfishly wants him to never stop doing so.

—— —— ——

About thirty minutes later, both Oliver and Ryan topple out of the black car, back into the chilly night air. He doesn’t know if it’s the alcohol taking it’s time to truly show it’s full effect or the bumpy car ride to Ryan’s place, but somehow he feels even more drunk than when they’d snuck out of the party.

„Do you think that guy hated us?“ Oliver sways from left to right, directly into Ryan’s side who tries to stabilize him, the laugh that escapes him, not making it any easier to stay on his feet.

„Oh absolutely. And it’s all your fault.“ Ryan starts to sway with him now that he’s draped his arm over Oliver’s shoulder, guiding him to the front door of his house. Oliver gasps offendedly and halts in his tracks.

„What? Why? I rebuke that accusation!“ Exclaiming probably too loudly into the night, Oliver dramatically wants to slump to the floor or fall off to the side. Thankfully Ryan’s grip on him is strong enough to not have them both fall to the floor in a pile of limbs. Because just a second later he suddenly thinks he’d be very embarrassed if he’d actually fallen to the ground next to Ryan. Thank god for his arm around him. His strong and muscular and big- What? Oliver has to physically shake his head to get the thoughts of Ryan’s arm around him out of his head.

„You literally didn’t give me a second of peace during that entire ride and just kept making me laugh out loud while you yourself couldn’t stop laughing either.“ Ryan says, his words slurring slightly as he fiddles for his keys with his free hand, seemingly not wanting to let go of Oliver. 

„So really it’s your fault.“ Oliver says, the drunken grin back on his face as he turns his head and looks to Ryan. „You just look so funny, I can’t help it.“ 

„What’s that supposed to mean?“ Ryan asks, his tone higher than usual, tinged with a laugh as well as disbelief.

„I don’t know man,“ He responds, sounding so utterly exhausted by the fact that Ryan doesn’t immediately get what he means, even though he himself doesn’t either. He’s just supposed understand. And rationally he knows that he’s just being a big drunk fool right now, but who wants to be rational. That’s boring. 

Ryan groans at him and turns the key in the door, heaving them both inside as Oliver contemplates what about Ryan is so funny. When he turns on the light and Oliver sees his face fully illuminated for the first time since arriving at the wrap-party, he suddenly knows. 

„Now I know.“ He says excitedly, waiting for Ryan to match his enthusiasm at his epiphany. But he only looks at him with a grin and a raised eyebrow as he stops in his entryway, mid taking his jacket off. „There’s something missing.“ Oliver says contemplatively, wagging his hands in front of Ryan’s face, trying to explain his train of thought.

„You’re not making any sense, man.“ Ryan says with a laugh, seemingly amused by Oliver’s incoherent thoughts. „Think you’ve had a little bit too much, haven’t you?“ Oliver’s eyes squint at that, trying to appear more dangerous but probably looking like a complete fool, but that’s besides the point he thinks, it’s the intention that counts.

„I’m still super normal.“ He tries to argue while sounding as sober as possible but realizes this isn’t working out in his favor. So instead of making Ryan, who’s already grinning wildly at his attempts, believe that he’s not shit-faced drunk, he decided to follow his original train of thought. „This is missing.“ Oliver says as he impulsively runs his finger along the skin above Ryan’s upper lip. Ryan’s breathing halts momentarily and he looks with wide eyes at Oliver. And if he weren’t this drunk and shocked by his own action, he’d maybe be able to read the subtext of the situation, but as is, he doesn’t even really notice Ryan’s change in expression and body language.

„My mustache?“ Ryan asks once Oliver’s finger lost contact with his skin and he’s reassembled his composure, an amused and slightly smug grin forming on his face again. 

„Yes!“ Oliver exclaims too loudly once again like Ryan just gave him some revelation, like this is something that’s been keeping him up at night and he hadn’t been able to articulate it. His excited mood quickly depletes and he groans like a petulant child as he sits down on the floor in criss-cross. After letting out a long sigh, he adds „I miss it.“ like he’s lost someone dear to him.

„Do you now?“ Towering over him, Ryan looks down with a shit eating grin, his voice low and filled with amusement. Clearly directed at his misery if you ask Oliver.

„I do.“ Oliver admits dramatically as he lets himself fall backwards, sprawling out like a starfish in Ryan’s house. Ryan lets out a giggle and Oliver’s eyes snap open again because he doesn’t think he’s ever heard him giggle in all the years he’s known him.

„You’re so fucking wasted, Oli.“ He laughs out loud, nearly toppling over, clearly just as drunk as Oliver even though he does a much better job at appearing sober. Letting out another groan on the floor, Oliver tries sitting up again without any place to hold onto which causes him to fall right back down.

„Fuck.“ He whines dramatically, laying nestled up on the floor. Only when he opens his eyes again after recovering from the embarrassing fall, does he see Ryan’s hand in front of him, offering to help him back up. He carefully takes it and lets himself be pulled into a standing position right in front Ryan who’s still grinning at him. If he didn’t know better, he’d think that grin would never disappear from his face.

„How about we get you to sleep?“ Ryan proposes. Oliver’s face immediately falls. Traitor. 

„How about we have another drink?“ Oliver retorts with a wicked smile after a few seconds.

„I don’t think that’s a good idea.“ Ryan tries to reason with him, even though Oliver can see the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth.

„Come on, if not tonight then when? I know you want it.“ Leaning closer to Ryan’s face, he teases him, knowing that Ryan isn’t one to let himself be challenged like that and no take the bait. He waits for a moment, but when Ryan is still contemplating, Oliver thinks it’s time to hit harder. „Guess I’m just gonna have to drink alone then. All by myself. Lonely and sad.“ Oliver plays up the dramatics, slowly moving away from Ryan as he walks backwards, surprised by himself that he’s not falling over despite the intense swaying. He’s giving Ryan his best, with his current state only mediocre, try at big sad puppy eyes and can see the exact moment he’s cracked Ryan.

„You’re a menace, you know that?“ Ryan responds as he makes his way over to Oliver, taking his hand and dragging him along to the kitchen. Oliver grinningly plops down on the kitchen island looking at Ryan sway around, from cabinet to cabinet, gathering glasses and crushed ice. „What do you wanna drink?“ Leaning against the fridge and next to a wall with a wide range of different liquors, he looks at Oliver with an amused raised eyebrow, waiting for him to give his answer. But Oliver simply stares at the wall, mouth slightly parted in amazement.

„I’ll have whatever you’re having.“ He settles on saying when the large selection stops overwhelming him. Ryan chuckles at him before grabbing a bottle from the shelf that Oliver can’t identify from his place on the counter. Waiting patiently as Ryan fills their glasses, he swings his feet around like a little kid sitting on a chair too big for him. Lost in his thoughts, he doesn’t notice immediately when Ryan approaches him, only doing so when the other bumps against his swinging feet.

„You having fun over here?“ Ryan asks, a small and private smile on his lips that makes Oliver blush slightly, hoping his alcohol level is still doing a good job of covering it up. Extending his hand, he holds the glass out to Oliver, waiting for him to take it. „You wanna stay here or should we go to the couch?“ 

Oliver ponders for a moment, weighing the pros and cons of either scenario in his mind. The couch is comfortable but he can’t swing his feet. The kitchen counter is uncomfortable but he can swing his feet. He decides that this won’t get him anywhere. He finally remembers to take the glass from Ryan’s hand, enjoying the cool sensation against his hot skin. He squints his eyes tightly shut, willing his mind to make a decision. 

„Couch.“ He blurts out, nearly falling forward and headfirst onto the kitchen floor if it weren’t for Ryan standing right in front of him and acting like a shield. Helping him from the counter, Ryan starts swaying out of the kitchen as Oliver slowly trots behind him until they reach the big and comfortable couch. For once Oliver listens to his better judgment and doesn’t throw himself on the couch with his drink in hand because he really doesn’t think that would go over well with Ryan. Understandably. So he settles right next to him on the couch, barely a fingers width between them. With one arm on the backrest, he turns his upper body towards Ryan, holding his glass out to him. Ryan does the same, clinking their glasses together while looking into each others eyes.

They both sit in silence for a while, lost in thoughts spurred on by their growing intoxication as their glasses get emptier with each sip. After some time, Oliver gets up from the couch, glass placed on the side table.

„Whatcha doing?“ Ryan asks, his pupils fully dilated and glassy as he leans forward slightly, hugging his own knees on the couch.

„You’ll see.“ Oliver answers, not being able to hold back a little chuckle. He tumbles thought the house to the kitchen until he’s found the object of his desire. Ryan only groans loudly when he sees Oliver proudly coming back into the living room with the bottle of alcohol that Ryan had opened for them. The manic grin on Oliver’s face probably telling that he knows exactly how dangerous this game he’s playing is. But he really couldn’t care less right now. 

„Oli, we’re not gonna survive tonight if we do this.“ Ryan tries, though by this point it sounds more like he has to hold himself back, knowing that he probably has no chance to convince Oliver to put the bottle down. Which, true again.

„Sounds like fun to me.“ He retorts, slowly moving back over to the couch.

„Right now, not tomorrow though.“ Ryan tries to reason but Oliver can see the blissed out haze in his eyes from the intoxication and he doesn’t know what it is about that, but it just makes him so much more attractive. Leaning closely over him, he wiggles the bottle in front of his face, Ryan’s eyes following the motion like it’s a pendulum. He closes his eyes and turns his head away from the bottle and temptation. But Oliver is not having any of that.

Oliver cups Ryan’s chin in a moment of drunken boldness, turning his face back to him and slightly down so that his lips part. Oliver holds the eye contact, which is a totally different kind of intoxicating than the alcohol. With surprising ease he flicks off the cork from the bottle and brings it to Ryan’s mouth. Scanning his face for any hesitation, because even in his fully wasted state, he doesn’t wanna do anything that goes against what Ryan really wants. But Ryan just stares at him with eyes so glassy and big, mouth falling slightly more ajar with every second. Oliver takes that as a yes, when Ryan doesn’t move or say anything else for a few more seconds. He lets the liquid flow slowly from the bottle into Ryan's mouth, making out only the movement of his Adam's apple as he swallows, his gaze still too focused on the deep brown of his eyes.

He retracts the bottle with a smug smile even though he feels the opposite, rather shy in this moment, only now truly realizing what he’s just done. Quickly bringing the bottle to his own mouth, he takes a big gulp, feeling the liquid burn down his throat. When he looks back down, Ryan is still sitting there, legs parted, head fallen onto the backrest as he looks up to Oliver with a dazed but unreadable expression. Or maybe Oliver is simply past the point of being able to make sense of anything. Not unlikely.

Giving into his thoughts and impulses, fueled by Ryan splayed out in front of him like this, he lets himself fall sideways right next to him on the couch, his head ending up on flush on Ryan’s chest. He can immediately feel the sharp inhale that Ryan takes. For a quick moment he contemplates if he shouldn’t have done this and is just about to get up, when Ryan puts one of his hands onto his stomach, effectively making him still in his movement. They stay like this for a moment, neither of them saying anything, until he blindly holds up the bottle for Ryan to take. It takes a few seconds until he feels the weight leave his hand and another few until he feels the swallowing under him in Ryan’s chest.

„Oli?“ Ryan asks quietly which Oliver appreciates considering the otherwise serene silence in his house that’s wrapping itself around them like a comfortable blanket. He takes the bottle back when he feels Ryan nudge him, taking a sip himself.

„Yeah?“ He quietly answers, closing his eyes in quiet content.

„Do you want me to grow it back?“ It’s barely a whisper and Oliver thinks. He thinks and thinks but he’s too far gone to connect any dots or remember prior conversations.

„Huh?“ 

„My mustache.“ Ryan says softly but with intent and Oliver thinks again. He takes another big sip, thinking it might help him come up with an answer that won’t make whatever he’s been feeling recently completely obvious. So he thinks again. He just settles on a low hum and nod that he’s sure Ryan can feel based on the little mixture of chuckle and huff he lets out. That’s the last thing he remembers before it all becomes a blur.

Chapter Text

Oliver groans when a ray of sunshine coming in through the window wakes him from being totally knocked out. Before he can take in any of his surroundings or process the situation at hand, he’s hit with a massive headache that feels like it’s splitting his head open right down the middle. He lets out an even louder groan than before, wishing for nothing more than the agonizing pain to stop and for him to fall back asleep.

He nearly jumps out of his body, when something under him moves and rumbles. When whoever is under him, lets out a low groan, he can immediately identify that voice to be Ryan’s, lifting his mood slightly at the realization that it’s not a stranger laying under him. The movement under him as well as the low groan reverberating through his body, have Oliver shortly contemplating if he needs to run to the bathroom to throw up, but he takes a deep breath in and out, managing to calm his body down just enough to not vomit right this second. He carefully lets himself roll of Ryan until he hits the cushions.

„Fuck.“ Oliver exclaims or rather whines into the otherwise silent room. 

„Warned ya.“ Ryan croaks lowly from right next to him, seemingly not doing much better than himself.

„Oi, shut it.“ It taking much more strength and willpower than he’d anticipated, Oliver swings his hand onto Ryan to lightly hit him. A groan accompanies his movement. Ryan lets out a noise that would’ve most likely been a yelp if it weren’t for the utter exhaustion and hangover they’re experiencing, which ends up making it sound more like a mixture of whine and groan. „Just let me die in peace.“ Ryan chuckles slightly or at least tries to. They lay like that for a few minutes, both of them needing their time to somewhat come back to life.

„I need breakfast. Something really fucking greasy.“ Oliver says after a while, noticing his growling stomach despite the thought of food alone making him more nauseous. „And water.“ He pauses once more trying to think of more things. „And painkillers. Definitely painkillers.“

„You know where everything is, feel right at home.“ Ryan mutters, his head now muzzled into a pillow.

„Ryaaaaan.“ Oliver draws out with a whine, also nuzzling his head into a pillow.

„No.“ He answers sternly, not having any of his antics right now. „You’re the one who got us into this so you have to get us out of it as well.“ It’s all muttered into a pillow but Oliver can make out most of it and can logically fill in the gaps. Oh how nice it feels to actually be able to use your brain again, he thinks.

„You’re the worst. I hate you.“ Oliver sounds like a stubborn child but he isn’t below that in his current predicament.

„Sure you do, princess.“ Ryan chuckles lowly as he moves his face from the pillow to smirk at Oliver.

„Who are you calling princess here?“ He says exasperatedly with wide eyes, a blush surely making it’s way to his cheeks, tinting them with a rosy pink.

„The guy who wants me to bring him breakfast,“ Raising his eyebrows at Oliver. The hangover makes his face look even more judgey and grumbly but he knows it’s all in good fun. „water and painkillers to the bed without him having to move.“

„I never said such a thing.“ Oliver tries to defend himself even though it’s exactly what he would have wanted to happen without saying the actual words.

„You didn’t need to, I know that was implied in your whining.“ He sounds unimpressed but amused at the same time.

„Rude.“ Oliver simply states before swinging one of his pillows onto Ryan’s face. Ryan’s eyes go wide and he stares at Oliver in disbelief as he removes the pillow from his face in what feels like slow-motion to him.

„Oh, you’re done. Every chance of breakfast for you just went out the window.“ Ryan laughs though he has to hold himself back, the headache still too prevalent for this kind of loudness and goofing around.

Throwing his head back and staring at the ceiling, Oliver contemplates his entire life. „Why must I suffer? Why me, god?“ He speaks to the ceiling, hoping for some higher force to end his suffering.

„Because you make horrible decisions and drag me down with you. Now you gotta face the consequences. So either get to the kitchen or order something in if you’re lazy, princess.“

„Ugh fine.“ Oliver huffs, giving up on his efforts knowing there’s no way he could charm Ryan into making breakfast right now. „Just five more minutes. Then I’ll get up and make breakfast.“ He already dreads it and groans at the thought of having to get up from Ryan’s comfortable bed. Oh.

He’s in Ryan’s bed. Of course he is. He’s been aware of that for a few minuets but it truly only seems to hit him now. On top of that (literally) did he wake up laying on Ryan, completely entangled in his limbs. He thanks whatever god for the fact that drunk Oliver at least kept most of his clothes on and did not blow up his friendship by hitting on one his best friends. Or if he did, it seems like neither of them remembers, so that’s an acceptable possibility as well. Still, a lot to unpack. Thankfully the universe seems to be on his side for now because Ryan sits up and very slowly moves off the bed, muttering a low ‚fuck‘.

„Fine, I’m gonna take a quick shower because I feel fucking disgusting to be frank.“ With messy hair and still in all of his clothes from the day before, Ryan makes his way over to the bedroom door, slowly creeping away.

And he really wants to get up, make some breakfast and bring himself back to life, but the bed is just so fucking comfortable and he knows getting up and walking will only make it a hundred times worse, so who can blame him if he just wants to spend a little more time in there.

Oliver wiggles a little closer to the edge of the bed, minimizing the way to the kitchen by at least a few inches before letting himself fall carefully back into the mattress to enjoy his last five minutes before the torture.

And well, five minutes turn into ten minutes and ten minutes turn into fifteen minutes.

He’s just about to doze off again when he hears Ryan loudly yell „Shit.“ from the bathroom that shares a wall with this room. That snaps him out of his hazy state and he leans onto his elbows.

„Everything okay?“ Oliver asks loud enough for Ryan to hear but doesn’t get a response. He’s just about to get up and check on him, when he hears quick footsteps patter through the hallway with Ryan ripping open the bedroom door only a second later.

He just stands there, dripping wet with only a towel lowly and hastily wrapped around his waist, phone in his hand as he looks back and forth between the phone and Oliver in mortification. Oliver has to blink. Multiple times actually. He swallows as well. It’s not like he’s never seen Ryan shirtless. But seeing him all wet and with this much exposed skin is something different entirely. And he’s not sure how to react to it. He tries his best to not let his faster beating heart and foggy mind betray him.

„What’s going on, Ryan?“ Oliver manages to say without sounding too chocked up by the view in front of him but still expressing enough concern to fit the situation.

„Have you looked at your phone yet?“ Ryan asks hurriedly, nearly tumbling over his words as he speaks.

„No, don’t even know where it is to be honest.“ He lets out a quick chuckle. „Why, what’s happening?“ 

Ryan strides forward in quick steps, putting one knee onto the mattress and leans forward and slightly above Oliver to show him what’s on his phone. It takes a moment for Oliver to register what he’s seeing. It’s an article. An article about them. With a picture from last night that he does not remember taking. A selfie of him and Ryan cuddled up on his couch looking absolutely blissed out. Oh god.

„When? What? How did they get that?“ Oliver stammers, not being able to look away from the photo of the two of them because fuck, does it look real and like they’re more than just friends. Definitely suspicious enough to send their fans into an absolute frenzy.

„We both posted them on our instagram stories.“ Ryan groans, ripping the phone away from his face but staying leaned over him. „At like four in the morning.“ Oliver squints his eyes together, already dreading the moment he’ll open his phone to most likely a hundred messages from fifty different people. 

„Fuck, we’re so fucking stupid.“ Oliver groans but there’s a laugh hidden in there as well as he opens his eyes again and looks at Ryan right in front and above him. „Have you already checked what-“ He starts again but gets every last bit of oxygen knocked out of him a second later.

Fuck. Holy fucking fuck. Holiest of all fucking fucks. There’s about a thousand thoughts and words running through his mind right now and not a single one of them is appropriate so he does his best to not voice any of them out loud, no matter how huge the urge is. And the urge is gigantic. Because why the fuck has Ryan’s towel basically fallen apart, revealing so much more skin than just his happy trail and just enough to cover the base of his cock. Oliver isn’t sure if he believes in god, but right now he really wishes he did so he could pray to him and somehow evaporate into thin air. But sadly his thoughts aren’t filled with prayers, only with the imagination how the trimmed hair would feel against his skin when he- Fuck. He needs to stop thinking all together.

When he doesn’t continue his sentence, only keeping his eyes very obviously trained on Ryan’s towel, does the other one decide to look down and see for himself what’s captured Oliver’s attention. Oliver feels his face heat up infinitely.

„Oh fuck, I’m sorry.“ Ryan quickly says, also going a bit red himself. „Didn’t mean to flash you.“ He lets out a nervous laugh, as he steps off the bed and chuckles a nervous laugh while rearranging his towel and tightening it so that it definitely won’t slip again.

„Uh, it’s nothing.“ Oliver says, absolutely not as nonchalant as he would like to sound right now as the image of Ryan from a few seconds does not want to leave his mind. He can’t for the life of him meet Ryan’s eyes, instead playing with a loose curl of his own to distract himself. „Happens to the best of us.“ Ryan, lets out a somewhat grateful but awkward chuckle.

„What were you gonna say.?“ He asks, trying to distract from the situation. But Oliver is not yet at the point where he can move on, still somewhat staring at the towel tightened around Ryan’s waist, leaving little to the imagination. Ryan notices that Oliver is still a bit distracted by the little accident and his somewhat awkward expression turns into his typical teasing and smug one. „Forgot how I look shirtless, Oli?“ Ryan says with a teasing lilt to his voice, leaning back against the wall and Oliver turns onto his stomach, groaning into the blanket.

„Shut it. What am I supposed to do when you were leaning over me like that in just a towel with your perfect physique? I’m only human after all.“ The words tumble out of him without much thought or monitoring, Oliver clearly having needed an outlet to ramble and finally get it off his chest how fit Ryan is. If he sounded a little pathetic doing it, then that’s nobodies business. He’ll just blame it on the hangover if need be. Despite it having felt somewhat exhilarating to say it out loud, it doesn’t make him wanna get his face out of the blanket any more.

Ryan laughs out loud at his antics, which doesn’t surprise him at all. „Oli,“ Ryan starts and Oliver can basically hear the grin on his face which makes him want to turn around even less. But Ryan doesn’t continue until he faces him and removes his head from the safe space that the blanket had provided him. And as expected, the grin on Ryan’s face has reached menacing levels. For a moment he hopes that Ryan will just let it slide and move on but his hopes and dreams are quickly crushed. „So you think I have a perfect physique?“ He asks teasingly. The worst thing about this is that Oliver finds it incredibly hot that Ryan knows that he’s hot. It makes it so much worse.

„Ugh, I hate you.“ Oliver exclaims, throwing two pillows in his direction, hoping that at least one of them will be on his side and hit him square in the face. He’ll never know seeing as he’s squinted his eyes shut and let himself fall back onto the bed before they hit. „We have more important business to discuss.“

„Do we? Are you saying my abs and you ogling at them is not an important topic that needs discussing?“ Ryan pricks again, clearly trying and succeeding in teasing Oliver as much as possible.

„No, it is DEFINITELY not.“ Oliver announces loudly. He’ll just have to try to get back on topic until he succeeds. He can see that Ryan is preparing to speak again so he just just gets ahead of him and starts speaking before him. „What I wanted to say originally,“ He exhales deeply, trying to get some of his composure and cool back. „Have you already checked twitter and what they’re saying on there?“

Oliver can see it in Ryan’s eyes that he’s heavily contemplating if he’s gonna let him off the hook or if he’s gonna get another comment in. Those few seconds feel torturous but he sighs in relief when Ryan relaxes his posture, knowing that to be a sign that he won’t attack again.

„No, I haven’t yet. I just ran straight to you when I saw the article and the thousands of messages pop up on my phone.“ Ryan walks over to him and sits down on the edge of the mattress right next to him. „Thought maybe we should look at the inevitable dumpster fire that’ll be twitter together.“

„Yeah, I guess.“ Oliver groans, knowing their fanbase well enough to know that they do not hold back and truly tweet some insane fucking shit. „You ready to face this?“ He asks, looking ruefully at Ryan, knowing how awkward but also potentially funny this’ll be. It can’t be worse than what just transpired, right? Right?

It’s worse actually.

They open twitter and it’s so much more insane than either of them could’ve expected. The first four tweets that show up on Ryan’s phone perfectly capture their fandom in all its funny and frightening glory.

@BuddieNews

Please be respectful of both OS and RG and their private life. They share their beautiful craft with us and deserve to be treated like normal people. That was clearly unintentional so please stop mentioning it.

@Eddiesthighmole

Mmh… Yeah… okay okay…. I feel totally normal about this. a perfectly normal amount of thoughts running through my mind. And the only thing I’m gonna say is: ryliver recreating and confirming fan theory that Buddie fucked drunk during the bachelor party night. no further questions.

@RYLIVERISREAL

OLIVER AND RYAN FUCKING NASTY AND RAW ON THE COUCH WHILE DRUNK??? OH WE’VE DREAMED OF DAYS LIKE THIS!!! PARTY AT MY HOUSE AT 8!!!

@BubblebuttBuck

how are we supposed to not rpf when ostark and rg are literally out here flirting and eye-fucking on main??? LIKE??? what is even happening?? somebody sedate me I can’t deal wit these idiots anymore.

It seems like they’ve both had their fill with those four tweets alone, seeing as Ryan doesnt stop him when Oliver presses the standby button on his phone.

„So, uhm.“ Oliver starts but trails off, having no idea where to go with that sentence, his thoughts just blanking right now.

„Yeah.“ Ryan answers and Oliver is glad that he understands and is on the same page without him actually having to say anything about it.

They both knew the fans liked to go a bit wild sometimes with their theories and they were also definitely aware that some time ago it had transcended their characters and seeped into their real life. The fans had mostly kept it to themselves and made sure to not bring it up with either of them which Oliver is very thankful for. Mostly because it’s weird for him considering that he actually has a thing for Ryan. Like that just makes it so much worse for him and is also the reason why he’s sporadically given them a sassy response when one of them had crossed the line. But this, this has reached new heights. Seeing people talk in detail about him and Ryan fucking and it not just being a few stray fans is certainly a new experience. A very awkward one at that when the person they’re saying you’re fucking is sitting right next to you.

„Oh god.“ Oliver says, just now realizing something else.

„What is it?“

„If even the media outlets have picked this up, there’s so way it won’t get brought up in the interviews next week.“ The timing truly couldn’t be worse. They’ll be doing promo all of next week, starting with a bunch of interviews and that won’t be long enough for them to forget and move on from this situation. Oliver leans forward and buries his face in his hands.

„Oh fuck, this is gonna be a mess, isn’t it? They’re definitely gonna ask about us fucking.“ He adds, trying to bring some humor to the situation.

„Ryan!“ Oliver exclaims, slightly shocked by his nonchalance of those words as they leave Ryan’s mouth. „They’re not gonna ask that. They’ll do it a lot more subtly and sneaky.“

„Outcome’s the same, isn’t it? We’ll get asked invasive questions that nobody has any right to know about.“ 

„Yeah, I guess. It just sucks. I was really looking forward to those interviews.“ Oliver deflates slightly, already dreading the the following week.

„Well, who says we can’t have a little bit of fun with it?“ Ryan’s face lights up with a smirk as the dots seemingly connect in his mind. And Oliver already has a feeling that whatever ideas Ryan has come up with will only end in more chaos.

„Oh god, I already fear where you’re going with this.“

„Hey, you got to make bad decisions last night so that means I get to make some now.“ Ryan argues and tries to make it sound any less crazy.

„I don’t think that’s how it works Ryan. Two bad decisions are still worse than one.“ Oliver says, though the beginning smile on his face is telling more about his feelings than his actual words. Because no matter how much he’s trying to stay reasonable and logical, that’s not an easy thing to do around Ryan. And he can’t deny that he’s intrigued about this idea of Ryan.

„That might be true.“ Ryan admits to that, though clearly not done with what he’s saying and most likely about to propose the opposite of the rational thing to do. „But just think about the fun we could have. Playing into their suspicions, dialing up our chemistry and antics and giving them a little bit of what they want.“ 

„This is dangerous, Ryan.“ Oliver says in a warning tone, though the growing grin on his face is betraying his composed and reasonable facade.

„I know.“ He says, raising his eyebrows challengingly at him. „It’s just the question if you’re up for it, princess.“ Oliver’s eyes shut halfway and he glints at Ryan with a menacing gaze.

„Oh you’re on.“ He huffs after a moment. „I’ll give you and them a show they won’t forget“ 

„Is that so, huh? Can’t wait to be wooed and flirted with by you on camera.“ Ryan teases him, seeing how worked up and competitive Oliver has become over this in the last few seconds. In one swift motion Ryan moves his body from lying next to Oliver’s, to hovering right above him, caging him with both of his arms. Oliver freezes for a short moment, this probably being the most intimate position they’ve ever been in. „We’ll see if you’ll be able to keep your composure around me. Your track record’s not that great so far.“ Oliver’s cheeks darken instantly and as he regains function over his body he uses all his strength to push Ryan off him and onto the floor.

„You think you’re so irresistible, don’t you?“ Oliver groans, looking up to the ceiling.

„You certainly seem to think so.“ Ryan responds smugly and it only takes Oliver a second to come to the conclusion that the fall has once again messed with Ryan’s towel which is why he is trying his hardest to not avert his eyes from the ceiling. 

„Do you get off on being a menace and showing off?“ Oliver asks sarcastically while fixating on this one dent on the ceiling and wondering how it got there. Ryan doesn’t seem fazed though as he still hasn’t made any sounds or movements that indicate him fixing his towel.

„Wouldn’t you like to know.“ Is the only response he gets which only makes Oliver feel more wound up.

„Oh my god, I’m gonna go take a shower so I can get away from you.“ Oliver jumps up from the bed and takes two big steps to quickly get to bathroom without sparing Ryan as much as a single glance. He’s just gripped the doorknob when Ryan speaks again.

„You know, cold showers help to calm things down if that’s what you need.“ For a moment Oliver fears he’s going to break the doorknob with how hard he’s squeezing it right now.

„RYAN.“ He’s about to whip his head around to face him but remembers just in time that that would be the worst thing he could do right now. So instead he rushes the door open and slips through it to the sound of Ryan’s loud and vibrant laughter.

After the door has closed behind him, Oliver lets himself slide down the door until his half-bare thighs touch the cold bathroom tiles. It seems that he’s abandoned his jeans god knows where sometime last night. It takes him a few minutes to deal with his hangover and whatever just happened in the room next door, the cold beneath him being a welcome cooling and grounding sensation that helps him clear his mind. Oliver quickly undresses once he’s felt sure that it wouldn’t result in him vomiting all over the place. The relaxation is instantaneous when the hot water ripples all over his skin, cleansing his mind of every last distracting thought. 

He’s not exactly sure how long he’s in there but it’s long enough to make him feel somewhat alive again as he steps out of the shower, only seeing an outline of himself in the fogged up mirror as he’s dripping water onto the tiles. He’s drying himself off with one of the towels that are neatly stacked on the shelf next to the sink when instinct takes over and he reaches for a clean change of clothes. Only to realize that he in fact doesn’t have a change of clothes considering this sleepover hadn’t exactly been planned. Oliver looks over to the pile of dirty clothes he discarded there only a few minutes ago and the thought of putting them back immediately makes the bile rise a good chunk in his throat. 

Choosing to not overthink it, Oliver calls out to his friend in the next room. „Ryan?“. It takes a moment before the other responds.

„Oli?“ 

„I’ve got a bit of a predicament here.“ Oliver says as he hears Ryan’s footsteps get louder and louder until they stop right in front of the door that’s currently separating them.

„And what’s that?“ He asks interestedly and Oliver can already hear the tug at the corners of his mouth through the words without seeing him.

„Well you see, I didn’t really have the foresight to bring a change of clothes and just looking at my dirty clothes from yesterday makes me wanna die.“ Oliver tries to explain himself and hopes that Ryan gets where he’s going with this and will just bring him some clothes. But he wouldn’t be Ryan if he’d just do that.

„So?“ The word is drawn out and Oliver knows that Ryan just wants to annoy him.

„So I wanted to ask nicely if you’d be so kind to lend me some of yours.“ Oliver thickly coats his words with affection that’s clearly sarcastic but hopes that Ryan will ignore that and help him out. 

„Ah, I see how it is. I’ll see what I can do.“ Resting his forehead against the door he waits patiently as the footsteps retreat and appear once again not much later. He snaps his head back when Ryan knocks against the wood separating them. Oliver turns the key and opens the door just enough to stick his head through it while hiding the rest of his body. Ryan looks at him with one eyebrow raised, waiting for Oliver to do anything really. When he doesn’t for a solid ten seconds, Ryan just huffs out a laugh and hands him a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. With the door still slightly ajar, Oliver looks at the clothes and quickly realizes that these do not make a complete outfit. Looking back up he redirects his attention to Ryan again.

„Ryan,“ Oliver starts cautiously, shortly waiting to see if the other catches on himself, which doesn’t end up happening. „Didn’t you forget something?“ He seems to ponder for a moment but quickly shakes his head.

„Not that I know of.“ Ryan responds and Oliver isn’t sure if he believes him after noticing the slight mischievous glint in his eyes. He sighs before deciding to just go for it and make a joke of it instead of having to ask his friend awkwardly for a pair of underwear.

„Do you want me to go commando and see my dick flopping around in these shorts?“ He deadpans with a dry tone and for a moment he actually thinks he catches Ryan of guard when his eyes widen just slightly and the faintest of pink paints his cheeks. But it doesn’t take long before Ryan recovers and the smug expression returns to his face.

„It would’ve been for scientific purposes only!“ Ryan justifies, sounding mock scandalized by Oliver’s accusation.

„How would you seeing my dick be scientific?“ Over the course of their conversation the door has opened sightly more, now partly exposing the left side of Oliver’s body, though still covering up all the important bits and pieces. He can see Ryan struggle to come up with an explanation which makes Oliver feel quite satisfied and like he has the upper hand for once.

„You know,“ Ryan starts innocently while scanning the exposed parts of Oliver’s body. „With Buck’s nickname being firehose I thought maybe someone needed to check if that name is actually fitting.“ This time it’s Oliver’s turn to fluster and for his eyes to widen. He unconsciously looks down himself and well, it’s not like the nickname doesn’t fit him as well, but that certainly isn’t information that Ryan needs to be privy to.

It’s a split second decision when he chooses not to close the door right in Ryan’s face. Ryan always teases him and he thinks that maybe it’s time for the roles to be reversed. Before thinking it fully through and what might happen afterwards, the words leave his mouth without his volition.

„Well, why don’t you come and take a look.“ Oliver tries his best to not let it show that he’s probably much more shocked by his words than Ryan, so he keeps his gaze steady on Ryan and waits fro him to react in any way. He’s just now realizing that he has no idea what to do if Ryan actually takes him up on his offer that was most definitely a joke from his side. He wouldn’t survive Ryan looking at him like that without getting at least half hard and that would certainly spoil all his chances of keeping his little crush a secret. Thankfully he doesnt have to worry any longer seeing as Ryan’s eyes have doubled in size and he’s trying his hardest to look everywhere but Oliver’s face. He’s fiddling with his hands and stuttering slightly as he begins to speak.

„You know what,“ Ryan starts as he fixes his gaze on the floor. „on second thought, I’m just gonna, ahem, get you that, you know.“ He turns around before finishing his sentence and is out of Oliver’s sight. „be right back.“

The entire time that Ryan is gone he simply stands there rooted to the spot trying to make sense of the situation. A comment like that wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for him in any other situation. He loves a good tease and would say he’s quite quick-witted. But saying something like this to your crush that you don’t want to find out about said crush is uncharted territory even for him. Without having any more time to dwell on the situation, Ryan approaches once again, holding a pair of navy Calvin Klein trunks out to him while doing his best to avoid eye contact. He doesn’t say anything, simply waiting for Oliver to take them from him and is gone as quickly as he had come back after Oliver takes the pair of underwear from him. 

Oliver closes the door of the bathroom and makes sure to lock it because he’s not sure he could survive another encounter with Ryan like this. He turns around, grabs the sink and stares at himself in the mirror with a look that he himself can’t really read. The only thing he’s sure of is that hiding his feelings from Ryan is going to be a lot harder than he might’ve thought originally.

—— —— ——

Ryan is sitting stiffly on the couch when Oliver enters the living room, the scene of the crime from last night. For the moment he forgoes acknowledging the other when he spots the water, painkillers, and toast on the coffee table. He can feel the hangover seeping out of his body just at the sight. 

„Oh my god, you’re a heaven sent. Maybe I should make demands like a princess more often.“ Oliver chuckles as he swallows the pill with a sip of water while sitting down on the couch next to Ryan, immediately sprawling himself out on the couch with the toast in hand like he’s right at home. It takes his stomach a moment to decide if the food is welcome or not but he ultimately thinks that he couldn’t have gone another second without it as he absentmindedly munches the bread. When Ryan doesn’t respond to him for seemingly too long and altogether seems a bit off, Oliver decides it’s time to ask. „All good, Ryan?“ 

„Mmh.“ Ryan only mumbles in response while his body only tenses more. He’s known Ryan long enough to be sure that he’s not telling the truth right now and feels like it’s his job to make sure that he’s okay.

„Hey, spit it out. After this morning, nothing can shock me anymore.“ Oliver tries to sound as peppy and light hearted as possible to ease the atmosphere for Ryan to open up to him. He’s about to ask again when Ryan keeps quiet for a while but just as he opens his mouth again, the words come sputtering out of Ryan.

„I just wanted to say I’m sorry, for you know, before. I didn’t mean to make it weird or for you to feel uncomfortable when you just needed a change of clothes. I just-“ 

„Hey, stop.“ Oliver turns onto his side and gently puts one of his hands on Ryans arm in a calming manner. „It’s really not a big deal. I wasn’t uncomfortable.“ He waits for the tension to leave Ryan’s body which ultimately doesn’t happen.

„I just really didn’t wanna make things weird and even though I proposed the dialing up our chemistry I feel like I’ve taken it too far and-“ He starts again but Oliver once again doesn’t let him finish his train of thought.

„Ryan.“ Sitting up to be face to face to him, Oliver draws out his name and puts as much conviction into his voice as possible. „It’s okay, really. If I was truly uncomfortable with something you’ve said I would’ve told you. And it’s not like I kept my comments PG either.“ Thinking back to the split second that Oliver thought Ryan might actually come into the bathroom makes the heat in his body rise once again.

„I guess so.“ Ryan deflates slightly and it seems like relief is slowly starting to move throughout his body as he leans back against the cushions. „But maybe we should just stop with the flirting.“ He attempts a laugh at the end but it comes out more forced than anything else. And if Oliver would be thinking rationally, he should be grateful to have been given an out by Ryan because the flirting and tension has increased tenfold since this morning which is making it incredibly hard for him to control his thoughts and feelings around and for the other. But he kind of does not want to be rational right now. Because this is equal parts scary as well as thrilling. Well actually more scary than thrilling if he’s honest. But something in him doesn’t want it to stop and he wants to see how far they can take it. Because if it’s a game then this basically gives him a free pass to flirt with Ryan to his hearts desire without any repercussions. So instead of agreeing with him he does the opposite.

„I think you’re just afraid you’re not as resistant to my charm as you thought you were.“ Oliver uses a nonchalance in his voice combined with a smugness that he knows is gonna make it hard for Ryan to resist.

„What?“ The other turns around, looking at him with a gauging expression, not yet sure if he’s serious.

„I guess you’re just scared you’re gonna fold immediately once I use my flirting A-game on you so you’d rather end it before you embarrass yourself.“ He really doesn’t know where this confidence is coming from but there is something so electrifying about egging him on like this and pushing him to tease him back. Oliver catches the exact moment that he’s got Ryan.

„You’re quite full of yourself aren’t you.“ Ryan huffs at him, now fully back in when just a few seconds ago he was so uncertain.

„I’ve got every reason to be.“ 

„Sure you do, princess.“

„You’ll see.“ Oliver says before deciding to give Ryan a little showcase of his repertoire. He gets up and leans over the coffee table right in front of Ryan to reach for the TV remote while basically positioning his ass on a silver platter for him. Missing the remote a few times on purpose as he wiggles around, Oliver can’t yet see the look on Ryan’s face but he’s sure it’ll be worth it. And he’s right. With the remote finally in his hand he turns his face around and his eyes find Ryan’s face immediately. The other’s eyes though are not trained on his face or anywhere near there. „You okay, Ryan?“ Oliver asks with all the innocence in the world as he sits back down next to him while the satisfaction washes over him internally. He blinks a few times as he waits for Ryan to say anything really but the other simply presses his lips into a straight line and slightly shakes his head.

„You, you are so,“ It seems like he’s missing the words to actually say what’s on his mind so Oliver decides to take that burden from him.

„Beautiful, kind, gorgeous, funny, smart, hot, fantastic-“ 

„Menacing.“ Ryan interrupts his ongoing strand of self compliments.

 „Well, you better prepare yourself for those interviews or you’ll end up a puddle if this little flirting already has you at a loss for words.“ 

„I certainly won’t go down without a fight.“ Ryan says confidently and before Oliver has any chance to retort something, the other leans into him. He stops just shy of his face, holding an intense eye contact and Oliver feels like the world is suddenly spinning around him with how close Ryan is to him. He could memorize every single detail of his face if he weren’t so mesmerized by his eyes and he really has to hold himself back from doing something that he would absolutely regret a second later. Ryan’s hand suddenly wraps around his wrist and sends what feels like a million volt through his body. It lingers there for a moment before slowly moving down, now fully engulfing his own hand and Oliver feels so incredibly dizzy but can’t break out of this trance. 

„Oliver.“ Ryan whispers just as Oliver was about to speak. He doesnt know what words would’ve come tumbling out of his mouth but he’s more than glad that Ryan beat him to it. The air between them feels charged and Oliver is hanging on Ryan’s lips like a starved man, waiting for him to say literally anything at this point. He couldn’t speak even if he wanted to, only swallowing harshly in response. Oliver’s eyes widen just the slightest bit more when Ryan moves to speak again. „You wanna watch a movie?“ It happens so much faster than Oliver can register. The words have barely left Ryan’s lips before he snags the remote from his encased hand and moves back next to him like nothing happened.

Oliver lets out a mixture of gasp and laugh, only slowly starting to process what just happened. Ryan is the first of them who bursts out laughing though it doesn’t take long before relaxation and relief begin coursing through Oliver’s body again and he joins in on the infectious sound. 

„Yes,“ Oliver says, between breathless laughs „a movie sounds nice. „Also,“ He pauses for dramatic effect while Ryan looks at him expectantly, the laughter still visible on the corners of his lips. „fuck you.“ They both burst out laughing again.

—— —— ——

The last rays of sunshine slowly disappear, leaving only a light orange hue at the horizon by the time that Oliver and Ryan finish their fourth movie. With nothing else to do and a nasty hangover they’d both decided that today was not the day to try and be productive. They’d taken turns choosing movies over the course of the day (Ryan hadn’t been particularly pleased when Oliver had chosen Step Up Revolution but had reluctantly agreed to it) while devouring the greasy food they’d eventually ordered when the hunger had become unbearable. 

With the credits rolling and the movie score filling what would otherwise be silence, Oliver slowly wakes up and squints a few times to adjust to the brightness of the room. Being perched comfortably on the couch, he decides to hug the pillow underneath him just the slightest bit tighter. It happens simultaneously that this pretty firm pillow starts chuckling as well as him realizing that he is definitely not laying on a pillow. But he’s too tired for his reflexes to kick in and move away so he simply turns his head slightly to look at Ryan. 

„Sleep well?“ Ryan asks with a stupid grin on his face. Oliver had hoped that the other hadn’t caught him during the multiple small naps he’d taken throughout their movie marathon. Though every bit of that hope had been crushed the moment he realized that he’d fallen asleep on Ryan or moved onto him in his sleep. Which he’s not sure which one would be worse. Because despite doing absolutely nothing at all today, this hangover has him feeling completely drained and exhausted. He’s glad that he has another full day of downtime before press week starts. But right now he’s gotta find a way to get out of this situation unscathed.

„I wasn’t asleep.“ Oliver tries with as much confidence as possible to maybe convince Ryan of his words.

„Sure, princess. Who did all the snoring then?“ Ryan chuckles under his breath at the same time that Oliver squints his eyes at him, trying to appear more threatening.

„´m not a princess.“ It’s not on purpose that he’s pouting at Ryan but the few minutes after waking up always leave him quite vulnerable and soft. „´n I’m sure it was one of the trolls that was snoring.“ Oliver’s latest movie choice had been Frozen (He’d had to deal with Ryan’s judgy look in the beginning only to hear him sniffling halfway through the movie) which he feels like is really coming in handy now that he’s in desperate need of an excuse.

„Oh, you’re definitely a princess. A really buff one, but most definitely still a princess. And your excuses are as believable as the ones my kids use to get out of things.“ 

„You’re so mean.“ Oliver whines while using his fingers to poke Ryan’s ribs. As a result the other jumps up and catapults Oliver off him and onto the couch. He groans from the impact of his head hitting the cushion, the circumstances being a lot more dramatic due to his hangover. „So mean.“ 

„That’s what you get for poking me.“ 

„That’s what you get for poking me.“ Oliver mimics him with a high pitched voice only to have a pillow hit him square on the head a few seconds later. „You are an evil man.“ He says before turning onto his side away from Ryan to fake sulk in peace. It’s then that his eyes focus on a clock and he realizes that it’s already evening and that he should probably get going even though every fibre of his being is fighting him on that thought because the prospect of leaving this couch seems torturous. „Ugh, how is it already so late?“ 

„You could just stay, you know.“ Ryan says quietly. And Oliver is so tempted to just say yes and stay another night. Despite the near heart attacks that Ryan has caused him with his flirting over the day he just feels so damn comfortable with him. But maybe that’s also the problem. He feels so comfortable around him that he fears his crush might become so obvious that he can’t really deny it anymore. The whole flirting thing is a nice cover, but it's also pretty dangerous for him. Because having your crush flirt with you, no matter if fake or not, still does something to you. So maybe it’ll be good to have a day to himself to unwind and prep for the press and the inevitable chaos that Ryan and him will cause if they keep this up. To soften the blow of turning him down, Oliver takes to making a joke about it.

„One day of me flirting with you and you already don’t want me to leave. Don’t wanna risk you falling in love with me if I stay another night.“ Oliver delivers his words like he’s doing Ryan a favor by leaving while simultaneously smirking the entire time.

„Oh shut up.“ Ryan laughs. „You just wanna leave because you’re actually scared of falling in love with me if you stick around any longer.“ 

„Oh sure, if that helps you sleep at night, then yes, definitely.“ Oliver says as he slowly starts getting up and grabbing a few of the cartons of fast food they’d ordered to bring them to the kitchen. „I can’t wait for the whole world to see you falling in love with me live on television.“ He blows him a kiss right before rounding the corner and disappearing into the kitchen.

„It’s going to be the other way around, I’ll make sure of that.“ The other shouts from the living room. 

It doesn’t take long before they’ve both cleaned up the mess they’ve made over the course of the day by not leaving the couch if not absolutely necessary. Shortly after, they hear a car honking outside the house which Oliver quickly realizes must be the Uber he called a few minutes ago. He quickly grabs the few belongings that he brought with him in the drunken haze last night and meets up with Ryan in the entryway of the house. 

„So,“ Oliver starts, looking at Ryan who returns the same hesitating look. 

„So.“ The other says nearly simultaneously which makes them both chuckle. 

„Guess I’ll see you for the interviews?“ It sounds more like a question even though it isn’t really.

„Yeah, definitely.“ 

„Okay. Then see you.“ Oliver says but doesn’t make any moves to leave. It only takes a moment before Ryan moves towards him and opens his arms for him which Oliver promptly reciprocates before wrapping his own around Ryan. The hug lasts slightly longer than what’s normal for them. Right as Oliver wants to break them apart does he feel Ryan’s breath near his ear.

„Goodbye, princess.“ It’s nothing more than a whisper but still makes Oliver’s entire body tangibly shiver. Oliver turns around without hesitation, ending the embrace and starts walking out the door. On his way out, he raises his hand again and gives Ryan the middle finger before closing the door behind him. Ryan’s laugh is the last thing he hears before getting into the Uber.

Chapter Text

Oliver hurries through the corridor, desperate to make it somewhat on time. He was scheduled to be in hair and makeup at 11:30 AM and checking his phone he realizes with horror that it’s already 11:37 AM and there truly isn’t a lot that he hates more than being late. Trying to find his way through the studio proves rather difficult when there’s no signs to guide the way and no people around to help. He nearly yelps of joy when he finds the signposted door after another left turn. He yanks the door open with way too much force, immediately pulling the attention of everyone in the room onto him. He quickly scans all the faces of his co-stars and the stylists as a way of greeting and then scurries through the room once he’s spotted his stylist who’s already waiting for him.

„Sorry, sorry, sorry.“ Oliver hushes a few quick apologies as he plops down into his chair, letting Suzanne do her magic. Because, looking in the mirror, it’s desperately needed.

„Good morning to you too, Oli.“ She laughs that warm laugh that can cheer him up even at the earliest of call times on set.

„I like never oversleep. I’m a chronically on-time person, you know that.“ He sighs while Suzanne goes through his hair, which has seen better days if he’s truthful.

„Well, then something really crazy must’ve happened for you to be late.“ She smugly raises her eyebrows at him to which he squints his eyes in response, not really catching on to what she’s insinuating. 

„What?“

„You weren’t the only late one today.“ She looks away and Oliver follows her gaze until it lands and stays on Ryan. It takes him a few seconds until he connects the dots and realizes what she’s getting at. His eyes widen and he gives her that wide eyed are-you-serious look to which she just responds „I read the news.“

„No, no no no.“ The denial has left his mouth in record time. „This is not what you think it is.“

„It isn’t?“ She questions him like she doesn’t believe a single word that’s coming out of his mouth.

„No! We were drunk and you know-“ Oliver tries to explain but is cut off by a shrill nice coming from Suzanne.

„I knew it!“ She exclaims way too loudly, making everybody turn their heads around 

„Quiet!“ He hisses. „Nothing happened. We got drunk, went to his place, drank some more and then woke up, clothed,“ Oliver makes sure to put extra  emphasis on that last word without speaking up any more to make sure that nobody else is listening in on their conversation. „to the news of those pictures.“

„Ugh, how boring.“ Suzanne sighs, which makes Oliver want to slam his head onto the counter. „Not to sound like some of your crazy fans but those pictures really told a different story if you wanted them to.“

„I know. Which is why I was going a bit mental over those interviews today, because there’s no way they’ll not bring this up.“ 

„Was? So you’re not worried anymore?“

„Well,“ He starts but has absolutely no idea how to explain their plan without sounding absolutely unhinged and deranged. 

„Spill it!“ For a moment he contemplates if he really wants to tell her. But if he can’t tell his most trusted stylist, then who else could he tell. And it’s not like she isn’t going to see what’s going to happen in the interviews anyway. 

„We thought it might be fun to play a bit into the whole situation instead of awkwardly trying to talk our way out of it because we both know they’ll ask about it anyway.“ He immediately quints one of his eyes shut in order to not avoid the judgy look Suzanne is surely about to give him.  

„Oliver Leon Jones.“ She says from behind him which immediately makes him snap his head towards her.

„Not the full government name.“ He quietly interjects in fear of what she’s about to lay on him.

„That is a terrible idea and you know it.“

„Of course I know that.“ He whisper shouts at her. „But it’s just so hard to say no to him when he has those big brown baby cow eyes.“ His eyes have involuntarily moved over to Ryan and the words have left his mouth before even realizing how pathetic that just made him sound. He tris to take it back and stop her but it’s futile. „No, don’t ev-“

„Oh god you’re so down bad.“ Her laughter is instantaneous.

„I’m not!“ Oliver insists but he’s sure he isn’t being convincing at all.

„And keep it down please, don’t need anybody else to be alerted of my patheticness:“

„Sure, sure. You sound very believable.“ Oliver fears that if that gigantic grin on her face is there much longer it’ll be permanently etched in there. „Oh my god, I can’t wait to see how this plays out, this’ll be more entertaining than any movie I’ve seen all year.“ Oliver lets his head fall down into his hands, wishing for the ground below him to open up. It’s not even that she’s wrong, it’s just that saying it out loud really does make him sound like a pathetic down bad lunatic. „Hey, don’t destroy all my hard work.“ She swats at his arm while bringing his head bak up into a normal position.

The next minutes go by quickly with him trying to dodge as many questions that Suzanne asks him to get any more information out of him. Despite that, it’s all fairly simple today. He actually finds hair and makeup to be quite enjoyable when he doesn’t have to sit down more than an hour to get most of his tattoos covered up. But that’s ultimately his fault, isn’t it. With only a few minutes left before a short rundown of the schedule for today, Oliver changes into something that’s a bit more presentable than a tracksuit.

Oliver says goodbye to Suzanne and tries to squint his eyes at her glaringly for all the comments and questions he’s had to endure in the last nearly thirty minutes. He follows the red glowing arrows that lead him right into the room where they’ll do all the interviews today. With big strides, Oliver crosses the room, already locating the two rows of chairs for his co-stars and him as well as little buffet near the windows as he makes his way over to his people.

He ends up stopping next to Ryan, bumping softly into his shoulder to greet him wordlessly while someone from their team is already rattling down today’s schedule. 

„Hey.“ Ryan says after turning around to face him. This is the first time that Oliver really sees him up close today and he immediately notices the stubble on the other’s face that hadn’t been there when he’d left his house less than forty-eight hours ago. It takes him back a little because he’s always thought that even just the slightest beard makes Ryan that much more attractive. He wonders if it has anything to do with their conversation about his mustache but quickly releases that thought because he couldn’t deal with that right now. „Look who finally made it.“ He’d like to wipe that smug grin off Ryan’s face if it didn’t look so damn good on him.

„Oh shut it.“ Oliver elbows him affectionately. „It was just a few minutes. And a little birdie told me that you were also late.“ 

„You really can’t keep anything a secret around here.“ 

„True that.“ Oliver agrees after his eventful conversation with Suzanne. „Are you ready though?“ 

„For what exactly, the interviews or our secret little game?“ Ryan raises his eyebrows challengingly at Oliver like he’s already won whatever they have going on even though he’s not sure what it’d take to win this.

„Both.“ 

„Then yes. You don’t even know what you’re up against.“ Oliver really isn’t sure if he finds Ryan’s cockiness infuriating, hot or maybe a little bit of both.

„Oh, is that so? Maybe it’s you that should be scared.“ 

„I don’t think that’s necessary. But maybe you’ll surprise me, princess.“ He wants to punch and kiss Ryan at the same time. Someone from their team demands their attention just as Oliver is about to challenge him again.

„Listen up everybody, you know the drill of this by now so I’m not gonna go through it all again. Just sit down, sound excited, ideally create some buzz for the show,“ At that, Ryan looks over to him and gives him a little wink. „But most importantly,“ They wait to continue until everybody from the cast choruses the line that’s been drilled into them from day one.

„No spoilers.“ They all say in unison with some underlying laughs.

It’s then that they all collectively walk over to the filming area, the light and camera all having been set up already. They all scramble around a bit trying to figure out a constellation that works best for the most likely interactions as well as visually. So Oliver ends up sitting in the elevated back row in between Ryan and Aisha. There’s a bit of chatter until the first interviewer, a guy probably in his early thirties, sits down in the chair opposite all of them. He quickly introduces himself as Blake from Entertainment Weekly while organizing a few last things next to his seat before giving the go ahead to start filming. Somebody from the crew counts down from five before they start rolling. 

This is quite new and exciting for them since they mostly do interviews alone or in pairs so it already takes a while for them all to introduce themselves, immediately breaking out into conversation. They knew that these interviews were gonna be a lot messier and chaotic than their usual ones but they really just wanted to have fun with it and show the fans a bit more of their dynamic as a whole group.

„So 9-1-1 has been on for for a few years now, what do you guys think makes this season in particular special and what can the fans be excited about this time around?“ 

It takes them a moment to figure out who’ll be the first one to respond but then Aisha takes initiative. „Well you know, we’ve been through some changes throughout the years when it comes to network, showrunners and writers. This season it feels like a lot of characters are really finding their way and are being faced with new or old challenges that help them grow and become a new and hopefully better version of themselves. On top of that we’ve also had some really fun emergencies this time around.“ 

„On the topic of exciting things I’ve also heard that you directed an episode yourself this season.“

„Yes, it was a really enriching experience and I hope the fans will like it because I nearly crashed out every day with nerves.“ She laughs while Jennifer and Peter assure her of doing great.

They all end up being asked some questions about their characters specifically and Oliver is the last one in that line of questions.

„So, Buck has been through quite a lot these last seasons but seemingly left season seven on quite the positive note after discovering a new facet of his sexuality and getting with his first boyfriend. Will things keep going this great for Buck?“

„You know things never stay great for long, they love to put our characters through the wringer.“ He laughs, thinking about all the storylines his character has to deal with this season. „He definitely has some ups and downs and some situations will force him to look inward and evaluate what he really wants and also what he wants his life to look like.“

„We know that Buck has a history of failed relationships, will Tommy be the one to break that streak for him?“ The interviewer asks curiously and Oliver wishes he could be honest and say that he’s never been more glad for Buck to have another failed relationship if it means not having that man on set for another day. But he obviously can’t do that so he chooses the diplomatic answer. 

„Well I obviously can’t tell you what happens with the two of them throughout the season.“ With how it’s been since they’d filmed the breakup, it feels so wrong to say this next part. „But for the start I can definitely tell that they’re still continuing to explore their connection.“

„That sounds promising.“ The interviewer says seemingly satisfied with his answer. Though the attention shifts to Ryan when he coughs in response and quickly apologizes. To the world it might look like an accident but when Oliver meets his gaze he can see the slight smug glint in his eyes and knows that this was everything but an accident. Oliver unnoticeably rolls his eyes fondly at Ryan before turning his attention back to the interviewer. „Thank you guys so much for today, it was lovely talking to ya’ll. Before we wrap I up I gotta ask one more thing though.“ Everybody perks up at that, intrigued at what this last question might be. „Ryan and Oliver, what’s the story behind those photos you posted together?“ 

Despite him being so conscious of this most definitely being brought up today, he’d somehow managed to not even think about it during the course of this interview. But as soon as he heard both Ryan’s and his name together he knew what was about to be asked. Their co-stars immediately try to hold back their laughter, some more successful than others. Before he has a chance to say anything, Ryan turns round to him with a smug grin on his face that he knows means nothing good for him.

„Yeah Oliver, what were these photos about?“ Ryan’s voice is borderline teasing and if looks could kill Ryan would be no more. He takes a quick deep breath before turning his attention back to the interviewer. 

„Well, you see,“ Oliver starts, but doesn’t really know how to continue. Because despite thinking so much about this certainly coming up today he didn’t spend much time thinking about how he’s gonna respond to it. So he chooses to go with the version that is as close to the truth as possible without embarrassing himself. „It was our season wrap party and both Ryan and me were a few too many drinks in by the time we’d decided to move the party to his house-“ 

„Which they conveniently forgot to tell the rest of us about.“ Aisha interjects and he also shoots her one of his death glares because he’d hoped for some support from her but he realizes that was a far flung wish.

„Anyway, we ended up having a few more drinks-“

„All his idea by the way.“ This time it’s Ryan who interrupts him and Oliver really wants to shut him up. Theres multiple ways on his mind to do that, sadly none of them appropriate for television.

„As I was saying,“ Oliver continues, louder than before, making sure not to be interrupted again. „We had a few more drinks and honestly I don’t remember much afterwards. So those photos were as much of a surprise to ya’ll as they were to us.“ 

„You.“ Ryan corrects him and Oliver doesn’t understand what he means, throwing him a questioning look. „A surprise to you. I remember us taking them.“ Oliver’s eye widen and he tries to portray the words you-knew-and-you-didn’t-fucking-tell-me with his facial expression alone. He’s sure some version of it makes it to Ryan because his smug grin only grows wider. Oliver’s gaze quickly darts to the interviewer who is alternating his focus between him and Ryan like a pink-pong match.

„Then why don’t you enlighten us about what it was like to take them since you seem to be the only party that has a recollection of it?“ Oliver says and regrets it immediately because god knows what actually happened and what Ryan is gonna reveal. 

„You gotta know that Oliver is quite the clingy drunk,“ Ryan starts and Oliver immediately groans and buries his head in his hands, only absently hearing Aisha agree with Ryan. „And he just really wanted to capture the moment and this milestone and seemingly give the fans a little treat.“

„Well, you can be certain that this will have been the last time that you’ll ever see me in the same picture with this traitor.“ He’s leaning into the dramatics and shoots Ryan another threatening glare. Ryan matches his energy and comically clutches his heart.

„It clearly seems like you two had a great time that night even though the fans will now mourn any future photos of you together.“ Blake concludes, seeming more than happy about the situation that has unfolded due to this question. 

„They can thank Ryan for that.“ Oliver laughs while Ryan looks apologetically at the camera.

„It’s been a pleasure you guys.“ He turns to the camera to say the next bit. „Be sure to check out the brand new season of 9-1-1 starting next week on ABC at 8/7 central.“ They all wave at the camera and say their goodbyes before someone from the crew calls out that it’s a wrap on Entertainment Weekly.

Oliver and the other walks over to the little buffet area as they wait for the next media outlet to set up their cameras and gear. As soon as they’re out of earshot from the journalists, Oliver swiftly moves towards Ryan and lands a punch on his upper arm. The other groans in pain.

„Hey! What was that for?“ Ryan asks like he doesn’t know.

„Oh, you know exactly what that was for.“ Oliver grins as he takes one of the little sandwiches from the table next to him. Then he leans in close to say the next words, not wanting any more people to be aware of their little game. „Next round though, you’ll have no chance.“ 

„You’re so funny, Oli.“ Ryan says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. „Last interview was only the warm up, just you wait until you see what I’ve got planned for the next one.“ He shudders slightly, hearing Ryan use his low voice so husky and close to him.

„Bring it on then.“ If there’s one thing they have in common it’s not backing down from a challenge.

„You know I will.“ 

Shortly after they’re being called back to their seats for the next interview they all choose the same seating constellation as earlier before a young woman, probably barely into her twenties, sits down opposite of them. She introduces herself as Amanda from PinkNews, which already makes Oliver like her. He’s done an interview with them before and really enjoyed the atmosphere and questions they’d asked him.

Time passes in what feels like the blink of an eye with how well they’re all interacting and the fun questions Lisa is throwing their way. It happens towards the end that the topic of Ryan and him is once again brought up. He didn’t expect anything else to be fair.

„I have to admit, we at PinkNews are all big Buddie fans, so both we and the fans were pretty excited when the pictures of you two went online recently. You guys caused quite the uproar with those, didn’t you?“ She looks like she’s finally been able to ask the question that’s been burning on her tongue for the entirety of the interview. But since Oliver answered last time, he leaves the spotlight to Ryan, motioning for him to give it a go.

„Dont remind me“ Ryan laughs, making it sound authentic and like it’s the first time the topic has been brought up today. „I post a few innocent drunken pictures with my friend and suddenly the internet is on fire“

„Innocent you say?“ Lisa asks Ryan challengingly and Oliver decides that he absolutely loves her. His favorite interviewer of all time. He’s gonna have to thank her afterwards.

„Okay, okay. Maybe it wasn’t completely innocent. But you know what, sometimes you just gotta have a little fun, right?

„Your cute cherry cheeks in the pictures are definitely a testament to that fun.“ Oliver chimes in and jokingly pinches Ryan’s cheek. The other’s attention immediately shifts to him and he earns himself a glare right as the mentioned color creeps onto his face.

„Well, there’s very little I can do about that. But glad you find them cute.“

„Can’t deny the truth.“ Oliver says, looking him right in the eye making it known to him that this isn’t part of the bit and he’s being truthful in hopes of throwing Ryan off balance. And he thinks that he was at least partially successful with the way Ryan’s eyes widen the slightest bit.

„Wow, you guys really have just as great of a chemistry off-screen as you do on-screen. Do you have anything to say about the current rumors surrounding you two?“ Lisa knows that she’s borderline crossing into inappropriate questions by the way she’s looking at them. Oliver already sees someone from their team motioning to them that they don’t have to answer this and can have them step in and shut the question down. But before he has any chance to do that, Ryan decides to engage and Oliver fears for the worst.

„Then how ´bout we put those rumors to rest once and for all?“ Ryan proposes quite nonchalantly to which Oliver, the rest of the cast and even the interviewer look at him in confusion and astonishment.

„And how’d you do that?“ Lisa asks curiously, clearly somewhat surprised that he’s responded to the question.

„By showing you and the world that just because were friends doesn’t mean we can’t be close with each other.“ And before Oliver has any chance to react or think about what Ryan could mean with that, the other leans in and places a soft and lingering kiss on his cheek. He’s sure that his eyes widen comically and he’s seemingly not the only surprised one with the way everyone around them gasps. Oliver’s synapses are being rewired as he tries to make sense of the fact that Ryan just did this on television. And blindsiding him completely. When Ryan retracts his lips from skin, Oliver immediately mourns the contact but tries his best to not let it show. „See nothing weird about two guy friends being affectionate. I mean, what’s a little kiss between friends, right Oliver?“

Oliver though is still a little too shocked to immediately find his footing again. It takes him a few moments to recover and say anything coherent.

„Yes, definitely.“ Is all he comes up with and he’s sure it sounds just as pathetic as it feels like.

„Don’t mind him, he’s a bit newer to this than I am, isn’t that right princess?“ This time it’s Oliver that turns around at the speed of light and gives him a death glare so strong he fears his own eyes might pop out. He can feel the heat rising to his face with every passing millisecond. „He hates when I call him that but I think it’s quite fitting.“ Ryan whispers at a volume that completely defeats the purpose of whispering when he’s airing out secrets like this. Oliver wishes to respond but he simply has no words left, only looking at the other and trying to communicate everything he can’t say until they’re out of earshot from everyone else.

„Well, you heard it here first, bring back causal affection in male friendships.“ She seems a bit taken aback by what just transpired but addresses the camera and with that the fans. „Thanks for clearing that up.“ 

The next minute of Lisa saying her goodbyes and doing the usual ending fare, flashes by Oliver who’s still trying to wrap his head about the cheek kiss and Ryan’s audacity. He gets up as soon as the crew calls the end and walks backwards, knowing that Ryan is right behind him. 

„You are so done.“ Oliver says, articulating every word with precision, drawing them out and leaving enough space between them to give them as much impact as possible. „Like so incredibly done. The likes of your demise have simply never been seen before.“ 

„Did I catch you off guard just now?“ Ryan asks innocently. 

„You are evil, you know that?“

„Yes, I’m highly aware. It’s one of my better qualities actually.“ Oliver wants to argue that but he notices that he can’t. Because no matter how much he hates it and how much embarrassment it causes him, he also for some unexplainable reason finds it incredibly attractive. He opens his mouth to say something but nothing comes out. Ryan waits for him but he just ends up closing his mouth again. Words aren’t necessary right now, Oliver is going to let his actions do all the talking. 

He walks away from Ryan and seeks out Peter, knowing that he’s the only one that won’t hound him about what just happened during this interview, giving him some much needed peace in preparation for this next interview. He’s still trying to think of something that will secure him the upper hand in this little game because so far all of his attempts have ended with Ryan taking over and turning the tables. The only way to make sure of that is to literally make Ryan speechless so he can’t say anything that will have Oliver blushing and losing. It takes him a few minutes but by the time that they’re being called back he thinks that he’s got a solid plan. A very bold one considering his crush on Ryan but he’s just gonna have to hype his confidence up enough to go through with it.

„Okay guys, this is the last interview before you have a longer lunch break. Make the best of it:“ Oliver thinks that said lunch break might be needed after what he’s about to do. Either to hide from Ryan or something else that he doesn’t dare to think about yet.

„Ready?“ Oliver whisper-asks Ryan as he once again sits down next to him.

„Always.“

„You better be.“

Oliver doesn’t really pay that much attention to the journalist as he introduces himself, too focused on his plan. The interview starts and he lets it go on as usual for a bit, waiting for a good moment to set his plan into motion. When they move on from the general questions and the man starts asking his cast mates individual questions, Oliver deicides it’s time. As subtly as possible, he moves his hand until it rests comfortably on Ryan’s left thigh. Them sitting in the back row ensures that everything below their torsos being is hidden from the camera which is the sole reason he’s able to do this now without anybody noticing. Well except Ryan. He definitely notices it and inconspicuously turns around to him and, keeping his expression as blank as possible. Oliver looks straight back at him before throwing him a challenging look as he starts to slowly massage the others thigh. Ryan shudders slightly and changes his position to not make it too obvious. 

„Oliver.“ Ryan leans over and whispers in a warning tone. But Oliver is on a mission. So while keeping his look straight on Ryan, he moves his hand further onto his upper thigh and kneads the muscle there through the thin layer of the linen pants he’s wearing. Ryan’s breath hitches and his eyes darken as he keeps looking at Oliver who nonchalantly stops paying him any attention as he directs his gaze back to the interviewer, though not letting up with his movements. He doesn’t stop, no matter how often he feels Ryan lay eyes on him, for the first time feeling like he has control of the situation. 

When the interviewer directs his attention to Ryan, Oliver knows it’s time to start the final phase of his plan. He moves his hand so far up Ryan’s thigh that’s it’s just shy of his crotch and he feels him trembling under him as the interviewer asks Ryan his question. With the attention now being on Ryan, Oliver doesn’t have any reason to not look at him. And Ryan looks like he’s using all of his willpower and concentration to keep it together which makes Oliver rejoice on the inside. When Ryan doesn’t answer, too distracted, Oliver revels in it when he gets to address him again.

„Ryan?“ Oliver says innocently, like he isn’t teasing Ryan to the highest extent. 

„Sorry, what was the question again?“ Rayn stumbles throughout the entirety of the short sentence, keeping his eyes deliberately away from Oliver.

„In what way do you think you and Eddie are the most alike?“ The interviewer asks again, looking slightly confused by Ryan’s behavior. After taking a few seconds to come up with a response Ryan starts with his answer. 

„Well I think Eddie and I have quite a lot in common. For example, we’re both-“ Oliver doesn’t let him get any further than that by giving the sensitive area an extra hard squeeze, making Ryan completely loose his train of thought. „Uh, I, we’re similar in the fact that, uhm.“ Though it seems Oliver has reached the limit of what Ryan will or can tolerate with how suddenly and forcefully the other grabs his wrist and keeps it in place, making this warning more than clear. „That we’ve both struggled with allowing and expressing emotions but continuously work on ourselves to become a better version of ourselves.“ Ryan takes a deep breath after kind of speeding and struggling through his answer. The interviewer seems to either deem his answer satisfactory enough or is weirded out enough by his behavior to move on. 

He keeps a steady and strong grip on Oliver’s wrist throughout the last few minutes of he interview and Oliver doesn’t think it’d be a good idea to tease him any more, so he stays calm and relishes in the fact that he absolutely won this round. The second the interview is over, Ryan jumps up from his seat, Oliver’s wrist still firmly gripped, and drags him away. He stumbles after Ryan and tries to keep up with him as he wonders what’s about to happen. Oliver manages to catch a quick glance at the sign next to the door that Ryan opens forcefully as he leads the way into the dressing room. Just as they’ve passed the threshold of the room, Ryan closes and locks the door in record time and slams Oliver against it, effectively knocking the air out of him. Both him and Ryan release staggering breaths of air, their faces mere inches apart as Ryan looks at him with a kind of intensity he’s never seen before.

„You think you’re so sly, don’t you? Getting me all riled up so that I can’t even answer a simple question, heh? And you think you’re gonna get away with that?“ His voice is dangerously low but still pierces through the otherwise silence in the room accompanied only by the chuckle that underlines his voice.

„Get away with what?“ Oliver asks cluelessly, though it takes every ounce of his willpower to not succumb right now and just give into his desires. But he can’t be the one to take this step without knowing exactly what Ryan wants. „Wasn’t this the game? Which, by the way, I guess I won with how riled up you are?“

„You think you won? If you really wanna play this game then you better be ready to lose.“ 

„Oh, I don’t lose. It seems like you’re the one that lost,“ He pauses, trailing his eyes down Ryan’s body until he lands on the obvious bulge in his pants. „control.“ The other lets out another humorless chuckle before one of his hands moves from his shoulder to cup his jaw and bring him back to eye level with Ryan. Oliver swallows harshly.

„Careful Oli. Keep pushing me and you might get more than you can handle.“

„Is that a threat or a promise?“ It’s out quicker than he can think it through but the air is too electric, the tension too palpable and the desire too strong to overthink this now. 

„Both.“ Ryan states matter-of-factly before wasting no time to crash his lips on Oliver’s. It’s hot, messy, open-mouthed and everything Oliver has been thinking about for the last few months. Actually, it’s better than any of the images and scenarios he’d come up with. Ryan’s tongue darts out again, licking into his mouth and Oliver lets out a low moan, gripping the others biceps as he’s still being pushed into the door. It’s frantic and needy and they’re moving with an urgency and passion that one might think this is the first, last and only time this’ll ever happen. Which might be the case. Which is why Oliver plans to take as much of Ryan as humanly possible in this moment.

He could spend hours like this, with Ryan pressed against him, making out like their lives depend on it. But he also wants more. Needs more. In one swift motion, Oliver pushes himself off the door and pushes Ryan’s arms down before his hands fly to the buttons of the other’s shirt. Ryan stumbles backwards as Oliver keeps working on his shirt, unbuttoning it as fast as he can, the need to touch Ryan’s skin becoming unbearable. They barely separate while he fumbles with his shirt; it’s like they’re addicted to each other. When the last button is opened, Oliver rips the shirt off Ryan and throws it somewhere where he’ll hopefully never find it again. He wouldn’t mind Ryan being shirtless at all times. With the room being quite small, it doesn’t take long until they once again hit a wall, though this time it’s Ryan who’s pressed against it. Oliver takes a step back, admiring the other in all his shirtless glory.

„Fuck, you’re so hot.“ Oliver manages to get out, being left breathless from the all consuming kissing.

„Come here right now.“ Ryan seems to be just as impatient and insatiable as him and he doesn’t need to be told twice. He closes the gap once again, his hands frantically all over Ryan’s torso as he’s finally been allowed to touch after years of just getting to look. It’s intoxicating, trying to map out every single inch of him and committing it to memory. Oliver starts leaving open-mouthed kisses all over his neck and down onto his chest. Taking one of his nipples into his mouth, Ryan curses out loud in a lewd voice that has Oliver going absolutely crazy with desire.

„Fuck.“ Ryan buries his hands in Oliver’s curls and tugs just hard enough for him to feel the mix of pleasure and pain which makes him suck even harder on the sensitive spot on the other’s chest. „You’re gonna fucking kill me.“ The force that Ryan uses to pull him back up makes him groan in pleasure until the sounds are swallowed up by Ryan who kisses him like his life depends on it.

„More. I need more.“ Oliver gasps in between kisses, using the little air he has left to get his needs across.

„What do you need?“ Ryan asks, just as breathless as he is.

„I need you to touch me.“

„Yes, yes, yes.“ It sounds like a chant to Oliver, one that he’d be more than happy to hear for the rest of time.

Ryan pushes back, quickly scanning the room until Oliver notices the moment that Ryan has found what he’s looking for. Without knowing what’s about to happen, Oliver lets himself be guided by Ryan until the back of his knees hit the cushioned surface of a chair. It’s only shortly after that he falls backwards into the chair, Ryan following immediately as he sits down in his lap, now towering over him. 

„So pretty like this.“ Ryan hushes as he pulls his head back by the hair and traces his finger along Oliver’s swollen lips. Oliver feels like he’s gonna come undone just by Ryan’s words alone. Shoving his hands under the relatively tight fitting t-shirt he’s wearing, Ryan moves deliberately, causing shudders and goosebumps that Oliver can’t control. Ryan’s hands move upwards, stopping at his nipples and twisting them in a way that makes Oliver arch his back, leaning even further into the other’s touch and making their crotches rub against each other. Going even further, Ryan moves to and through his armpits until the tips of his fingers come out of his sleeves before retracting them again and, grazing the hair on his way back down.

Once again cupping his face and with that forcing their gazes to bore into each other, Ryan starts to grind in his lap almost painfully slow. The sounds leaving Oliver’s mouth are nothing short of filthy and the way his body tenses up and spasms is more than enough evidence of how much he’s enjoying this. But he needs more. His cock is straining in his jeans and he needs to get them off immediately so he motions to unzip them but is promptly stopped by Ryan. 

„No.“ It’s firm and definitive and sends another shiver down his spine as Ryan grips and guides his hand away. „You don’t touch yourself. You’re all mine.“ And fuck, he loves this possessive and dominant side of Ryan.

„Yes.“ Oliver agrees immediately, no matter how much he wants to touch himself right now. Because he needs to get some release. „Please Ryan, touch me.“

Not breaking the eye contact, Ryan starts unzipping Oliver’s jeans and forcefully pulls them down just enough to reveal the outline of his hard cock through the thin fabric of his black Calvin Klein trunks. Ryan curses as he notices the size as well as the wet patch at the tip, instinctually touching it. In a featherlight motion, Ryan traces the length of Oliver’s cock, making him arch painfully into the touch to feel more pressure. 

„So desperate.“ Oliver can only whimper and nod in response, the anticipation slowly killing him.

„Can I touch you too?“ He already sounds so blissed out and they haven’t even done much yet.

„Yes, fuck yes.“ In an agonizing loss of contact, Ryan gets up and swiftly steps out of his pants, leaving him in a pair of underwear that matches his own. It’s a matter of seconds before Ryan is back in his lap while Oliver looks  spellbound as he takes in the sight of the other’s bulge. He immediately gets his hands on it and he thinks this must be what heaven is like because he can’t imagine anything better than this.

From then on it becomes a hazy mess of moans, touches, gasps and sloppy kisses as they both pleasure each other in a beautifully torturous and slow way. Ryan is the first one to take it a step further as he finally lifts the waistband of Oliver’s underwear and wraps his hand around his cock, not even covering half of it. He uses painfully slow strokes, flicking his wrist at the tip which makes Oliver feel like he’s gonna lose it completely.

„Fuck, I’m not gonna last long.“ Oliver warns, having felt this on edge for at least the last fifteen minutes. 

„Me neither.“ Ryan counters immediately before he gasps loudly when Oliver’s hand also moves past the fabric and wraps around his length. „Fuck, you feel so good.“ Rushing forward, he captures Oliver in another all-consuming kiss while keeping a steady rhythm with his strokes, swallowing down every sound that wants to escape Oliver.

„I’m so fucking close, Ryan.“ Oliver winces, trying to hold back the inevitable. In preparation, Ryan frees his cock from the constraints of the fabric, his mouth falling open when he sees Oliver’s cock out in the open.

„Firehose fucking indeed.“ The sight of Oliver blissed out in front of him like this with his giant cock seemingly only motivates him more, wanting him to lose all control that he has left. Ryan speeds up his rhythm and Oliver feels like he’s seeing stars. With only one look from Ryan, Oliver knows what the other wants to communicate and nods feverishly in response.

„Go on then, cum for me, baby.“ And that’s all it takes to push Oliver over the edge. Without a care in the world if anybody else hears them, he lets out a shout as he cums all over his stomach and t-shirt, while Ryan keeps stroking him through his orgasm. The feeling is so overwhelming that he himself tightens his grip of Ryan’s cock enough to make the other come undone as well. With his entire body shaking, Ryan shoots his load all over Oliver’s hand, cock and torso. Ryan collapses on top of him and and for a moment they both breathe heavily, no energy left in either of them. „That was-“

„Yeah.“ Oliver agrees, not even needing to hear what exactly Ryan was gonna say.

„Please tell me we’ll do this again.“ Ryan nuzzles into his neck, his voice sounding muffled.

„Oh absolutely. I’ve been wanting to do this for months.“ Oliver reveals, feeling too euphoric to hold back any feelings or desires.

„Is that so? Seems like I’ve won the game before it even started then.“ It baffles him how Ryan can tease him like this even in this current situation.

„Oh fuck off.“

„Hey, I’m not saying that I don’t feel the same.“ 

„Good, glad we’re on the same page there, because that was life changing.“

„Agreed.“ Ryan places a soft kiss on his lips before Oliver pulls away.

„Fuck.“

„What?“ 

„I need a new shirt.“ Oliver says as he looks down at his cum-covered top. Ryan looks like he’s pondering the idea which makes Oliver’s eyes widen.

„Ryan, I can’t walk out there with a cum stained shirt! I think that would push the affectionate friends bullshit you talked about earlier a bit too much.“ 

„But it’s my cum, that’s diffe-“

„Do not finish that sentence Ryan Guzman or I’m gonna dump you before you can say literally anything.“

„Oh so we’re already at the boyfriends stage, am I hearing that correctly?“  Oliver thinks the urge to slap him as well as kiss him can’t get any stronger.

„Shut it.“

„Okay, okay. I promise to be a good boyfriend. Scout’s honor.“

„Oh god, what have I gotten myself into with you?“ 

„Loads of fun.“ Ryan answers with a stupidly obvious wink at the innuendo.

„Go and find me a new shirt, you evil man.“

„Whatever you want princess.“ 

„Ryan, I swear-“ Oliver jumps up from the chair and tries to get a hold of Ryan who’s now laughing as he’s being chased through the dressing room, sounding so lively that he can maybe forgive the princess just this once. 

(He ends up forgiving it every single time after Ryan cheekily promises him to not use it during their vows.)