Always (Ryden) [Original]

Chapter 1

Palo Verde High School

Brendon Urie and Ryan Ross were walking through the hectic hallways of their Las Vegas high school. The scene was always so chaotic that they were often late for class, and today was no different.

"Shit," said Brendon, glancing at the clock. "We're pretty late, when do you wanna meet up again?"

"Mm...after fifth?" suggested Ryan, mentally scanning their schedules. "Then we can walk to lunch together."

"Okay, I'll see you then," said Brendon, already beginning to run down the hall. Brendon and Ryan seperated to their second period classes.

!!!

"Why the fuck," said Brendon, breathless, to Ryan, "is this school so crowded?"

Ryan shrugged. It was right before lunch and the boys, as promised, were walking there together. "They don't really talk to me, so I guess it's okay."

Brendon was about to say something when he suddenly lowered his voice and pushed Ryan into the boy's bathroom. "fuck, here comes Jack. Go, Ryan!"

The wall of a man named Jack hated everyone, but he seemed to especially hate Brendon and Ryan.

"Hey fag, where's your boyfriend?" he thundered at Brendon. Brendon only sighed.

"He's not my boyfriend, jackass, and you know this."

"Whatever. I came for a reason, anyways. How would you like to be a popular fag?"

"Wh-what?" asked Brendon, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Jack smirked. "Well, you know where I stand on the social ladder. My friends want you to join us. Of course, you'd have to get rid of that fuck up..." he said, referring to Ryan.

"I--"

"Just think about it," Jack cut off. Before Brendon had a chance to respond, Jack was already walking in the opposite direction.

"Is it safe to come out now?" squeaked Ryan from the bathroom. Brendon had nearly forgotten her was there.

"Oh--oh, yeah, he's gone." Ryan crept out of the bathroom. Brendon didn't know how much of the conversations he had heard. They walked in silence to the lunchroom.

"Y-you're not gonna do it, right?" Ryan whispered finally. "You're not gonna leave me all alone?"

Brendon looked at Ryan, surprised to see the gleam of tears in his eyes.

"Of course not," said Brendon, not meeting Ryan's eyes.

They reached the cafeteria that was packed full of students. As expected, there were no empty tables, so Brendon and Ryan took a seat with their lunches in a corner.

"You can go if you want to," said Ryan suddenly. "It's okay, I understand."

Brendon stared at Ryan. "Ry, I'm a little offended. We've been friends for all of high school and you're talking like you don't know me at all."

Ryan looked down. "I just want you to be happy, that's all."

"And you think being popular will make me happy? Ryan, I am happy. You're my best friend and I can't afford to lose you." Brendon handed him his apple, which he never ate. "Come over tonight. After school. Okay?"

Ryan nodded. He was being paranoid. He did know Brendon; they'd been best friends for years. He would never do something like that.

Right?