Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Crystal Tower Theater was in an uproar of cheers and praise for the cast as they gave their final bow together to the audience. The play was finally over, and all of the cast looked at each other with smiles on their faces, clearly worn out but still excited. As the curtain fell, the group started to disperse to their hotel rooms, wanting to get their costumes and makeup off.

Johnny felt proud. All of the training and practice that Nooshy put him through was worth it in the end.

Walking off to the adjacent hotel, he was ready to call it a day and go to his room and relax. He entered his room and looked in the mirror, clearly surprised by how disheveled he looked.

“God, I look like a mess right now.” He said to himself, laughing as he grabbed a towel and went to go shower. Undressing himself, he stepped into the hot shower and immediately felt the weight of the day run off his shoulders and into the drain below. After cleaning up, he was about to get dressed when he heard a knock on the door.

“Johnny? Are you there?” A man asked on the other side of the door.

“Uh, yeah! Give me a moment!” he replied, stumbling his way to the door while struggling to get his clothes on.

“Shit!” He banged into the corner of a table. “Ah, fuck!” He winced, feeling the pain of the impact.

“...Maybe I should come back another time?” The voice replied, clearly worried.

“No! Just give me a mo—” He grabbed the door knob and whipped the door open with all of his might.

“Ryan!” Johnny shouted, staring wide-eyed at the man, not expecting it to be his dance partner.

After a long pause, Ryan spoke up and looked at Johnny like he was insane. “Are you alright? I heard a lot of noises in there.”

“I’m fine! Really!” he said. “Just… I didn’t think you would stop by! Come in!”

Ryan took the invitation and walked into Johnny’s room. “Of course I’d stop by, Johnny. What friend would I be if I didn’t congratulate him after his big performance?” Ryan said, smiling and spinning around to face Johnny, who was still at the door. “You were great out there.”

Johnny felt his face flush a little.

“Thanks! That means a lot coming from you.” He blurted out, rubbing the back of his neck shyly.

Ryan nodded and sat down on the couch. “It’s a shame I didn’t get to perform with you. I can’t believe Klaus did that to me! I felt so exposed...” Ryan sighed, folding his arms around himself.

Johnny followed suit and sat down next to Ryan. “I could see you cheering me on, you know,” Johnny chuckled, “with a broom in your hand!”

Ryan blushed. “I wanted to support you! I didn’t have anything else!”

Johnny gave a hearty laugh. “Relax, I’m just teasing you! It was a nice gesture, really.” He smiled.

Johnny felt as if he could talk for hours with Ryan, despite not knowing each other that well compared to the others in his own group. He thought for a second as to why he felt this way, but he brushed it off and continued to talk with Ryan about the concert, their hobbies and interests, and their future goals.

Ryan looked up at the clock on the wall, only now noticing that an hour had flown by. “I suppose I should be leaving now,” he said with a sigh. “I don’t want to bother you.”

“Aw, it’s alright! You didn’t bother me. I enjoyed talking with you.” Johnny reassured him, walking Ryan to the door.

“You’re still up to hanging out on Tuesday, right?” Ryan asked.

“Of course I am, silly.” Johnny replied.

“Sweet! I’ll see you later then, Johnny! Have a good night.” Ryan said, walking off and waving Johnny goodnight.

Johnny exhaled a long sigh, closing the door and resting his forehead against it. He felt a warmth in his body when he was talking with Ryan, but now that he was gone, the warmth he felt was slowly fading. Johnny truly did not know why he felt this way, but he damn well knew that whatever he felt towards Ryan was not just friendliness. Rather than stow upon this thought any longer, Johnny decided it would be best if he saved it for another day.

Johnny turned off the lights and struggled to sleep. So many thoughts raced through his head, and at the center of most of them was Ryan.

Tomorrow would be a rough day.

Chapter Text

The sound of an alarm startled Johnny from his slumber. Jolting up in a panic, he snatched his phone from the nightstand beside him and quickly silenced the horrendous noise. Leaning back against the headboard, he closed his eyes and tried to calm his racing heart.

“That’s what I get for making the alarm so damn loud, isn’t it?” He groaned as he rubbed his hands over his face and got up out of bed.

Johnny grabbed his signature green long-sleeved shirt and jeans, along with his leather jacket and shoes. After showering and dressing himself, he went down the elevator to the lobby and over to the cafeteria to get breakfast.

As he stood in line to order his food, his thoughts wandered back to yesterday and his time spent with Ryan. Did he really like spending time with me? Or was he just saying that to be nice? But then why would he agree to hang out tomorrow if…

“Are you going to order, sir?” A tired raccoon asked with slight annoyance.

“Sorry!” Johnny said as he pulled out his wallet. “I’ll take the chicken biscuit meal with a small coffee.”

“That’ll be $11.99, sir.”

$11.99 for a chicken biscuit and coffee!? What the hell! I’m glad I don’t actually live here. “All right, thanks.”

Johnny walked off to the side of the counter to wait for his food, seeing that Porsha was there, probably waiting for her crack that she calls coffee.

No wonder she’s always so… Porsha.

“Oh my gosh, Johnny! I didn’t expect to see you here!” Porsha gasped as she put her hand to her chest in disbelief.

“Where else would I get food, Porsha? This is the only place nearby.” Johnny stated.

“Oh.”

…

“Well, anyways! You did great with your scene, by the way. How did you learn to dance like that?” Porsha asked.

“Nooshy taught me!” Johnny said with pride.

“Wait, what? I thought she was just some girl that you brought along. Although, come to think of it, I’ve never really seen her unless she’s with you.”

Porsha gasped harder this time, as if she were sucking all of the air out of the room. “Are you two a thing!? Please tell me you two are a thing!” She hopped in place, waiting expectantly for an answer.

Johnny took a step back. “What!? No! We’re just friends, Porsha! I don’t like her like that.”

“Aww! Then who do you like?” Porsha tilted her head.

“No one! I’m not—” Johnny looked past Porsha and could see Ryan coming from the lobby. “—interested in anyone.” Johnny said with a quickly reddening face.

After giving Johnny a suspicious look, Porsha turned around and instantly saw Ryan.

“Ohmygodit’s—” Johnny quickly wrapped his hands around Porsha’s muzzle.

“Porsha, please! It’s not Ryan!” He lied.

“Mmm!” She looked at him angrily.

“Sorry! Promise me you won’t tell him.” Johnny pleaded, letting go of Porsha.

“So you do like him.” She stated with her arms crossed.

Sigh.

“Can we sit down first? Our food is ready.” Johnny grabbed his bag of food from the counter and rushed to go find a table before Ryan noticed them.

“Fine.” Porsha grabbed her coffee and followed Johnny. Luckily, Ryan did not notice either of them.

Johnny sat down and folded his hands together in front of him on the table. He didn’t know how to begin the conversation. What should he even say? He’s never felt this way about a guy before. This was all so confusing, and he refused to consider himself gay. Sure, he may have found some guys a bit attractive back when he was in school, but he mostly found himself focused more on girls. He didn’t know whether this was because he shut that side of him away in fear of public retaliation or some other reason.

“Hey,” Porsha said softly, “Johnny, you seem nervous. We don’t have to talk about this if you don’t want to.”

Johnny gave a slight smile. She always had a mature side to her, despite being silly most of the time. I guess she learned it from being Jimmy’s daughter.

He lifted his head up. “No, it’s alright. I just don’t know how to start.”

“Well, why don’t you start with what’s causing you to feel ashamed for liking Ryan?”

Johnny leaned back in his chair. “I’ve never felt attracted to a guy in this way.”

“In what way?” Porsha asked.

“Romantically,” Johnny replied.

She nodded her head. “So, you’re having problems coming to terms with the fact that you find guys attractive? Is that it?”

“Yeah. I guess so.” Johnny said meekly.

“Johnny, it’s okay to like guys. You know that I and all of the others support you. As long as you’re happy, then that’s all that matters.” She smiled softly.

“But what about my dad? Or Ryan? I don’t want to ruin my relationship with either of them.”

Porsha grabbed hold of Johnny’s hands. “If you don’t tell them, you’ll regret it. Trust me. You’re never going to be happy if you keep hiding yourself away.”

Johnny looked at their hands.

…

“You’re right. I need to tell them as well as the others.”

Porsha grinned at him. “I know you can do it, Johnny! I support you. Now, you should probably eat your food. It’s gotta be cold by now.”

Johnny quickly came to realize he never ate his food and quickly took his food out of the bag.

“Crap! You’re right!” Johnny began to stuff the chicken biscuit and coffee in his mouth like his life depended on it.

Porsha laughed at him, and Johnny started chuckling alongside her with his biscuit and coffee still in his mouth.

Perhaps things wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Chapter Text

Johnny stood in front of Ryan’s door for what felt like hours. He couldn’t believe that he was actually going to come out and confess to him. What if Ryan decides that we shouldn’t be friends anymore? I can’t lose him…

Exhaling deeply, Johnny tried his best to calm his nerves, clenching his fists and biting his lower lip. I can do this. I need to do this.

In a jolt of energy, Johnny knocked on Ryan’s apartment door, feeling a wave of anxiety grow in intensity with each passing second. Calm down! Calm down! It’ll be okay.

The door opened with Ryan’s head peeking out. Ryan gave Johnny a warm smile. “Hey, Johnny! Come on in. Nice to finally hang out with you. Feels like it’s been ages since we last spent time together.”

Johnny hesitated for a moment but slowly took a step into Ryan’s apartment. As Johnny looked around the living room, he could see many different posters and pictures scattered on the walls. Must be nice having an apartment all to yourself. How can he manage to afford all of this?

“Don’t be shy, dude. Have a seat!” Ryan said with joy. “Are you hungry? I can order a pizza if you want. I probably should’ve mentioned that before you came…”

Johnny thought for a moment before speaking. “Yeah, I am a little hungry. I’d appreciate it, Ryan.”

“Cool! You alright with pepperoni?” Ryan asked.

“Sounds good.” Johnny answered, now sitting on the couch next to Ryan.

As Ryan placed the order for pizza, Johnny fiddled with his thumbs, thinking about how best to approach the situation.

…

I should just say it, huh? The quicker I get through this, the less time I’ll have to spend feeling embarrassed about it. Johnny closed his eyes for a moment before turning to face Ryan, who had just finished placing the order.

“Hey Ryan, there’s… something I need to tell you.” Johnny said shyly.

Ryan looked Johnny in the eyes, tilting his head slightly to the left. “What is it, Johnny?”

“I’ve been wanting to tell you this for a while, but I’ve never gotten the courage,” Johnny said, voice trembling, “but, um, I really like you. More than a friend.”

The room went quiet.

“What?” Ryan replied in disbelief, mouth agape.

Johnny didn’t know how to respond to Ryan’s simple question. His face felt like the sun had burned him a million times over, and all he could do was stare vaguely at him, awaiting an answer. He refused to speak first out of fear that he would make the situation more awkward than it already was.

“You… like me?”

It was Ryan’s turn to blush. He blinked twice and finally realized what Johnny was trying to say. “Wait, what!? I didn’t know you liked guys! If anything, I thought you were getting close with Nooshy!”

Johnny recovered quickly. “I didn’t know I liked guys either! And why does everyone think Nooshy and I are a thing!? I mean, I like girls too, but you’re the first person I’ve felt this way towards! Also, why are we yelling now!?”

“I don’t know!” Ryan yelled back in confusion.

The room went quiet yet again.

Johnny sighed, looking away from Ryan sadly. “Look, I’m still trying to figure things out, but I do know one thing. I like you, I really do. If… if you don’t feel the same, then that’s fine. I thought you should know regardless.”

Ryan, now having assessed the situation, looked at Johnny.

“Johnny, do you really think that I wouldn’t like you?” He said with a hint of a grin.

Johnny quickly snapped his head to face Ryan. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve thought you were hot since we first met, but of course I couldn’t just say that.” Ryan leaned back on the couch with his arms crossed, finally relaxing. “I guess I thought that someone like you wouldn’t be interested in me to the point where I couldn’t think otherwise.”

“Someone like me?” Johnny asked.

Ryan chuckled. “Yeah, someone like you. A total stud who’s got a heart of gold. Good looking too.”

“O-Oh, I, uh… wow.” Johnny blushed again, flustered by Ryan’s words.

“Can’t handle the heat?” Ryan asked teasingly.

“I didn’t expect you to be so blunt about it,” Johnny smiled, “but I appreciate the com—”

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The pair turned their heads to the door.

“Huh, earlier than expected. Gimme a sec.” Ryan got up to go get the pizza.

“Alright, dig in! Or not, I dunno if you want to finish talking first or not.” Ryan asked.

“We can talk more after. I’m hungry.” Johnny replied.

The two of them watched some of their favorite TV shows while they ate, talking and laughing throughout. Time passed quickly, however, and half an hour later they were back to sitting on the couch, ready to resume their previous conversation.

…

“You’re heading back to Calatonia in two weeks, right?” Ryan started.

“Yeah. Redshore is nice, but I do miss being back home.” Johnny said.

“You do realize what that means, right?” Ryan pressed further.

Johnny gave his question a moment of thought and realized shortly after what he meant. “We won’t be able to see each other…”

Johnny struggled to contain his frustration. “Goddamnit! Why does something always have to happen right when things are going well?” He slid downward in his seat, defeated.

Ryan decided to make a move and hold one of Johnny’s hands. “Hey, it’ll be alright. We’ll find a way to keep hanging out. I would say I’d come with you, but it’s not that easy, unfortunately.”

Johnny gasped slightly from Ryan’s touch. “So, what does this make us?”

“Well, I think we should go on a few dates first, at the very least.” Ryan replied.

“Of course! We could plan something soon if you’re not busy. I’d like to make the most of our time together before I head back home.”

“I like the sound of that.” Ryan smiled softly.

“Cool! I hate to leave you, but I’d like to get back to the hotel before it gets dark.” Johnny lets go of Ryan’s hand reluctantly and stands up.

“It’s alright. I’ll see you soon, then?” Ryan asked while walking Johnny to the door.

“Yeah! Goodnight, Ryan. I’m glad we talked.” Johnny said, turning around to leave.

“Me too. Night, Johnny.” Ryan grinned, waving him off and closing the door.

“That man…” He said quietly to himself.

Chapter Text

Ryan could not stop thinking about how, a week from now, Johnny would be on his way to Calatonia. He knew that they would still be able to keep in touch, but he didn’t like the idea of not being able to visit him. Only a few days after their confessions to each other, Johnny had taken him out on a date as promised.

I’m glad he suggested that coffee shop he said he heard of recently. I’ll have to go there again. Maybe I’ll run into him more often if I do! He’s so charming. I just wish he could stay.

Smack!

“Fuck!” Ryan hissed, taken out of his thoughts immediately. “What the hell was that for!?”

“Focus! What is up with you, Ryan? Why are you not performing like usual?” Klaus asked, demanding an answer.

“Nothing’s wrong, Mr. Kickenklober! I’m perfectly fine, see?” Ryan tried to prove himself by doing a spin, but instantly fell to the floor, dazed.

“Damnit.”

Klaus glared at him, not amused by his so-called performance.

“Get out,” Klaus said.

All of the other dancers stopped what they were doing to look at the two of them.

“What?” Ryan looked up at Klaus, clearly shocked by his words.

“Unless you can figure out whatever it is that’s bothering you, do not step foot into my dance studio. You are useless to me like this! Now, get out!” Klaus said, pointing to the door with the ruler he used to hit Ryan.

Ryan took a moment to process what Klaus had said to him. Is he seriously kicking me out? What did I even do wrong? He’s never acted like this to me before. Everyone’s staring at me…

Ryan stood up. “Fine! I didn’t want to be here today anyway." He stomped off to the front entrance and slammed the door shut behind him.

I don’t even know why I chose to stick with him. I know how he treats the others. How he treated Johnny. The only reason he favors me is because I was one of the first to come to his lessons. Even when he’s nice, it’s all just an act.

Not knowing what to do now that he was kicked out, Ryan decided to head to the Crystal Tower Hotel since the dance studio was within walking distance. He didn’t know exactly what he was going to do when he got there, but he didn’t care as long as he was away from Klaus.

When Ryan got to the hotel, he could see a small gray figure in the distance sitting on one of the benches outside. Squinting his eyes, he recognized the figure as Buster Moon. What is Buster doing outside the hotel? Is he waiting for someone?

Ryan walked up to Buster and greeted him. “Hey, Buster. How’s it going? Any reason you’re just sitting here?”

Buster jumped out of his seat a bit, clearly startled by Ryan’s surprise introduction. “Oh, Ryan! It’s nice to see you. Uh, I’m just, y’know, thinking.”

“Thinking? Really?” Ryan said with a hint of skepticism.

“Yup.”

“Well, mind if I join you in your thinking? I have nothing else to do.”

“Sure!”

Ryan joined Buster and sat down next to him on the concrete bench, quite far out from the main entrance to the hotel. He could only come up with one reason as to why Buster would be out here.

“Jimmy kicked you out, didn’t he?” Ryan smirked.

“...Yup.”

“Knew it.” Ryan couldn’t stop himself from laughing a bit, although he did feel sorry for the koala.

“Only me, though. It’s like he has a vendetta against me or something! The others are still allowed in. Hell, they still have their fancy hotel rooms! You’d think Jimmy would kick them out considering they’re my group.”

“You were the one who went against Jimmy the most. Not that he didn’t deserve it. The guy’s a total cunt.” Ryan said.

Buster was taken aback. “Since when do you swear? I’ve not heard you swear once since we’ve met.”

“Since Klaus kicked me out.” Ryan laughed dryly. “But seriously, I don’t think it’s a good idea to swear in front of your boss.”

“True. I’m not your boss anymore, though.” Buster agreed, not recognizing what Ryan said at first until after he spoke. “Wait, Klaus kicked you out of his studio? What happened? I thought you were his favorite!”

“He didn’t kick me out permanently, but it may as well be from the way he treated me. I don’t know if I want to go back after what he did.”

“What did he do?” Buster asked.

Ryan crossed his arms. “He smacked me with his ruler for not paying attention enough and then degraded me in front of everyone else there.”

“I didn’t think he’d do that to his star student. I’m sorry to hear that, Ryan.”

“It’s whatever. I don’t know what I’m going to do now, though. He wasn’t just my teacher. He also did some management for me, trying to find me jobs and stuff. He’s the only reason I’m able to live in a decent apartment and not out on the streets.”

Buster saw this as an opportunity. “You could always join us. If there’s anyone who I think would be a good fit, it’d be you!”

Ryan’s eyes opened wide. “Really? You’d let me join your group?”

“Of course! You’re very talented, Ryan! Anyone would consider themselves lucky to have you.”

Ryan couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Me? I never even considered that. But if I took him up on his offer, where would I go? If I go back with him to Calatonia, I'll have nothing.

That’s not true. I’d have Johnny and the others. Wait, Johnny! If I go with Buster, Johnny and I could still hang out! And maybe more, I hope.

“I dunno, man. That’s a big decision.” Ryan blurted out without thinking.

“It’s definitely something to think about. I’m sure you know that my group and I are headed back home in a week. I hate to give you such short notice, but I hope you can give me an answer soon. And feel free to call or text me if you have any questions! You already have my number.”

“Yeah. I’ll let you know. I’m gonna go now, though.” Ryan said.

“Alright then. See you later, Ryan!” Buster smiled.

Ryan walked off in the direction of his apartment. He wanted nothing more than to crawl in bed and think everything over in silence. If I go, it would change everything. My family and friends—they're all here in Redshore. Would they support me if I said I’m leaving with Buster? I know my parents would.

Unlocking the door to his apartment, Ryan dropped his bag on the floor somewhere and walked off to his bedroom. He’d get to it later. Hiding himself in the covers of his bed, he thought over and over again until he couldn’t think anymore.

Chapter Text

It was finally time. Johnny and his group would pack their things into the bus and head back to Calatonia. He couldn’t help but feel a bit sad having to leave the big city, especially after meeting new friends like Ryan, Nooshy, and Porsha. At least the last two would be coming with him.

Ryan… I’m so sorry that I can’t stay. Every night I hope that you’ll have a change of heart and join us.

Johnny closed his eyes for a moment and thought of all the moments that he cherished. His hands softly gripped his bed sheets, hoping to release the frustration that he held deep within. He knew he would keep in touch with Ryan. He knew that they could still meet up. But what he didn’t know is why he was naive and foolish enough to think that Ryan would give up his entire life to be with him. Was he too selfish? He obviously wanted the best for Ryan and wanted him to be happy. So why couldn’t he just accept the situation as is and let it go?

Bzzz! Bzzz! Bz— Johnny took his phone out of his pocket and answered the call. “’Ello? Mr. Moon?”

“Hey buddy! Just letting you know that we’ll be leaving within the hour. Make sure you have everything packed up and ready to put on the bus.” Johnny picked up a hint of tiredness in Mr. Moon’s voice. Was he up late again?

“Sure thing, Mr. Moon. I already have everything packed, so just let me know when we’re leaving, and I’ll head out.”

“Great! I’ll leave you to it for now, then.”

“Alright. See you soon, Mr. Moon.” Johnny hung up and threw his phone on the bed next to him. He flopped on his back with a heavy groan and looked up at the ceiling of his hotel room.

“Guess this is it, huh?” He said to no one.

…

Ryan looked out his bedroom window at the clouds above. He couldn’t stop thinking about Buster’s words from a week ago and how he could easily accept his proposition.

All I have to do is let Buster know and pack my things. So why can’t I get myself to do it?

Ryan shifted his gaze down to his hands.

I can’t afford to live here in the city anymore, though. I cut contact with Klaus, and my money is running thin. Either I stay here and inevitably lose my apartment, or I go and have support from Buster and his group.

Ryan smiled at the passing thought of living with Johnny.

…

Johnny stood next to Nooshy while waiting for the bus to arrive outside the hotel. He looked over at Porsha’s mountain of suitcases with a slight smirk. Of course.

“So,” Nooshy started, “who pissed in your cereal?”

Johnny stared at her in disbelief. “What?”

“We’ve been friends long enough that I can tell when something is bothering you,” she crossed her arms, “so spill it.”

Johnny quickly averted his gaze. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“… Is it about Ryan?” Nooshy asked carefully.

Johnny whipped his head back towards her. “How do you know about that!?”

Nooshy gave a dry laugh. “Well, if I didn’t know before, then I definitely do now! Relax, someone told me a while ago.”

Johnny turned his fiery gaze to Porsha.

That bitch!

“Are you upset that your lover boy isn’t coming with us?” Nooshy teased.

At a loss for words, Johnny felt heat rise to his cheeks. Am I really that obvious?

The sound of the bus took Johnny out of his thoughts. “Let’s just… get on the bus, yeah?” Defeated, Johnny took his suitcase and placed it gently in the luggage compartment underneath. He walked up the steps behind Meena and Ash, who were busy listening to music. He found a seat in the back, wanting to be left alone for the bus ride. Nooshy looked at him knowingly but sat next to Ash despite her concern.

After everyone eventually found their seats on the bus and was counted for, Buster went to the front and addressed the group. “Alright, we’ll leave shortly. We’re still waiting on one.”

Rosita spoke up. “Who else are we waiting for, Mr. Moon? I thought we were all here.”

Johnny perked his head up at this. That’s odd.

...

A man’s voice could be heard in the distance.

“… ait! W-Wait for me!” The man shouted out with little breath remaining. A moment passed, and the man stepped onto the bus with two bags in hand, heavily panting and wheezing.

Buster smiled and cocked his head towards the man. “Glad you took me up on my offer, Ryan. You won’t regret it!”

Ryan felt dozens of eyes on him. “I fuckin’ hope not, Buster.” Normally he would be much more polite, but right now he felt like garbage after what felt like a marathon sprinting to the bus in a panic. He grunted his way down the aisle to find a seat when he bumped into a figure blocking his path.

“Ryan?” Johnny whispered. He looked like he was about to burst into tears.

“Johnny,” Ryan looked up at him and gave a sigh of relief, “I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t stay. Not when I know how much this would change my life and it seemed like the only way I could still be with you and I don’t know what I’m going to do but I’ll figure something out and I fe—

“Oof!” Johnny tightly embraced Ryan and rested his chin on his shoulder.

Johnny sniffled. “I didn’t think you would come with us.”

Ryan returned his embrace and leaned his weight onto Johnny, causing them to crash down into the seat behind Johnny. “Oops.” He smiled, burying his muzzle into Johnny’s neck. Johnny laid his hand on Ryan’s head and laughed.

Buster, shocked by how close the two of them have become, gave a big grin and turned to the driver. “I think we’re ready to head out now.”

…

The bus ride to Calatonia was surprisingly quiet. Everyone seemed to be exhausted from the tour.

Ryan looked up at Johnny, still leaning against him. “Johnny?”

Johnny responded with a snore.

“… yeah, I get that.” Ryan replied, now snuggling up to him to sleep the trip out.

As Ryan drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t help but fantasize about what his life would be like now that he was out of Redshore for good. Part of him was anxious, but another part of him was excited. He knew things would be fine, especially now that he has Johnny.

I’ll be alright.