Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

******

The warm night of New Orleans felt oddly comfortable for the Ghoulboys after a long, first day investigating the so-called haunted Dauphine Orleans Hotel. Actually, it was far from comfortable. Whatever Ryan felt in the bar scared him a bit however, according to Shane, was easily tossed aside, explained by one thing: ghosts aren't real. It's total bullshit.

Ghosts are not real but Shane still listens to Ryan's interpretation of the whole bad vibe coming out from the hotel. In other words, he's basically Ryan's moral support, his trust buddy and Shane just rides along, debunking his clues- no wait- theories; about any evidence, especially if it's a recording of a ghost speaking.

"I don't know, man but I definitely felt something in that bar," Ryan stated, still shivering about the incident.

"Well, I can't wait to see the video to prove how wrong you are," Shane chuckled. If he had his mug with him it would have been a perfect opportunity to take a sip, just to annoy the smaller man.

Ryan ignores his friend's snarky remarks, trying to recall what happened during the investigation.

"It was starting to get cold- did you feel anything-"

"It was probably the wind. Or the ventilation shaft. Or-"

"Of course yo- you know what, I think I heard something whisper in my ear and told me 'shut up, Shane'." Ryan interrupted, turning to face Shane with a raised eyebrow. He can't help but to chuckle at his little joke though.

"What? You heard that!?" A wide grin plastered on his face, "did you catch it in your recording so that I can debunk it as well!" Shane wiggles his fingers, "The spoookyy gho-cough!!"

"Hey, man! I can't lose another co-host, we need you for the set."

"And if I'm gone, I can't haunt you."

"Well, how do you know for sure-"

"Because ghosts are not real."

"I-okay."

When the crew first arrived in New Orleans, there was a lot to take in all at once. Ryan was pretty ecstatic about trying everything, wanting to explore Orleans for a long time. But it wasn't until nightfall that Ryan was feeling a bit anxious about the investigation. The first night went pretty well, getting B roll footage of the hotel, talking to the staff about any strange activities. It wasn't until the bar, where civil war soldiers and prostitutes used to mingle back in the day, really spooked Ryan. The space didn't sit well with him and Shane was debating to add on to the fear but decided against it, telling himself tomorrow would be better when they film more. And in a decent mood. Which now seems like a good time to try.

"You think we have time to go to St. Charles Avenue to see the parade?"

Ryan sighed, "That's a walk, big guy. If anything, we can wait until it gets to Canal Street."

"And if it gets too packed?"

"Then we stay in the French Quarter. I'm pretty sure we can catch other parades while we are here."

"Welp! Sounds good to me, " Shane slapped his card on the bar counter, getting ready to close the tab. Ryan arches his eyebrows as he ponders.

"Dude, let me pay this time."

"I'll do that once you find actual evidence of ghosts."

"You're fucking kidding me!" Ryan is still getting to know the guy, BuzzFeed Unsolved is still relevantly new but from how Shane carries himself at work says enough about his Midwestern hospitality. Wouldn't hurt a fly. Actually, probably would never put a hand on someone. A gentle giant with a stupid smile on his face that spells out 'I win here, Ryan Bergara.'

That's right, Shane Madej can be a dick sometimes and carries on with Ryan's bits and banters like there is no tomorrow. That's why, little by little, they are working well together in this show. Too well. Let's hope this lasts.

"Let me give the crew a heads up on where we are going, I'm pretty sure they are resting from the investigation today."

Ryan was snapped back from his endless thoughts, already forgetting what he was about to bicker for.

"This isn't over, big guy. I'll pay the next tab."

"Yeah, yeah."

Both men said their goodbyes to the lovely bartenders that served them, already taking in the amount of people that showed up in the bar they were hanging out for who knows how long.

"Geez, what a crowd. I hope no one pukes on my shoes."

"Yeah, wouldn't want LeBron James to get upset."

"For your information, these are Jordans!"

They are literally walking in a street filled with the rich history of the French Quarters. The amount of ghosts of America's past behind those old, wooden doors could be endless. And Shane had the audacity to insult Ryan's whole shoe collection at this very moment.

A ping came from Shane's front pocket. "Change of plans, the crew is also tagging along- this would be fun."

Ryan was actually glad for the extra company. The BuzzFeed Unsolved crew have been working their ass-off with every green lit project that Ryan pitches to the studio and with a growing fandom base, there's no stopping. So it's good to take a break once and while between shoots, especially when so many locations that each member probably would have never experienced in their lifetime gets explored. Yes. Even the Island of the Dolls in Mexico.

As the rest of the crew finally met up, they walked down the streets where all the people started to pour into bars with plastic cups filled with drinks from previous locations. It was truly beautiful; as the night fell with barely lit stars that reflected off the glowing lights of the old Creole Townhouses lined up. Different colors of the buildings heightened the scenery on the French Quarters as the buildings went from double shotgun houses to even American Townhouses. Neon signs became overbearing with the streetlights as different levels of wasted people were spotted.

"You know, it's illegal to pee here."

"That should be illegal everywhere?"

Shane had every right to look bewildered.

And to thank whatever entity that didn't let any stream of the forbidden piss ruined the night of the BuzzFeed Unsolved crew as everything blurred into one. There's no way to tell from the streets to the balcony and back but Shane remembers yelling something about the Titanic to whoever was listening. Beads were scattered on the floor and who knows how long it took to convince Ryan that you could buy those colorful necklaces in Walgreens. The amount of tips that were left on the bartender and jazz bands were enough for a few sandwiches, according to Shane. His stupid hospitality got him paying the rest of the crew with endless drinks. Now, everyone is convincing Shane to accept their split payments. Ryan would keep a mental note on that.

As 11 pm pushed, the water passed around one last time. No one can afford a shitty night of spinning and headaches for tomorrow's shoot. As much as the night calls for one more round, they have a job to do.

Ryan being Ryan started delegating, making sure that everyone was getting an Uber back to the hotel that was booked.

"Drunk Bergara is more organized, I see." Ryan can tell that Shane was smirking without looking at his general direction.

"This sobered me up a bit." Anxiety does that, Ryan thought to himself. "Need to make sure everyone is safe." He added, mostly to himself rather than Shane.

An Uber was quickly called for both of the men as the other pulled off the curve with the rest of the crew.

Shane hollering "Don't throw up in the car!!" was enough to make Ryan do a full belly laugh until the feeling of bile creeping up his throat threatened to come out.

"Oh-no, not! I'm good...I'm good."

"Take a knee, man. Take a knee," Shane reassured with a lazy pat on Ryan's back.

It wasn't until Ryan barely made it to the bathroom lobby that everything he ingested was in the toilet.

"Happy Mardi Gras!!

"Shut up, Shane..."

If there's a record of getting your friend in the elevator, out of the elevator, fumbling for the key pass, and throwing them to the bathroom to wash up, then Shane Made has made it to the Guinness World Record. And he made sure that Ryan Bergara didn't slip on the shower floor.

"I'm fine! Let me get some- I'm getting naked!!" A quick slam of the door was enough to make Shane back away. "Don't lock it!," he warned. He does not want to lose his co-host. I mean, friend.

The creeping up sensation of alcohol made Shane head to the bed feeling woozy. He's getting too old for this. And tomorrow's investigation will be worth his while. He already misses the twin beds in the room he shares with Ryan as they would be sharing a single bed at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel.

Shane and Ryan have seen the room. It's a pretty big bed, nonetheless. That's if Ryan can sleep well the upcoming night.

"Hey, big guy I'm done with the shower..."

Shane looked up, he didn't realize that the water shut off.

But that's not what made Shane freeze in his tracks.

It was the towel wrapped around Ryan's waist that's hanging for dear life. Ryan usually dresses up in the bathroom but looks like his pj's weren't taken at all.

Now, Shane knows that his companion is fit as fuck but this was the first time he actually pays attention to the small details of his abs and obliques. Watching the water roll off of them as Ryan, obliviously, towel dries his hair while still facing Shane.

Then Shane made the mistake to look at his biceps bulging as he dries himself off. He needs to stop gawking, this is embarrassing.

"Uh-yeah, sure! Thanks, Ry. I'll get my ....stuff."

Ryan didn't seem to notice as he yawned. Shane grabbed what he needed and shut the door quickly. Okay, this is new. Having a crush on your co-host- I mean, friend! It could be the alcohol in his system that is making him feel every sensation times a thousand. Yes, definitely.

Thinking back, Shane has never felt this way before. Thoughts after thoughts were dissected in the shower as Shane scrubbed some shampoo on hair; presenting theories: was it his smile, was it his laugh, his eyes? The way he presents his unsolved mystery? The way he carries himself? The way he interacts with everyone with an infectious energy that makes you want to know him?

Or was it the small, intimate moments during the investigation? The way he looks at Shane with a scared yet pleading face? Like he's the only one who can reassure him.

Shane shook his head. No, that's impossible. He does feel a sense of pride that Ryan goes to him as an anchor even if he finds his reactions hilarious in these haunted locations. But that doesn't necessarily mean that he has a crush on Ryan. He respects Ryan. His work ethic and his visionary. But to ruin that over a supposed crush!

At the end of the shower Shane proposed this hypothesis: he's under the influence of alcohol therefore the unexpected infatuation towards his friend was nothing more than a slight appreciation of his physique. By tomorrow morning, all of those thoughts of Ryan would simply vanish. Perhaps not completely, there's nothing wrong with acknowledging someone's appearance. That doesn't mean you have to fuck them.

Woah, there.

Shane froze on his tracks. He possibly cannot open another can of worms at this very moment. This was enough for him to scramble into his pj's, brush his teeth, and get ready to call it a night. After drinking more water.

The room felt utterly quiet as the cool air from the AC met with the moist environment of the bathroom.

"Ryan?" It was a pathetic whisper but Shane had to make sure not to disturb any sense of peace that he was trying to hold in. That peace was granted when a snore was coming from one of the twin beds.

A sigh of relief came out of Shane, only for him to realize that Ryan took his bed by accident.

Whatever, man. Let the universe play tricks on him for all he cares. He would resolve that theory of his. Even if it costs him his sanity.

Chapter Text

******

The following morning could have started off like any other day; getting up at an ungodly hour, preparing the equipment, breakfast with the crew, and meeting with the owner of said location to continue the investigation.

But Shane's mind had a different approach. Getting up felt like a chore, it was too hot to even get his bag ready although the AC was blasting in the room, his slight hangover with the amount of sugary alcohol he consumed rendered him in a state of dehydration; that eating anything would make him vomit, and last but not least, meeting up with the owner of said haunted location to continue the most boring investigation.

Granted, Shane does enjoy Ryan's company in these locations. His fear is quite amusing yet, he swallows every bit of his anxiety until he is left a quivering mess during his solo investigation. But the in-between shoots of sitting in silence to capture any slight movement or sound drags. Oh, how much he wishes that something would happen, just to prove Ryan is wrong again. Speaking of Ryan.

He's not in bed.

Shane quickly shot up, just to slowly go back down on the bed with the wave of nausea being unbearable.

"Woah there big guy, where's the rush?" The amused cackle came out of Ryan's mouth from across the room as he stepped out of the bathroom all cleaned up and ready to go.

"Huh...you seemed chipper to start the investigation."

"Couldn't go back to sleep. So, I decided to get ready. It's a big day." His false bravado was seen right through him by Shane. Normally, he would joke back to ease the tension but now, the uneasiness was like a wave of thick fog that needed to be cleared out.

"We'll knock em dead."

Now that earned a stomach bursting laugh out of Ryan. "But they are already dead!! Ahahaha-!" Another round started when Ryan made eye contact with Shane's face that remained unchanged, his puzzled look mixed with the hangover bed hair, tying up the scenery to the most outlandish comment.

Seeing that the mood has lightened up, Shane continued, " Yeah, well, they won't see it coming the second time," ending it with a kiss of his fist and beating the pillow underneath him.

Ryan's laugh turned to a silent wheeze, watching his friend manhandled the pillow with poor fighting form. And if that didn't cheer up Ryan before the investigation, then it certainly did help Shane's hangover feel like a problem in the past; and it is definitely not because Ryan's contagious laugh is what cured it.

And a bottle of Ibuprofen.

The shower wiped away the rest of Shane's exhaustion as the boys met the crew at the lobby, black coffee at hand with a water bottle to nurse his fatigue.

Ryan was, oddly enough, glowing. His smile is enough to light up the busy lobby as if the drinks from last night did not faze him. Call it frat boy experience but Ryan is relatively younger than Shane, being able to handle his alcohol better and, although being 6'4" does have its perk to get drunk slowly, Shane Madej is pushing 30. There is no envy behind it but he is tempted to push through the day.

So far, Shane is slowly failing. All of his thoughts had been about Ryan the minute he had woken up. From the tiniest details. He has the next 24 hours to test his hypothesis, enough time to collect enough data to weigh out this crush.

It sounds ridiculous. All of this can be ruled out as Shane having a deep appreciation of his friend, to the point where he wants to make sure Ryan is cared for like any other friend would.

Right. Friend.

*****

"The May Baily's can go fuck itself."

"That's not the way to demand respect-."

"Shut up, Shane."

TJ Marchbank could be heard snorting his laughter. "Keep rolling guys, we have room 101 to check."

"Ah, fuck."

There was a break in between the shoots; assessing what was checked the prior night to stick with the continuity but Ryan was still feeling the uneasiness from the bar while exploring the hotel last night, even before recording anything for the show. The lovely bartender that was interviewed gave a plethora of incidents to recreate and feeling someone's disembodied hand touch your leg would earn a trip to Nopetown.

The old carriage house was beautiful nonetheless. Actually, the whole hotel was, with the added pool and pristine paint jobs to bring out the vibrant architectures that were built in three different eras. It would be even more beautiful if it wasn't for the impending feeling of being spooked by a specter of a Confederate soldier. Ryan had to get his blood pressure lowered after his equipment fell into the bathroom sink of the bar. Or when Shane shut the bathroom door in one of the haunted rooms that neither housekeepers dare to go in. Or when he was freaking out in the room for a short period when it was Shane's turn in the bathroom. Or—

Yeah, he needs to chill.

TJ was ready to wrap up his end of the night. "Okay, Ryan—stay with me here— we got footage of you and Shane walking into the valet parking as the intro, checked out room 101—

"With a sick jacuzzi tub!"

"—right, anyway— recorded about the history of the location, talked to the employees, investigated... Do you need anything else? Last minute footage or checking with the audio, in case we need to bring in Mark..?"

Ryan panned his head to the impending hell he is about to enter.

"...Yeah.. I think we can take it from here TJ, thanks for the help."

Before saying one last goodbye and double checking for the umpteen times the equipment, Ryan and Shane now turn their attention to the infamous room 101.

"Ooh fuck my life, why do I do this to myself..."

"Hey but this time—hear me out—there's the jacuzzi tub and—

"You still want to get in that—!?"

"Yes, SHUSH- and an actual bed because—"

Ryan knows where Shane was going with this as he repeated it multiple times on this shoot.

"I know, I know because of the Queen Mary—"

"Because of God awful floors of the Queen Mary."

Shane was right. Because this is one of the few locations that had an actual bed and not a cold floor where the dead have laid down to rot. But he's not admitting that.

"Okay,...let's get this over with, shall we." And with one push of the door, room 101 welcomes the boys to another night of investigation.

If the room wasn't unsettling before, then it is now. The darkness lurched forward in the dead of the night but Ryan refuses to turn on the lights. He needs to embrace it. Until-

''Shane, turn off the lights!"

"We need to see where we are looking, Ry!"

"It's just the tripod! Not the whole Ghostbuster equipment!"

"If the Ecto Goggles can help me not stub my toes in the dark then, for sure."

"It's not for that reason and you know it."

"Well! Sorry for scaring your ghost buddies away but BuzzFeed won't pay for our hospital bills if one of us falls because—"

Shane gestured to the whole room to prove his point.

"This is one hell of a nice room."

Again, Shane was right. It was spacious and up-to-date regardless of the old age smell given the carriage house was built first. And it's nice to sleep on a huge bed for once.

"Not saying you're right—"

"I'm right."

"Shut up, Shane—but my back can use a break from the locations we've visited."

"Now we are talking! Okay, let's get this puppy rolling because my eyes are on that sweet king size bed."

The tripod was easily set up, as well as double checking the battery of the camera, before shutting off the light of the room again to continue their investigation; with their flashlight being the only one on. The bed was serving its purpose as Shane happily laid on it, his back against the headboard as he faced the camera in the dark room. Ryan did the same on his side of the bed.

Room 101 was mentioned to be the residence of May and Millie’s back when the carriage house was connected to the bordello, making the whole ordeal for Ryan worse. It's like the bar served its purpose to keep messing with Ryan Bergara Mindscape.

Shane, knowing this, decided to announce to the room, “May and Millie. We are going to turn off the light now. Really, it's your time to run a muck.” And with a displeased face, Ryan turned off the flashlight.

“Ohhh shit…. Uugghhhh fuck…”

“Did you just take a shit?”

The dead silences of the night amp up Ryan's anxiety, not even 20 minutes into the investigation,”No, I didn't take a shit! I just realized what I have gotten myself into, again!” The weight of it all finally sets in, Ryan looking around in the dark room, in a pleading voice, “I hate this, ookaaayy.”

Shane heard this a million times already. He has counted them all.

"You know, a ghost has probably whispered point blank in your ear but you probably never heard it cause you were busy going,” Shane began to mimic Ryan in one of his most cowardly expressions, “uhh okaay, uhh what did I do, oh Ryan, what did I do, what did you do, why do you always get yourself into these things.”

It was his best one yet, ending it with his hands on his face to fake a crying Ryan.

Ryan wasn't going to let him have it, regardless if he found it funny, with an even worse impression of Shane, “Oh, come out and rip my skull out of my head, ohh pull the bones out and melt them in front of my face.”

They could go back and forth with this stupid bit, really. On any other nights, but-

“Are we doing more of this or can I use the Jacuzzi hot tub that we've been blessed with?”

Ryan was dumbfounded, looking at Shane “... .are you serious?”

“Oh, are we gonna spend the night here and not use that?” Shane responded back, turning his head towards Ryan.

In the editing room back at BuzzFeed, cutting to Shane and Ryan sitting in the Jacuzzi is a classic gag. But this is real life. Nothing could cut out the expression on Shane's face again when Ryan begrudgingly agreed to the bit as he took off his shirt.

Oh no… ohh no no.

Shane quickly took this opportunity to get the tub ready with the swim trunk in hand. This was dumb, this was dumb, this dumb.

Now it was Shane's turn to freak out like Ryan. Karma was a bitch. Everything was going fine. Not even one thought of his friend has crossed his mind until now. If terrorising your friend was an act of flirting, then something was wrong with him.

“Shane, this is ridiculous! I'm standing in the middle of May and Millie’s room with my swim trunks on!!” Ryan's voice was muffled by the bathroom door that was separating Shane yet he felt every damn vibration in his body. He has them on. Don’t panic, say something funny.

“Just give ‘em a twirl, Ryan!”

Just shut up, Shane.

“You can't be serious! I'm freaking out, man!”

Me too, man. Me too. Shane's mind was already betraying him, and he had to rip the bandaid off.

“Alright, alright, hold your horses. No one’s gonna—”

Shane yanks the door open with a dramatic effect, hoping it would ease his head. He was wrong. Dead wrong.

Ryan, albeit covering his chest out of fear that somehow made his tanned biceps pop out more, was standing in one of the most haunted rooms in America, in his blue swim trunks. He was the equivalent of a frat boy getting ready to get dunked in water. But with Shane being on the losing side if he was put up against him. The only thing missing was a backward mesh hat on Ryan’s head and a sneering smile that screams you’re mine, big guy.

Karma was a bitch.

“....hurt you ..”

“Shane, if we don't get in the jacuzzi you’ve been begging for, so help me!”

“Alright, alright! Let me get the camera,” Shane quickly stepped out of the bathroom while feeling thankful that the room was dark enough to hide his blushed face. Ryan Bergara is good looking, can you blame him? Even on days where he could not get a lift in, it does not negate the fact that Ryan was still an active man. Always quick on his hands and feet which makes you wonder what else he’s fast with…

His hypothesis from the previous night was quickly coming apart as Shane’s eyes lingered a few seconds longer at the large expanse of his friend's tan back as it curved neatly to the base of the spine.

“But why is it so small?”

Shane panics. “Excuse me?!”

“The tub, what else?! Were you even listening, man!”

Apparently not, Shane still has not placed the tripod down. “Excuse me for trying to figure out where to place this thing. Move your ass!”

“There is enough room!”

There would be moments where the boys wonder how they even manage to get some filming done; especially when it's for a stupid bit. Not even five minutes had passed of them sitting awkwardly on the jacuzzi tub when Ryan realized-

“The jets don’t work… we are just two guys sitting on the tub.”

Considering the fact that Shane was panicking on the inside a few moments ago, the unexpected turn of events still managed to get him wheezing like a tea kettle.

“So much for luxury,” Shane heard Ryan mumbling, “I hope you're happy!!”

His wheeze continued. “Hey, we win some, we lose some.”

“I knew this was good to be true, luxury my ass! I bared my asscheeks in that room- that’s it, I am getting ready for bed.”

A mental note popped into Shane's head to edit the jacuzzi clip, as he was afraid someone would spot him eyeing Ryan up and down while getting out of the tub. His thoughts were swimming by the minute, Shane felt like an utter creep that he felt the need to confront it. Everything he hypothesized was wrong, his theories jabbing at him to rewrite a new one as the impending sensation of doom crept to his throat.

Shane Madej has a crush on Ryan Bergara.

Since when having a crush on Ryan Bergara crept up onto Shane like a siren? It would be marked as a mystery.The amount of close proximity they had to endure during Buzzfeed Unsolved shoots was unimaginable; Shane had seen Ryan bare out his insecurities and anxieties. But also his strength and his need to give more. Unbeknownst, their love for popcorn and movies bonded them, the silly gags and bits that ties into their newly banters gained a huge following, Shane skepticisms and Ryan a ghost-believer balances out the playing field. This was something that anyone has witnessed at a service level.

Behind all the teasing and poking fun was a concerned Shane who guides Ryan back to ground zero; his laidback attitude being a beacon of rationalism. Soothing out the highly-stringed thoughts in a methodical matter. Nothing beats seeing Ryan slowly, yet steadily, calmed down after a storm of uncertainty. He won’t admit it but Shane was proud of that. Ironically, this also sparks Ryan’s snarky remarks as a way to test Shane’s logical response. And this sparks a never-ending, entertaining debate that seems hard to pry them apart. Both good and bad.

Besides this, Shane seeing Ryan in this new light was unimaginable as he gets himself ready for bed; seeing that the end of the investigation consisted of them sleeping throughout the night. Just like Ryan, he was wondering if he would also fall victim into a sleepless night.

It was almost pushing 3 am and Ryan was in his nightly routine of having trouble falling asleep. Shane can feel his tension from across the bed, even with a pillow fort placed between them. Still, he managed to close his eyes for a bit until he heard Ryan’s voice.

“Shane, are you awake?”

Here it is. “.....Not really…why, wussup?”

“I keep hearing movements in the room…”

“There is nothing in the room, Ry… you're fine…”

“How can you be so sure, man…!” Shane can slightly hear Ryan’s voice going from a quiet whisper to a panic within five seconds. He turned his head to face his friend, the night making it hard to focus.

“Because you’re resilient… me saying this would not be enough to get through the night but you’ve slept on the floor of Sallie's house, for crying out loud… these Confederate soldiers got nothing on you…”

“…who are you and what have you done to Shane..”

“Ryan-!,” this made Shane rise up and rest his forearms on the bed, “you not being able to sleep was bound to happen and me brushing off every noise in every location is a nightly routine; but your state of mind is something I would not always brush off…”

“…I’m being too much, man..”

“You’re human, Ryan.”

The night was slowly adjusting Shane’s eyes as he could finally see Ryan’s scared face, the worrisome facial expression etched on his eyebrows. God, if only he could kiss that expression off his face.

Instead Shane continued, “and you made this happen; no one could have predicted this show to take us to locations rich in history outside of California. And I am glad we are able to experience that…”

A small smile reached a corner of Ryan’s lip, feeling ashamed that he dragged his convoluted thoughts on Shane again. Noticing this made Shane’s heart skip a beat; it’s like he’s attuned with every aspect of Ryan’s soul and it hurts.

“You’re not alone…” It came off as a whisper, something that wasn’t expected from Shane.

Ryan’s body was seen sinking on the mattress as the stress melted away. For now. His eyes are feeling somewhat droopy, “...I appreciate you, Shane, truly…even when you piss me off..”

“Hah…I wasn’t the one who threatened to be killed in a voodoo doll style…”

“I-I was not-”

“Yes, you were. Tj was our witness.”

“Shut up, Shane. You know what I mean-”

“I do not.”

Ryan ignored his friend’s remark, “...however, thank you for being a true friend, Shane…”

Right. Friend.

Shane hid his disappointment, getting ready to accept whatever the Universe throws at them; his hypothesis coming to a halt…

Except, he cannot help wondering why Ryan said that last remark with a sad look in his eyes. Now Shane can sense Ryan pondering as his mouth was debating to spew out one last thought…

“….Shane… I have something to tell you..”

Chapter Text

******

Five seconds had passed since Ryan had spoken, and counting. The stillness of the room loomed as the darkness settled closer yet Shane still saw the brown eyes of Ryan that held in the apprehensive gaze, not sure how to let go of whatever he wanted to say. Ten seconds had passed and Shane noticed that he had not said one word, too afraid to break the silence. 

“Yeah?” 

Shane’s throat went completely dry trying to respond; however, Ryan was neck-deep into his thoughts to notice.

“This..this would sound weird, man…… And I apologized if I would make things weird between us and ruin the whole show…but…” That familiar thick fog of anxiety pooled into the room as Shane sees Ryan double-guessing, the nervousness on his face changing to a panicked one.

Swallowing whatever impending emotions that dares to escape out of Shane, he quickly rested his hand on Ryan to stifle this never-ending mental scenario he most definitely was conjuring in his high-strung mind.

“Hey, Ryan, slow down and breathe. You have to calm down. I'm not going anywhere.”

Ryan was taken back by his friend’s approach, “But you will if tell you-”

“And how would you know that, hhmm?” Shane lowered his hand off of Ryan’s shoulder and rested it between the pillow that was meant to separate them throughout the night. His eyes met with Ryan, encouraging him to proceed.

The shakiness of Ryan’s breathing can be heard in the dead of the night as he braces himself, “..okay uuhh, like I was saying, I’m deeply sorry about this but ….Shane?”

The same sensation was locked in Shane’s throat once again.

“Yes, Ryan?”

“Umm…I have a crush on….you?”

“…..Huh?”

Ryan’s face quickly made Shane jump in, “No! Sorry, I heard you but!-” He wasn't sure if he heard him, heard him.

“Ryan, I’m trying to get this straight- you have a crush on me?”

“Uuuhh…yeah? Listen, if this is awkward, I fully understand-”

So this was the can of worms that burst out of its seams. Shane Madej just heard that Ryan Bergara has a crush on him as well...

Oh my god, as well..

Shane stopped Ryan on his tracks, already knowing where this train of thoughts were going. “Slow down, man. Let me assess this before any conclusions are made, okay?” It was a lot but at the same time it wasn’t. He has to get his mind cleared if he wants to save this friendship and, if possible, potential relationship. Shane, taking a slow, deep breath, braced himself. He got this. 

“First of all, I do not feel awkward at all; I am mostly surprised—which is a good thing!” Fuck, Shane was terrible at this. “But your feelings are valid and-” 

He stopped talking after hearing himself spew out unfinished nonsenses. Baring all of these emotions was something Shane was not used to. But he needs to try for Ryan. He has to try again. 

Another deep breath was taken.

“Ryan, to be quite honest… whatever you are feeling, whether it be fear, uncertainty... please just know that I am also processing this through and just know that you are not going through this alone…” Shane broke eye contact with Ryan for just a second, brushing his hand on the back of his neck as if something was burning. He was feeling very vulnerable right about now.

“And that doesn’t mean that I am brushing away these feelings of yours..”

“..What are you trying to say, big guy..?”

His eyes went back to Ryan. “ …That I have also developed a crush on you…”

There it was, the moment of truth that sucked out every air in Room 101. Every dust, every particle, every raw emotion the boys displayed out in the open. Shane can feel goosebumps forming on his skin as Ryan was weighing out what his friend, no, crush just said.

“You..you have a crush on me?! As well?!” A shocking cackle came out of Ryan’s mouth but Shane wasn’t offended, it was like the equivalent of someone laughing at a funeral. 

Okay, no. Bad analogy. 

“Yeah, man…quite a shock..” Shane slightly chuckled at Ryan’s reaction to ease the awkwardness. They made eye contact again. Slightly.

“…Are we cool, big guy?”

Shane realized that he can finally reach over to Ryan again, this time without feeling trapped. He can finally be open to Ryan more than a friend. No more overthinking about the what-if scenarios as he grabbed the smaller man's hands, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles.

“Of course, little guy.”

“Little guy, huh?”

“What, am I inaccurate?” Shane can feel his teasing smile pull at his lips as Ryan sputters out after hearing those remarks.

“Ohh, wouldn't you like to find out.”

Their little exchange of stupid banters fell into place inside the not-so dark room, the nervous tension easing up a bit; no interrupted, unruly emotions that dares to break them apart until-

“Hey, uuhh, Shane?”

“Yeah?”

“...How long have you had a crush on me?”

Well, fuck.

Shane was stunned, taken aback; not sure how to respond to that specific question as he absentmindedly rubbed his neck again.

“Umm, not that… long ago?” 

At this very moment, honesty felt like the best policy but now he just felt plain embarrassed. Who knows how long Ryan had a crush on him; maybe months or even years. Seeing Ryan's eyebrow shoot up proved his point.

“Seriously! Not that long?!” 

“Yeah, well! It surprised me too, okay! And that was because-,” his mouth completely shut tight as he remembered the sole reason. Shane began to blush furiously but Ryan wasn’t waiting any longer.

“Nope, don’t you hide it from me, spill it!”

Shane quickly hid his face, covering his eyes as he felt the blush rush down to his neck, “Ahh fine look, it was all because you took off your shirt, okay!”

This did not surprise Ryan, his all-knowing face was hard to miss, “Oh please, like I haven’t noticed.”

“Wait- you knew?” 

“Not to bust your balls here, big guy, but the amount of looks I've witnessed at work is enough to drive HR up the wall. And you're the exception.”

A bewildered face from Shane made Ryan continue, “It was slight glances, my guy. Remember that bikini video-”

“Oh god, not the red two piece!”

“I think it was a one piece-”

“Nope! Nope! Two piece,” Shane covered his face again, he’s not winning here.

“Oookay, there’s no way you could have remembered that!- How often have you watched the video-”

“Ryan, no- stop- don’t make this weird-”

As if on cue, Ryan began his signature wheeze, “No man, you walked right into this!”

An exasperated sigh from Shane was enough to throw another loop of wheezes out of Ryan, “No man, seriously, now I am questioning how head over heels you were over me—are you even listening!”

“….ooh fuck, it was a one piece..”

Whatever evidence that was meant to be captured that very night was useless, with Ryan laughing like a deranged hyena as he watched Shane’s mind spiral, however it was too funny to even stop. 

“And- (wheeze)- and that video of me trying on that white expensive shirt-”

“I was not looking-!”

“Yeah, sure! Tell that to some of the comments! Oh, and perhaps that lipstick video-”

“Ryan, now you are reaching at places that you can’t even peer over- we both tried on lipsticks which I did a great job applying!”

“My affirmation still stands! You were probably not that obvious but there were enough moments that made me think that you had a thing for me, maybe even before this show.”

Shane narrowed his eyes as his head shifted to the side, knowing that his companion was right; thinking back to those small moments, before any of the videos he had mentioned, where Ryan caught his attention here and there but he didn't need to know that, not wanting to give the smaller man the upper hand. “Ryan, you cannot prove that—”

“The bikini video did, the heels video did, the-”

“That proves nothing.” Shane's jaw jutted forward, testing Ryan. 

Their teasing stopped a bit as they noticed how close both men had gotten, even with the pillows sandwiched between them. Shane's eyes then shifted towards Ryan. The tension of the room picked up again, although this one was different; almost sweet yet thick, like molasses, after it was boiled and crystallized over and over again until it turns into a deep, dark viscous syrup that drips all over them. Perhaps their chemistry had an underlying catalyst; their banters feeling more charged than usual. And it can be felt in the air. 

Ryan felt his face blushed intensely at the thought of that as Shane couldn't help but stare at how easily flustered Ryan had gotten. 

How adorable.

“Sorry, let me move out of the way…”

Shane lightly squeezes Ryan's hand to reassure him, hoping that he got the memo not to panic.

"You're good, Ry...." The unexpected soft whisper in the night caught Ryan off-guard as his eyes finally looked at Shane whose gaze was heavy, as he was in a trance of admiration. Before Ryan can even mutter a word, Shane's voice cut through the night again, delicately, "Now Ry, you didn't answer my previous question... tell me...," Ryan's gulp was amplified by the silence of the room as Shane continued, "how can you prove to me that I had a crush on you before the show, hmm?"

Ryan swears that his heart was drumming in a beat that was indescribable. His lashes fluttered as his eyes quickly darted, breaking his gaze away from Shane, "I was only teasing, big guy."

"Oh, yeah?" Shane was done with the broken eye contact as his hand gently caressed Ryan's face to guide his attention back; brown eyes dilated, the slow descent of yearning that hung in the air, that slow descent for each other on thin ice. Shane would remember this moment as a pin drop could be heard from how still and quiet the room had gotten. Ryan glanced down on Shane's lip, then back to his eyes. 

“Yeah…”

“Why is that?” Shane's gaze was piercing even through hooded lids. 

Ryan mulled over his next line but he was not done pulling the strings on Shane, no, he wants to tip over what they got going on right here, right now.

“…. I got a thing for pushing you to the edge, big guy..”

Strong hands slid down to the back of Ryan's neck, his long fingers curled around the base of his nape as one large thumb caressed his jaw line. Shane pulled him closer, never breaking eye contact. 

“Yeah… you got a thing for being a brat.” Ryan didn't have the time to savor how Shane's voice dropped to a low rumble saying those words. It came deep from his chest, vibrating against their bodies as Shane’s lips crashed against Ryan.

Something snapped in the air, the electric feeling of neurons firing against each other, feeding into the climax of their fired up desire that neither of them knew they had before. Shane's tongue glided against the bottom lip of Ryan as it was begging for an entrance, the kiss turning wet and messy that left him whimpering.

Desperation filled Ryan to the bones as his hands embraced Shane, grabbing whatever he could feel at this very moment. Shane was practically crawling all over him, holding Ryan still by the back of his neck, not wanting to let go of the kiss. Desperation was clawing at them as they grasped each other's back and arms, with Shane's free hand dragging across strong thighs as he pulled Ryan closer. Desperation ripped and twisted their souls into one, leaving them breathless.

Shane pulled back for air for a split second, only for him to dive back in tongue first again. He felt victorious when Ryan allowed him in, feeling his tongue swirled as it begged for dominance. Heavy breathing was heard throughout the room, only for a gasp to escape from Ryan when Shane began to rub against him. 

“Oh, fuck, Shane.”

Another low rumble was heard from Shane as he quickly swallowed Ryan's pleas with his lips; not wanting to separate just yet. Both of them whined against each other's mouths, sharing breaths between teeth as Ryan's lips were pulled back by Shane, sucking on them before letting go. 

“Ryan..”, was all Shane moaned out when he felt Ryan rolling his hips upwards, almost causing the taller man to collapse. He felt Ryan kissing his neck, taking in his scent of pine and honey. Shane has a thing for the forest-like smell, packing them everywhere to their next destination, which Ryan found funny once. Now he is breathing it in like it was his first time experiencing the smell, appreciating every little detail. Firm fingers reached Shane's hair, curling them tightly, rendering the older man to a moaning mess, picking up the pace as they chased the high, their hips slotted together. 

It was a tangled mess as they grinded against each other, feeling their hardened cock leaking through the material by how turned on they had gotten. Shane leaned back, taking a moment to watch how Ryan threw his head against the pillow, gasping and moaning out strings of curses, begging for more. An animalistic groan from Shane sent a shiver down the smaller man's spine.  

“Ooh, Ryan, you're beautiful.” Shane didn't care if he sounded like a complete wreck, his very being shaken to the core as he envisioned Ryan in various positions; him being filled up to the base, making him scream as he arches his back, or dangling off the bed with his legs over Shane's strong shoulders as he rides out an intense orgasm. Or better yet, watching Ryan bounce on his cock, moaning frantically as Shane thrusts upward to meet his lover's pace, fingers gripping on his beautiful hips for dear life. 

Shane had to hold his bearings before he came just at the thought of being buried inside of Ryan. He loomed over to watch how the sweat rolled down to the delicious clavicle, noting how his pulse pressed against the bronze skin from the exertion. The need to claim the smaller man drowned his senses as he licked a long strip of skin from the neck to the back of the ear; causing Ryan to moan desperately. 

Shane hummed in response as his teeth lightly scraped his jawline, stopping on the side of his neck and bit down gently, sucking on the skin to leave a beautiful purple hickey. 

“O-Ohh, Shane— easy, ohh fuck!” 

Ryan cradled the back of Shane's head, exposing his neck more to the bites and marks that were left behind. Long fingers found its way underneath Ryan's shirt, grazing the soft skin, feeling every curve and taut muscles quivering with every breath until large thumbs caressed against each nipples, causing a loud gasp to echo in the room.

Shane enjoyed the reaction as a wicked grin pressed against the expanse of his lover's neck, “Look who's sensitive, huh?” As if on cue, Ryan whimpered again as Shane rubbed his dusky nipples in a long, circular motion.

“I-I’m not!”

“Ohh? Then what's going on here, Ryan?” Shane pressed on with the same motion as his hooded eyes trained on Ryan's face like a panther analyzing his meal; marking his very movements before striking. The moment Ryan's eyebrows were scrunched tightly and his mouth slacked open, Shane pinched the abused nipples. 

Ryan jolted from the bed with a sobbing moan strangling his throat.

“Fuck~~! Fuck-ing hell, Shane ~~” 

Shane shoved him back down, shushing the smaller man while continuing to tease him, hands now exploring every inch of his firm body.

“I got you, baby…”

Ryan was reduced to a pleading mess, wanting to feel more of Shane, glancing down to spot the older man kissing his tanned skin as he shoved the night shirt higher to press another kiss on the hip bone. As he rested his forearms on the bed, his eyes met Shane; a hunger glint shining through.

The sight of heavy eyelids peering over was enough to make Ryan let out a silent moan, already knowing what Shane was asking with just his eyes. 

Not trusting his voice, Ryan nodded with a whispered ‘yes’ that was hard to hear but loud enough for Shane to register in the quiet room. With one swished motion, Shane yanked down both pants and underwear. 

The jerky movement was sudden as the cool air hit Ryan, emitting a shocking gasp from how his dick sprung out without any warning.

“Shit! Hey, a little heads up, will ya!”

Shane wasn't listening, his eyes were glued on the thickness of the excited visitor. “Little head up, huh?”

“The fuck that's supposed to mean—,” 

“You ain't little,” Shane retorted with a shit eating grin. 

“Oh shut up, Shane! Also I thought you were gonna build up the moment!

I did not expect you to go all out like that?!”

Shane grinned wider as he gestured, "Why build up, when I can let it right out of its gate.” Before Ryan can even exclaim, Shane purred; “so…this is what you meant by ‘wouldn't you like to find out’, huh?” His large hands grasped the meat of Ryan's thighs, practically salivating while the smaller man quiver at the sheer intensity of Shane's eye contact, looking wilder than before; a silent promise of what's about to come.

For Shane to remember a certain phrase from Ryan was nothing new but considering the circumstances, Ryan could not help but turn bright red that rivals the slight darkness of the room. “A-are you gonna stare at it like an idiot!?”

“And if I do, then what?” His tongue glided at the tip as his eyes continued to bore deep into the younger man. Ryan jumped with a yelp, but nothing prepared him when a strong grip on the man's waist shoved him down towards the bed, trapping Ryan to resume the slow torture. Getting manhandled by Shane, who people considered as a gentle giant, was not in the 2017 bingo cards. Especially when his large hands can practically grab Ryan's bulky frame like nothing, easily powering him if given the chance. It was hot and Ryan whined as Shane began to suck on the swollen head, his lips stretching out.

Ryan covered his mouth, biting his fingers to keep him grounded as he watched how Shane leisurely took him with gusto, his dick glistening from the amount of saliva that was producing, helping the taller man glide down with ease with one hand at the base to twist the rest up to his mouth, making a loud squelching noise that you only hear in porn. The scene was so filthy that he wished that it was recorded. 

Recorded? 

His eyes darted to the camera in the room, heart leaping out. Shit, shit, shit!

Ryan frantically tried to get Shane's attention by pulling at his shirt but the vice grip of ecstasy made it impossible to even utter a word. 

“S-shane! Shane, slow down, the-re—aahh~~ Shaaannee!”

A lewd pop echoed in the room from Shane's mouth, stopping the amazing blowjob to give Ryan the opportunity to speak, only for him to go back to mouthing a fat vein that traveled on the side of Ryan's cock, not letting the distressed man say his part. “Mmm, words, Ryan.”

This fuckin dickhead! 

“Camera— holy shi—the camera, Shane!” Ryan finally choked out. The way Shane’s body went rigid did not go unnoticed. He quickly looked back. 

“Oh, shit—,” his head swiveled back to Ryan, “the camera!” What sounded like a panicked laughter from Shane should have made Ryan join in but, deep down, his mind was going a thousand miles per hour; a weird sensation of embarrassment and excitement clouded his judgment.

Before Shane could even reach the camera, Ryan held his hand up. “Wait, don't turn it off just yet!”

“Huh?!”

“Let me think.”

Shane looked at Ryan, then at the camera, then back at Ryan.

“Ryan…. you're not saying that-”

“Shush! Let me think-”

But Shane kept joshing, “Oohhh Ryan, Ryan, Ryan, I didn't know you were into that-”

The urge to stick a ghost rod in Shane's mouth was infuriating, “I'm not! I'm trying to find a way to scrap up this footage-”

“Easy, just say that the footage corrupted or the battery died from, ohh I don't know, a ghost?” countered Shane as if the answer was obvious. 

But it wasn't enough and while one of those answers makes sense even though they were on a deadline, an idea struck Ryan that left him feeling sheepishly; wondering if he is willing to sacrifice the amount of time they have left in New Orleans for his personal gain, “... .or let the camera record the whole night and not let anyone know..” 

The word shocked was an understatement to describe Shane's face after hearing what Ryan proposed. It was ludicrously, yet, intriguing enough to let Shane egg on the idea.

“…What are you trying to say here, Ryan..?”

Even in the darkness of the night, Ryan could feel the spotlight on him burning as he continued, “I'm trying to say that we can edit out our …part…”

A familiar urge pooled at the base of Shane's spine; like white, hot tendrils creeping deep into his veins. He felt his knuckles clenched tightly beside him.

“Do you know what you're asking, Ryan?” Shane asked firmly, afraid to let go of whatever sanity he had left.

The firmness from Ryan's reply was enough to solidify the agreement, “Yes, I do.”

And just like that, the energy in the room changed; shifting dangerously fast that left both men on the edge. Ryan quickly got rid of his clothes as Shane stalked closer to the bed; grabbing Ryan by the hips and devouring his lips. Whatever sexual tension they had before tripled, leaving them parched for each other, gasping for air like their life depending on it. The only way to quench their thirst is by drowning in lust. 

Their breathing picked up, lips smacking together as they whispered sweet nothings that would soon flourish into something new later on; but for now, there's nothing like the present. Shane begrudgingly separated from Ryan, hearing the younger man whine. “I'll be back, give me one second,” he reassured with kisses, hopping off the bed to go to his small duffel bag that they carry just in case whenever a hotel room is booked during an investigation. Ryan was watching Shane as he rummaged through the bag, curiosity getting the best of him until he heard an, “Aha!”

“Is that- there's no way,” Ryan squinted his eyes, then laughed, “is that a Mardi Gras theme lube?!”

Shane shrugged as he looked at the little bottle, “had to get a little souvenir and,” he continued to inspect it, “oh—strawberry flavor!”

Their laughter continued until an “uh, oh” came from Shane. 

“What!”

A golden wrapper was held between Shane's index and middle finger, “...there's only one…” The moment was silent for a split second, only for Ryan to perk up from a sudden revelation, his heart picking up the pace. 

There's gonna be more than one round. 

A blush went across Ryan's face when he finally spoke up, “you mean…”

Shane quickly backpedaled, realizing what he just said, “I mean, if that's okay.. we don't have to!” God, this was embarrassing.

Now it was Ryan's turn to calm down the big guy. “Shane, you're good! I'm just surprised, that is all ….umm, I-I’m good to go even if there's only one.” It was a gamble, not knowing how the night could end for the both of them, their dynamic being put to the test. If he had the chance, Ryan would have hidden underneath the bed cover by now from the unexpected display of raw emotions, especially since he's the only one without clothes. 

“So, you're good? You sure?” Shane's worried eyes did not compliment his overall calmed appearance. It was an expression Ryan hardly saw on the tall man; the man with reasons and snide comments that he can jab back tenfold. It was an expression that Ryan wanted to avoid at all costs. To kiss away. 

“Of course, big guy. I trust you.”

He watched as if a weight was lifted off of Shane's shoulder, confidence finding its way through hastily big steps towards the bed, meeting Ryan's lips with a pleased moan, taking his sweet time to appreciate the man in front of him. Their fingers dug deep into each other, blunt nails leaving marks on their skins, teeth gliding down the beautiful tanned muscles as it stopped between Ryan's thighs. The whole world shrunk into this very moment for them and Shane could sense his companion tense up. “Ryan, I got you,” he whispered into the dark, landing his hand on the tight abdomen as he took the thick cock into his mouth again.

“Oh myyy God!,” cried out Ryan, the warmth of Shane's mouth brought tears into his eyes, all of his senses zero in on the quick and skilled movement that drove Ryan to the edge; the wetness of the tongue gliding and swirling and taking in the taste of precum. The tightness was alluring, half expecting Shane to falter from the demanding length but was proven wrong, already feeling his cock almost at the base of man's throat. Long fingers massaging against his entrance snapped him back from the thoughts, hearing a pleased humming coming from the man below him. “Hhmm, has someone been prepping himself?”

Another sob wrung out of Ryan, “ I- I didn't, ohh shit- it was-!”

“Words, Ryan.”

“Shut– ohhh, you fuck– in the hotel, other hotel shower–oh Jesus Christ -”

“Not my name.” 

Ryan whacked Shane's arm as his stupid cackle burst out of him. Then out of nowhere a familiar pop from the lube jolted Ryan from his place, a teasing smile could be felt coming from Shane's lips, “You've been thinking of this moment, haven't you.”

“Likewise!” Even when Shane has the younger man writhing underneath his thumb, Ryan manages to bite back, “the stress of the show is at fault here!”  

The response amused Shane, a sultry smile replaced his teasing one, “and am I not your solution?” 

“Hardly…,” Ryan teased back until his eyes darted to the bottle of lube in Shane's hand, “.. let me do it, big guy..”

Shane blinked, “Huh?”

“The bottle. May I have it, please.” Ryan was glad that his oversized friend-soon-to-be lover didn't question it, most likely wondering what was about to happen. He began to lather up two of his fingers, already feeling eyes tracking his every move as his heart beats against his ears. With a deep, shaking breath, Ryan began to breach his entrance; a pent up moan drew out of him that shook the entire room. The stretch was exhilarating as his hips buckled upward, chasing the high; moving his firm fingers at a brutal pace, another long string of moans drowning on as he unraveled himself, beautifully displayed.  

Ryan was in his own world, almost forgetting that Shane was enjoying what was presented in front of him, smirking at the unfolded tension that had built up finally reaching its breaking point. “That's it, Ry…let it all out,” cooed Shane, moving closer to plant a kiss on the shaking thighs, lapping up the lube that squelched out and dripped from the mess. A string of ‘shit shit shitshitshit’ ripped out of Ryan when Shane began to add a finger alongside his, slowly entering, then matching Ryan's pace. 

Whispers of ‘that's it baby, there you go' was drowned out by the incoherent yelling of Ryan, his legs hitching on to Shane's shoulder as he felt a wet tongue joined as well; doubling the sweet torture. He was going to come like this.

Fingers found its way to Shane's hair, curling them into a tight grip, just as Shane's fingers curled up inside of Ryan; pressing against his prostate. A state of limbo was the best way to describe what Ryan experienced as his back arched off the bed, a silent moan from his abused voice was all he could muster as he climaxed violently. The orgasm came in waves; pulsating in his veins, nerves, and muscles, trickling deep into the base of his spine with hot white flashes. 

His eyes rolled back from the intensity, basking in the delicious sensation that would forever rewire every nerve in his body. No one was able to make Ryan come with such force that he was left wondering how he would last the whole night with Shane. Or, better yet, how Shane would catch up to him. The bed dipped a bit for a split second, breaking Ryan’s blissful thoughts, only for it to dip again, this time with Shane holding a towel.

“Shane..?”

“Shh, I got you sweetheart.” The aftercare was unexpected, feeling the warm towel wipe gently against his skin, Ryan being used to getting up and taking care of himself; to the quick fuck and dump lifestyle he had grown used to back in college. But this was different, there was actual sentiment behind it, something that left his heart pulling in different directions. “Hey, uhh if you want, we can take a break–,”a passionate kiss interrupted Shane. “Or not.”

The momentum picked up again with Ryan desperately yanking off Shane’s shirt, tossing it somewhere in the godforsaken room. “I do not know why you like sleeping with a long sleeve.” 

“It's to avert luring eyes.”

“Shut up, Shane.” 

It was a short banter as Ryan was focused on one thing as his fingers found its way to the drawstrings. The impressive imprint was calling out his name, pressing against the pajama pants, sending shivers down Ryan's back as the need to pass his mouth over the covered cock was suppressed by the urge to yank the whole pants down with a force he was surprised that he even possessed. Ryan gulped as the length popped out, his eyes mapping out every detail that gripped into his bones. The proportion paid off with length and heaviness, a perfect girth and a beautiful curve that comes upwards that complements the pink, wide head. 

“Ryan, are you done looking at my dick like an idiot?”

“…Uhh huh.” (With that being said), Ryan was in a trance as he went to work; one hand at the base as he planted a wet kiss on the throbbing head, swallowing it whole with his tongue pressed against the foreskin. He pushed in, saliva dripped down the long cock and bed sheets, gagging as his lips stretched obscenely, the task proved intense, driving the smaller man in a lustful frenzy. Hearing Shane's shocking gasp sparked the desire to push in more, to take in more; bracing himself by loosening up his sore throat until the intrusion jolted Ryan from the unexpected stretch, demolishing the idea of taking the tall man's cock.

“Easy, Ryan… go slowly, sweetheart… we have all night,” encouraged Shane, caressing the desperate man, brushing back the hair that stuck against heated skin, digging into the strands to hold them in place. And it worked as Ryan humming pleasantly vibrated through the thick cock, almost making Shane lose his bearings, “Fuck yeah, that's it- take it, baby.” The vice grip on Ryan's hair was intoxicating, alongside with the unexpected demand he was receiving from Shane; the gentle giant with Midwestern hospitality face fucking Ryan like there was no tomorrow. Tears stung his eyes as everything turned blurry, his vision getting clouded as large hands guided Ryan deeper and deeper until he started to choke about an inch in. A hiss escaped from Shane’s lips, whole body shuddering from what his cock endured from the warm grip of his lover’s throat; wanting to finish deep inside. But he can’t, he must feel Ryan on his cock. The harsh yank on Ryan's hair sent an electric shock throughout his body as he gratefully took in a deep, ragged breath with drool sliding down the corner of his mouth. 

Not even a second had passed as Shane dragged Ryan by the hair and manhandled him onto the bed, the younger man complied with a strangled moan; enjoying the rough treatment. His companion, at the moment, was a different person filled with carnal desire; the only thing in mind was Ryan and Ryan alone. If Shane wasn't taller before, he was now; the perspective changed dramatically for Ryan as he laid on the bed, anticipating the inevitable, his dick fully erect from how turned on he had gotten. He watched how Shane stroked his length covered spit while he handed Ryan a golden wrapper. “Open it.” The demand from the older man short circuits the synapse deep in Ryan’s brain, reaching at the condom with anticipation. The name on the condom caught his attention for a nanosecond, knowing it was funny enough to crack a joke between the two immature men, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. (AN: Danny DeVito, I'm talking about you) A mental note was indeed taken as the impressive length was indeed real and needed Ryan’s undivided attention.

With shaking fingers, Ryan pried the condom open and handed it back to Shane, only for him to pull Ryan's hand closer to his cock, together guiding the wet condom down to the base as they moaned in unison, already high-strung for each other. Ryan frantically gave the lube to Shane, who gladly obliged, clicking the bottle open and applied a generous amount.

“Ready for me, baby?” Without a doubt, the pet name for Ryan did something to his soul and there was no going back as he would gladly wear it to his grave. 

“Yes, please”

Shane loomed over again, grabbing the muscular thigh over his hips as he lined up his cock, “Deep breaths, Ryan,” advised Shane, looking towards Ryan who only responded with a frantic nod of his head. “Words, baby. Say something.” His large hand rubbed small circles to ease the man below him.

“Yes, okayy please”

“Good boy.”

Those two words didn't register in Ryan's brain as it was drowned out by the immense stretch demolishing his insides. “Ohh, shhiiittt”, gasped Ryan, his hands flying towards the long, slender arm to brace himself. “That's it, you're doing good, baby,” Shane sounded like a wreck with only the tip in, knuckles turning white to avoid coming fast. Another breath was taken, then another inch; eyes rolling back from the heat engulfing his dick. “Fuck my life, Ryan, you feel so good,” was grunted out him, the only response back he was getting was a sharp wailing, Ryan’s breath picking up which turned into short, desperate sobs. “God- fuck! Shane, wait-sloww, pl-pleasee.” 

A long, cavernous groan ripped out of Shane; a delicious sound that Ryan drank in with pleasure, watching how the man on top recollected himself, his hips stuttering into a halt, “Slow down, baby? Too much?”

“Yes but-,” pleaded Ryan, taking in a full breath, “don’t stop, please..” There was an exchange of glances between them, a mutual understanding of care and protection of one another; their foreheads pressed together as Shane pushed forward, holding the smaller man’s hips to avoid sliding in quickly, as Ryan was practically almost folded in half by their size differences. Soft shushes and praises left the lips of the older man, embracing Ryan's trembling body as it took in the heavy cock, stopping to let him adjust, only to pull back out to drive it back home. Legs were quivering as Ryan begged for Shane to pick up the pace, the tension picking up. “Sshhh baby, not yet not yet …” Knees braced against the mattress to deliver one final thrust, completely filing up Ryan to the brim; eyes widen with a breathless gasp. 

The moment stood still, neither men moved as their heartbeats and breathing became in sync to one another; afraid that everything would be cut short or that anyone outside Room 101 would file a noise complaint. And perhaps, someone did, although it did not stop Shane from slowly rolling his hips; pulling out and sinking half-way in, teasing the smaller man into feeling every torturous, heavy drag of his cock which left him choking for air, noting how firm fingers were leaving red marks on slender white arms. Quiet whispers and wretched moans were caught between lips as Shane watched how obscenely stretched out Ryan was, the length slowly disappearing inside as if it was splitting him in half. Even with the condom on, the skin of Shane’s cock could be felt; the rubber seemingly getting ready to burst any second. Sweat dripped and rolled down onto each other’s body from Shane sheer focused on fucking Ryan with just half a cock in; not wanting to hurt the smaller man who didn’t seem to know the difference.

“Baby….Ryan, breath, you'll feel the rest of me…”

“God, fuck- I thought that was all of you!”

“Oh, baby, we would have been done long ago...” as if to prove his point, he bottomed out Ryan again; pushing in with a deep grind that drove the younger man into a begging mess. He can practically feel it in his throat, another wave of his second climax sneaking in; the overstimulation getting the best of him when the older man continued the grinding motion. All hell broke loose as the pace picked up, Shane pushing Ryan into the mattress; the roll of his hips locking the smaller man in place, fucking him as if he barely weight like anything. There was nothing Ryan could do but hold on to dear life, the sweat on the older man’s back making it impossible as angry, red marks were left behind, throat turning raw from all the screaming and sobbing. It wasn't until Shane finally pulled out and began to thrust vigorously, pistoning the smaller man with his whole body weight; sending the whole bedframe banging against the wall. The loud moans of Ryan bounced in every corner of the room, accompanied by the reverberating sound of skins slapping against each other.

“Shane, I’m gonna cum, gonna cum, ppleasee, oohhh god pleaassee,” Ryan’s leg locked in place as his second climax came barreling through, sending him to the edge as his back arched against Shane, feeling the taller man hands traveled to his ass, hiking him up closer; not stopping his thrust to ride out the rest of Ryan’s orgasm. His whole body went pliant, both his arms dropped to the bed, letting Shane take a hold of him as he slowed down; heavy breath coming in shallow patterns. 

“Holy…shit,” Shane carefully lifted off from Ryan, caressing his tired yet pleased face, “Ry?” 

“Mmm..?” He slowly shifted his head towards the hand, opening his eyes, “you should keep that Mardi Gras themed lube, big guy…”

A heartfelt laughed was shared between them, Shane adding on, “ooh don’t you worry, I’ma display this-”

“Oh god, no-,” wheezed Ryan. 

“And tell everyone it has magical properties.”

“Like, fucking?”

“It would make you horny during the evening.”

The wheezes made the moment sweet for a moment until Ryan stopped, “Wait, you didn't come..?!”

“Don’t worry about me, you need to catch your breath.”

“Shane..”

“Ryan?”

“I'm not tired-”

“Didn't say you were--," firm hands pulled Shane down, lips interlocking to shut the taller man up, “fine, you want this?” He sat up, shifting Ryan underneath him, pulling one leg over his shoulder, the other gripping on his waist. The smaller man lit up, successfully getting the older man riled up, his whole body searing with want; firing every cell with a surge of energy, still sensitive yet the anticipation drowned out the soreness when Shane rammed his hips, folding the younger man in half as he continued to barrel downwards.

“Oh, Shane, yes-just like that~~”

The new angle roused Ryan, wanting to match the even thrust from Shane as he rolled his hips upwards with a pleased moan. “OH, fuck yesss!”

A string of curses came out of Shane, enthralled by the excitement, his fingers tightly holding onto beautifully tanned hips, relishing on the idea of leaving bruises behind, marks that might peer over the waistband so everyone can see, and that drove the taller man mad with lust. “Shit~ oh, fuck Ry! You're gonna be the death of me- FUckfuckfuck~~.” The iron grip was slipping, their pace picking up as the delicious sound of lube and spit slapped, dripping even more, Ryan skillfully rocking back to Shane. Every thrust sent shockwaves, not caring if the noise echoed throughout the brothel. Never in his life had the taller man moan with such lustful intensity, wishing that the condom was ripped off to finish completely inside of Ryan. That very thought threw Shane over the edge, catching his lover’s lips as he came, dick throbbing as he delivered a few shallow thrusts.

The night settled around them as everything slowed down, catching each breath, every heart beat as they basked in the afterglow; feeling their bodies quiver, the excitement still intact but in a newfound sensation of belonging. It was a feeling Ryan did not want to let go even though he was covered in sweat and cum that was overriding his need to get up and clean himself. But not when Shane felt like a weighted blanket, another sensation that should bother him this very moment, yet, he welcomes it; that slow descent of calm seeping in that rivals his never-ending thoughts and anxieties. Thoughts that never shut up, and right when Ryan was about to brush the messy, brown strands off of Shane's face, reality came ramming back into place: they were still investigating room 101. Ahh, fuck. 

“Did you guys enjoy the show?!,” called out Shane, knowing that Ryan would freak out for any slight interactions with the ghosts. 

“Would you shut up! Don't entice them!”

“I think we scared them away, Ryan.”

“Unlikely”, groaned Ryan, already knowing how his night is gonna end. Maybe he would finally have a good night's sleep.