Categories > Celebrities > Panic! At The Disco > Cracked nails & Red lollipops
Mornings. The part of the day that Ryan happened to hate the most. Why? Well, first of all, he had had to get up earlier than usual for his new job, so he had set his alarm to go off at six AM since he was supposed to be there at eight. But, just because he set the alarm, that didn't mean he actually heard it. It ended up going off on time, then somehow it ended up being flung onto the floor and smashed to pieces. Of course, Ryan had no idea how that had happened, and reminded himself to maybe buy a more durable clock next time.
Next, he had jumped into the shower, only to remember that his hot water heater had been shut off due to insufficient funds. So, Ryan had had to have an ice cold shower that left him shivering and trembling when he got out of it, and nearly slipping on the floor from the puddle his wet feet had made. Usually he would have placed mats on the floor, but he was just to lazy that morning, plus he didn't have any time to do it. He was going to be late! So after he had gotten dressed (which actually took nearly half an hour since he had to find the perfect thing to wear) in tight jeans with little diamond studded chains criss crossing it, and a red zip-up hoodie, he got to work on his face. He applied his eyeliner with shaky fingers, but he managed to make straight lines, and applied a little rouge to his cheeks (he reminded himself it was because he was so pale, besides, it looked good.) for good measure.
Hair was a whole different subject though! First Ryan had to blow-dry it, which took twenty minutes since his hair's so thick, then he had to comb through it and plug in his straightening iron and wait for it to heat up. Meanwhile applying at least ten different hair products, hair spray, a relaxation mist, a cherry scented de-frizzer, and some mousse for the fly-aways, then some different kinds of heat friendly spritzes for volume. After straightening his hair, which took another twenty some minutes (he had to get it perfect okay?) he quickly put on a scarf and grabbed his keys and his messenger bag. The bag just so happened to have a bunch of Disney character stickers on it, thanks to the kids at the community center he helped out at. He didn't even care that some people made fun of him for it, since the kids gave it to him, he couldn't just take them off! Anyways, after locking the door to his apartment and slipping the keys back into his bag, he made his way outside, only for it to be nearly scalding hot outside, making him really regret wearing the stupid striped scarf.
He almost missed his bus too, since he absolutely had to stop at Starbucks to get his usual non-fat green tea soy latte, and of course say hi to his friend Spencer, who was one of the boys who worked the coffee machines there. He didn't even have time to say anything more than that since when he looked above Spencer's head the little white clock of doom had told him it was quarter to eight, which meant he had fifteen minutes to get to 'Pretty & Flawless' when it actually took about half an hour by bus. He had had to grab his latte quickly and nearly ran out of the shop, leaving behind a bemused and slightly confused Spencer.
After catching the bus (nearly missing it too) Ryan had spent the whole ride sipping at his latte and trying not to fall over at the same time, since the bus was packed with people the only space he could find was beside the door, which left him with his hand latched to one of those swingy handle things (which weren't very stable mind you) and also trying not to stumble into anyone. He had nearly breathed a sigh of relief when his stop came, and he hopped off the bus as fast as he could, running down the street towards the spa. His legs were fairly long, so it didn't take too much time until he got there.
When he stumbled into the main entrance, he was panting so hard he had to double over and catch his breath though. Apparently being so skinny says nothing about how fit a person actually is, and Ryan reminded himself to maybe go for more jogs. It couldn't hurt. He coughed, clutching the strap of his messenger bag in a death grip. When he finally got his breath back and he stood up, he was face to face with a cup of water, in one of those cone shaped paper things, and he took it gratefully, swallowing the cold liquid with his eyes closed and head tipped back. When he finished, he opened his eyes to find a smiling Keltie watching him. He blinked.
“T-thanks Keltie.” he said, voice cracking slightly, after about two minutes. He smiled, and put his hands in his pockets. She immediately brightened, taking his hand out of one of his pockets and into her own, then dragging him into the salon and into a chair near her booth.
As Keltie set up her stuff, Ryan looked around. Nobody was there. He glanced at the clock at the doorway, and it was eight thirty. He wondered if everyone was always late. “A-are we the only ones here?” he asked, setting his bag on the ground and putting his palms on the cloth in front of him, twisting his fingers in the fluffy fibers.
Keltie set a file down. “Yeah, Brendon and the others don't come in till nine. Although they really are supposed to come in right now...I guess I was just too nice when I volunteered to be the one to be in charge of the keys. 'Cause now I have to stay until everyone leaves to lock up, and I have to be the first one here to open up. Not to mention William always seems to take his sweet ass time leaving. The slut.” she murmured, before eyeing her nails critically in the mirrors. She snapped a piece off of one of them, then threw it across the room.
Ryan raised his eyebrows slightly, but nodded sympathetically all the same, and noted how much calmer (and maybe a little bitter) Keltie seemed to be in the morning.
A car came up at the front of the building, the music blaring some song by fall out boy, and Keltie looked up from her nails and squinted through the glass. “Well speak of the devil. William's here.” she then gasped, her eyes widening. “That little whore! He better not have spent the night with the new waxer.” she spat, now picking up the forgotten file and using it vigorously. Little white dusty chips flying about as she did.
Ryan looked out the window through the water-streamed glass. Outside a tall guy with wavy brown hair stepped out of the car, slamming the door. He was rather pretty, Ryan observed. Nice hips too. Couldn't be older than twenty-two, probably. He was holding a starbucks take away cup and chatting on a hot pink cell phone, gesturing with his hands as he spoke, his drink nearly spilling out of its cup. He smiled then, most likely at whoever it was he was speaking to, and raised his shoulder happily, shrugging. Ryan turned back to Keltie with a raised eyebrow, he didn't have a clue how she had gotten that out of what he had seen. He mostly just looked like he was talking on his cell.
“He's not with anyone.” he murmured, then put his hand upon the file. “You've nearly reached the bone.” he indicated, and Keltie looked at her fingers, surprised obviously.
Then she sighed, and glared at William through the window. “I know there's nobody with him now , but I can tell by how he's acting that he got lucky yesterday night. Just look at his face. That's one smug son of a bitch. I can see it in his beady little eyes.”
Ryan could tell Keltie had some issues with William, but he didn't want to pry, so instead he just hummed in confirmation.
“So...” Ryan started, tearing Keltie away from starring daggers at William's back. “What exactly do I have to do here? Um, Shay wasn't very specific yesterday. She kind of just hired me on the spot.” Ryan mentally congratulated himself, for this was the longest time he'd gone without stuttering.
Keltie shrugged easily, and got back to work on filing her nails. “It's really an easy spot to fill, all you have to do is bring Brendon whatever he wants. Coffee, nail tools, that's basically it.” she nodded, then her eyes widened and she put a finger up, smirking. “Oh! And don't be surprised if he teases you, and don't take it seriously, that's just what he likes to do to the new guys.”
'Teasing?' Ryan thought worriedly, and he brought his fingers up to chew on his own battered nails. He'd never been good with teasing, since he'd always let things get to him. And mostly, he always took everything seriously, which was part of the problem. Not to mention he used to be teased as a kid, and he didn't think he could handle anything like that now that he was a (semi) adult. He'd barely just gotten over it now, what was he supposed to do if Brendon started teasing him about his stuttering or fashion sense?
Ryan's thoughts were interrupted by a very loud boisterous voice. “Keltiiiie, Shay's being meeeeean to me. She wouldn't get me any of those five cent candies,you know those really awesome spicy red lips, when we stopped to get gas, instead she just ignored me. IGNORED ME! HOW CAN ANYBODY IGNORE ME ? I'M ADORABLE! JUST LOOK AT THIS FACE!!” Brendon had ran into the room, then proceeded to latch onto Keltie's arm, and was now sticking his bottom lip out and opening his eyes wide so they looked impossibly round. Behind him stood Shay, rolling her eyes and sneering.
“If I gave him any more candy he'd fucking jump through the roof. That or he'd just start humping random passers-by.” she huffed, then turned towards Ryan with her eyes flashing warningly. “If he ever asks you to get him anything that contains sugar, just say no . And his coffee has to be decaf. DO NOT give in to the Brendon Urie puppy eyes, that's just what he wants you to do.”
Brendon squawked at Shay, then he ran over to Ryan and pulled out his best wounded puppy face. “Don't listen to her Ryan, she just doesn't want me to be happy! 'Cos she's MEAN! Plus, I don't even like coffee. I prefer double chocolate chip frappacino's with extra whip and caramel flavor.” he smirked then. “You need to remember that, Ross, since you're my new slave.”
Ryan fought the urge to blush, instead leveling Brendon's stare. “I'll remember that then. Thanks for the heads up.” he said, though his eyes were starting to wander.
William chose that moment to waltz in, his hips swaying. He snapped his phone shut and looked around, where everyone was watching Ryan and Brendon. “What's this I hear about new meat? Is this your new toy, Bren?” he purred, slinging an arm around Brendon and gazing at Ryan. “He's hot. I wonder what he'd look like when someone fucks him? Such pretty lips. Nice ass too. Good pick.” he murmured, licking his own lips.
Ryan shrank from Williams gaze, and he turned his head to hide his burning cheeks. This wasn't new, the whole people checking him out thing, he just wasn't used to such graphic statements about himself. Not to mention he was still a virgin, so he didn't know much about anything. Poor innocent Ryan.
“Stay away from him, William, he's off limits.” Keltie said, sidling up in front of Ryan and crossing her arms on her chest. She was nearly cackling with hateful energy, Ryan could nearly feel it. Brendon just rolled his eyes and tugged William's arm off of him, then he took a blushing Ryan's hand and led them to the very last booth. Ryan could have sworn he'd never blushed so much in less than an hour.
He looked over where Keltie was, and he saw her hand continuously clenching and unclenching at her sides, as if she wanted to throw a punch. William only raised his eyebrows and raised his arms, his eyes innocent (yeah, right). “I wasn't even thinking of doing anything to him Kelt, besides, he's too girly for my taste, though that isn't the worst thing that I've ever slept with...” he trailed off then, and smiled innocently again, before waltzing off towards the lavender door down the hall.
Ryan felt something twinge in his chest at Williams last remark. 'Isn't the worst thing' and 'too girly' ringing through his head as clear as a bell. He knew that wasn't really a tease, per say, but it still hurt. So, it basically meant that he was close to the worst thing William had ever slept with. What a surge of self-confidence that was.
“Hey, he didn't mean it like that. Don't worry.” Brendon said, his warm chocolate hues trained on Ryan. He must have detected the way Ryan felt by how he was currently looking down at the table, playing with his fingers. Ryan didn't really want Brendon's pity though, and he was about to say that when Brendon said something that stopped the words from escaping his breath.
“He was right when he said you were gorgeous though. 'Cos I think you are, and so does everyone else who's met you so far.” he winked at Ryan, then he let out a loud squeal, causing Ryan to jump nearly ten feet in the air. “What's wrong?” he gasped out, looking around frantically for the source of Brendon's fan girl-ness.
Brendon pointed to Ryan bag excitedly, and his eyes lit up. “You have The Little Mermaid stickers!” he squealed again, then proceeded to look over them all in awe. He looked up, then his tone of voice changed completely and in an official tone he said: “Ryan Ross, you are officially my hero, best friend, and my fucking soul-mate rapped up into one! I so totally love you now!”
Then of course, Ryan found himself smiling goofily the rest of the day.
Next, he had jumped into the shower, only to remember that his hot water heater had been shut off due to insufficient funds. So, Ryan had had to have an ice cold shower that left him shivering and trembling when he got out of it, and nearly slipping on the floor from the puddle his wet feet had made. Usually he would have placed mats on the floor, but he was just to lazy that morning, plus he didn't have any time to do it. He was going to be late! So after he had gotten dressed (which actually took nearly half an hour since he had to find the perfect thing to wear) in tight jeans with little diamond studded chains criss crossing it, and a red zip-up hoodie, he got to work on his face. He applied his eyeliner with shaky fingers, but he managed to make straight lines, and applied a little rouge to his cheeks (he reminded himself it was because he was so pale, besides, it looked good.) for good measure.
Hair was a whole different subject though! First Ryan had to blow-dry it, which took twenty minutes since his hair's so thick, then he had to comb through it and plug in his straightening iron and wait for it to heat up. Meanwhile applying at least ten different hair products, hair spray, a relaxation mist, a cherry scented de-frizzer, and some mousse for the fly-aways, then some different kinds of heat friendly spritzes for volume. After straightening his hair, which took another twenty some minutes (he had to get it perfect okay?) he quickly put on a scarf and grabbed his keys and his messenger bag. The bag just so happened to have a bunch of Disney character stickers on it, thanks to the kids at the community center he helped out at. He didn't even care that some people made fun of him for it, since the kids gave it to him, he couldn't just take them off! Anyways, after locking the door to his apartment and slipping the keys back into his bag, he made his way outside, only for it to be nearly scalding hot outside, making him really regret wearing the stupid striped scarf.
He almost missed his bus too, since he absolutely had to stop at Starbucks to get his usual non-fat green tea soy latte, and of course say hi to his friend Spencer, who was one of the boys who worked the coffee machines there. He didn't even have time to say anything more than that since when he looked above Spencer's head the little white clock of doom had told him it was quarter to eight, which meant he had fifteen minutes to get to 'Pretty & Flawless' when it actually took about half an hour by bus. He had had to grab his latte quickly and nearly ran out of the shop, leaving behind a bemused and slightly confused Spencer.
After catching the bus (nearly missing it too) Ryan had spent the whole ride sipping at his latte and trying not to fall over at the same time, since the bus was packed with people the only space he could find was beside the door, which left him with his hand latched to one of those swingy handle things (which weren't very stable mind you) and also trying not to stumble into anyone. He had nearly breathed a sigh of relief when his stop came, and he hopped off the bus as fast as he could, running down the street towards the spa. His legs were fairly long, so it didn't take too much time until he got there.
When he stumbled into the main entrance, he was panting so hard he had to double over and catch his breath though. Apparently being so skinny says nothing about how fit a person actually is, and Ryan reminded himself to maybe go for more jogs. It couldn't hurt. He coughed, clutching the strap of his messenger bag in a death grip. When he finally got his breath back and he stood up, he was face to face with a cup of water, in one of those cone shaped paper things, and he took it gratefully, swallowing the cold liquid with his eyes closed and head tipped back. When he finished, he opened his eyes to find a smiling Keltie watching him. He blinked.
“T-thanks Keltie.” he said, voice cracking slightly, after about two minutes. He smiled, and put his hands in his pockets. She immediately brightened, taking his hand out of one of his pockets and into her own, then dragging him into the salon and into a chair near her booth.
As Keltie set up her stuff, Ryan looked around. Nobody was there. He glanced at the clock at the doorway, and it was eight thirty. He wondered if everyone was always late. “A-are we the only ones here?” he asked, setting his bag on the ground and putting his palms on the cloth in front of him, twisting his fingers in the fluffy fibers.
Keltie set a file down. “Yeah, Brendon and the others don't come in till nine. Although they really are supposed to come in right now...I guess I was just too nice when I volunteered to be the one to be in charge of the keys. 'Cause now I have to stay until everyone leaves to lock up, and I have to be the first one here to open up. Not to mention William always seems to take his sweet ass time leaving. The slut.” she murmured, before eyeing her nails critically in the mirrors. She snapped a piece off of one of them, then threw it across the room.
Ryan raised his eyebrows slightly, but nodded sympathetically all the same, and noted how much calmer (and maybe a little bitter) Keltie seemed to be in the morning.
A car came up at the front of the building, the music blaring some song by fall out boy, and Keltie looked up from her nails and squinted through the glass. “Well speak of the devil. William's here.” she then gasped, her eyes widening. “That little whore! He better not have spent the night with the new waxer.” she spat, now picking up the forgotten file and using it vigorously. Little white dusty chips flying about as she did.
Ryan looked out the window through the water-streamed glass. Outside a tall guy with wavy brown hair stepped out of the car, slamming the door. He was rather pretty, Ryan observed. Nice hips too. Couldn't be older than twenty-two, probably. He was holding a starbucks take away cup and chatting on a hot pink cell phone, gesturing with his hands as he spoke, his drink nearly spilling out of its cup. He smiled then, most likely at whoever it was he was speaking to, and raised his shoulder happily, shrugging. Ryan turned back to Keltie with a raised eyebrow, he didn't have a clue how she had gotten that out of what he had seen. He mostly just looked like he was talking on his cell.
“He's not with anyone.” he murmured, then put his hand upon the file. “You've nearly reached the bone.” he indicated, and Keltie looked at her fingers, surprised obviously.
Then she sighed, and glared at William through the window. “I know there's nobody with him now , but I can tell by how he's acting that he got lucky yesterday night. Just look at his face. That's one smug son of a bitch. I can see it in his beady little eyes.”
Ryan could tell Keltie had some issues with William, but he didn't want to pry, so instead he just hummed in confirmation.
“So...” Ryan started, tearing Keltie away from starring daggers at William's back. “What exactly do I have to do here? Um, Shay wasn't very specific yesterday. She kind of just hired me on the spot.” Ryan mentally congratulated himself, for this was the longest time he'd gone without stuttering.
Keltie shrugged easily, and got back to work on filing her nails. “It's really an easy spot to fill, all you have to do is bring Brendon whatever he wants. Coffee, nail tools, that's basically it.” she nodded, then her eyes widened and she put a finger up, smirking. “Oh! And don't be surprised if he teases you, and don't take it seriously, that's just what he likes to do to the new guys.”
'Teasing?' Ryan thought worriedly, and he brought his fingers up to chew on his own battered nails. He'd never been good with teasing, since he'd always let things get to him. And mostly, he always took everything seriously, which was part of the problem. Not to mention he used to be teased as a kid, and he didn't think he could handle anything like that now that he was a (semi) adult. He'd barely just gotten over it now, what was he supposed to do if Brendon started teasing him about his stuttering or fashion sense?
Ryan's thoughts were interrupted by a very loud boisterous voice. “Keltiiiie, Shay's being meeeeean to me. She wouldn't get me any of those five cent candies,you know those really awesome spicy red lips, when we stopped to get gas, instead she just ignored me. IGNORED ME! HOW CAN ANYBODY IGNORE ME ? I'M ADORABLE! JUST LOOK AT THIS FACE!!” Brendon had ran into the room, then proceeded to latch onto Keltie's arm, and was now sticking his bottom lip out and opening his eyes wide so they looked impossibly round. Behind him stood Shay, rolling her eyes and sneering.
“If I gave him any more candy he'd fucking jump through the roof. That or he'd just start humping random passers-by.” she huffed, then turned towards Ryan with her eyes flashing warningly. “If he ever asks you to get him anything that contains sugar, just say no . And his coffee has to be decaf. DO NOT give in to the Brendon Urie puppy eyes, that's just what he wants you to do.”
Brendon squawked at Shay, then he ran over to Ryan and pulled out his best wounded puppy face. “Don't listen to her Ryan, she just doesn't want me to be happy! 'Cos she's MEAN! Plus, I don't even like coffee. I prefer double chocolate chip frappacino's with extra whip and caramel flavor.” he smirked then. “You need to remember that, Ross, since you're my new slave.”
Ryan fought the urge to blush, instead leveling Brendon's stare. “I'll remember that then. Thanks for the heads up.” he said, though his eyes were starting to wander.
William chose that moment to waltz in, his hips swaying. He snapped his phone shut and looked around, where everyone was watching Ryan and Brendon. “What's this I hear about new meat? Is this your new toy, Bren?” he purred, slinging an arm around Brendon and gazing at Ryan. “He's hot. I wonder what he'd look like when someone fucks him? Such pretty lips. Nice ass too. Good pick.” he murmured, licking his own lips.
Ryan shrank from Williams gaze, and he turned his head to hide his burning cheeks. This wasn't new, the whole people checking him out thing, he just wasn't used to such graphic statements about himself. Not to mention he was still a virgin, so he didn't know much about anything. Poor innocent Ryan.
“Stay away from him, William, he's off limits.” Keltie said, sidling up in front of Ryan and crossing her arms on her chest. She was nearly cackling with hateful energy, Ryan could nearly feel it. Brendon just rolled his eyes and tugged William's arm off of him, then he took a blushing Ryan's hand and led them to the very last booth. Ryan could have sworn he'd never blushed so much in less than an hour.
He looked over where Keltie was, and he saw her hand continuously clenching and unclenching at her sides, as if she wanted to throw a punch. William only raised his eyebrows and raised his arms, his eyes innocent (yeah, right). “I wasn't even thinking of doing anything to him Kelt, besides, he's too girly for my taste, though that isn't the worst thing that I've ever slept with...” he trailed off then, and smiled innocently again, before waltzing off towards the lavender door down the hall.
Ryan felt something twinge in his chest at Williams last remark. 'Isn't the worst thing' and 'too girly' ringing through his head as clear as a bell. He knew that wasn't really a tease, per say, but it still hurt. So, it basically meant that he was close to the worst thing William had ever slept with. What a surge of self-confidence that was.
“Hey, he didn't mean it like that. Don't worry.” Brendon said, his warm chocolate hues trained on Ryan. He must have detected the way Ryan felt by how he was currently looking down at the table, playing with his fingers. Ryan didn't really want Brendon's pity though, and he was about to say that when Brendon said something that stopped the words from escaping his breath.
“He was right when he said you were gorgeous though. 'Cos I think you are, and so does everyone else who's met you so far.” he winked at Ryan, then he let out a loud squeal, causing Ryan to jump nearly ten feet in the air. “What's wrong?” he gasped out, looking around frantically for the source of Brendon's fan girl-ness.
Brendon pointed to Ryan bag excitedly, and his eyes lit up. “You have The Little Mermaid stickers!” he squealed again, then proceeded to look over them all in awe. He looked up, then his tone of voice changed completely and in an official tone he said: “Ryan Ross, you are officially my hero, best friend, and my fucking soul-mate rapped up into one! I so totally love you now!”
Then of course, Ryan found himself smiling goofily the rest of the day.
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