Don't Call Me Buddy
Episode 2
"Not Quite Forever"
The characters and places portrayed here aren't mine, they belong to ABC.
*****
Ryan wondered how long they'd been standing outside his door. The sun was full on his back now, warming him despite the chill of the winter morning.
Sunlight wasn't the only thing providing warmth. Kendall Hart was currently wrapped around him as tightly as his old leather jacket…just as comfortable and reassuring. It's been a long time. She felt as thin and fragile in his arms as an abandoned kitten. She's been through just as much as I have…and she's just as miserable. Ryan held her closer in sympathy.
Kendall rested her cheek on Ryan's shoulder and closed her eyes with a sigh of contentment. I could die happily right now, she thought. Her adoptive parents had given her care and comfort—but nothing prepared her for this! Kendall half-expected Ryan to push her away. She wasn't exactly a lovable person…he had to see that! I can be vindictive, sneaky, cruel, plotting…why would he even want to speak to me? She tensed as Ryan hugged her closer…one palm gently brushing the small of her back. Because he needs me. The words came to Kendall's mind in a rush. He's just found his real father, and now the man might die or be chair-bound forever. Possibly even feels guilty about it. She blinked. This might only last a week…a day…! When Ryan no longer needed comfort…that would be the end. Well, Mr. Lavery…as long as you need it, I'm going to be here. Slowly, she raised her eyes to his.
Ryan met Kendall's gaze, an expression of grim determination gracing her delicate features. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked softly, freeing one hand to trace the line of her jaw. She shook her head, trying to look away. He touched her chin and brought her eyes back to meet his. "Don't keep it from me, whatever it is."
"I'm trying to decide what I'm doing."
Ryan looked a little concerned. Hurt. The hand at her back flexed convulsively, and Kendall realized her mistake. She hurried to reassure him. "Oh, no! Not about you…I don't regret this at all!"
Relief registered across Ryan's face in a flush. He didn't ask for a further explanation. Kendall reeled as he tilted her head up. She raised a hand to brush her fingers against his, and pressed her cheek into his palm, eyes never leaving his steady gaze. Oh, Kendall. You're only going to get yourself hurt. Then it no longer mattered, for Ryan was smiling at her. Impulsively, Kendall leaned into him and pulled his head down toward her. Their lips met in a kiss that shocked the breath right out of her.
Ryan jerked a little at the added pressure of Kendall's body against his. He closed his eyes as her mouth found his, and returned the gesture with as much passion as his sleepless night would allow. He dropped both arms to circle around her body, crushing her in an embrace that forced the air out of her lungs.
Kendall couldn't breathe, but she didn't tell him so…instead she wrapped her own arms around his neck and hugged him so close it was becoming hard to tell where one ended and the other started. She felt herself lifted, then, as Ryan bent and swooped her up. Oh my…Kendall gasped into his mouth at the swiftness of the movement. "Where to, lady?" He asked, an eyebrow ironically raised. Kendall smiled. "Home, James," she ordered, and Ryan obediently carried her into his room. He swept a leg out and kicked the door shut. Then Ryan set her gently on the bed and pressed his lips to hers…and drew her into the wake of a new and indefinable joy…could this be love?
He stopped, drew back. His eyes searched hers, asking a question that he didn't dare give voice. Are you sure?
Eyes wide, Kendall reached for him…pulled him to her…and left him no doubt as to her surety.
*****
Kendall woke, sun pouring through the blinds from the opposite direction. Afternoon…we spent the whole morning…? She stretched and felt her stomach growl. "I have no common sense," she muttered and turned to look at Ryan. His eyes were still closed, the peace of sleep not yet erased from his features. She wondered how often he slept as peacefully as he rested now. Carefully, she moved to the edge of the bed and pulled on the recently discarded nightshirt and flannel bottoms. He'll laugh when he finds out that this is what I wear to bed…I'll bet Gillian wore Victoria's Secret…She felt a twinge at that. From the brief timeline she'd managed to wheedle out of Ryan, it appeared as if Kendall were the first woman he'd…been with…since Gillian's death. Man, what a come-down. From the European Princess to the Perfume Queen's forgotten daughter. Her mouth quirked.
Ryan shifted, and the bed squeaked beneath him. His eyes cracked open, and focused on Kendall seated at the edge of the bed. She caught his gaze, and the whole morning came pouring back into his memory. I can't believe she's here. I can't believe she let me…after all the cruel things I've said…There was welcome so hearstoppingly sweet in her eyes that left no room for doubt. I must've done something right. I don't deserve her…He smiled. "Hi,"
Kendall returned his greeting with an impish grin. "Hi. How are you feeling?"
"Better."
Ryan kissed the hollow of Kendall's throat, hard put to keep from looking into her eyes. I don't want to fall in love with her. She doesn't deserve to be put through hell. Which is exactly what I'd do to her. Presuming she'd stay with me long enough to find out what hell I can cause. I can't even forgive my own father…what makes me think I'm human enough to love anyone anymore?
Kendall noted the deepening frown on her lover's face and dropped a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth. "Ryan? Did I—do something wrong?" When there was no response, Kendall slid over and sat on her knees on the mattress, waiting. Still no response. Ryan's eyes were squeezed shut, as if he were trying to will something away with every fibre in his body. Fearful, Kendall reached out and laid one hand delicately against the bare skin of his bicep. She flinched as he opened his eyes, expecting to be roared at. She'd come to realize he strongly disliked intrusion into his private thoughts. Instead of heated words, a cool hand rested atop hers, and Kendall raised her eyes to meet Ryan's baby blues. Shock coursed through her body.
They were bright with unshed tears.
(Okay, I edited the story…we'll save that bit for later. After all, wasn't I just letting him get a little bit out of his current character there? Too much pure fluff to be Ryan and Kendall. *grins* No worries—he won't get away that easy! * Watches as Cameron reads the new script*)
(Cameron: *gulps* You're not going to make me do that…are you?)
(Scylla: *eyes gleam wickedly* You'll see.)
(Cameron: *glowers* You don't pay me enough…)
(Scylla: Oh, come on…do it for the craft!)
(Cameron: Well…it's not a very good reason…but it's a reason.)
