So, I wasn't going to continue this, but Tincho P and Blamx3 both asked me to. So here we are. This is for the both of you.

Ryder had gone offline the moment that he sent the message. So now, the following day, Jake has cornered him at school.

He leans against the locker next to Ryder's, in an attempt to be casual. 'So, what happens now?'

Ryder turns, startled, having not seen Jake arrive. 'What do you mean?'

'Well,' Jake drags the word out, 'you know the truth now. So what does that make us?'

Ryder turns back to his locker, continues to shove books in as he mumbles a response. 'Can we just keep things how they are?'

Jake doesn't reply, just kicks at the ground with the toe of his shoe. He's disappointed, hurt.

Ryder must notice, because he turns back, keeping his eyes downcast as he tries to explain. 'It's just, I'm not ready for anything more. I don't even know how I feel about you.'

When Jake responds, he's not even sure if he's joking, or if it's an earnest question. Nevertheless, he tries to force a smile. 'So I shouldn't be dumping Marley just yet?'

Ryder seems almost alarmed by the idea. 'No, definitely not. I can't even promise that I'll ever have feelings for you.'

'But we're still friends?' Even to his own ears, his voice sounds flat.

When Ryder replies, it seems forced as well. 'Yea, of course.'

And Jake can't help but wonder why he let this all happen. Because they're both really hurting as a result. And it's all his fault.

Xxx

Everything changes. And Jake isn't really even surprised. Things become awkward, their time filled with uncomfortable silence. Once, they were able to talk freely, easily. Now, they don't have a clue what to say to each other.

And Jake's sure he isn't imagining the sexual tension between them. He keeps catching Ryder staring at his lips. On the rare occasions that they make eye contact, they can't look away, charged atmosphere building around them until it becomes overwhelming, unbearable. Jake can hardly bear to touch Ryder, fearful that he might cross some boundary. And he feels like he has to constantly restrain himself from leaning forward and kissing Ryder.

They have been using Marley as a buffer, and that makes things somewhat easier. They can generally rely on her to keep a conversation ticking along, filling up those awkward silences. And she seems to dilute the power that Ryder has over Jake. A distraction to focus on, instead of obsessing over every little detail that is Ryder. He thinks her constant presence might be the only thing that's stopped him from actually kissing Ryder.

But as they're sitting at lunch one day, all gratefulness for her presence goes out the window when she begins to talk.

'So, Ryder, how're things going with Katie?'

Jake sees Ryder's face fill with alarm, and knows that his must be the same. 'Um, well, we haven't really talked in a while.'

'What happened?'

Jake tries to focus on eating as Ryder stumbles through an answer. 'Um, well, it's, ah, it's kinda complicated.'

'What do you mean?'

And now Ryder's starting to sound upset, his voice barely above a whisper. 'I don't really want to talk about it.'

'Well, did you ever find out who she is?'

Jake suddenly finds himself unable to keep quiet. He's not sure if it's his own discomfort, or the fact that Ryder's hurting, but he answers her sharply, harshly. 'Just leave him alone, Marley.'

He hears Marley draw in a sharp breath, offended. He waits for her to respond, for an argument to break out, but it's silent. For the rest of the lunch break. So much for using Marley to avoid awkward silences. But the small smile of thanks that Ryder gives him is worth it.

Xxx

Jake and Marley make up from their 'fight' in the cafeteria. Even still, Jake figures he shouldn't be surprised when Marley dumps him a week later. Obsessively crushing on your best friend is always going to affect romantic relationships.

Xxx

Jake's sitting in the choir room, waiting for glee club to start. He's the first one there, and so he takes the time to think.

He's never felt more alone. He's single, and it doesn't seem like that's about to change. He doesn't really have any friends either. Not like he used to. Things are strained with both Ryder and Marley, and he kinda feels like it's not worth the effort.

Being alone sucks so much more now that he's had a chance to feel like he belongs.

Jake looks up as Ryder enters the room, surprised when he takes the seat next to him. It's over a month since Ryder found out he was Katie. He's given up hope of things ever returning to normal between them. And he's definitely given up hope of Ryder ever being interested in him.

Jake can't help but be surprised when Ryder begins to speak. 'Y'know, I haven't talked to Katie online in a while.'

Jake glances over at him, confused. 'Why would that matter?'

Ryder chews on his thumb a moment before answering. 'I never got a chance to ask her out.'

Now Jake is even more confused. 'What the hell are you talking about, Ryder?'

Ryder doesn't answer. He places a hand on Jake's knee though, and starts to lean forward. Jake still has no idea what's going on. It's not until he feels Ryder's lips on his that he works it out. It takes a moment, but soon he is kissing Ryder back. One hand is in Ryder's hair, the other wrapped around his back, pulling him forward. Ryder goes with it, wrapping his arms around Jake's shoulders as he lands on his lap.

Eventually, they pull away. Jake leans his forehead against Ryder's, trying to catch his breath. 'I'm sure Katie would love to go out with you.'

Ryder smiles, wide and genuine, and Jake realises how much he's missed that smile. 'Good,' he tells Jake, punctuating it with a kiss to the corner of his mouth. 'Because I've definitely fallen for her.'