So, Jake and Marley do sing A Thousand Years in this, but afterwards Jake rebuffs her when she tries to kiss him, and then he runs off. That is probably the last of the Jarley/Ryley scenes that will be included in this fic. So it's about to get noncanon. That means in future chapters there won't necessarily be much storyline to follow so I'll get to make it up for myself. I will, however, try to fit it in with the idea of the episode (ie next chapter there will be some diva behaviour).

I also just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has favourited, followed or reviewed this story. It means a lot, and feedback is always useful. So if you want to give me feedback about storylines, characterisation, writing style, or whatever, I will appreciate it, so long as it's said nicely.

As much as the girls are excited about the calendar, Ryder has to admit that he is pretty excited as well. He hasn't had a chance to see Jake shirtless since their holiday. From the way that Jake winks at him, Ryder can tell he's thinking the same thing too.

It's fun, hanging out with the rest of the guys as they prepare for the photo shoot. He hasn't really had a chance to hang out with them properly since Grease. But at the same time, it's so, so hard, being around Jake. Because he's so hot, and so exposed, and so there, but Ryder can't do anything about it. He can't even touch Jake, not even in the most innocent of bros ways, too paranoid that someone will see through him.

He knows that Jake is struggling with it just as much. He knows, because suddenly they've explored every nook in the school, trying to find some privacy. So far, their best option is under the bleachers in the gym. It's handy to the locker room, and when the temptation gets too much, it's so easy to sneak off without raising suspicion.

Everyone is convinced that Jake is going through family troubles. A few times during broga, or while doing weights circuits, and even once while Sam's droning on about something, he receives a phone call from his mother. A few minutes later, Ryder excuses himself as well, wanting to go check that Jake's ok. It's been emotional for him, this thing that's going on.

The moment he's away from the others, he's hurrying off to the gym, checking around to ensure no one's following. Jake's always there, waiting for him under the bleachers. They stretch their time out as much as they can; just wanting to touch and hold and kiss for as long as possible. When they figure they can't possibly prolong it any longer, they return, Jake looking forlorn while Ryder pats him on the back reassuringly.

It's risky, Ryder knows it's risky, and he's kinda surprised that no one's caught on yet. But he figures it's a better option than making out with Jake in the middle of a crowded locker room. Because as far as he's concerned, that's the only other alternative.

Xxx

Ryder is pumping iron in the locker room, trying to do some last minute prep when he hears someone come barging through the door. He looks up to see Jake, worried look on his face, hurrying over.

'Shit, dude,' Jake hisses, 'I'm in serious trouble. Marley fully just tried to kiss me. What do I do?'

Ryder glances around the room. A few people are watching them with curious eyes. He just hopes they're out of earshot. 'You're gonna have to tell her the truth, Jake.'

'What, but – ' Jake tries to speak, but Ryder just gives a subtle shake of his head. Jake gets the message.

'Do you wanna come for a run with me? Help clear your head.' Jake nods his agreement, hurries off to get changed.

Soon, they're out on the empty track, beginning their first lap, away from prying eyes.

'So, Marley tried to kiss you?' Ryder prompts. 'How did that even happen?'

'She wanted to practise this song with me. And it's kinda romantic, and I kinda got too into the performance. And when the song finished, she just tried to lay one on me.' Ryder can hear Jake getting worked up.

Ryder thinks for a moment, tries to work out the best way to phrase this. 'Okay, but how did it get to this point? What happened that made her think she had a shot?'

Jake almost looks guilty. 'At the dance, she asked me to consider becoming official, but gave me time to think about it. I never got back to her, but I guess she took that as acceptance.' Ryder doesn't reply, doesn't know how, and they continue to jog in silence for a few minutes. 'I've really lead her on, haven't I?' Jake asks eventually.

Ryder heaves out a sigh. 'Yea, you have.'

'Shit, this is bad. And you really think we have to tell her about us? I'm not ready for that.'

'I'm not ready either, but we don't have a choice. Otherwise, you're gonna leave her heartbroken. Or you would be cheating on me.'

Jake thinks about this. 'I guess you're right,' he eventually concedes.

Ryder slows to a stop, reaches out a hand to stop Jake as well. 'Look, I know this sucks babe. I know neither of us are ready to deal with the consequences of coming out. But it might not be that bad. We only have to tell Marley, no one else needs to know. I'm sure she'll be accepting. We won't need to worry about judgement or rejection or bullying.'

Jake nods in reply, but doesn't say anything. Ryder figures he needs time to think it through. Heck, he still needs to come to terms with it too. They continue running. A lap and a half later, Jake finally speaks.

'Y'know, it'll make things easier, not having this secret wanting to burst out. Having someone else to finally talk to about this.'

'Yea,' Ryder agrees, mind still running. 'And she is our best friend, we do kinda owe it to her.'

Jake laughs, a weak sound between his panting breaths. 'She's gonna be mad we didn't tell her sooner, isn't she?'

Xxx

After glee practise a few days later, Jake and Ryder corner Marley. They've left it a few days so they can both fully prepare themselves to tell her.

She looks wary as they approach. She's been avoiding Jake lately, and she's clearly concerned about what's happening.

Jake's the first to speak. 'Marley, I need to talk to you.' She looks unconvinced, unwilling to comply.

'Actually,' Ryder clarifies, 'we both need to talk to you.' At this, she grudgingly agrees. The three of them seat themselves on the risers again. Now that everyone's left, they figure it's a safe enough place to talk. Although Ryder still feels uneasy.

'I'm sorry about the other day,' Jake begins. 'And I just wanted to explain what happened.'

When Marley speaks, her eyes are bright with tears. 'You'd better have a good explanation. The way you fled; you really hurt me, Jake.'

'I know,' he replies, tone soft and genuine. Ryder can't help but reach out and rub his shoulder reassuringly. 'I know I've led you on really bad, but I can't be with you Marle. See the thing is, I'm with someone else.'

Ryder notices the way she slowly surveys the two of them. She takes in Ryder's hand still resting on Jake's shoulder. The way Jake glances over at Ryder with a gentleness in his eyes. They're just reaching out to take each other's hands when she speaks.

'You two are dating, aren't you?' Ryder feels himself grin at the way she says this, the way he can hear the acceptance in her voice.

'Yea,' Jake replies, wrapping Ryder's hand in both of his. 'Are you – what are you thinking?'

Marley thinks for a moment. 'I don't know, it's kinda surprising. When did it happen?'

'In Fort Lauderdale,' Ryder tells her.

He hears a sharp intake of breath. 'Guys, that's quite a while. How come you never told me sooner?'

'We haven't told anyone Marls. We can't deal with that yet. But we kinda realised we couldn't keep it secret from you anymore.'

Jake continues. 'You can't tell anyone though. Please.'

'Of course not,' she promises. She stands up, pulling them both into a hug. 'I want you to know I'm happy for you. Both of you.'

'So you're not mad?' Jake asks, and Ryder can hear his nervousness.

'Not as much anymore,' she admits. 'At least you had a good excuse for blowing me off.' Ryder can't help but pull them both closer at this.

A few moments later, Marley continues speaking. 'I do wish you'd told me sooner though.'

Ryder and Jake share a knowing look, unable to help it when they burst out laughing.

Xxx

It's Jake's turn to pose for the photo shoot, and Ryder can't bring himself to look away. He finds himself staring as Brittany begins taking pictures.

Marley jabs him sharply in the side with her elbow. She's assigned herself to keep an eye on them, wanting to ensure they don't give themselves away. Apparently Ryder was being a little bit too obvious.

'So,' she whispers conspiratorially, 'I'm guessing you've got a new favourite holiday?'

He groans in agreement. 'Why does October have to be so far away?'

He thinks she's about to reply, but at that moment Tina arrives next to them and the conversation quickly ends.

As she sits down on the bench, she turns to Marley. 'So, your boyfriend's doing a pretty good job of this.'

'He's not my boyfriend,' she mutters in reply.

Tina seems confused. 'Really? I could have sworn you two were dating.'

'Yea, we were, but we decided we were better as friends. We wanted different things from the relationship.' It's the explanation they'd all agreed on, and Marley's delivered it well.

Ryder thinks Tina responds to this, probably some sort of condolences. But he's not really sure because he's a little distracted.

Jake's just started flexing his biceps.