There was something a little frustrating about the way Brendon could simultaneously be one of, if not [i]the[/i] most extroverted person Ryan ever met, with little reservations or social shortcomings, and then have this much trouble getting to the point. To be fair, Ryan didn't really [i]want[/i] there to be a point here, or at least he wasn't conscious of what that hypothetical point should be. But there was still something both of them were circling around, avoiding confrontation with, and it was indescribable despite being so tangible; neither of them had even mentioned the breakup yet. In fact, it looked like they hadn't even broken up, from an outside perspective. If Ryan was just another partygoer and he saw their body language or heard the unwithheld flirting that passed between them, he definitely couldn't have guessed that they ever broke up with one another. So maybe he wasn't just frustrated with Brendon, here, and it actually extended to himself.

It was hard to even talk about this newfound Dallon after the first mention of him but Ryan entertained the conversation anyway, trying desperately to seem nonchalant about the fact that the newest replacement member of his old band looked like [i]that.[/i] And evidently he was talented enough to get through both Brendon's and Spencer's scrutiny. It wasn't a competition, Ryan knew that rationally, but... maybe he was a little insecure. [i]Oh, you agree?[/i] His acting skills sort of faltered when he nodded with pursed lips, trying not to give way to too heavy a reaction, but it didn't matter for long. The new bassist became a thing of the past when he looked back at Brendon to gauge his expression, which, really, he [i]must've[/i] known what he was doing. Ryan's gaze was immediately drawn to Brendon's lips, one trapped between his teeth, and tried to look anywhere else except the rest of him had about the same effect. Ryan stared for a good three seconds, looking caught off-guard as ever, before he could finally drag his attention away, face flushed.

Luckily it seemed the magnetism between them was in fact not one-sided, and Ryan could ween similar responses out of Brendon. It was a weird back-and-forth, but considering their current state was 'dumper/dumpee' he oddly felt like he had something to make up for. This time all he had to say was [i]hey[/i] and Brendon seemed taken aback simply by the even shorter proximity between them (which, in all fairness, kind of made Ryan feel electric, too). He smiled at the reaction, his hand on Brendon's shoulder squeezing in what meant to be a comforting display. The more he spoke, the more nervous he got about how Brendon might feel about what he said, though; it turned out to be an unnecessary concern, considering all Brendon did was smile back at him. Ryan probably would've stopped after 'I miss you' had it not been for that. Something about his grin was validating, brought him more warmth than any of the rum & Coke in the world could. 

But of course, Ryan was the only one out of the two of them who could maintain somewhat of an air of seriousness for very long. [i]You’re right. I am very sexually frustrated.[/i] He arched an eyebrow, waiting for Brendon to laugh before he cracked up too, shaking his head at him in feigned disbelief. [i]No, but, I- I missed you too.[/i] The disbelief turned to fondness, and he studied Brendon for a moment, trying to re-memorize his features now that they'd changed even minutely. He let his head lazily dip a little, drawn by the way Brendon hung onto his tie, and to reciprocate he absently let his last remaining free hand hook by the fingertips onto Brendon's jacket pocket. Yeah, definitely a condemning way to look from an outsider's perspective. [i]...Me too. Where have you been all my life?[/i] Ryan's lips parted slightly, prepared to accidentally say something completely cliche like 'right here' - it was pretty much truth, anyway - before losing the courage.

He held Brendon's gaze for a moment longer, feeling a faint urgency but being unable to do anything about it. And then he abandoned every want and wish that inhabited the back of his mind in favor of picking up Brendon's mask for him, wisely abandoning their glasses, and backing up, attempting to lead both of them back to Gabe's overstocked bar. He removed his hands from Brendon's shoulder and his suit jacket but placed a guiding hand on the small of his back while he leaned in to talk over the sound of screamed conversations and radio music. [b]"I think I need another drink. You're definitely ahead of me,"[/b] he said with vague amusement, slightly disappointed in his own quick escape, but it was true that he had a grave need for another drink. He thought distantly that he probably wasn't going to let Brendon have another, all things considered, but. That was kind of out of his control, in the end. 

There were few stragglers hanging around the kitchen at this point, everyone having already been served unless they were just glued to the bar. He picked up a Solo cup, ever the stereotype, and separated himself from Brendon to pour out whatever was nearest. Coconut rum. Apparently there was a theme for tonight. He added the obvious mixer before leaning against the available counter space, the cup already at his lips. He was avoiding Brendon's gaze again, his eyes fixed on the floor instead, one arm crossed over his chest to support the other that hovered near his face holding the drink. [b]"Also, dating other people sucks, after you. Very inconsiderate of you to be the best I've ever had,"[/b] he joked, ten times more genuine sounding about it this time, but there was more than some truth to it. Either way he was grinning at Brendon again like they had some shared injoke, sipping again at his drink.

He sucked in a breath, noting with vague alarm that he was already halfway done again before setting the cup down beside him. Ryan put his palms on the counter and lifted himself a little before letting his heels touch the ground again, wondering once more why he couldn't just. Be direct. [b]"Question,"[/b] he said, beckoning Brendon back over to him by reaching out, trying to pull him close again. [b]"How sober are you? I - I don't know if... maybe this isn't the best timing for me to... say something serious. Which I need to do. Do you mind?"[/b] A little cheesy for him to start off like that. 'Can I ask you a question' rather than posing the question outright, that sort of thing - then again, they were being consistent in their lack of any real approach.