When Brendon smiled but turned in to hide it, Ryan's hand looped around him followed, brushing his knuckles absently against what of his cheekbone was visible. Pretty difficult to watch that without a fond grin rising to his own features. [i]Very articulate, baby.[/i] Yeah, well. Sometimes Ryan even resorted to the classic 'your [i]mom[/i],' and that was just as well received. He looked the same as Brendon relaxed, eyes slipping shut until Ryan thought maybe he would actually fall asleep in this position, and really, he had zero protest about that. Staying up and watching the stars - or just his boyfriend, realistically - with his fingertips running through Brendon's hair, that was ideal. Just in case, Ryan made sure to stay quiet, pressing a kiss to the top of his head before settling back passively.

Moments later, though, he was acting a little odd, but Brendon was pretty odd himself, so he let it be. [i]You never were.[/i] Ryan begged to differ. At one point he'd been a little scared, at least. But definitely not to the same extent as Brendon, and not enough to take action like he had, understandably so. Even still, he didn't argue, just positioned himself a little more on his side to watch Brendon once he lifted off. [i]It was always me, being stupid. I don’t know why I ever thought I didn’t want to spend my entire life with you.[/i] So there didn't have to be a specific reason, necessarily, anyone could be afraid of committing to anyone regardless of who they were. Ryan, though, felt a little sorry for Brendon, 'cause he was barely able to stand him[i]self[/i] sometimes. But if he said that then he was fairly certain it'd both ruin the moment and fuel Brendon's unending sweetness, so he kept it to himself.

Ryan still wasn't expecting much when they joined hands, and still didn't suspect much when Brendon kissed him spontaneously. He played along, though, even when Brendon did it [i]again[/i], and then the possibility of what Brendon might have planned for them dawned on him. He'd honestly expected to be the one to do it, but... this was even better. Ryan would probably write and rewrite and forget some script he made for himself, or take months to find the right ring, or extensively plan out when and where it'd take place... yeah, his proposal would've been way too far-fetched. Brendon was always better at romantic. He was thoughtful and sweet and somehow knew how to go about everything on the first try; Ryan's rough drafts were rarely anything to get excited about. Anyway. That was [i]maybe[/i] what was happening. They'd gotten to the point where they could, like, read each other's thoughts, but he still had his doubts about his own judgment.

Brendon's hand tightened on his, and Ryan kept running his thumb over his skin as comfortingly as he could, almost-barely laughing in a rush of air primarily from disbelief. It hadn't even [i]happened[/i] and they were both so... well. Anxiety and excitement were two very different emotions. Poor Brendon. He dwelled on maybe just saying 'yes' prematurely to save him some suffering, but that was too easy. And he still could be wrong, honestly. [i]I- listen.[/i] He was, god. Ryan nodded intently, his eyes dropping to their hands momentarily He maintained a solid grip on Brendon's hand, attempting to ground him from shaking. [i]It’s funny, because, back when we first fell in love here, I would never have thought about doing this.[/i] Ryan nodded again, his lips parting while he listened, 'cause this was really happening. He couldn't process much, but he knew he agreed; he knew they were in it for the long run but he hadn't even considered the marriage aspect. 

[i]I thought ‘forever’ was so- terrifying. Overwhelming. And maybe it is a lot, but I don’t care anymore.[/i] One edge of Ryan's mouth twitched up in another sort-of laugh before returning to the focused expression he wore before, because it was funny how eloquently Brendon was putting his own thoughts into words. [i]I love you, more than anything, you’re the first thing on my mind in the morning and the last thing on my mind when I go to sleep, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than by your side. Forever.[/i] Forever. So that word was theirs now. He nodded seriously all the way through, forgetting he wasn't just listening until he came to at the end of Brendon's speech. [b]"I love you, too,"[/b] he murmured very gently, eyes glittering enthusiastically but the rest of his face otherwise entirely still. Brendon appeared to be suppressing a smile, all energy, and Ryan couldn't help but start to mirror him.

He was shifting, and Ryan kept his eyes on Brendon's face until their hands separated. Partially terrified, partially ecstatic, Ryan sat up a little further, blinking quickly when he looked between Brendon and the ring in his hands. [i]I want you to marry me, darling.[/i] He didn't even have to [i]ask[/i], but Ryan supposed a formality made it more official. Even so, he couldn't help breaking out into a grin, leaning in and pressing their foreheads together for a count of Mississippi before pulling back and presenting his hand. [b]"And I want you to marry [i]me[/i],"[/b] he replied, reaching his unoccupied right hand to curl around the back of Brendon's head and pull him closer for a kiss. He glanced down at the ring again after a few moments, overwhelmed by the fullness in his chest, and laughed against Brendon's cheek. [b]"Can't believe you're so sneaky. I had no idea."[/b] He'd already said it, like, thirty times, but. [b]"God, I love you so much. We're [i]fiancés[/i]. How long did you - I mean, when did you even start planning...?"[/b] And he still had to get an engagement ring for Brendon. The premise was about as exciting as all of this - almost.