Ryan fell in love with him all over the world, on tours in foreign hotels and in remote gas stations and in the bus lounge at 2 in the morning. And yet this one place, some creaky old cabin barely a few hours from home, was the one nearest and dearest to their hearts, the place Ryan considered most special to them. In fact, if he'd have thought about it seriously instead of entertaining a multitude of different scenarios and writing out plays between the two of them, most likely he'd have picked the cabin to propose at, too. Part of him was shocked Brendon had gotten there first and beat him to the punch, 'cause Ryan tended to jump the gun and be impulsive no matter what (in fact it was surprising he hadn't, like, stumbled upon a jewelry store and walked in to get an engagement ring without thinking already). It was a good thing, though, because from the moment he'd caught on this had already become the best feeling of his life. 

Brendon began every good thing in his life, actually, and finished each, too. Every good memory, every good story, every perfect song off of every perfect album; he played a hand in everything, and Ryan knew if they were married, Brendon would make the rest of his life perfect, too. It was weird for Ryan to think especially, considering he was a pessimist above all else, but Brendon had sort of convinced him that there was at least one thing to invest hope in - not just in Brendon himself, but in them, and everything they'd create together, and all the future held for them. God, Brendon gave him something to hold out for. A few years ago he was pretty sure his band was going to fall apart and he'd go nowhere, at least not any place special. Now... Brendon came in at the brink of collapse, picked him up and every other piece of his life, too, and had stayed holding it all together.

Ryan wasn't sure how to tell him he'd saved him. Marriage, though, would certainly give him a more credible platform. [i]Thank fuck.[/i] As if he would've said anything else. Ryan shook his head at him, grinning, and watched in enchantment as Brendon slid the ring onto his finger, his lips parted slightly at the view. [b]"You sound like I could have said anything else,"[/b] he observed, amused, and withheld whatever proclamation of undying love threatened to leave his lips when he saw Brendon kissing the back of his hand. God, he was perfect. Ryan lifted his hand to admire the ring, twisting it to watch the silver glint in the faint light, biting his lip softly to keep from, again, saying anything too embarrassing. Really, a stupid thing to be worried about at a time like this, but he'd like to remember today as a time where he wasn't too mortifying, thanks very much.

[i]Not long before we even left to go here.[/i] See, even relatively impulsive ventures of his went better than Ryan's planned out ones. He studied Brendon longer, barely even registering how absurd his staring habit had become. [i]But I’ve thought about it for months.[/i] Ryan nodded swiftly, accepting Brendon into his arms and onto his lap easily. [b]"Me, too,"[/b] he said, no hesitation. [b]"Pretty much since we met. But I'm glad you beat me to the chase... this is so beautiful, baby."[/b] Brendon's arms had wrapped around his neck and he held him steady with a hand braced behind one of his shoulders, surging closer against him when their lips met. [i]Nothing matters but you. Nothing.[/i] None of this was particularly shocking - Brendon had always been sentimental and sweet, charming above all else. But it never failed to touch Ryan's heart, this especially. 

He grinned, easy. [b]"You're corny,"[/b] he whispered close against Brendon's lips, searching his eyes. [b]"But sweet. It's a good thing I get you to myself."[/b] Ryan fit in another chaste kiss, then looked thoughtful, dipping his chin a bit. [b]"We're keeping your last name, right?"[/b] He was half-joking, but he looked seriously at Brendon, a sideways smile glued to his face. [b]"Tell me all about it, how we'll be. Married life. I vote: lots of dogs."[/b]