[i]You [/i]would [i]say that.[/i] True. Ryan wasn't actually all that self-deprecating, really, but now that he could look at the past with his new 'upgraded' self, he definitely had some criticisms to make over his previous versions. In other terms, now that he was a full-blown rockstar, complete with the whole physical ensemble and everything, he could look down upon the old Ryan that looked like he'd just popped out of an antique shop and was operated by donations made to a 25-cent coin slot. Or maybe the other era where he thought velvet suits and silk ties and burlesque imagery would appeal to millions and wasn't the most niché album theme in the whole world. He was definitely a little bit more in tune now. He grinned knowingly, either way, pleased by Brendon's clear disapproval. [i]So I’m [/i]God [i]now? I like this, keep it coming.[/i] [b]"No problem,"[/b] Ryan replied instantly, his smile broadening, because of course he had a million compliments loaded up. Tended to pop to mind whenever Brendon wasn't around, and now they'd all made an annoying collection up in his head.

On the subject of Ryan's near-complete lack of social media presence (personally, anyway; the label had interns who did that stuff, why should he bother?) Brendon seemed to know all to well what he was talking about. Damn. Maybe he really did need to try a bit harder. [i]They’re starving, Ryan, starving. You might say [/i]thirsty. [i]Give them some goddamn content so they can call me a rich man’s whore using sources [/i]straight [i]from the horse’s mouth.[/i] [b]"Oh, [i]please,[/i]"[/b] he laughed, shaking his head the very colourful picture Brendon was painting. A master of words, he was. [b]"What content? You ever seen me take a picture of myself? It doesn't happen."[/b] But Brendon was being a little shit, so Ryan gave him a rough time. Clearly, it unsettled Brendon - he backtracked remarkably fast. [i]I’d rather you sell Spencer than return these.[/i] Ryan arched his eyebrows before spluttering, laughing at the prospect alone. [b]"Be glad he didn't hear you say that. You'd be dead for real."[/b] Ryan's best friend was characteristically touchy. He liked Brendon, but as a potential romantic interest, he was on thin ice already.

[i]To be honest, I’m not quite sure myself.[/i] Oh no. He could feel the beginnings of a good comeback. Ryan settled in. [i]What I gather is that some fashion disaster rockstar-[/i] [b]"Whoa."[/b] [i]-thought I was cute but found out I was in just the line of work he needed and decided I’d be better off as his employee than as the subject of a sex scandal.[/i] Ryan arched an eyebrow. [b]"Who said I thought you were cute? ...Alright, I can't get away with that. Anyway, I'll take both. You're worth a little bit of scandal."[/b] Okay, yeah, Brendon was right - the subtext was indeed getting tiring to navigate. For Ryan, it was less because he couldn't find the joke and more because he was sick of pretending it was. He was worried about rejection, worried about it not working out, worried about losing someone he'd definitely want around for a long time - but he knew, realistically, that none of these things would be a problem. He was reasonably confident, given his standing in life, he was just aware of the risks... and he sort of didn't care anymore, the more that time went on. 

[i]I was giving you the benefit of the doubt. But- I don’t blame you.[/i] Ryan smiled fondly and took that as an invitation to continue being as obvious as he wants. He wrung his hands behind his back, taking advantage of Brendon looking over the label by overtly checking him out. Really. Stupid. [i]Should I be offended by the smaller size or is it intentional?[/i] Distracted, Ryan blinked at him in quick succession. [b]"What? Uh- maybe a little intentional. Hey, nothing wrong with them being a little snug. It's complimentary."[/b] A corner of his mouth lifted, amused. [i]You’re forgetting something. I have to get undressed first, right?[/i] Ryan tilted his head a little, and, uh, yeah, he forgot that part. Interesting. [b]"Oh."[/b] [i]Anyway. You gonna give me some privacy, or?[/i] [b]"[i]Oh[/i],"[/b] Ryan repeated, stupidly, clearing his throat. [b]"Right, right, I mean... if I didn't I'd be skipping a few steps."[/b] He paused, careful, shifting a little closer. [b]"Or I could take the first one. Did I win you over yet? I could burn through a few more paychecks."[/b] He grinned, leaning over Brendon, his eyes dropping to his lips and silently asking.