Was Ryan maybe too work-oriented and ambitious for his own good? Before Brendon, the answer would be no (he just liked the financial security even if nothing else about his job was secure). Now, he was becoming more and more aware of when he turned down an invitation to stay a little longer, or when he had to ditch an event early to go take care of his own business, or when he couldn't meet Brendon at all because of an already existing appointment. He left room for his new lover, of course, because he wasn't heartless and he'd rather have time for both extremes of intimacy, thanks; even still, he prioritized. And sometimes it was very, very hard. Brendon knew his stupid angles. He would always be more important than an extra buck or some dummy who needed to entertain at a speakeasy - but let Ryan slip once for this ridiculously pretty man once, and he'd be doing it every time. So, yes, he needed to prioritize. 

[i]And a good lover don’t leave me hanging.[/i] Ryan grinned with him, aligning his hand with the side of Brendon's face when he leaned in to kiss him - and yes, it was incredibly convincing, but Ryan also had an incredible amount of willpower. He let his eyes slip open barely, only pulling away an inch to speak by his lips. [b]"You sayin' I'm not a good lover?"[/b] His voice was barely a murmur, but then he laughed softly, pressing close again to kiss him more. Well - he could predict the answer to this one, because he was only a 'bad lover' if he did leave Brendon hanging, but still. It was a trap. As was kissing him this much. Ryan kept his hand curled around the base of his head but tipped his head back, after a moment, suddenly very conscious of the weakness he had for Brendon. 

Thankfully Brendon was helping, leaning back and away, allowing some unfortunate space between them. [i]I’m a grown man, Rowe. I don’t need [/i]protecting. [i]Y’dont know what kind of shit I’d had to get myself out of back when I was just making a name for myself. Curse of bein’ out.[/i] Ryan blinked, watching him carefully and comprehensively - he hadn't meant to truly irritate him, really, but... it dawned on him, then, that the comeback was probably just a ploy for Brendon to earn more points. But it could also not be, so. Ryan gave him the benefit of the doubt. He definitely was not out - although he didn't deny it whenever Brendon's relationship with him was in question - and even if he was now, he didn't practically grow up that way like Brendon had. He chewed his lip uncertainly for a moment before nodding, searching Brendon's features. [b]"Hey, you're right - you're right, I'm sorry. But I still wouldn't put you through it. I sort of like you, y'know."[/b] He grinned a little sideways, trying to wash the irritation off his face.

Ryan deduced from his quick movements that he'd been attempting to kiss him when he was dropped back on the couch, which was, admittedly, precious. Ryan smirked, stepping back as Brendon sunk into the cushions. [i]Fucker.[/i] Yeah, yeah, he'd heard it all before. Brendon got up to follow him and Ryan regulated his pace, strolling on into the bedroom carelessly. [i]Listen, baby, listen.[/i] He listened, vaguely, rifling through his closet and pulling a crowbar from a coat buried in the back. He tested it against his hand, knowing exactly what Brendon's tone of voice meant and knowing he'd be here at least another ten minutes because of it. [i]So.[/i] Ryan looked back at him, the way he was angled against the doorframe, annoyingly pretty as always. He dropped the hand holding cold metal at his side, listening with as resigned an expression as possible. [i]You’re always early, right? Just to make sure. [/i]Way [i]early.[/i] [b]"Yes, sir,"[/b] Ryan said impatiently, tilting his head at Brendon. [i]So- you don’t have to set off, yet, yeah? Just- twenty minutes. Fifteen, maybe. Specifics are down to you.[/i] Ryan broke out into a smile again, amused, because his boyfriend was ridiculous. 

He stretched practically like a cat against the doorframe and Ryan looked even more amused, knew all of his tricks already (though they didn't lose their potency anyway). [i]Y'know, ‘cause you love me.[/i] Ryan approached, using his free hand to trail down Brendon's chest again, feel the muscles he'd drawn tight. [b]"I do love you. And I prefer to take my time."[/b] He paused, then smiled sweetly and gently tapped the curved edge of the crowbar to Brendon's chest as he stepped away. [b]"Rain check."[/b] He passed him, went on to the main room again, and slowed in his tracks when he heard the distant sound of rushed, jumbled footsteps from the building's stairwell. That was a sound he knew all too well - and he had maybe ten or less seconds. In half of a second, sparing his time, he tried to plan this out but there was really no good way to go about an 'escape' even if they already obviously knew his name and address already; go out the window, and there would be cars lining the street, or at least cops planted along the pavement. Find another apartment to squat in, the door would burst open a minute later. Wait it out and hide somewhere inside, he'd undoubtedly be found. There was no way to access the rooftop unless he had some serious gymnast skills, either. So.

Ryan turned calmly, closing the space between himself and Brendon just a breath after he'd walked away, tossed his weapon aside and wrapped his arms around him. [b]"About that rain check, actually -"[/b] he rushed, breaking off to press a drawn-out kiss to his lips, [b]"- it might be longer than we'd like."[/b] Two or three seconds spent, maybe, and he was hurrying to make the best use of his time left, not bothering to explain; there was no space between them whatsoever, Ryan forgetting the importance of breaking apart to breathe, one hand splayed against Brendon's lower back and the other curled comfortable in his hair. Yeah, if he was going to get arrested in another couple beats, he was going to fit in as much as he'd just been turning down as he could.