small town boy

ryder chase olsen. soldier.

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

Brooke couldn’t stop smiling from the backseat of the car, locking eyes with Ry through the rearview mirror as he drove them, his mom riding shotgun despite offering her the spot. Brooke knew better than to take that spot. She loved and respected Riley too much and, besides, her parents did raise her right. “We do.” Both her and Riley said at the same time in regards to Gio, laughing when they did. “I mean, if Emmett didn’t go for it, I would’ve.” The brunette shrugged. “Not that it would’ve mattered because clearly I’m not Gio’s type but, you know.” He was kidding, obviously, and smirking back at the soldier. It was so exciting, knowing Ry wasn’t going anywhere, but also a little weird. Brooke was so used to having him in town for days counted, used to missing him, worrying about him overseas. She leaned in a little closer, resting her arms between the driver and passenger’s seat. “Emmett’s doing okay. He’s really excited you’re coming home. I apologize on his behalf ahead of time. It must be that huge teddy bear you got him.” 

"Mhmm. Just Emmett? No love from you, Benji, or Ollie?” Ryder asks teasingly, laughing when Riley gives his arm a playful smack at his comment. “I’m kiddin’, I’m kiddin’! I’m excited to see everyone. This day has been a long day comin’ and I’m grateful that I’m here for it.” Ryder knew he was one of the lucky ones, to make it home and to come home to such a loving, caring, supportive bunch. “I’m excited to see everyone. Emmett included. I’m glad to hear he’s doin’ so well. That everyone is, really. I feel like I've missed so much.” 

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

Brooke giggles watching Ry and his mom reunited, the sound turning louder when the soldier moves to spin her while she playfully begs him to put her down. She was sure they had it easy, with social media and the Internet keeping them connected even when Ry was deployed, but she was still worried. They all were. They were also proud. “You better be.” The brunette slaps his chest lightly, grinning. “Your grandma has cooked up a storm so I also hope you’re hungry.” Everyone was waiting for Ry back at the Olsen’s. His uncle and cousin had flown over, too. She was glad Riley had asked her to come with her. It was going to be hard to get Ryder like this for a while, so many people hovering over him, wanting to catch up. “We need to catch you up on a few things, too, like… Emmett and Gio totally being a thing. Not that it’s a surprise to anyone but, you know, in case you missed it!”

"Even if i wasn’t, I know better than to refuse my grandma’s cookin’!” Ryder chuckles, shaking his head. He was happy to be home and he knew how excited everyone was to see him too. He was mostly excited - and maybe the teensiest bit nervous - about being home for good, but Ry knew that he’d adjust. He just needed some time. Luckily, the soldier had an amazing support system on his side. “Y’know, I might’ve heard about that. But good to know!” He had messaged Emmett a few times after he had gotten out of the hospital just to check up on him. Though he had only met Gio very briefly in passing, he seemed like a good guy. “I take it y’all like him” I know Emmett’s been through a lot lately. How’s he doin’?” The blonde asks as they approach his mother’s car. tossing his bag into the trunk. “Hey mama, can I drive? I’m pretty sure I remember the way.” Ryder teases with a grin, catching the key his mom tosses in his direction. “Shall we?”

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

Brooke made sure she had the day off so she could be there with Riley when her son came back from deployment, finally. They had all been waiting for this moment for years now, and even as they walked into the base where the local troops had landed, Brooke still had a hard time believing the moment to be real. She was excited but also a little nervous. The place was full of parents or spouses with their children, fiancées waiting for their partners to return. Part of her knew someone else deserved to be there instead, like maybe Parker or Nash, even, who had flown in for his cousin’s homecoming. She fidgeted with her dress until Riri gave her a knowing look. “Look, there he is!” The brunette said instead after a moment, when the soldiers began to fill in the room, a big smile on her face though she stayed in place. She didn’t want to steal the moment from Riri and Ry yet she had to fight her tears, too. It was very emotional and the relief was palpable in the air. Not everyone had been so lucky. Some never came back. But he did. 

Brooke’s hand was resting on her chest as he approached them, standing one step behind Riri. She wasn’t really sure what to do or say, mostly because she felt a lump in her throat preventing her from speaking. “Hey you.” She managed after a moment, smiling, debating her next step but quickly stopping herself from overthinking it too much because all she really wanted to do was hug him—so she did. “Welcome back, for real this time.” 

@ryderolsen​

Ryder had made the trip back to Nashville many times, but this was his last. It marked the end of his deployment. It was bittersweet in a way, though he was looking forward to starting a new chapter back home. He was nervous and excited to be starting with the bomb squad once he settled back in at home. Ryder had a couple of weeks off before starting training for the job, though that was the furthest thing from his mind right now. 

With his duffel slung over his shoulder, the blonde makes his way out to the waiting area, easily spotting his mom and Brooke in the crowd despite both of their small statures. After picking Riley up and spinning her around, he moves to do the same to Brooke, grinning cheekily back at her. “Hey yourself. It’s good to be back.” He murmurs, nodding his head. “I mean it. Y’all know that I’m grateful to be here.” 

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

Brooke hates that she can’t stop yawning now. She had been trying to fall asleep all night to no avail and the moment she wanted to stay awake to spend every waking second she could with her best friend, she could barely keep her eyes open. Groaning in protest as the soldier pulled her to her feet, half dragging her to her room, Brooke sighed. “Where will you go?” She asked. It was late but she was sure Ry’s grandparents would not care if he showed up to their place now, and he also probably had keys to his mom’s place even if she wasn’t there. He had a long day too, she realized, frowning softly as they walked inside her room and she started to lift her covers. “Stay the night.” It was almost selfish of her to ask him to. Truth is, she didn’t want to be alone. “It’s late. You’re probably just as tired if not more. We can share the bed. It’s big enough and, well, I couldn’t forgive myself if I made you sleep on my couch your first night back home.” Another yawn broke through her words, shrugging as she finally settled back. 

"Uh...I was hopin’ your couch.” Ryder chuckles, shrugging a bit sheepishly. He didn’t know if his mom was off shift yet, but he also knew she wouldn’t care if he let himself in. After all, he had his own key and Ryder knew that his mom always kept his old bedroom set up for him with clean sheets and all. “Honestly, I’m not sure what time it is anymore. My body’s all sorts of confused.” Between hearing the news about Emmett, the long flight and the time difference, Ryder was all sorts of thrown off. He doesn’t protest though, nodding once before sitting down on the edge of the bed, already leaning over to unlace his boots. “Hey, c’mon. You close your eyes and get some sleep, alright? Don’t be worryin’ about me.” 

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

Brooke knew Ryder only needed to say the word for his uncle to be there for him. She knew the Olsen’s well enough to know that for sure, but also, she knew Ry had more than proven himself. She was so proud of him, as proud as a friend could be, even if she worried about him constantly and selfishly wished him to be home already. “But soon.” The brunette said even if she nodded in agreement for them not to get too far ahead of themselves just yet. Having Ry over, even if just for a few days, as a good distraction. Brooke didn’t know she needed one until he showed up at her door. She still couldn’t shrug off the sight of her brother, shot and bleeding in her arms. Her father’s voice, a desperation she had never witnessed before. Scratching her forehead as if that could help her get rid of the memory, she focused on Ry again, chuckling softly at their teasing. “I try my best. I just hope they’re not wrong. This guy better live up to all the hype!” Brooke poked at him lightly, and though she was fighting it, a yawn broke through her smile. “I’m sorry.” She quickly apologized, rubbing her eyes idly and shaking her head. She didn’t want to miss out on Ry but she was also so, so tired. “I just need to lie down for a moment, but don’t go. I’m okay, I promise. It’s all this food. I’m so full now!”

Shaking his head at Brooke’s apology, Ryder reaches for their empty plates, placing them in the sink to be washed later. “Oh, hush. You have nothing to apologize for...it’s been a long day. Let’s get you to bed, you need some rest.” He insists, pulling Brooke gently to her feet. Ryder was sure whatever adrenaline that had kept Brooke going earlier in the day was long gone now, and he didn’t want her staying up just to spend time with him. Besides, he was pretty tired too. Ryder could sleep pretty much anywhere and he was sure Brooke wouldn’t mind if he crashed on her couch for the night. “C’mon, c’mon. Time for bed.” 

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

It had been so long since Ryder enlisted now that Brooke didn’t really know any different. She was still in school by the time he left. He was older and they didn’t always really hang out in the same groups, but he had always been there. She remembered him joining in helping her scare some idiots away when they tried to bully Ollie, or making sure some stupid ex didn’t follow her all the way back home after class. Even when she was this close to skipping Prom because her date ended up changing his mind last minute, Ryder Olsen came to the rescue. So much had changed since then. They had changed since then. Those moments they got to have him home through the years, though, one thing was sure. Their friendship hadn’t changed. “Just at least keep it as an option if you have to. I get it. You don’t wanna call in for a favor. But if it comes down to that, don’t be too proud.” Brooke offered, knowing his train of thought already. It might take him away from Nashville, though, but as long as he was in the country, that was already much better than the present situation. She just needed him to be back home safe and sound, wherever he chose that to be. “Oh, pizza. I’m definitely your girl for that! You can always count on a Goldstein to show you the best pizza spots in town!” She crossed her arms and shrugged proudly, the smile cracking through her lips. “I know it’s too early to say but your mama is going to be so excited to have you back, so will Parker and Chase. You should hear the way your grandma talks about you around the department. You’re some sort of celebrity, you know, our very own homegrown hero! I think she exaggerates a few details here and there. It’s hard to keep track. I just nod along and agree with everything she says partly because I really like my job and she might kick me if I don’t… and partly because this Ryder Olsen guy sounds pretty damn cool!” 

Brooke and Ryder had always been friends, ever since they were little. They basically grew up together, and even though he was a little older than Brooke, they had always been close. They were older now, and life had certainly changed both of them, but not in a bad way. “I only get one favor! I don’t wanna waste it.” Ryder could certainly get more than just one out of his uncle, and if all else failed, he did know a former president that could help him out, but the last thing he wanted to do was get a job just based on someone pulling some strings for him. He was too proud for that. Ryder wanted to earn it, and he knew that he was more than qualified. “Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. I’m not home for good just yet.” He knew his family and friends wished it were so, but if everything went well, he’d be back stateside for good in a few months. “Oh, my mama’s already countin’ down the days. Don’t let her or my grandma or grandpa give you a hard time though! They all mean well.” Ryder says, shaking his head. “Eh, he’s alright. You’ll just have to find out for yourself, I suppose.” 

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

Brooke smiled softly as Ryder reassured her of her brother’s diagnosis. Her entire family was so relieved knowing Emmett was under Riley’s care. She was practically family and they all trusted her to do whatever it took for her brother to be okay. She needed Em to be okay. Brooke would never forgive herself if something worse happened. She was already kicking herself for not being able to stop this already really bad thing from happening. Deep down, Brooke knew it wasn’t her fault. She kept telling her dad the same thing. It was hard not to blame herself in the end, though. There was always something else she could’ve done. Something more. “I know.” She nodded quietly at Ryder, offering him a reassuring smile that she did know he was right even if she kept beating herself over it. It’s not how she wanted to spend whatever time she got with him during his quick stay in town either. Standing up to take their now empty plates to the sink to wash, Brooke looked back at Ry. “So after your tour is over you’re back back? For good?” There was a tinge of excitement in her voice. They were no longer in High School and a lot had changed since Ryder was deployed. “With every Goldstein in history crashing Nashville right now, maybe not. But once everyone’s gone I’ll definitely miss you. Even if I hate it when you’re around, I know I need someone to keep me in check even when it gets on my nerves.” She grinned, looking up from the dishes to her friend. “What’s the first thing you wanna do when you’re back?”

Ryder had practically inhaled his food, his plate quickly emptied. Even reheated. Brett Goldstein’s cooking was delicious. “Uh...maybe. Depends on a few things.” Ryder admits with a shrug, rubbing a hand over his face. He wasn’t really sure, to be honest. A lot of things were up in the air right now, and he wanted to make sure he had at least something secured before he confirmed anything. “But I’ve got a few inquiries out. If anything, I could have Uncle Noah make a few calls...but y’know I don’t really wanna do that.” Ryder wasn’t above using his uncle’s connections as former secretary of defense if he really needed to, but it was definitely a last resort sort of thing in his book. “But it’s a definite possibility, yeah. I’m workin’ on it. If not now, then maybe after one more tour. We’ll see how things turn out.” He didn’t want to get anyone’s hopes up, though he does smile softy at the grin on Brooke’s face, shaking his head back at her. “Lord, I dunno. Eat a pizza? Find an apartment? I can’t live at my mama’s forever!”

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

It was hard not to go there. Brooke had tried to keep her thoughts to herself, bottling it all up for so long. She was sure she wasn’t making a great job at it, either. Her parents had already tried to reassure her there was nothing any of them could’ve done but she had also recognized that same impotence in her dad’s voice, his forlorn look when he didn’t think anyone was watching. She hated the fact that she allowed it to slip in front of Ryder now too, especially when he had made it back home just for Emmett. Offering her friend an unconvincing smile, she nodded. “He’d like that.” Brooke spoke quietly, wiping the corner of her eye, hoping a stray tear didn’t give her away. “He’ll love seeing you.” Even if she knew her brother would feel slightly guilty for it, too, she knew how much Em, as they all did, appreciated Ry’s visit. Even if Brooke didn’t plan of eating with Ry when she offered, now that the food was served and the plate placed in front of her, the smell of it alone made her realize she had skipped a few meals that day and she was actually starving. Quietly thanking the soldier, she picked through her plate with her fork. “Well, my parents are just hoping for the best, really. It helps your mom is leading all the treatments and procedures. My dad is having a bit of a hard time accepting it, too. He keeps blaming himself for leaving Em alone. He was on desk duty because dad didn’t feel he was ready to be back on the truck yet but, well, you know what happened.” Brooke distracted herself by looking at her plate, offering a small smile when she looked up back at Ry. “But all my uncles and cousins are here. Every Goldstein you can think of, including the Scavo-Healy’s, are in Nashville right now. So that’s nice.” And it truly was. At least their family had the solace that it wasn’t only at moments like this that they all got together. They did often. There was great comfort in their company and their support, though. “And now you’re here too. Did I say how good it is to see you already? Cause I mean it. I just hate you a little because it means I get to see you leave again and that, Olsen, doesn’t get any easier with time. I’m sure your mom will agree with me there.”

"Mama couldn’t tell me much ‘cause I’m not family, but she said Emmett made it through surgery pretty well. He’s a fighter. He’ll recover.” Ryder says reassuringly, nodding back at Brooke. While Emmett was out of the woods physically, they both knew that he still had a long road ahead of him. “Hey, c’mon. The only person at fault is the fucker who pulled the trigger. I know y’all don’t wanna hear this...but it wouldn’t have mattered whether Emmett was on the truck or not. People like Brad...he would’ve found another opportunity until he got what he wanted.” As a cop, Ryder knew Brooke knew that too, but it was hard to think logically when it came to family. “I wish I could stay longer, but my tour’s over in a few months. We’ll see what happens then.” The bomb squad job was still a dream at this point, something he wasn’t even sure was possible for him. But that wasn’t a thought for right now. “C’mon, I’ll be back before you know it. You won’t even notice that I’m gone.” 

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

“An idiot with a cute ass, is that better?” Brooke grinned after she stepped away from the hug, clinging to her friend for just a moment longer if only to make sure he was there for real and not just some sort of figment of her imagination. She still walked back into her apartment, groaning quietly as she idly scratched her forehead when he mentioned the reason why he was there in the first place. Even as she busied herself with pulling trays of food from her fridge, she just nodded as Ry answered her question. Brooke was sure Riley loved having Ryder home if even just for a few days. She was slightly sorry part of the reason why his mom was probably stuck at the hospital still was her own brother. Even if not the only patient, she knew Riri had taken to personally look and oversee all of Emmett’s treatment. Her family was eternally grateful for her, really. They knew Em couldn’t be in better hands! The brunette flinched for a moment, though, when Ry trailed off, humorlessly snorting in reply to his comment. “We’re Goldstein strong!” Brooke knew how that sentence finished. She knew where he was going with this. She had said the same thing over and over again. She should’ve know better. She should’ve seen it sooner. She should’ve done something, anything. If only she had done more. “I really don’t know what I would’ve done if he didn’t make it, Ry. I don’t think I could’ve forgiven myself. If we lost him—” Pressing her lips together, she shook her head, blinking to stop the tears from falling as she took a seat by the table, burying her face in her hands. “He’s doing okay. Your mom is an angel, you know that, right? You should come by when he’s awake. He’ll be excited to see you and probably just a little guilty that you felt the need to be here so if he asks, try to come up with a good excuse for his sake? All of our uncles and cousins flew over too so he’s just… you know… you’re crazy to be here! Delusional.” She still smiled through tired eyes. 

"Goldstein strong.” Ryder repeats, nodding back in Brooke’s direction. With the plates of food in the microwave, he turns to look back at her, a small frown tugging at his lips. “Hey, hey...don’t go there. Emmett’s okay. That’s what matters.” He says, quickly moving over to her side. “Yeah, of course. I’ll stop by and see Emmett. I texted him already, just to check in and let him know I was thinking of him.” It wasn’t much, but it was the least he could do while he was getting his travel plans sorted.  “I’m not delusional. Emmett’s family. I wanted to be here, Brooke. Seriously.” The microwave beeps then and Ryder goes to grab the food, setting the plates down in front of them. Even reheated, it smelled amazing. The soldier couldn’t remember the last time he ate a home cooked meal, and Brett Goldstein’s cooking was always delicious. “Seriously though. How’s everyone holding up?”

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

“Olsen–you idiot!” Brooke was quick to take the chain off her door and get rid of the other three locks before slapping at his chest for showing up unannounced though it was almost immediately followed with her pulling him into a hug. “What are you doing here? Are you insane?” She asked but she didn’t really let go just yet, closing her eyes for a moment. It was always good to her from Ryder, to know he was okay. It didn’t matter how many years it had been, there was always that worry at the back of everyone’s mind, the possibility of bad news, of not knowing when was the last time they’d see him or hear from him. Even if that was true for all of them considering their line of work, war had a bigger threat. Brooke was clinging to him, her fists tight around his shirt. A wave of relief swept over her by just seeing him there. He usually had that effect when not the complete opposite, and even if she always missed him, she realized right then just how much she had needed him these past few days. “I missed you.” She whispered just a moment before letting go, her eyes falling to the duffle bag . “Come in, please, do you need help with that? Did you even go home yet? Do you want something to eat? I have so many leftovers from all the food my sabba has been making this week!”

"I fly my ass halfway across the world to be called an idiot. I see how it is!” Ryder teases, pulling Brooke into a tight hug. “What am I doing here? C’mon! Your brother got shot. Where else would I be?” Coming home to check in on the Goldstein family himself had been the first thought he had after hearing Emmett was in surgery. It took a couple of days to get sorted out, but he had taken the first flight back that he could. The Goldstein and Olsen families went way back and Ryder hadn’t had any hesitation when he made the choice to ask for emergency leave, even if it was only for a couple of days. “Nah. Mama’s at the hospital so I came right here. I’ll see her in the mornin’.” Ryder shrugs, dropping his bag by the door. “I mean, I’m not gonna say no to your grandpa’s cookin’. I can heat it up myself, Brookey. You sit. How’s Emmett doin’? I can’t believe that fucker shot him. He never shoulda laid a hand on Emmett, let alone...” Trailing off, Ryder shakes his head, not wanting to continue with that thought. “Mama said he made it through surgery like a champ though. You Goldstein’s are made of tough stuff.” 

[ryderolsen]

brookegoldstein​:

Brooke tried to hold herself together after Emmett’s accident. Even if she was used to a lot considering her own line of work, having to change her clothes stained with her brother’s blood after he was shot wasn’t something he had been able to deal with lightly even if she had quickly composed herself for to go to her papa. She needed to be strong for them and she was, for days in a row, as more and more family members arrived in Nashville, just that. Strong. At work. At the hospital. In front of everyone. She tried to focus on something else at night, reading to see if she could quiet her thoughts, the memory, but it as practically impossible, annoyed with herself as she closed the book she had picked up with a groan. 

Grabbing her phone to check the time, she heard the bell ring and frowned. Brooke almost considered ignoring it when it rang again, getting out of bed and reaching for a cardigan which she started to put on as she walked to the door. “Coming!” She called, making a mental note of where she kept her handgun if needed, looking through the peephole of the door. Her mind could be playing a trick on her, the silhouette, even if slightly blurry, all too familiar. But it couldn’t be— “Who is it? What do you want?” She asked instead, her hand on the knob, standing on her toes as she stared through the peephole, her heartbeat accelerating in anticipation.

@ryderolsen​

It had been the middle of the night when Ryder got the call about Emmett getting shot. The first thought that went through his mind after hearing his mom was working on him was that he had to find a way to get back to Nashville, quickly followed by Brad was lucky he had been arrested, because he knew that there was a drove of people (himself included) that would’ve been going after him if not. It took a few days for him to get the emergency leave all arranged, but soon enough he was on his way back home. Ryder wished it was under better circumstances, but he knew he had to be there for Brooke and her family. The Olsen’s and the Goldstein’s went way back and they had all grown up together, Emmett included.  

The flight back home was long and tiring. Ryder was exhausted by the time that he got off of the plane. With his duffel slung over his shoulder, he gets an Uber straight to Brooke’s place after confirming with his mom that she wasn’t at the hospital visiting Emmett, hoping that she wasn’t asleep. Ringing the bell, he waits for her to answer, chuckling quietly when he hears Brooke on the other side. “C’mon, Goldstein. Open the door for an old friend.” He calls back, grinning when the door finally flies open. “Hey, you.”

[maxthieriot]

[maxthieriot]

[maxthieriot]

Max on The Price Is Right: A Holiday Extravaganza with SEAL Team