⋄tags: teacher!ryland/reader, gender neutral pronouns, fluff, slight angst, mild concussion, mention of concussion symptoms, hospital visit, ryland falls of a ladder, tiny blood mention (not graphic) HE IS OKAY!, mutual pining, cute cute cute, soft softy soft, my headcanons about rylands back story
⋄ w/c: 5.3k ors
⋄ song inspo: photograph by ed sheeran, thinking out loud by ed sheeran, redbone by childish Gambino, 3005 by childish Gambino, for the first time by Mac demarco
⋄ a/n: here is the cutest Ryland Grace in the world (not). maybe. they're all cute. anonymous requester I am so sorry this took 4412123 billion years. thank you as always to the ever talented @lostinwildflowers for your help, means a lot to me as I always adore your writing. additional thanks to @zgrvty for listening to my random rambling and giving me the idea for the letter. you all support me like angels. writing friends are love, y'all.
𐙚 summary: in which you find out Ryland has been pining for you too. Unfortunately, he has to fall off a ladder for you to know.
Just Being Neighborly...
School has been let out for nearly two hours now. It’s Friday and most teachers have gone home, but you are still sitting in your classroom grading essays. It's nearly summer now and you want to treasure these last few papers. All the wonderful students you’ve had this year will soon be moving on. It’s bittersweet, but leaves you with a strong sense of pride.
You hum softly to yourself while twirling a red pen between your fingers. It’s been an eventful semester at this new school. This is your first year at Grover Cleveland Middle and it has been wonderful being the new Language Arts teacher. So many precious moments filled with eager students, fun lessons, and more.
Not to mention that adorable science teacher across the hall with the big blue eyes and the adorable messy blonde hair. Ahem... Must keep it professional.
Of course, you refer to your colleague, Mr. Grace who is an excellent teacher. He does keep telling you to call him Ryland, but saying his name aloud makes you... think certain things.
And those certain things just do not help your brain.
Like how good Ryland looks in those casual suits he wears or how precious it is that he bikes to work every morning. Not for the exercise, but because it’s better for the environment. It also allows him a better view of the fog that rolls in from the bay and covers the area like a blanket.
You remember the first time you saw Ryland.
It was your first day and you were a bundle of nerves. Until you got out of your car and promptly watched him lose control of his bike and crash into the entire rack. He fell dramatically off his bike, a clumsy mess in his yellow rain coat and helmet.
Every student had started laughing or recording whilst you ran over to help him.
The sweet silly man was a mess. Ryland had simply looked up at you, dazed and confused. He wasn't really injured, just a little frazzled and yet undeniably dreamy still.
Ryland then said to you with a bashful smile, 'Oh, you’re the new language arts teacher, right? I teach science! This is quite a first impression to make, but in my defense I'm known to be a bit clumsy.'
The science teacher didn't seem bothered by the audience watching either. Ryland simply offered you a breathtaking smile as you helped him up. He had you hook, line, and sinker from that moment.
The entirety of the rest of the school year has been nothing but helpless one-sided pining. Every time you see Ryland in the faculty breakroom or around the school you can’t help the way your eyes linger on him. Especially, since you're right across the hall from each other and you see the dirty-blonde teacher multiple times throughout the day.
Those little moments where you get to chat before the next bell rings give you butterflies. Particularly the way Ryland always smiles and gives you a small wave. You’ll miss them when summer starts.
You’ll miss Ryland.
No falling in the classrooms, Please
Your eyes flick up to the open door of your classroom. Ryland still hasn't left for the day either as you can tell by the various noises coming from his room. It sounds like Ryland is shuffling boxes around or something. You've definitely heard him say ‘fudge’ and ‘holy molly' quite a few times.
At one point, you saw maintenance bring him a precariously tall red ladder too.
Maybe you should go see if your colleague needs any help. That is the neighborly thing to do, right? He would do the same for you. Putting your papers to the side, you get up and slowly walk out of your classroom and peek down the hallway. It is pretty deserted, so you and Ryland have a rare modicum of privacy. You tell your brain not to think about that.
Slowly, you step towards Ryland’s room and are greeted by a sight that is quite concerning. Actually, super concerning and has your eyes widening.
Ryland is standing on the step of a ladder, holding several plastic planets in one hand. With the other he attempts to put them back into place on his brightly colored solar system display.
It doesn't really seem to be working and as Ryland’s legs wobble and he lets out a soft ‘sweet mother in heaven’. You rush into action. As a middle school teacher, there's been a few times you must stop students from doing foolish things. Not usually your co-workers though.
'Excuse me, Dr. Grace! I really hate to intrude, but this does not seem safe. Like at all.' You call out, hands slightly raised as you cringe.
Please do not fall.
Ryland’s sense of gravity shifts at your voice and a few of the planets fall out of his unsteady grip. Still, a smile spreads across Ryland’s face. He angles his body towards you as if not even on the ladder.
'Oh! Hello, it's so good to see you! But why are you still here? I mean not that I don't want you here...' Ryland lets out a nervous squeak. 'Well, you work here, so it is obligatory, but quite late. I mean to say, I'm glad you’re here and work here… I mean... Did you say something?'
Your concern only grows as Ryland rambles and you quickly step closer to the ladder. You hesitantly hold your hands out as if to brace for his inevitable fall. If you need to catch him, maybe you can. Ryland is much taller than you and quite broad shouldered, but there are worse things than a handsome man falling on you, right?
You will have to take one for the team as they say.
'Yes, I said this isn’t a good idea. I am very concerned you could fall. Please get down, okay?'
'Oh, I'm perfectly fine,' Ryland says, trying to reassure you and failing. 'I did this last time all by myself and I can do it again... It seems like last time it was easier, but I also had a few cups of coffee.'
'How many exactly?’
'... Five. I'm a bit of an addict.'
You sigh and try once more.
'How about I help you? Maybe I could hand you things rather than whatever…’ You trail off as you flick a hand towards the ladder. ‘Multitasking disaster this is.'
Ryland’s dirty-blonde eyebrows furrow and you think he may protest more, but eventually he lets out a huff.
'Well, alright, if you insist…I'm coming.'
‘Great, please take it slow on your way down.’ You say with a smile, your eyes glued to his form.
Thankfully, despite shaky legs and nearly drooping the rest of his planets, Ryland makes it down in one piece. He releases all of the items in his hands with a clatter atop his wooden desk and lets out a sigh of relief.
Ryland seems to mumble something to himself. It sounds vaguely like, ‘well, you’ve certainly embarrassed yourself....again.’
Finally, he turns back to you and gives you a sheepish grin. You wonder if maybe he’s a bit nervous over your presence. That could be a good sign.
Meanwhile, all you can think is that Ryland looks so handsome today. His dirty blonde hair is freshly short yet a few strands still fall across his forehead in a slightly unkept way. His beard is well trimmed and clean around his plush, pink lips that you find so annoyingly kissable.
Those ocean blue eyes seem to gaze right into your heart as he appraises you behind his glasses.
Ryland is dressed casually, yet impeccable as always. He wears a soft gray blazer with a blue pinstripe button-up that suits him well. Ryland finishes it with some washed out blue jeans and loafers, an easy going style that makes him all that more endearing.
And you’ve really got to stop lowkey checking him out because surely your heart rate is elevated right now.
The two of you haven’t really been alone like this, so you feel equally nervous now that you’re not concerned about his immediate health. You also can’t help but wonder if somehow he knows how you feel?
Ryland breaks you out of your mind by coughing lightly into his hand and speaking up.
'I’m sorry for the trouble... I'm trying to touch up my solar system setup. I typically get around to the end of every school year or uhh try to.’
‘No problem at all. I completely understand, it’s clearly very well taken care of.’ You assure with a smile. ‘I’d be delighted to help if you’ll allow it.’
‘That would be wonderful. I had hoped maintenance might assist, but they seemed to be quite put off. It could possibly be because last time they helped me, I bumped into the ladder and may have caused a small accident...'
Your ears perk up at that. 'Really? Was anyone seriously injured?'
He scratches the side of his head and squints.
'How do you define seriously injured?’
You can’t help but shake your head as you suppress a laugh.
'Oh, yeah, they totally hate you.'
Ryland sighs and hangs his dirty-blonde head a bit. 'It happens. Let’s just hope nothing goes wrong this time.'
'Everything will be fine.' You say. 'You’re going to get on that ladder and I’m going to hand you these planets, one at a time, okay?'
Ryland does seem to cheer up at the confidence in your voice and gives a shy smile.
'Okay. I appreciate that.’
'We got this.' You assure him as you step towards the desk and start arranging everything.
Ryland opens his mouth as if to say something before seemingly thinking better of it. Instead, he begins arranging the mess with you.
'R-Right, let's get to work!'
My Venus
After a good hour or so of working diligently, the set up is pretty much finished. It probably could have gone quicker, but the two of you stopped to chat often. It's been so fun and whatever tension seemed to be in the room has dissipated in the wake of easy conversation.
Ryland told you about how well the school year went for him and how excited he is to do summer school. Apparently, he does it every year rather than traveling or taking time off which you find admirable and sweet.
You couldn’t help but to stare each time he laughed and spoke fondly of his students. It made warm flutters happen all through you.
In turn, you shared how relaxed the school makes you feel and that you plan to return again. You won't be doing summer school since you're taking the time to focus on your novel, but you wish him well. He does mention possibly keeping in contact over the summer and that sticks in your mind.
Perhaps, a summer romance with Ryland Grace could be on the horizon. He did give you his number awhile back, saying, ‘colleagues should stay in contact’, but you’ve never had the nerve to text him.
Now, Ryland is currently back on the ladder finishing up. No longer struggling as anytime he needs something, you carefully pass it over. He’s been able to take it easy and go slow so you are confident the safety vibe check has been passed.
After a second, Ryland frowns and inspects the display. 'Oh, sorry, I forgot to get the label for Venus. It should be somewhere on my desk amongst the general mess.’
You nod and head back over to his desk to find it. Unfortunately, general mess actually means chaos and so you have to move around multicolored stacks of papers.
There's several labels for the planets printed as if Ryland has been trying out new styles. Along with that is a rough diagram of how the set up should look that you glance at.
Next to that is a letter that says 'To my Venus…' at the top. It also says your name in the top writer corner of the page.
Huh. Curiosity sparks in your mind and before you can stop it, you pick the paper and skim it quickly. It's been written in gray pencil and there's numerous eraser markings. Like Ryland has been rewriting it over and over as if searching for just the right words.
.
.
.
To my Venus,
To me, like the planet, you represent love, longing, and beauty...
I've been searching for ways to tell you how I feel. I'm scared you won't feel the same. In fact, I’m sure you do not. We haven't talked much outside of work and yet these little interactions everyday mean so much to me as of late.
I enjoy hearing your lesson plans or seeing how gentle you are with the students. I think of how excited you seem to welcome them into your classroom. The way you always ask me how I am. I wonder if you notice how my heart races when you simply tell me good morning. I imagine how it would feel to have you address me softly as Ryland.
You sound sweet when you say Mr. Grace, but I selfishly long to be more informal with you. You're on my mind like an equation I just can't solve. I want to though. Because I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful or warm.
I have to tell you. I must and yet.... I'm afraid. Perhaps we are destined to only orbit one another.
Sincerely,
Ryland
Well... Isn’t that Something?
You've gone completely still as if frozen like a statue as you read. It appears as if your brain is buffering and you can't believe your own eyes. The heartbeat racing in your ears seems to be louder than a stampede and your knees are weak.
'Ryland… is this a…love—’ You can't even finish the sentence you're so shocked. Your entire body is trembling and a part of you wonders if this is all a dream.
This.... this is a piece of paper in which confesses Ryland’s feelings for you.
'Hmm? What do you mean?' Ryland asks, turning just enough to look at you after finishing hanging up Earth. He squints at the strange expression on your face and then his eyes land on the handwritten letter.
Ryland has written it so many times he recognizes it and his own handwriting instantly.
Embarrassment flares through every part of him and he visibly buffers. His face flushes and the tips of his ears turn bright red. 'Oh god, no, please don’t tell me you just saw that letter!'
Meanwhile, you’re still in shock and still stare at it blankly.
'No. No. Please, do not read it anymore!' Rylands shouts, incredibly frazzled.
Ryland’s words reach you suddenly and you inhale sharply. As if the paper burns, you let it drop to the floor and gulp. Horror crosses you. It wasn’t your intention to betray his privacy, you just…
After all this time pining for him endlessly on your own… These words feel like a life line, a prayer answered.
However, the damage is done and Ryland is shocked at having his private feelings revealed. He can’t fathom what to do. So, Ryland tries to hurry and get down. He needs to run. Get out of this room, change school districts, and never come back.
Instead, Ryland misses a step half way down, trips and falls off the ladder with a loud thud.
You watch in horror as if the entire scene is playing out in slow motion. Ryland wasn’t that far off the ground, but you absolutely heard his head hit the hard flooring in a way that did not sound right.
'Mr. Grace!' You shout and hurry over to his side, dropping down to your knees.
Your hands shake and your eyes rove over his entire form. Ryland doesn’t seem to be bleeding, only visibly wrecked, which is ironic for a man who just got his heart's intention revealed.
The science teacher groans in response as he lays sprawled out on the ground. Ryland’s dirty-blonde hair lays in every which way, his clothes a disheveled mess. He brings a hand up to touch his head and lets out the softest curse.
Which surprises you because the man has a strict ‘no cursing or you shall be thoroughly lectured’ policy. You’ve seen him get on to students, faculty, and parents.
'Ouch, that didn’t feel great.’ He mumbles after a moment. ‘What a way to go, Ryland.... Very smooth.’
He also waves a hand in front of his face and squints. You both realize his silver rimmed glasses are gone. Oh no. 'Not to be a bother, but have you seen my glasses? Can’t really see much without them.'
'Oh my god, are you okay? How do you feel?’ You ask frantically, your stomach still flipping in worry. 'I haven’t seen your glasses, but we will find them.'
'Perfectly fine. I didn't fall from that high… oh...’ Ryland presses his hand into his head again and brings it up to his face. His eyes widen. ‘Fiddlesticks, is that blood or did I possibly fall on a ketchup packet again?’
You suppress the urge to say ‘again?’ and instead pull out the phone nuzzled in your back pocket.
'This is so not how this was supposed to go,' you whisper, internally insulting yourself for not noticing his injury. It doesn’t appear to be much blood, but you are no medical professional.
Ryland needs help.
'I'm calling 911 this instant. You probably need to be seen at the hospital.' Your tone leaves no room for argument as you punch in the numbers.
'If you feel you must.’ He says, giving a resigned sigh as he visibly trembles. ‘Um, tell them you’re calling on behalf of Ryland Grace… They know me well.
Our First Date Is In A Hospital Room... That’s OK
Several hours later you are sitting in a white walled hospital room with your hands wrung together. It is now quite late at night and you're exhausted. After much fuss and lots of tests, Ryland had been diagnosed with a mild concussion. The poor man.
Ryland sits on the navy hospital bed, his head hung and shoulders slumped. They made him change into one of those thin light blue hospital gowns. You don't look when he walks since it shows his bare butt if he doesn’t hold it just right.
The small cut on his head has been cleaned and his glasses are somewhat askew across his face. They had broken during the fall, but could still be worn lopsided at least.
In all the chaos the two of you still haven't talked about the inadvertent confession. Ryland and you couldn’t talk much throughout all the fuss. Clearly it isn't exactly ideal timing.
Now, Ryland is about to be discharged and the nurse on his case, Robin, is talking gently to him. You watch as they assure him the symptoms will be mild, but over the next few weeks he should keep an eye out.
Apparently, he could experience headaches, nausea, brain fog, fatigue. The potential health issues may arise anytime over the next few weeks, but after he should be fine.
Ryland is also to take a few days off to recover and come in for a follow up soon. He was not pleased by this and had protested quite heavily about that.
Ultimately, the doctor won by fixing him with a firm authoritative glare. 'Sir, I actually went to medical school so please listen to my words.'
Ryland looked surprised by that at the time, but understanding.
Now, Ryland nods attentively as the nurse speaks to him and does not disagree.
'Good. You stay here and I'll go grab your discharge papers. It may take me a while though. Oh and to be clear,' Robin pauses and glances at you curiously, 'is your.... partner driving you home?'
You and Ryland exchange panicked glances.
'Oh, actually they are—'
'Yes, I am. I came in the ambulance, but another co-worker dropped off my car. I'll make sure he gets home safely.' You quickly interject with a small smile.
‘Perfect. He should not drive tonight or tomorrow.' Robin says as she returns your smile before leaving the room.
And for the first time since the accident you are now fully alone with Ryland. No more doctors or nurses coming in and out for a while.
To your surprise, Ryland takes the chance to speak up.
'Thank you for that. I appreciate you being here to support me.' Ryland says. 'It's very nice of you and it only cements in my head how kind you are.’
You beam at his compliment.
'Of course, I wouldn't have let you come alone. I hate going to hospitals all by myself and so I get it.’
'Because you're a good person. I-I suppose that’s why I’ve been wanting to tell you… Well, you know.’
You look up at that to see Ryland give you a shy smile before looking away again. The little gesture from him reassures you and pokes at your heart. You’re not sure what to say to him though and he doesn’t speak again.
What might he be thinking about you? After all, you did technically cause the accident, right? What were you thinking, reading a letter off a desk that did not belong to you.
Maybe you should help him call a friend or family member here instead. Ryland technically never asked you to stay.... You just hopped in the ambulance without thinking.
Yet, you notice the way one of his hands grips the edge of the metal hospital bed nervously. It breaks your heart. You’ll leave if he asks you to, but for now you think it’s okay.
Besides, you cannot help but feel you must at least clear one thing up.
Ryland’s letter posited that his feelings could not possibly be returned by you. He deserves to know that is far from accurate.
Confess ya Fools
The silence seems to stretch on and you can just tell Ryland is not going to be the one to break it. Which you figure is fair, the man is having a rough day. You inhale slowly and lean forward in your chair, angling your body towards him.
'Mr. Grace, are you okay?' You feel a bit awkward still using his real name, especially in light of what you know now.
He shifts in response to your question and flicks his blue eyes in your direction before averting them once again.
'Not really. You found out I have feelings for you and that once again, I’m a public hazard all in one afternoon.’ Ryland says glumly. ‘I can’t even fathom what you must be thinking of me.’
‘No, no, I don’t think any less of you at all.’ You rush out, the urge to reassure him filling you. ‘In fact, I blame myself for this entire predicament. I am at fault.’
He shakes his head.
'You hardly are. I'm the fool that forgot the contents on my own desk and that you must move carefully on a ladder. Stupid, stupid, stupid.’
'You're not stupid, please don't say that. You were focused on finishing a lovely display for your class. You're sweet.'
'Sweet?’ Ryland mumbles. ‘Well, I apologize for all the chaos and you do not have to worry. We never have to discuss the letter. Just pretend you didn't see it, will you do me that kindness?’
His voice breaks near the end of his plea and with it so do the words you've been holding back.
You stand at that, your face mingling with concern and surprise.
'Ryland,’ you huff, ‘Do you truly not realize the truth? I feel the same way, you silly man.’
He simply blinks. ‘Sorry, I don’t follow. The same way as in… you also want to pretend like this never happened? Also, d-did you just call me Ryland?’
You blink for a second. Yes, you did call him Ryland for the first time and it actually felt amazing, but that is besides the point.
Focus. You put your hands on your hips and stare the man down.
‘Listen, I like you romantically, Ryland. I only went to your classroom because I can't stop thinking about you and wanted to be helpful. I find you a bit intimidating at times, but you're such a kind man....' You ramble off, desperate to make him properly understand.
Ryland looks at you like you’re speaking another language.
'Me? Intimidating? You like.... me?! Wait.... Sorry my brain.’ Ryland whispers, bringing a hand up to his wounded head.
'Yes, I do like you and I want to discuss it, but I don’t want to stress you out. Maybe we should stop talking about it for now?’
“No, hold on. I’m fine.... so just to confirm you like me even…after today? Because I warn you, hospital visits may be a regular occurrence around me.' He jokes, tossing you a signature crooked grin.
You smile right back and step towards Ryland till you're directly in front of him.
'Yes, even after today. More so, maybe.’
'I see.’ Ryland starts thoughtfully. ‘This might be one of the best days of my life rather than one of the worst.'
'You've been to the hospital after a big fall, I doubt it's in the top ten, silly.’
Ryland disagrees and pouts. ‘The person I've been pining after confessed to me too. It's up there forever.’
‘Alright, that’s fair. It’s been one of my favorites too, if I’m being honest. I genuinely had no idea about your feelings for me.’
‘Really?’
‘Really.’
'Well, this is amazing news indeed. I suppose I should begin courting you properly now.’ Ryland says with a nod.
'Ummm. Court me?’ You say, tilting your head skeptically.
'Perhaps an outdated term. I just mean I would like the chance to make you mine. If you're okay with that, of course.'
The man genuinely seems to have no idea that his words are causing your heart to ping pong in your chest.
'Right. What if you just took me for a date instead? Popcorn? Movies?’
'Ah yes.... very twenty-first century. We might try mini golfing too though I'm terrible at it.’
'You say the most adorable things.' You giggle.
Ryland visibly flushes at your compliment. 'I suppose you must think so if you like me. What a lucky man I am for that.’
You both laugh and you move even closer so that you're now standing between Ryland’s legs. Hestitantly, he brings his hands up to rest at your hips and presses his forehead against yours. His touch is so soft and gentle that it makes you weak in the knees.
The small acts of intimacy bring so much joy, hearts fluttering in tune at finally getting what you've both been pining for.
'I know this has hardly been the most ideal way of finding out each other's feelings, but may I kiss you?’ Ryland whispers after a moment of basking in the closeness.
'Yes, please. I've wanted you to do that since I first spoke to you. Remember? You had just fallen off the bike and you were sprawled across the ground?'
The memory is ingrained in your heart. Yep, you’ve been gone for Ryland Grace since then.
He chuckles in response and his grip on you tightens slightly.
'Yeah, I’d rather not think about that presently… There are much sweeter things on my mind.’
His voice is low and your arms wrap around his neck. You inhale the scent of him; musky amber and vanilla. You try hard not to look at his lips as heat flares beneath your skin and you bring a hand up to cup Ryland’s cheek.
With everything now in the open, after an entire semester of pure desire for the other, your lips meet finally. Warmth simmers in your chest and you have to resist the urge to smile. The kiss is gentle. Your lips barely brushing at first before naturally deepening.
When you eventually pull away, you’re both panting a bit and excitement is thick in the air. Neither of you move further apart, but rather stay close to give each other little experimental smooches.
That goes on for quite a few minutes, the kisses alternating between heated and sweet. The occasional sweet nothing of affection being said by Ryland.
Your head clears momentarily and you realize that soon the two of you must part for the night. The nurse will surely be done with discharge any moment.
The thought pains you more than you care to admit, but you're also worried for Ryland.
Dropping your hand away from his face, you step back enough to properly look him in the eye and try to voice those concerns.
'Ryland, you uhhh have a mild concussion and you shouldn't be alone tonight. Right?’
'Oh, no, the nurse mentioned I'm perfectly fine to be alone tonight. She said it when you stepped out to the bathroom. I just can't drive myself home.’ Ryland assures politely.
‘Ahh. It may still be good to not be alone though at least until the morning. Do you have anyone I should call to be with you? I mean I've got nowhere to be tonight.’
You try to keep your tone casual, but your hand moves to fiddle with the hem of his shirt.
‘This may sound terribly pathetic, but not really. My parents live abroad and my only close friend, Marisa, is out of town. Sure, it would be nice to have someone come over. But I'm used to taking care of myself.'
Ryland seems oblivious to your hint and his innocent, lonely confession saddens you. Best to play it straight with him.
'Okay. Do you want me to go back to your place?’
'Wait.... umm.... my dwelling with you.... inside of it? Actively?’
You stifle a laugh at the way he seems to be struggling at the mere idea.
'Yes. I would love to actively go back to your place and just make sure you're alright for a while. If that's okay with you?’
Ryland opens his mouth and closes it a few times before finally finding the words. There's a faint blush across his face that first appeared when your lips were busy earlier.
'Yeah that… I mean it should be fine. Would you need to gather things for yourself first or?’
You ponder it over. It would be a drag to stop by your place first since it's rather out of the way.
'I should be mostly fine. As long as you have some pajamas I could wear and maybe an extra toothbrush? Of course, I’ll crash on the couch too.’
'Yes, absolutely you can wear anything of mine, I’d be honored to have all my clothes on your body. While you're on my couch and using my extra toothbrush. Errr, well, I mean you know.’ Ryland rambles, his eyes twinkling as he regards you.
You give him the biggest grin at that and mentally high five yourself. A cute confession, potential relationship, and you get to help take care of Ryland?
This is like a dream manifested from the fanfiction world.
'Cool, perfect. So just let me go see how your discharge paperwork is going and we'll head out soon.’
With that, you place one last kiss on his cheek and head over towards the door. Hopefully Robin doesn't mind you asking her.
Just as you're about to exit, Ryland speaks up.
'I'm really glad you came over to help me today and that I fell off the ladder.' He rushes out, his eyes suddenly simmering with emotions.
You turn and regard him with softness. ‘Me too. I'll be right back, Ryland, okay?’
'Okay.'
Ryland watches as you open the brown door and disappear behind it, before immediately collapsing onto the hospital bed. A smile lingers on his face as he mutters to himself.
‘Well, all in all I would say being sa public hazard may be working to my advantage.’
Additional A/N: My writing is prone to genuine mistakes (grammar, forgetting a tag, and other random ass errors). and if there is ever a concern please message me privately to let me know. I apologize in advance.
just a soft rambles from a morning convo w/ @zgrvty ♡
Ryland is soft, sweet, and caring. Like coming home and getting a big warm cup of cocoa.
Six makes me feel protected, loved, watched in the ways I struggle to give to myself.
Driver is that intensity, passion, and overwhelming force that I crave and want to be swept away in.
Holland is the chaos and the giggles and the endlessly well of trauma that I see in myself and I just want to pick up his pieces and rearrange them to help.
Jacob is like the loneliness craving a fix but really needing that deeper solid connection. Yet being scared of being vunerable or knowing wanting him in turn and I get that.
Finally, to culminate this passage, in big swaths of color and against a backdrop of the nighttime Parisian skyline, Mia and Sebastian DANCE...
This is the last time we’ll ever see them dance, and they seem to recognize that, so graceful and poised are their movements... Remember -- this is a romance more perfect than a real romance could ever be...
Bed chemistry with Ryland! (Featuring the song bed chem by sabrina carpenter if you don't know it)
Blame @zgrvty for this 😉 here's a little sneak peak I had to sit down and write!
"Listen, Ryland.. I have to tell you this and I can't put off saying this off any longer.. I think we would have really good bed chemistry."
Ryland squinted at you from behind his glasses and tilted his head to the side. "Excuse me? What in the world does that mean?"
"Bed chem, you know.. by Sabrina Carpenter?"
"So, this is some kind of scentific term? What are the credentials on this Sabrina Carpenter? Is she even a PHD?"
You sigh and run a hand down your face.
"Ryland, please. I am trying to tell you we would be good in bed together. I'm attracted to you and I get the impression you're attracted to me."
The scientist blinked, clearly caught off guard by the direction of this conversation.
"Ah.. I-I see.." Ryland stammered, the tips of his ears turning red. "I suppose there is some.. mutual attraction so we could indeed test your theory. I'd be more than willing.."
Your heart races at his words and you try to play it cool.
"Are you busy right now?"
"Well, I need to be responsible scientist and finish logging these samples..."
"Or we could go to the dorms like right now." You offered quickly.
So much for playing it cool.
"Oh, yes, I suppose I could stop, but only for a bit--"
"We won't need long, trust me."
You were already reaching for his hand and tugging him along as a confused Rocky watched the two of you leave.
"Not to worry, Rocky.. we'll just be working on a private experiment!" Ryland called out sheepishly.
You nod, but your tone is much more serious.
"Precisely. It is imperative we aren't disturbed."
The only sound that follows is your dorm door closing and the click of the lock.
Rocky wonders what gets in to those crazy humans sometimes.
snowghoul
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