Heading to a studio that wasn't mine, I was quite nervous. Not just because Ben was somewhere around here and he wasn't overly pleased with me at that moment. But it was also because I was at Ryans studio and I hadn't yet figured out what all these feelings were. All I knew was that, despite not knowing him long, I would be devastated if I ever lost him.

I had yet to hear him sing properly, the only time I had ever heard his voice being that night he rang me at 3AM. But my ears were blessed as soon as I stepped into the building, an unmistakable sound coming from the first room. I paused outside the door, peeking inside to see him leant against the wall, guitar in hand as he sung.

I could always tell that Ryan had been through something painful. What that something was, however, I had yet to find out. It wasn't my place to pry into his private life. He was more likely to trust Brody with that knowledge. He wasn't going to open up to a practical stranger just like that.

Another thing I had worked out about Ryan was that he kept his emotions bottled up. He might've shown no sign of this, but I was pretty good at reading people. As sad as this song sounded, I could tell he wasn't going to let it break him. He wasn't going to cry.

It might not have made him cry, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't leave me with tear filled eyes and an even softer spot for Ryan Banks. I wanted to hold him in my arms and remind him that he deserved to be loved. I wanted to be his safe place. Someone he could talk to whenever. I wanted to find out what had hurt him so much. But that was too much too soon, so I wiped my eyes and pushed open his door.

"Hey." I spoke quietly, hesitantly stepping in. I wasn't sure if he wanted to be alone, especially when it was so obvious that I had heard his song. "That was beautiful."

He didn't smile like he usually would. He just nodded. "Thanks kid."

"You okay?"

"What's it to you?"

I frowned, not used to his harsh tone. He had never once spoken to me like that, so it took me by surprise. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I'll just go."

I turned to leave when I heard shuffling, a hand being placed on my shoulder seconds later.

"No, please stay. I'm sorry for being moody." He sighed, spinning me around. I gave him a small smile.

"It's okay. We can't feel our best all the time."

He looked down, leaning back against the table. "So what brings you here?"

"I'm meeting my friend for lunch."

"Who's the friend?"

"Hil-"

You mention someone - they appear. Hilton came bouncing into the room, grinning from ear to ear when he saw the two of us.

"Hi Aid. Hey Ryan." He greeted.

"Wait, you guys know each other?" I gasped, not at all seeing this coming.

"Of course." Ryan chuckled, throwing one arm over his shoulder. "Hilton and I have known each other for years. He opened for me on tour."

"That's so cool. I can't wait till I'm selling out tours and having my own opening act." I smiled, once again imagining the possible future waiting for me.

"I'm sure it'll happen soon."

Ryan gave me more confidence than I had ever felt. He really believed in me, and it was a nice feeling when someone saw something in you that you couldn't see in yourself.

"So what are you guys doing today?" Ryan asked.

"Well, we were going out for lunch..." Hilton trailed off, sending me a sheepish look.

"Were?" I frowned.

"Yeah, something's come up," He started, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, "and I have to stay here for a little longer."

"That's okay. I can wait." I offered. He shook his head.

"No, it'll be better just to reschedule. I have no idea how long I'll be."

I nodded in understanding, not the slightest bit angry. These things happened, and it wasn't Hiltons fault that he needed to work. These were our careers. They were much more important than a meal.

"I can drive you home if you'd like." Ryan offered, assuming that I likely wouldn't be going out to eat alone. "I'm off anyway."

"If you're sure." I smiled gratefully. "I'll text you later Hilton."

"Yeah yeah, see you guys."

I waited for Ryan to grab his belongings before he led me outside to his car. We drove in comfortable silence. A million questions swarmed my mind, but I kept my mouth shut and my eyes on the road.

~~~

I closed the front door behind me, giving Jase a small nod when I passed him.

"Was that Ryan?" He asked, following me into the kitchen.

"Mhmm." I nodded, opening the fridge to grab a drink. He had walked me to the door like a true gentleman, making me laugh when he said we should do it again sometime.

"You're spending a lot of time with him lately."

"He just drove me home."

"Do you like him?"

I turned around, looking at him with my eyebrows raised. "Where's this coming from?"

"Just answer the question."

"No."

"Don't lie to me Aid." He frowned.

"I'm not."

"I can see right through you." He scoffed.

"Fine, maybe I have a small crush on him. So what? It's not like I'm gonna do anything about it."

"Good. You're not ready for that."

"Who are you to tell me when I can or cannot date?" I challenged, getting fed up with the Irish boy already.

"The same guy who held you when you cried over Mar-"

"Don't say his name!" I warned. He looked at me for a while before sighing.

"I'm just looking out for you, Bluebell. I care about you and I don't want to see you get hurt again."

"Yeah? Well mind your own business. I never asked you to care about me!" I spat, storming into my room. He followed me.

"Don't say that Adrian. I care about you because you're my fucking best friend." He snapped, pushing my door open when I tried to close it on him.

"Why is that?"

He gasped, looking at me with wide eyes.

"Fine, be like this. Just don't come running back to me when he breaks your heart!" He shouted, running out and slamming the door behind me.

And if I broke down as soon as he left, clutching the hoodie I stole from him against my chest, he didn't need to know.