BUT YOU HAVE TO SATISFY THE MONSTER

Ashton sighs. He gets Riley sees the negative side of it all, that it’s hard to move past it and that this thing with Noelle is going to shatter. Ashton can’t seem to offer much. He can only hope that the two of them will figure themselves out. 

“She likes you, a lot,” Ashton comments, turning around before heading back to Spencer’s room. “You’re good for her, despite whatever you’re thinking.” He leaves Riley with that, maybe some hope or something for the poor guy. Ashton takes the mug of coffee and shuffles his way back to Spencer’s room.

Riley swallows and nods softly, trying to take what Ashton is saying to heart. He just...he really hopes it’s true. 

--

Spencer looks up as the bedroom door opens and smiles at the sight, humming as he reaches for the cup of coffee that the other man has brought him. “Thank you. How’d he take it?” He blows on the hot liquid before taking a slow sip, running his hand through his hair. 

“That’s what I’m saying,” Ashton cuts in for a moment. “I’d rather it be you than anyone else. But if I can find it and then she’s going to see it soon enough.”

He’s getting to the overprotective stage again and Ashton knows he’s needs to back off a bit. So he pours coffee for Spencer and looks back at Riley. “Look, I know she means a lot to you and she’s more forgiving than you think she’ll be. So just… let yourself be happy?” He sort of shrugs.

Let himself be happy? Yeah, Riley’s always had a little trouble with that part of the plan. He’s actually never really gotten to the happiness stage so. He’s still working on what that looks like. 

“Right,” He clears his throat, nodding his head. “I promise, like I said, by the end of this week. I’ll tell her.” He lets out a long breath. “Mise well start packing up to go home.” 

That’s another strange thing, paying off paparazzis to make something go away. Sure, Riley can pay them off for now but how long is that going to last until there’s a whirlwind of exposure? He glances over his shoulder, seeing Spencer’s door still half closed and he clears his throat.

“Look, you’re running out of time and I get this isn’t ideal but I don’t think you can keep this from her much longer.” Ashton says. “I want it to come from you, but if it comes down to it, I’ll tell her.”

“No,” Riley says quickly, shaking his head. He sighs and runs a hand over his face, “I just mean, I get what you’re saying but...not that I think she’s going to forgive me anyways but, this has to come from me. Or she’ll definitely never forgive me.” He clears his throat, leaning against the counter to sip some coffee, 

“I’ll tell her later this week. I promise.” 

“I’m alright.” Ashton declines, but then thinks maybe Spencer would want a cup. He’ll get one for him after. He rubs the back of his neck and digs out his phone from his pocket to pull up the pictures. “I don’t know if you’ve seen these, but I just wanted you know know they’ve been circling around.”

Ashton slides his phone over to Riley for him to look, getting out a mug for Spencer.

Riley takes a sip of his coffee, frowning a little because he’s not sure what Ashton is talking about. He takes a step forward to look down at the phone and winces because fuck. He hadn’t seen these and he definitely didn’t know they were circulating around. 

He sighs and runs a hand over his face, “Shit...this is bad. I didn’t know there were paps around, I’m sorry. I uhm, I can take care of these. A bit of money makes them go away. But I need to talk to her.” 

Ashton smiles and shrugs off his coat, almost like a promise that he has to come back anyway because his coat is in Spencer’s room. He gets up and opens the door, not closing it all the way and moves his way through until he hears Riley going about in the kitchen. 

“Hey man,” Ashton greets lightly, and a little awkward as well. “How’s it going?”

Spencer smiles a little and shakes his head, watching fondly as Ashton leaves. He moves the coat and spreads it out a little, resting on it as he waits for his boyfriend to come back. 

--

Riley looks up from the kitchen counter, a soft smile on his face, “Hey, I didn’t realize you were here.” He shrugs and fills up his coffee mug, “Want some?”

Ashton laughs again and shakes his head. “That sounds like a vacation,” he says and now he’s thinking about where they could go, if it’s possible and wouldn’t it be nice to get away for a few days? Maybe sometime soon, when Riley and Noelle have reached the surface. 

“Sorry,” he kisses Spencer’s nose and reluctantly pulls himself in a sitting position. “Do you think Riley is awake? I should show him the pictures then I’m sure you and I can find something else to do.”

Spencer smirks, scrunching his nose cutely after Ashton kisses it. He shakes his head, not wanting for him to get up from this bed. But he knows he came here for a reason and it’s not just for him. He leans forward and presses soft kisses along the other’s jawline, 

“Or you could stay here now and worry about the photos later.” He smirks, but knows Ashton is going to get up anyways. “He should be up, probably making coffee by now. And then...you better get back here. If you know what’s good for you.”

Ashton laughs and he’s not sure why, maybe just because he feels happy and it was their first real serious talk. Nonetheless, he kisses Spencers and continues to hold him closer, his hand from the sleeve moving under Spencer’s shirt. Nothing teasing, just closeness and the heat of his body is nice. 

He rests his head back against the pillow and nods. “Yeah, well, unless we get stuck here then that’s a whole other circumstance.” He snickers.

Spencer sighs warmly, leaning into the touch that’s sneaking under his shirt. Nothing too scandalous, just to feel one another. The weight and warmth of his hand comforting in a way he can’t describe. He nuzzles their noses, smiling at Ashton’s laugh. The sound is far too nice, something he’s coming to enjoy too much. 

“Don’t tease,” He smiles a little, chewing on his lower lip, “I’d be more than happy to get stuck here with you any day.” 

The corners of Ashton’s lips tug upwards and he breathes out in relief too. They are on the same page and it feels good, albeit the tiniest bit terrifying as well. What comes with being boyfriends with a guy who’s best friend with a Prince? It anything, maybe some better food and alcohol. Ashton needs new priorities. 

The one thing Ashton knows if that Noelle wants him to be happy as well. And she would never tell him to leave Spencer behind, that’s not the type of person she is. “Yeah, still interested. Kinda hard not to be,” Ashton comments. He reaches out and grips the sleeve of Spencer’s shirt, pulling the other man towards him to kiss him.

And just to prove they’re even more on the same wavelength than he thought, Ashton tugs him in for a kiss before Spencer can make the same move. He hums a little, relaxing into the kiss, inching further until their bodies are pressed together like puzzle pieces clicking into place. 

He lets out a soft, content sigh as the kiss ends naturally, smiling against Ashton’s mouth; it feels good to have their shit together even though the world is kinda falling apart around them. That he has something solid, here, despite that Riley’s future isn’t so predictable. 

Ashton can feel the atmosphere shift in the slightest. Spencer’s more serious and inquisitive tone coming as a surprise but it definitely grabs his attention. Ashton turns himself, propping a fluffy pillow under his head as he looks at Spencer, searching his face while the questions are being laid out. 

He can’t really remember the last time he had grown so attached to someone, well, he can but it was a few years back and the idea of it again is a little concerning. But it’s different and that feelings so fucking cliche and naive, but it is. 

The defence is to make a joke, where are they going right now? Well if they close the door he’s sure Spencer can figure it out. But that’s not what the question is about. So for a moment Ashton is quiet, continuing to look at Spencer, “I like you, think you know that though.” Ashton takes Spencer’s hand from his cheek and holds onto it. “Wouldn’t mind changing the nouns from friend to boyfriend.”

Spencer takes in a deep breath, his anxiety settling low in his ribcage as Ashton follows him through the rabbit hole. He watches him a few moments, smiling a little as his fingers brush up against pink lips and rough hair. He can’t honestly remember the last time he felt like this with someone. And distantly, he knows that this is exactly what Riley wants--which is why he feels so much for him. 

Just the ability to choose, to want someone who wants him. 

“I’m glad we’re on the same page as that,” He moves a little closer, his knee brushing the outside of Ashton’s thigh, “Even if this whole thing with Noelle and Riley don’t work out, you still interested in that?” 

Ashton laughs again, closing his eyes and sighs contently. The truth of it all is that Ashton wasn’t expectantly a whole lot from this, mainly because it was more of a joke in a sense. He does it all the time, dibs-ing customers as if he stands a chance, but it’s more just for fun and getting a laugh out of a decent tip from flirting. 

Yet somehow they’ve written their way there and now Ashton’s hooked. “Wasn’t overly concerned about that,” he hums, opening his eyes to look back at Spencer. 

Spencer takes a moment to look over the man beside him, trying to figure out what the best words are for what he’s feeling. He rarely does that, talk about how he feels and shit. Not with other men, other than Riley...obviously. He doesn’t have time for relationships, nor does he find himself wanting one. 

And yet the idea of leaving Ashton behind in this city, heading back to England? It feels like it could gut him...and he’s struggling with what that means. “Can I ask you something?” He swipes a hand down around Ashton’s cheek, runs his thumb through his facial hair, “Where do you see this going? Do you...want something more?” 

Ashton lays back with Spencer. He still wants to speak with Riley but maybe in a bit, he’s doesn’t feel overly rushed about it at the moment. And that’s completely Spencer’s fault, and maybe a bit of his own too. Sometimes he can’t help it and is that honestly a bad thing? 

There’s a brief laugh that comes from Ashton, along with a smirk and a slight head shake. “Was it so much convincing or the fact that I told Noelle you’re off limits?” Ashton says, realizing he probably never told Spencer that at the beginning. His dibs and Noelle’s eye roll because whatever. Ashton always wiggles his way into someone’s arms (bed).

Spencer raises his eyebrows a moment, watching Ashton lay down in bed. Someone that’s so beautiful and kind and...definitely out of Spencer’s league for so many damn reasons. He’s just going to end up fucking this up, one way or another. He’s not holding his breath but...sometimes he thinks about what this looks like if things actually work in his damn favor. 

“Oh you called dibs?” Spencer teases, “You’re lucky I tend to swing in your direction anyhow,” He smirks, moving to run his hand through Ashton’s blonde locks. “I’m actually far less drama than Riley and really, that’s saying something at this point.” 

Ashton looks at Spencer. And he gets it, but… Well, they both know how it’s been going with Riley and Noelle, and bursting that bubble would suck. He likes seeing his friend happy, doing things for herself and not having someone treat her like an object.

And of course he doesn’t want to make it worse, that’s the last thing. Ashton sighs in understanding, a slight nod. What else is he worried about? Maybe that if this whole thing explodes it’s not going to bode well between him and Spencer either. And God, they’re a mish-mash of strangeness as well. All in the best ways.

Ashton raises a hand a combs through the front of Spencer’s hair, sliding his hand down to his cheek then his arm. “Maybe you should have been a politician, you can be quite persuasive. Relating to the people.” Ashton chuckles lightly and tucks his hand under Spencer’s arm to bring up back up to the bed. He presses a kiss to the corner Spencer’s mouth.

The dark cloud isn’t just over Noelle and Riley, and distantly, Spencer knows that. Whatever happens with his best friend is going to effect him too...even though he doesn’t have royal secret. Here’s here to spend time with Riley, he’s got a home back in England too. 

What happens when Riley goes back home, because that’s essentially what they’re counting down to. What then? Does he stay in New York to be closer to Spencer? Does he go support his friend? God, he’s got a headache just thinking about it. 

He lets Ashton distract him, a soft smirk tugging the corners of his mouth as Ashton lifts him up off the floor and pulls him back into bed. He hums warmly as a kiss is placed to the corner of his mouth. He lies down next to him, on his side and facing the other man, 

Ashton nods and he’s not entirely sure what to do, or if should have even brought it up. He feels a little silly, rubbing his forehead and locking his phone.

“Yeah…” Ashton replies and taps his phone against his knee. It’s a situation that’s a difficult one to manage. “Sorry I guess I just want to protect her. I know that probably doesn’t make sense but this isn’t our daily lives, seeing things like this.”

“No, I know.” Spencer sighs and sinks to his knees in front of Ashton. He puts his hands on his thighs, rubbing comfortingly before squeezing his knees, “I know you do. And I feel the same way about Riley, really. So I get it.” He offers a soft smile, “I just don’t know how much we should...stick our noses into their business. We want to help but...I’m afraid if we try, we’re going to end up making it worse.” He squeezes again. 

Ashton’s not sure if he’s over concerned, or if it’s just a weird situation overall. Probably both but then again how are you supposed to handle your best friend ‘dating’ a prince and she doesn’t even know it.

“It’s gonna blow up in his face, in hers.” Ashton says, swiping to another picture for Spencer to see. “Then what?”

Spencer sighs and pulls the covers back, getting out of bed to grab some joggers. “I don’t know what you want me to do,” He admits, rounding to face Ashton. “I can keep pushing him or...tell her myself. You can tell her.” He shrugs, just...so unsure of what to say at this point, “Or we can come up with some sort of plan but...” He runs a hand through his hair and over his face, “This is going to get messy regardless, I guess.” 

He’s inclined, really, and if it wasn’t an actual situation he’d forget about it. But that’s not how some things go. Ashton sighs lightly and pulls out his phone, moving over to sit on the edge of Spencer’s bed. He taps his screen and shows him an picture of Riley and Noelle, long lens but the picture is grainy. They’re holding hands, nothing overly scandalous but the picture is out there for the masses.

“It’s getting around and… She’s gonna see it.” Ashton says.

Spencer sits up, grabbing a t-shirt to put on over his bare chest. Last thing he’d want is to distract Ashton from the reason he showed up in the first place. He feels like teasing him that he’s not here just to see him but...his look is too serious. He looks over at the cell phone and shit, yeah, that’s not good. 

“He’s...I mean, he started breaking it to her slowly. England, his parents, maybe having to go back because of drama. He just hasn’t said the ‘P’ word yet.” 

Ashton makes his way to the hotel and up the elevator. He’s just worried, plain and simple. He doesn’t want to anyone to get hurt through this and there’s something telling him it’s swaying that way. He sighs and watches the floors go up and he walks out of the elevator into the penthouse. It’s quiet, clearly too early for Spencer and Riley.

This whole place is still confusing but at least he knows which door Spencer’s room is. He opens the door, arching a brow because he really doesn’t mind seeing Spencer in bed. “Busy?”

Spencer turns a little and adjusts himself in bed, pulling the sheets up over his waist. He positions the pillows, leaning back against the headboard as he smirks, looking over Ashton with a fond expression, 

“I could be, if you wanted to get into bed.” He licks his lips, tilting his head, “But I have a feeling you’re here for a very different reason. You okay? Your text was vague.”