#soulsmashers

ryan watched the other, maintaining his silence as wyatt let it all out. he’s not exactly new to dating in hollywood. most of his exes couldn’t handle the role ryan had to play in the public eye. to the media, it didn’t matter if he was with someone. he was still expected to flirt with journalists and appear to be attainable to anyone who wanted him, regardless of his relationship status. “i was trying to wait until you weren’t around, but when vanity fair asks me which of my songs i'd add to a sex playlist, i can’t exactly turn it off.” it’s all he’s known since he was plucked from obscurity and turned into the ryan walker. “wyatt, c’mere.” he took a step forward, extending an arm to reach for the other. he pressed his forward against the brunette’s, eyes meeting his with concern etched across his face. “you trust me, right? you’re the only one i’m thinking about when i deal with people like that.”

juke's quite happy with the quiet spot he's found for himself out in the back garden, the music and chatter from the party going on behind him muffled by the distance to offer a moment of peace as he rests gently back against the outdoor furniture. it's damp, and arguably on the cold side for the beginning of fall, but it's a welcome distraction from whatever's going on in the house - or so he can claim, thoughts unable to help but linger on the introduction to kendall's girlfriend, and the way she had quickly attached herself to his best friend's face. he's only pulled from it at the sound of footsteps, attention turning momentarily over his shoulder to glance at the arrival of the one person he always want to see. except perhaps right now. “ hey. ” a faint smile pulls to his lips as his gaze meets the familiar features. “ congratulations, on the girlfriend. ” the word feels weird leaving his own lips, desperately aware of how awkward the tension lingering between them feels. and yet juke isn't sure how to make it better. “ you, uh - you didn't tell me you were seeing anyone. ”