Chapter Text
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Nice to Sweet you [Part 1/2] [Dylan Lenivy X Ryan Erzahler]
Ryan grimaced slightly when the suddenly increasing noise level literally hit him in the face. The noise felt like an imaginary, hefty slap in the face. A few milliseconds ago, while they were still standing outside the building, the booming noise had been pleasantly muffled. But now that they had entered the building, the noise was pounding on him and his poor ears mercilessly.
Ryan looked disparaging. It was a mystery to him how people could be into such noise and clubs and bars in general. It was loud, it was crowded, it was cramped, and it was way too stuffy in here.
Erzahler therefore stopped near the entrance. He would like to turn on his heel, but he was afraid that his companion wouldn’t allow it. After all, his companion alone was responsible for him being here at all. As if on an invisible cue, aforesaid companion turned and came back to him when she noticed that he had stopped. She grabbed his wrist and leaned towards him.
"Come on, come on! What’s wrong? Are you planning to put down roots here?" Kaitlyn laughed loud, to drown out the pounding music and bass, that vibrate in the pit of the stomach.
"What? It's so noisy in here!" he yelled back, even though he had heard her words perfectly well, and she knew that. He couldn't get away with such a lame excuse.
Kaitlyn just shook her head and wordlessly dragged Ryan along. With a sigh, he bowed to his fate and followed her. He had no other choice anyways. She wouldn't let him get away with it if he just walked away now, after all the effort she had put into getting him here in the first place. Kaitlyn Ka was unyielding and determined when she set her mind to something. You should better be careful not to contradict her and therefore not even try to defy her, because most of the time you’ll lose anyway and only make her angry unnecessarily - and if there was one thing you didn't want, it was an angry Kaitlyn.
So, Ryan bent to her will to avoid unnecessary complications. He would reluctantly endure this evening so at least Kaitlyn would be happy. That's all he had to do. It was the minor evil, because messing with her and pissing her off would definitely be the greater evil. And she couldn't, after all, expect or demand that he put on a bright smile if he stayed. That had never been mentioned and she had to reckon with that when a person was dragged somewhere against their will. She knew he didn't like being here, so she had to assume with the fact that he didn't seem all that excited about it. In return, he at least let her get away with the fact that she dragged him here against his will and thus refrained from making a scene in front of her. So, he'd be a good boy, just sitting silently at the bar, maybe enjoy a few drinks and that's it.
"Come on, don't be so grumpy and don't be so uptight!" Kaitlyn laughed happily. She seemed to be having a lot of fun already. She was probably all the more amused by Ryan's unpleasant expression. So maybe that had even been her plan from the beginning, and she had deliberately toyed with Ryan's displeasure tonight, so that she could have fun at his expense. Kaitlyn could be bold and ruthless. Ryan didn't care tho. If she really dragged him here just for her own amusement, then he was fine with that. He just wanted his peace and quiet as much as possible.
The club was really well-attended. Far too crowded for Ryan's liking. Kaitlyn had already mentioned that the place was pretty popular at the moment and that she'd been here a few times.
They pushed past a few people who were dancing tightly or standing together in small groups, trying to converse in some way - however that could even be possible with the noise. At least it was a mystery to Ryan and for him it would also be far too arduous if his vocal chords had to defy the pounding music throughout the evening. The people had to be really hoarse the next day. He glanced up at the gallery. There were a few tables, all occupied as far as he could see from down here. There were also a few secluded, quieter corners down here that were far away from the dance floor, the moving crowd and thus the music. There you could possibly at least talk to some extent. Kaitlyn, however, headed straight for the gigantic bar, which, along with the huge dance floor, was the heart of the club. The groovy, bass-heavy music vibrated incessantly in the stomach and the bright blue and purple sea of neon lights gave the club its atmospheric ambience. It seemed to Ryan that his eyes were already flickering from the flashy light and changing colors that were rhythmically moving to the music. And his head was already pounding. So how people could endure it here for longer than an hour was also incomprehensible to him.
"Sorry," Ryan mumbled as he pushed past a young guy who just gave him an angry look and then turned away with his cocktail and demonstratively put his arm around his girlfriend.
Ryan sighed heavily. Why for fuck’s sake had he let Kaitlyn talk him into this? She could be damn persuasive and mostly intimidating.
Sweaty and drunken bodies rubbed against each other everywhere. Ryan's eyes darted over to the dance floor. The corners of his mouth twitched in contempt when he saw all the dancing people. The most amusing were the candidates who showed off and were the loudest because they had to let their egos hang out and followed the absolute belief that they were oh-so-irresistible. Ryan certainly wasn’t keen on making a fool of himself like the lunatic morons who roared loudly and acted like drunken fishes with an apparent lack of dancing skills, drew attention and became the main attraction. There were a lot of fools who thought they were irresistible and thought far too highly of their own ego. Even more incomprehensible to him, however, were those who was crazy about these morons and dismissed it all as the desirable coolness that no one had defined.
Kaitlyn stopped, causing Ryan to nearly walk into her.
"Let's go over to the bar and have a drink first," she informed him, pointing through the crowd to the said destination. Ryan nodded, having recently realized what she was heading for anyway.
"Alcohol maybe lifts your mood and doesn't make you look so uptight and grumpy anymore," she added with a evil smile and flicked his forehead. "Trust me! Will be fun for sure. So how about a smile? No wonder you never pick up anyone when you're so narrow-minded. You know, people get scared of you."
"I'm not here to pick anyone up either," Ryan clarified, and reminded sharply, "I'm here because you forced me, remember?"
"Ugh, when you say it like that it sounds really nasty," Kaitlyn took it easy, poking Ryan in the cheek. "Nevertheless, laughing would really do you good and soften your stony features. They must have hardened by now. Can you move your facial muscles at all, or are they all rusty?"
"Hey, don't complain. You were the one who dragged me here and I warned you about it," he legitimized.
Kaitlyn nonchalantly raised her hands. "Sure, got it, I'm the bad one here. If I've got a little alcohol, I might have a round of pity for you. Come on." She grabbed Ryan's wrist to pull him after her again.
They made their way past other guests. The club was really big and really crowded - totally overcrowded.
"Besides, I want to introduce you to someone," Kaitlyn fluted.
Erzahler promptly tore himself roughly out of her grip and stopped abruptly. Kaitlyn paused and turned with irritation to Ryan, who stood petrified and stared at her with somber eyes.
"Okay, what's the matter now?" she asked, getting a little annoyed by his manner.
"But that's not why we're here, isn’t it? Please tell me this isn't the real reason" Ryan asked darkly, giving Kaitlyn a meticulous look.
"What reason?" she asked, not knowing what he meant by that.
"We're not here because you want to set me up with somebody, are we? Tell the truth," Ryan asked the question at length this time, his voice sounding menacing. His gaze was disparaging and judgmental as he watched Kaitlyn's reaction closely for signs of lying as well as her true intentions. He didn't like the situation at all.
"What?" she exclaimed indignantly, and then laughed in amusement. "Oh my god, Ryan! No, of course not. Who do you think I am?"
Ryan just raised an eyebrow suggestively, which is why Kaitlyn immediately gave in soothingly: "Okay, admittedly, I would be capable of doing such a thing and actually it would be exactly my style, but I swear that's really not why we're here. I have no bad intentions."
Erzahler continued to scrutinize and doubt her. Kaitlyn sighed at his persistent distrust. She stepped closer to him.
"I swear I don't want to set you up with somebody. Holy word of honor! Listen: It's your thing if you want to stay single forever and would rather just curl up on your bed listening to weird podcasts all alone than cuddling with someone. I mean hey, you might as well find someone to share your earbuds with and listen to your weird podcasts, but like I said, your business. I'm just saying. I don’t mind," she said.
Ryan rolled his eyes in annoyance and exhaled heavily. It wasn't the first time this topic had come up. In fact, Kaitlyn talked about it all the time. She had often spoken to the other about it, nudged him from time to time and gave him side winks. Sometimes she only addressed it subliminally, but often directly. She kept talking about whether he didn't feel lonely and that he should look for someone to date and that he should stop be so shy of contact. But if he prefers to be secluded in his room and doesn't want to go out, then nothing would change, she’d said. So, she had often wanted to persuade him to go out and be more open. So, it wouldn't surprise him if that's why she had dragged him here, even if she currently denies it. In fact, it would be pretty obvious. So, Kaitlyn had to forgive his reasonable suspicion and conclusion as they were perfectly plausible. Ryan was really tired of this topic.
"Kaitlyn, how many more times do I have to say it? I don't need anyone, and I don't want anyone, ok? I'm not interested in a relationship. I'm happy and satisfied alone. Just because you're desperate to have a boyfriend doesn't automatically mean that I'm too. I'm not keen on that, okay? Don't judge others by yourselves," Ryan explained. He kept telling her that over and over again. Every time the topic had come up, he had affirmed this statement.
"Yeah, yeah, sure. I'm just saying that it would do you good if you could get out of your lone-wolf-behavior and have someone who could pierce your ice-cold shell. Honestly, how long have you been single? And even if you don't believe me and deny it, your heart is lonely. Besides, you have no idea what you're missing out on," she insisted sternly, tapping Ryan's chest with her index finger. She stood right in front of him and looked him straight in the eye. "You might think that's not true and that you're feeling good, but I know better. You're just so used to it now that you don't even notice, Ryan. You hardly talk, you are always alone and insist on your aloof loner manner, which is nothing more than a protective cloak, because you make it easy for yourself. Seriously, you need someone to make out with really rough and uninhibited, with whom you can really let loose, someone who lures you out of your reserves, shows you your dirty sides and be there for you. You just need someone that really gives it to you - hard and juicy."
"Kaitlyn!" Ryan admonished, because now she really went too far. That was really cheeky.
Kaitlyn snorted in amusement at how upset and prudish he was. His cheeks flushed red with indignation at her words. It really was a bit cute. She giggled and playfully nudged his shoulder.
"Take it easy Ry-Guy!" she laughed and winked at him. "It's not my fault if you think so perversely straight away. By someone that gives it to you, I actually meant that this person could just get you some insights. Realizations about yourself,” she asserted.
“No, you didn’t! You said hard and juicy! You meant it exactly the way it sounded!” Ryan insisted.
Kaitlyn ignored his objection. “You’ll be surprised. Sometimes you need other people to show you the missing parts of yourself and make you whole, because they are the key to secret places that lie deep within you," she said instead.
"Wow, how unexpectedly profound," Ryan commented dryly, still disgruntled.
"Anyway, I swear again that we're not here to hook you up with somebody. Honestly."
For a moment, the two eyed each other unyieldingly. Ryan finally sighed and his tension eased slightly. He believed her. She didn't appear to be lying. He knew her very well, so he was certain, Kaitlyn would have told him the truth, coldly and without any shame, if she was really up to something, knowing full well that it was too late for him to flee anyway. So that’s why he believed her.
"Come on now! I just want to say hello to a mate who happens to work at the bar here and introduce you to him, because that's the usual way to do it, you know? It’s called socializing and it’s pretty normal, nothing suspicious or to worry about. If you weren't just sitting in your room listening to bizarre podcasts, you would know that," she legitimized and pulled Ryan's hand again.
They finally reached the bar. Lots of people place or receive their orders. Some just leaned against the bar, enjoying their drink, chatting or gawking at the attractive bartenders with glittering admiring eyes to watch them doing their work. It didn't seem like anything new to the staff behind the bar. Apparently, it was part of the job to be stared at. As well as entertaining the guests and even flirting with them every now and then. So, there was a lot more to it than just taking orders, which the staff was evidently aware of as they smiled charmingly and put on a show as they mixed a cocktail, which brought even more admiration to the sparkling eyes of the young ladies and gentlemen around.
"Oh, there he is!" Kaitlyn stated as she hurriedly squeezed into an empty spot at the bar and spotted her pal. She pointed over to one of the bartenders who was in the process of putting together a cocktail for a blonde lady. Ryan huddled next to Kaitlyn and looked over at the young man. Ryan eyed him curiously.
What he immediately noticed was that he had a really charming and lovely smile on his softly curved lips while he served the blonde. He had that certain something in his charisma, the necessary charm and the right attitude. No wonder the blonde stared at him with bright eyes as he prepared her cocktail while talking to her. Ryan couldn't understand what he was saying due to the distance and the general noise level. But what was clear to see was that the blonde's eyes spoke volumes about the fact that she wasn't just keen on a cocktail from the charming bartender. Her body language indicated that she wouldn't mind dating her hot waitress. With his charisma and that smile, Ryan wasn't surprised that some women and certainly also guys were lying at his feet, adoring him and not wanting to miss out on flirting. Since it was his job to some extent, he naturally flirted back out of politeness, after all he wasn't allowed to annoy any customers. Still, Ryan wondered if it wasn't odd that people were constantly flirting with you and you had to join in out of politeness. Ryan wouldn't like that. Not only because he was pretty introverted anyway and didn't have much of a talent for it, but also because doing it just because it was your job just seemed weird and wrong to him. On top of that, he would feel pretty uncomfortable in this role, constantly being harassed and having those lustful, glowing eyes on you all the time, almost imaginarily yelling at you, "Take me! Do with me what you want! I don't care! You're hot, so take me right now!" - because that's exactly what the blinking eyes of the blond lady clearly said, who demonstratively bent over the counter and watched the bartender closely as he mixed her cocktail.
Ryan could even imagine what she was saying to him without hearing it. Probably something like, "I'd really like to have your cocktail mixed up in my mouth, too" - or something like that. In any case, he could well imagine that the boys and girls behind the bar were confronted with such blunt, subtle and sleazy teasing and comments on a daily basis. You had to have a disposition to be able to deal with such situations easily and presumably to have the right counter-argument ready that didn't dare too much, but at the same time didn't offend the customers.
Skillfully, he waved the shaker casually from his wrist, performing a showy pirouette to further enchant the guests, and gave the blonde a cheeky, flattering look. Ryan had to admit he was really good. So, it didn't surprise him that so many eyes were looking at him with gleaming enthusiasm. He even seemed to enjoy the way everyone stared at him adoringly, smitten with his performance, as indicated by the corners of his mouth twitching with pride and boastfulness. So he was quite a show-off, but that was part of his job as well. Bartenders weren't just there to mix drinks, they were half-entertainers and charmers.
He poured the colorful mixture into a glass and added decorations like fruit carvings to the rim. He then pushed the glass towards the blond lady with two fingers and a sweet smile while demonstratively leaning far over the counter. A smile that said: "Dear lady, your cocktail, but unfortunately I have to tell you that I'm not to have for a one-night stand or dates. I'm only the bartender here." With a friendly batting of her eyes, she took the glass and turned away from the bar with a sweeping movement.
Of course, the guests knew that they didn't have a chance, but that didn't stop anyone from trying anyway, even if it was just to have fun with a tiny flirt. Ryan couldn't understand why some people needed something like that. For many, it wasn't even about the fact that something necessarily resulted from it, but more about the simple appeal of flirting, or to soothe their own ego and just feel better and irresistible in the process. Ryan couldn't exactly explain it, because he certainly wasn't looking for something like that.
Kaitlyn energetically waved at the bartender to draw attention to her presence. The young man's brown eyes caught her and he immediately grinned widely as he strolled over to her.
"Well, look at that! Kate! Nice to see you here tonight," he greeted the black-haired nonchalantly as soon as he reached her. "Didn't know that you're making us happy with your charming presence here today. What an honor! How does this happen? Or do you have such a great longing for me, mh?"
"Save the cheeky words and the false flirt, you wise cracking smartass! I'm not one of your typical customers who goes crazy over this sort of thing," she quickly blocked, which amused him. Apparently, their conversations always went like this.
He smirked, clicking his tongue and putting a hand on his hip. “Admit that you just can't resist me and my flawless, full-bodied cocktails. Nobody within 200 miles mixes cocktails that good and, by the way, looks gorgeous doing it."
"Dream on, Casanova," Kaitlyn blocked again coolly, merely crossing her arms demonstratively.
It was interesting to watch the two of them conversing as it was completely different from anything Ryan had seen before. Kaitlyn was apparently the only one who didn't adore the bartender, which made Ryan almost chuckle.
"Better behave yourself, because I'm here with someone," Kaitlyn warned her pal. She made a suggestive head movement towards Ryan. Interested and scrutinizing, the bartender's brown eyes darted over to Erzahler. Something in his facial expressions changed when he looked at the black-haired man extensively.
He let out a long whistle and leaned forward to rest his arms perkily on the counter. "Well, look at this! What do we have here? I hope he's not your boyfriend, Kaitlyn?" He raised an eyebrow and looked spellbound at Kaitlyn as he waited for her response.
"You hope? But no, don't worry, he's just a friend," she assured, but also raised an eyebrow and considered the brown-haired man carefully.
"Good," he commented happily, relaxing his stance a bit. "I've been worried for a sec! Because that would be a real shame, he’s too pretty and too sexy for you," he added boldly, turning back to Ryan with a cheeky grin. "Otherwise, I would have had to offer you my deepest, sincere condolences, because Kaitlyn may be hot, but she's also extremely difficult, as she can be a nasty, sharp-tongued sadist and ruthless badass who-"
"Shut up!" Kaitlyn hissed, which the brown-haired only acknowledged with an amused smile. Ryan chuckled as well.
He offered Ryan a friendly hand. "Anyways, hi, I'm Dylan."
Erzahler returned the gesture and tersely replied, "Ryan."
"Nice to meet you. Almost feels like a touch of destiny," Dylan purred.
Kaitlyn rolled her eyes and interfered, concerned that otherwise she would miss her well-deserved cocktail as Dylan would get too caught up in flirting with Ryan. She wanted to prevent that. Besides, she didn't know if she was ready for the disgusting flirting between the two when she was sober.
"You're welcome to show off your flirting skills later if you absolutely insist, but I'd like a drink first," Kaitlyn reminded him. There was a subtle menacing undertone in her voice.
"Oh. Yeah. Sure. What would you like to drink today? I guess the usual?" Dylan smiled kindly and wasn't intimidated by Kaitlyn - probably also because he knew her quirks and therefore had nothing to fear.
She just nodded to confirm.
"So, the usual. A Pina Colada, for the lady!" whistled Dylan, turning to Ryan with a flourish. "And for you?"
Ryan was already opening his mouth to reply when the brown-haired forestalled him.
"No, no, wait. Don't say anything. Let me guess!" He paused dramatically before speaking in a loud, wicked whisper, "Sex on the beach?"
Ryan just raised an eyebrow, so Dylan immediately shook his head and put his index finger to his lips thoughtfully.
"No, no, wait, way too direct. You look more like the discreet and secretive type. So rather something classic and inconspicuous? Jin tonic!"
"Cherry Cola with rum," Ryan corrected monotonously, biting back a smirk.
Dylan snapped his fingers. "Very good choice! Order comes immediately!"
A little later, he served them their drinks. Ryan couldn't help but stare at the brown-haired again. His silky soft brown hair shimmered at the edges as it was framed by the pink lights of the bar In general, the ambience gave him a magical glow, as the colors of the lights were also subtly reflected on his light complexion. It made him appear almost divine when his body contours were illuminated by the light from the shelf behind him. The white shirt, which was not quite buttoned at the collar and whose sleeves he had neatly rolled up, as well as the black sleeveless jacket he wore did the rest to make him look classy. Just the typical attire of a fine bartender.
Dylan leaned far over the counter once more and looked mischievously at Ryan, who returned the look unmoved. Kaitlyn gave this wordless exchange a thoughtful sideways glance. It couldn't be denied that there was quite a bit of interest between the two. Kaitlyn wasn't yet able to define exactly whether this was mutual and how serious the whole thing really was. But she thought she could detect a certain sexual tension and curiosity.
"So," Dylan started, but was cut off when a redhead girl urgently demanded the bartender's attention. Dylan sighed a little despondently and pushed himself slightly off the counter.
"I'll be right there, sweetheart!" Dylan called out to the young lady, turning to Ryan in particular with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, my attractive appearance is always requested, but if you stay a while, maybe we could get to know each other a little better later. Anyhow, I'd be happy." His brown eyes locked intently and requestingly at Erzahler. Dylan then glanced at his watch and smiled charmingly at Ryan. “My shift is over in less than an hour. Then I am fully at your disposal in all my splendor and attention without restrictions."
He gave Ryan a goodbye wink and walked over to the redhead to take her order. Kaitlyn couldn't help noticing how Ryan was looking after the brown-haired, causing the corners of her mouth to twitch knowingly. She leaned forward slightly, propped up one elbow, and traced the rim of her glass with her finger. Her attitude bespoke false innocence.
"Isn't he totally lovely and charming?" Kaitlyn said casually. It sounded less like a question and more like a statement.
"May I ask why you two aren't dating? I mean, when I look at the way the two of you talk to each other, there are some pretty definite sparks flying, so much so that I'm really amazed you guys are just friends. It crackles quite a bit in the air. You're so keen on a relationship, so why don't you guys date? The chemistry certainly seems to be right on spot," noted Ryan.
"Me and Dylan? Oh my God! Ugh! Never!", she first uttered in loud protest, before she smiled with a little restrained amusement. She twirled her glass playfully between her fingers and shrugged nonchalantly. “He’s totally into guys. If all these horny chicks who make eyes at him all day only knew about it." She grinned maliciously before returning to seriousness. "Honestly, we're just best friends. I do like him, but definitely not on an attractive way. We like to tease each other and stuff, but that's it. He's more like a big brother to me. So, there are definitely no sex sparks flying between us and it's not a friendship with benefits either, if that's what you're implying, don't worry. Neither I nor he are the type to do that. We want something serious, not a one-night romance or some bullshit that so many are horny about."
Ryan nodded understandingly. He certainly wasn't the type for that either – not at all. However, it was never his intention to impute anything of the sort to Kaitlyn or Dylan. It had simply been a statement, since the answer to it had interested him.
"I didn't mean to imply that. Sorry if I offended you," Ryan clarified, worried she might seem a little pissed off.
Kaitlyn shook her head calmly. "Never mind, I just wanted to avoid any misunderstandings. Speaking of correcting misconceptions, he may seem cute, charming and handsome at first glance, but let me tell you, appearances can be deceiving. Don't let the sweet talk fool you! He's actually a nerd and quite the idiot - a kind hearted idiot, but also extremely annoying and totally childish. He has a very special, sometimes obnoxious and totally stupid sense of humor, is loud and high-spirited as well as passionate and charismatic. Ergo: Actually pretty much the opposite of you. Funny, isn't it? So, I'm just warning you - courteous and kind-hearted, as I happen to be. Not that you'll have culture shock or heartbreak from misconceptions."
"Sure, totally courteous," Ryan replied sarcastically.
They eyed each other smirking for a moment before they both sipped their drinks and drifted off into their own worlds of thoughts.
Kaitlyn casually leaned against the bar and amusedly surveyed the various guests and watched the dancing crowed making fools of themselves. No matter where you looked, every corner offered entertainment in Kaitlyn's eyes. In crowded places she liked to just sit and watch the silly people with silent amusement.
Ryan, on the other hand, just sat there, sipping his Cherry Coke with rum occasionally, playfully waving his glass every now and then to watch the dark liquid make its rounds. Or he let his eyes wander along the colorful bottles that stood behind the bar on the huge shelf. The alcohol shelf was the heart of the bar and was thus impressively and dominantly staged with the mirrored wall, all the bright neon lighting, the colorful glass and the glittering mosaics. The countless bottles in all kinds of interesting shapes and colors were eye-catchers in themselves. Ryan was so absent-minded that he didn't even realize that he wasn't just looking at the bottles, but that his eyes kept wandering over to Dylan. He observed him at his work as a bartender. There was a hidden fascination in his facial expressions that Ryan didn't quite realize himself, but Kaitlyn did.
She elbowed Ryan in the flank, bringing him back from his distracted state to the here and now. He complained loudly and rubbed his side.
Kaitlyn grinned and said mischievously, "So dragging you here against your will was a good idea, wasn't it? You can thank me later.”
"Now what makes you think that?" Ryan asked, not liking the smugness in Kaitlyn's demeanor.
She put her lips to her cocktail glass and looked over the rim intently at Ryan, who was waiting for her answer. She took a sip first and put the glass down again. Then she finally answered.
"Well, your eyes are literally glued to his ass," she replied subtly. " So, remember who you owe this to if you fuck him. Oh... or no, wait! Better not to think of me while you guys are doing it, it's gross and wrong... But I expect at least a little gratitude and an apology. So, yeah, well, no problem. You owe me."
Ryan laughed harshly from speechlessness. He knew Kaitlyn and her way of expressing her empathy in a very specific, even malicious way, but such blunt directness surprised even him.
"Wait what? Jeez, gurl, gimme a break and take it easy! No one is doing it with anyone here so far," he clarified.
"Not yet. All I'm saying is you owe me if you guys get together. Mind my words," Kaitlyn replied, confident in her point of view, as her intonation clearly suggested that she was already fully expecting the two to be dating very soon. Meanwhile, there was no longer any doubt for her. She pointed at Ryan, then at Dylan. “Because unlike me and him, there are definitely sex sparks flying between you guys. I see it in your shining eyes. They literally glitter with curiosity and longing."
Ryan just laughed and rolled his eyes. "Okay, now you're going completely nuts. How many cocktails have you had already?"
"It's my first," she said, demonstratively sipping her pina colada.
"Then the cocktail is either very bad or you have absolutely no alcohol tolerance," Ryan concluded.
“Neither. I'm just observant and honest. You'll see. You may not admit it to yourself yet, but deep down you know I'm right," Kaitlyn said confidently.
Ryan just shook his head wordlessly and took a long sip of his drink. Had he really been staring at him as conspicuously as Kaitlyn claimed? Ryan bowed his head thoughtfully and lost himself in the dark liquid of his Cherry Coke. He himself hadn't even noticed that he had looked at him. And was he really that fascinating? Erzahler playfully pushed the glass back and forth on the counter and watched the contents sway. Almost meticulous and rigid, he forced himself to focus on his drink. He wanted to avoid being subconsciously seduced into looking at Dylan again. It would be embarrassing if the brown-haired noticed it too at the end. It was enough for Ryan that Kaitlyn was already harping on it.
A mild heat spread to Ryan's cheeks the more he thought about it and tried to decipher the riddle. He barely knew Dylan. After all, they had only just met, exchanged only a few words, and only spoke for five minutes at most. So, Ryan couldn't figure out where this curiosity had come from in such a short time, and why he was worrying so much about all of this in the first place. He wasn't used to that at all.
He racked his brains so much to solve the riddle that time just flew past him without a trace. Blinking in surprise, Ryan looked up at some point when unexpectedly Dylan stood next to him and smiled at him. He was no longer wearing his work clothes but was now dressed in a black shirt with white print, a pair of tattered blue jeans and a blue and gray plaid shirt tied around his waist.
He leaned dashingly against the counter, considering both Ryan and Kaitlyn. "My shift is over. So, how's it going? Shall we make ourselves a little more comfortable and sit up at one of the tables? The next round of drinks is on me!" He pointed over to the gallery.
Kaitlyn shrugged and drained her cocktail. "Sure, fine with me. I'm in, especially when the next round is on you." Noisily she set the glass down on the shelf, patted Dylan on the shoulder and was already on the way to the gallery. "Bring me a Joy of Love - and save your stupid comment, Dylan! You know, the mango cocktail. Thanks sweetheart!" she called back.
Dylan acknowledged her statement with a relaxed smile and actually bit back a stupid joke. She knew him too well and had known exactly that something suitable would be on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he turned to Ryan.
"And what would you like?" he asked with a subliminal undertone and a strange intonation - but maybe Ryan was just imagining it.
He smiled shyly and lifted his empty glass. "Another Rum Cherry Coke."
"Mh, boring. Too bad, I had hoped and expected that I might also make you happy with a specially mixed Joy of Love. You're missing out. It's really tasty," he whispered to Ryan, pushing himself off the counter and went to prepare the order.
Ryan, on the other hand, tried to downplay the perverse ambiguity behind it. He quickly followed Kaitlyn up to the gallery. She'd snagged a table right by the glass railing, with an unobstructed view of the heart of the club below. She had one arm propped up and was watching the dance floor. Ryan sat down next to her.