Ryan kept grumbling to himself, wiping at his apron with a dishrag, angry. The liquid wouldn't come off and he really didn't want to go back out there with weird stains on his apron.

He had bumped into a very rude customer who hadn't been watching where he was going and now had frothing and hot milk and water all over his fucking apron. Of course, the customer just swore at Ryan and told him to watch where he was going. Ryan just stood in front of the rude man, a scowl on his face, hot liquid running down his clothes and said nothing. If he said anything, it'd make the company look bad and Ryan didn't want that.

The day had only just started and it was already shit.

Will still stood behind the counter, laughing silently to himself. Ryan flipped him off when no customers were around. He just sighed and threw the rag onto the counter out the back and leaned against it. Making sure Will wasn't looking, he pulled his phone out and checked for a message or call from his mum.

He had left Olly with his mum and gone to work after she'd yelled at him for staying away from work for too long. His only argument and defence was that Oliver was still sick. Of course his mother wasn't taking any of it and just said for him to go and that she'll look after him. Grudgingly, he called Will and told him that he was coming in Monday.

'Get off you're fucking phone, you loaf.' Will's voice made Ryan jump and almost drop his device. With a yelp, he shoved it back into his pocket and spun around. Will was leaning against the doorframe from the front, arms crossed. Stray pieces of hair coming lose from his small ponytail. A small smirk was on his face and Ryan wanted to punch him. The bugger didn't wear an apron and Ryan was jealous. Instead, Will wore one of their company made shirts.

'Fuck you. I'm worried about Olly.' Ryan said, crossing his own arms. Will laughed before walking over to Ryan. It hit Ryan right at that moment that no one was mining the front of the shop.

'Before you ask, Hayley's started her shift so she's looking after the front. You worry about everything way too much, Ryan. Calm down, okay? Oliver will be fine. He's with your mother, correct? She must be good if she raised you.' He said, rubbing Ryan's shoulder. Ryan just nodded and his phone buzzed. He quickly pulled it out and saw that he had a text from Z.

'What the fuck does the wicked witch from upper east side want?' Will groaned and Ryan chuckled a little before sliding the text open.

Zeezee: Hey Ryan. Is it possible for me to have Oliver on the fifth? I wanted to take him to the themeparks.

Ryan couldn't help but frown a little at that. But at the same time, he was a little relieved. The wedding was that weekend so it fit in just fine with his schedule. The only problem? He wouldn't trust Elizabeth with anything. Not even a stupid toy that belonged to Olly.

'She wants Olly on the fifth. Same weekend as the wedding.' Ryan said and Will snorted,

'Well, are you going to let her?' He asked, raising an eyebrow, a small smirk on his face. And Ryan honestly didn't know. He wanted to let her look after her own son and it left him free of finding a babysitter but on the other hand, he didn't trust her. Will must've seen the look of temptation in Ryan's face as his smirk was replaced with a deep frown. 'Oh my god, don't tell me you're actually going to.'

'I don't know,' He admitted and turned his phone off before facing Will. 'I mean, I probably should since it's also her kid. She helped create him but I really don't trust her.'

'Dude that should be enough to say no!' Will protested. Ryan ran a hand through his messy hair and glanced at the clock

. 'Let's just get back to work. I'll answer her later.' Will nodded and shook his head, mumbling something under his breath.

'You take over the other register. I'm doing all the coffees.' Will smirked and rubbed his hands together, grinning. Ryan smiled and grabbed another apron, tying it around his neck and waist before heading out to take orders. I want one of the fucking shirts.

He took a look around the shop from the door and saw that Hayley was typing orders into the cash register, a big grin on her face. Her coloured hair was pulled back into a bun, tucked under one of their most uncomfortable hats. The poor girl was always so joyful about this job and it confused Ryan. It probably didn't help that she was only sixteen and hadn't experienced life as much as he had.

'Hey Hayley. Back from school already?' Ryan asked, opening up the next register beside Hayley. Her grin got wider and she nodded.

'Yep! I got let out early due to an appointment so I asked Will if I could work for a few extra hours. I need more money for my cousin.' She babbled, not taking her eyes off the customer. Despite the fact that she was slightly distracted, she did her job perfectly. It always surprised Ryan how amazing she was at this job.

Hayley lived with her cousin and her mum. Her mum worked two jobs to pay for rent and Hayley had a part time job at Will's coffee shop to pay for food and stuff. The only reason Will was so soft on her was because Hayley was technically related to him. He'd tried to explain it to Ryan at one point but Ryan just got lost.

Ryan nodded at Hayley and tried to work the register and still listen to Hayley babble about her cousin or something. He kind of wasn't listening. He was more or less focusing on not messing up an order. He managed to fuck up one guy's hot chocolate and mix it up with another lady's latte. While both customers were yelling at him, he decided he'd had enough. He'd been working for a few hours straight by now and just wanted to go home. He started rubbing his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

'I'm sorry sir, ma'am, but you may need to talk to this young lady,' he pointed to Hayley who scowled at him. 'As I have to go home to my kiddo.' Ryan smiled apologetically before making a dash into the back, giggling and pulling off his apron.

He was met by a Will who was shaking his head. His hands were busy tying his messy hair into another bun.

'You're such a fucking idiot.' Will mumbled around the hair tie in his mouth. He tried to kick Ryan but Ryan dodged it and grinned.

'Look I have to go home. Plus I need to sort this shit out with Z too.' Ryan sighed and Will patted Ryan's back sympathetically.

'I'm so glad I'm gay. I don't have to worry about females.' Will said and Ryan punched him before waving.

'See ya later, fucker.' Ryan yelled, running out the backdoor that led into the employee parking lot. His car was parked around the corner. He unlocked it and climbed in, shutting the door and driving home.

***

Ryan unlocked the door to his apartment quietly, wanting to surprise his son. The moment the door creaked open though, he could hear yells and excited laughs coming from somewhere inside the house. He could also hear quiet voices telling Olly to be quiet. He slowly shut the door behind him just as his father materialised beside him, grinning slightly, Ryan raised an eyebrow.

'Your mother and your son are playing a game. You've got to find Olly.' His dad whispered and Ryan smiled. Toys were scattered around the kitchen and there were pens and crayons on the table, along with a Train plate with left over tomato sauce.

Keeping his footsteps as quietly as possible, he began walking around the kitchen and lounge room, making sure he didn't step on anything. To him, the game was easy. He'd already spotted Olly's small feet from behind the sofa.

'Now I wonder where Olly could be.' He pretended not to notice the little giggles and hushed voices coming from behind the sofa. With a small grin, Ryan crouched down behind Olly and saw his mum. HE raised a finger to his lips and she giggled. With a laugh, Ryan picked Olly up and began tickling the toddler, making the little one squirm with delight.

'Ha! I found you!' Ryan exclaimed, setting Oliver down on the couch and blowing raspberries on his stomach. Little giggles and uncomprehending words poured out of Olly's mouth and his hands kept pushing at Ryan's, trying to get him to stop. Ryan eventually did stop and Olly sat up, laughing and grabbing at Ryan. He climbed into his father's lap, resting his tiny head on his chest, finger in his mouth. Ryan's mum climbed out from behind the sofa and sat beside Ryan, watching them. His dad was in the other chair, the TV on to some cooking show.

'Z messaged me today while I was at work.' Ryan said calmly, rubbing Olly's back.

'What did the witch want now?' His dad asked, his attention not leaving the TV screen. His mum gasped and Ryan just laughed.

'That's not very nice!' His mum scolded and Ryan's dad just frowned.

'No its okay. I think the same thing. But she wanted to have him next week while I'm at the wedding. She wants to take him to theme parks and whatnot.' Ryan said, Olly wiggled off Ryan's lap and climbed off the couch before sitting down in front of the TV. Ryan just smiled at Olly and his mum frowned.

'Are you gonna let her?' She asked. Ryan shrugged, not taking his eyes off Olly.

'I don't know. I mean, I want her to have that relationship with Oliver but at the same time, I really don't trust her and I fucking hate that asshole of a boyfriend she has.' Ryan growled, suddenly feeling very angry. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he pulled it out, seeing that he had a text from Spencer.

Spence: Hey buddy just a reminder there's a rehearsal dinner tonight @ 5. Please be there.

Ryan groaned and leaned back in the chair. He had roughly an hour before he had to be at the venue. Fuck. I completely forgot

'I have to go. I completely forgot about Spencer's wedding rehearsal.' With a small sigh, Ryan stood up and Olly turned around to face Ryan, his dummy in his mouth.

'See ya buddy. I'll be back later, okay?' Ryan reached down and touched Olly on the head softly. Oliver let out a little whine and grabbed onto Ryan's hand, tugging slightly. Olly then handed Ryan a little block and smiled.

'Take him with you.' Ryan's dad said, turning the TV off. A small frown appeared on both Ryan and Oliver's face. Oliver started whining and pointing to the TV. Ryan sighed and grabbed the remote, turning the TV back on to satisfy his child.

'I can't. He'll get annoyed and I can't have him there. Even Linda said she doesn't want Oliver at the rehearsal.' Ryan lied. Linda adored Oliver. If anything, she wanted him at the wedding. Of course, Ryan had said no. He honestly didn't want to take his child to his best friend's wedding.

'But-' Ryan's mum started and he cut her off.

'I've got to go and get change and shower.' Ryan snapped before walking to his bedroom. He opened the door and slammed it shut behind him before leaning against it. He banged his head against the door a few times, trying to calm down. You're fucking stupid, Ryan. He walked over to his closet and grabbed the nicest clothes he could find. He stared at his reflection for a few seconds, frowning at himself.

His mum was waiting for him on the other side of the door, Olly clutching her leg. Ryan opened the door and groaned before walking straight past them right into the bathroom. He heard Olly squeak and he felt guilty for acting like this. He could hear Olly whining and calling for Ryan but he just ignored him.

He locked the door behind him and started to strip quickly. He could hear his mother talking to Oliver about something, her words muffled due to the door.

'Just let me have a shower, okay? We'll talk after.' Ryan said hopefully, leaning against the door slightly. He heard her mumble 'okay' before their retreating footsteps on the wooden floors.

***

'Okay I've got to go. Spencer will have my ass if I don't show up.' Ryan announced, walking down the hallway to the lounge room. His dad was watching a rerun of some car show and his mum was reading on of her mystery novels. Olly was sitting on his knees, blinking slowly, sucking on his dummy facing the door where Ryan was. Olly's hands were in small little fists, resting on his knees. Ryan felt his heart tug a little. He really wanted to take his son to the wedding. Hell, he wanted to do something fun with his kid. He couldn't. Not this time. I promise I will someday, Oliver.

'Okay dear. Goodluck.' His mum called and Ryan quickly pulled on his shoes, kicking a truck and letting out a curse word.

'Fuck sake, Olly! What did I say about leaving your fucking trucks around?' Ryan shouted and Oliver cowered a little, whining and turning to his grandma. She slammed her book down and stood up, facing Ryan. Ryan frowned a little and he knew he'd fucked up.

'Don't fucking yell at my grandson like that! He's three years old, George Ryan. Fucking hell. He's a baby! Fuck off to this wedding and don't come back until you've lost the fucking attitude.' She lectured Ryan and Oliver started letting out little choked sobs, tears streaming down his face. He hated arguing and fighting.

'Fine. Whatever. See ya.' Ryan snapped and slammed the door behind him. Ryan's mum sighed and picked up Olly, rubbing his head. Olly didn't cry. He wouldn't make a noise. Just let out little, soft and quiet whimpers. This time though, choked, loud noises were coming out of his mouth around his dummy and it worried her.

***

When Ryan got to the rehearsal dinner, he had calmed down a little. He still felt very guilty for snapping at Olly though. He shouldn't have snapped at his child. Ryan made a mental note to go home and apologise to both his mum and his kiddo.

He climbed out of the car and locked it, Spencer standing outside having a smoke.

'Doesn't Linda hate your smoking?' Ryan asked, walking over to Spencer who jumped and dropped his cigarette.

'Fucker. Yes she does. I'm trying to quit. This was my first cigarette all day, you asshole.' Spencer grumbled, complaining about his wasted smoke. Ryan chuckled and grabbed one of his own cigarettes.

'Here you go.' Ryan handed Spencer a cigarette and lit it. Both of them stood in complete silence, Ryan watching the sky and Spencer finishing the cigarette.

'I'm fucking nervous, Ry.' Spencer suddenly blurted out, dropping his finished cigarette and crushing it.

'I know. We gotta get inside though. Linda will kill us.' Ryan chuckled and slung his arm around Spencer and both of them walked inside the building.

Linda was screaming at someone (Ryan guessed the caterer) and was close to pulling her hair out. Spencer immediately dashed over to his fiancée and wrapped his arms around her in a hug and she melted a little, falling into his embrace. Ryan felt his heart clench. He wanted someone to hug like that.

'Have you see Brendon?' Linda asked quietly and Spencer shook his head.

'Apparently he had some other thing. Something to do with photography or whatever.' Spencer admitted and Linda pushed him away, sighing a little.

'Fucker was meant to be here!' Her bottom lip started trembling and Spencer hugged her again.

***

Ryan unlocked the door to the apartment, not wanting to knock, just in case his son was asleep. It was only eight though.

The dinner was a complete disaster. Nearly half the groomsmen and bridesmaids were missing. They couldn't do speeches and Linda looked on the verge of tears by the end of it and Spencer just called it a wrap, saying he'd see them all at the wedding. Ryan had just left after saying goodbye and goodluck to the two of them.

His mum was sitting at the dinner table, a cup of liquid beside her and she was looking at a picture Olly drew at kindy.

'Hey, hun. How was the dinner party?' She asked, not looking up from the drawing.

'Good. What's that?' Ryan asked, taking a seat beside her. She handed him the picture and he smiled, a wave of affection flowing over him.

The picture wasn't really understandable, just stick figures and coloured lines. The teacher had written what it was about though. Two figures stood side by side, smiling. One was apparently Ryan and the other was Olly. It was Ryan's favourite drawing of Olly's.

'He's a good kid. A little bit weird but he's a good boy. Try not to yell at him, Ryan. He's very sensitive.' His mum said softly, patting Ryan's hand.

'I know he is.' Ryan mumbled, face heating up a little in embarrassment. He still felt guilty over what happened earlier.

'I hope so. Now off to bed, boy.' She said, smiling and Ryan stood up, taking the picture with him. He kissed his mum on the head and walked to his room, smiling slightly. He stopped outside of Olly's door and opened it a little, smiling affectionately at Olly's illuminated face from the light.

'Night bud. Love you.' He whispered and closed the door softly.

****

Hello !! This story isn't dead !! 

How is everybody?

Sorry it's taken so long to update. I've been going through some shit rn. 

So, how was this chapter??

Also, I changed Olly's age up a little so that he's three. And,,, fun fact. He's based loosely off my little brother. 

Votes and comments are appreciated if you liked it !!

ryry xx