"It's uh... Well, it's like a best friend, but more."

"Come on, Ryan! You can go faster than that," Brendon laughed as he watched his best friend climb up to the tree branch he was sitting on. After what felt like hours, Ryan pulled his lanky body up to sit beside Brendon. His breathing was labored and he has a thin layer of sweat on his forehead.

"You could've waited for me you know," Ryan panted. Brendon flashed him a wide smile and shook his head.

"I didn't wanna miss the sunset." They both turned their heads to the horizon. The sun was slowly dipping down, coloring the sky around them.

"It's so beautiful." Brendon looked over at his friend. The boy's eyes reflected the pinkish color from the sunset. The wind blew gently through his soft brown hair. He had on a content smile.

Brendon reached over and grabbed Ryan's hand. The boy tensed and looked over. Brendon didn't stop his staring. His eyes gazed over the smooth pale skin of his friend's face. The thin pink lips that he wanted to feel against his own. Ryan was Brendon's definition of perfection.

The older friend pulled back his lip, revealing a straight line of white teeth. His Adam's apple bounced as he gave a small chuckle. His long skinny fingers intertwined with Brendon's.

"You're my best friend, Bren," Ryan spoke softly. The sunset casted a dark orange over this soft features. They both found themselves leaning closer. With lips hovering over one another, Brendon whispered a quiet reply.

"And you're mine." Their eyes shut with a kiss. It was slow and awkward, their mouths unsure out to move against each other. They couldn't help giggling into the kiss though.

The sun vanished into the night, marking the end of the day and the beginning of something new.

"It's the one person in the world that knows you better than anyone else."

"I'm back," Ryan shouted from the front door. Brendon jumped up and ran to the front door. His roommate was standing with a bag of takeout in on hand and a cup holder with two drinks in the other. He had to quickly move his arms out of the way before Brendon could squish the food into his hug.

"You're back," the younger hummed. He tightened his arms around Ryan's body and nuzzled his face into his chest. Ryan let out a grunt of discomfort, but Brendon let up.

"Yeah, I'm back and hungry, so I'd appreciate it if you released me," Ryan said with a breathy laugh. With a small pout, Brendon obliged. He took a step back and dropped his eyes to the floor.

Ryan placed a quick kiss on Brendon's lips before moving to the couch. The kiss was enough to motivate the younger roommate to follow his boyfriend to the couch.

"Alright, so I made sure to get your burger with everything on." Ryan began pulling items from the bag. "Your side order of nuggets with extra sauce. A couple cookies, your apple pie, and large order of fries, no salt."

Brendon plopped down on the couch, leaving no space between him and his boyfriend. He looked out at his food on the table and let out a giddy laugh.

"Did you get my -"

"Large chocolate milkshake drizzled with extra chocolate syrup, some caramel, which they still give me weird looks about, extra whipped cream and no cherry." Ryan took a deep breath and smiled over at Brendon. "Yes."

"And did you -"

"Two straws, yes."

"No the -"

"Ketchup packets, yes."

"What about," Brendon was cut off with another kiss. He loved being shut up that way.

"I got it all you fucking hungry hippo," Ryan teased. Brendon bit his lip and giggled.

"Okay." Ryan turned and started munching on his order of two burgers, fries and a soda. "I can't believe you actually remember this."

"It's cause I actually love you enough to remember the damn menu you order. I haven't messed up your order since I first got it for you. See, I care, unlike someone." Ryan smiled and takes another bite out of his burger. Brendon let's out an exaggerated gasp.

"I do care! I forget to ask for no onions on your burger three times and suddenly my love is invalid." Ryan shook his head and chuckled. They continued eating while Brendon grumbling about how much he loved and cared about Ryan the whole time.

"It's someone who makes you a better person."

"Watch, Bren. It's easy. Just subtract this 5 over like this then divide the 3 so the x is alone." Brendon threw his pencil down in frustration and burried his face in his hands.

Ryan had been helping him with his math for the past couple hours. The sun had long set already and his attention span was shortening by the second.

"I can't do this." The words muffled against his palms.

"Yes you can. You just need to focus." Brendon dropped his hands and slammed them onto the table in front of him.

"No I can't. It's too hard and I'm too stupid for this. We've been doing this since we got home. I'm tired and I got a headache. Ryan just face it, I'm not gonna pass this class. I'm hopeless." He crossed his arms and leaned over them on the table.

Ryan ran his hand through his dark hair. The scratching of his fingers against his scalp helped Brendon relax. His breathing slowly evened out.

"You're smarter than you give yourself credit for. I know you can understand this, you just need to be patient. You will pass this class because you need it to graduate and I can't graduate without you. We had a plan, remember? We'll graduate, find a place together while we go to college, and we'll be happy together. We can't do that if you don't try. I need you to try, okay?" Brendon lifted his head and turned to Ryan.

"You really think I can do it?" Ryan nodded.

"I've never been more sure." Brendon gave a small smile. Ryan leaned down and pecked Brendon's lips. "Now, let's keep going."

Brendon nodded and sat up. He worked on the stupid math problem again, but this time with more determination and a goal in mind.

"Actually, they don't make you a better person, you do that yourself because they inspire you."

"You got some nerve spreading those lies around," Brendon spat out as he pinned a kid against a row of lockers. His hands gripped the boy's shirt, almost lifting him off the ground.

"I didn't mean it, I swear." Brendon gritted his teeth. Anger boiled his blood and he was on the verge of only seeing red.

"I could beat you into a pulp so easily." The boy winced in fear.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I won't do it again"

"Should've thought of that before." Brendon pulled his right arm back and made a fist. The boy shut his eyes and prepared for the hit.

Before he moved to hurt the kid, an image of Ryan flashed in his head. He wouldn't like what he was doing. Ryan was always against violence. He favored more peaceful resolutions.

The tension in his fist lessened and his body relaxed with Ryan lingering in his mind. His eyes focused back on the boy trapped in front of him. A small burst of anger filled him again and he swung.

The boy flinched as Brendon made contact with the metal locker beside his head. He slowly opened his eyes to see Brendon's dark ones staring at him. Brendon pulled him closer, their faces almost touching.

"If I ever hear you say anything remotely negative about my boyfriend again, I won't hesitate to kick your ass. Understand?" The boy nodded quickly. Brendon pushed him away and jerked his head down the hall. "Get out of my sight." The boy quickly left Brendon.

A body soon jumped onto Brendon's back. Legs hooked around his waist and arms around his neck. The hairs on the back stood up when the sound of a giggle tickled his ear. Soft lips planted a kiss on his cheek.

With a smile, Brendon moved his arms around to lock behind his back and support the new weight on him. He turned his head and saw the love of his life gleaming happily.

"Hello to you too." Brendon started walking them to the exit. "How was your day?" Ryan shrugged and nestled his face into Brendon's neck.

"Not so bad. Just that stupid rumor is drawing more attention to me and I don't like it."

"I'm sorry, babe." Ryan shrugged again.

"It's whatever. It'll go away. How was your day? Keeping outta trouble?" Brendon smiled and kissed the Ryan's tossled hair.

"Only for you, babe." He could feel Ryan's smile against his skin.

"A soul mate is someone who you carry with you forever."

"I got a present for you," Ryan spoke shyly. He had his hands behind his back as he lowered himself onto Brendon's lap.

"Oh yeah?" Brendon placed his hands on Ryan's hip, letting his lip sneak under his shirt. He rubbed circles on the soft skin. Ryan was looking down, almost embarrassed. "What is it?"

"Don't laugh and if you don't like it I can take it back." Brendon hooked on hand under Ryan's chin and lifted it till their eyes met.

"I won't laugh and I know I'll love it." Ryan chewed his lip nervously as he revealed a small box from behind him.

"I got it today and I just.. I just wanted to get it for you." Brendon took the box, giving Ryan a curious look before opening it. Inside was a thin silver chain with a small heart locket on it. His gaze went back to Ryan.

"What's this?" Ryan had a blush on his cheeks as he pulled out the necklace. Ryan held the locker in his hand and opened in. Inside, Brendon saw a small picture of two people together. To anyone else, it could've been to random people by the size of the picture.

Brendon knew better. He could vividly remember when this picture was taken. Brendon was on the floor with Ryan leaning against him between his legs. His arms were wrapped around the boy. Ryan had his arms crossed to lock his hands with Brendon. He was leaning forward laughing at something Brendon had whispered in his ear. Brendon was looking down at him, eyes shining with love. A perfect moment captured by their friend, Sarah.

Ryan's hand closed around the locker as he moved to get off Brendon's lap. The younger boy was snapped out of the memory so suddenly.

"You hate it. It was stupid. I shouldn't've even got it. I'm sorry." Brendon put down the box and shook his head. His hands gripped Ryan's hips to keep him on his lap.

"No, no, no. It's not stupid."

"Yes it is."

"It's not. I love it." Ryan looked up with wide eyes.

"You do?" Brendon smiled and took Ryan's hand. He opened the fist and grabbed the locket. He brought the chain up and clasped it around his neck. The locket dangled against his chest. He moved one hand back to Ryan's waist and the other fingered the locket.

"I love it," he repeated with a smile. "I'll never take it off. Thank you." Ryan grinned back and connected their lips.

"It's the one person who knew you and accepted you and believed in you before anyone else did or when no one else would."

"You can't just end this just because things get too real. That's not how this works." Ryan's voice was hoarse from yelling so much. Brendon knew Ryan was crying just by the sound of his voice. The rain only hid the tears. Even under the dim streetlamp, Brendon could see Ryan's hurt expression. He had to look away. He looked down the street thinking he should just keep walking away. It'll be easier.

"You can't leave me," Ryan said through a sob. Brendon heart was aching. "I need you. I want you in my life."

"You don't need me," Brendon finally shouted back. "That's not this goes. You can't just say you want me like that."

"Bren, we've been together over a year. What did you think was gonna happen?" Brendon shook his head.

"You're not supposed to want anything to do with me, Ryan. You're supposed to go on and do amazing things with your life. You're supposed to go to college and become a famous writer. You're supposed to meet someone you actually deserve. You're supposed to fall in love with them and marry them and be happy with them because it's what you deserve. You deserve so much more than what I could ever give you."

"That's not true. Stop putting yourself down. You deserve so much more than you give yourself credit for."

"I deserve nothing. Why can't you understand that? I'm dirt poor in a shitty house with an alcoholic mother and abusive father. I'm barely smart enough to pass my classes because you help me. I've been suspended more times than I can count because of all the trouble I cause. Everyone thinks that I'm just gonna end up some druggie living on the streets. That's what my life is supposed to be. I don't deserve more than that. I deserve to off myself just like everyone says I should. No one would notice I'm gone anyway. I'm just another body at this point."

"Stop it!"

"I'm telling you the fucking truth. Ryan, this is useless. People don't care about me. People aren't supposed to love me. I'm meant to be alone. Why I thought that could change was my mistake."

"That's bullshit." Ryan's voice was almost downed out by the pounding of the rain hitting the cement. "That's total bullshit and you know it. Everyone deserves love." Brendon didn't say anything and willed himself to leave.

"Who could love me, Ryan? I'm out of my fucking mind."

"I love you!" Brendon's thoughts froze. "I love you, Brendon Urie and there's nothing that can change that. I don't care what home you came from, your gpa, or what the fuck other people say because I love you. I love all your flaws, your quirks, just everything and there's nothing you can do about that."

Brendon shook his head slowly then sped up. He could feel warm tears falling with the rain against his face.

"No, you can't, Ry," he said desperately. He wanted so much more for Ryan, so much more than he could ever give him.

"I love you." Brendon dragged his hands through his soaked hair. He needed to stop saying that. "If you wanna leave you can. If you can look me in the eye and tell me that you don't feel the same then I won't stop you. But if you end this to only because you think I need more then just know that you're hurting me more than anyone else ever could."

Brendon let out a stuttered cry. His legs gave out underneath him causing him to fall to his knees. A sob shook in his chest until it forcefully passed his lips. His shaking had nothing to do with the cold. A trembling hand came up and cupped his cheek.

Brendon looked up to see Ryan kneeling on front of him. He could barely see his eyes, but knew they were red and puffy. He did that. He made Ryan cry. That's all he'd ever do, hurt Ryan.

"I want to be with you, Brendon. All of you. The good and the bad. I know this is scary, but I'm happy with you. Please, stay with me."

Brendon brought his hand up and grabbed the side of Ryan's neck. They kissed the rain of each other. They desperately moved against each other, pouring their emotions into the kiss. They finally pulled away, panting against the other's skin.

"I love you," Brendon made himself say. A weight lifted off his shoulders. He finally felt free from the burden he'd forced on himself. He sighed. "I love you," he said more firmly. He gave a chuckle. "I love you, Ryan Ross."

"I love you, too." Ryan loved him. He loved all of him. And Brendon love him back.

"And no matter what happens, you'll always love them."

"You can't do this?" Brendon begged.

"Bren, I need to. We talked about this." Brendon shook his head and grabbed the bag that Ryan was packing. "Brendon, please."

"You can't leave me. Not now."

"We have no other choice." Ryan went to the dresser and pulled out some more clothes.

"Sarah is carrying our child right now. We're going to be parents in a few months. I can't raise that baby alone, Ry. I won't."

"We already agreed what to do with her remember?" He moved Brendon was from the bag and shoved his clothes inside.

"No, you agreed. This baby needs both her dads. I don't wanna pretend to be married to someone when I'm already taken."

"It's too late now."

"This is too much, Ryan. Please. I can't lose you." Ryan sighed and zipped up his bag. He rounded the bed to where Brendon was standing.

"It'll be okay. I promise. Time will fly by." He pulled Brendon into his arms.

"Why do you have to do this?" Brendon whimpered into his shoulder.

"They promised me an advanced payment for taking this exchange deal, Bren. Like you said, we have a baby on the way. We need the extra money."

"But we can figure something else out." Ryan shook his head and kissed the side of Brendon's head. "How long are you gonna be gone?" The longer Ryan took to answer the more dread filled Brendon's stomach.

"A couple years." Brendon squeezed his eyes shut and tightened his hold on Ryan. "The money they promised will be worth it though."

"I don't think I can do this without you."

"It won't be forever, I promise." Ryan pulled back and grasped the chain on Brendon's. He pulled it out from underneath his shirt until he had the heart shaped locket between his fingers. "I'll always be with you."

Tears brimmed Brendon's eyes. The couple held onto each other tightly.

"You're gonna come back right?" Ryan nodded and kissed the tip of Brendon's nose.

"You couldn't keep me away if you tried."

"I love you, Ry."

"I love you too, Bren." His kissed Brendon's cheek and left his lips resting on the skin.

"You better come back." Ryan smiled against the other.

"Nothing can ever change that. Make sense?"

"Is that how you feel about Sarah?" Brendon felt his heart break as he looked down at his baby girl. She had curly brown hair like her dad. She got bright blue eyes from Sarah and a smile like Brendon.

"It's time for bed sweetie." She gave a small pout as he tucked her in. He kissed her head softly and moved to the door.

"I love you, daddy." Brendon turned back and smiled at his little girl.

"I love you too, baby." He flipped off the light and shut her door.

"Are you alright, Bren?" Brendon turned to see Sarah watching him with concern. He brought his hand up and clasped the locket still hanging on his neck. He nodded, but tears formed in his eyes.

She quickly wrapped her arms around him. She ran her hand through his hair and whispered softly in his ear.

"He'll come back. Any day now." Brendon nodded and sniffed. His hope had slowly sunk with ever conversation he had with his lover. "Is he calling tonight? It's the twentieth."

Brendon perked up. He always looked forward to the twentieth of every month. Ryan had managed to call him just long enough for an update about when he was coming home. He raced to the room that had felt lonely since the day Ryan left. Sarah chuckled as Brendon shut the door.

Brendon sat on the bed with his phone sitting in front of him. He glanced up at the clock occasionally, counting down the minutes till the clock hit ten. His heart picked up as the hands neared the first doubt digit number.

The moment the phone finally screamed to life, Brendon had it answered and pressed to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Hey baby." Warm tears were already trickling down his cheeks.

"Hi Ry."

"How are you?" Brendon sniffed and shrugged.

"Would be better if you were here."

"About that." Brendon heart sunk. He's heard that before. Another delay in Ryan's work, a set back, more time away. "I um... I'm coming home," Ryan chuckled softly.

"W-what?" Brendon didn't think he'd ever hear that sentence.

"I'm gonna finally be able to meet our daughter." Brendon let out a small happy cry and slapped his hand over his mouth. "How's she doing?"

"Still doesn't understand our relationship and that Sarah isn't my wife." Ryan chuckled softly.

"She's not gonna freak out when I get there is she?" Brendon shook his head, forgetting Ryan can't see him.

"She's seen so many pictures of you. Just doesn't understand why all her friends have a mom and dad and she has two dads and a kinda mom."

"I can't wait to get there, to hold you two, to finally wrap my arms around you."

"I miss you babe."

"I miss you too. Just a little long, I promise." Brendon smiled into the reciever.

"Ry."

"Yes baby." Brendon took a deep breath.

"You're my soulmate." He could almost hear Ryan smile.

"And you're mine."

"I love you."

"I love you too." When the phone call ended, Brendon fell back on the bed, filled with new hope and excitement. He was ready for the next part of his life to start with his family complete.

---

A/N:

Sup vros! In case you're confused, the bold is in the present and everything in italics are past events, not in chronological order. It ranges from young age (high school) to adulthood (around 30's). Hope you enjoy it ❤