Title: Bounce Author: almostjulie Pairing: Ryan/Colin Rating: PG-13(?) Summary: In which Ryan and Colin lock themselves in a bathroom and drink, and a convoluted plot device is used to get them together. Vancouver-era. Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. No harm is intended. A/N: unbetaed, any and all comments welcome. “Great party, Ryan. Really. Thanks for inviting me.” Ryan smirks over at Colin from where he’s leaning against the sink, all arms and legs, vodka bottle dangling from his hand. “Careful, you might drown in all that sarcasm.” Colin responds from where he’s lunged out in the bathtub, a frayed towel behind his head like a pillow. “Impossible, I’ll just open the drain.” Then, “you want to pass that bottle back to me?” Half an hour ago, after one too many of Ryan’s relatives, upon learning Colin was one of Ryan’s “comedy friends,” engaged in him in polite, perfunctory conversation about the weather, Colin began to regret agreeing to come this Stiles family party. In fact, he couldn’t quite remember why he had agreed to come in the first place, but Ryan had a way of talking him into things. Just when Colin thought he might start pulling his hair out in frustration, Ryan swept in out of nowhere and dragged him away. Not that Colin offered any resistance. So that’s how they came to be locked in the second floor bathroom of Ryan’s parent’s house, sharing a bottle to vodka Ryan had grabbed from the kitchen on the way here. Ryan leans over and silently hands him the bottle. When he sees that Colin’s not about to give it right back, he starts rummaging through the cabinet under the sink. Colin looks up when he hears a soft thumping to see Ryan bouncing a small rubber ball. When you’re hiding in a bathroom, Colin thinks, there’s not much to keep you entertained. “Have you thought anymore about next week?” He’s talking about performing with him at one of the clubs he usually does standup. “You know standup isn’t my thing.” “But if it’s both of us it’s not really—“ “Maybe some other time.” “Uh huh.” Colin can tell Ryan’s not happy with that response, and he’s grateful when he doesn’t push the point. Colin holds out the bottle, a peace offering. Ryan takes a long swig. It’s silent for a while, except for the soft thump of the ball and the slosh of the liquid in the bottle as they drink. Minutes pass, and there’s a rattling at the door. Ryan, with a “Try downstairs,” a muffled apology from the other side of the bathroom door, and they’re silent again. But the bouncing sound is more erratic, as Ryan’s motor function is deteriorating with every sip he takes. Colin eyes the bottle warily. “Not much left.” “Hmm. I don’t think I want to risk going out there to get another.” Ryan turns to look at Colin as he speaks, and the ball bounces out of his grasp. It takes him a moment to register that it’s gone. “Did you see where that went?” “No, but that might explain the sudden uncomfortable feeling in my back. I think it may have rolled under me.” Colin shifts, but the tub is small and his movements are awkward, and the ball only lodges closer to his spine. Ryan’s on his knees, next to the tub, reaching underneath Colin, searching for the lost toy. Colin squirms, because he’s kind of ticklish; and he giggles, because he’s not exactly sober. This seems to only encourage Ryan, who redoubles his search efforts. There’s a scramble, and somehow Ryan ends up on top of him, legs curled up to fit in a tub that’s far too small for a guy his size, not to mention both of them together. And he’s kind of heavy, and the thought passes through Colin’s mind that it’s not what he expected: Ryan’s tall, but all skin and bones. Not that he had ever thought about it before. And Colin thinks that it must be the alcohol talking, but the weight’s kind of nice, like a comfortable blanket. Then Ryan is moving his hand from underneath Colin’s back, holding up the little rainbow ball from him to see. “Got it.” Colin expects Ryan to move, but he stays where he his, goofy grin on his face, unfocused eyes flitting back and forth between Colin and the ball, like he’s looking for praise for making such an important discovery. Colin can only laugh, “You’re very drunk.” He hums in agreement, then suddenly focused eyes train on Colin, and it sinks into Colin just how close they are. He blinks under Ryan’s intense gaze, and when he opens his eyes Ryan is even closer. Green eyes filling up his field of vision, the other man’s warm breath on his lips. It’s ridiculous, but Colin thinks Ryan’s going to kiss him. His tongue darts out involuntarily in anticipation and Ryan leans in a fraction, almost completely closing the distance between them. But there’s someone at the door again, pounding this time, and Colin can feel Ryan’s whole body tense. “Ryan, you in there?” One of his brothers, sounding pissed off. “Yeah, I’m—“ “Well get out here. You have to suffer through these people like the rest of us.” Ryan pulls away, scrambling out of the tub. Whatever was going to happen, the moment passed. And suddenly it’s awkward between them, which scares Colin, because he’s known Ryan for nearly two years and he can’t recall another awkward moment. “About next week –“ Ryan looks at him expectantly. “Maybe it’s a good idea to try new things.” Ryan just smiles. Colin thinks maybe this party isn’t so bad after all.