"You weren't kidding when you said he was in some state. My goodness." Ellie-Grace talks to Ryan while running her hand over the top of Joshua's to comfort her spinning friend. She has a natural ability to make everyone feel at ease as she's genuinely a very caring and maternal person. She always wants what's best for people and those who she doesn't care for just fall right out of her mind, never wanting to wish bad or ill fate on anyone. Ellie-Grace nods in agreement with Ryan. "Good idea. We can't have him ruining your bed sheets and floors. You don't pay your poor maid enough." She gives Ryan a playful smirk and a raising of her eyebrows. Looking over at the drunken Joshua, Ellie-Grace sighs and starts to play with her friends curly chocolate hair. "Thankfully I'm trained in situations like this with Alfie. Who'd be a sister, eh?". Ellie-Grace's little brother was only about 14 the last time Ryan met him. Now he's a grown man just slightly older than Joshua, who is also getting drunk and being his own person now.

Ellie-Grace gives Ryan a light batting of her hand against his side. "Hey, like I said, I have experience. I'm stronger than I look!" She jokingly pats her far from muscular arms. "We could both take him upstairs if you want? An arm around each of us. Whatever you think is best for our little...Joshy." Ellie-Grace teases by putting emphasis on the nickname before reaching out and tickling under Joshua's chin.

When Ryan talks to Joshua, the words don't really register with him. Joshua just looks back at Ryan with his drunken glazed eyes and a tired expression on his face. "Y-you...you're good to me...". He reaches out and lightly grazes Ryan's cheek with his fingertips before his arm pathetically flops back down on the couch. He doesn't have the energy to even raise his arm properly let alone make it upstairs.

Ellie-Grace notices how much of a dead weight Joshua seems to be and realises, in comparison, her brother Alfie is not a towering 6'3 either. "On second thought, maybe you should handle this one, Ry." She giggles and gives Ryan an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

Ellie-Grace scoffs and shakes her head. "A few very helpful young women? That's not what Culture Uncut refer to them as, Ry." She gives him a playful wink, feeling comfortable enough to joke about his exploits and other women. Also, Ellie-Grace is aware that Ryan has been a good boy lately so the comment is all in jest. "Although, I'd take whatever they say with a pinch of salt. You could be holding charity benefits or a church group session and they'd still think an orgy is the only reason why there would be more than two people at your home." While she is aware of Ryan's affinity with women, she's also aware of how publications have specific agendas and like to paint someone a certain way as it's guaranteed to sell. When Ellie-Grace and Ryan were dating, she'd read about how he was supposedly cheating on her every second day, despite him never leaving her sight. "Yep, that's Alfie." Ellie-Grace nods along with Ryan. Her baby brother is a young man now. "Actually reminds me a lot of our Joshy over here. Full of jokes, can't handle his booze and a real big softy underneath the bravado."

Ellie-Grace takes a step back to give the boys some room. Joshua is hardly dainty and petite. He's the same height as Ryan and pretty much a dead weight right now so it could prove tricky. "Which room are you putting him in? Want me to go ahead and open the door, set the room up? Place a much needed bucket at the side of the bed?". She admires Ryan's tattoo when it's revealed, always finding them attractive and as an extension to his art. While she would never get inked herself, fearing the pain and her indecisiveness, Ellie-Grace has always liked a man with tattoos. After what Ryan just said, it's clear Joshua does too. "Aww, it's a shame he won't remember this scrapbook moment; Ryan Ross Hernandez taking him to bed."

Joshua looks up at Ryan and Ellie-Grace at the mention of bed. "You...you two..are uh...you two....going to bed?" he asks, head swaying side to side and barely being able to keep his eyes opened to focus. "You and Ryan...ha!". Joshua laughs and tilts his head back, resting it on the back of the couch while the lower half of his body is practically sliding off the set.

"No, no. Not me and Ryan, silly!" Ellie-Grace giggles softly and looks over to Ryan with an almost apologetic expression. Drunk people can cause such embarrassment. "You're going up to bed to rest that head of yours. Ryan is going to take you upstairs, OK?" Ellie-Grace speaks in a very soft and encouraging tone as if giving a pep talk to an infant who has to be brave at his dental appointment or something along those lines.

Joshua gives a sharp exhale through his nose and starts to mumble again. "I'm...I'm....yeah...Ry-Ryan's...I'm bed..." He's not so much agreeing to go to bed, more so just trying to mimic what Ellie-Grace just said. He's really out of it.

Thankfully, Culture Uncut haven't mentioned Ellie-Grace in a while but she's still not their biggest fan. Not only is it hard to forgive them for some of the stuff they published about her but they've also targeted her friends who she loves dearly and ferociously protects. Joshua has especially been on the receiving end of some atrocious treatment. She also knows that if they were to get a whiff of her rekindled connection with Ryan, they'll be back on their publication in no time. "I think that as soon as they see a flaw in someone, they make a beeline for you and spin as many stories as they can. Also, there seems to be trends of certain people being popular to hate. Will rinse you through their cycle then spit you out when some other unfortunate is singled out." Ellie-Grace and pretty much all of her closest friends have been there. They'll hound someone every day, causing untold damage to their mental health and then drop them like it meant nothing. "Yeah, almost everyone loves me...aside from a small section of your fanbase who think I'm the antichrist!" Ellie-Grace jokes with a little scowl on her face. 10 years on and there are still some seriously overzealous Ryan fanatics wanting her head on a stick.

She looks down at Joshua as if he's a sleeping new born baby, gazing sweetly at him with a hand on her chest. "Oh he's just so precious!". Even though he's a drunken mess, limbs splayed out all over the place and not making any sense at all, she still finds Joshua endearing. A big kid who can't handle his booze.
"He's like a baby. Not a baby I'd want to carry around and clean up after but all the same..." She chuckles and starts to head out of the room after Ryan tells her where Joshua is sleeping. "OK, I'll go get set up. And I have no idea what you're talking about. You've never had to carry me for I do not get drunk." Ellie-Grace jokes, shaking her head before departing from the room to get a head start on settling Joshua down for the night.

As Joshua is picked up, he starts to laugh, not sure what's going on but finding the motion of it all rather funny. He feels as though he's floating as the room continues to spin while he travels through it without using his legs whatsoever. "I'M STRONG TO THE FINICH 'CAUSE I EATS ME SPINACH!" Joshua decides to randomly shout out the theme tune to Popeye the Sailor before laughing again. At least he's not struggling to get away. He looks at Ryan and just smiles like he's experiencing pure elation. Safe to say that even though Joshua can't tolerate much, he's at least a very happy drunk. "Ryan...you...y-you're..my fr-...y-you're Ryan."

Ellie-Grace comes back from the bedroom and stands at the top of the staircase with her arms folded as she giggles. "Was he just singing Popeye?". She shakes her head and watches as the boys come upstairs, making sure they don't take a tumble down. "I put a bucket down, pulled back the covers and put a little lamp on in the corner so he'll be able to see if he gets up."

Ellie-Grace is probably one of the least problematic people within the industry. She doesn't get herself involved in feuds, mentors a lot of people within the industry and generally just keeps her opinions to herself. Most of the backlash she has received is out of jealousy and people embellishing stories to suit their own agenda. People today still give her flack for her relationship and breakup with Ryan so they'll definitely be foaming at the mouth if she's pictured leaving his place tonight. "I can't wait either, in all honesty. 2021. It's the year of the woman. Feel our wrath, Hernandez." She smirks, referring to the fact that no male artist has topped the album chart this year and an abundance of powerful women are pushing through with their new music. "Though, I don't think you've ever had a problem with women in charge." A few years back, Ryan's promiscuous ways still hurt and irked her. Seeing the first man she was crazy about being linked to all these other women made her feel as if she wasn't as important to him as he was to her. Now, a good few years older, she understands him and life a whole lot better. People have reasons for being the way they are and have their own ways of getting through this life.

Joshua is practically falling asleep in Ryan's arms by the time they reach the top of the stairs. That little sing-song tired him out. Thankfully it looks like he'll drift off in no time. Ellie-Grace is right, he is very much like a big baby that needs looking after by his parents. He'd probably be more precious if he wasn't smelling of spirits though. He screws up his face and makes a little mumbling noise when Ryan puts him down on the bed, as if protesting the idea of sleep but being too tired to physically move and fight it. "I'm...I-I...I'm n-not...". Joshua closes his eyes and tiredly speaks, again saying something without really saying anything.

"Oh, I'm just doing what any friend would do." Ellie-Grace speaks softly, trying to keep the atmosphere calm so not to rile Joshua up again. He'll want to get back up if he thinks it's still party time. Ellie-Grace watches the interaction between Ryan and Joshua, finding the moment between her two favourite boys so endearing. She places a hand on her chest and continues to speak lowly. "Now that's just adorable. Would it bruise your ego if I said you're like father and son? Would you prefer big brother and little brother instead?" She stifles her laughter, standing in the doorway. When asked if she wants to stick around, Ellie-Grace doesn't hesitate with her answer. "Of course. Didn't just come here to play mom. I'll stay awhile."

"St-stay..." Joshua mumbles and turns a little in the bed.

Ellie-Grace shrugs and laughs quietly. "Well I guess that settles it then. Joshy's word is final."

"You know, I think Joshy may just have the right idea." Ellie-Grace folds her arms, keeping her voice low as she watches him drift off to sleep. "This world is a scary place. Would do anything to escape it for a bit. Look at him. Completely happy, detached from everything and snuggled up under some covers, drifting off to sleep. Quite frankly, I'm envious." While Ellie-Grace and everyone in this room is in a position of power and privilege, there are still times when life gets tough for them all. Granted, they endure different kinds of hardships but they're hardships nonetheless. Being famous as well as a creator comes with so many expectations, pressures and worries. All the money, accolades and doting fans can't fix those troubles. Ellie-Grace probably has it best out of everyone in this bedroom and even she wishes she could just switch off at times. "Though I must admit, I certainly won't envy the headache he'll be having come morning time. The stuff you drink could knock most people sideways let alone poor Joshy. Bet that's a lesson learnt for him." She laughs softly, moving her hair over her shoulder and out of her face.

"Yeah, big brother and little brother will do. Anything innocent and platonic. You must be tired of all the other conspiracies about the two of you." Ellie-Grace scrunches her nose and gives a playful smile. Even she's aware of the smut written about the pair. "Though if it ever is something you wish to pursue, you have my blessing but just so you know, hurt Joshy and I will turn into Popeye. You'll be cruising for a Southern uppercut." Ellie-Grace playfully makes a fist and very gently bounces it off of Ryan's chin. Ellie actually turning violent is probably further down the list than pigs flying and Hell freezing over.

"Goodnight, Joshy." Ellie-Grace whispers after Ryan and continues looking over at her drunken friend like she's watching over a child of her own. Part of her wishes she could just stay and look after him all night. She doesn't want to walk away from him in case he gets up and hurts himself or if he's sick and needs someone to make him feel better. "If it wasn't so awkward, I'd have all three of us spend the night in here. All cosy and together. Looking out for the intoxicated baby. Safe and sound. Away from the world." Ellie-Grace sighs and lets Ryan give her a little squeeze in the doorway. She doesn't think about the connotations of saying she'd share the space with Ryan as it's coming from a place of worry more than anything right now. Ellie is naturally very family-oriented and has so much love to give to those she cares about. Snuggles may mean a different thing to her and Ryan right about now.

OOC: I’m sincerely sorry for the sheer length of this start, haha.

It had been a few weeks since their last encounter when they took care of their mutual friend through his own hardships and blackout drunken state. In the time since, Ryan experienced the release of an album that he never thought was going to see the light of day and along with it right back to becoming a target for gossip rags, internet trolls, and diehard fans of his former flames. He was very self-aware of what releasing an album titled Sex with Former Lovers and its equally controversial artwork was going to do, before people even heard a single track. Another hit to his public image and more seeds planted that he is this egotistical, gaslighting, cad of a man. Some of that was warranted given his no-holds-barred writing approach and some past character flaws. Others seemed way out of line to him but he had to roll with the punches. That was the reason behind deleting his social media accounts, so he wouldn’t fall into that slippery slope he had in the past of taking every battle on, responding to every person who had an issue with him. It was better to make the conscious decision to disconnect.

The reports of him isolating away from his friends were greatly exaggerated. Aside from the spotty WiFi and cellular service that were commonplace in his remote Montana home, whenever he traveled out there his immediate circle knew he was doing so for his own mental health. Coming back to LA now just days after his album release presented its own set of challenges but he knew he had to get back in the studio to devote his energy onto his next project. It also meant seeing Ellie-Grace Summers, which was an exciting prospect. While he loved Joshua, this was the first time in years that both of them would be in a casual setting alone, not discussing music or their respective careers, not observing the well being of a friend.

After a day in the studio, he invited Ellie over to his place for some drinks and possibly a meal. It was something he did absentmindedly in the moment and she surprisingly agreed. He knew that occupying his mind would do him better than being alone and falling into his own self-destructive ways. His goal for tonight was just to enjoy himself with good company and attempt to get out of his own head. Through the whirlwind of his own nuisances, he still very much had her on his mind. At first he felt that perhaps all of it was driven from past feeling resurfacing now that she was around in his life again, yet the more he broke it down in his mind, the realization was setting in that these were not passing feelings. Not knowing where her head was at after the latest circus around his name and his many exes, herself included, was mentally daunting. He was not going to attempt to dive into a serious conversation tonight. He was only going with the flow of what their evening brought on.

Ryan was standing in front of his freshly stocked bar, searching through the cabinets. One of his associates went out earlier in the day to fully stock the bar and fridge after Joshua raided the former during his stay with him. It was usually a task he did not mind doing himself but knowing how the paparazzi and media were out looking for blood, he opted to keep a low profile as much as he could until things settled down. His hair was longer now, coincidently not dissimilar to how it looked at the tail-end of his romance with Ellie so long ago. “Alright, so what should we start with? Some wine? Do you drink beer these days? Maybe go straight for the tequila or whiskey?” He questioned aloud, running a hand through his hair while adjusting the long-sleeve denim shirt he had thrown on once he arrived home. He took a moment to look around, unsure of Ellie’s whereabouts in his home but imagining she could hear him. “Shit. Did I lose another one in this damn house?” Ryan jokingly added in a quieter tone, more so to humor himself.

In some ways it felt like this was a moment taking place a decade earlier. Most of that in his mind was due to Ellie-Grace, who always had this immaculate energy to her where if she welcomed you to her life, she was going to be fiercely present. There was no awkwardness or hidden agenda going on between the two and it was pleasant. “I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that too much. Our boy Joshua will likely run the table.” He mentions with a grin, looking up to make eye contact with Ellie when she reappears. Ryan honestly wasn’t aware what all he was up for at the Fan Choice Awards, aside from receiving a few messages about it, he hadn’t bothered looking into it much. Avoiding his phone as much as possible was the way to go for him these days, at least until things blew over, which they always did sooner or later.

He chuckled at her response on what she wanted to drink, stepping away to look through the cabinets for the bottle of wine that best represented what she wanted. Jokingly or not, he wanted to impress her. He digs out a bottle of Chardonnay, presenting it to her as a waiter would at a restaurant. “This may describe what you’re looking for, Ms. Summers. This is a 2009 bottle of chardonnay from Kongsgaard in Napa Valley. It’s not exactly as high end as some other wines of its nature, but it shall start the evening well.” Ryan smiled before setting the wine down and grabbing a opener for it. He had an addictive personality, although rather than falling into the common areas of drug addiction or alcoholism, his addictive traits manifested themselves as once he found an interest in something he dove right into it and became an information sponge about the subject. Be if it were guitars, watches, sneakers, fashion, typewriters, western memorabilia, spirits, or more recently wine, he always gained an appreciation for something new. Granted, it was easier to do so when you had an unlimited amount of money to spend on such things.

“I’ll show you the wine cellar later. We can dig into the premium bottles then.” He remarked, unscrewing the bottle with ease before he grabbed two wine glasses and filled them each perfectly. Ryan laughed as he remembers the whole transgression with drunken Joshua last time she was here. “Does Betty Bop have a song I’m unaware of? If so, please bring it out at some point tonight.” He handed her a glass, while a genuine smile cracked at the corner of his lips. “Thanks for being here, EG.”

Ryan held Ellie's opinions highly, even when he knew she was far too kind and genuine to be anything but herself around her friends. He was unsure where exactly he fell into that group but whatever was happening between them was comfortable enough for them to enjoy each other's company. "Well, I assume I have at least one category that I'm not up against Grimmie, so I'll give myself like a small chance in whichever that is. I'm guessing we are both up for Sexiest Male or whatever they call that award, if you want to call it that. I probably could pull that one. I'm in that sweet spot where I can appeal in that way to someone between like twenty-two and sixty-five." He mused, his hands on the bar counter, standing across from her. His outlook on award shows had shifted over the years. Early on his career, they were something that drove his competitiveness while he still had that chip on his shoulder to prove to people that he belonged in the music industry. As he has gotten older it has become more of an honor to still hold the relevancy, to be acknowledged for his work, even when he knew that there were other names that deserved the actual win. "I have not done a legit after party in like four or five years. The last time I got pretty fucking plastered. Maybe a blessing in disguise if we end up in Joshua's room." He mentioned while chuckling, not entirely sure how the next Fan Choice Awards will look for him as a whole.

He admires the bottle for a moment when she repeats the year it was harvested. He pauses for a few seconds as he remembers where he was at that time of his life, certainly already creating messes for himself. It was about a year before Ellie and Ryan initially met and he produced her debut album, an experience he still held fond memories of. "2009. I was writing my fourth record at that point. It certainly doesn't feel like that long ago. Except I'm still old." He commented, followed by a soft laugh. The record he mentioned writing also ended up having a duet with Ellie-Grace make the final track listing. Ryan sarcastically rolled his eyes at her jokingly lack of wine etiquette, doing the same with his own glass.

"It is a little bit of everything, you could say. I don't have to leave my home very often. Wait until you see my other house, I converted a whole barn into a recording studio." He says smirking, not the first time he had heard such a remark about his house. While he didn't have company over very often, he tried to be the best host possible when he did and held no selfishness in indulging with his friends on the finer items he possessed. He laughed at her mention of breaking out the jazz standards, it was something he'd certainly love to see occur at some point. "I mean, the night is still young and all the wine is not going to drink itself, Ellie-Grace." He remarked as he brought his glass up, grinning while taking his first sip. "Over ten years and I still get that, huh? You should feel lucky you are the only one I let that slide with." He raised an eyebrow, moving from behind the bar, one hand taking his glass, and the other holding the remainder of the bottle. "How about we enjoy the first round outside? It's a nice evening and I don't want to be the cliche, "oh, look all the fancy shit I have that I don't use," kind of guy."

He wholeheartedly agreed with Ellie's perspective on the simple vainness that came from awarding someone based on their looks. The simple subjectiveness of beauty standards and attraction was enough to make the entire concept of it off-putting, particularly in this day and age. "I agree with you. I don't see the point in such a distinction. It seems rather antiquated. I truly only care to be attractive to the person I'm with on a romantic level. I don't care for public adoration of my looks." In his twenties and thirties, he tend to find solace in that admiration he received from women. It was a welcome to not be alone, whether that came from his looks or career or a combination of the two was up for debate. Now as he’s gotten older, that attention no longer perked his interest. Ryan smirked and shook his head at the mention of his age. "You probably had me at that sweet point of my life. Now I’m finding gray hairs most days and having slight lower back pain." He admitted in a joking tone. He was comfortable being 43, but for a few years there he was trying to fight the passing of time. The age gap between the two when they dated was never a bother for either of them within the constraints of their relationship, yet everyone seemed to grasp at the strings of that. He found the accusations towards him upsetting, but what truly got to him was all the commentary made toward Ellie-Grace.

A part of him was dreading being back in the limelight. He was aware that it was just a part of his job, albeit one he hated. Ryan got quiet for a moment as she spoke about her first record. He knew that if he felt a burden from it, it was a lot worse for her as a young, up-and-coming artist, being violently thrown into this vicious industry. Regardless of the tabloids tearing them apart, he took responsibility that at the end of the day it all rested on his shoulders. If their relationship had survived back then, there would have been comfort in proving everybody wrong who were against their romance from the start. When things ended, it was a huge field day for the press and everyone else who bet against them. He knows he could have handled things better. He could have shown more kindness. "I understand that. I know that wasn't an easy time for you," he began, his eyes dropping for a moment to stare down his glass. "I'll always cherish that time. I would never take an eraser to that period in my life because regardless of everything else that was hurtful and not quite ideal, I got the chance to meet you." He said in a more somber tone, purposely not going into much detail about that time span, although simultaneously realizing that it was a conversation they should have at some point. It was something that he knew he carried a lot of regrets and pain from still. "If you want to experience that together, let me know. I'll bring some stiff drinks along." He added with a laugh, trying to clear up the air.

"Oh, of course! The character of it is intact. Aside from adding electricity to the building, the only changes done were to improve isolation, and acoustically treat the architectural environment. It still very much looks like a barn and I upkeep certain elements of it. You should come out sometime. There's a lot of tranquility to be found there." He smiled, being reminded of one of her passions. He felt as if she would like how life looked out in Montana given her appreciation for vintage aesthetics. "The walk alone from my house to that barn is worth it. The mountain range in the background, the sounds of the Yellowstone river flowing. It's impossible not to get creative with that atmosphere around you." He commented, knowing well that not many thought of that state much, but he had grown to love it. Funny enough, he purchased his property up north shortly after their break-up as a way to find some peace and quiet from all the noise happening in his life at the time. "Fuck off, Ellie." He told her, twitching his eye more noticeably. "You have this thing about you where I can't say no to you. I hate it." Ryan said sarcastically as he giggled.

Ryan walked over to open the partition towards his yard, one of the large glass windows sliding open and acting as a door. The view was something he appreciated here, seeing the twilight of the sun fading behind the valley to create this moody effect in the clear early evening and the temperature was perfect to be outside. Along with the large infinity pool, the yard was immaculate with a ranch-like feel, an array of different plants to give the place a more open-air feel. There was a cabana structure to the side with some lounging chairs and a long, low-back couch to match. "Ah, this is a better smell, isn't it? Utter privilege in the air." He remarked after taking a deep breath as he cracked a grin knowing most of his neighbors were successful individuals, many who lived in their own bubbles of obliviousness.

It was refreshing to hear someone speak openly about the issues of awarding people based on their looks. In a social climate that was attempting to steer away from the physical and vain, having entire categories based on someone’s looks seemed to defeat the purpose. He had thought of bringing that fact up publicly but he knew people would go ahead and twist his words somehow or bring up something he said or tweeted twelve years ago. Ryan chuckled at her comment of where she would place her award, taking a sip of wine while nodding his head. “I’m pretty sure I have a sexiest male award buried somewhere that I won in my early 30’s. I should find it and gift it to you next year on your 30th birthday. July 2nd, right?” He questioned curiously, although he was sure he still remembered her birthday. “That’s so fucked up. The double standards have always pissed me off. That’s why I’m glad women are owning the industry right now. It’s refreshing. Hopefully the trend can change entirely and women can still be welcomed and just as successful into their later years as their male counterparts. I don’t want my kids, male or female, to grow up with these norms placed in their minds.” He recognized his male privilege in this industry and overall. From being able to still be successful and supported into his 40’s to even having the simple luxury of opting not to be a husband or father yet. He had come forward as a feminist in the past and was eaten alive by the press, as it was not understood that he could support women’s equity while being known as a serial dater.

Ryan listened carefully when she spoke of the past. He felt a pang in his chest simply thinking back to those times due to how every good moment seemed to carry a low point along with it. He couldn’t help but worry slightly at the same time. It made him question if that also meant she had moved past seeing him as anything more than a friend. If that were the case, he couldn’t blame her for it. It had been nearly ten years and he hadn’t been open with her about how he still felt about her. “You didn’t deserve to be thrown into this world like that... I’m happy that you’re well, though.” He remarked with a small smirk, tossing his hair back away from his face. “That’s fair. I guess time will tell then, right? A fresh start.” He said referring to her comment about knowing him, raising his glass to match her. At bare minimum, he hoped she could see him in a new light as he worked on improving himself. “God, I probably will find so many things from my side, behind the boards, that I could have done better. That was actually the first full length record I ever produced for somebody else.” Despite any contrary stories, the only reason he opted to produce her first ever project was because he believed in her as a singer-songwriter and not some other side motivation. In some aspects, he considered himself as her biggest supporter. Even when things went south with them romantically, he always kept up with what she did professionally.

“You’re always invited, Ellie-Grace. As you could imagine, I have plenty of rooms you can choose from to stay at my place. I don’t think we have many hotels out there.” He mentioned with a laugh, knowing that it was a complete change of pace from the bustle of LA. “Fuck ‘em. People will always find something to latch onto you, no matter what you do or how long ago it may have been. At least you won’t have to worry about paparazzis out there.” In the decade he had been out there not once was he ever photographed candidly, although being one of the few “celebrities” out there meant people were prone to asking for his picture when he was seen out and about, which he always tried to be open to. “Good point! Call me Ry. Call me Ross. Our poor guy was cursed with that middle name.” He giggled along with her as they had a laugh at their friend’s expense. “I did call you over when Joshua was a mess, so only fair you do the same with Alfie. It is weird to visualize him as anything but that little 14 year old kid. Now when he tells me he’ll kick my ass, I’ll probably believe him.

He took a quick moment to appreciate it all. It was something he did not want to take for granted at this point of his life. “I’ve never met anyone that lives on either side of me and I plan on keeping it that way.” Ryan said with a soft laugh, taking a seat on the same couch as Ellie, keeping a bit of space between the two. Just as he was taking sip of wine, he had to quickly turn his head to avoid spitting the liquid in his mouth all over at her comment. It was proof enough that they were in a stage of comfort with each other to crack such jokes. After coughing for a few seconds, and shaking his head trying to compose himself, he finally looks back over at her. “You know, technically I’m still single, so play your cards right and you just might.” He stated jokingly, giving her a small wink. “Honestly, odds are I will still ruin my career. I’ll cut you a good price on this place.”