#diamondspara4: on the town

[ryanclaremont]

on the town.

Being back in the city definitely has some adjustments. There's a vast difference from the serene ocean to the hustle and bustle of the city. Though after one night's sleep Ryan's already back into the motions and typical schedules she's usually on. She gets her life in order, sorting out her place and gets back into the routine of things. Breakfast at the cafe, lunch at the bistro, dinner at her brother's and so on. She does love the city, she would be fooling herself if she didn't.

She's got friends besides her little circle, she knows people who know people. And when she sees there's some afterparty at one of the clubs for some indie recording artist, Ryan thinks that might be something up her alley. It would be nice to have a night out, and she'd invite Luci if Aiden wasn't wining and dining her as if it's their first date every Thursday.

Ryan dresses, calling a car as she zips up the side zipper of her dark plum mini dress and grabs a purse, heels and gets herself downstairs when the car pulls around to the front. She thanks her doorman and slips into the car, heading off to the club. It seems to be a hot commodity as the driver has to wait in a small line up of cars, people waiting outside to get in the club but when Ryan exits the car, she strolls right ahead to the security. No verbal indication needed, the rope opens up and Ryan moves into the club.

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan hums in agreement, leaving her arm stretched out that's holding onto his hand and her other brings up the blanket to her neck to cocoon herself. She can feel the high of the night coming down which is probably for the best at this rate as she begins to go in and out of falling asleep. This is... good. A very simplistic way to think about this but it's how Ryan seems. Or it's better then the last thousand nights that weren't so good from time to time.

"I want the pancakes with chocolate chips in the morning," Ryan says before she decides to turn over and finally go to sleep. Just reminding him of his payment. "The mini ones in the cupboard beside the fridge." She yawns, closing her eyes.

August is grateful that he's not completely sick from tonight's activities. He'll probably wake up with a headache but it's certainly not the most hungover he's ever been, so. There was this one time were he and Ryan were totally demolished the morning after a nightclub night. They spent the entire day in bed trying not to die.

Actually one of his most fondest memories, if that even makes sense.

He looks at their joined hands, his thumb creating patterns on her skin, dumbfounded for a moment that he left this, her. Just--

August lets out a soft laugh that's mostly air leaving his nose, "Very true," He mumbles, "You're definitely the common factor there."

[augustcastle]

August smirks softly and shakes his head, because how can he forget. But he nods and squeezes her hand before she lets go, allowing her to turn. He runs a hand down from her shoulder to her hip, squeezing, before turning on his other side to do to the same, sleep.

He's awake just for a bit longer, listening to her breathing evening out. And he wonders how he ever felt comfortable in Greece for three years without this.

Ryan hums in agreement, leaving her arm stretched out that's holding onto his hand and her other brings up the blanket to her neck to cocoon herself. She can feel the high of the night coming down which is probably for the best at this rate as she begins to go in and out of falling asleep. This is... good. A very simplistic way to think about this but it's how Ryan seems. Or it's better then the last thousand nights that weren't so good from time to time.

"I want the pancakes with chocolate chips in the morning," Ryan says before she decides to turn over and finally go to sleep. Just reminding him of his payment. "The mini ones in the cupboard beside the fridge." She yawns, closing her eyes.

[augustcastle]

August is grateful that he's not completely sick from tonight's activities. He'll probably wake up with a headache but it's certainly not the most hungover he's ever been, so. There was this one time were he and Ryan were totally demolished the morning after a nightclub night. They spent the entire day in bed trying not to die.

Actually one of his most fondest memories, if that even makes sense.

He looks at their joined hands, his thumb creating patterns on her skin, dumbfounded for a moment that he left this, her. Just--

August lets out a soft laugh that's mostly air leaving his nose, "Very true," He mumbles, "You're definitely the common factor there."

Ryan can already feel her body ready to shut down for the night. There's still some warmness from the alcohol sitting in her, her head a little fuzzy but it's not the worst condition she's ever been in. It's a nice coasting buzz and she knows she'll get a good sleep from it as well. She really didn't except the night to go this way, more honestly she only expected to have a few drinks and leave after.

Her head sinks into the pillow as she turns onto her side, comfortable. Ryan lifts her hand and gently moves August's hand away from her hair, setting his hand down onto the bed but doesn't let go, a loose hold around his palm and thumb.

"Of course you did, it's me," she mumbles to him. Then, "Me too."

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan finds a cardigan and wraps it around herself, cozy. She needs to take off this dress as it's gotten uncomfortable from the drinking, the pizza but she lingers. There's another wave that comes in as she listens to August down the hall, familiar sounds and it's like he didn't even leave. Not like her place has changed much either except some new framed pieces on the wall.

She blinks a few times when he returns, coming back to reality as she looks at him. "I really only mean don't ask about the box, you know," she teases softly and grabs a glass and fills it up from the fridge and sets the water on the container.

"Who do you think I am? You think I would downsize?" Ryan shakes her head as she turns off the lamp in the living room and walks to her bedroom, pushing open the door. Same set up, different bedding, same slight mess of clothes and shoes. Ryan shrugs off the cardigan and tosses it onto a plush dark green chair in the corner and unzips the side zipper, moving to find an oversized shirt to put on.

August lets Ryan wander down the hall to the guest room and he raises his eyebrows about the box but he listens about not asking. He smiles a little and walks to the bathroom to change—he swaps the jeans for the joggers and there’s a t-shirt in there too. He’s glad for that because he didn’t feel like showering but he definitely needed a new layer for the night. 

He walks back out, finding Ryan still in the kitchen from putting the leftovers in the fridge. 

“Can I get some water?” He asks, not wanting to go for the glasses or anything before he asks. 

“Please tell me you still kept your king bed.” 

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan avoids turning on any of the big lights. There's a lamp on in the living room, providing enough light for them in the main area. She yanks off her shoes and being barefoot never felt so good, she can feel the tension releasing as she walks around, moving to put the leftovers in the fridge and turns her head to look at August.

"Uh," she hums with a short laugh. Ryan begins down the hallways, stopping at a door and flicks on a light, moving into the guest before and picks up a small box. She returns and places it in August's arm. "Don't ask." She says, means it to.

Felt like the most real break up she ever had and it was a friendship. It... was a very low time and it brought some sort of relief putting things she found of him into a box. Though Ryan never did anything else with it but keep it behind a door.

August grins as they head inside the building, nodding his head at Barry and, 

“Hey it’s really nice to see you again man.” And he makes sure to ask him how he is, his wife, his daughter. It’s been a long time but he remembers, definitely makes it feel like he’s coming home. 

They take the elevator up to her place and he toes off his shoes and hangs up his jacket. One deep breath and it feels like he’s never left—he knows he probably shouldn’t admit that, but still. 

“Feels good to be back here—still got my joggers or did you burn those?” He grins. 

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan doesn't usually let guys stay. It's this rule she made with herself once after this one guy years ago got too attached far too quickly and would start showing up out of the blue. It she was out and anything ever transpired, Ryan's been able to turn the tables and end up at their place and leaves. It's just never felt right to have other men here, even more so over the last few years.

But August? August is August. There's no rules and the thing is that they'll crash in her bed, or stay up far too late talking and wake up when the day is halfway done. It's different, it works out for them because it's... them.

Ryan breathes in and walks up the steps, getting into the building as the doorman grabs the secondary door and greets her, surprised to see August but Barry welcomes Mr Castle back as well, tapping the elevator button for them as well.

And there it is. 

He smiles, can’t help it, he’s glad that she offers. He really thinks the ice has melted and he’s never felt more relieved. He takes in a short breath and nods, leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek because he can’t stop himself. 

“Think that’s an easy price for me to pay.” He whispers, nodding. He can’t remember the last time he was there, doesn’t want to bring that up either, but he’s more than happy to be there with her if she wants him. 

[ryanclaremont]

She nods, so many plans and Ryan never seems to put in the effort to do them all anyway. It used to be just to fill up her time, the gaps where her and August used to do things but now he's here. It's still surreal to her and she keeps thinking if she pinches herself hard enough he'll disappear right in front of her eyes.

"Yeah," she says softly. "Something at some time," which typically means whenever they're both not suffering from a hangover. Hopefully not though. "Are you going to walk all the way home, or do you want a car?" Ryans asks, "Or I can loan you a bed for the low price of making me pancakes and coffee in the morning."

August pauses outside of Ryan’s place—he wants to be able to invite himself up but then he also doesn’t want to impose. Which is funny because he usually doesn’t have to worry about that, he and Ryan just…operate on a certain level that doesn’t need words. 

“Clearly,” He grins, not wanting to let go of her hand. “Uh, maybe we could do something together?” He asks, raising his eyebrows. “Whatever you want, have time for.”  

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan looks up at the buildings, exhaling as she can feel her body winding down as she nears her place. She steps up onto the curb once they cross and turns, standing in front of the stairs and door to her building. She looks up at August as he recites his vague plans but her sound about the same if she's being honest.

"Breakfast, lunch, dinner," Ryan lists on her fingers again. "Maybe not breakfast because I'm gonna need my beauty rest. Coffee, getting my nails done, windowing shopping. Busy day, clearly." she smirks and she knows that maybe two things will actually happen on that list.

August hums, waiting for Ryan to stand before he takes her hand again. He squeezes, pressing a kiss to her knuckles because he can, because it’s the most natural thing. He walks with her towards her place,

“New York is a dangerous place I mean c’mon, what kind of guy would I be if I let you walk back alone?” He grins, swinging their hands. 

He clears his throat, crossing the street with her before letting out a slow breath. “Tomorrow? Nothing,” He purses his lips. “Maybe lunch with Aiden but,” He shrugs, “You?” 

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan hums a laugh as she listens to August mutter and complain like a kid. It's funny when he does that, like someone's put him in a time out or something. She stands up as well, picking up her things and walks around the table to the other side by August. "Yes, please walk me three hundred feet to my building door." She smirks, and begins to walk.

"What are you doing tomorrow," she asks as they venture down the sidewalk. Ryan walks along an orange spray painted line, something for construction most likely but she keeps her balance pretty well.

August hums lightly and shakes his head because he knows exactly what he said and how he said it—he meant it but he won’t add to it. He absolutely does hate the subway however. 

“The subway is too hot all year round and I won’t talk about the smell here.” He smiles a little though because him and Ryan have had plenty of fun in the subway, so. 

He stands to toss the trash and takes a few more sips of his coke. “C’mon, I’ll walk you home.”  

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan got a slice and a half left. Full but content and she can't wait to eat the rest in the morning half asleep in bed. It's a perfect combination and something she's looking forward to but hopes the headache isn't too bad. She holds onto her coke bottle with two hands, sipping through the straw like a toddler but it works.

"The subway is fun," she comments but her tone is a bit far away as she thinks, closing her eyes. Sleepy too. Ryan hums at August, looking back at him. "I shouldn't come before your family in that sentence, but I appreciate it."

August smirks and begins eating some of his crust since he has finished all his slices. Damn good, he's really glad she brought him here (though it'll be a dangerous thing later, he already knows it). He leans back in his seat, running a hand over his stomach before patting it lightly. Full and sleepy, just as he suspected.

"Hate the fucking subway," He mumbles--literally avoids it at all costs before giving her a smile. His stomach is doing this weird flip thing which he blames on the copious amounts of grease,

"C'mon, we both know I came back for you--family." He smirks, "My favorite bagel spot around from my apartment. Usual stuff."

[ryanclaremont]

Ryan taps August's leg back with her foot. "Seems like the perfect reason to come back," she counters and there's some playfulness in her tone as she happily eats her pizza. "Or was it for the subway rats? That's another good bargain to being a New Yorker."

She really does love this city and all the little intricacies it has. It's definitely not for everyone but it's also not meant for everyone too? There's definitely a fine line but there's room to make it your own. Ryan thinks she does it well even though she's had multiple advantages in her life, she is aware of that. But it's not like she hasn't become her own person too.

August groans because no, it's not the same. That festival is in the tiniest section of the city and it goes on far too long during hot days and blegh, hence the overwhelming trash smell mixing will all the food they're attempting to sell. Literally the worst. He playfully kicks her shin lightly under the table,

"Not why I came back here," He tells her, reaching for his third slice.

[augustcastle]

August groans because no, it's not the same. That festival is in the tiniest section of the city and it goes on far too long during hot days and blegh, hence the overwhelming trash smell mixing will all the food they're attempting to sell. Literally the worst. He playfully kicks her shin lightly under the table,

"Not why I came back here," He tells her, reaching for his third slice.

Ryan wipes her mouth with her thumb, looking over at August with a slight squint as she reaches for her drink. "What you don't like the smell of trash?" She teases. "We did just walk by fifty trash bags on the way here, it's the allure of the city. Trash and pizza, and bagels. Coffee. Pastrami."

She laughs to herself as she sips, then right back in for another bite of the pizza. She's full, well, alcohol full. Dehydrated and the coke isn't really helping either. It'll be okay. Though Ryan does yawn as she watches a few cars go by as well.

[augustcastle]

Greece had its own beautiful things, he's not about to dispute that, but he also knows when home is home. One of the great things about Greece is that he was just visiting, it never felt like a place he was going to stay long-term. Or well, longer than three years at least. He hums lightly and nods, having another slice. He doesn't completely eat the crust because he wants to save some room.

He looks out at the street as people pass by, the usual sort of New York sights for this late at night.

"It's great until the San Gennaro festival pops up," He crinkles his nose, "Then the whole place just smells like trash."

She hums and carefully picks up the slice, folding it and takes a big bite out of it. It's the best thing, she doesn't care what anyone says. Ryan doesn't need a fancy pizzeria, all she needs is her two dollar pizza and this cold crisp coke and she's set.

She leans against the chair and sighs, content. "I mean, I guess actual pizza from Italy would be good, but I'll take Little Italy too."

[augustcastle]

So they kinda do end up getting a pie, but it's even better because it's a bunch of different slices making it up. He looks over his shoulder at the small tables outside and he playfully nudges his shoulder against Ryan's,

"Wanna sit outside?" He asks, taking his wallet out. He's quick to pay for the pizza and their drinks--least he can do for disappearing for three years, right? He grabs a coke from the cooler, chewing on his lower lip as he waits for the box to be ready.

Ryan smiles as she clasps her hands behind her back, peering into the display case as the two people in front of them get their slices and move along. All the options tonight look good. Some are standard but they rotate through others as well.

"What's it going to be tonight?" One of the men asks, glancing at August curiously but nods to him politely. "Should I get a box going?"

"I think so. Two vodka, two pepperoni, that white sauce one and... I think just a four cheese for tonight with some chilli oil sauce?"

The guy chuckles and nods, getting the pieces onto the peel and puts them through the oven, setting up the box.