The way things are
Chapter two

by M. F. Luder (mfluder@ec-red.com)

Title: The way things are
Author: M. F. Luder
Pairing: Should be Ryan/Seth in the near future. Hints of Ryan/OC
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Nah, I'm not really like that *winks*
Category: Angst... lots of it. Romance in a while. Sweetness in a couple of months.*shrugs*
Summary: Ryan finds himself in a compromising situation which puts the Cohen Household in a peculiar position. Ryan's friendship with Seth is also on the line. It can either draw strength from this, or break apart completely.
Warnings: MPREG (male pregnancy). Read at your discretion. 
Author's note: I wasn't sure about posting this story, but since I've already published it in my LJ, I figured I could give it a shot. Yes, it's an mpreg. If that isn't your cup of tea, then don't worry. Don't read it. I can handle it. *g* 
It's unbetad, so all mistakes are mine. 
And, finally, this one goes to Vera. You're the sweetest. 

Ryan runs his fingers through his wet hair, plastering it against his skull, to the back. He places his hands on either side of the sink and stares at his reflection on the mirror.

He sighs.

It's been two days since he told the Cohens and he's still surprised. He can't believe they took it so well. He wonders if they'd have taken it the same if he had knocked up a girl. He doesn't know.

They talked after that, after Ryan and Seth finished doing dinner's dishes, both of them quiet, Ryan afraid of saying anything to Seth. Seth went to be afterwards with barely a glance at Ryan's way. Ryan doesn't blame him.

Ryan leans over, closing the distance to the mirror. His eyes gaze at his face. He sees no visible difference, but at the same time feels a disparity on him, all around him.

They talked. Actually, Sandy and Kirsten talked while he listened. Questions were asked and Ryan tried his best to answer truthfully. They didn't asked about the other parent, and Ryan was grateful for that. He doesn't know whether they didn't ask because, really, it doesn't matter, or because they just don't want to know. Ryan doesn't know which one is best. He doesn't want to think about him. If they didn't ask, if he didn't tell, he can pretend he didn't exist.

His eyes move to his still flat belly. He sighs again and wonders how long it'd be before he starts showing. He's done his calculations, he thinks he's around nine or ten weeks.

Kirsten did ask him how far along he was. She told him he'd probably show around the end of school year.

Ryan groans, hand moving to his forehead. School. It's barely February 13th, and he still has three and a half months to go. He does the math in his head.

"Great," he mutters under his breath. He'll be around five and a half months by the time school is over. "Just great."

Taking one last glance into the mirror, Ryan walks out of the bathroom and starts changing.

*****

They make their way to school in silence. Kirsten doesn't even try small chat. Ryan is grateful for that too.

He sighs, eyes staring to the scenery passing by. Breakfast was a silent matter. Ryan didn't like it, already used to Seth's nonstop babbling. Ryan missed it this morning.

They pull up at the entrance of the Harbor, and Kirsten gives him a reassuring smile. Ryan tries to reciprocate, falling short.

"Have a nice day boys," she leans towards the passenger's window as they walk out of the car.

Seth only lifts his head to acknowledge her.

"Ryan," she says softly. He turns to look at her. "Don't worry."

Ryan shrugs it off.

He walks towards the stairs as Seth skates five or six feet in front of him. At least Seth waits for Ryan by the entrance.

Ryan tells himself it can't be that bad, if Seth is waiting for him. They make their way towards the lockers slowly, air filled with tension and so very quietly. All those things unfamiliar to Ryan concerning Seth.

"Hmm... I gotta..."

Ryan nods just as Seth walks out, takes a right and towards one of his classes, forgetting about putting his things in his locker because Seth's locker is two lockers down from Ryan's own.

So, maybe it is that bad. This certainly isn't the usual Thursday. Ryan sighs, and hopes Seth deals with this quickly. He doesn't know if he'll be able to stand it for too long.

Chapter three
The way things are

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