The Hidden Ones: Resurrection - 38. The Barn

---Teddy---

I laid a kiss on Ryder’s head as I took one last look at him. I’m so lucky to have him. I’m so lucky he came back into my life. Don’t get me wrong, I would trade anything to have changed what happened when we were teenagers, but for the first time since it happened I get it. He was in pain and secluding himself, it was the only way he could cope. Do I think it was healthy? Hell no! Then again was how I handled it all that healthy? Sealing myself off from friends and family. Working twenty-four seven, three hundred sixty five days of the week.

But those days are done now, for the both of us. He’s learned loneliness only leads to destruction, and so have I. As I got in my car and started to drive to the hospital I couldn’t help but click my phone every few minutes. The picture of me and Ryder, it just made me smile. Hell! Maybe I should start joining him in addiction therapy! Hi, my name is Teddy Haner and I’m addicted to Ryder Sullivan!

“Someone looks cheery this morning.” Cait couldn’t help but tease. “Enjoy your vacation?”

“Yeah.” I nodded, I tried to hide my smile but I just couldn’t. “I think I have to start taking off more.”

“Woh!” She teased. “Who are you, and with did you do with my Theodore?”

“Ha Ha.” I rolled my eyes, finally grabbing some folders off the nearby desk.

“Come on, tell me about it.” She pushed with a smile. “How was it?”

“Amazing.” I exhaled. “You should’ve seen the place. Right on the beach, and it’s just, it’s like a playground. Movie theater, studio, and the most luxurious bed I’ve ever slept on.”

“You break it in?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Every night.” I nodded as our college selves reemerged for the first time in years.

“I thought I saw you walking with a limp.” She quietly teased in a laugh. I rolled my eyes but laughed along anyway. “I miss this side of you.” She suddenly let out.

“Happy?” I asked, looking back to her.

“No.” She shook her head. “Relaxed.” As our eyes connected we shared the proudest smile since our graduation day. “I knew Sully would be good for you!” She shouted finishing up her work and heading back to the elevator.

I nodded my head, but before I could say anything the P.A. interrupted. ‘Dr. Haner to surgery! Dr. Haner to surgery!’ It loudly announced.

I took a deep breath before quickly rushing to the prep room. Vacation was great and all, but the adrenaline and excitement that comes with this job, well, it’s pretty good too!

Usually a patient’s first reaction when they hear their doctor just got back from vacation is fear. Yet, an underworked doctor is way better to have than an overworked one! Trust me, I would know!

None of my surgeries today were truly that bad anyway. My call into surgery wound up being nothing more than deep cuts and stitching. Every now and then someone would come in with a broken bone but it was a slow day, and those are always a god send!

If my professors could see me now they would kick my ass! They would lecture me that I didn’t go through all that schooling to do the grunt work of stitching and checking in on people, but the truth is that’s what I love. I’m not too good for any of this work. No one is. And that, maybe that’s the attitude that has me in such a high position at such a young age.

When I finally got off of work I saw Cait shoot me an excited look. “I’ll see you later Dr. Haner!” She teased in a giggle.

Is seeing me this relaxed that exciting for her? I swear to God that woman needs a life of her own! Yet I honestly couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief as I got into my car and started the drive home. Like I said, I love work, but I’m starting to love what I have at home even more!

*************************************************************************************

As I entered a seemingly empty house I felt confusion flood my mind. Did they forget me? What the hell is happening?

“Ryder!” I called out, searching the empty house. “Ryder!” I repeated, before trying to call them. Yet as I reached my bedroom I found the coaster from the Barn sitting at the center of my bed with a note underneath it.

‘See you Soon

- R.S.’

Was all it read, but I instantly knew where he was, and where to go. With a growing smile I dropped my white coat and ran back out to my car. My heart bean to race faster as I got closer and closer to the old restaurant. What in the world are you planning Ryder Sullivan?

The second I pulled into the crowded lot I saw Oli suspiciously dart inside. With another deep breath I got out of my car and followed where I had watched him enter. The room grew quiet as I walked through the short lobby. I could make out some figures on stage and a few people I recognized at tables but the second my feet fully hit the open dance floor all the lights shut off, sending the restaurant into darkness.

It was quiet at first, before suddenly a scaling guitar filled the air.

‘Oh my god’ I heard Ryder exhale followed by a long screech that flowed into a familiar song. The song he had played up on that stage all those years ago. The song that had pushed me head over heels for him. Welcome to the Jungle.

The lights kicked on as the guitar and drums found their rhythm. To my surprise there was Ryder up on stage with the rest of Messiah, dancing around just like he always did.

I could feel a few happy tears leaving my eyes at the site. A site that only grew prouder as I realized my baby brother was the one behind the drums. The restaurant stayed still as Messiah rocked the small stage the same way they had for the past fourteen years.

As I looked around I noticed all my friends and family in the crowd. As the song came to an end and Oli switched places with Zach I quickly started to piece together what was happening.

Oli happily grabbed the guitar and began to strum the intro to a far too familiar song. A song that had grown to mean so much to not only Ryder, but to me as well. My heart nearly froze as Ryder put his microphone into the stand in front of Oliver and jumped off stage.

Oli began to sing. Just like always, his voice wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough for me. And Wish You Were Here, well, it was the perfect song.

“Hey.” Ryder smiled finally reaching me. “You finally found us.”

“What is this?” I asked in disbelief as my smile stretched from ear to ear.

“Exactly what you think it is.” He grinned as the music lowered and he dropped to a knee. “Theodore Zachary Haner.” He called out, as we both tried our hardest to fend off tears. “I think this is long overdue.” Everyone around us inched closer, excited to hear what he had to say.

“After all these years, I still don’t think you grasp how much you mean to me.” He began. “You gave me a chance when no one else would. When everyone treated me like a monster, when no one in that school would talk to me. You did.” He exhaled as a tear finally broke through.

“Then you started to come here.” He continued. “Every Friday for the first month of that summer. You could’ve gone to parties, or whatever cool kids in high school do, but you were here, listening to a crappy band play a genre you don’t even like.” He smiled. “Because that was you. Always making sacrifices for me. Always dropping everything to be there for me.”

“It didn’t matter how much I pushed you away. It didn’t matter how much I yelled at you, you weren’t going anywhere.” The tears started to fall from both our eyes as he grasped my hand. “You never went anywhere. Even after all these years, you never gave up on me.” He shook his head. “You’re the reason I am who I am today. You’re the reason I’m alive today. I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side. So what do you say Teddy, will you marry me?”

I opened my mouth but couldn’t manage any words as he took out a discrete silver ring. I tried once more but finally forced a nod as he rose to his feet and wrapped himself around me. I felt him place the ring around my finger as I leaned in and our lips met.

Applause rang out through the old barn as he stood there and held me to Oliver’s singing. “I love you so freaking much Ryder Sullivan.” I finally managed out. “H-how did you do this?”

“It wasn’t that hard.” He softly exhaled, as we swayed to the music. “The barn doesn’t get that much business anymore, and the Messiah guys aren’t all that busy now a days.” He teased. ‘The hardest part was making the phone calls without you noticing, but you pass out hard when you lay in the sun.”

“So you, you put this all together in a week?” I asked, resting my head on his shoulder.

“Yup.” He happily smiled. “But it’s really not much. I’ve had the idea for a while now, and, it was just, it was the only way I wanted to propose to you.”

“In the place it all started.” I nodded my head.

“In the place it all started.” He proudly repeated.

As the song wound down I saw him look back to his hand. “Go ahead.” I sighed, knowing what marrying Ryder truly meant.

“I can finish the set?” He asked with a smile.

“Of course.” I nodded. “But if your heart,”

“My hearts fine.” He reassured. “It-it’s the best it’s ever been.”

The second he hit the stage Oli scurried back to his drums and family joined me out on the open floor. I watched as Zach, Brandon and Joe all pounced on Ryder. I don’t know much about what’s happened between them over the years, but they look just as close knit as they did when I last left them. Maybe even more so.

“Congratulations!” Blake shouted wrapping his arms around me as an upbeat rock song began to play. As I went to let him go I felt him wrap around me even tighter. “I’m so happy for you.” He exhaled, finally switching places with his wife.

“You just had to say yes.” Liz teased, but I could see the excitement in her eyes. “I’m so beyond happy for you Teddy.” She confessed looking over to the stage with a smile.

The second me and Ryder’s eyes connect I felt my grin spread from ear to ear. “Thank you.” I hugged her once more as Ryder and I broke eye contact. “Wait, where’s Hayley?”

“At home with my mom.” Liz answered. “I miss her, but I-I’d never forgive myself if we missed this.”

I nodded as I felt another tear escape my eye. “Well you look beautiful.” I complimented as she pulled me in for another hug. “I love you both.”

“We love you too.” She let me go as Mike forced his way over.

“Congratulations.” He nodded. He went to shake my hand but before he could let me go I pulled him in for a hug.

“I’ve missed you Mike.” I confessed. “And I’m so happy to have you back in our lives.”

“Me too.” He agreed, happy to hold me in his arms. “Anything you two need, you just let me know.”

I nodded as even more friends worked their way to me. Cait, some other nurses and doctors, who she had no doubt invited on Ryder’s behalf, some of my cousins, and even family members I hadn’t seen in years surrounded me!

When I finally had enough of talking to people I worked my way to a table where my parents sat. “No dance floor for you dad?” I asked, seeing them for the first time all night.

“Your mother told me to let you have fun with your friends.” He sighed, but the second he looked to me I saw pride emanating from his face. “So you two are getting married?” He asked as his eyes began to water.

“It looks like it.” I nodded as he finally wrapped his arms around me.

“It’s about damn time!” He exclaimed hugging me tighter than anyone else at the party. “Everything finally feels, feels,”

“Complete.” Mom finished for him, joining our hug. “I know I gave him a hard time at first, and I know things weren’t always perfect for you two, but there’s no one else I’d rather see you marry.” She exhaled. “He just, he understands you, and he loves you so much more than anyone I pictured you marrying.”

“I did good?” I asked as my dad let me go and gave us some room.

“You did so good.” She rested her head against me. “Look at him.” She sighed. “He’s got the looks, he’s got the talent, he’s got the work ethic, but more importantly, he understands how important family is.” I looked back at her as emotion broke through her words. “He has your brother up on stage with him when he easily could’ve hired anyone else. Hell! He started a band with your brother!”

“He loves him so much.” I said as a grin overtook my face once more.

“Because he loves you so much.” She reminded me. “Oli became his family, because you were his family first. Like I said I, he’s, he’s more than I ever could’ve wanted for you.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her excitement. All his imperfections, and yet my parents have learned to forgive him. They gave him a hard time at first, but they were just trying to protect me. Ryder’s like a son to them, and soon enough it’ll be official.

I couldn’t help but laugh as I looked across the table and saw a curly headed boy excitedly watching the stage. The look of pride in his eyes, the excitement on his face, well it’s exactly how I used to watch Ryder on that stage. I know they’re only thirteen, but if you can, stick around Mark. Oli needs you.

“Go ahead.” Mom whispered seeing who I was looking at. “I think he’d like to talk to you.”

“Yeah?” I asked as she quickly nodded her head. “Now go.”

I followed instructions and slowly took the seat next to the excited teen. I’ve known Mark since he was a toddler, and sure, we’re comfortable around one another, but I’ve never really taken the time to get to know him.

“I, uh, congratulations.” He quickly said, not sure what else to say.

“Thank you.” I slowly nodded my head. “What do you think of them?”

“They-they’re, it’s amazing.” He excitedly let out. “I never thought I’d get to see Oli with Messiah! This, it’s his dream come true!” I’ve felt happiness in bundles today, but this, it just, it made my heart warm. Mark isn’t concerned with himself right now, he’s not bored or waiting for Oli to come back to him. He’s more than happy watching my younger brother up on stage. More than happy to make sacrifices for him.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” I encouraged as he looked from the stage to me. “It’s not easy dating a rock star, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

He thought it over for a few seconds before connecting eyes with me. “Is it hard when they tour?” Concerned soaked his voice as he tried to work it out in his head.

“Yeah.” I confessed. “But it’s so worth it. He’ll think of you just as much as you’ll think of him, and when you finally reunite, well you appreciate each other so much more.”

“D-does he talk about me?” Mark nervously asked with a blush.

“All the time.” I smiled, watching their innocent love blossom. “He doesn’t even so much as look another guy’s way, and if he does he immediately wants to apologize to you.”

“He’s really sweet.” Mark nodded his head. “I know it may not seem like it, but he always makes sure I’m happy. He always has.”

“Hold onto him.” I nodded my head. “And I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother, but because it’s hard to get what you guys are building. And you both deserve it.”

“Thanks Teddy.” He timidly smiled. “Do you, do you think I can ask you about stuff as they tour?” I tilted my head not fully understanding his question. “Like when it gets hard and I miss him?”

“Of course.” I quickly nodded my head. “Whenever you want. Besides, you won’t be going through it alone.” I tried to support. “My other half will be gone too, so I’ll know exactly what you’re talking about.”

His smile grew as my words bounced around in his head. Before I knew it he jumped up and gave me a quick hug. “Thank you Teddy.” He repeated, before sitting back down and happily looking back at his boyfriend.

As the song they were playing wound down Ryder nodded for Oliver to talk. “Hey,” Oli apprehensively began. “I d-don’t know how many of you know, but Ryder and I have a band.” He gulped. “It’s called Unity, and we released our first song last week.” Oli took a breath and looked to Ryder for support. “It’s called Revival.” Oli continued. “And we’re going to play it right now to end our set. Teddy, this one’s for you, congratulations and I love you.”

My mom must’ve lost control over my dad, because the second he heard that he pounced to the dance floor. “What do you say Mark?” I offered with a smile. “Why don’t we go watch our boys up close?”

He eagerly nodded his head as we stood up and made our way to the stage. Everything about their performance made my heart dance in my chest. From knowing it was written by Oliver, to hearing Ryder’s voice, it was all so, perfect.

As Ryder grabbed my hand and looked into my eyes it felt like it was just he and I. He’s made me so unbelievably happy. Made everything finally feel okay again. As the song wound down and applause filled the air I swear there was no one prouder than me and Mark.

“Hey.” Ryder smiled, finally reaching me. “How are you doing Mr. Sullivan-Haner?”

“Please.” I playfully rolled my eyes. “It’s going to be Haner-Sullivan.”

“That does have a better ring to it.” He teased, landing a kiss on my lips.

“See.” I heard Oli whisper to Mark. “I told you they’re always kissing.”

They exchanged a look of disgust at our PDA before scurrying off into the crowd, where they’d no doubt find a quiet place of their own to share a kiss or two.

But to my surprise I saw Oli quickly work his way back through the crowd and felt his weight hit against me. “Congratulations.” He exhaled, hiding his face in my stomach. “You-you deserve this, and I-I love you.”

“I love you too.” I happily held him.

“I love Ryder too.” He admitted in a sniffle. “And, I-I’m so happy he’s going to be my brother.”

“I am too.” I comforted, noticing a tear or two falling from his eyes. He held on for another second before cleaning himself up and running back to his boyfriend. “He was crying.” I quietly informed Ryder.

“I know.” Ryder giggled. “He cried when I told him I was going to propose too!”

“No way!” I gasped, watching him work his way through the crowd.

“Yup.” Ryder smiled. “He’s really happy for you.”

I nodded but had to quickly wipe water from my own eye. Before I knew it friends were making their way to congratulate Ryder.

“Hey.” Brandon nervously let out as people swarmed Ryder. “Congratulations man, I know we’ve had our differences but,”

“We patched that over already.” I interrupted, as our handshake turned into a quick hug. “Remember all those years ago back in PNC?”

“Yeah but then Ryder,”

“That was Ryder’s doing, I don’t blame you guys for it.” I clarified, trying to talk about our break as little as possible. “Besides, I know how hard headed he can be.”

“You’re telling me.” He sighed. “God bless you for marrying him Teddy. You’re a brave man.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his words. “He’s not so bad.”

“No.” Brandon agreed. “And, for the record he, he really did never stop loving you, and he did think he was helping you.” I shot him a curious look as I heard his words. “He never stopped wanting to call you. He never stopped wanting to reach out to you. But fear stopped him.”

“Fear of what?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Of loss.” Brandon explained. “But I’m not telling you anything you don’t know.” He nervously laughed. “Just, just promise me you’ll make sure he ends Messiah after this last album.”

“But don’t you want to,”

“I’d love to keep going.” He interrupted, knowing where I was taking it. “But it’ll destroy Ryder. Unity, that’s a much better path for him. You’re a much better path for him.”

I smiled and nodded as he gave me one last quick hug. I never really doubted that Ryder always loved me. But hearing it from Brandon, hearing that I was always on his mind, it just took away the last of my insecurities. I can’t wait to marry him. I can’t wait to be Mr. Haner-Sullivan