The CEO's Rose

Mark’s POV

When he and Ryan hung out, things were often very routine. Sure, their conversation topics varied, but for the most part, the activities that they did when they hung out together were very predictable. Either there was alcohol involved, a TV with a sports game playing, or they were doing some sort of physical activity. Those were things that Mark was used to doing when he was with his best friend.

But during the current hangout, none of those things were happening. Instead of doing the usual stuff, the two of them were at a gallery. Moving from artwork to artwork, admiring the pieces while also having deep conversations.

"So she finally said it, she is ready to move in with you," Looking up from the sculpture that he had been observing, Ryan nodded, and Mark could not help but notice that his friend’s eyes were full of joy.

"I take it that you are happy about this as well," Ryan smiled like he was doing an ad for a toothpaste.

"I mean, for the most part, we have already really been living together because she was spending most nights at the penthouse. But this is really something else. Vivian has suffered a lot thanks to her ex. For her to be willingly giving up her space to come live with me. That is huge, the level of trust that she’s putting in me is just mind-blowing," Mark nodded, his hands in his pockets, "Then make sure that you never make her regret it,"

"Of course," Ryan said easily as they moved on to the other exhibits.

"After this, let’s go somewhere and get a drink," Mark suggested, Ryan looked a bit torn at that, but in the end he nodded.

"Alright, but we’ll have to make it quick. I promised Vivian that I would not be out too late," Mark had to suppress a smirk at his friend’s statement. Ah, it was already beginning. The old ball and chain, always being home on time so that the missus would not worry, the wonders of love indeed.

***

Mark was staring at his friend with wide eyes, not even trying to disguise his worry. Ryan, completely unbothered, did not even notice the look. He was far too busy, staring at his own hand like he had never seen it before. Moving his fingers slowly, Ryan tapped them on the table and Mark could only watch as his friend began to giggle.

"Care to share with the rest of the class?" He asked. Hiccupping, Ryan looked at him, then his gaze slid back to his fingers and he giggled again.

"I can’t find the right size," Ryan said a bit too slowly. The careful way he said each word making it clear that he was struggling.

Mark’s eyes widened even more, Ryan was not a lightweight, had he been drugged? Reaching out, he placed the back of his hand against Ryan’s forehead, and then moved in to check his eyes. He was not overheating, and his pupils were normal. Plus, since they had drank from the same bottle, Mark highly doubted that Ryan’s drink had been spiked.

"What is wrong with you? You can normally handle your alcohol way better than this," Snorting loudly, Ryan shrugged.

"I am drinking on an empty stomach," He said with a serious face, and Mark could only stare for a few seconds.

"Ryan, are you insane? You are normally far too responsible for that. Why didn’t you say anything? Come on, let’s get you something to eat," Ryan shook his head, then he held both arms out like the world was spinning despite him being seated.

"No, no, I will not be eating anything. I am going to eat dinner with my Vivian and that is that," His best friend actually ended with a little pout and it was so cute that Mark instantly brought out his phone and took pictures for future blackmail.

"Alright, fine, come on, let me take you to Vivian," His pout immediately vanishing, Ryan stood only to sway in place. He barely managed to remain standing. Rolling his eyes, Mark walked over to his side and had the other man lean on him as they began walking out.

***

"Her smile...her smile...Have you seen Vivian smile? She’s the best. Her smile is so amazing. When she is pleased with me she just-" Vivian Rose had unlocked a new mode of drunk Ryan Terrell and it seemed that this Ryan could only talk about Vivian and her many positive attributes.

Having had to listen to Ryan wax poetic about Vivian smile for over five minutes, Mark focused on just keeping his friend upright and did not comment. When they finally got to the penthouse, he sighed in relief as the door swung open. Then he dragged Ryan inside, glad that his friend was at least trying to help despite his inebriated state.

The moment that they made it over the threshold, the two of them were greeted by the sight of Vivian Rose standing in the middle of the living room with a very unhappy expression on her face.

"He was supposed to have been here an hour ago. What was the hold up?"

"Vivian!" Ryan screamed, pushing himself away from Mark. He walked towards his girlfriend and fell at her feet. Any other time if Mark had walked into such a scene, he would have thought that his friend was about to propose. But instead all that Ryan did was take Vivian’s hand in both of his and kiss her knuckles. "Vivian Rose, I want to be your red dress so that I can fly on your umbrella,"

What?

That made absolutely no sense to Mark.

But from the way that Vivian instantly turned beet red. He could tell that the words definitely meant something to her. Deciding that he did not wish to know. He quickly said his goodbyes and rushed outside. He had thought that he’d have to be defending a very drunk Ryan from a displeased Vivian Rose. But she did not seem particularly upset. Those two really were good for each other.