Harmony And Distance

"Bro, I just hate to see you go," Zach said, helping haul Ryan's luggage bag out of the trunk of his car.

"I'll be back soon, you know that," Ryan said, offering the taller man a sympathetic smile. Zach's blue eyes seemed to light up slightly as he offered his own lopsided grin.

"This is the second time in the past two months, Ryan. They need you, man... I need you," Zach replied, trying not to let his tone sound too whiny.

Ryan readjusted his cap before leaning over to pat Zach's shoulder reassuringly. "I know I just. I have to this my passion. I love the band, but other artists need my help more than they do right now."

Zach couldn't help the snort that left his lips as he rolled his eyes. "They are a bunch of egotistical, lazy, entitled brats who couldn't write a song if they had to."

"Hey!" Ryan exclaimed, punching his friend's shoulder. "That's my job you're talking about. My job is helping the creatively stunted with writing their own songs. You have no idea how much work that takes."

"No, but I know you. You could do this blindfolded and probably still get them to sign the songs. That's the real reason they want you to stay so bad, Ry. Because you're fucking brilliant, and you'll make them sound like the next best thing," Zach said, closing the trunk before turning to look at the other man.


Ryan blushed, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "It's just my job, Z. You're just mad that I have to leave for a little bit."

"Yes, I'm angry about that. And the fact that you are being way too modest about your talents," Zach said, rolling his eyes again. "You have to leave, and I don't like it. I don't like having to be in charge when you're gone. I don't like being responsible, Ry. I'm not cut out for it."

Ryan's expression softened as he pulled Zach into a hug. Zach wrapped his arms around his friend, lifting him off the ground for a moment. "Ar- Zach, can you please not? We're at the airport," Ryan laughed, playfully swatting the other man's shoulder.

Zach set Ryan back down, letting go reluctantly. "Alright. Alright, sorry, I got carried away. Have a safe flight; text me when you get in. Let me know if you need anything. I'll come out there as soon as possible if you need me."

"I know, you've already done it once before," Ryan said, giving his friend another small smile.

Zach nodded, opening the driver's side door before climbing in. Ryan grabbed his luggage from the sidewalk, waving at Zach before making his way into the terminal. He hated leaving. But his work was more important than anything else. His work had to come first. It was his duty and his calling. He was going to help artists all over the world find their own voice.

Just then Ryan felt a pair of strong arms wrap around his waist. "Sorry, I just wanted a hug before you left," Zach said, burying his face into Ryan's hair. "Be careful, and please call me."

"I will," Ryan said, leaning back into the hug, enjoying the contact. He didn't want Zach to let him go. He loved the warmth and safety that came with his best friend's embrace. Ryan was never really able to put into words how much Zach meant to him. Zach had been there for him for over 30 years.

Through the ups and downs. Through his first heartbreaks and every time he needed to be picked up from the airport. Ryan had no idea what he would ever do without the other man. He hoped he would never have to find out.

Zach squeezed his best friend tight for a moment, nuzzling his hair. He was going to miss the other man terribly. "Okay, okay. I have to let you go. Have a good flight and a great session. I can't wait to hear all the great songs you've written," Zach said, releasing his hold on Ryan and heading back to his car.

Ryan watched Zach until he disappeared before walking through the doors of the airport. He would be fine. He always was. He would just get some work done and be back in Los Angeles before he knew it.