Chapter Text
Summer break was supposed to be a time for Ryland to catch up on some much needed sleep and to write the lesson plans for next year. Instead he let his twin brother convince him to come watch how Jody’s newest movie is made from behind the scenes. Practically begging for him to come and just hang out for a few months now that he had time.
Which was a fair request since he was finally settled into his new teaching career and mostly over the whole being kicked out of academia. Even if he did miss the labs and comradery of his old life, it wasn’t something he could ever do again.
That didn’t make the plane rides any more fun, being trapped on a pressurized tube with a bunch of strangers while getting motion sick was not his idea of a good time.
It was a gross experience that made Ryland feel worn out by the time he was standing outside of the airport waiting for Colt to finally pull over and pick him up. Ordering an Uber would have been faster than his brother picking him up by now but his twin was adamant that he wanted to. If he didn’t love his brother so much he would have just Ubered to his apartment and not told him now that Colt was making him stand here for thirty extra minutes.
Finally a sleek black car pulled up in front of him that rolled its window down and revealed his twin, a tanned and scruffy haired version of himself grinning wildly. Colt unlocked the doors and laughed as Ryland struggled to get his suitcase and carry on into the backseat, not saying anything yet was the kindest thing his brother could do.
“So,” Colt said with a barely contained laugh, “how was the flight?”
“You know darn good and well how I feel about flying Colt.” Ryland deadpanned, knowing if he looked over his brother would have a wide grin that made his eyes squint.
Colt let out a loud laugh as he pulled out of the airport pickup line, shaking his head and mocking Ryland for being a baby. It wasn’t his fault that Colt got all the bravery genes in the womb, Ryland was smart and Colt was rough and tumble. Two sides of the same coin as everyone said.
It was a quick drive all things considered, though after an almost twelve hour flight here just about anything felt faster. It helped that Colt rolled the windows down just enough to have a strong wind blow through the car, letting Ryland feel somewhat like a human.
They drove along a beautiful coast line, some pop music blaring from the radio that Colt was singing along to, it felt reminiscent of their yearly college years before Colt dropped out. Just the two of them driving long distances to go outside, for Ryland to learn and for his brother to be free of a city.
Pulling up to the apartment felt out of place, this place seemed far too nice for Colt. No offence to his twin but this was millionaire style not stunt man.
“Nice isn’t it?” Colt said with a smile, “Perks of being Tom Ryder’s main stunt man, apparently he didn’t want people to think he couldn’t swing for his subordinates or something. Everyone got pretty good accommodations but me and Jody are the only ones that have something this nice.”
Ryland looked between the apartments just about touching the beach with large windows covering every surface and his brother in disbelief. “There is no way.”
His brother just laughed again and pulled Ryland’s suitcase out of the backseat as Ryland gawked, “I know man, but I’m not complaining about being set up in the nicest place I've ever been in for the next few months as we film.”
“Colt.”
His brother let out a hum of acknowledgement as he ushered Ryland towards the building. Practically pushing Ryland along to get him inside.
“This is crazy nice.” Ryland said, letting himself be pushed as he openly stared at the beautiful landscape and apartment building.
“I know.” Colt said fondly, “It gets better inside, good AC and a great view. And sunscreen you hermit.”
Now that his brother brought it up, it was pretty hot outside. The wind from the open windows mostly hid the heat but now that they are standing in the direct sunlight, Ryland could feel himself about to burn.
Ryland let out a few fake laughs, his brother was right but it would be a cold day in hell before he let Colt get away with making fun of him. The thought of a good AC did make Ryland get his but in gear, throwing his backpack over his shoulder and finally walking towards the apartments without Colt having to push him.
Anything to get out of this heat now that he noticed it, how people lived here all the time was astounding. Weather like this was actively trying to kill you and people chose to move into areas like this, yeah the view was great but everything else sucked!
The inside of Colt’s temporary home was just as nice as he said it would be, a nice cool temperature and a beautiful layout. Open floor plan for the living room and kitchen, all the appliances looked to be brand new as well. There were two bedrooms on opposite sides of the apartment with doors facing each other, Rylands was the one next to the kitchen while Colt’s was the one closest to the large balcony that the sliding glass door in the living room lead out to.
Another jab from his brother about how pale Ryland was from never going outside came quickly when Colt was showing him around. Apparently that was why Ryland’s room was farther from the balcony, less sunlight for him to burn in.
He would be much more mad if his brother wasn’t right. If he went into the sun for any amount of time right now he would burn, badly. But that didn’t mean he needed to keep bringing it up, isn’t that why Colt was so adamant for him to come see him?
“Alright,” Colt started as they finished the short tour of their temporary home, “call time is six tomorrow morning and I know you are not a morning person so you should get some sleep before that jet lag kicks your ass tomorrow.”
“I’ll have you know I am much more of a morning person now that I’m a teacher Colt. School starts at like 8 in the morning so I’m much better now.” Ryland argued back, proud of his change in character.
Colt just waved him off and rolled his eyes, “I’ll find out tomorrow, now get in that bed. As you’re big brother, I know you’re tired.”
“I’m a grown man Colt and we are twins. You’re only five minutes older than me.” Ryland shot back as he walked towards his room, reluctantly knowing his brother was right.
“Those five minutes count, you know. They make me older than you.” Colt laughed back, “Good night Ry, see you bright and early tomorrow!”
Ryland grumbled before calling out his own good night and closed his bedroom door behind him. This was either going to be a great time or he was going to never talk to his brother again. Either way he had a feeling this was going to be a wild summer break.