Work Text:
They were on the way to kidnap another scientist or bully a world leader or something. Stratt had probably told him, but Dr. Ryland Grace was too absorbed in his reading to pay too much attention. These things usually just needed him there to verify that whatever science was being told to Stratt was accurate. As usual, Carl was driving and Grace sat up front. He got carsick if he tried to read in the back of the car.
Carl had decided to entertain himself by engaging Ryland in a game of “Smash or Pass” and naming various celebrities. So far, Grace had passed on all of them. He didn't want to burst Carl's bubble by explaining he is demisexual and had never once had a crush on anyone.
“Tom Ryder” that one finally got Ryland's attention. His head snapped up and he said “My husband? Of course, smash.”
Carl nearly crashed the SUV. “That's a joke, right? Like when people really like a celebrity they'll be like ‘Oh, he's my husband!’”
Ryland looked at Carl and answered, “No, I mean like our second wedding anniversary is in three weeks. Tom wore white. Our dog Jean-Claude was our ring bearer. It was a headache keeping it a private ceremony. Coulda used you on security, honestly.”
Carl yelled “What the FUCK, Dr. Grace? You have NEVER ONCE mentioned this before.”
“Language.” Ryland admonished with a smile. And I didn't mention it because I've gotten used to dodging questions about Tom to keep out of the spotlight.”
Stratt hung up from whatever phone conversation she had been on. “What is going on up there?”
“Carl's having an existential crisis because he realized he has a crush on my husband.” Ryland called back to her.
Stratt looked genuinely surprised. “You have a husband?”
“It’s not just that he has a husband, it’s who his husband is… TOM RYDER.” Carl added.
“Am I supposed to recognize that name?” Stratt asked.
Carl said “He’s an American action movie star.”
“Oh, I don’t really have time for films.” Carl looked aghast at this. Ryland just laughed.
“I can Facetime him once we get to wherever it is we’re going.” Ryland told Carl.
Once the car was parked, Ryland pulled out his phone and Facetimed his husband. It was late in LA, but not so late that Tom was likely to be asleep. He picked up almost immediately “Hello, Sunshine!” Tom was obviously happy to hear from Ryland. “What a surprise. I didn’t expect to see your beautiful face tonight.”
“Hey Babe, I miss you. I just wanted to introduce you to one of my friends real quick. He’s part of the security detail here and a pretty cool dude. A fan of your work and all that. This is Carl.” Ryland turned the phone so that Carl and Tom could see each other.
“Hi Carl, nice to meet you. Any friend of Ryland’s is a friend of mine!” Tom flashed his most winning smile and Carl sputtered out a sheepish “Hello”.
Ryland turned the phone back to himself and started trying to say goodbye. In the background, Carl said “I can’t believe he didn’t tell me. We made a baby together and everything.”
Ryland saw his husband’s eyes widen as he clearly heard that, and said the first thing that came to mind. “Oh shit.”