You Started
Title: You Started.
Author: The Empress
Pairing: Ryan/Colin
Rating: PG-13 Word Count: 13,475
Summary: An Empress's take on an episode of choice.
Disclaimer: If you sue me I'll send you a Christmas Card:) I can't give you anything but love...baby:)
The day had started off like any other day at the Mochrie residence. Colin sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. The tousled bed, only contained one occupant, its other had left some time ago, on a permanent basis. Ever since she had learned from Ryan’s wife one night in a distressing phone call at nearly 2am, that he had been cheating on her, there wasn’t much reason for her to stay. He had no idea where she might be now and after convincing himself that he didn’t care for the thousandth time, he let bygones be bygones and moved on. Ryan was a little more accepting of his fate. He hadn’t cared much for his wife in a long time. When he found her note the next morning after dropping the bomb on her, he buried it deep inside and refused to discuss it with anyone, including Colin. After a while Colin gave up trying to coax him into getting his feelings out and let him put it on the shelf along with Colin’s own guilt.
When he started thinking about the past, he got a real stiff feeling in the back of his head. He didn’t want to start off the day with another headache. The taping was scheduled to begin at 10 am, so he only had a couple of hours to shake it off. He did his usual morning routine of shower, shave and something else that starts with that particular letter although not all in that order. He dressed in jeans and a pull over black turtle neck, and made his way downstairs. He clicked on his stereo and put in his favorite opera CD "The Three Tenors". After skipping past "that other guy", he found his favorite aria by Pavarotti, "Nessun Dorma".
Trying to get into a better mood, he hummed a little as he moved around the house, getting his coffee, flipping lackadaisically through a newspaper, thinking about calling Ryan to see if he could catch a ride with him to the studio. Knowing him so well, Colin knew that Ryan was still on his back, asleep in bed, and probably wouldn’t be out the door until 20 minutes before show time. Always the consummate professional, Colin wouldn’t allow himself to be that slack. He still didn’t understand how Ryan managed to maintain all of his producer responsibilities and his two shows without the need of a personal assistant, or at least someone to prod his lazy ass out of bed at a more suitable hour.
This line of thought led him down a path he didn’t like to travel very often. He started thinking about all of the things that bugged him about his lover and best friend. Sometimes he let his status get away with him, Colin thought a little bitterly. Yes, he was the highest paid next to Drew, on the show, and boy did he not let anyone forget it. There would be days when he would swagger about complaining about this or that and get downright belligerent with his attitude. If anyone had anything to say, he would remind them of his status as executive producer and tell them in not so polite terms where they could stuff it. Even Colin himself a time or two had been susceptible to that side of Ryan.
Colin would do his best not to play the "yeah, but I’m your lover" card on Ryan and cover up the negativity that sometimes claimed him when Ryan was in one of his pushy moods. Ryan really could be a bitch at times, he mused thinking of all the mess that he had put Colin through throughout the years. Sometimes when Ryan just needed to let off some steam, he would use Colin as his sounding board. Some days Colin would accept it, others he would not, rivaling his friend with a series of his own knock down drag out fights. Colin would try and wait until they were in their trailer to discuss matters, but Ryan didn’t care where he blew his stack. That kind of unprofessional behavior always bristled Colin.
Sometimes it spilled over into the show. There were days when he could feel the tension in the air just as much as he could feel the sexual excitement in it on other days. He preferred the days when the banter was so laced with innuendo that he could do nothing but wait until the director said cut before rushing Ryan and himself backstage and out the door. The days where the petting was heavy and the suggestions were flying were days that Colin knew it was great to be alive. Sex, sex and more sex was always on his mind and he always had a more than willing recipient to his desires.
Colin always knew how to play a scene and make it hot without ever being blatantly obvious. He always loved the suggested, the undertone, the obscure reference or two. Except when it came time to play "if you know what I mean". There he tended to freeze up. He liked his foreplay to be under shy pretenses. He liked to be fey and bewitching. Mesmerizing with his eyes, his dimples, and his dashing little smile. Then he would pull a real doozie out of no where that would have everyone in stitches. He loved it.
Smiling to himself as he headed out the door, the thoughts again took a cloudy turn as he wondered what kind of mood Ryan would be in today. His back was troubling him as usual, he knew from last night’s bawl out session. He didn’t bother going over for supper, which was his turn this week to prepare. He just wasn’t in the mood to hear anymore about Ryan’s issues, especially face to face. Ryan was just so finicky and picky at times. Colin knew he loved Ryan to death, but everybody needs time to think, or recharge their batteries.
Colin mused on the drive to work that he hadn’t had any real alone time with Ryan in about a month. Normally they went at it like well, the proverbial rabbits. They were always on each other like horny teens just learning that sex is fun. He didn’t know if it was just him or the routine that they had developed. The familiarity is what he craved, but sometimes he enjoyed a grand adventure. Ryan knew this; he was often too lazy to try. He wasn’t tired of it at all, but there were times, he just didn’t feel up to it. Ryan sometimes complained, other times he felt the same. Usually Colin didn’t care, but there were times when he felt it inside, that bitter twinge of neglect.
He reached the studio with about forty-five minutes to spare. This gave him enough time to get to wardrobe and make up and do his calming techniques. He would need them today because he had worked himself up with all of his negative thoughts. He was on the edge and the headache was really starting to make itself known. He reached his trailer and noted curiously that the door was slightly cracked. He knew only one other person besides himself had a key, but he didn’t fathom Ryan being here this early. Scratching his head he walked up the steps and opened the door.
Ryan had been up since 5 am that morning. His mood was foul. It was even worse because Colin hadn’t bothered to show him some sympathy over his ailments. Sure he knew Colin listened to him, but Ryan knew when Colin reached his limit by the way he detached himself from the conversation. Ryan wanted him to respond, to yell back, at least say something to calm him down. Colin didn’t appear to want to tolerate it last night. That always made for a bad day. Now he found himself pacing Colin’s trailer. He didn’t get much sleep and it was even harder with his back and no one there to comfort him. He had wanted Colin to come over unexpectedly perhaps and slide into bed with him as he often did in the past. That had always brought Ryan the most comfort. He knew Colin cared about him to the very core of his being, and he loved the way Colin expressed that.
Last night however, Ryan spent the night cold and alone. He couldn’t seem to find comfort in anything. He had a long soak in his hot tub; he took his pain medicine, tried reading a script, and eventually just settled for staring up at the ceiling until the sleep came to claim him. That was around 2:30 am. So basically you could say he was more than a little grouchy.
He heard the footsteps approaching the trailer and he knew the owner would be thrown off guard and a little wary. It was uncharacteristic of Ryan to be anywhere this early and he knew it too. He could feel the back of his neck tense and he had the cloudy fogginess of fatigue blocking his reasoning functions.
The door opened and Colin stepped in looking around. He caught Ryan in the middle of a pace and placed a hand on his hip, steeling himself for what was to come. Ryan whirled and stared him down.
"Good Morning Ryan" Colin said evenly keeping the edge out of his voice, trying to assay the situation at hand in the mere seconds he was usually allotted.
"Don’t you give me this good morning shit, Colin" Ryan said running a hand through his hair coming to closer to Colin but still left a considerable space between them.
"All right…what would you like me to say then?" Colin said coming further into the room and sitting down on the couch. He made his movements as non-caring as possible. Detachment seemed to take some of the fight out of Ryan, but then again it sometimes made it worse. His head throbbed too painfully to bother with which reaction was going to be produced today. He crossed his leg and folded his hands together and just looked at Ryan with a ‘lets get this over with’ stare.
"OH…you smug little bastard. I know what you’re about. Don’t think that’s going to stop me from ripping you a new one." Ryan came over to the couch barely inches away from Colin leaning over him. Colin could see that he was starting to get red around the neck and he knew this couldn’t get better. "I want some answers from you today." He said, his voice rising, not caring if he made sense or not, not caring if he looked totally immature in the process.
"Ryan, do we have to do this now?" Colin asked. "Our people will be here soon and we need to start getting ready. I want to get to the bottom of this situation, but if we continue to argue now, we won’t have a good show. Our audience needs to see our happy faces and good chemistry. It’s what makes us who we are. It’s what makes the show. If we can’t go out there and laugh at ourselves, the audience will feel it. We won’t be any good." Colin tried to reason with Ryan. He saw the pressure building in the other man and wanted no part of it now. Colin knew if he lost his own cool, Ryan would not like the consequences. Where Ryan exploded constantly, Colin let his anger boil and simmer underneath. If not caught in time, there would be hell to pay, and woe to those who got in the way. He was close to demonstrating it now.
Ryan began to see all the warning signs in his friend. He didn’t like the way Colin sat there, his features calm, rivaling his near bulging veins, his wearied look, his steady breathing. He could sense that he only need say a few more choice words to get the reaction he was looking for today. The reaction that would help him justify his own unreasonable anger. He didn’t like the way that, as always, Colin was making sense to him. Much more of this display and there would be no show. He tried to school his features and turned away from Colin taking a step back from him, hoping it would control what was threatening to come out of his mouth. "Ohhh…BANG ZOOM!!" He said doing a spot on impersonation of Jackie Gleason. Colin from behind quietly snickered, sighed and shook his head.
Ryan went into the small kitchen area and leaned against the counter top placing his hands at either side of it. He breathed hard. Colin got up from the couch and went to the sink. He filled a glass with water and took some aspirin. He looked over at Ryan. He could see the effort Ryan was making to listen to his advice. They were only a couple of steps away from one another. Colin leaned back against the sink and continued to watch his friend. He wanted to reach out to him, but hesitated. "Ryan…he said softly reaching up to put a hand on his shoulder, "Let’s talk through this more this afternoon, ok?" He patted Ryan affectionately.
Ryan was still so angry he didn’t catch the sympathy in Colin’s voice. He was building up steam again and had to get out of there fast. "Don’t do me no favors, buddy" he said has he wrenched himself away from Colin’s touch and stormed out of the trailer. Colin stood there looking at his best friend’s retreating form and sighed inwardly. ‘Looks like it’s going to be a fun one’, he said to himself as he followed, closing the door behind him.
When they both arrived at the dressing room there was the usual flurry of controlled chaos. They were each whisked away by the clothing coordinator and outfits were chosen. Colin’s shirt was a long sleeved and deep red to match his mood. He glanced over at Ryan and saw that a long-sleeve yellow color was chosen for him. He had a black t-shirt underneath. He looked very causal by comparison to his usual button down shirt and tie combo. He thought to himself, like everything else we go together, just like ketchup and mustard. Chuckling and trying to brighten his mood, he allowed the make-up team to fuss over him and make sure he looked his usual charming self.
Ryan had been studying Colin off and on as he got ready to go onstage. He kept casting side glances over at his friend trying to gauge his emotions. Colin seemed calm, cool and collected, and Ryan hoped that he was. Ryan always felt bad after mulling over what was bothering him and realizing that Colin had nothing to do with it. He knew he could be harsh at times and the only person he didn’t ever want to treat like an asshole was his soul mate. Ryan was beginning to feel contrite, but wasn’t yet ready to concede. He knew he was pent up. He hadn’t had any sex for a month and for him it was a record. Colin could be such a woman at times, even enough to complain of a headache to get out of fooling around. He tested Ryan’s patience often, but Ryan was learning that most of his patience came from the man to his left. He knew that Colin was solid and Ryan could be grounded to his stability forever.
Drew stuck his head in the dressing room. "10 minutes guys he said." When they didn’t respond, too lost in their own thoughts, Drew shrugged his shoulders and went to the next dressing room, where Brad and Wayne were kidding and goofing around as usual. They were both getting psyched up for the show. Their energy was infectious and they were as happy and as playful as any puppy dogs were. "Come on guys, Drew laughed as he dodged a pillow thrown at his head, let’s hit it." They followed behind their amiable host, making faces and cutting up, dropping the act when he whirled around in mock anger. "Cut that out…" he said through clenched teeth.
Ryan got up from his seat and headed toward the door. He looked back at Colin and tried to read his eyes. It was their link to one another. So much was said between the two of them with a single glance. He could read countless emotions over the years and fancied himself an expert. Of course he knew Colin could do the same, sometimes on a deeper level. Today Colin was keeping his eyes downcast. Ryan didn’t like that. He needed his assurances before he could go on. Colin knew how unstable he could be at times. He tried to close the distance between them by lifting Colin’s chin with his finger to meet his eye. Colin didn’t move away from the touch but all that Ryan could see in his eyes was cool restraint with just a hint of sadness. Ryan tried to convey his helplessness to control his anger earlier and gave him just the smallest of smiles. He brushed his thumb tentatively over Colin’s bottom lip, trying to ease it into a reassuring smile. Colin didn’t smile, but simply took Ryan’s hand and gave it a light squeeze before moving ahead of him out the door to the set. All Ryan could do was hang his head and follow reluctantly behind.
"Good evening everybody and welcome to Whose Line is it Anyway. Tonight’s show: Come here often? Brad Sherwood." Brad as goofy as ever made an ‘I… I don’t know’, face at the camera. "We could make beautiful music together. Wayne Brady." Wayne was laughing and smiling for the camera as always. "What do you say we get out of these wet clothes? Colin Mochrie." Colin’s face looked stressed and worn. The headache was slowly receding but the music and the lights had not pushed it away entirely. He growled and snarled at the home audience pointing his fingers at the camera. "And…that was never five minutes now come on! Ryan Stiles." Ryan just sat there staring angrily at the cameras. Sure it looked as if he was supposed to be joking, but damn it he was really feeling that mad. He didn’t even bother to try and hide it. He was wound up despite his efforts to try and calm himself.
After Drew had dispensed with the usual opening monologue he grinned at the audience’s reaction to how the points were like the cute thing your baby just learned to do. Colin agreed with the audience that that was a no no. He glanced over at Ryan who seemed to have his game face on. Finally Colin thought he could relax and have a bit of fun. The first game was called. It was Hollywood Director. This was one of Colin’s favorite games. He loved the way he could always come up with a new and inventive term for crap.
The game was going well. Drew let it be known in so many not so subtle ways that there was an ice hole in the scene. A very big ice hole. Brad could hardly contain his glee. Colin smirked at the humor. The game went along flawlessly for the most part. There were a couple of times when Colin almost let his headache do the talking for him. He had bit out a few sharper than necessary replies. When he was not in the shot he took to studying Ryan and Ryan’s behavior during the scene. He was playing along nicely and Colin thought maybe Ryan’s mood was improving as well. When they sat down after the game Ryan came slowly up to his seat and smiled softly at Colin. Colin wasn’t through feeling his earlier hurt and he wanted to hold onto those feelings just a little longer. He knew he jeopardized that chemistry thing he was talking about, but he shrugged it off. He just looked at Ryan as he sat down and said nothing.
"And uh…once again in case you weren’t watching they were trapped in an ice hole." Drew said deadpan. The guys laughed as they always do at Drew’s attempts. Man it felt good to laugh Colin thought. The sound of Ryan’s laugh beside him widened his grin.
"Let’s go on to a game called two-line vocabulary. This is for Colin, Ryan and Wayne." Drew went into the details of the game and Colin headed out onto the stage first. He felt the anxiety coming back again. He had mixed feelings about this game. One, it tried his patience to no end, which was definitely not a good thing to do today. And two, he really needed to be quick on his feet to think of the witty comebacks at rapid fire pace when the others began to pester him with their lines. He really didn’t feel up to doing this today, but maybe this would be a good way to get some of the pent up frustration, which caused his shoulders to be so taught, released. Regardless, he didn’t have much of a choice.
Ryan shuddered as he heard the game being called. Normally this was his favorite time to tease Colin mercilessly and he took great pleasure in it. He knew this game would be no different, but he also knew Colin’s mock anger would be quite real this time. He just had a feeling, because he knew Colin so well, that, given the opportunity, his friend was not going to hold back. He could only hope that whatever Colin said wouldn’t be irreparable. They both knew that no matter what was said on stage, they wouldn’t take it to heart, but there were times, like today, one couldn’t be too careful.
They listened as Drew explained the game and gave them their scene. After nearly impaling Wayne with Drew’s accidentally flung pencil, the scene got underway.
"Ryan the only thing you are allowed to say is: Don’t worry I’m a doctor, and what do I look like? And Wayne the only things you are allowed to say are Did you hear that and let’s not go there. Take it away outlaws in a shack."
"Guys what’s the matter?" That started off harmlessly enough. Colin could feel Ryan’s presence close to him he could almost hear the wheels turning in that sneaky goofy head of his. Colin was like a cat ready to pounce.
"Did you hear that?"
"It’s probably just some coyotes…"
"Don’t worry I’m a doctor."
"They’re coyotes; they’re not going to do anything." Colin’s reply came out sounding like "Really you should get it by now, I’m not happy with us." Ryan picked up on the undertones. He turned it into something personal. If Colin wasn’t happy it wasn’t entirely Ryan’s fault.
"What do I look like?" Ryan said in an exasperated tone. His body language said "come on this can’t all be me."
"Look I tell you we’re safe they’re never going to find us here, never." Colin tried to bring some reassurance back in his voice and demeanor. He wanted to emphasize to Ryan that they were safe; this just needed to be worked out. He really didn’t even want to play the game anymore. He was so tired of the mind games. He just wanted to resolve all of this and move on. But for now, he could stay upset. Ryan had it coming.
"Let’s not go there."
"What do I look like?" Ryan decided it was time to try and get a little laugh out of his partner. To try and put all of the drama behind and just have a good time. He had seen a tiny glimmer in Colin’s eye as he did his elk impression.
"You look like an elk." Colin said flatly.
"Don’t worry I’m a doctor." Ryan said so sure of himself, inviting Colin to play. Colin gave his face a condescending pat. For an instant Ryan relished the touch of his fingers on his skin.
"Yeah, Colin said. Wait I did hear something."
"Did you hear that? Wayne asked. He was no longer important to the game as far as Colin and Ryan was concerned. There was a fine line being traveled here and each were wondering who was going to cross it.
"Yes I did. I just said, did you hear it?"
"Let’s not go there…"
"All right…there must be twenty guys out there they all have guns." Colin was getting excited. He knew he was prompting Ryan more than Wayne to harass him. He wanted to see how far Ryan would push him, and he wanted the opportunity to strike first.
"What do I look like?" Ryan asked crouched over. He was also looking for the opportunity for the first blow. The anticipation for the first attack was tangible. It was in the air and it even looked to him like the audience felt it as well. There were some chuckles but it sounded more like uncomfortable laughter.
"You look like a cowering idiot," Slam. That did it. Colin was almost beside himself with glee. The laughter finally reached his eyes as Ryan stood up immediately and gave him ‘the look’. ‘Oh you are getting close buddy’. He glanced at Wayne as Wayne chuckled "Did you hear that?"
"Yes I did hear that, now can we try and concentrate? These guys are trying to kill us." ‘Concentrate Colin that was for you…you have to be on your guard now.’
"Don’t worry I’m a doctor."
"How will that help if they kill us?" Colin shouted this out at the top of his voice, it was starting to get crazy, even though he knew it was a game, the headache was not relenting. Anything harsh from anyone would have it talking for him. He could feel his blood pressure starting to rise.
"What do I look like!?" Ryan shouted just as loud. The anger was coming back full force and Ryan tried to use it to his advantage.
"Did you hear that?" ‘Not now Wayne!’ They both wanted to shout. Wayne could himself see that the pressure was building to a very uncomfortable level; he fought to bring Colin’s attention back to him. It worked for now.
"Yeah, I did hear that." Ryan fired his imaginary gun.
"Don’t start shooting, you’ll get them mad! OH lookit they got a cannon!"
"What do I look like?" Ryan said not letting Colin breathe.
"You look like an idiot!" He shouted feeling the pounding in his temples.
Again Wayne tried to defray the situation by running out and drawing attention to him. "Ooh let’s not go there." Wayne said coming back.
"Don’t worry I’m a doctor!"
Colin stopped them both. "No, no, no. We gotta have a plan; we gotta have a big plan!"
"What do I look like?" Ryan insistent…it was time to make his move.
"Did you hear that?" Wayne on his tail.
"Yeah I did." Faster. ‘Ok, think Colin, have to bring it home now, soon.’
"What do I look like?" Ryan not relenting. He was tapping Colin after every question like an annoying little child.
"SHUT UP!"
That was it…that was the right button. It was pressed and it was red. He was up in Ryan’s face his hands raised, ready to strangle him. Time to go in for the kill, Ryan thought as he showed no signs of "shutting up".
"All right" Colin turned away; this was his last and final warning to Ryan before he purposely threw himself into the shark tank.
"What do I look like…"Ryan whispered so very quietly.
For a millisecond, Colin glared at Ryan glacially. His look could have caused icicles to form in the studio. His hands wringing, voice laced with acridity, "I’ll tell you what you look like, you look like a big stick with a big nose that’s it…!" He knew he had won before the last syllable left his lips. ‘That oughta fix his little red wagon’, Colin thought with mirth.
"Oh, oh, oh…"was all Colin heard after that. He thought he heard the sound coming from Wayne. He tried to maintain his composure but quickly dared a glance back at Ryan.
Ryan in the meanwhile had been beside himself in disbelief. Oh it was ON now. As soon as the last word left Colin’s mouth, he did another double take and glanced over at Drew. He held up two fingers and mouthed "twice" just as Colin glanced back his way. He held up the two fingers again and said, "Twice, that’s two." Colin threw him an ‘oh well’ smirk and shrugged. The audience was howling in hysterics. Brad almost fell out of his chair.
"All right, all right you get the explosives", Colin said. The show must go on. Suddenly, (as if he didn’t know this was coming, yeah right!), Colin felt two soft hands at the top of his head. He didn’t realize what effect it was going to have on him. It felt good to lose control and verbally attack Ryan. It felt powerful. He felt powerful. And he felt the stirrings of desire forming inside of him. Damn did he want to just tear into Ryan, let him feel all of the pent up frustration inside of him. When he felt Ryan’s hands on the top of his head, he had to force himself to maintain his failing composure. How soft was Ryan’s touch and he could feel his warm breath on his skin as he knew Ryan was pretending to examine his bald spot. It was only for a moment, but in that moment Colin felt shivers of delight course from the top of his head down to his pinky toes.
"Let’s not go there…" Wayne said pointing up at Ryan. Colin whirled around, not going to go down without a fight. Both he and Ryan shouted at the same time, his laced with screaming sarcasm, Ryan’s with mocking joy. "I KNOW/DON’T WORRY, YOUR’RE/I’M A DOCTOR!!!"
"All right, Colin said, focusing his attention back to Wayne, still fighting to maintain, get the explosives!" He couldn’t help himself. He looked back at Ryan again and gave him his ultimate best. A shy, dimpled ‘tee hee, I’m in trouble and I don’t care’ smile.
Ryan was near hysterics. He fought back his laughter. He glanced over at Brad and smirked at him. Brad was rolling. He tried to stay on the scene, but he knew he had Colin, and he could tell that Colin was getting turned on. He didn’t know how to explain how he knew, he just knew.
"It’s good ‘cause you’re gonna need one real soon, Colin said referring to the earlier ‘I’m a doctor’ statement. He patted Ryan’s shoulder rapidly. He could see the twinkles of merriment dancing gleefully in Ryan’s eyes. OH how he loved to see him so happy. It was like an elixir to Colin. It made him feel so wonderful. He felt like shimmering.
"They’re coming closer. They’re shooting." Colin wanted this to be over soon. He wanted Ryan at the commercial break, in the worst possible way. When was Drew going to buzz already? He wondered.
"WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE!!??" Ryan shouted, pretending to stare out of a window. He needed to distract himself somehow. All of Colin’s looks as the scene went on were beginning to have an effect on him. That smile, that mouth, those lips. How easily Colin had his way with Ryan and he didn’t even need to touch him.
"How is that gonna help?" Colin looked at Ryan, losing his resolve, and giving the line a last half-hearted attempt at being frustrated. He turned to Wayne again. "I got an idea." He noticed Wayne crying. "Why are you crying, what’s wrong?"
"Let’s not go there." Wayne said pointing upwards.
"We’re not gonna go there." Colin said with a hand on Wayne’s shoulder. Drew finally buzzed and that signaled the end of the game. No sooner had Colin made a move to his seat, Ryan was there mimicking a stop watch at his wrist calling time. He mouthed to Colin as they approached their seats, "I want you so bad, right now." Colin murmured low his approval and slightly blushed.
"A big stick with a big nose on it." Drew said. Colin felt the sudden need for a drink of water. He shrugged and said ‘eh’. That was all he could manage. He needed Ryan desperately now. He couldn’t talk. He ached for the commercial break.
Ryan on the other hand was in heaven. He delighted in rubbing the victory further in Colin’s face. Colin may have gotten in the most licks, but he knew for sure he had won the war. And that war was entitled ‘I’m finally going to get me some.’
"We went 15 minutes tonight. Now the fun begins." Ryan said with the biggest Cheshire cat grin. Oh yes the fun was about to begin. He caught Colin’s sharp intake of breath, and he longed to know what thought had just crossed that naughty little mind.
"A big stick with big nose on it." Drew repeated. Colin made the tiniest sound, and rubbed his lips. He just wished Drew would hurry up and announce the fucking commercial. He was straining in his seat as he kept shifting his crossed legs and tapping his foot anxiously. "I never really quite thought of you that way, Drew said looking at Ryan, but now that you mention it."
"Oh you have too." Ryan coyly looked at Drew, who in turn gave him a cutie pie look. Ryan wasn’t fazed. He wanted what sat only inches away from him, and he could feel the straining at the leash from that seat’s occupant.
"1000 points to Colin for telling it like it is." Drew said.
"Thank you." Colin could barely squeak the words out. Ryan stared him down shamelessly and Colin could feel the heat of his gaze. He shyly turned toward him and gave him a look that said 1000 words, no points intended.
We’ll be right back for more whose line right after this; don’t go away. "And that’s 10 minutes guys," Drew announced when the cameras had turned off for the commercial break.
"Mr. Mochrie, may I see you for a moment back stage?" Ryan spoke barely audible under his breath. Colin was filled with nervous excitement. He felt Ryan’s barely contained lust emanating from the chair beside him and he was getting shockwaves tingling up and down his body from his own seat. "Certainly", he replied with barely a wink of his eye at the taller man. Trying to look as inconspicuous as possible the two snuck off the set and into the back wing. It was difficult because they felt the need urgently pushing them from behind, making them walk-run around a darkened corner.
As soon as they were sure they were out of sight or not really caring if they were, Ryan quickly whipped Colin around and pressed him against the wall. He brought the older man’s hands above his head pinning him there for just a moment, his face millimeters from Colin’s looking at him rather ravenously. Colin’s eyes were half lidded, expectant. His body was turning into jelly just waiting, aching for Ryan to touch him, take him, and possess him right then and there. Ryan let his hands slide slowly down Colin’s arms releasing him from his pinned position, never taking his eyes off of the sexy man beckoning him with his parted lips. Colin was becoming entranced; he could barely move staring deeply into Ryan’s emerald depths. When Ryan reached Colin’s shoulders, no longer able to resist, he pulled Colin into a fierce, passionate kiss. That was all it took, hands were everywhere. In hair, on shirts, on backs, on chests. Mouths kissing, touching, licking, tasting, it was as if neither of them had ever felt the other before.
"Oh my God…Ry..Ryan…"Colin gasped desperately, clutching the back of Ryan’s shirt, only able to speak when the other took a quick breath. "So long…too long", he said kissing Ryan deeply feeling everything he had denied himself over the month. Somewhere he thought he heard "Nessun Dorma" playing, but it was only in the beautiful fantasy of his mind. He kissed Ryan like he was a starving man, deprived of life giving sustenance, finally given a crust of bread. How he missed this. How he needed this. How he wanted this and OH my what was he doing now?
Ryan had worked his way down the side of Colin’s throat. Colin swallowed a couple of times his Adam’s apple bobbed deliciously before him. He applied a combination of licks and kisses trailing his way down Colin’s jaw line working his way toward it. Colin’s needy moan from above urged him further. He was trembling with want and desire and could not control the pace of his actions. He was allowing the sensations to take him on their own. He kissed Colin’s Adam’s apple, his lips and tongue brushing it up gently. He felt Colin moan again, the vibration tickling his lips. He licked and sucked Colin’s chin and found his way back to Colin’s open expectant mouth.
Colin’s legs were so wobbly he didn’t know if he would be able to remain standing. He had intentionally played hard to get all month, and although it was extremely hard to maintain at times, it had certainly proved well worth the wait. His headache was long forgotten. When Ryan found his mouth again, Colin moaned against it, causing Ryan to do the same. He brought his hands up to Ryan’s head not caring what kind of mess he made of it. He ran his hands all over and through Ryan’s hair, loving the feel of it, loving the feel of him as he felt Ryan’s tongue dart and lick the inside of his mouth. He moaned out again as he felt Ryan’s urgent hand press on his groin. God he was hard. He was so hard it hurt when Ryan touched him.
Somewhere in the back of Colin’s mind the warning bells were beginning to sound. They needed to get back and finish the show. He sighed inwardly. He tried to disengage himself, but at the slightest movement, he sighed again, this time throwing his head back and coming up to look at Ryan lustfully. Ryan was stroking, and rubbing and teasing him through the cloth of his slacks. "Screw it", he told his conscious as he pressed into Ryan’s hand, brought his mouth back to Ryan’s; never wanting to be separated from it. Ryan brought one of Colin’s legs up around his waist and was pressing him harder up against the wall. "NO…he whimpered as he pulled away, Ryan…Ryan" he said breathlessly. "Come on…darling, sweetheart, we have to get back, they will be looking for us any minute now." He punctuated each of his words with light little kisses, small sighs, trying to bring them both down, before it got much, much more intense. He laced his fingers behind Ryan’s neck and pressed his forehead to Ryan’s trying to catch his breath.
"No..ugnh…" Ryan wrenched his head from Colin’s so reluctantly. He was sure a crowbar was the only thing that could have pried them apart just now. He was panting; his heart beating rapidly and his mind telling him finish what he started and throw responsibility to the wind. Right now the only thing he wanted was the pale and trembling form underneath him. His hardness was pushed into Colin’s hip aching to be touched if only once by that deceptively delicate hand.
After a few moments of breathing deeply and calm petting, the two pulled apart from each other, stars dancing before their eyes. They looked at each other with the biggest most lopsided grins and a peaceful serenity overtook them. They both wanted more than anything to continue where they left off, but each congratulated the other on their restraint. Ryan ran a hand through his hair putting it back into place. Colin smoothed his own wisps back down and re-tucked his shirt. He had to consciously will his erection to go away and tried his best not to look at Ryan as he did so. One look and he knew he would be lost again. He took Ryan by the hand and tugged him along with him back to the stage. Ryan dragged his feet walking like Frankenstein’s monster, grumbling all the way. Colin suppressed his urge to giggle.
As they came back onstage and made their way to their seats, Ryan grabbed Colin’s upper arm and tugged him sideways, so close to his body and pressed his mouth to Colin’s ear. "Just remember, he said low and seductively, tonight you belong to me, and payback is a bitch." He let his tongue flicker out lightening-quick to lick the top curve of Colin’s ear. None of the audience members caught it and no camera men picked it up. It was a private moment shared between them. He did pat Colin’s butt before taking his seat once again, just as the director gave them the green light.
The next games proved to be just as tedious for Ryan and Colin but for entirely different reasons. It was nearly impossible to concentrate when each had something more desirable on his mind. Coming back from the break the next game was Press Conference. It seemed to Colin that the direction the game was going in the beginning had to do with what just went on backstage. All he could do was think about Ryan’s body being pressed so close against his own, Ryan’s need matching his, and the feel of Ryan’s lips on his throat. He could only wonder what Ryan had planned for the rest of the evening.
"Larry Storch from the daily peanut vender." Brad said seriously. Don’t you feel any remorse?" What Colin didn’t know and what the rest of the audience and the other guys knew was that he was supposed to be Yogi Bear and that he killed Boo Boo. Colin applied Brad’s question to the way he was feeling at that particular moment.
"I feel no remorse, in fact I feel a little giddy. In fact, I feel a lot giddy and I’m writing an opera about it right now." Colin grinned to himself, still hearing the music in his head. He kept throwing glances at Ryan smiling at him whenever he could.
Ryan stood there calmly, all the fight taken out of him. He was trying his best not to picture Colin standing behind the podium naked. So far, it was only mildly successful. He was formulating a plan on what was to come for the evening’s entertainment. He knew for the most part that he liked to leave the creativity to Colin, but every so often, he could make a real effort. He laughed quietly, pretending that it was only from Colin’s response to Brad. He felt the giddiness that emanated from his lover and he soaked it up.
"Do you feel any remorse whatsoever?" Wayne repeated. Colin paused and looked as confused as everyone else. Either Wayne didn’t hear the previous question, or he wanted to drive the point home.
"Well now that you mention it, I’m starting to feel a little remorse, but not much I’m still giddy." He smiled widely at Ryan, and accepted his next question.
Ryan thought now was a good time to get the banter back between them. He still had to get Colin back for the big stick/big nose crack. He knew he would be taking a risk, but he didn’t care, he really couldn’t help himself anyway. He didn’t want Colin to turn completely to mush before he got a hold of him. He could see Colin was beginning to go soft on him already. Time to bring it up a notch. "Any idea where you might put the rug?" He said smirking completely satisfied with himself.
Colin’s response was predictable. He dramatically paused and looked hard at Ryan. ‘Oh, so we are still playing.’ his look suggested. ‘Ok, my friend, I see you haven’t had enough of my kicking your ass yet.’ He brushed him off this time and went on with the rest of the questioning. He accurately guessed his character, shook the other player’s hands, avoided Ryan and sat down to wait for the next game to begin. There was some talk about how loveable Boo Boo was and why the audience was so hostile toward him. Ryan couldn’t help but relate the lovable little bear to his own lovable little friend.
"Oh and by the way when I said rug, I meant rug like a," Ryan made a motion of feeling a rug on the ground, "not a", he ran his fingers through his hair. The audience cracked up.
Colin turned to the side, thinking…the bastard’s pushing me again. He mimicked Ryan’s huge nose, and the audience ate it up. He kept shooting Ryan his shy little smiles, warning him with looks that he could still shut it down at anytime. Ryan looked around sheepishly. Did Ryan want to press his luck? Drew giggled and sighed. Those guys are really hitting each other pretty hard tonight. He thought. Oh well it makes for good TV.
"When I said a stick with a big nose, Colin said pausing for effect, what I meant was ass hole!" ‘Smile, smile, dimples everywhere, giddy as can be, but watch out for what lies underneath, Stiles, it can bite hard.’ Ryan felt the sting of Colin’s words as he tried not to choke on the water he was swallowing.
"Ice hole! Ice hole!" Ryan reminded Colin pointedly.
"Ice hole, Ice hole, Ice hole!!" Colin said correcting himself. Brad and Wayne looked nervously around them and at the audience. They both knew that Ryan and Colin were not behaving like their normal ‘puppies in love’ selves. Brad just wished they would stop being so catty and get back to making a show, not having a lover’s spat in the middle of a taping. It certainly took all of the focus off of he and Wayne and they craved a little air time too, thank you very much.
Ryan didn’t like the direction this was turning to. He could tell that this whole day had been very frustrating to Colin. He wanted nothing more than to make amends and soothe the overly sensitive man of his dreams. He hated to be verbally injured, and he was taking the brunt of the attacks tonight. He obviously didn’t realize that Colin had been very upset with him for quite a while. He finally realized that maybe it was his fault. His moodiness, his refusal to talk about too many personal upsetting things, his apparent selfishness was taking its toll on their relationship. He didn’t want to lose Colin for anything; he had to make sure that Colin knew just how he felt tonight. He wanted to bring the love back into the relationship; he couldn’t bear to lose someone else in his life, especially not the most important one.
"Let’s go on to a game called Improbable Mission." Drew said reading his card. Colin and Ryan and Wayne headed back onto the stage. The tension was still clearly visible between the pair. As Drew got the audience’s suggestion of shoveling snow in the winter, and explained the game, Ryan looked longingly at the back of Colin’s head. ‘I just want to hold him.’ Ryan thought. ‘I just want to take away his hurt. I don’t know what is troubling him so.’ His hands refused to stay still he just wanted to trace his fingers down the soft flesh behind the back of Colin’s ear. Ryan thought he would do his best and try and make amends once again and call a truce between them both. "Happy hundredth mission, he announced with slight trepidation in his voice and handed Colin a little "package". He smiled at Colin a soft little ‘forgive me?’ smile.
Colin was slightly taken aback but he smoothly transitioned into giving Ryan a gift of his own. His smile was warm, forgiving and reassuring as ever. "Oh…I got something for you too." Ryan inhaled. Colin beamed at him again.
"Unwrap yours first" Ryan said softly. He blushed and flirty-eyed Colin. Colin un-wrapped his gift.
"Oh…"seductive brown eyes teasing him. Colin mimed taking a toupee out from his gift and placing it squarely on his head. "Thanks!" He said with his hands on his hips, the biggest, toothy, full of dimples, genuine smile he could manage.
Ryan smiled widely and mimed opening his gift. "OH!!!" he said as he placed his new nose on his face, smiling happily. Colin shook his head up and down approvingly and they shook hands. Ryan mouthed "Thank you" to Colin, conveying as much love into the meaning as he was able to. The audience was beside itself with joy. They were ecstatic to see their two favorite performers make up with each other, the chemistry back. The applause was music to their ears.
The game went along pleasantly enough, each one playing off the other falling back into their familiar groove. Ryan thought he might tease Colin just a little more, but this time he would take the fall. "Wait a minute, I’ve got a stick like body, ski on me," he announced when they were unsure of what to use to get over to the "spot". "All right", Colin said and he straddled Ryan standing up. He couldn’t help but let a dirty little thought pass his mind thinking they had been in a position like this before, only a lot closer. He noticed something that would put the icing on the cake and let him maintain the upper hand. "For God’s sake, lift your head up, your nose is slowing us down!!" he called out to Ryan, giggling like a school girl.
Ryan lifted his head up thinking, ‘damn, how perfect can he be?’ Knowing he fell for it, yet again. He tried to suppress his laughter and brought his hand around to clasp Colin’s ankle. First he caressed it a couple of times causing the fine hairs on Colin’s ankle to tingle, then he clamped on tight. Colin grinned from above him and did his best to disentangle himself from Ryan’s grasp before he tripped. Ryan hopped up shooting "snow" out of his nose.
"Boy this sun seems kinda…" Colin lifted his "hair" and melted some of the snow away. Ryan was still in awe at how quickly Colin could bounce back once he knew he was important. Ryan couldn’t help but to reach out and touch Colin. He had to feel him, to reassure his friend, to let him know that he appreciated Colin taking the sting out of his jabs by making fun of his own self. "Boy, I’m glad you thought of that before me", he said laughing. "Yeah, me too" Colin said wanting to stick his tongue out at him.
At the next commercial break, Ryan immediately excused himself and left the stage, Colin was curious because Ryan normally stayed to talk with Drew or Dan at least once or twice during the taping. Colin wondered if something was wrong. All Ryan had said to him was that he would be right back and for Colin not to follow.
Ryan's plan was starting to take real shape now. He made a couple of quick phone calls before the commercial break was finished. He was pleased with himself knowing that this was going to bring favorable results. He was back in his seat with 2 minutes to spare feeling on top of the world. He felt much better than he had this morning.
As the cast read the end credits, Colin felt more than anxious to leave the studio and go home with Ryan. When the director yelled cut, Colin turned to look for him, but saw Ryan being rushed out of the back door by the other producers and Drew. Ryan threw a quick look back at Colin and shrugged his shoulders helplessly. Colin knew that Ryan always had more work to catch up on at the end of the day, why he let it bother him today was puzzling, but he knew that Ryan would do his best to finish up. With all of the subtle and not so subtle signals given today, Colin knew that Ryan would not keep him waiting long. He did feel a little lonely as he headed back to his trailer. He lingered in the hallways saying goodbye to some of the staff went to his dressing room and changed back into his street clothes, talked with Brad and Wayne, politely turning down their offers of spending the evening at their usual after show hang out. Nothing would distract him from going home and spending time with Ryan.
Colin didn't realize how much he actually missed him until today. He was still on the emotional rollercoaster. He was on the uphill now getting close to the edge of wanting to cry. He just felt that he had been being used. And he wanted Ryan to give him some special treatment. He hardly ever complained to Ryan about how he felt. This month, he supposed, was just starting to build up and let it be known. Ryan seemed to have read his neglected feelings as being aloof or a tease. A few times Ryan had almost forced him into complying. There were times when Ryan was so desperate, Colin was more than a little frightened. He didn't know why he still refused Ryan, but he just couldn't bring himself to satisfy him, when he was so unsatisfied himself.
Today showed Colin that even though they did go through some bad times, he would rather die than to give up their relationship and be apart from Ryan. Ryan knew his heart, and vice versa. Ryan would never ever hurt him and he would move the world for Ryan if he could. Colin was mulling over all of these things as he made his way back to his trailer. It was getting dark outside and he wanted to get a few things inside before he left for home.
Upon entering, he glanced around his trailer looking for his jacket and car keys. He was still in a melancholy mood as he noticed something lying in the shadows on the small kitchen table. As he approached the table flicking on the light, his face lit up with a light of its own.
Wrapped in delicate green tissue paper were a dozen long stemmed red roses. Tears began to form immediately in Colin's eyes as he laid his hand on the bouquet. Smiling he wiped a tear away that had made its way slowly down his cheek. Beside the roses was a big red box of chocolates. Corny as it may be, Colin melted on the spot. He opened the box and selected one. They were the kind of chocolates with the liquid chocolate centers so overflowing with chocolate that it would be quite messy if one were not careful. It tasted heavenly. The sweetness went straight to Colin's brain and chocolate always seemed to lighten his mood.
He finished the chocolate thinking about the man who was so thoughtful to send these wonderful gifts to him. He was sure he knew who the sender was but he wanted to read the card he saw poking out from among the beautiful perfect red roses. He opened the card and fished one of the roses from the bunch. He knew he would have to get a vase and display them for everyone to see. He was so proud and happy right now. How could he have ever doubted that his lover didn't understand him? He walked with the card and rose in hand over to the window and stared out into the night. He brought the rose up to inhale its fragrance making him wistful and peaceful. He opened the card and smiled a soft sweet smile at its contents.
I have waited so long, and I cannot make you wait any longer, come to me now. You know where I am, I will wait for you, I am so sorry that I have been so inconsiderate to your feelings, let me find the way to make it up to you again.
Yours always, Ry.
Colin allowed another tear to slip from a lash. Ryan did understand. He did know. It seemed like forever for him to finally get the picture, but at least, when it came down to it, there was some sensitivity to Ryan Stiles.
Colin couldn’t get to Ryan’s house fast enough. It seemed as if he hit every red light from the studio to Ryan’s home timing them just perfectly. He swore under his breath. He needed to get there. He couldn’t wait anymore. All of his pent up frustrations and lust driven fantasies were taking its toll on him. He wanted to explode on contact, damn all of the calming techniques he perfected during his hiatus from sexual contact. He wanted it NOW. As he hit what seemed like the 20th stop light, Colin whacked his steering wheel. Gone was calm, cool and collected Colin Mochrie, in his place was a caged, pent up manimal. He only thought of what happened during the earlier commercial break. He could still feel Ryan’s lips on him everywhere; feel that familiar hardness pressed into his thigh. As he saw the blue lights flashing behind him he realized for the past 10 minutes he wasn’t paying attention to anything, especially his speed.
The officer approached Colin’s car with the arrogance most officer’s project, his perhaps a little more flagrant seeing that he was one of Hollywood’s finest. ‘Aspiring actor,’ Colin thought as he handed the officer his license and insurance card. As the officer checked their authenticity, Colin rested his forehead on the steering wheel. His hands were at the 10 and 2 position. He let out a ragged sigh. He knew this was his fault for letting his emotions get the best of him. He was still trying to relax as the officer handed him back his credentials. Colin waited patiently as the officer explained to him how fast he was driving and did he realize what the speed limit was. Colin refrained from giving the ‘let’s hurry this along’ hand gesture. Colin smiled his best dimpled smile at the officer hoping that he would notice that he was a celebrity and let him off with a warning. It looked as if the man had a thick cranium as well as a thick personality. Colin heaved an exasperated sigh as the officer handed him his ticket and sent him on his merry way.
He finally pulled into Ryan’s driveway at about 8pm. The ticket took a lot of the momentum out of Colin and he was beginning to return to his normal resigned self. He hoped Ryan would soon make him forget each and every one of his troubles.
The house from the outside was quiet. Colin noticed that a few of the windows were illuminated with a soft golden glow. He was wondering as he approached the front door, what he would find when he entered. Certainly it couldn’t be what he expected. Ryan hardly had an overly romantic bone in his body; the roses and candy were mind blowing enough for Colin.
Ryan heard the key slide in the lock. He was wondering what had been keeping Colin so long, knowing his lover needed release and soon and knowing that Colin would have come hippity hop lickety split right after he saw his little gifts, a prelude to their evening waiting for him. Ryan was downstairs in the dining area, impatiently staring out of the window leading to the famous Liberace pool that he was the envy of the block for. He had gone to great lengths in a short span of time to make all the preparations. He knew what Colin thought of his romantic prowess, or lack there of. That’s what turned his wife off, he thought bitterly. He knew Colin was infinitely more important to him. He hoped what he wanted to share with him tonight would prove just that.
Colin entered the house. He was as quiet as a mouse. He heard the soft melodious strains of Phil Collins drifting through the house. "One more night", Phil was singing, "cause I can’t wait forever." A quirky little smile played at Colin’s lips. He took in his surroundings. The soft golden glow came from what seemed like hundreds of candles illuminating every darkened corner, but not as bright and harsh as lamplight. He placed his keys soundlessly on the little table in the hall and after removing his shoes, padded further into the great room. Apart from the candles, there were roses of all varieties displayed on every end table, curio cabinet and coffee table. There were petals on the plush carpet. Petals sprinkled on the expensive couch, and it looked as if it were a trail leading into the dining area.
‘Curious-er and Curious-er’ he thought as he followed the trail to the next awaiting surprise. He stopped to smell the roses along the way, smirking at the euphemism. His mood was reflecting the atmosphere. "Oh Ryan", he sighed dreamily. He had never had such a feeling of complete and utter love as he did tonight. It all but wiped out his emotional rollercoaster ride, but he still seemed on the very brink of breaking down. All of these wonderful things were helping to combat it, but he needed the one and only thing that would make all of this merely a happy happenstance. A period at the end of a sentence that begins and ends with Ryan.
He rounded the corner and entered the dining area. The dining table was laden with all kinds of delicious treats. It was beautifully decorated, suspiciously by someone else, he was sure, but he smiled at the thought that counted. He saw Ryan’s form silhouetted against the moonlit French-styled windowed doors. The music changed magically to Whitney Houston’s rendition of I will always love you and Colin couldn’t help but feel a sharp bittersweet pain right in the middle of his heart. Ryan was beautiful standing in the moonlight, with his arms crossed, seemingly in a deep thought of his own. Or was he just listening and waiting. Colin stayed absolutely completely still, just watching Ryan, the moon’s beam seeming to single him out, putting him in a soft spotlight. When Whitney reached her crescendo, Colin felt his feet begin to move. Ryan turned as if expecting him to approach at that very moment. The emotion that played in each other’s eyes was something the poets of long ago wrote about.
Ryan wasn’t expecting Colin to react in the way he had. Sure he felt Colin’s presence in the room, and he knew that Colin wouldn’t be able to resist the emotion that the music evoked. Ryan always knew Colin was a soft touch as far as music went, but even he was often surprised with his eclectic tastes. Ryan was going for heart melting tonight and it looked like he was achieving that goal. Ryan opened his arms as Colin came crashing into them. His force almost knocked Ryan backwards as he felt Colin cling to him for dear life.
Colin was sobbing on him, his hands clutching the back of Ryan’s robe, trying to melt into his body, to become one with him, to transmute some of this hurt that he was no longer able to master onto Ryan’s yielding frame. Ryan was taken aback; he didn’t realize that Colin was this pent up. He soothed his friend. Calming him, whispering to him, stroking his back, his hair, he let Colin expel all of his anguish onto him. He wiped a few errant tears away from his own face. He was always easily swept into Colin’s emotions no matter what they were, anger, sadness, happiness, joy, pain, love, laughter. That was one of their complexities. He didn’t always know what Colin was trying to express, but when Colin opened up to him he felt it in his soul.
"…and then I got a ticket…and, and I just feel like everything is crashing around me…and you didn’t care…and I find this and…I’m so confused." Ryan tried to make out what Colin was saying to him between his hitching breaths, and ragged sighs. Ryan placed light kisses on the top of his head. He rubbed his nose so softly across his bald skin and into Colin’s hair. He liked the feel, he always had. He was still making soft shh noises to calm his friend, holding him and rocking him gently in his arms. Colin could take all the time in the world to get this out. He needed it. Ryan again realized for the thousandth time what a selfish jerk he had been. He was so wrapped up in his own problems that he had failed to see what he had done to his life partner. Colin held too much inside and it had a way of breaking him down.
Colin started to feel foolish. He didn’t know how long Ryan had been holding him, soothing him as he cried his eyes out. He hadn’t wanted to spoil what effort Ryan had made for him. He wanted to enjoy all of his special treats. It felt so wonderful to be held this way. He sighed deeply against Ryan’s neck, his refuge, his homing beacon. He inhaled deeply noticing Ryan had chose to wear the body spray that drove him wild on other occasions. He then took a little notice of what Ryan was wearing. It looked like the silk robe he had given him for Christmas the previous year. That and surprisingly, not much else. He eased back a little and looked up into Ryan’s eyes. Ryan brushed a few tears away from Colin’s face smiling down at him. Colin smiled shyly back at him, and let out an embarrassed little chuckle. He came close to Ryan again, breathing in that seductive fragrance that often left him dizzy and pressed his nose into Ryan’s neck again.
Colin’s nose in Ryan’s neck tentatively sniffing and alternately sighing was telling him that Colin was beginning to come around. Ryan shuddered when he felt Colin’s lips lightly brush his clavicle. A small pleasing mmm came from Colin, wanting to pursue his exploration. Ryan moved his head slightly tilting it to give Colin better access. He was starting to feel tingly inside. He didn’t want to get distracted, but Colin had a way of making him lose all of his senses, without even trying. Colin moved his lips along Ryan’s collar bone and continued his cat-like sniffing. Soft little sighs, tiny little kisses. Ryan’s arms eased around Colin’s waist barely touching him, slightly wavering, his eyes half-lidded. 'Got to remain focused' he told himself somewhere in his brain. He felt Colin’s lips travel back upward, slowly, softly kissing his neck, his jaw line. Stopping below his earlobe, he whispered. "Want you." He stepped closer to Ryan and began to caress the silky material of his robe. Kiss. Kiss. "Thank you," he whispered softly, "for this."
Ryan was quickly losing control of the situation. Colin’s voice was hypnotizing him. He allowed his hands to travel up Colin’s arms and rest lightly on his shoulders, if only to steady himself. Colin had moved his hands to the front of Ryan’s robe and was trying to ease it down off of his shoulders. He had continued his exploration of Ryan’s throat, not going near Ryan’s mouth yet. Moving south, he wanted to kiss and nip at the hollow of his neck, taste Ryan, feel him. He wanted to run his hands along his smooth chest. Ryan got control of his senses, just in the nick of time.
Ryan tightened his grip on Colin’s shoulders and looked him in the eyes, rather sternly. Colin was getting turned on, and he didn’t want to stop. He pouted his lip at Ryan wondering why he had stopped him. "It’s my turn," Ryan said in a low voice almost a growl. Colin gave a little shiver of delight and allowed Ryan to lead him by the hand upstairs into the master bedroom.
The soft candlelight followed the pair up the stairs and down the hall. Ryan hadn’t taken his hands from Colin’s shoulders and guided his now dazzled love into the master bedroom. Every where Colin turned, it looked as if Ryan had decorated his home to look like a romance novel. A tiny little smirk of satisfaction played on Ryan’s features. He enjoyed watching Colin’s reactions to all the nuances he had created for the evening.
Colin wanted to say something, but every time he tried to speak, he either got a look from Ryan, or a finger placed on his lips to quiet him. Once he tried to nip at Ryan’s finger playfully. He stared around in wonderment. Colin looked into Ryan’s eyes with his softest puppy dog expression, how much he loved him right now.
Ryan smiled openly back at Colin. He approached him and began to massage his shoulders. "You’re very tense" he said in a consoling tone. He worked his way from Colin’s shoulders to his neck. He worked deeply, massaging into his neck and down again, "Relax," he told Colin seductively.
Colin leaned back against him. Ryan was driving him wild with want. He dropped his head forward, allowing Ryan easy access to his back and shoulders and neck. Ohh…he felt so good. He breathed in deep allowing the tension to leave his body. Ryan had selected new age music to be piped in quietly creating a very relaxing atmosphere. "You thought of everything," Colin said breathlessly, as Ryan led him to the bed…
Colin lay in the king size bed panting, gasping for breath. Sweat was dripping down his taxed body, his muscles still trying to relax. He twisted his wrists still trying to remove them from the confines of the leather straps that were attached to the bedpost. Ryan lay on his side beside him, propped on one elbow, that quirky little smile pasted to his face as he slowly feather-traced a line with his finger down Colin’s side to the curve of his hip. Colin quivered as he felt Ryan’s languid movements on his perspiring skin. He looked over at Ryan still trying to come down off of the sensations. His heart was beating rapidly, and all he could do in the meanwhile was curl his lip at Ryan with that knowing little smile of his own.
"Would you like something to help you cool down, perhaps?" Ryan asked him, his tone not unlike that ravenous boa constrictor he so often loved to play but seldom had a good opportunity.
Colin gulped air a couple of times. He felt as if water was the only thing in the world that would keep him alive after the workout he just went through. "Yes," he replied breathlessly.
"Really…" Ryan purred. He kept his movements slow now…torturously slow. He turned and reached for a full glass of water on the nightstand. Turning back he held it above Colin, teasing him. Colin gave a sigh that was almost a whimper. He was so very thirsty, and completely exhausted. Coming down from his exploding high left him barely hanging onto consciousness. All he wanted was water and sleep. "Ryan…please."
Ryan on the other hand was enjoying every last minute of it. Sure he was wiped out, but he had far more energy this evening. Being so keyed up from the show had left him feeling that way. He had burnt off a lot of it, punishing Colin for his naughty behavior, but there was still some play left in him. He still wanted to make a point.
With a soft chuckle under his breath, Ryan drank some of the water allowing a bit of it to trickle down the side of his neck. Colin watched as the tiny stream outlined his Adam’s apple. Colin swallowed hard looking at the water longingly. Despite himself, he even more longingly looked at the way it moved with Ryan’s throat as he slowly gulped the refreshing liquid. Ryan smiled around the glass and held it up again. "Ah..." he exhaled. Then he tipped the glass slightly and poured some more of the water onto Colin’s warm chest. Colin gasped at the touch…the water was so cool and it felt so good on his heated skin. Ryan trailed the water down, down, down Colin’s body and let some pool around his now relaxed manhood.
Colin glanced down as he saw the trail of water looking so inviting and if he had a longer tongue he fancied, he thought he might be able to reach just a little. He looked back at Ryan, his eyes pleading. Ryan loved every minute of seeing his treasured captive squirm. He had just a tiny bit of water left in the glass and was studying it thoughtfully. Colin repeatedly licked his lips and worked his fingers, trying in vain to get Ryan’s attention.
"Ryan…" He sing-songed sweetly, a tiny edge to his voice. "Ryan…if you wouldn’t mind," Colin said evenly, knowing Ryan’s game by heart but still going along for the ride. He knew he would until the end of time.
Ryan in the meanwhile, paid him no mind and proceeded to put the glass aside. With an audible sigh from Colin, he then took his thumb and began to trace swirling patterns in the trail of water soaking into Colin’s skin. He brushed it through his chest hair, still so slow, so attentive. He didn’t want to miss a spot. He wanted to cool the heat that was starting to rise again. Ryan could feel that Colin was trying his best to resist, but even now his breath was quickening. He smiled as he felt Colin quiver again as he swirled the water around his now hardening left nipple. He then massaged the water down along Colin’s side softly, slowly, and smoothly down in sensual arcs.
Colin looked down at the top of Ryan’s head. ‘Not again!’, he thought incredulously. After what we just did? How could he? How could I become so wanting, so un-sated after the hours of wanton abandonment that resulted in me being tied up and him with the upper hand? He almost lost all thought once again as he felt Ryan’s mouth replace the fingers that were questing previously at his hardened nipple. Ryan’s tongue swirling and lapping the remaining drops of moisture. Ryan’s hot breath warming the spot again. Ryan’s tongue softening the sharp, aching point. Ryan’s moan against his flesh. Ryan’s hand resting temporarily on Colin’s flat stomach, his fingers still swirling feather-soft, tickling.
Colin felt the flutterings begin again in his stomach. Just watching Ryan got him excited. He didn’t think he had the urge to feel anything but the need to sleep, but here he was yet again, responding. Ryan was not stopping. He went right on licking, kissing and sucking the water trail, stopping along the way to pay special attention here and there. Colin was losing the battle to remain calm. His breathing was picking up and he was beginning to push himself up into the relentless mouth, lips, teeth and tongue of his most ardent admirer.
Ryan’s head was buzzing again. When he got into his "game mode" nothing would deter him except possibly an earth quake. Colin’s body tasted so good to him. A mixture of perspiration and water and the taste of skin were driving his mind to the edge again. His wandering hand found its way to Colin’s dick…not expecting anything, but finding him hard and twitching, which surprised Ryan nicely. Wow…he thought, apparently he hadn’t done an adequate enough job before. If Colin had anything left in him it was a mystery to Ryan. Ryan’s body was taking a little longer to respond, only because his attention was strongly focused on seeing if he could make Colin react the way he was succeeding in doing.
Trying to draw Ryan’s attention away from where he was heading, Colin thought of the one thing that might distract the persistent, part animatronic man (he was sure of that now) from obtaining his goal. Colin desperately needed to do something to regain control. He wanted, oh how he wanted to continue what Ryan had started, but he knew if he let Ryan have his way he would have to live with that smug arrogance for weeks to come. A smug Ryan is an annoying bastard, he always said. Just as Ryan was about to claim (once again) his most prized possession, just as his mouth was about to close around the very tip, because Ryan had indeed planned to draw this out until the break of dawn, if necessary, Colin begin to softly hum the opening sequence to their "favorite" game in the whole of Whose Line famedom.
Instantly a cringe went up Ryan’s spine. ‘What is he doing?’ Trying to ignore what was sure to follow; Ryan shook his head and tried to focus again on his mission. One tentative lick produced an even louder rendition of the opening strains…LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LAAAAAAAAAAA…
Ryan quickly turned around and glared at the face in the semi darkness. Colin gave his best "so there" smirk and snuggled into the bed wiggling around to prove his point. HaHA!! He thought. Touché Ryan conceded. He decided that they both needed to put a pleasant end to their rigorous evening. He smiled his very best Carol Channing smile and said in her distinctive strains "Well somebody needs a hug."
After the two of them finally subsided their giggling, Ryan carefully undid the restraints that had held Colin’s wrists in place for a short duration of the evening. He then rubbed the feeling back into them, taking great care in treating them as delicately as possible. Colin lay still as he let Ryan fuss over him. He was growing sleepier by the second and was making happy little breathing noises as Ryan disappeared from the room for a moment. When he returned, he had brought back two bottled waters and a soft terrycloth towel. He opened the water for Colin and placed the bottle to his lips, encouraging Colin to drink and get his fill. Colin eagerly drank, taking the water in huge slurping gulps not caring if any got on him or the bed or anything else. Boy did that feel good. Ryan patiently waited on him, tending his every need. He used the towel to wipe away the water and pat Colin dry from his earlier exertion. It felt good to be treated this way.
When Colin finished a bottle and a half of water, and Ryan drank the rest, they each repositioned themselves on the huge king-sized bed Ryan’s bedroom. Colin turned over on his side and Ryan found his comfortable familiar position behind him. He reached down and pulled a sheet up around them cocooning the pair for the night. As the ceiling fan lazily turned above them, Ryan snuggled deeper into Colin’s neck. He nuzzled his ear sleepily and whispered "What a day, huh?" He had an arm draped over Colin’s midsection and was stroking Colin’s hand which was resting comfortably at his side. "Mmm..." The Canadian assented burrowing his head a little deeper into the pillow, and relishing the feel of Ryan’s soft breath on the back of his neck. So nice. So peaceful. So Sleepy. So… As Colin and Ryan drifted off into sleep, they couldn’t help but to replay the events of that day, one scene after another. Thank goodness for happy endings.
(actually this was the beginning of my story and I wanted to make everything a flashback...I think it works better here...just needed a lil tweaking...hope everyone enjoyed!!!)