Title: Admiration Rating: G Pairing: Colin/Brad Friendship Disclaimer: Don't own anything, just borrowing them for the evening! Summary: Brad has always looked up to Colin. He had been waiting for this moment for weeks and his nerves were completely frazzled. He shifted on the balls of his feet, dancing off the nervous energy, as he stood in front of Colin's dressing room. What was he so worried about anyhow? Colin was a nice guy, he'd never do anything to hurt him. But he could say no and that would hurt more than anything. He'd run the scenario over and over in his head, practicing countless times in front of the mirror, each time sure that he was coming off as nothing more than a star-struck kid. And really, that's what he was. Brad had spent years watching Colin, admiring him from a distance, always wanting to be his friend, but afraid as well. Afraid of getting between he and Ryan, but more afraid of Colin rejecting him. Years of subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, attempts to get his attention. And now, here he was, about to put himself out on the ledge he had so deftly avoided for so long. Brad had no reason to believe that Colin would say yes, yet these sorts of things were not about reason, but about faith. He knew, somewhere in his soul, that they would make an amazing team. He shifted again, squeezed his eyes closed tightly, whispered a silent prayer, and raised his knuckles to the door. "Coming", the voice from behind the door called out, growing nearer. The door opened and he was face to face with Colin, a man several years his elder but several inches shorter. "Brad?" Colin questioned. "Wouldyoubewillingtodoatwomantourwithme?" Brad stammered rapidly, afraid that if he stopped, he'd just turn and run and never look back. He held his breath, looking at the floor and suddenly feeling two inches tall, like a small child at the foot of his idol, unworthy in his desire. In that moment he questioned everything, doubt growing and growing as the seconds passed. He knew the answer and couldn't forgive himself for even asking. Colin reached out and lifted Brad's chin and as their eyes met, he smiled. "Sure." ~fin~ 11/14/05