Title: New Horizons Pairing: Greg/Brad; hint of Ry/Col Rating: NC-17 Disclaimer: Don't own 'em. Summary: This was inspired by a moment I witnessed at an Improv Allstars show. In fact, this whole story was basically inspired by that moment. I'm not sure it came across as powerfully in words as it did to see. "Oh my God, who is that?" I thought to myself as he walked into the green room. All of a sudden, today seemed interesting. Well, not that any filming of Whose Line was anything other than interesting, what with Clive and I constantly bantering and Ryan and Colin trying so hard not to be obvious. Actually, I wonder why they even bother anymore? It was so obvious and so beautiful. Beautiful.........beautiful was the creature who just walked into my world...... So who was this tall, dark, handsome kid, anyhow? The fourth seat for tonight, I supposed. He entered tenatively, seeming unsure of whether he belonged. I remained seated in the old leather couch and watched as Ryan and Colin stopped their private conversation and stood to greet him. They were warm and welcoming, and as I heard him speak, I discovered that he was an American and that his name was Brad. "Brad". I toyed with the name in my head, rolling it around to get a sense of its fit, when I realized that all three men were now looking at me. "Ah, good evening Brad, Greg Proops." I said as I stood, extending my hand to meet his. My breath caught and tiny bolts of electricity coursed through my skin at the contact. Somewhere in the recesses of my brain I registered that his name felt right on my tongue and sounded right to my ears. Our eyes met for just a moment before I glanced away, afraid that I was revealing everything. His eyes had been dancing, sparkling with promise......or at least that's how I saw them. As he pulled his hand back I released the breath I didn't even know I was holding, my hand feeling cold and naked at the loss of contact. I found myself at a loss for words, something that just plain didn't happen to me. "Well, welcome to Whose Line" I stammered, sitting back down and quickly grabbing the magazine I had been reading. I needed something to hide behind and a few moments to collect myself. Thankfully Ryan had said something that had drawn Brad back over to he and Colin. I watched him sit, following the conversation intently and answering questions when they were directed his way. "What was that? That's never happened before. Oh God, how the hell am I supposed to do a show with this man?" Suddenly I had so much more respect and understanding for what Ryan and Colin must go through when they work together. My body was practically vibrating with the need to touch this stranger, but thankfully, my mind was winning the battle and kept me planted there in my seat. I had absolutely no idea what was happening. Sure, I'd been attracted to men before......hell, I was attracted to Ryan when I first met him, but I'd never felt like this. He seemed so shy and scared, wanting more than anything to belong and I found that I couldn't even look away, watching him from across the room, his aura drawing me in. Suddenly he raised his head, catching my glance and holding it......and he smiled. "Five minutes gentlemen. You should make your way to the stage now." Dan announced as he peeked his head through the door. "Has anyone seen Clive?" "He was here earlier Dan." Ryan answered, "I think he may be napping in his trailer. Col and I will go wake him." And at that, Ryan and Colin left, smiling at each other as they walked across the room. I winked at Colin as he passed, sure that Ryan had invented the task to allow a few private moments for the two of them before they took the stage. As they left, I realized that Brad and I were now alone in the room. I took a deep breath, studying a spot on the floor, and stood, stating simply, "Well, I suppose we should go then." I watched as he walked across the room, a slight sway to his hips, and turned to follow him as he passed by. We headed down the hall and out onto the stage, the applause of the crowd filling our ears. The stage manager was waiting, showing us which seat we would be taking, and we both sat, Brad on the far right chair and me immediately to his left. I reached instinctively for my glass of water and took a deep drink, using it as an excuse to avoid words. At that moment, Ryan and Colin entered, looking slightly flushed, but lighting up immediately at the sound of the crowd. They crossed the stage and took their respective seats, stealing one last glance as they settled in. I looked out to the crowd, letting myself get lost in the lights for awhile as the final preparations were made and then as Clive started into his intro. I managed to look somewhat engaged as the camera focused on me, but faded again as soon as the red light went out. I shifted in my seat and with the uncertainty of the next few hour palpable, I crossed my legs and focused my gaze and my mind on Clive. Part 2 The show had gone well so far, mostly, I assumed, because Brad and I hadn't been paired exclusively in a game. The hardest game had been "Let's Make A Date", as I had to remind myself multiple times that I was a professional and to censor my prospective questions as such. Fortunately Brad's 'persona' had made it fairly easy, as he played a grumpy old man, and I couldn't think of a single sexual thing to ask. In between games I had spoken to Colin a few times and had laid on the Clive jokes pretty heavily. So heavily, in fact, that Clive had actually look a bit hurt by some of them. There was no way I really wanted to hurt Clive, we had been good friends for years, but he was such an easy target. I made a mental note to focus my sarcasm in Ryan's direction from that point on, hoping to let Clive know that it was nothing personal. Brad had proven a worthy fourth seat, able to dish it out and take it with the best of them. He had played 'Questions Only' with a level of expertise that rivaled only Colin, and had proven to be incredibly intellectual when coming up with news stories during 'Weird Newscasters'. Now we all sat, listening to Clive probe the audience for suggestions of 'professions you wouldn't want to have'. "Garbage Collector", "Chimney Sweep", "Snake Charmer".....the audience yelled out......"Snake Charmer......that's it." announced Clive. "The next game will be 'Greatest Hits' with Colin and Ryan selling the album 'Songs of the Snake Charmer', and Brad will have to sing the songs they come up with." I leaned back and crossed my legs, always happy for the chance to watch my fellow performers without having to work as well. Besides, this was just the excuse I needed to watch Brad without being too obvious. He stood in the middle of the stage, eyes trained on Ryan and Colin as they leapt into their usual banter. It impressed me that Brad, the man who had looked so timid just a few hours ago in the green room, now stood tall, grinning and awaiting the challenge from Colin and Ryan. It was so plain to see that he was in his element. Although I hadn't heard a word that had been spoken, I caught the end of Colin's sentence as he said, ".....that classic opera aria entitled 'Your Snake, It Stands So Tall." My jaw dropped as I watch Ryan stifle a laugh when he caught Colin's glance. They both turned to look at Brad, who still grinned like the cheshire cat, as if to say, "You think you got me, huh?, as he began to sing. My breath caught in my throat as I heard the song, Brad's voice more beautiful and sensuous than I ever could have imagined. The words, polished as if he'd been playing this game forever, came to my ears second. He sung about the snake thrusting from its basket, standing tall, threatening, yet enticing. I found myself sweating and panting slightly, watching him intently as he leaned against the piano and looked directly at me. His eyes met mine and I swallowed hard as he sung to me, and as he extended the last note in a low tone, his eyes closed slowly. It was over as quickly as it had begun, Ryan and Colin were speaking again and Brad was watching them, waiting for his next cue. I studied a spot between my feet, silently willing my heart to slow and my breathing to normalize. I really didn't listen to the rest of the game, not once even looking in Brad's direction, instead I alternated between watching Ryan and Colin, hoping to look involved in the game, and looking at my hands, as I gathered my thoughts. The three men returned to their seats, Ryan and Colin chatted as always, and Brad sat, still looking smug, and reached for his water. I turned to Colin, placing a hand on his arm, and commented on a funny jab he had gotten on Ryan during the game. Colin giggled and said, "My pleasure Greg, after all, I am here to amuse you!" and he turned back to Ryan, just in time to catch the slightly hurt expression on his face. I watched for a moment as Colin immediately tried to remedy the situation, reaching over and placing a hand on Ryan's knee, never taking his eyes off his face. "Okay, and for our last game of the evening, these fine gentlemen will be punished by doing a hoedown", Clive announced and turned to the audience for suggestions. I didn't really listen, only catching Clive's announcement of the topic. We all stood as Richard launched into the tune and I dared to look to my right and watch Brad sing. I didn't really listen to the words, as I was scrambling to come up with something myself, but I did watch him, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he sung. I got through my verse and Colin and Ryan followed suit, ending with all of us chiming in on Ryan's final line. We turned and returned to our seats as Clive announced that I was the winner and that I was to read the credits in the style of an auctioneer. I walked to center stage and launched into my best hog-calling auctioneer, calling off names from the scrolling list until I saw that the red lights of the cameras were extinguished. "Fantastic gentlemen, fantastic as always." Dan announced as he strode out onto the stage. "I have a few notes, but let's do it tomorrow before the show. I'll see you all back here at 5 tomorrow." We all stood and headed backstage, walking towards our respective dressing rooms. Ryan and I fell behind the rest and discussed plans for after the show. After solidifying a plan, Ryan raced ahead to catch Colin. As I rounded a corner, a hand reached out an yanked me into a dark room. The door slammed behind me, and as my eyes struggled to adjust to the darkness, I was shoved up against the wall and a set of warm lips met mine, hungrily devouring me. The lips pulled away, just slightly, and I felt hot breath on my face as I heard one simple word......"Later." Part 3 We'd been at the bar for about an hour, just lounging and nursing our beers. The bar was dark and smokey, with only a few other patrons, and we'd found a nice quiet table in the back corner. Conversation had come easily, as Ryan, Colin, and I were old friends, and Brad was seemlessly joining our little group after his stellar performance at the taping. I should have had time to clear my head, as we'd opted to walk to the bar, yet I was still fighting with the nagging doubt regarding our little "rendevous" at the studio. Nothing in Brad's actions or words let on that anything had happened, and as the night wore on, I wondered if any of it had been real. A lull in the conversation proved a good excuse to get up and refresh my drink, and I took leave, heading towards the bar. After I ordered a beer, I leaned back against the bar and turned to watch my friends. They all leaned in, enthralled in conversation and seeming unaware that I wasn't there. Brad was speaking to Colin, his hands flying in excited exclamations, and it was all I could do to not run up to them, pull Brad away, shake him and beg him not to tease me. Instead I sat, ordering a shot of whiskey to accompany my beer. I tuned out my surroundings, but I couldn't tune out my head......the voice in the back of my mind that said I was silly to even think that Brad could be mine.....the taunting voice. I took a second shot as I slowly allowed myself to give into the voice. "Hey you, what's up?" I jumped at the voice and the accompanying hand on my shoulder and I turned to see Ryan sliding onto the barstool next to me. "Nothing." I muttered, looking back at my beer mug and hoping that Ryan would just leave it at that. "Come on Greg, you've been distant since we got here. I thought we had a great show, did something go wrong?" "I'm fine, really, it's just.......nothing." "What's 'nothing'? What could possibly be bothering you this much?", he pushed. "I want Brad, ok?!? Is that what you wanted to hear? I'm attracted to Brad and I have no chance with him, and I'm kinda fragile right now." I stammered before taking up my mug and chugging down the last of its amber contents. I raised my finger to order another but tensed as I felt Ryan's fingers on my chin, turning my head to face him. "You have no chance with him? Why? Did he say something?" "No. No, he didn't." "Well, then how do you know?" "I just do. And besides, I don't have a clue how to tell him." "Can I tell you something?" Ryan asked, his features softening noticably. "Whatever." "Colin and I haven't always been together, you know?", he mused, "There was a time when we were just friends. Somewhere along the line I fell in love with him, but I had no idea how he felt and I was scared to death. He was my friend, but I just couldn't convince myself that he could ever love me and the last thing I wanted to do was risk losing our friendship. I spent years like this. It wasn't until he and Deb got serious that I lost it. I hit a low point where I didn't even want to be around him anymore because it hurt too much and I think Colin got scared that he'd done something to drive me away, because one night he just confronted me, asking what he'd done and what he could do to fix it and I just lost it.......I told him everything, breaking down in tears from the sheer enormity of it. I had barely finished before Colin had taken me in his arms, crying himself, and confessing his years of love for me and his own doubt and fears. We wasted years because we were too scared to take a chance and tell the truth. Don't make the same mistake." I stared at my hands, taking it all in. It was the first time I'd ever heard Ryan talk about he and Colin. It was one of those things that went without words, and everyone had enough respect to let it stay that way. When I looked up, Ryan was gone, halfway back to the table. I rose, grabbed my beer, and returned to join them. We drank and talked into the early morning hours, contemplating everything from beer to existence. Eventually we all fell into a comfortable silence and enjoyed the warm glow afforded by the alcohol. Ryan and Colin were watching each other, and although no words were exchanged, it was clear they were communicating. Colin's eyes shone with love and admiration and Ryan's whole face reflected his heart, big and open. They stood as one, announcing that it was time to call it a night. We rose then and we all emptied out into the street, Ryan and Colin bidding us farewell as they walked away, hand in hand. "Well, what now?" Brad asked, suddenly looking a bit unsure. Maybe it was the beer and whiskey, or maybe it was Ryan, but suddenly I was sure of what I was going to do. I looked Brad directly in the eyes and whispered, "Now you come with me." And I grabbed his hand, pulling him along with me as I strode towards the hotel. We wasted no time in getting to my room, the door slipped closed behind us and I turned and slammed his body against the hard surface, taking his mouth with mine, seeking and gaining entrance for my tongue. My hands snaked up under his shirt and I tracked my nails down his skin. He pulled helplessly at my shirt while panting into my mouth. I pulled back, a small gasp escaping my lips as Brad's hand found its target. His tongue danced inside my mouth as his hand expertly stroked my shaft, pulling me to hardness within moments. I gripped his shirt and pulled it up over his head, revealing the expanse of chest below. I pushed into him, my skin aching to touch his, and my breath coming in quick gasps. He released me, pulling open my shirt, sending buttons scattering across the floor, immediately forgotten as his teeth closed around one of my nipples. We worked at each others pants, finally ridding our bodies of them and leaving us exposed, naked. Suddenly we both stopped, stepping back to admire each other. I watched his face as a warm grin spread across his features and his eyes began to sparkle. We stepped together, our lips meeting, this time with more admiration than lustful passion as we moved towards the bed. Brad fell backwards and I lay down on top of him, our lips never breaking contact. My skin burned, the searing heat of passion emptying my mind of all rational thoughts as Brad's hand returned to my cock. I thrust into his hand, keeping time with his strokes and panted into his shoulder, biting slightly as the tension built. As he continued I bucked uncontrollably, losing all sense, as the feeling over took me and sent me flying over the edge. I collapsed atop him, panting and loose as I rode out the waves of relief that passed over me. As my breathing slowly returned to normal I opened my eyes and risked a glance into Brad's. What I saw there was a sense of satisfaction, but deeper was a hunger, a dark, passionate hunger. I smiled, planting a soft kiss on his lips before sliding down to capture his shaft in my mouth. I took the full length in one swallow and then pulled back, running my tongue along his cock and ringing around the crown, before taking him to the hilt again. My ministrations were obviously welcome, as he moaned and bucked into mouth. He hands came down, each taking a handful of hair and tugging ever so slightly. The sensation was intense, pleasure bordering on pain, and it drove me to increase my efforts, sucking him with passionate enthusiasm. I opened my eyes to see his head thrown back, his back arching up, and his hands grabbing the sheets as a scream that might have been my name escaped his lips. His body froze and a moment passed before he came. I swallowed everything he had to offer, his shaft deep in my throat, and smiled as I pulled back, looking up to see the picture of tranquility. We curled up together that night, words not necessary, content to hold each other and bask in the glow of an amazing evening. I looked at the form in my arms, this perfect man, and sighed. I didn't know what I'd done to deserve this, but whatever it was, I was happy. I closed my eyes, a small smile on my lips, at peace. Part 4 Days had flowed into weeks, weeks had flowed into months, and months had flowed into years. Time held no meaning to me during those days. Brad and I had quickly fallen into a rhythm, a relationship strong and loving enough to be the envy of most who knew us. Our days were spent exploring London and the nights were spent either working or exploring each other. The show had left the UK and had been picked up in the states, where we were both lucky enough to still get a seat, but due to Dan picking up a third regular, Wayne, Brad and I didn't get to perform together anymore. But now that was ending too, Whose Line was no more. Today was the last taping, with Ryan, Colin, Wayne, and myself as guests. Brad sat in the audience, thrilling in the attention he received once discovered. The show had been a blast, with every game working beautifully, but now we all sat, waiting as Drew was taping some segue segments, and knowing what was to follow.....the reading of the credits. I studied my fellow performers, Wayne, smiling as always, with just a hint of sadness behind his eyes, Colin and Ryan, leaning together and speaking to each other softly, and occasional reassuring touch shared between them. Drew, always the optimist, had remained his usual jovial self, but he didn't have the history invested in this that Ryan, Colin, Brad, and I had. This show had brought Brad and I together and helped to fuel the years of happiness that had followed. Earlier in the morning Brad and I had sat at the table, sipping our coffee and reading the paper, unwilling to talk about what was to follow. I had watched him when he didn't know, and I could see the gravity of everything written on his face. He was bothered and I couldn't help him because I, too, felt lost today. It was the first time in many years that I couldn't think of anything to say to my lover. I watched as Dan crossed to the center of the stage, thanking the audience for coming and all of their support, and telling them that we would now be taping the credits. I looked out to the faces, most of them still smiling and joking amongst themselves, but it was when I caught Brad's eyes that I stopped. His face was unreadable, but there was no mistaking the tears streaming down his cheeks. My heart caught in my throat as I choked back a sob that had materialized from nowhere. It took everything not to run to him and hold him and block out the rest of the world. Instead I looked to my left, surprised when I found that Colin was also looking at Brad, and that he too, was swallowing hard to force back the wave of emotion. "Tonight everyone will read the credits as themselves." Drew announced, "I only think it's fitting that we all be ourselves on our last night together. Thanks for the memories everyone." And with that we all stood and walked to the head of the stage. Brad came down from the audience, Laura came out to join us, and Drew came out from behind the desk. Wayne spoke up first, trying to read the scrolling names before turning to all of us and whispering, "I love you all." With that we all just collapsed into a mass of bodies, hugging tightly and not letting go. The cameras rolled, the audience clapped, and I was vaguely aware that they were all on their feet, a standing ovation. Finally the credits came to a close, the music ended and the cameras stopped. I don't know how long we stayed like that, but eventually, one by one, we pulled away, silently turning to look at the stage one last time before walking off the set. I had managed to maintain a semblance of dignity in front of the cameras, holding back until I was safely behind the locked door of my dressing room, where I had fallen to the ground and let loose the emotion of the past several hours. After some time I'd risen and gone about the task of packing up my personal stuff, preparing to leave for the last time. I was clearing the last of my things from the counter when the knock on the door came. I opened it, immediately relieved to see that it was Brad, but the relief only lasted for an instant, as the look on his face made me draw back, an alarm going off in my subconscious. He was hunched, twisting his fingers with the other hand, and shifting on his feet. But his face was the worst, he was dark and tortured, his eyes showing fear. I immediately stepped to him, desperately wanting to wrap my arms around him, but he stepped back. It was at that moment that I knew something was very wrong. "I need to talk to you." he said, barely above a whisper, but it was the tremble in his voice that got my attention. "Greg, I don't want you to be upset. It would kill me if I knew that I hurt you. You mean the world to me and you've changed my life in ways that you'll never know. You've taught me to appreciate life and you've made me a better man. But........I've been thinking about this for awhile now, and I think that its time to go our separate ways. I'm going on tour with Colin soon, and I will be on the road almost constantly, and besides, I know that you've held your career back to stay with me, and I hate that. I want you to go conquer the world, I want you to be happy, and, most of all, I want you to be free. I love you and I'm so sorry." Brad stepped forward, took me into his arms, and kissed me, deeply, desperately, and then turned and walked out the door. The last thing I remember was the warmth of a tear slipping down my cheek before time stopped and it all went black as I fainted. Part 5 We were all sitting around backstage, trading jokes and insults, and waiting for the show to start. The Improv Allstars tour was in full swing, playing to sold out halls all over the country. Chip and Jeff sat off to the side, speaking softly, save a few outbursts of laughter that would permeate the room. I sat back, sipping my whiskey, and listened to the story Jon was telling. Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned just in time to hear Drew ask, "Greg, can I talk to you for a moment?" "Uh, sure, yeah." I rose and followed him out of the room, curiosity getting the best of me. "So, I felt like I should tell you about this first....." he stammered. "Brad is going to join us for a few shows. Are you okay with that?" With those few words, my world exploded. It was no secret among our friends what I'd gone through those many years ago. They'd watched me sink and withdraw, trying to help me, but unsure what to do. Everyone had treated me so delicately, and had basically made a point of never mentioning Brad in my presence. Ultimately I'd been my own savior, pulling myself back from the grips of depression and starting over. I'd built up walls, barriers that helped me get through each day, that helped me get my career back on track, that helped me to forget. But in that moment I realized just how tenuous those walls really were. I opened my mouth several times, not sure how to form a word, but finally settled on "Yes, its fine Drew. Thanks for asking." And I must have been a better actor than I gave myself credit for, because Drew believed me, failing to see the pallor that had crossed my face, and smiled before turning to head back into the room. I remained in the hall, unable to move, unable to breathe. My mind raced with thoughts both coherent and not. I knew, in that moment, that I was still in love with him. I'm not sure how long I remained there, but I was ripped from my thoughts by the stage manager telling us that we were on in two minutes. Although I wasn't sure how I was going to perform, I walked down the hall and stood in the wings, breathing deeply. The show had gone well that night, as had the shows since then. I had shut my thoughts and fears regarding seeing Brad in a room in the back of my mind and refused to deal with them. I hadn't seen him, save once, since that night after the show. The only time had been a few days later when he had come by the house to collect his belongings. He'd used his key, entering as if he hadn't been gone at all. He had gone up the stairs immediately, spending some time in our room packing, and had come back down, grabbing some of his albums from the stereo cabinet. He'd turned, catching sight of me, balled on the couch under a blanket, unshaven. I could only imagine what the sight had looked like, empty liquor bottles on the floor, ashtray full of used butts, and me, an empty shell of my former self. At the sight of Brad's face, I had begun to cry afresh. He looked at me, tears brimming in his eyes and said simply, "I'm sorry Greg.", and he'd left, placing his key on the small table in the entryway. And now the night had come, the night when Brad was to join us on stage. We'd all flown in the night before and stayed at a hotel, but Brad had a show with Colin and had arrived that afternoon. The plan was to meet at the theater a few hours before the show to go over the games for the night. I stood outside the stage door, watching the sun set over the buildings across the park, and enjoying a cigarette. The smoke curled up against the darkening sky before disappearing into the mix, the picture of serenity. I had played this night over and over in my mind since Drew first told me, but I still didn't feel prepared for it. No one had heard from Brad yet, and I allowed myself a glimmer of hope that perhaps he wasn't coming. I snubbed out my cigarette and headed back into the building. The show was set to start in 15 minutes and joined the others, joking with ease after noting that Brad wasn't there. Drew made mention of his absence and hoped he was okay, a sentiment that was echoed around the room. We were all feeling rather jovial as we headed to the stage. Drew went out to start his monologue, and the rest of us chatted and watched, waiting for our cues to enter. Drew started to announce names, and just as he'd called my name, Brad appeared, but I only heard the beginning of his apology as I heeded Drew's cue and bounced out onto the stage. Drew caught sight of Brad and a huge grin adorned his face as he announced Brad's name. He skipped out onto the stage, taking a stool several places down from where I sat. The rest of the members took to the stage and Kathy launched into an explanation of what would be taking place. Brad stood and walked to the side of the stage to grab a beer. He returned, crossing directly in front of me. It was my chance, my opportunity to find out where we stood. I drew a deep breath, swallowed hard, and reached out to lightly punch Brad in the arm. It was one of the most 'manly' things I'd ever done, and I immediately regretted it, until, that is, Brad turned and reached back to gently grab my knee. His touch was like fire on my skin and his hand lingered there long enough to draw my attention to his face. The reassurance in his eyes conveyed more than a thousand words ever could and I couldn't help but return his look with a warm smile. And then it passed, Brad returned to his stool and the game began, but I could still feel his hand on my leg, warm and wonderful. The night flew by, game after game drawing applause. We all truly enjoyed ourselves that night, and with the drinks flowing freely, we became a bit more free as the night wore on. The final game, Greatest Hits, drew to a close and we all bounded offstage. I looked over and saw the carts of mousetraps and groaned. Kathy headed back out onto the stage to explain the encore. I looked over to see Brad, sitting by himself and pulling off his shoes. Apparently he was one of the unlucky players for the night. Fighting back the overwhelming doubt, I crossed the distance between us and sat next to him. "Hi." I said. "Hey." he returned, with a smile. Any further words were interrupted by Drew, calling to Brad to go play the game. He started to rise, but sat back down, turned to me, took my face in his hands, and kissed me....a soft, chaste, perfect kiss. "I still love you Greg." And with that, he took to the stage, leaving me behind, lips tingling, eyes full of wonder........looking out on a new horizon. ~fin (12/3/05)~