Title- Past,Present,and Future Pairing- Ryan/Colin Brad/Chip and Wayne/Drew Rating- PG-ish Summary- Tales of love told over time. Author's Notes- AU none of the guys are married. And American WL starts in '99 instead of '98. Note: This one's set in '97, the 9th season of Whose Line? UK ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1/3: Past “You two are just amazing out there!”, gushed the new-comer. “I know. It’s a gift.”, Ryan Stiles answered in his sonorous tone. “You better stop, or you’ll give him a big head.”, Colin Mochrie said, probably uncomfortable with the praise. “You’re one to talk about big heads.” “Ha, ha, ha...speaking of big, Brad, have you seen Ryan’s nose?” “Have I told you how much I looove working with you, buddy?”, Ryan said draping an arm over Colin’s shoulder and giving him a squeeze. Colin just smiled at the taller man and said, “Likewise, pal.” Then the both plopped on the couch, chuckling. Brad watched this in amazement. The sense of companionship that the they emanated was so genuine, and it prompted his next question. “So, how long have you guys been working together?” Okay, what he really wanted to ask was how long have you guys been you guys, but he didn’t want to imply. The two men looked at each other, but before either one could reply a distinct, nasal, sarcastic voice, which could only belong to one person, filled the room as a suit clad 4th person pranced into the room and took a seat in the chair across from Brad. “Working together?! Hell these two are lovers! Aren’t you boys celebrating your 20th something anniversary soon?” Greg’s rhetoric was met by surprisingly icy glares from both Ryan and Colin. That only seemed to fuel Greg and increase Brad’s interest in the two comedian’s past together. “He’s just joking...right?” “Of course!”, they shouted back in unison. “Oh, come now! Don’t hold the newest member of out twisted little family’s newbie status against him! Why don’t you share your tale of unrequited love with young Master Sherwood?” “I didn’t want to share it with you in the first place!”, Ryan growled. Brad took notice of how powerful he looked, and told himself to stay on Ryan’s good side. “Fine. Be that way.”, Greg said sticking his tongue out at Ryan. “Im sure Colin will be so kind as to retell the tale.” Colin, who up until now was staring peacefully at the ground, looked up at Greg, his expression a mix of nervousness and worry, covered by a shy pleasant smile. “Ry’s right. You really weren’t supposed to hear it. Actually, it was kind of private.” His tone was soft and kind. Unlike Greg’s whose was sharp and condescending. “That figures. It must be nice to have your decisions pre-made.” Ryan’s expression softened as he looked over at Colin, not saying a word. “Fine.” “Col, don’t let this asshole manipulate you. We don’t have to tell it.” Before Colin could answer, Greg spoke. “Yeah, don’t let this asshole manipulate you.”, he said gesturing to first to himself. “Let that asshole manipulate you.” And then to Ryan. Ryan and Colin looked back at him while the silence, and Greg’s cocky grin, grew. “Shut up, Greg. Colin you don’t gave to say anything you don’t want to. I don’t care.” “That’s nice of you Brad, but just because Greg isn’t mature enough for it doesn’t mean I can’t tell it.” “It’s nothing really, and there is no “unrequited love”, Ryan said, throwing Greg a look. Silence filled the room again and Ryan heaved a sigh. “Col and I meet in 2nd city, the Toronto leg of course, in ‘88. We became fast friends I guess.” He shook his head a chuckled. “It’s weird talking like this, so Im just going to say it. I can’t explain why, but I felt an almost instant connection with Col. When I meet him I was feeling so lost. Here I was 29 years old and I still had no steady acting job, no way to prove my parents, who were stilling giving me hell after ten years, wrong. No way to prove to myself that I wouldn’t end up another struggling actor living on the streets. I had so many doubts. Then I meet Col and something about him made me happy, still does actually.” He paused here. “He gave me hope.” The smile of admiration and on other emotion which was, clearly, love that Colin was giving Ryan was right out of a romance novel. Ryan was looking back at him, mirroring his smile. That inspiring moment was interrupted by a barking laughter. “Are we sure what happened behind that curtain was just a misunderstanding?” Greg was hunched over in his seat and had removed his glasses to wipe tears from his eyes. “Behind the curtain?”, Brad asked, his sense of curiosity overriding his urge to tell Greg off. “I’ll get to that, but first Greg has to shut the fuck up.” Greg sobered quickly, looking like child who was scolded by his favorite uncle: surprised, embarrassed, and hurt. Instead of Ryan continuing Colin picked up the story. “Ryan has a magnetic personality, he’s just so...likeable. I feel so comfortable around him. I don’t think I would’ve gotten over stage fright if it wasn’t for him, a lot of frights, actually, but anyway..” Ryan picked it up again. “One of our “workshop” assignments was this stupid play that I don’t even remember the name of. It was purposely written badly and we were supposed to over act it, that’s what made it comedy, I guess. Naturally, Col and I were paired up. We had to pick a scene to at random.” “Our instructor was, how do I put this,.. insane. So she switched the roles around to make it more challenging.”, Colin added. “I don’t get it.”, Greg said, a sly smirk on his lips. Greg was a fun guy but he could be an incredible asshole, Brad thought. “Shut up Greg! I get it Keep going.” “So, yeah. Some of the male roles were female and vice versa, but the, um, uh...”, Colin stammered, looking rather uncomfortable. “Relationships. The relationships were the same. Col and I got a scene that was uh, kinda uh....” It was Colin’s turn to save his friend. “Romantic. There was kiss, which made it really awkward to rehearse” “This was after a year of knowing each other, but it was still ...weird.”, Ryan added and then Colin continued. “But we did rehearse it. Well the lines, not the kiss. The one time we did rehearse the kiss it, well, it was the “behind the curtain” to which Greg referred.” Colin now looked to Ryan, as if for help, who picked up the story again. “We were back stage, for some privacy. When we got to that part it was like something out of a cliched sit-com. Ya know, should we practice it or not?” “We decided to give it a shot. It was only supposed to be a little peck, but it was more.”, Colin said in a shaky voice. “The kiss was still just a peck! I just tripped!”, Ryan exclaimed in an odd squeaky tone, when he saw the look of surprise on Brad’s face. “You tripped?”, Greg asked. “I didn’t hear this part.” “There was a chair between us and when I went in for the kiss I stumbled, and he kinda caught me. We kinda were holding each other and that made it seem...”, Ryan trailed off, sounding as if he were trying to defend himself and justify it at the same time. “Seem what?”, Colin asked, looking into Ryan’s green eyes with his big hope filled hazel ones. “Yeah, seem what, Ryan?”, Greg said leaning forward, making his eyes wide and pouting his lips, in an imitation of Colin. Ryan looked at Greg, anger in his eyes, but Brad got to him first. He grabbed him by the jacket collar and pulled him up to meet his own standing position. “What is your problem?!”, Greg yelled at him, obviously surprised not only by Brad’s sudden outburst, but also by how easily he was lifted and how evenly their eyes meet. “I should be asking you that question!”, Brad yelled back as he hauled Greg out the door. “You’re gonna regret that, Sherwood!”, Greg called from the hallway. “Yeah, sure. Just get out of here.” Greg looked like he was just socked in the stomach. He was shocked at how dismissive Brad’s tone had been. Then he stormed off, leaving Brad in the doorway. Normally Brad was a mellow guy, but what Greg was doing in there mad him sick. Here Ryan and Colin were rehashing what seemed like a difficult memory and Greg just kept taking shots. No one should have to take that. Brad looked over at Ryan and Colin. Colin smiled at him in silence thanks. Brad smiled back and was turning to leave when Ryan’s stern expression brook into a smile and he motioned for him to sit down again. From that moment on Brad felt accepted, as if the leader looked at him as part of the gang. He took Ryan’s direction and was about to ask what was left to tell, when Ryan spoke. “After that...incident, Col and I weren’t on best terms.” “On the best terms?, Colin asked. “It was the worst, and only, fight we’ve ever had.” “I know, but “not on the best terms” sounded more story time-ish.”, Ryan said flashing Colin a teeth-baring grin. They were talking to each other, but Brad didn’t feel left out. “Anyway we were really weird around each other for awhile. It was like hell, not being able to talk to your best friend and not knowing why.” They brook the constant eye contact they held trough out that conversation and looked at Brad. “I think Ryan knew why.” The words slipped from Brad’s mouth without thought, and he quickly explained himself, not wanting to pry. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to...” He was interrupted by Ryan’s chuckling response. “You’re right.” “I am?!”, Brad asked at the same time Colin said, he is. “Yeah...” “Then why did you freak out on me?”, Colin interrupted, clearly a little angry that Ryan had with held his wisdom for so long. Ryan blinked. “I freaked out?”, he asked slowly. “Uh, yeah! I believe your exact words were “damn it, Colin my sexuality’s not a play thing.”!” Brad laughed out loud, he couldn’t help it. That was just so imaginable. Luckily the two arguing just glanced at him before continuing. “Okay so I did freak out, but what’s your excuse for...for..”, Ryan stopped. “Im sorry Colin. You didn’t do anything, but try to talk to me about it and I pushed you away.” Colin’s expression softened. “It’s okay, but why did a kiss, a closed mouthed, tight lipped, stage kiss, freak you out? We’ve kissed before then.”, he said, lightly blushing. “The kiss in the script was supposed to be awkward and goofy, with no love intended, but ours was different, and that sacred me.” “I think that maybe you were scared of what it might mean.”, Brad said softly, hoping his advice was welcomed. “May be you both were too young to deal with something that big?” “Something that big?”, Colin asked shyly. “Love.”, Brad answered simply. A playful smile replaced the thoughtful one that had been on Ryan’s face. “So you think we could handle it now?” “Well, like the song says, “if you wanna know, if he loves you so, it’s in is kiss.”’ Ryan didn’t get a chance to respond. Colin had pulled Ryan into a deep kiss that quickly went from innocent to passionate as Ryan complied. Brad smiled wildly and stood to leave. Before he reached the door Ryan called out to him. “Thanks.” Brad noticed that Ryan and Colin were wrapped in each other. Colin was basically sitting in the younger man’s lap. It was sweet. “Any time.” The two began kissing again and Brad strolled leisurely out of the room humming a tune, a closing the door behind him. He was quite pleased with himself. Those two made him believe that there was someone out there for everyone. As Brad turned the corner he bumped into someone. A ruggedly attractive someone. “Hey Brad! I was just looking for you. You wanna grab some lunch?” Brad smiled widely as he sling an arm over the other man’s shoulders and followed him out the studio doors. ------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2/3: Present Note: Takes place in '98 during the last season of WL UK. If I got Chip's eye color wrong I aplogize, I couldn't find it anywhere. It still amazed Brad that it had only been a year, a year filled with passionate kisses, intense love making, and touches that lingered all day, but still only a year, since they’d started together. With just five casual words from those gorgeous lips, this journey had began. You wanna go out again? The words rang in his head and he couldn’t help, but smile. “Whatcha’ thinking about, sweetpea?” Brad looked into his boyfriends deep chocolate eyes. He takes in his facial details, the way he tilts his head when he’s inquiring and how whenever he smiles it goes all the way to his eyes. He also notices, how strikingly handsome his chiseled features are. Brad brings his lips to the shorter man’s in a chaste kiss, and lightly squeezes his hand, whose fingers are laced with his own. “Us.” Chip smiled wildy at his reply, lighting up his eyes. Their year together had been magical, the stuff of dreams, and knowing that Brad thought so too made him ecstatic. “Can I ask you a question?” “Anything, honeybee.” “You want to move in together?” Brad thought about this a moment. Waking up every morning and turning over to see Chip’s loving smile, shared showers before work, shopping together. His vision was marred by only one thing. “This is the last season.” Chip surprised Brad with a loud laugh. How could he be laughing? The show’s cancellation could mean their separation. “Im glad you find our relationship ending so amusing.” Chip slipped his arms around Brad’s middle and gently pushed him against a brick wall just outside the studio door. “You are too cute when you pout.” “I can’t believe you could make jokes....” Brad was interrupted by soft lips of his, the lips that fit his so perfectly. Chip knew that sometimes the only way to calm Brad down was with a kiss. Sometime he just needed to know he was loved. “Now,” Chip said softly, resting his head on Brad’s. “Why would our relationship be ending?” “Well we aren’t going to stay in England together, and in the States, well....”, Brad didn’t know how to finish his thought. He didn’t know why he thought they were going to split up. He just figured this was too good to be true and was waiting for the other shoe to drop. “I love you, Brad, and when we go back home I’ll still love you.” “I love you too, and of course I’ll move in with you. I don’t think it would be home if you weren’t there.” Their lips met again in a series of tiny kisses, punctuated by giggles. Brad felt Chip’s hand move slowly up his back to settle on the back of his neck while his fingers played with his ear lobe. He loved when he did that. Brad deepened the kiss. He parted his lips and let that oh so familiar tongue slip into his mouth Every time they kissed was like their first: heartfelt and meaningful. Brad slipped a hand up the back of Chip’s tee-shirt and let his fingers roam the sculpted plane. The feeling of the soft skin under his fingertips sent electricity through him, as did the deep moan let out by his lover. Chip moved his lips the Brad’s neck and trailed kisses from under his chin to the base of his breastbone, and then back up to his lips again. “Aw, a Kodak moment if I ever saw one.” Chip and Brad turned to their left to see Ryan smoking a cigarette, a smirk on his face. Brad slide out from under Chip, embarrassed. Everyone knew about Chip and Brad, and he wasn’t ashamed, it was just that being walked in on by Ryan was like being walked in on by one of your parents. “Hey Ryan, what’s up?”, Brad said walking over to him. As Brad walked Chip placed his arms around the older man’s waist from behind and rested his head on his shoulder. “Looking for you. We start taping in like five minutes. That and I needed a quick smoke. Chip are you scheduled for tonight?” “No, Brad and I just had breakfast plans and I thought I’d walk him over.” It was a sunny day and the hotel was only 2 blocks away, so they decided to walk. “How sweet.”, Ryan said, sounding playfully mocking and sincere at the same time. Colin and Ryan walked to the studio together almost everyday, but I guess that was different. Even though their relationship had started only a year earlier, just like Chip and Brad’s, it had been brewing for years. “Well I guess I’ll let you go get ready.” Brad turned to meet Chip’s eyes. “Meet me after the show.”, Brad said, following it with a light kiss. “Of course.”, Chip replied, miming Brad’s action. They kissed once more, this one deeper, and gave each other a quick hug, then Chip strolled off, turning once to give Brad a wave. Brad watched him walk away, admiring his grace, until he could no longer be seen, and then turned to Ryan. Ryan had stubbed out his cigarette and had his hands in his pockets. A big grin played across his lips as he shook his head. “What?”, Brad asked. “Nothing.” “Why must you always be so cryptic?” “Oh! Cryptic? Hmm, Chip’s been reading to you, huh?” Brad just rolled his eyes and followed Ryan up the 3 steps to the door, which was held open for him by Ryan. That was one of the little things Ryan had picked up from Colin. As of lately Ryan had become ever so slightly more well-mannered, and more approachable. “You two are good together. I can’t say why, but it just fits. You fit.” Brad smiled at the taller man. Ryan’s approval was like the stamp on the envelope. To know that Ryan approved made his relationship with Chip even better. It was good knowing that he supported them. “Im glad you think so.” “So, judging from your little make-out session, things are going good?” “That’s an understatement. I can’t even explain it. It’s like I can’t remember life before him, and I don’t want to.” “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” “How are things with Colin?” “Perfect.”, Ryan answered, without hesitation. “We’re taking a trip to St. Croy after we get back to the states.” Brad knew the cancellation of Whose Line? pulled on Ryan’s heart strings, but since he had Colin, it didn’t matter. Plus, Ryan was on a sit-com back home called The Drew Carey Show, so his career was just as alive as his love life. “Nice. What’s the occasion?” “Well to Colin’s knowledge it’s for our anniversary...” “But you guys started dating in October.”, pointed out. “Our real anniversary.”, Ryan answered with a proud smile. Brad knew exactly what he was talking about. “Anyway, it is for our anniversary, but I plan to um, propose.” “Wow! Congratulations!” “Thanks, if he says yes.” “Of course he’ll say yes. He adores you. You guys adore each other. I don’t think I could name a couple as dedicated, or in love, as you guys. Well besides my parents maybe.” “Yeah, I guess Im just nervous.” “You? Nervous? The great Ryan Stiles? Mr. Confidence himself?”, Brad joked. “You have nothing to be nervous about, it’s Colin.” Ryan couldn’t help, but smile at that. Brad was right, it didn’t matter how he did it. This was Colin, he could stumble over his words or trip and fall, and he would still love him. “You’re right. Oh and that reminds me, I wanted to ask you something. I feel kinda weird asking it though.” “Oh, you can ask me anything Ryan.” “Would you be my best man?” “Are you sure?” “Yes. I mean if it weren’t for you, Col and I would still be living a lie.” Brad was honored. He never considered himself that big a part in Ryan and Colin’s relationship. What he had said that day so long ago had just been his opinion on the matter, it had just come naturally, but apparently Ryan was grateful for it. “It would be an honor.” “Great!”, Ryan said, as they embraced. “I assume the affair will be held in Canada?”, Brad said, breaking the thoughtful silence that had fallen over them. “It’s not like he’d have a lot choices, but it’s all up to Colin. He always said that when he got married he wanted a simple ceremony. Just close friends and family.” The thought of Colin in a wedding gown ran through Brad’s head, and he couldn’t help himself. “So, um, who’s wearing the dress?” Ryan shook his head, chuckling. “I knew you’d make that joke Brad. I don’t think anyone will be wearing a dress....unless Col wants to.” Brad burst out laughing. No matter how good a joke he made, Ryan was always sure to one up him. “Hey guys. What’s so funny?” They were joined by Colin, who greeted Ryan with a kiss on the cheek. “Oh nothing. Ryan was just telling me of your sex life.”, Brad said. “Ha ha ha. You better go get ready Dan will have a fit if he finds out you’re not in the green room.”, Colin said, over Ryan’s whooping laughter. Got ya that time Stiles, Brad thought. “Speaking of our sex life...”, Ryan said to Colin, capturing his lips with his own. “As tempting as that is we don’t have time.” “Im sure you have time.”, Brad remarked. Colin shot playful look as he kissed Ryan again. “Oh go put on your stage make-up so the audience can look at you without needing a barf-bag.”,Colin shot back, as Ryan planted kisses on his neck. Brad smiled and walked into the make-up room only a few feet away, leaving Ryan and Colin to their sweet murmurs. He couldn’t wait to see their wedding. It would be truly beautiful, they were the kind of people that should be married. That thought called to mind an image an image of himself standing under an archway on a beach in the spring checking his watch nervously, he looks up and sees Chip, looking captivating in a black tuxedo, his short hair slicked back, proceeding slowly towards him, that sparkling smile on his face. One day, Brad thought, one day. ---------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3/3: Future Note- Set around October 1998. 4 months after WL UK ended, and about 3 years into DCS. As I stated above WL US starts in 99, in this story set. “Hello?...hey baby, what’s....okay...I told you I’d...Sweetie! Yes he is picking me up, but he’s not here yet. I’ll be home in, like an hour and then we can go over it. Okay?...good. I love you too. Bye.” Ryan closed the small cell phone with a snap and put it in his pocket as Drew Carey chuckled beside him. “Colin I presume?” “Yeah, he’s just freaking out because tomorrow we’re going down to the adoption agency. He thinks Im gonna say something stupid, even though we’ve been over what we’re gonna say like two-hundred times.” “Even if ya did say something stupid I don’t think they could deny you. I’ve seen you and Colin together, you’ll be perfect parents.”, Drew said smiling up at his co-star. Drew had been working with Ryan for almost 4 years now and he knew a bit about him. Not just his background, but about the man himself. Drew knew Ryan could have a temper, he also knew Ryan was one of the most caring people around. He would always find his own way to help out his friends. His friends. Drew thought. He also knew a lot about his friends, mostly from Whose Line is it Anyway?. He’s even meet a few. Great bunch of guys, and they are all so funny together. Drew had told Ryan that and Ryan had suggested trying to give Whose Line? a new American home on ABC, but that was risky. It might not take with American audiences. And of course he’d meet Colin. Ryan was a different person around Colin, well maybe not a different person, just completely himself. Ryan’s eyes shone with love at the mere mention of his husband’s name and when they were together they made each other strong. Drew could only hope that one day he’d have something like they did. “Thanks man.”, Ryan said clapping Drew on the shoulder. “So why are you getting picked up?” “You know the Pathfinder’s in the shop.” “Yeah, because you and Colin couldn’t take it to the bedroom like everyone else!” Ryan tried not to blush. He and Colin had driven home from a romantic dinner one evening and were getting intimate in the front seat. Ryan had Colin pinned on the driver’s seat and just as he moved for the Canadian’s pants, there was a cracking sound as the seat snapped straight back. Ryan smiled fondly at the memory of the moment. Colin had been laughing hysterically as Ryan tried to keep his suave persona in order. He had been rather proud of his ablity to seduce Colin, usually that worked the other way. “I think it’ll be more fun like this.”, Ryan had murmured leaning down to kiss his partner. “Of course..hun..”, Colin answered around Ryan’s kiss and his own laughter. They locked eyes then and Colin stopped giggling as his smile grew wider. Ryan stared into his lover’s warm, safe, coffee colored eyes and titled his head slightly to the left, confused, and Colin started laughing again. Ryan remembered feeling a strong sense of companionship wash over him. “You are such a dork.”, Colin had said to him, adoration apparent in his smile and tone. “I know and that’s why you love me.”, Ryan replied, entrapping Colin’s mouth with his own. After fooling around a little they had moved into the house, but still didn’t make it to the bedroom right away. They made love twice in the living room, and then again up against the kitchen wall before finally wrapping the night up in their bedroom. “What about the Supra?”, Drew asked, pulling Ryan from his reminiscing. “Please. I wouldn’t be could dead driving that thing, even if I could fit in it.” Drew couldn’t help but laugh at the picture of Ryan’s six foot six frame cramped behind the wheel of the tiny sports car. “Hey Ryan!”, called a fairly young sounding voice from across the studio. Drew followed Ryan’s happy gaze to a chipper dark skinned man. He watched as Ryan and the new comer embraced shortly, captivated by his attractive demeanor. Drew was surprised at himself for the amount of staring he was doing. It was down right impolite, so instead of focusing on the man’s lively eyes he zoomed in on his conversation with Ryan. They were both chatting happily. “I know it’s only been like 5 months, and I was only with the cast for like two seasons, but we were like family! I miss you guys!” “I know what ya mean. It’s hard not seeing everyone, especially with Greg staying in England.” “He loves the lifestyle over there, what can ya do? So how’s everyone else?” “Colin and I fantastic. It’s been like living a dream. Um, Chip and Brad are still on their honeymoon...nothing much else. Everyone’s just livin’ life. What have you been up to?” “Aw, odd acting jobs. Anything I can get really.” Suddenly Ryan remembered something. “I am such a spaz! Drew, meet Wayne Brady. Wayne, Drew Carey.” Wayne Brady. Drew never knew that just a name could mean so much. Wayne flashed a big smile of white teeth and held out his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you Drew!”, Wayne said shaking enthusiastically. “An honor? How so?”, Drew couldn’t keep the suspicion out of his voice. “Oh don’t worry Im not making fun of you. I watch the show. Okay so I love the show. I guess you could say Im your number one fan.” Drew cocked an eyebrow at the man who’s hand was still in his. “Wow, that sounded super stalker-ish.”, Wayne added. “Hey a stalker is still a fan!”, Drew said with a wink. Wayne let go of Drew’s hand to slap his knee while he let out a howling laugh. Drew picked up on how moldable Wayne was, how he seemed to need to be in the moment. He also noticed how endearing his dimples were. “Very true!” “So, uh, you worked with Ryan on Whose Line? ?”, Drew asked, just wanting to hear Wayne’s pleasant voice. “Yeah. I joined the show on it’s last season which was only had a couple of episodes. So much for a jump start on my career.”, he replied, shrugging. “Im sure you have a lot of talents that could get you far in Hollywood.”, Drew said, trying unsuccessfully from letting his eyes travel down Wayne’s healthy figure. “You’d be surprised. If ya want I could show you sometime.” He paused here, as he did so Drew caught a glint of something in the other man’s eyes. Out of the corner of his eye Drew could see Ryan. He had his arms crossed, and a knowing smirk was his expression. “I’d love that.” “Me too.”, Wayne said, laying a hand on Drew’s arm. Wayne must’ve picked up on Ryan’s demeanor as well because he dropped his hand back to his side, however he didn’t step back. Drew took that as a sign, and dove in. “Are you married or—?” He stopped as he realized he was speaking at the same time as Wayne. “What?, they asked, again, at the same time. “Well isn’t this something out of your own sit-com, eh Drew?!” Ryan managed to get out through his heavy laughter. Drew bit his lower lip, trying not to blush. He had hoped he hadn’t been that obvious. “Shouldn’t you be at home with the wife?, Drew asked Ryan, knowing that would shut him up. As expected Ryan sobered quite quickly. “You know I hate when you call—Oh crap. I told Colin I’d be home in an hour. With traffic I’ll be lucky if I get there only a few minutes late.” Wayne glanced at his watch. “You’re right. I’ll bring the car around, it’s parked kinda far. It was really nice meeting you Drew.”, Wayne said, squeezing his shoulder. Wayne walked backwards, smiling at Drew as he did so, about half way to the doors, where he stumbled on a piece of equipment, evoking another laugh from Ryan. Even though they didn’t get a chance to exchange phone numbers, Drew had feeling they would meet again, and when that meeting came they would be better prepared for each other, Wayne prepared for Drew’s sharp blue eye’s that seemed to know him already, and Drew for Wayne’s wanting to know him. “Down boy.”, Ryan said, when Wayne was out the doors. “What are you talking about?” Ryan just raised his eyebrows and shook his head as they walked towards the doors. “I think I might take your idea and try to bring Whose Line? to ABC.” Ryan looked at the shorter man beside him, and with mock shock said, “Really? Why I can’t imagine what could’ve changed your mind!” “Oh Shut up, Big Bird.”, Drew told him. Ryan let out a genuine laugh and threw an arm over Drew’s shoulders. Drew didn’t know much about love, but he did know some. He knew that love was what life made worth living, he knew love could make men do crazy things, and he knew love was timeless. It could happen at anytime in your life and change your past, present, and future. As the two men stepped out of the studio and into the sunny late afternoon Los Angles day, a smile stretched over Drew’s face. He had a feeling he was going to love improv.. ---------------------- The End