What's This Life For
by Lynn Haley

 

Colin sat in his usual seat on stage watching Wayne and Chip sing to an
audience member as Barry White and Barry Manilow. As usual, the inherent
musical talent they possessed impressed him greatly. He let his gaze drift
from the two young men to glance at Ryan who was sitting on his left. Ryan
caught his eye and smiled. Colin smiled back, feeling incredible lucky to
be where he was. He got paid an obscene sum of money to act stupid with his
best friend.

Colin’s attention was caught by the sound of the buzzer going off. He knew
it was time to stop his mind from wandering and focus because he was in the
next game. It was Scenes from a Hat.

The first suggestion was ‘things you shouldn’t write on a job application.’
Ryan stepped out first and pantomimed reading an application. “Hmmm. List
skills,” he said, pretending to write. “Well, I’m hung like a horse.” The
audience laughed and whistled in appreciation as Ryan took his place next to
Colin.

Colin shook his head, grinning. “You wish,” he whispered, leaning over.

“You want to find out?” Ryan asked, with an answering grin.

They continued to look at each other and missed both Chip and Wayne’s
variation on the application suggestion.

Drew pulled another suggestion out of the hat. “Inappropriate things to say
when meeting your future Mother-in-law.”


Chip pulled Wayne down next to him and said, “Thanks for the sundae, Mrs.
Johnson. Wow, this reminds me of the time your daughter and I were in your
bedroom and she covered me in whip cream…” Chip’s voice trailed off as the
buzzer sounded.

Ryan gestured slightly to Colin for him to step down with him. He turned to
Colin’s left and shook hands with the air. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,
sir, and this must be your wife,” he said, turning towards Colin. “Wow.
Your daughter never said you were so hot,” he said, grabbing Colin’s hand
and pulling him into a kiss.

For a moment Colin forgot the game, the show, and the audience as he focused
completely on the feel of Ryan’s warm, soft mouth moving on his. He felt
the tip of Ryan’s tongue brush against his lower lip just as the buzzer
sounded.

As they stepped back Colin could feel his heart racing. He was vaguely
aware of the audience’s laughter and Drew’s jeering comments.

For the rest of the taping Colin was filled with a giddy energy. He tried
to focus that energy into his performance but his mind kept drifting towards
Ryan.

*******

After the taping, Colin sat in his dressing room trying to figure out what
he was feeling. It was all jumbled up inside him. He couldn’t deny how the
kiss had affected him or the lingering desire he felt. However, he also
couldn’t deny the aura of discomfort that accompanied that desire.

Running his forefinger over the bridge of his nose, he closed his eyes and a
barrage of thoughts floated through his mind; his wife, every disparaging
word he’d ever about homosexuality, and his own uncertainty of how Ryan
felt.

Those thoughts were overshadowed by the mental image he had formed of the
kiss. In his mind he could see them going farther, see his hands running
all over Ryan, see clothes coming off….

His erotic musings were interrupted by a knock on his door.

His eyes shot open. He tried to compose himself into a semblance of
normality. This endeavor was especially difficult because he was achingly
hard at the moment. Standing up, he hastily put his suit jacket on and went
to the door.

He wasn’t shocked to find Ryan standing there. He moved back to let him in.
Neither man spoke. They just looked at each other. Colin was waiting for
a cue, a sign as to how he should handle this. They’d kissed onstage before
and each time there’d been chemistry but they’d played it off with teasing
words. Something about this time felt different.

Long, silent moments went by. Oddly enough they didn’t have a sense of
uncomfortableness to them; just an anticipatory feel.

Ryan finally broke the silence. “Do you want to go to my house and hang out
for a while?”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

***

When they walked into Ryan’s house, Colin quietly followed Ryan into his
den. This was the one part of the house that was completely his. Ryan shut
and locked the door behind them and gestured for Colin to sit on the couch.

Colin sat staring at Ryan’s well-organized desk and tried to focus as he
felt Ryan sit down next to him.

“Some show, huh?” Ryan said softly.

“Yeah, definitely.”

You seemed a bit distracted towards the end. Was something bothering you?”

Colin turned to face him and narrowed his eyes as he tried to discern what
was going on behind Ryan’s enigmatic green eyes and neutral expression.
“No, nothing was bothering me. I just…felt this odd energy.”

“Would I be wrong in assuming it had anything to do with me?”

Colin realized Ryan was asking him about the kiss in a round about way. He
was giving Colin an easy way out if he wanted. He didn’t. “You wouldn’t be
wrong.”

Ryan reached out, his hand coming to rest on Colin’s shoulder. “So, what do
we do now?”

“I’m not sure if we should do anything.”

“Maybe we should see if it was just a fluke. I mean, before we get all
worried about this.”

Looking directly into Ryan’s eyes, Colin decided he’d never heard a better
suggestion. Leaning towards Ryan he was still surprised when their lips
actually touched. He thought for sure one of them would back out.

Neither man did and the kiss continued, moved on, and became something Colin
wasn’t prepared for. He’d expected some sort of reaction, but the need, the
raw hunger, took him by surprise. Ryan’s right arm went around Colin’s
shoulders as the other went around his waist and pulled him close.

By some unspoken agreement, they parted their lips at the same time and
began exploring each other’s mouths. Gripping Ryan’s shoulders tightly,
Colin was amazed at how good it felt to be in Ryan’s arms.

Ryan turned Colin so he was pressing him into the back of the couch. After
another searching, probing kiss he pulled back slightly. “Wow…guess it
wasn’t a fluke, huh?”

Colin just stared at him, stunned. He was surprised that the kiss had been
so good, but he could accept that on a purely physical level he had
responded to Ryan. A warm body is a warm body. What really shocked him was
the open, vulnerable eagerness in Ryan’s eyes and the excitement, the
soaring happiness, he felt welling up inside.

Some of that excitement must have showed on his face because Ryan just
smiled and moved forward to claim his mouth again. This time they explored
more, their hands trailing over each other, as the kiss became demanding and
rough.

Colin felt Ryan move down and began kissing his neck. He let his head fall
back against the couch and brought his hand up to stroke Ryan’s hair. Ryan
unbuttoned the top buttons of Colin’s shirt and kissed the spot where
Colin’s neck met his shoulder. It was apparently the hot spot he was
looking for, because he stayed there and sucked gently.

Colin began to squirm and he pressed Ryan’s head against his neck,
encouraging him to suck harder. Ryan did just that and he didn’t stop until
Colin was moaning. Then he nipped lightly on Colin’s shoulder as he
unbuttoned a few more buttons.

When Ryan started kissing his chest, Colin realized how fast this was moving
and how unprepared he felt. Not just for the physical stirrings but the
emotional ones as well. He wasn’t ready to make love with Ryan. He wasn’t
ready to admit that he could feel this way about another man even though he
quite evidently did.

“Ryan,” he said, pushing the other man away.

“What’s wrong,” Ryan asked, panting slightly.

“We have to stop. We shouldn’t be doing this.”

But why? Did I do something wrong? You seemed…I thought you wanted this,
too.”

Colin moved away, trying to distance himself from the hurt in Ryan’s voice.
“I did. I do. It’s not a matter of want. There are just too many reasons
why this is wrong.”

“Like what?”

“Well, we’re both married, for starters. I mean, I’ve never cheated on my
wife. Hell, Ryan, we’re both men. I’ve never, ever considered doing…that.”
Even as he said the last words, Colin knew he was lying. He had thought
about having sex with Ryan before, long before tonight, in fact.

Ryan stared at the ocean painting on the far wall as he said, “I know I’m
married, Col. You don’t have to remind me. I also know I wouldn’t be if it
wasn’t for the kids. We agreed to stay together until they graduate. She’s
seeing someone else now.”

Seeing Colin’s shocked expression he smiled a weary smile. “I know it
sounds odd but I want her to be happy and I never loved her the way she
should be loved. So if this other guy does it for her, I’m thrilled. As
for the other part…well…I’ve never been with a man either. But it didn’t
seem to matter when you were in my arms.”

Colin closed his eyes as his thoughts started racing. That explained how
Ryan could do this without guilt. Now, he thought, why am I here? He
wondered how he could disregard his wife so easily. Admittedly, they hadn’t
been doing that well. He didn’t see her all that often and when he did,
they’d usually just discuss finances and other necessities. He’d even
considered the possibility that she was seeing someone else once or twice.
When he did, he found he felt no malice or jealousy, just a sort of tired
acceptance.

Ok, so if his wife wasn’t the real problem, what was? Somewhere in the back
of his mind he could hear every negative word his father had said about
gays. He also remembered the kids taunting him at school because he didn’t
walk straight enough or act manly enough.

Suddenly he stood up. He needed to get out of here. “I’ve got to go,” he
said, starting for the door.

“Wait,” Ryan said, following him and grabbing his arm. “Don’t leave like
this. I’m sorry…I shouldn’t have….”

Colin pulled his arm away. “Look, Ryan. I can’t do this, ok? I’m sorry.
I’m not…I can’t…I have to go.” He unlocked the door and left without
looking back.

***


Colin drove along the lonely road and tried to regain some semblance of
control over his tangled emotions. He felt nervous and scared about what
just happened. He couldn’t believe how strongly he responded to Ryan or how
elated he was to know Ryan felt that way about him. Mostly, though, he
couldn’t understand the part of himself that wanted nothing more then to
return to Ryan.

He wanted to scream in frustration. This isn’t me, he told himself
repeatedly. He didn’t want men. He didn’t kiss them. He was straight.
Lord, I’m not even convincing myself, he admitted.

He also had to admit that it didn’t feel wrong to be in Ryan’s arms. It
felt warm, safe, and inviting.

Colin shook his head trying to force those thoughts away. He couldn’t
handle that type of relationship with Ryan. He decided he would give it
some time and then try to patch up their friendship. He still needed Ryan
in his life. Of that, there was no question.

*****

After a few awkward phone calls, they met for lunch and everything
ostensibly returned to normal. They still spent as much time together as
before. They talked and laughed like usual.

There was only the occasional hint that something had occurred. A glance, a
touch, or a stumbled phrase would bring the desire back to the forefront of
Colin’s mind. Even so, he was pretty adept at burying his feelings.
There were, however, times when his gaze in the mirror would land on the
mark on his neck and his thoughts would return to the feel of Ryan against
him, hot and eager.

*****




Colin sat in his armchair staring unseeingly at a book. He’d been looking
at it so long that the words had melted into one big blur of black and
white.
As much as he tried to focus on anything he just couldn’t find the

actual desire to follow through. He’d been home for a week and his thoughts
still revolved around Ryan.

He missed him. He didn’t want to miss him. Every since they’d become close
friends he’d always felt Ryan’s absence deeply. Whenever he wasn’t in
driving distance it bothered him. Now, though, that longing seemed wrong.

The ring of the telephone interrupted his thoughts. He was the only one
home and he needed the distraction, so he answered it. “Hello.”

“Hi.”

It was Ryan. Colin smiled as he felt a warmth settle over him. “What’s
up?”

“Not much. I just missed you and was wondering what you’re up to.”

Colin felt his breath catch as Ryan said he missed him. There was something
in his tone, some gentle emotion that touched Colin immensely.

“I’ve missed you, too. I was just thinking about you,” Colin said, before
he had time to think about it.

“Really. What were you thinking?”

“That I wish we didn’t live so damn far apart.”

“I wish that, too. So, do you know when you’re coming in again?”

“I’m not sure,” Colin said. He had intended on staying home for a few weeks
but hearing Ryan’s voice made him reconsider. “Maybe this weekend.”

You should, definitely. My wife’s going to a health retreat and the kids

are staying with her mom so I have nothing to do. You can stay here and we
can hang out, watch movies, take over the world, or something.”

He knew Ryan was smiling, he could hear it in the lilt in his voice. It
made him smile, too. “OK, that sounds great.”



*******



Colin sat on the airplane and debated his decision to go see Ryan. It was a
foolish idea. This was just the situation he’d been trying to avoid. It
was going to be just the two of them in an empty house for two days. He’s
had trouble hiding his feelings on the phone, how in the world was he going
to do it in person.

The situation was not helped by the conversation he’d had with his wife
right before he left. They’d talked about how things change, move on,
without you really wanting them to. They talked about distance, space, and
how two people can be in the same room but miles apart. They talked of love
and time and the realization that even the most constant things in life can
sometimes change.

He knew what she was saying. He felt respect for her honesty and regret for
the truth of their situation. They’d both cried and for the first time in a
long time they hugged each other for a reason other then expected custom.

So now he didn’t even have her as a barrier between him and Ryan. The only
thing left was his own fear and he hated feeling like a coward.

********

After Colin got off the plane, he went looking for Ryan. Walking down the
long, crowded hall he felt a sense of excitement building. He saw Ryan
before Ryan saw him. He looks good, Colin thought, as he took in his
friend’s appearance. He was wearing a pair of khaki slacks and a blue
button down shirt that did nice things for him.

Colin felt the charge when Ryan’s eyes met his. He saw the smile settle on
his friend’s face as he purposeful strode towards Colin.

Hi,” Colin said.

“Hi,” Ryan said softly, pulling Colin into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re
here.”

Colin dropped his carryon and wrapped his arms around Ryan. “Me too,” he
said, against Ryan’s shoulder. Home, the word danced around Colin’s mind as
he let his senses take in Ryan’s scent, the sound of his voice, and the
familiar warmth of his body.


********

They were both silent as they walked into Ryan’s house. They seemed to be
waiting for the other to speak.

Without planning to, they ended up walking into Ryan’s den.

“Well…” Colin stopped speaking as his foot caught on the edge of the couch.

He reached out to catch himself as Ryan turned to steady him. Ryan’s hands
settled on his shoulders and his seeking hand landed on Ryan’s chest, just
over his heart. They stood there like that and looked at each other. He
could feel Ryan’s heartbeat, steady and strong, and he realized some things
in life do remain constant. He’d always felt this love for Ryan.

He closed his eyes and leaned forward seeking; seeking something, perhaps
the cessation of time or maybe a glimpse of eternity. Whatever it was, he
was sure he found it when Ryan’s lips touched his.

As he kissed him, he could feel Ryan’s heartbeat quicken and for the first
time in his life he felt complete. The seeking kiss gained direction and
intensity. He knew where this was going. It had an irrevocable quality to
it.

There was still that nagging inner voice but it was being silenced by the
courage that comes from being true to oneself. Colin realized that he was
still the same man even though he wanted Ryan. He wasn’t weaker or less
masculine, just happier because this was exactly where he wanted to be.

Ryan pulled back suddenly. “I’m sorry,” he said, turning away, “I told
myself I wouldn’t…that I’d respect your wishes and look, you’ve been in my
house for all of two minutes and I’m all over you.” He ran his hand over
his eyes. “I thought I had this under control but I still….”

Colin turned him around and silenced him with a finger against his lips.
Shh. Listen, Ryan. It’s ok. I want this. I want you.” Saying the words
out loud made Colin smile.

“But, I thought…I mean, you said….” He stopped talking for a moment as a
thought took hold of him. “You really want me?”

God, yes. So much I can taste it. You’re all I think about.”

“Why did you pull away from me last time?”

Colin heard the hurt in Ryan’s voice and realized how hard it must have been
for Ryan to make the first move and how badly Ryan must have felt when he
walked out on him. He knew he owed Ryan the naked truth. “I was afraid.
What I feel for you scares me, Ryan. It’s so strong, I feel overwhelmed. I
was also afraid of what feeling this way about you makes me. But, now I
know what it makes me. It makes me an incredibly lucky man.”

Ryan met his eyes. “I’m having trouble believing this,” he said, reaching
out and tracing Colin’s jaw with his fingertips. “I want to. It’s just
that I’ve told myself this could never happen. It scares me, too, feeling
this way. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you.” His hand moved up
to trace Colin’s lips. “Where do we go from here?”

I have a few ideas,” Colin said, daringly sucking Ryan’s forefinger into

his mouth.

Ryan moaned softly, “Good thinking,” he said, kissing him. “I want to show
you how much you mean to me.”

“I already know,” Colin said, smiling. “But you can show me if you’d like.”

“Oh, I’d like, but not here. Let’s move somewhere more comfortable,” Ryan
said, pulling him out of the room.

Colin knew Ryan as leading him to the master bedroom but he didn’t want to
go there. He didn’t want their first time to be in the bed Ryan shared with
his wife. That thought stirred a possessive jealousy that Colin had
previously thought himself incapable of feeling. He pushed Ryan towards the
guest room instead.

Ryan seemed to understand and made no comment or protest.

Once they were in the room they faced each other with uncertainty. Neither
man wanted to make the first move.

Colin looked down at the floor. “I can’t believe how nervous I am.”

Ryan nodded. “I know. I expected I’d be nervous because I’ve never…with a
man, but I’m more nervous just because it’s you and I don’t want to
disappoint you.”

Colin smiled. “You couldn’t.” He reached out. “Come here.”

Ryan slid into his arms and the passion flared again overshadowing the
nervousness. Colin kissed Ryan letting his tongue dance lightly across
the other man’s lips before giving in to the urge to explore his mouth
completely. He’d wanted to tease Ryan more but he couldn’t. His desire to
taste, to explore, and to deepen the kiss was too strong. Colin couldn't get
enough of Ryan. He kissed him until he couldn’t breathe and had to pull
back.

Ryan tightened his arms around Colin’s waist, holding him close, whispering,
“I can’t believe how badly I want this.”

“Neither can I,” Colin said, pulling Ryan towards the king-sized bed. He
toed his brown loafers off as Ryan stepped out of his shoes.

Their gazes locked and Ryan moved forward swiftly, tumbling Colin onto the
bed. Colin’s laugh of surprise was cut off by Ryan’s mouth. Ryan kissed
him fiercely, stopping only to pull Colin’s shirt off roughly. The moment
it was gone, he captured Colin’s mouth again.

Colin wanted to slow things down a bit so he could savor the moment. He
rolled them over so he was on top and held Ryan’s arms above his head. He
looked into Ryan’s dark, half closed eyes, keeping his mouth inches from
Ryan’s.

Colin knew this pause was driving Ryan crazy. He could feel the tension and
the hunger emanating from the other man. Ryan surged upward trying to claim
Colin’s mouth, but Colin pulled back avoiding the desperate kiss.

Col,” Ryan said with frustration.

“Relax. We don’t have to rush this.”

“I don’t want to wait any longer. I’ve been waiting for years.”

“Not that much longer,” Colin said as he began unbuttoning Ryan’s shirt. “I
just want to enjoy this, make it special.”

Ryan nodded as Colin pulled the shirt out of his pants. Colin ran his
fingertips over the hairless chest, tracing the lines and curves lightly.
He pulled Ryan up slightly so he could slide the shirt off and then resumed
exploring. He wanted to find every sensitive spot, everything that made
Ryan moan and gasp. Leaning forward, he began kissing and licking his
chest. He slid his tongue across a nipple, loving the soft little sounds of
pleasure Ryan made.

Colin let his hands lead the way in his exploration, followed closely by his
mouth and teeth. His hands trailed down over Ryan’s smooth stomach, getting
to know the feel of it. Moments later, he moved down to kiss it, feeling
the muscles tighten in response.

Ryan couldn’t be still anymore. The lower Colin moved the more frantic Ryan
moved. Colin’s hands finally reached the waistband on Ryan’s pants and he
slowly unbuttoned them and slid the zipper down. He scattered wet kisses on
Ryan’s lower stomach as his hand stroked Ryan’s staining erection through
his boxers.

Ryan was now moaning and his breath was coming in short, quick gasps. Colin
moved back to sit on his knees as he slid Ryan’s pants and boxers off in a
nearly graceful motion. Throwing the useless clothing on to the floor, he
focused his gaze on the naked, flushed man lying in front of him. He tried
to take in every detail and commit it to memory.

Colin reached out, running his hands up Ryan’s legs, sliding over his inner
thighs, and touching him everywhere but where Ryan really wanted to be
touched. Finally, he ran his forefinger across the center of his need. He
watched him leap and convulse at the slight touch.

Colin was struck by the sudden urge to taste Ryan. He needed to know
everything; his most intimate taste, how he looked when he came, and if he’d
cry out or just shudder silently.

Colin crawled in between Ryan’s legs and began swirling his tongue around
the leaking head, before moving to engulf as much of Ryan’s erection as he
could. He moved slowly up and down, trying to find a rhythm. He finally
did and he began steadily building the pressure and pushing Ryan towards
release.

Col, yes….”

Colin knew Ryan was close and that this was his last chance to pull away,
but he didn’t want to pull away. He wanted Ryan to finish in his mouth. He
felt Ryan’s hands tighten on his shoulder to warn him. Seconds later, Ryan
moaned Colin’s name in one long gasp and came explosively.

When he could think coherently again, Ryan pulled Colin into his embrace.
“Damn, Col, that was amazing.”

Colin smiled. “Felt good, eh?”

He rolled Colin over and slid on top of him. “Yeah, I want to make you feel
good, too.” He ran his hand over the bulge in Colin’s pants. “Like that,
huh? Want more?”

Colin nodded, feeling his whole body come alive under Ryan’s seeking hands.
His body was starting to ache with need and he realized he’d never wanted
like this before.

He felt Ryan’s talented hands undoing his pants. As he pulled he pulled
them off of Colin he smiled. “Nice tight-ie white-ies, Col.

“Thanks,” Colin said, laughing. “Do they turn you on?”

“Oddly enough, yes. But everything about you seems to turn me on,” Ryan
said, sliding the underwear off.

Ryan’s words struck a chord with Colin. No one had ever made him feel so
desired. He pulled Ryan up into a kiss and reveled as their naked bodies
touched for the first time and decided they fit together perfectly.

Ryan found the spot on his neck that sent pleasure racing up and down his
spine. It was an almost unbearable sensation and he pushed on Ryan
shoulders. Ryan took the hint and moved down his chest, tasting every inch
of him.

Finally, his mouth hovered above Colin’s erection. “Is this what you want,
Col?” He asked, his words and warm breath sliding over Colin, deepening his
arousal.

“Yes,” Colin whispered.

Colin watched as Ryan moved down and took him in his mouth. The visual
image combined with the sensation of wetness and heat, was pushing him to
places he’d never been before.

He grabbed the sheets on the bed and murmured Ryan’s name over and over.
Ryan name itself had taken on an erotic connotation. The two syllables
rolled off his tongue and across his lips like a caress.

He could feel the pleasure mounting and groaned when he felt Ryan pull back.
Suddenly Ryan’s passion dark eyes were looming over him. “I want you
inside me.”

The softly uttered words hit Colin hard as he tried to comprehend Ryan’s
request. He’d wanted to have sex with him for years and now that he had the
chance he was stunned silent with surprise. He finally managed a nod.

Ryan kissed him softly and said, “I’ll be right back.”

Colin knew what he was going to get and he used the moment alone to try and
calm his racing thoughts. His excitement was now warring with his nerves.
This was it. He knew he was crossing a line that he could never uncross,
but he knew he wouldn’t regret it.

He nerves brought his level of arousal down so he wasn’t so near the edge.
He was glad about that. He didn’t want this to end before it even began.
He wanted this so badly but he’d never done this before and he was afraid he
wouldn’t please Ryan. He seen enough and read enough to know the
technicalities of making love to another man, but actually doing it was a
different story.

Ryan returned carrying small tube, looking flushed and aroused. Colin felt
the long missing sense of anticipation return to him. It was the way he
felt when he was about to have sex with someone he loved and wanted
desperately.

Ryan crawled into the bed and handed him the lubricant. “So, you ready for
this?”

“Oh yeah,” Colin said, deciding the best approach was to fake confidence
until he actually felt it.

It didn’t take too long for him to become comfortable. Even with some
slightly awkward moments, he realized it was all just a matter of paying
attention to Ryan to determine what made him feel good. He teased Ryan
until he seemed more then ready. He stared into Ryan’s eyes, seeing the
longing and need he felt reflecting back from the bright, emerald depths.

“Come on, Col,” Ryan urged. “Take me. I’m here, ready and waiting.”

Colin nodded. He positioned himself between Ryan’s legs and took a deep
breath. Slowly he entered Ryan, wanting to hang on to the moment, draw it
out. If there was one moment in his life he could remain in forever, this
would be it, the moment where, for the first time, his body joined with
Ryan’s. He realized that never in his life had lovemaking felt so much like
making love.

He felt Ryan’s body relax and welcome him inside. He wanted to make this
last but he could feel passion driving him on. Ryan was also encouraging
him, pulling him closer, deeper.

“I love you, Ryan,” he said, needing to express the incredible feeling that
was overtaking him.

“Love you, too.”

That was the last coherent thought either man had for a while. They moved
together seeking release from the mounting tension. Colin’s thrusting
became forceful as his hand worked its way between their sweat-slicked
bodies to caress Ryan’s throbbing erection.

Moments later both men slid into the abyss of overwhelming pleasure and came
in a breathless, spiraling moment. Colin felt like he was free falling as
exhilaration and sheer joy washed over him repeatedly.

As he held on to Ryan, he realized that this night had changed everything;
everything he thought about who he was and why he was here. For the first
time he understood how people could live and die for love. This is where
all his roads had always led and he’d been too stubborn to admit it before.
He’d always had an extraordinary awareness of Ryan, a concern for his well
being that went way beyond strong friendship. Now, that emotion had found
focus and an outlet. He wanted to scream his love from the rooftops.

He settled for kissing Ryan’s cheek and holding him tighter. One thing at a
time, he thought with a smile.


finis

 

 

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