[FIC] New Horizons - 1/?

[anesthesiagirl.livejournal.com]

Title: New Horizons - 1/?
Pairing: Greg/Brad; hint of Ry/Col
Rating: G now, probably up to R eventually
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em.
Summary: I feel like no one's given Greg any love lately, and since I've been on a Proops kick, I thought I'd give it a try. Lots of AU, including no mentions of wives or girlfriends, and kind of a screwy timeline as I'm too lazy to look up the exact first time that Greg and Brad would have met.



"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.

......to be continued......



Oh.....and I get to see Drew and gang tomorrow! :)