Fic: It's Nothing Part 1 and 2

[huushiita.livejournal.com]

Author: Huushi
Title: It's Nothing
Beta: none as of yet
Summary: just keep reading. I do have something planned!
Characters: Colin




Colin Mochrie woke up to his dog, Sammie, licking his face. Even though he dearly loved her, she had really bad breath. Also, being woken up to a 'bath' at six in the morning on a Monday wasn't high on his list of things to do. He rolled over, covering his head with his blue and green comforter. That didn't deter Sammie. She leaped onto the bed, one paw on his stomach, and barked. He muttered something under his breath. Sammie barked again, begging to be fed.

'Alright! I'm up. Go on,' he told her, wiping the sleep from his eyes. He made a face, as she turned and farted, before darting off. 'Thanks, Sammie.'

He followed her slowly, nearly banging into the kitchen wall. He was still half asleep. Almost robot-like, he flipped the coffee machine on, and grabbed his prized mug to set it down on the counter. He went over to fill Sammie's bowl, scratching behind her ears quickly.

He went back towards his bedroom to undress for a shower. After he was done getting ready for the day, he sat back down to drink his coffee. Sammie, finished with her food, came over and rested her head on his lap.

Colin looked down at the afghan hound, and admired the brown and white shiny coat. She would need a thorough brushing tomorrow, as he knew he wouldn't be able to do it today. That was the only thing he disliked about Sammie. She needed to be brushed religiously since her hair was very long. Some people joked that he had Sammie to make up for his baldness. He loved her dearly though. He'd had her since she was three months old. In fact, he always told people that Sammie was better than a girlfriend, since she couldn't talk back! She was generous with cuddles and love, obedient, and loyal. Shed like a bitch, though.

Laughing to himself, he kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him with brown, sad eyes. 'What do you want?,' he asked her. Sammie's tail wagged. 'You want to go for a walk, girl?'

Sammie seemed to grin, her tail wagging more. She gave a small bark, then perkily padded up to the door to grab the lease in her mouth, and walked back to hand it to Colin. He smiled. 'Good girl! Good Sammie!' He patted her on the rump.

They left the house, after Colin finished his coffee. The sun was up, it was a warm day. People were coming and going, and Colin and Sammie walked side by side. They made their way into the park that was nearby, and onto the path made for walkers and joggers. Colin kept to the far right, making way for people. Like always, Sammie stopped at the notice board to do her business. Colin read the papers to see if there was anything of interest. When Sammie nudged him with her nose, he reached into his pocket. He took out a plastic bag and scooped up the mess, tied it up, and threw it in the trash. Another thing about Sammie, was that she always did it near a trash bin. 'You really are a smart doggie, aren't ya?' Sammie barked, seemingly agreeing with him.

They made their way back home, Colin nodding politely to the regulars in the park. He let Sammie in, said his farewell to her, and locked up the house behind him. He was looking forward to meeting the others at the studio.





Authors note: Sammie, the beautiful afghan hound, looks like this:







Part Two

Rating: Mild swearing.


Colin arrived at the studio on time, as per usual. He slipped inside his dressing room only to find Ryan sitting in Colin's favourite chair. Colin wasn't surprised.

'Hi, Ryan' Colin said, and opening up the mini bar. He grabbed a coke glass bottle for himself, and passed one to Ryan.

'Hey. Thanks, but I've already had two.' Ryan's eyes seemed to dance as he gazed up at Colin.

'Glad to help out a thirsty friend, such as yourself. Next time, you can pick them up!' Colin joked, smiling.

Dan Petterson, one of the producers one the Whose Line Is It Anyway? show, popped in. He nodded to Colin before speaking to Ryan. 'It's a good thing you're early. Drew's called an impromptu meeting.' Dan ducked back out without waiting for an answer.

'I really hate that man.' Ryan said as he got up. 'I'll see you in half an hour, Col.'

Colin merely saluted with his coke at his friend and watched him leave the room. Colin smiled to himself as he proceeded on with getting ready for the shoot. He expertly hooked himself up to the portable microphone before putting on some faint make-up in order for him not to look ghastly pale for home viewers. After that he checked his watch, saw that is was time to go, and did so.


After the shoot, Colin agreed to go along with Drew, Greg, Wayne, Ryan, and some others. Wayne suggested Chinese food so they decided to meet at a cozy little restaurant not too far from where they were.

Colin was beside Ryan, who was driving, while Drew and Wayne were in the back. Greg had gone with Dan and a few others. Drew kept up the conversation in the back with Wayne, punctuated by Ryan's laughter. Colin eyes kept being drawn to his best friend in the seat beside him. He noticed how long and slender Ryan's hands were and how they gripped the steering wheel, and how Ryan would occasionally look towards the two in the back seat as he laughed at their jokes, as well as how well he hid the pain that was surely from his back. Colin didn't think when he gently rested a hand on Ryan's knee and told him to take a left at the next light since it's a shortcut. Ryan nodded his thanks. It was like no words were really needed to pass between the two. Colin always seemed to know what Ryan was thinking. Just like Ryan always knew what Colin would do next.

Drew had noticed this small exchange, as did Wayne. Of course, Wayne would think nothing off it, considering the two were always touching each other in some small way. Of course, Drew thought, nobody would notice since the two were quite well known for the outrageous behavior that always seemed to happen in front of the cameras. Over zealous kissing and constant groping were per the norm when it came to Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles. Drew quickly looked towards Ryan and saw the look that he gave Colin. Colin nodded, and took his hand off Ryan's leg. Drew had been noticing these little exchanges over the last couple of weeks, and his curiosity was piqued.

Drew would let it slide. He was sure that he could get it out of Colin sooner or later. Whatever 'it' was.

Drew continued on with the beer and sex jokes, until they pulled up into the parking lot. After a minute or so they were inside, and seated very shortly. They were able to order quickly and it wasn't long till they got their food. Drew observed Ryan, who had situated himself next to Colin, who was using his chopsticks to grab a vegetable off of Colin's plate. Drew glanced around at the table. He saw Dan who had just about to shove something in his mouth, lower his fork. He looked absolutely gobsmacked. Drew frowned, and quickly looked back to the other two and had just caught the tail end of Ryan's chop sticks slowly coming out of Colin's mouth. Drew just about choked himself. He politely excused himself to the nearest people and got up. He walked around to the other side of the table where Colin was sitting.

'Colin, mind joining me outside for a smoke?'

Colin looked up, frowning slightly. Drew had an idea of what he was thinking and it was probably along the lines of 'but I just sat down to eat.' However, Drew knew just how polite the Canadian was and would follow him outside, regardless. Drew gave him slight moon eyes to let him know that he wanted them to be alone, as Ryan was starting to get up himself. Colin laid a hand on his shoulder. 'It's okay, Ry. I'll be quick.' Ryan gave a nod, got re-settled and continued eating. Drew had to laugh.

They stepped outside, and Drew pulled out a joint. Colin lit his smoke and gave the lighter to Drew. Drew got his joint going and handed the black lighter back to Colin. Colin pocketed it, and inhaled deeply.

Drew stared at him. Drew had seen Colin light up enough times to know that it took him half a minute for Colin to 'come back'. Upon asking Colin one time where he went, Drew found out that Colin really enjoyed smoking and that he detested being interrupted for the first few drags.

Colin opened up his eyes and gave Drew a grin. 'That tastes good.' Colin leaned back against the building. 'You wanted to talk?'

Drew nodded. 'Ya. I want to know what's going on between you and Ryan?'

Colin's face fell, and Drew forced himself not to sigh. He watched while he waited for Colin to speak. His patience was rewarded. Colin finished his cigarette to the ground and stomped on it, before speaking. 'There was nothing there, at first. But then something changed. I changed. I started looking forward to seeing him, being with him.' Colin heaved a sigh and looked at Drew.

Drew threw out his joint even though he hadn't taken a hit off it. 'Does he know how you feel?' Drew was pretty sure the answer right, but he still wanted the clarification.

Colin blinked. 'Yes. He's in love too.'

'And you're hiding it.' It was an obvious statement, but Drew felt compelled to say it.

'Yes. I've heard the stories.' Colin fell silent, hugging himself. It was then that Drew looked at him, and realized just how scared Colin was.

Drew closed the distance between them, to give Colin a hearty slap on the back. 'No worries, my Canadian friend. If there's any grief on the set, you let me know, alright?'

Colin nodded. 'I just don't want the others to know about Ry. He'll loose his job, I'm sure.'

Drew's eyes narrowed, but not at Colin. 'There will be none of that, or they'll be dealing with me.' Drew's face softened, and he nudged Colin forward with his arm and they both headed in. 'Not that it's any of my business, but how long have you two been seeing each other?'

'Four months, now.'

Drew again nodded. 'You're wise in not saying anything. But just a head's up. Dan saw Ryan feed you with his chop sticks.'

Colin frowned. 'I know. I've asked Ryan not to do that in public.' Colin wearily rubbed his face. 'Nothing I say gets through to him. He doesn't believe that we can get hurt just by being together.'

Drew stopped Colin and said in a quiet voice as they were nearing their table. 'If you want, I'll talk to him.'

Colin pursed his lips. 'We'll see.' He then turned and walked away, leaving Drew standing there with a heavy eight in the pit of his stomach.



Colin woke up to a mild headache. He opened his eyes and Sammi was there. She saw that her master was finally awake and started to wag her tail. Colin groaned, remembering just how much they had drunk the night before.

'Hey girl,' he croaked out, but ended up borrowing deeper under his covers when Sammi started licking his face. 'God, you really do have bad doggy breath!'

Colin lightly pushed Sammi away so that he could get out of bed to shower. After, he got dressed and padded his way down to the kitchen. He grabbed Sammi's food and filled it up, and gave her fresh water. Sammi predictably rushed through the living room and into the kitchen, only to engorge herself with food. Colin stared at Sammi, like he always did in the morning. 'Glutton!' As always, Sammi ignored him until she was done. She washed her Kibbles-n-Bits down with water and getting water all over the floor. Colin shook his head, and wiped it up. 'Not exactly a lady eater, are you?' Sammi licked her chops and stared at him. She then seemed to give him a doggie grin and went to go get her leash that was by the door.

Colin shook his head. 'We've got to brush you first.' He had already gotten out her brush and knelt down beside her. He gently worked out the tangles in her long coat, talking to her about yesterday's events as he did so. Colin always told people Sammi was the best listener. She barked in agreement in all the right places! Colin gave her a quick hug, upon finishing grooming her.

'You ready to go for your walk, girl?' he asked, patting her on the rump. Sammi barked. Colin laughed. 'Alright, let's go!' Colin hooked the leash onto Sammi's collar and was quite literally dragged out the door.

Sammi walked Colin to the park, and they stopped at the notice board. Colin read the bits of paper, while Sammi sniffed around. He saw a notice for a new local gay group for his age group. They would be meeting next Tuesday. Nodding to himself, Colin decided that he wanted to go. He would ask Ryan if he'd join him as well, but knew that he'd go alone if need be. Having a support system would be highly beneficial to him right now. His state of being had been shaky since he'd found out that he was in love with his best friend, and therefore gay, four months ago. The feelings of uncertainty and anxiety threatened to overwhelm him at times. Mind you, Ryan wasn't exactly helping Colin overcome the shock of finding out his gayness. In fact, Ryan seemed to thrive on swimming as close to the edge in public, teasing those around him in public, which included Colin. In fact, they'd had many small disagreements on whether or not to come out. Colin, the ever-reservist, wanted to wait and test the waters for a bit. Ryan, however, stated on numerous times that he no longer wanted to be in the closet, that it was too restricting. Colin didn't know what to think, considering he had been in a few gay clubs recently to 'scope out the scene', and had found out that many don't favour dating other men who are still in the closet. Creates too much drama. Mind you, this coming from guys who fuck like rabbits. In any case, Colin did see the point. Dating someone who was out, when you're not can create a heck of a lot of friction.

Colin sighed. Being with Ryan was wonderful, but the practical Canadian in him still reserved judgment. He felt that it would become a horrible fiasco for both of them if Ryan did come out, what him being an executive producer for the show. Colin didn't want that for Ryan, or for himself. Talking to Drew had helped a bit, but he still felt like he had a flashing sign above that was stating 'I'm gay!'. He knew that he was being ridiculous, but he couldn't seem to shake the paranoia. It was then that Sammi nudged him, signaling that she was finished. Colin knelt beside her, and scratched her ears.

'What do you think, Sam? Am I just a paranoid git?' Colin then had to laugh at himself. He supposed that those years in Britain had rubbed off on him. He still couldn't shake some of the terms that he had become accustomed to. It amused him every time he let one slip. He retrieved a plastic bag from his pocket and quickly scooped up the mess that Sammi had made. He stood up, and threw it in the trash bin next to the notice board. Sammi head butted Colin. 'Alright sweetie, let's take you home.'


Colin walked into his dressing room in the studio. Ryan was already there. Nothing unordinary about that. 'Hey Ry.'

'Hey Col.' Ryan leaned back into Colin's chair. 'How's Sammi doing?'

Colin broke out into a grin. 'That dog eats twice as much as she should. I don't care what the vet says, she's gonna get fat!' Ryan hid a smile under his hand. Colin had taken Sammi to the vet and had been told that because Sammi's still growing, she'd still be eating. A lot. Colin had found Sammi at the Humane Society and had instantly fallen in love. Ryan had ended up paying at the cash register since Colin had refused to leave Sammi by herself in the visitors pen. 'She'll be lonely,' he had said back then.

Ryan leaned forward in the chair. 'She'll be fine. The vet even said herself that Sam won't get fat. She's only ten months, and she's still growing. She's beautiful as is. You're beautiful.' Ryan had gotten up and had wrapped his arms around Colin. 'I love you, Colin.'

'Please, Ryan. Not here, not in the studio.' Colin tried unsuccessfully to step out of Ryan's reach. 'I've asked you repeatedly to not to this in public. And yet you continue. Do you not respect me?'

'Of course I respect you. I just don't see what the big problem is.'

Colin shook his head. 'The problem is, I just don't feel comfortable yet. It's still new to me. It's new to you, too. We ought to be careful.'

Ryan laughed. 'Colin, you worry to much. Nobody will know.'

Colin's eyes flashed. 'Really? We'll I'll have you know that at the restaurant last night Dan saw you spoon feed me. Drew took me aside to tell me that, but I already knew. I saw the look of utter disgust on his face. It made me feel... sick.'

Ryan's hand fell off Colin's shoulder. 'What? I didn't spoon feed you, it was with chop sticks.'

Colin stepped away from Ryan, the anger building up inside so that it felt like he was about to explode. 'Wow, Ryan. You really don't care, do you? But you should. You aren't taking this seriously, but it's like you're living one of our on-stage jokes in real life. Dan's already noticed, and all you care about is trivialities, when we've got a lot more bigger fish to fry. You don't get it, do you?' Colin's voice grew cold. 'People like us get beaten to death on a daily basis!' Colin paused to recollect himself. He had realized he'd ended up shouting the last statement when he saw Ryan turn his body to the side as if to shield himself from Colin's anger. Colin didn't yell very often, but whenever he did Ryan always ended up in that pose like he could protect himself somehow. 'Ryan?'

Ryan turned to look at him, lips pursed together tightly.

'Ryan. I do love you. You know that--' Colin froze instantly. Dan, once again had barged into his dressing room. Insufferable man.

'Ryan. Another meeting.' Dan looked at his watch. 'Now, actually.'

Ryan nodded and walked out of the room without looking at Colin. Colin glanced at Dan, who was giving him a colder look than was necessary. The smirk on Dan's face also added to the creepy feeling that began to settle over Colin. He watched Dan close the door, before he sat down. 'Damn.' He threw his jacket against the wall. He stared blankly at the crumpled material, then thought better and went over to pick it up and hang in on the hook beside the door. 'Damn.'

He was seriously worried now. Not only was Ryan's administrations to him in public increasing, but now he had seen Dan's face to know that the little rat knew something was up. Colin simply prayed that Dan didn't know exactly was up.

Colin decided to try and get his mind off it, and picked up Moby Dick. He tried to read for ten minutes before he decided to give up on account he couldn't concentrate. He looked at the clock and realized it was time be onstage, anyway. He thankfully put the book down and made his way towards the studio.


Colin had felt an odd vibe coming from his boyfriend throughout all the games. He knew something was wrong when he had set Ryan up for a perfect 'sexual encounter' during a game. But, Ryan had just looked at him with dull eyes, and almost lifeless. Colin's stomach decided to play its version of Twister, and Drew noticed the shocked look on Colin's face. He ended up sounding the buzzer to signal the end of the game early, in order to gain time for Colin to regain control of himself. Wayne had given Ryan and Colin a very odd look. It was very unusual for the two not to jump into the sexuality antics. Colin saw Wayne whisper something to Ryan, and Ryan's face grew red. Colin had no idea what was going on, and looked towards Drew as if he could help him. Drew minutely shook his head. Colin noticed that Dan had seemed to up the picking on Ryan, more than was normal. And Ryan didn't seem to be giving it back with his usual gusto, but just sat there, looking down at the floor. Yes, there was something definitely going on here.

At the end of the shoot, Colin approached Ryan but was only coldly brushed off, stating that he had been called to yet another meeting. Colin stared after Ryan, feeling lost. He wondered again what on earth was happening, and why there were so many meetings. He had a feeling he'd find out very soon. He was not looking forward to it.