A fic for Ryan's birthday next week

[rycolfan.livejournal.com]

Title - Birthday surprises
Rating - G
Pairing - Ry/Col (who else?!)
Summary - Ryan's birthday brings more than one surprise....(Fluff!)
Disclaimer - I, sadly, own nothing but the story.

Just an idea that occurred to me.  Once again, this is set in the "Whose Line" days and Ryan's kids are older than in real life.  Can be viewed as a sort of sequel to "Family Matters".  This is unashamedly fluffy....if you want angst, you're not gonna find it here! 



Ryan stared out of the car window at the buildings flying past, bathed in the golden LA sunshine.  Today was his birthday.  He had never really liked birthdays; sure, when he was younger he had used it as an excuse to go out and get drunk with the guys, but as he had got older he hadn't really felt the need to celebrate another year on the clock.

This year was different though, and the difference was sitting on his left behind the wheel.  Colin.  They had officially been together now for nearly a year and Ryan was still as blissfully happy as day one.  He couldn't believe he had gone all those years without truly realizing his feelings for the man next to him.  Colin was his soul-mate, the one person who completed him and who could make his heart soar with a simple touch.

It hadn't been easy, though, especially for his kids.  After his separation from Pat, and the subsequent start of his relationship with Colin, Mac and Sam had needed time to adjust to the situation, but they were now supporting his decision.  In fact, in the last few months their relationship with Colin had been great - much to his joy and relief.  Claire, Ryan's youngest who was only five, had taken the whole thing in her stride and accepted his relationship with Colin from the beginning (although Ryan was sure this had something to do with the fact that Colin had always been her favourite person).  Ryan's divorce had been settled amicably and he was genuinely happy for Pat when she had started a new relationship.  They were both committed to remaining friends and sharing parental responsibilities. 

Ryan was brought out of his thoughts by a voice beside him.  "You're very quiet, Ry, you ok?"

Ryan looked over at Colin and smiled.  "I'm fine...just thinking," he replied, reaching over to grasp Colin's free hand in his and squeezing it gently.  Colin glanced at him, returning the smile and linking their fingers, before looking back at the road and saying, "Nearly there."

Ryan went back to his thoughts.  It had been a perfect birthday so far.  He had woken up in the arms of the man he loved and been spoiled rotten with breakfast in bed and presents.  He'd also had a phone call from his kids, who were away on holiday, wishing him a happy birthday and promising to see him soon. Then he had kept Colin in bed until nearly noon enjoying several passionate rounds of sex... he smiled at the memory.  They were now on their way out to dinner at a posh hotel.

"Here we are," Colin said, killing the engine.  They walked into the huge building, trying to ignore the people who had obviously recognized them and were pointing and whispering.  It was widely known that Ryan and Colin were together and people were, for the most part, happy for them (especially the Whose Line fans) but there were always some people who threw disgusted looks their way.  "Wait here a minute, I'll go and see if our table's ready," Colin said and went to the front desk. 

Ryan stood watching and couldn't help but admire the view of Colin leaning over the desk as he had a quiet conversation with the women behind it.  Colin was in great shape for his age, which he worked hard to keep, and the pants and top he wore clung to his figure nicely - his sweater a baby blue colour which was Ryan's favourite. It had never bothered him that Colin was losing his hair....Ryan found him spectacularly attractive, especially his soft brown eyes and his smile that could melt anyone's heart.  He knew for a fact that many women agreed with him, although Colin in his modesty wouldn't believe it. 

He saw the women at the desk smile at Colin and point off to the side as he nodded and walked back to Ryan.  "Okay, this way," Colin said, taking Ryan's hand and guiding him across the hall and down a corridor.  

"Are you sure it's this way Col?" Ryan asked doubtfully. 

Colin nodded.  "Trust me," he said.  After a couple of minutes, they arrived at a set of doors and Colin stepped back, gesturing with his hand and saying, "After you."

Ryan opened the door to reveal a darkened room and was about to turn to Colin and say, "I told you so," when the lights came on and there was a big shout of, "SURPRISE!"

Ryan was speechless, his mouth hanging open as he looked around at all the people beaming and clapping for him.  All his friends and their partners were there,  including the entire Whose Line cast and most of the crew, people from the Drew Carey Show, and even old friends from Second City who he hadn't seen in years.  The whole room was lavishly decorated and there was a big banner which read, "Happy Birthday Ryan".  Down one side of the room there were tables laden with food and drink and on the other side there was a huge sound system and a microphone.  At least fifteen circular tables surrounded the centre of the room which was kept clear for dancing.  At the back of the room were two large doors which led to an outside terrace.  

Ryan looked back at Colin who was chuckling as he pushed him further into the room.  "You did all this?" he asked, stopping and turning around so they were face to face, as the applause died down and the murmour of conversation replaced it.

Colin shrugged and replied, "I wanted your first birthday with me to be special." 

Ryan grabbed him and pulled him forward, kissing him fiercely as people cheered.  Pulling back slightly, he whispered, "No-one's ever done something like this for me before....thank you."

Colin smiled happily, hugging him.  "You're welcome," he replied, "happy birthday."

"Hey, Ry, put him down so we can start this party," Greg called from across the room as he started the music.  There was a smattering of laughter and Ryan smiled, releasing Colin but keeping hold of his hand as he walked forward to greet everyone.

"Happy birthday, buddy," Drew grinned as Ryan and Colin approached. "You looked pretty shocked just now, you didn't suspect anything?"

"Not a thing," Ryan replied, as Drew gave them both a hug.  "I can't believe so many people made it." Ryan looked around the room at his friends talking, laughing, and dancing. 

"I'll go and get us some drinks," Colin said, releasing Ryan's hand. "I'll be back in a minute."

"You'd better be," Ryan growled.  Colin grinned and walked towards the buffet, pausing to say hello to people on the way.  Ryan watched as he hugged Chip and Wayne, laughing at something Wayne said.

"How did I get so lucky Drew?" he asked the man standing beside him.

"You deserve it man," Drew replied, "you two are made for each other.  I only hope I'll be as lucky one day."

Ryan turned to Drew.  "I'm sure you will Drew," he said. "I firmly believe there's one right person out there for all of us...I'm just lucky enough to have found mine."

"Okay, enough mushy talk you two," Brad said, coming between them from behind and draping an arm around each of their shoulders. "There's fun to be had and lots of alcohol to consume...or are you getting too old for that, birthday boy?" 

Ryan glared, elbowing Brad in the ribs, and Brad ran off laughing as Colin returned with three bottles of beer.

"Is he off his medication again?" Colin joked as he handed a bottle each to Ryan and Drew, opening his own and turning to watch Brad jumping on Wayne enthusiastically.  They all chuckled as they watched Wayne try to extricate himself.

"Hey, should you be drinking that if you're driving later?" Ryan asked Colin, raising an eyebrow.

Colin, who had just taken a swig, swallowed before replying, "Ahhh but I'm not.  I've booked us a room for tonight and I've got our overnight bags in the car."

Ryan grinned at him.  "You really have thought of everything, haven't you?" he said, wrapping an arm around Colin's waist.

It wasn't long before everyone had eaten their fill and were drinking in earnest.  After going round the room to see everyone, thank them for coming, catch up with old friends, and receive birthday congratulations, Ryan dropped into a chair next to Drew looking exhausted.  The alcohol was already causing some people to lose their inhibitions on the dance floor, including some of the Whose Line cast who were drawing the attention of many of the other dancers.  He and Drew shook their heads, laughing.  Colin was a few meters away chatting with Chip and some old friends from Second City, but he kept catching Ryan's eye and smiling.

Ryan watched as Brad, who was considerably worse for wear by this point, came up behind Colin, threw his arms around him and slurred loudly, "Love you, Col." 

Ryan growled and Drew laughed before saying, "Someone's had too much to drink."

If looks could kill, Brad would have been reduced to a pile of ash on the spot from the look Ryan was sending his way.  As Ryan was about to get up, Chip noticed his expression and quickly steered Brad away from Colin.

"What are you doing man?" Brad whined as Chip took him towards the terrace. 

"I'm saving your life Brad," Chip relied, smirking. 

Ryan glowered at Brad's retreating back before looking back at Colin who was grinning at Ryan's reaction and shaking his head.

"Hey, Ryan, I think you have new guests." Drew nudged Ryan and pointed to the door where a group of people had just entered.  Ryan followed Drew's gaze and his eyes widened in surprise, joy lighting his face. Mac, Sam, and Claire were standing by the door, beaming and waving at him.  He walked quickly across the room to them and they rushed forward to hug him, all saying, "Happy birthday dad," at once.  Ryan's throat constricted as he held them close.  He looked over their heads to see Pat in the doorway looking awkward.

"How?...I thought you were on holiday...?" he asked.

Pat held her hand up. "Don't look at me, this was all Colin's idea," she said with a small smile.  "I've left their bags at reception, Colin's booked them a room next to yours.  I'll be over to pick them up tomorrow night." 

She turned to leave and Ryan called, "Pat?" waiting until she looked back to say, "Thank you...you know you're welcome to stay if you want."

"Thanks for asking but I have plans," she paused before saying softly, "Happy Birthday Ryan." 

Ryan watched her leave before turning his attention back to his kids.  They were still hugging him tightly. Claire suddenly spotted Colin.

"Colin!" she shrieked, getting the attention of everyone as she released her dad and raced across the room.  Colin, who hadn't seen their arrival as he chatted to Jeff and Wayne, turned and smiled, opening his arms to her.  

"Traitor," Ryan called good-naturedly after her and everyone laughed.

"Hey sweetie, how are you?" he said as she reached him and he swung her up for a hug.  "You're growing up far too fast you know."  Jeff and Wayne grinned and moved away.  Mac and Sam followed Claire over to Colin, smiling at the two of them, as Claire said proudly, "I'm going to be as tall as daddy."

"You've got a fair way to go yet Claire-bear," Mac said as Colin shuffled Claire onto his hip and gave Mac a one-armed hug and Sam a high-five.  "Is Luke here?" Sam asked.

"No, he couldn't make it... he's studying for his exams.  We'll see him in a couple of weeks though," Colin replied. 

"Hey, did you see dad's face when we arrived?" Mac asked Colin. "It was classic."

Colin shook his head.  "I take it our master plan was a success then," he grinned at them. "Hey, how was your holiday?" 

Ryan stood watching his children talking and laughing with Colin, tears of joy pricking his eyes.  He was so touched by all the trouble Colin had gone to for him.  Colin glanced his way, eyes sparkling, and mouthed, "Surprise!"  Ryan smiled back and made his way over to Greg and Wayne at the sound system.  He spoke to them quickly before starting to make his way back to Colin.  Greg's distinctive voice came over the microphone as he walked.

"Okay people, we have a special song request.  This one is for Colin from Ryan."

Ryan reached Colin as the first few notes of the song were played and he held out his hand.  "Dance with me, Col."

Colin lowered Claire gently to the floor and grasped the warm hand of his lover.  Ryan led him out to the centre of the room, as a few people whistled, and took him in his arms as a voice started singing....

"You are so beautiful...to me...
You are so beautiful....to me....can't you see?
You're everything I hoped for..
You're everything I need...  
You are so beautiful....to me..."

Colin laid his head on Ryan's chest, closing his eyes as they swayed to the music, while Ryan rested his cheek on Colin's head, smiling as he breathed in his unique scent.  Ryan hadn't believed that he could feel this happy.  He hugged Colin closer, completely at home in his embrace.  Suddenly realizing he didn't want to waste any more precious time, Ryan closed his eyes and whispered, "Marry me," in Colin's ear.

Colin's head shot up and they abruptly stopped dancing.  "What did you say?" he asked softly as he stared into Ryan's eyes.

"You heard," Ryan replied quietly, enjoying Colin's stunned expression. "But if you want me to do it properly," he trailed off as he released Colin and slowly got down on one knee.  There were gasps and cheers from the crowd as everyone turned to watch the scene.

Ryan reached for Colin's hand as the song finished and silence descended on the room.  Colin stared down at him with tear-filled eyes.  "Colin, you mean the world to me and I couldn't imagine my life without you.  I love you so much it hurts.  You make me a better person and I want to spend the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you've made me.  Will you marry me?"

Colin glanced around, searching for Ryan's kids to see what their reaction was.  He wasn't going to do anything they weren't happy with, but when he saw them they were smiling and nodding encouragingly.  He looked back into Ryan's green eyes which were full of love and hope and said, "Yes, Ryan, of course I'll marry you."

The whole room erupted in applause and there were several shouts of, "About time!" as Ryan got to his feet, alight with happiness, and pulled Colin into a passionate kiss.  They broke apart as everyone rushed forward to congratulate them.  Mac, Sam, and Claire reached them first and Ryan and Colin opened their arms to bring them into a group hug.  Everyone else was clapping them on the back and shouting their congratulations.

"Does this mean you'll be my dad too?" Claire asked Colin as they all released each other.  Colin picked her up and said, "Only if you want me to be sweetie." 

"I do," Claire beamed, hugging him tightly, as Ryan kissed the top of her head.  Colin looked anxiously at Sam and Mac. 
 
"Two dads.....that sounds pretty cool," Sam said grinning.  Mac smiled and said, "Absolutely."

Colin felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he smiled and looked at Ryan. Unknown to him, Ryan had already broached the subject of getting married again with his kids and had been delighted and relieved by their support.

Another love song started and Ryan pulled Colin into his arms once more.  His birthday had been full of surprises, for both of them, and he was going to remember this wonderful day for as long as he lived.