Title: Do You See the Signs?
Author: Liat
Disclaimer: y'all know the drill
A/N: hey everyone, sorry bout the delay for the last chapter and this one. For the last one the stupid doc. Downloader thing wouldn't work and for this one I was out of town for a while, so I couldn't write. Plus I just got a new job.pretty hectic. Anyway, I haven't gotten many responses to my last request. I wanted y'alls opinion on where my next fic should be E/B, C/B, E/C, or non-slash. Let me know! And for slash-lovers (not just Everwood), visit my site:
Part 6:
1 year later
Amy circled the kitchen, hitching Aaron higher on her hip as she tidied the counters from lunch. Hearing a knock on the door, she called out,
"It's open!"
She heard the door creak open, then shut loudly. Minutes later, she heard booted footsteps coming towards the kitchen, then the thud of one of those thermal coffee mugs on the counter. Arms came around her and Aaron from behind and a kiss was pressed just under her ear as a warm voice murmured,
"Hey beautiful."
Grinning, Amy turned in the ring of arms and said, pressing a kiss to lips,
"Hey handsome."
A roll of eyes before strong arms grabbed Aaron from Amy's arms. Aaron giggled when he was hoisted high into the air. Then he was cradled against a solid chest and giggled again when words were whispered into his ear,
"How about a great, big kiss for Uncle Colin, huh, baby?"
Aaron tossed his chubby little arms as far around Colin's neck as he could and pressed a sloppy kiss to Colin's lips. Colin laughed and settled Aaron comfortably on his hip. He leaned back against the counter and watched Amy as she grabbed 2 water bottles from the fridge. She wandered over to the table, motioning for Colin to join her. He sat down next to Amy, setting Aaron down on top of the table. Amy smiled warmly at Colin as he and Aaron played with the various toys strewn across the table. She said,
"So, how safe are the streets of New York?"
Colin shrugged, smiling,
"When I'm on duty, feel free to walk around with a purse the size of Texas down dark alleys. When I'm not. . ."
Amy laughed,
"So, it's going well?"
Colin nodded, glancing over at Amy. He said with a smirk,
"How is it, being here all day long with nothing to do but chase after this little monster, here?"
As he said that last part, he began to tickle Aaron. Aaron rolled back and giggled maniacally. Amy sighed, rolling her eyes,
"Not that I don't like spending time with him, but I can't wait until he's old enough to go to school. Even for half a day. . .then I can go back to teaching. I feel like I'm so out of shape. God, I haven't danced in so long. Nearly a year and a half. I mean, Sheri's doing fine, but I miss my students, my school. . ."
Colin nodded with understanding. Amy tilted her head, her wistful smile vanishing. She said,
"So, how's Bright doing? I haven't spoken to him this week. He's so busy now, with his new job. He was so excited, when he got his Master's."
Now was Colin's turn for a wistful smile.
"He's doing great. When he comes home, all he can talk about is work. He loves his job so much. It's like he hardly has time for anything else, though. I mean, it's important to enjoy what you do for a living, but it's just not healthy to get so wrapped up in it that you have so social life."
Colin sighed. Amy said,
"What about that girl he was dating?"
Colin snorted,
"Ally? Please, they went out, like, 3 times, then he practically forgot about her. She called like 6 times a day. Finally I had to dial her number, then shove the phone in his hand and dictate to him what to say to let her go."
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door. Frowning, Amy stood up to answer it. Colin followed, Aaron perched on his hip. Aaron let out a delighted squeal when door swung open to reveal Bright, grinning widely. Aaron tried to launch himself at Bright, so Colin thought it safe to transfer. He handed Aaron to Bright, grabbing hold of Bright's briefcase before he dropped it. Bright walked in, dropping a kiss onto Amy's cheek as he strode towards the living room. Colin and Amy shared a look of confusion before following Bright. They found him on the couch in the den with Aaron in his lap, bobbing up and down on unsteady legs. Aaron giggled as Bright supported him and continued to bounce around happily. Amy took the chair opposite Bright and Colin sat next to him. Amy smiled at her brother,
"So, what brings you here, dear brother?"
Bright grinned,
"I took the day off. I've been focusing on work way too much, so I decided it was time for a break."
Colin grinned,
"That's great!"
Bright smiled back at Colin and said,
"Can you get a few days off? I thought we could go visit the 'rents."
Colin shrugged,
"I'll see what I can do."
* * *
1 week later
Bright relaxed as they came onto open highway. He leaned back, letting one hand hang out the window while the other controlled the steering wheel.
"I'm really glad you got the week off."
Colin smiled,
"So'm I, B."
"You know I really think I'm starting to get over my Everwood avoidance thing. I mean, I'm a little nervous, but it's not so bad this time. I'm acctually kind of excited."
"That's great! Then we can come back more often!"
Bright slanted Colin a look,
"Riiight. See, I'm not that over it."
Colin laughed, shrugged, and turned up the radio.
* * *
Later that week
Colin sighed hugely as he dropped onto the bed. He patted his stomach contentedly, his eyes closed and a smile on his face. He murmured as Bright flopped down next to him,
"Man, B., I love your mom's cooking."
Bright smirked,
"You should be grateful I don't want to come down here more often. You'd be big as an elephant. What would the NYPD do with you, then?"
Colin sighed, grunted as he rolled onto his side. He peered down at Bright and said, tracing a pattern on the bed-spread,
"As much as you hate it, you gotta admit it's good to be home."
Bright shrugged, staring up at the ceiling,
"It's nice, I guess. But New York's my home now."
Colin sighed and rolled back over.
"You're hopeless, Abbot."
* * *
Back in New York later that week
Bright picked up the phone, one eye still shut, then dragged it underneath his pillow along with his head. He mumbled,
"Whosit?"
Amy's bright, chirpy voice came through loudly,
"How was the visit?"
Bright growled a nasty reply, then hung up on her, sliding back into sleep.
He was rudely awakened moments later by the phone ringing shrilly in his ear. Bright tossed it out of his bed, vaguely heard it hit the wall somewhere before he dozed off again.
He sat up cursing, this time, when Colin came crashing in holding the phone and loudly declaring that Amy was demanding that he pick up the phone and speak to her. Bright flicked Colin off, but, undaunted, Colin bravely wandered over and sat down on the bed. Bright dragged a hand through his messy hair, then looked at Colin through sleep-heavy eyes. He stuck his tongue out at Colin before grabbing the phone and snapping,
'What!"
The call lasted 15 tortuous minutes before, finally, Amy demanded to speak to Colin. Colin talked, looking at Bright and grinning the whole while. Finally he said,
"Yeah. Love you, too. Will do. Buh-bye."
He clicked the phone off, then said to Bright,
"Morning, sunshine!"
Bright rolled his eyes and said,
"Since Amy's not here and you took part in this rude awakening, make me some damn coffee while I take a shower."
Colin rolled his eyes right back and said huffily,
"A please wouldn't kill you."
Bright only sent Colin a withering glare before he stood up, tossing his sheets on top of Colin, then leaving the room. Colin stared after Bright, his jaw slightly slack. Moments later, Bright stomped back into the room, still clad only in his boxer-briefs, mumbling to himself. Something about Everwood and old rooms and adjoining bathrooms. Colin laughed as Bright ran into the door post of the bathroom connecting their rooms, then slammed the door, muffling his explicit curses. Shaking his head, Colin stood up to go fix some fresh coffee.
When Bright emerged from the shower, hair dripping, with only a towel draped about his waist and another one draped over his shoulders, he was much more cheerful. He entered the kitchen humming a random tune. Something that sounded mysteriously like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland. He grabbed Colin's shoulder, shaking him companionably. He poured some coffee into a mug, then leaned against the counter to sip it and grin at Colin. Colin was sitting at the table, reading the New York Times and gulping down coffee, trying to ease the sudden dryness in his mouth. Avoiding any eye contact with Bright's still-wet body, Colin said,
"So, feeling better?"
Bright grinned,
"Hell yeah. Nothin' like a nice, hot shower to wake you up."
Colin nodded, standing up, then making awkward excuses as he left the room. Bright frowned as he watched Colin walk away. Then, shrugging, he went back to his coffee.
Bright found Colin in his room, lying on his stomach on his bed reading a book.
"So, Colin. No work today?"
Colin shook his head, seemingly immersed in what ever book he was reading. Sighing, Bright sat down on Colin's bed, leaning back against the headboard. After a minute of silence, Colin looked up at Bright.
"Need something, Abbot?"
"What? No! Oh, no, I'm just. . ."
Colin nodded, then went back to his book. A minute later, Bright sat forwards,
"So, whatcha reading?"
Colin closed his eyes a moment before looking up. He held the book up so Bright could read the cover. His eyes skimming over it, Bright murmured,
"Eaters. . .of the Dead. Hmm, sounds. . .interesting."
Colin nodded,
"It is."
He went back to reading. A minute later,
"So, what's it about?"
Sighing, Colin rolled onto his side, then sat up. He shot an annoyed look at Bright before closing the book and saying impatiently,
"What is it, Bright? If you couldn't tell, I'm kind of trying to read, here."
Bright blushed a little, then looked down at his hands. He mumbled,
"Nothing, I'm sorry. I just. . .nothing."
"Then. . .could you find something to do, or something? Because, like I said, I'm trying to read and with you breathing down my neck it's kinda hard to-"
Colin's words were cut off when Bright kissed him. A hesitant press of lips before Bright pulled away, his face and neck flushed bright red. A shaky hand came up to touch his lips and Bright stammered,
"Oh, oh god, Colin. I don't know. . .oh, god. I'm sorry!"
Bright stood up and hurried out of the room. Colin flinched when Bright's bedroom door slammed. He heard the click of the lock from the hall door and then the bathroom door. A bit in a daze, Colin just sat there, his lips tingling slightly. Slowly, slowly, Colin rubbed his lips together, then stood up, looking at the closed bathroom door. He walked through the bathroom to Bright's door, then knocked softly. A muffled 'what' came through, so Colin called out,
"Bright? Can I come in?"
Colin heard some rustling, but was disappointed when Bright said no. Colin leaned his forehead against the door and said softly,
"Why not, Bright? I just wanna talk."
There was no answer for a while, then Colin jumped when he heard Bright's voice just of the other side of the door. He said,
"There's nothing to talk about, Colin. I'm really sorry. It won't happen again. I don't know what came over me."
"Bright, don't apologize. Please, don't apologize."
Bright leaned his forehead against the door, unknowingly mimicking Colin's pose with one hand on the doorknob.
"I'm so embarrassed. I have no idea why I did that. I just. . .it just. . .happened."
"Bright, man, it's okay. You don't need to be embarrassed, or anything. I mean, it's not like a guy hasn't kissed me before."
Bright tried to suppress the little grin. He insisted,
"I know that, dumbass. It's just. . .I haven't kissed you before."
Colin paused, taking a breath. Closing his eyes, he said,
"Well. . .why haven't you?"
He heard no answer and thought Bright had left the area. Colin was shocked when the door opened. He nearly fell forwards, onto Bright, but he caught himself on the door post. Bright just stared at Colin, then said slowly,
"Why didn't I?"
Colin felt his face turn pink, and he ducked his head. Bright stepped back, as if admitting Colin into his room. Colin walked in slowly, then perched on the end of Bright's bed. Bright sat down on the other end and stared at Colin. He said,
"Colin?"
Colin looked up at Bright, trying to smile, but his lips wouldn't cooperate. They only trembled, as if he were going to cry. Bright mistook that, and said quickly,
"Oh, god, Colin. Please, don't cry. Don't."
A bit confused, but feeling as if he really were going to cry, Colin said shakily,
"Bright, I think. . .I should be the one apologizing."
Bright frowned, confused,
"Why?"
"A few years ago, I did something really stupid. I. . .fell in love with my best friend."
When Bright only stared at him, his face expressionless, Colin continued,
"Remember Shawn? How much he looked like you? Remember how I told it was just a coincidence? It was no coincidence. I had seen him at a party. I was a little bit smashed, so I thought it was you. I went up to him and called him Bright. He was really confused, but I didn't realize it wasn't you, so I was being all buddy-buddy with him, saying weird shit and he thought I was coming on to him. Which. . .I probably was. And that's kinda how it all started."
"Why don't I remember a party?"
"Well, I didn't tell anyone I was going to one. I was really depressed because you had just met some girl. I acctually think it was Colleen. You really liked her and. . .I guess I was just a little jealous. So I went to a party and got drunk. And then, when we graduated and we started living together, alone, it got way too distracting. I kind of. . .I don't know how to explain it. It's like I grew out of Shawn. Suddenly, second best wasn't enough for me. If I couldn't have you. . .I mean, god, couldn't you tell? I must have sent out hundreds of signals. Subtle, but they were definitely signals. Even Amy and Ephram noticed."
"How could I notice them if I wasn't looking for them? I had no idea, man! Jeez, why are you telling me all this now?"
Colin felt like he'd been slapped. Incredibly hurt, he stood up, looked at Bright sadly, then walked into his own room, shutting the door behind him. Bright sighed, closing his eyes and banging his head against his headboard.
"Shit."
He repeated it over and over again, methodically beating the back of his head against the headboard.
Colin curled into a ball on his bed and stared at an invisible spot on the wall. He lay there, silent tears leaking from his eyes, unnoticed onto his pillow until he eventually fell asleep.
The next morning was awkward. Colin was miserable, trying very hard not to look at Bright as he drank his coffee and read the New York Times. Bright hadn't slept a wink. He had dark smudges under his eyes and he couldn't see straight. He had stayed up all night thinking. He knew what he wanted to say, but he didn't know how to go about saying it. And he was afraid that if he opened his mouth, Colin would say he didn't want to hear it.
The day went awfully for both of them. 3 people had called in sick at Bright's office, so the remaining 2 people were doing nearly triple the work. Colin had been called to a scene while patrolling. Some other officers needed back up for a drive-by they had been alerted about. By the time Colin had gotten there, chaos reigned. People were everywhere. 3 cop cars were out looking for the perpetrator, while Colin and his partner and the 2 other cops, along with 3 ambulances tried to handle the situation at the scene of the crime. By the time they had gotten back to the station, finished all the paperwork, and everything else that accompanied a case such as this, Colin could barely hold his head up. His partner had to drive him home, then help him up to the front door. Bright was inside waiting for him. Instantly concerned, Bright helped Colin to his room, then tucked him into bed. When Colin slid into sleep, Bright whispered,
"It's okay. I can wait."
Then he pressed a light kiss to Colin's forehead and left the room.
* * *
Bright ended up having to wait over a week. When he was finally able to corner Colin one evening after work, he said,
"Okay, Colin. I've been waiting for a long time to talk to you. Now you're gonna listen and not say a word until I tell you that you can. Sit down."
Bright pointed to the couch and, too shocked to argue, Colin complied. Bright remained standing and he took a deep breath, then began.
"The other night, after the. . .incident. . .I was thinking. All night. And I had this whole little speech in my head, but I seem to have forgotten it. So I'll just. . .talk. I realized something recently. You know how, with Colleen, I could never bring myself to get close to her? And how, with any girl after that, I could never get past a third date? Except for Beth. . .but she. . .never mind. Anyway, remember Beth? Short-ish brown hair, brown- ish green eyes.I think that the only reason I could ever.get close with her was because she had the same features as you. When we were getting ready to graduate, and Shawn was getting all. . .touchy-feely, I didn't recognize what I was feeling as I watched you 2. But. . .now I know. I never really examined it before, in fact, I had forgotten about it. I was. . .jealous."
Colin shut his eyes, tilted his head to the side,
"What exactly are you saying, Abbot?"
Bright winced at the cold tone Colin used when he said 'Abbot'. He said, dropping to crouch in front of Colin,
"That I made a mistake, too. But I realize now that it's not a mistake at all."
Colin dared not hope, so he kept his eyes tightly shut. His eyebrows raised and his eyes almost opened when he felt bright take his hands in his, then press a kiss to each one. Bright demanded softly,
"Colin, open your damn eyes."
Colin opened one, then the other, slowly focusing on his hands covered by Bright's softer, leaner ones. Bright waited silently until Colin looked up at him, into his eyes. Bright said, leaning forwards and saying softly, urgently,
"I love you, Colin Hart."
Colin looked away, biting his bottom lip, his brow creased. He turned back to look at Bright, who was looking up at him expectantly, his eyes hopeful. Colin fought back a grin and said, his voice nonchalant,
"What? You expect that because you made a silly, beautiful speech that I'll forgive you and every thing will be okay and we'll live happily ever after?"
Bright's shoulders dropped and his grip on Colin's hands slackened. When he was about to stand up, Colin said,
"You stupid, hare-brained idiot."
Bright flinched, but Colin continued, a smile breaking now,
"Of course I forgive you."
Bright's eyes widened, then he launched himself onto Colin, kissing him, finally, thoroughly. When he pulled back, breathless, Colin murmured,
"You're my stupid, hare-brained idiot."
A/N: okay, so it's not quite R-rated. Sorry!!! I get kinda nervous when writing that stuff. So sue me.
TBC.
Author: Liat
Disclaimer: y'all know the drill
A/N: hey everyone, sorry bout the delay for the last chapter and this one. For the last one the stupid doc. Downloader thing wouldn't work and for this one I was out of town for a while, so I couldn't write. Plus I just got a new job.pretty hectic. Anyway, I haven't gotten many responses to my last request. I wanted y'alls opinion on where my next fic should be E/B, C/B, E/C, or non-slash. Let me know! And for slash-lovers (not just Everwood), visit my site:
Part 6:
1 year later
Amy circled the kitchen, hitching Aaron higher on her hip as she tidied the counters from lunch. Hearing a knock on the door, she called out,
"It's open!"
She heard the door creak open, then shut loudly. Minutes later, she heard booted footsteps coming towards the kitchen, then the thud of one of those thermal coffee mugs on the counter. Arms came around her and Aaron from behind and a kiss was pressed just under her ear as a warm voice murmured,
"Hey beautiful."
Grinning, Amy turned in the ring of arms and said, pressing a kiss to lips,
"Hey handsome."
A roll of eyes before strong arms grabbed Aaron from Amy's arms. Aaron giggled when he was hoisted high into the air. Then he was cradled against a solid chest and giggled again when words were whispered into his ear,
"How about a great, big kiss for Uncle Colin, huh, baby?"
Aaron tossed his chubby little arms as far around Colin's neck as he could and pressed a sloppy kiss to Colin's lips. Colin laughed and settled Aaron comfortably on his hip. He leaned back against the counter and watched Amy as she grabbed 2 water bottles from the fridge. She wandered over to the table, motioning for Colin to join her. He sat down next to Amy, setting Aaron down on top of the table. Amy smiled warmly at Colin as he and Aaron played with the various toys strewn across the table. She said,
"So, how safe are the streets of New York?"
Colin shrugged, smiling,
"When I'm on duty, feel free to walk around with a purse the size of Texas down dark alleys. When I'm not. . ."
Amy laughed,
"So, it's going well?"
Colin nodded, glancing over at Amy. He said with a smirk,
"How is it, being here all day long with nothing to do but chase after this little monster, here?"
As he said that last part, he began to tickle Aaron. Aaron rolled back and giggled maniacally. Amy sighed, rolling her eyes,
"Not that I don't like spending time with him, but I can't wait until he's old enough to go to school. Even for half a day. . .then I can go back to teaching. I feel like I'm so out of shape. God, I haven't danced in so long. Nearly a year and a half. I mean, Sheri's doing fine, but I miss my students, my school. . ."
Colin nodded with understanding. Amy tilted her head, her wistful smile vanishing. She said,
"So, how's Bright doing? I haven't spoken to him this week. He's so busy now, with his new job. He was so excited, when he got his Master's."
Now was Colin's turn for a wistful smile.
"He's doing great. When he comes home, all he can talk about is work. He loves his job so much. It's like he hardly has time for anything else, though. I mean, it's important to enjoy what you do for a living, but it's just not healthy to get so wrapped up in it that you have so social life."
Colin sighed. Amy said,
"What about that girl he was dating?"
Colin snorted,
"Ally? Please, they went out, like, 3 times, then he practically forgot about her. She called like 6 times a day. Finally I had to dial her number, then shove the phone in his hand and dictate to him what to say to let her go."
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door. Frowning, Amy stood up to answer it. Colin followed, Aaron perched on his hip. Aaron let out a delighted squeal when door swung open to reveal Bright, grinning widely. Aaron tried to launch himself at Bright, so Colin thought it safe to transfer. He handed Aaron to Bright, grabbing hold of Bright's briefcase before he dropped it. Bright walked in, dropping a kiss onto Amy's cheek as he strode towards the living room. Colin and Amy shared a look of confusion before following Bright. They found him on the couch in the den with Aaron in his lap, bobbing up and down on unsteady legs. Aaron giggled as Bright supported him and continued to bounce around happily. Amy took the chair opposite Bright and Colin sat next to him. Amy smiled at her brother,
"So, what brings you here, dear brother?"
Bright grinned,
"I took the day off. I've been focusing on work way too much, so I decided it was time for a break."
Colin grinned,
"That's great!"
Bright smiled back at Colin and said,
"Can you get a few days off? I thought we could go visit the 'rents."
Colin shrugged,
"I'll see what I can do."
* * *
1 week later
Bright relaxed as they came onto open highway. He leaned back, letting one hand hang out the window while the other controlled the steering wheel.
"I'm really glad you got the week off."
Colin smiled,
"So'm I, B."
"You know I really think I'm starting to get over my Everwood avoidance thing. I mean, I'm a little nervous, but it's not so bad this time. I'm acctually kind of excited."
"That's great! Then we can come back more often!"
Bright slanted Colin a look,
"Riiight. See, I'm not that over it."
Colin laughed, shrugged, and turned up the radio.
* * *
Later that week
Colin sighed hugely as he dropped onto the bed. He patted his stomach contentedly, his eyes closed and a smile on his face. He murmured as Bright flopped down next to him,
"Man, B., I love your mom's cooking."
Bright smirked,
"You should be grateful I don't want to come down here more often. You'd be big as an elephant. What would the NYPD do with you, then?"
Colin sighed, grunted as he rolled onto his side. He peered down at Bright and said, tracing a pattern on the bed-spread,
"As much as you hate it, you gotta admit it's good to be home."
Bright shrugged, staring up at the ceiling,
"It's nice, I guess. But New York's my home now."
Colin sighed and rolled back over.
"You're hopeless, Abbot."
* * *
Back in New York later that week
Bright picked up the phone, one eye still shut, then dragged it underneath his pillow along with his head. He mumbled,
"Whosit?"
Amy's bright, chirpy voice came through loudly,
"How was the visit?"
Bright growled a nasty reply, then hung up on her, sliding back into sleep.
He was rudely awakened moments later by the phone ringing shrilly in his ear. Bright tossed it out of his bed, vaguely heard it hit the wall somewhere before he dozed off again.
He sat up cursing, this time, when Colin came crashing in holding the phone and loudly declaring that Amy was demanding that he pick up the phone and speak to her. Bright flicked Colin off, but, undaunted, Colin bravely wandered over and sat down on the bed. Bright dragged a hand through his messy hair, then looked at Colin through sleep-heavy eyes. He stuck his tongue out at Colin before grabbing the phone and snapping,
'What!"
The call lasted 15 tortuous minutes before, finally, Amy demanded to speak to Colin. Colin talked, looking at Bright and grinning the whole while. Finally he said,
"Yeah. Love you, too. Will do. Buh-bye."
He clicked the phone off, then said to Bright,
"Morning, sunshine!"
Bright rolled his eyes and said,
"Since Amy's not here and you took part in this rude awakening, make me some damn coffee while I take a shower."
Colin rolled his eyes right back and said huffily,
"A please wouldn't kill you."
Bright only sent Colin a withering glare before he stood up, tossing his sheets on top of Colin, then leaving the room. Colin stared after Bright, his jaw slightly slack. Moments later, Bright stomped back into the room, still clad only in his boxer-briefs, mumbling to himself. Something about Everwood and old rooms and adjoining bathrooms. Colin laughed as Bright ran into the door post of the bathroom connecting their rooms, then slammed the door, muffling his explicit curses. Shaking his head, Colin stood up to go fix some fresh coffee.
When Bright emerged from the shower, hair dripping, with only a towel draped about his waist and another one draped over his shoulders, he was much more cheerful. He entered the kitchen humming a random tune. Something that sounded mysteriously like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland. He grabbed Colin's shoulder, shaking him companionably. He poured some coffee into a mug, then leaned against the counter to sip it and grin at Colin. Colin was sitting at the table, reading the New York Times and gulping down coffee, trying to ease the sudden dryness in his mouth. Avoiding any eye contact with Bright's still-wet body, Colin said,
"So, feeling better?"
Bright grinned,
"Hell yeah. Nothin' like a nice, hot shower to wake you up."
Colin nodded, standing up, then making awkward excuses as he left the room. Bright frowned as he watched Colin walk away. Then, shrugging, he went back to his coffee.
Bright found Colin in his room, lying on his stomach on his bed reading a book.
"So, Colin. No work today?"
Colin shook his head, seemingly immersed in what ever book he was reading. Sighing, Bright sat down on Colin's bed, leaning back against the headboard. After a minute of silence, Colin looked up at Bright.
"Need something, Abbot?"
"What? No! Oh, no, I'm just. . ."
Colin nodded, then went back to his book. A minute later, Bright sat forwards,
"So, whatcha reading?"
Colin closed his eyes a moment before looking up. He held the book up so Bright could read the cover. His eyes skimming over it, Bright murmured,
"Eaters. . .of the Dead. Hmm, sounds. . .interesting."
Colin nodded,
"It is."
He went back to reading. A minute later,
"So, what's it about?"
Sighing, Colin rolled onto his side, then sat up. He shot an annoyed look at Bright before closing the book and saying impatiently,
"What is it, Bright? If you couldn't tell, I'm kind of trying to read, here."
Bright blushed a little, then looked down at his hands. He mumbled,
"Nothing, I'm sorry. I just. . .nothing."
"Then. . .could you find something to do, or something? Because, like I said, I'm trying to read and with you breathing down my neck it's kinda hard to-"
Colin's words were cut off when Bright kissed him. A hesitant press of lips before Bright pulled away, his face and neck flushed bright red. A shaky hand came up to touch his lips and Bright stammered,
"Oh, oh god, Colin. I don't know. . .oh, god. I'm sorry!"
Bright stood up and hurried out of the room. Colin flinched when Bright's bedroom door slammed. He heard the click of the lock from the hall door and then the bathroom door. A bit in a daze, Colin just sat there, his lips tingling slightly. Slowly, slowly, Colin rubbed his lips together, then stood up, looking at the closed bathroom door. He walked through the bathroom to Bright's door, then knocked softly. A muffled 'what' came through, so Colin called out,
"Bright? Can I come in?"
Colin heard some rustling, but was disappointed when Bright said no. Colin leaned his forehead against the door and said softly,
"Why not, Bright? I just wanna talk."
There was no answer for a while, then Colin jumped when he heard Bright's voice just of the other side of the door. He said,
"There's nothing to talk about, Colin. I'm really sorry. It won't happen again. I don't know what came over me."
"Bright, don't apologize. Please, don't apologize."
Bright leaned his forehead against the door, unknowingly mimicking Colin's pose with one hand on the doorknob.
"I'm so embarrassed. I have no idea why I did that. I just. . .it just. . .happened."
"Bright, man, it's okay. You don't need to be embarrassed, or anything. I mean, it's not like a guy hasn't kissed me before."
Bright tried to suppress the little grin. He insisted,
"I know that, dumbass. It's just. . .I haven't kissed you before."
Colin paused, taking a breath. Closing his eyes, he said,
"Well. . .why haven't you?"
He heard no answer and thought Bright had left the area. Colin was shocked when the door opened. He nearly fell forwards, onto Bright, but he caught himself on the door post. Bright just stared at Colin, then said slowly,
"Why didn't I?"
Colin felt his face turn pink, and he ducked his head. Bright stepped back, as if admitting Colin into his room. Colin walked in slowly, then perched on the end of Bright's bed. Bright sat down on the other end and stared at Colin. He said,
"Colin?"
Colin looked up at Bright, trying to smile, but his lips wouldn't cooperate. They only trembled, as if he were going to cry. Bright mistook that, and said quickly,
"Oh, god, Colin. Please, don't cry. Don't."
A bit confused, but feeling as if he really were going to cry, Colin said shakily,
"Bright, I think. . .I should be the one apologizing."
Bright frowned, confused,
"Why?"
"A few years ago, I did something really stupid. I. . .fell in love with my best friend."
When Bright only stared at him, his face expressionless, Colin continued,
"Remember Shawn? How much he looked like you? Remember how I told it was just a coincidence? It was no coincidence. I had seen him at a party. I was a little bit smashed, so I thought it was you. I went up to him and called him Bright. He was really confused, but I didn't realize it wasn't you, so I was being all buddy-buddy with him, saying weird shit and he thought I was coming on to him. Which. . .I probably was. And that's kinda how it all started."
"Why don't I remember a party?"
"Well, I didn't tell anyone I was going to one. I was really depressed because you had just met some girl. I acctually think it was Colleen. You really liked her and. . .I guess I was just a little jealous. So I went to a party and got drunk. And then, when we graduated and we started living together, alone, it got way too distracting. I kind of. . .I don't know how to explain it. It's like I grew out of Shawn. Suddenly, second best wasn't enough for me. If I couldn't have you. . .I mean, god, couldn't you tell? I must have sent out hundreds of signals. Subtle, but they were definitely signals. Even Amy and Ephram noticed."
"How could I notice them if I wasn't looking for them? I had no idea, man! Jeez, why are you telling me all this now?"
Colin felt like he'd been slapped. Incredibly hurt, he stood up, looked at Bright sadly, then walked into his own room, shutting the door behind him. Bright sighed, closing his eyes and banging his head against his headboard.
"Shit."
He repeated it over and over again, methodically beating the back of his head against the headboard.
Colin curled into a ball on his bed and stared at an invisible spot on the wall. He lay there, silent tears leaking from his eyes, unnoticed onto his pillow until he eventually fell asleep.
The next morning was awkward. Colin was miserable, trying very hard not to look at Bright as he drank his coffee and read the New York Times. Bright hadn't slept a wink. He had dark smudges under his eyes and he couldn't see straight. He had stayed up all night thinking. He knew what he wanted to say, but he didn't know how to go about saying it. And he was afraid that if he opened his mouth, Colin would say he didn't want to hear it.
The day went awfully for both of them. 3 people had called in sick at Bright's office, so the remaining 2 people were doing nearly triple the work. Colin had been called to a scene while patrolling. Some other officers needed back up for a drive-by they had been alerted about. By the time Colin had gotten there, chaos reigned. People were everywhere. 3 cop cars were out looking for the perpetrator, while Colin and his partner and the 2 other cops, along with 3 ambulances tried to handle the situation at the scene of the crime. By the time they had gotten back to the station, finished all the paperwork, and everything else that accompanied a case such as this, Colin could barely hold his head up. His partner had to drive him home, then help him up to the front door. Bright was inside waiting for him. Instantly concerned, Bright helped Colin to his room, then tucked him into bed. When Colin slid into sleep, Bright whispered,
"It's okay. I can wait."
Then he pressed a light kiss to Colin's forehead and left the room.
* * *
Bright ended up having to wait over a week. When he was finally able to corner Colin one evening after work, he said,
"Okay, Colin. I've been waiting for a long time to talk to you. Now you're gonna listen and not say a word until I tell you that you can. Sit down."
Bright pointed to the couch and, too shocked to argue, Colin complied. Bright remained standing and he took a deep breath, then began.
"The other night, after the. . .incident. . .I was thinking. All night. And I had this whole little speech in my head, but I seem to have forgotten it. So I'll just. . .talk. I realized something recently. You know how, with Colleen, I could never bring myself to get close to her? And how, with any girl after that, I could never get past a third date? Except for Beth. . .but she. . .never mind. Anyway, remember Beth? Short-ish brown hair, brown- ish green eyes.I think that the only reason I could ever.get close with her was because she had the same features as you. When we were getting ready to graduate, and Shawn was getting all. . .touchy-feely, I didn't recognize what I was feeling as I watched you 2. But. . .now I know. I never really examined it before, in fact, I had forgotten about it. I was. . .jealous."
Colin shut his eyes, tilted his head to the side,
"What exactly are you saying, Abbot?"
Bright winced at the cold tone Colin used when he said 'Abbot'. He said, dropping to crouch in front of Colin,
"That I made a mistake, too. But I realize now that it's not a mistake at all."
Colin dared not hope, so he kept his eyes tightly shut. His eyebrows raised and his eyes almost opened when he felt bright take his hands in his, then press a kiss to each one. Bright demanded softly,
"Colin, open your damn eyes."
Colin opened one, then the other, slowly focusing on his hands covered by Bright's softer, leaner ones. Bright waited silently until Colin looked up at him, into his eyes. Bright said, leaning forwards and saying softly, urgently,
"I love you, Colin Hart."
Colin looked away, biting his bottom lip, his brow creased. He turned back to look at Bright, who was looking up at him expectantly, his eyes hopeful. Colin fought back a grin and said, his voice nonchalant,
"What? You expect that because you made a silly, beautiful speech that I'll forgive you and every thing will be okay and we'll live happily ever after?"
Bright's shoulders dropped and his grip on Colin's hands slackened. When he was about to stand up, Colin said,
"You stupid, hare-brained idiot."
Bright flinched, but Colin continued, a smile breaking now,
"Of course I forgive you."
Bright's eyes widened, then he launched himself onto Colin, kissing him, finally, thoroughly. When he pulled back, breathless, Colin murmured,
"You're my stupid, hare-brained idiot."
A/N: okay, so it's not quite R-rated. Sorry!!! I get kinda nervous when writing that stuff. So sue me.
TBC.
