The day had almost been like any other. Take, after take, after take. One of the final shots of the series, and also the final scene he and Gale would film together, was a prolonged kiss. And, just like any other day, Randy hadn't thought about it very much, staying in the moment, doing his job.

A choked up voice called out, "That's a series wrap for Gale and Randy!"

Randy felt his throat closing with tears, too. Emotional. Silly. But they'd all been working together for five years, longer than any of his relationships. He loved every member of the crew and every one of the cast. It was completely natural that it was over, but entirely surreal, too. As most endings are.

Gale hugged him and he clung a little longer than usual because, yeah, this was it. They were really going their separate ways. Gale had bought a second residence in L.A. from which to audition and continue his career. Randy had a play lined up and Simon to go home to.

Gale squeezed him tightly and then let go, stepping back to shake hands with and hug the crew. Randy joined in and everyone hugged, slapped backs and cried. It was really over.

Ron held him close and Randy smiled at the scent of his cologne. He'd miss it.

It was in his trailer, the door closed and his last box packed that it hit him hard. He sat down on the couch to catch his breath. His heart pounded and he felt like he might throw up. He thought it was strange that he was so upset. He'd been the one to lobby the hardest for the show to end; he was the one who refused to sign on for another year. He was ready to move on, so why now? Why all of this confusing pain?

He fumbled in the closest box for his cell phone. He'd call Simon, tell him that he was all packed--tell him when to pick him up at the airport. Simon would break this spell.

Randy was interrupted mid-dial by a knock on the door. "Come in!"

He should have known it would be Gale--looking sad and tired. "Can I come in for a few minutes?"

"Sure."

There'd been a time, once upon a time, in a dream, that Randy had thought that maybe....

Instead, they had a wonderful friendship and on-screen chemistry, but neither one of them was foolish enough to believe they'd be anything more than intimate acquaintances once taping ended.

And, with that thought, pain bloomed in his gut again. They were men who knew things about one another; things that only lovers knew--the taste of skin, the scent of neck, the feel of their bodies sliding together--and soon they'd be sending annual emails, or greeting one another with a hand-shake at celebrity functions, posing for a picture and then on their way.

Saying good-bye to the show was hard. Saying good-bye to Gale was like a break-up.

Gale sat next to him on the couch, face drawn with long lines that hadn't been there when they'd first met. Randy still remembered those first breath-taking months when, (he could admit it now), he'd fallen in love with his co-star. And then he remembered those heart-breaking weeks, when the reality that his co-star was straight finally began to sink in.

He'd been finally healing when he met Simon and fell in love again.

"I can't believe it's over," Gale said, running his palms over his jeans. His voice sounded thick.

"I know. It's surreal."

Gale smiled and Randy saw the tears glinting in his eyes. "I wanted to thank you for everything. Without you--"

"No. You would've flown with or without me."

"But we flew better together."

Randy smiled, felt his own tears well up. "Yeah."

"I've learned a lot from you and I want you to know how much you've always meant to me."

"Gale--"

Gale turned and took his hands. "I love you. You--this show--everything--you've changed my life and I want you to know that. It's important to me that you know--"

"I know. I love you, too."

Gale smiled and laughed, his voice still muddled. "Remember when you said that on Larry King Live?"

Randy grinned, his lashes captured some of the unspilled moistness.

Gale took a deep breath and Randy squeezed his hands tightly. "I'm going to go. I just wanted to come by and say good--" he broke off "--say, later."

Randy nodded and they both stood up. Later--just like Brian and Justin. "Later."

They stood beside the door to the trailer and Gale cupped Randy's face, leaned forward and kissed him. Sweet, gentle kiss that made Randy's knees weak. He clung and closed his eyes, kissing in return, putting his heart into it.

Gale pulled back breathless and he ran his hand down Randy's face in a soft caress. "I just didn't want our last kiss to be for an audience."

Randy smiled through tears and nodded again. He couldn't speak. Gale opened the door and whispered, "Later." Then he was gone.

Randy sat on the couch and tears rolled down his cheeks. He sat for a long time replaying memories of the last five years. Gale on the first day. Peter laughing at cum-brie. Sharon...Ron...Scott...Gale. And always Gale.

The cell phone rang. Randy wiped at his face and fumbled to answer it. Simon--wanting to know when to pick him up.

"Seven thirty. I'm coming in on Delta."

"Are you okay? You sound upset."

"I'm okay. Just sad."

Simon was quiet on the other end of the connection, respectful of Randy's losses.

They ended the call. Randy took a deep breath, looked around the room and picked up the box containing his most personal belongings; the rest would be shipped to him. He stepped out of the trailer and took one last look around.

So this was it. The end.

He whispered, "Later."


THE END