He had almost forgotten what it felt like to hold him that closely. To place his hands against that warm skin with care and tenderness. It didn't really matter that it was only called for in the script. What mattered was the chance to be that near again...if only for a few brief seconds.

Dave could still feel the lingering effects of having to stand backstage and do nothing but watch. Eyes glued to the monitor as Randy suffered through one of the most brutal matches he had ever witnessed. His stomach continued to churn as the images of what he had witnessed played over and over in his mind. The second Randy's bare back landed on the tack strewn mat, he had winced in sympathy, fighting back the urge to call out his name.

Ric had simply stood by his side, nodding and smiling in appreciation, taking the match for exactly what it was...another step in Randy's climb up the ladder. But Dave could only see his former lover... the man who had been stolen from him, suffering so openly and with no one to come to his aid.

He felt a tremendous sense of relief when he and Ric moved into position to play out there part in this little drama. They had nothing more to do than head to the ring when it was all over and assist Randy to the stage. The same stage, that only moments before he had literally been launched from.

Randy was just rolling from the ring when they got to him. He was playing his part with the aplomb of a hardened veteran. But even he couldn't hide the real pain he was feeling. And only Dave was close enough to hear the sharp intake of breath when Ric...almost absent mindedly....flicked a lone, stray thumb tack from Randy's back.

Without even thinking, Dave wound a protective arm around Randy's waist, urging him to place his weight against him. Offering him what little support he could. What he wanted to do was lift him in his powerful arms and carry him to a place where the pain didn't exist....where none of this existed. A place where they could start over and forget everything...and everyone... that had come between them.

It was still a hope, or maybe more a fantasy that he still clung to. But one that was shattered once more when Hunter appeared before them the moment they stepped behind the curtain. They stopped in their painfully slow journey to Randy's dressing room and as Hunter spoke he reached out a single hand to cup Randy's face. He spoke softly and earnestly. But they were words that Dave didn't hear. His eyes were riveted to Hunter's fingers as they trailed softly across Randy's flushed cheek, ignoring the blood that was streaked there.

The camera couldn't see it...but Dave...and more importantly, Randy, could. Hunter's eyes blazed with fierce pride in what his young lover had just accomplished. And the words he spoke echoed that. But that fire was softened by a deep, loving concern that was unmistakable.

Dave craned his neck to watch Randy's expression and his heart plummeted...maybe for the last time... as he saw the returning gaze of love and gratitude.

Much to his credit, Dave kept his reaction well hidden. He never let go of Randy's trembling form until he was safely in his dressing room. They lowered him gently into a waiting chair and listened as he released a very audible...and shaky, sigh of relief.

"Thanks guys."

Ric laid a careful hand against his shoulder and squeezed.

"Holler if you need us."

But Dave couldn't bring himself to touch Randy again. He simply stepped back, offered the briefest of smiles and was about to turn away when Randy looked up.

He never uttered a sound, but Dave understood very clearly the message he was receiving.

"I'm sorry."

It would never be enough. But tonight...it would have to do.