Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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I Wanna Be Yours
Based on the song by Arctic Monkeys

Years. It has been years since Sam and Colby have been friends. They have been each other’s number one, ride or die, for so long, they aren’t sure what life could ever be like without the other. Truth be told, they didn’t care to dwell on those thoughts either.

Sam just wanted Colby by his side forever, no matter what. He didn’t care what happened to him, as long as he had Colby there to help him through he’d be ok. He lived and breathed their little motto: “Sam and Colby vs. The World”, and he intended to keep that motto running. Sam’s feelings ran deeper than friendship, deeper than the so-called “brotherhood” they shared. Sam needed Colby in any way a person could need someone else. Colby was his happiness, his lifeline, his confidant, his everything; he only hoped he could be that for Colby too.

Colby had so many friends, so, so many, that Sam almost couldn’t keep up; almost. Sam kept track of everything, so when Colby talked about who he hung out with, he would know and remember. That’s why when Brennen and Colby hung out a lot, Sam always knew, and he would always wait for Colby to get home, no matter how late, just in case Colby needed him. Sam wanted to be Colby’s number one, he wanted the reassurance of being his number one.

As time went on, Colby started to get closer to his other friends, which is totally fine, if you were to ask Sam. In fact, it’s great Colby hangs out with his friends! It’s great Colby goes to Brennen with things, like pranking the house, or when an issue arises. It’s fantastic, and Sam isn’t jealous at all. Nope.

“Hey, bro, you ok?” Colby asked Sam, who had zoned out when Colby told him he was going to Brennen’s to film a few different videos.

“Hm? Yeah, why?” Sam responded, suddenly being brought back to the real world.

“I was asking if you wanted to be in one of the videos too.”

“Oh shit, yeah sorry. That sounds good. What video do you want me there for?”

“Bestfriend vs. Bestfriend Challenge.”

Something about that stung. It cut Sam through to the bone. His heart stopped. He felt sick. Best friend him, and best friend Brennen? That hurt. Colby was his only best friend, why wasn’t he Colby’s only best friend?

“Sure sounds good. When are you planning on filming that one?” Sam asked, trying so hard to not let his inner turmoil show.

“Uhhh, I think tomorrow is when Brennen can come over, but I’ll ask him later when I see him.”

“Alright sounds good.”

“Cool. I’ll see you later.” Colby says, as he starts to walk to the front door.

“See you.” Sam replies.

Sam was not about to lose whatever challenge Colby had planned. It was most likely a ‘who knows me better’ type of video, so Sam started doing what every completely sane, jealous friend would do, and just started trying to remember every random fact about Colby that he could. He wrote each thing down in his phone, and kept reading over each thing he could think of. All he knew was that he would prove to Colby who his real best friend was.

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The day of filming the video, all Sam could think of was Colby. His brain was consumed by Colby. All the random facts he could think of, all their shared memories since high school, helping each other gain confidence, starting social media, moving out to LA, moving into the house they’re in now, everything. He had spent the entire night before preparing to beat Brennen in this video, and his brain was entirely consumed by Colby. Sam, sometime in the past 13 hours he had been thinking about nothing but Colby, had come to a realization; he wasn’t just jealous out of wanting to be Colby’s number one best friend, but he wanted more with Colby. He had feelings for Colby. Which is why when Colby told Brennen to move over at the start of their filming, he felt his face get hot and a sense of pride shoot through him. Sam decided to be bold.

“What’s up guys, it’s Sam and Colby.” Colby started.

“Today, we are with Mr. Brennen Taylor, playing boyfriend vs. best friend.” ever so slightly gesturing to himself when he said ‘boyfriend’.

“Which one’s the boyfriend, which one’s the best friend?” Brennen had the audacity to ask.

“I guess we’ll find out when this video’s over.” Sam replied, looking at Colby with one eyebrow raised.

“I’m cool with either way here, so it’s a win-win situation for me. You too, right?” Brennen then joked, looking over at Sam, laughing. At least Sam hoped he was joking.

“Yeah.” Sam agreed, smiling and playing along with this "joke".

“Hell yeah. Then may the best man win.” Brennen said, reaching over to give Sam a fist bump, which Sam reciprocated.

“Okayyyyy!” Colby said. “It’s basically # Solby, vs. #Brolby. Who’s the better duo?”

That sentence made Sam more determined to prove to no one but Colby that he and Sam were the better duo. Sam was going to make Colby see that he was meant for Colby if it was the last thing he’d do.

That’s exactly what he did too. Sam won, and Brenen had to eat dog treats as a “punishment” for losing. ‘Fits him right’ Sam thought, although he wanted to say it out loud. As they were finishing up filming, Brennen made another stupid comment in Sam’s “not so humble” opinion.

“But before you guys end this video, I’m just curious, so, does this mean you’re the best friend,” he said pointing at Sam, “and I’m the boyfriend?” he continued, then pointing at himself. “Or, or what?”

Sam couldn’t control the glare he sent Brennen’s way. Sam had won. He should get to be the one for Colby. He had proved he loved Colby more.

“Let’s let the viewers decide.” Brennen finished with.

Luckily for Sam, Colby agreed to that too. They ended the video shortly after that, and when it was done, Sam went straight to his room, and “accidentally” shut the door a little bit too hard. It was about 30 minutes later when he heard a knock on his door.

“Come in.” Sam said, a little bit too blunt.

“Hey, thanks for filming with us.” Colby said.

“Yeah no problem. We needed a video for the Sam and Colby channel anyway.” He replied with a small laugh.

“Yeah.” Colby said, a hint of apprehension in his voice. “Um, are you ok? You just seemed kind of, I don’t know, off, when Brennen was here?”

“Yeah, Colby, I’m ok. I’m tired.”

“Yeah, ok. But, it seemed different, than just your normal tired. Seriously dude, if there’s something going on, if he had somehow done or said anything to upset you, you can talk to me man, I’m here for you.” Colby insisted, and to Sam, it seemed like genuine concern. He so desperately wanted to tell Colby his new found feelings, he wanted the reciprocation of those feelings, but he was scared to.

Sam felt that he couldn’t tell Colby those feelings. He thought back again to everything they’ve been through together, and their friendship, something he really didn’t want to lose. He couldn’t lose their friendship. To him, Colby was his everything. He wanted to be Colby’s everything too, but he was scared. Sam didn’t realize that in his thoughts, he started crying. At least, not until Colby had pulled him into a hug. He was almost sobbing.

“Hey, hey, talk to me. What’s going on? What happened?” Colby sounded so concerned, which made Sam cry harder. He felt he was about to ruin everything because he couldn’t lie to Colby; he can’t lie to Colby.

“I just want to be yours.” Sam said as sure of himself as he could muster while he was crying.

“Sam, you’re my best friend, what are you talking about?”

“Colby, I want more than that. I’ve been thinking about everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been through together, and just, I can’t be without you Colby, I can’t.” Sam let it all out. He poured his heart out to Colby. He couldn’t keep that in anymore.

“I-” Colby started.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I just, I couldn’t keep it from you. I was going to try, but I can’t keep a secret from you, and one like this is harder to keep than I thought. I’m sorry, you can leave. I’ll be fine.” Sam continued, as he turned away from Colby, wrapping his arms around himself and looking at the ground.

“Sam. Look at me.” Colby said. His voice was steady and calm, and Sam had no choice but to do what he had said. “It’s ok. I know.”

“You know?”

Colby just nodded his head and took a step closer to Sam, holding his arms out and motioning for Sam to get a hug. Sam stepped into the hug Colby offered, fervently hoping this wasn’t the end, or a goodbye.

Sam, while still unsure about what was happening, felt Colby take a deep breath while still holding him.

“I want to be yours too.”

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Chapter Text

Sam, Colby, Corey, and Elton finally arrived in New Zealand. Sam, Colby, and Corey were only staying for the first couple of weeks, while Elton would stay longer. The three of them knew nothing about what Elton had planned, including where they would be staying, and what they would be doing. It didn’t take long for them to figure out that Elton was not planning a leisure trip for them, because almost right out of the airport they were standing outside and Elton was telling them they were going to jump off a building. Corey was not happy about that. It took some convincing, but eventually, all four of them jumped. As if it couldn’t have gotten worse, immediately after that, they were heading over to Harbor Bridge, which they would be jumping off of, hitting the water below. Corey, even with the promise of ice cream after, would not jump off. It was after that Sam decided to ask about where they would be staying.

“Oh I didn’t tell you guys? We’re getting a motor home, and we will be going all over New Zealand.” Elton responded.

Group consensus was excitement, however when they actually went to get the motor home, attitudes changed. They went in and Elton went to put all of his camera gear on the one and only bed in the whole place.

“Yo Elton. Is this some kind of joke?” Colby asked, clearly confused by the small space.

“Nope. The table turns into a bed…”

“DIBS! I am calling dibs on the table bed.” Corey yelled before Elton could finished, and he put his stuff on the table.

“There’s another bed up there.” He said, pointing to the dark space above where the drivers and passenger seats were.

“Wait, you’re saying Colby and I are both sleeping up there? Together? Dude, we’re not gonna fit!” Sam protested. He liked Colby, they were best friends, but he also liked his space.

“You’ll fit! There’s more space there than you think, and you guys can rotate out who gets the couch and who is sleeping up there.” Elton explained.

“Oh hell no! I am not sharing my table!” Corey interjected.

“It’s fine dude. We’ll make it work.” Colby said, tossing his bag up in the dark space that would be his and Sam’s bed.

Sam copied his actions, and threw his stuff up there too.

“Why don’t you have to share with anyone?” Sam asked Elton.

“Because I’m the only who knows how to drive here. So, since I’m driving your asses everywhere, I get a bed to myself, and it’s where I’m keeping all the cameras, go-pros, lenses, everything.” He responded, and everyone agreed that it was fair.

“Ok, but the real question is, what are we doing for dinner, I’m hungry.” Corey changed the conversation, now that they had the sleeping situations figured out.

“There’s a KFC right there.” Colby pointed out.

Corey laughed and said, “we’re in New Zealand, and you want KFC? We can get that at home!”

“I don’t care, KFC is good.” Colby retorted.

“KFC is fine with me.” Sam agreed.

And so, the four went across the parking lot to the KFC, and brought it back to the RV to eat. As they were sitting and talking, Sam, Colby, and Corey trying to get answers out of Elton about things they were going to do, and him not giving any indication about what was to come, they all started to get tired. They got ready for bed, and figured out how to turn the table into Corey’s bed. That totally didn’t take them 45 minutes. Sam jumped up into the loft first, and moved all the way to the back wall. Colby then climbed up as well, and laid down.

It was some point in the night when Sam felt Colby roll over and settled almost on top of him. He froze for a minute, sure, they’ve shared beds before, and have had this situation before, but now there were two other people here too. Corey and Elton were both right there, they could hear them, see them. Normally, when something like this happened when he and Colby shared a bed, he would just leave it and go back to sleep. However, now, he felt he had to move Colby away. He tried to nudge Colby off, roll him over, nothing worked.

“Colbs.” he whispered. No answer. “Colby.” he whispered again, this time slightly louder, and nudged him. Colby, being the heavy sleeper he was, still didn’t move. Sam sighed, and started to poke Colby in the stomach. “Dude, Colby. Wake up.”

“Huh?” Colby said, waking up. “Dude stop.” he said, swatting at Sam’s hands to get him to stop poking him. “Bro, what’s that for? Why’d you wake me up?”

“You’re crushing me. Move. You’re too close.” Sam said, giving his friend another slight nudge.

“Fine.” Colby moved over, huffing as he did.

“Thank you.”

“Mhmm.”

After he moved, he tried to go back to sleep but he couldn't, Colby tried, but to no avail. It wasn’t until he heard Sam’s breathing steady that he realized Sam was back asleep. It was then that he realized ‘Sam’s never made me move over before. Why now? Did I do something wrong?’ It was also with these thoughts that he had a realization: ‘why do I suddenly care?’ Colby spent the next couple hours or so debating that topic, before finally falling asleep once more.

While Colby was battling his emotions, Sam was ruminating with his own thoughts as well. ‘Why did I make him move? Why do I miss it?’ Both thoughts kept him awake for longer than he liked. Part of him regretted waking Colby up; part of him was glad he did so the others wouldn’t see. That second thought led to a whole new strew of “why” questions, the biggest being ‘why do I care if the others see?’ Sam decided to not think of it anymore, but he also decided that if Colby was to roll over and on top of him again, he wouldn’t wake him up. He would just allow it to happen.

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It’s a few days into the trip, and no other “incidents” have happened between Sam and Colby. But, just because there hasn’t been any more accidental cuddling, doesn’t mean both boys weren’t hoping it wouldn’t happen again. Colby was wanting the closeness, and for Sam to not push him away. He wanted to know the other didn’t hate him, and that everything was still normal between them. Now, don’t get Colby wrong, Sam hasn’t done anything outwardly to show that he was upset with Colby, he just wanted reassurance, and wasn’t sure exactly how to bring the issue up. Sam was also wanting Colby to roll over again. Or for himself to roll over towards Colby, but he wouldn’t dare to do it if he was awake, even if he could claim he was sleeping when it happened. Sam wouldn’t have been able to keep a secret from Colby, and besides, Colby has always been able to tell when he was lying.

The tension was there between the two, but not so much that with everything they were doing on the trip it was noticeable to anyone else. It was only felt by the two boys who were so desperately hoping for the same thing, yet neither of them were brave enough to do it. Which is why when Elton brought up the fact that Corey has had the table bed to himself the entire time and that it would “only be fair” for them to battle to see who could sleep on the table bed on their own tonight, both Sam and Colby were secretly upset. Elton made them play a game of “almost Simon says”, they both tried their best to win, to keep up appearances. They were being filmed after all. However, what they weren’t expecting was for Sam to actually win. So, that night, Sam slept on the table bed, while Colby and Corey shared the overhead.

Sam was not happy about winning. He missed the closeness he had with Colby. He missed Colby being “too close”. There is no “too close”. Not anymore. There was no close enough now. Sam wanted to switch back with Corey. He wanted to be up in the little gap with Colby again. He wanted to know that his best friend was right there too. He didn’t really sleep that night. Every time he did fall asleep, he was woken up by the smallest sound, hoping it was Colby rolling over and being close to him again, but then he realized where he was, and would start the cycle of thoughts all over again.

Colby was also not happy about the new arrangements either. He missed Sam by his side. It felt wrong for Sam to be sleeping somewhere that wasn’t right next to him. It sounded ridiculous really. He pretty much was right next to Sam. The RV was small. He could lay on his side and see Sam. So that’s what he did. He laid on his side to where he could see Sam, and he could watch as Sam peacefully slept, unaware that Sam was also awake and having the same thoughts as him.

They both realized there would never be a “too close”, that was bull shit. They both realized they hated being apart. It just didn’t feel right.

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A few days later, they went to the Zorb balls. Which, in all honesty, freaked Sam out a bit. He was claustrophobic after all, and the space inside was cramped, and they would go two at a time. Sam really didn’t want to go with anyone but Colby, however, the staff there suggested he and Coery go first, while Colby and Elton go together. He wished they hadn’t said that, or that someone else decided to not do that, but no one said anything against it, so he wouldn’t either. The past two nights he and Colby did share their little loft again, but he still felt the tension, and he felt that Colby was feeling it too.

Colby was excited for the Zorb balls, they looked super fun. It was after they had split into their groups of who would be going with who that he remembered Sam’s claustrophobia. He kept an eye on Sam while they were getting everything ready for them to go down. Sam looked apprehensive, but wasn’t saying anything about it, so Colby didn’t say anything either. The ride itself was super fun, he and Elton were racing against Sam and Corey. He pretended to be disappointed when he and Elton lost, but the smile on Sam’s face made losing so worth it in his opinion.

Next, they were going to go down the really curvy hill. This time, Sam and Colby got to go together. This time, Sam didn’t look nearly as nervous about the Zorb balls’ confined space. Colby took that as ‘it’s because he’s going with me now’, choosing to not believe it was because he had done it once already. Sam was truthfully feeling much better this time, partially because he had done it once already and was ok, but mostly because now he had Colby there with him. He was grateful for Colby. He really was. He took a lot of Sam’s anxiety surrounding anything away. It was refreshing. They both hopped in, and started out standing, believing they could do the whole thing while standing. However, shortly after they started, they both fell, and had no control over where they were inside the Zorb ball. They were getting thrown around inside, falling on top of one another. They were laughing and screaming the whole way down, almost choking on water. There was only one thought going through both of their heads; ‘he’s so close, it feels right to have him back beside me again’. Neither of them decided to put too much thought into it right now, and just decided to enjoy the ride. However, it was then Elton and Corey’s turn to go, and they were left just to talk.

“That was so fun.” Colby mentioned.

“It was. Who do you think will scream louder, Corey or Elton?” Sam asked.

“Oh, 100% Corey. Elton will just be laughing at him screaming.” Colby laughed as he spoke, which got Sam to let out a small laugh as well.

“Probably.” Sam agreed.

“Hey, so, I have a question.” Colby asked, getting sick of the tension that had been building for the past couple of days, and he spoke before he had time to think about what he was saying.

“What’s up?”

Colby took a breath before speaking because he knew he couldn’t back out now, especially since this might be the only chance he gets as there was no one else around them at the moment. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, why?”

“I just feel like there’s been some tension, I wanted to make sure you were ok, you know? You’re my best friend.” Colby took a step forward as he spoke, and looked directly into Sam’s eyes as he finished his sentences.

Sam felt his breath hitch in his throat, Colby being so close again, the concern in his voice, the eye contact, he felt his knees weaken. “Y-yeah, no man I’m all good.” He cleared his throat after speaking, and quickly broke eye contact, his face turning a shade of pink to rival his swim shorts. “Thanks for checking though.”

“You know you can tell me if I did anything wrong, right? I’ll fix it if I do.”

“Do you feel like you did something wrong?”

Colby sighed, “Not entirely. You’ve just, god I feel so stupid saying this, you’ve never made me move like that before when we’ve shared a bed. I felt like I did something wrong.”

Sam had a realization in that moment when Colby spoke. ‘Colby didn’t want to move either.’

“Oh. That’s what this is about? To be honest, I don’t know why I made you move. I’m sorry for waking you up, I guess I just felt weird in case Elton or Corey saw, you know? It was nothing on you, you didn’t do anything.” Sam returned the eye contact now.

“Oh. Ok, that makes sense.” Colby said. He didn’t dare to break the eye contact Sam instigated. He somehow felt closer to Sam when they held eye contact like that.

Neither of them noticed how close they were standing to each other now. They just naturally gravitated towards each other during their conversation, so when Elton and Corey finished their run, they stood shoulder to shoulder, arms just ever so slightly brushing against the others, sending chills through both of them.

That night, they slept closer to each other than they had on the whole trip. It had also been the best sleep either of them had gotten all trip. They woke up, one arm and one leg from each of them wrapped with the others. Sam looked over at Colby, who was looking back, and smiled. Both their faces turned red. They both had the same thought: ‘closer’.

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That next day, they were going to Agroventures. Everyone was super excited, and their energy was high. Sam and Colby were going on the jetboat first. Both were a bit nervous but excited at the same time. They climbed in, and sat down and had their hands on their legs, fingers slightly brushing against each other. They went around a bit, before they stopped to talk to Elton and Corey, but when it started up again, they had grabbed each other's hands, and held onto each other for the rest of the ride. When they got out, they had moved to where they could watch Elton and Corey, still standing as close as they could to each other.

Next was indoor skydiving, where they had on flight suits. Sam couldn’t help but look at Colby in his flight suit, and how good he looked in it. Sam went first, and as he was going, he kept looking at Colby, who was intently watching him. He wanted Colby to watch him, he wanted to look at Colby and admire him. When he finished his turn, he went right over to Colby, and they watched together as Corey went for his turn. After Corey, it was Colby’s turn. Sam watched Colby just as Colby had watched him. Colby kept looking over to Sam, just as Sam had been looking at him. When Sam gave him an encouraging smile, Colby felt his heart skip a beat. He really loved that smile. He really loved Sam. When that thought hit him, he lost control, and flew off to the side. He played it off, and decided his turn was over. Sam couldn’t help but stare at Colby and his wind swept hair.

‘Wow he looks so good.’ was all Sam could think.

It was then Elton’s turn, and Colby offered to film for him, so instead of going over to Sam, he took Elton’s spot. He needed a second away from Sam if he was ever going to regain his composure after his realization. Sam, on the other hand, was sad when Colby offered to film and didn’t come back over to him. He just wanted Colby by his side again, forever. Sam came to a very similar realization as Colby when he was flying through the air, ‘I love him’.

When Elton was done, Colby handed the camera back to him, and then walked over to be where Sam was. They spent the rest of the day side by side.

That night, back in their shared bed, they were sleeping side by side, almost entirely pressed up against the other. They had done that purposely this time, and to each, it felt right. They were close, not too close, that wasn’t a thing any more.

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A few days later, they went off-roading. The cars they were taking only allowed for two people at a time, so Sam and Colby offered to drive together. Elton and Corey took the other car.

The drive was fun, and they took turns at different points. Sam and Colby did everything first, Elton and Corey following behind them. On scarier parts of the drive, Sam and Colby both found themselves grabbing the others’ hand as a form of comfort, the other would just let them. It wasn’t until Corey and Elton were taking awhile to set up Eltons drone that Sam reached over and placed his hand on Colby’s thigh. Colby didn’t complain, but he felt his face heat up. He glanced at Sam, whose face was also turning a slight shade of pink, but he was also smiling. Colby, wordlessly, just placed his hand on top of Sam’s and interlaced their fingers.

When they came to the almost straight down drop, both of them were anxious. Everyone was. At least Corey and Elton got to watch them do it first. Elton, being the content seeking thrill he is, decided to “help” Sam and Colby by pushing their car down the hill. They screamed as they went down, listening to Coery and Elton laughing in the background.

“The brakes didn’t help at all.” Colby said, his heart racing.

“Dude, that was insane. I thought I was gonna die.” Sam said, his heart also pounding.

“I wouldn’t have let you die. I love you too much to lose you.” Colby froze when he realized what he said. His heart was now racing for a whole different reason. Sam’s heart was now pounding for a different reason too.

“You love me?” Sam said, turning to look at Colby.

“Um,” Colby started and just ended up nodding, not knowing what to say.

“Good.” Sam said. Colby looked at him, confused. “I love you too.”

That’s all that needed to be said. Sam grabbed Colby’s hand again, and just gave it a gentle squeeze before they heard the screams of Elton and Corey behind them. They both started laughing, listening to the two of them freaking out about the drop they just completed. The rest of the drive was relatively calm compared to what they just did. When it was over, they went to do the go-karts. But, Sam and Colby were both distracted, so neither of them did incredibly well. They both just wanted to go back to the RV, wishing it was night, where they could just hide in their little shared loft bed. Finally, their day was over, and they headed back to the RV.

Elton wanted them to drive for once, so Colby sat in the driver's seat, with Sam practically laying over him. Colby was controlling the gas, Sam the steering and Corey was the look out. Sam and Colby were just happy to have the other close again. When night finally came, they stayed up whispering to each other all night. They were talking about everything and nothing at all. Until Colby brought up what was said during off roading.

“Do you really love me?”

“Of course I do, why wouldn’t I?” Sam asked.

“No reason, I just wanted to know for sure.”

“Well, I do. I’m glad you said something first, I don’t think I would’ve been brave enough to.”

“If I’m being honest, I think it was the adrenaline that made me say it. I didn’t even realize I said it at first.” Colby said with a stifled laugh so he wouldn’t wake Elton or Corey.

“Do you regret it?” Sam asked.

“Not at all.” Colby said, grabbing Sam’s hand, and pushing some hair that fell over Sam’s eyes out of the way. Sam just looked into Colby’s eyes as he let Colby do whatever he wanted. Colby was looking back into Sam’s eyes. Now, there was a new kind of tension. It was building quickly, and both of them felt it.

Colby flicked his eyes down to Sam’s lips, and back up to his eyes. Sam just ever so slightly nodded his head yes, and then they both slowly moved their faces closer. It was very cautious, because neither of them were totally sure of what was happening, and neither of them wanted to mess it up, but when they finally kissed, everything was alright. They were sure of what was happening now, and they both loved it. They knew they weren’t making a mistake as they both went to deepen the kiss. Sam gently placed his hand on the side of Colby’s face. Colby squeezed his hand which was still holding Sam’s other hand. They stayed like that for about a minute longer until they heard Corey move. They broke apart, each holding their breath until they heard Corey settle down once more. They looked at each other again, and both started to silently laugh. Colby pulled Sam closer to him, and they fell asleep shortly after that. Close, not too close, there was no such thing as too close, especially not now.

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The rest of the trip, Colby was just wanting to get home sooner. He wanted to get back to LA where he and Sam could just be near each other. Not filming every day, not going and doing adrenaline rushing activities. He just wanted to get back home and figure things out officially with Sam.

Sam was happy to not be home at the minute. He was enjoying the little “get away” he and Colby could have right now. He was still excited to get home, however. He wanted to be able to really be with Colby. They had their own rooms there, and their rooms were on the opposite side of the house as almost all their roommates, except for Corey, but he and Devyn were always together, and across the hall.

They still had a few days left in New Zealand, however, so they made the mutual decision to just have the most fun they could, they could be as close as they wanted at night, but they decided to keep up with normal appearances on camera. They also decided to not tell Elton and Corey anything just yet, as they didn’t entirely know what exactly they were. Once they got home, got settled, and figured it out they would then tell the house.

Their last day, they went to a beach with ATV’s and boogie boards and sleds, and were pulling each other around the beach on the boards and sleds. Sam couldn’t help but stare at Colby when he was getting pulled. Colby had his shirt off, and Sam thought he just looked really good, ok? Colby had the same thoughts when Sam was getting pulled on the sled. However, neither of them were happier than when it was Corey pulling Elton on the sled, and Sam’s arms were holding onto Colby as he drove. They returned the ATV’s back to the rental place, and then it was time for Sam, Colby, and Corey to leave. They packed and cleaned up their stuff in the RV, and both Sam and Colby felt a little sad leaving their little shared loft. They had to thank the loft, because if it wasn’t for them sharing the loft, they weren’t sure exactly where they would be right now.

On the plane home, both Sam and Colby were talking about what they would do when they got home. They decided they would each keep their rooms, as it was nice to have their own spaces, but more than likely they’d be spending nights in each other's rooms. They talked about what they were, they decided to try going on a couple of dates before making anything official. Corey was still asleep in the third seat in the row, headphones on. They decided to try and prank the house by making them think they were filming a prank video when they told the house they were together. They had a prank war to win after all. The New Zealand trip was nothing like they expected it to be, but as they walked off the plane hand in hand, they were so incredibly happy for what did happen, even if at first they were not too pleased with their arrangements. It was during the Uber home, when Corey complained that Sam was sitting “too close” to him that both Sam and Colby laughed, and rejoined their hands that they knew everything would be ok.

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Chapter Text

Sam and Colby have now been back from their New Zealand trip for 3 weeks. They still haven’t told the house, or the internet that they had gotten together. They went through with their plans of going on a few dates to see how things would pan out, and after 4 dates, they made it official. They started officially dating. Now that they had those logistics played out, they wanted to tell the house, and eventually the fans. The house was in the middle of The Prank War, and the last couple of pranks had been pulled on Sam and Colby, including Elton’s giant smack cam, and Corey and Devyn’s “We’re pregnant and going back to Florida” pranks, Corey’s being the most recent. Both Sam and Colby were falling behind on likes and views, and they needed something to help them get back into the game, so they devised a plan.

Since they were wanting to come out anyway, they wanted to use this as an opportunity to pull a long prank on the house. Elton had just gotten back, and everyone would be home for the next month, at least. Their plan had been composed of 3 parts,
The set up.
Filming.
Reveal.
This was going to take place over a few weeks.

Part 1: Sam and Colby were going to start “acting” closer to each other. Small touches on the arm, lingering eye contact, staying up late in each other’s rooms, making notice of going out together, just the two of them, not for filming. They would do this for a week or so, just until they noticed the roommates getting suspicious of their activities.

Part 2: They were going to hide a camera, not very well, just well enough to delay it being found, and bring all the roommates into the same room where Corey and Devyn did their prank. They would have everyone sit down, and tell them they were dating, but trying their best to make it look fake. Acting anxious, keeping a bit of distance, more than what they had been showing all week, and glancing over to where the camera was “hidden”. The roommates would call them out, not believe it, and Sam and Colby would “admit they were pranking the house” and then end the video.

Part 3: Sam and Colby would not change their behaviors. They’d still act just as close, just repeating everything from part 1, until someone would ask them about it. Then, they would reveal that the roommates pranked themselves by not believing Sam and Colby when they originally told them. They would title the video ‘getting the roommates to prank themselves’ and not have an intro explaining anything. The video would start with Sam and Colby getting the roommates together, and that whole conversation. It would then just be clips of Sam and Colby being close, and the weird looks the roommates would give them, until someone asks about it, and the final reveal of the roommates pranking themselves.

It was a long shot. It took a lot of careful planning, and it required everything to happen exactly as planned. So far, Part 1 had been working. They would hear roommates wake up in the night and pause at the top of the stairs, hearing Sam and Colby up talking and laughing. That part wasn’t too out of the ordinary, until Sam and Colby would walk down the stairs at the same time in the morning, shoulder to shoulder, not the usual one behind the other. They almost never woke up at the same time, Sam was much more the early bird, and Colby would sleep in until 1. They would sit closer on the couch during movie nights, or when someone was playing Fortnite or Rocket League. They were getting looks from the roommates, but no one said anything, after all, it wasn’t any of the roommates' business to give their input. They all figured Sam and Colby would tell them if something were going on.

It was then the day of the “prank”. Sam and Colby had set it up really well. The whole day they had been close and talking in quiet voices to each other, and would quickly stop when someone else came into the room and completely changed whatever they were talking about. Right after dinner, instead of hanging out with everyone else, they went upstairs. They went up there to make sure they had what they were going to say planned out. It was about 20 minutes later when they walked downstairs and into the other room. They “hid the camera” in the space under the stairs, and put a box next to it so it looked like an attempt to hide it. Then it was time for the conversation to start.

“Yo, Elton, Corey.” Sam yelled.

“Yeah, what’s up?” Corey responded.

“Can you guys come here?” Colby responded back this time.

Sam stepped closer to the stairs and yelled up “Yo Aaron, come down here! House meeting.”

A quiet groan came as a response, but they could hear Aaron’s door open, and he made his way downstairs. Elton and Corey also walked in, and took a seat on the couch.

“Y’all aren’t moving back to Kansas right?” it was Corey who asked, presumably trying to break some of the obvious tension that had started to build, as with every “unplanned” house meeting.

“No, we’re not moving back to Kansas.” Colby laughed.

“What’s up?” Aaron asked as he walked over to the couch and took a seat next to Corey.

“We have something we wanted to talk to you guys about.” It was Sam who started, as he made his way back over to Colby, but keeping about arms distance length between them.

Colby looks over to Sam, and almost started laughing, but stopped himself. It was then that Elton noticed their weird behavior, even weirder than that of the past week.

“Is this a prank? Are you guys pranking us? Where’s the camera?” Elton says, as he starts to look around.

“No, no we’re not pranking you, this is serious.” Colby replies, regaining his composure.

“Ok, then what’s going on?” It was Aaron who asked again.

“During the New Zealand trip, Colby and I may have gotten together.” Sam stated, not showing too much emotion, and not moving from his place, although he shifted his eyes back over to the stairs, near where the camera was set up.

All three of their jaws dropped, and Corey started to laugh. “You’re joking.”

“Nope. Why do you think we’ve been closer this week?” It was Colby who explained.

“Wait, are you guys serious, like is this real?” Aaron asked again, still seeming skeptical.

“Yeah, we’re serious.” Colby said. His voice was as even as it could have been.

“We’ve been together officially for about 2 weeks now.” Sam interjected. He wasn’t lying either. They had gotten together during the trip, but had only been official for about 2 weeks. Elton caught on to the wording.

“The trip was over 3 weeks ago.” Elton spoke.

“Yes, but we wanted to see how things played out before we actually got together and made it official.” Sam explained.

It was quiet for a few seconds. You could see the roommates trying to make sense of it. You could see the contemplation on their faces. It was Aaron who spoke next.

“If this isn’t a prank, congratulations then I guess?”

“It’s not a prank! We swear!” It was Colby who spoke, a little too forcefully too.

“If it’s not a prank then kiss!” Of course it was Corey who would be the one to ask that.

Both Sam and Colby paused. They knew someone would ask that. They had a plan for if someone did. Pause, look scared, laugh a bit, and Colby would glance at the camera. So, that’s exactly what they did. Elton caught on to where Colby was looking.

“I see the camera you idiots!” Elton said, laughing, and he got up and walked over to the camera.

“So this was a prank!” Corey said.

“I was actually starting to believe you guys!” Aaron sounded slightly hurt.

Both Sam and Colby shared a knowing look and started laughing, obviously their plan was working.

“Ok! You caught us!” Colby said, laughing still.

“Yep! Pranked you!” Sam agreed, holding his sides because they were starting to hurt from laughing.

“Damn it! I wanted to see you kiss!” Corey joked.

They all laughed a bit more, and when Sam looked over at Colby, he just winked, and then Colby’s face went red. Sam took the camera from Elton.

“You guys suck.” Corey said.

“Yeah but it will be great clickbait. Can you imagine? The title could be ‘coming out to our roommates’.” Elton replied.

“We are SO winning this prank war!” Colby yelled.

“Oh one more thing.” Sam said being as serious as possible.

“What?” Corey asked, smile dropping.

“Welcome to the prank war!” Sam and Colby yelled at the same time.

“You guys made me lose my Fortnite game for a prank?” Aaron spoke with mock offense. Which made everyone laugh.

“You guys have been pranking us non stop, so we had to get you back.” Colby spoke.

“Yeah yeah, good job. We totally believed it.” Corey said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Aaron did!” Colby replied.

“I just wanted to be supportive if no one else was. What if it was true, wouldn’t you want at least one person on your side?” Aaron replied. The thing is, it was true. Not once did Sam and Colby lie. They told the truth the entire time. It’s their own fault they didn’t believe them.

“Alright, whatever. I’m going back to Rocket League.” Corey said, walking out of the room, Elton trailing behind him.

“I’m going back upstairs. Good job guys, you got me.” Aaron said, and headed back towards the stairs. Sam and Colby started laughing again as their roommates left them alone in the room.

Sam and Colby made their way upstairs and into Colby’s room to upload the footage onto his computer.

“I still can’t believe they believed that even for a second. I feel like we were making it way too obvious that we wanted them to think it was a prank.” Sam said.

“Now imagine how they’ll react when they figure out that we weren’t joking.” Colby replied, laughing more.

“I can’t wait.” Sam said, giving Colby a quick kiss, and they started to do some small edits to the video they had, mainly just audio adjustments. They continued to talk about the rest of their plans, which just involved the same things they had been doing for two weeks already.

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Another week had gone by, and Sam and Colby had still been acting like they had been before their “prank” on the house, and the roommates had been taking notice.

“Yo, Elton, can I talk to you?” Corey asked, stepping into the garage.

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Have you noticed Sam and Colby have still been acting weird?”

“Yeah…” Elton trailed off in thought before he continued. “Why do you think they’re still acting like that? It was just for a prank.”

“What if it wasn’t?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, what if it wasn’t actually a prank and since we were so adamant about them pranking us, they gave up telling us seriously.” Corey speculated, not realizing just how close yet so far he was from the truth.

“Dude, we found the camera. Why would they have the camera recording if they weren’t pranking us?” Elton asked.

“Should we ask Aaron what he thinks? He believed them at first.”

“Yeah, let’s ask him.”
They made their way into the kitchen where Aaron was cooking himself dinner.

“Yo Aaron!” Corey shouted.

“What’s up?”

“Are Sam and Colby home?” Elton asked.

“No, I think they just left.” Aaron replied.

“To film?” Elton asked.

“I didn’t see a camera, but they could’ve already packed their stuff. Why, what’s going on?”

“Don’t you think they’ve been acting weird the past week?” Corey asked.

“I mean, I haven’t been paying that much attention, but I- I guess?”

“Corey seems to think they weren’t actually pranking us last week.” Elton stated, crossing his arms and leaned against the counter.

“We found the camera, they said they were pranking us? Why would they record that if they weren’t pranking us?” Aaron brought up the same points Elton did in the garage.

“That’s what I said.” Elton agreed.

“Well, should we ask them about it?” Corey asked.

“I mean, we could.” Aaron said.

“Do you know when they’re getting home?” Corey asked again, pulling out his phone to check the time. “How long ago did they leave?”

“Um, I think like 30 minutes ago? I’m not sure when they’ll be back.”

“Ok, when they get back, we bring them into the living room, and ask them about what’s going on.” Elton decided.

“Dude, what if they’re actually dating?” Corey asked, suddenly getting anxious about a confrontation.

“Then why would they say it’s a prank?” Aaron asked.

“If it was a prank, why are they still acting all weirdly close?” Corey rebutted.

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It was another hour and a half before Sam and Colby got back. The roommates were all somewhere throughout the house, Elton in the garage, editing. Corey was downstairs playing Rocket League, and Aaron was upstairs in his room sleeping. Sam and Colby went upstairs into Sam’s room, to upload the footage they got that night. Aaron was right, he just didn’t see them pack their camera.

When Coery saw them head upstairs, he texted the group chat he, Elton, and Aaron made.

Corey: Yo, guys they’re home.

Elton: Ok, I’m omw in.

Corey: AARON WAKE UP

Aaron: I’m up
Aaron: I’m coming down stairs.

Once all three of them were downstairs, Corey texted Colby.

Corey: You and Sam home?

Colby: Yeah, we’re uploading some footage to edit, why?

Corey: Come downstairs brother, we want to talk to you guys

Colby: Ok, we’re coming.

Before they went downstairs, Colby and Sam talked for a second.

“Think they’re going to ask about us?” Colby asked Sam.

“Oh 100%. What else would they be asking about?”

“Do we have a camera downstairs?” Colby asked.

“Yeah, it’s in the kitchen, it just needs to be turned on.”

“Ok, before we go I’ll get water or something, just distract them while I turn it on.”

“Sounds good.” Sam replied, and they got up to walk downstairs.

As soon as they got to the bottom of the stairs, Colby walked right to the kitchen.

“I’m just getting water, I’ll be there in a second.” No one protested, as Sam walked into the room. He saw Elton, Corey, and Aaron sitting on the couch. Sam quickly pulled out his phone to get the audio recording in case the camera was too far away to hear.

Sam tucked his phone into his pocket as Colby walked into the room.

“What’s up guys?” it was Colby who spoke, in the same setup when they filmed the first part of their “prank”.

“We wanted to ask you guys something, that may be a bit personal.” Aaron started.

“Just know guys, there’s no judgment here, we literally couldn’t care either way.” Corey spoke. Sam glanced at Colby, and could see he had his face that he usually has when he catches on to a prank. It’s his look of ‘oh I know what’s happening’. Sam couldn’t help but to smile a bit and shifted his weight to the foot that was closer to Colby. Colby must have picked up on that, even without looking at Sam, and he shifted his weight too.

“Ok, what’s the question?” Colby spoke. Sam could hear the smile behind his words, even if it wasn’t showing on his face.

“It’s about your prank last week…” Aaron trailed off and looked towards Elton and Corey for help.

“Was it actually a prank?” Elton finally said.

Sam and Colby just looked at each other then started laughing. They couldn’t stop laughing.

“Oh my god, dude, that worked SO WELL!” Sam said, laughing so hard tears started to swell in his eyes.

“I know!” Colby responded, falling to his knee from laughing. Sam went and leaned on Colby for support, as he himself was about to collapse from laughing. The three roommates just looked at them totally confused.

“What is happening?” Corey spoke.

“You guys, y’all just pranked yourselves!” Sam choked out in between laughs.

“We what?” Elton asked, still confused.

“We weren’t pranking you before. We wanted you to think we were pranking you. We wanted to see how long it would take for one of you to bring it up and figure it out. We told you the entire truth the whole time. Nothing was a lie.” Colby explained.

“By not believing us, you thought you got pranked then, but the real prank was now. This is too funny.” Sam continued.

Both boys started to calm their laughter as their roommates' faces changed to shock. Sam stood fully up, and offered his hand to Colby, which he gratefully accepted the help to stand up.

“So, wait. Y’all are actually together? Like, for real?” Corey almost shouted.

“Yeah, we have been for a bit. We told you exactly what had been happening. None of that was a lie.” Colby said.

“Wait, so why were you recording?” Aaron asked this time.

“This will be put in, along with a bunch of clips we took of you guys giving us weird looks throughout the week, with the last video.” Sam started to explain.

“These videos are how we are also telling the fans. We’re not explaining anything to them either. They will see how this pans out, exactly how you guys did.” Colby finished the explanation.

“So where’s the camera this time?” Corey got up and started looking around for it.

“Over in the kitchen. When Colby was getting water, he was really just turning on the camera. I got my phone out to record the audio!” Sam pulled his recording phone out from his pocket to show the roommates, while Colby went and grabbed the camera from the kitchen.

“Well, then I guess congratulations for real this time.” of course Aaron would be the first to say it.

“Yeah, good for you guys.” Elton agreed.

“Oh, yeah, congrats, but I can’t believe you guys got us to prank ourselves!” Corey couldn’t wrap his head around it. They all started laughing, and they all sat down to talk more about it off camera.

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It had been a week since Sam and Colby uploaded their video. They did a live drop, so they could see their fans’ live reactions to what was happening. The confusion with the lack of intro, the shock of what was happening, the laughter when the camera was found, more confusion with the random clips from Sam and Colby’s phones throughout the week, then the realization as it was revealed they were not pranking anyone was fun to watch. Overall, the video got a lot of views, and tons of likes. They got a few hate comments, as was expected, however, what wasn’t expected was the outpour of love and support. They gained a whole new part of their audience, and their channel grew rapidly from that one video. They ended up winning the prank war because of that video too. Sam and Colby took the trip to Hawaii together, and made vlogs out of it. The whole time receiving a bunch of support from fans, and their families. They were still so thankful for that trip, but most importantly, they were thankful for their very elaborate prank.

Chapter Text

In this world, there are two types of people; people with ambition and drive, and those who follow for their own safety. If you want to be anyone, make something of yourself, then you need to be the first type of person. Sure, you’ll make enemies, but if you play your cards right, it’s just a game of respect. Give respect, earn respect. However, the downside to having all the cards in your hands is you can’t trust anyone. You’re almost entirely alone in that aspect, unless you pay someone well enough, but even then it’s still risky business. If you’re ok with laying low, staying in the shadows, but you want someone to have your back, then the second option is for you. You rarely go anywhere alone, it’s too dangerous. You are automatically going to have people who you can trust, not everyone, but a few. You’ll be able to live life almost normally, but what can be considered normal anymore?

**Can normal be considered going out and “taking care” of people who spoke too much too loud? Doing someone else’s dirty work for a bigger pay out?

Colby had no idea what “living normally” was like anymore. He was always on the lookout for who wanted to hurt him, although he hasn’t gotten stuck in a “situation” in a long time. Here he was, top of the chain, yet, even with all he had, he still couldn’t go and live how he really wanted to. He couldn’t trust anyone even if he wanted to. At least not anymore. He thought he could, he tried, but eventually, all good things must come to an end.

Colby Brock was one of the most successful mafia leaders in California. He had systematically built an empire for himself. He was one of the best. His business was laundering, specifically through the music industry. He held control over most major record labels now, which he bought out years ago, and now used that as a front for the money he made sending people out for “hits”. His business had never been “flagged” or investigated; he kept everything under wraps. No one who worked for him knows his real name. Everyone just called him “Capo”. That’s all they needed to know about him. That’s all they did know about him. No one had actually seen his face; whenever he had a meeting with anyone now, he covered his face. It was safer that way. He could still go out in public, use a fake name, and he was relatively ok. There was only one person who had ever seen his face, knew his name, and that person just happened to be his number one enemy. His “competition”. The one and only person who was not afraid to step on anyone’s toes.

Sam Golbach was living his life in the best way he could. He had money, he had people who loved him, he had people who he could (somehow) trust, despite what he did. Sam was in charge of the biggest real estate company in the world. He had offices, and agents, all over the world. However, even though most people knew who he was, underneath all the outer workings of his booming real estate business, he was running an illicit drug company. No one would have suspected it, not with how open he was in life. He would regularly travel to his different offices around the world, he would personally talk to clients, everyone knew his name, his real name. But underneath the bright, smiling, nice exterior, he could be ruthless, emotionless, manipulative, and just down right nasty to anyone who he thought was in his way. He wanted what he got, and got what he wanted, and right now, he wanted a set of buildings based in Los Angeles, California, USA. This set of buildings just happened to be top of the line, newly renovated buildings used by many different record labels for recording artists. The issue was, they were owned, presumably by different people. However, he was determined to get what he wanted.

Sam went around, doing everything he could to find out who owned the 8 buildings he has had his eye on for several years. From what he has found out, the buildings were owned by 4 different people. Each person owned 2 buildings. Convenient. Sam had set up 4 meetings, one with each owner, and he was planning on making an offer they couldn’t refuse. His first meeting was in about an hour. He had made sure he had the offer in cash ready to go, and that he had his security with him. They would hold the money, and walk him to and from each meeting. Sam may have been ok with his identity being out there, but he still knew there were people in the world who were not happy with him. He would offer so much money, it was difficult to turn down. He would also make an offer to the people who worked under the owners of the businesses and buildings he took over, to get them on his side, and to turn them against whoever they were working for. He would have them betray whoever he needed them to, and he would promise them more money, and a good life if they helped him. It’s what made him so successful. He was “for the people”. He looked very likable, he seemed approachable and trustworthy, he was a “man of the people”, even though he most certainly only did that for his own benefit. His main goal was simple. He had his plan all thought out.
1) Get involved in the music industry.
2) Get money through that, as well as maintaining “business as usual”
3) Buy out Colby Brock, the one person who had more of a grip over financials and related gangs than he did,

He and Colby had a history. They used to work under the same person. A “capo di tutti capi” or, boss of bosses. He held the largest drug, and gambling ring anyone had ever seen. He had a few people under him who had dabbles in other areas, to mention the music industry and real estate, who had unfortunately “crossed a line” and had been taken care of. All of their assets had gone to Colby and Sam respectively. Once this “boss of bosses” had died, he left a great deal of his money to both of them, as well as a few others. However, this quickly became a survival of the fittest, and eventually it was Sam and Colby who came out on top, but neither of them stopped pinning for ultimate control. Sam, while he hadn’t been hiding his identity, and kept his real estate out in the open, hadn’t heard much of Colby for years. He hasn’t seen him, heard of anything he’s been working on, hadn’t seen his name on any recent record labels, or albums that came out under labels that were his. Sam, in his naivety, had thought Colby had been taken down, but that didn’t stop him from continuing on with his plan of being able to buy out everything Colby owned, or once owned. That would be the ultimate “fuck you”, to take everything he owned, even after he had died.

Sam and Colby had gotten into so many fights over the years, while under the capo di tutti capi, and after, they had labeled the other as their enemy. Nothing would kill their drives to over power the other, it was the only thing they ever worked towards. All of their thoughts were consumed by the other, to be in their minds would be overwhelming.

It was now about time for one meeting. Sam had a penthouse in the heart of LA, as he owned the building, he got first pick of the apartment. He had left his penthouse, and arrived in the buildings owned by one of four people, the first being a guy named James Ableman. Sam walked into the building, and up to the receptionist.

“Hello, how can I help you today?” the lady, Sarah, by her nametag, greeted him.

“Yes, hello. I have a meeting at 1 o’clock with Mr. James Ableman.” Sam said, with a smile. The receptionist nodded.

“If you will give me a second, I will let him know you’re here.” she replied, and went over to a phone.

“Take all the time you need, Sarah. With a view like this, I could wait all day.” he replied with a wink. That made her blush, and laugh. Sam knew how to charm his way into people’s hearts, it’s part of his success rates.

“Well thank you,” she replied with a small smile. “I just let him know, he should be down soon.”

“No, thank you.” He said with a smile, and stepped back to wait.

It was about 5 minutes later when James finally stepped out of an elevator.

“Sam Golbach?” James called.

“Me, sir. Pleasure to meet you.” Sam said, sticking out his hand for a proper handshake which James accepted.

“Nice to meet you too. Please, follow me.” James said, turning back around and walking to the elevators. Sam and his security followed.

Once inside, James told Sam “They are not allowed in the room.”

“Oh, yes sir. They never are. They are simply here for my protection, and will not be privy to anything that is talked about behind closed doors.” He replied with a smile. It’s amazing how far a simple smile can take you.

“Excellent. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” The rest of the ride was silent. They finally reached one of the upper levels of the building, Sam wasn’t paying that close attention. James led him through a couple of hallways before he stopped in front of a heavy looking wooden door. He tapped a key card to the card reader that made a high pitched ‘beep’ sound, before he opened the door and stepped to the side to hold the door open for Sam. Sam turned to look at the man who was carrying a dark colored case, and nodded. The man handed him the case, and stood with his back to the door, the second man doing the same. Sam walked into the large, but dark office James led him too. He took a seat in the uncomfortable chair facing a large, mostly empty desk. ‘That’s weird’ Sam made a mental note about the unusual state of his desk. The whole office looked like it was just for show; there was nothing on the walls, no records, no shelves, no filing cabinets, there wasn’t even a computer on the desk, it was all blank.

“So, I hear you have an offer for me.” James started, taking a seat across from Sam.

“Yes. I am here to make you an offer on this building. Before we get into the logistics of it all, I’m going to be upfront with you.” Sam said, carrying a professional tone in his voice. He could see the man in front of him tense up at the mention of buying the building. “I am willing to negotiate a price here. My goal is to leave here with a done deal, leaving both you and I happy. Now, I promise to allow you to keep as much as you’d like here, or, as I saw, your other building.” James seemed to like the idea of negotiation, and Sam was prepared for a long conversation which, inevitably, would turn up in his favor.

“You want to buy not only this building, but my other one as well?”

“Yes, this one and the one 3 blocks down. I am prepared to offer up $2 million per building, which would mean I have the rights to the buildings, however, business for you would remain as usual. All I ask is if you can do any consolidating between the two buildings, I would like that done, on your own time of course.” Sam continued, putting on his smile that he knew got people to trust him.

“Why do you want these buildings?”

“I’m planning on expanding my business, and your buildings are in perfect places for my clientele and my employees. I would not want to disturb your business at all, more just share the space. The reason I am planning on buying the buildings is so I can also rent out unused offices to people of the public. I would take over all the legal progressions for that if I bought these lovely buildings from you. I wouldn’t charge you rent, however, I would ask for 5% of your earnings, as you earn it. No deadlines, and it ends when you leave.” Sam knew this pitch was an easy decision. He’s made it countless times, and it usually ends with the other person trying to negotiate a bit, but Sam’s counter offers end up making the original too good to pass up.

“How do I know you’re serious about the money?”

Sam simply smiled once more. “Like I said, I am prepared to offer you $2 million per building. Here” he said, placing the case on the empty desk. He opened the case and turned it around to face James, “is $4 million. I am prepared to hand this over today.” Sam sat back in his chair a bit, enjoying the look on James’ face.

“I would love to make this deal now, Mr. Golbach, however, I have to run this by some other people before we make it official.” James said, standing up out of his chair and walking around the desk to show Sam out the door. Sam closed the case, and stood up, making his way over to the door he entered from.

“I understand Mr. Ableman. Please let me know when you all have reached a decision, whichever way that may fall.” He reached into the pocket of his jacket, and pulled out a card, and handed it to James. “Here is my card. Feel free to call or email me at any time.” He stuck his hand out once more. “If you need anything else, other retail needs, please let me know and I will be sure to deliver you the best. Have a great day.” James shook his hand.

“Thank you. I will give you a call later this week after I have spoken with the team, if that would work for you.”

“That works just fine. Thank you.” Sam smiled, and stepped out the now open door.

“I will talk to you later then. Have a good day Mr. Golbach.” Sam just gave a firm nod, and watched as James shut the door.

He and his two security guards that came up with him started to make their way back toward the elevator. Sam was making mental notes the whole time. He knew something was off. He found the name of the owner, and usually, with buildings and business deals like these, there was no “team” to talk things over with. He knew something else was going on, Sam, for once, just didn’t know what.

-----------------------------------

Sam’s three other meetings ended with a very similar story. 4 different building owners, telling him they needed to “talk things over with their team” before coming to a business conclusion. This rarely happened. Once, maybe twice, in a year, but 4 in a row? Something was not adding up. Sam had a team of private investigators who worked for him, so he assigned them the task of finding out what was going on. They got back to him in 3 days with new information he had not been able to find.

He read the email. Then again, and again. He couldn’t believe what he was reading. It wasn’t possible. There was no way. A name, one he hadn’t heard of in years, had found him again. Colby Brock. It was Colby Brock who owned the buildings. He had used 4 different aliases as a way to conceal him further. Sam had wondered what happened to him, now he knew. Colby was as successful as ever, he hadn’t died, he went into hiding. He didn’t know the reason why, to be honest, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know the reason why. However, now he was really determined to get what he wanted. If he gets these buildings he could have the power to run Colby into the ground. He had to play this very carefully though, because Colby was smart. One wrong move and it would be Sam who was run into the ground.

It was simple, keep himself away from Colby, and he should be fine. As long as Colby didn’t know Sam knew who he was dealing with, he would be fine. Unfortunately, the universe typically has other plans. Plans that do not coincide with Sam’s plan to run his long time rival deep into the ground. You see, during Sam’s private investigators’ search, they found more information, information that he got an hour after figuring out what to do regarding his business with Colby. His old boss, capo di tutti capi, had, in fact, not died as he was led to believe. He was very much so alive, and well. So well, he was still playing the game. Faking one’s death, especially in the mafia world, was a terribly difficult thing to do, one which required a lot of people to “shut up”. Sam’s face went pale as he read the next line of the email.

“The Boss is planning a coup. He has men everywhere. He has money in higher places than you. He knows your business. He wants it back.” the email read. Dealing with Colby was easy, this was not. This was a dangerous game he was playing now. More so than when he was a lower level man, a sgarrista. He and Colby both started out that way. That was a dangerous job, now he had a dangerous game. Alone, he wouldn’t make it. It was a sink or swim world, and here he was, facing a hurricane in the middle of the ocean with nothing but water wings.

-----------------------------------

Colby was in an office hidden away from the world, holding a meeting with the people he hired to be his aliases, the ones who took his place using the names he came up with. He was wearing his usual mask, a black mask with deep red details. It had the eyes cut out, and the mouth cut out so he could talk and you could only see the facial expressions he wanted you to see. He was smart in hiding himself. He hid his tattoos under makeup when he wasn’t earring long sleeves, no one he worked with knew his name. He never met in the same place with the same people twice, and he wore all black so it was more difficult to get a description of him. Anything that could be identifiable was hidden from the world. Yet, here he was, being told by 4 people that one of the only people who could find and identify him in a heartbeat was looking to buy his buildings, and use them for his own gain. The offers were good. They were excellent. They were smart. Colby knew they would be good, he knew any plan or scheme made by Golbach would be worthwhile. Sam was a smart man, and even better at giving himself the leg up. He knew how to make the game play for him. It was admirable really. If was to keep his head in the game, he’d need to know more than offers. He would need to know exactly what Sam was playing. There’s more reasons behind his work than that of simply buying out and allowing for renters. It was never that simple. Colby knew who Sam learned from. A dirty, ruthless man, who quite frankly, was glad he died. Colby had very similar motives as Sam when things first got ugly. He doubted Sam would have changed, he was great at manipulation, and was one of the most ambitious men he had ever had the misfortune of crossing. So, Colby dismissed the men sitting across from him, telling them to hold off on the offer, at least until he gave word. He wanted to know more.

It was a day later when his private investigators got back to him. Colby, after reading an email, screamed, and threw the poor unsuspecting laptop against the wall. He had more anyway. That email was the last thing he ever wanted to read. It was short and simple. It said:

“You have bigger problems than Golbach. Capo Di Tutti Capi is alive. He is planning a coup. He has men everywhere. He has money in higher places than you. He knows your business. He wants it back. Good luck.”

There was nothing he could do now. He knew what The Boss was capable of, he witnessed it first hand. However, making a high ranking mafia member seem dead for years, and keeping him and this under the radar this long, that was an indescribable feat. How they found that out, he didn’t want to know. He would probably have to find a new PI now too, that is, if he made it out of this. He knew what could happen, he just hoped it didn’t.

Both Sam and Colby knew they were more than likely cooked. They knew their old boss, knew the lengths he would go to, knew the power, influence, money, and people he had. Their outcomes weren’t so good. For all they knew, he had people working under them. Now, there was absolutely no one they could trust. They were going to have to brush up on their old “skills”; they might come in handy. Things were going to get messy. They both knew it. Neither of them had any idea just how messy things could get.

-----------------------------------

Self protection. Colby was a master at it. He had spent the last few years wiping himself off the face of the earth, hoping to have everyone forget about him. He hadn’t been seen in public with his name in the past 3 years, and he hadn’t had anyone call him by his name is over 4, so when he got a letter addressed to him, using his name, his heart stopped. With the news of Capo Di Tutti Capi being alive, and Sam Golbach wanting to buy his buildings, the fact they used his name and sent the letter to his house was alarming. He opened it using gloves, you can never be too careful, and started to read. It wasn’t any handwriting he recognized, so he put the letter into a page protector and sealed it. He then continued reading it.

‘Colby,

I know you know. It seems we now have something to discuss. Don’t think I won’t be ready myself. You know where to go. 2am. Don’t be late.

-Don’t get followed’

The letter had no name, presumably to put him on edge. There was only one place he could really think of that either Sam or The Boss could be referencing, so come 2 am, he grabbed his mask, put on his black baggy clothing, payed 3 guys a little extra money to come with him but with noise canceling headphones, and made his way over to an abandoned warehouse with an underground bunker that was hidden beneath some old furniture. He had the men move it for him, and he opened the hatch. Down the ladder he could see the faint glow of candle light, but he heard no sound. He motioned for one of the men to go down first. He watched as the man climbed down, then motioned for Colby to follow. So, he did. After he was down, he heard the hatch being replaced and the furniture being moved back again. When he turned around, he was not expecting Sam Golbach to be sitting in one of the chairs and motioning for Colby to sit with him. Colby, being hesitant, slowly made his way over, holding onto the gun which was safely tucked into the waistband of his pants behind his back. He saw Sam wasn’t alone either. He had 1 person with him as well, also with headphones. That made Colby wonder if he had been watched as he made his way through the warehouse. Probably.

“I’m unarmed. You’re fine. Sit.” Sam said, no fear present in his voice.

“Fine.”

“Headphones. Both of you.” Sam said, talking to his man, and Colby’s. Colby didn’t object, but only nodded to his security to let him know it was ok.

“Turn around, both of you.” Colby spoke as he made a twirling motion with his finger in case they couldn't hear him. The mask got hot after all, and Sam already knew his face, except for the few new scars he had littering his face.

Sam copied Colby’s action by nodding to his security, and both men turned around with their headphones on. They wouldn’t get paid if they didn’t listen, or worse they just wouldn’t go home.

“So, it seems we have a bigger issue than our petty disputes.” Sam started.

Colby sighed and took off his mask. He reveled in the quick expression of shock that flicked across Sam’s face as he saw the scars. He smirked. “Like what you see, Golbach? Did you miss me?” Colby teased. Sam wasn’t the only one who knew how to manipulate.

“Shut up. You know why we’re here.” Sam said sternly.

“Just trying to lighten the mood, no need to get all snippy here. Yes, I know why we’re here. Question is, why did you ask me?”

“You’re the only other one left ALIVE who knows how The Boss works. You’re the only other one who has a chance to not let him win. We’re both successful, and happy with our lives. I don’t want him taking mine, and I doubt you want any different. Be sensible now, Colby. We both know we’re fucked if we fight this alone.” Sam said, leaning back in his chair with a smug look on his face.

“Sam, you forget I know your tricks. I know your games, you’re not going to get in my head, so cut the bull shit. What do you want?”

Sam huffed. “Fine. I want to team up so that ass hole doesn’t have our heads.”

“Interesting. What makes you think I’d ever want to do anything with you? You’re trying to buy MY buildings.” Now, it was Colby who sat back, crossing his arms and draping his right ankle over his left knee.

“I thought you were smarter than this, Colby. You know why I’m coming to you.” Sam’s voice got almost an octave deeper, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “If you want to go and get yourself killed, be. My. Guest.”

Colby sighed. “Ok. How do you want to play this?”

“You know this will get messy. You know people will die?”

“Like you said, I’m smarter than this. Yes, I know.” Colby rolled his eyes. “But, I will warn you, just because we work together for this, does NOT mean I trust you, or will ever trust you, nor that I will work with you again in the future.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t possibly dream of it. But, we both know he won’t hesitate to kill us both. Together, we have enough money, enough people, and enough control we might actually be able to counteract anything he’s planning.”

Colby sat in thought, not saying anything for a few minutes before speaking. “I know some people under him. I know where they live. I can get them here by tomorrow. We can find out what he’s planning by then.”

Sam looked almost surprised for the second time since the start of their meeting. “How do you know this?”

“I have people in high places.” Colby winked.

“Fine. Get them here, tomorrow, same time.” Sam agreed.

“Done.” Colby went to replace his mask, and stood up. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.” Sam watched as Colby tapped his security guard on the shoulder before the guard made his way up the ladder, knocked 4 times, and climbed out. Colby gave him a little salute before he too disappeared up the ladder.

-----------------------------------

It was the next day. Sam and Colby were both in the bunker, along with 3 people that Colby had his “friends” get for him. All 3 had their hands tied, and were sitting on the floor. Colby kept his mask on this time, and Sam’s patented smile was gone. His eyes looked to be a darker shade of blue without the smile. Both bosses had 3 men each standing at the entrance by the ladder, watching the interaction Sam and Colby had with the men who worked with The Boss. One was crying, the other had hit his own head coming down the ladder and was temporarily knocked out, the other had a devilish smile on his face that screamed “I’m enjoying this”.

“I’m going to ask you one more time.” Sam spoke to the man who was crying. “Where is he?”

“I- I don’t, I don’t KNOW!” He choked out between sobs. “I’m not that important to him, I swear. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I can just leave. I don’t have to be here. I can leave. I won’t say anything, please.” Colby laughed. How this man made his way into The Boss’s mob, he’d never know.

“We both know that’s not an option.” Sam said, his voice raspy from some of the yelling.

“How about you?” Colby asked, squatting down right in front of the man with the smirk. He so desperately wanted to wipe that smirk off his face. “Do you know where he is?”

“Fuck off.” The man said, and spit at Colby. Sam whipped out a knife that he always had in a hidden pocket he had custom made into his jeans. Looks like Sam kept some of his old habits too.

“Try that again and see what happens.” Sam almost growled at the man. Colby was impressed. He didn’t think the face of the best customer service real estate company had it in him anymore.

“Got a thing for your friend here, huh?” The man taunted.

**“Got a thing for playing with your life?” Sam spoke again, bringing the knife to the man's cheek, giving a small flick of his wrist, enough to give the man enough of a cut it was no bigger than a paper cut. From that, a bit of blood started to seep through his skin and bead up at certain parts that were slightly deeper. The man flinched, but held onto his facade.

“I quite like my life, thank you.” the man spoke again.

“What if,” Colby chimed in again, “we could make it better? Hmm? How’s that sound? Give you some more money than what you’re making, yeah? Give you a title to be proud of. Have your name be known. Be in charge of some people, yeah? How does that sound?”

You could see the battle that went on in the man’s head when he heard that. He liked the sound of it, he just didn’t know if it was true.

“What’s the catch?”

“You give us the information we want, and we give you all of that.” Sam spoke.

“What about them?” the man nodded to the other two.

“Let us worry about that. They’re not your business.” Sam continued the conversation. Colby may have known all his manipulation tricks, but that didn’t mean others did.

“No, they are my business, I’m in charge of them. Boss’s orders.” It was as he finished, the man realized what he said. Everyone likes to feel important around others’ who are important, one of the things Sam always said when they were working under Capo Di Tutti Capi.

“Oh are they now! Well, that is news to me! So tell me, who else are you in charge of?” Colby spoke, sitting with his elbows on his knees and head in his hands.

“If I cough up information, and you give me what I want, how do we know those two won’t go around blabbing?” The man had a point.

“Well,” Sam walked over and kicked the legs of the man who was passed out, “he isn’t waking up anytime soon, and him?” Sam motioned with the tip of his knife to the third man who was still balling his eye out, “I don’t think you’re gonna say ANYTHING, will you?” Sam spoke with feigned innocence, and tilted the man’s chin up using the tip of his knife. Colby was greatly impressed. Sam knew how to command attention and use a knife to get what he wanted. The man who was crying violently shook his head ‘no’.

“I think, if we gave him an offer he WOULDN’T refuse, he won’t even be in the country, don’t you?” Colby asked Sam, his smile visible in his eyes and his mouth, his mask that covered the rest of his face made it all the creepier.

“I’ll be gone. I won’t say anything. I don’t know who you guys are! I’ll go far away, you’ll never hear from me again!” the man all but cried out.

“So, do we have a deal?” Colby once again turned to the man.

“Fine. But get them out first.”

Colby just snapped his fingers and the three guards who were with him made their way over and took the two men out of the bunker, and back to their apartments. The one who found a one way plane ticket to Luxembourg, and $20,000 to get him started with his new life. He was also left a note that said “We will be watching. Keep your promise.”

“Now, who are you?” Colby spoke when his men had returned from the hand off of the other two men.

“Why do I have to tell you my name? If you found me, shouldn’t you know my name?”

“That’s exactly why we want to know your name. We want to know if you’re telling the truth, or if you’re going to try and lie. You’re exactly right. We know your name, we found you, you don’t know what else we know about you. So, lying is not your best option here.” Colby spoke again as Sam went to take a seat behind Colby, but facing the man.

“Fine. My name is Edward Givens, but people just call me ‘Red Ed’. I’m a sotto capo for, well, you know who. He hates you,” he said, pointing to Sam, “and since you’re working with him, I’m assuming he hates you too. He’s staging a coup against all the people he promoted within, he says you all got too greedy.”

“What all does he know? Who all is he staging against?” Sam spoke, as he’s writing down all the information.

“He knows Sam Golbach is worldwide, and successful, and how much money you’re laundering from drugs. He knows, out of the original 5, there’s two who don’t have obituaries. Sam, you’re one, and Colby Brock, although he hasn’t been able to find much on Colby. He knows he kept around in the music industry, and was big on laundering. He knows Colby stuck around in LA, so he has scopes out looking everywhere for him.”

Neither Sam nor Colby spoke. Colby just looked at Sam. He knew a lot. A lot more than they were hoping. If he knows their business, he can easily take them down, especially if he knows where they were.

“So, where’s this money, and people and shit I was promised? I gave you information I know.”

“How is he planning on taking me and Colby down?” Sam spoke.

“Messily. In a risky way. Not in a way you’d expect. I think he is doing it for the adrenaline of it, and to make a statement.” The man said.

“Yeah, that’s all fine and dandy, but that doesn’t answer the fucking question. HOW?” Colby yelled.

“Ambush. He’s planning on rushing and ambushing.”

That shocked Sam and Colby. In all the years they worked under him, he was never so reckless. He always played the long game. He would take people out financially before he made any big moves. Something was up. Colby turned around to look at Sam. Sam just nodded.

“Here’s the deal. We give you what you want money wise. You go back, and spy for us. Each time you bring us back new information, you get a bonus. When this is all over, if at least one of us and you is alive, you’ll get the rest of what’s promised. If neither of us are alive, we leave you something in our wills’. Got it?” Colby bargained.

“I want that written down.” Ed spoke.

Colby snapped his fingers again. One of the 6 men stepped forward and produced some papers, which had all of that worked out. They had drafted a few contracts before this meeting, one for anyway this could have gone. The guard handed it to Ed, and he read it over.

“Fine. We have a deal.” Ed said.

Colby then handed a pen to Ed. “Sign it.” Ed did, and handed the papers back.

Colby leaned down close to Ed’s ear and spoke so low it was almost a whisper “If you break this, we will be sure to hunt and find you, and make you watch as we take everything you care about from you. Understood?” The man simply nodded, Colby’s message clearly being understood, and taken seriously. Sam just watched with amusement, Colby really knew how to make people listen. It was admirable.

-----------------------------------

Over the past couple of weeks, Sam and Colby had been working on putting their assets together to prepare them for the hell that was sure to be unleashed on them soon. They had a place picked out that when they wanted, when they were ready, they would be seen going to on different days through the front entrances. However, Sam had tunnels underneath the building that they used to their advantage. One would go in the front, the other would use the tunnels. They had other personnel with them at all times, they would only take the underground route, save for the normal two or three Sam was usually seen with, and the two Colby had paid well enough money he knew they would at least protect him.

During those few weeks, Ed had been dishing out new information about The Boss he had. The Boss wanted more money because he was sick. He wanted to 1, use it for himself, and 2, leave it for his family, as if what he had wasn’t enough, but he was greedy. That is the same reason he was going the faster route of a take down; he was sick, and was starting to run out of time. Which meant he was scared, which meant he would be rash in his decisions, meaning unpredictable, meaning dangerous. He was also building a small militia. He had hired private investigators to look into Sam and Colby more, so they had their teams try to counteract anything they would or could find out. They would only find out what Sam and Colby wanted to be found, and from what was reported back to The Boss, it all appeared to be their normal business. Sam goes to different buildings, and meetings, showing buildings, helping renters, spewing out ads, and of course all the underlying dirty work behind the scenes. All the record labels Colby had were still working as per usual, as if even a quarter of them knew anything about what they were really being used for. It was perfect. Underneath it all, Sam and Colby were building a small army of their own. They also spent time refining their old “skills”, practicing on each other.

“If you don’t keep your arms up, I’m actually just going to stab you.” Sam said, getting thoroughly annoyed with Colby. Sam was helping Colby practice his hand-to-hand combat, specifically with a knife. Colby had already refined his shooting skills, now it was Colby’s turn to practice.

“Fine. Again.” Colby said, sweat dripping down the side of his face. Sam watched and paused before he took a breath and ran at Colby again. This time, Colby was more ready, had his hands up, and just grabbed Sam’s arm, twisted himself around, and threw Sam over his shoulder onto the ground. Sam landed with a thud, and got the wind knocked out of him. He felt Colby’s shoe being placed on his chest, and the tip of Colby’s knife under his chin, forcing him to look Colby dead in the eyes.

“How’s that?” Colby said, a smirk plastering itself on his face.

“Good. Yeah, better.” Sam said, shoving Colby’s foot off his chest and sitting up with a groan. Sam looked up at Colby, who had extended his hand out. “Thanks.” Sam said, taking Colby’s hand. Colby helped to pull Sam up, and as Sam was straightening himself out, he felt something change. He didn’t know what, but he was sure something was different. He quickly turned around, drawing the gun he now kept tucked in the back waistband of his pants, as Colby had told him to. He was met with staring down the barrel of a different gun, one in which Colby was aiming at him.

“You’re also getting better.” Colby said, lowering his gun. “But your aim is still too high.” Colby continued. He walked over to Sam, and stood behind him. He reached his arms up and around the blonde, lowering his aim by just a few centimeters. He then walked back around to where he was originally standing. “See the difference?” Colby asked. Sam was still. He didn’t move, he didn’t breathe. Slowly, Colby took steps closer, until the gun was touching his chest, right where his heart was. “How about now?” Colby watched as Sam’s eyes changed focus from long aim, to Colby’s eyes.

“Yeah, I got it now.” Sam said, swallowing as he finished his sentence.

“Seems we both still have things to fix.” Colby sighed.

“But do we have the time?”

“Probably not. So, we’re working with what we’ve got.” Colby dryly replied.

“So, until he makes his move, we’re stuck dealing with each other.” Sam said, exasperated and fed up with the whole situation.

“What happens when it is over? Hm? Are you going to go back to trying to buy me out? Take over MY buildings, MY business, for your gain? Or has this put a damper on your plans?” Colby spoke, each sentence taking a step closer to Sam until they were face to face.

“You know what, I think I will. You never know what can happen. Like you’ve said, we can’t trust anyone. Anyone could stab either of us in the back, figuratively, or literally.” As Sam finished his sentence, Colby felt the tip of Sam’s knife being gently pushed into the small of his back, which, if aimed right, is deadly. Colby knew Sam knew it was deadly, he also knew his enemy knew how to push the blade into his skin to kill him. What he didn’t know was how Sam managed to get the knife behind him without him knowing. Sam smirked, and turned to walk away. As he was walking out of the room, he said “don’t forget, Brock, we’re still against each other. I can turn you in and kill you just as easily as you can me.”

Colby was left standing alone in a room, staring at the last place he saw his enemy, who had given him the reminder he needed. Colby was not about to let Golbach of all people take him down. He’d have to be dead before he would give up what he had.

-----------------------------------

Colby was walking back to his home, taking a different route from the one he took the past 3 days. His mask was on, head down, but he was on edge. He knew something wasn’t right. He felt he was being watched. He never let anyone walk with him home, no one knew where he lived. He decided to not go straight home. He kept walking in random directions, hoping to shake the feeling. He turned down an alley he knew well. He also knew he had people, who he paid, who regularly hung out down this alley. Those people knew his mask, and knew he would walk down this strip in between the buildings frequently. However, tonight, there was no one there, except for one person. Colby kept walking, not allowing himself to outwardly show his nervousness. When he was about halfway down the alley, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He swung his body around, landing a good punch to the face of whoever touched him. Colby didn’t recognize the person he punched, but didn’t have any time to dwell on who it was before the person came at him again.

**This time, Colby pulled the knife Sam made him now carry, and used it to cut a decent gash on the man’s side. The man stumbled back, holding where Colby had sliced him. It wasn’t enough to kill the man, but it was enough to stop him. Colby walked over the man, and pushed him to the ground. Colby went to stand over the man so he could see who he was. The man, while laying on his back, was able to get a swift move in, and gave Colby a slice with a knife of his own, down and across his chest. Unfortunately for the man, this was not the first time Colby had been in a nasty situation. Colby backed away, seemingly unbothered by the man’s actions, dusted himself off, then started to walk back the way he came from. Before he left the man, however, he gave the man a swift kick to the head.

“I dare you to try that again. I guarantee you won’t leave as lucky.” Colby spat out, then continued on his way home.

**Once Colby had gotten home, he checked over the damage that had been done. It wasn’t a lot, just the one gash across his chest. It wasn’t too deep, wouldn’t require stitches, just healing tape. The cut was bleeding, and the blood, mixed with his sweat, was dripping and running down his chest. His shirt was ruined, the mystery man’s knife had cut it. Colby then started to tend to his injury. As he was doing so, he couldn’t help but think, ‘If I wasn’t carrying that knife like Sam said, I’d probably be dead.’

-----------------------------------

That very same night, Sam was also walking back to his penthouse apartment. He had two people walking with him, however, he still didn’t feel safe. He could feel the hairs on his neck standing up; it was a similar feeling to when Colby had pulled the gun when they were practicing just a couple days ago. He didn’t want to show that he knew something was up, it was always safer to hold your cards to your chest. Just as Sam and his two guards were rounding a corner, just a block away from his building, he felt the air change entirely. He slowed his pace down just a tiny bit, testing to see if the guards kept their pace as well.

**When they didn’t get any closer to him, Sam quickly turned around, grabbing the gun he kept in his waistband, out, aim now spot on. There was now only one guard, the second one on the floor holding his stomach, and even in the dark Sam could see the blood that had started to seep through his fingers. Sam then turned his attention to the man who was holding a knife. He clearly was smart enough to know you shouldn’t bring a knife to a gun fight.

“If you want to live, I suggest you give up now.” Sam said.

“I’ve got too big a paycheck riding on this.” The guard spoke, and threw the knife at Sam.

**Sam shot at the man, hitting his shoulder. The knife then sliced the side of Sam’s arm, making it go limp. Sam could feel the blood starting to drip down his arm. He tucked his gun back in his waistband, and grabbed at his bleeding arm. Sam then ran back to his building, leaving the two others where they were. No one was fatally hurt, so he didn’t care about leaving them. In all honesty, he probably wouldn’t have cared either way. Sam eventually got back up into his penthouse, and into his bathroom. He gently took his shirt off so he could see the damage that had been done. It was deep. Deeper than what he liked. Sam was smart enough to have taken some brief courses on how to do stitches, so he cleaned up around the gash, and worked on giving himself stitches. It hurt like hell, so when he was done, he went and got a strong drink before getting a shower, covering his arm in cling wrap, then going to bed. As he was falling asleep, he realized he would probably be dead if he didn’t have the gun Colby made him carry.

-----------------------------------

It wasn’t until the next day that Sam and Colby had talked. Sam had worn a short sleeve shirt, his arm wrapped with gauze over his stitches. Colby, on the other hand, was wearing a simple black hoodie, but winced everytime he had to lift his arms too high.

“What happened to you?” Colby asked, seeing Sam’s arm wrapped up.

“One of my guards stabbed the other and threw his knife at me.”

“What’d you do to him?” Colby knew Sam wouldn’t have let someone get away scotch free after attempting something like that.

“Shot him in the shoulder.” Sam said, giving Colby a smile.

“Your aim was off.” Colby commented.

“Actually, it was right where I was aiming.” Sam took a step closer to Colby. “Death would’ve been too easy.”

“I see.” Colby said, and swallowed hard.

“Now, what happened to you?”

“Excuse me?” Colby was caught off guard, he thought he was hiding it well.

“Don’t bullshit me. I know something happened to you too.” Sam doubled down.

“I was getting followed. Guy with a knife tried to jump me. I punched him, cut him with a knife, he sliced my chest, I kicked his head, the left.”

“Aren’t you glad I made you carry that knife now?” Sam said very smugly.

“Aren’t you glad I made you carry that gun now?” Colby retorted.

“Well, it seems we both have the other to thank.” Sam reached his hand out for Colby to shake. Colby took his hand, and gave it a firm shake. However, neither of them let their hand go right away. It had turned into what seemed like a staring contest between the two. They both stood there, unmoving, for probably 5 minutes, hands still interlocked, same with their eyes. Neither was brave enough to break the silence now. That was, until they heard shouting downstairs.

“Oh shit.” They said in unison.

“They found us already?” Sam asked.

“Apparently they have.” Colby said. “Come on.” he started to run, without letting go of Sam’s hand. They were somewhat ready for this day, but not entirely. Especially now, with both of them hurt. That was probably the plan all along. Get them weaker, they’ll be easier to take down.

**Sam and Colby ran into a room they had locked and barricaded. They could hear the Capo Di Tutti Capi’s militia fighting their own people they hired. They could hear screams and yelling, gun shots, and thuds, presumably from people falling onto the hard wood floors.

“Sam! Colby! It’s Ed, let me in. I’ll help you!”

Sam looked to Colby, they both looked apprehensive about Ed’s request.

“Let me in before they get here too. I’ve blocked them off for now, but three against however many get here is better than two!”

Sam and Colby then decided to let him in, as three would be better than two, and the man had signed a contract saying he’d help them. Colby went and unlocked the door. As he opened it, he was met with a face he was dreading to see.

“Hello, boys. Miss me?” The Boss said, Ed laughing behind him.

**Sam quickly pulled out his gun, and fired out at the two men. Colby also pulled out his, but before he could get a shot off The Boss plunged a knife into Colby’s stomach. Colby held the knife in place, and shot his old Capo execution style. Ed, during the whole ordeal, had stepped into the room and was over by Sam, fighting him. The two men taking hits, Ed, clearly in more practice than Sam. Sam was able to grab another knife on the floor and managed to stab Ed in the side. It was a blow that, within a few minutes, would be fatal. However, in his final moments, Ed was able to take someone’s gun, and fire a shot at Sam, hitting him in the stomach.

**“Sam!” Colby choked out, the knife still in his stomach. He refused to take it out. He wasn’t bleeding much now, but if he took out that knife, he would bleed a lot.

“Forget him. We can still work things out right?” Ed spoke, desperate to get help.

“You, fucking worthless bitch.” Colby stood up, and stumbled his way over to Ed. “You won’t be getting shit from us. You broke your contract. Did you not read closely? If you were to do anything to give us up, or harm us in any way, physically, financially, ANYTHING, you get nothing. Not. A. Single. Cent.” Colby spat.

**Colby made his way over to a cabinet where he and Sam had stashed some emergency medical supplies. He opened the cabinet, and took out everything. He took some gauze and duct tape and wrapped the gauze around the knife in his stomach to stop some bleeding, then tapped the hilt to himself to prevent some movement. During all of this he could still hear screaming and fighting downstairs. He walked over to Sam bringing what he could with him.

“I’m gonna get you out of here, alive.” Colby said looking into his eyes. Sam simply nodded.

**Colby took Sam’s shirt off and grabbed some cotton balls he tore up and gently pushed them into the hole the bullet left in Sam’s abdomen. Sam had lost quite a bit of blood already, but it was slowing down; whether that was good or bad, Colby would decide that later. Colby laid more gauze on top of the wound, and took some wrap and tightly wrapped it around Sam’s torso to add some pressure. He then picked Sam up bridal style and slowly carried him out of the room and down through the building, wincing with each step as the knife moved inside him. As they got down stairs, people fighting paused to look at the spectacle before them.

“Your Capo is dead. Go see for yourself. Get him, and get out before you have the same fate.” Colby nearly growled through his pain.

**Sam allowed his head to fall against Colby’s shoulder after he spoke, partially from blood loss, partially from the safety he now felt after hearing Colby speak. Colby continued to push through his pain, stepping over injured or dead mafia members. He got outside, finally and over to the get away car they had previously set. He put Sam in the passengers side, and slowly made his way over to the drivers side. He carefully slid into the seat and started the drive to a hospital that was nearby. He saw Sam’s eyes start to close.

“Don’t you fucking dare close your eyes. Don’t you fucking dare! We are too close being done with this bullshit for you to die. Open your fucking eyes Sam!” Colby yelled as he sped up more. Colby ripped his mask off his face and threw it into the backseat so he could see and breathe just a bit better. “Come on Sam. You can make it through this. You’re strong, you’re smart. If it wasn’t for you, I’d be dead. That means I owe you. If you die, I can’t pay you back. If you die, there’s no one to compete with any more.”

“Then you can’t die either.” Sam whispered. Colby laughed.

“I’m not planning on it.”

**Colby got to the hospital, speeding in and blaring the horn in the emergency vehicle only entrance. Hospital staff came running out. Colby stumbled out of the car, knife still in his stomach, the tape not holding much anymore because of his blood.

“Oh my god!” some random worker screamed. “Sir, sir, what’s your name?”

“Get him. He’s worse. I’m fine. Get HIM!” Colby screamed at the workers, who then rushed to the other side of the car.

“Gurney!” Someone yelled, and the next thing he knew, Colby was on the ground, someone was next to him holding him up.

“Sir? Sir! I need help here too!”

**All Colby could process was the sounds of people screaming for different things around him. He saw a second gurney being rushed out of the doors. He looked to his left, and saw a team of people all surrounding Sam, who was laid out on a gurney, covered in blood.

**“Take him with me.” Sam managed to say, and pointed at Colby who was now being lifted onto a gurney carefully, but not so much so as the knife that was holding in his blood fell to the asphalt with a sharp ring that made Colby’s ears hurt. The staff weren’t about to argue, and took them into neighboring trauma bays.

“Oh my god. This is Sam Golbach.” one of the ER nurses said.

“Sir? What’s your name?” Someone was talking to Colby now. Colby glanced at Sam who only nodded.

“Colby Brock.”

“Ok, Colby, can you tell me what happened here? What do you remember?” the same worker who asked his name asked again.

“We were jumped. He was showing me a building, and some guys came and jumped us.” Colby answered. He didn’t need to tell the truth surrounding how they got their injuries. They already knew who Sam was, it was a likely story. People knew Sam was well off.

**“He was fighting some guy, and was shot in the stomach. I tried to patch it up. I was stabbed by a knife in the parking lot. I tried to keep it still.” Colby continued saying what happened.

**”Mr. Golbach has stitches in his right arm, they look to be a day old.” That was news to Colby. He knew Sam’s arm must have gotten messed up, but Sam didn’t say anything about stitches.

“Ok Mr. Brock, we’re gonna take care of you guys. Don’t worry, you did a good job.” After hearing those words, everything went black.

-----------------------------------

Colby didn’t want to wake up, sleep was too peaceful, however, a persistent beeping was not allowing him to. He slowly opened his eyes, and looked around where he was. He didn’t immediately recognize it, so he started to panic. He looked around left and right, and when he saw Sam sleeping in a hospital bed next to him, he started to relax. It was then that everything hit him. He remembered. Capo Di Tutti Capi was dead. Ed, he didn’t know. The fighting, the betrayal, how he and Sam had both gotten bad injuries. He remembered thinking ‘Sam can’t die. I need him to be alive.’

A nurse knocked on the door before opening it.

“Mr. Brock. You’re awake! Good. How are you feeling?” She politely smiled.

“Good, sore.” Colby said.

“Yes, you will be. Is it unbearable pain?”

“No. I’m fine.” Colby responded. “Thank you. How’s he?” He asked, nodding his head towards where Sam was laying.

“He should be fine. He came in with you, correct?” She asked.

“Yeah, we got jumped, I brought him in.” Colby responded.

“Is he family?” She asked.

“Family friend. We’ve known each other a long time.” Colby responded. That wasn’t a lie. They had known each other for years.

“He lost quite a bit of blood, you both had surgery, but you should both be fine.” She spoke again. Colby only nodded. “I’ll leave you to rest.” the nurse turned and walked out the door, closing it behind her.

“So we’re family friends huh?” Colby heard Sam ask, a smile plastered over his face.

“It feels like it now. I just carried you through a building with a knife in my stomach.” Colby replied.

“Thanks for that. By the way, you still owe me.” Sam said.

“Yeah, I know. What do you want?” Colby asked, sighing as he did.

“Work with me. You’ve proven yourself useful. I’m tired of always trying to beat you out. We could work together and triple our money. We could control everything.”

Colby sat in thought for a while. “You’re my enemy.”

“Keep your friends close, enemies closer.”

“I don’t want to be in the limelight.”

“So you can work behind the scenes.” Sam retorted. “You owe me.”

“I’ll think about it.” was all Colby said.

-----------------------------------

It was a month later, and Sam and Colby were sitting face to face at a desk with a stack of papers a mile high. The paper that sat in between them, however, being the most important one.

“Go ahead.” Colby spoke.

“You first.” Sam said. Colby sighed and signed the paper. Sam then did the same.

“Welcome, Mr. Brock.” Sam smiled.

“Welcome, Mr. Golbach.” Colby said.

The paper they signed made the joining of their families official. They now worked together, on level playing fields. They would not make a decision without the others’ knowledge. They combined some of their financials as well, and they had been making more money than they had thought possible. The past month had been trial and error of who would work through what, how working together would change their individual businesses, and other inner workings. They had also been working on how to work together. They had spent so long thinking they hated each other, the other constantly being on each other's minds, that they realized it wasn’t hate it was purely obsession. They were obsessed with each other, and this month proved to both of them that they wouldn’t have known what to do without the other. So, on top of their business relationship, they started a personal relationship as well.

Everyone knew that people who cared for each other were dangerous in their line of work. It was a “mess with one, you get all” type of situation in their world. In their world, there was ambition, and there were followers. Those who were ambitious were dangerous as is. The ambitious ones who had someone to be ambitious for, were especially dangerous. It made someone heartless to anyone but the person they cared about. It made them hungry for more to give everything they could for the other, and god forbid, you hurt the other in any way, lest you make one abandon all rational thought. That’s exactly how Sam and Colby operated now. Hurt one, get the full wrath of the other. Sam was the face, he was out in the world, running their empire publicly. Behind the scenes, Colby was pulling the strings, making deals, pushing for more reach. There had been times when Sam was out, and someone thought they could pull a fast one. Those poor people had then been brought into a special “meeting” with Colby. Colby was there to make sure they knew exactly who they were dealing with. His mask, now partially cracked and broken from the bottom left, and up to under his right eye, looked terrifying. You could now see some of the scars that littered Colby’s face. Colby would use his scary looks to turn whoever had crossed Sam into one of their lackeys. The poor person was now in debt to them, and had to pay for hurting Sam.

They had gained quite a reputation as some of the most dangerous Bosses to exist. They owned and ruled over multiple industries, and everyone who had even dabbled in the “activities” they oversaw knew not to get on their bad sides. People who worked more closely under them were terrified of them. They would continue practicing their “skills”, fighting each other, and actually hurting them. But, they both loved the back and forth, the small cuts and bruises given by the other. They were borderline insane when it came to the other, but it worked. Their devotion to the other allowed them to be able to trust each other. It was a new feeling for both of them; being able to fully trust someone again. It was intoxicating, and the feeling only fueled their drive more. That’s not to say they didn’t have their disagreements, and god help anyone in the room when they did. Old habits die hard. Sam and Colby both push each other, sometimes over the limit. They still pretend it’s one vs. the other, when in reality, it’s them vs. the world. They had gotten so big, so known, they’re on wanted lists. They know how to evade, they’re smart enough to keep their noses clean, and people are enough from their trail. While there may be moments against each other, it’s still them vs. everyone.

Everytime one of their “employees” slips up, and gets the cops a bit too close for comfort, they’ll hash it out with each other.

“It’s me, vs. you, vs. the world, my love” Sam would say.

“Don’t forget it baby.” Colby would reply, and they would go into anything head on, together.

Chapter Text

Heyyyyyyy,

I STILL haven't forgotten about this, I promise. HOWEVER, this is now uploaded to Wattpad too! Currently_cryying, same title if there's specific parts you want to comment on lol.

I promise I am writing, I just don't have a lot of time. The one I'm currently working on is taking longer than I expected, which I hope y'all will see why when it's published, which should be soonish, PLEASE HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!!

I have a few other stories that I'm excited about too, so I'm working on finding more time in my schedule, but being a senior in college sucks lmao. Anyway, still love you all, requests are still open!

All the love!

-Currently_cryying :)

Chapter Text

The Conjuring. Well known movies, well known stories, little known truth. Sam and Colby had been to the Conjuring House before, twice before, and had always gotten great results from their efforts. Now, they were back, and staying for a week. They had been both excited for and dreading this trip. Sam and Colby had been talking to Jacqueline about the spirits of the house before they had gotten there. She told them the spirits knew they were coming, and were preparing for them to come. The spirits had been talking about knowing “the truth” and how they were “making sure” fate would come true. They would not clarify what they meant, only that they should not worry.

Once Sam and Colby stepped into the house, they could instantly feel a shift in energy. They’ve felt it before, but now it was more intense. The air was thick, the silence was loud. Every step they took felt like there was someone watching them. The house was pretty much exactly how they remembered it from a couple years prior. Some things had changed, but not much. It felt as if they had almost never left.

Jacqueline sat down with them and told them more about specific spirits in the house, such as Abigail Arnold, the trickster in the basement, the soldiers, and the spirits out in the woods. She also walked the boys through the house again, telling them what she knew about each room. With every room they went through, the feelings of being watched intensified. With every room they went through, Sam and Colby stood just a tiny bit closer together.

“Do you want to go to the basement now, or wait for that?” Jacqueline asked the two, it was the only place they hadn’t seen this trip.

“Um, later?” Sam asked, looking at Colby.

“Yeah, later’s good. We don’t need to get into that now.” he said, with a laugh.

Neither Sam or Colby were exactly ready to face what was in the basement, especially after what happened the last time they were at the house. Despite how long it had been, Sam still had nightmares about the figure he saw in the window. His dream ended the same way every time, with Colby trapped and hurt, alone, in the basement with the figure. Colby also had nightmares about the last time they were at the house. His were similar to Sam’s. Colby’s dreams consisted of Sam getting hurt in the woods, and the figure keeping him stuck in the house. These nightmares have plagued both of them since that night. They have talked about it, and ensured that neither of them would go to the basement alone, unless the other was at least in the house. For the most part, they would be staying next to each other the entire time.

As day 1 went on, the two boys' feelings of being watched had not gone away. They had an intense session with Cody and Satori, so even though it was only 10 pm, they were both exhausted. They decided to get ready for bed. For the first night or two, they decided to sleep in the front, where people first walk into the house; it was the place that felt the least heavy. Neither of them had spoken much after Jacqueline, and Cody and Satori left, but it was evident that the session was stuck in both of their minds.

“Hey, are you ok?” It was Colby who broke the silence.

Sam took a deep breath before he spoke. “Yeah, I’m ok. It’s just, that was a lot, you know? And, who’s going to believe it?”

“Who cares if they believe it? It was real, it happened. If they don’t believe what happened, that’s on them.” Colby reasoned.

“I guess. I’m also just so drained. Like, normally, shit happens, we finish, we leave and can process away from where it all happened. Like, normally we can get away from all the bad vibes, but it’s like, we are stuck here, we can’t get away.” Sam spoke, his speech was rushed.

“I get that. If you want, we can step outside if that helps.”

“Nah. No, I’m good, thanks though.” Sam just kind of shook his head and looked at the ground. He was more bothered and affected about what had happened, that much was obvious to Colby. Colby didn’t say anything else, he simply walked over to Sam and gave him a hug. It took Sam a second to react, but eventually he wrapped his arms around Colby, and let himself relax into his arms. Things were always easier with Colby by his side, and it was the first time he was able to relax since the session. Colby didn’t let go until Sam did, and the hug lasted a good few minutes.

Once he let go, he took another deep breath. “Thank you.”

“Of course. You know I’m always here for you when you need it.” Colby responded, and that was true. He would always try to be there for Sam in any way he could. Sam didn’t respond, he didn’t need to. He nodded his head in appreciation before they went to bed.

-----------------------------------

It was about 1am when Sam woke up suddenly. He was breathing heavily, and sweating. It took about 10 seconds for him to calm his breathing enough for him to realize Colby was up too, a worried expression on his face.

“Are you ok?” Colby asked. “You were screaming.”

“I’m sorry.” Sam said, still out of breath. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I don’t care about that. Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I just had that nightmare again.” Sam sighed, slowly getting control over his breathing again.

“Want to talk about it?” Colby asked, rubbing Sam’s back, up and down, and Sam following his rubbing with his breathing. That always helped him to regain control when he was having a hard time like this.

“I think just, with everything that happened today, and being back here, was a lot.” Sam admitted.

“Probably. Do you need anything? Want anything?”

“I’m alright. I have water. You can go to sleep. I know you’re probably tired too.”

“If you’re sure. Wake me up if you need anything, we’re in this together.”

“Yeah, thanks. I’m going back to sleep too, so no worries.” Sam replied, yawning after he finished his sentence.

“Alright, good night.”

“Good night.” Sam took a drink of his water, and laid back down to go back to sleep. Colby couldn’t go to sleep until he heard some soft snores from Sam, making sure he actually got back to sleep. He was only hoping he wouldn’t have a nightmare of his own.

-----------------------------------

The next morning, both boys woke up a bit later than they usually did. They ate some food, and got ready for the day, once again not saying much. They quickly discovered this was going to be a very, very long week. The feelings of being watched had still not dissipated. The next day, Amanda had come to the house to help out on some investigations. She met with Cody and Satori as well, and they started their investigation. Amanda was able to predict some of the answers Cody and Satori were getting. That was also the day that they had their video call with Andrea Perron. The stories she told were chilling. She spoke with such certainty it was impossible to not believe her. She seemed to even be almost bothered by seeing the interior of the house through the camera. She told them the story of how she watched her mother fly across the room when the Warren’s came to perform the exorcism. She told about her opinions on the psychic they brought with them; about how that psychic opened something she couldn’t close and let things into the house that weren’t there before. Her stories brought a lot of tension into the room, and subconsciously, Sam’s hand found its way to Colby’s under the table for comfort. The interview continued, Sam, Colby, and Amanda all listening intently. When it ended, they all needed a break from the intensity. They all decided to step outside to get some air. Sam was breathing heavily, and wondering what they had gotten themselves into.

“Hey man, you ok?” Colby asked, and walked over to where Sam was standing, facing away from the house.

Sam took a deep breath in before he replied. “Yeah, that was just…” he trailed off.

“A lot.” Colby finished for him.

“Yeah.” Sam said, feeling the weight of it fully after reflecting. Colby noticed his best friend's apprehension about the whole situation, and placed a hand on his back, and slowly rubbed his hand up and down, feeling Sam calmly breathe with the movement.

“Take as long as you need. We have time.” Colby spoke softly. Amanda seemed to notice the moment, and decided to walk away from the pair.

Sam suddenly turned and just gave Colby a hug. Colby quickly returned the hug, and just held Sam in his arms. He would be lying if he said he didn’t need the hug as much as Sam did. Colby could feel his impending anxiety attack slowly start to dissipate. The two just stood there holding the other. It went unspoken that this would be happening a lot through the week; the two had always been a safe space for each other. Colby felt Sam take a deep breath in.

“Promise me something?”

“Anything.”

“Just be safe.” Sam spoke.

Colby was confused as to why Sam would be requesting that, there was no reason for him to, as they weren’t planning on being separated at all during the week.

“I will. I promise.” Colby spoke, confident that they would both be fine.

“Thank you.”

“Ready?” Colby asked, pulling away from Sam, his hands still on the others’ shoulder, and looked him in the eye.

“As we’ll ever be.” Sam replied with a half hearted smile.

The group made their way back into the house to figure out exactly what they would be doing. Since they had mainly filmed inside for their first video, they wanted to do something outside, also because Amanda had said she had seen something outside. They got the equipment they needed, and almost walked outside before Sam spoke.

“Wait. What if we open the basement door, put a REM Pod at it, and set up a camera in here?”

Colby gave Sam a worried glance. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I just feel like we could get something, you know? No one will be in the house, we can see if anything coincides with the REM Pod and our Esthes answers.”

Colby had to admit, it was a good idea, the house and land were all connected as they all knew.

“I think it’s a good idea. I feel the energy could be much stronger if we do that.” This time, it was Amanda who spoke.

“Ok, let’s do it.” Colby spoke, and moved to get the REM Pod and an extra camera set up. Once that was done, the Rem Pod started going off immediately. They then moved outside to start their investigation of the woods. They got a lot of answers that pointed to things in the basement, as well as the 7 soldiers who were buried there. When they went back inside, the REM Pod was going off non stop. They then went to check the things they had left upstairs to see if anything there had gone off or moved in their absence, but it seemed like nothing did, however the REM Pod was still going off downstairs. They used a few more devices downstairs at the now closed basement door, and got a bit of EMF energy moving around that seemed fairly intelligent. After that quick session it was time to go back to the woods.

During their session in the woods, they got answers from spirits that were presumably in the basement, and some from the woods that seemed less than friendly. Sam and Colby were definitely nervous to sleep in the woods now, especially since this spirit was giving them hints that it had been following them for their 2 days now. Even though they had their little campsite set up in the woods and they would be together, they were still unsure about their decision. After a few minutes of talking about what had happened that night, Amanda left, and Sam and Colby got ready for bed. They made their way back out to the woods where their tent was set up, and then took turns with the camera to reveal their challenges for the other. They then got settled, and tried to go to sleep. Colby couldn’t sleep that night. He was tired, and he wanted to sleep but something kept him up. He listened to Sam sleep next to him, but he himself just couldn’t sleep. He just hoped tomorrow would be an easier day than the one he just had.

-----------------------------------

That next day, they were preparing to film with Seth and Josh. They would be tackling the upstairs, the secret grave, and more of the main floor. Neither Sam nor Colby had slept well the night before, not because of nightmares, but because they kept hearing little noises in the woods that would wake them up. They woke up at sunrise, which was 6:25 am, and packed up their camping stuff to go back to the house.

“Get any sleep?” Colby asked, already feeling he knew the answer.

“Hardly. How about you?” Sam said through a yawn.

“The same. What time are Seth and Josh coming?”

“Um, I actually don’t remember, I’m too tired to think.” Sam said, rubbing his face into his hands.

“That’s fine. I’ll text them when we get back inside.”

“Sounds good.” Sam replied, taking a deep breath to let out a sigh. Colby heard and made his way over to his friend and put an arm around him. Sam leaned into the hug and rested his forehead on Colby’s shoulder.

“I’m not awake yet.” Sam said, not lifting his head up.

“We can DoorDash coffee or something if you’d like?” Colby suggested.

“Please?”

“Ok. Let’s go then, we don’t have service out here.” Sam groaned in response, but took his head off the others shoulder and grabbed his stuff to go back inside.

Once inside, they both got dressed and ready for the day, and Sam texted Josh asking what time they’d get to the house while Colby ordered them coffee and some food.

“Josh said they’ll get here around 3:30-4.” Sam informed Colby.

“Perfect. We can eat, take a nap, then drink coffee.” Colby replied.

“Sounds like a plan.” Sam said, and put his head down on the table they were sitting at. These sleepless nights were catching up to him. Although Colby hid it better, Sam knew he was feeling the same. Even through their tired state, they both still felt like they were being watched, although now it didn’t feel so looming, but rather now it just felt like a watchful concerned eye from another room, presumably Abigail. That is, they hoped it was Abigail.

After about 20 minutes of waiting, their food and coffee got to the house. Colby put their drinks in the fridge while Sam unpacked their food. They just got some breakfast sandwiches from McDonald’s, as well as some hash browns. They ate slowly, and once they were done, Sam made his way upstairs, Colby trailing close behind. Sam wasted no time crawling into the bed they were using upstairs. Colby watched as Sam fell asleep almost immediately, before climbing in next to him. Before laying down, Colby took a long look at Sam, admiration filling his thoughts. He just hoped this would be over quickly and painlessly. With that last thought, Colby laid down and fell asleep right next to Sam, not realizing how close they really were.

-----------------------------------

When they woke up, it was 3:27, meaning Seth and Josh would be there any minute. It was Colby who woke up first, and when he went to sit up to get out of bed, he realized he was stuck. Colby looked down to see Sam half laying on top of him, his shirt harshly gripped in Sam’s hand, and Sam had a disgruntled look on his face. Colby realized Sam was probably having a nightmare, again. He moved his free hand to Sam’s back and started rubbing his back up and down to gently wake him up.

“Sam.” No response.

“Sam. Hey, we gotta get up. Come on, wake up.” Colby spoke, still rubbing his back. He felt the grip on his shirt loosen a bit, and Sam turned his head a bit.

“Sammy, it’s time to wake up.” Colby spoke once more.

“Hm? I’m up.” Sam responded, eyes screwed shut to shield from the light.

“Good morning.” Colby said with a laugh.

“What time is it?”

“Um, it’s now… 3:29.” Colby said.

“What?! Seth and Josh will be here soon!” Sam shot up when he heard the time.

“I know. We’re lucky I woke up in time!”

“We still have coffee right?” Sam said through a yawn.

“Yeah it’s in the fridge. I’ll be down in a minute.” Colby said, now feeling the small wet spot on his shirt where Sam’s head was resting on his chest.

“Ok.” Sam said, getting up and making his way to the door to head downstairs. Colby got up shortly after, wondering if Sam noticed how they were laying while changing his shirt.

As Sam was walking down the stairs, he thought about how comfortable he was and how, despite the nightmare, how well he had slept. He wondered what was different, then he remembered. He was laying with Colby. He was lying on Colby. Sam’s face turned a soft shade of pink as he grabbed the coffees out of the fridge. When Colby walked into the kitchen, he handed Colby his drink and hoped Colby didn’t notice the tint to his complexion; Colby wondered why Sam’s face suddenly seemed red when he got handed his drink.

-----------------------------------

Seth and Josh got there right as they were finishing their drinks. During this time, Sam and Colby were prepping them on what they would be doing that night. They would start inside, upstairs, then move to the main floor, and finally finishing out at the secret grave. They made sure they had everything they needed before heading upstairs. They took the spirit box and EMF reader. The spirits were referencing warnings from the previous days, and warning them about things in the house.

While they were upstairs, the door to the library had opened. They weren’t recording downstairs, and were worried they didn’t capture it. None of them realized it had opened until they had gone back downstairs.

“Did we leave that door open?” It was Colby who noticed first.

“I don’t think so.” Sam replied.

“Did it open when we were upstairs?” Seth asked.

“There’s no way, right?” It was Josh who spoke, not wanting to believe things he didn’t see.

“We didn’t leave a camera running down here, did we?” Colby asked, turning to face Sam.

“No.” Sam said, defeated.

“Wait, aren’t there security cameras?” Seth said.

“I think so.” Sam said.

“I’ll text Jacqueline.” Colby said, pulling out his phone to ask Jacqueline if they could pull the footage. In the meantime, they went back upstairs. They went to the middle bedroom, and were trying to contact something in the long closet. As they were standing talking in the room about the answers they had gotten, Josh felt something tug on his sleeve. Luckily, they had the camera pointing towards him, and when they reviewed the footage, they could see Josh’s sleeve moving when he was standing still. That was enough for them to call it. They went back downstairs, where Jacqueline had gotten them to security camera footage of the library door opening while they were all upstairs. They watched the video in disbelief, not being able to fully comprehend that what they were watching actually happened. They then decided to take a break and eat dinner before heading out to the secret grave.

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Once they finished eating and processing, they made the drive out to Laura Sherman’s grave, and explained the ritual to Seth and Josh, then continued on with the ritual to see if she would follow them to the house to get more answers. They continued on with the ritual, genuinely having a good time and forgetting why they were doing what they were doing. Colby looked over at Sam who now sported probably the first real smile he had seen from him since they had gotten to the house. It made Colby feel safe, and at home. He missed Sam’s smile, even if it had only been a couple of days. Little did he know, Sam was having very similar thoughts about him at the same moment. However, shortly after they finished the ritual, both Seth and Josh had said they saw an old lady sitting in the back seat of their car, and the warm feelings both Sam and Colby had felt were quickly chased away with a feeling of dread. When they went back to the house, they did one more investigation where they sent Seth and Josh into the house first, then Sam and Colby went. This was another upstairs investigation, but more specifically the middle bedroom. They had left the REM Pod at the door to the basement and left a camera recording it while they were all upstairs. They had concluded that whatever was in the house was feeding off of their fears and was getting power from that.

The next day, they would be going down into the basement. Sam and Colby had talked while getting ready for the night after Seth and Josh left. They talked about how they would approach the basement, if they felt they were really ready for it, and that neither of them would go down without the other. They finished getting ready for bed, and quickly fell asleep.

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Sam woke up a few hours after he had fallen asleep, Colby still deep asleep. He had the overwhelming feeling he had to go somewhere but he couldn’t figure out where he was supposed to go. Sam did his best to ignore it and tried to go back to sleep, but the feeling got worse. He decided to just go get some water to try and fix it that way. He got up and started walking towards the kitchen, but as soon as he took a few steps, he heard a noise coming from the living room of the house. It was similar to the knocking they had heard before, but it was different somehow. Sam ditched his plan to get water and go see what the noise was. He just wanted to make sure there wasn’t anyone in the house. That’s all, he promises. He made his way into the living room and started to look around. He stood still for a minute or two trying to listen for more noises after he didn’t see anything. The next noise he heard was from the basement. Sam paused. He didn’t want to look there, not without Colby. Before Sam even knew what he was doing, the basement door was open and his legs were moving to take him down the stairs. His brain was yelling at him to stop, begging his own body to obey his thoughts, but to no avail. He was still walking down stairs in the pitch black. He couldn’t say he was totally against it, there had been a part of him that was itching to reface what was in that basement that they had contacted before. Before he knew it, Sam was sitting at the table in the basement where he and Colby had done the Esthes method years ago and he had thrown the headphones off his head. The memory had come flooding back into his senses and he felt it almost completely. His hands were back resting on the table in front of him, just like they had been. Sam was snapped out of his trance when he heard a door slam. He sat for a second before realizing what door it was. The basement door had been shut, and if it was anything like before, he was going to be locked in. Sam shot out of his chair and ran up the stairs until his body slammed into the door. He tried the handle again and again, desperately trying to get the door to unlock. After about a minute of trying he gave up and turned to sit with his back slumped against the wood door. He stared down into the dark stairwell that led further down. He realized he hadn’t heard a noise since. He had been led to the basement. Something wanted him there, without Colby. He did his best to ignore the dread rising in his throat. He tried to keep himself calm, and tried to think of a way to get the door to unlatch. He sighed and stood up to try it again, now that he had calmed down. He tried again, but it didn't work. Just as he was about to try again, he heard a knock behind him. He tried to rationalize what it could have been. The house is old, it's just settling. He ignored it, and tried the door again. He heard another noise, but closer this time. Sam started to feel the panic set in. He tried to bang on the door to wake Colby up. As he knocked, he kept trying the door handle. He heard the noise again, this time it now sounded like footsteps running up the stairs.

“COLBY” Sam desperately pounded on the door with his hand. He started to throw himself against the door to try and get it to break open. “COLBY, PLEASE. HELP!” He screamed at the top of his lungs. Sam felt a breath on the back of his neck that sent a shiver down his spine and his skin crawl.

“Colby, please help me, please!” Sam started to choke out sobs while still trying to get the door to open. It wasn’t long until his legs gave out from under him and he was once again slumped against the door still weakly trying to knock to get Colby’s attention. He was shaking now, wishing to be anywhere else than where he was. Before he knew it, he was laying on the floor, staring up at a very tired and very worried Colby.

“Sam, are you ok?” Colby knelt down to help Sam sit up. Once Sam was sitting up, he crawled backwards as fast as he could, a panicked look on his face.

“Close it. Close it, NOW! Please.” Sam begged Colby to close the door to the basement. Colby complied, and once the door was shut, he saw Sam’s whole body relax. Sam let out another sob and Colby rushed to his side.

“I’m here, it’s ok.” Colby said to him and pulled Sam into his arms. Sam sat there crying for a few minutes trying to catch his breath.

“I’m so sorry.” Sam said, still shaking in Colby’s arms.

“What happened?” Colby was hurt that Sam went down to the basement without him, but was more concerned that Sam was having a panic attack.

“I- I don’t know. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I don’t, I don’t know. I’m sorry!” Sam managed to choke out.

“Shhh. It’s ok. Breathe. I’m here for you. You’re ok. You’re safe now.” Colby could feel Sam shaking.

It was probably about 20 minutes before Sam’s breathing started to really calm down. Colby didn’t talk, he let Sam start when he was ready.

“I just, woke up. I didn’t mean to. I heard a noise, got up to see, and the next thing I knew I was in the basement and the door slammed. The noises, Colby, were right there. The door was locked, I couldn’t do anything. They were right behind me. I- I couldn’t get out.” Sam started to cry again.

“It’s ok. You’re ok now.” Colby continued to hold Sam until he caught his breath again.

“You’re not mad at me right? I couldn’t control it, I didn’t mean to. I don’t know what happened, please don’t be upset.”

“Hey, I’m not upset. You didn’t mean to. It’s ok. This house is crazy. It’s not your fault, you’re ok.” Colby spoke quietly to Sam. Sam was still shaken up by the whole thing, but Colby could feel him starting to regain control of himself.

Colby helped Sam stand up when he felt Sam really calm down. Colby kept an arm around him as they walked back through the house to where they were sleeping. Colby helped Sam lay down, and moved to go back to bed himself. Before he got too far, Sam grabbed his wrist.

“No, please. I don’t want to go down there again. Stay.”

“Sam, there’s not enough room.” Colby replied, feeling his heart ache at the desperation and worry in Sam’s voice.

“Please.” Sam said, looking at Colby.

“Ok. Give me a minute.” Colby replied. He then slid his air mattress over next to Sam’s, and moved some stuff to either side of the two mattresses so they wouldn’t slide apart while they slept and one of them ending up on the floor. Colby then laid down in his bed, and Sam moved closer to him.

“Thank you.” Sam said, barely above a whisper.

“You’re welcome. I’m here for you.” Colby replied, moving closer to Sam as well and wrapping a protective arm around Sam. Sam relaxed further and let out a sigh. After laying for a few minutes, Sam was almost asleep, the events from earlier had completely drained him. Colby listened to Sam’s breathing slow down, and relief came over him too. He turned his head to look at Sam. Even in the low light, Colby was able to see just how tired Sam was. Sam had bags under his eyes, which were slightly sunken in. Colby could see the splotchy color in his cheeks, the tears that had dried around his eyes, his chapped lips, but despite all of that, to Colby, Sam still looked perfect. Colby could still feel Sam breathing in his arms. As Colby continued to look at Sam, he felt the urge to kiss his forehead, and after another few seconds of looking at his best friend, he decided to do it. Colby placed a gentle kiss to Sam’s forehead, and suddenly, he felt his whole body relax. Little did Colby know, Sam wasn’t really asleep yet. His nerves were still running high, but when he felt Colby kiss his forehead, things didn’t seem so bad anymore. Sam felt like he could actually sleep now, and he fell asleep with a smile on his face.

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The next day, Sam and Colby stayed side by side, almost touching. Neither of them said anything about the previous night. Sam didn’t confront Colby about what he had done, but there was an air of understanding between the two. Sam knew that Colby had realized he wasn’t awake. Colby knew that Sam wasn’t going to bring it up, so he wasn’t going to bring it up either. It was now day 4 of 7, after today, they would be mostly done with this hellish trip. They could see the light at the end of the tunnel, but they both knew what was coming. These next few days were going to be a lot for them. Today, they had Larray and Bella Poarch coming to the house, and they were officially going to the basement. Once Larry and Bella got to the house, Sam and Colby gave them a quick history of the house, before moving onto a quick tour. After the tour, they started their investigations. The first investigation, they brought out the flashlights, the static pod in the library, and the EMF rope throughout the living room. Before they really even started, the static pod was going off in the library. Sam positioned himself as far as he could from the basement door. Colby picked up on it, and made sure to keep a close eye on him. Almost as soon as they had the rope set up, it flashed, sending a chill throughout the room. As they continued on with the investigation in the living room, multiple spirits came through to talk to them, mostly using the flashlights and the EMF rope. Once they finished up in the living room, Cody and Satori came back to the house, and they would start their investigation in the basement. Sam was nervous to go back down there, not that he really remembered much from the night before. Before their last investigation ended, they had been given more warnings about the basement; they were warned about the spirits that were down there. As nervous as Sam was, he was well aware that the others were just as nervous. Bella especially, since she had been getting targeted the minute she had stepped into the building. They all slowly and carefully made their way down into the basement of the house, with Cody and Satori following the group. They gave themselves some time to adjust the feeling the basement somehow radiated before starting any investigation.

Almost as immediately as they started, something came through, and stood right in the middle of the group. Right as they started, whoever they were talking to said they didn’t want to answer any questions, and kept repeating for them to go into the woods.

“Can you tell us what about the woods? Every time we come down here, you talk about the woods.” Satori asked. They got knocks back, which told them ‘yes, I’ll tell you’.

“Come” the spirit replied. This sent the whole group to being on edge. Colby kept a close eye on Sam the whole time, because Sam was the one filming, he had his back to a majority of the basement. Colby could tell Sam was uncomfortable, and vice versa. Colby kept shaking his head ‘no’, as a way to silently tell Sam that they did not have to go to the woods again.

“What would happen if Colby and I went to the woods?” Sam asked. Colby looked at him, and gave a look of disapproval. Sam didn’t know what compelled him to ask, it’s not like he wanted to go into the woods anymore. He had his time going out into the woods.

“Find out” was the only response they got from the spirit.

“I think you’re a trickster. I think you want to scare people, just a tiny bit.” Satori responded, trying to not let the spirit know it was getting to the group. The spirit basically responded with ‘no comment’.

After that response, Satori started asking for Abigail to come down, to help them. She did come down.

“Thank you, Abigail. You make us feel safe, you know that?” Satori told her.

“Realize” was her response.

“We got that so many times last night when asking about the woods.” Colby spoke.

“Is it about the woods?” Satori asked. “Yes? What about them?”

“Warning” Was Abigail’s response to her question.

As they were talking more about last night, and getting a real warning about the woods and that the woods were dangerous, Satori heard a whisper in her ear over by the well.

“That was like a cold feeling over there.”

“Yeah, we’re not going into the woods.” Colby said, still keeping his eyes on Sam.

“If someone is here, can you say something that loud again?” Satori spoke.

“Someone’s coming, someone’s coming down here.” Sam said, hearing footsteps.

“Who’s coming?” Larry spoke, trying to peer around the corner.

“I don’t know.” Satori said. “Hello. Are you someone new? Abigail?”

“No.” Was the response, the noise now being in the middle of the group.

“Woods guy?” Satori asked.

Frantic knocking was the response. Apparently he liked the nickname.

“Why do you want Sam and Colby out there so bad?” Satori asked again.

“Come” was the response, yet again.

“No, I don’t trust you.”

“Bridge” ‘woods guy’ responded.

“On the bridge? Under the bridge?” She asked.

“Over” was the response. That made everyone uneasy once again.

“We spent the night over there, a couple nights ago, were you with us in the woods that night?” Colby asked.

“Yes.”

“Were you the one who said you were trying to attack?” Sam asked.

“Yes” came the response. Colby took a deep breath in, and Sam felt his back straighten up. They heard footsteps leave where they were standing, and ‘woods guy’ had walked away. They continued to talk about what they had just gotten. Colby was concerned about if they were safe or not, but Cody and Satori agreed it just sounded like it was someone trying to scare them.

They talked a bit more to make sure everyone was ok, then Bella, Larry, Cody and Satori all left the house. After everyone left, and they had gotten settled into bed, Sam decided to speak.

“Hey.”

“Hey. You ok?”

Sam sighed. “Yeah, I’m ok.”

“Ok. Just double checking.”

It was silent for about a minute, before Colby continued the conversation.

“Listen, I know you weren't fully asleep last night, when, you know…” he trailed off his sentence, hoping Sam knew what he was talking about.

“Yeah. I know.” Sam replied, not looking at his friend, despite feeling his eyes on him.

“I’m sorry.” Colby spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Don’t be. Please, don’t be.” Sam finally brought himself to look at Colby, who had creased his forehead in confusion. Sam sighed and continued, “It was nice. It helped.”

“Oh, then you’re welcome.” Colby replied, and rolled so he was laying facing the ceiling. He closed his eyes, just hoping for this whole thing to be over, and he could go home again. It wasn’t that he wanted to be away from Sam. No. All he wanted to do was be near Sam, hold him. He just didn’t want to be here. In this situation.

“Look at me.” Sam said.

Colby just turned his head. He saw that Sam looked to be having a debate in his head, and wasn’t totally sure about what he was saying, but he kept speaking anyway.

“I liked it, Colby. It was nice. It helped. I felt safe. It felt, right, somehow.” Sam all but blurted out. Colby was just silent. “Do it again, please.” Sam mumbled, just loud enough for Colby to hear.

“Really?” Colby felt so unsure about the situation. He wasn’t fully thinking about what he was doing last time, that was more just of a ‘spur of the moment’ type thing, not a conscious decision.

“Yes. It was nice.” Their air mattresses were still almost right next to each other, Colby just had to lean up on his elbow to lean over to Sam. So, that’s what he did. Colby leaned up and over, and once again placed a gentle kiss on Sam's forehead. This time, when he pulled back, he stayed to watch Sam’s face; he had his eyes closed and now had the most content smile Colby had seen all week. Sam’s eyes slowly fluttered open, and he realized that Colby was still hovering over him, and he could see the admiration Colby had in his gaze.

“Thank you.” Sam whispered, holding eye contact with Colby.

Colby didn’t move. Neither did Sam. They stayed completely still, holding eye contact. Sam and Colby didn’t realize how close they were, nor that they were getting closer, until they felt their lips connect. Softly, as if both were terrified the other would shatter into pieces, and it lasted no more than 3 seconds, but it happened. Just like before when Colby kissed Sam’s forehead, he pulled away to look at Sam’s reaction. Sam, once again, had his eyes shut, a small smile still tugging at his lips. Colby felt his face heat up when Sam opened his eyes.

“Thank you.” was the response Sam gave again, smiling more at his best friend, which, he was learning, that line had been drawn and rubbed off in sand. Colby just laid down once again, and this time he pulled Sam closer to him, so Sam was practically on top of him.

“I feel the same. It felt safe.” Colby said.

Sam relaxed in Colby’s arms, and decided to leave it at that. They were safe, as long as they had each other. Sam was safe with Colby. Colby was safe with Sam. That’s all they needed.

Chapter Text

Sam, Colby, Corey, and Elton are on their Utah trip, and so far, their trip had been great. They had visited national parks, done an overnight in a bowling alley, gone snowmobiling, and climbed frozen waterfalls. Now, they were at Canyonlands National Park, taking in the views, and enjoying a small break in their hectic trip. Corey, as usual when it came to anything with heights, was nervous, especially because everyone else was wanting to get closer to the edge.

“Should we go?” Colby asks, swinging his legs over a railing as Corey reaches for him to pull him back.

“What are you doing?” Elton says, panning the camera over to the two.

“Woah, woah!” Corey fully grabs onto Colby’s arm, and pulls him before looking down and seeing a large flat rock that was right below Colby. “Oh, ok, ok, there’s a, there’s a rock.” he says after seeing it. Colby simply laughs in response and situates himself on the stone the railing is attached to.

Sam, although he would not admit this outloud, was nervous at Colby’s actions. It was no secret that his best friend would get himself into some potentially dangerous scenarios. Sam, usually the more cautious of the two, would always be there to help Colby out of it, but here, now? If Colby made one wrong move, it could be over. If any of them made a wrong move, it could be over.

As Colby, Sam and Corey were over taking pictures, Elton excused himself from the group to ‘go get the drone’ from the car, but he was really breaking away to set up a prank he had pulled on Heath and Amanda before. Elton was hoping none of the roommates had watched the video, or, that he could make his prank seem real enough they didn’t think of it. Elton pulls his camera up to get them into frame.

“Hey guys! The view out here is way cool- ahh oh no! Ahhhhh!” Elton screams as he jumps down to a lower ledge, ducking under a rock ledge. He hears the roommates running over, to what they believe is an accident.

“Elton!” Colby screams.

“I can’t see him!” Sam responds, panic evident in his voice.

“Elton?” Corey calls.

“Where did he go?” Sam asks, looking around for Elton, still panicked.

“Dude,” Corey says.

“Oh, my god. Elton!” Sam screams over the edge, stepping closer to where Elton “fell”. Colby grabs Sam’s arm, dragging him back further from the edge. After watching Elton fall, he was not about to take even a slight risk losing someone else, especially not Sam, and Sam was pushing his luck getting close to the edge. Sam just simply put his hand over Colby’s, before ripping it off his arm.

“Someone call 9-1-1, I swear to god, what the hell.” Sam ignores Colby’s actions, only concerned about Elton. “Elton!”

“Elton!” Colby yells now, focusing not on the hurt that shot through him, but on Elton.

“I can’t, I can’t even see him! Elton!” Sam says, voice on the verge of cracking.

“This doesn’t even make sense!” Colby replies, moving over to the side to try and see Elton from a different angle. “Elton!”

“I swear to god, is he playing a trick on us?” Sam asks now, voice starting to level. “Oh, I see him! What the heck? Elton, oh my god.”

“Is he under there?” Corey asks, voice dripping with concern for his friend.

“Ohhhh!” Colby laughs.

“No he’s not!” Corey asks, still unable to see Elton.

“Yeah he is!” Sam says, joining the laughter.

“No way.” Colby says, exasperated.

“I’m gonna kill you.” Sam replies, walking around the edge again. Colby closely watched his actions, making sure he didn’t slip. Just because Sam had hurt his feelings, didn’t mean that he would stop caring about his friend.

Elton starts laughing, and crawls out of his hiding spot, still filming the whole ordeal.

“My heart is racing so fast.” Corey says, clutching his chest.

As Corey is talking, Colby starts walking towards the edge of the cliff, and spreads his arms out to the side, leaning forward. Sam watches, and his face hardens. Colby was all concerned about him being near the ledge while looking for their friend who had presumably fell, and now he’s out here risking his life for real? Yeah, Sam was upset now.

“Colby, don’t do that.” Corey warns.

“Hey, let’s do it for real this time.” Colby says, stepping down closer to the edge.

“Don’t do that!” It's Corey who repeats himself.

Sam didn’t say a word. He sees red as he watches Colby so carelessly play with his life.

“Colby, Colby” Elton says, as Colby brings his arms behind him as if to jump. “Now you’re scaring me Colby.” Colby crouches down and screams. “Colby!” Elton screams back. Colby gets up and starts walking back.

“Get the fuck back dude, oh my god.” Sam says, as Colby runs away from the ledge laughing. “Can we get away from this place? Seriously?” Sam is not happy, he just wants to go home. He’s pissed off, annoyed, and stressed, and Colby isn’t helping his mood.

They finish filming a bit for the video before calling it quits for the day. Sam is still upset, but unknowingly, so is Colby.

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The Utah trip is over, and they are back in the house. Sam is in his room unpacking. He still hasn’t fully gotten over his feelings from Canyonlands. He knows it’s a bit childish, but he’s still upset with Colby for his recklessness, and as a result, he’s been short with the friend.

Colby, while sorting through his laundry, notices he can’t find a shirt. He, himself, is still brooding over the “rejection” from Sam. He knows on a surface level that Sam didn’t reject him, but that’s how he feels. He isn’t sure why, but ever since he has also been quiet around the other boy. He still needs his shirt, so he goes over to Sam’s room to see if Sam has seen it.

“Hey Sam?” Colby says as he knocks.

“What?” Sam asks. If Colby knew anything, and he did, he would’ve sworn there was an edge to Sam’s voice as he spoke.

“Um, I can’t find a shirt, have you seen it?”

Sam opens the door. “I don’t know, you can look for it though.” he sighs, and goes back to unpacking. Colby can feel the tension in the air before he fully registers that Sam invited him in. He cautiously steps in.

“Uh, thanks.” The silence is palpable, but Colby still decides to break it. “Are you ok?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Sam responds, but his movements are too sharp, too precise, not fluid enough for him to mean it.

“You’ve been quiet, and off, I just want to make sure you’re ok.” Colby responds, still only having taken two steps into the room.

“Yeah, make sure I’m ok.” Sam mumbles under his breath.

“Huh?”

“You didn’t seem to care too much about ‘making sure people are ok’ a few days ago!” Sam spins around, making air quotes with his hands.

“What are you talking about?” Colby raises his voice.

“I’m talking about YOUR careless recklessness the other day!”

“Mine? You were practically about to jump off the edge!’ Colby yells.

“Oh, I’M sorry! I was worried about Elton! While you were climbing over rails, and jumping on the edge!” Sam threw the jacket he was holding on the floor, taking a step closer to Colby.

“Oh yeah? And just WHO do you think it was holding your arm so YOU wouldn’t fall while looking for Elton? If YOU hadn’t noticed, the rocks were getting loose right under your feet!” Colby yells, jabbing his finger into Sam’s chest in an accusatory manner.

Sam slaps Colby’s hand away from him. “I was more concerned about Elton than watching some rocks, or in case you forgot, I thought he fell!”

“Oh trust me, I remember, but forgive me for not wanting someone else to fall! You don’t get to lecture ME about MY recklessness, when you are just as much at fault, if not worse!”

“Worse? How about you almost launching yourself off the side of a cliff? Yeah, like that’s any better!” Sam scoffs.

“You’re upset because of a joke? Damn, what happened to your sense of humor? Did you lose it with your common sense? Is it still on that cliff?”

“You know what Colby? Fuck you. Get the fuck out of my room.” Sam shoves him back towards his door.

“Don’t fucking touch me! You dramatic asshole.” Colby walks back to his room and slams his door.

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For the next few days, Sam and Colby were avoiding each other like the plague. Neither wanted to be in the same room with the other, which made filming difficult, especially when it came to filming for the Sam and Colby channel.

“Colby! Are you gonna be ready anytime soon?” Sam calls up the stairs.

“Calm down, I’m ready. Let’s get this over with.”

“Are you gonna be a dick the whole time?” Sam rolls his eyes and starts walking before Colby makes it down the stairs.

“Only if you’re not.” Colby mutters, mostly to himself, but still loud enough for Sam to hear too.

They packed up Colby’s car and got in. Colby started driving to their filming location for the video. They had chosen an abandoned park somewhere in the Hollywood hills, miles and miles from anything. Sam pulls the directions up on his phone, and turns away from Colby. They sit in silence for a majority of the drive there and it’s not long before they’re close and it’s dark out.

“Turn here.” Sam says, very quietly. Colby keeps driving. “Colby!” Sam shouts.

“What?”

“You were supposed to turn!”

“Well it would’ve been helpful if you told me, it’s not like I’ve been here before!” Colby slams his hands on the steering wheel.

“I did, it’s not my fault you don’t know how to fucking listen!”

“Oh yeah, because I’m gonna hear your faint ass whisper with music playing, makes so much sense Sam!”

“Just fucking turn around.” Sam mumbles, already wanting to be anywhere but where he was.

“Fine.” Colby slows down and makes a u-turn on the empty road. He drives back towards the turn he had missed. They’re getting closer to the turn, and still arguing about missing the turn.

They were coming up on the last bend in the road before the turn.

“Don’t fucking miss it this time, or we’re just going home. I don’t want to be stuck in the fucking car with you another minute longer than I have to be.” Sam says, crossing his arms and sinking lower in his seat.

“Well maybe, if you weren’t such a self-conceited asshole who’s only concerned about himself, I wouldn’t have missed it in the first place!” Colby shouted, fed up with Sam at this point.

It was then a car came flying up the road much faster than it should have been. The driver must have misjudged the curve in the road, and lost control. The car serves into the other lane, right where Sam and Colby are.

“Fuck, look out!” Sam shouts and points.

At the same time, Colby shouts, “Oh shit!”

The cars collide. Colby’s airbag goes off, Sam’s doesn’t. Colby’s car gets pushed off the road and slides into a tree, the passenger side door hitting. Colby catches his breath for a second, now with a nose bleed and pain in his legs.

“Holy shit. Sam, you good?” Colby tries not to turn his head too much in fear of hurting himself more. “Sam?” He turns his head and sees the airbag never went off. He sees blood on his dash, a broken side window, and Sam pinned to the seat by tree branches. “Oh shit, SAM!”

Chapter Text

“Sam! Shit. Hold on, hold on, um, fuck!” Colby can’t think straight. He’s in full panic mode. Before, he was trying to not move so much so he wouldn’t hurt himself further, but after Sam wouldn’t respond, all he wanted to do was get to him. Colby reaches to unbuckle his seatbelt, and tries to get out. He couldn’t move. His once hurting legs are now completely numb. He uses his arms to pull himself over the center console.

“Sam, come on man, you I know you can hear me.” he says, grabbing Sam’s shoulder. “Sam, dude, say something!” Colby feels tears well up in his eyes. He couldn’t lose Sam, not after the last things Sam heard him say. He couldn’t lose his best friend with him thinking Colby hates him.

“Oh shit, you guys ok?” some guy had run up to Colby’s window, which he hadn’t realized was shattered.

“He won’t respond. Fuck, SAM!” he shook him again, ignoring the pain he was feeling all through his body. Sam’s shirt was slowly becoming more red, with his own blood or Colby’s, he would never know.

“Ok, ok, hold on. I’m gonna call 9-1-1. Just, try not to move.” Colby’s crying now, gripping onto Sam’s shirt like a lifeline.

“Please please please, come on. Wake up” his voice barely above a whisper. “Sam please. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it, just please come back to me.”

Colby doesn’t know how much time has passed before he starts hearing sirens in the distance. The guy must’ve called. All he knows is he will not let go of Sam. The next thing he knows, there’s lights and people, and voices. Lots of voices, not that he can make out anything that’s being said.

“Sir, sir! Can you hear me?” Someone calls to him. The only thing he can do is choke out a sob.

“Help him, please help him!” Colby cries without lifting his head from Sam’s chest, still gripping his shirt.

“We will, but we need you out first.”

“I won’t leave him. I fucked up. I, I can’t leave him. Please don’t make me leave him!” Colby pleads, voice breaking with each sentence. It’s clear he’s hyperventilating; he doesn’t care.

“We won’t, just let us get you out of the car, then we’ll get him. Ok? You’ll be with him the whole time.”

Colby simply nodded. He knew the only way Sam would get help is if he listened. As much as it hurt him to loosen his grip on his friend's shirt, he did. Just about the same time he did, his body all but collapses in on itself. It’s now Colby realizes how tired he is, he wants to fall asleep but forces himself to stay awake so he can see them get Sam. Colby feels different hands on him, gently lifting and maneuvering him out of the car.

“Ow ow ow” Colby says, involuntarily. His leg has a shooting pain through it as he’s being lifted halfway out of the car. “Fuck, my-my leg, it’s,” he sucks in a breath through his teeth, “fuck!”

“Ok, his legs impaled. We’re just gonna cut it.” Colby freezes.

“No no no don’t cut my leg!”

“We’re not going to cut your leg, we’re going to cut the metal and keep it in your leg. It’s stopping some bleeding right now.” Colby sighs, and closes his eyes when he sees a some sort of saw being brought over. He hears the machine whir to life, and feels a deep pressure in his leg as the blades slice through the metal. He doesn’t know too much of what happened after, but he opens his eyes to see his car getting further away. He tries to move, tries to sit up, but can’t.

“No no no, take me back! Sam! SAM! I gotta- take me back, he needs help” Colby tries pulling on the ties that are holding him to the backboard as he’s carried further away. “What are you doing? Please!”

“Please lay still, you’re going to get more hurt if you don’t.” A gentle voice says.

“I can’t leave him. Fuck, you don’t understand. I can’t- please. Get me back to him, please! I just- I need to see he’s ok. We can’t leave him, we can’t, I can’t leave him alone!” Colby cries, giving up on fighting.

“We won’t go until you know he’s out of the car.”

Colby lifts his head as much as he can with a neck brace on, when it got there is beyond him. He sees his car being swarmed by people. Fire and EMS are all around his car, working to clear the car enough so they can get Sam out. He feels people working to make sure he’s ok too, but he hardly registers the sensations, keeping his focus on his best friend, who is unconscious in his wrecked car.

His best friend. He wonders if that’s still the case. Sam’s words echo through his head.

‘You know what Colby? Fuck you.’
‘Are you gonna be a dick the whole time?’
‘I don’t want to be stuck in the fucking car with you another minute longer than I have to be’

The words sting. He and Sam used to love car trips, often taking the longer routes home to continue cracking jokes and singing terribly at full volume to whatever song was playing. They used to be inseparable, but now they had been at each other's throats.

Throats. ‘Fuck my throat hurts’ Colby thinks to himself. Suddenly finding it harder to breathe, eyes still glued to his car, although they’re hardly seeing anything. He feels panic start to settle in.

Sam would know how to help. It’s not the first time he’s been there for Colby during a panic attack. Sam always knew when it was coming too. He seemed to know before Colby could even feel it. He would always help to ground Colby before it got too bad. Sam would talk him through it. Sam would be with him, a solid presence. Sam would often hold his hands.

Hands. HANDS. That’s all of Sam Colby could see now. A single hand being raised out of the car. Sam’s hand. They are working on getting him out. Progress. That’s what Colby is focusing on. The progress. They are working on it, getting Sam out of the car. The faster Sam got out, the faster he could get help.

Faster. Colby’s heart is beating faster and faster. The world is spinning faster, everything is going faster, except not everything. Getting Sam out is entirely too slow. It’s taking too long, they’re moving too slow. Slowly working at taking apart parts of his car to make it easier. Slowly cutting branches from the tree. Slowly maneuvering things away.

Away, Colby is being brought away again. Further from his car, further from Sam. Sam, who is still in the car. ‘NO!’ Colby screams in his head, voice too tired to work. His head is so loud.

Head. A head, blond head, poking out of the side now. Slowly, still entirely too slowly, Sam is being lifted out of the car. He expected to see Sam’s face; Sam’s face, usually relaxed into a soft smile, now tense. Sam’s face, usually the highlight of his day, now clouded with blood that hasn’t quite dried yet. Sam’s face, normally the epitome of happiness and grace, now twisted and contorted with reflections of pain.

Pain. Colby still feels pain. Physical, sure. There’s a metal shard sticking out of his leg, he has gashes going down his face, voice dead from screaming and crying, muscles tired and aching from strain. Physical pain is there, yes, but nothing is comparing to the emotional pain he is feeling. The desperation to get to Sam, to apologize, to forgive. Colby is in so much pain. He doesn’t want to lose Sam with Sam thinking he hates him. He’s hurt at his words, he’s hurt at Sam’s words. He wants nothing more than for Sam to wake up. He wants nothing more than to wake up from this nightmare, but he knows he can’t.

“Sam.” Colby whispers, mostly to himself, as his best friend finally gets put onto a stretcher and is moved over to another ambulance. He allows his head to finally drop as he closes his eyes. He really is tired, and the second his head hits the stretcher below him, he passes out.

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Voices, Colby hears voices, but they’re entirely too loud for his liking. Why are people in his room anyway? ‘Oh shit. Am I getting pranked?’ he thinks. He wills his eyes to try and open, but to no avail. They won’t budge. He takes a slow breath, and tries again. It’s a lot of effort, but eventually, his eyes slowly open. The voices soften as the world, entirely too bright ‘it should be illegal’ Colby thinks, comes into focus. First thing he notices is Corey and Elton standing off to the side. The second thing he notices is he isn’t in his room.

“Sam?” his voice breaks. It’s the only word his brain can muster right now.

Sam. It all came crashing back to his mind. Sam. The fight. Sam. The crash. Sam. The desperation. Sam, or the lack thereof. Sam wasn’t talking, moving, hell he didn’t know if Sam was breathing.

“Sam!” Colby tries to sit up, pain shoots through him like a bullet train, forcing him to stay where he is.

“Woah, dude. Hey, it’s Corey and Elton. You’re ok.” Corey places a hand on his shoulder, guiding him to lay back down.

Colby breaks down into sobs. Both Corey and Elton are here? With him? No one is with Sam? Surely one of them would be with him and not both here unless something terrible had happened, right? Yet, here they both are, looking sick, and looking at Colby with unreadable expressions.

“It’s ok, we’re here for you dude. Do you need something? Pain meds? We can get your nurse.” Corey rushes out. Elton is now by his side, looking somber. Or, is it pity that’s resting behind his eyes? Colby doesn’t know, nor does he care.

“Sam.” Colby chokes out again. This time, his voice sounds broken, even to himself, almost defeated. It was all his fault. He didn’t have to let this fight carry on. He should have been more aware. He was driving, it was his fault. His fault. Colby wants to throw up. The guilt is settling deep in his bones, scratching and crawling at his skin from the inside. He doesn’t know what to do. He feels so many things at once, guilt, shame, anger, resentment, panic, despair, an inner turmoil storm brewing, with nowhere to go, no way to be released except through another broken half gasp turned into a sob. How is he supposed to deal with the fact that he killed his best friend? His best friend, dead, because he couldn’t put his ego aside long enough to stop a fight. He’ll never get to apologize, never get to see him smile again, never hear his voice or laugh, never feel the comfort of his touch through a panic attack, much like the one he was having now. He would never be able to crack jokes, or make videos with Sam again. He would never get to do all the things they loved to do again. Never again.

  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“COLBY!” Elton shouts in his face, and now has both of his hands on Colby’s shoulders, holding him firmly in place. “Sam is ok. Battered as hell, but he’s fine.”

Colby freezes. Sam’s ok. Not dead. He didn’t lose him. It’s not his fault. Not dead. He’s alive.

“Fuck.” is all Colby replies with before going limp in Eltons hands.

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Colby suddenly sits up in bed, his blanket flinging down towards his feet with the movement. He gasps for air, but feels like he’s not getting any. He starts looking around his room for anything to help, and suddenly, his eyes land on the one and only thing that could help.

“Sam.” Colby whispers. Sam is sitting in a wheelchair, bandages wrapped around his head, but back in normal clothes.

“Hi.” Sam says back. It’s silent for a minute between them. Before it even registers, Colby feels hot tears falling down his face. He doesn’t move, almost scared to speak. Almost.

“You’re ok.” His voice is hoarse, rough and raw from crying and lack of use.

“I am.” Sam responds.

“I’m so fucking sorry. Holy shit, I’m sorry, Sam. I’m so so sorry.” Colby breaks down in tears now, putting his face in his hands, shaking his head.

“Me too.” is all Sam says.

“I- I thought I lost you and it would’ve been my fault. You wouldn’t respond. I tried, I really did. I tried so hard, but you just wouldn’t.” he lets out the rest of his breath, taking a second to get another breath before continuing. “I couldn’t let you go, not with you thinking I hate you. I don’t, I don’t hate you Sam. I could never hate you. I hate myself, a lot. I hate myself for saying all those things to you. I’m so sorry.” he trails off. Sam doesn’t say anything. “I almost lost you. If I had, I’d never forgive myself. I don’t think I will ever forgive myself.” he whispers, his eyes staring at a blank spot on the wall.

Sam still didn’t say anything, he simply pushes his chair over to the side of Colby’s bed, and leans over so his head is resting on Colby’s lap. Colby just starts crying again.

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Today is the day Sam and Colby are both discharged from the hospital. Elton pushes the wheelchair Sam is in, while Corey is pushing Colby’s. No one says anything. Elton and Corey had sensed the tension between the two, it’d be impossible not to. If Sam and Colby weren’t talking, they wouldn’t push it either.

The car ride was short, and quiet. They had set up the downstairs to have the couches be beds from Sam and Colby, so they wouldn’t have to make their way up the stairs and strain themselves. Elton helps Sam and Corey helps Colby so both boys are able to lay down on the couches and get some rest.

“Just um, yell if you need help or anything.” Elton says. The boys nod, before the two make their way out of the room. Colby is laying on his back, staring at the ceiling, feeling emotionally numb. Sam, somehow in better shape than Colby, is laying on his side facing Colby. He slowly reaches his hand out, and grabs Colby’s hand. Colby releases the breath he didn’t know he was holding, as more tears fill his eyes.

“I’m not mad. At least, not anymore.” Sam’s voice is soft. God, his voice. Colby missed his voice. His tears fell.

“I stopped being mad a long time ago. I just needed you to be ok.” Colby confesses, turning his wrist so he could properly hold Sam’s hand. Sam sighs.

“I hated every second of it. The fighting.” Sam admits, feeling the shame rise up his face.

“Me too. It’s not worth it. You’re too important to me to fight with like that, especially over something so stupid.”

“I missed you. I missed our jokes, hanging out with you, our late nights, all of it. I hated being away from you.” Sam’s voice dropped closer to a whisper.

Colby turns his head to look at Sam, slightly wincing at his sore neck. “I missed you too. All of it.” he whispers back, looking into the light blue of Sam’s eyes.

They just look at each other, feeling all too much all at once. Slowly, ever so slowly, Sam starts drifting closer to Colby, watching for a reaction. Colby simply closes his eyes. Sam still moves closer. Colby can feel Sam’s breath on his face, he can feel the hesitation too. Colby makes the move. Slowly, carefully, ever so gently, he closes the small space left between them. It wasn’t much, it was barely there. A ghost of a gentle kiss, if you weren’t focusing on it, you’d never feel it. But it was there. They both feel it. They are both testing to see how far the other will take it. Carefully, and simultaneously they move slightly closer to each other, increasing the pressure of the kiss. Neither one stops their movements. They start to move, gently. The kiss saying a million words neither could form.

Who knew when they found out about their attraction. Perhaps it had been festering for a long time. After all, their entire argument stemmed from how much the other cared for each other. Maybe this was the straw that broke the camel's back. You never truly know what you have until you lose it, or in their case, almost lose it. Almost can be enough, right? It was enough for Sam and Colby. They felt the fear of losing the other. Felt the loss like it was real. Almost was enough for them to decide they couldn’t live without the other.

Colby pulls away first, taking a breath. “Never fight with me again, please. Promise we’ll never let it get that bad again.”

“Never again.” Sam replies, before going back in once more to kiss Colby like it’s the last thing he’ll ever do. They’ll be ok. They always are.

Sam whispers once more, whether to reassure Colby or himself, “Never again.”

Chapter Text

“Sam! Shit. Hold on, hold on, um, fuck!” Colby can’t think straight. He’s in full panic mode. Before, he was trying to not move so much so he wouldn’t hurt himself further, but after Sam wouldn’t respond, all he wanted to do was get to him. Colby reaches to unbuckle his seatbelt, and tries to get out. He couldn’t move. His once hurting legs are now completely numb. He uses his arms to pull himself over the center console.

“Sam, come on man, you I know you can hear me.” he says, grabbing Sam’s shoulder. “Sam, dude, say something!” Colby feels tears well up in his eyes. He couldn’t lose Sam, not after the last things Sam heard him say. He couldn’t lose his best friend with him thinking Colby hates him.

“Oh shit, you guys ok?” some guy had run up to Colby’s window, which he hadn’t realized was shattered.

“He won’t respond. Fuck, SAM!” he shook him again, ignoring the pain he was feeling all through his body. Sam’s shirt was slowly becoming more red, with his own blood or Colby’s, he would never know.

“Ok, ok, hold on. I’m gonna call 9-1-1. Just, try not to move.” Colby’s crying now, gripping onto Sam’s shirt like a lifeline.

“Please please please, come on. Wake up” his voice barely above a whisper. “Sam please. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it, just please come back to me.”

Colby doesn’t know how much time has passed before he starts hearing sirens in the distance. The guy must’ve called. All he knows is he will not let go of Sam. The next thing he knows, there’s lights and people, and voices. Lots of voices, not that he can make out anything that’s being said.

“Sir, sir! Can you hear me?” Someone calls to him. The only thing he can do is choke out a sob.

“Help him, please help him!” Colby cries without lifting his head from Sam’s chest, still gripping his shirt.

“We will, but we need you out first.”

“I won’t leave him. I fucked up. I, I can’t leave him. Please don’t make me leave him!” Colby pleads, voice breaking with each sentence. It’s clear he’s hyperventilating; he doesn’t care.

“We won’t, just let us get you out of the car, then we’ll get him. Ok? You’ll be with him the whole time.”

Colby simply nodded. He knew the only way Sam would get help is if he listened. As much as it hurt him to loosen his grip on his friend's shirt, he did. Just about the same time he did, his body all but collapses in on itself. It’s now Colby realizes how tired he is, he wants to fall asleep but forces himself to stay awake so he can see them get Sam. Colby feels different hands on him, gently lifting and maneuvering him out of the car.

“Ow ow ow” Colby says, involuntarily. His leg has a shooting pain through it as he’s being lifted halfway out of the car. “Fuck, my-my leg, it’s,” he sucks in a breath through his teeth, “fuck!”

“Ok, his legs impaled. We’re just gonna cut it.” Colby freezes.

“No no no don’t cut my leg!”

“We’re not going to cut your leg, we’re going to cut the metal and keep it in your leg. It’s stopping some bleeding right now.” Colby sighs, and closes his eyes when he sees a some sort of saw being brought over. He hears the machine whir to life, and feels a deep pressure in his leg as the blades slice through the metal. He doesn’t know too much of what happened after, but he opens his eyes to see his car getting further away. He tries to move, tries to sit up, but can’t.

“No no no, take me back! Sam! SAM! I gotta- take me back, he needs help” Colby tries pulling on the ties that are holding him to the backboard as he’s carried further away. “What are you doing? Please!”

“Please lay still, you’re going to get more hurt if you don’t.” A gentle voice says.

“I can’t leave him. Fuck, you don’t understand. I can’t- please. Get me back to him, please! I just- I need to see he’s ok. We can’t leave him, we can’t, I can’t leave him alone!” Colby cries, giving up on fighting.

“We won’t go until you know he’s out of the car.”

Colby lifts his head as much as he can with a neck brace on, when it got there is beyond him. He sees his car being swarmed by people. Fire and EMS are all around his car, working to clear the car enough so they can get Sam out. He feels people working to make sure he’s ok too, but he hardly registers the sensations, keeping his focus on his best friend, who is unconscious in his wrecked car.

His best friend. He wonders if that’s still the case. Sam’s words echo through his head.

‘You know what Colby? Fuck you.’
‘Are you gonna be a dick the whole time?’
‘I don’t want to be stuck in the fucking car with you another minute longer than I have to be’

The words sting. He and Sam used to love car trips, often taking the longer routes home to continue cracking jokes and singing terribly at full volume to whatever song was playing. They used to be inseparable, but now they had been at each other's throats.

Throats. ‘Fuck my throat hurts’ Colby thinks to himself. Suddenly finding it harder to breathe, eyes still glued to his car, although they’re hardly seeing anything. He feels panic start to settle in.

Sam would know how to help. It’s not the first time he’s been there for Colby during a panic attack. Sam always knew when it was coming too. He seemed to know before Colby could even feel it. He would always help to ground Colby before it got too bad. Sam would talk him through it. Sam would be with him, a solid presence. Sam would often hold his hands.

Hands. HANDS. That’s all of Sam Colby could see now. A single hand being raised out of the car. Sam’s hand. They are working on getting him out. Progress. That’s what Colby is focusing on. The progress. They are working on it, getting Sam out of the car. The faster Sam got out, the faster he could get help.

Faster. Colby’s heart is beating faster and faster. The world is spinning faster, everything is going faster, except not everything. Getting Sam out is entirely too slow. It’s taking too long, they’re moving too slow. Slowly working at taking apart parts of his car to make it easier. Slowly cutting branches from the tree. Slowly maneuvering things away.

Away, Colby is being brought away again. Further from his car, further from Sam. Sam, who is still in the car. ‘NO!’ Colby screams in his head, voice too tired to work. His head is so loud.

Head. A head, blond head, poking out of the side now. Slowly, still entirely too slowly, Sam is being lifted out of the car. He expected to see Sam’s face; Sam’s face, usually relaxed into a soft smile, now tense. Sam’s face, usually the highlight of his day, now clouded with blood that hasn’t quite dried yet. Sam’s face, normally the epitome of happiness and grace, now twisted and contorted with reflections of pain.

Pain. Colby still feels pain. Physical, sure. There’s a metal shard sticking out of his leg, he has gashes going down his face, voice dead from screaming and crying, muscles tired and aching from strain. Physical pain is there, yes, but nothing is comparing to the emotional pain he is feeling. The desperation to get to Sam, to apologize, to forgive. Colby is in so much pain. He doesn’t want to lose Sam with Sam thinking he hates him. He’s hurt at his words, he’s hurt at Sam’s words. He wants nothing more than for Sam to wake up. He wants nothing more than to wake up from this nightmare, but he knows he can’t.

“Sam.” Colby whispers, mostly to himself, as his best friend finally gets put onto a stretcher and is moved over to another ambulance. He allows his head to finally drop as he closes his eyes. He really is tired, and the second his head hits the stretcher below him, he passes out.

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Voices, Colby hears voices, but they’re entirely too loud for his liking. Why are people in his room anyway? ‘Oh shit. Am I getting pranked?’ he thinks. He wills his eyes to try and open, but to no avail. They won’t budge. He takes a slow breath, and tries again. It’s a lot of effort, but eventually, his eyes slowly open. The voices soften as the world, entirely too bright ‘it should be illegal’ Colby thinks, comes into focus. First thing he notices is Corey and Elton standing off to the side. The second thing he notices is he isn’t in his room.

“Sam?” his voice breaks. It’s the only word his brain can muster right now.

Sam. It all came crashing back to his mind. Sam. The fight. Sam. The crash. Sam. The desperation. Sam, or the lack thereof. Sam wasn’t talking, moving, hell he didn’t know if Sam was breathing.

“Sam!” Colby tries to sit up, pain shoots through him like a bullet train, forcing him to stay where he is.

“Woah, dude. Hey, it’s Corey and Elton. You’re ok.” Corey places a hand on his shoulder, guiding him to lay back down.

Colby breaks down into sobs. Both Corey and Elton are here? With him? No one is with Sam? Surely one of them would be with him and not both here unless something terrible had happened, right? Yet, here they both are, looking sick, and looking at Colby with unreadable expressions.

“It’s ok, we’re here for you dude. Do you need something? Pain meds? We can get your nurse.” Corey rushes out. Elton is now by his side, looking somber. Or, is it pity that’s resting behind his eyes? Colby doesn’t know, nor does he care.

“Sam.” Colby chokes out again. This time, his voice sounds broken, even to himself, almost defeated. It was all his fault. He didn’t have to let this fight carry on. He should have been more aware. He was driving, it was his fault. His fault. Colby wants to throw up. The guilt is settling deep in his bones, scratching and crawling at his skin from the inside. He doesn’t know what to do. He feels so many things at once, guilt, shame, anger, resentment, panic, despair, an inner turmoil storm brewing, with nowhere to go, no way to be released except through another broken half gasp turned into a sob. How is he supposed to deal with the fact that he killed his best friend? His best friend, dead, because he couldn’t put his ego aside long enough to stop a fight. He’ll never get to apologize, never get to see him smile again, never hear his voice or laugh, never feel the comfort of his touch through a panic attack, much like the one he was having now. He would never be able to crack jokes, or make videos with Sam again. He would never get to do all the things they loved to do again. Never again.

**

Colby was fully breaking down now. He feels completely empty, yet so full of emotion at the same time. He feels like throwing up, but can’t even think to move to do so. The weight of the situation is at the forefront of his mind. Sam is dead. He has to be. Corey himself looks to be on the verge of tears, and Elton had walked over to the room door, and is talking to someone. He feels so broken. Sam died thinking Colby hated him. Colby would never get to make up with his best friend.

A nurse walked into the room, followed by Elton. She held a small vile in her hands. Colby didn’t care. Elton walks to the other side of the bed, and helps Colby to lay down. Colby doesn’t fight it, he doesn’t think he’d fight anything again. Would fighting really be worth it? The nurse walks over, and Corey moves to the side. She takes the cap off a line in his arm, and attaches the syringe. In moments, Colby is feeling more, something. Relaxed isn’t the right word, he’s still succumbing to the inner turmoil. Tired, maybe? But he couldn't sleep, not now. Not with what he knows now. Numb? Closer, physically yes, his whole body is numb now. He can’t move. Drained? Yeah, that seems right.

Drained of life, feeling, sensations, thoughts, everything. Colby can’t think, can’t feel, can’t move; not that he wants to. All he wants is for the world to open up and swallow him whole. He wants something to happen, he doesn’t care what, but just anything to take him to a place he can see Sam again. He cries, it’s weak, barely there. No one had to say anything, they didn’t have to confirm it, he knew. He knew his thoughts, no, his fears, his worst nightmare, had come true. He could feel it, or lack thereof. He, somehow, could always feel his best friend, even when thousands of miles away, he could always feel him. Now, that’s gone. No warmth of knowing you have your person. No satisfaction of having a presence who understands you like no other. It’s all gone. Despite two people who haven’t left his side, Colby has never felt more alone. He felt cold, empty, and lonely.

His tears continued to flow, but he is now completely still; small, barely there breaths leaving his mouth. He didn’t know what to do. Couldn’t think of anything to do. What even is the point anymore?

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Elton and Corey took Colby home yesterday, and helped him get set up on the couch downstairs so he didn’t have to do the stairs. Colby hasn’t moved since. His limbs felt too heavy. He hasn’t spoken either. Not a word. Just silent tears that fall. Corey tries to sit with him, talk to him, distract him, but to no avail. The Colby he talks to is no longer there. Not without Sam at least. Never without Sam. It’s Sam and Colby. Not one without the other. Even on their personal channels, the other was always there. They were a unit, and now? Colby didn’t even know. He hears Corey talking to him, hears the YouTube video he put on, but he couldn’t begin to describe anything that Corey is saying, or what’s happening in the video.

Circa has come to check on him, licking his arm, laying on the couch with him, Colby never reacts. He hasn’t touched his phone either. He doesn’t trust himself to not go to their YouTube channel, or Sam’s pages on anything. He wants nothing more than to see Sam, and apologize, but he just can’t bring himself to do it to a video of his friend who he’ll never get to see again.

Days go by, and Colby still hasn’t moved. He still hasn’t talked either. Occasionally the roommates can get him to take a bite to eat, or a sip of water, but that’s rare. Sometimes, Colby will sleep, but that’s mainly due to exhaustion, where he physically can’t stay awake anymore.

Colby suddenly sat up. It was the first time in days he’s moved more than his head. He could feel his body screaming at him to stop, but he couldn’t. The dream was just too real. Sam had died, how ridiculous! Until, he looks around where he is, and remembers. He remembers it all. The fight, the wreck, the following days. He doesn’t cry this time. Instead, silently, he gets up and makes his way up the stairs. Carefully, and slowly so as to not fall. He walks down the hallway he knows so well. He turns towards their rooms, and pauses. He takes a steadying breath, and moves to open the door on the left. It opens with a small squeak, one he hasn’t heard since that night.

Colby steps into the room and just stares. He stares at the way everything is exactly how Sam left it. There wasn’t much there, they hadn’t lived in the house long. Sam’s bed was still in the corner, gray sheets still made. His desk was still set up on the other side of the window, laptop open, but ‘asleep’. Some dirty laundry sat thrown on the floor, like Sam was just going to pick it back up when he got home. Colby is frozen. Nothing about Sam’s room had changed, and nothing about his room would change unless he or someone else moved it. What gets to Colby the most, is when he realizes Sam’s room still smells like him. It’s been days, but it smells like Sam was in here just earlier today. Colby slowly walks over to Sam’s bed, and sits; he sits on the edge like he’s done a thousand times before. It feels so hauntingly familiar now. He wants nothing more than to roll up in the sheets, just to feel closer to his friend, but he doesn’t dare. He’s too afraid to change anything. Afraid Sam won’t like people changing his stuff, he always was a stickler about that. Sam would get upset if people would take or move his stuff without telling him. Colby didn’t want to upset Sam any further, he had done enough of that, and would never get the chance to make up for it.

“Colby! Colby, dude stop! ELTON!” Corey’s panicked voice brought him out of his thoughts. He has no idea what’s making Corey so distraught, he’s only sitting on Sam’s bed, right? Elton runs into the room and stops short when he looks at Colby.

“Oh shit! Ok, um, get a towel, wet it first, wrap it! I’m gonna call.” Elton says, running back out of the room. Colby is so confused. Why do they need a wet towel? Who is Elton calling? Why did they both look on the verge of tears?

Colby looks down at himself. Sam’s bed is covered in deep red. Colby jumps up.

“Oh no! Sam’s bed, it’s all messed up. Corey, we- I gotta clean it! Sam’s gonna be so mad, we gotta, I gotta clean it before he gets home.” Colby says, trying to wipe up the red with his hands. He doesn’t realize he’s crying. “Corey, help me, he’s gonna be home soon, why, why aren’t you helping me?”

Corey is crying now, softly, just silent tears. “It’s ok, Colby. I’ll help you clean it, but you gotta clean yourself first, or you’ll just make it worse.” Corey starts wiping Colby’s arms. It stings. A lot. Colby cries out. “I’m sorry, I know, shh, it’s gonna be ok.”

“2 minutes.” is all Elton says, as he walks back into the room.

“Elton, we- we gotta clean it. He's gonna be mad, rooms are off limits!” Colby says, still not registering what’s happened.

“Ok buddy, we’ll clean it. Sam’s not getting home until late tonight. He’s out tonight, remember?” Elton says, crouching down next to Colby.

“He’s going to be mad. I don’t want him mad at me.” Colby cries out, voice much quieter now.

There’s sirens outside now.

“Hey Colby, Can you walk with us for a minute, we’ve got some cleaners to help to make sure it doesn’t stain.” Elton says carefully, gently, holding out a hand for Colby to take.

“Yeah, good idea. That was fast.” Colby gets up, and allows himself to be led. “Wait! Hold on, I don’t want his room to be a mess.” Colby starts picking up the clothes on Sam’s floor and putting them in his laundry. Corey and Elton just watch from the doorway with sad expressions. Once he finishes, he walks out of the room, and down the stairs. Corey and Elton are close behind. He gets to the front door, and when he pulls it open, his body gives up. Colby starts to crumple to the ground, Corey and Elton catching him. The paramedics rush over to the men, taking Colby from the two. They did a once over for Colby.

“No pulse. Start compressions.” one of the paramedics says. Corey grips onto Elton’s arm. Corey wishes with everything he had he didn’t just watch what he thinks he watched. The two watch from the doorway, as time seemed to slow down and drag on. The two paramedics working tirelessly, pushing medications, shocking his heart, and doing relentless CPR.

“It’s been 5 minutes, we’re going to have to call it.” the second says. Corey lets out his breath, and turns into Elton’s shoulder. Elton sucks in a breath to try and stop himself from crying.

“No!” Corey cries.

“I’m so sorry.” the one says, not looking at the two.

“What even happened? He was fine two minutes ago!” Elton asks, voice cracking at the sight in front of him.

“We’re not sure. I’m so sorry.” The two paramedics stand up, and start to move to clean up their stuff. Elton slowly makes his way over to Colby who is now lying on the ground, lifeless. He kneels beside his friend.

“I’m so sorry buddy, I tried. I really tried.” he whispers.

Corey moves to kneel beside him, and freezes when he gets to the ground. “Elton, look.” Corey points to Colby’s hand. He was holding one of Sam’s shirts, tightly clutched in his hand, grip unforgiving.

It was a couple days later that Corey and Elton had gotten a call with the autopsy reports for Colby. It seemed as if his heart gave out, not a heart attack, just gave up. ‘Broken Heart Syndrome’ is what the report had said. His heart muscles had been weakened from the emotional stress, and when he got up and walked, put more stress on it. The scratches he had inflicted on himself when he blacked out was just enough that his weakened heart couldn't pump enough. Colby had died of a broken heart following the loss of his best friend. Their only comfort now, knowing their friends are together again. Sam had passed in Colby’s car that night, pronounced dead on arrival. Colby had died holding the shirt Sam had worn earlier in the day that he died. They never got to make up, both passed thinking the other hated them, but wanting nothing more than to put the whole thing behind them. Never again would they be able to make jokes, share a laugh, pull an exploration stunt. It was all over. Never again would they post. Never again would their friends pull meaningless pranks on them. It really was Sam and Colby, and it forever will be.

Chapter Text

Sam and Colby had been busting their asses filming, editing, shooting for their merch drop, and preparing to launch their new series, Hell Week. Things were hectic, they were exhausted, stressed, and buzzing with excitement.

Their next filming location was Dracula’s Castle, in Romania. They had been doing a ton of research for this video to make sure they got the folklore correct. They each did independent research, then presented their findings to each other to find discrepancies between what they each found. These sessions were typically late at night, Sam going into Colby’s room, them sitting on the couch going over notes, comparing, editing, both hunched over a laptop to get the correct information, and went until the early morning. Those were the nights they usually ended up sleeping on the couch, notes on the floor, tangled with the other in some way, shape, or form, not waking up until hours later when half the day had passed. They didn’t have proper sleep schedules anyway, whenever they filmed for a video, they usually wouldn’t go to sleep until the sun was rising.

They had arrived in Romania after they filmed what would be the second video in the series, the Ukrainian Catacombs. They wouldn’t start filming for Dracula’s Castle until tomorrow, when Nate would get there, as he wanted to take an extra day in Ukraine. Since Nate wouldn’t be getting there until early next morning, they had the room to themselves. They took the opportunity to spread out and check all the equipment they brought. It never hurt to double check. It was another late night for them, finalizing scripts, going over information again, making sure batteries were charged. A lot went into one of their videos. Not to mention, while Colby was checking equipment, Sam was sitting on the bed, legs out, laptop resting on his legs, headphones on, editing what they had just finished filming. Sam was usually the more efficient editor, so he got that job tonight. Colby took a second to look at his friend. How relaxed and in the zone he looked, completely focused. He could see the way the light from the laptop danced across his features as Sam was going over frames, the pictures reflecting on his glasses. His hair was covered by a baseball hat, he was practically swimming in a hoodie that Colby was pretty sure was his, not that he minded. Sam was sitting on top of the comforter, legs, clad in nearly skin tight black skinny jeans with rips at the knees, crossed, one over the other at his ankles. Colby loved to watch Sam edit. He was always so focused, often tugging his bottom lip between his teeth, or licking his lips in concentration.

It wasn’t the first time Colby had taken a moment to watch his friend edit their videos. There was something that always drew Colby to watch, and this time was no different. It was rare that Sam would catch Colby staring, but he did. Sam also didn’t always say something when he caught his friend. In fact, he secretly liked that Colby thought he was so slick watching him. It made him feel appreciated, and not as bad about taking private moments to watch Colby. There were never really specific times, just when Colby was existing. He could be talking about his favorite video game, Kingdom Hearts, and yeah, Sam would look at him whenever Colby was talking, but looking at him and watching him were too VERY different things in Sam’s book. He watched Colby while he was making himself a meal, during videos where he was piecing together answers they were getting and he’d work his lower lip in between his teeth, or even sometimes when he would wake up in the middle of the night on a filming trip. Sam never slept well when filming, he never knew why, he just never did. What always helped was knowing Colby would always be right there with him. Maybe he was in the next room over, or right next to him in the same bed, like this trip, but the knowledge Colby was right there with him always brought enough comfort to send him back to sleep.

Colby moved to sit on the bed next to Sam, maybe a bit closer than was necessary, but that was something so normal for them, neither noticed, nor cared.

“How’s it going?” Colby asked, looking over Sam’s shoulder to see the screen better. His chin was just about resting on the divot between his neck and shoulder.

“It’s going good.” Sam said, turning the screen and slightly shifted subconsciously closer to Colby. “Mostly done, just editing sound now.”

“Nice. Got a favorite part yet?” That was a common conversation. They liked to know each other’s favorite parts in their videos, it made each video feel a bit more special, knowing each other’s favorite parts, which they rarely ever spoke about to anyone but each other. Like a secret shown for the public without them ever knowing.

“Honestly? I think when you said ‘That’s my favorite band” when Nate said ‘that was one direction’, I don’t know, it was just funny.” Sam said with a small smile and a fondness in his eyes.

Colby laughed, it wasn’t a secret that he did like One Direction, there were multiple videos he’s done with Tara about One Direction.

“You kept that in?”

“Yeah dude! It was funny!” Sam said, turning his head to finally look at Colby, it was then he realized how close they were, again, not that he minded. Sam always loved how close he and Colby were, nothing was weird, just comfortable. Colby just shook his head and didn’t say anything else.

This was how they spent most of their night, going over the video, making edits, talking it through, going over plans for tomorrow, and eventually falling asleep, both falling asleep closer to one side, so they wouldn’t knock Sam’s laptop and everything else they had on the Queen Sized bed onto the floor.

The next morning, they met Nate in the lobby of the hotel before going over all the plans they had for the video, including going over to Witch’s Pond to bring pond water back to the castle. They took some time packing up their stuff to bring, and changing into clothes they wouldn’t totally mind getting dirty, after all, it was quite a hike to get to the pond.

Sam had decided on some grey skinny jeans, a fitted black shirt, and a silver chain necklace; Colby about choked when he saw him. He knew his friend was attractive, especially in the last couple of years. He wasn’t blind, Sam was objectively attractive, you’d be stupid to deny it, but something about him now, Colby’s mind broke. It was almost like someone had flipped a switch. Colby had to tear his eyes off Sam, not that he wanted to, god he didn’t want to. He did have claim on the bathroom next to change, so he grabbed his clothes, praying Sam didn’t see him staring, and made his way into the bathroom. The second he shut the door, he leaned his back against it, and took some deep breaths. He decided to just splash cold water on his face, and mentally prepare to be looking at Sam. He decided on wearing a black and white long sleeve sweater so he wouldn’t need a jacket when it got colder, and dark red skinny jeans with a small chain resting just on his upper thigh. He stepped out of the bathroom and could’ve sworn he saw Sam suck in a breath. Well, at least now he wouldn’t feel as bad looking at Sam.

Sam was fucked. Royally so, he might add. Colby stepped out of that bathroom looking like a god or, more accurate to the current scenario, an insanely attractive vampire, and Sam, for one, knew then and there he was screwed. He was suddenly regretting his choice of skinny jeans, not that he really wore anything else. Sam has always found Colby incredibly attractive. Colby always had some sense of style, and his style suited him, and he knew it. Colby had this air of confidence about him, which is what always drew Sam in. If this is what the night would consist of, he was done for. ‘Maybe that’s not such a bad thing’ he thought, he had seen Colby staring at him before, he sees a lot of when Colby stares. He chose the chain necklace on purpose. He didn’t wear it often, but whenever he did, Colby always seemed to stare, and Sam for one liked the attention it got him. Oh yeah, this was going to be a long night.

-----------------------------------

To say it had been a long night was an understatement of the century. First of all, the walk to Witch's Pond was longer than anticipated, as well as it being hotter than they anticipated. Since Colby was in a sweater and jeans, he was sweating by the end of the hike, which Sam was trying to decide if it was a good or bad thing. On one hand, Colby was sweaty which was distracting, but on the other hand, Colby was sweaty. They had done workouts together before, and Sam already knew how Colby smelled when he got sweaty, that now mixed with the cologne he was wearing was enough for Sam to be left squirming in his seat, so to speak, all night. He felt like he was going crazy. He felt extremely on edge, more so than usual on investigations. He almost couldn’t take his eyes off Colby the whole night. The way Colby would somehow always be near him, cracking jokes, referencing their inside jokes even though Nate or the fans wouldn’t understand them.

Sam knew he was especially gone when Colby was right next to him, telling Sam about their guide's teeth.

“He’s got fangs dude! I swear!” Colby whisper shouted, right near Sam’s ear, which sent shivers down his spine. God, if only Colby knew what he was doing.

Colby, on the other hand, was faring no better. He was enthralled with the way Sam was carrying himself all night. It’s like Sam knew he looked good, and was flaunting it. Colby, much like Sam, couldn’t keep his eyes off his friend either. It felt like he was drowning. The way Sam’s chain would catch in the light from the camera, sending the light right to his delicately light blue eyes. Sam also put on more rings and jewelry than normal, which drove Colby to the edge. Sam had a habit of talking and reacting with his hands, putting the rings on display the whole night. The jeans should have been considered sinful in Colby’s eyes, because how dare anyone have the audacity to walk around in public looking like that? Dreadfully sinful. The shirt itself might as well not have been there, it outlined Sam’s body so perfectly, you could practically see every small detail, and Colby wanted it. He wanted to really see every small detail, despite having seen Sam shirtless countless times. Between living together, and having pools at both houses they’ve lived in, Colby has seen his friend without a shirt more than he can count, but this time felt different. He wanted to see. He knew exactly what lies underneath the fabric, but he wanted it now.

They had sat down on a couch to explain some of the more historical aspects relating to the lore surrounding vampires, and unfortunately, or fortunately, for Colby, Sam had put on a jacket now that it was colder. However, he may have put on a jacket, but Colby was starting to believe Sam was purposely trying to drive him up a wall. Colby had sat in the middle of the couch so Sam could focus the camera, and when he finished, Sam sat himself down right next to Colby, so their knees were touching periodically throughout, even though there was more empty space next to Sam.

Sam wanted, no needed to be close to Colby. He knew what he was doing, and he was selfishly doing it for himself. Any chance he could, he would get next to Colby, staying close by his side, smelling the intoxicating scent of his friend’s cologne and sweat. Sam felt drunk off the proximity of it all. He was closely watching Colby, looking for any signs of discomfort so he wouldn’t push his friend too far, but he saw nothing of the sort. If anything, he saw the opposite. If he knew anything about Colby, and let’s be honest, no one knew Colby better than him, Colby was into it too. Perfect. For Sam, that meant pushing to see how far he could take this. He wanted to know if Colby was thinking the same as he was; he wanted the other.

Colby wasn’t stupid, he could tell Sam was doing this on purpose. After some filming on the couch, it was obvious what the other was doing. Every time Colby moved, Sam would follow, keeping as little distance between them as possible. Colby could play this game. He had Sam figured out now. He knew the game at hand, and it’s a game he could play well. Small lingering touches when no one was looking, flirty remarks, longing stares. Colby could play this game, after all he knew Sam; knew what he likes, and what drove him crazy. He played to his advantage. This was a game Colby was determined to win. Nate had left to use the bathroom at one point, to which Colby took full advantage of their friend's absence. Sam was grabbing equipment out of the case they kept it in, and was checking batteries. Colby moved to be right behind his friend, so close that Colby could feel the curves of Sam’s body against his own.

“I know what you’re doing, it’s working.” Colby whispered in Sam’s ear. He could just begin to feel Sam’s body tensing up at his words, his back straightening, before he stepped away to return to what he was doing before. Sam whipped his head to look at his friend, who simply smiled back and sent a small wink his way.

Sam couldn’t breathe. Not anymore, not after that. He wished so desperately Nate hadn’t chosen that moment to walk back into the room, but he had. Colby was back where he was across the room, pretending that whatever had just happened, didn’t happen. Sam was stuck frozen to his spot. He could feel his face was hot, just like the rest of his body, he felt he almost didn’t need his jacket anymore. Almost, now it was serving him a different purpose with its length. Sam had decided Colby wouldn’t get away with that. The rest of the night, he upped his game, rolling his neck, the blatant staring, biting his lip while staring, anything he could to get Colby riled up, not really thinking about the fact the two of them are sharing a hotel room later that night.

Sam was driving Colby crazy, and Colby knew Sam knew. This game of theirs, this dangerous game of theirs, was quickly reaching its end as they were wrapping up this investigation. Colby was frustrated. Frustrated with Sam for pushing, frustrated with Nate for being there, frustrated with himself for falling right into the trap. He was practically counting down the minutes until they would get back to their hotel. Wrapping up took way too long in Colby’s opinion. Packing up was worse. It seemed Sam was moving slowly on purpose (Sam absolutely was moving slowly on purpose, not that he would tell Colby). Colby would watch with an intent behind his eyes, and Sam could practically feel the stare. Nate was talking about the investigation the whole time packing up, not that Sam or Colby were paying too close attention, but they would reply with input so as to not be rude to their friend. Colby was focused on the way Sam was moving, Sam was focused on accentuating his movements, making them slow and calculated. Nate, seemed to be none the wiser, and moved the conversation to talking about how excited he was to shower and go to sleep.

“I’m gonna call the Uber so they’re here when we’re done.” Nate said, pulling out his phone. That finally made Sam put some purpose behind his movements, and was working at a normal pace.

“Thanks, I’m gonna text the guide, let him know we’re leaving.” Colby reached for his phone to text, finally taking his eyes off Sam who had finished the last of their clean up. Colby moved to pick up one of the backpacks.

“Just you wait.” Colby whispered to Sam and he reached down to pick up a backpack. When he straightened up again, he looked into Sam’s eyes, and even in the dim light, he could see his pupils much larger than they should be, and smirked. Colby then walked over to the door as if he said nothing at all. Sam grabbed the second backpack and followed the other two. It wasn’t long before the Uber arrived. Nate climbed into the front seat, while Sam and Colby took the back seat with the backpacks. Sam kept his backpack in his lap, while Colby put his at his feet. Nate gave the driver the address of the hotel, which was a decent 15 minute drive away. Around 5 minutes into the drive, Colby reached over and placed a hand onto Sam’s thigh, not too high, but not necessarily low either. Sam looked over at Colby, and grabbed his wrist. Without hesitation, Sam moved Colby’s hand higher up his leg, and leaned his head back on the headrest, closing his eyes with a small smile of satisfaction. Colby didn’t say anything in response, but simply gave Sam’s leg a gentle squeeze. The Uber ride seemingly took hours, at least in Sam’s mind, even though it couldn’t have been more than 10 minutes.

Finally, the Uber stopped outside the hotel. The three thanked the driver, and grabbed their stuff, and started walking towards the building. They had gotten into the elevator, and pushed the button to their floor. While the three weren’t sharing a room, they were all on the same floor. As they were riding up, Sam felt Colby slip his hand into his back pocket. Sam glazed out of the corner of his eye at Colby, who simply had his head leaned back and eyes shut. He then looked at Nate, who was on his phone and oblivious. Sam felt his whole body heat up once again. The doors opened, and Colby’s hand was gone just as soon as it had been there. They said goodnight to Nate, and walked down opposite ends of the hall.

Colby could feel the burn of Sam’s stare to the back of his head. He took a moment opening their door, and walking in first, Sam right behind him. Colby allowed the backpack to slide off his shoulder, landing unceremoniously on the floor. The second he heard the door shut, he quickly spun around, took the backpack from Sam, and pushed him against the door. He dropped the bag, and held his wrists against the wood. He looked into Sam’s eyes, and found his pupils were blown once again. The sight just drove Colby further.

Without saying a word, he brought his knee up in between Sam’s. Sam closed his eyes, mouth hung open, and sucked in a breath. Colby pushed harder. Sam let out a small groan and allowed himself to slump against the door and further onto Colby’s leg. Colby held him up, loving the sight of Sam in front of him. He dropped his head right next to Sam’s neck, resting it against the door so he could listen to Sam’s breath as he worked himself on Colby’s leg. Colby couldn’t think straight; he turned his head to face Sam. His eyes were still closed, taking deep breaths through his still open mouth. Without thinking, Colby moved once again and kissed Sam. Sam’s reaction was everything to Colby. Sam didn’t fight him, didn’t push him away, but kept his mouth open, allowing Colby to kiss him deeper. Sam kept rolling his hips against Colby’s leg. Colby moved to Sam’s neck, right where the silver chain rested. He kissed the thin skin just above the jewelry, and Sam tilted his head in the opposite direction. Colby continued working at the skin, kissing, sucking, biting.

“Fuck Colby.” Sam breathed out. Colby just hummed in response. “Like a fucking vampire, I swear.” Colby smiled into his neck.

They stayed like that until Sam was practically sitting entirely on Colby. Sweat was once again making Sam’s hair stick to his head, as Colby held him up.

“Fuck, Colby. I can’t, oh fuck.” Sam practically whined. Colby loved it.

“I know, it’s ok. Let go for me.” Colby whispered in his ear, and went back to kissing that spot on his neck. With one more roll of his hips, Colby felt Sam’s whole body shake and go limp in his arms. That alone was enough to push Colby over the edge too.

Colby let go of Sam’s hands, and pulled Sam into his chest so he wouldn’t fall.

“You ok?” Colby asked, out of breath.

“Yeah, fuck. Yeah, I’m good.” Sam replied breathlessly, wrapping his arms around Colby. They stayed like that for a few minutes, just catching their breaths.

“Want some water?” Colby asked. Sam just nodded in response. “Ok. Come on.” Colby managed to pick Sam up from how they were standing, and gently placed him on the bed they would share later that night. Sam collapsed backwards and laid down. Colby got them both water and sat down next to Sam.

“Here.”

“Thank you.” Sam said, sitting up and drinking it.

“So, um, what now?” Colby asked, looking down at his shoes.

“What do you mean?” Sam asked, looking at Colby.

“What are we, now? Like, friends, friends with benefits? More?” the last word came out just above a whisper. Sam almost didn’t catch it.

“More?”

“Forget it, it’s fine.” Colby said, standing up.

Sam grabbed his wrist, and pulled him back, while standing up. Before he could question himself, he kissed Colby again. Colby was shocked for a second, before quickly kissing him back.

“More.” Sam said, pressing their foreheads together.

“Yeah, ok. More.” Colby replied. “But first, I think I need a shower.”

“Oh yeah, me too.” Sam said, realizing now how gross he felt.

“Shower with me?” Colby asked, looking hopeful.

“Definately.” Sam said, grabbing Colby’s hand, and walked towards the bathroom, dragging Colby behind him.

Their long night only got longer from there, not that either minded. Oh yeah, this Hell Week would be one to remember.

Chapter Text

Being back at the Trap House had brought back a lot of memories for both Sam and Colby. They had lived there for years, made so many memories, and got through some really tough times. Now, the house was empty, the shelves now fixed, but to Sam and Colby, it almost seemed like nothing had changed. The table where they left their phones trying to find their way back in the front room was still there, the wall of White Claw boxes was still growing, the pool table that separated the kitchen and living room still had an unfinished game. It was a lot to take in.

Sam and Colby got to the house about an hour before the triplets, just so they could walk around and process everything. It had been almost 3 years since they had moved out of the house, and being back was bittersweet.

“Dude, do you remember the 500 cups cup pong game?” Sam asked, looking over the balcony that led to their old rooms.

“Oh yeah! I can’t believe that Jake and I kept giving you points. We lost both rounds because of it!” Colby laughed at the memory of getting pied for losing.

They kept making their rounds around the house, bringing up memories of videos, parties, and other things.

“I feel like you’re going to have an advantage here.” Colby said.

“Why would I have an advantage?”

“You would do all those blind hide and seek videos! You’ve walked around this house blindfolded before! It’s gonna be dark.” Colby laughed. It’s true. Sam did walk around blindfolded a few times.

They finished their round of the house, and since they were doing an uncut video, they decided there wasn’t much to set up. They instead used their time to go through old videos and tiktoks they made while living there. They pulled up the Trap Boys tiktok account and went through some of those videos before going through their own accounts. They eventually got to the video where Colby catches Sam in a loop he made with his arms.

“Think we can still do that?” Sam asked.

“Bro, I barely caught you last time!” Colby laughed as the video played again as he watched himself almost drop Sam.

“Let’s try it!” Sam said, putting his phone down.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah! Old times sake.”

“Ok, but you can’t blame me if I drop you.” Colby said. He grabbed his hands and held his arms out while Sam stood in front of him.

“Ready?” Sam asked.

“Yep. 3, 2, 1.” Colby counted. Sam jumped, and made both him and Colby fall. “Ow, fuck.”

“Dude, you’re supposed to catch me!” Sam said laughing, half on top of Colby.

“I told you dude, I barely caught you last time!”

“Try it again?”

“You’re literally laying on top of me because I couldn’t catch you, and you want to do it again?”

“Yeah dude, we can get it.” Sam said, standing up and offering Colby a hand to help him up.

“Fiinneee.” Colby said, in his exasperated way, taking Sam’s hand to get up.

They tried again a few more times before finally getting it.

“Hell yeah dude! See? I told you.” Sam said, still in Colby’s arms.

“Yeah, but now I’m covered in bruises.” Colby replied, putting Sam down.

“They’ll fade. It’s not the worst injury this house has seen.” Sam said, with a little laugh, but Colby could tell his demeanor had changed. He knew the story of breaking his back was still sometimes a sensitive subject for Sam, despite Sam jumping off multiple high things since, once for 25x25, and another time on Sofie’s channel. Being back where it happened for the first time in years couldn’t have helped.

“You ok? Being back here and all?” Colby asked.

Sam sucked in a breath. “Yeah. I’m ok. It’s weird, you know? It’s been so long, but there’s still moments. There’s days where my back hurts more than others and I’m just reminded of how bad it really was.”

Colby understood. While he wasn’t the one who broke his back, he remembered Sam’s screams from when it happened. He knew it was bad the second Sam hit the ground. The sight plagues his nightmares from time to time. He can still hear how Sam sounded after. He remembers the panic, rushing Sam to the ER, crying in the waiting room, both of them trying to make light of the situation, trying to help each other through while being scared shitless themselves. They promised to always be there to help the other, and by god that is what they did that night. It was difficult for both of them. Colby battled with guilt for making Sam do something so dangerous. He still felt the guilt from time to time, and seeing Sam dealing with the turmoil of being back, was making that guilt flare up again. It didn’t matter how many times Sam told him not to worry, not to feel guilty, he chose to do it. They had all agreed to do the dare before they made the video. It was just as much Sam’s fault as anyone else's. That did little to curb the inner emotional disturbance he felt.

Wordlessly, Colby moved to hug Sam. It’s not something new, especially surrounding this topic. They both had some lasting trauma from the incident, and sometimes, a hug seemed to help. They both needed it, neither had to say anything for them to be on the same page about it, but there they stood, arms wrapped around the other, just being. They didn’t know how long they stood there for, but Sam’s phone buzzing on the counter snapped them out of it. Without the need to say anything about what happened, Sam went to grab his phone. Nick was calling him.

“Hey.” Sam said, answering the call.

“Hey, we’re about 10 minutes away.” Nick said.

“Cool, just shoot me a text when you get here so we can open the gate.”

“Sounds good. Be there in a bit.”

“See ya soon.” and the call ended. “They’re about 10 minutes out.” Sam told Colby.

“Sounds good. You good?” Colby asked.

Sam took in a breath, “Yeah, I’m good. Thanks.” Colby nodded in response. They’d be ok.

“Do we need to get anything out before they get here?” Colby asked.

“I think we’re good. We have the candles, and we’re gonna get everything out during the videos so people can see the process, right?”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” Colby responded with a small shrug. They at least took out the candles and then waited for the triplets to get there. True to what Nick had said, it was only about 10 minutes until Sam got a text saying they were there. Sam and Colby met them at the gate to let them in.

They took about 20 minutes going over the plan for the night, and then filmed their basketball challenge for XPLR Club to see who would be going alone. Colby lost. Then, they went around and gave the triplets the tour of the house.

“Id never thought I’d be in this house. I’d heard like, the legend of this house.” Chris said, as they started the video.

“Oh really?” Sam said from behind the camera.

“I think I’ve seen like a music video or something of you guys going nuts.

“Yeah, we might’ve done a couple of those in here.” Colby said.

“We’ve filmed way too many music videos in here.” Sam said with a laugh, memories once again flooding his head.

“Such a strange era of our lives” Colby said, a blush evident on his face. “That’s crazy.”

“We had a boy band.” Sam said in response, smiling at the memory of the two songs their little band had made. Both songs were written in that very house. One of the music videos was filmed just upstairs and in some other rooms of the house. The nostalgia both Sam and Colby were feeling was intense, and it was only amplified by where they were. The energy they had created in the house when they lived there was still present, as far as Sam and Colby knew. They could still feel the buzz of everything that happened. Their parties, their friendships with Jake and Corey, it all still felt very present and very real. Every emotion was brought to the surface for both of them.

They were pulled out of their reminiscence when Chris pointed out a dead roach on the floor.

“Should we say the gross story that happened?” Colby asked.

“There’s a gross story?" Nick asked.

“We have a really gross story.”

“Sam’s like trying to think of the particular one.” Chris said.

“I was like, there’s one ghost, or, gross story?” Sam said.

“Ghost story?" Colby repeated, laughing. “Do you remember when we came home from like, Ukraine, or something, and there was like hundreds of cockroaches here?” Colby recalled the story.

“Oh my god, you’re right!” Sam replied, “In your bathroom!”

They all laughed about the story of Colby killing the roaches before moving on with the tour. They first went upstairs to Colby’s old room.

“Do you remember when you made this like a rose petal bathtub and we all got in together?” Sam asked, looking back on their ‘Hug’ music video.

“Do you remember when we first turned it on and it was brown water?” Colby asked in return.

They next moved on to Sam’s old room, pointing out the weird shape of it, to which Nick made a comparison to your first house in ‘Minecraft’. It was weird seeing this room now. The blue paint that used to be all over the walls was now gone. In its place was the standard beige that was all over the rest of the house. The personality behind the room was gone. It was sad for both Sam and Colby. The room was now unrecognizable to them. Maybe that’s why Colby made the decision.

“And this is where we’re starting the ritual too.”

“It is?” Nick asked. Sam hadn’t yet noticed what Colby said.

“You know what I wanna see again?” Sam asked, still having not processed anything. “Wait, what’d you just say?”

Colby laughed. “You didn’t even notice I said that. Yeah, we’re starting in your room.” Colby said.

‘Your room’. That phrase alone was enough to send a shot of pain through his heart, because it wasn’t really his room now, was it? They moved out years ago. None of his stuff was there, it wasn’t even the color he wanted anymore. ‘His room’, yeah right, but there was something heartwarming about Colby still referring to it as ‘his room’. That’s all they knew this room as, that’s what it would always be to them. This room, where they had really established their relationship, which was still hidden from their fans,was where it all really started. ‘Your room’ held a lot more connotation to it than anyone would realize.

“Why do we start every single ritual ever in my room?” Sam asked, knowing full well the answer; it’s usually always his idea. “Every single one happens in my room.”

“The fact that you guys do rituals, you have the option of who’s room.” Nick said laughing, which made Colby laugh even harder. “Like, it’s already throwing me off. I haven’t done a single ritual in my room, I’m not dumb.”

“Dude, I wanna see the balcony where I broke my back.” Sam said, tone slightly darker. That was the one spot they hadn’t gone to in their original walk through of just the two of them. Colby gave Sam a look, Sam only nodded in reply. The triplets were good at making situations light, and they weren’t there when it happened. If he was really going to face what happened, now is a better time than ever.

They walked through Colby’s old room and out to the balcony. Colby made sure to be by Sam’s side.

“What?” Matt said.

“Dude, that’s so funny.” Colby said in an attempt to keep things light, but he could see the tension in Sam’s back. To say he was worried about how Sam would react was an understatement. He had seen first hand how bad it could get, he had seen the flashbacks, and had held Sam through the worst of them, bringing him back to reality, telling him where he really was. That was one reason they only lived in the house for 2 years. It was a lot for them to be there and be reminded every day.

“Is there video proof?” Nick asked as Sam unlocked the door.

“There is.” Sam replied.

“I need to see it.” Nick said.

“Dude, you don’t want to see it.” Colby replied. The picture was burned into his memories. He couldn’t unsee it if he tried, and he really, really tried.

“Two deadbolts is crazy.” Nick laughed, not knowing that Colby had put a second one up after the incident. They were both so nervous about that balcony that the extra lock had just made sense at the time.

“This is trauma guys.” Sam said as he turned around. To anyone else, it may have seemed like a joke, but Colby saw through it. It was a way for Sam to take a step back and process being there; to not show how much being up there was affecting him. “This is trauma. During the 2020 pandemic I thought it was a great idea to stand on top of this thing and try to cannonball all the way down there.”

“Was there water?” Matt said, shocked at the statement.

“Uh, there was, there was a little beanbag and I missed the beanbag.” Sam's voice was tight. Little emotion was behind his words. His posture was also as straight as it could be, very similar to when Sam had to wear his back brace after it had happened.

“Cannonball into nothing?” Nick asked.

“So I cannonballed onto grass and broke my back.” Sam’s arms were now wrapped around himself. God, how Colby wished they weren’t filming, or at least he wasn’t holding the camera. He wanted to go and give Sam another hug that he knew they both needed. This wasn’t easy for either of them. Colby, instead of hearing the conversation, heard Sam’s screams from that day. He wanted nothing more than to comfort the love of his life and get that comfort back. But alas, he was holding the camera. Shortly after that, they left the balcony, and continued on with the tour.

At some point in the tour of the movie room, Colby had made a joke about ‘smashing in there all night’ to help ease some of the lasting tension. Well, most people would think it’s a joke. The second Colby said it, Sam ducked out of frame to hide his reddening face. He remembered what Colby was referencing. It wasn’t a joke at all.

“Got my back broke you know?” Sam said with a laugh.

“You got your back broke while you were smashing brother?” Colby asked, holding back his laugh. He knew damn well Sam did get his back “broken” that night.

“That’s crazy. Who would say that…” Sam replied, looking anywhere but at Colby. If he looked at him, he knew their cover would be blown.
They finished up the tour, then got into the game. They wrote their names on the paper, explained some of the rules, then made their way back upstairs to start. Sam and Colby were the only two to actually give their blood. It wasn’t new, they had played this game before, and they had done other blood rituals in the past, but somehow, every time there was blood involved in ritual they did, they both felt some infatuation towards the other. Yes, they’d been in a relationship for years now, but any time a ritual called for a little blood, there was this drawing and pulling feeling toward the other. They had talked about it too. They had come to the conclusion that it had something to do with their life path numbers; Colby being the empath, Sam being his ‘spirit guide’ they decided it just made sense.

Sam had gone and pricked his finger, and came back with the papers.

“Wait, so for Youtube you can show blood, you just can’t show bleeding?” Matt asked, genuinely shocked Sam did it.

“No, that's red paint.” Nick said, holding up air quotes.

“No, this is just red paint guys. This is for sure not actually blood.” Sam echoed, throwing a wink at the camera, and subsequently Colby, who felt his heart pick up at the action. Then it was Colby’s turn. He quickly pricked his finger, and came out with three papers. They set the papers out in the hallway, grabbed their candles, and prepared for the night.

As soon as the game started, Sam was ready to defend any of them, especially Colby. Even walking down the stairs, Sam asked if he was ok. He knew Colby wasn’t the most fond of these rituals, and how nervous he got with them. He wanted to make sure he was near Colby throughout the night, just in case.

-----------------------------------

The night had been going pretty well, Sam’s candle had gone out, but other than that, nothing too bad had happened. They had seen some weird lights, but chalked it up to their eyes playing tricks on them due to the candle light. They had cracked jokes to ease tension, Colby made sure to stay near Sam, and vice versa. They heard some noises, and decided where to do the Estes method for the first investigation. As much as Sam and Colby had wanted to stay by the other the whole night, they had planned to do a split up Estes method. They knew what was coming and what to prepare for, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t fill them with dread. They’d be on totally different floors, and were not happy to leave the other. Sam knew how anxious Colby gets during games and rituals, and Colby knew what being back in this house did to Sam. It could potentially be disastrous, but they did it for the video. The triplets didn’t know about their relationship, and since they were making this video uncut, there wasn’t the opportunity to tell them now. So, they split up, against every sane thought and feeling, they split up.

The Estes method went ok, they got some answers, but nothing as concrete as they wanted. The weirdest thing that they both got was hearing words and answers outside the headphones that Chris and Matt weren’t saying outloud.

They were then setting up for the next investigation where they had lots of equipment spread throughout the house. They had the music box, flux, 360, and rem pod in different rooms. As they were walking around and finishing setting up the music box, the flux started going off. Colby started to walk over, but stopped at the corner and waited, not wanting to go alone. Sam immediately followed, but just as Sam had gotten to Colby, Nick, Chris, and Matt heard tapping from the other end of the room they were in. It was then that Colby’s candle went out. Sam felt his heart stop. His candle going out he could deal with. He had dealt with attachments before, Colby had too, but like hell Sam was going to allow anything to happen to Colby. Not tonight, not during a game he started and suggested. They quickly lit the candle again, and looked around for a vent, there wasn’t a vent around. As Nick was attempting to describe what they had heard, the rem pod started signaling a temperature change.

The anxiety that Colby was feeling was getting to an overwhelming level. With everything going off, and his candle going out, he could tell he was steering towards an anxiety attack. As the other 4 moved to the doorway to the rem pod, he hung back. He decided to lean on the mantle above the fireplace for support while he tried to calm himself down. Not for the first time that night, he wished he could just hug Sam and feel the comfort he always seemed to provide.

Just as quick as everything started happening, it all seemed to die down, save for the rem pod temperature alarm. They decided to do their next investigation in the living room with the rem pod. Just as they decided, the flux and 360 had started going off. Colby then offered to go put the night vision camera with the 360, just in case. He was still anxious, but figured he’d be better off walking around than sitting still. Matt had went with him to help if his candle went out again. They brought out their new DR-60 for the next investigation, and Sam had made sure to sit next to Colby. Sam could tell Colby was getting anxious, and while he couldn’t do anything directly, he could be near him, offering silent support through the proximity. They sat close enough that their knees were touching the whole time.

After listening to the first recording on the DR-60, everyone was put further on edge. They tested it in two other locations and didn’t anything nearly as clear, but the recorder still picked up something. Throughout it all, Sam either stuck next to Colby or kept his eyes on him. Like his boyfriend, he wanted nothing more than to just hold him.

Their next investigation was, unfortunately, one person going alone. That person just happened to be Colby. Sam was stressed, so was Colby. Both of them were already buzzing with the emotional rollercoaster from the day, they were both tired and anxious, and this was icing on the cake.

“Alright, so we have one or two more investigations left. We have less than an hour left in the challenge, so do you wanna do it for 20 minutes?” Sam asked, he didn’t want to leave Colby for a minute more than he had to. Colby was quick to agree.

“Could you come like set me up real quick?” Colby asked, wanting just a bit more time with Sam.

“We’ll set you up.” Sam said, grabbing his candle along with Colby.

“Thank you, and then send me off.” Colby said with a smile.

“Oh I’ll set you up and send you off.” Sam replied with a suggestive tone in his voice. A tone Colby knew all too well.

Colby sat on the couch with his candle on the floor in front of him, a box of matches, and the Alice box.

“Could you put the camera over there?” Colby asked.

“What? You want me to do it all? Fuck! Alright.” Sam gave in. He knew Colby was already stressed, the least he could do was set the camera up for him so he could stay sitting and comfortable.

Sam, Nick, Chris, and Matt went upstairs to investigate Sam’s room with the EMF readers while Colby stayed downstairs. Colby didn’t get a ton, other than a bunch of names and a few other words, nothing that would formulate a story though.

Sam and the triplets did get a few answers, including that whatever screamed in the recorder earlier was still with them, and that they shouldn’t get their Taco Bell. That was the most disappointing for Sam, knowing how hungry Colby was, and how the food would help ease some of his anxiety.

The 20 minutes seemed to drag on way too long for both Sam and Colby, and both were itching for the time to pass faster. The minute time was up, Sam was rushing to get to Colby.

“Be careful, there’s multiple steps.” Nick said.

“Oh good call.” Colby said, reaching down for his candle.

“Do not die.” Sam said, half joking, half not. They went over what each of them got, before moving on once again. They were planning on doing another Estes method, but as they were trying to decide where to do it, Sam had a realization.

“Crazier idea, what if, because we’re supposed to be walking during this midnight man game, what if we do a walking Estes method?”

“From there to your room?” Nick asked.

“Yeah. Like, we slow walk, hold him, and then as…” Sam continued.

“Hold who?” Colby asked.

“You.” Sam replied, gesturing to Colby.

“What the fuck! Me again?” Colby shouted.

“You’re the Angel of Estes, bro.” Sam said, looking Colby in his eyes. Sam really adored when Colby did the Estes method. It somehow always turned out spectacularly for them.

“I am the Angel of Estes. That’s my nickname.” and it was true. Sam had called Colby that name before, in moments of doubt when Colby felt he wasn’t good enough at it, or he wasn’t doing enough for their videos. Sam was there to give him the reassurance.

“I was just thinking if you want to do Estes uh, we could, we could start here, and then move you throughout and see if you get better answers here or upstairs.” Sam finished explaining his idea.

“I mean, I’m down but like am I holding the candle and the spirit box?” Colby asked. He knew Sam wouldn’t let any harm come to him during this experiment, especially not after the last couple of videos. They had many discussions about what had happened and boundaries regarding their investigations since then, and Colby trusted Sam with his life.

“I’ll take your candle.” Matt offered.

“And then we’ll have two guiders and then I’ll hold the camera.” Sam stated.

“I can also hold the camera if you want to guide as well.” Chris said, leaning on the counter, most likely picking up on the fact that Sama dn Colby would be able to navigate the house together most efficiently. “Up to you.”

“Sick, yeah let’s do it.” Colby said, liking the idea more if Sam were to be the one guiding him. “I’m down for that.”

They got themselves set up for the investigation and planned out how long they would do it for, and when they would move. Nick took Colby’s candle, Chris took the camera, and Matt took Chris’ candle.

“When I tap your knee, that’s when we’re gonna stand up. If I tap your shoulder, get out.” Sam said, letting Colby know his game plan.

“Ok, got it.” he said, tying the blindfold around his head.

“We should have a tap for at the stairs.” Nick chimed in.

“Oh thank you.” Colby laughed.

“Oh yeah.” Sam stated. “I’m gonna tap you on the back when uh, we’re at the stairs.”

“Ok, cool.”

“That works?” Sam checked in.

“Yeah, that’s perfect.”

“So I’ll be the guide.” Secretly, that’s exactly what Sam and Colby wanted. They would get to be close to each other without being too obvious. Already, Colby could feel his anxiety subsiding. Before they started, Sam set a timer on his phone so they wouldn’t miss when to end the ritual. Time had been weird that night, no one had been able to keep an accurate track without checking their phones. They just wanted to play it safe so they could properly end the ritual.

“Alright, I’m going under.” Colby said, putting the headphones on.

“Alright, you got it.” Sam replied, touching Colby’s shoulder so Colby knew where he was. “Ok, we’ll give it a few minutes here before we go.” Then, they started the session. Sam sat as close as possible to Colby, their arms and legs touching. Almost immediately, Colby was getting answers that had made sense, living up to the nickname Sam gave him. A few minutes and answers after they started, they went to move upstairs.

Sam gently tapped Colby’s knee at first, then rubbed his hand down it gently to tell Colby to stand up. Sam stood up, then grabbed Colby’s arm to help him.

“You got it.” Colby repeated from the box as soon as he was standing. As they started walking, Sam kept a hand on Colby’s shoulder to help guide him, but eventually settled on wrapping his arm around Colby’s shoulder to hold him closer to his chest. To anyone else, it would look like proper guidance in a dimly lit house, but to them, it was the physical contact both had been needing to calm the swirling nerves.

As they were walking, Colby was calling out things that described the group, keeping them all on edge, but instead of the usual hardened features that Colby had been sporting all night when he was on edge, he now had a smile plastered all over his face. Even with the blindfold, you could tell the smile reached his eyes. All throughout, Sam still kept his arm around Colby’s shoulders.

They got to the stairs, and all three triplets started their ascent first. Sam tapped Colby’s back, and waited for him to find the railing before moving to take the first step up. Like hell he was going to let Colby get hurt when they were so close to the end. Slowly and carefully, Sam watched Colby’s feet as they met each step, and tightened his grip on the others’ shoulder to catch him in case of falling. Colby was still spitting out words he heard come through on the spirit box as he followed Sam’s guidance through their old house.

Much to Colby’s dismay, after they had stopped walking, Sam took his hand away. He always found he got better answers and things felt more clear if he had some physical contact with Sam while under the Estes method.

The answers they got were consistent with a warning to protect people from playing the game. They finished up the Estes method as the timer went off, and caught Colby up on the answers he gave. Shortly after, they made their way back downstairs, and into the salt circle to keep themselves protected while they ended the game. They blew out their candles and turned on a light, and had a quick discussion about the night.

Finally, they got their Taco Bell, and took some final pictures for their Instagrams. The triplets left shortly after eating, and left Sam and Colby to clean up.

They had gathered up the equipment and cleaned up the dropped matches and salt from the floor. By the time they finished, it was about 5 am. Sam was exhausted. He sighed and walked his way over to Colby, dropping his head against his chest.

“You ok?” Colby asked him, wrapping his arms around the blonde in his arms.

“Yeah, just drained. It was a lot being back, and doing the ritual again after so many years.”

“Yeah. Anything you want to talk about?”

“No, just hold me.” Sam said, voice barely above a whisper. Colby was happy to comply.

“That I can do.” and he did. He sat and held Sam, gently rubbing his back, keeping his hand on his upper back, avoiding where Sam had broken his back, scared the touch would stir up emotions neither of them wanted to deal with at the moment. Colby periodically would place gentle kisses to the top of Sam’s head as they swayed back and forth, just happy to be with the other. This was common after intense investigations, where they would just sway and hold the other until they felt ok again. This time was no different. It was about 30 minutes later when Sam finally picked his head up, and properly kissed Colby for the first time that night, which sealed the new found peace they finally had.

“Ready to leave?” Colby asked.

“One more walk through?” Sam asked. Colby didn’t have to ask why, he knew. Sam was wanting one last goodbye to the house before they left. They had a lot of history resting deep in the walls. Late night conversations, inside jokes, happy memories, sad memories, and one of their favorite memories still echoed in the now empty house. Sam walked upstairs, first to his room, the room where Colby had come in to talk to him years ago, and had admitted his feelings. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, replaying the memory. He saw everything so clearly in his mind, it was almost as if the scene was playing on a screen. Colby stood in the doorway, watching him, leaning against the frame. Sam turned around, tears in his eyes.

“You ok?” Colby asked, not moving, giving Sam his space.

“I just love you, so much. I couldn’t get through this life without you. This room holds one of the best memories of my life, it’s hard to let it go.” Sam said, a tear escaping his eyes.

Colby walked over, and gently wiped away the tear that was staining his boyfriend's face.

“Remember it that way then, love. Remember the happy memories here. The good ones outweigh the bad, and without the bad, the good wouldn’t have happened.” Colby wrapped his arms around Sam once more. It was true, it was shortly after Sam had come home from the hospital after breaking his back. When Sam couldn’t get out of bed, and needed help with almost everything. Colby took care of him. It was during that time that Colby decided to tell Sam about his feelings, and was shocked to learn Sam returned them. Colby vowed from them on to always take care of Sam. Sam vowed to always return the favor. Colby took Sam’s hand in his own, and led them back downstairs. As they were passing Colby’s old room, Sam threw a glance at the balcony, but didn’t stop walking. It didn’t do to dwell on his experiences from the past, and just allowed himself to be led by Colby to grab their stuff and leave the house. Sam was drained, but left feeling lighter than he had in awhile.

They got in the car to drive to the hotel, and Colby grabbed his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before driving away. They both had ghosts in that house, and they had both faced them that night. The memories had hit them both hard, but if they got anything from it, it was that they were both incredibly thankful for all their experiences. Without them, they wouldn’t be where they were now. Sam allowed his head to rest against the window, falling asleep still holding Colby’s hand. He knew, without a doubt, they’d be ok.

Chapter Text

Sam and Colby had been broken up for about a year. They were still close, life-long friends, that was never changing. They still had their rooms right across from each other in the Trap House. All their friends knew their history. The only reason they broke up was because their professional work life was interfering with their relationship, and neither knew how to handle it, so they ended the relationship and decided to remain close friends and keep their channels going. Nothing was awkward or anything, you couldn’t tell. The roommates were all chill with the history, no one cared, it was honestly like it never happened….

Almost.

See, here’s the thing, the attraction never ended, unlike the relationship. Try as they may, some things just don’t “end”. That was the most difficult thing. Both Sam and Colby still held that attraction deep in their cores, and ignoring it was harder than the relationship had been. Sometimes, neither cared to keep boundaries drawn. They didn’t spend AS much time with each other as they used to, for obvious reasons, and not so obvious reasons. They had learned that spending too much time with the other led to… situations, shall we say. Someone didn’t end up in the right room after a drink, or was it a redbull while editing, no one could be too sure, but can you blame them?

‘I haven’t heard from you in a couple of months
But I’m out right now and I’m all fucked up…’

In their defenses, it had been a while since an “incident” happened. Months, actually. Colby was out with Brennen and a few others. They were bar hopping, and to say Colby was drunk, was an understatement. He was at least 5 drinks in on an empty stomach, and was in the middle of a dance floor.

‘And you’re calling my phone, you’re all alone,
And I’m sensing some undertone…”

Colby’s phone started buzzing in his pocket, so he went to the bathroom where it wasn’t much quieter to answer.

“Hellooooo?” Colby slurred into the microphone.

“Colby?” It was Sam.

“Sammy!”

“Are you drunk?” Sam asked, Colby knew he sounded off, but he couldn’t tell how.

“Maybe, why?” He managed to say without laughing.

“Oh, I was hoping you were coming home soon.” He sounded disappointed.

“Why’s that Sammy.” Colby asked, the smirk evident in his voice.

“I think you know why, Colby. But, go have fun out. I’ll see you in the morning.” With that, Sam hung up the phone.

Colby walked out of the bathroom and back to the group.

“Colbyyyyyy, you good bro?” Brennen asked, slinging an arm around his shoulder.

‘And I’m right here with all my friends
But you’re sending me your new address
And I know we’re done, I know we’re through
But god when I look at you…’

“Yeah, yeah I’m good. I think I’m gonna get water and head home, I’m pretty tired.” He said, starting to make his way over to the bar.

“What? Dude we’ve only been out for 2 hours! It’s only midnight!” Brennen protested, Colby didn’t care. He got some water, drank it, closed his tab, and ordered an uber home.

“Yeah, I’m just tired. You know tequila makes me tired as hell dude.” Colby said, before turning to the group, saying goodbye, and walking out of the bar. It wasn’t long before the Uber got there, and he climbed into the backseat. He pulled out his phone to send a text.

C: I’m on my way home. Be there in 10.

Sam: see you soon xx

‘My brain goes ‘ahh’
Can’t hear my thoughts
Like blah-blah-blah
Should probably not, I should probably probably not
I should probably, probably not…’

Colby’s brain was a mess. While the water did help, he was still marginally drunk (like the author oh lord someone help), and knowing what was waiting at home was almost too much. He knew they most likely shouldn’t be having their little rendezvous, but he couldn’t care less at this point. It had been going on almost as long as they had been broken up.

‘Seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea right?
Seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea right?
Seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea right?
Seeing you tonight, fuck it, it’s fine.’

God it was a bad idea to be fucking your ex without anyone knowing, but he couldn’t help it. He still loved Sam, he still wanted to be with Sam. So what if they were ex’s. Friends with benefits are a thing right? That’s at least what Colby was telling himself.

‘Yes I know that he’s my ex, but can’t two people reconnect?
“I only see him as a friend” the biggest lie I ever said
Oh yes, I know that he’s my ex, but can’t two people reconnect?
I only see him as a friend, I just tripped and fell into his bed.’

So that’s how Colby spent the rest of his night, tangled up with Sam in his room, acting like they weren’t ex’s, like they were still together. It was undeniable what they still felt for each other. The roommates all suspected it wasn’t over between the two; they way they looked at each other, with stolen glances and flushed faces. Like the roommates hadn’t gone looking for one in the early morning, only to find one not in their room, or both in the one room, tangled in messy blankets and scattered bruises across bare chests. None of them said anything, of course, it wasn’t their place.

-----------------------------------

‘Now I’m getting in the car, wrecking all my plans
I know I should stop, but I can’t…’

Sam, while he was at a party, for 5 minutes, decided ‘fuck that’. He was alone there, and didn't really know anyone. He’d been standing in a corner not talking to anyone for that entire 5 minutes before he decided to dip. He made an Irish goodbye, and was hopping back in his car to go back home.

S: lame party. I’m headed back.

Colby: Oh good. Come upstairs.

He knew what that meant, and if he drove a little faster than usual home, well that was between him and the speedometer.

‘And I told my friends I was asleep
But I never said where or in whose sheets…”

Kat: Sam, where’d you go?

S: Started to not feel well. I’m just going home to sleep.

Kat: Oh, I’m sorry. Feel better!

He was definitely about to do both, feel better and sleep, and if it wasn’t in his own bed, then who cares.

‘And I pull up to your place on the second floor
And you’re standing, smiling at the door
And I’m sure I’ve seen much hotter men
But I really can’t remember when…’

Sam had gotten home relatively quickly for how far the party was. He walked in the door, kicked his shoes off, hung his keys on the hook and made his way up the stairs. As he made his way down the narrow hallway towards their rooms, he saw Colby, arms crossed, leaning against his open doorframe with a devilish smirk and an insatiable look in his eyes. Sam paused for just a minute before walking right up to Colby, and connecting their lips, pushing them back into the room and shutting the door behind them.

‘My brain goes ‘ahh’
Can’t hear my thoughts
Like blah-blah-blah
Should probably not, I should probably probably not
I should probably, probably not…’

Sam's brain officially shut down, it always did with Colby. Colby always took over when they got into ‘situations’, and he loved it. He loved that he didn't have to think and could just let Colby take over. It was a time of peace for him, he trusted Colby, and it wasn’t like they hadn’t done this before. They were in a relationship a year ago. This was nothing new.

‘Seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea right?
Seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea right?
Seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea right?
Seeing you tonight, fuck it, it’s fine.’

Sam knew it most likely wasn’t the best idea, to be messing around with your ex and being friends. It was a very slippery slope they were dancing on, not that he cared. He knew the most likely outcome was them getting back together, that’s at least what he told himself. He loathed the idea of a different outcome; Colby finding someone else. He knew he would never unless Colby did. So what if he was potentially setting himself up for a heartbreak? Right now, Colby was on top of him, (when did that happen) and he was drunk on the feeling.

‘Yes I know that he’s my ex, but can’t two people reconnect?
“I only see him as a friend” the biggest lie I ever said
Oh yes, I know that he’s my ex, but can’t two people reconnect?
I only see him as a friend, I just tripped and fell into his bed.’

Sam truly didn’t care anymore. He would do this as long as Colby wanted. He was well and thoroughly fucked-out. He was now lying with Colby, in Colby’s bed, watching some movie the other had put on. He wasn’t paying attention, too tired to care now.

Colby was perfectly content letting the random movie play while he drifted off to sleep, holding a worn-out Sam in his arms. To say he missed this part of their relationship was an understatement. He so incredibly missed it. If he knew where Sam was at, he’d suggest they get back together, but felt it was too risky, so he kept his mouth shut.

“Hey Colby, dude you gotta- WOAH, bro put some clothes on jesus.” Corey said walking into Colby’s room, then immediately covering his eyes when he saw the scene in front of him.

“Shit, sorry!” Colby jumped and rushed to grab sweatpants, throwing a blanket over Sam.

“Alright, just tell me. Are you guys back together, or not?” Corey asked, getting frustrated. Sam and Colby had been doing this for, he couldn’t even keep track of how long he’s been catching them since they broke up. “Did you even actually break up?”

Neither had an answer, because, the more they thought about it, no no they hadn’t. They had simply been doing some things more independently, but nothing had really changed.

Corey shook his head when he didn’t get an answer from them.”Ok, got it. You SAID you broke up, but really haven’t. Ha ha guys, yeah good prank, NOT!” He said, walking out of the room, once again closing the door.

“So, I guess we really didn’t break up, huh.” Sam said, looking down at his hands in his lap.

“Guess not.” Colby said.

“So, are we back together? Together? Only, only if you want, that is.”

“Is that what you want?” Colby asked, crawling back onto his bed, looking Sam in the eyes.

“Yes, please.” It was barely a whisper.

“Then, yeah, that’s what I want.” Colby said, closing the distance between them for the second time that night.

Who says ex’s can’t reconnect?

Chapter Text

Colby was standing off to a side wall all night. Not that the party was boring, not by any means. It was a Tara party after all. He simply wasn’t in the best of moods. He was on his fourth White Claw of the night, officially having each flavor in the box, not that he could fully taste a difference now. The can was dented from where he was gripping it tightly. Not too many people had bothered him, probably because he was sporting an almost venomous glare.

He wasn’t like that the whole night. In fact, he started out his night in the best of moods. Laughing with Tara as she welcomed him to the party, cheering on people as they took shots, dancing stupidly with friends, screaming lyrics to a One Direction song with Tara when the DJ finally played it over 2 hours into the night. In fact, he’s only been standing against a wall brooding for about 45 minutes.

He couldn’t even fully explain it. He was a whirlwind of emotions; upset, jealous, indigent. On top of all of that, he was truly, utterly, disappointed.

In all honesty, he probably shouldn’t be standing alone, at his friends party, gripping a can so harshly the sides were now touching each other. In all honesty, he probably didn’t even have the right. Yet, here he was, doing just that, and for what? He couldn’t be sure. He really shouldn’t have the right to be acting how he was. He hasn’t earned that right. But that’s the funny thing about emotions, right? Sometimes they just show up whether you want them to or not. It’s what you do with them that delivers an outcome. Right now, Colby had no idea what to do with the emotions he was feeling. So, he finished his drink, went over to the bar, and got a shot of, lord knows what, and quickly downed that, too.

You see, he was having a grand time, until HE decided to do something stupid. Really, it was all his fault, not Colby’s. If he hadn’t done anything, Colby would still be having a good time. That realization made him see red. The hot rage was just settling in his bones, the alcohol definitely not helping.

What had Colby so up in arms? Well, simply put, Sam. Or, to be more specific, Sam’s so-called “boyfriend” who he had brought to the party. Colby didn’t know HE had come too, until about an hour ago when he finally decided to show up. Colby, in his drunken state, could hardly remember the guy's name, Brodey? Braden? Bradley? Who knows, not worth remembering.

They hadn’t been together long, Colby had only met him one other time, and yet, the guy felt he had the audacity to be a complete and utter douchebag. Poor Sam, trying to introduce the guy to his friends, completely ignored. The guy, or douche to Colby, was simply more infatuated with his phone than anything else. Sam was trying to have a conversation with Douche, but it looked more like talking to a wall. At one point, Douche had gotten a call when Sam was excitedly telling him something, and simply shushed Sam with a rude finger, and walked away, immediately becoming engrossed in his phone call, leaving Sam to stand waiting for him to finish.

That was when Colby decided to go back to the bar for a shot. He had 1 more before he went back over to his wall, now with a water to try and null the hangover that was looming in his future. He settled back in his spot, scowl still etched deeply onto his face. He scanned the room and once again found Sam and Douche. Douche was now back to texting and Sam looked to be almost pleading with the guy to be more engaged. Brick. Wall.

Colby, feeling more sober with the intense feeling and water now included in his system, was pissed. How dare anyone think they have the right to treat Sam, wonderful, sunshine Sam like that? The same Sam who bought Devin a very nice birthday gift after their, essentially, harmless prank on her birthday, the same Sam who would always be the first to check in on everyone. The same Sam who always made sure he had someone’s favorite candy on deck after pranking them. The same exact Sam who helped Colby through the darkest times, bailing him out of jail and spending $8k total, without hesitation, who would take Colby out after a heartbreak, who planned the nicest surprise party for him. That Sam, the nicest, most understanding, thoughtful person.

Sam didn’t deserve that. Sam deserved the world. This guy couldn’t do that. This guy couldn’t give 10 minutes of his time. 10 minutes, not that Colby was totally tracking, but him and Sam’s rooms were right next to each other, and Douche, true to his nickname, couldn’t give others the courtesy of being quiet, if you know what he means.

Suddenly, Douche looked like he was yelling… at Sam. Colby wanted to put his fist through the guy’s face. Sam, the sweetest guy he is, wasn’t yelling back, instead, his voice looked calm and even, just a pleading look on his face. Douche, ever living up to the name, walked right past Sam, pushing shoulders as he did so. He threw up a middle finger in his wake, and walked out of the venue. Colby had enough. He followed the guy out.

“Hey Douche!”

“Who the fuck are you?” the guy responded, clearly not remembering they had met.

“Don’t fucking worry about that. Stay the hell away from Sam.”

“Look dude, I don’t know who you are, but you don’t have the right to tell me I can or can’t see my boyfriend. So, kindly fuck off.” The guy said with a scoff.

Colby couldn’t help it, he punched the guy. Not hard enough to knock him out, just enough to bloody his nose and send a message. “Stay away from him.” With that, he turned and walked back into the venue. Luckily for him, Tara had used this particular bouncer before, and double lucky for him, he knew the guy pretty well.

“Don’t let him back in.” Colby muttered under his breath to the bouncer, handing the guy a $50 for his trouble.

“You got it Colby. You didn’t have to pay me know you.”

“Yeah, but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t see what just happened.” Colby said, a smile presenting itself for the first time in probably an hour and a half.

“See what?” the bouncer replied with a smirk.

“You’re the best.” Colby said, tapping him on the shoulder before walking back inside.

Colby walked over to the bar once more, getting another water, drinking some before heading to the bathroom. He had to wash some of the guy’s blood off his now bruising knuckles. He had the smallest cut on his hand from the guy's teeth, but nothing terrible. It still hurt, and would probably be sore the next day, but it was absolutely worth it in Colby’s opinion.

Colby walked out of the bathroom, still flexing and shaking his hand to make sure he didn’t break it, feeling much better now that Douche was gone. That was until Sam walked up to him.

“Hey Colby, have you seen Brian?” Sam asked, looking worried.

Brian, so that was his name.

“Nope.” Colby said, which wasn’t a total lie, he hadn’t seen him since their altercation outside. “Why?”

“I think he’s mad at me, want to make sure he’s ok.” Sam replied, looking down at his shoes.

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah, why do you ask?” Sam looked back up. If it had been anyone else, the quick flash of panic would’ve gone unnoticed, but this was Colby. He knew Sam better than anyone, could read him like a damn book.

“You didn’t seem ok. That douche isn’t worth your time.”

“What do you mean? You’ve barely met him.” Sam said, confusion written on his face.

“Yeah, but I’ve been watching. He had his nose in his phone the whole time he was here, which was a grand total of,” Colby looked at his phone to see the time, “55 minutes! A new record!”

“He’s just busy with work!” Sam defended, voice not sounding totally confident in his answer.

“Sam, he literally put his finger over your mouth to make you stop talking. It’s past midnight, there’s no way in hell he’s on the clock now. You were practically talking to a brick wall all night. I may not have met him many times, but I’m not blind. He’s a douche, through and through.” Colby said with a shrug and a smirk.

Sam didn’t have an answer. He just once again looked down at the floor. He knew what Colby was saying had some merit, whether he wanted to see it or not.

“Look, I’m not telling you what you should do with your life, if you’re truly happy then I’m gonna support you. All I’m saying is,” he took a step closer, and lifted Sam’s face with a finger. Where he got the confidence from, he’ll never know, “I know you. I know you’re not happy. You deserve so much better than what he can give you.”

Sam just looked at Colby in awe, then smirked. “What do I deserve then Colby?”

“The world.” Colby replied, still looking into Sam’s eyes. The music still thrummed around them, the bass pounding in their chests. They stayed like that for god knows how long, just staring, standing, Colby’s hand still resting under Sam’s chin, his thumb gently holding.

Suddenly, Sam’s eyes welled up with tears. He let out a sign, and just allowed his forehead to fall against Colby’s chest.

“What do I do?” He asked, voice cracking at the last words.

Colby wrapped his arms around Sam, just holding him to his chest.

“Honestly? Break up with him.”

“I don’t know where he is.” Sam said, still not moving.

Colby sighed.

“What do you know?” Sam asked, he knew that sigh, it was a specific one he heard many times.

“I may have followed him outside and punched him.”

“You punched him?” Sam almost shouted at Colby, taking a step back out of his arms.

“Not hard! Just gave him a bloody nose and told him to stay away from you.” Colby defended.

“Why did you do that?”

“He was treating you like shit! No one is going to treat you like that and get away with it as long as I’m around.”

“Colby…” Sam’s voice trailed off.

“No! Douche was being a douche, and deserved it!”

“Did, did you just call him douche?” Sam asked with a laugh.

“I can’t remember his name, and if the shoe fits…”

Sam was full on laughing now. Good. This is the Sam he knew, the bright, happy, smiley Sam.

“Oh my god. You’re ridiculous.” Sam said with a shake of his head.

“Give me your phone.” Colby demanded, holding his hand out.

Sam, without hesitating, just handed it over. “Why?”

“You’ll see.” Colby said, nose buried in Sam’s phone, as he unlocked it and started typing.

“Colby, what are you doing?” Sam tried to look over Colby’s shoulder, but Colby shielded the screen from his view.

“Just wait!” He stood typing for a couple minutes more before passing Sam’s phone back to him.

Sam carefully read through everything Colby had typed into a chat, but didn’t hit send, yet. It read:

“Hey Douche, thanks for ignoring me through a party I invited you to. Just know, it’s the last you’re getting invited to. Don’t call me, don’t text me, I’m done with your pathetic ass. You never deserved me anyway. Have fun being a pathetic loser who can’t last more than 10 minutes!”

Colby hit send before Sam could say anything after reading it.

“Colby!”

“I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true.” Sam simply sighed in response, and pocketed his phone.

“You really think I deserve better?”

“Of course you do, why wouldn’t you?”

“I don’t know.” Sam said, once again looking down at his feet.

“As I said before, you deserve the world. I meant that. You just need someone to show you.” Colby said, once again stepping forward to wrap his arms around Sam.

“Why’d you punch him?”

“I told you, no one will treat you like that while I’m around.”

“There’s something else too. How did you know everything, were you watching me?”

“Maybe.”

“Why?”

I can’t keep my eyes off you.” Colby said, voice dropping just for Sam to hear.

“Really?”

“Is that so shocking?”

“I mean, a little.” Sam said, face turning a beautiful shade of pink.

“Why’s that so shocking? Have you seen yourself?” Colby pushed Sam away from his chest, and held him by the shoulders.

“I guess, but like, you, looking at me?”

“And what’s that supposed to mean, Golbach?” Colby retorted, a smirk playing at his lips.

“I think you know exactly what I mean, Brock.” Sam held his ground, now looking straight into Colby’s eyes, not backing down from the challenge.

“Oh fuck it.” Colby said, breathlessly. Hands still on Sam’s shoulders, he pulled Sam into him, and kissed him. He felt Sam tense up under him, then practically melt into him. Sam put his hands on Colby’s hips, pulling them closer together, bodies now flush against each other.

Colby moved a hand from Sam’s shoulder to his neck, lightly squeezing the outsides, making Sam gasp. Colby took full advantage of this, and used the moment to slip his tongue into Sam’s mouth, taking control. If it was possible Sam relaxed more into Colby’s touch.

Sam pulled away first, just for a moment, to say one thing that would make Colby’s head spin. “Take us home.” Then, before there was a reply, Sam was back to kissing Colby like his life depended on it.

The trip home was a blur of half drunk kisses, wandering hands, and whispers of promises that were later to come. Neither quite knew how long the trip was, nor did they care. It was desperate, needy, and both were itching with anticipation by the time they had gotten home.

It was a mess of rushing hands, panting breaths, the need of closeness, and eventually finally, stumbling up the stairs and crashing down onto Sam’s bed. Colby was hovering over Sam, who was laying on his back. They were still desperately grabbing at one another, grabbing at clothes, trying not to break their kiss. Eventually, Sam pulled Colby’s shirt over his head, and went immediately to kissing down his neck and chest. Colby, just let him.

“This ok?” Sam asked, barely breaking contact with the skin of Colby’s chest.

“Fuck yes, Sam. So ok.” He could feel the smile on Sam’s face. “Lay back for me.” Colby said, and Sam did just that. Colby gently pulled Sam’s shirt over his head, and traced his fingers lightly up Sam’s sides, feeling the goosebumps raise. All the while, Sam was watching Colby’s face with parted lips, a flushed face, and heavy breaths.

Colby bent down again, kissing Sam’s neck, right under his jaw, a spot he’s seen Sam gently rub for comfort, and now, it was a spot that elicited the most wonderful noise Colby thinks he’s ever heard. He slowly made his way down with his lips, while using the hand on the opposite side to touch every bit of skin he could.

As Colby went lower, Sam’s breath picked up, shallow breaths turned into gasp searching for more. Colby went slow, he wanted to not only enjoy it, he wanted to savor it. After many sleepless nights hearing Sam with Douche. Not that he was kept up by them for long, which Colby came to the conclusion wasn’t Sam’s fault, but he was kept up by hearing a shower with muffled moans and quiet cries, as well as his own thoughts afterwards. He was determined to show Sam what he was missing. He wanted to show Sam what he was worth; Colby wanted to show Sam someone would absolutely worship him, and that’s just what he did.

Colby took his time, allowing himself to touch and kiss every inch of Sam’s body, leaving nothing untouched. Sam allowed himself to be loved. He wasn’t used to the attention, to being cared for like this. Part of him was anxious to take care of Colby too, and to take care of him first, as that’s all he had learned recently. He wasn’t with Brian long, but that kind of thing is quick to seep its way into your brain and bones. It’s a plague of self-doubt that turns into a habit you can’t break easily. It seemed Colby had picked up on that, and was going to make Sam break it.

Every time Sam moved to touch Colby, to move to change who was driving the situation, Colby would quickly put an end to it.

“Let me take care of you.” Colby whispered into his ear, lips brushing against his skin, before moving to once again kiss that spot he found before. “Let me show you what you’ve been missing.” Back to kissing that spot. Sometime during this, Colby had gotten both of Sam’s wrists pinned above his head, and was holding them with one hand, his free hand was working its way up and down Sam’s body. All the while, Colby had been rolling his hips down on Sam’s at an agonizing pace, leaving Sam wanting, needing more from the man above him.

“Colby, please.” Sam replied, it came out as a breathy moan, moving himself against Colby, itching to get more out of the other.

“Patience is a virtue. I’ll take care of you in ways you’ve never dreamed.”

That was it for them. The night was spent with Colby all over Sam. Touching, kissing, taking his time making Sam believe he was worthy of someone worshiping him. By the end, Sam had endless small bruises littering his neck, chest, thighs, hips, everywhere. His hair was a knotted mess he would not be excited about brushing out. His legs were shaking uncontrollably, and he was nervous to stand. His heart was racing, he couldn’t get enough air, even with taking big, deep, panting breaths. He was seeing stars, and felt like he was on cloud nine. He had no idea how much time had passed, but it had to have been a lot, if the dried ‘evidence’ was anything to go by.

“You ok?” a soft voice from beside him asked. He turned his head and was met with the most striking blue eyes he’d ever seen.

“Yeah, I’m ok. Exhausted, but, wow.” Sam was having trouble making sentences. His voice was raw, and throat hurt from the hours spent.

“Yeah? Good?”

“So good, but we’re a bit disgusting now.” he let out a small laugh, now realizing just how bad it was.

Colby stood up first, and held out a hand for Sam to take. Sam took his hand, wincing as he sat up.

“Oh fuck. Colby, I need help.” His face flushing red with embarrassment now.

“Ok, hold on. Sit here for just a moment, I’ll be right back.” Colby said, and walked out of his room. Sam, still not out of the unfortunate habit Douche had mindlessly instilled, sighed. There was a pause, a moment. Sam felt the pit in his stomach return. He didn’t trust his legs to actually support him yet, so he sat. Right where Colby had left him. He let out a small laugh to himself about what seemed to be the ridiculousness of it all. Before he knew it, he was going on a spiral, and tears were forming.

Were the promises nothing to Colby? It seemed Colby knew how Brian treated him, or more accurately, used him. Colby had promised something different, and now he just left. Were all the things he said just a ploy to get what he wanted so he could leave? What is it about him that’s just easy? Easy to use, and to leave right after. The feeling was stuck in his stomach, and was lurching and pushing against his insides, he felt sick.

“Sam? Sam! What happened, what’s wrong. Are you hurt?” Colby was kneeling in front of him, grabbing his hands and gently holding them while rubbing his thumbs over the backs of his hands.

“Y-you left me.” Sam barely choked out, his voice even more hoarse than it was before.

“No, I just went to turn on my shower, because it’s bigger. You said you needed help, I was going to help you so you wouldn’t have to stand. I’m back, I promise. I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have left you.” Colby simply pulled Sam to his chest and held him. “Let’s get cleaned up, yeah? I won’t leave you.” He felt Sam nod against him, but he didn’t say anything. “Ok, come on.” Sam wrapped his arms around Colby’s neck as Colby carefully picked him up. Colby carefully carried Sam to the now hot shower, and spent time making sure Sam was clean, and ok. After the shower, Colby helped Sam dry off, then gave him one of his hoodies to wear. It was their merch, but it was still from Colby’s closet.

“Prefect fit.” Colby said, taking a step back and looking at Sam who was now sitting on Colby’s bed. Colby had then gotten dressed himself, and crawled into his bed next to Sam, wrapping his arms around him. “I’d never leave you. I’m always going to be here for you. Always.”

“Thank you.” was the only whispered response he got, as Sam relaxed further into Colby’s arms and allowed himself to slowly drift to sleep. As Colby watched Sam sleep in his arms, he made a hard promise to himself right then and there he would never let anything hurt Sam again. Sam would never be alone again as long as he was standing. Sam deserved it all, and Colby would be the best boyfriend possible. That much, he was certain on.

Chapter Text

Hey….. how yall doin?

So sorry I haven’t updated recently, I’m working on it. Since I’ve last updated, here’s what’s happened. My dog died on the same day I got hired for a new job. I went apartment hunting so I could move for said job. Got denied for said apartment, so I’m now living there under my dad lol, my sister got married and I was her maid of honor. Then I started dating one of the groomsmen. So, yeah. It’s been a time. I’ve now started my new job, and moved, so maybe I’ll have time to write.

Again, super sorry about no updates as of late, but next chapter will be the continuation of last one! Yay! Anywhosles, leave more suggestions, give kudos, comment literally anything idc. Enjoy life.

I’m working on it I swear
-currently_cryying :)

Chapter Text

The following week had gone by in somewhat of a blur. It was a mess of stolen kisses, hushed voices, and avoided conversations they knew they needed to have. They hadn’t fully talked about what happened. Scratch that. They hadn’t talked about it at all, scared to break whatever bubble they had been living in. Colby knew they had to talk, especially after he walked back into Sam’s room and saw him crying. So, one afternoon when they had the house to themselves, Colby sat Sam down to talk.

“Sam, you busy?” Colby asked, walking into Sam’s room.

“No, not really, why?” Sam said, looking up from his computer.

“I think we need to talk.”

“About….” Sam trailed off. He could guess what Colby wanted to talk about, but he really didn’t feel like opening that up, not with things still so fresh.

“About last week. About what happened, about us.”

Sam sighed. “Ok.” He got up, and moved to sit on the edge of his bed, then pat the space next to him. Colby went and sat next to him, keeping distance between them just in case. “What’s up?”

“I guess, to start out, are you ok?”

“Yeah. I’m ok.” Sam’s voice had lost all power it previously had. He could tell during the past week Colby was worried about him. He could see it in the glances he snuck at his friend, the way Colby seemed to walk on eggshells around him. It was obvious Colby was worried.

“Are you sure?”

“It was just a lot, but yeah.”

“Want to talk about it? You know I’m here for you.” Colby said, looking at Sam’s face. Sam was looking at his hands in his lap. Sam took a deep breath.

“I’m not sure. That whole night was just a lot and a lot happened, you know?”

Colby felt the world come crashing down and settle deep in his chest. He was probably a contributing factor to the discomfort Sam was feeling now. He even quite possibly took advantage of Sam, without meaning to. Did Sam see it as a drunken mistake? They were both drunk that night, but still. He felt the crushing weight of guilt even with the possibility that he was partially responsible for Sam’s mental turmoil. He promised himself nothing would hurt Sam, and here he was, possibly being a reason Sam was hurt.

“I’m so sorry.” he whispered, not trusting his voice to not crack.

“Why are you sorry?” Sam asked, suddenly looking up at Colby.

“For everything. For pushing you, for taking advantage of you when I should’ve just been there for you.” Colby stood up and started pacing around the room. “Fuck! I-I should’ve known, I was drunk. That’s no excuse, but I should’ve fucking known. I’m so fucking sorry.” Colby mentally kicked himself. The guilt was passing, being replaced with white hot anger, at himself.

“Colby, look at me.” Sam's voice, for the first time this conversation, was solid. Colby froze in place, eyes snapping to look at Sam. “You're ok. I’m not upset with you. You didn’t take advantage of me. I had 1 and a half drinks. I knew what I was doing. I could’ve stopped you.” His voice carried a certainty with it that demanded the racing thoughts in Colby’s head to come to a complete stop, and dissipate.

“Ok, yeah, ok.” He took a breath, nodding his head at Sam’s words. “Still. I’m sorry.” He said, sitting back down where he originally was.

“You don’t have to be sorry, but thank you.”

“So, if it wasn’t me, then..” his voice trailed, as he looked at Sam. Sam’s gaze returned to his hands in his lap, fingers gently picking at his skin.

“Just, the whole of everything. You were probably the one good thing about it.”

“Oh.” was all Colby could come up with in response. “Sam?”

“Yeah?” Sam said, looking up at Colby.

“Did he ever, god I don’t even want to ask, but did he ever hurt you?” He watched as Sam froze. His breath stopped, his fidgeting hands paused their movements.

Sam took maybe 5 seconds to answer, but it felt longer. That silence cut Colby to the core.

“Not physically. He didn’t abuse me, I don’t think, but yeah, he wasn’t great.” Sam finally said, seemingly to carefully choose his words.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“It’s a lot. I don’t even think I could tell it all.” There was something behind his voice, shame, maybe? Colby couldn’t tell.

“Tell what you want. You shouldn’t have to carry that alone.” Colby grabbed one of Sam’s hands and just held it in his lap, rubbing small circles on the back with his thumb.

“Are you sure?” Colby only nodded, a silent encouragement and reassurance he was there. “Ok. I don’t think he ever abused me, it at least didn’t feel like that, more so just emotionally unavailable I guess? He didn’t really ever listen to me when I asked something of him. Like, if I asked him to stop doing something because I didn’t like it, he’d stop for a day before going right back to it. He was always jealous of anyone, especially you. He hated whenever I hung out with people without him there, yet he never wanted to do anything with me; he only wanted to sit inside and watch TV, or play video games.”

“He’d do things he knew you didn’t like?” Colby interrupted. He was getting more and more angry as Sam went on, but was doing his very best to not show it.

“Sometimes. Every now and then.” Sam almost whispered.

Colby simply pulled Sam into his arms. He felt Sam relax a bit, which helped his own emotional state, barely. Colby let go before moving himself up to the headboard of Sam’s bed, and held his arms out for Sam. He took the hint, and went up to and half laid in Colby’s arms before he continued.

“It was like, he was allowed to go out and do things with his friends, and I just had to be ok with it, but if I was ever out, or with friends, it was wrong. He’d ignore me for hours, sometimes days at a time if I was with friends. There was one time,” Sam let out a little laugh at the ridiculousness of what he was about to tell. “One time, he had left the house like 20 minutes earlier, and he was so stressed I had someone “in my room”,” he did air quotes, “that he had me send him a video of my entire room to show there wasn’t anyone over.”

“Sam, I’m so sorry.” Colby replied, voice quiet.

Sam kept going. “Like, remember when I drove Jake and Tara to the airport? He was so mad. He literally texted me ‘I don’t understand why you have to do it.’”

“That’s crazy.”

“Right? It’s not like he didn’t have my phone password. I told him he could look through it anytime he wanted. I didn’t care, I didn’t have anything to hide!” Sam was starting to laugh at the situation, but there was still a frustration that was slipping through.

Colby could sympathize, he’s felt similarly before. It’s when a situation is just so frustratingly ridiculous that you have to laugh or you’re going to cry. Colby could also tell Sam was just at the point where he had been keeping this in for so long, he just needed it off his chest.

“Did you have his password?” He asked, hopefully it wasn’t as crazy as he thought.

“No! Now, maybe that was my fault, I never asked for it.”

“Sam, none of that is your fault.” Colby furrowed his eyebrows, confused as to how Sam could think any of what he just described was his fault.

“It’s just, he never TRUSTED me. I did nothing to make him think otherwise. He had my phone password, I always told him where I was going and who I was with. I’d give him fucking UPDATES throughtout the day. He had my location. Permission to check my phone literally whenever he wanted, he met all my friends, and yet? He STILL asked me if I was ‘sleeping around’ or with my friends.”

Colby didn’t know what to say, the sheer audacity of Douche was outstanding. Sam had always been loyal, he would have never slept around while in a relationship, yet here he was being accused of exactly that. It was absurd.

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s whatever. He’s gone now. I actually haven’t heard from him at all. I guess I have you to thank for that.”

“You’re welcome. It was great fun.” Sam laughed.

“Thank you.” They stayed lying together for awhile, just talking about random things.

“So,” Sam started after a little while, “What are we?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, like, we did sleep together a week ago, so what are we? Friends? Friends with benefits? More?” The last word was said so quietly that Colby almost didn’t catch it. He wouldn’t have if he couldn’t feel Sam’s jaw moving from where his head was resting on his chest.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think I’m the one who should call that shot here.”

“Huh?” Sam looked up at Colby.

“I mean, you’re the one who just got out of a relationship, albeit, not a great one from the sounds of it.” Sam laughed. “But I think it should depend on what you’re ready for and comfortable with.”

“Would you want more?”

“More than anything, but I will not be the person who makes you uncomfortable or pushes you before you’re ready.”

“I know you won’t. I’m ok with more, a relationship, if you are?”

“That’s all I want.” Colby placed a gentle kiss on top of Sam’s head, which made the latter smile. “We can go as slow as you’d like.”

“Thank you.” Sam said, once more settling back into Colby’s arms.

-----------------------------------

It had been about a month since their conversation, and while mostly good, Colby could tell there were some lasting effects from Douche. Although not often, there were moments where a sudden movement that was too close, too touchy, that Colby would notice Sam tense up, before taking a breath and relaxing once again. It’s why Colby never pushed Sam. He could see the tension, the nerves, so he never pushed. He waited, was patient, letting Sam take control of the entire situation. He let Sam guide their pace, and slowly, as the days went by with no expectations of anything, Sam was allowing the wall he built to come down.

“Hey Colbs?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you busy tonight?”

“Um, I don’t think I have anything planned, why?”

“Good. Be dressed and ready by 8, I wanna take you out.”

Colby laughed at the sudden confidence from Sam, not really having seen this side of his friend turned boyfriend. “Sounds good.”

As 8 o’clock rolled around, Colby was standing by their front door, waiting for Sam. Not even a minute later, Sam walked out from the kitchen holding a single red rose.

“For you.” He said, holding it out for Colby to take.

“A little cliche, don’t you think?”

“Absolutely. However, I plan to spoil you tonight.”

“Well thank you.” He leaned over to give Sam a small but meaningful kiss. “I love it.”

Sam smiled and held out his hand for Colby to take. Colby placed his hand in Sam’s as they then made their way outside to Sam’s car.

“Can I ask where we’re going?”

“Nope. A surprise.” Sam glanced at Colby with a wink.

“Why am I not surprised? Alright, Golbach. Surprise me.”

Sam wordlessly reached out and put his hand on Colby’s knee, giving it a slight squeeze in response. Colby was stunned, to say the least. It’s the most intimacy that Sam had initiated since that one night, and Colby was not about to protest. The rest of the drive was uneventful, until they eventually reached the valet for the restaurant. They got out, Sam handed his keys to the valet, got his ticket, and once again joined his hand with Colby’s to lead them inside.

The restaurant was one they had been talking about going to for many years. They had always said they wanted to save going for an occasion. It was on the pricier side of things, but they had just had a successful merch drop, so that wasn’t their concern. The place of choice left Colby a bit stunned. He had no idea the occasion, but Sam seemed as calm and sure of himself.

“Reservation for Golbach.” Sam spoke as they approached the host stand.

‘When the hell did he have time to make a reservation?’ Colby thought. It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that he had asked if he had plans for the evening, and this place is always booked.

“Yes, I have you here. Just one moment, then you can follow me.” The host said, as someone else walked off.

“Sam, when did you have time to make this reservation?” Colby almost whispered to Sam.

“I pulled some strings, don’t worry about it.”

“What strings?” Colby asked, but before Sam could answer, the host spoke again.

“You can follow me now.” She said, holding menus. Sam just winked in reply, and started to follow the host through the restaurant. Colby, stunned, followed wordlessly.

“And here you are! Your server will be with you shortly. Is there anything I can get you in the meantime?” The host asked, laying their menus down on their table.

The table. It was an ornately decorated round table, a freshly pressed white table cloth, a red runner going down the middle, essentially splitting the table in two between the two halves. Beautiful gold rimmed chargers sat perfectly placed under spotless china. A simple red rose, much akin to the one Sam had given Colby at the start of their night, sat in a small crystal-like vase. Red napkins sat delicately folded on top of the plates. A small bread basket with dipping oil with sundried tomatoes sat next to the vase. Beside their table, sat a champagne bucket, with a bottle inside. Their flutes were also on the table.

“No, I believe we’re fine, thank you.” Sam replied, and pulled out a chair, gesturing for Colby to sit. He did, without a word. Sam then went around, and sat himself across from Colby. “Well, what do you think?” Sam asked, his tone hopeful.

Colby had no words. He was stunned into silence. “It’s amazing, Sam, when did you have time for this?” he asked, still trying to take everything in.

“Don’t worry about that. I know some people, pulled some strings.” Sam said, reaching for the bottle of champagne. “Champagne?”

“Sure. Thank you.” Colby held his flute out from Sam as he popped the cork. Sam poured Colby’s glass first, then his own. Before either of them could take a sip, however, Sam started to speak.

“I have to thank you.”

“For what?” Colby asked, genuinely confused.

“For saving me. Without you, I’d probably still be with him. Alone, sad, scared. So, thank you.” At the end of his sentence, he tilted his glass towards Colby. He lifted his to meet Sam’s with a soft ‘clink’.

“You’re welcome.” Colby smiled at Sam. He would’ve done it a thousand times over.

The rest of their dinner went smoothly. They had great food, talked, laughed, and killed the bottle of champagne. It wasn’t too long after they finished their dinner that they decided to go out for drinks. Sam drove them to one of their favorite bars that wasn’t far from their house, so they could walk home if needed. (Don’t drink and drive, it’s not worth it loves, be safe)

They each had a drink, before Colby had gotten up to use the bathroom. Sam waited at the bar, keeping an eye on their drinks. (Anyone can be spiked, in glasses or bottles, never leave drinks unattended, be safe).

“Well, well, well. Who do we have here? All alone, are you?” Sam froze, he knew that voice. It was Brian, aka Douche.

“Nope. Not alone.” Sam didn’t even look at him. Just focused on his drink, and moved Colby’s so it was in front of him.

“You look pretty alone to me.” he said, almost right in Sam’s ear, lowering his voice, before sitting right where Colby had sat only seconds before.

“Well, I’m not. So you can go.” Sam said, trying to keep his voice steady, to not show his fear. Inside, he was shaking, flooded with memories of some of the last times they had interacted.

“Oh, you don’t really want me to go, do you darling?” he placed his hand on Sam’s leg, rubbing small circles with his thumb.

Sam internally recoiled at the touch and words. To anyone else who could have been listening, it would have sounded sweet, not laced with a threatening venom. That was something he was good at, Sam knew better than anyone. Words say one thing, but the underlying message is all but friendly. It more said ‘agree with me or you’re in for it’. Sam had to learn that the hard way once or twice. However, somewhere within the past few weeks with Colby, he had found some (potentially idiotic) bravery. “No, I don’t want you here.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so. Your little buddy isn’t here to protect you now, why don’t you just make this easy on both of us, and come with me.” He then dug the pads of his fingers into Sam’s leg, effectively rooting Sam to his spot.

He couldn’t move, partially from Brian’s hand, partially from fear. He was glued to his seat, praying for a savior, and it just so happened that there was one, standing just 5 feet away.

“And what the everliving fuck are you doing here?” Colby’s voice broke Sam out of his catatonic state. A savior.

“Not you again. Look bud, thanks for taking him out, but you can go home. We were about to get out of here, weren’t we?” He said, turning to Sam. Sam didn’t respond.

“Oh yeah, he looks real ready to leave. I’d appreciate you taking your hands off him.” Colby said, and stepped closer to the pair.

“And I’d appreciate you leaving us alone, but it seems neither of us are going to get what we want.” Brian turned to look Colby dead in the eye.

Suddenly, Sam stood up and walked out of the bar. As he walked out, Colby could see he was tense, and knew what was happening. Before he could move, douche spoke again.

“Aww, see? He did want to leave with me.” And he turned to follow Sam. Colby quickly put a bunch of cash on the bar, and took off after the two. He stopped outside and saw where Brian was going, and started to run after him. Brian turned a corner, and by the time Colby had gotten there, he had Sam pinned against a wall. Sam’s face was red, eyes overflowing with tears, and his whole body shaking. Colby could see nothing but white hot rage. He grabbed Brian’s shirt by the collar, and threw the man against the opposite wall.

“Dude what the fuck?” Brian said, clearly winded from the impact. Colby simply punched him in the face again, not wanting to risk him trying anything further. When he turned around to check on Sam, he saw him sitting on the floor, knees pulled to his chest, and head between them.

Colby knelt down in front of him, but not yet reaching out to touch him, knowing that wouldn’t help, not right now.

“Sam. Hey, Sam, it's just me. It’s Colby. I’m here. He’s gone. You’re ok.” He said, keeping his voice down and calm, watching Sam frantically breathe, trying to calm himself down. “It’s ok. You’re safe now. You’re safe.” Slowly, Sam’s breathing did start to calm down, and when it did, he slightly lifted his head. That was Colby’s sign. “Yep, there you go, you’re ok.” He moved so now he was sitting next to Sam, and pulled Sam into his side, gently rubbing Sam’s arm. They stayed there until Sam’s breathing had totally calmed, and Sam spoke.

“Can we just go home now?” his voice was small, and quiet, as if he was almost afraid to speak at all.

“Absolutely. Come on.” Colby stood up, and held his hand out for Sam to take. After helping Sam to his feet, they started their way back to the restaurant. Colby took the valet ticket from Sam’s hands, and handed it to the valet. When they finally got Sam’s car, Colby opened the door for Sam. Sam didn’t fight, and slid into the passenger's side seat, while Colby made his way around to the driver’s side. The ride home was fairly quiet, except for the soft music playing, a playlist made by both of them, a mix of all kinds of songs that they both enjoy. Sam was half laying over the center console to rest his head on Colby’s shoulder. Colby made sure to only steer with his left hand, keeping his right arm as still as possible to let Sam rest.

They finally got home, and after getting out of the car, Sam immediately went over to Colby and wrapped his arms around him.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For everything. For helping me, and getting rid of him, again.”

“Hey, any chance I get to punch him I will take. I hate that it comes with him hurting you, but it is satisfying.” Sam laughed.

“I do have one more surprise for you.”

“How could you possibly have a surprise still?”

“Just shut up and close your eyes.” Colby sighed but did as he was told. “Ok, follow me.”

“Sam, how exactly am I supposed to do that with my eyes closed?”

“Take my hand then, it’s not like you live here or anything.” Sam remembered all the blindfolded hide and seek he did. Colby should 100% be able to navigate with his eyes shut, but that’s neither here nor there, right now, he had to give Colby his last surprise.

“Fine.” Colby dragged out the word, feigning exasperation.

“Oh come on, how many times have I been able to navigate around while blindfolded? Hmm?” Sam grabbed Colby's hand and started leading him to the door.

“Yeah yeah, ok. You win. Sam wins everybody!” Colby mocked and raised his voice for an invisible audience, making both of them laugh. Sam led them through the house and up into Colby’s room.

Once the door was shut, Sam let go of Colby’s hand. “Ok, you can open your eyes.”

When Colby opened his eyes, he was met with Sam standing in the middle of his room, which had been done out in decorations. Red balloons, streamers, confetti, more red roses, the works. It looked like a Valentines Day store exploded in his room, and it was nowhere near the holiday. “Sam, what?”

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, but when did you do this?”

“I had Tara do it while we were out.”

“Thank you.” Colby walked over to Sam and gave him a gentle kiss, not wanting to push him because of the earlier events.

“I also got some of your favorite snacks.”

“Of course you did, because you’re amazing.” Another kiss. Sam didn’t let him pull away this time. He deepened it.

“Sam, Sam. Are you sure?” Colby held him by his shoulders, a worried expression crossed his features.

Sam looked directly into Colby’s eyes with the most fond expression Colby had ever seen. “Yeah, I’m sure. I love you, and have for a long time. Fuck douche. I’m ok. I’m 100% sure. Please Colby.”

That was all Colby needed to hear. The second Sam finished speaking, he crashed his lips into Sam’s once more, and without breaking it, guided them until Sam was falling back onto Colby’s bed.

“You have no idea how long I have wanted to hear you say that. I love you too, always have and always will.”

"Show me. Teach me what it means to be loved." Sam almost begged.

"I will, I promise." Colby replied, once again kissing Sam. That was a promise he knew he would keep.

Chapter Text

Colby had always viewed Sam in the best light. To Colby, Sam was everything. Sam represented security, sanctity, sanity, health, happiness, hope. To Colby, Sam was just a beacon of light, beaming positivity to everything he came in contact with. He had a radiant personality, infectious smile and laugh, and just his looks screamed ‘I’m a ball of sunshine’. Colby absolutely admired Sam, his outlook on life, his ability to reasonably think things through, his rationality with the irrational. Sam was just that person that is easy to sit back and just admire, and Colby often did.

Golden, Golden, as I open my eyes
Hold it, focus, hoping, take me back to the light.
I know you were way too bright for me
I’m hopeless, broken, so you wait for me in the sky

To Colby, he was a mess. A mess riddled with anxiety and uncertainty. He couldn’t always make sense of his emotions, and they would often get the better of him. He would develop a cloud that would hover, follow, block out the light, pulling him into a deeper mess of his thoughts. He definitely had his insecurities, and he hated how you could almost pick them out just from looking at him. He longed for a way to get over these things, for a way to work through them, for something to make it better.

Waking up in a new hotel, rolling over and seeing Sam still asleep, light blond hair sticking up and falling over his face at the same time. Always wearing an XPLR bracelet on his wrist, which was tucked up under his chin. Usually, Sam would wake up first, get up, get dressed and ready for the day, then wake Colby up with his usual bright smile. Today though, Colby would do that for him, Colby would be a bright face Sam could wake up to for a change. Sam knew Colby had his insecurities, Colby knew Sam knew. Colby also knew that Sam was aware how he wanted to work to change it. Colby has apologized relentlessly for “bringing Sam down”. Sam’s response every time was “you’re not bringing me down, you never have. I just hope I can help bring you up too.” always the same answer, always said with sincerity.

You’re so golden
I’m out of my head, and I know that you’re scared
Because hearts get broken

Sam knew he liked Colby, always had. It felt irrational at times, how strongly he felt. He couldn’t help it, not when Colby had been such a constant in his life. Because of Colby, he was able to become the best version of himself, put himself out into the world, to always try to put his best foot forward. Colby gave him reason to keep going, and for that he was eternally grateful. Maybe that’s how his feelings started; a deep gratitude, an unbreakable trust, and just giving a purpose. He knew how Colby could get when someone presented with feelings like that, he knew Colby was hesitant with it, especially with how hurt he had been in the past from partners. So, Sam just never really told him. He would let Colby tell him if Colby had feelings for him, but he would never think to take that security away from Colby.

I don’t wanna be alone
I don’t wanna be alone when it ends
Don’t wanna let you know
I don’t wanna be alone
But I, I can feel it take ahold
I can feel you take control
Of who I am, and all I’ve ever known
Lovin’ is the antidote

Golden

Colby, while scared of intimacy and letting people get close, was also scared of being alone. He hated the thought of never finding “his person”. The idea of ‘soulmates’ was a little far-fetched for him, ironic considering what he does for a living, but he did believe everyone has someone who just clicks with them. Someone who gets them, supports them, is patient with them, loves them unconditionally. Everyone has “their person”, and everyone deserves to find them. He just wants to find his person.

He doesn’t know exactly when in his ruminating thought cycle of fearing being alone, longing for “his person” turned into the realization that he had, in fact, found his person. A little light at the end of his tunnel of cycling fears, Sam. Sam was that person who he just clicks with, who gets him, supports him, is patient with him, and somehow, someway, he just knew Sam loves him unconditionally. It wasn’t all at once. He didn’t just wake up one day, shoot up out of bed, and realize Sam was his person. It was quiet, just small little thoughts of “well at least I have Sam” in those darker thought circles.
Over the following days of that first thought, Colby noticed Sam was taking over his mind. His thoughts were slowly becoming centered around Sam. Truth be told, his thoughts usually did involve Sam, ever since they met. Sam had always been there, for big life altering decisions, for late night talks that neither remember in the morning, for inside jokes, Sam had been there through it all, he’s only now noticing and feeling how much Sam is at the forefront.

You’re so Golden

Sam was golden, in every sense of the word. Sam was Colby’s personal sun, Sam was the rare precious metal that people bend over backwards to get their hands on. Sam was rare with his outlooks and personality. Golden. Colby felt stupid for not seeing it sooner, for not recognizing all he wanted was right in front of him, and it had been for a long time.

“Sam!” Colby called from his room. He could hear Sam’s footsteps getting closer, before there was a knock on his door.

“What’s up?”

“Sit.” Colby gestured to the end of his bed, as he was sitting up at the headboard editing a video.

“You good?”

“Yeah, I was just thinking.” Colby had suddenly lost his confidence with the conversation. He actually hadn’t really planned it either. It was more of a spur of the moment type thing. He felt a surge of emotion, and wanted to tell Sam, so he called him. What he was going to say, how he would say it, or Sam’s reactions never crossed his mind.

“Ok, about what? Are you ok?” This was not the first time Colby had called for Sam when he was “thinking”, and in the past, it could have been an indicator of an impending panic or anxiety attack. Sam was sure his tone and facial expression came across as worried.

“Yeah, yeah I’m ok. I just,” Colby took a breath. He wasn’t sure where this was going but he was sure this was not going to be eloquent. “You’re golden, right? You’re like, my own personal sun beam that brightens up my day, no matter how bad it is. Just, how you view the world, your ability to just always have the best outlooks, the way you can make jokes at the right moments, and your laugh and smile, just all of it. A ray of sunshine, that I somehow got lucky enough to experience every day. Just, all of you is the best fucking thing I could ever have in my life, and I was so stupid for not realizing it sooner but you really are my person. I love you so much, and I don’t know where I’d be without you. You are a golden ray of sunshine, your smile, your personality, just all of you, absolutely all of you, just thank you.” Colby didn’t realize that at some point he was tearing up.

Sam was silent. Colby was frozen, trying to stop his tears from falling. Sam was looking down at his hands, but when he looked up at Colby, in all his nervousness, also began to tear up and just silently moved to hold Colby. The second Sam had his arms around Colby, Colby broke down into silent sobs. Sam just held him, gently rubbing his back.

“It’s ok. I’m here, always have, always will.”

“I’m so sorry.” Colby choked out.

“No, don’t apologize, you have nothing to apologize for. It’s ok, I was just waiting for you to say it first.”

“What?” That made Colby freeze. What did he mean ‘wait for him to say it first’?

“Colby, I realized you were that and more for me a long time ago, but knowing your history, I didn’t say anything because I knew you’d get there eventually too. You’ve always been my person, and always will be. You have nothing to apologize for. Nothing at all.” Colby didn’t have a reply, he just held Sam tighter.

Golden