Solby | Give Me Love

7. Never Be Alone

The song doesn't really go with the 'ambiance' of the chapter but I just feel like sharing it in case you need it <3

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   Colby hasn't come out of his room for almost three days.

   Three days. [reading this a couple months later, i realized that's basically impossible since ... you know, humans have to pee so let's just pretend for the sake of the story]

   He hasn't unlocked his door either, which forced Sam to just wait in the hallway. The wait is slowly eating him alive, Colby hasn't said anything since he locked himself up and Sam just wants to know how his best friend is doing. Obviously, not too good.

   He yearns to hold the boy in his arms, to tell him that he's sorry for everything he's ever done that hurt Colby and to remind him that he's here for him. He's been such a douche, clearly Colby needs Sam by his side yet the blonde's put his relationship before his best friend of so many years.

   "Colby, please..."

   Always the same words. Sam hasn't said anything else in the past days, and not once did he raise his voice, it's no use.

   Colby lets out a sigh. His stomach is growling in hunger, his limbs are numb. His throat is dry and his eyes are redder than they've ever been, in addition to his dark circles, it almost makes him look... scary. He's twirled his rings around his fingers at least a million times and his hands have never stopped shaking. It's like his body language is showing what's going through his mind : racing thoughts, loud voices, harsh words. He's chewed on his nails so much that one's started bleeding but he couldn't care less. His gaze is fixated on the sticky-notes-filled wall in front of him, he's stared at it for so long that he could probably locate each color with his eyes closed.

   Sam jumps slightly when a figure appears on his left. Jake's standing there, a sad expression on his face.

   "He's still in there ?" He asks in a small voice.

   Sam nods and lets his head fall to the side, his fingers curled on the doorhandle just like they've been for a while now. Jake looks down at Sam and debates whether or not to sit down next to the blonde. Sam can see how it's affecting Jake, the fact that Colby wouldn't get out. Jake's the youngest out of all of them, he's like the little brother of the house and Sam always feels like protecting him, the boy is just so precious.

   "He'll come out... Eventually."

   Jake deciphers the hesitation in Sam's voice but nods nonetheless. He knows better than to push his roommate, obviously he's not in the mood to talk to anyone other than Colby. But he's worried, just like everyone else. Both Sam and Colby have turned their phones off, causing their other friends to wonder, and the whole house has been regularly checking on the boys, Jake doing it the most. They try not to think too much about it but the whole situation is putting pressure on all them, letting a cloud of worry float around the house.

   "Have you eaten since last night ?"

   Jake's question takes Sam by surprise and the blonde shakes his head slowly, blurting out the choice he's made earlier today.

   "I'm not eating until I see Colby."

   In the bedroom, the brunette's head shoots to the side at his friend's words, oh hell no. If he's letting himself slowly deteriorate, that's his problem but he can't allow himself to let Sam do the same.

   He puts his feet on the cold floor and weakly pushes himself off the bed, his bones cracking because of the lack of movement he's made recently. He runs a hand through his hair, rubs at his eyes and walks to the door. The two boys in the hallway have started quietly arguing but they freeze as soon as they hear the click of the lock. Sam's never gotten on his feet faster before and soon enough the door creaks open, revealing Colby's face. Both Sam and Jake's hearts shatter at the sight, the boy looks so broken.

   Instantly Sam's eyes well up with tears but he blinks them away, inhaling deeply. The trio stands in silence before Colby opens the door wider, leaving enough space for Sam to come in and engulf him in a hug within a heartbeat. While Jake's slowly walking away, aware that the two need time with only each other, Sam grasps onto the back of Colby's hoodie. He takes in his scent, the way he fills the once empty space in his arms and how soft his hair is as he burries his head in the crook of the brunette's neck. Colby, on the other hand, can't find the strength in him to do more than just weakly wrap his arms around Sam's shoulders. He wishes he could show how much he missed his best friend but he's drained of all energy.

   "Don't ever do that again." Sam whispers, finally releasing the breath he's been holding.

   He feels Colby faintly nod and he pulls away, letting his hands rest on his friend's hips without even realizing it.

   "I'm so sorry." The blonde says quietly. "You were right, you're my best friend and I should've put you first. It was such a dumb move to leave you here when I know dang well that-"

   "Sam." Colby cuts him off, staring at him with a tired face.

   His voice is raspy and it hurts his throat to speak but he can't take the other's ranting anymore.

   The blonde slowly lifts his head and his eyes meet Colby's, causing his heart to sink in his chest. Colby reaches up to gently brush his best friend's hair out of his forehead.

   "I'm the one who's sorry. It wasn't fair of me to force you to choose between me and Katrina."

   Sam shakes his head furiously but Colby stops him by placing his hand on Sam's cheek and their eyes dive into each other. It seems like an eternity passes before Sam looks away, remembering the state his best friend is in.

   "Do you... Do you think you can eat something right now ?"

   Colby opens his mouth to say 'no' out of habit but quickly comes to the realization that he's actually hungry for once, so he nods. That brings a smile to Sam's face and the boy wastes no time to grab Colby's hand and gently pull him downstairs. He sits him down at the small table and walks to the fridge, looking through the cabinets before moving to the fridge. It's nearly empty, reminding him that it's time for them to go grocery shopping.

   "Hm, eggs ?"

   "Anything that's easy for you."

   Sam slightly chuckles at his best friend's response, just the fact that Colby's willing to eat puts him in a slightly better mood.

But deep down, he knows that it's not going to last.