In This Life (Sequel to 'In Another Life')

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Once we were waist deep, Colby lifted me up, and I automatically put my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck. He moved further out, until the water was up to his shoulders. "I could get used to this," he replied, squeezing underneath my thighs. "So could I," I replied softly, brushing some of his hair back from his forehead as I looked down into his eyes. "Thank you for this." His eyes softened, and a small smile shaped his lips. "You know that I would do anything of you, right? I love you T." My heart swelled, and I'm not sure why. Colby told me that he loved me all the time, kind of like he didn't want me to forget. I knew that he did it, because he knew that I still doubted it. It wasn't him. I believed him. I just didn't think that he could ever love me that way that I loved him. I was just a normal girl, who had happened to get lucky. He, on the other hand, was this amazing person, who deserved all of attention that he got. Granted, he got a lot of the attention because he was hot, but for the ones who bothered to look deeper, they saw his personality. The goofy band nerd, that had to work at not being a little shy. The son, who loved his mother more than life. The friend, who would do anything to help others, even if it hindered him. I saw him for the kind, gentle, old soul that he was. The Colby that I used to see on the screen, and imagine what he was really like, was in front of me, telling me that he loved me. In some ways, he was exactly who I imagined him to be. In others, he was completely different, but all of his different sides made him into this incredible, sometimes complex, person that I would probably give my life for. "I love you more," I replied, then pressed my lips to his. The waves moved around us, jostling me in his arms, pushing and pulling at the grip that we both held on with. I was breathless when we finally broke the kiss. The day consisted of us splashing each other, laughing, kissing, and just being together. It was the best day I have had in a very, very long time. We were lying together on the blanket, watching the sun start to set, when Colby asked if I was ready to go home. I was lying across his chest, tracing his Kingdom Hearts/Simple Pick Up tattoo. I had only just learned recently that it was a cross between his favorite game, and the YouTube channel that had helped mold him into the person that he was now. "No," I answered softly, but sat up. "But I guess we should." He sat up with me, placed his hand on my cheek, and kissed me softly. "Are you okay? Did you enjoy your day?" I nodded, and covered his hand with my own. "I'm okay. A little sore, but this was the best day. Thank you." He grinned again, and stood up, holding his hand out to me. I took it, and he helped me up from the sand. We both dusted the sand from our bodies the best that we could, then gathered everything up, and headed back to the car. We had been out of the water long enough, that we were both dry, so didn't have to worry about keeping the seats dry or anything. Once I sat down in the passenger's seat, I felt the exhaustion hit my body, along with the pain. I had felt worse obviously, but the longer the car ride, the worse it got. I tried not to let it show because I didn't want Colby to feel bad about taking me to the beach when he didn't think it was a good idea in the first place. He would just blame himself for my pain, and I didn't want that. This was on me, and honestly, it was worth it. I would do it all again, and receive double the pain. The day was perfect, and I wouldn't regret it. Sadly, I couldn't keep the pain to myself when we finally made it home. I sat still, trying to compose myself, before stepping out of the car. "T, you're hurting, aren't you?" he asked, his hand on the handle to let himself out of the car. I looked at him shamefully, and bit my lip, while I nodded my head. "I am, but it's not horrible. I've had worse." He sighed, and shook his head. "I knew I shouldn't have-" "Don't! See, that's why I don't want to tell you. This isn't your fault! I'm going to hurt, but that doesn't mean that I should have to sit in this house and waste away while my body tries to recuperate. No pain, no gain, right?" He stared at me for a moment, before nodding. "Okay. You're right. I just don't like to see you in pain." He opened his door, and stood. Before he closed it, I heard him say, "I've seen enough of that for a lifetime." I sighed, and opened my own door. I hated hurting him, and when I was in pain, it seemed like it hurt him too. He was already standing there, waiting to help me up, with my bag in hand. He smiled, and pulled me up slowly. We walked inside the house, taking our time. I knew that he was going at a turtle's pace for me, but I didn't mention it. The air conditioned home hit my heated skin as soon as I walked in, and I relished in it. We walked to the living room, where I sat on the couch. I pulled out my phone while Colby walked out with my bag, I assumed putting it up, or unpacking it. He really was perfect. I had put my shirt and shorts back on after my suit had dried, but I really needed to shower and change soon. I just didn't have it in me just yet. A few minutes later, Colby reappeared, a cold bottle of water in his hand, along with my pills. He held it all out to me, and I took it without a word. He sat next to me, and pulled out his own phone. I leaned forwards and put my water on the coffee table, then settled back, leaning into him.