I have been begged for a double update. So here I am. Just this once, enjoy a double angst sandwich with a side of tears.

For TheLonelyChild101

Colby loved his photos of Sam.

His secret little stash of snapshots were all of the blond haired boy and it was always when Sam didn't know Colby was taking a photo. Colby never showed anyone, he just kept them for himself whenever the midnight loneliness was too crushing.

His favourite photo had captured Sam mid-laugh, his blue eyes closed and his head thrown back, utter happiness in his entire face. The sun shone in the background, accentuating Sam's features and causing his pale skin to glow.

Colby patiently looked at each photo, waiting for his tears to subside. He'd heard the conversation earlier, he knew what they really thought of him.

The next photo of Sam was cute. The boy was pulling a silly face as he held a Smore between his teeth. His blonde hair was a mess and his blue eyes were bright with excitement and just pure joy.

Colby put the snapshots back in their box and hid it again, burying his face in his hands. He shouldn't be surprised, even in High School, Colby had always made sure he was the centre of attention. It was no different.

He sniffed, using the wrinkled tissue in his hand to wipe his face. He needed to pull himself together, prove to everyone he was fine and that they needed to focus on Sam. Everyone needed to focus on Sam, because Sam was the one who wasn't okay. Colby was fine.

"Colby, you in here man?"

He froze as Corey's voice filtered through the door. He quickly got rid of the proof of his small breakdown and wrapped himself in his bed covers, laying down and closing his eyes, just as Corey opened the door. Colby fought to keep his breathing steady as Corey walked towards him quietly.

"Colby," Corey hissed, placing a hand on Colby's shoulder. The brunette pretended to stir, stretching with a fake yawn.

"Corey?" Colby frowned. "What's happening? Is Sam okay?"

If something happened to Sam while I was in here feeling sorry for myself...

"Sam's fine," Corey said. "Elton wants to do an overnight video."

Colby sighed. "Suicide Bridge?"

Corey nodded. "It's about 5pm, Elton wants to head out about 8. You got three hours, but I thought you'd want to invite Brennen over. I think maybe him and Sam need to talk."

"Yeah," Colby agreed tiredly, actually wishing he'd been sleeping instead of crying like a little bitch. "Thanks Corey."

"As long as you're okay."

Colby instantly faltered. "What do you mean?"

Corey hesitated then gave in. "It's just...we've all noticed it, Colby. Ever since you found out about Sam, you've been a bit...different."

"I've been worried that my best friend is going to kill himself," Colby said shortly. "That doesn't mean I'm not okay. I'm getting sick of everyone fussing over me when Sam is the one who isn't okay. Can everyone just focus on him?"

Corey's eyes flashed with a thinly veiled anger but he didn't lash out. "We're concerned about the both of you," he said tightly. "Forgive us for caring about you."

He walked out the door and Colby let out a yell, frustration ripping through his veins. Fucking housemates. Sam. He'd go and spend time with Sam until Brennen arrives, maybe he'd calm down.

Sam was always good at listening.

***

"Go away."

Colby hadn't even knocked but Sam knew he was there, hovering outside his door. He couldn't deal with Colby, not now. He had to prepare himself for what would be happening in a few short hours, not deal with the brunette's constant talking.

"Sam, please."

Colby opened Sam's door much to the irritation of the blond boy. Colby's blue eyes were pained but he said nothing about it as he sat on Sam's bed, next to Sam.

"I told you to go away," Sam said blandly.

Colby messed with his hair, a nervous tick. "What's the matter? Did I do something?" Sam closed his eyes, desperately trying to hold back his angry words. "Sam talk to me."

"Stop it!" Sam shouted and Colby flinched back. "You're treating me like suddenly I'm less than capable of being my own person!"

"What happened?" Colby asked in concern. "Did someone say something? Is that why you're angry?"

"You said it Colby," Sam snarled. "I heard you and Corey just before. I'm not some injured puppy that needs everyone's love and attention!"

Colby stared at him with wide eyes. "Sam, I didn't mean it like that. I'm just worried-"

"Everyone else is 'just worried' too Colby! Stop trying to get them to baby me! They've been doing it perfectly fine for months!"

"Sam-"

"Leave me the fuck alone Colby! I don't need you to watch over me like some fucking guardian angel! I'm fine on my own, okay? I don't need you!"

And that was it. Sam didn't need him, never had and never will. Colby bowed his head and stood, feeling empty and numb. There were no tears, no wave of feelings that smashed into him. There was nothing but dust and ash in his chest and he apologised quietly to Sam and walked out of his room, down the stairs and straight into Brennen, who'd just arrived.

"I'll be back in half an hour," he said blankly when Brennen asked what was wrong. "Just make sure Sam's okay."