The next step was Colby having a surgery. And it was better to do it now than later. But the process to get the surgery schedule might be tough. Though the trio were surprised it only took two weeks with rescheduling and other things they dealt with to make the surgery happen. It was February 6th, 2023 when Colby was in the waiting room at the hospital, waiting to go in for surgery. 

Sam and Bryden sat by him, the three of them wearing masks with the XPLR logo on the side since COVID was in effect. Bryden honestly wasn't fond of wearing masks, she thought they were annoying and uncomfortable. But she knew it was important, especially if they didn't want to get COVID. The boys had even came out with new merch which was masks with their logo on it and she thought that was a good idea. And which is why she wore on of their masks. She always supported them with any new merch or anything else they had going on and vice versa.

Even though there wasn't any recording allowed here, Colby was being sneaky about it. Thankfully there weren't many people in the waiting room, so it would be easier to film. Colby was using his phone to record them, facing it so it got the three of them in frame. Bryden sat between the boys, her knee bouncing as she fidgeted with the pop socket on her phone. She was nervous, they all were, but they were doing their best to stay positive and keep each other's spirits up.

"Alright, guys, it says no filming in here at all, but we're rebels, you know what I'm saying." Colby started as he filmed the video.

Bryden chuckles, rolling her eyes. "You better not get us kicked out with doing that, Colbs." She teased, giving him a playful nudge. Despite the nervous tension in the room, Bryden's playful banter lightened the mood.

"Nah, we'll be fine." Colby assures her, nudging her back. "But if you can't tell Bryden is nervous."

"I'm not nervous, you're nervous." She quipped, poking his side. She was lying. She was nervous. She felt her stomach twisting in knots, but she didn't want to admit it. The last thing she wanted was to add to the already high-stress atmosphere.

"Good comeback, Bry." Sam sarcastically commented.

"Shut up, Samuel." She retorted, reaching over to playfully smack his arm.

"Rude." He muttered, feigning offense as he rubbed the spot Bryden hit.

"You're the rude one." She argued playfully. She giggled, dodging the swipe he made at her shoulder in return. She was trying her best to keep the atmosphere light, even though her heart raced with anxiety. At least she had the boys. They helped calm her nerves and eased her stress. Even though they were also stressed, they still made the time to try and cheer her up and get her mind off the current situation. It was times like this where Bryden appreciated having her boys in her life.

She leans closer to Colby, pouting at Sam. "Colby, tell him to be nice." She pleaded, putting on her puppy dog eyes.

"Sam, be nice." Colby deadpans and then glances at the camera with a fake annoyed look. "See what I'm dealing with? Literal children."

"Hey!" Bryden and Sam exclaim in unison, their tone offended. They looked at each other and then laughed. They quickly fell back into their playful banter, the tension easing just a bit more.

"Alright, maybe we're a bit childish," Bryden admits sheepishly. "But at least we're cute!"

Colby chuckles. "Definitely cute. The cutest trio in the waiting room, for sure." His gaze lingers on Bryden, his eyes softening. She looked beautiful, even if he could only see half her face at the moment. Her hazel eyes shone brightly despite the dark circles underneath and her long, wavy, dark hair cascaded down her shoulders and back. He wasn't sure how she did it, but she always managed to take his breath away, even when she wasn't even trying. He could tell she was nervous, but she was trying her best to hide it. He appreciated her effort, knowing it was for his sake. She was always looking out for him, even when she didn't have to. Colby then glances between her and Sam after clearing his throat. "And the most supportive. You both are the best."

Bryden felt warmth spread through her chest at his words, but the nervous flutter returned as she thought about what was about to happen. "We've got your back, Colby. Always." She promised, trying to keep her voice steady. 

Sam bit back a smirk at noticing Colby staring at Bryden more than unnecessary. He couldn't blame him though. Bryden was beautiful, he couldn't deny that. But he never thought of her in a romantic way unlike Colby. He had been surprised that the to had broken up but he understood why. Though he always thought they shouldn't be broken up. They were perfect for each other, but Sam respected their decision and tried to stay out of it. And as long as his best friends were happy, he was happy. But if the opportunity came around, he wouldn't be against the two getting back together. He knew they'd work it out. They always did. He just hoped they would get back together and stay together. But until then, he would have to put up with them still being in love.

Bryden's cheeks flushed slightly, feeling Colby's eyes on her as she looked down at her lap. She bit her lip, trying to hold back her grin. It always made her heart skip a beat whenever Colby called her cute or complimented her in any way. She was glad he couldn't see her blushing. Despite them being broken up for a few years now, her feelings for Colby had never gone away. They just kept growing, and it was moments like this where they would bubble to the surface. Bryden could feel her love for him blooming in her chest, the warmth spreading through her entire body. She quickly pushed the feeling down, not wanting to deal with it at the moment. There was a time and a place for feelings, and now was not it. Besides, he moved on, right? So she should too. 

"And besides," She chimes in playfully, glancing back at Colby. "You're the guy who's filming somewhere he shouldn't." She countered, giving him a knowing look. She was used to his antics, she just hoped they wouldn't get caught doing this.

"Touché." Colby chuckles, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "But I can't believe there's fifteen minutes before the surgery. I feel a little bit of nerves, I'm not gonna lie. It is what it is."

"Exactly." Bryden agrees, smiling under her mask. She admires him for the mindset he had been having during this time. It had been hard on him, and it had taken a lot for him to accept it. He was strong and brave, and she was so proud of him. "It is what it is."

"It's a good thing." Sam chimes in with a thumbs up. "This is supposed to help you."

"Yeah, I want this to happen sooner than later so like I'm excited for the surgery-"

"Colbs, incoming." Bryden muttered to him, nudging him and gesturing with a nod to the direction a nurse was starting to walk to them. Colby cursed under his breath and quickly stopped recording, sending her a thankful look for giving him a heads up. She reached over to give his arm a gentle squeeze, offering him a reassuring smile. After the nurse spoke to Colby, he got up to walk to the back with her. He looked back at Sam and Bryden, and the two of them wave at him. He waved back, smiling behind his mask.

"You got this, Colby." Bryden says to him, her voice strong and full of confidence. "We believe in you."

"Thanks, Buttercup." He smiled softly, the nickname making her grin under her mask. He shared a look with Sam, who gave him a comforting squeeze on the shoulder before he followed the nurse to the back.

Bryden's leg went back to bouncing, her nervousness coming back. She was worried about him, she knew he was going to be okay, but still, she couldn't help the fear and worry. She knew he was a bit worried about being put under anesthesia, which was completely understandable. That stuff could have side effects and that's the last thing he needs right now. But she had a feeling everything would be alright, they just had to have hope.

"And now we wait." She mumbled, leaning back against the seat.

"He's gonna be okay." Sam speaks up, breaking the silence that had settled over the two. "You know that, right?"

She nods, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Yeah, I know." She replies, her voice quiet. "I'm just...I can't stop these thoughts."

Sam scoots over and wraps an arm around her shoulder. "Hey, I get it, I'm worried, too. But Colby's strong, he's a fighter. He'll get through this and be back to his normal self in no time."

Bryden leans into him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Thanks, Sam. I needed that."

"Anytime." The blonde smiled, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze.

The two sit in silence for a while, their thoughts focused on their best friend and the upcoming surgery. They would be here when he gets out, they weren't going anywhere.

****

A few minutes later, the doctor had came out to talk to them and let them know Colby was done and that he was stable. Bryden immediately asked if they could see him and the doctor pointed them out to Colby's room, but said at the time only one person could. Sam reassured Bryden that she could go first, knowing Bryden was anxious and needed to see Colby as soon as possible. Sam gave her a supportive nod, and she took a deep breath before heading to the recovery room.

As she walked down the sterile, quiet hallways, her heart raced. She hoped that everything had gone well, and the thought of seeing Colby, even if he was groggy from anesthesia, was both comforting and nerve-wracking. The nurse at the recovery room door greets her with a reassuring smile after she had stepped out of the room. "He's just waking up now, but you can go in and see him. He might be a bit drowsy. But your boyfriend will be okay."

Bryden was confused why the nurse would assume that. She can't help the way it made her heart skip a beat and her face flush. She couldn't deny she missed having Colby as her boyfriend, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to define their relationship in that way again, especially given everything they had been through. Still, the nurse's assumption brought a bittersweet smile to her face. She didn't bother to argue with her either, thanking the nurse before she stepped inside the room.

There he was, lying in the hospital bed, looking a little disoriented. His normally styled hair was messy and tousled, his blue eyes still hazy from the anesthesia.

"Colbs?" She said softly, not wanting to startle him.

He blinks a few times, trying to focus on the voice. His vision was a bit blurry and his head was fuzzy. "Buttercup?" He asked, his voice hoarse. He recognized her voice, he always would.

Bryden let out a sigh of relief, smiling softly. "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"Like s***." He muttered, rubbing his eyes. He tried sitting up but was unsuccessful, his body feeling sluggish and weak.

"Whoa, easy, tiger." She chuckles, hurrying to his side. She helps him sit up, adjusting his pillow for him. "You just had surgery, take it easy."

"Thanks, Bry." He mumbles, his mind still a bit foggy. He tries focusing on her, on the familiar voice and comforting presence. He was still a little out of it, but he was slowly starting to come back to reality. He gave her a lazy grin. "You're the best."

Bryden rolls her eyes, trying not to let the blush creep up on her face. She was thankful for the mask she was wearing. "Don't I know it." She teased, deciding to pull her mask down now after realizing she hadn't yet. She and Colby were in the room alone, so she figured it would be okay.

"D***, I missed your smile." He sighed, his gaze locked onto her. Even in his haze, her smile made him feel better. 

She giggles, butterflies fluttering in her stomach. "Colby, it hadn't been that long since you saw me."

"Feels like forever." He pouted, reaching out for her hand.

She rolls her eyes, letting out a soft chuckle. "You're so dramatic." She teased, taking his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Am not." He mumbled, his gaze falling to their now intertwined hands.

She shakes her head, the smile still on her face. "Whatever you say, Colbs." She knew he wasn't all there right now, the anesthesia had made him a bit loopy. But she didn't mind, she would take any moment with him.

"Your hand is so soft and warm." Colby murmured, his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand with a feather light touch.

She bites her bottom lip, trying to keep the smile from growing wider. "Yours isn't too bad, either." She said, squeezing his hand.

He gives her a dopey grin. "Thanks, Buttercup."

Bryden stayed with Colby a little longer until he was feeling more like himself. Then she went out to get Sam so he could visit Colby, too. Eventually, they both were allowed to stay and visit Colby. It had been thirty minutes since the surgery happened and the boys had decided to record an update for the video they planned on posting to give everyone an update on what's been going on. Bryden still sat on the chair near Colby's bed as Sam stood in front of them, filming them.

"Yeah, zero recollection of seven people looking at my balls so...."

Bryden and Sam both laughed, neither of them surprised with his response as they exchanged an amused look. They were all relieved the surgery had went smoothly and Colby was back to his normal self again.

****

Thankfully, Colby didn't need to stay at the hospital that long and he was able to be discharged later that day. Sam had left to pull the car around front while Bryden stayed with Colby. "You ready to be home?" Bryden asks, smiling at him. "Well, obviously. Bet you're ready to sleep in your own bed again."

"For sure." Colby agrees with a grin. "And ready to eat anything other than hospital food. Dude, it's literally the worst."

"Definitely, dude." Bryden agrees with a laugh. "Hospital food never wins any culinary awards." She put her mask back on and helped gathered their things as a nurse came back to help them outside. Colby was taken in a wheelchair while Bryden walked beside them. She chatted with him along the way outside and the nurse as well, helping the nurse with getting the door when needed.

When they reach the parking lot, Sam was parked out front, ready to help them. Sam was recording as well, smiling widely at the group while he cheers. "He made it!" 

Colby cheered as well, raising his arms up in the air in victory. Bryden giggled at his antics, the sound muffled by her mask. She was so glad everything had worked out, and they were on their way home now. Bryden and Sam both helped Colby into the passenger seat, the boy complaining about being babied the whole time.

"I don't need to be babied."

"Oh, shut up, Mr. Grumpy Pants and be grateful that we're helping you." Bryden teased, playfully shoving his shoulder as she settled into the back seat. 

Bryden chuckles, rolling her eyes as she climbs in the backseat. "Okay, I vote for take out food before we head home." She suggested.

"Sounds perfect to me," Sam agrees glancing in the rearview mirror with a grin. "What do you have in mind, Colby?"

"Honestly, anything but hospital food. So literally whatever." He answered with a small smile.

Bryden nods and chuckles, smiling back at him and pulling her phone out. "Alright, I'll get something ordered."

On the way to pick up their food, the mood in the car was light and cheerful. Colby, despite his discomfort, was clearly enjoying the camaraderie and the return to some normalcy. Bryden sat in the back, chatting with him and Sam about everything and anything to keep his spirits up. They picked up their food and headed to their place. Sam helped Colby inside and get him settled on the couch before he went back and helped Bryden carry the takeout food in.

They ate dinner together, the three of them relaxing and talking. There was a peacefulness to the moment that Bryden was grateful for. She hadn't seen them so happy and carefree in a long time and it was nice to see the smile on both their faces. It was great to finally be home from the hospital and for the surgery to have went well. It was a huge relief for everyone and a weight was lifted off their shoulders. 

After dinner, the three of them spent the rest of the evening relaxing and watching movies. It was a nice night in, just the three of them. They had all been through so much lately, and they deserved this time together. Bryden had suggested they should play some card games at one point and they ended up playing an intense game of Uno. It was a night of laughter and smiles, a night of friends reconnecting and strengthening their bonds. A night that reminded them that they would always be there for each other no matter what.