After Bryden found out Colby had cancer - testicular cancer to be more specific, she felt like her world was turned upside down. She was devastated by the news, her heart breaking for him. The revelation explained his fatigue and the heaviness that had been weighing on him. Bryden knew they were in for a difficult journey, but she was determined to support Colby every step of the way.

Immediately all the negative thoughts went through her mind, she tended to overthink things and think of every worst case scenario. It was difficult not to, especially after hearing such terrible news. She tried her best to hide her worries and keep a positive attitude, not wanting to burden Colby any further and not wanting to bring him down. But her heart ached with worry, and she found herself staying up late into the night, watching videos and listening to music, trying to find ways to occupy her mind instead of the thoughts that kept her awake. She knew Colby was in a worse state than she was which made it even harder to stay strong.

But she still did, not wanting him to see her cry or to lose her composure. She put on a brave face, forcing a smile and cracking jokes, trying to lighten the mood. She would offer him encouraging words and gentle reassurances, even though she didn't feel like smiling or laughing or saying anything comforting. Then at night when she was alone in her room, she would break down, most nights either having nightmares or crying herself to sleep. She wasn't the only one though, Sam was the same way. He was trying to put on a brave front for Colby, but Bryden knew the news was affecting him just as badly as her. She often found him up late at night - like her, watching videos or playing video games, trying to keep his mind occupied. She would sit by him, not saying anything, just offering her presence.

Sam always appreciated her support and presence. It was a tough situation, and having her there made things a little easier. They didn't always need to talk, just having someone else there was enough. They would sit in silence, letting the sound of the game or music fill the air, the repetitive motions of button mashing or tapping providing a calming distraction. Sometimes they would talk, sharing their worries and fears, voicing the things they didn't want to burden Colby with. Sam knew he was in a worse state than them, and they didn't want him to worry or think they were just as miserable as he was. They needed each other, leaning on each other's support to get through the difficult days. They would share small smiles, gentle laughs, and moments of comfort and reassurance. It was hard, this was just the beginning of a long and challenging road, but they would get through it. Together.

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Something Colby did to cope with finding out this horrible news was going hiking. If he didn't have somewhere to go hiking everywhere, he knew he would've lost his mind. Usually it was just him hiking, listening to music. But tonight was one of the rare nights he convinced Bryden to go with him. He knew hiking wasn't her thing at all and so the fact that she agreed to go meant a lot. Though he did promise her takeout from her favorite place after and watch whatever movie she wanted. She didn't hesitate to agree after that though she was currently regretting it as she walked up hill.

"I hate hills so much." She muttered, panting heavily. Colby laughed, slowing his pace a little.

"We're almost to the top," He said encouragingly. "The view is worth it."

Bryden just groans in response, struggling to keep up with his long strides. "You and your stupid long legs," She grumbles, her feet aching from the strenuous hike. "This is the last time I'm going hiking with you, I swear."

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard that before, Bry." Colby teased, grinning at her. He knew she didn't mean it, that despite her complaints, she would still accompany him on his hikes whenever he asked. Well, it also helped when he promised her food and movies. She could never resist that.

He stopped at the top of the hill, turning to look at her. She was panting heavily, her face flushed with exertion, her dark hair that was pulled up into a pony tail was a mess, stray hairs stuck to her face and neck. He couldn't help but laugh. She looked so disheveled and out of sorts, so unlike her usual composed self.

"I hate you so much right now." She huffed, shooting him an annoyed glare. He just grinned, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You look beautiful." He said softly, his eyes meeting hers.

"Don't say stuff like that when I'm all sweaty and gross." She complained, ignoring the way her heart fluttered at his words.

"Well, you look beautiful even when you're sweaty and gross." He teased, smirking at her.

She rolls her eyes, but she couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. "Shut up," She mutters, punching him playfully as she feels her face flush. She was glad it was dark out, hoping the low light hid her blush. "Are we there yet? This view better be worth it. I don't know what's worse, hiking in the day or at night."

"Oh, trust me, it's worth it, Bry," He assures her, offering her a reassuring smile. "Come on, I'll race you to the top." He called, taking off before she had a chance to respond.

"Wait-" She groans as she realized he didn't let her reply. "Jerk!" She yells, running after him. "You're so dead!"

They raced to the top, laughing and shouting, their footsteps echoing in the night. Despite her protests and grumbling, Bryden enjoyed the hike, even if she was sore and exhausted afterwards. And even though she practically laid on the ground dramatically once they reached the top, she couldn't help but admire the view above her. You could see the stars a lot clearer up here. Especially with her being on her back.

Colby sat beside her, gazing up at the night sky. He loved the stars, the way they glimmered and shone in the dark, infinite expanse of the night sky. He often came up here when he needed a moment to think, or just to escape the world. There was something comforting about being surrounded by nature, the fresh air and the sounds of the forest filling his senses.

"So, is the view worth it?" He asked, looking down at her. He couldn't help but chuckle at her dramatic display. She was sprawled out dramatically, staring up at the sky with a mixture of exhaustion and awe on her face. He leaned back, propping himself up on his elbows to look at her.

Bryden huffs, turning her head to look at him with a playful glare. "Fine, maybe it's a little worth it." She admitted begrudgingly, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her tiredness.

Colby grins, nudging her playfully with his shoulder. "I told you so," He teases gently, his voice soft in the quiet of the night. "Besides, now you get your reward — takeout and a movie of your choice."

Her smile widens at the mention of food and a cozy movie night. "You better keep your promise, or I might throw you off this hill." She threatened half-heartedly, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.

"I wouldn't dare break my promise to you, Buttercup." Colby replied with mock seriousness, reaching over to tousle her hair affectionately. He enjoyed these moments with Bryden, the times they could escape the stresses of reality and just be together.

Her face scowls at the sudden nickname. "Ugh, I hoped that nickname was a one-time thing." She complains, sitting up to swat his hand away from her hair. "You know I hate it when you call me that."

"But you're so cute when you're annoyed." Colby grins, dodging her swats. "Besides, I think it suits you."

Bryden gives him a mock glare, but the corners of her mouth twitch upwards despite herself. "Do I need to remind you how far up this hill is, and how easy it would be for me to push you down?"

"Hey, you were the one who forced me and Sam to watch The Powerpuff Girls with you. And now I have no choice but to call you Buttercup, you remind me of her, minus the superpowers." He said, referring to the green Powerpuff. He remembered how she used to be obsessed with the show and insisted they watch it with her. It became a running joke between them, and despite her protests, the nickname stuck.

Bryden let out a sigh, unable to keep the smile off her face as she sat up and crossed her legs, gazing at the stars. "Yeah, that was a great show." She admits her tone softer now. "And I guess if I have to be compared to anyone, being compared to Buttercup isn't the worst." 

"See, that's why I call you Buttercup. You have a fiery personality and you're always so feisty and stubborn, plus you can be a little reckless sometimes. But at the end of the day, you have a heart of gold, and you always stand up for the people you care about." He stated. He had a point, and she couldn't argue with him on that. He had a way of making her feel seen and appreciated, even in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty surrounding them. 

"You really know how to make a girl feel special," She teasingly said, but she was serious. She couldn't help but return the favor. "I know you're dealing with a lot and I wish I could take some of that weight off your shoulders," Bryden continued, her voice softening as she looked at Colby. "But I'm here for you, no matter what."

Colby turns to face her, his expression one of genuine gratitude. "I know you are, Bryden. And it means more than you can imagine. It's hard to put into words how much your support means to me." He replies, his voice thick with emotion. "Having you by my side makes this all a little easier to handle."

They spent the next few hours enjoying the view, talking about random things, and joking around. When the night got cold and more late, they were ready to leave, but Bryden was dreading the walk back down. She felt better after relaxing for awhile, but she knew it would take a toll on her body.

"Ready to head back?" Colby asked, looking over at her. He had to admit, he was enjoying the view in front of him more than the actual view. She was so beautiful, her eyes reflecting the glow of the moon, her cheeks flushed from the cold air, her dark hair illuminated by the moonlight. He could gaze at her forever, losing himself in her beauty.

"I'm really not looking forward to going back down the hill." She sighs, reluctantly standing up. Her body aches from the long hike and her muscles were already protesting. She knew the walk down would be a challenge, but she would get through it. "But I guess it's better than having to go up the hill again. I feel like going down a hill is always better."

Colby nods, standing up and stretching. "Yeah, going down is usually the easiest part. But don't worry, I'll be right by your side the entire time."

"My hero." Bryden said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

Colby just grins, slinging an arm around her shoulder as they make their way back down the hill. "It's not too bad," He reassures her, his voice gentle. "You've made it all the way up here, and you can make it all the way back."

She nods, leaning into him. His warmth and closeness providing her comfort and strength. He was right, she had made it this far, she could do this. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself. "Okay, let's do this."

****

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Finally after a few hours, they were finally home and in the comforts of her own house. After showering, changing and eating, Bryden found herself on the couch, cuddled up against Colby. They were watching a movie, something light-hearted and fun, trying to ignore the heavy weight that hung over them. It was a distraction from reality, from the challenges ahead. They didn't want to think about the future, they just wanted to focus on the moment, on the here and now.

Colby's arm was wrapped around her shoulders, holding her close to him. His body was warm and firm, and she felt safe and protected in his embrace. She leaned into him, her head resting against his chest. She could hear his heartbeat, a steady rhythm that was comforting and familiar. His hand was tracing absent-minded patterns on her shoulder, the gentle touch sending shivers down her spine. It was a nice distraction, but soon she started getting sleepy. It was well past midnight and she was exhausted from the hike. She couldn't help but let out a small yawn, her eyelids growing heavy. Colby looked down at her, smiling softly.

"Tired?" He asked, his voice low and gentle.

"Yeah, but I'm not ready to go to sleep just yet." She murmured, not wanting the night to end yet.

"You should rest, Bry," He said softly, his hand moving to gently stroke her hair. "I'll be right here. We can stay like this as long as you want."

Bryden nodded slightly, feeling the weariness weigh on her. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of his fingers running through her hair. For a moment, she forgot about everything —the illness, the uncertainty of the future. It was just her and Colby, finding solace in each other's presence.

As she drifted closer to sleep, she whispers softly, "Thank you, Colbs."

He presses a kiss to her forehead, his voice tender, "Anytime, Buttercup."

She found herself growing more sleepy as his hand continued to massage her scalp, his touch calming and soothing. She let out another yawn, unable to fight the fatigue any longer. She snuggled closer to him, his warmth and solid presence giving her a sense of safety and comfort. Her last thought before she succumbed to sleep was how lucky she was to have him.

****

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The next few months were filled with a combination of ups and downs. There were some good days and there were some not-so-good days. On the good days, Colby could pretend nothing was wrong, like he didn't have a death sentence hanging over him. But then there were the bad days, when the weight of his situation would come crashing down on him, crushing him beneath its burden. He would fall into a dark hole, losing himself in the darkness.

On those days, Bryden and Sam, his family and other friends helped a lot, but Bryden the most. She would be the one to drag him out of bed, literally. Sometimes she would sit with him, talking about anything and everything. Other times she would play games with him or binge-watch movies and shows. Anything to keep his mind occupied. And on his especially bad days, when he just wanted to lay in bed and wallow in self-pity, she would make him get up and do something, whether it was taking a hike, or helping her with a video. Even though he was reluctant at first, he always felt better after doing something.

Bryden knew that sometimes Colby just needed to be left alone, so she would give him space. She understood what he was going through, and she didn't want to smother him or make him feel like she was trying to control him. She wanted him to know that he could lean on her whenever he needed to, and that she would always be there for him. She was his rock, the one constant in his life. He could always rely on her, and that meant everything to him. In return, Colby was always there for her, too. Whenever she was stressed, he would listen to her rant, and offer advice or comfort. Same for Sam, just like the three have always been. 

The trio always supported each other. Even though the days were often challenging, they were able to find happiness and moments of joy in the chaos. Laughter and smiles were shared, and despite the looming darkness, hope remained. They didn't know what the future held, but they would face it together, with the strength and love of their friends and family.