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It was early December. Larry held his coat to his chest. He felt that if he didn’t, it might burst. Larry could feel his time running short. He didn’t know how, but he knew he was going to die soon. The thought pained him. He still had so much to do, but there was something specific, something big he needed to do that he couldn’t quite place. He knew he needed to do it, he just didn’t know what it was.
That was until..
He walked in pace with Will, who was rambling off about Becca, his new crush. Larry wasn’t fully listening, his mind still trying to figure itself out.
“Larry, I think I love her.” Will announced suddenly. The words almost made Larry stop in his tracks, the pieces falling together.
Larry had never properly loved someone. Sure he’d had some short flings, but he’d never really been in love. Until he realized he did love someone, a horrifying realization as he approached Coffee Town.
Sam smiled at him from the counter. Larry felt his heart stop and beat a million times a second at the same time.
‘Oh god.’
“Can you order for me? I really don’t feel like talking to that man right now.” Will griped as they entered the doors.
“Hm- oh- yea I can-“ Larry regretted his words the moment Will left his side. With no other choice, he approached the counter, mind racing as his eyes met Sam’s.
“What can I get for you?” Sam smirked at him, leaning against the counter. Larry swallowed, forgetting Will’s order immediately.
“Just- the usual,” he could feel something bubbling up in his chest, fighting to push it down, “you know me.”
“Mhm, anything else, sir?” Sam leaned in a little further. Larry felt something in him break, like all the gates he tried to keep lock had snapped open and he couldn’t control himself.
“Are you free this weekend?” The words came out faster than he could help. He knew his face was red, but there was no going back now. Sam’s eyes widened and he leaned back. Larry felt his heart drop, thinking he’d just screwed everything up.
“Uh- yea, I mean I have work but other than that..” Sam bit the inside of his mouth anxiously, cheeks also reddened, “why?”
Larry couldn’t believe he was about to do this. His heart and mind were working on complete auto drive. He took in a breath.
“Would you.. like to go out? With- me?” Larry had to force himself to stay calm, heart racing as he awaited a response. Sam looked at him for a moment, then smiled.
“Sure.”
:::::
“Really? Of all people? You’re serious?” Will raved as he paced the floor. Larry sat on the couch, finding his roommate’s heated rambling funny. Will frowned when Larry gave no response, plopping down next to him. “What do you even see in that guy?”
“He’s sweet.” Larry sighed almost dreamily. Will scoffed.
“Since when?!”
“And funny-“
“Since when?”
“And cute-“
“SINCE WH- well- NO! No no no!” Will sputtered, waving his hands in the air. Larry laughed at his little hissy fit.
“Looks like you’re just going to have to get used to it.” Larry smirked, pulling Will into a side hug. Will huffed, turning his face but not pulling away.
“In your dreams.”
Larry just shook his head. There really was no getting through to that man.
::::::
The wait till that Saturday was awful. Larry didn’t even try going into Coffee Town, the nerves of seeing Sam overwhelming. By that fateful night, Larry himself was now pacing the living room floor. He was dressed in a simple button up with a sweater and jeans, nothing too fancy, but not too casual either. Will watched him pace. The man was still not pleased with the concept of them going out, but inevitably supported his friend.
“You’re going to tire yourself out before you even talk to him.” Will intoned. Larry paused, sighing before collapsing onto an armchair.
“I know, I know. I just- want this to go well y'know? I mean what if I say the wrong thing? What if he doesn’t actually like me?” Larry fretted, holding his head in his hands.
“Didn’t you say he wrote a song about you? I don’t think people do that for people they hate.” Will raised an eyebrow.
Larry knew Will was right. He was being irrational. Still, he couldn’t help but worry. He really did love Sam and he actually wanted to do this right. By the time he had to pick Sam up he was practically shaking at the steering wheel. He felt his breath catch in his throat when he saw the man waiting outside. Still in his work clothes with a black jacket thrown over top, but to Larry, he looked perfect. Sam smiled once he saw the car.
“Need a ride?” Larry jested once Sam approached, cringing internally. Sam just laughed though, letting himself into the car.
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Larry let out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. He half expected to wake up any moment, have it all be some figment of his imagination. But no, they were here, together, and he felt happier than ever.
“Larry? Are you.. alright?” Sam questioned, snapping Larry back to reality. Sam was looking up at him, dark eyes full of concern. Larry couldn’t hold back a smile.
“Never better.”
——————
“He can be insufferable can’t he?” Larry chuckled. The two were walking down the street together, Sam rambling off about how he couldn’t stand Will.
“You have no idea. Well- you know what I mean.” Sam huffed. Larry let out a laugh, Sam’s face flushing in response. Still, Sam just grinned as if he was so proud of himself for making the man laugh like that. The two stayed close as they walked, the cold winter air washed away with the heat of their bodies. Larry almost believed they were the only people in the world at that moment.
Their conversations felt so casual, not awkward like Larry had expected. It was as if they’d known each other their entire lives. Larry would love to know Sam for the rest of his life.
Once they finally reached the large aquarium building, Larry let out a sigh of relief at the change in temperature. The place was relatively busy, as to be expected on a Saturday evening. Larry was just about to say something when the words caught in his throat. Sam had gently grasped his hand, looking up at him playfully.
“Don’t want to get lost.” He smirked and Larry almost fell for him all over again. His hands were warm and soft, very unlike Larry’s own cold hands. He never ever wanted to let go.
“Would never let that happen.” Larry leaned in a little closer. As they walked through the exhibits Sam was enamored by the various sea life and animals, but Larry wasn’t paying attention to that at all. He stared in absolute awe at the man with him, excited face illuminated in blue. It was the most beautiful thing Larry had ever seen, an image he’d never forget. They took their time, not wanting it to end.
~~
“A cat?” Larry inquired. Sam’s face lit up at the opportunity to ramble about his feline. The two hadn’t stopped talking as they strolled through the aquarium, barely pausing to admire the marine life.
“Her name is Chili,” Sam grinned, “Maine coon, she’s the best cat in the world.”
“I see, can’t wait to meet her one day.” Larry hesitantly wrapped an arm around Sam’s shoulder. Sam leaned into it at first, but visibly winced once Larry’s hand reached his upper arm.
“Sorry- are you okay?” Larry fretted, instantly retracting his arm.
“It’s fine, it’s fine, I’m sorry,” Sam assured, holding onto Larry’s hand, “it’s just- well… don’t worry about it, okay?”
“Okay…” Larry replied, checking for assurance before wrapping his arm around Sam again, placing his hand a little lower than before. Sam smiled, resting his head on Larry’s shoulder. Larry felt a surge of affection from the action, his heart racing in his chest. It had been some time, and the aquarium had begun clearing out, leaving the duo alone in the deep sea exhibit.
They stayed there, just staring into the darkened water. Larry could barely focus with the sound of their breathing, Sam’s warmth, and his own heart going faster than his mind. Yet there was something else. The anxieties from earlier in the day crept up despite how hard he tried to push it down. It was almost as if a pit had opened up in his stomach, making him regret everything.
He swiftly released Sam from his arms, turning away to shield the tears that threatened his eyes.
“Larry?” Sam called out to him. The concern in his voice shattered Larry’s heart.
“I- I’m sorry. This was a mistake.” Larry shamefully turned to face his date. His date who was healthy. His date who had his whole life ahead of him.
“A mistake?” Sam scoffed, brows furrowed, “Larry, what the hell is going on?”
Larry felt his heart catch in his throat.
“I’m.. going to get you sick.” He choked out. Sam stared at him, gaze immediately softening. The two stood there for a moment, Larry looking away, disgusted with himself for putting Sam through all this. He didn’t even notice Sam approaching until he felt two warm hands cupping his face.
Just as Larry was about to say something he felt a pair of soft lips meet his. His eyes shot open in surprise, but he didn’t pull away. Instead he leaned into it, hesitantly holding Sam’s torso with his hands. It was a short moment, but Larry felt breathless once Sam pulled away.
“I love you.” Sam declared. A confession and assurance in one. Larry stared at him, before bursting out laughing, placing their foreheads together. The tears he’d been holding finally fell from his eyes.
“I love you too.”
—————
Will was exhausted by the time he’d gotten home. He’d decided to spend most of the day with Gino which really took all he had out of him. It was about midnight when he struggled with his keys at the door, swearing until it finally opened.
Will froze once he stepped inside. Sam shot his head around to glare at him, Larry asleep on his lap. Will just glared back, wanting to be rude, but also not wanting to wake his roommate. It seemed they had that in common at least.
“Date go well?” Will questioned bitterly.
“No. Can’t you tell? He clearly hates me now.” Sam snapped back, still keeping his voice hushed.
“It’s very easy to hate you.” Will scowled, leaning up against the dining table.
“Well too bad for you because I’m not going anywhere now.” Sam sneered. He stood carefully, holding Larry’s head and replacing his lap with a pillow. Larry stirred for a moment, but didn’t wake.
“Don’t be so sure about that.” Will grumbled as he watched Sam grab his things. He frowned once Sam placed a final kiss on Larry's forehead, giving a rudely triumphant look to Will, before heading out. Will groaned to himself quietly after the door closed.
————
Sam hummed to himself as he walked back to Coffee Town. His heart swelled as he thought back to his day. Still, as always, his mood quickly went down once he saw the car waiting for him in the parking lot. Devin didn’t even look at Sam when he got into the passenger’s seat.
“Late shift again?” Devin growled, “hm. Looks like you had a nice day.”
Sam knew he knew, but for once he didn’t care.
“Yes. Yes I did.”
————
Only a few days later Larry caught the flu. Sam never saw him again.