#mactay

One night turned into two turned into three turned into many, many more. Before he knew it, it had become a regular thing. He didn’t know how, or why or when, but it had. They had grown comfortable with each other, and he often found himself spending his very limited free time with her when he wasn’t doing anything else. She was easy to be around, she never pried into his personal life or asked about his past after that first night, and she never had expectations for him. All she demanded was his time and company, and those were things he was willing to part with. Too much time often meant time alone, and time alone meant thinking about Sam, about his life, about how this wasn’t what he wanted but it wasn’t what he didn’t want, how he was more confused and directionless now than he had ever been. He’d rather spend his time with Lindsey, lost in Lindsey, lost with Lindsey. Because in her soul, she was as lost as he was. He could feel it every time they were together, in the soullessness of her eyes and the way she danced. She looked like an angel, but he knew better than that.

One night after they were done, he lay awake staring at the ceiling. He was still coming down and hadn’t quite drifted off yet, so he simply let himself relax, arm wrapped around her and fingers lazily drawing patters on her shoulder. They’d been doing this for a few months now, and still he didn’t feel anything for her. Part of him wanted to, just to know he could feel again, that his life wasn’t just this numbness and confusion that swirled around him at every waking moment. The rest of him was scared to, afraid to get close, afraid to open up, afraid to lose someone again. He couldn’t do it, and he didn’t want to. Which is why the words he heard whispered against his chest nearly sent him into a panic.

“I love you.”

“You’re crazy.” 

“I am, and I hate myself for it. But I love you.”

The worst was, he couldn’t even walk away. Because as much as he didn’t want this, he needed her. So he didn’t say anything after that, and she didn’t ask him too. That’s why this worked out so well. They were messed up enough that she would stay with someone that didn’t love her and he would stay with someone that did.

And that worked for a while. Until it didn’t. Until their system broke.

“Do you love me?” She asked him one night while they were eating dinner on his couch.

Jeff was quiet for a moment, it’d been weeks since she’d told him she loved him, and he hadn’t said anything since. She seemed to pick up on that and had kept quiet about it herself until now. 

He shook his head no.

“Wow, I can’t believe you.” She gave a mirthless laugh as she got off the couch, slamming her plate down on the coffee table before making her way straight to the door. All before he could even register what was happening. The second he got his wits about him he was after her again.

“Lindsey! Wait, where are you going?” She had grabbed her purse and had her hand on the doorknob, ready to leave. “No, please don’t leave!” He begged her, running after her and putting his hand on the door to keep it shut. “Please, please I don’t want you to go.” He pleaded with her, eyes wide with panic.

“Why? Why shouldn’t I? Do you even feel anything for me?”

Lie, Jeff. Just lie. He kept telling himself, begging himself to do it. He wanted to, he was tempted to, he was about to. But his eyes gave everything away before he even had the chance to try.

“I can’t do this again. I’m sorry, Jeff.” The look in her eyes right then as she said sorry, for once they weren’t empty. They were dark, they were deep, they were sorrowful, they were apologetic, and they were looking at him with torn love. What had he done?

Strangers Again

Jeff walked into work that morning ready to make up for what had happened last weekend. He’d gotten a bouquet of flowers and made dinner reservations. The whole nine yards, he was going to do this right. He was going to take Lindsey out on a real date and show her a good time. He was going to prove to her that he cared and that he wanted to be in this as much as she did. He was ready to lie through his teeth if he needed to. But the second he reached the front desk, he realized something was terribly, terribly wrong.

“Excuse me, where’s Lindsey?” He asked the young man behind the desk, clicking away at the mouse. Jeff was sure he was doing something important, but this was Lindsey’s desk, her computer, and her agenda he was messing with.

“Oh, Lindsey resigned. She came in this morning to pick up her last check.” He explained, finally pulling away from the computer to look up at Jeff. “Is there something I could help you with?”

“No. No, it’s okay. Thanks.”

Somehow the universe didn’t completely hate Jeff Sterling. That and he had some really wonderful friends who wouldn’t give up on him, even when he was close to giving up on himself. They helped get his butt back into gear and with their help (mostly Cooper’s) he managed to get a job at a talent agency. The series of events that lead him here were still a little fuzzy to him, and he couldn’t quite believe it, but he was finally here.

Today was his first day out of the mailroom, and needless to say he was lost. The building was big with lots of rooms and hallways to navigate through and he wasn’t used to the layout of the upper floors yet. So he was a bit lost as he carried the load of boxes he was ordered to bring back up to his boss’s office from the supply room. That was when he heard it. “Hey.” Jeff turned around to see who had said that, smiling as he found himself face to face with a very pretty girl.

“Hey yourself.” Jeff greeted her, “Nice to meet you.” He struggled for a bit to move the boxes he was carrying and held out a hand for her. 

She giggled and shook his hand quickly before taking the top box off the pile. “Here, let me help you.” He thanked her kindly for the help and they both began walking to Pricilla’s office. “It’s no problem,” she said shrugged, brushing off his thanks. “I never mind helping out the newbies.”

“That obvious, huh?”

“Oh, way obvious. So who are you assigned to?”

“Pricilla.” The girl winced and shot him a sympathetic look and he knew he was screwed. “That bad?”

“Oh yeah.” She saw Jeff’s face fall and knocked her shoulder against his. “Cheer up, it’s a good job, even if it kills you sometimes.” She added as Jeff struggled to keep the boxes in his arms balanced. What did they keep in these things, gold bricks? “And hey, if you need anything, I’m at the front desk. So you know where to find me.” She smiled, placing what she was holding back on top of Jeff’s pile as they reached Pricilla’s door. “See you around, new kid.”

He didn’t realize until she walked away that they hadn’t even told each other their names.

Friends

Her name was Lindsey Roche, pronounced like ‘rock’ as he found out after attempting and failing to read the name placard on her desk. She was a beautiful blonde with sultry lips, dark eyes and an engaging personality. They hit it off from the start and Jeff found himself enjoying her company, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t attracted to her. So he did the only thing he could think of doing, he asked her out for drinks. One and half beers in she asked him back to her place, and before he could even think about it, he’d said yes.

“Casa de Roche” she’d called it when they walked in. “Make yourself at home, I’m going to change into something more comfortable.” She left the room, assumably to freshen up and make herself more comfortable whatever that meant, leaving Jeff to his own devices. He walked around her living room, looking at her pictures and scanning the titles of her books. “A well read romantic.”

“Is that bad?” He heard the voice come from behind and turned around, eyes growing wide at the sight before him. So that’s what that meant. Well, he certainly wasn’t one to argue, and licked his lips as his eyes raked over her form. She had put on a matching set of lacy white lingerie with light blue accents. With the flowing blonde hair behind her, she looked almost angelic to him, though her devilish grin completely gave her away. 

“Not at all.” He replied in kind, crossing the room in long strides to get to her. He grabbed her by the hips, pulling their bodies flush against each other. “I can appreciate a good read.”

“And what are you reading from me?” She asked, looking up at him with those dark eyes of her. They weren’t warm, or kind, or fiery, which he liked. They didn’t remind him of his ex’s. They didn’t give him hope or heart ache or anything. And he realized that was because they were just as empty as his. Was this what his life was now, being drawn to people as damaged as him without even realizing it until they were seconds away from hopping into bed?

“That you want me.” She smirked at that and he knew he said the right thing. Their lips met in a heated kiss as she pushed him against the wall and started to unbutton his shirt. Her lips left his to start laying kisses down his chest and he took the moment to breathe and ask, “We work together though. Isn’t that bad?”

“So? We don’t have to tell anyone.” She pointed out, nails grazing against the tattoo on his side. “What does this mean?”

“That I was young, stupid and drunk.” The spell was breaking as he was reminded of Sam again, and he quickly tried to fix it. Anything to forget, anything to distract himself. That was always his go to wasn’t it? This whole scene wasn’t as new to him as it should have been. He’d done the same exact thing after Nick left him. Shattered under the pressure and rebuilt himself piece by fragile piece. Obviously he hadn’t done a very good job last time. Things were supposed to be stronger after you rebuilt them. All he felt was pain. 

“Maybe we shouldn’t,” He pulled away from her, this thoughts of his ex ruining the mood. It was unavoidable, there was a permanent scar on his side to match the one on his chest that would forever serve as a reminder of what he lost. “Co-workers and all.” He tried, pulling an excuse out of thin air to try and explain his strange behavior.

“Bullshit.” She called him out, hands on her hips while she held a wide stance. How someone that petite and that undressed could look so in control was beyond him.

“Just a bad break up.” He finally admitted.

For the longest time just driving around, Sam was trying to rack his brain on why? How could Jeff not think of booking the gig? Or if it was just that small that Sam wouldn't have a chance? Sam wasn't being selfish but he was sure that with their careers tying in with each other's that they would be with the same company, the same record label. But how could that happen if there was no recruits or managment waiting to see him. Once it was getting dark out, Sam made his decision. Calling up Scott to know where he was at currently. Getting face to face and reading the print of the contract, Sam sighed. As selfish as it was, Sam also thought that Jeff was selfish of not booking the gig or thinking what if he forgot? Taking a moment to just hold the thick contract, Sam looked up to Scott offering the pen, giving that look saying I told you so. When Sam's signature landed on the dark line at the bottom, he knew that he had finally had his dream. But half of it was starting to feel like it wasn't going to be perfect like he wanted it. Sam wasn't even sure what to say to Jeff, to wrap around the idea was crazy enough, so he went over to Jason's house. Thinking that he could have some answers, some theories for Sam. But it was just all too upsetting for him. He just wanted some rest and as he spent the night on Jason's couch, he couldn't just not go to the apartment. He had to face Jeff sometime. Sam got up pretty late but made it home around noon. Closing the door quietly, and scratching the back of his head. Still thinking of what was going on with his boyfriend, and really having to face the music of not working with him on the same label.

Jeff was angry. That in itself was a cue that something was wrong because it was near impossible to get Jeff angry. Hell, it was a push just to get him to mildly irritated so getting him angry really took some effort. And yet, here he was practically steaming. It had started off so wonderfully too. He woke up, kissed his boyfriend, made breakfast (still the only meal he could cook without potentially burning down the building), then got ready for his big meeting. After graduation he’d had a few offers on the table as far as jobs went, partially because he was well qualified and well connected, but mostly because he was a Sterling. His dad was still pushing him towards joining the company, but he knew he needed to pave his own way and follow his own interest. That’s why he was so happy to get an offer from Sun Records to join their team after what they claimed were glowing recommendations from UMGD and the indie station in boston. Of course he’d been ecstatic, and of course the first thing he’d wanted to do was bring his boyfriend along for the ride. After their first initial meeting they’d admitted that part of the reason they’d approached him was because of his connection to Sam and how they wanted to pick him up for their label. In his mind, this was a perfect fit for this image and Sam would have been a great addition to their label. So naturally, being the wonderful boyfriend that he was, he’d arranged for them to watch one of Sam’s live performances, because you didn’t know Sam Evans until you’ve been to a live show. They appreciated the pitch and agreed to come, excited by the prospect of what was to come. Everything had been set. So why did it all have to go so wrong?

Five minutes after Sam was due to arrive, Jeff was frantically calling, texting, and debating purchasing a skywriter. Ten minutes after Sam was supposed to begin his set he promised the manager he’d show up in five more. Five minutes after that he had paid someone to play as an opening act while he frantically tried to contact anyone who might know where his boyfriend was in the middle of what was starting to feel like the biggest dead zone in LA. Twenty four minutes after Sam was supposed to show up Jeff was pulling every excuse he could think of to keep the label people in their booth drinking happily. Twenty six minutes, and Jeff knew it didn’t work while he watched the label walk out the door and half the crowd with them. At twenty nine minutes Jeff finally told the crowd that Sam wouldn’t be coming tonight. In less than half an hour his career and reputation in the music industry completely crumbled, with about nil chances of him ever bouncing back. Worst of all, he still didn’t know where Sam was or if he was even okay.

Jeff went home after that, worried about the well being of his boyfriend and his future. All the while he kept trying to get into contact with someone who could tell him where Sam was, but it seemed either no one knew or no one would answer his calls. At this point he was only frustrated and worried, well not worried, terrified. It wasn’t like Sam not to show up to a gig, it wasn’t like Sam to completely vanish. To not hear from him was tearing him apart, and he was going crazy. Until finally Jason had texted him back. It wasn’t particularly insightful, it was a short text saying Sam was okay. That was it. No explanation, no excuse for not showing up, not even a location as to where Sam was not. He knew one thing now, so at least he could feel relieved that his boyfriend wasn’t in mortal peril or anything of the sort. But that’s when Jeff moved from frantic worry into frustration and disappointment. He was frustrated that Sam for some reason didn’t or couldn’t text him back, and he was disappointed that the man didn’t show up to the gig at all. The thing was, even this he still had the hoped of working through. He was pretty down about the situation, but he knew they would talk about it when Sam came home. So he waited, and waited, and waited. The later it got, and the more uncomfortable the couch became, the more he could stew over everything that had happened. Usually he didn’t like to do this sort of thing, being left alone with his thoughts was always dangerous for him and he often liked to keep moving forward and work through things. But he couldn’t work through anything on his own, he needed Sam for that, and Sam wasn’t here. That was the whole problem. This had been a huge night for them. Not just for Sam and the chance to finally get signed, but for Jeff and his hopes of working in the music industry. All those dreams of which were now dust seeing as his chance, reputation and credibility were shot after the disaster that had happened at the club tonight. And he realized as he laid on the couch, staring at the ceiling and listening to infomercials on whatever late night TV he was watching, he was doomed to forever be a corporate slave to his father. He fell asleep to that thought and many others just as depressing floating around his head sometime around dawn, just before the light could begin to filter through the blinds.

He woke with a start and had to blink several times before understanding his surroundings and why he was where he was. Then the entire night came crashing back down on him and already he could feel his chest tightening in anxiety. He pushed the thoughts out of his brain as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, as if that would rub away all the painful feelings that had kept him up all night. Still groggy he sat up on the couch and looked over at the clock reading that it was just before noon, only to catch sight of what it was that had woken him up. “Sam?” And that was when he finally reached anger. “Where the have you been? I’ve been worried like crazy about you.” Then he remembered the text. “Have you been with Jason this whole time?”

When he was about to walk to the bathroom, he noticed on the couch that Jeff had woken up. Was he sleeping on the couch this whole time? His boyfriend was waking up and trying to register what he was seeing in front of him. What Sam was thinking when he saw Jeff was the whole gig that was never booked. Though he fell asleep at Jason's he didn't have the best sleep at all. He kept waking up every hour to half hour tossing and turning. Thinking of what went wrong. Why? But now he was dedicated to Atlantic and Jeff wouldn't have to worry about that at all. "Sorry" He spoke with a near cold voice as he kept near the kitchen. "I fell asleep over at his place." Sam explained so Jeff wouldn't think that he was out and getting kidnapped or anything else of the sorts. Not sure what else to say or where to begin, Sam just went to the fridge to get a water bottle. Sipping it as to clear his throat and to clear his mind from the events last night. Should he even bring up the non existed gig? Bowing his head and keeping his body a good distance away, he didn't want anything of the close to be argument to turn into fists. Since his time with Tony and all the fighting they did, Sam was guarded when it came to these confrontations and what he was capable of but he didn't know what limit would go to Jeff. This was tough because he couldn't really look Jeff in the eye without thinking that Jeff wasn't loyal or wanted to be with Sam anymore if he wasn't going to be there with him for shows and wanting to be together for the long haul

Jeff couldn’t believe this. Was Sam seriously just now getting in? He couldn’t imagine what could have kept the man busy up through noon, and it seemed that he wouldn’t be getting an explanation at all from the way his boyfriend was acting. He was incredibly taken aback by the ice cold ‘apology’ he was given and literally froze as he tried to comprehend it. He was the one who should be angry, he was the one who had lost the biggest opportunity of his career. So he didn’t understand why Sam was so upset. And he wanted more than anything to give his boyfriend the benefit of the doubt, truly he did. But when the only explanation he got was a completely unapologetic excuse about falling asleep at a friend’s place, he was more than a little put off. Suddenly feeling wide awake he jumped out of the couch (regretting it a second later when he heard his back crack from sleeping weird all morning) and made his way over to the kitchen. “That’s it, that’s all you’re going to tell me?” He asked, the exasperation leaking into his voice. Everything he’d leaned in his communication and conflict resolution classes told him that he should keep a level head and hear both sides of the story. But he was tired, achey, and for the foreseeable future, unemployed. “I can’t believe you would do this.” He was so angry he couldn’t even talk to Sam, all of his words were getting stuck in his throat. “I’ve been waiting all night for you, and that’s seriously the only explanation I get?” He ran a hand through his hair in frustration and walked to the other side of the kitchen just to give himself something to do. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his body and moving was really the only outlet he had right now, so he began pacing. “I just want you to talk to me here.” He threw his hands in the air as he spoke, still avoiding looking at Sam right now. It was bad enough that he’d been abandoned and left to look like an idiot, but then kept worrying and frantic all night while Sam was off doing who knew what, literally drove him insane. It was then that he realized why he felt like his heart was about to beat right out of his chest and mentally cursed himself. But instead of heading to the medicine cabinet like he probably should have, he stood (or paced) his ground, waiting to hear what Sam had to say.

Clenching his jaw and trying to hold everything in, just letting Jeff have his moment to vent out. Sam knew he was in the wrong for not telling him where he was all night. But having been so upset from Jeff and seeing that empty venue he was 'suppose' to perform at, he didn't know how to talk without spilling everything. Sam inhaled deeply and watched Jeff pace and get mad. Why was he getting so mad? He could understand the worry and everything but why so mad when Sam was the one mad and upset that his boyfriend didn't put in anything for the gig. He wasn't one to do Jeff's job, but if he were the other blonde, he would make sure there was an audience to watch the act and give a good impression on the management. "You are not the only one pissed. I'm sorry I kept you worried but I had business I had to take care of. Since you didn't want to book a freaking gig Jeff." Sam spoke out what he truly wanted to say. Even though it was killing him to have to argue with Jeff like this. "I thought we were a team with this effort. Getting a company you want to work with and me signed to it. I was thinking of this whole future of the music industry and you and us. I know what you didn't do." Sam said in a bit of a frantic way. Moving to get to the room. If Jeff didn't want a team out of their relationship then he was going to give the male what he wanted. Sam grabbed one of his suitcases and started packing. He was so frustrated that his eyes were starting to water and he was already feeling like everything was falling apart. But he had a career to take care of, and Jeff his own.

Jeff stared at Sam incredulously. “Business? What business?” Jeff finally snapped, his voice raising for the first time in their relationship, including their friendship. He didn’t know what could possibly be more important than their careers, but they were supposed to be in this together. They were supposed to be a team and talk to each other, so why was Sam going around and making decisions without him being there. That didn’t sound like the great big partnership Sam kept going on about. “What I didn’t do?” He repeated in disbelief, too shocked to even form coherent sentences anymore. Or maybe that was just the impending anxiety attack he kept forcing back because he needed to figure out what was going on here and he needed answers. He was felt like he was frozen to the spot and it took him a second to realize that Sam had walked out of the room. But the second it registered he booked it after him. He hated when someone walked away from him, and he wasn’t about to take that from Sam. Though when he got to their room, he felt like he’d just been sucker punched in the gut. He couldn’t breathe, and his throat felt like it was clamming up. He could feel his breath get quicker and more shallow, but again he stamped it down in favor of approaching Sam. “What are you doing?” He asked, looking between Sam and the suitcase. “You’re seriously– You’re– You’re seriously just going to pack up and leave? That’s it?” He clenched and unclenched his fist, feeling hyperaware of everything around him, like every sound and smell was magnified and that made this feel all the more terrifying. “I can’t believe you. I can’t believe you’d abandon me like this. I never expected this from you Sam. You keep talking about us being a team, but you’re the one who’s walking out right now!” He cried, already feeling like he was at the end of his rope. Waiting and waiting and waiting for Sam, but he didn’t care at all. Not about Jeff, not about anything they were trying to build together. They’d had all these future hopes and plans of a life together, but he was starting to see he was the only one who’d been taking it seriously. Sam was on a whole other world, and he didn’t even notice until it was too late. Once again he’d put everything into his relationship. Now it was coming back to bite him, and he was going to lose everything because of it.

As he heard Jeff come barging in, Sam kept his focus on getting his clothes. He didn't want to do this but at the heat of the moment, it seemed like it was the only decision. All his thoughts of a future with Jeff was crumbled from the fact of the lack of team work yesterday. They were at their own points of views and they had their own personal right to be mad or upset. But now that Sam had signed and made his life straight, Jeff could go on without him. It shouldn't be this way but it just felt like he had to be done. Pausing as he was setting his stack of briefs in the case, Sam couldn't bare to see Jeff at this moment. There were so many emotions going through his mind and probably the same with Jeff. This was their first legit fight and it couldn't be fixed. It was ruined the moment Sam signed for Atlantic, or the moment he walked in and saw the bare venue. Either or, the team was shattered and he was creating the pain. "It's not that I want this but I think it's better off this way. I'm sorry" Sam nearly choked on his last words as he finished his suitcase. Grabbing his laptop case as well, and turning. Only to see the broken reflection in Jeff's face as well. Walking past, his arm had brushed against Jeff's and it felt like so much was leaving Sam's body and heart the moment he walked out the door and closed it. Picking up the phone, he looked over the contacts. Each one of the contacts would call Jeff and try and figure out what's happening or give his location so Sam called his Uncle and told him he was road tripping home.

It was so simple for Sam to think of romantic gestures, he was a king of romance. There was no doubt about that. But when it came to giving a big one year anniversary to his amazingly wonderful boyfriend, he was spazzing on what to do. He had reached out with Sugar and a few other friends for some good ideas. It couldn't be just this small dinner with a few kisses than what led to hot sex after their New Year's/Anniversary kiss. Sam wanted to go over the top. Give Jeff the best night of his life. Though his mind wasn't letting Sam relax, he narrowed down to a restaurant. Not just any restaurant but the best restaurant in LA that Jeff has always wanted to go to. Though they never went before because the huge price but Sam was thankful for his hard work hours and pulling out the right amount of cash for this restaurant. He could just go into his stripper money but the account for that was running low with all the planes he sets up. He really needed to plan out some road trips to save on the plane fee but with gas raising up, he wasn't sure which was cheaper or not. Travel was just expience. Nonetheless. A few days before hand, Sam had stopped in to make his reservations set the table he wanted and put his name there. Though when he said his last name, the manager grinned like .no other Being confused to the reaction he was getting, it turned out the manager's daughter was a big fan from the Artist Vs. Poet tour. Sam didn't want to take advantage of the treatment he would get, and this seemed a bit early before his career. But the manager insisted that he would give the free dinner date, since he does for most celebrities that actually dined here. As much as Sam said no, and thought it was wrong to take thier benefit to his advantage, the manager didn't want to accept. All he wanted was for Sam to come by tomorrow when his daughter was in and take pictures and sign something for her. Which he did. Hell, he gave her an EP he had left from his album launch. The day of the anniversary though, Sam had gotten up to grab his clothes from the cleaners for tonight's dinner and went for the usual coffee run. Even getting Jeff these heart shaped chocolate candy pop with decorative designs on them. You can't go wrong with chocolate and there was some white chocolate as well. As he unlocked the door and opened it, he saw his boyfriend while he quickly brought the carrier of coffee and treats behind his back. "Hey babe!" Sam exclaimed with a big smile as he walked over to set his clothes on the couch neatly and make his way to Jeff. Bringing him in with his now free hand and giving a sweet passionate kiss. "You excited for today?"

Working on the finishing touches, Jeff had finally finished taping the giftbox to a small balloon that read ‘Happy Anniversary!’ as if it weren’t obvious enough what it was for already. Knowing that Sam would be back from his coffee run any minute, he hid the giftbox in the couch cushions, just in time to hear the door unlocking. Spinning around, he grinned from ear to ear at the sight of his boyfriend. Sam always made him happy, that much was a given at this point, and seeing his boyfriend, especially on such a wonderful occasion, he couldn’t help but smile. “Hey! Glad to see your face again.” Though, he did live here and he woke up to that face every day. He never really got sick of it. Though, his smile did get a little strained as Sam got a little too close to the couch for comfort. He didn’t want the surprise to be spoiled before he could get to it. But lucky his boyfriend seemed preoccupied, so he quickly let go of the anxiety. A task much more easily accomplished as he was swept up into a passionate kiss. “Now why can’t every hello be like that?” He asked, still hanging off Sam, his arms wrapped around broad, muscular shoulders. He really got lucky with this one, Sam was sweet and romantic, nerdy and geeky, musical and talented, and hot as all hell. “I’m excited for my white chocolate mocha, you know I’m useless without my coffee.” He teased, leaning to the side to try to peak behind Sam’s back. He knew that his boyfriend was hiding something from him, that much hadn’t escaped his notice, but he was just curious as to what. Mostly because he still really wanted his coffee and he didn’t know why Sam would ever hide that from him unless he was punishing Jeff for something, and in the mean, torturous way not the fun way. “But I have to say, coffee and kisses, totally a great way to spend today, and,” He drew out the word, “I have something to make it even better.”

It was everything to Sam that they were going to have this great anniversary. He knew that Jeff would have something planned as well, but with the dinner that Sam had planned as well. Today was just going to bee one of the best days in Sam's book. If he was being honest with himself, every day was the best when he was able to see Jeff. The sweet smiles and the way he got to see how precious Jeff was when he woke up early and would just stay in bed. Seeing that face that he was growing to love was all to make his day better. Laughing from Jeff's comment on the kiss, Sam let Jeff hold onto him. Hugging him tightly. "Because if we did every hello like that, we would spend the next twenty minutes fooling around." Explaining with a tilt of his head, still trying to hide the coffee behind his back. He knew how Jeff got without his coffee but he also knew how Jeff got when he didn't get what he wanted from Sam in other areas. It was that little bit of feisty that Sam loved as well. "You do? And what's that?" Sam asked in curiosity as he pulled the coffee and the heart shaped chocolates from his back. "Is it better than chocolate covered hearts?" Asking in that cheesy way he always pulled off.

Jeff let out a loud laugh at Sam’s reply. It was one of those, it’s funny because it’s true moments. His boyfriend was right, and obviously knew him too well because that’s totally how they would spend their time. But to be fair, this was Sam Evans, the attraction was high and knowing that he was the only one who got him was the best. But, if all went as planned then they would be getting some heated passion tonight anyway. It was their anniversary after all. Though, while he was distracted with thoughts of sex and coffee, Sam managed to pull him back to the issue at hand. Concert tickets. But first, “You got me chocolate covered hearts!” He leaned in for another quick kiss and gave his boyfriend a huge grin. “You know the only heart I need is yours. But I’ll gladly take them.” He teased lightly with a small chuckle. He ran his hands over Sam’s shoulders before pulling away to lean against the couch. “But yes, I think this might be a little better.” He began, excited that he got to finally present to Sam what he’d gotten him. He dug into the cushions and pulled out the box, hopping off the couch to present it in front of Sam. He held it between both hands a blue and silver wrapped giftbox, lifting it up and forwards for the other to take. “Happy anniversary, babe.”

Everything they did was with this huge passion, not just any passion for Sam. This was a relationship that was seeming to work. To Sam, this was the right pairing for him and after gushing to all of his friends and seeing how happy he truly was. Sam could honestly see this being a long term thing. He would love to wake up every morning and see that sweet face. To be able to just hold and kiss Jeff like the world around them has disappeared. Chuckling softly, Jeff would say something as cheesy as Sam would with the chocolate hearts. All they needed was each other and this is why Sam thought this was the best of all his relationships. With curious features going to his face, Sam watched Jeff go to the couch and take the wrapped present tied to the balloon and bring it over to him. Their hands folding in over the gift box. He wasn't sure what this was but all he wanted was his boyfriend for the day of their official New Year's kiss. Sam took the box and opened it slowly, eyes widening a bit and jaw opened slightly. Only for a split second as he leaned in and started pecking Jeff's lips and cheek in response. "I have the best boyfriend ever" He whispered above Jeff's lips. Though his present was later with their dinner, Sam felt like Jeff was setting the romance higher. "I got you something too, but it's with dinner. You know.. that place you've always wanted to go to." Sam hinted with a smirk

Jeff was getting pretty corny right about now, but to be fair it was their one year anniversary, he was allowed to get a little corny. Sam meant so much to him and he wanted to show his boyfriend how much he loved and appreciated him. They’d been through so much together, and have seen each other through the best and the worst. But this last year had easily been on of the best of his life, and Jeff knew that Sam played a major part of that. He didn’t know what he’d ever do without his best friend, but he needed him in his life. So, so much. He grinned like the goofy fool he was as Sam took his present and started peppering him with kisses, laughing as the other’s lips tickled his skin. “No, the best boyfriend in the world is right here.” He murmured back, his fingers trailing through Sam’s hair as he was told of his own gift tonight. “Mmm, dinner sounds–” It sounded wonderful, but Jeff registered what Sam had said. “Dinner?” He pulled away from Sam and straightened up, recomposing himself. “Wait, you mean that place downtown with the waiting list a mile long? Sam, you didn’t have to do that.” He said, taken aback by what his boyfriend must have had to do to pull that one off. Between the waiting list and the prices, he never wanted Sam to have to swing that for him. “You know I would have been happy with anything tonight.” But then he remembered– tonight– the tickets. “Oh man, your gift.” He said, realizing a flaw in the plan. “You should open it.” He said hesitantly, hand going up to rub his head.

These times around one or two year anniversaries were always an excuse to be corny and cheesy. Sweet, and romantic. Which Jeff was always. It was easy to have this little banter of who was the best boyfriend and they had all day to be cute and do all they could. When he noticed how Jeff figured out what place it was, that smile grew bigger on his trout like lips. Nodding to him. Still holding his hands, Sam wanted to have this dinner. Even though the manager wanted to help and give free charge for Sam. It was all for Jeff and that's all that mattered to Sam. "I wanted to because I know you've been wanting to go there for the longest time" He spoke with a sweet tone. Going back to the gift in hand, Sam opened it further. He saw the tickets and saw who they were seeing. Seeing how they both wanted to wow the other, they ended up wowing with the worse timing of it all. "I see what you meant." He said looking over to Jeff. "This is great and we can just cancel the dinner so we can go the concert. The manager is practically giving it to us for free since her daughter is a fan." He explained, taking Jeff's hand that always went to make that nervous rub of his neck and back of his head to hold it. "As long as I'm spending the day with you, I'll be the happiest guy in all of California"

Sometimes Jeff had to seriously wonder if Sam was real. His senses were telling him he was real. He could really see him in front of him, feel his calloused fingers over his own, taste his lip balm when they kissed and smell his after shave on him as he pulled away. So logically, that implied that he was real. Yet, Jeff was still blown away by hot thoughtful, sweet, and sacrificing his boyfriend could be. He may have been slightly teaching when he’d said that he’d had the best boyfriend in the world, but he meant it to. He didn’t know what’d he’d do without Sam, but he never wanted to find out. Letting the other take his hand, he squeezed their linked fingers and retorted, “Only California? Clearly I need to step up my game.” He laughed a little at his own self-depreciating humor before trying to offer a real solution. He refused to let all of Sam’s plans and efforts go to waste. “But Sam, come on you obviously went through a lot for this. It’s so perfect and you know I’ve been dying to go there. If you can pull anymore strings, maybe we can move up our dinner to a super late lunch? We can skip the pre-show and still make it in time for the concert if we leave right now. What do you say?” He asked, still hopeful. It wasn’t what either of them had planned exactly, and it was certainly a bit fudged, but as long as he was with Sam he knew it would be an amazing night.

Sam watched as Jeff squeezed their linked fingers and gave Sam that cute smirk while making his remark of having to step up his game. Jeff didn't need to step up his game. He was perfect as he was already. What more could he do? The thoughts were circling his mind and then went back to how they would arrange their day and get the plans to fit. From the suggestion made Sam swung their linked hands together and looked at those sweet brown eyes. "I say, I have a genius for a boyfriend. I'll give them a call now, stay gorgeous" He replied as he pulled out his phone, having to take his dry cleaning to his their room and make the arrangements so they could have a jam packed day of sweet romance along with fun and excitement.

Things had gotten a little fudged around the middle there, but finally he and Sam had figured out a successful plan of action for their two completely amazing yet unfortunately conflicting anniversary plans. Apparently the manager's daughter was a really, really big fan of Sam's, because they were able to swing a late lunch. And wow, it was totally as good as he had hoped and imagined. The food was amazing, the service spectacular and he was blown away by how grand yet intimate the atmosphere was. Part of Jeff wished they could stay forever, especially with the no less than three desserts they had indulged in. But as fun and sweet as dinner was, they had a concert to get to. The show had been amazing and easily one of the best concerts he'd ever been too. The crowd was so pumped and lively and the band killed it. Sam seemed to really enjoy it and that what was most important to him. Everything came down to Sam's happiness which is why after the show was over he opted to skip the after party to take Sam home. He wanted to be together for their kiss. It was special to them and he wanted it done right. Not to mention he was totally beat after their crazy day. So now he was snuggled up under the covers with Sam. Smiling up at his boyfriend he signed in contentment as his body melted. "Tonight was amazing and perfect and wonderful. Seriously, thank you for everything." He turned towards Sam and absentmindedly ran his fingers through his hair. "I can't imagine a better way to spend this night. But you know I meant what I said earlier, all I needed was you." He finished with a small smile.

Even with how tightly bound their schedule was, Jeff and Sam were able to switch up the dinner to a late lunch and since the manager's daughter was a fan, she even made them their dessert. He was just happy to see Jeff's excitement and how he was enjoying the restaurant. That's all he could ask for and when they went to the concert, the evening got even better. The crowd was so amp-ed and once they got done with the concert they decided to skip the pre-show. Heading home to seal their night with just being with each other. Cuddled and wrapped into each other's arms. Smiling and keeping their eyes locked with each other. "Thank you for everything as well. This has been amazingly perfect and I couldn't ask for more." His fingers running softly against Jeff's cheek as well. "All I ever need is you." He responded with a matching smile. "You make every day perfect Jeff." The clock on their nightstand saying 11:59. Today was perfect and he couldn't help but feel the amount of love. Not just for today but everyday. "I love you Jeff Sterling."