Part One

Leaving

Colby was beyond frustrated, as not only did he have a tough time on the case they had just finished but David was still giving the cold shoulder even though it had been two and a half months since the incident and he was getting tired of it.

He wasn't the only one.

Don, Megan, Charlie, and even Alan have tried to talk to him when Colby just wasn't even trying anymore but David just snapped at them in anger over being lied to and still feeling betrayed over the whole thing.

Colby understood that he lied but he had tried to explain to David that he couldn't say anything about the op but David said it still didn't matter. Don had said that maybe David just needed time but even he was beginning to doubt it.

There was also the matter of a new job offer to work in DC and Colby was seriously considering it, as he was also experiencing some health issues related to the injections he was getting from Lancer's torture but only Don, Megan, Alan, Charlie, Robin and his doctor were aware of the issue at the moment though he suspects that the higher ups know about it since the doctor works for the FBI, though he doesn't think it would cause any problems.

He decided that he needed to talk with Don, as he was making his decision and he wanted to have a chat with his friend about the offer, and figure out where to go from there.

He and Don decided to meet at a bar in order to talk, as Don said he also had some things that he wanted to talk about, making Colby wonder what his news could be.

Colby arrived at the bar to see Don waving at him, already with two beers on hand, one his and the other presumably for Colby.

"Hey, Don, thanks for meeting with me." Colby greeted his friend, as he made himself comfortable in the booth

"Hey, no problem, I was wanting to go for a beer for the past week but I had things to do with Robin, so this was my first chance I could take." Don admitted

Colby only smiled at that, as since Don and Robin got back together last month after she returned from Florida, they have been busy fixing things between them and, from what he had heard, they had moved in together.

"Is it true that you two are living together?" Colby asked, though he knew the answer to the question.

"Yeah, since we are doing better than last time, we figured we should give it a try and see where it goes." Don said with a smile

"Good for you man." Colby said, as he was happy to see that someone around the FBI offices was having a good personal life, as he still wasn't sure what is going on with Megan and Larry at the moment.

"So what do you want to talk about?" Don asked, though he already looked like he knew what Colby was going to ask about

"I got another job offer in DC and I'm seriously considering taking it, as I'm still a little unsure whether the issues as a result from the injections will lead to any issues while in the field and I think the brass might be aware." Colby said

"That's the only reason?" Don asked, as he knew Colby too well to know that he wouldn't let any health issue get in the way but he also knew it was starting to get troublesome as he heard Colby coughing a couple times while they were working but Colby just waved it off but he wondered how much David had to do with it.

"Well, the situation with David is not getting any better, as, one time I was coughing, he accused me of faking being sick to get undeserved sympathy, which is why I haven't bothered telling him about my health." Colby said, with some bitterness in his voice

Don was also feeling angry about it as, aside from the lying he had done, Colby was a hero who had made some big sacrifices for his country's safety.

"I'm sorry Colby." Don said sadly, as he was hoping the two would be making progress with time but that doesn't seem to be happening.

"I know that I lied but honestly, I am beginning to wonder if it's also something else, but I'm sure what so I'm not going to bother trying with him." Colby said, basically admitting defeat.

"I thought you never gave up, Colb." Don said, as he knew how stubborn the man was but wasn't surprised given how the past few months have been like.

"Well, even I know when to call it quits, since I know other than David, the team has been through a lot lately." Colby said

"Well, there are going to be some changes to the team, whether you want to stay or not, Colby." Don said, as he decided that he needed to cut to the chase.

"Like what?" Colby said, as he was worried something bad was happening.

"Relax, Colby, it's good news." Don said with a chuckle, "For starters, I'm taking the position of Special Agent in Charge of the LA offices."

"Congrats, Don." Colby said with a smile, as he thought that more than anyone, Don deserved a promotion.

"Yeah, and Megan will be the new team leader, as she is the second-in-command currently." Don said

"And David?" Colby asked cautiously, wondering how the man would react to these changes.

"He'll be second-in-command, as Megan insists that she can get his head back into the right place, despite the brass's concerns."

"Should I ask what those might be?" Colby said, though he had a few ideas, as he had heard that David was getting angrier with other people, and was forced to talk to a therapist during his time in prison.

"It's what you have heard, among a couple other reasons that I'm not entirely sure about but he definitely does need some help on his issues before things get worse." Don said

"Well, I want to help David, but given the past few months, I don't think he would accept my help." Colby said sadly, as he wanted to help David but he felt it would just make things worse between them, if that was possible.

"I know Colby, but I think it's best that you decide what's best for you right now, given everything that's happened." Don said as honestly as he could, as he wasn't sure what to do about David, which was why he asked Megan to take him as second-in-command in the first place, to ensure that David eventually got help and squared things out before he did something else that he would regret.

"I think I'm getting close to my decision about the job, so I should be able to give you an answer tomorrow about what I will do." Colby said, as he knew whatever he decided, it may never change things between him and David.

"Okay, Colby, whatever you decide, I will support you." Don said, as he wanted Colby and the rest of the team to just be happy and move on with their lives.

The next day…

Don was in the breakroom getting after finishing his phone call with Robin, as they decided to make plans for the weekend given they were both free and to further figure out their relationship when Colby came in.

"Hey, Don." Colby said

"Hey, did you decide yet?" Don asked, as he knew that it would have to come sooner or later.

"Yeah, I've decided to take the job, as it's a good opportunity to try to figure things out and maybe it will help sort out some of the problems I have over time." Colby said

"Well, congrats Colby and I hope things get better for you." Don said sincerely

"Thanks, do you mind telling the team? I have to leave immediately when I give my answer and I just don't want to see David being happy that I'm leaving."

"Sure, no problem, Colb, all I can say is good luck." Don said, both proud and sad, as he had to let a good agent go but he was also getting a good opportunity as well.

"Sure, I'll call when I get to DC and let Megan, Charlie, and Alan know that I would talk to them any time possible." Colby said

"Anything you need, we will be there for you." Don said, as he knew David wasn't part of this, though he hoped he eventually will but time will tell.

"Thanks, Don, I'll see you later." Colby said as he left the LA office for the last time.