The week passed by pretty quickly. Before I knew it it was Friday and I was out of class and off of work. This was the only real free time I had before tomorrow’s game. I smiled at the thought. Tomorrow was my debut as a member of Pom and my first football game as a student. It was also Brandon’s first game he was starting in. I was so proud of him.

I walked down the stairs of the student center humming a happy little tune I had heard someone singing in class earlier. I noticed Kellin walking down the stairs of a building next door so I called out his name. He turned his head and smiled as I made my way to him.

“What’s up, Kay?” he asked.

“Not much, just wanted to know if you wanted to hang out later.” He looked like he was thinking it over but he nodded.

“Yeah, I’ve got nothing to do today. What’s the plan?”

“Well my sister’s coming by after she’s out of school and we’re gonna unpack the rest of my apartment if you’d like to help. We can chill with food and music and whatever else.” I knew it wasn’t the ideal way to hang out but I needed the help and Brandon was gonna be at practice for tomorrow’s game. The PTV boys had a gig next Friday so they were gonna practice as soon as everyone was out of class. According to Jaime they didn’t even have a set list yet.

Kellin shrugged. “Sure I guess. If you need the help then you can count me in.” I beamed.

“Thank you so much!” He smiled back at me.

“No problem. I’ll have to go back to my dorm but sure, I can come by.” I gave Kellin directions to my place before we parted and happily drove back to the apartment.

As soon as I stepped in I dropped my bag down on the floor and kicked off my shoes. I was so excited. Gabi was coming over and I’d finally get to spend some time with my sister. I checked my phone, noting that it was a quarter to 4. Great, she should be here in a few minutes.

As if on cue there was a knock on my door. I skipped over and opened it, seeing my little sister with her black wavy hair and big smile. We scooped each other into a hug and I led her in.

“So…this is it?” she asked in her slightly snobby way. I rolled my eyes but smiled.

“Yes and you’re helping me today so I don’t need the sass.” She scoffed.

“When do I ever give you sass?” she asked sarcastically. I was about to comment when someone else knocked on the door, causing Gabi to go and answer it. “Can I help you?” I heard her ask. There was a quiet response and then Gabi walked into the living room with Kellin behind her. I smiled at him and introduced them.

Within a few minutes the three of us were jamming out to whatever came up on my iPod and unpacking various boxes in the living room. Gabi and I learned a bit about Kellin in that process. Apparently he was the guy living in the apartment with Vic, Brandon, and Jaime. His band, Sleeping With Sirens, was a pretty new group that was formed his first year while he was at freshman orientation last summer. They hadn’t gotten many opportunities to showcase what they had come up with in the last year but apparently none of them really cared at this point.

An hour had passed and we only had a few more boxes to go through for the bedroom. Gabi was sitting on my bed while Kellin and I sat on the floor, each of us shuffling through our own individual box.

“So Kay, how you liking it here?” Kellin asked me, referring to SMU.

“It’s not that bad. The people are really nice, my classes are okay, and I have a few new bands I have to check out,” I answered, referring to his and Vic’s bands. Kellin blushed a little bit. It was so adorable.

“So am I allowed to go check out this band you’re talking about or do I have to stay home with Mom and Dad next week?” I smiled at Gabi’s question.

“Hey, if you can convince Mom to let you stay with me again next weekend then I’ll take you with me to see PTV.” She nodded with a huge smile on her face and looked over at Kellin.

“So are you going t-” She stopped talking and looked at me before speaking to me in Spanish. “Vístete cómo reaccionó cuando lo mencionaste la banda?”

“Sí. Estaba actuando raro en su ensayo el otro día.” She nodded and looked at Kellin who was looking at us like we were crazy.

“Is there a reason why you two are speaking Spanish?” he asked. Gabi giggled and shook her head.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head of hair Mr. Quinn,” she answered. He made a face but shrugged.

“So…,” Kellin said hesitantly, “you two are really sisters?” I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

“Yes Kellin,” I responded, “we’re related. We’re half-Mexican, half-albino.” He made a face. “It’s true. I got the albino looks from my mom which might explain the hair and skin tone. Brandon and Gabi are the Mexican looks.” On cue Gabi flipped her hair. Kellin chuckled.

“That’s actually pretty cool you know. I know a few people didn’t know you and Brandon were related.”

“That always happens to them,” Gabi said matter-of-factly. “They’re only a year apart and really close so when they go out together it looks like they’re dating.”

“Yeah, I know someone who thinks that.” Gabi and I looked at him questioningly.

“Who?” we asked at the same time.

Kellin got really shy for a second. “I don’t think I should say.”

“Well too bad, now spill,” I demanded. Kellin ran a hand over his face and sighed.

“Okay but you didn’t hear this from me.” I nodded. “Tony, Mike, and I have English at the same time but in different rooms. Anyway, I walked out of my class yesterday and saw them ahead of me. I heard them talking and Tony asked Mike what was going on with him and after a little bit he said that he thought that Brandon was your boyfriend.”

Gabi and I looked at each other and made gagging noises.

“Wait, so does that mean that Mike likes me?” Kellin shrugged.

“Dunno but he did sound a little jealous.”

“Well that explains this last week…” I made a mental note to talk to Mike about the whole thing and see where his head was.

We continued to talk about how our classes, the bands, and clubs we were interested in joining. The entire time Gabi kept a sly eye on Kellin. I shot her a questioning look and she smirked. Oh no.

“So Kellin,” she started. He looked in her direction. “What are your thoughts on Pierce The Veil?”

“Um, I think they’re a great band. Really good music.” She smirked.

“That’s not what I meant. How do you feel about the guys themselves?” Oh no!

“I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

“Gabi….” I warned. She waved me off.

“What I mean is, what do you think about Jaime?”

“He’s a cool dude. Really hyper but it’s fun.” She nodded.

“What about Mike?”

“He’s chill although people think he’s some kind of thug. He’s really not.”

“Tony?”

“Really quiet but chill as well. Wicked guitar player.”

“Vic?” Kellin hesitated a little before he answered.

“He’s a cool dude too. Kinda quiet but also a little out there. Amazing singer. Active person. Really nice. And he-” Gabi put her hand up to stop him.

“I knew it!” she screamed. Kellin looked at her with a confused expression and I hid my face behind my hands.

“Knew what?” he asked. Gabi just smirked.

“That you’re gay and you have a crush on Vic.” His face turned crimson.

“Um, well, I, uh, I don’t, um….” Gabi giggled.

“Relax, I’m not here to judge and neither is Kay.” He turned to me and I gave him a reassuring smile. “How did the crush start? When did you first know you were gay?”

Oh Gabi.

“Well he and I met at freshman seminar last fall. I was kinda nervous because I’m not from here and kinda picked up and moved here without any of my friends from back home. Anyway, Vic was really nice to me. He sat next to me the first day of that class and he and Jaime had lunch with me. Turned out we were both creative writing majors so we had a lot of classes together. In fact, the following spring Vic enrolled in all the same classes as me.” He chuckled at the thought of that memory. “I spent so much time with him that eventually I started seeing him in a new light. It wasn’t until I went to see his band rehearse that I knew I liked him. He gets so animated when he performs and it’s so adorable.” A blush was creeping onto his face.

“That’s so cute!” Gabi squealed. “And now you guys live together and can build on that relationship and maybe get married and-”

“Breathe mija,” I said. She took in a deep breath and let it out with a huff.

I turned to Kellin. “Do you know if he likes you back? Is he even gay?” He shrugged.

“Dunno. He talks with Mike and Jaime about the girls in our classes but he’s never done anything with them. He might be bi but I can’t really read him.” Gabi’s head shot up the instant he said that.

“Oh Kellin I can do it!” He looked at her strangely. “My gaydar is impeccable. Give me some time with him and I’ll be able to tell.” I was actually about to laugh until I saw the look on Kellin’s face.

“Oh Kell, don’t tell me you’re actually considering this.” He shrugged.

“I’d like to know.” He turned to Gabi. “Deal.”

Her squeals filled the room as she was hopping around my bedroom, trying not to trip over the remaining boxes that were on the ground. Kellin just laughed at the sight while I tried so hard not to throw at pillow at my little sister.

I failed.

Soon the three of us were in the midst of a pillow fight, laughter and threats filling the space. We eventually got back to unpacking but at the moment we let go of our responsibilities and guy troubles.

***



It’s been a week since I admitted to Kaylee and her sister that I was gay. Honestly, they’re the only two I’ve come out to. They should feel special as fuck.

I hopped in the backseat of Kaylee’s car and patted her sister on the head as a greeting.

“Hey Kell,” Gabi said. I smiled as I put on my seatbelt.

We were headed off to the coffee shop Pierce The Veil was going to be playing at. They were scheduled to play from 9 until close, so about an hour. We all decided that we’d park our cars at the shop then go get dinner before the boys had to set up.

“So where are we eating?” I asked. Kaylee’s face went blank and that’s when I realized that the seven of us hadn’t made any actual plans for food.

Go us.

“Shit, can one of you guys call one of the boys? My phone’s in my pocket.”

“I’ve got it,” I responded to Kay’s question. I pulled out my phone and tapped on Vic’s name.

“Put it on speaker.” I nodded and did just that. Within a few seconds Vic’s voice echoed in the car.

“Kelly Quinn, how’s it hanging?” I chuckled at the name.

“Not bad Victor. Where are you guys right now?”

“We’re at the apartment waiting for Mike and Tony to get here.”

“You mean I’m driving my way over to the coffee shop for nothing?!” Kaylee yelled. Vic laughed over the line.

“Sorry Kay. Hey, you guys come by and we can chill for a while. Kells I think you left your wallet here.” Shit, I knew my pants felt a little off.

“Thanks you beautiful man; you’re a life saver.” It was Vic’s turn to chuckle.

“Anything for you. Seriously though, you guys come by.”

“On the way,” Kaylee answered as she made a U-turn and headed back to my apartment. I said my goodbye and hung up the phone.

“So Kellin,” Gabi started. I braced myself for the rest of whatever she was gonna say. “Have you told Vic how you feel yet?”

“No you little brat,” I replied playfully. She stuck her tongue out. “There just hasn’t been a good time. Plus, I don’t know who he’s in to. If it’s girls then I’ll just have to live out the rest of the year in an awkward situation and I don’t want that.” The girls nodded and left it at that.

Honestly, I wanted more than anything to confess to Vic that I liked him, that he was perfect in my eyes, but sadly I could only subtly flirt and pray to God that he’d catch on.

We pulled into a space in front of my building and I unlocked the door. Jaime and Vic were sitting on the couch playing video games.

“What’s up you bums?” I joked. Jaime flipped me off as the three of us walked in. I ushered the girls to the seats as I took a seat next to Vic.

“Woah,” Jaime murmured as the girls sat. The next thing I knew the game was paused and he was kneeling in front of Gabi. “Hello beautiful.” Kaylee reached over and smacked him.

“Stop it Jaime. She’s sixteen.” Slowly Jaime got up and went back to his seat. “Vic, Jaime, this is my sister Gabi. Gabs these two are half of Pierce The Veil.”

“Nice to meet you,” she giggled. Kaylee just rolled her eyes.

We fell into a pretty easy conversation although Vic and Jaime were a little too busy playing their game to contribute much. Once Jaime decided he couldn’t sit still anymore we got into the flow of things. We were all cracking jokes while we waited for Mike and Tony to get there.

“Guys I’ve got a great idea!” Gabi announced excitedly. We all turned to her. “Let’s play a game.”

“What game though? Spin the bottle? Truth or dare? Strip poker?” Jaime wiggled his eyebrows at the end of his statement.

“I could go for strip poker,” Vic announced. The girls shot him a deadly look. “Not for you two.” He put an arm around me and the other around Jaime. Gabi giggled while Jaime slipped out of Vic’s embrace.

“No offense dude but I think we’re close enough.”

“Fine, then Kells, you and I can have our own special moment after the show.” He winked at me and I swear my body temperature went up. I was sure the girls noticed too because Gabi couldn’t stop giggling and Kaylee was giving her the death stare.

A few moments later Mike and Tony walked in. “Hey bro,” Vic called. Mike nodded his head and messed with Kaylee’s hair as he passed and went into the kitchen. Kaylee and Mike had resolved their differences earlier in the week. Mike understood that Brandon wasn’t Kay’s boyfriend and pretty soon after that his feelings for her floated to the surface.

“Hey you two, this is my little sister Gabi. Gabs that’s Mike and Tony, the other half of the band.” They said their hellos.

“So can we finally decide on where to eat because I’m starving and I’d like to not pass out on stage.” Vic chuckled at Jaime’s statement.

“Well what’s around the shop?” We all turned to Kaylee and Gabi who were giving us blank stares in return.

“What?” Kay asked.

“You two are from here,” Tony answered, “maybe you know…” The girls gave him a look then giggled.

“Well, what are we in the mood for?” Kay asked.

“Food!” Jaime yelled. Chuckles went around the room. “But seriously, I could go for a good burger.”

“Agreed,” Vic chimed in.

“Well then I know just the place. It’s called Hunky’s and their burgers and shakes are so good. Our parents used to take us down there when we would visit Brandon after games.”

“Well shit, let’s go then!” Jaime ran out the door leaving the rest of us to laugh at his antics.

“I think we should follow him,” Gabi said. Mike shook his head.

‘He won’t get far; Vic has the keys.” Vic tapped my shoulder in response to Mike. That’s when I realized that he hadn’t taken his arm away from me. My temperature rose again.

“Well let’s go.” Kaylee stood and soon we were all out the door. It kinda sucked since Vic took his arm off me but I shrugged it off and got back to Kaylee’s car.

“Okay, can we talk about how in love with you Vic is?” Gabi asked as Kaylee pulled out of her spot to be followed by PTV.

“What do you mean?” I replied. She turned her head back to me so quick.

“Dude, his arm never left your body. You two were so cute on the phone. Kellin Quinn, that man has the hugest crush on you. He’s not a flaming homo but his love for you is.” Kaylee laughed.

“Gabs, what does that even mean?”

“Shut up, I don’t know.” She turned back to me. “You should totally go for it.”

I thought about it. Vic was into me? Really? That cute little Mexican with the perfect smile and the most beautiful voice liked me? I smiled at the thought and sat back in my seat.

Vic Fuentes liked me. That was all I needed to have a good night.

Notes

So I've decided to go a different way with the story in case you haven't noticed. Please tell me what you think and don't forget to rate and comment!