“Okay, but tell me why you don’t have any more sisters.” I rolled my eyes at Jaime’s comment as I rolled our shopping cart down the aisles of the grocery store. Ever since Tony and Gabi officially got together Jaime was feeling left out. Everyone in our friend group had someone, except him. To be honest I felt a little bad for him.

“For the last time Jaime, I don’t have any other sisters.” His face fell. “I do have a cute cousin who would probably be in to you. I could set it up if you want.”

“Ladybug, you’re the absolute best!” I laughed at the nickname. It was a childhood name Brandon had given me when we’d gone camping with our parents one summer. We saw bugs and ladybugs were the only ones that didn’t freak me out.

“No problem man. Could you grab the-” But he was already down the aisle humming some happy tune. I shook my head as I reached up to grab the noodles on the shelf.

“Damn,” someone whispered in my ear, “I wouldn’t mind purchasing some of this.”

“Careful, I don’t come cheap.”

“Obviously not,” he said as his hands met my ass. “I can see that you work very hard to perfect this product.” I turned around with a smile and snaked my arms around his neck.

“You’re disgusting,” I said before I kissed him.

“Maybe but you love me so I guess I’m not so bad.” I simply laughed and kissed him again.

“You two seriously need to get a room.” We parted and looked at the person who had interrupted our moment.

“Look, don’t be mad because your best friend’s into me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean, Mike?”

“Well, Kellin, it means that I won.” He squeezed my ass again and stuck his tongue out at Kell who only shook his head with a laugh.

“You both need to act like adults,” I laughed. They just looked at me.

“No,” they responded at the same time. They then preceded to high five each other with delight. Boys.

“So is anyone gonna help me shop?” I asked in an attempt to get us back to doing what we came to the store to do.

“Nope.”

A failed attempt.

“But I will go and find stuff for me and Tone.”

“But Mike-” He cut me off with a kiss to the cheek and said a quick “I’ll be back” before he ran off in a direction. I just sighed and pushed the cart through the aisles with Kellin alongside me.

“I’m surprised you aren’t running off,” I said jokingly. He smiled.

“You need the help and besides, I already rode a cart down the store. I think I’m good.” I shook my head, mentally kicking myself for missing that sight.

“Well cool, help me pick out some fruit.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said with a salute. I couldn’t help but notice that Kellin had been a lot happier lately, and I knew why. Although he didn’t want to talk about it I knew he had hit it off with someone. I asked before but he never gave me any details, just that the guy was cute and everything he’d ever wanted. I was just so happy that Kell was out of his depression.

“You should buy a fucking watermelon.” I laughed at his suggestion. “I’m fucking serious, buy a fucking watermelon.”

“I don’t need a watermelon.”

“You’re right, you need a fucking watermelon.”

“Kellin no.”

“Yeah Kells, she needs two fucking watermelons.” We turned to see Vic standing there with a stupid grin on his face. I just rolled my eyes.

“No Victor,” I replied.

“I don’t know Kay, I think you need two fucking watermelons.” I gave Kellin a look to which he just shrugged.

“Maybe I don’t need fruit…”

“Buy a fucking kumquat!” Vic laughed at the excitement in Kellin’s voice.

“Kellin Quinn Bostwick,” I warned.

“Why don’t you want our suggestions?” I looked back at Vic.

“Because watermelons and kumquats.”

“Part of a healthy breakfast.” It was Kell’s turn to laugh at Vic. I let out a tired sigh and wished for Mike to come back. Then I remembered that my boyfriend was also a child so I decided against it.

“Are you two done?”

“Depends,” Kellin said in between laughs, “are you gonna buy fruit or nah?”

“Nah.”

“Fine then, Kell and I will just have to get the fucking kumquats.” Vic put a triumphant arm around Kellin’s shoulders and smiled.

“And fucking watermelons,” Kellin added.

“Of course.”

“I’m gonna go find Jaime,” I said. The two of them were too wrapped up in their joke to even notice that I’d walked away.

Note to self: don’t ever go shopping with Pierce The Veil.

I laughed to myself despite my previous thought. Kell and Vic were finally getting along again which made me smile. I guess Kell’s new guy helped him get over Vic and Danielle.

What if Kell’s happy because of Vic?

I thought about it. It would explain a lot, but how in the hell would that happen? San Diego?

He did spend a lot of time out of the hotel…

I shook my head. He wouldn’t get back with Vic and not say anything, would he? I looked down the aisle and spotted the two of them once again. Vic was looking at Kellin the same way Mike looked at me.

They’re back together.

Why hadn’t Kell said anything? Maybe he didn’t want to jinx it?

“Hey, so can we check out now?” I slipped out of my thoughts and looked at my boyfriend who was dumping armfuls of chips, soda, and candy in our cart.

“What the hell is this?”

“I told you, Tone and I need things.”

“Well you’re paying for it.” He shrugged.

“Did you forget that I’m a little brother? I can get whatever I want.” I laughed at his pipe dream and continued to scan the aisles for actual food. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Vic put his hand in Kellin’s as they walked in the opposite direction. I smiled to myself.

I was happy to see my best friend back with his true love. He was finally himself again, even though he chose to hide the reason behind his happiness. Regardless of that, they were both in a seemingly good place. Hopefully that wouldn’t crash and burn.

***



I turned a peg on my guitar as I sat backstage. It was the night of the Back To School Bash and we were gonna be on in fifteen minutes. Sound check went really well and I was confident that we were gonna kill it. We weren’t getting paid for this gig but we were gonna have a blast regardless.

A pair of arms snaked around my waist and a pair of lips met my neck soon after. I turned my head slightly to see jet black hair in my line of sight.

“Is this your way of wishing me good luck?”

“Not necessarily. I kinda just wanted to have your ass up against me.” I laughed and turned to meet his beautiful eyes.

“I mean, after this is done we can skip the after party and you can feel whatever you want on whatever parts you want.”

“It’s a deal,” he said with a laugh. “So, am I allowed to actually wish you good luck?” I looked around the area cautiously before I planted one on Kellin’s lips. We were trying to keep us a secret for as long as possible so we couldn’t do the things we did the last time our bands performed, which meant we couldn’t kiss in public.

Kellin deepened the kiss anyway and soon we were wrapped up in our own world. If the sound of applause hadn’t snapped us out of it we probably would’ve gone even further.

We pulled away from each other with blushes on our cheeks. “Well shit, good luck to both of us.” Kellin just smiled shyly as he tried to control himself.

“Vic c’mon, we’re on!” I sent a thumb’s up Jaime’s way as he walked past us. I looked back at Kell.

“Well, break a leg. You’re gonna kill it.”

“Thanks beautiful, so will you.” SWS was on right after us.

Kellin smiled his shy smile once again. “You wanna kiss me again, don’t you?” I asked smugly.

“Maybe but you’ve got a show to play.”

“C’mon Vic!” I rolled my eyes at Mike.

“I’m coming.”

“Go on ahead; go knock ‘em dead.” I smiled as I reached for his hand. I lightly stroked the back of it with my thumb as I looked in his eyes.

“I love you,” I whispered. He blushed and mouthed the words back. I took that as my cue to get my ass on stage before the boys started throwing a fit.

“What’s up SMU!” I said as soon as I got to the mic. “Let’s get into some fun shit.”

***

“Ugh, we were so good! Like uh, fuck yes!”

“And you are so drunk. Like uh, yeah.”

“Man fuck you.” We all laughed at Justin and Nick’s banter as we ate. The boys and I were at BJ’s with our regular crew and Sleeping With Sirens. The eleven of us were sitting at a long ass table just enjoying each other’s company. Well, that and the food. Our performances were amazing so a celebration just had to be in order. Yeah I had joked with Kell that we would skip the party but we were both really hungry.

“Dudes, we should all drop out of school and become professional band people.”

Kellin laughed. “Justin, ‘professional band person’ isn’t a job title.”

“Well shit, let’s make it one. Fuck social norms.”

“I’m down,” I said as I looked at the boys. Mike nodded in my direction and Jaime sent me a thumbs up with his free hand as he shoved a slice of pizza in his mouth. I chuckled. “Yeah, we’re all down.”

“See fucker,” Justin said to Kell, “it’s a thing.”

“Whatever, bitch.”

I shook my head at their interaction. I always loved hanging out with SWS because they were crazy together. Kellin was also more in his element when he was with his boys. At the moment he and Jack were sluing insults at each other like brothers. It was funny to listen to; just a lot of “you’re stupid” and “fuck you”.

“Whatever man, just know that I’ll totally ruin you.” Kellin shook his head at Jack.

“Only in your dreams.”

“We can put money on it.”

“What are we betting on?” Tony asked. He had finally torn himself away from Gabi’s trance and was actually talking to us.

“Jack thinks he can beat me at Melee, which he can’t!”

“Man,” Jack replied, “you don’t even play video games.”

“Actually,” I cut in, “Kell’s been playing more. He’s getting pretty good.” Kellin flashed a winning smile at me.

“See, told you!”

“Yeah but that doesn’t mean you can beat me,” Jack said.

“I’m gonna have to go with Jack on this one. I’ve played him and he’s a fucking beast.”

“Yeah but Mike you kinda suck.”

“Fuck you Vic.” I only laughed.

“Yo, how about we all go back to my place and we settle this once and for all.” Kellin nodded at Jack with determination in his eyes.

“Let’s do it. Prepare to lose your fucking money.”

“We haven’t even bet yet.”

“Let’s go back to his place and do it then,” Gabi said excitedly.

“Can we finish eating first?” Jaime asked. We all looked down at our plates and noticed that we weren’t close to finishing our meals.

The rest of our time at the restaurant was filled with all of us betting on who would win at Melee. It seemed pretty one-sided but it was all in good fun. I put my hand on Kellin’s knee as a sign for him to calm down. He and Jack were getting a little too rowdy; we didn’t need to be kicked out of this place.

When we were all done eating and the checks were paid we all stood to leave. I lightly tugged on Kellin’s arm as a sign for him to stay behind. Once everyone had exited I kissed him sweetly. His lips curled into a smile when our lips met.

“What was that for?” he asked when we parted. I simply shrugged.

“I’ve kinda wanted to do that since we got here.”

“You know, you could’ve just pulled me into the bathroom.”

“Yeah but that’s tacky. Besides, I don’t want some old guy walking in and hearing your screams.” He flushed a bright red and looked down. I just laughed and grabbed his hand.

“Why do I put up with you?” he asked as we walked out of the restaurant. I shrugged.

“I wanna say it’s because I’m good in bed but I don’t think that’s the answer you want.”

“You’re right.” I kissed the back of his hand before we got in my car. “I think we should tell everyone we’ve started up again,” he said as I pulled out of our parking spot.

“But I thought you liked this sneaking around thing.”

“I mean, it’s fun and all but I feel like Kaylee and Gabi deserve to know.” I thought about it and locked our fingers together.

“How about we just do what we do and whatever happens, happens.”

“So basically crash and burn?”

“Kinda, but this time in a better sense. We’ll get it right eventually but for now let’s just do us. Besides, I’m pretty sure the girls already know.” He seemed to mull it over then squeezed my hand.

“Sure, why not? Whatever happens, happens.” I smiled and stole a quick glance at my boyfriend; he was looking back at me. I brought his hand to my lips for the umpteenth time that day and kissed it lovingly.

He smiled. “I love you too, Vic.”

***

-

She watched as he sat amongst his friends. She watched his face as he talked, laughed, and smiled. She saw him reach his hand under the table. She stood there as he kissed him.

She died inside.

Then she got pissed.

She left the room in a furious hurry. Why didn’t he tell her? Why would he lie to her? She thought they were closer than that. Guess she was kidding herself.

She walked out into the stale Texas air and rushed to her car. If that was how he wanted to play this then fine, she could play too. He’s the one who lied so she would have to teach him a lesson. She would have to fix the problem he brought up.

She hated liars, even if they were someone she considered a best friend. Nonetheless, she would have to get him to come clean; then she would make him pay.

A plan entered her head as she drove down the highway. A perfect plan. She smiled to herself, proud of her brain’s work. Then she saw them kiss in her mind and instantly regretted thinking about him. Her foot pressed against the gas pedal and soon she was speeding down her lane. Maybe if she went fast enough she could catch up to them and ruin his life just as quickly as he had ruined hers.

No, not yet.

She eased up on her speed and calmed herself. She needed to keep her composure; she would be seeing him again soon. She needed to pretend that nothing had happened, that she hadn’t seen anything. But how could she when her mind wouldn’t let it go?

She returned to her apartment and sat in the car for a few minutes. She formulated her plan before she decided that she was well enough to go inside. Yes, it would work out; she would get him back for his lies. She would make their relationship right again.

She needed to.

Notes