March
1:05 ───|────── 2:41
|◁ II ▷|

✘

Maybe going to a bar the night before they needed to go to the cemetery wasn't the greatest idea.

To be fair, Vivian didn't expect them to get super drunk—though she shouldn't be surprised considering two of her sons probably wanted to drink their feelings away and Nicholas... well she didn't care much if he was hungover or not since she didn't expect him to come with them either way. And- Well, at least, Kellin and Oli seemed to be okay?

At least, that's what she can see from where she sat but they did look tired. Vivian knew Kellin didn't drink so he shouldn't be hung over. Maybe Oli? She brushed that off since maybe they were tired from their flight yesterday.

Vivian was sitting at the kitchen table while Oli and Kellin were making breakfast. Well, Oli was making breakfast, and Kellin was leaning against the island's countertop in the kitchen, watching Oli make breakfast with a dazed look and a coy smile on his face.

Earlier in the day when she woke up, Vivian walked out of her room and lounged around for a long time in the living room. She was up before the sun was with her heart feeling heavy and her eyes wanting to fill with tears but she pushed them back because she wasn't supposed to cry. Or, at least, not so early in the day. It was hitting her harder this time around since she hadn't visited her husband in years and this would be the last time she gets to before meeting him again.

Maybe that's why she was more emotional this time around. The morbid happiness she felt that she'd be with him soon but the overwhelming sadness of leaving behind her children coexisting simultaneously. Vivian didn't get to think much more about it because at that point she saw Oli coming down the stairs from where she sat in the next house over. He clearly had just woken up with his messy hair and sleepy look on his face while dragging his feet over to the fridge.

Vivian was quick to make her way over, nearly scaring Oli because he didn't think anyone else was up at that time. Even if he was up late the night before, he still somehow always found a way to wake up early. From then on Oli was looking to see what to make for breakfast while Vivian talked his ear off. At some point, he ended up making them coffee and sat with her to talk. She asked him questions about him, his life, and his relationship with Kellin. She was curious! Who could blame her? Kellin didn't give her much to work with.

"Where'd you go to school?"

"Do you have any siblings?"

"What do your parents do?"

"How did you and Kellin meet?"

She needed to know the people her kids were with, duh. That's what moms do. After a while Oli realized, much to Vivian's dismay, that he still hadn't started making food—and it was getting late so Kellin would be waking up soon—so he got up and started on that. Coincidentally it was after Vivian asked about marriage, now that made her smile into her mug.

Kellin slowly patted his way down the stairs halfway through Oli making food with a loud yawn. His eyes widened seeing Vivian there but he quickly smiled sweetly and greeted her. And now here they are now, Vivian watching Kellin watch Oli with a lovesick face.

It was a little later than usual for Vivian to have breakfast but she didn't mind, especially since how it was looking, she'd be having breakfast with almost everyone. What luck!

True to her expectations, Mike dragged himself in—giving Vivian a kiss on the top of her head, mumbling a good morning—before going to the coffee pot next to the stove where Oli was still cooking.

"You two ditched me," he huffed.

Kellin lolled his head towards Mike, as if it pained him to look away from Oli, before shrugging, "You were right, not much fun when you're not drinking... Plus, it was starting to get crowded."

Vivian saw them give each other a look and wondered if they left before or after Vic and Nicholas showed up. She wasn't sure how soon after they left to go to the bar since she was half asleep when Vic came to check on her and asked where everyone went. Vivian hoped she didn't make the night out uncomfortable for them. As far as she knew and saw, Kellin and Vic were—at least—civil with each other.

"Don't worry, though," Oli hummed as he lowered the heat on the stovetop, "We entertained ourselves the rest of the night."

Mike snorted, "I'm sure you did."

Kellin's face went red and he grabbed a folded rag that was on the counter he was leaning against, throwing it at Oli. The two laughed at him. "Are you done?" Kellin glared at Oli as he walked over to one of the overhead cabinets, opening them and finding the plates, "It's getting late."

Oli pursed his lips, trying to stop himself from laughing again—he couldn't help the fond eyes he had from the pout Kellin had, "Yes, love."

Mike walked back to the table and sat next to Vivian with a grin, "Oliver's in troubleeeeee."

Vivian rolled her eyes and sipped on her coffee, "How do you still manage to cause problems at your age."

"Hey, I didn't do anything," Mike asked, "I let them know I was upset that they ditched me."

He flinched when a plate was—nearly—slammed down in front of him. The both of them looked up to see Kellin glaring down at Mike before his eyes softened when he looked over at Vivian with a smile, placing her plate down in front of her, "Here you go, mom."

"Thank you, mijo," she smiled at him and looked over at Oli who was still busy fixing his and Kellin's plate. Kellin went back to the fridge to grab a couple of more things, "And you too, Oli. For making us breakfast."

Oli smiled and carried the two plates over just as Kellin came back with different syrups he could find and butter for Mike before he took a seat next to Vivian. "No problem," he said, setting the plates down before taking a seat next to Kellin. "I hope you guys enjoy it... I would've done something more but there wasn't much to work with in the fridge."

"Sorry about that," Mike said as he sat up to grab the butter, "We keep forgetting."

"It's okay. My family isn't vegan, so when I lived with them, I found ways to make things I could eat," Oli shrugged. "If it isn't good, don't feel pressured to finish it."

"He's being modest," Kellin rolled his eyes as he grabbed his knife and fork, "His cooking is always delicious."

Oli made them the fluffiest pancakes Vivian has ever seen and she's a little shocked that they're this fluffy and soft looking without milk and eggs. She grabbed onto her knife and fork and cut a quarter of her pancakes and-

"Dios (God)," she muttered as she chewed on her food, "This is delicious"

Kellin looked over at Oli with a big prideful grin on his face and Oli smiled bashfully, the tips of his ears turning red.

After they all ate their breakfast and talked about random unimportant things—it felt nice, like a real family to Vivian, though they were missing one more person, that's okay they could always all eat together another time—Mike stood up and stretched, "Well, that was good. Thanks, Oli. I will be visiting your restaurant when we get back." Oli nodded, still busy finishing his plate, before Mike took his plate back to the sink, "I'm going to go get ready, see ya'll in a bit."

"I'll go wash the dishes," Oli said after finishing up, he went to get up but Kellin was quick to beat him to it, "Love-"

"You cooked," Kellin started to pick up their plates, "Go wash up, I got this."

"You sure?"

"100%," and for extra measure, Kellin leaned down to give him a quick kiss before walking over to the kitchen, "Plus, you already got alone time with my mom, it's my turn."

After Oli left and Kellin finished washing the dishes, he slid back into his seat next to Vivian who still sat at the table. He felt like he hasn't had the chance to talk to her alone since the last time he visited. Before the news dropped that they were going to Mexico. After that the chaotic spiral of planning took up most of their time and they were never alone whenever Kellin visited again.

Kellin was worried.

For multiple reasons, really, but mostly because she looked a lot worse since then. Vivian looked paler, tired, not all there most of the time... just overall worse the more days passed. He's pretty sure she spends most of her time sleeping and today was the first time Vivian's been awake for this long and-

Well, Kellin wasn't sure if she'd be able to get through the day. She didn't get to rest and take a nap before they left and they should be leaving soon after everyone got ready and- Kellin glanced over to the house over and wondered if Nicholas and Vic were up already. They didn't join them for breakfast, thankfully, but he hoped they were awake already.

The faster they get this over with, the better.

"What are you thinking about?" Vivian asked, making Kellin look back at her.

"You," he said quickly before awkwardly stuttering out his question, "Um... how are you today?"

Vivian smiled fondly at him, "I'm okay. And you?"

Kellin frowned and comfortably placed his hand on her. "Seriously, mom... I know today isn't easy, especially on top of everything else."

"I am okay," she reassured him, squeezing his hand, "I'm a little tired but, I'll rest when we get back, it's not a big deal."

"We could wait till later-" Kellin tried but she shook her head, making Kellin stop talking.

"I'll be fine," she shrugged before he saw an excited glint in her eyes, "I don't want to give Vic a chance to back out of this."

Kellin laughed softly and shook his head, "I'm sure he won't back out, why would he come all the way here if he was?"

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Nicholas came in with more energy than Kellin would like to deal with this early in the day. 'It's almost 12 pm-' "Good morning!" Nicholas cheerfully said as he walked in, "Ooh, you guys made pancakes. Yum!"

Kellin started to feel the dread start to build up in his chest.

"Oli made us breakfast," Vivian said, eyes flickering to Kellin. She frowned seeing him sink into his seat, eyes cast down onto the dining table, "Is Vic getting ready? He should hurry and come eat before we leave."

Nicholas pursed his lips as he grabbed himself a plate and walked over to sit next to Kellin. He sat up and scooted his chair away as discreetly as he possibly could. "Oh... um," Nicholas gave her a sympathetic look and instantly Kellin knew Vic was trying to worm his way out of this, "I don't think he'll be going with you guys..."

"Oh..." Vivian trailed off, "Is he not feeling well?"

"I think he drank too much last night," Nicholas shrugged as he started to eat his breakfast. As if none of this was a big deal but Kellin could see the way Vivian was trying to not be upset. "I did ask if he wanted you guys to wait but he didn't want to be an inconvenience... So, we'll sit this one out."

Kellin could see the way Vivian tried not to look crushed. Because he was doing this again. Avoiding it and making up excuses. Usually Kellin would be worried about him, knowing this was hard for him but now all he felt was anger for his mom. He's letting her down and Kellin couldn't do a damn thing about it.

✘

"What's wrong?"

Kellin blinked and looked up to see Oli looking down at him, his head tilted. After Nicholas told them Vic won't be going, Vivian told him she was fine and that she'd be going to go get ready, he couldn't stop thinking about the crushed look on her face. He came up to get ready as well—wearing a simple outfit that just consisted of a black baggy t-shirt, dark grey jeans, and his trusty TOMS—after Oli got out of the shower.

"I'm mad."

Oli's eyebrows shot up in surprise before they furrowed together when he frowned. He sat down next to Kellin, where he sat on the bed. Oli had just finished getting dressed, sporting a black long sleeve button up, dark blue jeans, and his sneakers. "Why?" He asked, already thinking of all the possibilities for what could've happened during the time he left him alone downstairs, "What happened?"

"Vic isn't going," he huffed out softly, pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance before dragging his hand up his forehead towards his hair, "Nicholas said it was because he drank too much but I know he's just trying to get out of going, again."

"Oh," Oli said and Kellin looked over to see him with a confused look, "So... you're mad because he avoiding it?"

Oli couldn't lie that he didn't feel weird over how upset Kellin was about this. Sure, he can see why it was annoying that Vic did all this only to not go but... this was about Vivian visiting one last time, it didn't matter who went.

"What?" Kellin furrowed his eyebrows, "No, I'm mad because he's letting Viv down. She was happy he was finally going with her one last time and now he's just..."

"Are we not going anymore then?" Oli asked. He was a little confused on what to do here, if he was being honest. If Vic didn't want to go then that's his issue. At the end of the day, he'll end up regretting it because he can't have this moment with Vivian again.

"We are," Kellin sighed, "I just don't like seeing her upset. Today's a hard day for her already and he just couldn't for once stop being selfish and go-"

Oli frowned again when Kellin abruptly stopped talking. He had this sharp look in his eye, creased eyebrows, as if he was thinking something over. Then all of a sudden he stood up, "Love?"

"I'm gonna go talk to him," Kellin stated and looked back at him holding his hand out, "I'm going to convince him to go."

Oli stared at him for a beat before he stood up and took his hand. Before Kellin could walk off, storming away into whatever hell he was about to give Vic, Oli squeezed his hand and stopped him. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" He asked, making Kellin frowned, "I mean... you can't force him to go."

"I can't," Kellin agreed and frowned, "But I can at least try for her, she won't do it and she'll just let herself be more upset than she already is today."

Oli let out a soft sigh and nodded, leaning in to kiss the side of his head, "Okay, let's go then."

'What was that about putting my foot down again?'

✘

The two walked into the main house and found it empty in the main living room. Kellin's pretty sure everyone is in there room, getting ready—or—, procrastinating having to leave and go to the cemetery. No matter how easy it is for Vivian and Mike to go now, they still try to put it off as much as they can. They just all had to be related.

Oli followed closely after Kellin as they walked past Mike's door to the door next to it. Oli itched to stop him from knocking mostly because any contact between them makes him anxious. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and watched Kellin knock on the door with so much determination he briefly hoped it was Vic who opened the door so they could get this over with.

But of course, Oli rarely ever wins in these circumstances because, Nicholas opens the door with an annoyed look. He faltered for a split second before frowning, looking confused, "Kells? What's up?"

"I need to talk to Vic."

Oli didn't miss the way Nicholas tensed up, hand gripping the door frame. Whether Kellin noticed or not, he didn't give any hint to that.

"He's still not feeling well," Nicholas said, fake sympathy laced in his voice, "You remember how he gets the next day after drinking too much, don't you?"

Kellin sucked in a sharp breath, shoulders tensing, "I'm sure he can still listen to me with his head in a trash can."

And before any of them could react, Kellin pushed his way through into the room leaving both Oli and Nicholas shocked. "Hey-!" Nicholas turned and went to grab Kellin to yank him back out but Oli moved quicker, walking in front of him before he had the chance to touch him. Nicholas stumbled back before he could bump into Oli, a glare making its way onto his features.

Though Kellin didn't notice—or care in that moment—his mind only focused on one thing; Vivian being upset and fixing it. And the cause of it was here lying in bed, not at all looking hungover like Nicholas had them believe. Vic was on his phone, scrolling on it and, looking absolutely fucking fine. Kellin's nostrils flared and he crossed his arms staring at him. Vic looked up from his phone, blank eyes looking back at Kellin's before they glance over to Nicholas who was glaring daggers at Kellin and then to-

'Great. That's fucking great.'

"Can you give us a second, please?" Vic asked, directing his question to Nicholas but also an invitation for Oliver to leave. Nicholas hesitated for a second before nodding and walking out. Oliver didn't make a move to leave until Kellin glanced back briefly. He paused a moment glancing over to Vic, his jaw clenching when he saw him grin and wave his fingers at him.

"I'll be right outside," He said, eyes softening when they shifted back to Kellin. As if to rub it in Vic's face—just like he did last night—he leaned in to press a kiss on Kellin's forehead before walking out.

Once they were alone, Vic shifted on the bed but settled himself back down again, "So, what do you want? I thought you guys would've left already."

"You're being serious?" Kellin asked. Vic sighed, eyes flickering back down to his phone, and- God, Kellin forgot how easily Vic could push his buttons. When he continued to scroll on his phone, Kellin glared at him, "You're really not going?"

"No."

"Okay," Kellin said, "Then why did you come here, get your mom's hopes up, and pay for all of this if you weren't going to go."

"I don't know why that's any of your business," Vic shrugged, placing his phone down, "I have nothing to talk to you about, remember?"

Kellin scoffed, "Don't be a fucking child."

"I'm just reminding you of our little agreement," Vic said as he stretched.

"Listen," Kellin started, dropping his arms from his chest, with a frown, "Frankly, I don't care if you do or don't go. I've long given up trying to get you to do this for yourself but at least do it for mom."

Vic stared up at him for a beat, head tilting slightly and it made Kellin uneasy. "Why do you care so much?" Vic finally asked, "She isn't your actual mom." He stood up and it took everything in Kellin not to take a step back. In Kellin's head, stepping back, like he usually does means looking weak or intimidated by Vic. He wasn't anymore. He hasn't been for a while he thinks.

Or maybe he's just faking it till he makes it. Who knows?

Kellin sucked in a sharp breath, pushing away the initial sting away from what Vic said. No one has to remind him that Vivian isn't his mom. He had the unfortunate luck to be stuck with a mom—with parents—who didn't care about him and tossed him out like he was nothing but an inconvenience. Kellin knows Vivian isn't his mom but she took him in as if she was even if she was suffering. Even when she was losing touch with motherhood because the grief of losing her partner tore her apart.

She wasn't a perfect mother but damn did she try more than Kellin's parents ever did.

"I care because she is a mom to me," Kellin said, crossing his arms against his chest again, "You know more than anyone that she is and that she was happy to be so."

Vic faltered for a second. Kellin saw the way his eyes flash in regret before he sighed, closing his eyes, while he scratched the back of his head. He shrugged and opened his eyes again, the blank emotionless look back again, "Still doesn't explain why you're trying to convince me to go."

"Because she wants you there you idiot," Kellin snapped, "She wants to have that one last moment with the four of you together and you don't want to go because?"

"You know why I don't."

"No, I actually don't know," Kellin said, making Vic frown, "I knew when you were younger and you were mourning. And there's no time limit for that but you're not even mourning anymore, Vic. You're just ignoring it, you never even gave yourself the chance to mourn."

Vic's eyes turned sharp, the deep frown still on his face, "I'm not ignoring it-"

"Really?" Kellin cut him off, "Because two years ago your fiancé didn't even know the date your dad died and years before that you were giving me excuses why you won't go or making sure we never talked about it."

Vic didn't say anything and looked away from Kellin with a shrug, "I'm not ignoring it."

He was in complete denial and Kellin couldn't lie that he felt pity for him. Vic's always tried to push away the fact that his dad died. Never letting himself process it or even believe it. It never felt real to him and just goes on with life feeling this hole in his chest. Never being filled, or healed, or anything. Just a big empty hole that he let grow.

"Okay," Kellin said, voice coming out soft. Gentle. Vic felt his heart squeeze. "Let's say you're not, then you shouldn't have any issues going if not for yourself then at least do it for mom."

Vic continued to stay silent. Not looking directly at Kellin anymore because as much as he tries to deny it—or ignore it like he tends to do with everything else—he'll always have that same effect on Vic. The ability to sway his decision even if in the end he does the exact opposite of what Kellin wanted—he'll just deal with the guilty feeling later as he's always done.

Kellin sighed softly, seeing as Vic won't answer him anymore, before turning on his heel and started to walk out of the room. He paused for a second, gnawing on his bottom lip, before turning around to look at him, "I don't know what you're scared of, but whatever it is, your dad would be happier with you just being there."

Then he finally walked out and found Oli leaning against the wall, far away from where Nicholas—who stood with a scowl on his face by the door. They both looked up when Kellin walked out and Nicholas was quick to walk past him back into the room, closing and locking the door.

"You okay?" Oli asked, reaching for Kellin's hand.

Kellin laced their fingers together and instantly felt that tenseness disappear and the pressure on his chest vanish. "I am," Kellin nodded and he really was. He wasn't angry anymore, he wasn't even sad or overwhelmed by having to talk to him. Kellin did his best to try to talk some sense into him and if it worked, then he was glad for Vivian, and if it didn't then that's too bad.

"Let's go see if my mom's ready," Kellin squeezed Oli's hand before tugging him along back downstairs to wait for everyone that was going to finish getting ready.

✘

Was Kellin a little disappointed that Vic didn't end up going? Just a little but, like he said, it was mostly because Vivian would be upset. And he call tell she is by how she was quiet on the drive.

It wasn't a shocker to any of them when they were all waiting for a couple of minutes in the living room to see if Vic would come with them only for Mike to go upstairs to check and come back with a shrug and a frustrated: 'Let's just go, it's getting late.'

The ride to the cemetery was quiet apart from the comments Mike would make about certain things and Oli answering back. Like the places he and Vivian visited in their previous trips here. He even pointed down a road where Kellin vividly remembered led to their grandparents house. The house they stayed in all those years ago.

Kellin didn't dwell on it for long, not allowing for the heaviness to settle in his chest.

Once they got there and found where Mr. Fuentes grave was, Kellin and Oli stood away—giving them their space. Honestly speaking, Kellin didn't realize how this specific moment would be extremely awkward for them. Especially since there was some family members also coming by to pay their respects as well. Some of them even recognized Kellin which he was a bit confused and shocked by.

He's pretty sure he's changed and looks different from when he was 16 years old (According to Mike, he has not—save for the tattoos and shorter hair).

"So," Oli started, "Did you ever get to meet him?"

"No," Kellin said before tsking softly, "Well, not really."

The two were standing by the tall fence that surrounded the cemetery. Oli was leaning against it with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jeans. Kellin stood next to him with his arms crossed, leaning against it with his shoulder, looking up at him. They've only been here for a couple of minutes and it's the first time they talked to each other.

It's mostly because the ones who recognized Kellin came to say hi and they couldn't really talk. Now it was just Vivian and Mike at the grave that's overfilled with flowers and other offerings.

"I talked to him a couple of times," Kellin shrugged, "When I would hang out at their house, sometimes mom would be on the phone with him and the guys would say hi and I would too after they introduced me to him."

Oli hummed, "Was he everything they said he was?"

Kellin laughed softly and shook his head, "Wouldn't know. We wouldn't have long conversations but they would be excited to talk to him. He probably knew more about me than I did about him."

"It's sad," Oli started, "Ya know, losing your dad that young. Must've been hard for them."

Kellin frowned, glancing over to Vivian and Mike. He wouldn't even know where to begin with that. They all changed for the worst if he thought about it. Mike became too careless with everything—not caring about school and getting into more trouble than usual. Vivian was too depressed to do anything and eventually stopped acting like a mother—well, that's what Vic and Mike would say. Kellin couldn't give an opinion. Even if it was the bare minimum, it was more than Kellin's parents ever did.

And Vic. Well, Vic distracted him more than anything. After they came back from Mexico, he switched from this mourning—couldn't stop crying kid—to a... Well, he acted like he hadn't lost someone important to him. Vic picked up jobs because at some point Vivian couldn't even leave her house to work and focused on school more than Kellin ever saw him before.

And then suddenly they were dating and-

"Yeah, it wasn't easy," Kellin said, "Definitely wasn't the happiest household."

Oli wondered how Vivian handled taking care of three depressed teens while simultaneously trying to mourn for her husband. He didn't ask. Mostly because Vivian and Mike walked back over to them with red eyes. Vivian wiped away the ones threatening to spill again and gave them a tight lipped smile.

"We should get going now," Mike sniffled, also wiping off his own tears, "Mom wants to take us to a restaurant they had their first date in."

"I looked into it before we left," Vivian said, voice shaking a little, "They've updated their menus since then so they have options for you Oli."

Oli smiled, "Thank you, Viv."

"Let's get going then, I'm starving," Kellin looped his arm with Vivian's and reached back to grab Oli's hand so they could start walking. But, he stopped in his track when he saw Vic and Nicholas walking towards them.

Oli squeezed his hand and Vivian's eyes lit up. "Vic, mijo, you're here!" She let go of Kellin's arm and walked over once they were closer to cup his cheek, "I knew you'd come."

Vic gave her a small smile and hesitated while glancing over to where his dad's grave is. Kellin could see the way his eyes already started to turn glossy from the tears threatening to spill.

"Did you guys already go say hi?" Vic asked, voice heavy, looking back down at his mom.

"We were about to leave," Mike said, arms crossed. He wasn't shocked that he came. He saw Kellin coming out of Vic's room before they left and he knew if he couldn't convince Vic, then no one could. And now he was here, Mike guessed not much has changed on that front, "You made it just in time."

Vic hesitated again. He hoped they got here before his mom and brother went or after and then he could just avoid it completely and deal with the guilt later. Vic hated the idea of doing this on his own. He couldn't even do it on his own the first time without Kellin- His eyes flickered over to his ex-boyfriend. Vic kept his eyes on him for a second, he didn't let himself look down or over at Oli who was holding Kellin's hand still.

"We'll leave you to it then," Vivian said, "I'm sure you'll want to talk to him on your own... once you're finished we'll head to your dad and I's favorite restaurant."

"R-Right," Vic stuttered out and Vivian kissed his cheek before urging him to go. But Vic didn't move. He couldn't move. Kellin frowned at that and glanced up at Oli who stared at Vic with furrowed eyebrows. Oli looked down at him and saw the look in Kellin's eyes. That he was about to do something they weren't going to be happy about.

Kellin knew he shouldn't do it, he has no reason to help Vic with this again. But his heart ache seeing him look at his dad's grave with such fear. He physically couldn't get close to it without someone else. Vic would never ask his mom or brother to accompany him. Let alone Nicholas who was standing there looking uncomfortable at the situation. He was looking at all the graves as if he was put off by them. As if he was thinking about rotting corpses more than the fact that people's lost loved ones were buried there.

He didn't even try to go with Vic or even comfort him.

But he wouldn't do it if Oli wasn't okay with it. He didn't want to make him more uncomfortable than he probably was already. But Oli is nothing if not understanding. His face softened and nodded.

Kellin took in a sharp breath and looked back at Vic who just glanced back at him again. Kellin nodded towards the grave before letting go of Oli's hand and started walking to it. Vic looked relieved and followed after him.

"Thank you," Vic mumbled softly once they were walking side by side. Kellin didn't say anything and just nodded.

The closer they got to the grave, the more Vic would slow his steps down. At some point he subconsciously grabbed onto Kellin's hand while they walked. Kellin almost yanked his hand away but he saw how he was shaking and trying not to cry the closer they got. He cringed a little when Vic's grip tightened on it. He glanced back at Oli—a little shocked to see him following after them—and saw him staring down at their hands.

The second they stood in front of the grave he pulled his hand away and stepped back a little and almost tripped over a rock on the ground. Oli was quick to grab onto him by his hips, steadying him and whispering, "You're okay."

He felt Oli's thumbs rub circles on his hip bones and he didn't realize he was also shaking a little. Breathing slightly heavier. His heart was thumping and it only calmed when Oli continued to comfort him. Kellin didn't realize he was bordering on an anxiety attack, too focused on getting Vic to at least stand in front of his dad's grave.

He took in a deep shaky breath, trying to calm down. Kellin focused on the grave instead, and there it read on a plaque: Victor Gamboa Fuentes, 19XX - 20XX. The bottom had writing in Spanish and if Kellin's memory serves him right, Vic said it meant "Loving father and devoted husband." And a bunch of other stuff that Kellin doesn't remember.

Vic's shaky hands reached forward, placing them on top of the cement and Kellin wondered briefly if he was talking to his dad in his head or something. Vic stood there quietly for a moment before Kellin saw his shoulders start to shake, head dropping between his shoulders.

It was a like a dam broke. The first few tears spilled before they were running down his face and then he couldn't hold back his sobs. His knees weakened and he fell down to floor, finally letting it all out. His cries were gut-wrenching. Kellin couldn't explain it other than he sounded like he was in pain.

He hated seeing others cry. He truly did because he knew he'd end up crying as well. Kellin could feel it, the way his eyes watered and the way his nose was already starting to feel congested while his heart ached at the sound. He closed his eyes briefly, grabbing onto one of Oli's hands that was still holding him by his hips. Oli continued to rub comfortably at one of his hip bones and let Kellin grab his hand.

He frowned, eyes filled with sympathy as he looked at Vic. Oli didn't care for him, at all really, but he wasn't a monster. He saw someone crying for their dead parent, mourning for them, and he felt sorry for Vic. Knowing what he knows, he can't imagine how hard it was for him. Oli couldn't even imagine processing any of his parents dying.

Kellin took a second to even out his breathing. Trying to calm himself down before he ended up crying, then he finally opened his eyes again. He watched as Vic sobbed, practically hugging the grave mumbling something that he couldn't quite hear or understand.

"Perdón (I'm sorry)," Vic cried, "Perdóname papá (Forgive me, dad)."

In that moment, all Kellin could see was the poor broken teenager from all those years ago. The same boy who was bright eyed and making sure everyone else was happy, mourning over the father he lost so young. And he hasn't—couldn't—move on. Kellin squeezed Oli's hand again before stepping forward again. Oli let his hands fall, watching sadly, as Kellin kneeled beside him.

Nicholas was walking towards them now. Vivian and Mike had went back to the car a little after Vic and Kellin walked off. Saying they wanted to give Vic his space and that Vivian was getting tired of being on her feet for so long. He didn't move to join them because he still felt uncomfortable over this entire situation, but when he saw Kellin kneeling next to him, he was quick to start walking over.

It wasn't until Kellin kneeled beside him that Nicholas processed everything. He had never seen his fiancé so vulnerable and broken before, he didn't know how to handle it. But Kellin moved so fluidly—it was almost like second nature to him—placing his hand on Vic's shoulder. He had this comforting smile when Vic looked over at him with tears in his eyes and this warm aura that even Nicholas could feel from far.

Vic was quick to cling onto that. Leaning forward to hug Kellin, burying his face into his neck, and continued to cry. And Kellin- He just let him? Nicholas couldn't wrap his head around it. After everything, how he could let Vic touch him? Or how Vic let Kellin comfort him knowing Nicholas wouldn't like it?

It made Nicholas angry, he'd been annoyed with Kellin ever since he barged into their room earlier so this really set him off. When he reached for them, he almost reached over to pull Kellin off. But he forgot who else was here. Oli grabbed onto Nicholas wrist, stopping him from touching Kellin.

Oli dragged him a little away from them before Nicholas yanked his arm away. He glared at the taller man, "What is your fucking problem?"

"You really don't know?" Oli scoffed, "I feel like I've made it abundantly clear that you and your fiancé are my fuckin' problem."

Nicholas eyes narrowed, "Then why are you letting them do that? Hm?"

"Hug?" Oli crossed his arms, looking down at Nicholas with a glare, "I'm not a fuckin' monster. I know they got history that still affects them and I can't do a thing about it."

"I tried to get him to stay away from all this," Nicholas shrugged, "That's doing something. Maybe you should try harder so Kellin can stop throwing himself onto my fiancé."

Oli's face scrunched up in disgust as he looked at Nicholas in disbelief. "You're fuckin' mental," Oli said, "It's his dad's death anniversary and news flash, if you were even looking, Vic threw himself onto my boyfriend."

Nicholas pursed his lips, "I don't know why you're not more angry about this." His eyes narrowed and he sneered, "You know what they did."

Oli felt his blood boil at the mention of New York. Not only because of what happened but because of Nicholas only hates Kellin for it. As if he was the only one at fault. As if he wasn't made to believe Vic loved him and wanted to spend forever with him. Nicholas doesn't know how Kellin was after that and how scared he was of Nicholas only hating him. And he proved him right but even then, Oli has to give him props for actually including Vic into what they did this time.

"Yeah," Oli chuckled without humor, "I know the whole story. Unlike you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nicholas scoffed, "Kellin threw himself onto him and had a sob story of still being in love with him. He isn't this innocent little thing you make him out to be-"

"I never said he was innocent," Oli interrupted, "We all know he fucked up. He knows he fucked up but you're so far up Vic's ass to even talk to him and let him apologize." Nicholas eyebrows furrowed, jaw clenched, and he went to retort back but Oli stopped him. "And about this," he pointed back towards where they were, "I actually trust him because he never cheated on me. Can't say the same about you."

Oli didn't let him respond. Nicholas' jaw dropping was enough response for him. He turned on his heel and walked back over to Kellin where he was holding Vic away from him by his shoulder now, talking to him in a gentle voice. Oli only caught the last bit of it.

"I know this wasn't easy," Kellin said, squeezing his shoulders, "But you made your dad proud today, and I hope you'll always remember that."

Vic sniffled and nodded, "T-Thanks. For this and-" He stopped himself, looking up to see Oli and then his eyes flicker over to see Nicholas walking back over here. Kellin saw the switch almost instantly, his entire demeanor changed. Vic sniffled again and wiped his tears away before he stood up, dusting the dirt off his jeans.

Kellin frowned and stood up, doing the same, before looking over to Oli but then his eyes landed on Nicholas. He walked past them and over to Vic, throwing his arms around him, pulling him into a hug, "Are you okay baby?"

"Uh, y-yeah," Vic hugged him back, eyes glancing over at Kellin, before he pulled away with a watery smile, "Let's head back. Mama's waiting for us." And without another glance, they walked off without Kellin and Oli.

Kellin sighed a little as he turned to Oli who was quick to bring his hand up, cup his cheek and wipe away the stray tears that were able to slip through. "You okay, love?"

Kellin smiled and nodded, "I am... did you guys argue? I couldn't hear what you guys were saying but... it sounded heavy."

Oli sighed and dropped his hand before wrapping his arm over his shoulder as they started to walk. "Yeah, but I'll tell you later," Oli promised, "We shouldn't keep them waiting, and I know you're hungry."

Kellin smiled sheepishly and leaned up to kiss his cheek before leaning against him as they walked, "I can't wait to go home."

"You and me both."

✘

a/n;

Let's pretend it hasn't been a little bit since I updated :)

Anyway, what a chapter. This took me forever to write Jesus Christ. BUT it's finally out 😌

Who would've thought Oli and Nicholas would verbally duke it out that's crazy. Cuz I didn't think they would this was news to me.

But anyway, let me know what you think! Every thought and concern is welcomed and appreciated <3 Thanks for reading!

Stay safe and take care 💜