Fog as a Bullet
1:05 ───|────── 2:57
|◁ II ▷|

✘

A Couple Days Later. September 24, 20XX.

"I think those roses need a little more water, and after that, you're all done."

Kellin perked up at that and turned towards the roses Vivian mentioned to water them. She was right. They were looking a little too sad but, hopefully, the water he was giving them was enough. The corner of his lips quirked up a little, running his finger gently over one of the petals of the many roses in Vivian's garden in her backyard.

It's been a couple of days since the award show. And things blew out of proportion as much as Kellin expected after Oli punched Vic. Tweets, articles, gossip columns, talk shows, the whole nine yards were on that story faster than Kellin could even blink. Unsurprisingly enough, a lot of media outlets tried to twist the story around and paint Oli as a villain and Kellin as the mastermind of the entire thing.

It was ridiculous.

Kellin almost went on a rampage online because people could say whatever they wanted about him, but some things about Oli made him see red. Fortunately—or semi-unfortunately, depending on who you ask—their manager Paul was able to clean up most of the mess so, Kellin didn't go on a spew of angry tweets. Their PR team was working overtime and taking down defamatory articles left and right.

It wasn't too bad all things considered. Some of the articles got some of the facts right, and some eyewitness accounts retold the story about how Vic put his hands on Kellin, and Oli was defending him. Still, the entire thing had been a mess and he hadn't been online since the day after the award ceremony—as per Paul's request.

Kellin decided to distract himself instead by tagging along with Gabe and Kristin as they went through some of the final details of their wedding since it was soon, visiting Vivian, or—his personal favorite—visiting Oli at work.

The days had passed by pretty quickly without thinking too much about what had happened. Now he was here with Vivian again while Oli was inside cooking them lunch. Oli had taken the day off since Kellin had—unintentionally—pouted when he got up to get ready for work. Another thing that Kellin ended up doing to distract himself from the internet mess was staying at Oli's apartment with Otto. Clearly, Oli couldn't resist that look on his face and maybe he also just didn't feel like going to work at the last minute today.

"You sure you don't need me to do anything else?" Kellin asked as he turned off the hose and put it back on its reel. Vivian was sitting on one of the chairs on the patio, looking more energetic than she had in a while.

"No, mijo, come sit," Vivian gestured him over, "You've already done so much around the house, you need to rest."

Kellin smiled and walked over, taking a seat next to her. "You know I don't mind," he said. Plus, it takes his mind off everything, but he wouldn't tell her that. As far as Vivian knows, the award show went well, they won, they celebrated, and that's it.

He promised her when they went to Vegas that he'd stop keeping secrets from her but this time... Kellin's only going to break his promise just this once.

"I know," Vivian laughed, "That's why I'm telling you to sit down. Relax, I'm sure Oli's almost done with lunch." And if almost on cue, the door that led back inside opened and Oli walked out expertly holding three plates. Kellin nearly went up to help but Oli was quick to stride over without a worry.

Kellin forgets at times that he owns a restaurant and has worked in the kitchen and as a waiter when they've gotten too busy. So this was a piece of cake for him.

"Hope you guys are hungry," Oli smiled and placed down the first plate in front of Vivian. There wasn't anything too special in today's lunch aside from it being completely catered to Kellin since he's been craving pasta lately.

So, before they came over they went to go shop for some things they needed and Oli—unfortunately—couldn't make his homemade pasta but storebought was the next best thing. He'd been in the kitchen making vegan chicken alfredo since Kellin was craving specifically white sauce pasta.

Oli placed the second plate in front of Kellin's, planting a gentle kiss on the top of his head, before placing his down and taking a seat.

"This smells delicious," Vivian shimmied her shoulders excitedly making Kellin laugh and Oli's ears start to grow red. They ate in peaceful silence afterward. The birds chirping, the soft surprising breeze that eased the warm California weather that was slowly transitioning into their version of fall, and the distant cars driving by or the muffled chatters from neighbors who were also enjoying their backyards.

But, that only lasted for five minutes at most. Vivian was a natural talker and she could spark up a conversation about anything and everything. And she could last in the comforting silence for only so long. So, she did what she did best and asked questions, talked to them about her soap operas, and how she felt great all things considered.

The two of them just listened and listened and answered occasionally but mostly listened. They couldn't help but feel the warm and fond feeling growing in their chests. Seeing her happy and energetic after that large spell of bad days was refreshing.

"So..." Vivian trailed off, placing her fork down on the empty plate, "Can I get a sneak peek of the finished album?"

"Mom," Kellin grinned, "If I keep giving you sneak peeks you'll end up hearing the entire album before it's even out."

The date of their new album is approaching quickly and it all feels surreal. They've worked on this for a long time and Kellin feels like he's over it but, at the same time, he's feeling bittersweet that it's ending. He knows he's proud of it, from start to finish. He loves all the albums he and the guys have released, don't get him wrong, but there's something about this new one that he's in love with.

He feels like this is their best album. This is definitely just because he was on a high from finishing the new album. On a normal day, he thinks all their albums are their best albums, but besides the point.

"Okay...?" Vivian furrowed her eyebrows, "And? I'm sure Oli has listened to all of it by now!" Kellin wanted to laugh mostly because she was close to pouting at him.

"I haven't," Oli said, as he swallowed the last bite of his food, with a small shrug and a smile on his face, "He's barely told me anything about it."

"Really?" Vivian's jaw dropped before the gears started turning in her head. Right. That makes sense. She pursed her lip, glancing over at Kellin, whose cheeks grew red, "Interesting."

Oli didn't mind. Well, not completely. This was the first time Kellin showed him so little about their new album. Since he's met him, Oli's always gotten the inside scoop of it all. Hell, he's been in the studio with the band when he was free and invited. This time around, he was going completely dark into this album and truly experiencing this album drop like a fan. But he was antsy for the release and only a little bitter that he hadn't seen or heard a single thing about it from the source.

Of course, Oli would never say this to Kellin though. He respects his decision and will wait till the album is out to hear what all the fuss Vivian was making.

"Anyway!" Vivian suddenly said making them both flinch. "What about everything else? Gabe and Kristin's wedding is so soon! How exciting."

Kellin cleared his throat, thankful for her changing the subject since he'd gone completely silent with Oli when it came to the new album. He just knew himself. Kellin would tell Oli everything before Oli could even think and that's something he didn't want to do. Some of the songs on the album were for Oli but he wants to keep it a secret for now.

"Y-Yeah," Kellin stuttered out, "It is."

The wedding is next month—actually, it's happening in a few weeks. A lot of things are piling up on them in October, but two of the main ones are Gabe and Kristin's wedding and the release of their new album. The two will get married a couple of days before their album releases so they can go on their honeymoon before things start to get really crazy for the band again.

It all felt like a tight schedule but Gabe and Kristin were more than okay with it and knew they could have at least a month to themselves. Considering the school year was still on, Kristin knew she couldn't take too much time off either.

"Time went by so fast," Vivian hummed with a warm smile on her face. But before she could continue her phone started buzzing and a cool breeze brushed past them as if signaling who was texting her.

"We should probably get going," Kellin said with a bitter smile. He glanced at Oli, who started collecting the plates off the table. Since the infamous punch, Kellin has made it his mission to ensure they don't cross paths with Vic and Nicholas ever again. But Vivian also doesn't want to make them uncomfortable again, so ever since Kellin told her what happened two years ago and recently with Nicholas, she told Vic he needed to text her whenever he was on his way.

It's worked so far though it's only been a couple of days.

"Thanks for visiting," Vivian said and tried to get up herself but Kellin was quick to help her, "And for cooking lunch Oli."

"We're more than happy to come over," Oli said as he opened the door for them, letting Kellin and Vivian in first. After Kellin helped her settle inside on the couch, he put on her novela and they said their goodbyes before they started driving back home. Unfortunately, for now, this is how their visits will go, rushing out when there's a tiny possibility of Vic or Nicholas appearing. Kellin didn't mind too much though, as long as he could visit her.

Kellin held Oli's hand on top of the console as Oli drove through the LA traffic. "Did you want to pass by the restaurant?" Kellin asked.

Since Oli was pulled away from work today, Kellin knows he's been checking his phone every other ten minutes while they were at Vivian's. He wondered briefly if something was happening but honestly, unless Oli decides he doesn't want to work or the day off was planned, he usually is worried because he didn't leave anything ready for them. But, Oli has nothing to worry about because Taylor was there and all the managers he entrusted the restaurant to while he was away were there.

"No," Oli squeezed his hand, changing lanes, with a soft smile on his face. He felt his heart flutter softly when he heard Kellin humming along to the song playing on the radio—it was an Iridescent song, "We can go home, watch a movie?"

"You've been checking your phone all day," Kellin smiled when Oli looked over at him briefly. "It's okay, let's go. I wanna see Taylor and ask him about Hayley."

"You have Hayley's number."

"What are you trying to prove?" Kellin laughed, "I know you want to go see how it's going, so let's go."

Oli's fingers, which were gripping around the steering wheel, twitched for a second before he skillfully turned his signal on and grabbed the steering wheel again to switch lanes all while still holding Kellin's hand.

"We'll just pop in for a second." And all Kellin can do is giggle softly.

✘

When they got to the restaurant, everything looked relatively normal. It was busy as they usually got during the lunch rush but, everything looked like it was going smoothly when Oli and Kellin walked in. The aroma of all the food cooking got to Kellin and if it weren't for the fact that they just ate lunch, he would've asked for a plate.

"Weren't you supposed to have a day off today?" Kellin turned to see Taylor walking over to him. His smile grew when he saw Kellin next to Oli, "Oh, hey Kells. Lovely seeing you here." Kellin grinned when Taylor gave Oli a playful look.

Oli rolled his eyes and looked around, "Just came in to check on everything."

Taylor frowned, "You act like this is the first time you've left us alone, we won't burn the place down you know."

"Go easy on him," Kellin smiled as he wrapped his arm around Oli's, leaning against him, "You know how much of a workaholic he is."

"I don't know how you put up with him," Taylor sighed. "But, everything's fine, now are you satisfied? Or did you want to stay and help with the lunch rush?"

Taylor was kidding. He definitely wasn't trying to convince him to stay or anything but Oli suddenly got this look on his face. It's like he was actually contemplating it. And Kellin saw it because obviously, he couldn't stop staring up at him. It was cute how excited he got and it made Kellin feel a little bad from pulling him away from work today.

"Did you want to stay?" Kellin asked and Oli blinked as if just remembering he didn't come to the restaurant alone. He looked down at him and shook his head, "It's okay if you want to stay."

"But-" Oli started and Kellin leaned up, planting a kiss on his cheek. Taylor had to look away briefly because they looked wildly intimate, it felt rude to look in and intrude on their sweet moment, "Love?"

"Stay," Kellin patted his bicep, "I have to work on some last details on Gabe's bachelor party anyway."

"I thought you wrapped that up," Oli frowned.

"No, I still have to get a confirmation from here," Kellin said, "And also make sure the entertainment is booked-"

"Did you get strippers?" Taylor asked, looking back at them finally. "How'd you convince Gabe to do that?"

"I didn't," Kellin laughed, "Because there isn't any. He'd kill me."

"It would've been funny though," Taylor pointed out and Kellin had to agree. The possible look Gabe would give him before proceeding to try to murder him? Hilarious.

"Strippers are overrated," Oli shrugged and looked over at Kellin, "I'm sure I have the confirmation in my office, I just forgot to give it to you. Come on."

Kellin nodded and looked over at Taylor waving at him, "Bye Taylor, see you at the party! Tell Hayley I said hi."

Then they were off, walking towards Oli's office and leaving the loud and bustling kitchen behind them as they closed the door. "Do you actually think strippers are overrated?" Kellin asked, following after him, as Oli walked over to his desk.

Oli laughed as he started searching around his desk, "Well, I've never gone to a strip club so I guess I don't get the hype."

"What if I was the stripper?"

Oli stopped for a second, sharp eyes flicking up towards him, seeing Kellin smile innocently. He wordlessly grabbed the paper he was looking for and handed it to him, casually saying, "Then I guess I'll be seeing you at my bachelor party, love."

And Kellin froze for a second. Mind running wild at the concept of Oli having a bachelor party because that would mean they're-

"Hey," they heard making Kellin look over to the door seeing Taylor pop his head in, "A crowd of people just walked into the restaurant, and they ordered practically the entire menu so, I guess we do need your help."

That made Kellin's brain start working again as he looked back at Oli to see him still staring at him. Heat rushed to his cheeks as he grabbed the paper from Oli.

"I-I'll see you back at your place?" Oli nodded frowning—because of course he saw the panicked look in his eyes—and Kellin knew they were going to end up talking about this later and that made his heart start thumping against his chest and his stomach sink. Kellin leaned over the desk, planting a quick kiss on his lips, "Love you."

Oli continued to frown for a second, shoulders slightly slumped, but eventually forced a small smile, "Love you too, peach."

And Kellin has never left faster in his life.

✘

Gabe's bachelor party was this weekend.

And since Kellin was the best man, obviously, he had to take over the planning for that. Gabe didn't want a bachelor party if he was being honest. He didn't like the concept of it being his "last night of freedom," because that was stupid. His freedom wasn't being taken away all he was doing was marrying the love of his life. That he's been with since high school. But, the last time all the members of the band were in the room together, Jack brought it up.

"You're not going to have a bachelor party?" Jack asked with widened eyes, "But... that's a night to celebrate with your friends!"

"Aren't you also going to celebrate with me on my wedding day?" Gabe asked, tossing a bored glance towards their guitarist.

"That's different!" Justin argued, trying to back Jack up because who doesn't want to party? A little last hoorah before they all get busy where they don't have to tone it back because there's family around, "That's, like, with your family too. A bachelor party is when you can be stupid with your friends."

"Ah, I'm never stupid when I'm around you guys," Gabe pointed out.

"Whatever," Justin said, and turned to Kellin and Nick who were sitting watching, amused, as this unfolded. Knowing that Gabe will end up agreeing just to shut them up. "Don't you guys agree?" He asked, "C'mon Kells, you wanna plan a bachelor party, right?"

Kellin shrugged, "I'm not opposed to planning a party-"

"See!"

"But it is Gabe's wedding, so if he doesn't want one."

"Thank you, Kells," Gabe said, "Now can we get back to finishing this album-"

"But the strippers-" Justin pouted and Gabe instantly gave him a look.

"We are not getting strippers," Gabe scoffed, "Are you crazy?"

"So..." Nick trailed off, "No strippers but, we are having a bachelor party?"

Gabe gave Nick a deadpan look.

Four against one. Gabe gave the okay and now Kellin had to plan the best bachelor party of their lives. He already invited all their friends to come, and he ordered food, decorations, and such. It's all going to happen at Gabe's house while Kristin has her bachelorette party with her friends. Kellin, unfortunately, will have to miss hers since they're happening on the same day.

But thankfully, he finished everything up and double-checked that everything was good to go. It wasn't meant to be a big party but, Kellin prepared for anything because Justin has the tendency to invite more people than what they originally agreed on.

Now, he was sitting on Oli's couch with Otto making biscuits beside him, purring loudly while his brain did what it did best. Overthink.

"Then I guess I'll be seeing you at my bachelor party, love."

Kellin didn't like how that made him anxious. The thought of getting married wasn't in his plans anymore. He didn't... care for it? Kellin didn't even think about getting married to Oli. But that didn't mean that he didn't want to spend the rest of their lives together, right?

'What if Oli wants to get married? Will you say no if he proposes?'

Yes? No? Kellin didn't know. Would Oli want to get married now? That didn't calm Kellin's nerves.

'I thought you loved him?'

He does. Kellin does-

'Then why don't you want to marry him? You're still-'

The loud ringtone filling the room knocked him out of his spiral. Kellin winced, taking in a shaky breath, eyes casting down to his hands. His nails were scratching at his wrist again, skin red and raw. Kellin instantly frowned, feeling uneasy, but he buried it away when his phone kept ringing.

He grabbed his phone and frowned seeing Mike calling him. Kellin didn't think much of it as he answered it, "Mike? What happened?"

"It's mom," Kellin's heart sank hearing Mike's panicked voice. "We had to bring her to the hospital and-" Kellin could hear Mike's voice crack and immediately he stood up from the couch and started running towards the door.

"Text me which hospital," Kellin said as he slipped his shoes on feeling his eyes already start to sting, breath quickening. Hundreds of things ran through his mind again and immediately thought of the worst. Because, again, when does Kellin's life ever give him a break?

"I'll be right there."

✘

After Kellin left Vivian, everything was fine. She was sitting on her couch watching the novela Kellin put on for her. And after a bit of waiting she got thirsty.

Now, Vivian isn't completely immobile. She can get up and walk just fine on her own but, someone needs to be with her just in case. Vivian refuses to use a walker and at most just lets one of her sons help her move around when she isn't feeling 100%. Her kitchen wasn't that far either, she'd just sit at the table as well, it was only going to take a couple of minutes.

No one would catch her, it wouldn't be the first time she's done this because she didn't want to wait for Mike or Vic to finally come here. But when she got up, she felt a little dizzy. Not super unusual, she did get up a little quickly. There wasn't anything wrong about that, she'll just walk slower than she planned to.

Just as she got closer to the kitchen, she felt lightheaded and her vision started to get blurry. Then from there, she doesn't remember how she woke up in the hospital with an ache in her neck and a throbbing headache.

"Mom?" A voice came suddenly and she had to blink a couple of times to adjust her vision to the hospital lights that were way too bright for comfort. Once her vision focused she saw a teary-eyed Kellin looking down at her with a relieved face.

"Mijo?" Her voice sounded so distant and hoarse. So unfamiliar even to her own ears, "What happened? Where am I?"

Kellin felt his heartache, seeing her shift uncomfortably and paler than ever before. Lost and confused. "At the hospital," Kellin tried to keep his shaky voice as calm and gentle as he could, "Mom, you fainted and..." His eyes flickered up to her bandaged head—her head hit the entrance of the kitchen and ended up making herself bleed, "...Hit your head."

Vivian frowned at that but at least that explains the throbbing in her head. She reached up to touch the bandages, wincing slightly when she touched a particularly sensitive spot.

Suddenly she remembered what she was doing and said sheepishly, "I was trying to get water." Kellin let out a shaky laugh, eyes watering again, instantly making Vivian frown with softened eyes, "Don't cry, I'm okay... it doesn't even hurt that bad! Speaking of, get the doctor. I want to go home."

"Mom," Kellin pursed his lips, placing his hand on hers, "The doctors want to keep you here-"

"Well, that's ridiculous, I feel fine," Vivian started searching around herself before she grabbed hold of the control that was for the tv but also had a large 'NURSE' red button. She pushed on it immediately, making the light on top of the button turn on.

"Mom-"

"Kellin," her voice was tensed. "I don't want to stay. I know I'm dying, I don't need to hear it again from them and how much they recommend treatment and-" Vivian took in a deep breath, "Sorry-"

"Don't apologize," Kellin said immediately, a crushed look on his face.

"I don't have long anymore and you all know I don't want to spend my last moments in a hospital," Vivian sighed. She grabbed onto Kellin's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze, a small smile on her face, "I know treatment could help me live longer but... I'll just be torturing myself and you guys. I don't want you to see me like that and I've... I've lived a good life."

Kellin felt his tears starting to run down his cheeks. He didn't want to have this conversation. Kellin wished he could convince her to try a little longer but he knows that's just selfish of him. He couldn't image how she felt, all the pain in her body, the feeling of dying.

Vivian let go of his hand and reached up to cup his cheek. Kellin was quick to lean forward so she wouldn't have to sit up too much. "I know it's hard," she said softly, "And maybe I'm a little selfish for not trying but I'm satisfied with everything... You guys are happy, I got to see you again after years...

"I know," Kellin whispered, reaching up to grab her hand again from his face. He forces a smile, "I'll call Mike."

"They should both come so I can give them an earful for not being here when I woke up," Vivian tsk'd, "Where's Oli too?"

Kellin chuckled softly. He wasn't going to point out that they weren't here because Kellin was here. They were just here not too long ago since they're the ones who brought Vivian here. They didn't leave until after the doctor came to talk to them and let them know she was okay, her blood pressure dropped extremely low which was why she fainted.

She wasn't out for long, thankfully. The doctors wanted to keep her to monitor her condition and also the cancer had practically consumed her entire body. It was slowly killing her and she didn't have long. Unless they start treatment because the doctor attending her explained that her cancer has progressed even more but, they may have a chance if they start immediately. A big maybe. But they all knew she would be against it anyway.

So, all it did was give them false hope.

"Oli was at work," Kellin explained as he pulled out his phone to call Mike, "But he just got off and is on his way." Kellin didn't tell him about Vivian's fall when he got the call. Too caught up on everything and only did so when he was finally able to go into her hospital room.

Kellin knew he should've called him before but, after the call with Mike, all he could think about was getting to Vivian.

Just then the nurse finally came in and gave Vivian a polite smile, "You're awake. I'm glad!"

"I'm going to step out for a second," Kellin told her and Vivian nodded with her comforting smile. Kellin will never understand how she could still smile so brightly and joyfully, even in these moments. But he's glad that even now she could still find the energy to do so.

He walked out after, letting the nurse do her check-up and having to deal with Vivian insisting on being discharged so she could go home. Kellin needed a minute out of the room, to call Mike, but more importantly, because he felt like he'd break any second.

✘

The house felt empty of any and all happiness by the time they got Vivian back home. It was late, the sun had already set.

After they helped her in bed, Kellin realized how reminiscent this moment was when they first found out Vivian had been diagnosed with cancer. All of them were here, even Nick after Kellin had called him when they were leaving the hospital. The only one not there at the moment was Nicholas but, that was because he was filming for the new movie he was in. Or something like that, Kellin didn't know or care.

There was not a single smiling face in the room except for Vivian's. They would've been okay, had the doctor not pulled Vic and Mike aside while they were getting ready to take Vivian back home. Kellin had followed after even though he knew, technically, he couldn't aid in any of the decisions made. The doctor was insisting they convince Vivian to stay in the hospital because her body was growing weaker and it wouldn't take long before it started to shut down.

"I won't sugarcoat it, she might have hours, maybe days if she's lucky," the doctor had said with a somber look. "Unless we get her admitted and start treatment, she might have a fighting chance."

But even taking into consideration Vivian's wishes, the idea of convincing her to go through this when in the end there's only a small possibility it would even work... it's just not worth it.

"Why the grim faces," Vivian sighed as she settled herself in her bed, "Everything will be fine."

"We're just a little worried," Mike said with a forced smile as he helped fix her pillow so she could be more comfortable, "We wanna make sure you're okay."

"I'm fine," Vivian squeezed his hand, the grip was weak, "Go on about your days, I promise I won't get out of bed for the rest of the day. It's late anyway."

No one moved. They shifted a bit uncomfortably because no one wanted to leave her. The doctor's words rang in their ears. She looked like she was getting weaker and paler and- Eventually though, Vivian nearly kicked them out of the room, saying she needed to rest her eyes for a second.

Of course, that worried them more but they didn't want to frustrate her so eventually Mike, Vic, and Nick went back downstairs. Mostly to talk about arrangements and prepare for the inevitable-

Kellin stayed behind because he couldn't get himself to move. That sinking feeling in his chest didn't go away. Oli stayed back, as well, standing just away from the bed where Kellin was now sitting on the edge of it.

"You should head down too," Vivian hummed, "Maybe you can stay for dinner... I know it's late and it might be uncomfortable but, I think it would be nice just for today."

"Y-Yeah," Kellin felt himself getting choked up. He glanced over at Oli who had his own glossy eyes.

"We'd love to stay for dinner, Viv," Oli smiled sadly.

Vivian sighed a little and scooted weakly on her bed. "W-What are you doing?" Kellin frowned.

She patted on the empty spot beside her, "Come sit. Maybe Oli can fit too."

"Mom-"

"Humor me," she said and Kellin bit down on his bottom lip, unsure. But eventually, he caved and settled himself next to her on the bed. Once Vivian gestured for Oli to come over, he also caved and sat on the edge where Kellin previously was. "See, this is nice."

"You sure you're comfortable?" Kellin asked softly and felt his tears start to run down his cheeks again. He wasn't even sure how he could still cry. He felt like he'd cried his entire body weight in just a few hours. Oli slowly snuck his hand over to grab hold of Kellin's shaky hand.

"I am," Vivian said as she grabbed his free hand and brought it up against her chest, giving it a gentle pat, "Tell me something you'd like to accomplish in life."

Kellin's eyebrows furrowed a little, unable to help the confused laugh that came out of him, "That's a bit random... but I can't think of anything I think I've accomplished everything I wanted."

"Hm?... Broadway? I remember..." she trailed off, eyes blinking open with a frown. She looked over at him with a dazed look, as if she wasn't all there anymore, "That's what you wanted to do, right?"

Kellin gave her a tight-lipped smile and shook her head, "Not anymore."

"That's too bad," she hummed, the grip she had on his hand weakening, "You would've been amazing...I think the last thing I'd love to accomplish is to be buried next to my husband," Vivian said suddenly, with a soft smile on her face. It made Kellin had to swallow the lump in his throat, she shrugged, "But, as much as I want to, they won't."

Kellin frowned, "I'm sure if you tell them-"

Vivian shook her head, eyes fluttering shut again, still with that smile on her face. "I don't think Vic would come to visit me if that were the case," she said, voice sounding stretched. As if it took all her energy to keep talking, "It took a lot of work to get himself it go back to my love's grave."

It felt like Vivian's mind was running a mile a minute. Trying to get everything she thought out of her mind before she let the heavy sleepy feeling she had overtake her.

"Oli."

"Yes," Oli quickly responded, voice sounding just as shaky as Kellin's, "I'm here, Viv."

"Thank you, for making my Kellin happy. That's all I wanted since I first met him. That poor little kid looking for a place to be loved..." Vivian smiled again and looked over at him. Kellin couldn't stop the tears from flowing even more, making his bottom lip start to bleed from trying not to break right then and there and start sobbing, "He's found that with you, and I'm glad... I'm so glad."

Oli felt some of his own tears slip out, giving her a sad smile, "And I'm glad that you were able to be a mum for him, couldn't have found a damn better one."

Vivian laughed, but it ended up with her having a small coughing fit. Kellin was quick to sit up, ready to help her, but all Vivian did was shake her head. "It's okay, I'm fine," she said and frowned, "You should head downstairs, I just want to rest my eyes for a couple of minutes."

Kellin wanted to say no. He didn't want to leave her all alone up here. He could feel it was coming and he knew she knew too by how insistent she was about making him leave the room. It's just like her to make sure they're not uncomfortable or experiencing something difficult when she can stop it.

Oli stood up from the bed, voice coming out soft, "Love, let's... Let's let your mum rest."

"Just a few minutes," Vivian assured him, "Come back when dinner is ready."

Kellin hesitated but felt Oli tug at his hand. "O-Okay," Kellin nodded and got off the bed. Choking up again as he said, "I love you, mom."

Vivian let her eyes flutter shut as she gave them one last comforting smile before saying softly, "I love you too, mijo."

Oli led him out of the room, and onto the hallway, after that. Just as Oli closed the door, Kellin was finally able to let it out. His heart started to shatter and he cried while Oli pulled him into a hug. He placed his hand on the back of his head as Kellin sobbed into his chest, trying to blink away his own tears.

It wasn't surprising how her heart gave out not a minute later. She never fully reached September 25th because Vivian was a lot more considerate than many give her credit for. She wouldn't let them experience the worst day of their life two days in a row.

No, no, that was never like her.

✘

a/n;

Heyyyyyyyyy :)

It's been a minute since I've updated. Mostly because I got busy but also mostly because this chapter was hard to write :D as you can tell :D

Unfortunately, it was time for Viv to go 😔 but I think she's extremely happy with how she left :> she knows Kells is happy and in a much better place than when she first met and lived with him :)

Anyway! I don't have much to say but I hope the new year has been treating you kindly up to this point! And hopefully, it continues/starts to treat you kindly for the rest of the year <3

As always, questions, thoughts, and concerns are always welcomed and appreciated! Let me know what you thought of the chapter and thanks for reading <3

Stay safe and take care 💜