Things Are Better (Alt Vers)
1:05 ───|────── 3:27
|◁ II ▷|

✘

Kellin had been buzzing as he and the rest of the band got off stage. It was, yet again, another successful performance and Kellin was hyped up. Every night it's the same; the band goes out and does a killer show, Kellin feeds off the adrenaline and cheers the audience gave. It left him feeling as if he was reaching the peak of a sugar rush right as they finish the show.

"Woah there," Oli chuckled as he caught Kellin who came bouncing towards him with a big smile on his face, "Careful, love, you'll crash into something."

Kellin grinned and leaned up to press his lips against Oli's. The two ignored the fake gags Justin and Jack were letting out before they all started walking to their dressing room. "Tonight's show was amazing, the best one yet," Kellin said dreamily, holding onto Oli's hand as they walked.

"You say that about every concert," Jack said.

"Okay? They're all amazing shows, I kill it every time thank you very much," Kellin rolled his eyes and Oli couldn't help but chuckle.

They were on their last date in Chicago and everything had been good again. Kellin didn't have those insistent thoughts (for now) and instead focused on enjoying the fact that Oli decided to spend the rest of tour with him. So, it was safe to say that the concert he just performed wasn't the only reason he was buzzing with energy.

"C'mon guys," Gabe rushed them as they entered the dressing room, "Kristin's flight is landing soon."

"Gabe, you know I love Kristin but I'm going back to the hotel to sleep," Jack said as he dropped himself down onto the couch in the dressing room. Gabe rolled his eyes and ignored him since he didn't mentioned taking Jack to go pick up his girlfriend. In reality, none of them are going with Gabe because they were all exhausted to the brim. Also, as much as Gabe loves them, the band stresses him out when it comes to being on time. But, Gabe had to stop by the hotel to shower before going to the airport to pick his girlfriend up.

Without the rest of them, Gabe can't leave because they will never let him hear the end of it. Gabe grabbed a pillow from the couch and smacked it against Jack's face, "Get up and hurry up."

Jack groaned and stood up from where he sat up to pack up his things. The rest of the band didn't even bother to poke fun at Gabe, or at Jack for that matter, and gathered their things. Soon after they left for the hotel and Gabe had gone off on his own to shower and leave to pick up Kristin.

Oli and Kellin ended up back in their room and had a laptop in front of them. They were watching a movie—or at least they had been—now they were both too distracted on their phones. Kellin's head was on top of Oli's lap while scrolling through social media and Oli was sitting up against the headboard as he went through his emails. Ignoring all the ones that were about work that weren't completely important—thankfully none of them were.

Kellin placed his phone down beside him after getting bored. He stared at Oli who was too busy looking over at his phone. Sometimes this is all they did together, laze around in silence because that's all they needed. But... Kellin didn't need that right now so he reached up to pluck Oli's phone out of his hand, making the taller of the two look down at him, eyebrow arching up.

"Yes, peach?" Oli's lips pulled back into a grin and his hand fell against the tuff of Kellin's hair, gently combing his fingers through it.

"I'm bored, my chocolate wafer stick."

Oli faltered and took in a deep breath so he wouldn't laugh at the silly nickname. "You could sleep you know," Oli suggested, "You've had a long day."

"I said I'm bored, not tired," Kellin huffed softly and shook his head so Oli would stop combing through his hair. It was making him sleepy and Kellin was close to pinching Oli's thigh because he knew it made Kellin sleepy.

"You look tired to me," Oli hummed and ignored the way Kellin shook his head and kept combing through his hair. His fingers slipped through when Kellin sat up and glared back at him. Oli couldn't help but laugh at the pouty look on his face, "Now you look cute and tired."

"Shut up," Kellin mumbled as he reached over to close the laptop that was still been playing the movie. They were watching Lemonade Mouth.

Oli grabbed his phone—that Kellin had previously tossed to the side—and placed it on the beside table. "C'mon, we do have to sleep," Oli said as he stood up from the bed to stretch, "Gabe'll have our heads if we waste the day away while Kristin is here."

Kellin knew he was right but that still didn't convince him as he continues to sit there with his arms crossed. Oli sighed softly while still having a smile on his face. 'Cute.' He walked over to the other side of the bed where Kellin was sitting. Kellin watched him closely knowing he's either going to give in and help him with his boredom, or trick him into getting into bed.

Oli stood in front of him and tilted his chin up with his thumb. Kellin felt his heart rate rise from the simple touch alone and with how Oli looked down at him with hooded eyes, his usual light and pretty hazel eyes darkened. The sweet boyish smile gone as he leaned down to kiss Kellin.

Kellin kissed back, eyelids fluttering shut, and reached forward to grip at his shirt to pull him closer. Oli moved forward, placing his knee on the mattress just as Kellin started to move back on the bed. Okay. Not exactly where Kellin thought this was going to go but it was certainly curing his boredom. He ended up in the center of the bed with Oli hovering over him.

Tattooed hands running down Kellin's waist until his fingers hooked themselves into the band of his pants. Kellin lifted his hips when Oli started to tug his pants down, pulling away with a grin seeing Kellin's dazed eyes looking up at him and his kiss swollen lips. 'So pretty.' Oli's hands went down to the hem of his shirt and pulled it off giving Kellin his favorite view.

His eyes trailed over his chest, taking in the ink as if it was the first time. Kellin had an obsession with Oli's tattoos. He was covered practically from head to toe in them and they always added that extra attractiveness Kellin felt towards him. Every intricate line he had that Kellin wanted to trace. Oli looked otherworldly to him.

The way Kellin looked at him always stroked Oli's ego in the best way. He knew he was attractive but the only time it ever gets to his head is when Kellin looks at him like he's ready to pounce. Oli let him get his eyeful before leaning back down to kiss him. Kellin was practically consumed with Oli and all the gentle touches that felt like a hundred shocks running through him.

He didn't realize Oli's actual plan was to, yes get him in bed. But no, not for that. Kellin just let himself be undressed down to his boxers and was close to bringing his hands down to work on taking off Oli's pants. But Oli had been tugging the sheets down until the covers were bunched up together by their knees. And Kellin hadn't noticed that Oli was still holding onto the shirt he took off.

Hell, he was so focused on kissing Oli and getting this started that he was left dumbfounded when Oli pulled away and shoved his head through the hole of the shirt. Kellin blinked looking confused before processing the fact that Oli had been putting his shirt on him.

"What the fuck-" Kellin started but was promptly cut off by the peck Oli gave him after pulling his arms through the sleeves.

"Alright love," Oli patted his bare thigh like nothing just happened, "Time to get into bed."

Oli moved away from Kellin and laid beside him as he stuck his legs under the covers he had previously pushed down. Kellin who was still sitting in slight shock looked back at Oli.

"You did not just do that."

"What?" Oli feigned innocence before patting the spot beside him, "We were just getting ready for bed."

Kellin groaned and fell back onto the bed next to him. "I cannot believe you just-" Kellin stopped himself and whined as he covered his face with his hands. Oli couldn't hold back his laughter anymore seeing his poor baby realize he wasn't getting any tonight. All he was getting was a good night's rest.

"You suck," Kellin whined, it came out muffled, causing Oli to laugh even more. Oli reached forward to grab onto the blankets and cover both of them with it, "I cannot believe you used sex to get me into bed to sleep."

"You got'a admit," Oli continued to chuckle, "That was pretty good."

"No!" Kellin yelled but ended up laughing at the end, "You got me hard and you expect me to go to sleep now!?"

"Well," Oli said as he turned to his side, facing Kellin as he pulled him closer. His nose gently rubbed against his cheek before he moved his head down, lips brushing against the skin towards his ear. Kellin felt goosebumps run down his spine when Oli's hand went under the covers and drifted down towards the front of his boxers, "Certainly can't leave you like this, right love?"

"Uh huh," Kellin breathed out, cheeks heating up when Oli wrapped his hand around him through his boxers.

Oli nipped gently at his earlobe and Kellin curled his toes when he gave him a squeeze, "Better not hear how tired you are tomorrow."

✘

Kristin had been in Gabe's life for as long as Kellin has. Even though Gabe has been the one to mostly witness Kellin as he struggles with relationship, Kellin did as well when it came to Gabe and Kristin. His poor oblivious best friend wouldn't be with the love of his life if it weren't for Kellin. Even if it didn't look like it... given his previous relationships... Kellin gives great relationship advice. He just doesn't listen to himself.

And now he, and the rest of the band, had to deal with Gabe giving lovesick eyes towards Kristin for the rest of their lives. It wasn't like they minded. They've gotten used to seeing their usually calm and collective drummer lose his everlasting mind for his girl. It was cute. As the kids say: Relationship goals!!

They also all really loved Kristin. She was their little piece of ordinary life. Kristin was a school teacher and lived mundanely aside from the times that Gabe has dragged her along with him on tour. This time though she was only staying for the duration of their break in Chicago before they moved onto the next state.

Gabe and Kristin had arrived early morning back to the hotel but everyone was so exhausted they were either already asleep or just getting into bed. Their sleeping schedules on tour were horrendous but that was the life of a rockstar.

It was nearing 2:30 pm when they all had officially woken up. Kellin had run over to Gabe's room after getting ready for the day. The two had gotten dressed up a little, as in Kellin isn't just in one of Oli's hoodies and some sweats and Oli wasn't in the same thing, since they had plans that day. Kellin was in black ripped skinny jeans, a thin white long sleeve button up and a sleeveless dark green knitted sweater vest that was a size bigger than it needed to be. Also his trusty vans that had a small platform on them.

Oli on the other hand wore black straight-leg dress pants—Kellin's sure came from one of the variety of suits Oli owned—a white shirt that was tucked in, a gray denim jacket, and his own sneakers. The two were excited for the day, mostly Kellin. It had been a while since he's been in Chicago and he wanted to take advantage of their break.

Oli trailed behind him, walking like a zombie while Kellin looked like he had the energy of a Tasmanian Devil.

"Pick up the pace old man," Kellin teased as he finally stopped in front of the door of Gabe's room. He turned towards him, a grin on his face, "You're awfully tired today."

Oli's eyes narrowed down at him once he caught up, "Well, someone kept me up all night."

"In more ways than one-" Kellin hissed when Oli patted,more like smacked, his ass. The taller of the two let out a giggle—one Kellin only had the pleasure of hearing rarely—when Kellin flinched, "You're-"

Before Kellin could finish his sentence the door swung opened and there stood Gabe, still dressed in pajamas, with a tired look on his face. "For a five star hotel, these walls are thin."

Kellin blushed and Oli had—as always—a massive grin on his face. "Where's Kristin?" Kellin asked, trying to ignore the awkward moment, and went onto his tippy toes to look into the room.

"Sleeping."

Kellin frowned but watched as Gabe got dragged back into the room before Kristin appeared in front of him. She had a big smile on her face, "Kellin! Oh my god your hair-"

"Kristin!" Kellin yelled back the both went in to hug each other. Kellin ignoring the hair comment because if someone else points it out he'll end up running to the nearest store to get black box dye—he doesn't do well with change, especially when it keeps getting pointed out. The hug wasn't a quick one, oh no, it was never a simple hug with Kristin. They both teetered side to side as if they haven't seen each other in decades, "I've missed you so much babe."

"Ugh me too," Kristin sighed a little dramatically and pulled away while still having her hands on his biceps, "Let's run away together, start a new life with each other. Away from it all."

Kellin wrapped his arms around her waist and just as dramatically pulled her in close, "I thought you'd never ask. Let's get married and have a bajillion children."

If there's one thing Kellin absolutely adored about Kristin was that she always played along with whatever he did. It was a joke at first, something they did to mess with Gabe. But it's turned into their thing now while also simultaneously pushing Gabe's buttons. Kellin fully expected for Gabe to pull Kristin away from him, as he usually did, but before he got the chance to Kellin felt hands gripping his hips and being pulled back.

Kellin stumbled back until he landed against Oli's chest.

"Well," Kristin said with a shocked look on her, matching Kellin's, before a grin replaced it. She turned back to face Gabe and pointed up at Oli, "You're just going to let him one up you?"

"I'm marrying you," Gabe huffed and wrapped his arm around her waist. Saying it so casually as if he didn't just drop the biggest news ever, "I already won."

"You're what!?" Kellin asked, he nearly fell forward pulling himself away from Oli at the news, wondering when the hell he proposed, "When did this happen!?"

Kristin glared playfully at Gabe, "Way to ruin the surprise."

"Well, I wasn't going to let him one up me," Gabe grinned and Kristin simply rolled her eyes while turning back to face Kellin. She lifted her hand up and there showed the massive gem on her ring finger.

Kellin grabbed her hand, lifting it up to look at the ring on her finger. "Holy shit," Kellin's eyes were wide staring at the gem before looking over at Gabe, "Since when did we pay you enough to afford this?"

"You don't, it's a fake," Gabe deadpanned.

Kellin tsks, moving his hands up to cup Kristin's face in his hands. Sighing dramatically once again, "See baby he doesn't treat you right, run away with me."

"I miss when you used to be repulsed by the idea of girls touching you," Gabe grumbled just as Oli, once again yanked Kellin back. Sexuality was a totally fun ride for Kellin at some point but that was a been there, done that situation.

"Congrats mate," Oli said finally being able to get a word in before all three of them started bickering again. Oli was usually the quieter one whenever it came to being around Kellin and the rest of their friends. Just an observer at the little chaos that ensues in their group.

"I can't believe you hid this from us," Kellin said as he reached towards Kristin's hand again to stare down at the ring. Oli still kept an arm around his waist to keep him close—Kellin didn't mind. "When did this even happen?"

"We were supposed to tell you all tonight," Kristin said, shooting daggers at her fiancé, "But, it was before you guys went on tour."

"Since then!?"

Kristin nodded with a big smile and looked over at Gabe lovingly. Gabe also looked at her with fond eyes the short moment feeling too intimate it made Kellin want to look away from them. "I know he doesn't seem like it but it was very romantic," Kristin said making Gabe scoff.

"Give me a little credit."

"I planned your first date for you," Kellin reminded him, "You wanted to take her to a cheap pizza place."

"A pizza place?" Oli's eyebrows furrowed looking at Gabe, "That's it? And cheap?"

"That's it," Kellin nodded looking back up at Oli, "If it weren't for me, Kristin would've dumped his ass."

"It's true," Kristin nodded. It wasn't true. But again, they play along with whatever the other did. It was a cheap pizza place but, they were in high school. What else could they afford? Nonetheless, Kellin the ever romantic helped planned the perfect date for them. So, it all worked out in the end.

Gabe sighed loudly playfully rolling his eyes. "While I'd love to stay and chat, we need to sleep. God knows I need more hours before dealing with the rest of you later."

"But Kristin," Kellin gasped, "What about our romantic date today?"

Gabe didn't say anything and instead looked at Oli. A quick silent conversation going on between them. Before either of the two could continue on their little dramatic scenario again, Gabe tugged Kristin back into the room while Oli simultaneously turned Kellin to face him and picked him up with ease to throw him over his shoulder.

"Hey! Wait-! Kristin, my love-!" Kellin yelped when Oli pinched his thigh as he started to walk back down the hall towards their hotel room.

"I'll never forget you Kellin!"

The door was slammed shut.

✘

Kellin has always been a tourist at heart. It didn't matter if he was visiting a place that he previously did, he'll treat it like it's the first time, always. It was one of the things Oli found the most endearing and got the pleasure of seeing more often than not. They had gone all over the city and took pictures and when it was nearing 6 pm, they ate at a vegan restaurant Oli had been talking about since landing in Illinois.

"That was so good," Kellin said as they walked out of the restaurant. He was holding Oli's hand and swinging their arms between them. Kellin's food palette had grown slightly on this tour. Every country, city, etc they stopped at, Oli had sent him recommendations to go check out. Usually on his behalf so most of them were vegan restaurants. It became a little tradition of trying something new at each stop and finally they got the chance to do so in Chicago.

Oli hummed and let Kellin's hand go before wrapping his arm around his waist, tugging him closer to his side. The streets were busy, people up and down rushing to whatever plans they had, "It was, did you like the tikka masala?"

"God, yes," Kellin groaned thinking back to his meal as he threw back his head against Oli's shoulder. He wasn't vegan—he mostly just ate whatever Oli made for him—since it wasn't his usual but, that damn tikka masala might have swayed him completely. He stood up straight, looking up at Kellin with a serious look, "You guys should add that into your menu, I'll literally marry you on the spot."

Oli laughs at him, the type of loud 'ha ha' that gets a smile out of Kellin every time. "That's a weird way to propose, love."

"Did it work?" Kellin grinned as they kept walking.

"Don't you have to go down on your knees for a proposal, no?"

"I think you got enough of that last night," Kellin said before stopping in his spot and let out a gasp. Oli stumbled slightly and looked down at him with a frown, "We have to go to the bean."

"The what-"

"The bean! It should be around here!" Kellin yelled and grabbed hold of Oli's hand and started dragging him towards who knows where. Oli tried to keep up with Kellin and maneuvered himself so he didn't end up crashing into anyone. How they didn't hit a single red light on the way to where Kellin was taking him was beyond Oli but he did not wanna know what Kellin would do if there was a red light.

"Slow down love," Oli was able to grab hold of Kellin when the singer slowed down, "You almost made us crash into all of Chicago."

"We couldn't leave this place without seeing the bean," Kellin explained and Oli who, even after living in America for a long time, had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.

"What fuckin' bean are you talking about," Oli couldn't help laughing and Kellin rolled his eyes before reaching up to grip his chin, making him look up. Kellin pointed and Oli instantly figured out what he was talking about, "You're calling Cloud Gate, a bean?"

"It literally looks like a giant bean!" Kellin yelled and let him go, "And we're taking pictures with it, hurry up!"

"Love-" Oli tried calling out for him but he was off running towards the bean. He laughed softly and shook his head. Oli started walking in the direction Kellin ran to when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled his phone and looked down at his screen, laughing softly.

Oli looked up towards Kellin who had reached the bean. Even though the area was busy, Oli could still feel the glare directed at him. A silent 'hurry up,' and really Oli could've just gone to get him to leave. But his love wanted to go take pictures with a big bean so, how can he say no?

✘

After Oli successfully dragged Kellin back to the hotel room the mini party started. It wasn't anything grand really. They all went down to the hotel bar and ate dinner—Kellin and Oli opted out considering they ate not too long ago. It wasn't rare that on their days off they'd go out to a bar or somewhere to eat but tonight was extra special since they were celebrating Gabe and Kristin's engagement.

The retelling of the proposal threw everyone out of the loop considering no one had a single clue that Gabe was proposing. Or even ready for that. It wasn't shocking, they all knew that Gabe would've been the first to get married out of all of them, just not so soon.

"Wait, wait," Justin grabbed his shot from the bar they were all surrounding, "He dropped the ring in the snow?"

Kristin had been retelling the story of how Gabe had proposed. It was in November and they had left to go visit Kristin's family—clearly for this proposal. Gabe and Kristin had walked off on their own after having dinner with her family and ended up standing where her family had set up Christmas lights.

Gabe had gone off on a little speech he practiced but was definitely messing up because of how nervous he was. The nerves got to him and when he was on his knee and proposed, the ring slipped out of his hand when Kristin threw herself onto him.

Kristin was giggling while Gabe tried to shield himself from looking embarrassed in front of his friends. He had been hugging her from behind, his face nuzzled into her neck. "To be fair, I did jump him," she said and reached behind her to pat his head.

Kellin, who was being held similarly by Oli, was gushing over it all. He thought of marriage before as one does even briefly in their life. It didn't seem important to him now. But he couldn't help the warm feeling in his chest at the thought of someone putting in the effort to propose to him. Those thoughts were interrupted as a loud ringtone sounded.

"Oops," Nick said as he placed his drink down, "That's me."

Kellin watched as Nick walked off to answer the call before looking back at their friend. The topic had changed to the tour and whatever's next. Which was a new album. Their label had been asking for a new one since their last one became a hit and they didn't promote it as much as they had wanted to. Kellin was working on songs every day but some of them didn't feel right. Still, they had enough time before the deadline. So he tried not to get too stressed about it.

Kellin flinched slightly when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Oli looked down feeling Kellin move and saw that Nick had came back. The two frowned at him seeing the serious look on his face. "Hey," his voice was tight and it had looked like he had been holding back tears, "Can we talk?"

Kellin was instantly felt worried, what could the call of been about? He nodded and gave Oli's hands, that were interlinked in front of him, a squeeze. Oli dropped his hands and let him walk off with Nick. The two friends walked away from the group and got to a quieter place. "What's wrong?" Kellin asked, getting progressively worried. Nick shifted uncomfortably and handed him his phone without saying anything. Kellin looked down and saw a call going on the screen. It was muted.

'Mike.'

Kellin didn't know exactly what he felt seeing that name again. It felt like all types of emotions rushed into him again. What could Mike want? Did something happened to-. More worried thoughts, anger, sadness and confusion filled him at the thought of Vic. It had been a while since Kellin thought of him. The last thing he knew of the singer was that he was releasing music and still with Nicholas.

As far as Kellin knew, the two still hadn't gotten married for some reason. Though they were still engaged.

"What...?" Kellin trailed off looking up at his friends, "What's going on?"

"Mike insisted, he needed to talk to you," Nick said, voice slightly cracking, "If you don't want to I can hang up, he'll understand."

Kellin stared back down at the call and felt his heart clench. He knew Mike would never call and ask to talk to Kellin unless something happened. Even back then when they were all still close, Mike wouldn't call unless it was necessary. Kellin nodded and took the phone from him, "Did he say what for?"

Nick sighed and nodded, "It's about aunt Viv." That alone made Kellin freeze.

Vivian was Vic and Mike's mother and since the beginning of Kellin being friends with the two, she was his mother too. A lot of thoughts ran through Kellin's head and all of them led to the worst case scenario. If something happened to Vivian-

Kellin wasn't ready to lose another parent. Kellin was quick to unmute the call and bring up the phone to his ear, "Mike?"

"Kells, hey..." Mike's voice rang. Kellin could feel his heart beating a mile a minute and he was slowly freaking out. It didn't help that Mike sounded tired. Something bad happened. Really bad.

"What happened?"

The line was quiet for a bit and Kellin couldn't handle it. If Mike didn't start talking, he was sure he'd start yelling. Kellin couldn't stop feeling his heart beating fast and his throat tightening. "Mom, she's sick," Mike's voice shook slightly and that didn't calm Kellin at all, "I... she wants to see you."

"Sick?" Kellin's eyebrows furrowed and couldn't help but reach up to his wrist and start scratching at the skin, "Sick how?"

Kellin heard Mike curse softly under his breath. "She has pancreatic cancer."

Cancer.

Cancer. Cancer. Cancer.

Kellin felt as if all the air in his lungs was punched out. His world stopping. Cancer. There was no way. Just no way. Kellin hadn't seen Vivian in years. Practically since Vic and him broke up. Though the one time he did a surprise visit but didn't even get close to the front door because Vic had been walking out of the house. But even then, she had been healthy. Slowly getting back to normal—as normal as one can be after her own life fell apart.

Kellin let his arm, that was scratching his skin raw, fall. "Cancer- What? Just... wait that can't-" Kellin stopped himself before he continued to ramble a whole lot of nothing. He didn't even realize that he started to tear up until his eyesight became blurry. Kellin blinked, though it made it worse, allowing the tears to fully fall, "How- Is she getting treatment? How do you guys know?" Kellin feared for the worst. It was always the worse right?

"We just brought her home from the hospital. Doctor told us but she won't say anything else," Mike had let out an airy chuckle, sounding in disbelief. "Can you believe that? She won't say anything until she has us in front of her."

Kellin reeled back, remembering Vivian's request. 'She wants to see you.' Kellin didn't say anything, well more like he couldn't say anything. Hell, he was still processing the fact that she has cancer in the first place. He reached up to wipe the stray tears that kept falling.

"I know you're on tour... I told her you probably couldn't but-"

"I'll be there," Kellin was quick to cut Mike off without thinking. He needed to be there for his mom. He owed her that much after she took him in and loved him as if he was her own. Kellin ignored the look Nick was giving him, "We have a couple of rest days before the next show, tell her I'll be there."

"Okay..." Mike trailed off and he bit down onto his tongue. As if he wanted to say something more, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Thanks for calling... and letting me know," Kellin said.

"Of course, she's your mom too. See you soon."

Kellin felt his heart ache again. They both said their goodbyes and Kellin handed Nick back his phone. "Kells... you sure this is a good idea?" Nick frowned at him.

He nodded and looked at the group of his friends before looking back at Nick. "Yeah, it is," Kellin was quick to say, sounding in disbelief that Nick was even questioning him, "Cancer, Nick. She has fucking cancer and I-"

Kellin flinched when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. His head all but fell off when he whipped it to the side to see Oli standing next to him, concerned. "You okay, love?" He asked gently and reached up to wipe away the tears that had been rolling down his cheeks.

"I have to go back home," Kellin said which made Oli more confused, worry flashing across his face.

"Did something happen? Is Otto okay? Is Denis okay?" Oli quickly asked and Kellin shook his head.

"No, no... they're fine. It's just..." Kellin took in a deep breath trying to calm himself down, "Vivian, she's sick. I have to go back, she wants to see me." Kellin tried to not let himself ramble off. He was too overwhelmed and he felt like he needed to run off in this very second. Oli, again looked confused but a second later he remembered who Vivian was.

Kellin had mentioned her a bunch of times before. But one thing that Oli couldn't stop thinking about was who Vivian actually is. The mother of the asshole that broke Kellin's heart. He isn't proud to admit that he instantly wanted to say no. The thought of who would be there in the first place already started to make Oli angsty.

But Vivian was important to Kellin. He couldn't live with himself if he didn't go see her. "Are you sure?" Oli asked quietly and Kellin nodded. That was enough for Oli, "When do you want to go?"

Kellin felt instant relief when Oli agreed but that washed away when the rest of their friends walked over, wondering what was taking them so long. If there's one thing about this group is that they're all nosy.

"Go where?" Gabe asked with his eyebrows creasing.

"My aunt is sick," Nick finally spoke again hoping that maybe he could get the rest to convince Kellin that this isn't the greatest idea. Though he couldn't help but also feel bad. After all, that is his aunt and he wanted to be there for her too, "And she wants to see Kellin."

The room had grown quiet and uncomfortable really quickly. Tense glances thrown to each other. Kellin, who hasn't caught on why everyone was acting so strange, was confused overall. Of course he hadn't, Vic was the last person on his mind right now.

"Oh," Kristin reached over giving Kellin a comforting squeeze on his hand, "I'm sorry, is she okay?"

"Is Vic going to be there?" Gabe asked, ignoring Kristin's question directed at him. He crossed his arms and Kellin felt like he just received a smack to the face. Right. Vic. Vic would be there. Of course he would, that is his actual mother. But Kellin had brushed that thought aside before it even made itself present in his brain again. Too distracted and focused on needing to get out of Chicago.

"Well, yeah," Kellin said as if it wasn't a big deal, "That's his mom, of course he would."

"And you're still going?" Jack asked with a frown, "I don't think that's a good idea."

Kellin crossed his arms and had a scowl on his face. "I don't care that he's there," Kellin snapped a little, "She was my mom too, don't forget she took me in when I needed it."

"Kellin," Nick said gently, "We all know that. But Vic..."

"Are we sure this isn't him just wanting to get close to you again?" Justin asked and instantly regretted it when Kellin shot him a glare. If looks could kill..., "Hey, it isn't a big stretch, he isn't the greatest person."

"He would never joke about this. She has cancer for gods sake," Kellin started to feel frustrated with his friends. He understood why they didn't think it was a good idea. But he isn't going for Vic he's going for his mom. Kellin wouldn't have put himself in a position he knew Vic would be around if it weren't for her being sick and Mike being the one to ask, "Plus, Mike told me. He would never help him with something like that."

Oli reached to pull Kellin into his arms, "We're just worried." Kellin relaxed when Oli pulled him in, "We want to make sure you're okay."

"I am," Kellin looked up at Oli, "I need to see her, if she dies before I see her again, I won't forgive myself."

The room once again was quiet though the tense feeling had washed away. Replaced by the sadness in the news that Vivian has cancer. The rest of the group had a special place for Vivian. They all met her around the time Kellin gained his new friends. The heartache that came with knowing someone who treated them like her own is dying was hard to take in.

It wasn't that they didn't trust Kellin either, they just didn't trust Vic. They knew their friend still had a soft spot for the Fuentes brothers even after everything. They all knew that one tiny thing could happen and Vic would have Kellin wrapped around his finger, again. "I'm going with him," Oli spoke up trying to reassure the group.

"Me too," Nick said, "She's my family too. Plus we have rest days before we have to be in Florida, we'll be back before then."

Kellin nodded and looked at Gabe who still seemed hesitant, "I need to do this Gabe."

"I don't know... I don't trust this but, only if you're sure..."

Kellin hadn't been more sure about anything in his life. He wasn't going to let one person ruin seeing someone he cared about. Especially the person who treated him like an actual son unlike his real parents. Plus, he won't be alone. Oli would make sure of that.

After that the celebration turned a bit sour. The worry and hesitation taking over as Kellin once again gets into the position of being around Vic. Again. Just like always.

✘

All of them went back to their own hotel rooms after they all decided to call it a night. The mini party they had didn't last long considering Kellin, Oli and Nick were heading out to California last minute. It dampened the mood a little.

Kellin and Oli had finished packing their things before lying down on the bed. Oli was holding Kellin, fully ready to go to sleep since they had to catch an early flight the next day. After they were all caught up with the plan, Oli took it upon himself to book tickets for the three of them. The sooner they went the faster they leave and come back to the tour. 'The sooner Kellin can get away from Vic.'

Kellin was planning to go to sleep early. Really he was. But his mind was running and all the sleepiness he felt disappeared. The more he thought about going back to California to see Vivian, the more he thought it was a bad idea. Well, he kept going back and forth with it. On the one hand, Kellin hadn't seen Vivian in so long and he felt guilty over that. He didn't mean to distance himself from her but being around her meant being around Vic.

Which brings Kellin to the other hand. Vic being the ever present issue of this entire thing. Kellin was good at dodging information about Vic, and his engagement, and Nicholas ever since New York. He quite literally hasn't seen that man since Vic left him crying in the hotel room that summer two years ago. Kellin likes to think he's grown since then and he's able to stomach being in the same vicinity as Vic.

He didn't have to talk to him. Who even knew if he would be there in the first place? The last time they talked about Vic's mom, Vic said he doesn't visit her. Still all the pros and cons kept outweighing each other and he couldn't help but ask:

"Do you think I'm doing the right thing?" Kellin wasn't sure if Oli was still awake. Kellin couldn't tell and secretly he hoped Oli was asleep. He didn't know if he wanted to hear the answer to his question.

But Oli was awake and he didn't think he could fall asleep either. The tips of his fingers started to create random shapes along Kellin's back, making shivers run through him. Oli mulled over his question for a while and he didn't know what to tell him.

Oli felt like it wasn't his place to have an opinion on this.

"I think," finally he started to say, "You know what you're doing."

Kellin frowned at that and pulled away a little from Oli's hold. "And it's wrong?" Kellin asked and Oli shook his head.

"I don't think it's wrong for you to want to go see someone who's like a mum to you when she's going through something," Oli explained, "I'm just worried."

"Worried..."

Oli sighs a little and shifts so he sits up further onto the bed. It seemed like they weren't going to get any sleep. Kellin follows suit, sitting up next to him. "I know you're fine with it... it's just Vic...," Oli trailed off before looking over at him, "I don't know the guy as much as you all do but I feel like he's going to take advantage of this situation."

"I just... don't think he would do that," Kellin ran his hand through his hair, "Vic's a lot of things, and I do mean a lot of things... but this just doesn't seem like something he would do."

"It's just a bit dodgy..."

Kellin didn't want to seem like he was defending Vic. That was the last thing he wants to do...it's just sadly Kellin knew him even if he didn't. Vic wasn't the type to use his parents to get something out of anyone. His parents were important to him, that much Kellin knew was a fact. Even if he wasn't on the best terms with his mom, Vic adored her more than anything. Plus, Mike was the one who reached out. If this was Vic's plan, Mike wouldn't have included himself at all.

"Thankfully, my very protective and lovely cinnamon roll is coming with me," Kellin said sweetly.

Oli rolled his eyes but still smiled nonetheless. He guesses that is also a plus. Oli knew Kellin wasn't trying to make this a big deal, and maybe it isn't. He just couldn't help but still worry. Oli leaned over, placing a kiss on his cheek, "You know I'm going mostly for support right?"

"Mmm, yeah but I like when you get protective," Kellin shimmied back down to lay on the bed. Oli followed suit and let Kellin wrap his arms around him, "It's cute."

"You're cute."

"Oh god," Kellin laughed, "Go to sleep."

While the two left the conversation in a lighter manner... it still doesn't make the heavy feeling they were both having go away.

✘

a/n;

Hello hello!

Another week another update 😌

The story is starting I suppose. Couldn't continue being all cute now could we :')? Poor Vivian and Kells :/ could the others be right about Vic? 👀

Anyway let me know what you thought of this chapter! Your thoughts and concerns are always appreciated :) Thanks for reading!

Stay safe and take care 💜