I was walking home after work, the sun was just starting to set even though it was nearly 8:30 PM. The horizon was behind me, causing the crimson and auburn beams of light to warm my back.

I told Vic and Mike that I'd meet them at their house after I had a shower and changed my clothes. I definitely didn't want to face Jaime and Tony with Vic's handprints all over my butt.

My feet made a scratching sound against the sand dusted sidewalk as I tried to out-walk the sunset. The light behind me was setting quickly and the cool moonlight sky was creeping up on me. I could still see my shadow as I hopped over a couple of deadly cracks in the pavement. I learned their places fast, after tripping and falling on my face a couple of times during my first week here.

Suddenly a second shadow fell into step behind me. I was quick to react and jump out of the way, thinking it was someone on a nightly run. But when I turned to my left I was met with mop of brown hair and green eyes.

"Oli?" I asked out loud, not meaning to.

"Hi Kellin. How're you?" Oli shot me a smile.

I hadn't seen Oli since the boat party. We had such a strange conversation. He seemed way too interested on how quickly I became friends with Vic. Vic didn't talk about Oli at all. The only time I had seen them really interact was that day everyone was playing volleyball, back when Vic and I weren't friends. They seemed fine. I never asked Vic about his friendship with him so I just chalked it up to them being acquaintances.

"I'm fine, thanks. You?" I returned politely. There was something I didn't like about this guy and wanted to keep my guard up.

Oli's eyes searched mine. He held my gaze for an uncomfortable amount of time, his face still turned upright in that smile. I narrowed my eyes in confusion and looked away, continuing my walk towards my house.

"I'm great! From what I see and hear you're doing more than fine."

I didn't like his tone at all so I stopped in my tracks and spun around to face Oli, "Alright what is your problem?"

"My problem? I don't have any problem. What you should be worried about is Vic's problem, though." Oli cocked his head pompously and smirked.

Vic? What was he talking about? I was utterly confused and knew there was no reason I should be taking anything this guy had to say seriously. But my mind flashed back, and I have no idea why, to that moment when Vic had his door locked. He acted so strange that day.

Oli's voice pulled me from my thoughts, "Drop the act. I know you and your precious Vic are dating. Gross. You both are disgusting."

That all too familiar feeling rose up into my chest. I balled my hands into fists at my side and glared at Oli, "Shut the fuck up. Don't talk about him like that ever again."

Oli put his hands up offensively, "Ay no need to take that tone with me, mate. It's just an opinion. I'm just saying that you should know about Vic and his past."

"I don't know what you're talking about. And it's none of my business." I muttered, shoving my hands into my pockets and started walking again.

Oli was quick to catch up to me, "Has he told you about Tyler yet?"

I stopped in my tracks, turning around to look at him, "What?"

Oli chuckled. A low and sinister chuckle before answering, "I'm guessing by your face that he hasn't. He probably never will but I think you should know the truth."

"Who is Tyler?" I questioned, suddenly feeling sick. My relationship with Vic hadn't been going on that long, so I didn't expect us to know everything about each other right away.

One part of me didn't like Oli's tone, it worried me and it made me realize that I didn't really know much about Vic's past at all.

The other part of me had my suspicions, there was a big chance that Oli was trying to play this up to make me question Vic. I'd like to believe that if whatever he's talking about is that important, that Vic will tell me in his own time. My mind was a mess right now.

"Ah now that is for Vic to tell, and only Vic to tell." Oli's tone was sugary sweet, he talked down to me like I was a child.

I brushed past him, shoving my shoulder against his as I picked up my pace. I wanted to get as far away from Oli as possible. My curiosity got the better of me as I glanced behind me. Oli hadn't moved. He was standing in the same place as before, waving at me with that stupid smile on his face.

"Bye Kellin! Nice talking to you!"

I quickly turned back around as I climbed the steps to the front door of my Dad's house. I slammed the door shut and went into my room. I didn't want to let that prick get to me but I couldn't get his taunting words out of my head. Tyler. Who was that? Should I question Vic about it? I didn't want to upset him or pry into his business, it wasn't my place.

God I hated Oli. I shouldn't be surprised though that there were homophobic people here. Nowhere was completely immune to ignorance unfortunately. I just hated thinking that someone like that could say those things to Vic.

I had many years of practice with hateful words and close minded fucks. From what I knew, Vic didn't. I was beginning to feel territorially. I wanted to protect Vic from the hatred that I had endured. Especially now that Mike knew about us, and the rest of the guys were about to.

I was feeling uneasy about this whole situation. I was so excited to go to Vic's and tell all his friends about us. To support Vic during this entire process and to be able to not hide our relationship. But now I was on edge. I was conflicted about whether I should bring up this Tyler person or not. Something deep in my gut told me I should.

Turning off the shower I quickly changed into a black tank top, and black jeans with rips in the knees. I tied a red and black flannel around my waist in case I got cold and left the house. I had a text from Vic that he must've sent when I was in the shower. I read it as I walked towards his house.

Vic: I'm so fucking nervous to tell the guys about us but I can't wait to see you :)

I couldn't help but smile at Vic's honesty as I typed out my response, feeling my nerves lessen as I focused on seeing him in just a few minutes.

Kellin: I'll be with you the entire time. Plus, Mike was totally cool with it. I know Jaime and Tony will be the same. I can't wait to see you too :P

I shoved my phone back into my pocket as I rounded the corner towards Vic's street. When that familiar cozy cottage and sea blue door came into view, all my nerves had subsided. I didn't even have time to knock because the door swung open and a frantic looking Vic pulled me inside.

"Thank god you're here! Mike is making so many horrible puns to try and drop hints to Jaime and Tony about us." Vic blurted out and dragged me down to the basement, holding my hand the entire time.

I couldn't help but giggle at his nervousness. He was adorable.

"Vic slow down! Everything is going to be just fine, I promise." I continued to laugh as we went down the basement stairs. Suddenly Vic came to a stop on the last stair causing me to crash into him. He kept his stance though and whipped his head towards me, grabbing hold of my shoulders to help me steady myself again. He held up his index finger to his lips, silently telling me to be quiet.

Because there were walls on both sides of the staircase, none of the guys could see us. I strained my ears to try and hear what they were talking about when Jaime's loud voice filled the room.

"Where is Vic and Kellin? This pizza is about to get cold. He's been acting so strange lately."

Mike was quick to answer, "Haha yeah I don't know. Vic can't even think straight lately."

I burst out laughing and Vic was quick to put his hand over my mouth.

"Shhh! See? It's awful!" Vic whined as he ran his fingers through his hair.

"That was hilarious, what're you talking about? God I love a good pun. Let's go in, I'm starving." I tried to move past Vic and down the last step but he stayed in my way, looking down at his feet.

I took Vic's hand in mine and squeezed it gently, "Vic, look at me."

Vic moved his head up slowly like it was made of sand, his eyes locking with mine. It was in that moment that I could see how terrified he truly was. This was a side of Vic I had never seen before and it crushed me. I never wanted him to feel this way.

"I know I haven't known your friends for long, and I know this is a really really scary thing. But I really think that they won't care at all. I don't think their view of you will change in the slightest. But, I'm sure if you talked to Mike, he would keep it to himself. You don't have to tell them anything if you're not ready." I whispered.

Vic's dark eyes softened as they roamed across mine. His grip on my hand tightened and I soothingly ran my thumb across his palm.

"No. I want to tell them. It's time. I've been hiding who I am for way too long and it never did me any good. Plus, I have you now. Nothing can go wrong now." Vic's answer was definite. I could tell it in his voice that he meant what he was saying.

I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his quickly and softly.

"Let's go."

Vic walked down the last step, holding onto my hand as we entered the basement. Tony, Jaime, and Mike's eyes were on us instantly. All six eyeballs flicked down to our hands intertwined then back up to our eyes.

Tony's eyes held pure happiness as he shot me a knowing smile. I returned the grin and nodded in his direction.

Mike looked like he was about to cry, they were full and sparkling like a big joyful cry was approaching. I'm not sure why that was.

And Jaime, well Jaime just smiled devilishly as he shot Vic a wink.

"Um hey guys so uh...I'm not really sure how to say this but yeah...I'm you know...I'm gay. And I like Kellin...I like Kellin a lot..." Vic broke the silence, his voice cracking a bit. I just squeezed his hand tighter.

"Dude! That is awesome!" Jaime exclaimed. He ran over and threw his arms around us, squeezing us all together in a big hug.

"I'm so happy for you both." Tony's quiet voice chimed in.

"And I knew it all along!" Mike beamed, raising his hand like he was in class.

I watched Vic's face, the fear replaced by pure happiness due to the acceptance of his friends.

"You guys are really okay with this?" Vic mumbled, looking away from his friends for a moment.

"Of course we are. You're our brother for life. We'd never care about something like this. Plus, you know I'm bi right?" Jaime asked.

Vic walked over to the couch and sat down, rubbing his hands over his thighs, "Yeah...I do. I just...I don't know, it's silly. I guess I was too in my own head about it." Vic answered in a small voice. I had never heard Vic speak this timidly before.

"Guys are hot. It's totally impossible to not love them." Jaime chimed in and nudged Vic playfully which earned a small smile.

Vic reached forward and tugged on the hem of my shirt, causing me to plop down on his lap. He pulled me close to him, "Yeah well this one here is the hottest guy in the entire world."

I immediately blushed and reached forward for a slice of pizza in order to hide my red cheeks.

"Well duh. I told you Kellin was a cutie when you kept checking him out at my pool party." Jaime grinned.

Vic choked on the soda he was sipping, his eyes widening, "W-what do you mean?"

"I saw you checking Kellin out the whole night! I tried to throw you some hints that you should go talk to him. But instead you rigged the chicken fight like a dweeb to be his partner." Jaime teased.

"Okay how did everyone know I rigged that stupid game?" Vic frowned but I could see a smile creeping up onto his lips.

"Bro, we've been your best friends since kindergarten. We all can tell when you like someone." Tony squeaked from the other couch. I looked over at him and noticed that he was sitting very close to Mike, who still seemed oblivious to Tony's advances.

I peeked back at Vic who was running a hand over his face, his other hand giving my waist a small squeeze.

"I'm very flattered that Vic went to all that trouble just to be my partner. You know babe, you could've just asked me." I shot Vic a grin whose face heated up for a moment at my pet name.

"Yeah Vic, why couldn't you just ask Kellin?" Mike patted Vic on the back.

"Alright alright pick on Vic time is. Kells, let's go up to my room. Grab some sodas?" Vic chuckled and stood up, grabbing a box of pizza in the process. I grabbed two cans of Coke and followed after him.

"Aw no Vic don't leave! We'll stop teasing. Stay and hangout with us." Jaime pleaded.

"As fun as that sounds, I think I'd much rather spend time alone with Kellin." Vic laughed and flipped them the middle finger as he walked towards the stairs.

I shot Mike a disapproving look, shaking my head in a joking way as I followed Vic up the stairs.

When we got into his room we both flopped down on the bed, sitting in a criss-crossed position. Vic set the pizza box in front of us and flipped on the TV. I cracked open one of the sodas and took a long sip.

"So...I'd say that went pretty well?" I said, it came out sounding more like a question.

Vic nodded reassuringly, "It did. I wouldn't expect anything less from Jaime and Mike, I assumed they'd tease me a bit. But they mean well. I feel relieved, but also surprised that they all could tell I liked you." Vic furrowed his eyebrows a bit as he bit into a slice of pizza.

"Well, you heard what they said. They probably picked up on how you acted towards someone you liked throughout the years."

"True, I just hope everything stays the same." Vic shrugged and looked at me. "Thank you for being there with me. I couldn't have done it without you by my side."

I looked down at my lap then back up at Vic's warm eyes, "You could've done it without me. You're so strong Vic. I don't think you know how strong you are. I can see it though."

"I'm not strong at all." Vic mumbled, almost too softly for me to even hear it. But I did.

My mind flashed back to my conversation earlier with that insipid Oli. I couldn't lie to myself and not admit I was curious to know what he was talking about. Plus, I'm sure Vic would want to know if someone was talking about him in such a strange way.

"Um Vic? C-could I ask you something?" I spoke softly and cautiously.

Vic's head snapped up and looked at me, confusion on his face, "Of course. What's up?"

"Uh so, Oli came up to me today when I was walking home from the stand."

I watched Vic's grip tighten around the soda can he was holding, the aluminum cracking under his hand. My eyes flicked back up to his face and I dreaded even bringing this up. Vic looked angry. The veins in his neck were starting to become more defined.

"Oli? What the fuck did he say?" Vic snapped. I was taken aback at his sudden change in attitude. I think Vic could sense that because his face softened and he took in a sharp breath.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry Kellin. I shouldn't have raised my voice. I just...I don't like that guy." Vic spoke again, much quieter this time. He spoke timidly like he had earlier in the basement.

"It's okay, um anyways, he came up to me out of nowhere and went on and on about your past. And asked me if you had told me about someone named Tyler." I whispered, my voice trailing across every word.

Vic closed his eyes for a moment, his hands running back across his thighs again. He opened them and looked like he was about to be sick.

"Tyler? He was just some kid in the grade below me. I don't know what Oli was talking about."

"He went on to say that, it would be in my best interest to know about "your past" and this Tyler guy." I put air quotes around "your past."

"I seriously have no clue what he's talking about. Oli is a compulsive liar and never liked me. He was probably just messing with you." Vic shook it off and leaned back against his headboard.

Something inside me still didn't feel right about this entire thing. I knew I shouldn't pry but my anxieties always get the best of me, "Vic, nothing you could ever tell me about your past would make me see you differently. Regardless of what happened, you're not that person anymore. People can change." I turned to face him, reaching out to touch his hand.

Vic shook his head just slightly. His eyes stayed staring at the pizza in his hand. I heard him sniff inwards and his voice cracked as he started talking.

"No. You would...um..." He started but quickly changed the subject.

"Nothing happened, okay? Oli's a dick. I'm going to go shower." Vic finished bluntly.

He sprang up from the bed and went into the bathroom that was connected to his bedroom. He slammed the door shut so hard behind him that I jumped.

A million questions were racing through my mind. What was going on? I heard the shower start, the water crashing onto the tile floor. Something wasn't right.

I leaned back against the headboard, tilting my head up towards the ceiling. I didn't want to bother Vic right now. He clearly was upset. I knew I shouldn't have kept probing. All I could do now was wait for him to come back out so we could talk and I could apologize.

Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of the charcoal sketch Vic did of me last week. Me, sprawled across his bed, drool dripping from my mouth. I smiled at the memory, hoping that I hadn't just ruined everything.

Author's Note - please vote!

Well, this was an emotional chapter.

What do you think is up with Vic and his past?

Who is Tyler and why was Vic being so cryptic?

You won't have to wait too long to find out! I hope everyone is doing okay! Thanks for sticking with me and this story!

-Cassidy :)