I watched intensely as a seagull picked at a long forgotten plate of soggy french fries on the boardwalk. It was Saturday afternoon and families were scattered all along the shore, kids making sandcastles, teenagers on summer vacation playing arcade games while parents sipped fruity cocktails.

I stood at the fried dough counter, picking at my peeling sunburn aggressively, flicking the skin nonchalantly out onto the sandy boardwalk. After I went to the bathroom at Marco's last night I bailed, going home and blasting A Day To Remember to drown out my anger.

I was fed up with Vic and his hot and cold demeanor. He was a big boy, he could help himself. It wasn't my place to keep trying to insert myself into his life. I had my own problems to worry about, with starting college in a few weeks and trying to save up some money to support myself, I didn't need to worry about someone else.

I heard the door open behind me.

"Hey Mike, were you able to find that chocolate sauce it's -" I started to say, stopping mid sentence to roll my eyes when I realized that Vic was following behind him wearing the same red suspenders and paper hat that I was.

"Two cases of chocolate sauce coming right up!" Mike exclaimed, making a goofy face when he noticed my eye roll.

I decided that I was going to ignore Vic to the best of my abilities for the rest of the summer, starting with this shift at work. I started helping Mike unpack the bottles of chocolate sauce, placing them in neat lines on the condiments shelf.

"Dude your skin looks so painful." Vic spoke as he squatted down next to me.

I grunted, quickly standing up and walking over to the dough prepping station, trying to let my anger out by kneading the balls of dough. Hoping that my silence would give Vic the hint that I wasn't planning on talking to him.

It didn't.

I soon felt his presence standing uncomfortably close to my left.

I kept my eyes down on the dough in my hands, not wanting to look into Vic's eyes. His eye's would be the death of me. Instead, I focused on how the gluten would stretch just a bit longer each time I pressed into it.

With each knead, I took notice on how the dough seemed to slowly spring back towards me. No matter how hard I pressed down or how many times I took the rolling pin to the dough, it kept inching backwards.

"Here, you need more flour. Let me help." I heard Vic speak and caught a glimpse of his calloused hands reaching across my body to grab the sack of flour, while his arm brushed against mine.

"D-don't touch me!" I screeched out with distaste on my tongue.

Vic looked at me with a blank look on his face and nodded.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." Vic turned away to leave but I was filled with so anger from the last few days that I wasn't letting him leave on that note.

"It doesn't matter if you didn't mean to. You still did it. That's all you ever do. You do things without thinking, and you say things without thinking. You act like you don't care about how you make anyone feel. And that sucks, Vic!" I spat my cheeks heating up as I let out everything I had kept inside these last few days.

Vic didn't even try to open his mouth to fight back. He just kept staring back at me with that emotionless look on his face and it only angered me even more. He's so quick with the snappy remarks, and now it was like he couldn't speak.

"You act semi-sweet to me at Jaime's party and then the next day you were a dick at the beach. Then at Marco's, you look at me with these big puppy dog eyes and when I try to comfort you, you pull away and run off to Malibu Barbie. It's not cool to play with someone's emotions like that Vic, and I'm sick of it." I finished, out of breath.

I finally let myself look up to meet Vic's eyes and he wasn't even looking at me, he was looking at his hands. His hands were splayed out against his thighs and they were shaking like leaves during a thunderstorm.

Small, quick, twitches. My gaze flicked up to him and he noticed that I was watching his hands; he quickly stuffed them into his pockets and opened his mouth to speak.

"I.. I don't know what to say." He spoke softly.

"That's funny, because you always seem to have something to say." I scoffed.

I stared into his dark eyes, searching his face for an inclination of what he might be thinking. I should be scared. Vic had been nothing but unpredictable the entire time I've been in San Diego. After pushing my luck yesterday with my comments towards him on the beach, I had no idea how he would react to my outburst.

I watched him as he started to back away from me, his lips pressed tightly together. He finally lifted his head from the ground and locked eyes with mine.

"You're right." Vic admitted.

"I'm right?" I asked, confused.

"I know that no matter what I say, words won't be enough." He whispered as he brushed past me on his way out the door before I had the chance to respond.

"Well, that was weird." Mike broke the silence as he re-entered the fried dough stand.

"I..did you hear all of that?" I asked suddenly feeling embarrassed for being a little over the line to Vic. Mike was his brother and he'd been nothing but nice and welcoming to me since I got here.

"Duh. I knew things were going to get spicy when I saw that eye roll. Vic deserved to get put in his place. He's gotten away with being a huge dick for too long." Mike spoke.

"Uh.. yeah. But why did you say the conversation was weird if Vic deserved it?" I questioned.

"Oh, because he didn't snap your neck when you stood up to him. He almost apologized. That's weird as shit man, you have a strange effect on him." Mike answered.

"What do you mean by a strange effect?" I said

Mike didn't get the opportunity to respond because the door creaked open again, as Mr. Fuentes came into view.

"Hi Boys! I wanted to let you know Mike, that you and Vic will be staying over at Mr. Bostwick's house with Kellin tonight. Your mom and I are going into the city to celebrate our anniversary and won't be home until tomorrow evening." Mr. Fuentes chirped.

What? Why would my Dad offer to let Mike and Vic stay over at his house? Especially after that awkward conversation the other morning about me being gay. Vic and I weren't even acting civil towards each other now; I had no idea how he was going to take the news that he'd have to spend all night with me and Mike. I rubbed the back of my neck anxiously and waited for Mike's response.

"Uh Dad? Last time I checked, Vic is eighteen and I'm seventeen. We can stay home by ourselves." Mike's eyes narrowed in confusion.

"Yes, I am very much aware of your age, Mike. However, last time I checked, you two have a record of throwing parties and engaging in underage drinking, resulting in our home being trashed." His dad answered.

"Yeah but," Mike started.

"Nope, no buts. Plus, I have already confirmed with Mr. Bostwick and Lisa and she is cooking you all a big dinner to celebrate Kellin's homecoming." Mr. Fuentes replied.

Mike looked over at me and shrugged, "I can't say no to good food."

"I guess it could be fun. We have an Xbox and Rock Band." I suggested, offering a Mr. Fuentes a small smile.

"Now Kellin, you have said the magic words. Rock. Band. I am a Rock Band legend, we'll see you later?" Mike answered.

I rolled up my apron and nodded, "See you then." I forced a smile and leaned back against the cool metal counter. How was I going to get through tonight?

The sun was casting a warm, orange glow against the entire town as I walked back to my Dad's house. As soon as I opened the front door, my nose was hit with a million different smells. I walked into the yellow kitchen and found Lisa buzzing around the kitchen, four different pans on the stovetop as she swirled a big wooden spoon around one of the mixtures.

"Kellin! Great, you're home! How was work?" Lisa turned to face me, wiping her hands on the pink flowered apron she was wearing.

"Uh, it was fine. Pretty busy but I think I finally got the hang of the chocolate swirl." I said, plopping down on one of the island stools.

"The chocolate swirl?" Lisa asked.

"Oh you know, the famous San Diego chocolate swirl? Mr. Fuentes has patented this specific way you swirl the chocolate sauce on the fried dough." I stopped myself as I realized how dorky I sounded, trying to make conversation was clearly something I wasn't doing well today.

"That sounds very interesting Kellin, I had no idea our little beach town had a signature way to swirl chocolate sauce." Lisa said encouragingly.

I nodded and glanced down at my arm, pulling a large piece of dead, sunburnt skin from my forearm. Vic was right, my skin did look awful.

"Anywho, I am thrilled to be having the Fuentes brothers over for dinner tonight to celebrate your official first week visiting us." Lisa smiled and continued to stir one of the sauces.

"Yeah, it should be interesting." I mumbled, "I mean it'll be a blast!" I added more confidently and forced a smile. Tonight was going to kill me.

After showering, I changed into dark blue jeans and threw on my favorite Taking Back Sunday shirt, before pulling a green flannel on over it. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and winced in pain when I tried to touch my crisp, peeling face.

My face was adorned with splotchy, red rashes that made my complexion appear discolored. Pieces of dead skin were flaking off around my cheeks and I cursed myself for caring how I looked right now. Even with Vic being a huge asshole, part of me still wanted to look okay for him and I had no idea why I couldn't shake it.

I lowered the blasting music playing from my laptop when I heard Mike's familiar cheerful voice coming from the kitchen. Here we go.

I entered the room and was met with my Dad and Lisa talking excitedly to Mike and Vic, who were seated on the couch. They were asking Mike about his last year of high school and asking Vic how he was looking forward to starting college in the fall.

I walked backwards into the hallway, disappearing from their view so I could listen to their conversation. Vic couldn't see me but I could see him with the way he was seated on the big, cushy oatmeal colored couch.

This wasn't the Vic I was used to.

He was smiling. A real, big, genuine smile. I noticed for the first time, that he had one tooth off to the side that was a little larger than the others; god was it cute. His normal dark eyes were replaced with glistening ones. His iris' danced with wonder, the light reflecting from them like milk chocolate melting on the stove, all swirly and rich.

I leaned forward to hear their conversation a little better and ended up tripping over the step that led into the kitchen and living room.

"Kellin! Are you alright?!" I heard Lisa yell as she rushed to help me up off the floor.

"I'm okay I'm okay. Thanks Lisa, I just tripped on the uh, the ledge thing." I stood up quickly, fixing my hair.

I glanced over in Vic's direction and caught his eyes holding a worried look that immediately was replaced with his usual emotionless one.

"Vic here was just telling us all about his music and how excited he is to be starting college in a few months. He's going to the same university you are Kellin, did you know that?" My Dad spoke brightly.

"Uh no. I didn't know that actually." I answered honestly and sat down on the chair opposite Vic.

Vic bit his lip and kept his gaze locked on my Dad.

"Vic, could you tell us again the inspiration behind your audition album that you sent in with your application? I'm sure Kellin would love to hear it, he is just as inspired by music as you are!" My Dad asked kindly.

I looked over at Vic and noticed his hands starting to twitch the same way they did earlier at the fried dough stand, during our argument. He tucked them underneath his thighs and cleared his throat.

"Uh, it's not that interesting of a story really." Vic spoke bluntly. I was taken aback by his sudden change in behavior. Just moments ago he was laughing and full of joy while he talked about music with my Dad. Now it looked like he was about to flip the coffee table.

"Nonsense, it absolutely is interesting! Your Dad played me some of your music, and to hear a young man write lyrics as hauntingly as you do, I was," my Dad started but was interrupted by the sound of a glass breaking.

The glass full of soda that was sitting on the side table next to Vic's arm, now conveniently laid smashed on the ground, broken into a million pieces. Fizzy brown cola started spreading across the hardwood floors. Lisa jumped up and ran to the kitchen for paper towels.

"I am so sorry! Let me help." Vic shot up from his spot on the couch and followed after Lisa.

I looked over at Mike and he just shrugged in my direction, bending over the start picking up the shattered pieces of glass before discarding them into the trash bag my Dad brought over.

"Why don't you boys go into Kellin's room and hangout? Lisa and I can finish cleaning up. We'll call you when dinner is ready. Kellin, get Vic some clean clothes to change into will you?" My Dad asked.

"My room is this way." I said to Mike and Vic as they followed me into my room.

Mike immediately plopped down on the beanbag chair situated in the middle of my room and powered on the Xbox. I started rummaging around in my drawers trying to find something for Vic to put on. I grabbed a pair of black sweatpants and tossed them in his direction. He wasn't paying attention because I watched the sweatpants smack him in the side of the face, snapping out of his daze that was previously on my bulletin board where I pinned up song lyric ideas.

Vic bent over to pick up the sweatpants and I couldn't help but notice how nice and firm his butt looked. Jesus Kellin.

"I didn't know you wrote lyrics." Vic muttered, not meeting my eyes.

"There's a lot you don't know about me. You've never asked." I answered.

"Right. Um, well maybe I could read some of yours sometime." Vic said.

"Maybe." I sat down on the floor next to Mike.

"Where is your bathroom? So I can change." Vic asked, shifting his feet uncomfortably as he stared down at the sweatpants in his hands.

"First door on the left." I watched him go out of the corner of my eye before turning my attention to the tv, grabbing a controller and starting to play.

Mike was way better at Call of Duty than I was and he beat me three times before I set my controller on the floor, glancing at the clock on the nightstand. Where was Vic? He went to change his clothes at least 20 minutes ago.

"Hey Mike, I'm going to grab some snacks. I'll be right back." Mike nodded and started a solo game.

I walked up to the bathroom door and leaned my ear against the wood. I heard the water running and was about to knock when the faucet turned off and the door whipped open, revealing a surprise Vic.

"Can I help you?" He said bluntly, maintaining his composure.

"Uh, no I was just coming to check on you. You've been gone for awhile." I said, glancing past him and looking inside the bathroom.

"What're you, my mom?" Vic rolled his eyes and crossed his arms.

"No...but I didn't know that it took almost a half hour to change into sweatpants." I raised my eyebrows at him.

"It doesn't. I was reading that car magazine in the basket over there and lost track of time." Vic motioned towards the small wicker basket that Lisa kept stocked with magazines.

"Really?" I asked, not buying his story.

"Yup. My dad passed down his 1964 Mustang convertible to me as a graduation present and he's helping me fix it up. I've always loved cars." Vic answered.

"I've never heard you talk about cars." I squinted my eyes at him in response.

"You've never asked." Vic said with a smirk and pushed past me into my bedroom.

I thought my eyes were going to disappear back into my skull from how hard I was rolling them. I took one last glance around the bathroom, feeling like something wasn't quite right. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary so I followed Vic back into my room and found him laying down on my bed scrolling on his phone.

"Hey guys! Kellin, where are the snacks?" Mike asked.

Snacks? Oh shit.

"Whoops, I completely forgot them. I'll go grab some if you want to pick out a movie?" I asked Mike.

"Absolutely dude! Oh and do you have any popcorn? I love popcorn. With extra butter." Mike smiled.

"Extra butter. You got it. Vic, do you want anything?" I asked reluctantly.

"Do you have vanilla ice cream?" Vic answered quietly as he sat up in my bed.

"Uh yeah, I do actually. I think we also have chocolate sauce. I like vanilla too." I bit my lip, feeling my tone soften.

Vic nodded, placing his hands gently on his legs, "Chocolate sauce sounds great." he spoke, giving me a small smile.

I went to the kitchen and started popping the popcorn. While it was in the microwave I grabbed two small bowls and filled them up with icecream, drizzling the gooey chocolate sauce on top.

I made my way back into my room, balancing all the bowls in my arms. When I got inside, Vic had the controller in his hand and the title screen of a movie was plastered across the tv, Wayne's World. I had never heard of it.

"Popcorn! Gimmie!" Mike exclaimed, reaching out to take the big bowl from my arms as he started munching on the crispy kernels.

I sat down on my bed next to Vic, feeling the mattress sink comfortably as I crossed my legs. I handed him the bowl of vanilla icecream, our hands touching as he went to take the bowl from me. I felt my heart race for some reason at this tiny amount of contact. I quickly cleared my throat.

"So, what is this movie about?" I asked while digging into the bowl.

"What? Don't tell me you've never seen this movie! It's a classic!" Vic's face suddenly lit up.

"Oh god... here we go again." Mike teased.

"What do you mean, Mike?" I asked.

Vic interrupted, "Wayne's World is a comedic masterpiece. It is the best movie for any occasion. It is the funniest movie in existence. The greatest piece of cinema from the 20th century."

"From the 20th century..." Mike finished Vic's sentence along with him like he has heard this speech a thousand times.

"So I'm guessing you picked out the movie huh, Vic?" I giggled, smiling at Vic and he actually smiled back.

"Yeah I did. And you're welcome. You're going to love me after this." Vic tucked a piece of his long brown hair behind his ear and hit play on the remote.

As the movie was nearing the middle, I couldn't keep my eyes from the screen. Vic was right, this movie was hilarious. Our snacks were long eaten and Mike was already fast asleep. I was so entranced by the film that I hadn't noticed how close Vic and I were sitting. We were both leaning with our backs against the wall and our legs sprawled out in front of us, our thighs touching, our heads inches from each other.

I noticed Vic shift around a bit trying to get comfortable so I leaned over and grabbed a pillow and a blanket. I handed him the pillow which he promptly shoved behind his head as I draped the blanket over our legs.

I bit my lip and glanced at him. He was already glancing at me.

"So.. um...look, Kellin. I really am sorry for the way I've been treating you since we met. I.. I was wrong to act that way and I'm sorry." Vic mumbled, flicking his eyes from mine to his hands in his lap.

I stared back at him kind of shocked at this random apology. There was still something about Vic that I didn't trust, something that felt off. But after tonight and seeing these little bursts of life, little bursts of kindness, I felt sad for him and wanted so bad to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"It's alright. I accept your apology." I responded. I watched Vic's face light up for a second before I opened my mouth to continue.

"But answer me one question, why did you act so hot and cold towards me? One minute you're nice... the next.. you were kind of a dick." I laughed lightly letting him know I wasn't really mad.

"Um... I don't know? I don't really take to new people that well." Vic shrugged.

I gave Vic a puzzled look, "That was the only reason? Just that you don't like new people? Why not?"

Vic sighed, pulling his knees up to his chest, "I guess I didn't like the way that you made me feel. It scared me. It still does." He admitted so softly I don't think he knew he said that out loud.

"How do I make you feel?" I asked breathless. I was taken aback by his sudden admission.

"Nothing, just, forget I said anything. You're cool, Quinn ok? Can we just end this and be friends?" Vic answered quickly, looking at me with a slight desperation behind his eyes.

"Yeah, we're friends." I grinned at Vic and he smiled back at me, the brightest smile I had ever seen.

_________Author's Note__________

Okay this was a fun chapter to write! I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts! I am living for Vic's sass and his tiny moments of kindness.

Also Mike is a MOOD.

I hope everyone's day is going well! Please vote for this chapter if you liked it!! Thanks friends!