I sat in the hard wooden chair perched in front of my desk, hunched over, scribbling away in my lyric book. It was the day after Vic and Mike spent the night and I had my backpack resting at my feet, waiting for them to come pick me up for Jamie's boat party. After they left yesterday I spent the rest of the day with my Dad and Lisa, playing board games and catching up on how my first week in San Diego went.

I leaned back in my seat and glanced over at my reflection in the full length mirror that was propped up against the wall. My sunburn was looking a little bit better thanks to the aloe Vic had left for me. The harsh crimson splotches were mellowing out which was good however, now my skin was a complete peeling mess.

I let my hand trail against my cheek as I watched a big flake of skin flutter to the ground. Gross. I pulled the aloe bottle from the bag and carefully smeared a glob of the cooling gel all across my face.

My head whipped to my left when I heard a loud beep, followed by Mike's bellowing voice and rapid fast banging on the front door.

I slung my backpack over my shoulders and headed towards the noise. When I pulled the door back I was met with a giddy looking Mike.

"Kellin! Dude, if you thought Jaime's house was sick just wait until you see his boat." Mike greeted as he hopped down the front steps of my Dad's house.

My jaw fell to the sandy cement when I saw Vic.

He was leaning against a cherry red Mustang convertible with his arms crossed. I couldn't make out his expression because of the dark black Ray-Ban sunglasses he had shading his eyes, but one thing's for sure, the smile on his face was as wide as the ocean.

He had on black board shorts and a bright blue short sleeved, button up shirt with little multi-colored fish on them. He had the shirt completely unbuttoned allowing his toned stomach to peek through. As I walked closer to the car I noticed his skin looked even more tan, almost like a rich buttery caramel. Now that Vic and I had made amends and agreed to be friends, that meant I could admire his charming good looks again, right?

I felt myself gulp as I watched his arms flex just slightly as he uncrossed his arms pulled me towards him for a one-armed hug.

"Hey Kellin, fancy seeing you again." Vic spoke with confidence. Much different than he spoke yesterday.

"Hi Vic, this car is incredible." I stuttered out.

Vic laughed gently, "Why did I have a feeling that you didn't believe me when I told you about this car the other day."

"I guess I assumed you were just being a smart ass." I retorted, giving him a nudge with my elbow.

"Oh Kellin, you hurt my feelings, whatever will I do." Vic spoke in a playfully high voice as he pretended to fan himself.

I rolled my eyes and smiled before answering, "You'll get over it, Romeo."

Vic snorted and opened the passenger side door, gesturing towards me.

"Your chariot awaits." He grinned as he spoke.

I felt myself blush but quickly ducked my head down to hide my smile, sliding into the cushy cream leather seat.

Vic walked around the front of the car and plopped down on the driver's side. He ran a hand through his hair as he adjusted the mirror and shifted the car into first speed.

"I like your shirt." I said as I pointed towards the colorful fish that littered Vic's torso.

"Thanks! It's my favorite shirt. I like a lot of color." Vic answered as he pressed on the gas and the car started down the street.

"Yeah Vic's got like, every kind of pattern or design you could ever think of on a short sleeve button up shirt." Mike chimed in from the back seat.

"Hey, button up shirts are smooth lil bro. And the short sleeve part makes them causal at the same time. I'm all about classy and casual." Vic spoke.

"Hmm is that so? Do you have one with donuts on them?" I asked.

"Pfft donuts. Do I have one with donuts on them he asks?" Vic glanced at Mike and smiled.

"I have three different donut shirts. One with strawberry sprinkles, one with eclairs, and one with jelly filled." Vic answered, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Alright alright Mr. Cool Guy. What about guitars?" I asked and Vic nodded in response.

"Cats?" I asked and received another nod from Vic.

"How about Christmas trees?" I continued.

"Kellin, don't even try to play this game because you will lose." Mike answered.

I narrowed my eyes and looked right at Vic.

"Penguins. Penguins are my favorite." I spoke.

I watched Vic rub his chin slowly as he paused to answer. Even with his eyes blocked from his sunglasses I could spot that expression anywhere. I got him.

"Alright Kellin, you win. I don't own any shirts with penguins on them." Vic answered sheepishly.

"Ah ha! Success! Well that's a damn shame you don't because penguins are THE best animals on the planet." I said.

"Yeah yeah yeah, whatever you say." Vic smiled and slowed the car to a stop as he pulled into a parking spot.

"We're here!" Mike yelled out as he hopped over the side of the car.

I climbed out of the Mustang and followed Vic and Mike along the narrow wooden walk that floated above the water. The boats seemed to keep getting bigger as we walked, the waves splashing against the rocks. The sun was beaming down and I felt its warmth engulf me. I couldn't help but smile as I took in a breath of the cool salty ocean air.

I saw Jaime up in the distance waving towards us.

"Dude's I'm so glad y'all could make it! We're going to have the afternoon of a lifetime. Welcome aboard the SS Preciado!" Jaime grinned and gestured towards the white monster in front of us.

The boat was a glistening pearl color with red and green accents that shimmered in the bright sunshine. Large green sails swayed back and forth as the breeze danced gently.

I took one step up onto the platform and climbed up the narrow steps that lead to the main deck, following Jaime, Mike, and Vic.

When we reached the top I took in the atmosphere around me. I noticed that those guys, Oli and Austin were here, as well as a few of the girls that typically hang around Jaime's crew, lastly I spotted Tony lounging on a big fold out chair in the back reading a book.

There were large white chaise chairs scattered around the deck, mini tables perched on each side. There were a few big white leather couches off to the side that provided a more private setting. In the middle of the deck was a small area for a dance floor, and there was a mini bar set up with a bartender. Jamie's family really knew how to throw a gettogether.

I heard a loud rumble and then felt my stomach drop a little as the boat lurched forward, sailing out into the sea. I stumbled a bit to catch my balance and gripped the top of a lounge chair to steady myself. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder.

"Whoa there, don't tell me you're one of the types to get sea sick." Vic appeared next to me, quickly removing his hand from my shoulder.

"Oh, no no, I should be fine. I just wasn't expecting the boat to be moving so soon after we got on." I muttered and glanced out across the water.

Vic handed me a glass filled with pink liquid, a red lobster shaped skewer leaned against the rim with pieces of pineapple stuck onto it. I rolled my eyes.

"What? Just because I'm gay you think I'd be into a fruity girly drink like that?" I scoffed, doing a terrible job at hiding my smile from the fact that Vic even brought me a drink in the first place.

"You being gay had nothing to do with my decision to bring you this drink." Vic replied.

"Oh yeah? And what did?" I asked, raising my eyebrow skeptically.

"You just seemed like the type to like raspberry spritzers." Vic shrugged and looked directly into my eyes.

I stared back trying to detect even a hint of sarcasm but I couldn't find any. I silently cursed myself as I brought the glass to my lips and took a slow, long sip.

"Alright you got me. I do like raspberry." I huffed in defeat and watched Vic's expression change as he smiled huge.

"I knew it!" Vic first bumped the air as he took a huge gulp of his beer before setting it down on the table and grabbing my hand.

My heart leapt in my chest at this sudden contact, my eyes immediately looking down at our hands then back at Vic's face.

"You and I are going on the jet skies! Come on!" Vic tugged me towards the side of the boat that had now anchored itself in the center of the bay.

As we approached Jaime, Oli, and Tony I felt Vic's hand drop from mine, but not before I noticed Oli eyeing us up and down. I inadvertently took one side step away from Vic to create separation between us and kept my gaze forward.

"Dude's are you down for a jet ski fight?" Vic offered as he plopped onto the side of the ship.

"Oh hell yes we are!" Jaime fist bumped Oli and stripped off his shirt.

"Hey Vic! Can I ride with you?" The blonde from Marco's popped out of nowhere followed by two of her friends.

All three of them had on the tiniest bikinis I had ever seen in my life and their bodies looked amazing. I watched as Jamie, Tony, and Oli visibly started drooling at the sight and I couldn't blame them. If I was straight I'd think they were hot too, they were absolutely killing it. I peeked over at Vic out of the corner of my eye and watched his lips press tightly together.

"Uh, I don't know Veronica, the guys were going to.." Vic started but was cut off by Jaime.

"The guys' competition can wait! Michelle, would you like to accompany me on the jet skis?" Jaime bowed slightly and put his hand out towards the brunette in the yellow bathing suit.

I watched Vic lean towards Jaime and heard him start to whisper, "Jaime I thought we were going to have a jet ski fight."

"Excuse us ladies." Jaime wrapped his arm around Vic's shoulder and pulled him over to Tony, Oli, and myself who were huddled in a group off to the right.

Jaime nudged Vic, "Sh! Bro! Don't ruin this for me. You know I've been trying to get with Michelle since freshman year. Just suck it up and take Veronica on the jet ski for one ride, just one! I'll owe you one forever. Come on, what're bros for? Plus, I thought you and Veronica had this summer fling thing going on?" Jaime asked.

I watched Vic roll his eyes before answering, keeping his gaze from mine "Yeah okay sure dude, whatever."

"That's my boy!" Jaime gave Vic a pat on his back before pulling him away back towards the eagerly awaiting girls.

I sighed and walked back towards the lounge chairs, sitting down on one while pulling off my t-shirt. If I was going to be on a huge cruise ship for the day I might as well work on my tan. Safely this time. I thought to myself as I grabbed the bottle of sunscreen I had brought from home and started rubbing it across my pale chest.

I felt eyes on me and I looked around, scanning the crowd until I was met with Vic's chocolate brown one's. He was looking me up and down slowly but snapped his head around the second I looked eyes with his. He ducked out of sight as he walked down the steps of the ship towards the little dock where the jet skis were going to launch from.

I bit my lip and shook my head, letting my thoughts wander as I closed my eyes and leaned back in the chair. The warm sun swallowing me.

I was enjoying the feeling of the rays on my skin when a figure moved in front of me, blocking the yellow beams.

"Well well well, we haven't properly been introduced. I'm Oli." I heard a honey sweet British accent speak as I opened my eyes.

"Kellin." I nodded and sat up in the chair.

"Ah yes, Kellin. Tell me Kellin, you and Vic seem awfully close." Oli spoke bluntly.

"Uh.. we're friends." I answered quickly.

"Mhm, you two didn't seem that great of friends the first time I met you." Oli continued.

What was this guy's problem?

"Yeah well we are now." I said simply.

"Vic usually loves everyone he meets almost immediately. But I'm glad everything is good now. Especially since we all will be hanging out a lot this summer, it's good we're all on positive speaking terms." Oli smiled at me.

"Agreed." I answered although it almost came out as a question. What angle was this Oli guy playing? Why did he care that Vic and I weren't friends at the beginning?

"I look forward to getting to know you better, Kellin. Now, I have a date with a certain blonde" Oli stood up, glancing at his phone before walking away, heading into one of the private rooms.

I scratched my head confused, not knowing what to make of Oli. I didn't like him at all, that was for sure, and I had no idea how he weaseled his way into Mike's friend group. He didn't seem like the type of guy they'd hangout with so why was he here?

I was pulled from my thoughts as the group from the jet ski's came walking back onto the main deck. Vic was the last one to emerge, looking down at the floor as he meandered through the crowd.

"Vic!" I heard myself call out as he looked up at me. I watched his face turn into a huge smile as he sat down next to me.

"How were the jet skis?" I asked, eager to snoop on his little mini date with that Veronica girl.

"Ugh not fun at all." Vic laughed and looked out across the water.

I took this opportunity to look at him. His fish shirt had been removed before he went onto the jet ski's and now his chest was littered with flecks of water. His brown hair was matted down while little droplets fell from his wavy locks. The water must've been cold because his lips looked slightly pale and his fingertips were wrinkly.

I noticed the sudden silence and decided to break it with a joke. A half joke, because I really just wanted to know what he thought of Veronica.

"What you didn't have a good time with Veronica? She's awfully pretty." I spoke quickly, almost afraid of even asking because I was terrified of Vic's answer.

Vic slowly shook his head as a small smile formed on his cold lips.

"Ah...haha no... she's not my type at all." Vic answered before looking up at me as he took a sip from his beer.

My eyes widened and I couldn't help but smile as I looked from Vic, back down to the flaky skin patch on my knee I had been picking earlier. Vic didn't like Veronica.

"So what's your type, Quinn?" Vic changed the subject and crossed his legs as he turned towards me, taking another sip from the bottle.

"Hmmm..." I trailed off as I racked my brain. What was my type? Vic.

"What did that Jack guy look like?" Vic spoke again, cocking his head to the side.

"Jack? Uh, well he had dark brown hair with blonde streaks in it. He was cute but looking back on it he wasn't my type. Like, he was attractive, but I think I was only into him at the time because he was the first guy who ever showed any interest in me."

I watched Vic as he took in this information, he looked like he was trying to figure out what to say next.

"So what's your type now?" Vic asked.

"Um well, I like brown hair on guy's and I like when a guy is more dominant than me. I like a guy who will protect me and who can make me laugh. Someone who introduces me to new things and makes me feel safe." I answered slowly, making sure I wasn't describing my type too obviously.

Vic and I had just become friends. Yes he accepted me for who I was but I didn't want him thinking I was into him. I didn't want to scare him away.

"I like brown hair too." I heard Vic say quietly.

I opened my mouth to speak when Mike barreled through the crowd towards us.

"Boys! It's time for SHOTS!" Mike yelled, handing me and Vic two shot glasses.

Vic tilted his head back and gulped down the liquid in one quick motion. I looked at the glass in my hand quizzically. I'm normally not a big drinker but one shot wouldn't hurt. I closed my eyes and felt the warm alcohol sting my throat as I swallowed it much slower than Vic had. I looked up and noticed that Vic was now on his third shot.

As I looked at everyone else I noticed that Vic wasn't the only one in being quick to drink. It seemed as if it were suddenly everyone's sole goal to get absolutely and completely wasted.

"Time for body shot dares!" Jaime called out as he grabbed the group, pulling everyone to stand in a circle around a big glass table.

I felt the ship suddenly come to an abrupt stop as I noticed we had docked again.

"I dare.... Veronica to do a body shot off of... Michelle." Jaime grinned and handed Veronica a lime.

Veronica rolled her eyes and gave Jaime the middle finger before quickly doing a body shot off of her friend. Some of the boys started hooting and hollering and I couldn't help but mentally gag. Straight boys were so predictable.

The group watched as everyone started daring each other to do body shots with different people. I watched Tony do one off of this quiet redhead and watched as his face practically turned the same color of her hair. Cute.

Next I watched as Jaime dared himself to do one off of Michelle. Typical Jaime. After that, one of the girls dared Austin to do one off of Oli who surprisingly obliged. As we went around in a circle it was now Mike's turn to select who would be doing a body shot next.

"I dare... Vic to do a body shot off of....." His moved his finger in a circular motion, taunting the group. I looked at Veronica as her face lit up and I felt myself scoff under my breath.

"Kellin." Mike finished.

I felt like I was about to throw up. Why would Mike choose me?!

I looked over at Vic, afraid of what he might say but was surprised when I watched him shrug his shoulders as he put his hand out for me to take.

I let Vic grip my hand as he helped me up onto the table. I slowly laid on my back as I heard the group start cheering Vic on.

"Are you cool with this?" I heard Vic ask and I threw my nerves about what everyone else would think out of the window as I shook my head.

"Yes." I answered.

That was all Vic needed to hear as he handed me the lime wedge. I situated it between my lips as I had watched everyone else do before me.

I looked up and locked eyes with Vic as he bit his lip and slowly started pouring the cool tequila across my chest and down my stomach, all the way to my belly button.

I couldn't look away from Vic as he then sprinkled the salt into the crook of my neck, just as everyone else had done. Vic didn't take his eyes off of mine as he bent over me and slowly started moving his tongue up my body.

Time honestly seemed to stop as I held my breath, focusing on the way Vic continued to hold my hand gently the entire time.

He made his way up to my chest, licking up the tequila before quickly moving himself to my neck where I felt his tongue lightly graze my skin. Little tiny goosebumps instantly appeared. I could've sworn I felt his lips press against my throat but was now distracted by Vic's gaze directly over mine.

He looked at me and grinned, his eyes dancing with something I had never seen from Vic before.

Vic brought his face inches from mine as he gripped the lime wedge with his mouth, our lips almost touching before he pulled his head up, squeezing the tart juice from the fruit before tossing it away.

I laid there completely breathless before I felt Vic's hand on mine again, pulling me up and off the table, the crowd cheering for us before continuing on to the next pairing.

I watched Tony and Jaime walk over to Vic with another round of shots. The three of them downing them quickly once again.

I had no idea how to react to what just happened. I mean, there were other same sex pairings tonight too and it was just harmless fun. Obviously there was nothing going on between Vic and I. Vic was just going along with the game. He was just having fun with his friends. And I was one of them.

I ran my fingers through my hair as I sipped on my drink watching Vic and Tony laughing and talking amongst themselves.

Suddenly the door to the main deck swung open as Alex and his crew of Rian and Nick came into view. Alex immediately locked eyes with me and smiled, waving me over.

I waved back and stood up to go meet him when I saw Vic out of the corner of my eye. He didn't notice me looking at him but I followed his dagger like glare over to Alex. Huh. That's weird.

This was going to be one interesting night.

____________________ Author's Note ________________________________

We're back friends! I had no intention of having Vic do a body shot off of Kellin when I sat down to write this chapter but HERE WE ARE. And I am damn happy I made it happen. 

How're we feeling about this chapter? What parts did we love? 

I had too many things that I want to have happen during this party and this chapter was already getting really long so it'll be split up into 2 chapters.

I hope everyone is doing well! I'm about to get my period so I'm miserable :))))))) 

Remember to vote please if you're enjoying, thank you all!