The Angel's Game

“Kells?” I felt a finger on my cheek poking me. I groaned. It’s too early for whatever this is. I felt like shit. The feeling was banging at my stomach and my head was throbbing.
“Muhh..?” My groggy voice spat out. I opened my eyes to find Vic had helped himself to my closet. He was wearing my black v-neck tee and a pair of light denim skinny jeans with a chain on them. I had to admit, he looked good. But I pushed those ridiculous thoughts aside.
“Yo, time to get up. We’re going shopping. Today, I’m gonna be a real boy,” he joked as he went through my drawer of shoes.
“Why are we shopping? And I’m poor.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. You’re right.” Vic began to take my clothes off. Though I didn’t seem to mind, I was confused. Maybe I’m just tired.
“What are you doing now?”
“Well I don’t have my own clothes, so looks like I’ll continue hanging around a 17 year old boy naked in public.” He slipped off my pants and laughed.
“Alright, fine. Just lemme get up,” I groaned. I slipped a leg off the bed as Vic got dressed again. I let my weight drag me to the floor as I groaned the whole way down.
“Depressed? Why?” Vic sat on my bed and stared down at me. I just laid, sprawled across the floor.
“I don’t know. I’m fine. I’ve always been this way. I’m not normal, if you haven’t noticed,” I pushed myself off the floor and dragged my dead body over to the closet, changing into a band tee and black skinny jeans, with some red Toms. I felt a hand pat my back.
“I’m not either. Maybe that’s why we’re together.” He grinned hopefully. I smiled back. He was a nice guy. We’re both forced to be here on Earth, or the ‘1st dimension’; Might as well spend it together helping each other out. “So rule one,” Vic said as we marched downstairs. “You don’t tell anyone about me, or our society.” I grabbed an apple and took a bite, listening to him. “And rule two, you can now see other kids’ fallen angels. You don’t discuss or even mention their angels. I could get in trouble,” he explained.
“Want something to eat?” I whispered, trying not to wake my mom.
“We don’t eat. Or drink.” He said.
“Huh. Odd,” I mumbled, pouring myself a glass of orange juice. I turned my back to put the pitcher back in the fridge when I felt a sudden presence behind me. I spun around to find Vic sitting up on the counter, holding my glass of juice, grinning. “You actually look good in my clothes, you know.”
Vic looked down and scratched his head. Was that weird? I bet I just freaked him out. But I can’t help it. He’s very light on the eyes. It’s rather distracting. Wait, what? I couldn’t possibly have an interest in him. He isn’t even human. And I don’t. I don’t know, it’s been years since I had a boyfriend. I forgot what it’s like to have feelings for someone. Oh well, I don’t plan on starting now. “Kell?” He said, now by the door. My thoughts were shoved aside and I snapped out of it.
“Uhh, lemme grab a jacket.” I felt him frown.
“It’s like ninety degrees outside.”
“Oh, uhh, I know. Just in case.” I threw a black hoodie on and met him at the door. Vic frowned again. He grabbed my arm and pushed my sleeves up. I blushed and winced. Even though I did most of them to myself, I have gained quite the collection of imperfections; whether they’re from cutting, my mom, or being picked on at school. I looked away as he glared at the cuts, scars and bruises on my arm. After a moment of silence as I felt him prodding my arm with his thumb, I felt a hot sensation trail up my arm. I gasped and looked to see him licking my arm. “What are you doing??” I pulled my arm away and cradled it. Vic’s face looked almost hurt. I once again ignored any sentimental thoughts that decided to pop in my head.
“You won’t be needing that anymore.” He called from behind him as he walked out the door. What did he mean? Whatever. I went to roll down my sleeve again. My scars were gone.

---

“So what style are you looking for?” I asked the tan boy. I could tell he was making himself visible because all the girls we passed cooed and giggled at him, and that’s never happened to me.
“You dress just fine. Where do you shop?” he asked, scanning the long corridors.
“Anywhere, really. I get my jeans at Sears, my shirts at Reckless Sound. Just a small music store right there,” I pointed. I looked in my point of aim to see my finger had landed on the wrong person. “…Shit. We gotta go.” I grabbed Vic’s wrist and scurried the other direction.
“What? Why?” he resisted and pulled me back in the way we were going.
“Vic, I can’t, not now..” I hesitated. There he was. Oli Sykes.
“Hey, Kellin,” he called out as we got closer. “I see you got a new butt buddy.” Oli stood close to Vic, a tad taller than him.
“Fuck off, Oli. Come on, Vic-“ I pulled at his wrist again, but he didn’t budge. Oli’s attention left Vic and was now on me. Oli grabbed my own wrist and pulled me in close.
“Where are you going, faggot?” he scoffed. “Gonna fuck around with your new boy toy?”
“No, but I’m about to fuck with something if you don’t get out of his face.” Vic called out sternly. His face grew cold and his eye brows sharpened. His gaze was fixed on Oli’s and his hands formed fists in his pockets. Oli let go of me and went back to Vic. “You gotta pretty face,” Vic smirked. “Would be a shame if something happened to it.” Vic put his hand on my lower back, gesturing me to keep walking. Vic smoothly walked past Oli and didn’t look back, but I couldn’t help but look at the defeat on Oli’s face. He was so distraught I couldn’t help but laugh.
“This isn’t over, Quinn!” he yelled. I just threw a middle finger up, still laughing.
I looked up at Vic. “Why’d you do that?”
“What do you mean?” I could still see sparks of rage in his golden eyes.
“Why’d you stand up for me?” he laughed.
“It’s my job, Kell. I’m supposed to protect you will all of my being.” He smiled down at me. I frowned.
“I can take care of myself, you know. I was just fine until you came along.” I crossed my arms in protest.
“Oh, is that so? Then why am I here?” Vic asked lightly. The question was serious, but he didn’t say it seriously.
“I don’t know,” I lied. Vic grabbed my hand. I thought he was making a move, but he went to roll up my other sleeve, exposing my arm. I quickly retracted my arm and pushed my sleeve down again. I hit his arm. “You’re a dick.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of. Shit happens,” he smiled at me. “Life is a test,” Vic smiled at some girls giggling at him, causing them to fangirl louder. “Just don’t cheat. I just can’t wait to get out of this hell hole,” he sighed.
“Am I that torturous to take care of?” I said sarcastically.
“Nahh. Actually, now that I think about it,” he scratched his head and avoided eye contact. “I guess it isn’t that bad here, with you.”
“Huh?”
“Oh, nothing. Ooh, lets go in there. I like that shirt,” Vic walked off and I followed. What did he mean by ‘with me’?