We’ll Be Young Forever

Three years had passed already, Vic and Kellin had grown closer to each other with Vic being the strong one in their friendship. It was rare when Kellin broke down but occasionally there were those days when he felt overwhelmed and he needed to talk it out to someone. It wasn't about school anymore, mostly thanks to the group of friends he had grown so close to but still, those days were there, when he felt so done with everything and Vic always happened to be there whenever the blue eyed boy needed him.

After feeling weird around Vic for such a long time, Kellin came to terms with his sexuality at the age of fourteen. Of course he struggled to accept the way he was, specially when he lived in a such narrow-minded town like Grand Rapids but the feelings he got whenever it came to his best friend were stronger than that, and eventually he realized he couldn't help them so he just let them be. The only problem there was that he didn't know how to act upon them, which was the reason he stayed in the friend zone for a year, holding onto every word leaving Vic's lips and laughing hysterically at every joke the oldest said, no matter how dumb.

To say Vic was confused would be a complete understatement. Being eighteen, the oldest had acquired experience through his high school years, dating a couple boys before despite his undying crush for the youngest and he wasn’t innocent by any means anymore. He knew when someone was flirting with him so when his best friend started to show certain interest towards him had him confused to no end. He didn’t want to push the youngest into something he didn’t feel comfortable with, hell, he didn’t even know if Kellin was into boys at all.

It wasn’t that the topic hadn’t been brought up on during late night talks, but the youngest always turned things around; Vic becoming the most talkative of the two, ranting about the boys he had dated and how much of a jerks they were while Kellin lay there in complete silence, nodding every once in a while to let Vic know he was actually listening. The eldest often caught Kellin frowning when mentioning a new boy in his life when the youngest thought he wasn’t watching and Vic could almost swear he could see jealousy emanating off the blue eyed boy, that was until Kellin met his gaze and teased him about the new male in his life.

Graduating, Vic decided he didn’t want a big party thrown on his honor but just for his best friend to be there when it happened. And that’s exactly what he got. When the mexican left the building after the tedious ceremony, he felt his breath catch in his throat when he saw the raven haired boy leaning against his car with a huge smile on his face and the oldest wasted no time running to his best friend, engulfing him in a bone crushing hug.

“You’re here, you’re actually here.” The oldest beamed, pulling away and holding Kellin at arm length away from him. It was then that he noticed how the youngest had started to grow up, suddenly becoming slightly taller than him and how his emerald eyes shined under California’s sunlight.

“Are we gonna stay here with you staring at me or are we meeting your parents over there?” The youngest teased, suddenly squirming under Vic’s gaze. Kellin didn’t know if it was a good or a bad thing, but his cheeks turned a light shade of pink anyway. Laughing, Vic nodded and took his best friend’s arm on his own, walking proudly to his parents with a huge smile never leaving his face.

After coming home from eating dinner in Vic’s favorite restaurant with the rest of the Fuentes family, both boys were laying on Vic's bed almost asleep when his phone rang, announcing an incoming text message. Groaning and letting go of Kellin’s waist, he reached over to his bureau and grabbed his phone, cracking one eye open to read the content.

"Yo, dude. Party at Jeremy’s, hope to see you there. -Beau"

Kellin had being awoken by the buzzing phone and turning over, he saw how hesitant Vic was about the text he had just received. Peeking over the oldest shoulder with sleepy eyes, Kellin read the text quickly and frowned. He had never been fond of high school parties but he knew how much Vic’s friends meant to him and he wasn’t going to be the reason the oldest didn’t see them before they left for college or something.

“You should go.” Kellin whispered, his voice hoarse. Vic jumped and shook his head, placing the phone where it was before and wrapping his arm around his best friend’s waist again. “I’m serious, Vic. Go.” The youngest insisted after witnessing his best friend’s eyes fluttering closed as if he were planning on sleeping instead.

“No, I’m pretty sure they’re all gonna get drunk off their asses anyway. Nothing new.” The oldest mumbled against Kellin’s head, his hold tightening on his best friend’s tiny frame. And although Kellin enjoyed being that close with the oldest, he wouldn’t forgive himself for being the reason Vic didn’t say his friends goodbye.

“Vic, they might leave for college straight away and you might not see them again.” Kellin reasoned, squirming in his best friend’s hold and looking up at him with big eyes still laced with sleep. “Go.” He said when the oldest opened his eyes, gazes locking.

The mexican looked into his best friend’s turquoise eyes, pondering whether or not he should go and coming to a final decision. “Fine.” He sighed, but never looking away from his best friend eyes, he spoke again. “But only if you come with me.”

Certainly Kellin didn’t expect that request. “Vic.” He whined, eyes rolling and pulling a distaste face but it only took Vic’s puppy eyes with a pout to match for the youngest to give in. Sighing, he buried himself deep in his best friend’s chest, his response getting muffled by the fabric.

“What was that again?” Vic teased, a small smirk on his lips. Reluctantly, the blue eyed boy pulled away and glared at his best friend, well aware the mexican knew his answer already. “Okay, let’s get ready then.”

It didn’t take much time for the boys to get ready, and in less than fifteen minutes they were making their way out of the driveway in Vic’s old mustang. And Kellin couldn’t help himself, staring at Vic while the oldest drove down California's streets with the warm air playing with his long brown hair. The youngest was surprised at how he never noticed how good that nose ring the oldest got when he turned sixteen suited him.

“What?” Vic asked, pulling Kellin out of his thoughts. The youngest smiled and blushed lightly, his head turned to the passing scenery instantly.

“Nothing.” He laughed, hiding his head behind his black bangs and biting down on his bottom lip, while he tried to diminish the color adorning his pale cheeks but it wasn’t working, specially because he felt his best friend staring at him all along.

“You were staring.” Vic stated, observing the blue eyed boy for a few seconds before the red light they had been stuck at turned green, his gaze returning to the road ahead of them.

“No. I was not.” Kellin countered, a pout adorning his face while he brought his knees up to his chest and the mexican thought about their childhood and how whenever the youngest would get upset, he’d curl up in a ball and wouldn’t come out until he calmed down. And it seemed like things hadn’t changed at all.

Smiling and looking ahead of him, the oldest answered with a smirk on his lips. “Yes, you were.”

“I was thinking.” Kellin answered quietly, eyes moving from the window to his best friend who had a huge smile on his lips still.

“Whatever man.” Vic laughed, eyes fixated on the road. “I’m good looking and you know it.” He said looking over at the boy, adding a wink by the end of the statement and laughing soundly when he saw Kellin’s face turn completely red.

“Shut up!” Kellin screeched, laughing anyway and playfully punching the slightly muscular arm of his best friend.

“Kellin, stop.” The oldest laughed. “You’re gonna make me crash the car.” He said with chuckles escaping his lips still.

Pouting and sitting back in the passenger's seat, the blue eyed boy obeyed, a small smile trying to escape his lips but he wouldn't give the oldest the satisfaction to know that. He didn't have to though because Vic read him like the palm of his hand, knowing the boy since he was born had its perks after all.

Not even ten minutes later, the mexican was parking his car outside a small but really crowded house and Kellin couldn't help but to stare in shock. Sure, he'd attended a couple meetings with his friends in Michigan but this was nothing like it.

“Close your mouth, a fly is going to get in there.” Vic said, while chuckling a little and taking Kellin’s hand in his own, starting to make their way through the crowded house.

Once they made it through the entrance hall, both boys reached the kitchen where a pretty girl instantly made her way towards the oldest. She had long blonde hair, huge hazel eyes, and maybe if her face weren't caked on make-up she could've been pretty.

“Hi Vic. How are you?” She asked with a huge smile plastered on her lips, a piece of her blonde hair twirling on her fingers and Kellin couldn’t help but to roll his eyes at her stupid attempts to flirt with the mexican.

“Hi Tiffany, fine. Thank you.” Vic answered while smiling at the girl kindly, her girlish giggles making Kellin feel a little rush of jealousy run through his body.

"I'll see you around, then." She added with a small wink, not even glancing to youngest that remained rooted by his best friends side.

“Okay.” Vic said, grabbing his best friend's hand and making their way to the counter where different variety of alcohol was sitting. Kellin didn't know what to do so he settled for following Vic like a lost puppy and the oldest couldn't help but notice that the palest of them was quieter than usual. “Are you ok?” He decided to ask once he took one of the cups he had been working on and handed it to Kellin, the youngest scrunching his nose to the smell.

“Yes, just a little sleepy still.” He said, not meeting his best friend's eyes and looking into the cup, trying to figure out what was in it but shrugging when realizing Vic wouldn't harm him intentionally.

“You sure?” The oldest insisted, not buying Kellin's excuse, who was grimacing at the beverage taste after sipping.

“Yep. I’m fine.” He said, finally looking up smiling at his best friend just before a tough looking guy strutted their way.

"Vic, dude. I thought you weren't coming." A tall guy with a beard way too bushy to be in high school said, embracing Vic in a short hug before letting go and looking at the youngest of them all. "Who's this? A new boyfriend?" The black haired boy asked, eyeing both of them with raised eyebrows and Kellin couldn't help but to blush madly.

"Eh, no." Vic siad nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "This is my best friend, Kellin." He said motioning between both boys. "Kellin, this is Jeremy."

"Oh, man. I'm so sorry." Jeremy laughed soundly, stretching his hand out for the palest to shake, which he reluctantly did, his cheeks burning bright red still. "It's nice to finally meet you. Vic here talks about you all the time."

That instantly caught the youngest attention, who with an amused smile looked over to the tanned boy. "Oh, he does?" He asked in a teasing tone, cocking his head to the side and never looking away from the oldest.

"Yeah, he's always saying how he can't wait for Summer or Winter so you guys can hang out." The tallest answered, oblivious to the faux innocence Kellin was displaying.

"Uh, we'll see you later Jeremy. We're meeting with the rest of the guys. Thanks for inviting us." Vic interrupted before the talk could get any further and taking Kellin's free hand in his own, both of them went out of the kitchen and into the crowded hall once again.

It was then that Kellin felt overwhelmed with how many people there were in there. He wasn't used to talk with people, other than his friends that is and he didn't know what he was supposed to do so he clung to Vic's arm like his life depended on it.

The oldest caught on what was happening immediately, his free hand squeezing Kellin's hand affectionately and smiling at him reassuringly. "It's okay Kels, you're with me." He said in a loud voice, his lips close to the youngest's ear and his hot breath sending shivers down Kellin's spine who nodded only.

The rest of the night was spent with the boys talking with Vic's friends that approached them ocasionally and both of them dancing like fools. The alcohol was taking its toll on the youngest, who was acting more outgoing and confident than usual. His movements although sloppy, amused the oldest to no end, but that didn't mean he didn't worry about him.

"Kels, let's sober you up a little before we go home." The oldest whispered against his best friend's ear, who giggled and nodded his head eagerly; looking up at his friend with glassy blue eyes.

Sighing, the oldest dragged Kellin to the kitchen where he knew water would be somewhere. Once he made sure the youngest wouldn't fall, he reached in the fridge and pulled out a small bottle of water, handing it to the pale boy.

"Drink it up, Kels. It will help." He tried reasoning with the youngest, Kellin's eyebrows were drawn in confusion while he looked at the bottle as if it were something out of this world. But looking up into his best friend's eyes and noticing worry in them, he drank the water in mouthfuls with no resistance.

"I'm tired Vicky, I want to sleep." Kellin said once he was done drinking the cold liquid, throwing his arms around his best friend's neck, nuzzling his nose against his best friend's skin and holding onto him tightly.

The oldest sighed and deciding it wouldn't be a good idea to bring Kellin home in that state, practically carried the boy upstairs.

There was a very short hallway that led to bedrooms, and Vic had to listen carefully not to interrupt some intimate activities. Once he settled for a complete silent room, he turned the knob stepping in a lonely and dark place that was iluminated merely by the moonlight, which was enough to see a huge fluffy bed right in middle of the room with nightstands on either sides, and a large window at the very end.

Kellin instantly plopped down on the bed while Vic walked down the room and went to the window, just to find a little balcony out there. But jingling the sliding door, he realized it was locked so he settled for sitting at the bed's foot instead.

Among Kellin's dizziness, he sat up and reached for his best friend. "Vic, come lay with me." The youngest slurred with half lidded eyes, messy hair and an adorable little pout on his rosy lips. The mexican didn't have the heart to deny him so he did as told, hugging Kellin's small frame close to his chest while the youngest snuggled deeper into him.

"I love you, Vic." Kellin said with determination, his index finger tracing patterns on his best friend's chest.

"I know Kels, I love you too." The oldest replied, looking up at the ceiling and running his hand up and down the blue eyed boy's back.

But that wasn't enough for the youngest, who pulled away and frowning looked at his best friend. "No, I mean. I love you." He said, this time catching the oldest attention who was looking down at him with curiosity, his heart pounding in his chest, but what almost made his heart almost burst out was the moment the youngest placed his delicate lips on top of his. And after a little hesitance, he kissed back slowly.

To say Vic was surprised would be saying little to nothing. It wasn't that he wasn't enjoying the kiss, because Kellin's lips were everything he imagined they would be; sweet, soft and delicate although sloppy thanks to the alcohol influence. And that thought was what made him pull away immediately. He wasn't going to take advantage of the youngest like that.

"No, Kels. Stop." The oldest scolded when the blue eyed boy went to kiss him again. "You're drunk and confused."

"I might be drunk, Vicky. But I know what I've been feeling since I was fourteen." The youngest slurred, his eyebrows drawn together in a frown.

And that confession made the oldest freeze in his spot. This couldn't be happening, not now.

"You can't say that now, Kellin." He whispered, sitting at the edge of the bed and holding his head with his hands, pulling at the hair with frustration.

"Why not Vic? I thought you liked me back." The youngest answered in a small voice, crawling next to his best friend and sitting on his knees by him. "Oh god, I'm so stupid." He whispered to himself while he covered his face with his hands out of embarrassment. The alcohol had finally subsided and it was when he realized what he had done.

"You're not stupid, Kels." The oldest answered straight away, turning back to the youngest and prying Kellin's hands out of his face. Once Vic was able to see those turquoise eyes he loved the most, he held his best friend's pale cheeks with both hands and brought their lips together for a short kiss. "I do like you, but-" He took a deep breath, and closing his eyes, he finally confessed. "I'm going away for a while."

And in that moment, Kellin felt his whole world crashing down.