Happy Endings

38. impossible

"Somebody told me and I think they're right. There is a change on its way tonight and I feel it's so. But I fear it though."

☼

Kellin Quinn lifted a hand to knock softly on the apartment's door but it opened before he could even move an inch. His stomach filled with that dread again, but he was quick to find they were actually butterflies swirling insanely fast all through his body. And that was all he could feel ever since he walked into the building and ran up the stairs like he was being chased by death.

Vic Fuentes held the door with an unimpressed look on his face while Kellin offered a small, awkward smile in return, still trying to catch his breath. He couldn't believe he was there. He couldn't believe any of this was real yet. But it was. He was doing this.

"You're drenched," Vic pointed out, a serious, monotone voice Kellin wasn't used to hearing.

"Oh," Kellin replied dumbly and looked down to himself. "Right."

Vic left the door open and walked down somewhere into the apartment. Kellin didn't know what to do. He felt very stupid suddenly. He was losing his momentum, getting more nervous than he wanted to be. He almost, almost, took a step back to leave. But then he saw a black and white ball of fur heading his way.

Kellin walked inside quietly, scared that Poppy would run out and get in trouble. He had no idea if the cat was allowed outside so he quickly stopped him. Poppy rubbed his head on his wet pants when he noticed Kellin, but, upon realizing he was all soaked, refrained and stayed as far as he could.

Well, not the best first impression with Vic's cat.

It was cold inside the apartment, the AC was on, and Kellin could smell the distinct scent of coconut somehow. Everything felt so cozy still, just like the first time he stood here all those months ago. He could laugh about that day now. Everything had changed since then. Everything was about to change even more after this. He liked that.

Vic returned holding a green doormat and some towels in each of his hands. He hadn't smiled once since he got here and Kellin wanted to punch himself in the face for causing this. It wasn't right. He was an idiot. He didn't deserve to be here.

Either way, Kellin got the hint and stood on the mat so he wouldn't ruin Vic's hardwood floors, and grabbed the towel Vic handed him, putting it over his shoulders to get some warmth after a weak attempt at drying the clothes clinging to his body. Kellin could feel Vic's eyes on him, but he didn't dare look up yet.

Maybe he didn't know what he was doing. Now that he was in front of him, he couldn't find the words, but what did he expect? It wasn't like he could just barge in like some silly romance movie and kiss the hell out of Vic and suddenly everything would be okay again. That's exactly what he wanted to happen, but Kellin knew better. He needed to explain.

While he gazed at his shoes, Kellin noticed Poppy rubbing on Vic's leg too.

"Hey, buddy..." Vic picked him up and Kellin's eyes followed their every move. "Want to say hi?"

The cat was adorable and Vic even more so, making his little paw wave hello to him. Poppy looked at him curiously, blinking those green eyes at him. Kellin reached out to pet his little head, smiling slightly.

"Say hi, Kellin," Vic continued.

"Hey little Poppy," Kellin said quietly while caressing the soft fur. It seemed like the cat enjoyed it and Kellin felt glad he liked him a little at least.

"Okay, go nap, baby, it's okay," Vic carefully let him on the floor again and Kellin watched as Poppy sprinted over to the couch to their left, curling up comfortably in the cushions.