BLUE [BXB]

EIGHTEEN (I)

   Taking a deep breath, Vincent curled his sweaty palm into a fist and knocked thrice on the fancy wooden door. He had a duffel bag draped across his left shoulder and a box of the most expensive chocolates he could find dangling from his right hand. He figured that if he was really going to barge in and interrupt a family's quality time together, he might as well not show up empty-handed. 

   When the door flew open, almost giving him whiplash, Vincent was startled to be met with a face he didn't recognize. She was gorgeous, staring back at him with a confused expression, grey eyes alive with intrigue. Her gaze traveled to the bag he was carrying, and her eyebrows shot up in what seemed to be silent realization. "Are you Vincent?"

   Her voice sounded like liquid gold, melting into Vincent's ear; it was soft but had a slight rasp to it, and the boy was left wondering how someone's voice could possibly be that attractive. Suddenly reminded of her question, he nodded wearily, puzzled as to why she knew who he was. His curiosity multiplied when he saw her break out into a bright smile—perfect teeth on display. 

   Everything about her made Vincent insecure. Her hair was dyed a shade of dark blue, complimenting her heart-shaped face and bringing out the sharpness of her eyes. Her features were soft but also defined: plump lips, a slightly prominent jaw, and a pointed nose. She was short yet muscular and looked like she could beat Vincent in a fist fight—then again, practically everyone could. "Oh my God, you are so cute!"

   She grabbed his arm and shoved him into the house with so much force that he stumbled forward. He blushed, feeling emasculated at the prospect that he'd not only been called cute by someone half his size, but also because said tiny girl was a whole lot stronger than him. "Thank you," he murmured shyly, "You're very pretty as well."

   Just then, Stephanie came running into the living room, apron tied around her torso and hair lifted into a messy bun. She beamed at the boy, rushing to him and planting a loud kiss to his cheek. "Oh, it's so nice to see you! Merry Christmas!" she greeted happily.

   "Merry Christmas," Vincent echoed, self-consciously handing her the box of treats. He couldn't help but feel his gift paled in comparison to what they were offering him: a loving family to spend the holidays with. Still, he had to at least try. 

   "For us? What a sweetheart," she cooed, pinching his cheeks. "I see you've met Cindy."

   She pointed to the gorgeous girl that'd ambushed him at the door. Cindy smiled cheekily and waved. "Guess I didn't get around to introductions. I'm Cindy, Ethan's sister-in-law."

   Vincent hid his surprise; Ethan had a sibling? "A pleasure. I'm Vincent, Ethan's friend, but you already knew that."

   Cindy chuckled—even her laugh sounded dreamy—and winked at him. "How could I not, when all that boy talks about is his new friend?"

   The way she spoke that last word didn't sit right with Vincent—almost like she knew something he didn't—but he laughed it off, fighting back a blush. Ethan talked about him? To his family?

   "Ethan's in his room," Stephanie announced, talking his coat. "Why don't you go say hi?"

   Vincent nodded, taking the stairs two at a time. He stopped at Ethan's door, brows furrowing as he took in the sight before him. Ethan was sat on the floor, squirming as another, older-looking guy held him in a headlock and ruffled his hair. They were both chuckling loudly, and if it hadn't been for that, the exchange would've looked a lot more violent.

   Deciding to make his presence known, Vincent cleared his throat loudly, making both heads snap his way. Ethan gave him a drool-worthy smile, shooting up from the ground to wrap a muscular arm around his shoulders.