SidePack - Oneshots

Vikklan is half dead

Vik's P.O.V:

It was around noon, and I was walking back to my house. My arms were getting a bit sore since I was carrying a giant bag of groceries. I decided to stop right in front of a graveyard. It always made me a bit sad, looking at the dull place. No one ever put flowers down for the people here.

Setting the grocery bag by my feet, leaning my back against the fence, scanning my surroundings. Usually there was one or two people here, but today it was unusually quiet. No birds chirping, or any signs of life at all.

It took me a while to stand back up, and bring myself to leave the calm area, but I eventually did. After ducking down to grab the bag, I felt a sharp breeze on my neck as someone began to hum. I stood up, alarmed, looking around the deserted area for the source.

My heart leapt into my throat when I saw who it was.

He was just standing there, silently observing the clouds, drifting in small groups. It was an odd scene, his abnormally pale skin and white shirt clashing against the dark shades of black and brown behind him.

"Lachlan!" I yelled, waving at him from the gate. His face grew a bit paler as I walked over, "Why haven't you been answering me on skype?" My head swam with the possibilities, "How are you here in London?" I had thought for weeks that I'd done something horrible to him, my best friend.

"N-No, I just didn't have my phone with me..." He stumbled over his words, practically forcing them out. I stood in front of him, playing with my hands absentmindedly.

"For two weeks? I was worried! No one would tell me where you were!" My voice strained, shuffling a bit closer.

"I'm sorry Vik, I didn't mean to worry you," Lachlan was fiddling with his shirt sleeves, refusing to look at me. Something was wrong. I could see it in his eyes.

I sighed, "You're here now, so I guess it just try and tell me before you disappear again," My voice raised an octave with nerves, "Wait," I paused, scrunching my nose in confusion, "How and why are you here?"

"Later," He said quietly, turning his head away to look back at the gravestones for a moment. I pondered asking other questions, but by looking at the sad expression on his face, it wouldn't be the best idea.

I held out my hand, "I need to get home before my groceries go bad, so why don't you come with me, I'll make you some hot cocoa or something," The suggestion was simple and neutral, but it was the best I could think of.

He nodded, carefully taking my hand. I shivered at his touch, his skin felt like ice. I kept talking about my day, asking how he was, making small talk, trying to start a conversation. He said nothing, only shaking or nodding his head, looking disconnected. My throat clenched each time I glanced back at his face. He seemed so distant, so alone, and I didn't know how I could fix him.

"Is there anywhere you need to be? Like a hotel? Or are you staying with anyone?" I asked as we walked up the stairs to my house. I still didn't understand how he could be here, since he normally lived in Australia. It concerned me a bit, not knowing something so important and obviously crucial. He shrugged, still not meeting my eyes. "Ok then," I unlocked the door awkwardly. When Lachlan didn't follow me inside, I added, "No need to be quiet in here, the boys are out and won't be back for at least a couple hours," I informed him, throwing my sweatshirt on the back of a chair.

"Mmhmm," He responded, walking inside and sitting heavily on the couch. I frowned, studying his emotionless face. The air around him felt wrong. I walked out of the living room, suddenly feeling thirsty. As I walked to the kitchen I heard Lachlan's voice weakly say my name from the other room. "Vik?"

"Yes?" I called from the kitchen, pouring a glass of water for myself and Lachlan.

"Why aren't you mad at me?" His voice sounded like it was about to break. I rushed back, setting our glasses on the a coffee table. The couch moved slightly as I jumped onto the cushion next to him eagerly.

I hesitated, not sure what he was asking, "I'm not ma-, why would I be mad at you?" I responded slowly, knowing I was missing something.

"Cause I didn't answer for a week," He looked down, carefully picking up his water glass. The hands gripping the glass shook as I watched him, he looked at it like it would drop at any second.

"Oh," I took a long sip of water before answering, "I guess I'm just a bit irritated, that's all," I said strongly, trying to assure him that everything was alright.

"Would you be mad if I stopped answering completely?" His eyes flicked to mine, to see my reaction.

I froze, my hands began trembling, "You wouldn't," I pressed, "Right?" I gazed blankly at the floor, unconsciously tracing a vein up Lachlan's arm with one hand as he set his hand on my thigh.

I abruptly got up, facing him, "Right?!" I insisted, grabbing his shoulders. The chilling fear of rejection slowly crawling up my back.

He opened his mouth slightly, shuddering before saying four words that froze my heart. "I might have to," His gaze shifted to my eyes, a painful smile spreading across his pale face. "I'm going to miss you so much," He took my hands in his, stroking them gently with his thumbs.

"Lachlan what are you talking about?!" I yelled, shaking him, "You can't leave! What about youtube, your family?" My voice cracked, emotions choking me, "What about me?!"

He placed his hand on my waist, silence taking over the room. "Vik," He mumbled, running his hand through my hair, taking a deep, long breath, "I'm dead."

I stepped back, "What do you mean?!" His face seemed clearer the longer I stared at it. Why he seemed off now suddenly clear. My legs straightened, instinctively turning and carrying me away from the situation.

I heard Lachlan stand up, grabbing my wrist firmly. "Vik please," The feeble sound hurt me as my brain was racked with confusion and clarity.

"I'm DEAD, I DIED, two weeks ago! That's why I wasn't responding. That's why my skin is fucking cold as hell," He snapped, running after me, "How did you not know?! Everyone knows! Did they not tell you?!" He stopped, noticing how stunned I was, "Oh god, they didn't tell you,"

My eyes started to water, what if he was just playing with my emotions? I couldn't close my gaping mouth as the truth hit me like a truck, over and over again. Lachlan stepped forwards, wrapping his arms around me, "My poor Vik, my god how could they do that," His touch was cold against my skin, freezing me in place as he held my body close to his. "I'm here now, everything will be ok,"

"How can you say that?" I whispered, my voice was muffled by his shirt, his grip on me tightening protectively.

"Does that really matter?" He whispered, squeezing my hand as I nodded, "Honestly? I don't know," His breath ruffled my hair, waves of cold air washing over me. "You're the only one who can see me so far,"

I felt my eyes burn, filling up with tears, letting them fall down my cheeks, "Lachlan," I heard myself say, "I loved you," The sound was pathetic, like a fragile flower in front of an approaching storm.

His body shifted, moving my head into the open where he could look into my eyes. "Do you not still love me?" His voice was brittle, like it was limited to a only a few, simple words. The hand on my shoulder moved, abruptly pushing my chin up. All I could do was watch as he leaned forward, kissing me gently.

"Please," My arms moved up his back, holding firmly to his shirt as we kissed, "Please don't leave me,"

He kissed my cheek, wiping at the tears still spilling from my eyes. "I'm stuck, and the only thing keeping me here is you," he murmured, stepping back, "I love you, Vik."

My eyes widened, tears still falling down my red cheeks. I opened my mouth, trying to think of what to say, "I-I love you too," My hand reached out, taking his and intertwining our fingers.

"I won't ever let you go," He whispered, whisking my body away into perpetual darkness.