Apologies for the very long break. But I'm back now, really.
I do not own MBAV, but select characters and the plotline are mine to go Somewhere.
The Damned's Piece of Heaven

Not Yet

~3rd Person's P.O.V.~

Before Kolin could fall asleep that night, he received a text from a number identifying itself as Dimitri, wondering what he was doing the next day. After establishing he was free, they determined he would go to his and Jeff's house to hang out. Kolin slept restlessly in his excitement.

The next day, dressed and fed (Ethan's waffles), he informed Ethan (the only one awake) of his plans.

"Not so upset I gave your number away now, huh?" Ethan smirked, glad for the slight justification.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

Ethan just kept cooking, humming a happy tone.

Kolin arrived at the house and knocked tentatively. Jeff opened the door with a friendly grin, and the two took in each other.

Jeff had dressed in some casual khaki pants and a button-up plaid shirt. Kolin wore just jeans with his own button-up.

"Kolin, what a pleasure." Dimitri said from behind Jeff. He wore dockers and a sweater vest over a simple white button-up.

Kolin took in the house: bluish-white walls, a huge couch with more throw pillows than Kolin thought could fit on the couch casually. Soft colors, numerous windows, lamps, and carpet.

"Are you sure this is an apartment?" Kolin asked quietly.

"I most certainly appreciate your praise." Dimitri purred. "I take much pleasure in my designing abilities."

"Jeff didn't help?" He teased lightly while slipping off his shoes.

"Jeff is a temporary resident here. I had this place fully formed well before he asked for a place while he traveled."

"Oh?" Kolin asked as he calmly moved about the room.

"I'm only here a few years." Jeff spoke up.

"Where are you from, then?"

"Europe. You wouldn't know the place." Jeff said vaguely with a tone that told Kolin that was all he would say on the subject.

"Anyways," Jeff resumed his calm person. "What about you? Are you traveling as well?"

"Oh, no. I recently lost my brother, who was also my roommate. I couldn't afford the apartment anymore, so Ethan and Benny are letting my bunk till I finish my classes and get a decent job." While saying this, Kolin tried to sound like it wasn't a big deal, but both of the men there became pale in the face anyway.

"I apologize. I didn't mean to pry." Jeff amended quickly.

"It's alright. It was a while ago."

The awkward silence made Kolin anxious. Dimitri noticed immediately.

"Well, then Kolin, if you don't mind, I'll fix a little something to eat. Please, make yourself at home." He went into the kitchen with haste. Kolin knew it would be too awkward to inform him that he had just eaten.

Jeff walked over to the couch and sat. Kolin couldn't help but disapprove at his position. Too calm, too bent...

"So, I'd like to apologize for Dimitri's behavior back at the restaurant. He gets a little vengeful at times."

"I understand." Kolin said quickly.

"He's been wronged many times. He does his best." Jeff said with a sad smile. Kolin just nodded.

There was a silence. It was not uncomfortable as the two listened to the soft clanging and sizzling coming from the kitchen. Koiln wondered what he was fixing.

"So, what are some of your interests?" Jeff questioned, interrupting his train of thought.

"Um, well, I like animals, and reading." Kolin spoke with hesitation.

"Oh? What kind of books do you enjoy?" Jeff said, perking at the answer.

"Oh, old stuff. I don't think you'd recognize it."

Jeff grew a knowing smirk, putting his chin on his fist. "Try me."

After eggs and hash browns from Dimitri and a thorough book discussion with Jeff - who was very well-rounded concerning old novels - Kolin knew it was time to take his leave.

"You'll be coming back again soon, I hope. We've had a blast in your company." Dimitri smiled.

"Yes, and I've never met anyone so in love with Dimitri's breakfast potatoes." Jeff added good-naturedly.
It was true, though: when Kolin tasted those potatoes, he knew he was going to be miserably full and perfectly content all at once.

"Yes, we will be doing this again soon." Kolin agreed.

Dimitri chuckled and bid him farewell.

Jeff leaned in close to Kolin as he opened the door and put his hand on his shoulder. Kolin flinched in dismay and moved away, and only then did he realize what he did. Jeff looked hurt.

"N-not yet." He murmured. "I can't do that."

"I understand. Sorry." He said it in a low voice as well.

Kolin nodded and left, smiling apologetically.