Leigh 

“Thanks, take care!” I called to the clerk as I left the pharmacy, a paper bag of medicine clutched firmly in my hand. Immediately, I whipped out my phone and began to walk, my eyes scanning Google maps one last time to make sure I was heading the right way. My feet carried me in a straight line down a residential block and I stopped before a tall building with elegant golden letters on the awning.

'Arrived'

I glanced at the screen once the automated voice announced my destination, though soon found myself admiring my surroundings. It was far more cluttered in the city than it was in the wide open space of my neighborhood. Suburban homes and open field was what I was used to, and of course I wasn’t one of the cool kids; the ones who would catch a train to the city and hang out after school with friends.

I clearly was the type of guy to only come to the city for a measly therapy appointment.

Besides, friends... I don’t have many of those.

Suffice to say, This area was not one I frequented, so being here felt so foreign. It was afternoon so the sky was a cotton candy pink and blue. Couples and businessmen dotted the city street, probably on their way home from work. I picked my head up to look at the glass doors I was standing in front of, a brunet boy with glossy green eyes and a nervous smile staring back at me.

This is such a weird feeling...

My body was jittery, but despite being so anxious, my skin felt like it was thrumming with excitement. I attributed it to that damned warm fuzzy feeling I get sometimes, mostly around Kat, but recently I’d been feeling it towards Zoe and Vaughn as well.

Was this really happening? It felt so surreal, so out of the ordinary from our normal routine. Going to one’s home is like taking a peek into that person’s private life. 

What would Vaughn’s be like? Was his house as clean as the office or is he secretly a messy slob? Does he have any pets? Does he live with anyone else... or would it just be us alone?

My face suddenly felt flush at the thought and I shook my head rapidly.

No, no! What am I even thinking?! I’m literally just here to drop off his paperwork and give him medicine!

I hadn’t even realized I was pacing outside of the entryway, only catching myself when a girl walked passed gripping her shopping bags and giving me an odd stare. I probably stared back at her a bit harsher than intended as I noticed her pace quicken as she walked away.

God, why do I always do this? Why do I have to overthink the simplest of things?

Before I was yet again labeled as a shady character lingering outside, I pulled the door handle with purpose and forced myself to enter. Once inside, I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and found myself taking in the scent of lilac and cinnamon.

Weird combination for an air freshener, but okay.

I took a moment to scan my surroundings and planted my feet right in the middle of what looked like a tidy lobby.

“Wow...” I muttered under my breath, glancing around at the polished tiled floors and monochromatic color scheme of the decor. Potted flowers lined the windowsills and a chandelier hung lavishly from the ceiling.

“Hi, welcome.” A young woman at a desk greeted me with a smile and I noticed a tall male security guard standing at her side. She reminded me of Zoe but less cheery and more polite.

Wait, was that sexist of me to think of just because they’re both females at desks? Is that secretary-ist?

“Are you here to see someone?” She asked, and snapped me out of my meaningless thoughts.

“Oh um— yeah!” I faltered, and with quivering hands I fished out my phone to find Zoe’s text again.

“I-I’m here to visit 2298, um... Vaughn Ackerman? I’m only bringing him something he asked for— but I kind of wanted it to be a surprise...” I trailed off and could feel my face heat up, noting that the woman’s all-knowing smile hadn’t left her face.

It feels like she’s peering into my soul...

“Heheh. No need to explain anything to me, sweetie.” She assured with a slight tilt of the head.

“Want one?”

I gaped as I was suddenly offered a platter of cinnamon rolls, practically drooling all over myself at the warm buttery and still-hot pastries. 

So this was where that smell was coming from, they look as if they just came out of the oven!

“Delicious cinnamony goodness? Um, yes please!” I replied enthusiastically and reached for one of the succulent little morsels, taking a bite and holding it in my teeth. It had a crisp outer layer but the inside was moist and soft, the icing melting over my tongue with just the right amount of sweetness.

“.....Did God make these...?”

The woman let out a laugh at my overly dramatic response.

“Not quite, it was sadly me who made them. I like to bake for the residents sometimes.” She explained jovially. I grinned at her, although, not without noticing the side eye I was getting from the security guard. 

What is he, the fun police? Way to kill the welcoming atmosphere!

My attention returned to the woman who gestured to just behind her, “you’re gonna wanna take the elevator behind me, alright? Don’t get lost now.”

“Pssh, I’ll be fine. If I get lost I’ll just follow the heavenly scent of cinnamon rolls.” I joked as I headed past them. “And thank you!”

“You’re very welcome!” She called out just as the elevator dinged and a lady pushing a stroller nodded politely at me. I nodded back of course, a steady smile on my face as I got in and pushed the button for the correct floor.

That was just what I needed to get back to normal...

I thought confidently to myself as I munched on the roll, no longer feeling that overwhelming nervousness from earlier. Or at least, feeling it to a lesser degree. I finished up the sweet pastry in my hand and made a face at my sticky fingers, getting off the elevator once the doors parted.

“Mm... let’s see, where is 2298?” I murmured to myself and shuffled down the hallway. My head swishing back and forth to study the walls for an address. I realized I was going to to have to touch the doorbell or something and so began absentmindedly licking the icing off my fingers. Eventually halting in-front of the right door, I just used the hand holding the medicine bag to be safe.

“....Coming.”

A voice called weakly from inside and I furrowed my brow. 

Was that Vaughn? I barely recognized his voice, just how sick is he? He sounds awful, so he must look just as bad—

click

The door was pulled open and I immediately ate my words. Standing there before me was a disheveled and clearly out of it Vaughn. His face was flush, his hair ruffled, his white collared shirt completely unbuttoned and exposing bare midriff, and his pajama pants hanging loosely around his hips.

“Zoe, did you—....” The man trailed off, staring at me and I assume processing with his delirious brain that I was not said woman. Then there I was, digits halfway in my mouth as I tried desperately to rid myself of sticky fingers. I was unable to speak in that moment, my eyes wide as all the confidence I had earlier was suddenly nonexistent.