hey guys here's my story for winterchild11 and akirealev's angst challenge! sorry it's super short it's all I have time for this week plus I couldn't really make it any longer... so enjoy!

"James? Are you here mijo?" Antonio Garcia called as he climbed the creaky ladder into the old tree house. James had been missing for two hours, and everyone was worried about him. Finally, Antonio had the idea to check the tree house he had built the boys a few years back in the woods. He reached the top of the ladder and what he saw broke his heart. James was in the corner sobbing into his knees which were pulled against his chest. His hair was messed up, which was very rare for James Diamond, and his hoodie and jeans were covered in dirt and leaves. Antonio climbed inside the tree house and crawled over to the crying boy and pulled him close, whispering softly in his ear.

"It's all my fault." James sobbed into his chest. Antonio rubbed his back soothingly.

"No, it's not, mijo. You had no control over the situation. There was nothing you could do." He assured.

"If I was a better son, he wouldn't have left."

"That's not true. James, you are a wonderful young man. Your mom and dad just had issues that were too big for him to handle." Antonio explained.

"You weren't there, papi. H-he kept yelling, and he made my mom cry! I tried to help but he wouldn't listen. Then he left without even saying goodbye." James cried burying his face deeper into Antonio's chest.

"I'm so sorry, mijo, but things will get better. I'll always be here for you. I consider you my son just as I do Carlos, and Kendall and Logan of course." He said with a comforting smile.

"I know, but it's just so hard. I'm supposed to be the protector, the strong one who never gets weak. I feel like I've let everyone down." James sighed, tears still streaming.

"That's a lot to put on a twelve-year-old. Heck, that's a lot to put on anyone. You can't expect to stay strong all the time, James, it's not fair to yourself. Even the strongest of heroes break once in a while. The important thing is that you have lots of people who love and care about you. You have three friends-well, really more like brothers- who are out there looking for you right now because they want to be there for you and help you get through this. You can't expect to be able to handle this on your own, mijo, it's just too much." Antonio explained.

"I just don't want them to see me like this. They'll think I'm weak." the tall brunette said wiping tears from his eyes.

"No, they won't, mijo. Remember when Kendall's dad died in that wreck? Who stayed with him for three whole weeks?"

"Me."

"And who volunteered to let Carlos basically move in when Sylvia's papi died?"

"Me." James sighed.

"And who tackled Travis McLean when he threatened to hurt Logan if he didn't do his homework for him?"

"Me, but-"

"But nothing. James, you have always been there for the other boys when they were in trouble or going through a hard time, so why shouldn't you let them return the favor?"

"I guess you're right. I just wish this wasn't happening."

"I know you do mijo, and I hate seeing any of my boys so upset. Things will get better eventually. It will just take some time. But understand that if you ever need to talk to me about anything, my door's always open."

"I know. Thanks, papi."

"Anytime, mijo. Now how about we go get you cleaned up and let everyone know you're okay. Your mother's worried sick about you."

"Okay, I'm sorry for running away. I just didn't want to cry in front of everyone." James said sheepishly wiping his red eyes.

"It's okay, James, I understand. Let's go home."