so this is my newest story and my first BTR fic so I'm kind of nervous.

but I just had to write this.

so a little bit about this story: it's based on Brad Paisley's the man you didn't have to be. it's not a song fic. but it is based on it.

so pretty much it goes like this. Kendall, Logan, Carlos, James, and Camille are all 23-24 and Katie is eighteen.

even though he doesn't have to be Kendall is there for Camille when she needs it the most.

I'm not going to say to much about it for now.

rated T - I don't think it will go beyond that

past Kendall/Camille. it will be explained. there might be some James and Katie.

words - 1,253

I don't own

the man you don't have to be

far to long

You would think at twenty three you would be able to walk up a couple flights of stairs without tripping over your own feet, flying backwards, tumbling down the twelve stairs and then finally reaching the landing, then you try to stand up but only to trip down the last flight, breaking you arm, collarbone, three ribs and gain a concussion. But then you wouldn't be Carlos Garcia, my best friend. I'm not really sure how it happened especially since there was nothing on the stairs for him to trip on but that's just him, but now after receiving a frantic call from James I'm standing here in his hospital room with our two best friends, trying to stifle our laughter as he tells us in detail about his entire day from getting the phone number of the girl who works at Starbucks to what he was thinking about while on his way to the hospital.

Carlos finally fell asleep around two which was probably due to the pain killers the doctors gave him. I swear that kid could talk for hours. It's happened.

"So someone should stay." I turned to Logan who was sitting in a chair next to Carlos' bed. He's right though it's never fun to wake up in a hospital room by yourself.

"I would but I haven't been home in four days. I just want to take a nice warm shower in my own bathroom and sleep in my bed, instead of a stupid hotel bed." I've been in Colorado for the last few days, and I came to the hospital straight from the airport. I am defiantly ready to go home. It's been far to long.

"It's ok. Gustavo gave us the week off."

"Good. But I can stay if you want."

"No go on home we'll see you tomorrow."

I looked over at James who was staring contently at his phone. In the last two months I've barely seen any of them. With them on their national tour and me with a full schedule of games, we've all been busy. When we were twenty I decided to leave the band. I knew it would be a shock but I also knew that James could make it work with just Logan and Carlos. After four years I was ready to follow my dream, even if it couldn't be with The Wild. So now BTR is just the three of them and I play for the L.A. Kings. James wasn't happy at first, but as punches were thrown and words were said we got it settled. They would continue with BTR I would follow my dream and when our schedules matched up I would perform with them.

"Hey I don't have practice till next week maybe we could hang out. Catch a movie, dinner, maybe go to the rink or surfing."

"No interruptions." James finally looked up from his phone.

"No interruptions." I repeated back, which caused a small smile to play at both James and Logan's lips. We haven't hung out in forever.

"Awesome but maybe we should wait until Carlos comes home."

"Alright. But I should get going I'm dead on my feet right now and that floor is looking pretty comfy."

"Alright man. Are you sure you're ok to drive home."

"I'll be fine Logan. It's only a five minute drive." It's like when we moved out and bought our new house someone upstairs made sure we got a house close to the hospital.

"Just text me or James when you get home"

"Yes mother." James and I laughed at Logan's motherly behavior.

"Oh shut up it won't be my fault if you fall asleep at will and crash and die."

"Thanks for the faith dude."

"Go home."

"Fine bye, see you guys tomorrow." With that I turned on my heel and made my way towards the parking lot.

I am so ready to get home. Once I reached my truck I turned on my radio on which blasted, causing me to quickly slam the power button. I am never letting Katie barrow my truck ever. It's a miracle that girl can still hear.

I pull out making my way towards the exit when some asshole speeds across the parking lot and slamming into a black and blue Mini Coop which then slammed into a light pole. I slammed on the break and threw my truck into park before running to the car and yanking the door open.

"Ma'am"

"Ma'am"

Nothing. Complete Silence. I pulled back her dark curly hair to check her pulse when I noticed the little beauty mark above her lips.

"Camille."

"Come on Cami open up your eyes." I rubbed her arm softly, trying not to move her around too much.

She blinked a couple of times trying to adjust. When she finally came to tears started streaming down her face, mixing in with the blood leaking from her nose.

"Kendall?"

"Hey shh shhh. I'm here. You're going to be fine. It's ok."

"Bab…" Her voice caught as a fresh round of tears start again.

"Camille calm down, I didn't understand what you said."

"My baby…" Her hands went instinctively towards her stomach. I looked down to see her hands covering the small barely noticeable bump. I can't believe she's pregnant. I didn't even know she was seeing anyone. Granted I've haven't seen her in almost six months. It's been far too long.

"Everything's going to be fine Camille."

I looked up as nurses and paramedics began to file around Camille's car. I let go of Camille's hand, and began to walk away causing her to start sobbing.

"Kendall… don't go. Please stay." She was pulled out of her car and strapped on to a stretcher. I tried to grab her hand but it was quickly swatted away.

I followed them into the E.R. before I was stopped by a nurse.

"Sir only family is allowed past this point."

I don't know what caused me to say what I'm about to say. But for some reason I felt a pull to Camille. One that wouldn't let me, (not that I want it to) just leave her.

"I'm her boyfriend. I'm the baby's father." The nurse gave me a sympathetic look before ushering me to the waiting room.

"Look just wait here, maybe call some family. A doctor will come and find you and let you know what's going on." I nod my head and thanked her before finding a seat. I sit down, my head in my hands, praying. Something I haven't done since I was eighteen.

Ever since we were at the palm woods together I was always attracted to Camille, and then slowly I fell in love with her. I gave up the chance to be with her for Jo because I was scared. It was a stupid dumb reason, which I still hate myself for. When we were eighteen we did get a chance to be together. Albeit a short one, it was still amazing. We were only together for two weeks before we James, Logan, Carlos and I went on tour and she got a starring role on a show that skyrocketed her career. I should have worked harder for her, but I didn't. And now she's pregnant with another man's baby. I know this is wrong and stupid but I just hope that I didn't lose my chance to be with her, because I'm still in love with her. And I will do anything to be with her again.

so how did y'all like it. let me know what you like about it. whats your favorite part?

I don't know how long this will be but I do have plans for this and like the first few chapters thought out.

but I think this will be at least ten chapters.