Note-I LOVE making James all naive and innocent with a horrific abusive past. It's adorable and sweet having Kendall help him(: Dedicated to Lauren, my slash-loving bestie, and One Man Writing Games. *Even angst lovers need a little fluff now and then(; *

"Kendall?" James looked at his best friend. Logan and Carlos were out on a date, leaving the two taller members alone in apartment 2J.

"James," the other boy replied from his bed, sighing. It was past midnight, but apparently the brunette couldn't sleep.

"I have a question," he told him. Even though the room was dark, Kendall could see James sit upright in his bed.

"And I have a pillow. Hey, maybe if I sleep on mine we can get to yours in nine hours or so." He was too tired for this, and besides, James was too curious for his own good. Hearing no reply, Kendall turned over to face the wall and closed his eyes, slowly falling into a blissful sleep...

"Kendall!" Eyes shooting open, he turned back to James.

"WHAT?" Water slightly filled the other's eyes.

"Well you didn't have to yell at me..." James frowned, obviously hurt by his friend's tone. Kendall sighed.

"I'm sorry Jamie, what's your question?" James' face lit up as he wiped his eyes.

"That's it!" Upon seeing Kendall's confusion, He continued.

"Carlos calls Logan Logie, and he calls Carlos Carlitos, and you call me Jamie. Why don't you have a nickname?" Kendall groaned. This is what he needed to discuss at, he looked at the clock, 12:56 am?

"I don't know James. How about we sleep on it and think of one in the morning?" He saw the younger boy nod and attempted again to close his eyes... "

Ken? No. Kenny? No. Kendi? No way. Kenni with an I? No." He heard James muttering possible nicknames.

"Go to sleep James." Hearing a quiet okay, Kendall finally drifted off to sleep.

{_line break_}

The blond woke up to a muffled crying. According to the clock, it was only 2:23 am. Wonderful. A sob distracted him from his sarcastic thoughts. "James?" He asked into the darkness, not recieving a reply. Kendall lifted himself out of bed, walking over to the other. "Jamie?" He tentatively touched his friend's cheek, causing him to thrash around, terrified.

"No! Please don't; don't hit me! Please, leave me alone! Go away," James screamed. Kendall prayed that the others weren't home yet. He shook the other boy.

"James, James! Wake up! Jamie, it's me, Kendall. Wake up, baby, wake up!" Finally, he woke up. Cuddling into Kendall's embrace, James wimpered with tears streaming down his face. "It's okay. Shush, I'm here for you, Jamie. I'm here." Apparently the words comforted the frightened boy, because slowely his tears stopped. Kendall waited until he was done completely before speaking again. "You were dreaming of him again, weren't you? Your dad?" He felt James nod. "Don't worry, Jamie, he's gone. You have me, and I will never hurt you, okay?"

"Kendall?" James' voice wavered while he spoke.

"Hmm?" He questioned, lightly stroking the other boy's hair. He cuddled into Kendall a little more.

"Why are you so good to me?" James sounded so much quieter than usual. Kendall thought about it, and decided to tell him the truth.

"Because," he replied, as nonchalantly as possible. "I love you." James lifted his head to look into his eyes.

"Really?" Kendall smiled.

"Really." Leaning down to hug the stunned boy, he was shocked when James instead pressed his lips on to his. He blushed.

"I love you too, Kendall."

"Even if I don't have a nickname?" James smiled, laughing.

"Even though you don't have have a nickname." Kendall got up, causing the other to frown.

"I'm just getting my pillow," he assured him. Laying down next to James, he wrapped his arms around him, kissed his forehead, and smiled as he feel asleep.