Chapter One – Love Will Always and Forever Be the Key

The room was enveloped in a darkness no one could begin to describe. It was dark in the brightest way possible. It felt inviting in the most mysterious, dangerous, standoffish way imaginable. The room seemed endless with grey bricks covering the walls. The bricks were dark and hardly seen as a single spotlight beamed proudly into the centre of the room, shining perfectly on what James had needed. The brunette hesitated, doubting whether this was the real thing or not. The ground beneath his feet was even cold to stand on, the cool radiating threw his shoes and onto his feet.

Something warm and cordial hugged his body, and when he looked down his outfit had somehow changed into a perfectly fitted tuxedo. To top off the black tuxedo was a black bowtie, walking stick with a golden knob shaped like a beautiful doorknob from Kendall's house and a top hat. He couldn't focus on whatever fear he would usually get from his hair becoming a mess as Kendall was in front of him. As the room was so dark, the only light coming from the beam over Kendall's scrawny frame, he knew his appearance in the room was unknown to his lover.

James sighed softly, making Kendall's head perk up like an animals. Kendall's ankle had a thick chain around it, one that scratched into his skin, slightly slicing it. Small amounts of dry blood was smeared over his creamy, slightly tanned skin. His hair was a mussed mess, his face tired and weak just like the rest of his body. His body was bare, shown off for the world to see.

"I-I know you're there." Kendall whispered as he whimpered softly. Kendall's voice was hoarse and tired. James couldn't stop staring at the blonde, nothing but amazement crossing his mind. Amazement in the fact that someone would actually do this to such a beautiful human being. No- not amazement. Disgust. Absolute and utter disgust.

"I- I'm coming-"

"No! You have to leave-"

"-That means leaving you! And I'm not gonna leave after coming this far." James' words were as deep as an important vow one would exchange during a marriage ceremony. Silence was drawn over them both as they felt the presence of someone else in the room. The person who started it all, and was about to end it.

A dark silhouette advanced behind the shivering blonde. Screams ripped from the two males before the small, muscular man who hid within the shadows crept out to stand behind Kendall.

"What do you want from me? Just fucking let me go already!" The boy with dirty blonde hair pleaded, water pooling around his eyes as he tried to hold back his sobs of pain, fatigue and longing. James sprinted forwards, revealing himself in the light. The blonde helplessly stared up at James, the strongest need imaginable showing through his expressions.

"Shhhhh..." The man whispered lowly. The brunet that stood before the blonde's eyes widened as his eyes caught a glimpse of something shiny moving around the shady figures body. A knife had come into view, making the brunette leap forward as the knife came into close contact with the blonde. Only a strong force held James back.

"Let him go! I can't take it anymore! I need him- I- I can't- I can't live without him!" James cried with panic lacing through each and every word. The man chuckled, lips becoming visible as he smiled wickedly, leaning forward to finally reveal his face. The revelation had the brunette pulling himself forward, only to be pushed back. It was as if he was the one chained to nothing instead of Kendall. And the harder he pushed, the more he fell back.

"Sorry, but I can't do that. This is Kendall's fate, and now he must face what he has been meaning to come into contact with." The familiar voice rung through the room, making the two boys' stomach's twisted and clench.

"Why on earth are you doing this? Are you crazy?" The two yelled in perfect sync; no matter the scenario, the two were always connected.

"Remember, love is the key. Love will always and forever be the key." The familiar boy, who seemed like an unknown stranger said in a low voice as he moved quickly towards Kendall. The tanned hand holding the sharp knife moved swiftly in a quick motion towards the scrawny male, the knife coming into soft contact with the boys neck. He gave James a small smile, an innocently twisted smile. James tried his hardest to reach Kendall as the man moved the knife closer to the blonde he had captured. Kendall closed his eyes tightly as James leapt forward. The force finally allowing him to get closer to the blonde.

The knife was so close, yet so far away. Just like the brunette was from Kendall. Everything happened in the quickest second imaginable. Everything happened so fast, that no words were able to define what had happened.

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A rather loud gasp ripped through the silence within Kendall Knight's bedroom. The morning's sun slipped past thin curtains to allow small amounts of light to flood into the room. The room was decorated with an old desk, a queen single bed, a few band posters here and there, a few piles of old clothes or useless items shoved under the bed along with boring, pasty brown walls and a smooth carpet. The bed was covered in messy sheets and positioned by the door and chest of drawers.
Brown chestnut locks flicked away from hazel eyes. Eyes that were full of worry and concern with the addition of tiredness from being ripped out of sleep. James' head snapped back and forth as he flared his arms and legs through the warm, dark red sheets.

"Kendall?" The boy called, hoping a little too hard to hear any sort of response. His call of Kendall's name was answered with nothing but silence. Worry from not knowing where his lover was removed him from Kendall's bed- making him almost trip over as he positioned himself in a standing pose. "Kendall?" The brown haired male called again.

"What? Hey, are you okay?" Kendall's voice was a relief to James' ears. The boy with dirty blonde hair questioned his lover as he walked back into his bedroom, closing the door behind him. The back of the door had a full length poster of Ed Sheeran, one of the blonde's favourite music artists. He approached his bed, a confused look capturing his expression as James' face showed a released fear.
Kendall pulled the sheet's back, pulling them so he could crawl back into bed. The sheet's beneath him were a creamy type of white that crumpled beneath him. He sat up a little, keeping the dark red covers off him as the heater made the warmth have a welcoming, warm feel against the cold weather outside in Minnesota. The cool weather tended to creep into the house every now and then, making the heaters very useful during autumn, winter and spring. He patted the bed next to him, signalling for James to lie down again and relax. The brunette responded by lying down, pulling the sheets up with him and wrapping them both within them. He pulled Kendall close to his chest, a small huff leaving his lips.

"Sorry- I had the weirdest dream." James said softly.

"Same as the other ones?" Kendall queried.

"Yeah." James' single word answer and sigh made Kendall snuggle into the nape of the boy's neck.

"Tell me about it." The blonde smiled softly. James wrapped his arms tightly around Kendall's body, pulling the half naked boy on top of him. Their bare chests were flushed against each other as James wrapped his arms and grey-sweatpants around blonde's body.

"Not now. Let's stay here then go out for a while. I promise, I'll tell you later." James said softly as he held the blonde tightly. James was lying on his back with Kendall resting on his stomach. James held Kendall tightly, enjoying the sweet embrace. An embrace he'd only be able to enjoy with Kendall in his arms, no one else.

"Babe- you're gonna squeeze my guts out." The slender boy breathed out.

"Oh- sorry. I'm just so happy to see you." James released his grip a bit, keeping Kendall in place, allowing the blonde to breathe. Kendall rested his forearms on the Brunettes muscular chest before he quickly pressed his lips to James', capturing them in a soft kiss. James moved one hand up to cup Kendall's face, using his thumb to softly stroke his boyfriend's creamy cheek. Kendall had never seen so many emotions within anyone's eyes before. He stared infinitely as James stared back. With the many emotions, only one stood out.

A loving type of admiration.

"I love you so much." James commented in a smooth voice.

"You sure you're okay?" Kendall blushed as James nuzzled their noses.

"Perfectly fine. Amazing. On top of the world!" James cheered happily as he quickly sat up, hugging Kendall's body. "Wanna know why?" The teen grinned into the blonde's neck.

"Why?" Kendall chuckled as he slung his lazy, thin arm around James' neck.

"Because I have you in my arms." James said as he snuggled against Kendall. "You mean the world to me." He whispered.

"Fuck- where's my boyfriend?" Kendall smiled.

"Why do you always ruin our nice moments?" James whined as he shoved Kendall into the mattress to stand up. "I don't care actually. Cause I love you. Now, my sexy boyfriend. Let's go on a magical adventure!" James grinned as he raised an arm.

"Where too?" Kendall grinned, moving to sit in front of his boyfriend.

"For a random walk around Sherwood!" James cheered, grabbing a hold of the blonde's thin, creamy wrist and yanking him forward.

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They lazily walked along the cool streets of Minnesota, hands and fingers tightly intertwined as they smiled, walking in silence. It was moment's like these- no- it was day's like these that James treasured. Days where Kendall's family was busy. Day's where Katie was staying at a friend's house and Jennifer was away working. Day's where Kendall and James were free to mope around the house and be as connected as they wished. Day's where they could do whatever they wanted as if they were the only people in the world.

"Man, I'm so tired." Kendall complained as he leaned into his boyfriend's side.

"True?" James smiled as he rested his head on his lovers. The blonde was just an inch shorter then James, but neither of them cared. They turned a corner, walking through Sherwood's shopping area to find a small little cafe. Minnesota was a small place that was full of weather that was colder then the warm, cordial people who resided in the icy town. "Wanna go in there?" James asked, pointing a long finger in the direction of the little coffee shop. The coffee shop sat sandwiched between an expensive clothing store and a video shop.

"Yeah. Looks nice. And warm. Can we get some movies afterwards?" Kendall added, pointing at the video shop+ James' face and hazel orbs lit up as he raised his and Kendall's hands, pressing the back of the creamy skin to his lips. The blonde blushed at the small hand kiss, making the brunette smile before walking in the desired direction before. James always loved the way he could make Kendall go from being a stubborn, head strong leader to a mushy blushing mess within a matter of seconds. He caught a glance up at the sky, thinking about his beautiful blonde. The clouds were grey, the windy breeze helping put together the assumption of a brewing storm.

"Do ya' think it's gonna rain?" James asked as he stopped and checked the road, certain no cars would be driving past. When he saw no vehicles he and Kendall crossed the room, moving out of each other's grip.

The blondes emerald orbs scanned the sky, a small smile dancing on his lips. "Too cold. I bet it'll snow." He smirked. James chuckled softly, faking a gasp full of disbelief as he stopped by the door, holding it open for Kendall.

"Snow? In Minnesota? I don't believe it!" James sarcastically commented as he followed his boyfriend inside. The cafe was painted with wallpapers matching a walnut brown with fake wooden panels along the floor. The strong scent of sweetener and coffee lingered in the air, slowly drifting into their noses. There wasn't many people in the cafe, a couple or so, a few loners using up the free wifi. It was quiet with a hushed volume, making James and Kendall try to stay quiet as they slowly walked in.

They stood side by side, walking towards the front desk. The front desk had a counter with sweet cakes on display inside a little fridge. Half of it was beautiful cake and the other half was warm foods such as bacon and cheese buns, toasties and hot cross buns. The sweet smell of the cakes and cookies plus the coffee and hot chocolates over took the scent of warm food. The twosome approached the counter with smiles, moving to the empty space of a flat, black countertop that had a see through wall around the parts next to it. The only available place to even lay your hands down was the space where a woman was smiling in her black uniform, topless hat and thick glasses. Her brown hair was tied into a messy bun and her smile was pearly and white. She was a lot shorter than the two guys, meaning she had to look up at them.

"Hi, how are you?" Her voice reminded Kendall of a cheerful robot. Wavering happiness that was programmed into her system.

"Good thanks. Yourself?" The blonde responded as he and his boyfriend marvelled the cakes.

"Could be better. What can I help you with today?" She asked as her small hand gesturing to the foods and drinks plastered on a menu above her. James and Kendall read over everything, trying to decide what they desired to eat.

"Uhmm... I'll just have a medium latte and a plain bagel." James said as he leaned down a little, making the girl relax her feet a little.

"How many sugars?" She asked while typing something into her cash register.

"Four." James smiled as sweet as the sugar he required for his drink. The girl stared at him for a little longer than necessary before shaking her head when Kendall cleared his throat.

"I'll have a chocolate chip cookie and a hot chocolate. With two sugars. Yeah. That's about it. Want anything else?" The blonde decided as he looked to James, the person he directed his final question too. James shook his head, watching Kendall pull his wallet out. His hand dove forward, almost out of habit to stop the blonde.

"Uh-uh. I've got this."

"But-"

"No buts. My mums rich and gives me money all the time. I'll pay. You can pay for the videos later." Kendall only pouted as James looked like he had made up his mind. The blonde knew how stubborn his lover was, so there really was no point in arguing. "How much is it?" He questioned.

'Yep, definitely made up his mind.' Kendall thought as he tucked his wallet away.

"In total that's 14.50. What name will it be under?" The girl asked as she took the money James held out for her.

"Kendall." James answered with a smile. She nodded, writing a few things down before turning her petite frame and walking away. James looked at Kendall before following the blonde to a table.

The couple sat down in a booth by a widow. The booth was a rectangle shaped table made of dark black wood, similar to the wood at the counter. The wood was a dark ebony colour that reminded James of the multiple times he and Kendall had sat down in the exact same spot, with similar drinks and sweets enjoying each other's company. The booth seat that the boys sat face to face on were made of a soft, black leather. They stared at each other for a moment, that look of a thousand emotions still displayed in James' eyes as he smiled at Kendall, lost deep within his thoughts.

"Hey beautiful? You ever gonna stop staring at me? You're the gorgeous one here." Kendall stated as he looked down at the table, cheeks slightly heating up as he twiddled his thumbs. He watched the opposite thumbs rub back and forth before James spoke and his eyes were instantly on the brunette.

"How could I stop? Staring at you is fun. I mean, you're absolutely gorgeous today. I don't know why. As good looking as you are twenty four seven, today you're stunningly beautiful. Wait a sec-" James said as he pulled himself up a little and straightened his legs under the table. While his body was in a plank like position he dug into his pockets, pulling his phone out then returning to a normal sitting position.

"What on earth are you doing?" Kendall smiled as he watched James carefully. James leaned his elbows on the table, perfectly structured arms holding up his phone as James moved into the camera part.

"Smile beautiful." James said in a soft, sweet yet sexy voice. The sensual voice made Kendall blush deeply while he tried smiling. He dropped his head, running his fingers up threw his dirty blonde strands as James continued to take multiple photo's.

"Again- what the heck are you doing?" Kendall chuckled.

"Capturing memories." James answered.

"Memories?" Kendall cocked his head cutely to the side which resulted in James' finger rapidly hitting his phone. He smiled behind the phone, chuckling under his breath.

"Memories. After waking up from such a dream, I realised the time we have together is precious. And I don't want to ever forget moments like this. Memories like this. I'd give up all my memories in a heartbeat just to keep the ones involving you." James said in a playful yet serious, a loving yet amazing voice.

"Woah- you're in a really cheesy mood today." The blonde pointed out.

"God! Stop ruining my beautiful moments." The brunette playfully whined.

"I think you mean memories." The blonde smirked. "Why would I want to ruin our precious memories?" Kendall jokingly smirked. "What was you're stupid dream about anyway." James almost froze, staring at Kendall blankly as he tried to gather the right words to speak.

"It started in a dark room. The only people there were you, me and a shadow person. You were tied up, naked- which was kinda beautiful but scary- and really hurt. The room was pitch black except for the spotlight on you. Then this-"

"-Kendall!" The girl from earlier's voice called through the cafe. James sighed as an annoyed grunt slipped from Kendall's lips.

"I'll go get it. Tell me more when I come back." The blonde said as he stood up, dropping his winter coat into the seat to take his place. The cafe was too warm for such heavily coated clothing.

"Nah- I'll tell you after dinner or something." James responded, earning a shrug from Kendall.

"Okay. But I really wanna hear the rest." The blonde said as he shuffled away. Before walking away he leaned over James, placing a soft kiss to his forehead. He walked to the counter, smiling at the woman who had called his name. The short petite girl wasn't serving anymore, an old woman with grey hair stood in her place.

"Kendall?" She asked, sliding a beautifully carved tray in Kendall's direction.

"Yep. That's me." He smiled as he looked at the tray. The tray held two white mugs sitting on matching saucers and two small saucer sized plates but hair side. One with the plain bagel and the other with a chocolate chip cookie. "Can you make two more of these for when me and my partner leave?" Kendall asked, receiving a nod from the woman. Kendall's mouth almost watered at the smell of the sweets before he smiled, thanking the woman then turning back to see James sitting alone at the table. The loving emotions were no longer displaying on his face. Only hurt, longing and need. He glared at his fingers as if they'd stolen the most important thing in his life. His glare left once the tray was placed on the table and Kendall's hand was on his shoulder.

"Hey. Don't look so down when we're out. Actually- don't look so down when we're together. No- even better. Don't look down at all. You're too important to look down." The blonde commented. The sound of Kendal's voice brought an instant smile to James' lips as the brunette turned to look up at the other male. Kendall gave him a cordial smile, making him rest his hand over the one Kendall had positioned on his shoulder.

"The stuff smell's great. Not as great as you, but great." James stated. Kendall chuckled, leaning down to press a small kiss to James' lips. Both of them closed their eyes as James' hand moved from Kendall's and up the blondes arm to trail up to the blondes neck. He pulled Kendall closer to him, tilting his head to the side a little as he deepened their kiss. Their lips moved perfectly together as they passionately kissed. The kiss was tender and sweet, nothing deep and sexual. Kendall pulled away before the kiss could get to that point as he and James had a habit of accidentally kissing a little too much, their kisses heating up a lot. Kendall opened his eyes to see James suck both his lips in, as if he was enjoying the tingly feeling his lips always got after kissing Kendall. James opened his eyes, love shining brightly through them as Kendall walked to his original seat, sitting down. No words needed to be spoken really.

"You'll never guess what I still have." James started in a calm, relaxed voice that was laced with pure happiness.

"The comb I gave you with that white shirt?" Kendall asked with oblivion.

"Yes. But I was meaning the voice message." James responded with a large smile.

"Y-you-you mean the-the- the message?" Kendall stuttered. James grabbed the phone he had placed on the table top next to his hands to put it in front of his face. He scrolled threw it, moving his finger on the screen Kendall couldn't see before handing the phone to the blonde.

"Listen." James commanded. Kendall nodded, gulping as he grabbed the phone and held it to his ear.

"Hey James. Uh- If you haven't checked the caller ID then it's Kendall if you have- then, uh, hi." There was a moment of silence Kendall listened too before his voice spoke again through the message. "So I told you that I really needed to talk to you tonight. But you weren't home and your phone won't answer. Or you won't answer your phone. Either way I'll leave it here so if you hear it you hear it and if you don't you don't. Okay. Well. I. Um. I. I love you. There. I said it. Happy? Well. You wouldn't know. Anyway. I love you. A lot. I love your hair. Your eyes. Lips. Chin. Shoulders. Chest. Torso. Muscles. Arms. Legs. Every part of you. Even the parts I've only ever gotten a little peek at. I love you. I love James Diamond. I've loved you for such a long time now that it's just- I need to tell you. Yeah. I don't wanna take up to long so yeah. I really love you. Kay. Bye." There was some shuffling then the recorded message ended. Kendall stared at the phone with a deep scarlet blush as he handed his boyfriend the phone.

"I called you two seconds after that and kinda poured my heart and feelings out. I listen to that every time I miss you, I don't know why. But it's comforting. It reminds me of the fact that you do love me, and my feelings for you aren't hitting a block wall." James said as he put his phone down. Kendall stared at James for a moment, a little confused but he decided to put it behind him. Something about James wasn't right, at all. He was acting way too strange for everything to simply be okay.

"I love you so much James. I always have, and I always will."

By the time they had finished their snacks it was a few minutes after lunch. The pair stood up, standing by each other's side so they could take a hold of each other's hands and hold them, intertwining their finger's as they started to walk. They left their eating utensils behind them, their cups, plates and a few crumbs behind them. They walked out of the small cafe, the delicious smell turning into a cold watery ice type of smell that mixed with tar and pine. The beautiful smells of Minnesota.

They walked to the video store that was right next door, silence stringing between them. The large mechanical doors slid open, glass and steel pushing to the side to allow the couple in. The carpeted floor was laid out over a majority of the video store as Van and Converse covered feet walked inside. James looked to his left, seeing multiple tables full of candy and drinks. Even a few movie action figures were here and there. The brunette and his lover walked down each isle, reading each movie title and admiring the covers.

"What do you feel like watching?" Kendall questioned as he looked around the new releases.

"Uhmm... I dunno. I kinda feel like something cliché and cheesy." James answered with honesty.

"Boring." Kendall groaned.

"If it's such a bad thought then what do you want to watch?" The brunette smiled, hiding the offense he had from being honest.

"Something scary. Or spooky. How about a horror movie?" James thought over the blonde's response. Shrugging his shoulders.

"If that's what you want. Can I choose then?" James smirked.

"Sure. As long as it's one I haven't seen before." Kendall answered. James smiled while hazel orbs started going over each DVD displayed on the white, wooden shelves.

"Have you seen The Conjuring? I heard that one was good." James said as he walked past said movie, grabbing it from the shelf to admire it.

"Not yet. Let's get it then. Want anything else?" Kendall smiled as he grabbed the DVD from the shelf.

"Popcorn!" James grinned. "Movie's are no good without popcorn!"

"I'll be at the counter, go grab some while you can." The blonde smiled at his love, standing on the tip of his toes a bit so he could press a small kiss to James' cheek. "I'll be waiting."

"Okay." James smiled, going into the opposite direction of his lover. Once he had found the microwave popcorn, he looked back to see his boyfriend standing in line. Kendall stood there, facing the counter as he tapped the DVD case against his outer thigh. His face was deep in thought as he continued to tap the DVD, James just staring at him. Even a simple thing such as thinking and waiting was beautiful in his eyes.

A slight look of worry crossed the blonde's features as he turned his head, looking for something. When he saw James, he couldn't help but smile. James quickly jogged over to the blonde, showing him the microwave popcorn he discovered.

"I found it." He smiled.

"Why were you staring at me?" Kendall grinned.

"Because I love you." James simply said, handing Kendall the packet of movie snacks. "Can we get chocolate milk too?"

"Of course. How could I say no to someone as cute as you?" Kendall asked.

"Now whose being cheesy and shit?" James smirked, earning a smack on the arse from Kendall.

"Go get the milk."

"The only milk I really want comes from you." James whispered as he leaned down a little, kissing Kendall's neck before nibbling his ear. Goosebumps ran all down Kendall's body as he bit his bottom lip.

"We're in a store. You can have as much of me as you like when we're home and the movie's finished." Kendall smiled.

"Promise?" James questioned with adorable puppy dog eyes.

"Promise." Kendall assured him.

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