I don't like this chapter, but I needed to get something up. Just to kind of get story started properly, I guess. Sorry for this bit of...ick :/

Kendall Knight slammed a hand down on his alarm clock, letting out an exhausted sigh and dragging himself out of bed. Practically crawling into the bathroom, he stood up by the sink and briefly glanced in the mirror. Jesus, he looked a state. He needed a shower. He stripped off his faded t-shirt and kicked off his boxers, before going to turn on the shower. He stepped into the bath and pulled the shower curtain across, yawning and blinking dazedly as he tried to stay upright.

There were some nights when he just couldn't get to sleep, and didn't manage to until what was probably only an hour or two before his alarm went off. Had to be one of the most annoying things ever.

He made some toast while he was packing up his stuff, and only twenty minutes later he was out the door, pulling his black jacket on over his suit. God, he was exhausted. He wondered if he'd be able to drive to work.

It wasn't that far, he could manage it. He hoped . . .

Somehow he did, and up the elevator he went into Kelly Wainwright's law firm. His place of work for almost three years now. And he didn't ever want to leave, really. Except when he retired, of course. Maybe—

"Kendall!"

Kendall looked up to see Tyler Duncan, his assistant, standing before him. The short redhead was bouncing on his toes, excited to help as usual. It was oddly endearing. Kendall was glad to have him. "Hi Kendall!"

"Hi Tyler," Kendall grinned, reaching down and opening up his bag. "How are you this morning? How's your sister?"

"Her leg is healing well, she should be fine in a week or two. Do you need anything?"

"I need you to take these to Logan," Kendall instructed, handing his assistant a stack of packed files. "He needs to sort them and bring them back to me when he's done, can you let him know?"

"No problem," Tyler chirped, always eager to please. "Anything else?"

"I forgot to pick up a coffee this morning, I could really do with one . . . no rush though, take care of those files first please."

"Got it!" Tyler drifted away as Kendall continued down the hall to his office, walking in and shutting the door after him. He set his briefcase on the table and sat in his chair, opening the case out and picking up some papers. He needed to look over some case files and appoint them to some of the newer employees. Simpler things. He cracked his knuckles and opened the first file. He'd barely read half of it when he'd made up his mind and written a name down on a sticky note, attaching it to the file and closing it. Kyle could take care of that one.

He was almost finished going through the files when there was a knock on the door. "Come in!"

Tyler walked in, holding a large cup of takeaway coffee and placing it on the desk. "Caramel latté, double shot. Your usual."

"Thanks, Tyler," Kendall grinned, picking it up and taking a sip. Yum. Just what he needed.

"And Kelly wants to see you," Tyler added, backing out of the office. "Dunno what about, though."

"Oh. Ok. Thanks, I'll be there in a second." He got up, taking his coffee with him and leaving the office. "Is she in her office?"

"I think so."

Kendall walked down the hallway, drinking his coffee happily. Today was good so far. Some mornings he would rather die than get out of bed and face the day. But today was bearable.

"Kendall, hi!" Carlos hopped over to him, smiling in greeting. "How are you doing?"

"Good," Kendall replied with a grin. Carlos was one of his closest friends, and had been since he first moved to LA. "And you?"

"I'm fantastic!" Carlos beamed. "I asked her out."

"Stephanie? Really?" Kendall couldn't help feeling surprised; that Starbucks employee had been Carlos's true love for months. But he'd never asked her on a date. Not even once. "Did she say yes?"

"We're going for dinner tomorrow night," Carlos gloated, patting him on the shoulder. "You know what I could do! I could ask her if she has any hot male friends—"

"Yeah, I don't think so." Kendall shook his head, half in bewilderment. "I'm not interested in dating right now."

"Then don't date him! Just go out to a hotel bar where the rooms have king-sized beds and—"

"No." Kendall rolled his eyes. "Last time you asked one of your girlfriends if they knew a guy for me, it was a total disaster."

"It wasn't that bad!"

"He couldn't speak a word of English! And the one before that?"

"Hey, those guys he invited along with him were cute—"

"I don't go for foursomes with men I don't know, thank you." Kendall sighed. "I'd like to date, but . . . every time I try lately, I just wanna run and hide. And that's not fair on the date either, you know?"

"Yeah, I know." Carlos gave Kendall a sympathetic pat on the back. "Let's make a night to hang out together, ok? You me, Logan, some pizza? Come on."

Kendall giggled, feeling his resistance crumbling. "Alright, that sounds good. We can arrange it later on, I guess. Now, I've gotta go. Kelly wants me."

"No problem. I need to go check out a suspect anyways." Carlos gave a wink and went off down the hallway. As one of the few private investigators who worked for the law firm, Carlos always had his hands full. But he was still a fun and easy-going guy, despite all that.

Kendall finally arrived at the largest and most extravagant office at the end of the hallway, with KELLY WAINWRIGHT written on the door. He knocked briskly on it, and only a second later heard his cue to go in.

Kendall smiled in greeting at Kelly sitting down in front of her desk. "Hi, Kelly. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, I did." Kelly smiled at him, before placing a file on the desk in front of him. "I have a new case for you. It's a challenge . . ."

"I like a challenge."

"I thought you'd say that. Take a look at it."

Kendall opened it up and read quickly through it, hearing Kelly's voice in the background. "He requested our firm immediately. As you can see, he doesn't have the best record in the system . . ."

"You can say that again," Kendall groaned, eyeing the charges filed for drug possession and a bunch of other shit. "There's no way we can clear him, he doesn't even have a reliable alibi . . ."

"Look, we need to do absolutely everything we can to have this man proven innocent. The case already in the papers, think of how much more recognition and how many more clients we'd get if everyone knew we could clear the name of someone like this. You're one of my best, Kendall. I don't want you to let me down. Or give up before you've started."

Kendall sighed, taking the file in his free hand before taking a long gulp of his lukewarm coffee. "Alright. I guess I can give it a try."

"Good." Kelly looked so happy that Kendall couldn't help grinning back at her. "We arranged out first meeting with him today, I gave Tyler the details. He'll let you know when he's arriving."

Kendall saw this as his signal to go, and stood up. "Ok, thanks."

"Good luck on this."

I'm gonna need it," Kendall chuckled, leaving her office and chugging down the rest of his coffee before throwing the empty cup away. He had to say, after seeing what the case was, he wasn't too enthusiastic. Still, as long as this guy cooperated with him and told him his side of the story, it would probably be fine. And maybe he could finally stop being just one of the best and hop up in front of that annoying Beau Benson.

God, that guy really irritated him. Damn him for being so good at manipulating people!

"Kendall, so nice to see you!"

Ugh, there he was. Kendall looked up and gave Beau the friendliest smile he could manage. "Beau, hi!"

Beau grinned back at him, reaching out a hand and patting his shoulder. Kendall had to stop himself from jumping away and shuddering. "How've you been doing lately, Kendall?"

"I'm alright. Just been eating, working, sleeping. What else is there?"

Beau gave him a smirk. "I'm sure there's plenty more you could be doing."

Kendall bit his lip, before quickly replying, "I need to get back to my office."

"I'll leave you to it then. Enjoy yourself." Beau winked at him, before walking past and down the hall. As Kendall walked back up to his office, he felt the other man's eyes on his back. Or maybe a little lower. He had a feeling that if they didn't work together, he'd probably be one of those annoying flirty guys who never left him alone.

Thankfully, he'd never had one of those. A dipshit, as he called them.

He did some more paperwork for a while, tapping his foot lightly on the floor as he worked.

His eyes strayed to the two framed photos on his desk. One was of him, his mom, sister and his dad, before he left. He was only ten in the picture. He couldn't help but notice how happy he looked.

The other picture hurt much more to look at. He was still trying to figure out why he hadn't removed it yet. Sometimes just a glance was enough to bring tears to his eyes. And he couldn't lose control at work. Jett looked so happy in that picture. So carefree, his arms wrapped around Kendall's waist, his head resting on his shoulder. They were both laughing.

He hadn't laughed and meant it in a while.

"Hey Kendall, the client is here. They have him down in one of the conference rooms, dunno why."

"Ok. I'll just talk to him there. Thanks Tyler." Picking up the file, Kendall quickly left the office and followed Tyler down. He walked into the room, where a handsome, dark haired man sat. He looked up at him, hazel eyes glinting mischievously. "And you are . . .?"

"Well, let's start with you." Kendall glanced at the file. "So, you're James Diamond?"

James nodded, raising his eyebrows as he looked up at him. A slow smile crept onto the man's face. "Yeah, I am." He stood up, holding out his hand. He was tall too. "It's very nice to meet you."

Kendall smiled back, reaching out and taking James's hand in his. "I'm Kendall Knight. And I'm taking on your case."

"We'll, aren't I lucky?" James said, smirking.

"Um . . ." Kendall's cheeks turned pink. "I don't know . . ."

"You're so cute!" James teased, reaching out and squeezing his cheek. "I feel very lucky."

"Alright then . . ." Clearing his throat, Kendall pointed to the table and chairs. "So, take a seat, Mr Diamond."

"You can call me James, cutie—"

"Yeah, I'd rather not." Sitting down next to James, he opened up the case file and glanced at it. "So, according to this, you're being charged with the murder of your neighbour Eric Dale, which happened on Sunday night, approximately between 10pm and 1am. Though you know all this already, I take it."

"Uh huh."

"Good. Ok, so . . . you're not guilty?"

"We'll duh, I wouldn't have bothered to come here if I was!" James shook his head fondly. "I guess nobody can be sexy and smart."

Kendall glared at him. "Alright, so where were you that night? The cops couldn't get a reliable alibi off you."

"Oh yeah. I guess that's my biggest problem then."

"So . . .?"

James looked thoughtful for a minute, then he finally said, "And what if I tell you? Do I get something in return?"

Kendall raised his eyebrows. "You don't have to go to jail?"

"That's not a guarantee."

"Do you want to be cleared or not, just tell me where you were and what you did!"

"Was that a rhetorical question?"

"Stop changing the subject!"

"I'm not!"

"You are!"

"We'll if I am, let me ask this. Are you single?"

"What?!" Kendall gaped at him.

"Will I repeat myself?"

"No, I heard you loud and clear . . ." Kendall pulled at his shirt collar awkwardly. "Why are you asking me that?"

"Seems valuable information to have."

"Why?" Kendall demanded. "I don't like where this is going!"

"Right now, me either. You still haven't answered."

"It's none of your business!"

"Great! That means you are single!"

"W-what? I never said that!"

"I can read you like a book, hot stuff."

"Don't call me that!"

"So since you're single, can I take you out some time?"

"No, you can't!" Kendall snapped, standing up at last. He'd reached his limit. "I'm your attorney, it wouldn't be appropriate!"

"Tell me, what wouldn't be appropriate?" James stood up too, smirking at him. "Having a few drinks together, or what I plan to do with you once we get to my apartment—"

"Ugh!" Shuddering, Kendall turned around and stormed towards the door. "We're finished for today, Mr Diamond! Come back tomorrow morning at ten."

"I look forward to it, hot stuff."

"Shut up!" Kendall slapped a hand over his mouth after he said that. Not something a lawyer should say to their client . . .

"Aww, look at you. All cute and proper. I'm liking you more by the minute." Stepping up next to him and giving his red cheek another pinch, James winked at him before turning to leave the room. "I'll see you tomorrow, Kendall Knight. Try not to get too flustered around me. Though I can't say I blame you."

As James left, it took Kendall about three minutes to compose himself and leave the room too. He went straight back to his office, shutting the door firmly after him and slumping down in his chair.

What the heck just happened?!

He needed more coffee. Like, now.

"You can't be serious! You still don't have a date for prom?!"

Kendall shook his head at Jo's horrified expression. "No, I don't. Why would I? Nobody's asked me and you know how I am when it comes to making the first move . . ." He sighed, closing his locker. "It's okay. I just won't go."

"But you have to go! It's senior prom!"

"But what's the point?! You'll be hanging around with your date, I'll just be on my own doing nothing. It's pointless." Kendall shrugged. "No big deal."

Jo looked completely distraught. "We'll, what if I can find you a date before the prom, will you go then?"

"Today's Friday, it's on tomorrow night."

"I'll figure something out, I will! Wait here!" Then Jo ran off, tripping slightly in her heels. Kendall sighed and leaned back against the lockers. He glanced at his watch and hoped Jo wouldn't take too long; he wanted to get home as soon as he could. He had four new episodes of Glee to watch and then he needed to make dinner for his mom and sister.

Then Jo ran back over to him, dragging another senior, Dak Zevon, behind her. They were in the same art class and seemed to be good friends. But Dak wasn't around much, since he was always busy with some sports team or another. "Hey, Kendall!" Jo grinned. "I got you a date?"

Kendall raised his eyebrows, glancing up at Dak. "What happened to Jennifer?"

"No, not me!" Dak chuckled. "I've still got her, trust me."

"It's his friend Jett Stetson," Jo added excitedly. "You know, he plays on the football team?"

"I know of him. Don't think I've ever met the guy, or seen him without his helmet on . . ."

"You probably have, you just didn't notice," Dak teased. "Daydreamer. Anyway, a couple of people asked him but he turned them down and he's been so busy he hasn't even been thinking about prom until today, and then he realised he had no date. So, you two can go together!"

"But I don't even know him!"

"So? He's great! I bet you'll get along." Jo shrugged. "Anyway, Dak already texted him your address, so . . ."

Kendall sighed. "Ok fine. I guess I have no option, do I?"

"No you do not. Now smile! It's prom, it's gonna be amazing!"

She was completely right. But at that moment, Kendall was thinking the exact opposite.

There'll be quite a bit of past kett in this, because I think it's important to the story...plus I love kett and had a few ideas XD review? Pwease?