This chapter isn't great, in my opinion. But the story is gonna get better!

Kendall Myers was almost sixteen; only three months left to wait. He loved black coffee. He had a little sister. He wanted to play for Minnesota Wild, but he knew that was unrealistic, so his other major career goal was to be a social worker. If there were kids that needed help, he wanted to be there. He didn't say why. He wanted to get a tattoo; one that symbolized freedom. James didn't ask him why he wanted to show his freedom. He didn't think he'd get a real answer, because Kendall wasn't ready to tell him.

James Diamond turned sixteen a month ago. He loved iced coffee with as much sugar as possible. He had an older sister who was away at college. He loved ice hockey too, but he wanted to be a star in movies, music, or pretty much anything else. He just wanted to be famous. Kendall didn't ask him why his dream was for everybody to know who he was. He didn't think he'd get a real answer, because James wasn't ready to tell him.

They were sitting in that coffee shop James had bravely suggested they go to, with coffee and a plate of cookies in front of them, chatting about anything and everything, like they'd known each other forever. They sat there for two hours, though it felt like two minutes for both of them. Because of how much they'd enjoyed each other's company. Or just company in general.

When they both decided they should get going, James was afraid to ask. Would he seem too forward, too eager? He asked anyway. At first Kendall just stared at him blankly for a second, his eyes slightly wider than before. Then he nodded with that adorable smile. And they swapped phone numbers.

It was when they had both started walking home that they realised they were both heading the same way. So they talked some more, both of them saying things they never thought they'd ever tell anyone. Kendall stopped first, saying goodbye as he walked to the front porch and through the front door, shutting it behind him. James stood there and watched for another second, before walking the rest of the way home.


James noticed Kendall again the next day at school. He came in drinking a takeaway coffee. There was no hiding the bruises darkening the pale skin of his cheek. There was both hate and fear in his eyes, and although there as a faint pout on his lips, there was also traces of a snarl. And James noticed. Whenever anyone walked to close to him, there was just a tiny flinch, and the fear in his eyes took over the hate just a little. James watched. And he noticed.

He ate lunch with a small Latino boy and two girls, one blonde, one brunette. They were all so different from each other, and James noticed. The blonde was chatting to the brunette girl at a rapid pace, and she was listening with wide innocent eyes. The Latino talked to Kendall at a rapid pace. He just sat quietly and listened without touching his food, and James noticed.

He shoved his books in his locker and just stood there for a minute. He wasn't eager to go home, and James noticed. He walked to his own locker, watching the blonde carefully. He wanted to start a conversation, but didn't know what to say. Luckily Kendall fixed that problem for him. "Have you stayed away from stairs?"

James grinned to himself. "I'm doing my best. What about you?"

"I've been trying, but tomorrow I've got an English test and it's on the second floor." He smirked up at James. "I'm very afraid."

James laughed at this. "Too bad for you, I've got an English test tomorrow, but it's on the ground floor."

"Well, aren't you lucky?" Kendall slammed his locker shut, resting his back against it. "You got Miss Lynch?"

"No."

"You're even luckier." He chuckled. "She hates my guts."

"Nah," James sniggered. "She probably thinks you're cute!" I know I do.

"Shut up," Kendall rolled his eyes at him. "I gotta get going." He walked off and left the school. James watched for another second, starting to find his breathing troubles a little irritating. Then he left too.

An hour later, James was wandering pretty aimlessly around town. He didn't want to go home; not yet. After a second he pulled out his cell phone. Did he dare? He could say he had nothing to lose, but now he had everything to lose. Still he typed a quick text and pressed send.

Hey, u wana do somethin 2moro after skul?

He waited apprehensively for about a minute.

Wat kind of somethin?

Anythin. Just thought u mite be free.

I'm free. C u 2moro.

James grinned to himself, finally deciding to brave the prison that was his home. He walked down the street and to the front door, unlocking it and walling in. Erica was watching TV in the living room. James didn't acknowledge her, because he didn't want to. It was that simple.


Kendall Myers hated discrimination. His favourite band was The Script. Although he responded to a little flirting, he wouldn't let James wrap an arm around his shoulder, because he felt cornered, like a trapped animal. James knew this, and he didn't mind.

James Diamond hated discrimination too, and stereotypes. His favourite band was Lifehouse. He flirted a little and Kendall responded, but that was as far as he wanted to go for now. He hoped more would come with time.

First: did anyone spot the Grease reference in here? Bonus points if you did! Please review!