A/N—Happy weekend. Not much to say here except I hope you enjoy this and thank you for reading. :)


For all of Kendall's words about how it was best to stay away, the actual practice of that was torture. James and Noah were on his mind for most of his shift, and when he sat down to a lukewarm burger and fries that he'd grabbed on the way home, he desperately wished it was James' cooking in front of him. Still he resisted the urge to contact James, wanting to give them time to get closer.

He'd made it through the material missed in his previous evening's classes by the time he heard from James via text.

"You still at work?"

"No, I've been home for hours. How's it going?"

"The same. He looked through my cookbooks but didn't pick anything. Everything I suggested got a shrug. He still won't talk to me. I can't stand this."

"Is he awake now?"

"Watching a movie. You were right, he's into the Hobbit stuff. He's glued to the TV."

"Where are you?"

"Kitchen. Cleaning up. Drinking my third glass of wine because my nerves are shot."

"Babe, you have to calm down. One step at a time, okay? Did he like what you cooked?"

"He ate it all. And when I offered, went for seconds. That's a good sign, right?"

"It is. Just remember that meal as one he likes. Maybe start a list."

"That's a good idea. I'll start a list of everything he likes. Can you come over? I'm putting him to bed when this movie is over. I need to decompress."

God, Kendall wanted to. He'd spent two years seeing James for mere seconds each day and it had been enough; suddenly after one night together, he needed so much more. "Not yet."

"When? I miss you so much."

"I miss you, too. But not yet."

"I need you."

Kendall groaned, not sure what tone that text had been sent with but his mind heard it as if James was whispering in his ear. He closed his eyes, remembering the feel of James on his lap in a dark room.

Noah's room. That's Noah's room now.

The realization cleared Kendall's head. He licked his lips and texted back. "I need you, too. I promise when the time is right, I'll be there."

"But when will that be?"

"We'll know. Did you talk to him about the zoo?"

"It doesn't do me any good to ask him about things, he won't answer. I decided to just surprise him because I can read his reactions better than his words."

"See, you're learning him already! So I'll see you both in the morning?"

"If you won't come over tonight, then I guess so."

"Babe, I'm sorry. I miss you, too."

"Then come over! He won't know you're here!"

"I can't take that chance, not yet. Trust me, okay?"

"You're fucking aggravating. If I didn't believe that you know what's best, I'd be so pissed at you right now."

Kendall rubbed a hand over his face, finally giving in to the need to hear James' voice. He was surprised that it took James as long as it did to answer, wondering if he really was pissed. But when James picked up, the tone was soft and affectionate. "Hey."

"You okay?"

"I went into my room so we could talk. I'm sorry I'm being a dick, I just...I've never felt more like a failure than I do right now. Nothing I do or say works. And I know if you were here, it would be different. He likes you."

"I told you, that's because I'm an outsider. I'm not a threat."

"Why am I? I'm his fucking father, Kendall. I shouldn't be something to fear."

"You have all the power right now. He's scared of what you might do with it."

"I just want to love him!"

"I know, babe, and in time he'll understand that."

James' stuttered breathing was the only reply.

"I promise."

"I miss you."

They were back to that again, and the sincerity behind the words both warmed Kendall's heart and ripped it out at the same time. "I miss you, too. I promise that when the time is right, we can be together. It's just not time yet."

"You keep saying that, but—hang on."

Kendall waited, using the time to close his textbook and put away the notebook and pen he'd been using; he wouldn't be able to study anymore tonight. He could hear James talking in a gentle voice, smiling as he pictured his...could he call James his boyfriend?...in dad mode. "Of course, you don't have to ask, Noah. This is your home, you can do whatever you need to do, okay? Do you need help? Okay. Call me if you do, I'm right here." The tone changed. "Kendall?"

"Right here."

"He just asked if he can use the bathroom. He was terrified to even ask me that. My kid is afraid to use the bathroom in his own home." James was close to a breakdown.

"Babe...hey. You did good, you made sure he knows it's his home and he's free to do what he wants."

"Okay but what kind of kid can't even go to the bathroom without being scared? He was fine with it yesterday at the office, ran in and was all...normal. It's me, I'm the problem."

"It's the new place and the new life that's the problem. You're just part of all the uncertainty."

"Oh my god, he's gonna need a bath at some point. Kendall, I don't even know how to bathe my kid!"

"James. Listen to me. Are you listening?" Quiet sobs came through. "James."

"I can't do this. I'm taking him back tomorrow."

"You're not. You're going to take him to the zoo and watch him get excited over the animals. Don't you want to see that?"

"He won't, he'll just stare at the ground and not care."

"You know that kid is in there. You saw it. He's in there, James. You just have to find him. And as far as a bath, ask if he needs help. He'll probably say no, but do what you just did. Tell him you're here if he does. Did you get Carlos' number?"

There was a grudging, "Yeah" that showed James didn't think it mattered.

"Call him. He'll tell you how to give the kid a bath."

"I shouldn't have to ask. Carlos isn't even a dad and he knows more than me about how to do it!"

"Because he's a brother. You're not, are you?"

James sniffed. "No."

"Well, at some point you'll meet Katie and then you'll be glad you're not."

The promise had the effect on James he'd hoped it would; it shocked James out of his terror. "Really? You want me to meet her?"

"I want you to meet my mom, too."

"Yeah? So you're giving us a chance?"

"I don't think I could walk away at this point. Not after last night."

"Thank you," James breathed, and for a few seconds he was at peace. "I promise I'll be the best boyfriend you ever had."

"I don't doubt that. We're gonna be okay, James. And so is Noah."

"Jesus, just fucking move in with me already."

Kendall couldn't fight a grin. "One step at a time, babe. Did Noah come out of the bathroom?"

"Yeah. He's back to watching the movie. The kid knows how to work my electronics better than I do."

"Smart kid, but we knew that. Listen, I need some sleep. Are you gonna be okay?"

"I don't know. I'm better now that I know you're not gonna disappear. Is Katie really that bad?"

"No," Kendall laughed. "She's the best. You're gonna love her, James. And she's gonna love Noah. Oh my god, my mother is going to want to babysit all the time."

"I really love the sound of that. It makes me feel less alone when you talk about our future together."

"You're not alone. I promise. Noah will grow to love you. Don't give up on him, James. Don't give up on yourself."

"Okay. Okay, you're right. I can do this."

"Forget the dishes. Go watch the movie with him. Even if he doesn't talk, be there. The more moments you share, the more you have in common."

James inhaled before letting out a long breath. "See you in the morning?"

"Absolutely. Goodnight, babe."

"Night. I'll be thinking of you when I'm in bed. Naked. Lost in more fantasies of you."

"You know what's great about that? We know they'll come true now. They're not just dreams anymore."

"I can't wait to see you again."

"Tomorrow. Sweet dreams."

"I love you. I don't care if it's too soon to say it. It's true."

And there James went in that blunt way of his, just saying what he was thinking. That didn't surprise Kendall, but his own reaction did as there was no hesitation. "I love you, too. Goodnight."


Friday mornings tended to drag a bit more than the rest at Black Forest; Kendall had decided it was due to the fact that there was no one to keep him entertained, as Carlos' usual days off were Friday and Saturday. The only good thing about them was that customers seemed in better spirits than most other days of the week, probably because the weekend was at hand.

Today there was something else to look forward to, and when Kendall spied James leading Noah into the place he smiled. His heart did that same flipflop thing that it always did upon his first glance at James of the day. James' gaze searched for him, hazel eyes warming when they found their target. It was a second before Kendall realized that Noah was doing the same thing—looking for him. When the same shade of hazel eyes reached him, Kendall winked. And then a miracle happened.

Noah smiled.

It wasn't much of a smile, really—nothing more than a slight lifting of the corners of his mouth. It was still a smile, though, and Kendall's heart flipped over again. Until this moment Noah had been James' son, and that still hadn't changed. What had was the acceptance that James wasn't going anywhere, that they were going to build a life together, and that that life would include Noah. Which meant that Noah was more than just "James' kid." He'd suddenly become a fixture in Kendall's future, the way James had.

Rather than scare him, the idea was...soothing. Yet also exciting. He remembered James' comment about sitting down to plan Noah's future.

"And as much as I want to get used to that look, I can't get my hopes up that this is gonna last and that ten years from now we'll be sitting at that table discussing Noah's plans for college or to join the military or to...to..."

James hadn't finished the thought because Kendall had kissed him. The memory of the moments that had followed the kiss warmed him now in a way that was reassuring. That future could be his, if he wanted it.

One more glance at James gently nudging his son closer to the counter was enough. Kendall did want it, so badly he couldn't stand the distance anymore.

"Corey, you got this? I'm taking over register for a second."

"Whatever."

"And don't touch the order for James when it comes through."

"Trust me, I'm not ever serving that guy again."

Kendall grinned, moving across the counter to whisper to Gina. "I got the next customer."

"Somehow I'm not surprised."

He moved in to finish up the current order she was taking, then smiled at the beautiful faces who stepped up next. Before James could say a word, he launched into his ridiculous old man accent.

"Well well well, if it isn't my old friend from the war! Welcome back, young lad! You'll be wantin' some of that hot chocolate on this fine mornin', I reckon?"

James' eyes grew round as he stared back in shock. Kendall ignored that, keeping his focus on Noah, who nodded but then leaned closer and lifted up onto his toes to see properly over the counter. Kendall bent down.

"You forgot the old man costume again!" Noah whispered.

"I...what?" Kendall stepped back, then looked down at himself before slapping a hand to his forehead. "I thought I grabbed it this time." He leaned in again and whispered back in his own voice, "Well, with old age the mind fails. Thanks for telling me, I probably looked like an idiot again. Guess I'll just have to play it cool." He cleared his throat and stood up straight, then looked politely across the counter at James and used his regular voice. "Hello, sir. What can I get for you today?"

After blinking a few times and looking back and forth from Noah to Kendall, James gave his order, then added, "And my son will have a medium hot cocoa."

"I already got that. We're old friends." He winked at Noah again, who started to giggle before cutting it off and looking up at James in fear. Kendall's heart broke for James, because he knew how much that fear killed his...yeah. Boyfriend. Definitely boyfriend.

"I had no idea," James smiled. "I guess it's time we met, then. Hi. I'm James."

Kendall nodded and reached across the counter to shake James' hand, glad it was bare this time so they could caress a bit before letting go. Even that simple touch set Kendall on fire. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure's all mine."

Fuck, if James didn't stop talking like that Kendall was going to lose it right here behind the counter. How was the man so seductive doing nothing more than greeting someone for the first time? Or...pretend first time, Kendall supposed.

"Will you two be dining in today?"

"Uh...that's up to Noah. We do have an adventure planned, but if he doesn't mind finishing up his cocoa here, I don't. Noah?"

Noah licked his lips nervously, torn. It was obvious he wanted to stay, but was also afraid to express any sort of opinion on the matter.

"We serve breakfast, if you're hungry," Kendall offered. "Unless your dad already cooked for you?"

Noah nodded, Kendall insanely jealous that he'd missed out on that meal. Between the beauty of James humming around his kitchen and the delectable food, he knew what he was missing.

James spoke up. "Noah, why don't we grab a table and enjoy our drinks before we get going for the day? Is that okay with you?"

Noah nodded again, this time without hesitation. Kendall smiled and added three brownies onto the order. He'd pay James back for those later, and most likely without money. After he gave the total, James took care of that and then led Noah by the shoulder to what had become his favorite table.

Once Gina had taken over the register again, Kendall sent a text to James. "Go along with me on this. By the way, you look really hot in that coat. I've been thinking that for two years."

James caught his eye after reading the message, his brow quirking up over a smirk. Kendall's phone soon buzzed with a reply.

"I look better out of it. But you know that. And now we're even because I'm picturing you naked, too."

Kendall bit his lip. The teasing was definitely something he could get used to, as long as he knew that eventually it would be more. "Go with me on this and I'll be naked in your bed by next week."

"Not good enough. I want you there tonight."

"Baby steps, beautiful. Let me make your drinks now."

"You think I'm beautiful?"

"Understatement."

James smiled over at him, his face lighting up. Kendall's did the same.

After some quick thinking, he put his plan into action. All it took was a pass between the tables when Noah was looking down and James' back was to him for Kendall to slip a small bottle of orange juice in the pocket of James' jacket, which was now hanging on the back of his chair. He returned to his place behind the counter and put together both drinks, then grabbed three brownies from the glass display case before informing Corey that he was taking his break.

Noah looked up when Kendall approached the table bearing two cups and a small bag. "Here you are, gentlemen. One latte, one hot cocoa, and your brownies."

James frowned. "I didn't order any brownies."

"Surely you're mistaken? Or was it you that ordered them, my young friend?"

Noah's eyes widened before he shook his head adamantly as if afraid he'd get in trouble.

"Well, that means I messed up." Kendall squatted down so that he was leaning on the table with his arms crossed. "Don't tell my boss, okay? I really love this job and I need it, so please keep this between us. I can trust you with a secret, right?" he said to Noah, who immediately nodded. "Thought so. I guess you guys get to fight over the extra brownie. Have a great day!" He swung his knee to the right just hard enough to nudge James', hoping James would get the hint, then stood up.

"Wait. Why don't you take the extra brownie? You can join us here."

Bless you, James. "Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Noah, would you mind if he joins us?"

Again, the answer was immediate, if silent. A shake of blond hair decided the matter.

"Well, it is time for my break. But only if you guys are sure."

"Sit," James commanded. "We insist."

After tipping a wink to Noah, Kendall took a seat between them. "Thanks, guys. I'm starving. No one cooked me breakfast today."

James almost rolled his eyes at the subtle hint. "That's probably your own fault." He reached into the bag and pulled out one brownie, setting it on a napkin near Noah's cup, then did the same for Kendall. "You're gonna need something to drink."

"Oh, you're right." Kendall suddenly snapped his fingers, startling them both. "Uh...James, was it? Can you please pass me the orange juice that's in your pocket?"

James stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. "There is absolutely no orange juice in my pocket."

"Sorry, I wasn't clear. Your jacket pocket."

"Kendall, there's nothing in there, either."

"Yes, there is."

"No, I think I would know if—"

"Noah, would you be so kind? Thank you," he added when Noah hopped off the chair to bend down and reach into James' jacket. His face was lit up with a smile when he stood to set the bottle on the table. As if it was completely natural, Kendall reached over to pick it up and unscrew the cap. "Nothing like some O.J. with breakfast. Would you like some, Noah?"

"No thanks."

About to demand an explanation from Kendall, James' focus shifted when more than one word left Noah's mouth. He blinked at his son, then slowly his face swiveled back to Kendall, who was taking a swig from the bottle. "How did you do that?"

Kendall primly wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Do what?"

"You know what. That orange juice was not there when I sat down."

"It's a secret," Kendall grinned. He snuck in another wink at Noah before biting into his brownie. "These are okay, but my brownies are way better. I have a really old recipe, if you know what I mean."

Noah got the point and giggled again, this time not stopping it right away. James looked over in awe.

"Will you two be in tomorrow morning?" Kendall asked. "I was thinking I might bake some brownies tonight. I could bring in a few for you, let you decide if mine are better."

James swallowed hard, lashes fluttering rapidly as he couldn't seem to stop blinking. "Or you could come to our place and we could all bake them together." His voice was shaky. "Tonight?"

"Oh, I'd love to but I have plans tonight that can't be changed." Kendall leaned in as if imparting a huge secret. "The forces of evil are always at work, you know."

James obviously had no idea what that was about, but seemed to recall that Kendall had school and nodded. "Perhaps...tomorrow? Sometime after work?"

Kendall hesitated, still not sure going into their home was a good idea just yet. He couldn't say no to the pleading in James' gaze, though. Again, he settled on, "I wouldn't want to intrude."

"I'll cook you dinner," James promised. "We could watch a movie after, or play a game, or...anything. Whatever you two want. I'll cook anything."

Sensing James' desperation, Kendall reached for his thigh under the table and squeezed in reassurance. "Only if it's okay with Noah. I wouldn't want to make him uncomfortable."

"You can come," floated over from Kendall's left, the invitation somehow sounding excited and hesitant at the same time.

Both heads swung toward Noah, who looked down as if worried he'd spoken out of turn.

"Are you sure?" Kendall wondered, wanting to be certain this was something Noah truly wanted and didn't feel pressured into. When Noah nodded, Kendall smiled. "Okay, then. I guess we're baking brownies tomorrow. But eat this one so we can compare."

Noah dug into the one Kendall had brought over. Kendall mouthed "Bathroom. Go." to James, who nodded and stood up. "I'll be right back. Kendall, will you stay with Noah?"

"Of course. We've got a few things to discuss anyway. Memories of the war to relive, eh Noah?" Kendall nudged Noah, who giggled through a bite of brownie.

"I love you," James mouthed silently. Kendall pursed his lips into a kiss.

He waited until they were alone to ask Noah, "Hey, are you sure it's okay if I come over?"

"Yeah. You said you would protect me."

"And I will. That's why I want to be there. I'll make sure you're okay."

Noah nodded. "Where's Carlos?"

"He isn't working today. Or tomorrow. But he'll be here Sunday, if you guys stop in."

"Will you?"

"Not Sunday. Every other day I'm here."

Noah thought that over. "But Carlos is here Sunday?"

"For sure."

"Okay. He cooked tacos last night."

For a second Kendall was confused, thinking Noah meant Carlos. Then he realized Noah had changed the subject. "Were they good?"

"Really good. I can tell him to cook that for you if you want."

Kendall smirked. "Is that what you want for dinner tomorrow? More tacos?" When Noah looked as if he'd been caught, Kendall laughed and ruffled his hair. "Tacos it is. Oh, he's coming back now. Shh! Remember, he can't know my secret!"

One look at James told Kendall he'd been crying; the need to hold him was almost impossible to resist. "Try the brownie," he coaxed.

James acquiesced before sipping at his latte. "Did I miss anything?"

"Not really. But I think I want tacos for dinner tomorrow night."

The chewing of James' second bite came to a halt. "So you are staying for dinner?"

"I am. And I hear you make fantastic tacos, so that's what I want."

James' mouth moved silently before he said, "Deal. Do you uh...would Spanish rice be good with that?"

Kendall glanced at Noah, who nodded slightly. "Yes, I think that would be perfect."

"Anything else you demand?"

This time when Kendall looked over, there was a brief shake of Noah's head. "That should be fine. Tacos, rice, and brownies. Sounds like a darn good day." At a pointed look from Gina, Kendall sighed. "I have to get back to work. But James, thank you for the invitation to dinner, and it was a pleasure to meet you. Noah? Have fun today. And make your dad take some pictures so you guys can show me tomorrow, okay?"

Noah smiled, looking forward to that even though he had no idea what was in store for him on his adventure.

"I'll see you guys in the morning."

James grabbed his arm before he could get away, using another handshake as an excuse to touch Kendall. "Thank you. For the brownies."

"Thanks for not reporting me to my boss."

"Like I'd do anything to put my chances of seeing you in jeopardy." Kendall lifted a brow as if to warn him that was a bit much to say in front of Noah, so James added, "I mean, you're the only one who makes my coffee the way I like it."

"Glad I can do that for you." The pull to kiss James was so strong that he had to walk away, taking the trash with him. "Enjoy your adventure!" he called back.

Five minutes later a hiss came from the the hallway leading to the restrooms. "Kendall!"

Gina heard it and smirked over at Kendall from the register. "Your boyfriend's calling you."

Kendall grinned and walked across the space, slowing as he passed behind Gina to say, "He actually is my boyfriend now."

She gasped. "Get it, Knight!"

When Kendall reached the opposite end of the counter, he leaned over it to peek around at James, who was standing in the hallway. "Where's Noah?"

"Bathroom. There's so much I want to say to you and I don't have time for all of it so let me start with I love you."

Kendall's heart melted. "Are you okay? I know you were crying."

"It was happy crying. That's the first time I've ever heard him laugh. Did he really say that about my tacos?"

"He loved them, James. Hinted to me that he wanted them again. Keep doing what you're doing, babe, I promise it's working."

"Why can't he tell me that?"

"Because he's still scared. But he's warming up."

"I saw you ruffle his hair. You fucking ruffled his hair and he laughed. Kendall...you make my son laugh. Please move in with us."

"Let's just get through dinner and brownies, okay? And call me tonight, tell me about the zoo!" While he could, Kendall bent closer to peck a kiss to James' lips.

"What was that stupid accent? And the war shit? And how in the hell did you do that with the orange juice?"

Kendall shrugged. "Magic."

"Kendall, seriously. How?"

Noting Noah approaching, he whispered, "Maybe one day I'll share my secrets with you, too."