This chapter is almost as long as the last one! 8079! YAY! Hehe, enjoy this kames fluff and randomness . . .
When James woke up, the first thing he felt was the sensation of a warm, naked body in his arms. He himself felt so warm and comfortable that if he was a cat, he'd be purring loudly. It took him a few moments to wake up properly and realise who he was holding. Kendall. He'd met Kendall at a strip club and they'd ended up spending the night together. There'd been fireworks, and music . . . Jesus, it really did make him think of cheesy romance novels. Not that he was complaining.
At some point during the night after Kendall had fallen asleep, James had got up to shut the curtains. Now the room was cast in a warm shade, light cut off from the room but still warmly bright. They were spooning, Kendall's back nestled into James's chest, James's leg thrown over his. All James could see was masses of smooth pale skin as he watched Kendall breathing softly.
Then Kendall stirred slightly, and James felt the hand he had draped over Kendall's waist intertwine with the blonde's. He smiled to himself, kissing Kendall's cheek and temple. "Morning," he whispered, snuggling closer to him, if that was possible.
Kendall shifted, head turning to look at James as his eyes fluttered open. "Morning," he replied softly, smiling sleepily. He kissed James on the lips slowly and softly.
"Tired?" James asked, stroking the supple skin of Kendall's hip.
Kendall rolled over to face him, sighing. "A little." He looped an arm around James's shoulder, kissing his Adam's apple. "You really wore me out."
James took note of the teasing tone, chuckling. "Well, I have to say, making love to you was a great enjoyment of mine."
Kendall's eyes seemed slightly wider, his hand moving from James's shoulder to his cheek, cupping it and kissing him. James could feel all the passion in the kiss, and when Kendall pulled back, his cheeks were pink and his eyes were full of emotion. "What was that for?" James asked.
Kendall was still blushing, biting his lip. "I . . . you called it making love. Nobody's ever done that before."
"Never?"
"Nope. Just fucking."
"Oh." James grinned, feeling like he'd finally accomplished something. "Well, then, it was my pleasure. Literally, but we won't get into that." He pressed a kiss to Kendall's forehead as he got up onto his knees. "Imma go to the bathroom; don't go anywhere."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
James got up, picking his boxers up off the floor and putting them on. He stood up and went to open the curtains. As light flooded into the room, Kendall moaned and turned to bury his face in the pillow. James chuckled. "Sorry, baby. You're not a morning person?"
"Well, I am, in a way." Kendall sat up, the sheets still covering his lower body. "That was just very bright. Kind of painful." He moved to get out of the bed, his back to James. "I should probably put something on too."
"Well, you don't have to . . ."
"But I'm going to," Kendall said with a wink. "Good try though."
James turned to walk into the bathroom. "Good luck finding that underwear of yours," he added over his shoulder. "You'd need a microscope to see it."
"Oh, you're so funny, Jamie," Kendall replied, rolling his eyes. "Now go pee before I cut your dick off."
When James came back, Kendall was sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard. He was wearing those tiny shorts from the night before and was humming as he buttoned up his shirt. James walked over and knelt down next to him. "Isn't that my shirt?" James asked, smirking as he fiddled with the hem of the pale blue shirt, sliding his hands underneath it.
"Uh huh. I know mine's around here somewhere, but . . ." Kendall just shrugged. The sleeves were slightly long on him but he didn't seem to care. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Nah." James smiled, draping an arm around Kendall's waist and lying down, pulling the blonde on top of him. "You should wear my shirts more often. I like it."
"Mmm, well, it is really comfortable." Kendall ran a hand through James's hair, pushing it off his forehead. "Hmm, you look sexy with your hair pushed back."
James grinned, hands running up and down Kendall's clothed back. "Thanks. I like you in those stockings of yours."
"Oh, you do?" Kendall grinned, sitting up and picking his bag up off the floor, sticking a hand inside it. James sat up too, kneeling behind Kendall with his hands on his hips, kissing the side of his neck. Kendall was smiling to himself as he pulled out one of the stockings, tossing it on the bed and reaching in for the other one. "Ok, it's in here somewhere . . ."
James could hear a lot of clattering inside the bag and couldn't help feeling a little intrigued. "What do you keep in there?"
"Various items," Kendall replied vaguely, pulling out a pack of aspirins and setting it on the bed. "It's probably at the very bottom . . ."
Then Kendall tipped the bag upside down and poured the contents out onto the bed. "Aha!" He picked up the other stocking, smiling triumphantly, before beginning to repack his bag.
James helped him, though more than once his curiosity got the better of him. "So, this is one of those beanies you mentioned before?" James picked up the grey beanie and dumped it on Kendall's head. Kendall batted his hands away, before fixing the hat until it rested on the back of his head and his bangs hung down from underneath it.
James picked up a little black notebook from the pile of possessions. "What's this? A journal, or a bank book or something?"
"Wow, you are so nosy," Kendall teased. "And you say people didn't see you as a cop." He finished packing everything up, except for the notebook which James still held in his hand. "It's a book of songs, actually," Kendall added, dumping the bag back on the floor.
"Can I look?"
"If you want."
James opened up the book, flicking through the pages of Kendall's small, messy writing. He read a line or two of some, a few verses in others. It all sounded a little melancholy, but sort of bright as well. It was strange, but he liked it. He opened a page in the middle of the book and a folded sheet of paper fell onto the bed. James gave the song a glance. Memories and Melodies. There were chords and notes scribbled all over the margins of the page. When James hesitantly picked up the other sheet and unfolded it, he saw the exact same lyrics again, but the writing was different. It was bigger, the letters were rounder. James looked up at Kendall. "This song. Did you write it?"
He had no idea why he was so curious. He glanced at the lyrics—Everything will be just fine, this time—and wondered.
"Yes and no," Kendall replied softly.
When James just gave him a puzzled look, he sighed and went on. "When—when my dad died, there was this thing, in his will about how he'd left an envelope in a box under his bed, and that it was for me. That was inside it." Kendall pointed to the sheet James was holding. "It didn't have any chords or even a melody, so I just sort of made it up the way I thought he might've done it." Kendall shrugged feebly. "It was kind of like a letter, I guess. He was the one who taught me music and wrote songs with me."
James stared at the sheet of paper. He thought of a little twelve-year-old Kendall finding a song his dead dad had written for him and had to squeeze his eyes shut to ensure no tears fell. It was so sweet, and so sad. He looked at Kendall, who gave him a small smile. James didn't really know what to say to him. The silence stretched out uncomfortably.
James needed to figure out a way to lighten the mood. He picked his phone up and quickly dialled his boss's number. "Hey, Gustavo," he said, putting on a weak voice. "It's James."
"Hello, dog! I was about to ring and ask WHY YOU AREN'T AT WORK!"
Kendall had obviously heard the yelling on the other end, because his eyes were wide and he looked confused.
"Sorry, I just woke up. I've got this really bad stomach bug, see. Sorry. I'm gonna take it easy, and hopefully I'll be back tomorrow."
"Whatever, dog." James could swear he heard Gustavo's voice soften. "Get better soon."
"Will do. Thanks, bye." James hung up, tossing the phone away.
"What was that?" Kendall asked, eyebrows raised as he stretched his newly stocking-clothed legs out, crossing them and resting them on James's lap.
"Me taking a paid sick day," James replied with a grin. "I've got better places to be."
Kendall was blushing, but he smiled sweetly. "You're so thoughtful," he said, scooting a little closer to James, lifting his leg at the same time and hooking it around James's shoulder, reeling him in. "I should totally reward you for that thoughtfulness."
Trying to pretend he wasn't totally turned on by this, James smiled back and said, "Oh yeah? What've you got in mind?"
Kendall lowered his leg to around James's waist, leaning in and kissing him lightly. James kissed him back eagerly, tongue slipping in through a little gap between Kendall's lips. Kendall's tongue darted around his, his mouth opening a little wider as he ran the palm of his hand along James's bare back. James could hear Kendall's other hand fumbling over the little nightstand next to him. Kendall pulled back slightly, opening his eyes and holding up a brochure. "Well, why don't I buy you breakfast?" Kendall offered with a wink.
James chuckled. This wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind and Kendall knew that. Still, he was really hungry . . . "Alright, blondie," James said, kissing Kendall's chin. "I buy the room, you buy food."
Kendall giggled, giving James an Eskimo kiss before opening the brochure. "Wow, this place has five stars. You're so classy, Jamie."
James smirked. "I try." He took a look at the menu. "Oh my God, they have banana pancakes!"
Kendall grinned at James's enthusiasm. "You're so cute. So . . . that's banana pancakes for you, and blueberries for me."
When James nodded eagerly, Kendall untangled himself from him and got up. "Make the call, babe? I'll be right back."
"Sure." James picked the phone up, glancing at the room service number. "Do you want coffee, Kendall?" he called to the closed bathroom door.
"Sure!"
James made the call, eyes remaining on the bathroom door the whole time. When the door opened again, he couldn't help smiling when he saw Kendall leaning against the doorframe, arms folded, smirking. He walked over to James ever so slowly, hips naturally swaying with each step. He knelt down in front of him, kissing James on the ear and cheek. James felt soft lips and warm breath on his cheek and noticed his voice went slightly higher as he said into the phone, "Yeah, 523. Thanks." He hung up, shivering slightly as Kendall pulled back, giggling. "You're such a slut," James murmured, smiling at nothing as he put the phone back on the hook.
"Maybe," Kendall said with a shrug. "But I'm your slut."
"True. And I'm definitely not complaining."
"I kind of am," Kendall said, giggling. "I still hurt from last night."
"Oh." James felt his face turn red. "Sorry."
"Stop being so embarrassed," Kendall said with a laugh, nuzzling James's neck lightly. He picked up the song book, opening it and reading through the first page. "I haven't even opened this in ages."
James smiled fondly at him. "Well, you should start writing again. You're good at it."
"Do you ever write songs?"
"I've written a few. They're all in a folder at home with this little plastic lock on it. Faye can be really nosy."
"Well, at least you're alike in some ways."
James rolled his eyes, then sighed. "I'm sorry, about the way her and Summer acted."
"It's no big deal," Kendall replied. "They're probably just . . ."
"Rude?"
"No! Just . . . I don't know. Cautious?"
"Ok, that'll do." James heard a knock on the door and got up off the bed. "Is that the food already?"
"Only one way to find out."
James grabbed his white wife beater he'd been wearing under his shirt and put it on as he walked towards the door. "I forgot I even wore this yesterday."
"Well, you got naked so quickly, I'm not really surprised . . ."
James was blushing again as he turned around to see Kendall stretched across the bed, lying on his stomach flicking through the little notebook, feet in the air, ankles crossed. He smiled to himself; what with those tiny shorts, the shirt, the stockings and the beanie, the image was both hot and adorable at the same time. He turned back and opened the room door. A waiter with dark hair and a large nose was there with a cart. "Room service," he said with a grin and a wave.
"Hey," James greeted with a smile, stepping aside to let him walk in. James knew the guy as Andy; he'd spoken to him maybe twice. He was a nice enough guy. Friendly.
Andy looked past him over at where Kendall was sitting. The blonde gave him a friendly smile, and Andy grinned back, wheeling the cart in, picking covered plates up and setting everything up on the table. "Hi," he said to Kendall, cheeks red. "I'm Andy."
"I'm Kendall," Kendall replied, dimpling.
"So, how've you been, James?" Andy was asking in a bright voice. James just shrugged and said "Good," but couldn't help feeling a little bewildered. Andy didn't know him that well, yet he was acting like they were best friends. Then James realised it was to do with the brief glance the other guy gave the bed every five seconds.
"I saw your dad at my last gig," Andy was saying, all smiles.
". . . Gig?" James was confused.
"Yeah. You know, my band." Andy glanced at Kendall as he said it. "We've got talent scouts coming to the next show."
"So, you're in a band?" Kendall asked, looking intrigued. "What do you play?"
"Guitar, and I sing too," Andy said in a less than modest voice. "Though it's kind of hard to fit it into my tight schedule, what with football and everything."
"Football, huh?" James said sceptically. So, not only was he in a band, he played football too? Where had all this even come from?
"Yeah, I play quarterback."
James couldn't help rolling his eyes. When he looked at Kendall, he saw the blonde eyeing him with both puzzlement and amusement. Kendall moved his hand slightly and the little book slipped onto the floor, Kendall sighing and reaching down to get it. As he stretched forward, the shirt rode up and James could totally see the top of his thong. He bit his lip, trying to keep his breathing level normal. He then noticed Andy had seen too, because he'd stiffened slightly and was now saying in a slightly rushed voice, "We've won every game of the season so far. Maybe you could come see one, though? It's a lot of fun."
Kendall had straightened up again by now, shirt back in place. "Maybe. I'm not really a big football person, though." The way he shrugged, and said it so idly—Jesus, he had no idea.
"Oh, well, that's too bad." Andy smiled at him sweetly. "I bet you could get to like it. Y'know, you're—"
"Ok!" James said loudly. "Thing is, Andy, we've gotta get going soon, so we're gonna eat now." James grabbed a fifty off the bed and threw it at Andy, fuming. "Here's your tip! Bye bye, now!"
Even then Andy took his time leaving, eyes staying on Kendall as he started wheeling his cart towards the door. James held the door open for him, all smiles, and then slammed it shut with an aggravated grunt. He could swear he felt steam coming out of his ears.
He turned around to see Kendall still lying in the same place, reading through the little notebook. He must've felt eyes on him, so he looked up at where James was standing. "What's up with you?"
"What do you mean?" James asked, walking back over to him.
"Why were you so rude to him?" Kendall asked, getting up on his knees. "Kicking him out and all."
"You mean you don't know?"
"Don't know what?"
"He was totally making moves on you!" James said furiously, throwing his hands in the air in frustration.
"What? No he wasn't!" Kendall argued, swinging his long legs out from under him and getting up off the bed. "He was just being friendly!"
James actually laughed. "Kendall, are you being deliberately irritating? Why do you think he was going on about his band and football and all that crap?"
"I dunno, making conversation?"
James really couldn't understand how Kendall looked so puzzled and innocent. "He was trying to impress you! Plus, he kept staring at your ass."
"Oh." Kendall looked slightly deflated, for whatever reason. "But how could you tell that he wasn't just making small talk? I thought he was. Or am I just clueless?"
James sat on one of the armchairs at the small table, shrugging. "Well, I think it's mostly the look he gave you. The look I see a lot of guys give you." Not that he was jealous, or bitter. Nope. Dating a hot prostitute had its pros and cons, and that was that. Nothing to be jealous or bitter about!
"What kind of look?" Kendall persisted, sitting down too and picking up one of the plates.
"Well, they look at you, like . . . like you're a tasty piece of meat, or some sort of drug, or . . . I dunno, some kind of curvy candy bar!"
Kendall burst out laughing, dimple showing in his cheek. "Wow, all that in just one look?" His eyes narrowed mischievously. "You know, you're adorable when you're jealous."
James sighed. "Thanks." There was no point in denying it; he was furiously jealous. Why did Kendall have to be so god damn attractive? "I don't even think it's just how you look," James was saying. "You're nice to them a lot of the time. And it's like, I dunno, you seem so sure of yourself, and they dig that. It's like . . . sexual confidence?"
"Is that even a real thing?" Kendall was giggling, finger playing with a lock of blonde hair.
"Well, it is now."
"Hmm." Kendall lifted the cover off the plate he was holding. "This is yours," he said, handing it over. "So, does it really bother you? I mean, it's only one or two guys. I see girls looking at you a lot."
"Really?" James was distracted from his pancakes, something he was pretty sure had never happened before in his life.
"Uh huh." Kendall was stirring cream into his coffee as he balanced his plate on his lap. "A lot of them. It's kind of annoying, really."
"Oh." James shook his head in bewilderment. "But it's like that with you too. Like, you just walk past them and they start staring, then they start drooling, and then they start fantasising . . ."
"Ok, I get it . . ."
"You've just got this habit of making every guy question their sexuality. Like my friend Benny, from the strip club, he was looking at you and was all like 'Imma change my sexual orientation'—"
"James! I get it!"
James stopped ranting to look at Kendall. "Huh?"
Kendall sighed. "I get what you're saying. I'm sorry, but I don't do it on purpose, so I don't really see how I can do anything about it. And I get jealous too, so you're not alone there."
"I know, I know. I'm sorry."
"Stop apologising! And, just so we're clear, when you're dating someone it's not a good idea to let them know you're jealous of total strangers . . ."
"Oh yeah . . ."
"But I can make an exception, I think. You're too cute to be mad at. You're just lucky I've got a uniquely tolerant personality."
"Yep, you're unique in lots of ways."
"Now you're acting like Andy!"
"What? But you didn't even catch on to his lame act!"
"Well, you're making it really obvious . . ."
"Oh, shut up."
"Make me."
"I will . . . once I finish my pancakes."
Kendall laughed, taking a bite of his own breakfast. "Go ahead, then. I'll be waiting."
James finished his food off in record time, drinking his coffee as he watched Kendall across the table. Kendall was eating his breakfast slowly, taking tiny bites. After about twenty minutes, James realised Kendall was deliberately pulling out every second he could just to torture him.
Kendall was sitting sideways in his armchair as he finished off his drink, legs draped over the arm of the chair. He's totally doing that just to turn me on . . . Jesus, those stockings, why are they so hot? Ugh, he's licking his lips now . . . nope! He's sucking the teaspoon . . . "I can't take this anymore."
James didn't understand why Kendall was laughing until he said, "Jamie, you do realise you said that out loud, right?"
James facepalmed. "Oh, I don't care! It's your fault. Do you enjoy being such a tease all the time? Seriously?"
"Yeah, I do, actually. It entertains me." Kendall put the coffee cup back on the table, stretching. The shirt rode up again and James had to look away.
James leaped to his feet, walking over to where Kendall was sitting. He bent down in front of the chair, leaning in closer to Kendall. "You know, all that teasing is gonna get you in a lot of trouble some day."
"Oh, it already has. Several times."
James ran his hand down one side of Kendall's body, in the little dip of his waist and out over the curve of his hip. James had meant what he said before; Kendall was definitely a little curvier than most guys. It was hot. "Not surprised. Guys don't like all the torture."
"I know that. You'd be surprised how well I can use it to my advantage, though."
James slid a hand around Kendall's waist, and the other under the back of his knees and picked him up off the armchair. "Hmm. Well, actually I think I can picture it. Flies. Honey."
Kendall giggled as James lay him down on the bed before climbing on top of him. "And how well does it work on you?"
James moved to press his body against Kendall's, that beanie scratching against his neck a little. Not that he minded. "Way too well." He leaned down and kissed Kendall, feeling the blonde's mouth immediately open underneath his. Kendall's tongue flicked against his, his breath coming in hot gasps against James's mouth. James was totally ready to take him again. He wound an arm around Kendall's waist and flipped them both over as they continued to kiss each other fervently. He quite liked the idea of Kendall riding him; the thought clouded his senses almost immediately as he felt Kendall's hand under his wife beater, fingernails scraping against his stomach gently. God, he couldn't wait for hot morning sex, that turned him on so much—
Then Kendall's phone rang. He sighed against James's lips and managed to reach down to where his bag was and pick it up. James didn't stop kissing him until he brought the phone right up to his mouth. He answered it, eyes still locked with James's. "Hello?"
Suddenly his eyes widened and he leaped off James like he'd been burned. "Hi, Sean," he said, frightened eyes still stuck on James, who immediately got the message and sat still and silent. "Yeah, I'm fine . . . No, he gave me nothing, the asshole. I got a little from work though babe . . . Yeah, sorry, one of the guys bought a room, he left but I just ended up asleep, you know what I'm like . . . yeah, I know. Ok, bye." He hung up and dropped the phone as if it was going to explode.
"What did he say?" James asked, moving towards Kendall, who backed away, looking absolutely petrified.
"He wants me to come home. Now."
"Well, tell him no."
"I can't!"
"You mean you won't." James's eyes narrowed. "I don't know why you keep going back to him. He doesn't care about you; you're just a money-maker to him."
"That's not true!" Kendall protested, tears filling his eyes. "You don't know him!"
"I don't need to! I've seen what he does—"
"You're just jealous of him!" Kendall cried, before clapping a hand to his mouth, tears spilling down his cheeks. "Oh Jamie, I'm so sorry . . ."
James couldn't help sighing. "It's fine." He walked towards Kendall, wrapping an arm around him. Kendall's face was buried in his shoulder, his body trembling.
"You're not busy later, right? We can go out."
"And do what?"
"Whatever you want. Just let me go back to him now, James, please."
James didn't want Kendall to be upset anymore, so he nodded and said, "Ok. Though you probably shouldn't go home dressed like that."
Kendall pulled back. "Yeah, you're right." He reached for his jeans, pulling them on over his shorts, then started unbuttoning James's shirt. Once he had it off, he handed it to James and put on his own shirt. He pulled his shoes on, grabbed his jacket and picked up his bag, stuffing his phone inside it. He pulled out some cash and put it on the table. "That's for the breakfast. And don't bother paying for it yourself. I'll know if you do, and I'll be annoyed."
James chuckled in an attempt to lighten the mood. "Is that a threat or a promise?"
Kendall laughed, pulling James into a gentle kiss. "I'll text you if I can get out," he said when he pulled back. "I'll tell him I'm visiting my uncle Nick; that usually works."
"Oh yeah? How does Nick feel about being used as a constant alibi?"
James could swear he saw Kendall's eyes flicker away for a second. "Well, he doesn't need to know about it, does he?" He kissed James one more time. "Later, Jamie."
When he was gone, James lay down on the bed with a long sigh. Kendall was so complicated. Ugh . . .
Kendall drove home as fast as he could, praying that Sean wouldn't suspect anything. He found he couldn't breathe as he got out of the car and walked towards the door, taking his key out and unlocking it. As soon as he was inside, Sean was there. "Kendall."
"Hi." Kendall tried to make his expression blank.
"Where were you?"
He knows! Kendall's head screamed, but he kept his expression vacant. He wasn't going to give anything away if he could help it.
"I already told you. I slept in the hotel room. I was tired, give me a break."
Sean was just as good with the poker face as Kendall was. "Ok. I guess that's alright, then."
"Ok, good. Glad we've cleared that up." Kendall turned to leave the house again, when Sean grabbed hold of his arm to keep him there.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"I'm going over to Nick's place."
"No you're not."
"Yes, I am." Kendall shook his arm free. "I can go out if I want to. You don't own me, Sean."
Sean chuckled darkly, hand moving up towards Kendall's shoulder, fingers grazing over his collarbone, where the tattoo was. "But I do own you, Kendall. You've got marks to prove it." He was gripping Kendall's shoulder hard enough to leave bruises. Suddenly Kendall was really frightened. Still, what was new? "Go out and see your uncle, Kendall. But just remember that you're mine."
Kendall stared at Sean for one more second, then turned and hurried out the door, shutting it behind him. He pulled out his phone and called James. "Hello? Yeah, I got out."
"Great! So, you wanna meet up? That club from last night, maybe?"
Kendall sniffled, wiping away a tear that had strayed down his cheek. Why did he have to cry over everything? He wasn't a teenage girl! "Yeah, ok. I'm on my way now."
"Ok. Um, Kendall?"
"Yeah?"
"I just want you to know . . . I'm sorry about earlier. I don't mind, y'know, all these complications. Really, I don't."
Kendall smiled at nothing. "Thanks, Jamie."
"I've got another housewarming gift," Logan called, walking through the apartment door.
"Another one?" Carlos sat up from his place reading a police report. "We've been living here for almost two months now."
"It's from my uncle in Dallas. He likes any excuse to buy people presents." Logan set the wrapped box on the table, before walking towards the door again. "I'm going out again, Carli, I'll be back soon."
"Where are you going?" Carlos asked, looking up from his report.
"Just meeting some old friends, no big deal. I'll be back in an hour or two." Then he left.
You just got here, Carlos wanted to yell after him. He sighed, shutting the report and resting his head on the table.
Carlos didn't know what had happened. He thought that he and Logan had been great together. They'd gone out plenty of times, and had fun nights at home two. But recently he'd started coming home for about half an hour, an hour tops, then he'd be gone again. It bothered Carlos so much; he could think of a million reasons for Logan to do this, and he didn't like any of them. There was of course, the chance that all his random excuses were genuine, but this was seriously unlikely.
This was the reason that Carlos sat at that table with a book for the three hours it took before Logan came back. "Hi," the brunette said with a smile as he walked into the apartment, shutting the door after him.
Carlos just got to his feet, expression grim. Logan's smile faltered. "What's wrong?"
"Are you cheating on me?"
"What?" Logan looked horrified. "No, of course not! Why would you even think that?"
"I don't know," Carlos replied with a frustrated sigh. "You're just always gone in the evenings, and I feel like you're just not interested anymore . . ."
"Oh. No, Carlos, I . . . I'm sorry, I didn't want to tell you because, I dunno, I was embarrassed . . ."
"What is it?"
"I'm trying to get a job."
"Oh." Carlos frowned, puzzled. "Why is that embarrassing?"
"Because I can't get one anywhere! I'm going to school during the day, so I need a job I can fit around that. But nobody will take me on! They look at what I used to do and totally reject me. It's horrible."
Carlos was still confused. "And why do you need a job so badly?"
Logan rubbed the back of his neck, looking awkward. "I just don't want you paying for everything. I feel bad about it."
"Ohh." Carlos shook his head in bemusement. "You don't need to worry about that. I love my job, and if I need to do extra hours, I will. I don't mind you not working, because you will be soon enough, and I'm ok to work extra hard until you do." He smiled. "It's your dream, and I'm gonna support you and lend a hand when I can."
Logan grinned, kissing Carlos lightly and winding an arm around his neck. "You're so sweet. I should've just told you."
"Yeah, you should've. It's ok, though."
Then Logan said it. "I love you."
Carlos caught his breath, staring Logan in the eyes. Finally. "I love you too."
When Kendall woke up in the morning, James wasn't in bed with him. However, he could hear the shower running in the bathroom, so he didn't worry. This was their third time meeting like this, and this hotel was a lot cheaper than the last. However, its location had been convenient at the time, so they'd just gone with it.
Kendall turned to see the bathroom door open, and James came out, wearing his boxers, combing his hair with one hand and trying his upper body with the other. "Morning, Kenny. Sleep well?"
"Uh huh. You?"
"Yeah." James picked up his jeans and started to pull them on. "Thing is, babe, I'm working on an important case at work so I'm gonna have to go in today."
Kendall waved him off, smiling. "Go work, Jamie. I'm fine; I won't stay here much longer anyway."
"Ok." James put his shirt on, before kissing Kendall gently and reaching down to get his shoes. "I'll call you."
"Ok. Bye, Jamie."
Kendall lay there for a few minutes after James had gone, then he suddenly heard a loud knock on the door. He sat up and got out of bed, reaching for his boxers and putting them on. He heard another knock, louder and harder this time. "Relax, I'm coming!" he called to the door, getting up and walking over. He opened it up, and stopped, eyes wide with horror.
Oh no, this can't be happening to me . . .
Sean stormed into the room, slamming the door shut and effectively blocking the way out. "Hi, Kendall," he said in a venomous voice.
Kendall was so scared he just started stuttering. "S-Sean, I—"
Sean slapped Kendall across the face, knocking him onto the floor. Kendall raised a hand to his stinging cheek, momentarily stunned. Sean was on top of him in an instant, punching him again in the same spot, before grabbing him by the arms in an iron grip and shaking him violently. Kendall felt his head hit the floor multiple times, and was too dizzy to even scream for help. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to . . .
"Sean!" he sobbed, quietly because he was afraid to make too much noise. "Stop it . . ."
"Why the hell should I?" Sean hissed, getting off Kendall, but keeping him pinned there. "You're a dirty little cheat!"
"I'm sorry, Sean, I'm sorry . . ."
"Sorry isn't good enough, you little bitch!"
"You're the only guy I want, Sean, you know that!" Kendall didn't even know if he was saying this to save himself, or if he meant it. What happened to us? he wanted to ask. Why don't you love me anymore?
"Then why are you sleeping with another guy?" Sean demanded, yanking Kendall to his feet by the hair.
"It was just one time, I swear!"
Sean glared at him, breathing like an angry bear. Kendall knew he didn't believe him. Then he gave a nasty grin. "Alright. I suppose I might be able to forgive you, for being deliberately unfaithful to me . . ."
"Sean, please . . ."
"You have to choose. Me or him."
"But—"
"Shut up and get dressed. I'll be waiting in the parking lot." The look in Sean's eyes said Don't do anything stupid.
Kendall just sat on the bed for a few moments after he'd gone, a few tears sliding down his cheeks. Then he stood up and reached for his jeans, putting them on. He finished getting dressed, gathered up his stuff and left the room.
"Ok, so you need to run this through Trace, and after that can you look through these DNA samples and call me when you get the results?"
Rachael nodded, taking the samples from James. "I'll have to queue them up, though. I've got Kelly's arson case as a priority."
"Thanks. Hey, when I get back from lunch I'll take over for you."
"That's sweet, thanks. I'll get back to work now."
"Ok. Later, Rache." James walked down the hallway to where Carlos was standing by the vending machine. "Hey, Carlos, coming out for lunch?"
"Logan packed one for me," Carlos said with a bashful grin on his face. "You could just stay here, buddy. Sara made a pie, it's in the refrigerator."
"Pie? Oh well, why not?" James went and opened the refrigerator, taking the pie out, along with a can of root beer. He sat at the table with his slice tossed onto a plastic plate. "So, you and Logan are really serious now, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess." Carlos still had that stupid grin on his face. "It's really awesome, living with him. You and Kendall should totally try it." There was something about the way he was looking at James as he said it. I know your secret.
James sighed, catching on. "Who told you?"
"Summer."
"WHAT? Her again? Here I was, thinking I could confide in her—"
"Sorry, man. It's cool, though. I think it's sweet that you're making all this effort for him."
"Thanks. I dunno, it's weird, but I just think he's worth it. I don't wanna lose him."
"That's nice," Carlos replied with a grin, opening his paper bag and taking his sandwich out.
James didn't mind hearing stories about Carlos and Logan as they ate. He was almost finished when he got a text on his phone. He opened it up and saw it was from Kendall. Hey, can I see u? I need to say something.
James mentally shrugged and sent back, Alright.
Then his phone beeped again. I'm downstairs.
James was slightly surprised, but got up. "I'll be back in a few minutes, Carlitos. Don't let anyone eat my pie."
James walked through the office and downstairs into the lobby. He saw Kendall sitting in one of the chairs, his back to the stairs where James was standing. There was something about the way he was sitting; the way his arms were folded tightly around his chest, like he was trying to hide away. James remembered that from some other time, but it was fuzzy. So he walked over to where Kendall was sitting. "Hey."
Kendall jumped out of his skin, turning around with wide eyes. "Oh. Hi." He got to his feet, walking over and meeting James halfway.
"What happened to you?" James asked, eyeing the large bruise on Kendall's cheek.
"Oh, nothing," Kendall replied, laughing. "I just walked straight into a lamppost. You know me; clumsy like that."
James nodded, thinking all the while there was nothing clumsy about Kendall. Not the way he walked, or the way he danced, or the way he—
"I wanna end this," Kendall said bluntly, arms folded.
"What?" James stared at Kendall in horror. This was not what he'd expected at all. "Why? I thought . . . I thought everything was fine, I mean . . ."
"Well, you clearly thought wrong, didn't you?" Kendall shrugged, a faint smirk on his face. "You know, you're not as good as I expected. Maybe that's what put me off so much."
"What? Kendall . . ."
"We're done, James," Kendall said again, eyes narrowed, a sneer on his lips. "I can't believe you took this whole thing seriously. Jesus, it's not like we were gonna elope or something."
"Kendall—"
"I love Sean, James. I'm not leaving him just 'cause of you. I don't even like you that much. You and your stupid cops sticking your noses into our business—"
"Kendall, if he's making you say—"
"Nobody's making me say anything, you asshole!" Kendall almost yelled. "Just get over the fact that you got played. You were a joke, a fling, an experiment. That's it. So stop acting like there's some deep dark meaning behind this, because there isn't."
James wasn't stupid; he could see the bruises on Kendall body, and the tears in his eyes. Sean had probably threatened him, blackmailed him, or even physically forced him into it. But as Kendall said goodbye and started walking away, it didn't hurt any less. Somehow the fact that abuse had driven Kendall into acting like everything they had meant nothing to him was harder than thinking he did it of his own free will. Because James couldn't say anything to anyone. He had to stay quiet, for Kendall's sake.
Maybe Faye had been right after all.
Kendall had never seen Sean so smug in his life. He seemed to take every opportunity to subtly remind him that he was Sean's, and not James's. It hurt so much, but at the same time it was almost a relief. He didn't have to lie to anyone anymore. Except maybe when he told Sean he loved him, but he wasn't even sure if that was a lie or not. He wished like crazy he could figure it out.
"So, this Friday night," Lance was saying with a grin. "Everyone's gonna be there. Might even find some new bitches to replace those other two. What was it . . . Matt and the other one?"
"Yeah, yeah. Some replacements would be good," Sean was nodding. "I guess I could come along."
Lance was still grinning enthusiastically, eyes suddenly drifting behind Sean to where Kendall was standing. "And maybe you can bring someone along?"
"Yeah, cool. Kendall will come." Sean turned to look at Kendall, looking both friendly and threatening at the same time. "Won't you?"
Kendall shrugged, faking a smile. "Yeah, why not?"
"Ok, cool." Lance was still watching him and Sean seemed to notice, because he was stepping a little closer to Kendall, gently pushing him towards the door.
"We're gonna get going, Lance. See you Friday."
Sean pushed Kendall out the door of The Crypt, before taking Kendall by the hand and pulling him along the street, towards the parking lot where the car was. "What are you doing that for?" Kendall asked, looking at their intertwined fingers. Sean had never held his hand before. It confused him.
"Everyone is gonna see that you're mine," Sean said with a grin, pulling Kendall closer to him. "No one's gonna want to try and steal you."
Kendall just sniffled mournfully, leaning closer to him. How was it that Sean would almost scare him to death one second, then be the one he turned to for comfort the next? It had never made any sense at all to him. Still, no escaping now. Any thoughts of leaving Sean once the thirty months were over had vanished from Kendall's mind. Maybe he was just meant to stay with Sean forever.
James was walking back to his car after a suckish day at work when he saw a familiar blonde face in the parking lot. Naturally, they were heading towards him to go to their car. A tall, dark-haired man was holding Kendall's hand, leading him through the parking lot. James immediately knew who it was, then realised with a sickening lurch that he was leading Kendall this way deliberately, to mock him. As if to say Haha James, you lose. Well, maybe he could say something too.
"Hey," he said as they passed, keeping direct eye contact with Sean.
Kendall didn't say a word, but Sean smiled. Then he turned to Kendall, leaning a little closer to him. "Go wait in the car," he said quietly, giving the keys to Kendall who practically scurried away.
Sean turned to James, smirking. "You got something to say?"
James shrugged. "Well, you won, I guess."
"Yeah, I did."
"Quit bragging, prick. Being abusive is hardly an achievement."
"Oh, just face it, pretty boy," Sean sneered. "You can make your excuses but when it comes down to it, he'll always choose me over you. You've lost. You're wasting your time here."
James sighed. "Well, maybe you're right. Goodbye."
He turned to go, but Sean clearly wanted to bother him further, as he said, "Glad I'm the one banging him, are you? You're easy for a cop."
James stopped, his temper rising. "No."
"What?"
James turned and walked back to Sean. He was so tempted to punch him. But he would remain rational. For now. "No, I hate it." Sean's smirk had disappeared; he was now watching James with raised eyebrows, looking puzzled. "Listen, you asshole. You'd better treat him like a king. It's what he deserves for every fucking thing he's ever done for you. You're lucky to have him. I swear to God you should've been giving him flowers like every day. His favourites are sunflowers, but I bet you didn't know that, did you?" Once James started, he didn't want to stop. "He's given everything to you and all you ever do is hurt him. I don't know who the hell you think you are. Yeah, alright, maybe he chose you, but I haven't a clue why he would. You don't deserve him, and honestly, maybe I don't either. But you have him, so just take care of him. Got it?"
Without waiting for an answer James turned and walked to his car, getting in. He watched Kendall sitting in the passenger seat of Sean's car. Kendall was staring at him, a broken expression on his face. James could see a few tears that he hurriedly wiped away when Sean got in the car. James watched as Sean leaned across and kissed him, arm moving down his back. Kendall was kissing him back, and James truthfully wondered what was real and what wasn't. But one thing was for sure. He was James Diamond and never gave up. Ever.
Step one of sneak attack; let your enemy think you've backed down. Check.
James pulled out his cell phone, flicking through his contacts. Step two; strike how and when they least expect it.
He waited in anticipation as he heard the first three rings. Then he heard, "Hello?"
"Logan, it's James. I need your help."
Well, there you go. I can't help feeling I moved the plot along too quickly. sorry :( Thought I'd give you a weeny bit of Cargan in the middle. Does that make up for it! REVIEW! And go check out my new Kames/Cargan oneshot collection!
