I'd like to thank winterschild11, annabellex2, RavenclawWitch18, and cicibunbuns for taking the extra time to review. Hope you like this quick update.

Chapter 34: The Midnight Jam

Jared yawned as he fell down onto the couch. He had just gotten back from another studio session. The guys were pretty much done with their vocals for the album. Jared was taking a real hands on approach with the second album. He was working with Kendall to get it done.

The guys were getting ready for their show with Vivid Insanity. They had all left the studio before Jared. Jared had hung around to help Kendall with their album. Jared had started to push hard on getting their second album done. The guys had tentatively set a release date for July.

"Jared, you're back," Noah said falling on to couch next to him.

"Yeah," Jared said.

"How's the music coming along? Have you become a mix master yet?" Noah asked playfully.

"Not yet, where's Ro?" Jared asked looking around for the blonde.

"I dunno, he said he had something to take care of and left," Noah said.

"Is everything ok with him?" Jared asked turning to face Noah fully.

Jared was starting to get worried about Roldy. Over the last couple of weeks Roldy had become more withdrawn. Jared wasn't sure what was wrong with Roldy.

"I don't know," Noah said hanging his head. "He doesn't tell me anything anymore."

"I'm sure he's fine, we're just over reacting," Jared said. He scooted closer to Noah and placed an arm around the brunette.

"We had a fight," Noah sighed hanging his head.

"About what?" Jared asked quickly.

"He was tired and I asked him to watch a movie with him. I guess I got annoying. And he snapped and we fought," Noah admitted. "Then the thing with you and Kyle happened and we had differing ideas. A small fight turned big."

"Noah, what happened was between me and Kyle," Jared started.

"I know that, but I still think you should try and talk to him," Noah said.

"Look, what's done it done. What else could he be mad at. I'm sure he's over that by now," Jared said.

"I think so too, but I can't think of anything else," Noah sighed.

"I'm sure we are reading too much into this. Maybe it's just his time of the month," Jared replied. Noah laughed and covered his mouth. "Now I need some help making a decision," he said quickly changing the subject.

"With what?" Noah asked curiously.

"I am thinking of dying my hair," Jared said. "My roots are really starting to come through and I wanna know what you think I should do next," he said.

"I was thinking go out of the box, maybe something extreme," Noah said quickly.

"I like where this is heading," Jared said.

"Come on let's go," Noah said jumping up. He pulled Jared to his feet and started for the door. He reached for the handle and it opened before he reached it. Roldy entered the apartment. He looked to the other two shocked.

"Oh hey guys," Roldy said he walked past the two. "Heading out?" He asked.

"Yeah, what have you been up to all day," Noah asked.

"Nothing much, Jer can I talk to you before you go?" Roldy asked.

"Sure," Jared said. He dug the car keys from his pocket and tossed them to Noah. "I'll be down in a minute," he said. Noah took the keys and left.

"So-" Roldy started.

"Alright, are you gonna tell me what's up?" Jared asked. "Noah's starting to notice and I swear to god if you hurt him I will have to kick your ass," he said.

"Can you keep a secret?" Roldy asked quickly.

-We Are-

Kendall sighed as he looked over some paper work. It wasn't the most glamorous part of his job, but it had to be done. There was a knock at the door. Kendall looked up and saw Penelope standing there.

"What's up Pen?" Kendall asked.

"I've been thinking about it, and I want to meet her," Penelope said.

"Ok," Kendall said nodding his head.

"I would like you to be there," Penelope said.

"Sure, it's the least I can do for you," Kendall said.

The last two weeks hadn't been easy for Penelope. They had kept the secret close to the family. The Mitchell's knew but they kept their mouth shut. The press had no idea just yet. The hard part had been Penelope internalizing over meeting Jo. She had decided to and then changed her mind several times. She had never asked Kendall to come with her though

"I'm serious this time, I want to do this and I'll feel more at ease if you're there," Penelope explained.

"I'll be there Pen," Kendall assured the young blonde.

"Ok, good, do you think you could call her and set up a meeting then?" Penelope asked in a small voice.

"Yep, all you have to do is show up," Kendall replied. Penelope nodded her head and let out a small sigh of relief.

"Is it odd that I am mad at her and not you?" Penelope asked.

"No, you knew me before you found out and you know I had no idea that you were my daughter. She knew and she gave you up, of course there is some resentment there," Kendall replied knowingly.

"Ok, thanks for the psychoanalysis," Penelope replied.

"Anything for you Pen," Kendall replied.

-We Are-

Kyle was sitting at his desk, with his guitar in hand. He was still on house arrest for almost getting arrested. Kendall and James were over reacting just a little bit. It didn't matter though, he had more time to mess around on his guitar.

Kyle hummed and started playing his guitar.

"I don't remember what we might have said, and I didn't bother to write it down any how. Now all of the memories spun like a web, and I can't get out," he sang. Kyle grabbed his pen and started to scribble down something.

"Hard at work?"

Kyle jumped and turned to see Roldy standing in his door way. He was shocked. He quickly set his guitar aside.

"What are you doing here Ro?" Kyle asked.

"I've come to tell you that you're an idiot," Roldy said walking into the room.

"I've been told," Kyle replied.

"What did Taylor say to piss you off?" Roldy asked.

"What's going on with Jared and Gavin?" Kyle asked quickly.

"What? I don't know," Roldy said slowly. He walked over to Kyle and leaned against his desk. "What I do know is Jared is hurting just like you are. He looking for comfort and if you're not careful something might just happen between him and Gavin."

"Would that be such a bad thing? He should be wasting his time with a kid," Kyle said bitterly.

"Is this because he called you a kid?" Roldy asked, "he didn't mean it that way. He was upset and you weren't listening," he said.

"What was there to say Roldy?" Kyle asked annoyed.

"He fucking loves you, he was having a hard time that night, and shit happened. Let him explain," Roldy said.

"I think I missed my chance," Kyle said.

"No, you haven't. Tonight the Palm Woods kids are holding a midnight jam. Jared will be there, it starts at nine and goes until midnight. Come and talk to him," Roldy said.

"I'm grounded," Kyle reminded him.

"When have rules stopped you before?" Roldy asked looking down at the blonde. Kyle shrugged. "Just come Kyle, if you don't he might just turn to someone else and you really will miss your chance," he said.

"I don't know," Kyle said unsure.

"Just think about it," Roldy said as he pushed himself off the desk. "Anyone can preform, whether it's songs they've written or covers," he said as he left.

Kyle sat there staring at the doorway. Should be go? He did want to talk to Jared. He had never really gotten a chance last time. They had been taken to the police station. Plus, Lilly had been with the the entire time. There had not been much time to chat.

-We Are-

James paced back and forth in the Mitchell's living room. Carlos was sitting on the couch watching him. The kids were all out and Logan was working.

James had come over for lunch. They had been talking and Carlos brought up Pebelope. That in turn led to conversation about Jo.

"James, what's wrong?" Carlos asked.

"It's been twenty years and she can some how still sink her claws into him," James said rounding on Carlos. "Why do I let her get to me like this?"

"I don't know James, don't let her have that power over you," Carlos said.

"She had his kid, Carlos," James snapped.

"You have five of his kids," Carlos retorted.

"I had four, he had one," James replied as he fell onto the couch.

"He loves you," Carlos said.

"I've been told," James sighed. "I know he loves me, I just can't help but feel paranoid," he added hanging his head.

"Don't be, he will choose you over her any day," Carlos assured his friend.

"I can't help but wonder what she thinks about all this," James said looking over at the Latino.

"You can't know unless you ask her," Carlos said shrugging.

"She's probably jealous that Penelope is comfortable around Kendall and not her," James replied.

"Yeah, that would be upsetting. I had been so scared that Lucas would want nothing to do with us," Carlos said nodding his head.

"I'm going crazy Los," James groaned.

"It'll be ok, once this all blows over and things return to normal," Carlos said.

"It won't return to normal, there's not going back Carlos," James said.

"You know what I meant," Carlos replied shaking his head.

-We Are-

Jared looked at himself in the mirror then to Noah. Noah had talked him into dying his hair blue. It wasn't bad, it was bright and everything Jared was.

"I think I it looks good and if you don't like it, it washes out in like six weeks anyways," Noah replied.

"It great Noah, go bold or go home right?" Jared asked.

"Exactly," Noah said. The two exited the bathroom. Matt was sitting on the couch talking with Roldy. Their jaws dropped when they saw Jared's new hair style.

"You let him do that to you?" Matt asked.

"Yeah, it's not that bad, you're just jealous cause you can't pull it off," Jared replied.

"Kendall's not gonna be too happy at first, we do have our album cover shoot next week," Roldy told him.

"Yeah, it's no big deal. It's not like I haven't done this before. I've been coloring my hair for years guys," Jared said.

"Yeah, but you've been blonde for ages now," Matt replied.

"It's nice to switch things up once in awhile," Jared shrugged and pulled his phone out. He started taking pictures of himself. The other all shook their head. Noah jumped in and snapped a picture of the two of them.

"Use that one and give me my credit for the idea," Noah said quickly.

"Alright then," Jared chuckled shoving Noah away. Noah just grinned and walked over to the couch and sat down beside Roldy.

"So there's a jam tonight, you guys wanna go?" Matt asked.

"We have our concert tomorrow, we should be resting," Jared said.

"I wanna go, it's fun and we don't preform until tomorrow night Jer, we can sleep in," Noah said quickly.

"I guess," Jared said shrugging.

-We Are-

Jake shivered as he drew his blanket tighter around himself. He just couldn't seem to get warm no matter how hard he tried. His body ached and his head hurt, but it was nothing major.

"Jake?"

Jake lifted his head off the couch as Damien walked into the apartment. He quickly moved over to his husband with a smile.

"Tired?" Damien asked with a chuckle. He grabbed the blanket that's usually stayed on their bed.

"Cold," Jake replied. Damien raised a hand to Jake's forehead.

"You're burning up Jake," Damien gasped.

"Really I fell cold," Jake said shocked.

"How are you feeling besides cold?" Damien asked.

"I've got a headache, and I'm a little achey, but it's not bad," Jake replied.

"Come on, go lay down in bed," Damien said quickly. He helped Jake to his feet.

"I can walk on my own you know," Jake said.

"I know," Damien replied. He walked behind Jake and made sure he laid down. "You hungry, I can make some soup," he said.

"Yeah, maybe after a nap," Jake replied. Damien smiled and nodded his head. He pressed a kiss to Jake's forehead.

-We Are-

Lucas smiled as he walked up to the Palm Woods. A few weeks ago had you told him he would be happily dating someone, he would have laughed. Here he was though, in the beginning of a new relationship.

Lucas walked into the lobby and smiled. He was greeted with a smile as well.

"Artie," Lucas said walking over to him. He still got nervous butterflies in his stomach.

"Hey Lu," Artie greeted. "I was thinking maybe hanging out here tonight. They are having a jam session and it's always fun," he said.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? Will he be here," Lucas asked slowly.

"That's the best part, after that fight he had with Kyle and Lilly, he's gone," Artie replied with a big smile.

"Oh, well then sounds fun," Lucas replied.

"Great, come on then," Artie grabbed Lucas' hand and pulled him out to the pool area.

The sat down at a table together. Lucas took a breath and tried to calm himself down a bit. He liked Artie and just wanted this to be perfect.

"Are you ok?" Artie asked sensing Lucas' unease.

"Just nervous," Lucas replied.

"Why?" Artie asked scooting closer to the brunette.

"Are we dating? Like boyfriends?" Lucas asked.

"I want to be," Artie replied with a smile. "There is so much we have to talk about first," he said standing and holding his hand out to Lucas.

"Like what?" Lucas asked confused.

"Another time, let's just enjoy tonight," Artie said smiling.

"Ok," Lucas said nodding his head. Artie smiled and grabbed his hand. He smiled as that as well. For the first time in his life Lucas felt happy.

"Lucas?"

And just like that his happiness was gone. Lucas snatched his hand back from Artie. He turned as Miles sat down next to him.

"What are you doing here?" Lucas asked.

"Same reason you're here I bet," Miles said.

"Oh I don't think so," Lucas replied.

"Hey Artie, how's it going?" Miles asked turning to the other teen.

"Miles? Lucas?"

"Kill me now," Lucas sighed. He looked up as Lilly approached them.

"Oh hey Artie," Lilly said as she took a seat next to Lucas as well.

"I didn't realize you were related to Miles and Lilly," Artie said looking to Lucas.

"Can't tell that we are twins?" miles asked scooting closer to Lucas with a grin.

"Now I can," Artie chuckled.

"Yep, my baby brothers," Lilly laughed. "Though we've only known for what, a year now?" She asked looking to Miles.

"Sounds about right," Miles said b

Lucas wished that a hole would open and swallow him whole. This wasn't how he planned this night going.

"So what are you two even doing here?" Lucas asked trying not to sound annoyed. He loved them both, but this wasn't what he wanted. He was supposed to be on a date.

"Noah invited me," Miles said quickly.

"Roldy invited me," Lilly said shrugging.

"What about you brother dear?" Miles asked.

"Artie invited me," Lucas replied looking to Artie. He was watching the exchange between the three siblings silently.

"Oh," Lilly said quickly. She jumped up pulling Miles with her. "Let's go," she said to him. She shoved Miles in another direction, and leaned over Lucas's shoulder. "I know you didn't grow up with sibling, but next time you want to date someone I've dated let me know. I'm not mad, because it's Artie and we're cool you get a free pass this time." She whispered.

Lucas looked to Artie as Lilly led Miles away from them. Once they were gone he spoke. "I didn't know you dated Lilly," he said.

"I didn't realize you guys were related," Artie said.

"Most people don't until they see us together or they heard the story of the Mitchell twins," Lucas replied.

"What is your story," Artie asked.

Lucas grabbed his hand and led him into a cabana for more privacy. He told him everything. Well, almost everything, he left out a few details, like Sandra abusing Miles and things like that. He told him his story of being abandoned and found by the Kings. Being raised upstate and having a handicap.

"So, your leg is fake?" Artie asked.

"From mid thigh down," Lucas replied nodding his head. He knocked on his knee to prove it.

"I never would've guessed it," Artie said amazed.

"Most people don't, I've had lots of practice at hiding it," Lucas said.

"Ok you've shared your secret can I share mine," Artie asked.

"Yeah," Lucas said nodding his head.

"I'm transgendered," Artie said lowly.

"That's a secret?" Lucas asked, "I kind of already knew," he said.

"What how? Who told you?" Artie asked his eyes wide in fear.

"Taylor pulled me aside once and asked me if I knew I was dating a girly boy. I told him to screw off and that I didn't care what he thought about you. It's what I thought that mattered. It took me a little while to realize what he meant, but I don't care," Lucas said.

"You don't?" Artie asked.

"No, it's doesn't matter to me. Just be you and I'll be me and that's all we need," Lucas said.

"I didn't even tell Lilly that I'm trans," Artie said.

"Well, I guess that makes me special," Lucas said moving closer to Artie. Artie blushed and nodded his head. Lucas leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. Artie's eyes went wide. He smiled at Lucas.

-We Are-

Kyle slowly made his out to the pool area of the Palm Woods. It was late and he had managed to slip past his dads. It was easy getting past them. They only really had eyes for Jenny lately.

Kyle looked around. Most of the teens were dispersed around the pool. There was a mini stage set up where the musically talented people were up there singing or playing music. He turned his attention to the crowd scanning it, looking for that familiar face.

"I was wondering if you would show."

Kyle turned and saw Miles standing behind him.

"Yeah, well I just...I don't know what I'm doing," Kyle admitted. Miles arched a brow at the blonde.

"He's here you know," Miles said.

"Really, I thought he was too big of a star to be here," Kyle joked.

"Not that big."

Kyle turned to see Matt and Roldy had joined them as well. Kyle looked around but there was no sight of Jared anywhere.

"You came," Roldy said with a small smile.

"I'm not sure why," Kyle said slowly.

"Come on, just relax and listen to the music," Miles said grabbing Kyle's arm.

"Yeah, we're going on soon," Matt said.

Kyle just nodded his head and allowed Miles to pull him away from the other two. Miles started talking a mile a minute. Kyle wasn't listening though. He was scanning the crowd looking for that one face he wanted to see.

"Dude," Miles said smacking his arm. Kyle turned to look at Miles, grinning sheepishly. "He's with the guys," Miles said pointing to the stage.

Kyle watched the guys. They seemed to have everyone's attention. They five right into their music. Jared had a guitar sitting in his lap. Kyle sat there watching the them. Well, watching Jared. He wasn't really shocked to see he now had blue hair. Maybe that was why Kyle couldn't spot him earlier. It did seem like a Jared thing to do. Kyle smiled as he recognized the next song the guys sang. It was the song Jared had written for him. A small smile tugged at his lips, until he saw someone he didn't want to see.

Standing up near the stage was Gavin. Kettle felt his heart sink as he watched Jared look down at him. He knew coming here was a mistake.

"I should go," Kyle said leaning over to Miles.

"Why?" miles asked confused.

"This was a mistake, tell Roldy I missed my chance and to just leave me alone," Kyle said standing up as the song ended.

Kyle started to push his way through the crowd trying to get out of here. He didn't want to be here anymore. This was too painful.

Kyle reached and lobby when a hand grabbed his shoulder. Kyle turned and saw Jared. He was looking at Kyle with a longing look in his eyes

"Where are you going?" Jared asked.

"Home, this was a mistake," Kyle said avoiding his gaze. "I hope he gives you everything you want, and crabs," he said quickly before he took off.

"Kyle wait," Jared called after him.

Kyle didn't stop or look back. Roldy was wrong. Jared may had cared about him at one point, but he had moved on already. Kyle was stupid to think that he would wait for him.

Kyle quickly got into his car and started driving. He needed to get out of here. He needed to forget everything. The pain was too much to handle. He jumped as his phone started ringing. He snatched it and answered it know exactly who it was.

"It's not what you think Kyle. He saw you and was trying to get me to look at you," Jared said quickly. "He was only trying to help. Him and Roldy hatched a scheme to get us back together. I suspect Miles and Lilly were in on it," he said.

"This isn't going to work out Jared, we are going at two different paces," Kyle said.

"I'm willing to slow down for you," Jared said, "just come back and we can talk this out. There is something you need to know."

"Jared would this work between us? I don't want to keep second guessing myself," Kyle said as he approached a red light. He slowed to a stop and waited.

"Yes, Kyle you know I love you. I've told you that constantly and I mean it every time," Jared said.

The light turned green. Kyle stepped on the accelerator.

"Jer-" Kyle said as a light blinded him from the side. He heard a crunch and his phone flew from his hand as pain shot through his whole body. He heard Jared yelling his name, but he couldn't speak. Everything started to blur and Kyle tried to fight it, but the blackness engulfed him.

-We Are-

Jared stood there calling out to Kyle. The line went dead. He turned and ran into Roldy. He did not look happy that Jared had taken off like that.

"What the hell Jared?" Roldy asked.

"Kyle took off," Jared said slowly. "I think somethings wrong."

"What do you mean wrong?" Miles asked walking up to the two.

"We were talking on the phone, there was a weird noise, I don't know what happened," Jared said numbly.

"We have to go find him," Miles said. Jared dug his car keys out.

"Let's go," Jared said.

"You two go, I'll keep Matt and Noah calm. Just call me once you find something out," Roldy said.

"Of course Ro, sorry I ruined your plan," Jared said quickly.

"Don't worry about it, there will be other opportunities," Roldy replied waving Jared off. Jared just waved as he followed Miles out to the parking lot. He tossed his keys to Miles.

"Me?" miles asked.

"I have to call Kendall, and I'm not a good multitasker," Jared said. Miles nodded his head. The two got into the car together.

"How do we know where to look?" Miles asked.

"You know Kyle, he's gotta take the same route home," Jared said.

"Right, he is very hibitual," Miles replied as he pulled out of the parking lot.

So there you go another chapter. Should Noah be worried about his relationship? What is wrong Roldy? What is his secret? Did Kyle miss his chance? Will Jared find him? Lucas is dating Artie! How does Lilly really feel about that? Will James ever stop doubting himself? Will Kyle be ok? The you go. More to come. I hope you all liked the chapter.

Always

OUTOFMYMIND