A/N: Hello everyone! Welcome back to Explosive! :D

Before we get started, I would like to thank everyone that read last chapter. I would also like to give a huge thank you to RainbowDiamonds, winterschild11, Side1ways, Guest, and annabellex2 for reviewing!

I hope you all enjoy!


"Did you go talk to Jett?" James asked, forcing his voice to remain light and casual. He shouldn't care if Kendall had gone to talk to his friend; it had been the right thing to do to clear the air. It had just been impossible for James to think of the conversation without the very slightest waver of concern.

Kendall and Jett had known each other for years. Jett was a great chef, talented and intense, probably the sort of person that Kendall had always imagined he'd end up with.

He definitely couldn't have foretold that he'd end up falling for someone like James.

Even James, who'd secretly been harboring a little crush after spending so many hours watching Pastry by Kendall, couldn't have predicted it. It still felt very new and like the slightest bump could derail it.

Of course, if the last three weeks hadn't stopped it from happening, then he should consider their relationships inevitable.

"I talked to him, yeah. Everything's good," Kendall said, sitting on the bed next to James, resting a hand on his knee casually like it didn't still cause fireworks to explode under James' skin. He was never going to get used to touching so casually; each touch still felt momentous and important.

James told himself that it was in Kendall's nature to share less and his own to be inquisitive. He still couldn't help himself from asking, "Did he admit to it?"

"Not exactly. But I think he'll be okay."

James felt like a terrible person for not caring if Jett would be okay. Of course Kendall did; James still felt too threatened to be so selfless.

"What are we doing for dinner?" James asked brightly, changing the subject. The last thing Kendall needed was to find out that he felt unsure still, especially unsure about Jett. Especially because Kendall himself had given James zero reasons to be concerned.

It wasn't Kendall's fault that James was, and would probably be for some time to come, a neurotic, insecure mess.

"I want to take you somewhere special," Kendall said, his soulful gaze making James' heartbeat skip.

"You know," he giggled a little self-consciously, "I never imagined you were such a romantic."

Kendall smiled. "Oh, yeah, you did. You dreamed about it."

This was so completely accurate that James blushed.

"Does that mean you're going to let me spoil you?" Kendall asked.

"Spoil me how?" James told himself firmly not to be apprehensive because wasn't that what every lonely, miserable boy of twelve that nobody gave two shits about dreamed of? Someone making an effort? Someone trying to impress them even if it wasn't particularly hard?

Why then was it so hard for James to accept?

If James had ever been able to open up to a therapist-and he had tried, but therapists wanted you to talk about yourself and he never could- he was sure they would have been able to tell him why. As it was, James had his suspicions.

"I'm going to take you to the best restaurant in Napa," Kendall said.

James had a sudden, horrified thought that he knew exactly what Kendall meant. "You're taking me to Terroir."

Kendall blushed. "I did say the best restaurant in Napa."

"I'm not sure your ego is going to fit through the doorway," James teased. It was easier to poke fun than to face what Kendall was trying to do.

He couldn't think about it without his hand trembling, so he reached over and gripped Kendall's hand hard.

"You're gonna love it," Kendall promised, eyes soft, like he knew exactly what had James reaching for him like a lifeline.

It would have been so natural for James to just say back, "I love you," because he was pretty damn sure he did. Kendall had hardly made a secret of his own feelings, but they still felt so inexplicable to James.

James kissed him instead, hard and hot, both a promise for later and as a replacement for everything he couldn't say. Yet, he swore to himself, but even James didn't have a clue when he'd be able to.

XxX

If James had imagined that they might be treated any differently because Kendall had worked at Terroir, he was incredibly wrong.

From what he could see, the same excruciatingly perfect service was given to every guest as they checked in at the gracious patio that served as the open-air waiting room. Vines dripping with grapes wrapped around the wood beams, arcing over their heads as they waited for their table to be ready.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" Kendall asked.

If going to wine tastings had been intimidating, it was nothing compared to standing at the entrance to the throne room of American dining. Did he want a glass of wine? James thought he needed one if he was going to make it through without breaking into a sweat or declaring loudly that he wasn't worthy.

"Sure," James said.

Kendall was only at the bar for a second, and of course, he got the best service, because the bartender's eyes lit up when he spotted Kendall. He returned with two flutes of sparkling wine.

"Cheers," he said, tapping James' glass with his own. "To the best weekend I've ever had."

"You mean, the part where we weren't being insulted by your old roommates?" James teased, enjoying the light that heated Kendall's eyes. He knew exactly which parts those were. Making love in the hotel room. Feeding each other bits of fresh bread in the meadow this morning, making out in the grass and not feeling the tiniest bit ashamed if anyone saw.

"I mean the part where I got to meet the relaxed you," Kendall said.

James froze. How could he have forgotten Dak's admonishment as they left?

"Though," Kendall continued thoughtfully, "I really like all the parts of you. Even the part that shoots daggers out of his eyes at me."

"You like that part?" James asked incredulously.

Kendall's gaze took on a conspiratorial glint. "I love that part. It's sexy as hell knowing you want to kick my ass and that you absolutely will if I take a step out of line."

Something unwound in James at Kendall's words. There had been a tiny kernel of doubt that had wondered if he would have to be on his best behavior from now on. If he would have to be the sweet, relaxed James 24/7. Because there was no chance in hell of that happening.

"Don't worry," Kendall said casually, "you know I love you."

James was torn between the eye-dagger-shooting thing or just dumping his champagne all over Kendall's sharp black button-down, but then the designer-clad hostess approached, telling them their table was ready.

Their table wasn't on the patio, which from the reading James had done was considered a prime spot, but it was still near a huge bank of windows that overlooked the valley.

"I couldn't get the patio," Kendall apologized after they sat down. "It was too late of notice. And even I don't have that sort of power."

"I'm impressed you got a table at all," James said. He wasn't disappointed they weren't on the patio. How could he be when he was here at all? The most any of his pseudo-dates had ever done was bring over Chinese or pizza before a hookup.

Kendall had brought him to Terroir. The place he'd once described as the finest restaurant in America. The only Michelin-starred restaurant in California.

"Cna you blame me for trying to impress you?" Kendall said, reaching over and brushing his hand over James' knuckles.

James hid behind the menu, most of which was incomprehensible to him. He didn't know what half the words meant, and he didn't think he could really get away with Googling them on his phone.

"Uh, yes," James said. "I was impressed by you before we even met."

"But then I made a shitty impression," Kendall grinned charmingly, "so I'm just making up for lost time."

"Well, if that's the way you're going to play it, then figure out what I should be trying," James said, smiling back and feeling lighter than he had in a long time. Maybe ever.

This must be what relaxing felt like. Or maybe it was love. It was fabulous either way, and he felt as light as the bubbles in his champagne flute. If anyone, especially Jett, tried to take this away from him, they were going to find out just how hardcore James Diamond could be.

"Yes, sir," Kendall snorted, and James couldn't help it, he burst into laughter.

Suddenly he was very sure it was going to be one of the greatest meals of his life, and that had nothing to do with the food.

XxX

James was really damn sure it wasn't just because of the food when Massimo Bottura showed up at the table between the main course and dessert.

"Kendall Knight," Chef Bottura said, a self-satisfied edge to his voice, like he'd believed that Kendall really couldn't stay away and that belief was now justified.

He was a powerful man, with short dark hair, intensely dark eyes, and a pair of serious biceps bulging under his immaculate black chef's jacket.

James was struck a little dumb. It wasn't his finest moment, but pictures didn't do Massimo Bottura justice. He looked like he could snap his neck just as easily as he could a chicken's. James swallowed hard when Bottura turned his attention to Kendall's dining companion.

Him.

"You're the individual who lured Kendall away from my kitchen with promises he'd be famous," Bottura said, a crease forming between his brows.

James decided he might as well own it; if Bottura killed him in the middle of his restaurant, then at least he'd die a happy man. "Yes, I did."

Kendall blustered across from him, a frown on his face. "That's not exactly true," he said.

James smiled. "Maybe next season when Kendall is on The Cooking Channel, we can invite you to guest star with him."

Bottura clearly didn't like that idea at all.

"Food doesn't need fame," he said. "Was the food up to the standard?" he questioned, directing it to Kendall.

James supposed he should be a little offended, but then Kendall was the professional chef between them. What would James know, besides everything had been delectable and incredible?

"Your lamb was a little overcooked," Kendall said, laughing. James thought that if Bottura killed both of them, Kendall would go out happy too. A month ago, that might not have meant much to James, but it meant everything tonight.

Bottura practically growled. "I forgot, you're a pastry chef." Then he smiled, and it was like the sunrise over the desert. James was surprised at how handsome he was when he wasn't wordlessly threatening people's lives.

"Dessert is still to come," Kendall said with a lot of satisfaction. "Tell Mateo that he'd better send his best."

Bottura gave a sharp nod before turning to James. "Even I have to admit that he's happy. Happier than he ever was when he was here." He said, jerking his head in Kendall's direction. "Thank you for giving him what he needed."

When Bottura left, just as abruptly as he'd arrived, Kendall giggled. It might have more to do with the thrill of love than the wine they'd drunk tonight or even the fantastic food-no matter what Kendall said about the lamb.

"What exactly is it you're giving me that I need?" Kendall asked with a quiet snort, probably thinking James was going to say something dirty and inappropriate. And ninety-nine percent of the time, James probably would have. It wasn't like his wall was coming down; instead, it felt like he was welcoming Kendall inside.

James hoped the truth of it was in his eyes when he replied, "Everything I can."


Later that night, lying in bed with James drowsing against his chest, the TV turned on low, a text came through on his phone.

Leaning over, he must have shifted James too much when he reached over to grab it, because he made a sleepy, annoyed noise.

"Sorry," Kendall said. "It's Katie."

"Katie?" James asked, and Kendall felt like a shitty brother, or maybe just a shitty person. How had he not texted her lately? How had he not told James about Katie?

"Katie is my younger sister," he said. "We're close. Well, we used to be, I mean we still are, she's just in her freshman year of college in Berkeley and we've both been a little busy."

James propped himself up on an elbow, hair mussed, eyes glowing in the dim light of the room. He stopped Kendall's heart, because only in his wildest dreams had he imagined he'd get to see the other man like this.

"Is she okay?" James asked.

Kendall didn't know what had given it away. The late hour, maybe? Or his own worried expression?

The text had said: You're in Napa and no text?

Kendall had felt guilty enough that he hadn't told James about Katie; now he was feeling doubly guilty.

A second text came in before Kendall could even reply to the first. If I keep guilt-tripping you, will you let me meet him? Brunch. Noon.

"Jett," Kendall growled. He was really regretting introducing Katie to Jett. There was always another shoe to drop with him. He'd assumed things were good between them after their conversation today, but then he'd gone and texted Katie and told her all about James.

"What did he do now?" James didn't seem particularly concerned, which was good, because he had nothing to be jealous of.

"He interfered," Kendall said reluctantly. Was he ready for Katie for meet James? Was James ready to meet Katie?

"Isn't that what he's best at?" James muttered.

"My sister wants us to stop by Berkeley so she can meet you tomorrow," Kendall said. "I'm guessing she got a whole series of texts from Jett after he got off work."

James' arm was still across Kendall's bare chest, so he couldn't help but feel him tense.

"Is that okay?" Kendall asked gently. It seemed so unfair that he could have this whole incredible, infuriating, real relationship with his sister, and James had nobody.

"Are you asking if I'm ready to meet your sister or if I'm okay that I don't have a sister?" James questioned.

Kendall flushed. It was a good thing they'd both been lowering their shields, but he hadn't realized he was so easy for James to read.

"It's okay," James continued with a little smile. "Lots of people don't have sisters or brothers, I just happened to be one of them. I'd love to meet her, if you're good with it."

They'd acknowledged to each other and to several others that they were dating now, but it was definitely something more for James to meet his family. Kendall's heart had made the commitment already, there was no going back from that, but now he had to make sure his head was on the same page.

"I'm good with it," he decided. As if there had been any other decision he could make. James would torture him slowly and Katie would help James finish him off.

He was in this now, and the truth was, he wanted to be.

"Then I guess we're going to lunch with your sister," James said. He seemed calm enough. "I'm glad I brought another bow tie."

"Someday," Kendall said, cradling James in his arms, and then suddenly rolling him underneath his body, hovering above him. He let his hips drop, flush and hard, against James'. "I'm going to tie you up with those fucking bow ties."

James' gaze was bright and challenging. Kendall couldn't get enough of it. "I'd love to see you try," he said.

And how was Kendall supposed to ignore a challenge like that?


James didn't think he was nervous-at least not precisely nervous. Apprehensive was probably the better term. It wasn't like he could do research to help him feel more comfortable; Katie was a person, not a location or a task or an activity. Any research he did should be restricted to brunch, conducted by actually talking to her.

He'd never had to go to brunch with a sibling of a boyfriend before. He wasn't sure he'd ever really had a boyfriend before, definitely not in the sense that he and the other guy had actually agreed that's what they were. He'd had half-assed relationships, he guessed, if that was what it meant when you drifted together, spent time together, slept together sometimes, and eventually drifted apart.

But nobody had ever wanted him to meet their family before. And it wasn't like James had any family for them to meet. None of the handful of guys in college had even known he was a foster kid; it definitely wasn't something he'd ever talked about.

But Kendall knew, and he didn't care. It certainly seemed like he was more worried about James' feelings than if Katie approved.

"She's going to love you," Kendall said as they pulled into the restaurant parking lot. His smile was sweet and reassuring.

"I'm not worried about that. People usually like me." James shot Kendall a coolly sardonic look. "You're the only one who didn't, and that turned out okay."

Kendall laughed. "I did too like you."

"You had a very strange way of showing it," James retorted as they got out of the car.

Kendall caught James' arm as they walked towards the entrance. "You should...um...definitely stay quiet about that part of it," he murmured. "Especially to Katie."

James might not have had any blood-related siblings, but he knew exactly how this worked. "So she can't give you any shit about it, right?" He grinned. "I don't think so."

"You're so cruel," Kendall groaned in exaggeration. "I'm not sure this was a good idea."

But then a voice yelled Kendall's name, and James had the luck to see Kendall's face the moment a girl with long, brown hair came into view.

James had already figured out that Katie meant a lot to Kendall, but seeing the joy on his face, then watching them wrap each other up in a tight, prolonged hug, made it crystal clear.

The first thing Katie did when Kendall released her was turn towards James.

"Hello," she said in a friendly, conspiring voice. "You must be James, the sucker Kendall conned into dating him." She extended a hand and James shook it immediately. She turned to her brother. "You didn't tell me how hot he is!"

Kendall flushed, and James was greatly amused at his discomfort. "But," Katie continued with a quick, clever grin, "I shouldn't be surprised at all. I know what this one is like. But you, you I'm definitely looking forward to getting to know better."

Katie tucked her arm in his without prompting, and the stacked turquoise bracelets on her arm rattled.

"I'm hoping so," James said, and to his own complete surprise, he meant it.

Kendall threw his hands up in the air and made noises about going to get them a table.

"First, you need to tell me if he ever apologized to you," Katie said.

James was more than a little shocked that she knew so much. "No. Yes. Just...not exactly precisely when he should have."

Katie's expression was grave, belying the flushed excitement on her cheeks. "He's sort of an oblivious asshole, sometimes. But I guess I don't need to tell you that."

James laughed. "No, no, you don't. I know what I'm getting with him."

"Good." She leaned closer, bracelets clanking again. "Jett told me he took you to Terroir last night. Was it amazing?"

"It was terrifying, intimidating and incredible," James said.

"Kendall tried to take me there once and I told him over my dead body. I'm much more comfortable grabbing a burger."

"Don't worry," Kendal said dryly, "I'm sure you can get a burger here."

"It's breakfast, idiot," Katie replied, all deadpan voice and sparkling eyes. "That means bacon and eggs and something sinful, like a cinnamon roll or a Danish as big as my head."

Kendall ruffled her hair affectionately. "I'll have to send you a box of goodies. We've got tons of extras in my freezer. Some of them actually edible."

"Don't believe him," James inserted. "All of the ones he saved are definitely edible. More than."

"Oh, I like you," Katie said. "A lot. You're going to be great for him."

James looked steadily over at Kendall, who was still beaming at his sister. "I'm sure as hell going to try."

Reaching over, Katie squeezed his hand. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

James was sort of glad that this was the moment the hostess called Kendall's name to let them know their table was ready. He was a little mistier in the eyes than he felt comfortable being, especially with someone he didn't know, even if that someone was Kendall's sister.

XxX

"And I'll have the pineapple upside-down pancakes," James said to the waitress who was taking their order. "And a side of bacon. Extra crispy, please."

"I'll have all this right out," the waitress said, stuffing her pad back in her apron and moving on to the next table.

James only knew something was wrong by the strangled, stifled noise Kendall made.

It hit him all at once. So long, being so careful, so cautious, never visibly enjoying any of the cookies he'd been making, or the macarons, or even the incredible dessert last night at Terroir.

No, all it took to screw him up was Katie beaming at him like an idiot, casually accepting, like he was going to be around for a long time. Like he was going to be a member of their family.

Kendall made the sound again.

"What's wrong with him?" Katie asked, taking a sip of coffee.

"I think he just discovered that I like sweets," James said evenly.

Katie looked confused. Kendall looked murderous.

"Explain," Katie said, looking rapidly more interested by the second.

But before James could open his mouth, Kendall had cut in. And he sounded pretty pissed, but not cruel, or cold, or truly angry, which was better than James could have hoped for. After all, there had only been a limited amount of time he could keep this secret while dating an extremely talented pastry chef.

"The second day James and I worked together, he told me that he didn't like sweet things. No desserts. No cookies. No pastries. Nothing. And he," Kendall said, mouth twitching, like it was difficult for him to keep a straight annoyed face, "kept up the charade until this moment."

"I was a little distracted today," James added, by way of explanation. "Besides, you were acting like an asshole then. I just...wanted to knock you down a peg or two."

"You didn't even break over the dessert course last night at Terroir!" Kendall said incredulously. And that had been difficult, but truthfully, the toughest times had always been whenever he was eating something Kendall had made. There was something about taking what Kendall had made with his own two hands and then putting it into his mouth that always made the taste even more exquisite.

Even the batch of peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies that hadn't quite turned out right had nearly made James moan once or twice.

"You were right," was all James said. "They should have used thyme, not rosemary, in the white chocolate lemon mousse pyramids. And you were definitely right about the gold; they certainly looked impressive enough."

Katie was laughing so hard she nearly choked.

"You guys...you are...perfect...for each other," she managed to get out in between hysterical chuckles.

"You're not mad?" James asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Kendall just shrugged. "You're right. If I remember correctly, that was the morning after I filmed myself baking Ding Dongs. I guess anything you said that day really is just payback for the video. Besides," he lowered his voice, "I definitely plan to get you back, at the soonest possible opportunity."

"Gross," Katie exclaimed, but she was smiling so big, her smile took over her face. And James couldn't help but smile right along with her.


Done! So, James has finally met Katie! And James' secret of...well, secretly liking sweets is out. :P

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter, as well as if you happened to have a favorite part/moment!

Again, I hope you all enjoyed! Unfortunately, we've reached the finish line of this story. The next chapter will be the last and will more than likely be up sometime next week.

Until then!

-Epically Obsessed