Chapter 22: Beautiful Christmas
Kyle followed Leora around a small shop. They were doing some last minute Christmas shopping. They had decided to decorate Kendall and James' cabin for the holidays. Leora has dragged him along with her. She had given Jake a list of things and sent them on their way.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Kyle asked as she threw more decorations into his basket, hers already full.
"Yes, we need to get into the Christmas spirit," Leora replied.
"I'm all for that, but you know it's only gonna be me and you decorating," Kyle said, "maybe Jill and Carly, Noah too."
"No everyone is gonna help trust me," Leora replied.
"If you say so," Kyle said, "you told Jake and Adam to get a tree right?"
"Of course, I put it on the list," Leora replied.
"Did you?" Kyle asked. He fished his phone from his pocket and quickly called Adam as Leora chattered away.
"Hey Adam how's your shopping going?" Kyle asked.
"Great, but ask Leora what's sage butter and do we need it," Adam said.
"Leora, Adam wants to know what sage butter is and if it's important," Kyle said.
Leora turned around an annoyed look. "First off its sage and butter and yes we need both."
"Dude it's sage and butter and you better get both or she will destroy you," Kyle said taking a step back as Leora nudged him with her basket. "Anyways I'm just calling to make sure that you guys know you're buying the tree."
"No it wasn't on the list," Adam said slowly.
"Well you guys have dads SUV, so you guys have to get the tree. We have Leora's tiny car," Kyle replied.
"Makes sense," Adam said.
"Great, now hurry up. We only have a little window of time before dad and them get back," Kyle said.
They both said a quick goodbye as Leora dragged Kyle to the check out. They paid for their stuff and left. They headed out to the car. Leora quickly looked over her list as Kyle put their things away.
"What's next?" Kyle asked as they got into the car.
"We need to find a butcher shop," Leora said, "pops wants to make a big roast for Christmas dinner."
"Ok, let me see what I can find," Kyle said as he typed into his phone.
The two spent the next hour shopping for all the stuff they needed to get into the holiday spirit. After they acquired everything on Leora's list and making sure Jake and Adam were heading back to the cabin they returned as well.
They got Cooper and Damien to help bring everything inside. Jared, Matt, Penelope, Jill and Carly showed up not long after. Once everyone was inside Leora told them all her plan.
"Where are No and Ro?" Jared asked looking around.
"Probably enjoying their honeymoon, in their own cabin," Matt replied.
"I invited them too," Leora said quickly.
A knock at the door caught their attention. Kyle answered the door. Noah and Roldy entered the cabin.
"We are here, and ready to help," Noah said.
"Great, now let's start decorating," Leora said ushering everyone into the living room where Miles and Layla were watching the kids. Miles was playing with Miri and Jenny, and layla had Kenny preoccupied while Eli slept in his playpen.
"Oh you're back," Miles said looking up from the pile of stuffed toys Miri and Jenny has piled up in front of him.
"Yes now we are going to decorate," Kyle said.
"Are you gonna keep these rugrats occupied?" Miles asked.
"You're excused," Kyle said turning around. He noticed Jared, Roldy, and Matt had disappeared. He looked to Leora who shook her head.
"Let's get started, Jill? Carly?" Kyle asked.
"Yes," Jill said jumping excitedly.
"Come on Adam let's get this tree up," Jake said.
Jake and Adam set about assembling the tree. After a heated debate with Leora about getting a real tree, they had decided on artificial. It was easier to clean when they were done. Kyle and Leora started opening the decorations that they had bought with Jill and Carly. Miri and Jenny made their way over with Miles not long after.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall quietly sipped his coffee. James and Carlos were arguing over something trivial and Logan was egging them on as usual. It was nice to get away and just relax. They had gone for a walk through town and did some last minute shopping for Christmas.
Kendall was still thinking about Gustavo's offer. Deanna has been all for it too. So many old bands were making a comeback and touring again. Nostalgia was in. People wanted to be reminded of simpler times.
Touring had been so much fun. A different city every night. Kendall missed the thrill of being on stage. He had gotten a taste of it during the relief concert they had done a while back. Now he was itching for more.
He glanced over at James and Carlos. He knew they would never agree to go on tour. They both had steady jobs. Carlos loved his role on his tv show. Kendall would never ask him to give that up. The same could be said for James. He was taking his next step in the fashion world. He was a judge in a fashion. It had always been his dream after he became a model.
Logan was hard to read. He was the one who brought it up the other night. Logan was the one who had outed this deal. Maybe he wanted it as much as Kendall did. Maybe Kendall was reading into this too much. Now wasn't the time to be brining this up. They were on vacation. It was a time for relaxation.
Kendall felt a nudge on his side. He looked over at James, arching a brow.
"Are you coming or are you gonna sit here all day?" James asked.
Kendall looked over to where Carlos and Logan had been. They were already at the door talking and laughing together.
"Yeah, sorry," Kendall said shaking his head. "I was just thinking."
"About what?" James questioned as they stood up.
"Nothing," Kendall replied waving a hand.
"It was something," James said following him.
"It's not important, don't worry about it," Kendall said grabbing James' hand and pulling him along.
"It's stuff like that, that makes me worry," James replied stopping Kendall.
Kendall turned to face his husband. He simply smiled and gave him a kiss. James pouted at him.
"Come on, let's go, Logan and Carlos are waiting," Kendall said. He led James from the small cafe.
Carlos and Logan were already standing by the car. They were talking and standing rather close. Carlos laughed at something Logan said and have him a playful shove. Logan grabbed his arm and pulled him close and placed a kiss on his nose.
"It seems like they worked things out," Kendall commented.
"Yeah, but Carlos is freaking out cause he lost his wedding ring," James said shaking his head.
"Did he though?" Kendall asked with a grin.
"What do you know?" James asked.
"You first," Kendall said.
"Carlos wants to ask Logan to move back in," James said.
"Logan wants to and he's going to ask him to renew their vows," Kendall replied. James stopped dead in his tracks. Kendall turned back to him with a grin. "Not a word. It's a surprise."
"Oh my god you didn't tell me sooner because?" James asked annoyed.
"You're a gossip, you and Carlos don't know when to stop," Kendall replied. "Now promise me you won't say a word."
"I promise," James said.
"I mean it James." Kendall pointed a finger at his husband. James put his hands up in surrender.
"Promise," James said putting his hands up.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kyle rolled his eyes as he listened to Jared, Matt, Roldy, and Layla all trash talk one another as they played a racing game. Layla was kicking butt with Roldy in a close second. Miles was still playing with Jenny and Miri. The girls were loving all the attention. Damien and Adam were chatting as they held their babies. Kenny seemed to want to be held more as he saw Eli being held. Jake, Cooper, and Lilly were sitting on the couch watching others play games actively not helping with the decorating. This was not what he had hoped would happen.
He glanced over at Leora. She was helping Jill and Carly open boxes. She was laughing and smiling with them, but her brow was furrowed. Kyle quickly moved up beside her. She cast him a glance that said all he needed to know.
"Do something," she said.
Kyle sighed. He looked over at the guys. He set what he was doing down and walked over to the guys.
"We could use some help over here," Kyle said trying to get their attention.
"You guys are doing great," Matt said not taking his eyes off the TV.
"Layla you cheater!" Roldy hollered.
"Jared," Kyle said looking to his boyfriend.
"Yeah you guys got this we would just get in the way," Jared said.
"Come on guys get in the spirit," Leora said walking over to them.
"Sorry my spirit is trying to beat Layla the cheater here," Roldy replied.
"I'm not cheating you just suck," Layla laughed.
"If we all work together we can get this done before dad and them get back," Kyle said.
"You guys are doing just fine," Matt replied.
"You guys are awful," Leora said shaking her head. "All I wanted to do was get everyone in the spirit for Christmas. You're all jerks." She stormed out, tears threatening to spill.
"Way to go, you made her cry," Kyle snapped annoyed. He left the living room making his way to the kitchen. He found Leora sitting on the counter eating Carlos's snacks.
"So much for being on a diet," Kyle said walking up to her as he snatched one.
"All I wanted was to spread a little Christmas cheer," Leora sighed.
"I'm sorry they are being assholes," Kyle said.
"Christmas is in a couple days. I just wanted to get everyone excited. This could be the last time we are all able to get together," Leora said.
"Stop it, you act like we never get together," Kyle snorted.
"I'm serious in a few months we will be eighteen and after that we graduate and you go on tour. We hardly see Jake and Adam anymore," Leora said.
"Stop it. I will always make time for you," Kyle said.
"Okay, but let me have this. We gotta do something," Leora said.
"I didn't want to have to resort to this, but there is one way to get everyone in the spirit," Kyle said slowly.
"And what's that?" Leora asked.
"Something we always used to do as kids, just follow my lead," Kyle said grabbing her hand. He led her back to the living room.
There was only one thing that he knew would work, as much as he hated to admit it. They hadn't done this in years.
Kyle fished his phone from his pocket as he walked over to the speaker. Leora grinned as she caught on. She walked over to Jill, Carly, Noah, and Penelope and whispered to them. She quickly joined Kyle as he finished setting up his phone.
"Ok everyone, listen up," Kyle said, making himself known to the group on the couch. "We are all going to decorate. We need some Christmas spirit up in this place."
"Because we are seriously lacking," Leora said, "This is something dad and pops used to do to get us all in the spirit." She motioned for Jill and Carly to come over. They both grinned as they ran over.
"You know the words?" Kyle asked, looking down at them.
"Duh," Jill replied.
Kyle pressed play on his phone. Jake and Adam looked up surprised as Beautiful Christmas started playing.
He moved over to the couch and grabbed the TV remote and shut the TV off as he and Leora started to sing along. The others protested as the game shut off. Leora and the girls started to clap with the beat.
"Put down video games, pick up some candy canes, and hang a wreath on your door."
Leora picked up a wreath from their decorations and stuck it playfully on Jill as the three danced around and sang along. Penelope and Noah were quick to join in the fun.
"Hey, Give back to those who need. Bring peace and harmony, Cause that's what Christmas is for."
Jake and Adam jumped up grabbing the girls from Miles. They were very interested in what was going on. Jake danced with Jenny and Adam with Miri as they sang along. Damien and Cooper weren't far behind them with the boys.
"And this Christmas is Christmas. We'll celebrate a wonderful year."
Kyle moved over to the couch. He pulled Jared to his feet. Jared only chuckled as he gave in. They joined the other dancing and laughing as they sang along.
Leora made her way over to Lilly with a smile. Lilly sighed and hung her head as Leora pulled her to her feet. She smiled as she danced with Leora. They sang along together.
"Let's party in the snow, under the mistletoe. Girl I've been waiting all year, all year. Hey, Rudolph can take a break Frosty can melt away as long as I got you here."
Kyle dug in the decorations and found some mistletoe. He held it above his head and tapped his cheek for Jared. Jared laughed and kissed him on the cheek.
Jill and Carly ran over to Matt and Roldy and pulled them to their feet. Miles jumped up and grabbed Layla.
Soon everyone was dancing and singing. They were all having fun. No one even noticed when Kendall, James, Carlos, and Logan entered the room. They all paused in the doorway watching them with a smile.
Kyle and Leora noticed them and waved them over.
"What's going on here," Kendall asked.
"Surprise," Leora said.
"We were trying to get this place decorated for Christmas, but some people were not getting in the spirit," Kyle said shooting Jared a look.
"So we took a page from your book," Leora replied.
"We got it half done," Jared said.
"Help us finish," Miles said.
Everyone set about decorating. While everyone worked, Leora walked over to Kyle. He looked up at her with a brow arched.
"Thanks," she said.
"Leave it to Kyle to save the day," Kyle replied.
"What would I do without you?" Leora asked.
"Sob uncontrollably because I'm not around," Kyle joked. Leora nudged him while she laughed.
-Happy Mistakes-
Miles sighed as he watched everyone race down the group had decided to go skiing and snowboarding. Everyone had branched off. Carlos was teaching Jill and Carly the basics and helping them improve. Logan took off with Kendall and James. Adam and Damien were in the lodge with the kids. Jake and Cooper were off on their own for awhile before they were gonna switch with Adam and Damien. Lilly, Layla, Leora, Kyle, Jared, Matt, and Penelope we're constantly racing down the hill. He had drawn the short straw this round and was the judge for their little race. Noah and Roldy were off for on their own enjoying their honeymoon.
"Do you board or just people watch?"
Miles looked to his side and saw another boy about his age had joined him. He was tall and tan. Miles could see a small bit of light brown hair still out from his helmet. He was smiling at him with an eyebrow arched.
"The board is all for show," Miles replied, "I thought I would come and watch all the weirdos come through, but I had to blend in somehow."
"Funny," he said chuckling, "if you wanna get up there, come find me I'll show you how it's done."
"Maybe I'll be the one to show you how it's really done," Miles replied.
"Austin," he said.
"Miles," Miles replied.
"Aus, come on we've got to go!"
"I guess, I will see you around,"
Austin gave him a quick once over before he left. Miles stood there confused. Had he been flirting with him? MIles wasn't sure. He had never been good at picking up signs like that.
It wasn't long before everyone reached the bottom of the hill. Leora had been declared winner of that round, making her the judge for the next round. After a little chatting, Matt, Penelope, Leora, Lilly, Layla, and Jared all wanted to head in for a little while and get something warm to drink. Miles convinced Kyle to stay out with him for a little while.
"So, what's up?" Kyle asked as they got on the chair lift.
"So I think someone was flirting with me," Miles said slowly.
"You think?" Kyle asked.
"I'm not good at this stuff," Miles said punching Kyle's arm.
"Anyways, was she cute?" Kyle asked.
"It was a he and, maybe," Miles said.
"Are you-?" Kyle asked.
"To be determined," Miles replied waving his hand.
"I see, if you were to experiment, now would be the time. No strings attached," Kyle replied. They reached the top of the hill.
"I don't know, I'll probably never see him again," Miles added shaking his head.
"Who knows, we have another week and a half here," Kyle replied. "Name by the way."
"Austin, he was funny too. He noticed me waiting for you guys and asked about people watching," Miles said, "Race?"
"Alright, loser buys winner lunch," Kyle said.
"You're on," Miles said.
The pair got in position to start their race. Kyle gave a quick count down and took off. Miles hollered after him as he tried to catch up. The two started to show off and goof around. They weren't even trying to beat the other, they were just having fun acting like children. They went up the hill a few more times before they grew tired and headed inside. Penelope, Lilly, Layla, and Leora were heading out as they arrived. They waved to them as they passed by. Kyle ran inside and found Jared and the guys sitting near a fireplace. He plopped down next to Jared as Miles claimed the empty chair the girls had no doubt just abandoned.
"Get cold out there?" Jared chuckled.
"Yeah, needed a break for a bit," Kyle said as he leaned on his boyfriend.
"Excuse me? I didn't know I was a pillow," Jared said, shoving him lightly.
"But I tired, and you comfy," Kyle said, pulling himself back to Jared. Jared just shook his head.
"Anyways," Matt said, bringing Jared back to their previous conversation. Kyle sat there leaning against Jared not really listening to what was being said.
Miles wasn't paying attention either. His thoughts were still on his encounter with Austin earlier. He was almost sure that he had been flirting with him. He wasn't exactly upset at that. He had never really thought about being with a guy before. Lately, the more he and Kyle joked about it, the more he thought about it. It wasn't that Miles really found guys attractive, but then again he didn't find most girls attractive either.
With Rion, he had really fallen for her once he got to know her. The more he saw of her true personality, the more he fell in love. Rion had been a beautiful person inside and out. There wasn't a mean bone in her body. She had truly been the perfect foil to him. She had shown him what it was like to be loved unconditionally, no matter what problems he had. With Sara, Miles had liked the idea of her. As he got to know her, he had realized how mismatched they truly were. He became less attracted to her. It was odd.
Then there was Leora. Miles did not want to open that can of worms. That was a completely different story.
Kyle nudged him with his foot. Miles looked up at him confused. Kyle tilted his head and arched a brow at him. Miles just shrugged. He nudged him again frowning at him. Miles rolled his eyes. Miles looked to Jared and the others, they weren't even paying attention to them. Kyle jumped up and grabbed Miles arm.
"I'm hungry, lets go get some food."
Kyle led Miles away from the walked up to the food counter. Kyle quickly ordered them some food. He turned to Miles as they waited. He arched a brow at him.
"I don't know what you want from me," Miles said.
"Dude, are you seriouly thinking about that guy?" Kyle asked.
"Maybe, I don't know," Miles shrugged.
"Miles, since when are you questioning yourself, and why didn't you tell me? I am here for you no matter what. I will help you in any way I can," Kyle said.
"It only started recently, and I was going to tell you, but you're always with Jared and his sisters. I wanted to be a little more sure about things before I said anything. If I recall, you didn't tell me right away either," Miles said, shooting Kyle a look.
"Fair enough," Kyle said putting his hands up, "but seriously I am here for you dude."
"I know, I just need to figure some things out," Miles replied.
The two lapsed into silence again. Miles wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't bisexual, but wasn't exactly straight other. Putting a label on this would make it all the more real.
-Happy Mistakes-
Kyle woke to someone pounding on the door. He looked around the dark room trying to let his eyes adjust, Jared moved beside him. He slipped out of bed and put on his pajama pants. Jared quickly grabbed his own. He waved at the door as he slid them on. Kyle answered the door. Jill and Carly were standing there with Penelope.
"What's going on?" Kyle asked.
"It's Christmas morning," Jill said.
"We have to go!" Carly added.
"They bombarded me too," Penelope said. She looked tired as well.
"It's 5:00 in the morning," Jared hollered from the bedroom.
"Get up!" Carlyl said running into the room. "Kendall and James said Santa was coming to their cabin. We sent our letters!"
"Yeah Jared, we have to go now," Jill said.
"Let us get ready," Jared said sitting up. He shooed his sisters from his room. Kyle shut the door behind them chuckling. He walked over to the bed.
"No offense isn't Carly a little old for Santa," Kyle asked.
"Maybe, but I wanna let her have this last one before we break the news. After everything she has been through lately, I like seeing her so happy," Jared replied.
The two quickly got dressed. They joined the others down in the living room. Matt and Penelope were sitting on the couch with Jill and Carly. Carly was on the phone with Noah, telling him he needed to hurry up and get to Kendall's cabin for Christmas. Miles was laying on a chair barely awake. Leora and Lilly were sitting on the loveseat chatting away.
"Ok we're ready," Jared announced.
Carly quickly told Noah goodbye and to hurry up before she hung up. She ran over to the two excited.
"What are we waiting for?" Carly asked. She bolted past them to get her jacket and boots on.
"How do we know if dad and them are even up," Kyle asked trying to stifle a yawn.
"They're up, Carly called them too. They had quite the adventure last night," Leora said.
"What happened?" Kyle asked.
"You'll have to ask them," Lilly said laughing.
"Well what are we waiting for, let's go," Jared said.
"That's what I've been saying," Carly said returning with her snow gear already on.
Everyone laughed as they stood. Carly started to usher everyone to the door. Seeing her so excited about something was a nice change. Kyle was glad that she was finally able to be a kid again, if only for a little while.
