Chapter 37: Trials and Tribulations

Kyle stumbled sideways as Roldy ran into him again. He turned to glare at Roldy who was already spewing apologies.

"Come on Ro, it's not that hard," Kyle groaned.

"Sorry, But why are we learning something new this close to tour?" Roldy asked.

"I don't know, ask your boss, but this isn't that hard," Kyle snapped. He was getting tired of this.

"When you have two left feet it is," Jared said from his spot across the stage. He was sitting down taking a break with Matt and Noah.

"Stop being mean, it's a new routine," Noah said glaring at Jared.

"I'm not being mean, I'm being honest. Out of all of us Ro has the worst coordination," Jared said.

"I mean I'm not the most graceful, but I'll get it eventually," Roldy said.

"Ok enough chit chat, let's go again. You and me," Kyle cut them off. "Jared, get the music."

He led Roldy back up the ramp to his starting spot. Kyle took the spot that would be Jared's when the guys actually joined Roldy. Jared grabbed the laptop in front of him. He started the music. Kyle started counting for Roldy and talking him through the steps. Every time Roldy would forget a step or trip over his own feet.

An hour later, they had only got slightly further into the routine when Roldy turned right instead of left and ran right into Kyle, knocking him over. Kyle hit the ground with a thud.

"Harold!" He hollered.

"Why am I like this?" Roldy hollered at himself.

"What's going on in here?" Kendall asked as he entered the room.

"Your talent is beating the crap out of me. I can't train this one, I quit," Kyle said sitting up. Jared jumped up and walked over.

"He's got two left feet and can't tell his left from his right," Matt said, joining them with Noah close behind.

"Ok, but why aren't you three working," Kendall asked.

"Because Roldy already beat the shit outta them and I figured I'd take the beating so you'd at least have three members on tour," Kyle explained.

"I haven't beat the shit out of them," Roldy said.

"Show him your side Matt," Kyle said pointing up at the taller male.

Matt lifted his shirt to reveal a big reddish-purple bruise forming all down his side. Kendall's eyes went wide.

"Jer's got a knot on the back of his head, and poor Noah has a black eye coming and he might have a slight concussion," Kyle said.

"I do not," Noah said.

"He said might," Roldy said.

"I'm fine," Noah said, rolling his eyes. "My head only bounced like twice." He added.

"And then I've got bumps and bruises everywhere now," Kyle said, cutting them off. "I am so ready to be done for the week. I don't know why you wanted to bring something new into this so late in the game."

"Come on, get up," Jared said, holdin out a hand to the blonde.

"I just thought it would be a good idea to have a couple more songs up our sleeves just in case," Kendall said.

"Yeah, but he is so uncoordinated," Kyle said.

"It's true," Roldy said, nodding his head.

"Get off the floor," Jared said, waving a hand in front of the blonde.

"No, it's where I've spent most of the afternoon. I might as well just stay down here," Kyle said.

"Stop being so dramatic," Jared said, rolling his eyes. He grabbed Kyle's hand and pulled him to his feet.

"I'm not being dramatic, I am going to be covered in bruises tomorrow," Kyle replied, giving Jared a slight shove.

"You are not," Roldy said.

"Don't push me Har-" Kyle started. Jared quickly slapped a hand over his mouth muffling his threat of bodily harm. Kyle turned to glare at Jared now.

"Stop," Jared said.

"Ok it seems like tensions are running a little high right now," Kendall said, cutting off the argument. "Why don't you all go home and get some rest. Take the weekend and relax a little."

"Yes, I agree," Jared said, hushing Kyle once more.

Kendall left, leaving the guys to gather their things. Kyle was grumbling to himself as he dug his phone from his bag. He just wanted to get out of here and away from Roldy. He wanted to spend the whole weekend away from him.

"What's got you wound so tight," Jared asked as he joined him.

"I'm not wound tight, I'm just tired of being knocked over," Kyle snapped.

"I said I was sorry," Roldy said from across the room.

"It sounds like someone needs to get laid," Matt laughed.

"Screw off Matty," Kyle snapped.

"Seriously you've been barking orders since you've got here. When's the last time you got laid," Matt asked.

"It hasn't been that-" Jared started.

"Yes it has, and that's beside the point," Kyle said.

"No it hasn't we-" Jared paused as he thought about it. "Huh," he said as he realized just how long it had been for them.

"Yeah," Kyle said, nodding his head. "If you can't recall then it's been a while."

"Is Munroe not taking care of you," Matt teased.

"Not really, are you offering Matty?" Kyle asked.

"Sorry, I try not to sleep with my girlfriend's siblings," Matt said, shrugging.

"You couldn't handle all of this," Kyle shot back, gesturing to himself which caused the others to laugh.

"Munroe you need to take care of your boy toy," Matt said.

"It's not his fault he's an old man and falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow," Kyle said.

"Stop it with the old man jokes," Jared said, glaring at him.

"Then stop acting like one," Kyle shot back.

"Seriously you two need to go and bone," Matt said.

"Why are you so obsessed with our sex life so suddenly Matthew," Kyle asked.

"Because you're a jerk when you're not getting any," Matt said, causing Noah and Roldy to laugh and nod their heads.

"I am not," Kyle said.

"You are too," Jared said. Kyle turned to him with an indignant look.

"Well maybe you should give me some more often then," Kyle said.

"Nah, not tonight I'm tired. Remember I'm an old man," Jared replied as he started to walk away. Kyle took off after him as the other three finished gathering their things.

"I could find it somewhere else," Kyle said, "Matty seemed keen on my sex life," he added.

"You could, but would it be as good," Jared asked as he turned around walking backwards.

"Someone is full of himself," Kyle said, quickening his pace to give Jared a playful shove. Jared, however, turned and caught his hand.

"I'd rather be full of you," Jared said, pulling him close.

"I think we can arrange that," Kyle said, smirking. He leaned in and sealed their lips together. His phone started to ring. Kyle sighed as he took a step back. He looked down at his phone.

"Miles?" Jared asked.

"What? No, I'm busy," Kyle said, silencing the phone. He grabbed Jared's wrist and led him out of the building to his car. "Did you drive today?"

"No, I caught a ride with No and Ro," Jared said.

"Good, get in," Kyle said.

—Happy Mistakes—

Leora sighed as she pushed her homework aside. She couldn't focus on it. She had been studying for hours and none of this was making any sense anymore. She dropped her head down onto her desk. This was useless. She was going to fail this test. If she failed, her grade would drop. If her grade dropped she could kiss college goodbye.

Her plans were simple. She wanted to go to New York. She wanted to be an English major and work on her writing. She wasn't exactly sure what kind of job she wanted whether it be in publication or as a writer, maybe even a teacher. After that she would probably make New York her home. Hopefully she could convince Lilly to join her. She could see them living the high life in New York. The one thing she didn't see in her future was Miles. She couldn't imagine him wanting to move to New York. He wasn't one for cold weather much, and he barely liked LA. Plus New York was far away from family.

She heaved herself up with a sigh. She started pacing her room, trying to clear her head. She could do this, she just needed a break and to get energized. She had to get these crazy thoughts out of her head. She needed to live in the here and now.

A knock at her door caught her attention. She looked over as Miles poked his head in.

"Let me guess Kyle isn't here," Leora said.

"I don't know, I came to see you," Miles said, "Mind if I come in?"

"Yeah, come in, I'm going crazy studying and I need a break," Leora said.

Miles slipped into the room shutting the door behind him. He crossed the room claiming her desk chair.

"What's up?" He asked, turning to take a look at her homework. He made a face. "English? Ew."

"I have to finish this essay, but it's complicated. I just…I don't know how to start it," Leora sighed as she sat down on her bed.

"When's it due?" Miles asked.

"Two weeks, but I wanna get a head start on it," Leora said.

"Lame," Miles said.

"Hey I need good grades if I wanna get into college. I want to go to college to get a better education so I can get a better job," Leora said.

"That's the future," Miles said, waving a hand. "Try living in the now, it's so much more relaxing."

"Miles you don't understand-" Leora started.

"You're trying too hard, you don't need to have perfect grades. Relax a little," Miles said as he stood up. He walked over and sat down beside her.

"Oh and how do you suggest I go about that?" Leora asked with a smirk.

"By not doing homework seven days a week," Miles suggested.

"You're a little slow aren't you?" Leora asked.

"I'm a lot slow," Miles said, "was that flirting by the way?"

"Yeah," Leora nodded her head.

"I see, well then, I don't know," Miles said slowly.

"Shut up," Leora said. She leaned in and kissed him.

Miles tensed up before he relaxed. He was always doing that. What was the deal? Leora sat back to look at him.

"Why do you get so tense around me?" Leora asked.

"Sorry, it's just…I'm not used to this from you. You're Leora," Miles apologized.

"What do you mean?" Leora asked, confused.

"I mean just a few months you were calling me brother. Said we were practically related. Then when I start dating again you get jealous every time I start seeing someone," Miles said slowly.

"I know, but I panicked when I realized that I might like you, because your Miles. You've been one of my best friends for years now. I didn't want to take that step and lose everything we had if this didn't work out. So, I pushed you away," Leora said looking down at her lap.

"How poetic," Miles said.

"I understand that you've been burned before, and after everything with Rion I just…I don't know," Leora said.

"Me either," Miles admitted.

"I have been told that I need to live in the moment, well this is me living in the moment. I see something I want so I'm gonna grab it," Leora said. She leaned in and kissed him again.

This time, he wasn't tense. He didn't jump back. He leaned into her, gently moving his lips with hers. Leora decided to test the waters a bit. She scooted closer to him. She took a chance and deepened the kiss, trying to urge him to play.

It seemed to do the trick. Miles leaned into her kiss. It grew more heated as Miles pulled her close. She knew what she wanted, and if Miles was willing she was gonna take it. She leaned into him some more. Trying to get her point across. She grabbed his hand and brought it up to her breast.

"Wait!" Miles pulled back, jumping up.

"What's wrong?" Leora asked, looking up at him confused.

"We can't do this," Miles said quickly.

"Why not?" Leora asked, annoyed slightly.

"Your dads are right down stairs. I'm violating their trust by having the door shut," Miles said quickly. He started inching towards the door.

"Oh," Leora said, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Yeah, sorry I just…I am ready for this. I want to be able to tell others that we are actually dating. I want the whole thing here Miles."

"I don't know," Miles said quickly. "The last time I rushed into the things I got hurt. I don't want to rush things. Why do we gotta put a label on things?"

"Because we've been doing this dance for almost two months now, I need to know if I'm wasting my time here." Leora crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm sorry I can't give you an answer right now, like I like you and all but…I don't know if I'm ready for a real relationship? I just need to sort myself out right now," Miles said as he bolted from the room.

Leora stood there confused. She didn't know what was going on with him. He had been acting so off lately. She wasn't sure what to think anymore.

With a sigh she returned to her homework. Maybe she should just give up on him. If he wasn't committed now, how would he react when she went to New York?

—Happy Mistakes—

Kendall yawned as he made his way into the house. He barely dodged Miles as he ran past him shouting a good bye. He must've been spending time with Leora. Kendall Jew Kyle probably wasn't going to be home tonight. It was a weekend after all.

Kendall entered the living room and saw James sitting on the couch with a sleepy Jenny lounging against him as they watched a movie. Kendall crossed the room and greeted his husband with a kiss.

"How was work?" James asked.

"Good, how's the contract negotiations going?" Kendall asked.

"They are awful. Marty is amazing though," James said.

"Good, don't settle for anything less than you deserve babe," Kendall said as he took a seat next to him.

"Dinner is in the oven, should be done soon," James said.

"What you making?" Kendall asked.

"Baked chicken, with rice and broccoli all in one pan," James said.

"Nice," Kendall said. "What are we watching?"

"Tangled, it's her new favorite," James replied, "she cries everything Eugene dies and then cheers when he lives."

"Yeah, we'll, it's a very sad part of the movie," Kendall replied.

James settled into Kendall's side as they watched the movie. Kendall hugged him close. He was so content right now. He couldn't be happier if he tried.

Leora eventually came down asking about the smell of smoke. James gasped as he sat up.

"The food! I forgot!" James shouted, jumping up. He ran to the kitchen with Kendall and Leora following behind him.

There was smoke coming from the oven. James opened the oven. The food had caught fire. The smoke billowed out and the flames grew bigger. Leora started coughing as she back up away from the oven.

"Leora get Jenny outside now," Kendall barked. He pushed her back towards the living room. "Call 911!"

Leora ran to do as she was told. Kendall returned to the kitchen to find James trying to put the fire out, with little success. Kendall ran to the utility closet where they kept the fire extinguisher. He returned and saw the kitchen towel James had been combating the fire with was now on fire as well.

"James!"

Kendall pulled him back from the fire. He attempted to use the fire extinguisher. It was jammed. He tried again and realized it wasn't working.

"Come on," Kendal pulled him from the house.

They saw Leora on the sidewalk holding Jenny wrapped in her blanket, on the phone. James ran up to her and took Jenny into his arms.

"Is it out?" Leora asked. Kendall shook his head. Leora started talking to the dispatcher again.

It wasn't long before a fire truck showed up. They quickly ran inside to put the fire out. Kendall pulled Leora and James back away from the house. He hugged them close. He was just glad they were all ok.

"Kendall! James!"

The pair looked up as Logan rushed up to them, bypassing the firefighter who tried to stop him. Carlos stopped to explain they were family with Miles and Layla behind him.

"Logan," Kendall said.

"What happened? Is everyone out?" Logan asked.

"Yeah, it was just the four of us home," Kendall nodded his head.

"Is anyone hurt?" Logan asked, giving him a once over. Once he deemed him fine he moved on to Jenny and Leora and then James.

"That burn doesn't look good James," Logan said, grabbing his arm.

"I didn't even notice," James admitted as he looked down on the burn on his forearm.

"Adrenaline does that," Carlos said as he joined them with Miles and Layla behind them.

"Are you ok?" Miles asked, walking up to Leora.

"Yeah, Jenny and I got out quickly." Leora nodded her head. She allowed Miles to pull her into a hug.

An ambulance arrived a few minutes later. Logan pushed James to the front to get his burn taken care of. The paramedics recognized Logan and allowed him to help. Logan took Jenny and started taking her vitals while the other paramedics checked Kendall and Leora out as well.

"I live here too!"

Kendall looked up to see Kyle arguing with a firefighter trying to keep people back, while Jared watched. Leora wiggled free from his grasp. She ran up to them.

"Kyle!"

She threw her arms around him. Kyle quickly hugged her back. Kendall and James made their way over.

"He's our son," Kendall told the firefighter. "What are you doing here?" He asked once the firefighter left to do more crowd control.

"Hello to you too, pops promised me food if I came home tonight. I can see that's not happening now. What happened?" Kyle asked.

"Kitchen mishap," James replied.

"My fault, I distracted him," Kendall said.

"I'm the one who forgot to set a timer," James said.

"Is everyone ok?" Kyle asked.

"Mostly," Kendall replied.

"Just a small burn," James said, holding up his bandaged arm.

"Mr. Knight?"

Kendall and James turned to see the fire chief walking up to them. They told the others to stay put. Logan kept the others occupied.

The man introduced himself as the fire chief, Chris Maxwell. He told them they were lucky to get out when they did.

"So how bad is it?" Kendall asked.

"The kitchen and the dining room are a total loss, some the hall was scorched. I would have an inspector come check things out before you go back inside," he said.

"Thank you so much for your quick response," James said.

"So what happened?" Chris asked.

"I forgot to set a timer on the food. When Kendall got home we were watching a movie and I lost track of time," James explained sheepishly.

"Yeah and Leora smelled the smoke upstairs," Kendall said pointing to his older daughter.

"Do you folks have a place to stay tonight?" Chris asked.

"Yes," Kyle said running up.

"You guys can stay with us," Logan said, walking up to them with Jenny. "She's got a clean bill of health." He added, handing her off to James.

"You guys don't have the room, Jared does. Right Jer?" He asked, looking over at his boyfriend.

"Yeah, we've got three extra rooms with beds," Jared replied.

"We?" Kendall asked.

"Me! I mean I have three extra rooms in my house where your son spends like seventy five percent of his time," Jared replied.

"We have a place to stay." James assured Chris. He gave a nod and left them to figure it out.

"Thanks Loges, but I think Jared has more room," Kendall said.

"As long as you've got somewhere to go," Logan said.

"Can we stop and get something to eat?" Kyle asked.

"Yes, and maybe go shopping for some clothes. It's a weekend and I doubt an inspector is going to come over the weekend," James said.

"What about my homework? All the stuff is on my laptop," Leora asked, "and Jenny can't sleep without her Bluey and Bingo stuffies."

"I know but we can't go back in the house," Kendall said.

"Get her new ones and Le you've been using google docs right? You can use my laptop," Kyle said.

"Yeah, but I saved a lot of things to my computer," Leora said.

"Oh well, do what you can on my laptop and then you can put it all together when you get your laptop. I'll help you," Kyle promised.

"I guess I don't have a choice," Leora sighed.

"It'll be ok, Le," Kyle assured her.

"Besides I thought that project wasn't due for like two weeks," Miles said.

"Yes, but this project is worth fifty percent of my grade. I don't want to wait until the last minute like you do," Leora said.

"Hey I get my stuff turned in on time," Miles retorted.

"But you would be way less stressed if you started them earlier," Leora said.

"I work best under pressure," Miles shot back.

"Ok enough, people are starting to gather. Let's get going. There's nothing we can do here," James said.

—Happy Mistakes—

Jared woke with a shiver. He reached for the blanket. He couldn't find it. He sighed as he sat up to look for it. He spotted on the floor on Kyle's side of the bed. However, Kyle was nowhere to be seen. He sighed this was becoming the norm for them.

He laid there a moment before he dragged himself from bed. He slipped on some pajama pants and a t-shirt. He had to look somewhat presentable; he had company after all.

Once he deemed himself ready he headed down to the kitchen in search of Kyle. He found James and Kendall sitting up making breakfast. Jenny was sitting in the high chair they had bought last night eating Cheerios and bananas.

"No Kyle?" Jared asked, looking around.

"No, we thought he was still sleeping," Kendall said.

"He barely sleeps," Jared replied with a sigh.

"What?" James asked.

"I know James, I've been trying to talk to him," Kendall said.

"I know where he is too," Jared said as he turned and left the kitchen. Kendall followed him.

Jared made his way to the basement door he opened and paused. Kyle was fiddling around on his guitar again, working on a new song.

"Like the rain on a sunny day, there's a shadow behind your face."

Kyle's voice drifted up to them. Kendall looked at Jared. Jared backed out and quietly shut the door. He made his way back to the kitchen.

"We converted the basement into a studio," Jared said.

"How often is he down there?" Kendall asked.

"When he's not at Rocque Records, he's down there, or he's up late doing homework. He's running himself to the bone and I'm really starting to get worried," Jared said.

"Kendall this is getting out of hand, you said you were gonna talk to him," James said.

"I'm trying, he won't talk to me. He blows me off and runs and hides withHe his Ithe guys so I can't talk to him," Kendall said. uhh

Jared looked down towards the basement with a sigh. "Promise not to say anything?" he asked them.

"What?" Kendall asked.

"He's been seeing a therapist about his depression following Sophia, at least that's what he tells me he's doing on Wednesdays," Jared said slowly.

"Has it helped?" James asked.

"A little, but he still avoids me at times and…I don't know, it's like he's still got a secret that he's keeping," Jared replied.

"I don't know what to do," Kendall sighed.

"Why can't they have a manual for parenting. This shit isn't easy," James said, annoyed.

"Not to panic you, but the last time he got weird and secretive, he was cheating on Lilly with you," Leora said as she entered the kitchen.

"Gee thanks, that's very reassuring," Jared said, shooting her a glare.

"I'm just saying," Leora said, putting her hands up.

"He wouldn't," Kendall said.

"Were you not listening, he cheated with me, why wouldn't he cheat on me," Jared said.

"Because he's grown up since then, and he's learned a thing or two," James said.

"And he's completely head over heels in love with you, for some reason," Kendall said.

"I can only imagine why," Jared shook his head.

"Stop, I didn't mean…I'm sorry. I just spoke without thinking," Leora said, "where is Kyle, by the way."

"Down in the basement. We converted it into a home studio. I'll go get him so he can join us for breakfast," Jared said, jumping up from his spot. He took off before anyone could say anything else.

He made his way down to the basement again. He stopped at the foot of the stairs. Kyle had his back to him. He was scribbling in his notebook and muttering to himself.

"You better stop talking to yourself otherwise people might think you're crazy," Jared said.

Kyle sat up and looked over his shoulder at him. He smiled at him and patted the spot beside him.

"As much as I'd love to hear what you've been working on, it's time for breakfast," Jared said, "your dads and sisters are waiting."

"Oh yeah," Kyle said. He set his guitar aside and jumped up. He walked up to Jared and pecked him on the lips. "Good morning."

"Morning, how long have you been up?" Jared asked.

"A little while," Kyle waved a hand at him. He started up the stairs. Jared grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"Kyle, I'm worried about you," Jared said.

"I'm fine, I got so used to get up early for Jill and Carly it's a habit now," Kyle said.

"I know that it's just…your body needs to rest too. I don't want you overworking yourself," Jared said.

"I'm fine, I know my limits," Kyle said, "don't worry so much." He took a few steps down and kissed him again. "I am ok. I just can't sleep. My brain is running a million miles a minute and the songs are pouring out. I'm probably gonna have a second album ready in no time."

"Because I'm such an inspiration?" Jared asked cockily.

"Totally," Kyle grinned.

"Ew! Dad said stop making out with your boyfriend and get up here before your food gets cold," Leora said from the top of the stairs.

"You're just jealous that my boyfriend wants to make out with me," Kyle said as he took off up the stairs.

"You and Miles need to stop talking," Leora said, frowning at him.

"Never gonna happen, you can't have Kyle without Miles and Miles without Kyle is just madness," Jared chuckled as he walked up the stairs.

"See, he gets it," Kyle said, "And Le, just be patient with Miles. He's trying to work everything out in his head first."

"Yeah," Leora said, nodding her head. They took off to the kitchen with Jared trailing behind them.

—Happy Mistakes—

Logan yawned as he made his way to the front door. He wasn't sure who could be here this early in the morning. Carlos was following behind him ready to holler at whoever it was that woke them up early on their day off.

Logan opened the door and came face to face with his mother, Joanna Mitchell. Logan gasped at her a moment before Carlos gave him a shove.

"Mom," Logan said as he stepped forward to give her a hug. He stepped aside to let her in the house. Joanna greeted Carlos with a smile and hug as well. "Not that I don't appreciate your visits, but what brings you here? Unannounced? At seven in the morning on Saturday?"

"I need to talk to you," Joanna said.

"A phone call wasn't enough?" Logan asked.

"No, because you hang up everytime I try to talk about-" Joanna started.

"Mom I'm not talking about Presley again," Logan said, putting a hand up stopping her. "I already told you she stopped out here once months ago. She was flighty and then she left without a trace like she always does. I'm sorry you wasted your time, but you are more than welcome to stay and visit with the kids if you wish."

"Logan she's sick," Joanna said.

"I know addiction is a disease and what not, but I cannot forgive her for the hell she put me through when she took Lilly and Layla from us," Logan said.

"I understand that, but-" Joanna started.

"Gramma Jo!"

Joanna looked up the stairs as Layla appeared at the top. She quickly raced down and threw her arms around the older woman. Joanna caught her with a chuckle.

"What are you doing here?" Layla asked.

"I thought I'd drop in for a visit," Joanna said.

"Yeah, didn't we tell you she was coming," Logan asked, plastering a smile on his face.

"No, I'm totally surprised because you told me," Layla said sarcastically.

"No more spending time with Kendall, he's a bad influence on you," Logan said with a frown.

"He's your best friend," Carlos replied.

"It's too early for logic Carlos," Logan sighed.

"Layla sweetie, why don't you go get dressed and we can go out for breakfast," Joanna said.

"Yay! I'll be right back," Layla said as she ran back up the stairs.

"Hey dad! Hey Papi! I'll be back later," Miles said as he attempted to dash past them out the door.

Logan caught him by the back of his shirt. Miles gagged exaggeratedly as he came to a halt.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Logan asked.

"Would you believe me if I said a booty call?" Miles asked with a grin.

"Try again," Logan said.

"I could totally be someone's booty call," Miles said indignantly.

"Yeah, but Leora isn't like that, so again I say try again," Logan said.

"Text Kyle and tell him you can't come over til later, you've got family visiting," Carlos cut in.

"Why would you assume it's Kyle? And what family," Miles asked as he realized Joanna was standing there for the first time. "Oh, hi Gramma Jo," he said, smiling and giving her a hug.

"Don't change your plans on account of me dear," Joanna said.

"Mom," Logan said.

"What this was kind of a last minute trip," Joanna said.

"Yes, and Miles can make time to visit with you while you're here," Logan said.

"But dad! It's the last Saturday of the month!" Miles whined.

"Is this that stupid paintball thing?" Logan asked.

"Yes and if I'm last, I'll have to wear the pink gear which means I'll be a target the entire time," Miles whined.

"Oh Logan, let the boy go," Joanna said, "I'll be here a few days. You'll be home for dinner right Miles?"

"Yes, promise," Miles said. He glanced pleasingly to Logan.

Logan sighed and released him, "be gone demon child, but if you're late for supper-" he started.

"I know, I won't be," Miles said as he dashed off.

"Miles," Carlos called out. Miles paused and turned back to him. "Are you planning on walking?" He asked, holding up his keys.

"No, I just have undiagnosed ADHD," Miles said, doubling back to grab his keys. He took off again.

"Carlos, go distract Layla for a moment," Logan said. Carlos nodded his head. Once he was gone Logan turned to Joanna. "Mom, why are you here? What's wrong?"

"I told you Presley is sick, cervical cancer. It's metastasized," Joanna said.

"Oh," Logan said slowly. He hadn't expected that. He thought she wanted to send her to treatment again.

"She's got months, if not weeks," Joanna said. "She's tried to reach out once when she was first diagnosed, but you wouldn't listen to her so she gave up. She's been clean and sober for almost a year and a half now. She got the diagnosis last fall. She's fighting with all her might, but…" Joanna trailed off.

"I don't know what to say to that," Logan said slowly.

He didn't have much time to ponder as the front door opened and Lilly entered with a backpack over her shoulder. She paused as she looked at the two confused.

"Gramma Jo, I didn't know you were visiting," Lilly said, giving her a hug. "Did Grampa David come with?"

"Not this time dear, but he sends his love," Joanna said.

"No laundry?" Logan asked.

"Not this time, this was last minute, I've been driving since last night," Lilly said.

"Why?" Logan asked.

"Leora needs me, she sent me an SOS," Lilly said, "she was kind of vague, so I came to make sure she was ok."

"Too tired for breakfast?" Joanna asked.

"No, I just had coffee. I'm probably gonna be wide awake for another hour or so," Lilly replied.

"Lilly?" Layla asked as she and Carlos came down the stairs together.

"Mija," Carlos greeted her with a hug and a kiss. "Laundry?"

"Not this time," Lilly replied.

"Come on let's go, I'm starving," Layla said.

"Can I go change first?" Logan asked. He was still in his pajamas.

"Why haven't you? Go, you're slower than Lilly," Layla said.

"I'm going," Logan said, putting his hands up. He made his way up to his room. Carlos followed him as Joanna talked to the girls.

"Logie," Carlos said once they were alone.

"Presley has cancer. That's why she was here last fall and I blew her off," Logan said as he walked over to his dresser to grab some clothes.

"What?" Carlos asked, shocked.

"Yeah, it's metastasized and she may only have weeks," Logan said.

"What are you gonna do?" Carlos asked.

"I don't know," Logan admitted. He finished getting dressed. "Not a word to the girls. They haven't heard from Presley since that incident. I wanna figure things out first."

Carlos nodded his head. "So we put on smiles and pretend nothing is wrong?"

"Yes, for now," Logan said.

—Happy Mistakes—

Kyle checked his phone again. He had sent Miles a warning text almost half an hour ago. He knew that the others were bound to show up soon. He looked up as Jared entered the living room with his gear bag. They were getting ready for paintball.

"It's gonna be a close call," Jared said.

"What are you two doing?" Leora asked as she walked into the living room.

"It's the last Saturday of the month," Kyle said.

"Paintball," Jared said.

"Oh fun," Leora said. "Can I come?"

"If you want," Jared said.

"Really? Awesome!" Leora cheered.

"Careful Le, you don't know how competitive these guys are," Kyle said, "they've got a bet right now actually. Last to arrive had to wear the suit of shame."

"What's that?" Leora asked, confused.

"I lost last time, so my house is the meet up place," Jared said, opening his bag. He pulled out some pink gear.

"Isn't the point of paintball to be camouflaged and hiding?" Leora asked.

"Yep, and whoever is here last is the target for practice," Kyle said.

"Savage, now I really want in. I haven't gone in forever. I think the last time was that summer we spent with Grandpa Eli," Leora said.

"Yeah, that sounds about right, Jake and Adam were total babies," Kyle said laughing.

Kendall and James entered the living room with Jenny between them as she led the way. She was having fun exploring Jared's house.

"Going somewhere?" Kendall asked.

"Paintball," Kyle said.

"Me too!" Leora said.

"Are you sure you wanna go? Noah and Matt get pretty competitive," Jared said.

"I'm sure, I can handle it," Leora said confidently.

Suddenly the front door slammed and hurried footsteps were heard. Miles entered the living room fully out of breath. He hunched over.

"Am I the first one here?" He asked.

"Yeah," Kyle said.

"Well now I feel just a teensy bit bad," Miles said.

"Miles!"

"What did you do to Matt?" Kyle asked.

Matt entered the living room. He didn't look mad, no he looked mildly impressed.

"That was smart, but you won't get one over me again," Matt threatened him.

"Dully noted, but No and Ro aren't here yet," Miles said.

"Well at least I'm not last," Matt said.

"Yeah, but No and Ro are gonna kill each other," Jared said as he pulled out his phone. He dialed Roldy's number. He put the phone on speaker when Roldy answered.

"What do you want, Jer?" Roldy asked.

"Just wondering if you guys planned on showing up, Miles was first and Matt was a close second," Jared said.

"Oh so you mean it's between me and Ro," Noah said slowly.

"We are almost there,"

"Yep, hurry up," Jared said, hanging up.

"I have to go watch this," Kyle said.

He took off out the door with the others behind him. They all gathered in the driveway waiting for Noah and Roldy.

Soon they arrived. Roldy parked the car. The pair sat there for a moment. They appeared to be talking. Noah leaned over and kissed Roldy hard on the lips before he slid out of the car. Roldy hollered at him as he scrambled out after him. They raced up the driveway together.

Jared jumped aside as they ran up to him, barely missing getting knocked over.

"Too close to call," Matt said, shaking his head.

"No way! I was first," Noah declared.

"No I was," Roldy said.

"Technically we agreed to meet at my house and neither of you have stepped foot inside," Jared said.

"Yes, the first one inside wins," Matt declared.

Noah and Roldy glance at one another. The others quickly cleared a path for them.

"You can call it now, you know I'm quicker Ro," Noah said.

"I am not going down without a fight," Roldy said. "Besides, you're a total klutz. I have a chance if you trip or something."

Noah and Roldy locked eyes for a moment. They counted down from three together. They took off at full sprint. Noah's foot missed the sidewalk and he fell to the ground with a Yelp. Roldy looked back and ran back to him.

"Noah are you ok?" Roldy asked, kneeling down beside him.

"You jinxed me," Noah said as he sat up. "You win, I give."

"Your bleeding," Roldy said, pointing to his knee.

"I'm fine, I've gotten hurt worse," Noah assured him.

"Are you sure," Roldy asked.

"Come on, Jared you've got a first aid kit right? We can patch him up and send him off to be target practice," Kendall said.

"Yeah, I'll get it," Jared said, taking off inside. Roldy helped Noah up. Everyone headed inside.

Kyle pulled Matt back. Matt turned to the younger blonde.

"Noah totally tripped on purpose right? You saw that didn't you?" Kyle asked.

"So I'm the only one who noticed," Matt replied.

"Noah isn't a klutz, he's easily distracted, yes, but he's got more grace and balance than Roldy does," Kyle said.

"I know, but they're married. He probably wanted to stop the argument," Matt said.

"I just know Jared and Miles are team captains and I don't care who I go with as long as I'm not on the same team as Ro, I want to get some payback," Kyle said.

"Oh come on it wasn't that bad," Matt said.

Kyle lifted his shirt to show off several bruises on his sides and chest. Matt gave a low whistle.

"Fair enough, he deserves every second of pain," Matt laughed.

The two headed insides to the living room where Noah was being patched up by Kendall, who was in full dad mode. Roldy was apologizing to him, for jinxing him. Jared was telling him to stop. Jenny was trying to sit in Noah's lap trying to comfort his boo-boo.

"It's ok Ro, I just missed the step up onto the sidewalk. I'm fine, I've taken worse," Noah said.

"Yeah, like that concussion you gave him last night," Kyle said.

"Which I apologized for," Roldy said quickly.

"Concussion?" James asked.

"Ask dad, for some reason he thought it was a good idea to add new choreography this late in the game and Ro has two left feet. It's a wonder he got the other stuff down without killing somebody," Kyle said.

"Yeah, but Jenna's arm is almost healed and she should be back in no time," Roldy said.

"If I were her I wouldn't come back," Kyle said.

"And I wouldn't blame her, I'm a hazard," Roldy replied.

"Ok, let's get back on track here," Jared said.

"Paintball!" Noah said excitedly.

"Yes and Leora wants to join," Kyle said.

"We won't take it easy on you," Matt warned her.

"I can handle myself," Leora assured him.

"Teams will be uneven," Roldy pointed out.

"Hold on," Kyle said. He pulled his phone out and called Lucas. He waited patiently as he waited for him to answer.

"Hello?"

"Hey Lu isn't Artie out of town this weekend?" Kyle asked.

"Yeah, he's spending the week with his dad in Florida," Lucas confirmed.

"Wanna join us for some paintball?" He asked.

"Never been, sounds fun," Lucas said.

"Great I'll text you when and where to meet us and we will get you some gear cause we gotta get Le some too," Kyle said.

"Awesome," Lucas said.

"Oh give me," Miles said, snatching the phone. "Lucas, before you hang up, Gramma Jo is in town and told me to invite you to dinner. Yeah. Surprise visit, but she wants to catch up. Yeah your parents are invited. Sweet, see ya later."

"Joanna's in town?" Kendall asked.

"Yeah she showed up this morning," Miles said.

"Well I know who we are gonna visit right Jenny?" Kendall asked, looking down at his daughter.

"We will have to stop by later too," Kyle said to Leora.

"I'm sure dad and Papi won't mind a few more for dinner," Miles said.

He pulled his phone and texted Carlos that he invited a few more people over for dinner. Carlos quickly deduced that he invited the Knight clan, and said it was fine.

—Happy Mistakes—

Logan was pacing around his home office. He was still trying to digest Joanna's news. He had not expected that. He hadn't heard from Presley in a long time, aside from the short visit she paid him last fall.

Joanna hadn't told the girls yet either. Instead she had taken them shopping, leaving him and Carlos home alone. Carlos was busy cleaning. Miles had asked to bring a few more people over for dinner. Which probably meant the Knight clan, which in turn meant Jared would probably come, and the other three followed him everywhere.

Logan sighed as he sat down at his desk. He didn't know how to feel about this. Presley was his sister. He was supposed to love her unconditionally. However, Presley had done some awful things to him. He had paid for a couple of her rehab stints, much to Carlos' chargain. He even tried to help her get clean by inviting her to live with them for a while. How did she repay him? She got high and kidnapped the girls for a week. How could he forgive her after that, especially when she showed no remorse for her actions. All that had mattered to her was the drugs.

He pulled out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts. He sighed as he found who he was looking for. His finger hovered over the call button. He needed advice on what to do, and there was only one impartial person he could think of to call. He waited as the phone rang.

"Hello? Logan?"

"Hey Camille, are you busy? I know it's been awhile, but I need some advice and you're the only person I can think of right now," Logan said.

They hadn't talked since the night that they told Damien the truth. It had been a whole argument between her and Steve, with Logan trying to defuse the situation only making things worse. It had been a real shit show, ending with Damien kicking them all out. He hadn't even talked to Damien yet about anything.

He hoped she would just go with the flow right now. She was one of his best friends that could be neutral about this. Kendall was too close and opinionated about Presley and James would follow Kendall's lead. He didn't need that right now, as much as he wanted to hear it. He wanted to be told to leave Presley alone, but he needed a neutral source.

"No I'm not busy, what's up?" Camille asked.

Logan sighed before launching into his problem. He told her all about Presley and how troublesome she had been for him. He then told her about what was going on right now. Camille listened and added her two cents here and there. It was almost as if the whole fight had never happened. She helped him come to a decision.

"Thanks Mille, I know things have been…uh…awkward since…you know," Logan said.

"Yeah, I know and I'm so sorry," Camille said.

"Let's not dwell on the past. We can't change it. All we can do is move forward," Logan said.

"Thanks," Camille said. "Steve left," she said slowly.

"Are you guys…" Logan trailed off.

"I don't know, he packed his suitcase and said he needed some time to think. Damien told me he's staying with him and Jake for now, but he hasn't mentioned anything about divorce to them," Camille sighed.

"Just give him some time. Los and I have been seeing a therapist and it helped a lot when this came to light. We were able to work through it and realize we can't change the past, just learn from it and move forward," Logan said.

"I'll keep that in mind, thanks," Camille said.

They said their goodbyes. Logan hung up and set his phone on his desk. He knew what he had to do. That didn't make it any easier. He scrolled his contacts again and hit the call button once more. He waited as it rang.

"Hello? Logan? Did your mom arrive then?"

"Hey dad, yeah she made it," Logan said.

"I told her not to bother, I know how things are between you and Pres," David said quickly. "But she's our daughter. I know she put us through a lot, but we gotta try and help her through this. She's putting up a hell of a fight."

"Dad," Logan said.

"I mean we brought her into the world. She's been clean too ya know, for over a year and a half now. She was trying to get her life back together," David rambled.

"Dad," Logan said trying to get his attention.

"We can't just turn our backs on her. We brought her into this world. We wanted you and her and we have to take responsibility for that. I know you two have had a rocky relationship ever since she took the girls and we can't change that, but I have to do right by my daughter and help her," David rambled.

"Dad!" Logan said, getting his attention. David stopped talking and apologized for rambling."it's ok, and don't worry. I'm coming home with mom."

"What?" David asked, shocked.

"It's about time Presley and I talked," Logan replied slowly.

"Oh Logan, please that's all she has wanted to do since she got this diagnosis. She wants to make things better," David said happily.

Logan let him ramble on about the going ons in Minnesota. They talked for almost an hour just catching up. David offered to bring the phone to Presley, but Logan knew this was an in person conversation. He didn't want to do it over the phone. David respected that.

"Dad I gotta go," Logan said finally.

"Ok, just tell your mother to hurry back I sure do miss her, and tell the grandkids I love them, and tell Carlos you're an idiot for leaving him like that and if it ever happens again he will always be my son," David said.

"Yes dad I know, we've been working things out," Logan said.

"Bye son, I love you," David said.

"Bye dad, love you too," Logan said. He hung up, setting his phone aside. He just needed to figure out how to tell Carlos he was going to Minnesota.

"So, when your mom leaves you're going with her?"

Logan looked up at Carlos who was standing in the doorway. He had his arms crossed with a knowing look. Logan nodded his head. Carlos pushed himself off the doorframe and walked over to Logan. Logan turned in his chair and held his arms out to the Latino. Carlos grabbed his arm and pulled him up into a hug. Logan pressed his face into Carlos's shoulder. He sighed as he started talking.

"What?" Carlos asked.

Logan lifted his head. "I said, at the end of the day she is still family. I gotta make this right. She's potentially only got weeks left, Los. She's been clean for a year and a half now. She's really trying to make things right," Logan said.

"It's ok, go, figure things out. I will hold the fort down here," Carlos said.

"Thanks Los," Logan said, pulling him into a kiss.

"You're welcome, and now that that is all set, wanna go shopping with me? You mom gave me a grocery list since she's busy with the girls right now and she wants to cook tonight," Carlos said.

"She's the guest," Logan chuckled.

"She's a grandma," Carlos laughed.

"Yeah, let's go," Logan said smiling. He started for the door, but Carlos stopped him. He turned to the Latino confused.

"You know we are home alone right now, and if you're leaving in a few days…" Carlos trailed off.

"What are we still doing down here, shopping can wait," Logan said. He grabbed Carlos hand and led him from his office and up the stairs.