Chapter 39: I Almost Had You

Miles peered around the corner. He saw no one in the hallway. He gave a sigh of relief. He turned back to Kyle.

"Coast is clear, come on," Miles said. He grabbed Kyle's wrist and led him down the hall.

They made their way past several classrooms trying to be quick. They had missed the first bell after lunch. Kyle came up with the brilliant idea to just cut class. He didn't want to get shamed for being tardy. Their history teacher was awful.

They almost got caught by their principal, but Miles was quicker. He entered an empty classroom and hid. Kyle peeked towards the door, when he didn't enter they knew they were safe.

"That was close," Miles said, a hand over his heart.

"Come on, let's go before Mrs. T gets back," Kyle said. He pushed Miles out the door once he deemed it safe.

Miles led Kyle into the auditorium. It was safer here than it was outside. They entered the projection room and collapsed on the floor in a heap of laughter.

"We are so stupid," Kyle said shaking his head.

"Yeah, but this is so much better than having to deal with Mr. Not-Jolly," Miles said.

Kyle started laughing at that. He gave Miles a shove. "I want you to call him that to his face."

"Ok, but you can't have the name of Chris Kringle and not be a little heavy set and not expect the Santa jokes. It's not my fault his parents had a sense of humor," Miles said.

"Agreed," Kyle said, nodding his head.

He scooted back against the wall. Miles moved until he was sitting beside him.

"So now what, we've still got like almost half an hour to kill," Miles said.

"Check this out," Kyle said, grabbing his backpack. He pulled his laptop out. He quickly opened it.

"New song?" Miles asked.

"Kind of, it's a work in progress," Kyle said. He brought up a file. He grabbed his headphones and plugged them in.

Miles snatched them and put one in his ear and gave the other back to Kyle. Kyle leaned in close and put the other in his ear. He hit the play button.

Miles tapped along and bobbed his head. Once it ended Kyle took the headphone back and looked at Miles expectantly.

"It's not bad, but it sounds like you're trying too hard," Miles said.

"I am trying too hard, this song needs to be recorded soon," Kyle said, hanging his head. "I can't seem to get it right."

"You gotta just let it flow Dude, you've got a way with words. You can do this, maybe let Jared help. He's better at this than me," Miles said.

"I don't want Jared's opinion. He always tells me it's good, I want honesty," Kyle said.

"Well, it's ok but it needs a little work I just feels too forced and too over the top pop," Miles said

"I know, but that's the direction I'm heading. Dad things we need to capitalize on that now that I've got my first album out. He says we need to evolve and go with the times. Pop is where it's at," Kyle said.

"Yes, but you can still put your own spin on it, make it yours," Miles said.

"Mine?" Kyle asked.

"Yeah, you always do things your way. Don't let this be any different. You're amazing and you shouldn't water yourself down for the rest of the world," Miles said smiling at him.

"Thanks," Kyle said, his cheeks heating up slightly.

They lapsed into silence after that. Miles wasn't sure what to say after that. He hadn't meant to say all that. He sounded like an idiot.

He felt a hand cover his on the floor. He looked down at Kyle's hand confused. His other hand came to his chin. He tilted his face up.

"Thanks Miles, for everything," Kyle said.

"Yeah-yeah, no problem," Miles stammered.

Why was he so nervous all of a sudden? This was just Kyle. His best friend. His best friend that he made out with on occasion. His best friend that he was falling slowly in love with.

Kyle's lips pressed against his and his mind went blank, like always. Miles could not think when the blonde kissed him like this. Kyle set his laptop aside and climbed into Miles lap. The soft kiss soon started to get heated. Hands started to wander, lips mashed against one another. All that could be heard in the room was their soft whimpers and pants.

Miles pulled Kyle close. He could feel how turned on the blonde already was. Hell, he was there too. He pressed his hips up into the blonde as their tongues dueled. It was a delicate dance they had managed to work out together. Miles loved when Kyle took charge and showed him what to do and how to do it. Miles needed that guiding light to learn what he liked and didn't like. However, Kyle liked when Miles was bold and made the first move. It had taken a lot of trial and error, but Miles knew just how to turn Kyle to mush now.

Kyle's mouth started to travel down his neck. His movements became very jerky. Miles could tell he was close. Hell, he was close himself, he just needed a little more to get there.

Suddenly Kyle stopped him. He sat back with his eyes closed. He scooted back in Miles lap, his breathing labored. Miles reached out for him. He didn't want this to end. He wanted more. No, he needed more.

"Give me a minute," Kyle said, stopping him.

"What's wrong?" Miles asked, reaching out for the blonde again. "Are you that easy? Are you that close to exploding already?" He asked mischievously as he pulled Kyle close again. Kyle gasped as their hips met again.

"Dude stop," Kyle said, dropping his forehead onto his shoulder.

"Oh my god you are," Miles said. He yelped as Kyle pinched his side.

"Have you forgotten where we are?" Kyle asked.

"Maybe," Miles replied.

"I am not going commando again," Kyle said, not lifting his head. "We are at school, dumbass. I can't afford to skip my next class. He's gonna fail me soon if I don't start showing up on time."

"So stop being late," Miles laughed.

"I can't help it, I've got this needy little leech that won't leave me alone," Kyle said finally sitting up.

"Leech? Have you met Jared? He's the fucking leech," Miles said poking at the hickey's on Kyle's neck.

Kyle quickly slapped a hand over his neck. He scooted back his cheeks red. Jared had been marking him a bit more lately. He was getting very obvious with his hickeys. Miles wondered if he suspected something and was just trying to stake his claim. Kyle had brushed that off saying Jared was always like that. He was super into hickeys and making sure everyone knew Kyle was taken.

Kyle was taken.

That thought made Miles' heart ache more than he liked to admit. He would never let it show. This was serious to Kyle. This was strictly about getting off. With Kendall and James staying at Jared's house now, they had no privacy at all. Kyle was more wound up than usual. So Kyle had started their secret meetings again. Miles being Miles was unable to deny him. He was putty in his hands.

"I can't decide who's worse," Kyle said cheekily.

"Him, by far," Miles said, lifting Kyle's shirt to reveal a couple hickeys that trailed down along the dirty blond hair that ran down into his jeans.

Miles couldn't tear his eyes away from his abs. He knew he lay below that waistline. It was so tempting to just open up his jeans.

"Maybe," Kyle said, pulling his shirt back down. "And no, we are at school and the bell is gonna ring any minute."

"But it's so much more fun than class," Miles said, making a grab for his hips. Kyle scooted back a little further shaking his head. "Boo! You're no fun."

—Happy Mistakes—

Jared watched as Kyle worked with Roldy once more. They were still working on the new routine, but Kyle was a lot calmer than he had been on Friday. Jared took a little pride in that, but he also knew that paintball had been a big part of this too. Roldy was catching on finally too. He just had to get his timing down. They had barely gotten any alone time this weekend. Kendall and James were all over them.

Jared jumped up as Kyle called the guys back. He grabbed the mics and handed them out again. They weren't on, but the guys needed practice with them. Kyle had Miles cue up the music again. He took his place behind Roldy counting out the rhythms for him. He then jumped up beside Roldy doing the dance with him keeping him on track.

The music ended and Noah ran over to Roldy.

"You did it, I'm so proud," Noah said.

"Yes but can he actually dance and sing at the same time?" Kyle asked.

"Are you trying to kill one of these guys cause that's how you get someone killed," Roldy replied.

"Relax Ro, you got this," Kyle laughed.

He walked over to Miles. He told the guys to get back into place. He cued the music with a count down for Roldy.

The guys started dancing and moving around the stage. Roldy stumbled a time or two, but quickly got back on track.

Jared watched as Kendall joined Kyle and Miles. Kendall and Kyle seemed deep in discussion by the time the song ended. Jared ran up to them with the guys behind him.

"I see Roldy hasn't maimed anyone today," Kendall said slowly.

"Not yet, he's improving," Kyle replied.

"Good, how about we call it a day?" Kendall asked. He turned to Kyle once more. "Gustavo wants a word with you."

"Me?" Kyle asked, confused for a moment. "Oh right, uh Jer give Miles a ride home please. I'll catch up later." He dug his keys from his pocket and tossed them to Jared.

"What's going on?" Jared asked, confused.

"Why do I gotta go with him?" Miles asked.

"Top secret, need to know basis and you two don't need to know just yet," Kyle replied.

"I can totally keep secrets," Miles said as he started laughing. "As I hear it out loud it sounds ridiculous."

"Come on, I'll give you a ride," Jared laughed.

"Fine, but I'm still gonna complain about it," Miles said.

"What's new there," Jared said.

"Thanks Jer, I'll get a ride home with dad, let's go," Kyle said to Kendall. He took off before anyone else could say anything. Kendall silently followed after his hyperactive son.

"What's their secret?" Jared asked once they were gone.

"Don't know, I've been trying to wear Kyle down for weeks. He won't tell me what goes on here after you guys leave," Miles said.

"Leave it alone guys, they'll tell us when they can," Roldy said, shaking his head at the pair.

"Yes but I need to know, it's killing me," Miles said.

"No you don't, come on let's go get some ice cream," Jared laughed.

"Ah, you're the best boyfriend ever," Miles teased, poking Jared's nose. Jared made a face at that as the guys all started laughing.

"I mean basically, you can't have Kyle without Miles," Roldy said through his laughter.

"Ok let's go! I want ice cream," Miles declared. He took off ahead of the guys.

Jared chuckled as he followed after him waving to the others. He joined Miles at Kyle's car. Miles was on his phone texting.

"Can I come to your place?" Miles asked.

"Wanna see Leora?" Jared asked.

"What?! No, I would never have ulterior motives to hanging out with you," Miles gasped.

"It's fine, I don't care," Jared laughed.

"It's just to study, Leora's boring like that and I don't know if I'm ready to do other stuff anyways," Miles replied as he slid into the car.

"Aren't you two dating?" Jared asked.

"Kinda, I mean we've been on a few dates and we've kissed, but like I'm not sure. We agreed to try this out until prom," Miles said.

"But?" Jared asked knowing there was more.

"But I don't know if I really like her like that and I don't know how to tell her without hurting her. I don't want to upset her," Miles said looking down at his lap.

"Haven't you been trying to ask her out for months?" Jared asked, confused.

"Yeah, but like once we actually went out it just…there is no spark there," Miles admitted.

"Just tell her, don't drag it out," Jared said, "the longer this drags out the worse it will be."

"I know, but she wants to give this a real shot and we agree on Prom. It's not that she's not awesome. Like she's funny, she's very focused, and knows what she wants and here I am just a goof who's got a camera and not sure of his path in life," Miles said looking out the window.

"Hey you'll figure it out, it doesn't happen overnight," Jared said.

"Says the guy who knew he wanted to be a singer since he was ten, and then became a singer at eighteen," Miles replied.

"Yes, I knew what I wanted and I chased it even though everyone told me I was crazy. Everyone I knew said I would never make it and there was a point the guys wanted to give up too. If we hadn't gotten that call from Kendall, I am sure Matt would've left us for college," Jared said.

"Matt wanted to go to college?" Miles asked.

"He thought about it, his mom pressured him and he wanted to be a veterinarian at one point," Jared said.

"Wow, I didn't know that," Miles said looking up at Jared.

"Yeah, he gave up that dream to follow me here on a whim and we are so fucking lucky that it worked out," Jared said.

"Wow, what about No and Ro?" Miles asked curiously.

"Noah was gonna follow his dad into business and Roldy wasn't sure what he wanted. He's smart and went from doctor to lawyer to accountant to possibly being a teacher at one point. He never knew what he really wanted to do until we got to LA and he found he really likes making music, almost as much as I do," Jared said.

"I could see Ro being a teacher," Miles laughed, causing Jared to laugh as well.

—Happy Mistakes—

Logan fidgeted in his seat as the plane taxied. He was back in Minnesota with Joanna. He wasn't sure what was going to come from this trip. He hadn't really talked with Presley in years. He had blown her off last time she attempted to talk to him. He had assumed the worst of her and now he regretted it. Maybe if he had just listened, instead of jumping to conclusions.

"Relax dear," Joanna told him.

"Sorry mom, I'm just…I don't know," Logan sighed.

"Sweetie, it's ok," Joanna said.

"I do regret turning her away then," Logan admitted.

"You didn't know, and honestly if I were you I wouldn't have let her back into my life either," Joanna said knowing just what to say to help out him at ease a little.

"Thanks mom, I just…I don't know if I can forgive her honestly," he said slowly.

"That's ok, just talk to her," Joanna said.

"She took my daughters away from me and all for what? For money for drugs?" Logan asked. He ran a hand through his hair. He took a breath and looked away from her. "Sorry, it's all just coming back to me."

"It's ok, I never expected to get you this far," Joanna admitted.

"I know, me either, but maybe it is time we talked and got things out in the open," Logan mused as he glanced out his window at the airport. He wasn't sure what he expected from this trip.

After an eternity they were released from the plane. Logan helped Joanna get her bag down before getting his things. They exited the plane and headed to the baggage claim to meet up with David. It didn't take Logan long to find him. David smiled as he welcomed him with a hug, before he moved to hug and kiss Joanna.

"How was your flight?" David asked.

"Good," Joanna said.

Logan opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by his phone ringing. He sighed as he fished it from his pocket. He groaned as he saw Marcus Jacobi flash across his screen. He reluctantly answered it, knowing if he ignored it he would call back until he answered.

"Marcus I've barely been gone for four hours now, weren't you the one who said the place won't fall apart if I take some time off," Logan said quickly.

"Hello to you too sunshine," Marcus greeted.

"Who's Marcus?" David asked, confused.

"My boss," Logan replied.

"Yeah, your boss, so remember I can still fire you," Marcus threatened.

"Like you would, now what's wrong, we just landed," Logan asked, with a grin.

"That clinical trial you were looking into," Marcus started.

"That call was supposed to come to my personal number, not you," Logan said quickly, his smile falling. He turned away from David and Joanna.

"Is everything all right?" Marcus asked.

"Yes, can we talk about this later, I wanna get settled and see my family before I talk shop," Logan said.

"You're not alone and don't want to talk right now?" Marcus asked.

"Exactly, there is a time difference. I will call you later," Logan promised.

"Is it your mom?" Marcus asked.

"We will talk later," Logan said again.

"Ok, you better call me tonight," Marcus said.

Logan said a quick goodbye as he confirmed and hung up. He turned back to Joanna and David who were watching him. He gave them a smile.

"That was Marcus Jacobi, my boss and good friend. He's stuck his neck out for me on many occasions and I've done the same for him. He's a great doctor, but as I predicted that place goes to hell when I leave," Logan said with a smirk. Kendall would be proud of his snark.

"Is it too late to tell you to stop being friends with that troublemaker who used to live down the road?" David asked.

"Way too late dad," Logan chuckled.

They headed towards the exit talking and catching up. Logan really did miss his parents. He needed to visit more. He never released just how much he missed them until he was with them.

"It's good to see you," David said, as they approached his car, "in person and not over a screen," he added.

"The kids were sad you didn't come this weekend," Logan said.

"I know, I got a very angry phone call from Layla but in the end I had her laughing," David said.

"We haven't told them yet either," Logan said.

"Understandable, I'm really surprised your mother got you this far," David said. Logan nodded his head. He wasn't sure what would come from this reunion.

David and Logan put his and Joanna's bags in the trunk of the car.

"Presley should be at treatment, she gets chemo five days a week," Joanna said.

"Yep I dropped her off an hour ago and Brooke is picking her up for me," David said as he climbed into the drivers seat.

"Brooke? Diamond?" Logan asked, making sure he understood. He got into the back seat.

"Yes, she's been so helpful with Presley these last few months. She is her godmother after all," Joanna said.

"I know, I'm just shocked that you told so many people before you told me," Logan said.

"I tried, you wouldn't listen, and I don't blame you either, but you're here now and that's all that matters," Joanna said.

The drive home was filled with lighter chatter. Logan caught David up on all the kids and how they were doing. Logan even filled him in on how things were at work for him and how he and his boss really did get along great that he was able to be snarky like that with him.

They arrived at the Mitchell home an hour later. There was another car in the driveway. Joanna confirmed that it was Brooke's car.

After the car was parked the three made their way inside. Joanna led Logan to the kitchen where as she predicted Brooke was sitting. She looked up with a smile as they entered.

"Hi Brooke," Logan greeted her. She met him with a hug and kiss to the cheek per her normal greeting.

"Hi sweetie, it's good to see you, I'm just sorry it's under the given circumstances," Brooke said.

"Yeah," Logan said. It was all he could say. He still wasn't sure about this.

"So I started dinner for you, I figured that's what the casserole in the freezer was for," Brooke said.

"Yes and thank you so much, for all your help," Joanna said, smiling at her.

"Brooke we really can't thank you enough," David said.

"Is Presley laying down?" Joanna asked.

"Yeah, she was a bundle of nerves all day, she

was really tired after," Brooke said.

"That's to be expected, Chemo is very harsh and considering what I've been told she's on her second to last week of five days a week right?" Logan asked, slipping into doctor mode.

"Yeah, and then she's done for six weeks and they recheck," Joanna said.

"Well I am gonna go get settled in. If I don't call Marcus soon he's gonna lose his mind," Logan said. He slipped away before anyone could stop him.

He made his way up to his childhood bedroom. He glanced towards Presley's closed door. He was going to have to face her sooner or later. He wanted to put it off for as long as he could. He wasn't sure what he was even going to say to Presley.

He entered his room and paused as he found Presley sitting on his bed. She looked up with a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She looked tired and beaten down. She was a lot thinner than the last time he had seen her too. Paler too, her skin almost seemed translucent. She wore a beanie on her head, and a thick sweater.

"I thought mom told you you're not allowed in my room when I'm not here," Logan said, trying to cover his shock at seeing her. Presley grinned at that. This time it was a true smile.

"You know I've never really been one for rules, big brother," Presley replied.

Logan stood there, unsure of what to say next. He wanted to forgive her, but he also was still so mad at her. Everything came rushing back all at once.

"Logan I am so sorry," Presley said finally. Tears welling in her eyes. Logan crossed the room and sat down beside her.

"That's all I've ever wanted Pres," Logan said, pulling her into a hug. "I wanted you to show remorse for what you had done. I wanted you to care that you had not only hurt me, but Carlos, Lilly, and Layla too. Hell, even Kendall and James."

"I know, but at the time the addiction had me full force. I…I didn't know what to do," Presley sobbed.

"Stop, you're gonna make me cry, like this isn't about me. It's about you," Logan said, fighting his own tears now.

"Me, that's right," Presley said, pulling back. "Like cancer? What the hell, right? Like some kind of divine punishment."

"Not a punishment. Bad things happen Pres, but I think I might have an answer for you," Logan said walking over to his bag. He grabbed his laptop.

"Answer? Logan I asked you here to be my brother, not my doctor," Presley said.

"Can't I be both?" Logan asked as he opened his laptop. He started setting it up to WiFi. "I want to help you as my baby sister Pres. However as a doctor, who studied oncology and almost became and oncologist I made connections early on in my career."

"Really?" Presley asked.

"Sanai has some of the best medical teams in the country," Logan said as he pulled something up on his laptop. He turned it to show Presley as his phone started ringing. He glanced down with a grin as he saw Marcus' name.

"What is this?" Presley asked.

"Top of the line research that you could have first access to," Logan said as he answered his phone. "Marcus, you have amazing timing."

"Logan, can you get me into this program?" Presley asked, shocked. "My doctor was talking about this, but he wasn't sure I could get in."

"Logan what's going on?" Marcus asked.

Logan put Marcus on speaker phone. "Marcu, you're here with me and my sister Presley. Pres this is Marcus Jacobi one of the best diagnosticians in the country. He's a real life Dr. House but with a nicer personality. He's your ticket into the program."

"Hello, Ms. Mitchell it's nice to meet you," Marcus said, playing it cool. Logan knew he would get chewed out later, but it would be worth it.

"Hello, and you can call me Presley. It's nice to meet you too. I know this new drug is experimental but it's my only shot at beating this," Presley said.

"I understand, we are taking in as many willing candidates as we can no matter what stage their cancer is," Marcus said, "I already have a spot with your name on it, all you have to do is show up and sign some paperwork."

"Really?" Presley asked a fresh batch of tears welling in her eyes.

"Yes, the sooner you can get here the better," Marcus said.

"Wow, this is a lot to take in," Presley said.

"We haven't even discussed this with mom and dad yet, but we will be there as soon as we can," Logan said.

"I gotta finish chemo first, two more weeks," Presley said.

"We can finish that out here," Marcus said, "but I'll work out the details on this end. Give me a call tomorrow and we can really get this figured out. I just wanted you to know that I secured you a spot."

"Thank you so much Dr. Jacobi," Presley said, her tears falling.

"Your welcome, Logan," Marcus said.

"I know I owe you big time," Logan replied.

—Happy Mistakes—

Kendall yawned as he sat through yet another god awful board meeting. He hated that Gustavo was making him and Kelly attend these. Kendall didn't want the job as much as Kelly did. Hell she deserved it more than he did. She was practically running this place already. Kendall had no interest in taking over. He was content making and producing music. That was his passion. He was not a businessman.

Kendall felt a nudge in the side. He glanced over at Kelly. She sent him a glare that said pay attention. Kendall just rolled his eyes and looked up to the presentation. It was rather boring.

Once the meeting finally ended Kendall had never been so relieved. Once the boring business men were gone and it was him, Kelly, and Gustavo alone, he made his way up to the large man.

"I still don't understand why you make me come to these meetings," Kendall said, annoyed.

"Because you need to know all the ins and outs," Gustavo said.

"No, I'm a producer, I make music. It's what I'm good at. Let Kelly take over, she wants it, hell she deserves it," Kendall said.

"Aw thanks, but that's not the point," Kelly said.

"Then this is just for your pure sick enjoyment as a form of torture," Kendall said.

"We just want you prepared just in case you need to make a decision one day," Kelly said.

"Boo, I'm not taking over like ever. I didn't even want to be here in the first place if you remember, but I found my passion in music not business," Kendall said.

"You're not getting out of these meetings," Gustavo replied.

"If I apologize for being an annoying little shit when I was sixteen would that help?" Kendall asked.

"Nope," Gustavo and Kelly said together.

Kendall groaned as he sunk back into a chair. He was not going to win this battle, no matter how much he fought it.

"Good morning, I brought coffee," Penelope said as she walked into the conference room.

"You're about an hour too late for that," Kendall said.

"Someone grumpy," Penelope said.

"I'm not grumpy," Kendall said with a frown.

"Yes you are," Kelly said.

"Here have some coffee, I had to run across town to get this because they were out of almond milk at my usual stop and I had a feeling you would need it today," Penelope said walking over to Kendall.

"Regular milk would have been fine," Kendall said.

"James would kill me if I gave you regular milk, and your stomach would hate you," Penelope said.

"Yeah you're probably right, but you don't have to worry about James right now," Kendall replied as he took the coffee cup from her.

"Is that why you're so grumpy?" Penelope asked, "you and Kyle are so alike."

"What is that supposed to…never mind I don't wanna know," Kendall said shaking his head.

"Too much information," Kelly said, shaking her head.

"Sorry, but it's true you should have seen Kyle last week barking orders. You would've been calling him baby Kendall," Penelope said.

"I always call him that," Kelly chuckled.

"No I mean he was like Kendall is right now, frustrated," Penelope said with a grin.

"Ah, I see," Kelly said, nodding her head.

"That's my son I don't need to hear this and you're my daughter," Kendall said.

"Since when did you become a prude?" Penelope asked.

"I'm not-oh my god I am," Kendall said slowly.

"Anyways, thanks for the coffee Pen," Kelly said, taking her leave.

"Yes it's much appreciated," Gustavo said as he followed her.

Kendall looked up at Penelope. "So what's on the agenda for today aside from the awful meeting."

"You've got a demo recording this morning but I managed to get them to agree to reschedule to next week because we accidentally double booked the studio this morning," Penelope said, taking a seat next to Kendall.

"We double booked?" Kendall asked, looking up from his coffee.

"No, but don't tell them that," Penelope said with a smile. "Now your morning is free until the boys show up for final fitting and wardrobes this afternoon."

"Have I mentioned how awesome you are," Kendall asked.

"Also you left this in your office," Penelope said, reaching into her pocket. "You texted James while you were in that awful meeting and told him you were glad your morning session got cancelled. He might be on his way to steal you away for a little while."

"Do you have to leave me in a couple months? I'm gonna be lost without you," Kendall said, taking his phone from her.

"Kind of having a baby here. Don't worry I'm training Kyle on all of this before I go, except the texting James part. Besides by that point you'll be out on the road with the guys having fun," Penelope said, waving a hand at him.

"Thanks," Kendall said, smiling at her. "I'll be in my office if you need me."

"If you're a little late, I'll keep the guys on track," Penelope said.

"You're the best," Kendall said, smiling at her.

He made his way to his office. He was only mildly surprised to see James there already. James grinned up at him.

"That was fast," Kendall said.

"Yeah, we'll there's been a slight problem with contractors and I need your help sorting things out," James said holding up a key.

"Is that?" Kendall asked.

"Carlos and Layla got it all cleared out last night," James said with a grin.

"Well what are we doing here? Let's go fix that problem with the contractors," Kendall said with a grin. He walked over to his desk and pulled James to his feet. He quickly pulled him close for a kiss.

—Happy Mistakes—

Damien closed his laptop and rubbed his eyes. He was currently sitting at the kitchen table trying to figure out his homework. Jake was currently in the shower getting ready for his classes. Steve had left a note for them that he took Eli for a morning walk. Damien wasn't sure when they had left, he just hoped that they would be back soon.

Damien was working hard on playing catch in his classes. ever since the accident he had been running to catch up. A lot of his professors were shocked he was playing catch up and not just dropping the whole semester. He was probably going to be taking an incomplete in a lot of his classes. Missing two months of classes sucked.

Jake exited the bathroom dressed and towel drying his hair. He looked up at Damien and then around the apartment.

"Not back yet?" Jake asked.

"Not yet, but I'm not worried," Damien said.

"Me either, but I wanna see my baby before I leave for class," Jake said. He headed into the bedroom to finish getting ready.

Damien looked up as the door opened and Steve walked in with Eli, in his stroller, and a drink tray with three coffee cups.

"Good morning, I was hoping you'd both still be here," Steve said.

"Morning, I was starting to wonder if you had kidnapped my baby," Damien joked.

"No, but the kid is a total people magnet. I had several people give me their number today, they seemed to think I was a single dad with a baby," Steve said as he walked over to the table and set the coffee down.

"Almond milk?" Damien asked.

"All three," Steve replied as he set about getting Eli free from his stroller. "I don't know if I should be flattered that they think I'm young enough to have an infant son, or annoyed that they think I have time for an infant," he said as he sat down next to Damien with Eli.

"They probably pitied you, thinking you were too old to be a dad," Damien laughed.

"Stop, you're awful," Steve said glaring at his son.

"There's my baby," Jake said walking out of the bedroom with a smile. He snatched Eli from Steve with a smile. "Did you have fun with Grandpa?"

"He was using our son to gain sympathy at the coffee shop and get dates," Damien snorted.

"Well Eli's so cute, who wouldn't want to come meet the little guy," Jake said, hugging his son close, causing the baby to giggle.

"And I was not getting dates, I turned them all down," Steve said to Damien.

"Well, you're not wearing a ring so they are gonna assume you're single. Especially at your age," Damien said.

"My age?" Steve asked, "besides I don't see you wearing a ring," He added.

"That's because it had to be cut off after the accident. Logan said he made the decision to cut it off cause of the swelling rather than trying to wrestle it off and lose time for surgery. I legitimately almost died that night," Damien said.

"I didn't know they cut your ring off," Steve said.

"Yeah, I'm glad they decided to cut it off and you know focus on the internal bleeding," Damien said.

"Eli and I are happy for that too," Jake said.

Damien noticed Steve had gone quiet. He was looking down at his left hand where his wedding band used to be. He was sure he was thinking about Camille. They hadn't talked about her much since Steve had moved in with them. It was like a forbidden subject.

"Ok, we better get going Day, if we don't wanna be late to class," Jake sighed as he handed Eli back to Steve. "Thanks for agreeing to watch him today by the way."

"Yeah no problem, I've got too many vacation hours saved up anyways might as well use some," Steve said.

"I'm sure pops appreciates you taking him some days as well," Jake said.

"Do I have to go to class, I have no idea what's even going on," Damien whined.

"The only way to catch up is to get back into it," Jake said.

"Don't use logic on me," Damien groaned.

"Get to class," Steve said, shaking his head.

—Happy Mistakes—

Leora followed Miles and Lucas from the cafeteria. They had just finished lunch and had a few minutes before class started. Kyle had taken off ahead of them saying he would catch up with them later. Miles and Lucas were bickering about a video game as usual.

They headed out to the quad to wait for the bell. They quickly claimed a table for themselves. Lucas sat down across from Miles, while Leora sat next to him.

"Wonder where Kyle went," Lucas said.

"No idea, he's been jittery all day, maybe the caffeine is finally getting to him and he went to have a heart attack in peace," Miles joked.

"You're awful, maybe he just wanted to get away from you," Leora teased as she nudged him.

"Ok that's a lie. I'm a joy to be around. People love my company because they never know what's gonna happen," Miles said.

"You wish," Lucas said. His phone beeped. He checked the message and a smile grew on his face.

"Aw, that must be Artie, meaning he's back from visiting his dad," Miles said.

"Yeah, he got back last night, but he was so exhausted and he just woke up," Lucas said.

"Yeah, cross country travel is tiring, tell him we all say hi, right Le," Miles asked leaning over to her.

"Of course," Leora said, reaching over and grabbing Miles' hand.

Miles looked down at her hand for a moment before he turned back to Lucas. Leora was trying to be more bold about their relationship. Things were a bit awkward, but they had been friends for so long, the transition from friends to dating was supposed to be a bit awkward wasn't it? They were figuring things out.

"Did he bring up presents?" Miles asked.

"Probably not anything for you," Leora quipped.

"But I'm his favorite, aside from Lucas cause let's face it I won't make out with him, and Lu will so that puts him like a step above me," Miles said.

"You are so delusional," Lucas said.

"Yeah, it helps me cope with my trauma," Miles nodded his head.

"Way to bring us all down," Lucas said.

"Sorry, let's talk about something else," Miles said.

"You guys going to prom?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah, Leora's got it all covered, all I gotta do is show up right," Miles asked looking at her.

"I already got everything picked out, yes, Kyle will make sure everything is matched properly," Leora laughed. She leaned in closer to Miles.

"Sweet, I hate clothes shopping and the fact that I can schlep it off on you and Kyle is awesome," Miles grinned.

"Are you going to prom?" Leora asked Lucas.

"Dunno, Artie and I might just hang out that night. I put in to get him approved as my date and I haven't heard back, now that he's 17 they might approve it, but he's homeschooled and the policies here suck," Lucas said.

"You can't leave us alone at prom, Kyle's already not going you can't ditch us too," Miles said.

"Where am I not going?"

Kyle slid onto the bench at Miles's other side. He sat closer to him than necessary. Miles tried to ignore that.

"Where were you?" Miles asked ignoring Kyle's question.

"I was taking care of something, now where am I not going?" Kyle asked.

"Taking care of what?" Miles asked.

"Work stuff," Kyle said avasively.

"Apparently you're ditching us at prom," Lucas said, sensing that Kyle wasn't going to give Miles a straight answer.

"Oh yeah, apparently someone snitched to the prom committee and they are forcing me to come because I have to crown the new prom king, if I knew it was this much a job I never would've taken it in the first place," Kyle said.

"That's hilarious," Miles said.

"Yeah, besides who else is gonna make sure you get the right suit to match Le," Kyle said.

"Exactly, I'm hopeless on my own," Miles said.

"You mean you don't wanna spend the night with your friends dancing and making memories," Lucas asked sarcastically.

"No, I'd rather spend it with my boyfriend making better memories," Kyle said with a grin.

"But Kyle," Miles whined leaning on the blonde boy, untangling himself from Leora's hold. "It's out last hurrah as high school seniors. It's like a rite of passage."

"I'd rather pass, I think of several different things that are more fun than prom, but I'm being forced to go…so," Kyle said with a shrug. He shoved Miles off of him.

"What work stuff?" Miles asked.

"One track mind much?" Kyle asked rolling his eyes. "It's about that other project that dad and I are working on with Gustavo." He said shooting Miles a glare.

"Oh that, ever gonna tell me what that is?" miles asked.

"Can't, you are one of the biggest blabber mouths I know, now stop asking," Kyle said. Miles crossed his arms over his chest with a pout.

"Aw poor baby," Leora teased.

"He's dying inside," Lucas laughed.

"Please, I promise I won't tell anyone, it's killing me to know," Miles said.

Leora sat back as she listened to Kyle and Miles bicker now. She knew now that Kyle was back, she had lost Miles' attention for the moment. He always ignored her when Kyle was around. She knew they were best friends, but she wanted some attention too. They would have to talk about this soon, if they continued dating. Leora was starting to wonder if he even liked her anymore.

—Happy Mistakes—

Kendall led James up the stairs of the condo. Carlos had finally gotten everything cleared out for them. Lucas and Layla had been helping all week to get it cleaned up. They had finally gotten the key to move in.

James had spent the first half of the morning at their house meeting with contractors. Everything with the remodel was a go. The inspector had discovered that there was no structural damage from the fire. James was not getting everything ready for the remodel. He was getting contractors to fix the fire damage. He was looking for an interior designer to help make his dreams come to fruition. Leora was happily helping him as mcuh as she could too. She had helped him a few years back when they redesigned the back yard and the living room too.

"Gotta love having friends who have a beach house basically," James said as he followed Kendall into the master bedroom.

"Yes and be glad they worked everything out so we can use it for a while," Kendall said.

"Shouldn't you be heading back to the office soon?" James asked.

"Nah, I'm practically the boss. Pen will cover for me," Kendall said, turning to face James with a grin. "Now, we are all alone, whatever shall we do to pass the time?" He asked with a grin.

"I wonder," James replied. He took a step closer to the blonde. He pulled him in for a kiss.

Kendall guided him over to the bed, his hands already working on getting his husband naked. James hit the bed with pants around his thighs and his shirt half off. Kendall stood over him, looking down at him.

"Someone's eager," James laughed.

"I'm always eager for you to be naked," Kendall replied as he whipped his own shirt off. "Now get naked," he said as he finished stripping his clothes off.

James laughed as he shimmied out of his jeans. The second he was naked, Kendall was on top of him mashing their lips together. Hands were everywhere and Kendall wasted no time in getting to the good stuff. He kissed his way down to James' dick. He licked and sucked just like he knew James liked it. He was three fingers deep before James even realized what was going on. He vaguely wondered where Kendall had gotten lube.

"I came prepared," Kendall chuckled, "I hoped we'd get this far."

"I'm good to go," James told him, cutting him off with another kiss.

Kendall withdrew his fingers and looked down at James grabbing the small packet of lube he had. He slicked himself up before getting into place.

"I love you," Kendall said as he sunk into him in one swift thrust. James hummed in response as he wrapped his arms and legs around him.

"Love you too," James said breathlessly.

They fell into the rhythm they knew so well. Kendall rocked his hips against James, hitting all the right spots. James groaned and clung to the blonde for dear life. Kendall reached between them grabbing James to stroke him.

"God, you're perfect," Kendall grunted. He felt the familiar coil in his stomach. He could tell by the groan from James he was close too.

They both came with a groan of each other's names. James clung to Kendall as he rode out his orgasm, while Kendall continued shallow thrusts into the brunette. Kendall leaned down and pressed their lips together. James hummed happily as he pulled him closer.

"I needed that," James panted once they parted.

"Me too," Kendall agreed. "Now let's go take a shower."

"Ok but, no funny business," James replied.

"You don't want round two? Are you feeling well?" Kendall asked, reaching up to James' forehead.

"No, I'm just getting old, I need to recover," James said, shoving the blonde away. He shoved the blonde away as he got out of bed. He made his way to the bathroom with Kendall following closely behind him.

"Penelope was talking earlier and I've realized we're slowing down and I'm even becoming a bit prudish, but in my defense she was talking about Kyle and I was uncomfortable," Kendall said as James started the shower.

"You uncomfortable about sex talk?" James asked, shocked.

"It was about Kyle! I don't need to know that stuff about him," Kendall said.

"Wow you are a prude," James laughed as he stepped into the shower. Kendall followed him. "Was she pointing out that he's been a bit grumpy lately? Kind of like you when you don't have sex in more than a week?"

"Stop," Kendall said, moving to cover his ears.

"Ha, he really is just like you, it's not even funny," James said, grabbing Kendall's hands. "I know you don't want to believe that our kids are having sex, but they are. At least he's being safe, and it's with one person."

"I guess, it could be worse," Kendall sighed. He leaned in and pecked James.

"No funny business," James said.

"I just wanted a kiss," Kendall said, batting his eyes at the brunette.

"It's never just a kiss with you," James replied.

"Do you ever complain," Kendall asked, pulling his husband close. A small smile tugged at the corner of James' lips.

"You're going to be the death of me, you know that right," James asked, grabbing the blonde and pulling him into a kiss.

—Happy Mistakes—

Miles laughed as he shut the door to the studio behind him. Kyle fell back against the door next to him.

"That was a close call," Miles panted as he tried to catch his breath. The two fell into a fit of laughter.

"If Rafi had been ten seconds earlier, we would have been toast for sure," Kyle laughed.

"I ain't afraid of Rafi," Miles said, puffing up his chest.

"Then why did you run?" Kyle asked, arching a brow at him.

"Cause I'm scared of Rafi," Miles said, shrinking back to the door. They both started laughing again.

Kyle pushed himself off away from the door and walked over to the couch. He sat down. Miles quickly followed him.

"You gotta admit when Kelly finds out, it's gonna be hilarious," Miles said.

"Duh, but if we got caught he would spoil all the fun," Kyle said.

They sat there for a moment. Miles looked over at the blonde with a smile. He knew they had better wait a few minutes before they head out. They had to throw Rafi off their trail. Kyle leaned over and rested his head on Miles' shoulder.

"So, any plans this weekend? Has Leora booked your schedule yet?" Kyle asked.

"Not yet, why," Miles asked.

"Just wondering," Kyle said softly.

Lately things were changing between them. Sure they were making out and testing the water witb blow jobs, but there was more. Kyle was being a bit more affectionate towards him. It was almost as if they were actually dating at times. Lately Kyle would kiss him just because. No making out, nothing sexual, just a simple kiss. Usually after Miles made him laugh, and only when they were alone. Kyle was touching him more too, he was at his side leaning on him, or brushing up against him in some way. Kyle was actually making plans with him too, which was unusual as they usually just hung out and spontaneously did crazy shit together. Now he was asking in advance and making sure he was free.

Was Miles reading too much into all of this? Was he making it all up in his head? He was letting his budding feelings for the blonde cloud his judgement. He wanted Kyle to do all these things. Nothing had changed, Miles just wished it would.

"I think the coast is clear, we should probably go check in with the guys," Kyle said sitting up.

"Yeah," Miles said. Without really thinking he leaned in and pecked Kyle on the lips.

"What was that for?" Kyle asked.

Miles floundered a bit with a shrug. Kyle just leaned in and kissed him again. Miles relaxed into the kiss. Maybe he wasn't making everything up after all.

"Let's go," Kyle said, jumping up.

Neither of them noticed the pair of eyes peeking at them over the window of the sound booth.

—Happy Mistakes—

Jared sighed and fell down beside Penelope. Noah and Matt were bickering over their wardrobe choices. Roldy was sitting on the floor not getting into the middle of it. Noah was of the opinion that they had to all look cohesive on stage and similar but not the same, while Matt didn't care and wanted to wear something comfortable.

"Go on tour they said, it'll be fun they said," Jared said sarcastically.

"Kendall left me in charge, but like this is too funny to pass up," Penelope said.

"Just wait til Kyle gets here," Jared said, "he's gonna be mad that we are still on the first change. He's been trying to get us to master the quick change and this isn't quick."

"True, butt Matt's got a point about comfort, but also you guys are a boy band and should look semi uniform on stage," Penelope said.

"What's going on here?"

The guys all froze. They looked up as Kyle entered the room. Miles stumbled in behind him.

"Aren't you supposed to be done with this by now?" Kyle asked, looking around. "This still looks like the first outfit. What's wrong now?" He asked, annoyed.

"Ask tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumb," Jared said pointing to Noah and Matt who both put their hands up.

"Not this again," Kyle groaned.

"I don't do skinny jeans," Matt said.

"Fine then don't it's not that hard. Just make sure they match the aesthetic we are going for," Kyle said, "but for the love of god do not wear baggy jeans. Dad will murder us both."

Matt stuck his tongue out at Noah. Noah just glared at Matt.

"Ok enough of that, time for a quick change if you guys wanna goof off while dad is gone," Kyle said.

"No fair," Roldy said as he scrambled to his feet. Jared followed him and ran to his rack of clothes.

"Don't be ridiculous," Matt said.

"You've got five minutes which started thirty seconds ago," Kyle said. He walked over to the couch where Penelope and Miles were sitting.

Noah and Matt took off to their clothes racks. Soon clothes were flying everywhere.

"Way to crack the whip," Penelope said.

"You gotta be firm with these guys otherwise they don't listen," Kyle said.

"Yeah, but that's a lot of work and I'm pregnant and I don't need that stress right now," Penelope said.

"Fair, but don't worry I'm here. I'll crack the whip for you," Kyle laughed.

"And I'll back him up, so all you gotta do is put your feet up and relax with the little one," Miles said.

"Thanks guys, best little brothers ever," Penelope chuckled.

"Brothers? You count me as a brother?" Miles asked, his jaw dropping slightly.

"Yeah, you can't have Kyle without Miles," Penelope said.

"You hear that, I'm her favorite little brother," Miles said, punching Kyle's arm.

"One Minute and Forty-Five seconds," Kyle shouted to the guys. "I never heard her say favorite." He added, looking at Miles.

"It was implied, right Pen," Miles said, turning to the elder blonde. She just giggled and nodded to appease him.

Jared and Roldy quickly ran up to him, claiming to be done.

"Your flys open," Kyle said. Jared looked down in a panic as Kyle started laughing. "Kidding, but I made you look."

"You're awful," Jared said, shaking his head.

Matt joined them next. Noah however was struggling. Kyle looked past the guys to Noah.

"You ok over there," Kyle asked.

"Nope, I-uh…" Noah said slowly. He turned around and Kyle saw him holding his hand and blood seeping between his fingers.

"What happened?!" Roldy asked, shocked.

"The zipper on my jacket wouldn't budge," Noah said pointing to the jacket he had tossed on the floor.

"Miles get the first aid kit," Kyle sighed. Miles jumped up and ran from the room. "Come sit," Kyle said, bringing him over to a chair.

Miles bolted from the room as Roldy started to fuss over Noah. Kyle grabbed a discarded white shirt and used it to wrap up Noah's hand for the moment and to apply some pressure to stop the bleeding.

"How?" Kyle asked.

"Not sure, the zipper was stuck one second and the next it wasn't and then there was blood," Noah said, shrugging as he held the shirt to his finger.

"Only you," Roldy chuckled.

"Hey, I gotta keep you on your toes," Noah replied. "I gotta find creative ways to get hurt."

Miles ran back into the room with a first aid kit in hand. Kendall and Kelly followed him. She saw Noah and went into full mother hen mode.

"What happened?" Kelly asked.

"Zippers are tricky," Noah said.

"Let me see," Kendall said, a lot calmer than Kelly. Noah held out his hand. Kendall removed the shirt and looked over the cut.

"Stitches?" Kyle asked.

"Don't think so, but Logan's in Minnesota anyways," Kendall replied.

"I'll be more careful around zippers," Noh promised once Kendall finished bandaging him up.

"No you won't, don't lie," Kyle said, earning a grin from Noah.

"It's the thought that counts," Noah replied with a grin of his own.

—Happy Mistakes—

Cooper's leg bounced as he waited. His nerves were getting the better of him right now. He was sitting alone at his kitchen table. Adam was at work, and the kids were napping. Which he was left alone to his own thoughts.

He had texted Blaine this morning to see if he could come over this afternoon. Now it seemed like an eternity since he had texted him. He knew Blaine and Rina had an appointment today for the baby, but he was anxious.

A knock at the door finally came. Cooper jumped up and ran to the door. He paused and collected himself. He opened the door and came face to face with Blaine and Rina.

"Rina?" Cooper said, shocked. His stomach started to twist into knots. He swallowed it back and smiled at the two.

"We just got done with an appointment for the baby, hope you don't mind that she tagged along," Blaine said, smiling at him.

"No not at all, just surprised," Cooper said, forcing a smile. He hoped they didn't notice how forced it was. He stepped aside and let them in.

"No kids?" Blaine asked, looking around.

"They are napping," Cooper said, "I wanna give them at least another twenty minutes before I wake them."

"That's fine, so what up, you sounded a bit jittery on the phone," Blaine said, looking Cooper up and down.

"Nothing, just wanted to visit, I was hoping the kids would be up by the time you got here," Cooper said quickly, "so how's the baby? Everything go good at the appointment?" He turned to Rina.

"Yeah, she's healthy and right on track for growth and all that stuff," Rina said.

"She?" Cooper asked.

"Yeah, we're having a girl," Rina said smiling.

"That's awesome, we need more girls around here," Cooper said, forcing another smile.

"Are you ok?" Rina asked, taking a step closer to him.

"Yeah, I just…" Cooper trailed off as his stomach churned. He held a hand up. Was that his nerves or his lunch coming back up.

"Cooper," Blaine said.

"Excuse me," Cooper said, a hand flying to his mouth.

He ran to the bathroom. He barely made it to the toilet as his stomach heaved. He heaved a few more times before he slumped to the floor after he flushed the toilet.

A hand at his back startled him. He looked up at Rina who was kneeling beside him with a glass of water and a small smile.

"Here, sip it," she said.

"Thanks," Cooper said, his throat a little raw.

"You ok?" Rina asked.

"Honestly?" Cooper asked.

"That would be nice," Blaine said from the doorway.

Cooper sighed as he looked down at the glass of water in his hands. He didn't know what to say. There was no easy way to do this. Instead of answering he shoved the glass back at Rina as his stomach churned again.