Chapter 42: The End of and Era
Kendall watched as Kyle and the guys sat around laughing. They had been running their set nonstop all afternoon. Kyle had joined them not that long ago to see how it was all going. Roldy seemed to be catching on to the choreography. He hadn't maimed anyone today. That was always a good sign. The only thing missing from this picture was Miles. He had been absent for the last week and a half now. Kendall was starting to get worried. Kyle and Miles fought sure, but never this long and this bad.
He had asked Kyle about it a few times but he brushed him off. He never seemed to want to talk about it. He told Kendall he wasn't Miles' keeper and didn't keep track of him 24/7. To make matters worse Kyle was spending all his free time at Jared's and never home anymore. Something was up and he was gonna figure it out.
The studio door opened. Kendall glanced over as Carlos entered. He arched a brow at the Latino.
"You got a minute?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah, what up," Kendall said
"In private," Carlos asked.
"Sure," Kendall said he told the guys he'd be back and to stay put. They just waved him off.
Kendall led Carlos to his office. He sat down at his desk and looked up at the Latino.
"So what's up Carlos, it's not usually you paying me a visit here," Kendall said.
"I'm worried about Miles and Kyle. Something is up, I haven't seen Kyle at the house in almost two weeks now," Carlos said.
"I've noticed I haven't seen Miles unless he's with Leora," Kendall admitted.
"Did they get into a fight?" Carlos asked.
"I think so, but I don't know what exactly happened," Kendall replied.
"Somethings going on and I'm worried," Carlos said.
"Well they are both eighteen now and growing up, some friends just grow apart," Kendall said.
"Not these two, honestly at one point…" Carlos trailed off.
"What?" Kendall asked.
"I thought they were gonna get together, a while back," Carlos said.
"Huh," Kendall said. "You're not the first person to say that."
"What?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah, someone else brought that up not that long ago," Kendall said slowly. He remembered the words, but not who said it.
"You don't think this has to do with Miles and Leora dating do you?" Carlos asked.
"I'm not sure, maybe," Kendall replied, "Leora was complaining that Kyle was taking up all his time before."
"Those two have always been so close, I'd hate to see a friendship like theirs ruined," Carlos said.
"There's not much we can do about it, Los, they are adults now and can handle their own drama," Kendall said.
"I suppose," Carlos sighed, slumping in his seat. He hated not being able to help.
"Kids have to grow up unfortunately," Kendall sighed.
"It's not fair, why can't they stay little and innocent forever," Carlos asked.
"To spite us, the way we had to spite our parents and grow up," Kendall said.
"Being a parent sucks sometimes," Carlos sighed.
"I know, even Jenny is growing up so fast her words are getting clearer and she's miss independent," Kendall said.
"And she's getting so big, Miri too!" Carlos gushed.
"Soon the boys will be all over the place too," Kendal said.
"Ok, grandkids make it a little better, but I think I can live vicariously through you and James for a bit longer," Carlos said.
"Go ahead, my grandkids are yours and Logan's grandkids. You know that," Kendall chuckled.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kyle tapped his foot as he listened to the guys talk about their plans for off days on tour. They had a few days in the tour where they would be off and staying in one place. They were excited to be headlining a stadium tour.
Kyle's mind was wandering. He couldn't help but think about Miles. Things were weird and awakened now. He had ruined everything. He never should have kissed Miles on New Years. Or maybe it was the kiss after they got back from vacation that had started it all.
Either way, things were all messed up and it was all his fault. What had started as a joke turned into heartache. There was no one he could talk to about this either. No one who would understand. There was no way he could come out of this not looking like an asshole. On the one hand he stays with Jared and hurts Miles and loses his best friend in the entire world. On the other hand he breaks up with Jared and loses everything he's been trying to build with him. This was a no win situation. He was the jerk here.
A hand on his knee brought him back to reality. He looked over at Jared who was smiling at him.
"Anxious?" Jared asked, quietly. The guys weren't paying them any mind.
"Restless, sorry," Kyle said.
"Wanna take a walk?" Jared offered.
"No, I'm fine," Kyle replied. Jared gave him a skeptical look. Kyle just grinned at him. He placed his hand over Jared's on his knee. "I'm fine, just a little restless. I haven't been sleeping too well. Insomnia is a bitch."
"Yeah, but that's when the creative juices really get flowing sometimes," Jared said.
"Yeah, but at what cost," Kyle asked.
"Sleep is for the weak, besides there isn't going to be much sleeping on a tour bus anyways. We will be busy with shows and interviews," Jared said.
"Well it's a good thing I don't sleep now anyways, then," Kyle said.
Roldy pulled Jared back into their scheming. Kyle excused himself to the bathroom. He left the studio and started walking down the hall. He didn't really need to use the bathroom. He just needed to move. He couldn't sit still anymore.
He started to wander the halls for a bit. He turned a corner and saw Jesse talking to his manager Jack Harvey. He tried to slip past unnoticed but Jesse saw him. He quickly made his way to the bathroom hoping Jesse wouldn't follow.
He hadn't talked to Jesse since after New Years. He had been avoiding the other singer, because he knew what Jesse would offer. He had gotten more Adderall from Jesse after they returned from vacation. It hadn't been his proudest moment, but he started falling behind again. the pressure had been too much. Kendall wanted perfect grades, James wanted him to keep up with his music too. Jared pulled his attention away from all that, so he had to do something to fix that. Adderall gave him the boost he needed to get things done. It energized him.
Kyle stopped at the sink. He looked in the mirror at himself. He saw a tired exhausted boy staring back at him. He hardly recognized him anymore.
"Hey Knight, long time no see," Jesse said as he entered the bathroom.
"Hey Jesse, yeah I've been busy getting ready for tour," Kyle said as he eyed the stalls. They were all open meaning they were alone. He cursed his luck.
"How's the Adderall helping, bet it gives you the energy to get it all done," Jesse said.
"Yeah, it helps," Kyle said.
"Been awhile," Jesse said, "I got more if you want it."
"I don't-" Kyle started.
"Come on, this ones on me, for being a loyal customer," Jesse said, setting a pill bottle on the sink next to him. He left without giving Kyle a chance to respond.
Kyle sat there looking at the bottle. He knew that he shouldn't do it. It was wrong. He picked up the bottle looking at it. He opened the bottle and poured two pills into his hand. He popped them into his mouth.
The door opened and he glanced up as Jared entered the bathroom. He looked at the bottle. Kyle's eyes went wide as Jared gave him a small smile.
"I knew you were anxious," Jared said.
"Yeah, sorry," Kyle said as he slipped the bottle into his pocket. Jared walked up to him. "Sorry, I wish I knew why my anxiety was this bad, but like I just…"
Jared placed a finger to his lips. "It's ok, anxiety isn't rational sometimes."
"Sorry," Kyle said.
"You don't have to apologize," Jared said, pulling him into a hug.
Kyle hugged him back. Guilt ate away at him. Jared thought he had taken his anxiety medication. He wasn't gonna correct him.
—Happy Mistakes—
Miles was laying across Jayda's bed. Jayda was sitting at her vanity getting ready for dinner. Miles was whining and unloading on her.
"I told you this was going to blow up in your face and now you're gonna hurt them both," Jayda said, finally turning around to face him.
"I know and I hate that, but either way this ends one of them gets hurt and I don't wanna do that, and Jared too, he barely likes me as it is sometimes. I think he mostly just tolerates me," Miles whined.
"You brought this on yourself," Jayda said coolly. "I told you to end it."
"You don't understand," Miles said sitting up.
"What?" Jayda asked.
"I didn't mean for this to happen. Kyle and I happened by accident and then Leora asked me out and he told me to go for it. He told me to kiss her. He told me to make a move. He pushed me towards her. I thought he didn't care so I tried to make things work with Leora," Miles said.
"You should have never even agreed to a date with her if you had feelings for Kyle," Jayda said.
"I know, I know it was stupid," Miles sighed. "I just…I was hurt and I thought maybe I could develop feelings for her, but everytime we do something I think about Kyle. No matter how hard I try I can't get him out of my head."
"You got it bad," Jayda said.
"Well yeah, he's my best friend. He knows me better than anyone in this entire world. He's had my back since day one, no questions asked, ride or die," Miles said.
"I always thought back when we were in middle school you and Kyle might end up together, especially when he had that crush on Logan that he never told us but we all knew cause he was a bumbling fool," Jayda said.
"Oh yeah, he would like to purposely hurt himself just to have Kendall call him," Miles chuckled.
"But he never realized he was bi," Jayda added.
"Nah, he just thought he and Lilly were gonna end up together because everyone said so, so he never really explored his attraction to guys until he met Jared," Miles said.
"Ah yes, expectations from parents are the worst," Jayda said.
"Oh yeah," Miles said.
"I'm still mad at you, and you're an idiot," Jayda said.
"Noted, now when does Claire get here," Miles asked, jumping up. He spun Jayda around. "You missed a spot." He grabbed a brush and swiped it across her cheek leaving a dark brown steak behind it.
"Dude!" Jayda exclaimed. Miles fell back with laughter. Jayda grabbed another brush and threw it at him hitting him in the forehead.
"Ow." Miles rubbed his head. He picked up the brush and shoved it at Jayda. They struggled with her makeup brushes for a bit. Miles grabbed some lips gloss and smeared it on Jayda's forehead with a laugh. Jayda grabbed her foundation and the fight started. They continued to laugh and struggle to get the other.
"Jay, love, your mom let me in-"
The two paused as a tall, blonde, blue eyed girl walked into the room. She paused when she saw the scene before her.
"Oh you must be Claire," Miles said, taking a step back from Jayda.
"And you must be Miles," Claire said with a soft smile.
"You've heard about me," Miles said with a smile.
"Oh yes, Jay has told me all about you and Kyle," Claire replied.
"I'm not as bad as everyone says, I'm just an acquired taste," Miles said.
"Well, I have a very adventurous palette," Claire said.
"Oh, you don't know what you're walking into," Miles said.
"I don't think you know what you're walking into," Claire said.
"Bet, Jay I hope you've got room for one more at dinner," Miles said.
"Sure, I'm game," Claire said.
"Fine," Jayda said, "but give me a minute cause now I gotta fix my makeup, cause this little asshole had to ruin it."
"Love you too," Miles said, walking over to her vanity and grabbing a makeup wipe for himself. He grabbed another for her, holding it out with a grin.
"You're such a brat sometimes, you're lucky I've gotten used to it," Jayda said, snatching the wipe with a grin.
"Will Kyle be joining us?" Claire asked.
"Probably not, he's too busy in his bid for world domination," Miles replied.
"World domination?" Claire asked.
"Well his first stop is taking over the music world and his platinum album is the first step of that and now he's choreographing Inside Joke's whole set and getting them whipped into shape for tour and then he's plotting his acting debut too," Miles explained.
"Acting?" Jayda asked, confused.
"Carlos got him and Adam a spot on his show, for next season, and shh it's a secret I don't even think Kendall knows yet. It's like a flashback or something, but if I know Kyle this will only be a stepping stone and he will have his own TV show soon," Miles said.
"How does he find the time to do it all?" Jayda asked.
"By ignoring his friends and borrowing homework from me and Lucas," Miles replied bluntly.
"True, I haven't seen him in weeks," Jayda replied.
"Trust me right now, that's not a bad thing," Miles replied, "he's gotten more bitchy as the tour gets closer."
"Right, anyways let me finish getting ready and we can go get some dinner," Jayda said.
—Happy Mistakes—
Cooper groaned as he exited the bathroom for the hundredth time. He joined Adam on the couch. Miri was content watching her movie. Kenny was in Adam's arms drinking his bubba oblivious to the going's on around him.
Suddenly it seemed like his stomach hated every single smell and food in existence. He couldn't keep anything down, and every smell sent him running to the bathroom. He was unable to go an hour without something setting off his stomach. From Adam's cologne to Kenny's diapers to dinner. All it if made him want to barf.
"I hate this," Cooper said.
"It'll pass," Adam chuckled.
"Not fast enough," Cooper grumbled. He rested against Adam.
"Want some toast, toast always helped calm my stomach down," Adam suggested.
"No thanks, I kind of lost my appetite," Cooper said.
"Ok, just make sure to drink water and Gatorade, it'll help," Adam said.
"I have been, I just wish my stomach would settle. This baby is already a pain in the butt," Cooper said.
"I know it sucks, I remember when Miri wouldn't let me eat anything but pasta and strawberry ice cream and pickles. So many pickles," Adam said.
"Oh god, I remember that," Cooper laughed.
"Then with Kenny I couldn't even look at a pickle without getting sick," Adam said. Cooper chuckled at that. "Or remember that Chinese food incident?"
"Incident? Mason and I told you not to order it, yet you did it anyways and you paid for it," Cooper said.
"I know, but I just wanted peanut chicken," Adam whined.
"And you still didn't learn you lesson and ordered Thai a week later," Cooper laughed.
"It was so good going down," Adam said.
"But was it worth it in the end?" Cooper asked.
"Sorta, I mean it was delicious and amazing, but Kenny did not agree with me and that was not fun," Adam said.
"Yep, that's where I'm at. I'm trying to figure out what this little one likes," Cooper said.
"I know it sucks, but how about it will pass," Adam said, placing an arm around Cooper. He pulled him close and kissed his temple.
"I know, this just sucks and it's falsely advertised as morning sickness," Cooper said, annoyed. Adam chuckled and kissed him again.
"I know, I was so mad about that too," Adam said.
"Thanks, for making me feel a little better about this," Cooper said, "at least I know it's normal."
Adam pulled him close and rested his head atop Cooper's. They sat there watching Miri's movie, even though they had seen it a hundred times. Miri was giggling and singing along.
—Happy Mistakes—
Jared rolled over and reached out for Kyle. His hand hit the mattress. He frowned as he sat up. Kyle was nowhere to be seen. The bathroom light was off too. He looked at his alarm clock which read 12:50 AM.
He sighed as he got out of bed. He slipped on some sweat pants and made his way down stairs. He headed straight to the studio. He found Kyle sitting on the floor with music sheets surrounding him, with his laptop set to one side and his guitar the other.
Watching the younger blonde, he saw him scribbling something down. He was humming to himself as he figured out a tune. Engrossed in his music, he hadn't noticed Jared yet.
Jared cleared his throat. Kyle startled, and looked up at him. He gave him an apologetic smile as he quickly clambered to his feet.
"Couldn't sleep, but I think I finally got this new song figured out," Kyle said gesturing to the sheet music he had been working on.
Jared looked the blonde over. He looked tired with bags under his eyes. His face even seemed a bit sunken in. His pupils were blown wide and almost wild looking. He needed sleep. Jared placed a hand in Kyle's cheek. Kyle leaned into his touch.
"I know I said insomnia leads to gold, but you need to sleep," Jared said.
"Nah, I can sleep when I'm dead, I've got to get this done," Kyle said.
"Your music can wait, come to bed," Jared said, grabbing his hand.
"I'm fine, you go get some sleep," Kyle said.
"Kyle, you have school in the morning," Jared reminded him.
"I'll be up soon, I just gotta get this out of my head and write it down before I forget," Kyle said, tugging his hand back.
"Bed," Jared said.
"Music," Kyle said. He sat back down on the floor. He picked up his pencil again.
Jared tutted and joined him on the floor. He placed his hand over Kyle's handl. The blonde looked up at him agitated.
"I know you wanna get your music done, but you're no good to anyone if you're falling asleep during the day," Jared said calmly.
"I'm fine," Kyle snapped. "I have to get this out of my head. It won't let me sleep."
"You don't have to kill yourself for a song Kyle," Jared said.
"I'm not," Kyle said glaring at the older man. He yanked his hand free from Jared's grasp and started writing again.
"Don't get mad at me, I'm only trying to help," Jared said.
"Well you're not helping right now," Kyle spat. "I need to finish this."
"You can, but can you get some sleep first," Jared asked calmly.
"I can't sleep, I have to get this done. Then I've got homework to finish and a test to study for, because like why not announce a test the day before," Kyle rambled.
"Homework? I thought you were done," Jared said.
"Mostly, I forgot about my English assignment, but Lucas can help me tomorrow before school," Kyle said, waving a hand.
"Ok we are done here," Jared said as he started gathering the papers.
"Hey-" Kyle said, making a grab for them. Jared yanked them back away from him. "Stop! Give them back."
"Kyle, you need to sleep," Jared said firmly. He stood and put the papers up on the desk. He turned back to the blonde who was glaring at him again. "No, I'm doing this because I care. You need to take care of yourself or there will be no tour."
Kyle's glare softened. He looked down at the floor shamefully. His shoulders slumped. Jared got down on his knees again. He made the blonde look up at him. Kyle gave him a sheepish smile. They sat there for a moment just looking at one another. Jared could see how mentally exhausted the blonde was, his body just wouldn't slow down.
"Come on, this is for your own good," Jared said.
Kyle closed his eyes and took a breath. He needed his head taking Jared's hand. Jared led the blonde backup to his room. Kyle striped down to his boxers and climbed into bed. Jared followed him and pulled the blonde close, spooning him. He pressed a kiss to the back of his shoulder.
"Sleep," Jared said softly. He hugged the blonde close and felt him relax.
Jared pressed his face into the blonde's neck. He inhaled his musky scent. It was intoxicating and made his head feel light. He loved how at home he felt with Kyle in his arms. He was drifting off when Kyle shifted.
"Jer."
"Hmm?" Jared hummed tiredly.
"I can't sleep." Kyle said.
"M'kay," Jared said, his hand snaking down the blonde's front. "Try this."
His hand slipped into the blonde's boxers. Kyle gasped as Jared's palm came into contact with him. Jared grinned as he pressed a kiss to his shoulder. He continued to stroke the blonde to full hardness.
"Fuck," Kyle panted. His hand came back to Jared's thigh. He gripped tight trying to ground himself to reality.
Jared grinned and quickened his pace. He used his thumb to smear the precome that had gathered at the tip. Kyle grunted again. Jared was proud at how quickly he could make the blonde fall apart. Kyle's breathing quickened. His grip, getting tighter. Jared smirked at how quickly he was coming undone.
"Go on, come for me," Jared said, pressing his face into the blonde's neck.
He nipped and sucked. Kyle whined, which only spurred him on. He scooted closer to the blonde and pressed his own dick into his ass. Kyle gasped, rocking his hips back. Jared grunted and nipped at his shoulder. His hips started to move on their own accords against the blonde.
Kyle gave a strangled grunt. "Mmi-umpft."
His words became unintelligible as Jared worked him over. Jared gave a gentle squeeze and that was it. Kyle's back arched and his legs went rigid as he came. Jared worked the blonde through his orgasm. His own wasn't far behind.
"How is that?" Jared asked.
"M'sticky," Kyle mumbled.
Jared rolled out of bed. He padded into the bathroom and grabbed a rag to clean up. He returned to find the blonde in the middle of the bed naked. He saw his boxers next to the hamper. He tossed the washcloth at Kyle. Kyle yelped as the cold washcloth hit him.
"Move over," Jared said. He pushed the blonde aside as he climbed back into bed. Once Kyle was done cleaning up he snuggled into Jared again.
"Thanks, m'brain's fuzzy," he mumbled.
"Good, now get some sleep," Jared said, wrapping an arm around the blonde again.
—Happy Mistakes—
Lucas made his way from the cafeteria leaving Miles and Leora alone. They were in their own little world. It seemed Miles was finally getting over that awkward transition from friends to dating. He was glad, they made a cute couple. He hoped they could make this work.
Lucas was on a mission though. He made his way out to the quad. He looked around and spotted Kyle sitting on his laptop with headphones on. He had been skipping lunch with them to sit alone and work on his music. He never said he was avoiding Miles, but everyone knew. The two were acting strangely, ever since Kyle had walked in on him and Leora. Something happened, but neither of them were talking about it.
He slid onto the bench next to the blonde. He pulled his headphones off. Kyle turned to glare at him, it softened as he realized who it was.
"What do you want, Lucas? I'm a little busy," Kyle said.
"Cookie?" Lucas said, holding out the cookie he had been carrying.
"No thanks," Kyle said, grabbing his headphones.
"You gotta eat," Lucas said, stopping the blonde.
"I'm fine," Kyle replied.
"Are you sure?" Lucas asked.
"I'm fine," Kyle said again, "just trying to get some work done on this song."
"Ok, we are just a little worried. Whatever happened with you and Miles, you've been a bit distant lately," Lucas said.
"Why does everybody keep doing that," Kyle snapped, putting his headphones down. "I said I'm fine. I am trying to work on my music. Why does everybody have to rub their noses in my business?!"
"We are worried about you," Lucas said.
"Well don't," Kyle snapped. He closed his laptop.
Lucas jumped back, startled. He watched as Kyle hastily packed his things.
"I'm so sick of everyone trying to baby me and pry into my business. I am working on my music and Miles can take a flying leap into the ocean for all I care!" Kyle shouted.
"Gee, tell me how you really feel."
Kyle whipped around as Miles and Leora approached. People were starting to stare at him. He didn't care.
"Oh fuck off," Kyle said as he slung his bag over his shoulder.
"You first Dude," Miles shot back.
"God you're so annoying," Kyle said, shaking his head. He moved to brush past him.
"Yeah and you're a dick," Miles said, stepping into his path.
"So I've been told," Kyle replied as he halted in front of Miles with a death glare, "about time you caught up with the program. Then again, you always were a little slow."
"Kyle," Leora gasped, shocked.
"Shut up," Miles said, shoving him.
"Make me," Kyle said, shoving him back.
"Don't test me," Miles said.
"I can't stand you," Kyle spat.
"Well that makes two of us," Miles snapped, shoving the blonde again.
"Guys please don't do this here," Lucas said, trying to diffuse the argument.
"Don't shove me," Kyle pushed Miles back. The rage building. It was ripping its way out, so close to the surface.
"Well don't be a dick," Miles said.
"I'm not the one-" Kyle started, but he stopped himself. He thought about where they were, and who was with them. "This is all your fault and you know it." He forced himself to be calm. He didn't need to lose his cool, but Miles was under his skin. He needed to be a bigger person.
"Me! Oh please, you're the one who started it!" Miles shot back. He stalked up to the blonde.
"You weren't exactly-" Kyle started. Miles slapped a hand over his mouth angrily.
"Shut up, you're not innocent in all this Knight," Miles snapped.
Kyle shoved him back with a glare. He glanced behind Miles to Leora and Lucas, who were watching them intently.
"Then why don't you share the truth then Miles? Huh? Tell them how-" Kyle started unable to hold it in any longer. However, MIles cut him off with a swift right hook. Kylee dropped his bag and quickly returned fire. They started punching and wrestling. Unlike their normal arguments this one seemed to hold some heat. They were intending to hurt the other.
Lucas and Leora shared a look unsure of what to do. Lucas looked back at the two on the ground. Kyle had a bruise forming where Miles punched him first. Miles had a bloody lip already. He watched as they fought.
Leora moved first, as Lucas was still too shocked to do anything. She tried to grab Kyle. It was too late as their principal, Mr. Masters, approached them. Leora managed to get Kyle off of Miles long enough to notice him too.
"Why is it always you two?" He asked. He held a hand up silencing any sarcastic at either of them was about to make. "My office now."
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall sighed as he parked his car. He got out of his car and leaned against the side as James parked beside him. They had gotten a call that Kyle had been in a fight at school. Kendall looked up as another car entered the lot. He saw two people he recognized. James looked over and sighed.
"Figures," James said.
"Think they were fighting each other," Kendall asked as they got out of the car.
"Most likely," James replied.
Logan saw them first and led Carlos over. The two joined them.
"Kyle?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah, Miles?" James asked.
"Yeah," Logan said.
"I told you something was up," Carlos said looking at Kendall.
"I know, but what do you want from me? They are both adults now, they need to learn how to handle their problems on their own," Kendall said.
"Obviously they aren't," Carlos said.
"Well, they gotta learn, let's make this a learning moment," Kendal said.
The four headed inside. They entered the office and saw Kyle and Miles sitting at opposite ends of the desk looking away from one another. Kyle had a black eye and bloody nose, while Miles was sporting a fat lip and opposite black eye to Kyle's.
"What happened now?" Kendall asked.
Kyle sat up and looked at Kendall and James. Miles turned to Logan and Carlos.
"He started it!" They both said glaring at the other.
"Well that's informative," James said.
"He started it, I was minding my own business until him and Lucas had to butt in," Kyle said.
"You were being a dick to poor Lucas, for no reason other than to be a dick," Miles shot back.
Mr. Masters exited his office. He walked up to the four, with a tired look in his eyes. Kendall felt bad for this man for having to put up with Kyle and Miles fighting all the time. He knew it was only for another month or so, then they would be gone.
"Hello gentlemen, please can we talk in my office," he said. The four moved to head to his office. "Boys you too."
Kyle and Miles grumbled as they stood and followed their dads. Kyle and Miles took the two chairs that were placed a few feet apart. Kendall and James stood behind Kyle while Carlos and Logan stood behind Miles.
"So what happened," Kendall asked.
"They were fighting in the quad, again," Mr. Masters said.
"He started it," Miles said.
"Me?! You threw the first punch! I've got witnesses," Kyle spat back.
"You were being a dick," Miles shouted back.
"Yeah and you were being an idiot," Kyle said.
"Ok enough," Kendall said.
"You guys are getting too old for this," Logan said.
"Just suspend us so we can go," Kyle said, turning to Mr. Masters.
"I'm not gonna suspend you this time, but you are going home today and I expect this to be resolved by tomorrow," Mr. Master said, "you get one free pass. You're both seniors now, next time I won't be as lenient"
"Great, let's go," Kyle said, jumping up.
"Not so fast," Kendall said, pushing Kyle back down.
"Come on, he said I had to leave. I'm just trying to do what Mr. Masters said," Kyle said quickly.
"I want to know what happened?" Kendall said, "this is getting old. You two have been fighting all week and I'm tired of it."
"Miles is an idiot that what," Kyle replied.
"Yeah and Kyle's a dick," Miles shot back.
"You started it. You threw the first punch I was just defending myself," Kyle spat.
"Well I wasn't gonna just sit there and take a verbal beating for nothing, and poor Lucas too. He didn't deserve that. I figured might as well make it worth it," Miles said glaring at the blonde.
"Ok, you happy, can we go now?" Kyle asked, trying to stand up again. James pushed him back down.
"Car keys," James said.
"Don't have them," Kyle said, "Jared's car is in the shop so he's borrowing mine. He dropped me off this morning. Can we go now?"
"Yeah, Can we go the further I can get from him the better," Miles said turning to Carlos and Logan.
Kyle jumped up, ducking away from Kendall and James as he bolted from the room. Kendall groaned as James followed him.
"I'm sorry for him, he's-" Kendall started.
"Eighteen," Mr. Masters said.
"Yeah, that," Kendall sighed. He followed after his son. He heard Miles trying to make his escape as well.
Kendall found Kyle and James outside in the parking lot arguing. They were being a lot quieter than Kendall would have been.
"James," Kendall said walking up to the other man. He placed a hand on the small of his back. "Don't you have a meeting to be at?"
"It started like ten minutes ago, I've got time," James said.
"I love that enthusiasm, but we can handle this later, you get back to work," Kendall chuckled as he kissed James on the cheek.
"This isn't over," James said to Kyle. "I don't like this attitude you've gotten lately. You apologize for whatever you did and make this better."
"I didn't throw the first punch, I was trying to walk away but he wouldn't let me! He trapped me and then hit me!" Kyle said annoyed.
"And I'd do it again!"
Kendall turned around and Miles, Logan, and Carlos exited the school building. Carlos was already chastising Miles. He led him over to their car. Logan made his way over to them.
"I'm sorry for my child, I can't help that he's a bit feral, we found him like that," Logan said.
Kendall stepped on Kyle's foot silencing any snotty remark he had. James shot him a glare.
"Your nose," Logan said to Kyle.
"Can't get nothing past you," Kyle snarked.
"Let me check to make sure it's not broken," Logan said.
"I'm fine," Kyle said, taking a step back.
"Enough with the attitude," Logan said, shooting him a glare.
"Why it's not like you even like me?" Kyle muttered.
"Kyle," James started.
"Oh please I'm not stupid. Ever since everything that happened with me and Lilly. He's been trying to murder me for years," Kyle snapped. He slid into the car ignoring them.
"Deal with this. I gotta go," James said, turning to Kendall. "I'm late for this meeting and then I've got to talk to Marty about a photo shoot I have coming up. I've got a million things to do today."
"Go, I've got this," Kendall said, pecking James on the cheek. James left and Kendall turned to Logan, who seemed deep in thought. "I'm sorry for him-" Kendall started again.
"He's not wrong, after everything with Lilly I did start to treat him differently," Logan sighed.
"Well he was breaking all our rules at every turn, I don't blame you, but maybe you need to apologize and fix things with him, you know when he's a little less moody," Kendall said.
"Maybe, it's not that I ever hated him, I just didn't like the things he was doing and showing me that he and Lilly were growing up way too fast and then everything with Sophie happened," Logan sighed.
"It's ok Logan, we understand but, maybe you just need to clarify things with him," Kendall said.
Logan nodded his head thoughtfully. "I better go deal with my own gremlin."
"Have fun with that," Kendall chuckled. Logan waved him off as he walked away. Kendall got into his car.
Kyle had tossed his phone down on the center console. He was staring out the window silent.
"I'm not taking your phone away," Kendall said.
"Might as well," Kyle mumbled.
"I don't know what's gotten into you lately," Kendall sighed.
"We just drifted apart," Kyle shrugged.
"Not that fast, something happened and I wish you would talk to us," Kendall said.
"Why, it's not like you actually listen," Kyle said.
"What's that supposed to mean," Kendall asked.
"Nothing, can I just go home? I don't wanna be at the studio today," Kyle said.
"No, you're staying where I can keep an eye on you. If you're gonna act like a child you will be treated like one," Kendall said.
"Fair enough," Kyle sighed as he rested his head on the window.
Kendall sighed as he turned his attention to the road. He wasn't sure what was going on with Kyle anymore. Something was up and he was gonna figure it out. Maybe Jared would know a little more about what happened with Kyle and Miles.
—Happy Mistakes—
Jared quickly made his way down the hall. He was looking for Kyle. Kendall had shown up after an extended lunch break with bruised Kyle in tow. Kyle had been very dodgy about what happened just that he and Miles got into a disagreement. Kyle had then taken off to the studio to be alone. No one had seen him for the rest of the afternoon, other than the occasional text with a picture of the sound booth he sent Kendall as proof of him being in the building.
The guys were busy going over choreography and set lists for the tour. Jared didn't have time to worry about the blonde. However, now that Kendall had released them for the day, he wanted to talk to the younger blonde before Kendall forced him to go home.
Jared made his way to the studio where he knew Kyle liked to hide. He walked up to the door and peeked inside. He saw Kyle sitting with Rafi on the couch talking. Kyle looked distraught. Rafi seemed to be trying to comfort the blonde as they talked. Jared moved to open the door but paused when Kyle leaned in and kissed Rafi.
Jared felt his heart pounding in his ears. He took a few steps back from the door. His chest hurt, like someone had just punched him and was now squeezing the air out of his lungs. He stood there frozen, unsure of what to do next.
There had been rumors going around about Kyle. He had told everyone they were wrong. Kyle would never do that. He had trusted Kyle to be honest with him. They had been honest with one another ever since, that whole Jared drunkenly hitting Kendall had come up. They told each other everything. Kyle had even told him when Miles had kissed him after New Years when he was questioning his sexuality. They had laughed it off and Kyle assured him that Miles was only his best friend. Now he started to doubt everything Kyle had told him that day.
What did this mean? We're the rumors about him and Miles true? Or was it really Rafi? We're people getting things mixed up. There was no way Kyle and Miles were sneaking around. Jared would know. He did know that Rafi was currently going through a divorce. He had never shown interest in Kyle though. He had shut down all the flirting and even Kyle admitted he only did it to rile the older man up. Was it all just for show?
He turned away from the door and started down the hallway. He felt numb from what he had just seen. He didn't know how to react. Part of him wanted to make a scene, the other part of him wanted to get as far away as possible. He didn't know what to do. He just felt numb right now.
—Happy Mistakes—
Miles poked at the food on his plate. His appetite was gone. He couldn't really focus on eating anyways. Carlos and Logan had been trying to talk to him all afternoon about the fight, but there was nothing to talk about.
Currently Carlos was talking with Layla about prom this weekend. She was so excited. Her and Erica had matching dresses and were going to be bringing Millie trying to cheek her up because her boyfriend had lived away a couple weeks ago.
Miles didn't care, he didn't really want to go to Prom this year. He didn't want to do anything other than graduate and leave. That sounded like a lovely plan. Maybe he would take the summer and just travel. Forget tour and Kyle, he could do this on his own and just figure his shit out. He didn't need Kyle making a mess of things. Then again Kyle wasn't the only one to blame. Miles was just as responsible for this mess as he was. Miles allowed it to continue. He kept going back even though he was kind of dating Leora, and Kyle was seriously dating Jared with no intention of leaving him.
"Miles."
Miles looked up at Logan. They were sitting alone at the table, while Carlos and Layla cleared the table.
"Are you ready to talk?" Logan asked.
"Not really," Miles admitted, "I'm not hungry either. Can you just ground me already and send me to bed?"
"Mija, ve a tu habitación, por favor," Carlos said.
Layla just rolled her eyes and left the kitchen. Carlos returned to the table standing behind Logan.
"Mijo, what's going on? I know you two fight, but it's never been like this," Carlos said.
"Guess we just finally grew apart," Miles sighed, "I don't want to talk about it."
"Grew apart? You two have been best friends since you were in kindergarten. You've always had each other's backs no matter what, but thay in the principals office? I've never seen that from you two," Carlos said.
"Yeah well people change and sometimes grow apart. What can I say it's probably better we figure this out now," Miles said, "can I go to my room now?"
"Miles," Carlos sighed.
"What can I say, I guess it's just the end of an era. If he wants to be a dick I'm not gonna sit back and take it anymore. Trust me, I am finally standing up for myself. If that means losing a few friends in the process, then so be it," Miles said.
Carlos opened his mouth to speak, but the doorbell ringing stopped him. He looked down at Logan who looked confused. Miles jumped up and left to answer it. The two trailing behind him. He opened the door to see Lucas standing there, he looked upset and like he had been crying.
"Lu, what's wrong?" Miles asked, forgetting his troubles. He stepped aside for Lucas to come inside.
"I-I didn't know where else to go," Lucas said quickly. He seemed jittery and on edge.
"Lucas, are you ok?" Carlos asked, stepping forward. Lucas shook his head.
"What happened?" Logan asked, frowning.
"I have nowhere else to go," Lucas said slowly.
"What do you mean?" Miles asked.
"Come in, you are always welcome here," Carlos said stepping up to him. "Have you eaten yet? Are you hungry?"
"Actually I haven't eaten yet," Lucas admitted.
"Come on, we just had dinner but there is plenty left over," Carlos said, ushering him to the kitchen.
Miles and Logan followed them. Carlos made Lucas a plate of food. They all sat down at the table. Lucas looked down at his food before looking up to Carlos and Logan.
"What happened," Logan asked.
"Dad kicked me out," Lucas said finally. "He found out I was still seeing Artie and we got into a big argument. He thinks Artie is a distraction and he doesn't like the media attention that Artie and even Kyle brings around. We went back and forth for a while and then he told me to break up with him or leave. So I left."
"You can always stay here," Logan said quickly.
"As long as you want," Carlos said.
"Thank you," Lucas said with a smile.
"Yeah Lu, we got your back and Lilly's room is empty," Miles said.
"Are you moving in now too?"
Miles turned as Layla entered the kitchen with her phone in her hand.
"For now yeah," Lucas said, "if that's ok with you."
"Well Duh, you're my brother," Layla said, "I was gonna ask if I could go over to Millies but I think we need a night in. You look like you could use some cheering up," she said.
"Don't cancel your plans because of me, I'll be fine," Lucas said.
"No way, it's family night now," Layla said.
"Don't argue with her, she's just like papi, won't take no for an answer," Miles said.
"Finish eating and I will go get a movie set up and I'll make sure Lilly's room is ready," Layla said, turning and running from the room.
"I'll go help with Lilly's room. She's kind of a slob," Miles said, jumping up. He left before Carlos or Logan could say anything.
He went to help Layla clean up Lilly's room. They mostly shoved all her junk into her closet and changed the sheets and blankets for him. Once the room was deemed ready they ran to the hall closet to get blankets for a movie night. They then set up the living room. With Layla half distracted as Millie called demanding to know why she wasn't coming over. Miles just chuckled at that as it reminded him a lot of him and Kyle. He wished they could just go back to that, before things got complicated with feelings.
Eventually Lucas joined them in the living room offering to help, but they were mostly done. The doorbell rang again. The three shared a look before stepping out to the hallway where Carlos was greeting Artie.
"Lucas, I got your message I am so sorry I didn't see it sooner," Artie said as he made his way down the hallway. "Are you ok? What happened?"
Lucas chuckled softly as he accepted Artie's hug. He explained everything to him as they relocated to the living room.
"Wanna join us for a movie night?" Layla asked, "we are going to cheer Lucas up with some zombie killing and gore."
"Sounds fun, count me in," Artie said with a smile.
Miles saw the look Carlos was giving him as he escaped to the living room with the others. He didn't want to talk about Kyle right now. He just wanted to relax and forget everything for a few hours. Watching horror movies with Lucas and Layla was just what he needed.
