Chapter 51: Can We Just Forget the World?

Kyle was sitting with Jared, Miles, Kendall, and Logan. They were making small talk, and Logan was preparing Kyle for all the medical stuff coming his way tomorrow. Kendall was preparing Kyle for the media, which had already gotten wind of his hospitalization.

"Yeah, and that punk Jesse strategically said a Rocque records producer, and they are tearing the studio apart," Jared said, rolling his eyes.

"Jack," Kyle said.

"We know that, but they won't listen to us," Miles said.

"No, Jack," Kyle said, "he-he…he want ..uh he try-fuck."

"Slow down," Jared said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What did Jack do?"

"He-he want me to-to…sell," Kyle said he took a calming breath, "he deals."

"What?" Kendall asked. Kyle nodded his head.

"It's Jack," Kyle said.

"I think we need to get in touch with the detectives on the case," Logan said, nudging Kendall. Kendall nodded his head.

Before Kyle could ask what was going on, Dr. Jacobi walked into the room. He was carrying a tablet with him.

"Kyle, we need to talk," he said.

"Kind of hard," Kyle replied snarkily.

"You've got a room full of translators pick one," Dr. Jacobi joked. "I'd choose the one with medical knowledge." He pointed to Logan.

"What's wrong Marcus," Logan asked.

"Can I discuss this with everyone in the room?" Marcus asked, looking at Kyle.

"They won't leave," Kyle said, shrugging.

"We can leave if you want," Kendall said.

Kyle snorted a laugh, "you are nosey."

"He's not wrong," Logan said when Kendall frowned.

"Are you sure," Jared asked from his spot beside Kyle. "If you want privacy we can leave."

"Stay," Kyle said.

"Anyways, when you got here your labs were all over the place naturally," Dr. Jacobi said, "afterwards we took more labs to make sure your body was doing its job to clearing everything up and we got some weird result and took another draw-"

"I know," Kyle cut him off waving a hand.

He knew where this was heading. He had feared this ever since Jackson brought up taking more labs. He felt his heart start to race again. The matching behind him started to ding. Dr. Jacobi jumped up and pressed a button as Jared and Miles grabbed his hands trying to calm him down. It helped, but he was anxious now.

"You know what?" Dr. Jacobi asked once he was calm again.

"Labs, done before," Kyle said quickly. He took a calming breath. He didn't need his body to betray him. He had to remain calm.

"Yeah, I looked back in your chart and saw you had some weird results a few months back that you never really followed up on," Marcus said.

"I did," Kyle said.

"Oh?"

"Not here," Kyle said, glancing over at Logan.

"You already know what's wrong don't you?" Marcus asked.

"What's going on?" Jared asked.

"Labs done before," Kyle said shrugging.

"What labs?" Kendall asked, confused.

"Blood, taken," Kyle said mimicking a blood draw.

"Ha ha," Kendall said, frowning at him.

"Kid I wanna run some more tests," Dr. Jacobi said.

"Why?" Kyle asked.

"I have a hunch," he replied.

Kyle sighed and bared his neck. "Start here," he said, pointing to the right side of his neck. "They-uh-they…other one."

Dr. Jacobi took a step forward confused. He did a quick examination of his neck, pausing when he felt a lump on the right side.

"Biopsy?" Dr. Jacobi asked.

"You don't think-" Logan started.

"Done." Kyle said pointing to the left side of his neck. "Not here. Away from…" he looked at Logan.

"Me?" Logan asked.

"You already know the answer," Dr. Jacobi said, looking at Kyle. Kyle nodded his head. "This isn't fun anymore."

"Sorry," Kyle apologized.

"Dude, what's going on," Miles asked confused.

Kyle just shook his head. He didn't want to be having this conversation here. He glanced over at Logan and saw the moment the lightbulb went off in his head.

"Have you joined the conversation Dr. Mitchell," Dr. Jacobi asked.

"I believe I'm all caught up," Logan said, standing up straighter. He looked at Kyle with sympathy.

"What is going on? I don't like this," Kendall said.

"Don't worry," Kyle said, waving a hand. He wasn't going to do this here. Not now, when he had been so careful. "Taken care of."

"Kyle," Logan said.

"Please don't," Kyle pleaded.

"Kyle what's wrong?" Miles asked softly.

Kyle looked over at Miles and wished he hadn't. He saw the hurt there and the confusion. He knew Miles knew something was wrong, but he couldn't tell him.

"Fine, Logan," Kyle said.

"Lymphoma?" Logan asked.

Kyle nodded his head looking down at his lap as Jared and Kendall gasped. Miles clenched his hand tighter. Kyle's head snapped up to look at him. He saw the hurt even more. He knew his mind was now on Rion too.

Suddenly the room felt like it was closing in on him again. His chest felt tight. The monitor started beeping as his heart rate climbed. His vision started to go black too, all he could see was his hands as he picked at his blanket.

A hand covered his and he looked up at Jared. He was talking to him, but he couldn't focus. Jared gave his hand a gentle squeeze. He leaned in and brought his hand up to his heart.

"Just focus on breathing. It's ok," Jared said as he brought their foreheads together.

Kyle tried to focus on him but, but the world was spinning now. All the pressure was back on him. It was crushing him. Noithing he ever did was good enough. There was always something there to push him back down and remind him of how imperfect he truly was.

Jared kept talking to him softly. Eventually his breathing started to slow. He could feel Jared's chest rise and fall. He tried to match it, as best he could.

"Feeling better?" Jared asked softly.

"Sorry," Kyle said.

"Don't be, it's ok," Jared said sitting back.

It was then that Kyle noticed that they were alone. He looked around for Kendall or Miles. They were both gone.

"Dr. Jacobi escorted them out," Jared said, "Figured less people in the room would be better for you."

"Oh," Kyle said. He didn't mind that Kendall wasn't here right now, it was Miles he wanted near. He wanted to apologize to him for not telling him. He wanted to hold him and tell him that he was going to be ok.

"So, how long?" Jared asked.

"Not long," Kyle sighed. His head hurt. He brought his hand up to his eye trying to take some pressure off it. "May-uh-may ba….abou-uh…two," Kyle said.

"Weeks?" Jared asked. Kyle shook his head. "Months?" he asked.

"Little more," Kyle said.

"Three months?" Jared asked.

"Close," Kyle said laying back on the bed. His head hurt. "Sorry."

"Don't be, you can't help this," Jared said retaking his hand.

"We're not mad that you have cancer dude."

Kyle looked up as Miles stood in the doorway. He looked torn like he wanted to run either away or to him, that was uncertain.

"I just wish you would have told me," Miles said.

"Yeah, me too, you know we would have helped you through this," Jared said.

"Scared," Kyle said looking away from them as tears threatened to fall.

He hadn't meant to go this long without telling them, but every time he tried he had chickened out. He didn't want to upset Miles or get pity from Jared. He had tried to tell Miles several times, but it never came out. He ended up pushing him away because he didn't want to upset MIles or make him freak out about what happened with Rion. He had even tried to tell Kendall and James a few times, but it never came out.

"Is that why you pushed me away?" Miles asked from the doorway.

Kyle looked over at him. Miles knew him like nobody else. He both hated and loved that about him. He nodded his head.

"And, why you wanted to pull out of the tour?" Jared asked.

Kyle nodded his head. He couldn't lie anymore. Not to these two. They both knew him so well. Better than anyone.

Miles crossed the room and punched his shoulder. "You asshole!" he said glaring at him before it softened. "You're lucky I know you better than you know yourself. I don't care what it is, you tell me from now on. I am here for you, ride or die! It's you and me til the end."

"Sorry, panicked," Kyle said.

"Me too, I am here for you Kyle," Jared said.

"Thanks," Kyle said tears slipping down his cheeks. He reached out to them both. They both took a hand. "Sorry, I…tho..I mean…ah-uhm…" he paused as he tried to gather his thoughts.

"We know dude," Miles said.

"You thought you could handle it," Jared said.

"And that it would be ok and go away," Miles said.

"Yeah, that," Kyle said hanging his head.

"It's ok, we're here now, and we are going to help you through this," Jared said.

-Happy Mistakes-

Kendall sat back in his chair next to Logan. Tensions were still a bit high with Ky'e recent revelation. He could not believe Kyle had managed to keep this secret from him for six weeks. After Jared had calmed down his panic attack, Marcus got more answers from Kyle. He had been seeing an oncologist across town for two months now and got diagnosed two weeks after he started seeing her. After a few more weeks of extensive testing, they had started treatment a month ago, he was getting chemo weekly, after his therapy appointments on Wednesday and that's how he was able to keep it from Jared and Miles for so long.

Kendall glanced over at Kyle, he was absentmindedly picking at his blanket again. He and Miles had short-lived conversations, but no one was talking. No one really knew what to say. That is until James arrived. Kendall knew he had to push Kyle a little bit, otherwise, he wouldn't do it. It took a little prodding, but Kyle finally caved.

"Kyle," James said.

"Cancer," Kyle replied.

"Come again?" James said.

"You heard-" Kyle started. He turned away from James trying to calm his racing heart. He didn't want to have another panic attack. A nurse came in to check on him. He assured her he was fine, with Miles telling her for him that he was just a little anxious.

"He kept it from all of us," Kendall said once she left.

"Adult now," Kyle said, "I do-don't have to-" he started and trailed off as his speech became garbled in his rage. He looked away from Kendall as he tried to calm down. This didn't need to become an argument again.

"He's not wrong, he is eighteen now and has the right to privacy and doesn't have to tell anyone any of his personal health information," Logan said.

"Thank you, doctor," James said shooting him a glare.

"Now you see what I have to live with," Carlos sighed. He then turned to Kyle. "You told me you were going to tell them."

"Tried," Kyle shrugged.

"Wait, you knew?" Kendall asked, rounding on Carlos.

"Yeah, he showed up looking for Miles awhile back, and he was out with Leora, Lucas, and Artie. He was in a panic, so we sat down and talked, and I weaseled it out of him," Carlos said,

"Carlos this isn't a secret you keep," James said.

"He had only just found out that day, and he promised that he was going to tell you guys. I assumed he did and you guys just didn't want to talk about it yet," Carlos said.

"Not his to tell," Kyle said putting a hand up. "Mine."

"I know, which is why I didn't say anything," Carlos said, "I just wished you had." he looked at Kyle.

"Tried, scared," Kyle said, "wanted to but-ah-uh-wa-word…uh…," he trailed off shaking his head.

"Kyle, you should have told us, not because you owe us, but because you shouldn't have to go through this alone. No one should," James said, walking over to the young blonde. "I've said it before, and I will say it again, I would move mountains for you and your siblings. You don't have to do this alone. We love you."

"More than anything," Kendall said, "I'm just hurt that you didn't tell us. This isn't something small and trivial Kyle. This is big. This is…I don't know…"

"Sorry, I-I just…I don't—" Kyle said shaking his head. He looked at Carlos.

"He told me, he didn't want to tell you at first because he wasn't officially diagnosed. It was just a hunch, and they were doing a biopsy. He didn't want it to get in the way of school or the tour preparations," Carlos said, "He was hoping that it was nothing and just an abnormal lab and swollen lymph node."

"It was not," Kyle said looking down at his lap.

"I told him that he should tell you guys. That you would want to know and be there to support him if it was cancer," Carlos said.

"I tried," Kyle said, "not easy," he said looking at Kendall and James.

"I get that," Carlos said, "I mean living up to your parents' impossible standard is hard. Telling my mother that I was dating and intending to marry a white boy was the hardest thing ever, and it's not because he was a boy either."

"Hey," Logan said.

"Oh knock it off; you know you are not the one my mother imagined me marrying at first," Carlos said.

"Your mom loves me," Logan shot back.

"Yeah, now," Carlos said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Logan asked.

"Oh, Sylvie was so disappointed when you two told her you were getting married. She called Carlos and told him that he needed to stop with this Hollywood nonsense and come home that she missed him and that she had the perfect match for him," James said.

"What?" Logan asked.

"Yeah, two of them she wanted me to marry that Rosales girl or that other kid, the one that moved to Minnesota right before we left for LA what was his name," Carlos asked James.

"Oh! You mean Alejandro?" James asked, laughing.

"Yes, oh my god that was awful," Carlos said.

"Why am I just now hearing about this?" Logan asked.

"Remember that week we spent in Minnesota after we got engaged," Carlos asked.

"Yeah, is that when she was trying to break us up?" Logan asked.

"Yeah, but by the end of the week she saw how in love we were, and that's when you truly got her blessing," Carlos said, waving a hand at him.

"Thanks for telling me," Logan said.

"I never told you because I was never worried. We went home for a visit so my mom could see how much I loved you and you loved me. It took less than a week for her to change her mind," Carlos replied.

"I knew she wasn't happy at first, but I didn't know she was trying to set you up with someone else," Logan replied.

"Don't worry about it, I mean look at us now. We've survived a lot worse than my mother," Carlos said.

"True, but still," Logan said with a frown.

"Ustedes dos son como una maldita telenovena," Miles said looking at Carlos.

"Stop it," Carlos said.

"What?" Logan asked, turning to his son.

"He said you two are as dramatic as a telenovela," Jared said.

"You speak Spanish?" Miles asked.

"Miles, I grew up in San Diego," Jared said, "my viejito also taught me basic Spanish and other things."

Miles looked confused as he tried to translate.

"Old man, grandpa, I'm guessing," Carlos said looking at Jared.

"Yeah, on my mom's side," Jared said.

"I was getting there. My Spanish is a bit rusty and mostly taught from what I thought was my family at the time, not school," Miles replied.

"Same, my Spanish teacher hated that I would correct her or that I taught Matty and Ro improper Spanish," Jared said.

"Improper? Let me guess she wasn't a native speaker," Carlos asked.

"Not in the slightest," Jared replied.

—Happy Mistakes—

Roldy yawned as he made his way out to the living room. He looked around for Noah. He saw him sitting out on the balcony with a blanket over his lap. He made his way out to him.

Noah didn't even move when he stepped out. He was looking out across the Palm Woods park. His eyes were unmoving as fiddled with the loose strings on his blanket. Sitting before him was a cup of coffee that Roldy was sure was cold by now.

"No," Roldy said softly.

"You would tell me right?" Noah asked without looking up.

"Tell you what?" Roldy asked, confused.

"If you were ever feeling that low?" Noah asked, looking up at him. His eyes searched his for an answer. Roldy sat down on the end of the lounge chair and pulled Noah close.

"Of course," Roldy said, placing a hand on his cheek. He made Noah look at him. "I will always come to you."

"Good, and I'll always come to you," Noah promised.

They sat there in silence. Noah leaned into his touch. He leaned forward and sealed their lips together gently. The kiss was soft and sweet. Noah rested his forehead against him.

"Sorry, I just…I was there once," Noah admitted softly.

"What?" Roldy asked.

"After everything with Jace," Noah said. "I was so low. My self-esteem was at an all-time low, and I didn't know what else to do."

"Oh," Roldy said, scooting closer to Noah.

"Yeah," Noah said, tears springing to his eyes. "I am so thankful for you and Jared, but it was Matty who really helped me through that."

"Yeah," Roldy said.

"Yeah, after everything he went through with Gabby, and everything I did with Jace. We really leaned on each other for support. He understood me in a way that you and Jared didn't at the time," Noah said.

"I get it, just like Jared and I helped each other through our parents' bullshit in a way neither you nor Matt could at the time," Roldy said.

"Exactly," Noah said.

"Friends are awesome, and you have different friends who help you in different ways. I get that," Roldy said, "just know that I am here for you no matter what. If you have to talk to Marty first then talk to him first, I'll be here when you're ready."

"You'll be first," Noah said, "I don't know if you know this, but uh, you and I are a little closer than Matty and I are now," Noah said with a mischievous smile.

"What? Really?" Roldy asked with fake shock.

"It's true." Noah nodded his head. "I don't just do this to Matty." He leaned in and kissed him again. This kiss had a little more zest than the last.

Roldy chuckled as Noah sat back. He was now smiling at him. The tension was long gone. Noah's shoulders dropped, and he laughed. He leaned in and kissed him once more. They were both laughing now.

"I love you," Noah said against his lips.

"I love you too," Roldy replied.

"Want breakfast?" Noah asked, sitting back.

"Sure, or maybe we can keep kissing and skip breakfast and pick something up on the way to the studio," Roldy suggested.

"Gross."

The pair looked over their shoulder at Matt. He was standing in the open doorway of the balcony. He had a cup of coffee in hand and a pastry in the other.

"Is that for me?" Noah asked, jumping up.

"Your text worried me," Matt said, handing the treat to the hyper brunette.

"Sorry, just all this going on with Kyle…I'm not I swear I just…I just want you guys to know that you can always come to me and I hope I can always count on you guys," Noah said.

"Always, but don't expect me to start kissing you," Matt said.

"See told you I couldn't kiss Matty," Noah said, sticking his tongue out at Roldy. Roldy started laughing.

—Happy Mistakes—

Carlos tapped his foot, glancing up at the clock. Logan sat beside him just as anxious. Miles paced back and forth across the room unable to sit still.

"I don't see why we need to make a big deal out of this," Miles said.

"Miles you got death threats," Logan said.

"Yeah and it's done and over with, and now we need to focus on Kyle," Miles said as he spun around again. He started across the room once more.

"Mijo sit, please," Carlos said.

"I can't!" Miles said.

"You're making me anxious just by watching you," Logan said.

"Sorry, my legs won't stay still. I need to move. I need to just…I don't know. Can't we just forget this and move on," Miles asked.

The door opened, and Kendall and James entered the room with the secretary behind them. She directed them to have a seat as well. She then told them principal Masters would be in shortly with the Superintendent.

"The superintendent?" Miles asked once she left. He turned to Carlos and Logan, his eyes wide. "I can't do this. They are gonna-"

"Miles stop," Logan said, jumping up. "Deep breath."

Miles took a deep breath. His shoulders slumped as he let out a breath. Logan guided him to a chair.

"It's gonna be ok Miles," Logan said.

"Is it? Cause everyone is gonna know soon enough and things will get worse from here on out. They won't stop with the death threats or the hate just because you guys talk to the school board," Miles said looking up at Logan.

"Stop it," Logan said.

"You don't get it, it's only gonna give them more fuel," Miles said.

"Miles this behavior is acceptable, Millie told us some of the notes were even signed with names," Carlos said.

"Yeah, some people aren't the brightest," Miles Hey replied, "but still there were many anonymous ones. Let's not forget all those who hide behind their screens too. Has anyone seen what they've been saying on my videos and other socials? Or Kyle's?"

Before anyone could respond, Mr. Masters entered the room with a short stout woman. She had dark greying hair and glasses. She was carrying a folder.

"Kendall, James," Mr. Master greeted them before moving to Carlos and Logan and greeting them as well. He looked at Miles confused

"Hello, you must be the parents of Kyle Knight and Miles Mitchell," the woman said.

"Yes, Kyle is our son," Kendall said.

"And this is Miles, our son," Carlos said.

"Hello, I'm Janice Michaels superintendent of schools." She introduced herself.

"I want to apologize for not getting a hold of either of you, but I was investigating more into the senders of the notes," Mr. Masters said, "I was unaware that Kyle was getting them as well."

"You didn't tell him-" Logan started.

"Well Kyle and I weren't exactly on speaking terms Friday," Miles cut him off, "nothing like a suicide attempt to bring everyone together huh?"

"Miles," Carlos gasped.

"Sorry, I make inappropriate jokes when I'm uncomfortable," Miles snapped, slamming his fist into the table. He flinched as he looked down at this hand. "Sorry." He mumbled again.

"This is a tragic accident, and I want to issue an apology on behalf of the school board to both your families. I want you to know we are taking this very seriously and are looking into this matter," Janice said.

"We appreciate that, but why weren't we called on Friday, when this was brought to your attention," Carlos asked.

"I did attempt to call you Carlos but got no answer. This was mid-afternoon when Miles and Millie brought these notes to me," Mr. Masters said.

"I didn't get any phone call or message on my cell or home phone," Carlos said.

"Carlos, did you update your number after you changed it two months ago?" Logan asked.

Carlos opened his mouth, raised his hand, and paused. He lowered his hand.

"Ok, look what happened with Kyle…it happened," Kendall said, cutting to the chase, "I wanna know what you are gonna do in the future to prevent this from happening again."

Miles sat back as he listened to the adults talk. His attention span was waning. He was worried about Kyle. He wanted to be with him. A glance at the clock, he inwardly groaned. This day was going by too slowly.

—Happy Mistakes—

Jake tossed his bag aside as he entered the apartment. Damien followed behind him calling out to his father. Jake flicked on the lights only to regret his decision instantly.

Steve was on the couch with Camille. They were both fully dressed, but their clothes were rumpled. Hair was mussed.

"Boys your home early," Steve said, jumping up.

"I'm gonna puke," Damien said, a hand flying to his mouth.

"Like I haven't walked in on you two," Steve said.

"I'm gonna go check on Eli," Camille said. She quickly left the room.

"Seriously?" Damien asked Steve.

"Well…she came over to watch Eli while I can some stuff into the office. I was gone about an hour or so," Steve said, "Eli was napping when I got back, and we were talking, and one thing led to another."

"Ew," Damien said, covering his ears. Jake elbowed him gently. "Ow, careful," he hissed. "My ribs are still very tender."

"Sorry, but you're kind of acting childish," Jake said.

"Excuse me? Now we have to get a new couch," Damien said.

"You are so dramatic, just like your mother," Steve sighed.

"Knock it off," Jake said.

"How are you so calm about this! They-they-" Damien started.

"Oh I'm sure he's walked in on his dads doing worse," Camille said as she exited Eli's room.

"A lot worse," Jake said, "are you new? Have you even met my dads?" He asked looking at Damien.

"Thankfully I've been spared that, as I have never actually lived with them unlike poor Cooper," Damien said.

"Aw yes, those first few months were a shock for him," Jake laughed. "I honestly think it was that a couple could be that affectionate after that long together was what really surprised him."

"Yeah, he didn't really have the best example," Camille said.

"I seriously think we need to burn that couch," Damien said.

"Stop it," Camille said, shooting him a glare.

"No, it's gross I don't want to think about my parents making out on my couch. It's not the mental image I need. I don't think I can sit on that couch anymore," Damien said, shaking his head.

"Yeah, then I don't think you should sit on any of the furniture in my dads house, or use the kitchen table, or—" Jake started. Damien slapped a hand over his mouth.

"I don't want to know," Damien said. Camille and Steve started laughing. Damien groaned and hung his head. "I am never stepping foot in that house again."

"Yeah, there's not really a surface they haven't touched," Jake said, "aside from our bedrooms."

"Way more than I needed to know," Damien said.

"Sometimes I forget you're kind of prudish," Jake laughed.

—Happy Mistakes—

Kyle yawned watching one of the therapists scribble in her notepad. Her name was Lindsey Hart, and she was here for a speech evaluation. Earlier he had met Jensen Hardwick for an OT evaluation. That's all he had been doing all morning getting evaluated.

He was improving rapidly, or so they said. So far it had been deduced that his gross motor skills seemed fine, but he had fine motor problems. Grasping things was difficult and the more he tried the more his right hand would shake. His speech was all kinds of messed up. He knew that already.

"Ok, I have one more thing I want to try," Linsey said. She stood and opened her notepad to a blank page. "Right-handed or left?" She asked.

"I did this," Kyle said.

"I'm not checking your motor skills, I'm checking your communication skills," Lindsey said.

"Left," Kyle said, raising his right hand. Lindsey gave him a look. He grinned as he raised his left hand. "Right?" He asked.

"Good to see your humor is still intact."

Kyle looked up as James stood in the doorway. Jenny was balancing on his hip.

"Hello, you must be one of the dads I was told about," Lindsey said.

"Liar," Kyle said.

"Not from you," Lindsey replied as she stood to shake James' hand. "Dr. Jacobi filled me in on the situation kid."

"I'm James and yes," James said, "he's right-handed, by the way."

"Traitor," Kyle said.

"Behave," James said.

"Boo," Kyle replied. Jenny copied him.

"Ok humor me for a moment please," Lindsey said. Kyle held open his hand for the pen. She helped him close his hand around it so he could write.

"What do you want?" Kyle asked.

"Start with your name," Lindsey said.

"Easy, pop star, million times," Kyle said. He quickly scribbled his name with a flourish.

"Ok pop star, write a sentence, whatever you want. The more complicated the more points you get," Lindsey giggled.

Kyle thought for a moment before remembering his conversation with Jared and Miles yesterday. He quickly scribbled something down, shoving the notebook at her. James glanced down and snorted.

"You and Miles are dorks," he said.

"Can spell, maybe say soon," Kyle replied with a shrug.

"Ok, so I've got all I need for now, I'm gonna make a plan and we can get you saying Hippopoto…mon…monstroses…qu…quippe…dalio….phobia," Lindsey said slowly.

"Fear of big words," James said, "something he and his friend Miles spent a whole afternoon learning how to pronounce and spell when they were younger."

"Ah, I see," Lindsey said, nodding her head. "Can I share with your dad?"

"Pops, and yes," Kyle corrected her.

"His speech is far better than some of the folks I've dealt with in his condition. It gets worse the more worked up he gets though," Lindsey explained. "Reading is no go, but his writing is fine. Different parts of the brain," she said.

"Cool," Kyle said grinning.

"So what does this mean?" James asked.

"Lots of therapy, we will start with his speech and work on his reading. It will take time, but we will get him back to a good baseline, but it might never be the same," Lindsey said.

"Thank you, I know, my fault," Kyle said.

"We all make mistakes, kid. Don't worry, I will do my best to help you get back to normal, as best you can. It's all up to you and that brain of yours. I'll be back tomorrow, about the same time kid and we can go over a plan," Lindsey said looking at Kyle.

Kyle nodded his head. Lindsey said her goodbyes and left the room. James crossed the room. Jenny squirmed in his arms. Kyle held his arms out to her. James set her on the bed warning her to be gentle.

"Kye!" Jenny said, climbing up into his lap.

"Bee," Kyle greeted his sister with a smile and hug.

"How are you feeling today?" James asked.

"Good, tired," Kyle said.

Jenny started babbling. Kyle looked down at her with a smile. He nodded his head with her. She seemed pleased.

"Evaluations?" James asked.

"Yes, lots." Kyle nodded his head.

"Well, they are here to help so drop the sass and behave," James said.

"Never," Kyle replied.

James sighed, shaking his head, "You are your fathers child."

"I know."

James opened his mouth to retort, but Marcus entered the room. He was carrying a clipboard and walked right up to Kyle. He smiled down at Jenny.

"Why hello Jenny, I need to borrow your brother," Marcus said smiling at her.

"My Kye," Jenny said, hugging Kyle.

"Sorry Doc," Kyle laughed.

"I was talking with speech, and she said your writing is fine," Marcus said. Kyle nodded his head. "Are you willing to sign a release of information so I can get records of your care sent here so we can continue treatment and involve your other doctor?" He asked.

"Yes," Kyle said.

"You'll have to read the paper to him," James said, stepping up to them. He scooped Jenny up into his arms. "He can't read right now."

Marcus nodded his head. He read over the paperwork. Kyle held his hand out for the pen. Marcus carefully handed it over. Showing him where to sign.

"Here you need to write the hospital name you were getting care at," Marcus said pointing to another line. Kyle quickly scribbled down the hospital. "Doctor's name."

"Uh?" Kyle said slowly. He wrote down 'Dr. K.'

"Dr. K?" James asked.

"Yes," Kyle said.

"Dr. Ingrid Kozubovsky?" Marcus asked.

"Yes," Kyle said, pointing at him.

"Ok, I know her. She's amazing and probably one of the best oncologists in the state if not the country," Marcus said.

"Yes," Kyle said, nodding his head.

"I think she's got clearance here, I'll send this ROI over and give her a call," Marcus said.

"Most likely, she said everywhere," Kyle said, waving his hand around. The pen slipped from his grip and flew across the room. "Oops."

"I didn't like that pen either," Marcus said, waving a hand at Kyle with a smile. "I think it was one of Logan's pens."

Kyle laughed at that. He settled back in his bed with a yawn. Marcus looked up at him with a sympathetic smile.

"Get some rest, your big ole brain needs to heal," Marcus said, "trust me there will be no rest once Miles gets back and you know that."

Kyle chuckled as he nodded his head. He knew that once Miles arrived from school he was going to get a play by play. He wondered what people were saying about him, and Miles. Did everyone know yet?

"Stop that," James said, placing a hand on his shoulder. Kyle looked up at him, a brow arched. "I know that look, you're in your head again."

"Sorry," Kyle said.

"Don't worry about Miles and the others right now," James said.

"Do they know? School? Kids?" Kyle asked.

"Kid you're a pop star, rumors were spreading by Saturday morning," Marcus sighed.

"We released a small statement to the press that you are indeed in the hospital and that we would like privacy as a family as we handle this," James said.

"Do they…know…what I did?" Kyle asked slowly.

"There are rumors that we haven't confirmed yet," James said.

Kyle nodded his head. He looked down at his lap. This had been coming. The public was bound to find out. It was only a matter of time. They could only keep it under wraps for so long. His cancer diagnosis was bound to get out sooner or later too.

Kyle felt another yawn coming on. He looked away as he tried to fight it. The yawn won the fight. Jenny squirmed free from James hold back to Kyle again.

"Kye sweepy?" she asked.

"Yeah," Kyle said, nodding his head. "Need a nap."

"Nap," Jenny nodded her head. She snuggled up next to Kyle.

Kyle lifted his arm, so she didn't tug on his IV. He looked up at James who was smiling at them. He gave a nod. Kyle hugged her close as he let his eyes slip shut. A nap sounded lovely right now, and it seemed Jenny agreed.

—Happy Mistakes—

Adam yawned as he sat down beside Sam. The lunch rush had died down, and they finally had a moment to catch their breath.

"So, what happened this weekend?" Sam asked, "I know you said family stuff, but I figured since I covered your shifts…"

"Thank you so much, by the way," Adam said quickly.

"You are welcome, you don't have to tell me the nitty gtiyy, but is everything ok with Cooper and the kids?" Sam asked.

"They are fine. It was my brother," Adam said, looking down at the table.

"So the rumors are true then?" Sam asked.

"Yes and no," Adam said, "he tried to…he intended to…"

"Yeah," Sam nodded his head.

"It was a bad batch, and he almost really died. He's awake and recovering, but it's gonna be a long road for him. It was touch and go the first night and most of the next day," Adam said.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Sam said.

"Yeah, we spent the entire weekend together at our uncles' house waiting for news," Adam said.

"Wow, have you talked to-" Sam started.

"Your mom? Yeah, she understood and told me to offer to take at least one of your shifts, but we both know you never leave this place," Adam said.

"Actually," Sam said slowly.

"Yes, I'll do it. When and what time? I just need enough time to find a sitter for the kids if it's an early shift," Adam said.

"Actually, this Saturday evening," Sam said, his cheeks tinting pink.

"Oh my god, do you have a date?" Adam asked.

"Date? Who, Sam?" Deena asked, walking out of the kitchen. She gave her son a hopeful smile.

"Not if you two are gonna make a big deal out of it," Sam said, rolling his eyes.

"No, we won't. I'll cover for you," Adam said, "You go have fun and get out of this diner for once. This isn't your home."

"What he said," Deena said.

"Great, thanks, Adam. I appreciate it," Sam said, "and yes, I will fill you in after you help the couple that just walked in." He pointed to a booth where Cooper and Mina were sitting down with the kids. Miri and Hank were already attacking the silverware, and Mina was happily bouncing Kenny in her lap.

Adam smiled and grabbed a couple of menus and some kids' menus, and crayons. He made his way over with a smile. Cooper greeted him with a grin causing Miri to look up and shout, holding her hands up for a hug. Adam scooped his daughter into his arms, giving her a big hug, turning to Kenny next. He greeted Hank with a big smile too.

"Hey,

—Happy Mistakes—

Jared paused as he approached Kyle's room. He had been avoiding coming back all day. He had busied himself at the studio all morning. After Kendall left for the day, the guys dragged him out. They wanted answers, and he needed to unwind. They had decided on ordering pizza and hanging out at Matt's apartment to meet the new puppy. It had been fun to play with Nidia and forget life for just a few hours. Matt then managed to con them all into helping him and Penelope pack for their upcoming move in a few weeks with a promise to feed them afterward.

Now, he had nothing left to distract him. Why was he so scared? This was Kyle. Someone he knew better than anyone. Someone who knew him just as well. Or so he had thought at least. Kyle had been cheating on him for months without him knowing. Maybe he had known just a little but was in extreme denial over it. He did not want to believe that he was losing Kyle. If he lost Kyle, then what would he have left? He had already lost his parents, as shitty as they were, they were still his parents, and then he lost his sisters. He hadn't lost them, but they now lived with Deanna and not him. He didn't get to see them every day. All he had left was Kyle. If he went in there and talked with him, he might actually lose him. Could he handle that?

Steeling himself for whatever came his way, Jared took a deep breath. He walked up to the door. He saw Kyle alone, watching something on his phone. Jared stood there a moment.

Kyle wasn't hooked up to as many machines as before. He was sitting there breathing on his own, awake and alert. He was going to get better. He still looked a little beaten down but better than before.

Then, as if sensing eyes on him, Kyle looked up. He smiled at Jared. Jared felt some of his anxiety wash away. That was just the effect that Kyle had on him.

"Hi," Jared said, leaning against the door.

"Hi," Kyle replied. He held a hand out to him.

Jared remained rooted to the spot. He wasn't sure if he could do this right now. Kyle tilted his head as he reached for him.

"I don't know-" Jared started.

"Don't think too hard," Kyle replied.

Jared felt something inside him relax. He was hopeful once more. Maybe what they had wasn't over.

He crossed the room, taking Kyle's hand in his. He brought it to his lips and placed a soft kiss there. Kyle smiled at him. Jared returned it with a smile of his own.

"I love you," Jared said.

"I love you too," Kyle replied.

Kyle pulled him into the bed with him. Jared laid beside him, holding him tight. Things were far from fixed, but right now he didn't care. He didn't want to think about that right now. He knew it was a matter of time before Miles showed up, he was going to take these few moments that they had alone together.

Jared laid his head on Kyle's shoulder. Kyle's hand moved to his back. He ran a finger up and down his spine lazily. Jared relaxed into the touch, knowing Kyle knew exactly what he was doing. He was trying to lull him into a state of relaxation. It was a technique he often used on him. Jared didn't mind right now. He was just happy to be here with Kyle and was glad that he wanted him here.

"Jer," Kyle said after a while.

"Hmm?" Jared hummed softly.

"Miles is…coming," Kyle said.

"I know, can't we just pretend for a little while longer?" Jared asked.

"I wish," Kyle replied.

"Can we just forget the world for a little bit, and just be Jared and Kyle again. Just for a few more minutes," Jared asked.

Kyle didn't speak, he just pulled him closer. Jared relaxed into his embrace. Kyle's hand resumed its path up and down his back, lulling Jared into a false sense of security. This was all gonna come crashing down, but for the next few minutes they could just pretend.