A/N—Reminder that I don't own these characters and that all credit goes to the creators of "Big Time Rush."

Sooooo it appears I lied. But if I didn't know it was a lie at the time, is it still a lie? Turns out there's more of the story left than I realized, and if I post it all as one chapter it'll be way too long so...you get two more chapters! The last chapter will be a bit shorter and will be up sometime this week. Just not sure when yet. And my plans today include getting a lot of writing done on "Magic", so if that goes according to plan I'll post another chapter of that soon as well. We'll see how it goes!

Here's wishing you all a happy and harmonious 2019! I'm excited to see what the year will bring us all in terms of fic! Thanks for reading. :)

"What are you thinking about?"

James changed lanes before answering the question. "That I need to call Logan soon, because once we get to your house I won't want to face anyone on the outside for a week. You okay with me calling to wish him a Merry Christmas, or do I need to worry about your jealousy?" James teased.

"Oh shut up, you know you love that side of me. And you just wait until I get to know Carlos better and we start hanging out. We'll see who the jealous asshole is then."

"That's not even funny, Kendall."

"What, I'm not allowed to go out with friends but you are?" When James didn't have some stinging retort, Kendall looked at him more closely. "You're nervous."

"I am," James sighed. "I don't know how to tell him that I'm moving out. I mean, just because I'm ready to live without him on a daily basis, that doesn't mean he's ready. He and Carlos aren't at that level yet, you know? So he'll probably be lonely."

"He'll understand."

"I know. I just...I don't want to hurt his feelings."

"I think that forced you two to stay together longer than you needed to be. Just be honest with him. Doesn't Carlos stay over every night now anyway?"

"Yeah. Maybe you're right."

"I'm always right. Call him."

Because James was driving, Kendall placed the call from his own phone and put it on speaker. Logan's cheery voice made them both smile. "Merry Christmas, Coach!"

"Hey, Merry Christmas to you, too. How's it going so far?"

"Good. Carlos is taking me with him to Christmas dinner with his family, then we're going to stay the night at my mom's. I'm nervous about meeting everyone. And worried that Mom won't like Carlos, because in her eyes nobody can compare to James."

Thinking about the reason for Logan's initial attraction to Carlos, James promised, "That won't be a problem. She's going to love Carlos. I guarantee it."

"I hope so. It was weird waking up on Christmas morning without you," Logan admitted. "Last year you stayed over and...you know."

"Yeah." James glanced over at Kendall, who squeezed his hand in encouragement. "But this year you had Carlos, so..."

"And good morning sex. It doesn't get any better than that, does it?"

"The fact that those words are coming out of your mouth...who are you, Logan Mitchell?"

"I know, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad."

"You didn't, I understand exactly why he makes you crave things you never did before. So um...I don't really know how to say this."

"Figure it out fast, because Carlos should be back in a few minutes and then we're hitting the road."

James froze up. He managed another glance at Kendall, panicked because he knew Logan wasn't going to take this well. Maybe he shouldn't do this on Christmas Day.

"He's moving in with me," Kendall stated bluntly. "And he's worried about hurting your feelings and leaving you alone."

"Dammit, Kendall. Let me do it my way."

"If I did that, you'd never do it. Am I right, Logan?"

"So right," Logan laughed. "James, I've been expecting this since the day he proposed to you. I'm surprised it took you this long."

"Well, I wasn't sure how he'd feel about it, and I know how much we enjoy living together, and...really? You're not mad? Or upset?"

"I'm not either of those things. And because I knew you'd be freaking out over everything changing, I worked out a plan."

"A plan?" James echoed. "Oh god, here we go."

"Be quiet, and let me know if any of this isn't going to work for you. Kendall, same goes for you. We can tweak it if we need to."

"A plan?" Kendall repeated. "You made a plan for...what exactly?"

"So that we all get time together and nobody feels left out. James, Monday through Thursday we go back to the old routine. Meet up in my classroom for breakfast and coffee. I know how much you miss that."

James blushed, feeling Kendall's eyes on him. "I do."

"It was one of my favorite parts of our friendship, too. Obviously we all eat lunch together."

"Obviously," Kendall agreed. "And that works for me since I usually have breakfast with the other coaches."

"I didn't know that," James mused.

"We get together and discuss the scores and games from the night before. We rotate who brings donuts and coffee, it's kind of a...I don't know. Manly bonding thing."

James chuckled. "It's very you."

Getting them back on track, Logan continued, "So after school, we head over to our...my place. Like always. Carlos stays at the school until about five every night working on the car, he says it's his happy place and he likes having the time to himself. Which is perfect for us, because Kendall leaves about the same time. So they can drive over together to enjoy the dinner you and I have prepared."

"I really do love cooking with you, ba—oh. Logan. The uh...the 'babe' thing needs to stop. I know I'll probably slip a few times, but it bothers Kendall."

"Carlos mentioned it last night. I didn't know how to tell you."

"Told you," Kendall crowed.

"Whatever." James smacked his fiance lightly. "So we can still have our daily hangouts at the apartment? Babe, you okay with that?" When neither replied, he clarified, "I was talking to you, Kendall."

"I'm fine with it. Even though I do tend to get jealous, I don't want to kill your friendship. I know you both need that. Plus I'm getting dinner every night; who am I to say no to that?"

Logan shared, "I didn't think you'd mind that. Obviously you two can go home after dinner, then we all get time alone with our men."

"The whole night," Kendall smiled. "I like this plan. So what about Friday and the weekend? Is that just up for grabs?"

"Honestly, that's up to you. I'd really love to continue our movie dates, but Friday is when all the car shows happen."

"So maybe that can be date night," James suggested. "And you two can do your movie Saturday."

"Kendall will have games part of the year, and I'll need time to catch up on schoolwork. I was thinking we could do it Sunday. And maybe you and Carlos can hang out, that's totally up to you. But I'd really like you to get to know him better, James. He's intimidated by you."

"By me?" James frowned. "Why? I'm always nice to him. Well...I mean, since we stopped being a thing."

"I know, but he feels like he stole you from me or something. Nothing I say gets through to him on that, I think it needs to come from you. And you two are a lot alike in some ways, so you'd probably have fun together. I don't want to force you to do anything, but if you wouldn't mind, maybe take him out sometime and just let him know there are no hard feelings?"

"What does he like besides cars?"

"Arcades. Hockey. Even if you just hang out here playing video games with him for a few hours, I think that would help."

"I can totally do that. And then we can all have dinner together or something. Unless we're sick of each other by the time Sunday rolls around."

"That's never gonna happen," Kendall argued. "But I will insist on an early dinner Sunday. Maybe we do lunch instead, so I get you to myself for the rest of the day. And you don't leave our bed."

James squirmed in the seat, fingers tightening on the steering wheel. "Lunch is best," he told Logan.

"Yeah, I thought that might be the case. I'm sure Carlos won't mind that either. He—hey, babe!" They could hear the smack of lips before, "Yeah, just wishing James and Kendall a Merry Christmas. What? Oh, I got your roasted chestnuts right here. I think we have just enough time for a quickie before we head out." That was followed by more kissing.

Kendall snickered while James shook his head. "How is this even the same person?" he whispered.

"Love will do that to you," Kendall grinned.

James rolled his eyes. "Hey, I'm hanging up now. Merry Christmas, guys!"

"Hold on, let me put you on speaker."

Once that was done, Carlos' voice came down the line. "Merry Christmas!"

"You too, Carlos! Hey, make sure Logan doesn't forget his jacket when you leave. He spends so much time worrying about everyone else that he forgets to worry about himself."

"Already learning that, buddy. Kendall! Did you get your present from James yet?"

"Uh...which one?"

"He did, Carlos," James assured him. "And he cried. I'll send you guys the video."

"James, nobody is ever going to see that video."

"The Wild already has."

"I hate you."

James lifted Kendall's hand to kiss the ring. "If I believed that for a second, I'd be devastated. You love me."

Because Kendall couldn't lie, he gave in and leaned over to kiss James' cheek. "There's a rest stop about a mile ahead," he whispered. "We need to pull over."

James bit his lip. "Logan, you still there?"

"Uh...sorry. Carlos was distracting me."

"We're about to pull over so I'll say goodbye. Tell your mom I miss her!"

"Tell your mom I don't! Kidding, please don't actually tell her that."

"You're safe," James laughed. "I'll call you when we're back in town. Love you."

"Love you guys, too. And Kendall?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for making this his best Christmas ever. I've never seen him so happy."

Kendall didn't doubt that for a second. "My moms says the same thing about me. Guess we're stuck with each other."

James wouldn't change it for the world.

SIX MONTHS LATER

Fifteen minutes before the end of third period, which was drama class for James, Kendall stepped into the smaller auditorium they used for rehearsal. James felt him immediately even though his back had been to the door. He spun around in surprise, as Kendall rarely visited him in the classroom, and noted that Kendall's expression showed they needed to talk. As it was the last day of school the students weren't doing much more than sitting near the stage chatting anyway, so James excused himself and met Kendall near the back row of seats.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, everything's fine. But I didn't want this getting to you from someone else, because I know you'll freak out and want to go rip Kalvert a new one and even though it's your last day here anyway, I want you to leave the school on good terms. You never know what's gonna happen out there in the spotlight."

James said nothing about that, instead focusing on whatever Principal Kalvert might've done to piss his fiance off. "Did he say something to you?"

Kendall glanced over James' shoulder toward the students, who were trying hard to pretend they weren't watching. Knowledge of their relationship had been steadily growing around the school, but since neither confirmed anything, it was all still nothing more than rumors. "I'm more worried about you and how this might impact your career."

"We'll talk about that later. What happened?"

Kendall led James into one of the aisles, boldly taking his hand to guide him to a seat. At this point was there really any need to keep up pretenses? "He knows about us."

"Half the school knows about us. What did he say?"

"Apparently he got a call from the father of one of my kids. The man is concerned that someone who finds boys attractive is working with his son."

"Fuck," James muttered. "That's exactly what you were afraid of."

"Yep. Kalvert said he'd been hearing rumors for months and stayed out of it, but when a parent forced his hand he had to take action."

"Action? What the fuck does that mean? Did he threaten you?"

James stood up as if to storm off and give the man hell. Having been ready for it, Kendall quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him back down. "He didn't threaten me, he just warned me that if he gets too many complaints he'll have to let me go. It's not like I'm on tenure or anything."

"He's a fucking idiot. You got the team to state! Next year it's nationals, I know that with everything in me, and I can't believe he would be stupid enough to throw that chance away. He was gushing over you six months ago!"

"I know. It's not his fault, James. He has to do what's right in the eyes of the parents, and if they believe I'm a danger to their kids, he can't just ignore the problem."

"You're not a problem! This is bullshit, he can't fire you!"

"Babe. Shh. The kids are listening."

"I don't give a fuck! They love you as much as I do. Everyone here loves you. Kalvert has to know that. The parents are assholes if they can't see it."

"Look, I just wanted to tell you that it's reached the administration. And if it's gone that far, the public is close behind. I know you're recording your album over the summer and I don't want this to cause you any problems."

"Babe...I'm not worried about it."

"Since when?"

James bit his lip, nervous now. He looked toward the stage and the kids averted their eyes, but he'd seen enough to know most of them were concerned. Just like Kendall's boys, his students had grown to love him. "I made some decisions today. I've been thinking a lot about my future over the past week, and today kind of...I know what I want."

"Haven't you always?"

"No. I knew what I thought I wanted. Just like with Logan. I thought I knew what I needed, but I was wrong. I—"

The ringing of the bell interrupted the speech he was about to launch into.

"Damn, I have to get back, my free period's over."

"And mine's just starting. Can you spare me ten more minutes?"

"Uh..." Kendall thought fast, then sent a text through to one of the other P.E. teachers. "I'll get Handley to cover me for a few."

"Thanks. It's important."

James moved into the aisle to say goodbye to the students who were walking out of the auditorium, and in effect out of his life. He was touched and surprised when not one passed him toward the exit; instead they gathered around and formed a line of sorts so they could each have a moment to thank him for all that he'd taught them and for the champion he'd been in their lives.

Kendall watched the slow procession, pride filling him as he listened to the students. Most of them hugged James before they left, and a few even had cards or gifts for him. His fiance was having trouble keeping the tears at bay. He stepped close enough to lay a hand on James' shoulder, knowing it would steady him. James reached back to touch him, nothing more than a brief pat to his thigh, but Kendall read it for the gratitude it was.

After the door closed behind the final student, Kendall snatched the small packages out of James' hand and crushed him to his chest, where James promptly collapsed. "I know," he soothed as James cried. "I know it's hard to say goodbye. But your dreams are so close now, babe."

James wiped his eyes on Kendall's shoulder. "Come on. Let's go talk in the choir room."

It was James' favorite place on campus. Kendall led him there by the hand, sensing that James needed the reassurance at the moment. They only encountered one person along the way, an art teacher who smiled as she nodded at them. When they were alone in the room, Kendall wondered where to set the gifts. James pointed to a pile on top of the closed piano.

"I see your choir group loves you, too."

"They all do," James sniffed. "It...I was so overwhelmed. I had no idea I made such an impact on them. I knew how much I cared about them, but I didn't know...I mean, I only moved here for a fresh start. A stepping stone on my way to the top, you know?"

"Yeah," Kendall nodded. "Does anyone ever come in here during your free period?"

"Only Thomas. But he won't be back until after lunch, he's in a meeting about next year's plans. I can't believe they're already working on that."

Hoping they were safe from prying eyes, Kendall sank down onto the piano bench and pulled James onto his lap sideways so that he could hug his waist. "And you wish you were there with them."

"I just...I didn't think I'd miss this place so much when I left. Wait, so what ended up happening with Kalvert? Did he say anything about next year?"

"Well, actually when he said he'd have to let me go, I asked who would make that final decision. He didn't get it at first, until I reminded him that the superintendent has to approve all hirings and firings."

"Oh. OH." James suddenly got it. "And of course Jake would never fire you for being gay."

"Jake has been in that position for over twenty years and everyone on the school board loves him. They'd never vote him out. All it would take is one phone call from me to Coach, and Jake would step in on my behalf. I know this because Coach has already promised that."

"He did? You called him today?"

"No, I asked him months ago what would happen should this day ever come. He discussed it with Jake, and they promised me that after taking the team to state, the district isn't willing to lose me. He said they'd take on any parents who had a problem with it."

"Wait, so...all this time you could've come out and it would be fine?"

"Well, I don't know if it would be fine. Obviously keeping it under wraps would just be easier all around."

"Do your kids know?"

"Most of them. I'm sure that's how the parent found out. One of my kids probably mentioned it and...honestly I think I know exactly who it was and why the parent flipped out."

"Nathan?"

"Yep. He told me he was planning to come out to his dad last night, and if I know Nathan, he said something like 'Coach is gay and he's one of the greatest guys I've ever known!'"

"I do love Nathan," James chuckled. "That's probably exactly how it went down. And I'm sure he didn't mean anything to come back on you."

"No. But I am going to ask him when he stops in later, because he promised to tell me how it went."

"Don't be hard on him. That kid idolizes you."

"Of course not, I'm going to be extremely proud of him. And also...a little ashamed. Because he had the guts to do it and I still haven't."

"Okay, so...about that." James shifted into a more comfortable position on Kendall's lap, Kendall humming at the motion.

"Bad time for that, babe."

"Well if you weren't such a horndog and needing it every five seconds..."

"Stop acting like that annoys you. I'm not the one who's begged for sex in the equipment room...how many times now? I'm the one who always says no. I'm the smart one."

"You're also the one who can't keep his hands off me. A hand on my shoulder, a hand on my back, an arm around my neck...really, it's no wonder everyone's figured it out."

"So I like to touch you, sue me."

"You also have this insane need to claim me and let the world know I'm taken."

"Again, stop acting like you hate it. I'm running out of time, talk to me."

"Okay, so you know that my dream was always to be in the spotlight. To perform and have everyone love me and...all of that. The accolades, the awards, the adoration."

Kendall nodded.

"But you know what I've discovered over the past...wow, it's almost been two years since I started here."

"Crazy, isn't it?"

"That life doesn't even feel like it was me living it. It's like...this is the life I was supposed to live. The rest was all...a dress rehearsal and this is the actual play."

"So the fame was practice to get you ready for me?" Kendall smirked.

"Not just you, everybody. Logan, Carlos, Lucy...the entire staff and student body. But what I've learned is that more than even performing, I love to write songs. That's where my passion is. Putting my feelings into words. And nothing fulfills me more than watching these kids grow and change and become better versions of themselves with my help. Did you see Kara, the last girl I talked to?"

"Yeah, she was crying pretty hard at the thought of never seeing you again."

"You should've seen her when I started here. She could barely open her mouth on a stage, she was so shy and scared of her own voice. In our spring musical this year, she played the lead and killed it."

"I remember. She was fantastic."

"And I'm not taking all the credit, but I know I had a part in that. I worked with her one-on-one until she was able to step into herself and be confident instead of hiding from the world. I did that. And look at her now."

Kendall offered James a sweet smile. "I know exactly how you feel."

"I don't want it to end," James admitted. "I could be up there singing on a stage to hordes of strangers, or I could be right here helping others to do that and watching them come alive. It took me a long time to figure it out, but this is where I want to be."

"Really?" Kendall tightened his hold on James' waist. "Don't say something like that without meaning it, because I'm already dreading this place without you and if you get my hopes up that you're staying and then back out..."

"Thomas wants to retire."

"Oh."

"We talked about it this morning. He doesn't want me to go. I don't have any kind of teaching credentials, so I don't know what they're thinking in—"

"Can I tell you a secret?"

"What?"

"I don't either."

James gaped at him. "You don't?"

"Nope. When would I have had time to do all that?"

"I don't know, when you were recovering from the injury?"

"No, James. Jake and Coach made this happen for me. I guarantee they'll make it work for you."

"But if anyone questioned it, they'd be in trouble."

"Jake's not worried about it. He'll be retiring in a few years anyway. You got this choir to first place in the regional competition this year—"

"But Thomas had to take credit as the instructor."

"So what? It's just like with the hockey, babe. The people who matter know how much you put into this school. They'll do what they can to keep you. Plus, it makes more kids want to come here since you're semi-famous and all."

"It's funny you say that. Do you know what one of the biggest reasons I want to stay here is?"

"Besides the hope that I might one day fuck you in the equipment room?"

"Besides that," James laughed. "It's Katie."

"Katie?"

"Yep. She'll be here next year and I don't want to miss a second of that."

"She's not musical in the slightest. Nor can she act."

"I don't care. She's my sister and I want to be here with her."

"She won't be your sister until you marry me, hot stuff."

"Which is why I've decided on a summer wedding. I was thinking my birthday. I know that only gives us about six weeks to plan it, but there's nothing I'd rather do to celebrate my life than vow to share the rest of it with you."

Finally James had rendered Kendall speechless. His shocked face had James wishing he'd somehow been recording this.

"Does that work for you? Or did you already make elaborate plans for my birthday that we can't back out of?"

"James, please don't joke about this. You know that marrying you is...it's..."

"What I want for my birthday. And I seem to recall you saying just last week you'd get me whatever I wanted for that."

Kendall swallowed hard, blinking against tears that were determined to spill over. "If we get married, there's no more hiding this. Everyone knows."

"I don't have a public to worry about anymore, not if I stay here. Nobody cares if the damn drama and choir teacher is gay. And if what you say is true and your job is secure, you don't have to worry about it, either." Kendall stared up in silence. "Marry me, Kendall. Make me part of your family for real."

"Are you...you're not gonna change your mind? You're sure about this?"

"I'm sure about you. About us. Make me a true Knight."

Kendall buried his face in James' chest, and James pressed a kiss to the top of his head. "So yes? You're giving me my birthday wish?"

All Kendall could do was nod while shaking in James' arms. It was answer enough.