New chapter, so...hope you like it! :D

The next morning, Kendall called down to deliver the news to Logan about the baby. Unfortunately, the person who answered the door was the one person he didn't want to see.

"Oh," Mrs Knight said stiffly, eying him with a look of disdain. "Hello."

"Hi," Kendall replied just as dully. He tried to push the hurt deep down and away, and instead said, "I'm here to see the guys."

She let him in and walked off into her room, not saying another word to him. He sighed and went over to where the three of them were, waiting for him. "Hiya," he said, putting on a bright smile. Carlos kissed him when he sat down beside him. "So, Logan," Kendall began, smiling at him. "We've got something to tell you."

"Oh." Logan looked a bit surprised, but eager to hear. "Okay."

"I got my results yesterday, from the paternity test." Kendall took a deep breath. Okay, here goes nothing. "You're the father."

"I . . . what?"

"The baby is yours."

"Oh . . . wow." Logan's eyes trailed from Kendall's, down to his belly. His gaze was full of wonder, and affection. It warmed Kendall's heart to see him like that. "I'm the father. It's really mine." He sounded to be in complete shock. Clearly he hadn't expected this.

Kendall nodded, telling himself firmly that it was technically true. "Yours."

Logan rushed forward, hugging Kendall tight. "I'll be a good father, I promise," Logan rambled, eyes bright and smile wide. "Well, if you decide to keep it, even if you don't I'll be here for you and I'll rub your feet and cook you weird food and—"

"In case you haven't noticed," Carlos brought up suddenly. "You sound like boyfriend."

"Oh." Logan backed out of the hug, cheeks flushing scarlet. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Carlos shrugged, pressing a kiss to Kendall's temple. "I would be too."

James just sat aside, watching the scene with slightly brooding eyes. Kendall caught his eye, and saw the brunet frowning and clearly deep in thought. That was when the idea suddenly came to him. "Hey, Carlos, Logan?"

When the two of them were paying attention, he continued. "I think the two of you could do with some bonding time. You know, to rekindle that friendship. How does that sound?"

Oddly enough, Logan looked completely in favour of the idea. He glanced at Carlos, giving him a friendly smile. "We could go to the park for a while, maybe get some lemonade like we used to?"

"I like the idea," Carlos grinned. And that settled it.

Kendall waited until they were gone, sitting beside James. He hoped that the brunet had picked up some kind of vibes off of him, that he wanted to talk. He was trying to send them as strongly as he possibly could. "Hey, James?"

"About time you say something," James chuckled. "Now, my friend, talk to me. Entrust me with your every little problem and troubling thought."

"You just made this weird."

"Come on, Kendall. You can trust me." James sat back and waited.

"James, um . . ." Kendall sighed. Well, no point beating about the bush. "Jett and I had sex."

James gaped at him. "You what?!"

"Shh!" Kendall hissed. He looked around, before turning back to James and saying in a softer voice, "Yesterday, after Carlos stormed out." He sighed. "And, I just . . . it's weird, because I feel guilty and I know it was wrong, but I don't regret it . . ."

"Hmm." James looked thoughtful. "Wanna know what I think?"

"Obviously, that's why I told you."

"I think you sort of just fell into his arms, because there was no pressure to do so," James told him. "See, with Jett there's no pressure on you. Like, when you were with Carlos and Logan, you had to like them, had to fancy them, y'know? With Jett, there's no rule stating that by the end of the month you're either in a relationship with him or not. You don't have to work hard to impress constantly, you don't have to force out these feelings that you may not even have, deep down."

"I guess that makes sense," Kendall shrugged. "Though, I do feel the need to impress Jett, at least sometimes . . ."

James frowned. "In what ways?"

"Stuff like, even though I wanna shovel my dinner down my throat I try to eat politely so I don't gross him out, I check if my clothes match, I comb my hair . . ."

"You sound like a girl."

"I'm pregnant," Kendall snapped. "I'm already halfway there, okay?"

"Right, sorry." James looked thoughtful again. "That's interesting . . . okay, so tell me about the sex."

"Is that not a bit personal . . .?"

"No, it's not. We've taken baths together. Now, go on."

"Well, it was good, obviously . . . great, really." Kendall blushed as he remembered. "He carried me to bed, we kissed a lot, he kept checking to see if I was okay, with the baby and everything." He grinned. "And his dick is—"

"Okay, that's enough!" James said quickly. "I've heard plenty, thank you. I've made my analysis."

"Are you planning on becoming a psychiatrist if this singing thing doesn't work out?" Kendall teased.

"Don't push me, or I might start charging for these sessions." James shot back. "Remember what I said before, about how the best thing for Carlos and Logan's friendship might be if they both remain in the friendzone with you?"

Kendall nodded, and James continued. "You also need to consider what's best for the baby."

"Oh yeah, the baby . . ." Kendall sighed.

"A baby's a lot to handle, what with all this other conflict going on in yor head," James said. "Do you think you can handle it?"

"I have no idea. I'm still trying to decide whether to keep it or give it up for adoption."

"Oh." James shrugged. "Well, you've got six months left to decide, I guess. Use that time to think really hard about what you want, okay?"

"Okay, I will."

"I mean it, Kendall. Think about what you want. Not anyone else, or what they think. I'm not saying be a nasty selfish prick about it, but ultimately think of yourself. No choosing something to save anyone's feelings if it's not what you want."

"I know, James." But up until now, he really hadn't. It hadn't occurred to him.

What do I want?

A week or two passed without any event. Kendall went to another appointment with James, Logan and Carlos. James stayed in the waiting room, and Logan and Carlos behaved surprisingly well. He got another ultrasound photo, and he could sort of see the baby shape beginning to actually show. He was approaching the end of the first trimester, to his relief. Back in the apartment, he alternated between spending time with Carlos and his friends at the pool and spending time with Jett in the apartment, playing board games, or trying to cook things together, or just watching movies. Or other things, which he enjoyed a lot.

One morning, he was sitting on Jett's lap on the living room couch, feeding him a piece of partially burnt chocolate muffin that they'd tried to bake. "It tastes good," Jett insisted, munching on the crunchy top. "Honestly."

Kendall nibbled on some of the softer sponge and shrugged. "I think we need a bit less sugar next time, it's a bit sickening. Coming from someone with crazy sugar cravings."

"Next time we could always decorate them. I'm sure there's no way to burn shop-bought frosting."

.

Kendall chuckled, popping the last piece into his mouth. "Let's hope so."

A knock on the door sent Kendall leaping backwards out of Jett's lap, having to hold his belly slightly when he steadied himself. His heart pounded as he walked over to the door and opened it. Carlos, Logan and James were standing there. "Hi babe," Carlos greeted, taking his hand and kissing him on the lips. When he pulled back, he licked his lips, looking slightly puzzled.

"Me and Jett were trying to become dessert experts," Kendall explained quickly. "Not very successfully. So, what's up?"

"Gustavo called," Logan answered. "He's back from his vacation, and he wants to see us."

Kendall grimaced. They'd called Kelly back when they'd first discovered the pregnancy, and told her to pass it on to Gustavo, which she's done. Since they'd finished their tour only a week or two before that, Gustavo had announced they were taking a long break. He'd hung around in LA for a while, relaxing and doing everything else work normally restricted him from doing, but in the last couple of months he'd gone travelling.

"I guess we have to go, then," Kendall sighed, reaching over and grabbing his jacket. He waved goodbye to Jett, who grinned and waved back.

They took the car to Rocque Records, staying relatively quiet the whole way. Except for Logan cheerily asking how his baby was, at which Carlos wrapped a protective arm around Kendall before he even had a chance to answer.

As they walked into the studio, James caught his eye and rolled his eyes. Kendall nodded slightly in agreement, smirking.

"Hi, boys!" Kelly greeted, hugging them all. "Haven't see you in a while. I missed out on a lot, didn't I?" She glanced down at Kendall's belly. Giving Kendall a questioning glance, he nodded and she smiled wide, putting her hand on the bump. "How's the baby?"

"Good, I think. Not giving me any signs that they aren't."

"DOGS! COME HERE!"

The four boys groaned and followed the sound of the yell into Gustavo's office. Kelly went with them and stood beside the desk, as the grumpy man rose from his chair and walked towards them.

"Heeey, Gustavo," James said brightly. "How was your vacation?"

"Not important."

"Okay . . ."

"So," Gustavo began, clearly intending on getting straight to the point. "There've been some photos taken of you four. And people are asking questions."

"Photos where?" Logan asked, frowning in confusion.

Which was when Kelly promptly whipped them out and gave them to Gustavo, who shoved them right up in their faces. "At the clinic, idiots! And look, here's another one of the four of you outside, after your mysterious appointment! Only you've got something in your hand, Kendall."

The four of them groaned, because they could clearly see that what Kendall held in his hand was an ultrasound photo. And they knew anyone else who'd seen the pictures had realised it too.

"Everyone's talking about it, though I suppose you morons haven't noticed." Gustavo folded his arms, scowling. "So, what do you have to say for yourselves?"

The four boys looked at each other and said nothing. Then eventually, someone broke the silence. "You know," Kendall said at last, giving a nervous chuckle. "With everything that's been going on, I kind of forgot I'm in a boyband."

"I can tell," Gustavo snapped. "Now, people are asking questions about what you were doing in this clinic. Did you get a girl knocked up? Did James or Carlos or Logan get a girl knocked up? Look, we're gonna have to come out with the truth."

"The truth?" Kendall squeaked.

"Yes. I know, people won't believe it, but eventually they'll have to. You might get a rough time for it, but we'll see. So . . ." He squirmed awkwardly as he asked, "Who's the father?"

Kendall pointed to Logan as Carlos qui key added, "But they're not together. Kendall and I are."

Gustavo sighed. "Why can't you dogs just be normal people?!"

When nobody answered, he continued. "Okay, here's what you do. You say you're going to have a baby. We keep whatever this is—" he flailed his arms towards Kendall, Carlos and Logan "—in the dark. The father of the baby is someone close and important to you and you're happy to be sharing this with them. Things are complicated, but you're working it out. You're single. Got it?"

Kendall nodded obediently. "I can do that."

On the day of Big Time Rush's press conference, the number one question was about their visit to the clinic. At which point, Kendall leaned forward into his microphone, and said what he'd been told to say. The others added their own input, backing his story up. The paparazzi were skeptical, as was to be expected. Until Kendall stood up and lifted his shirt, turning sideways to show them the still small, but very distinctive, baby bump. After that, nothing else need to be said. But amplified question about Kendall's relationship status with the baby's father followed them as they left the conference.

"I'm so glad that's over," Kendall sighed. "So Carli, I guess we'll have to be careful about how our dates go from now on."

"We can do that," Carlos replied warmly, kissing him. "Don't worry about it."

They returned to the Palmwoods, going to sit together at the pool for a while. They cuddled, they kissed, they talked. No paparazzi could get to them in here anymore, so they were safe enough to show their affections in front of their friends. Camille commented on what a good couple they made. Logan went to get a smoothie, taking James with him. He obviously didn't want to be near them, which Kendall understood. He felt a twinge of guilt. Poor Logan. Poor Carlos . . .

If you're really interested and engaged in a relationship, why would you cheat?

He'd always hated cheaters.

Katie went to tell the three 2J residents that Mrs Knight had made dinner for them, and wanted them up before it got cold. "I wish you'd come back and talk to her, Kendall," she pleaded. "I think she misses you, I really do."

Kendall just sighed, folding his arms. "If she misses me, she can tell me. She's the one who kicked me out, I'm not going to act like I need her." But of course, in a way he did. She was his mother after all. It wasn't like his dad was any help.

Kendall said goodbye to them and went back to his and Jett's apartment. He'd been staying there for such a long time now, he did feel like it was their home. He wasn't just a guest anymore. It was a comforting feeling. When he walked in, he thought Jett might be out somewhere. But he remembered the latest New Town High season had ended recently, and Jett was actually quiet a home bird when he didn't have to go to work.

"Hi," he greeted, spotting Jett sitting on the couch.

Jett looked up, smiling when he saw him and turning off the TV. "You look happy."

"Well, I just came clean to the press," Kendall shrugged. "Sort of, at least."

"Yeah, I heard. I was watching the press conference," Jett said, standing up with his arms folded and his shoulders slightly hunched. Like he wanted to shrink.

"Oh." Kendall hung up his jacket. "Do you think we handled it well?"

"Yeah, I course . . ." Jett trailed off, hand scratching at his arm feebly. "I'm just worried."

"About what?"

"The baby."

Kendall frowned. "Elaborate, please?"

"Well," Jett stepped closer. "I feel like this whole thing is getting too messed up. I mean, not that it was ever any of my business, but what happened with Carlos and Logan was already fucked up enough. Especially with all these lies and everything. What we did just made it worse—"

"So, you regret it?" Kendall asked slowly, heart sinking a little. "You think we should stop?"

"No, no!" Jett replied quickly. "Definitely not. I . . . I thought it was great, and I do wanna do it again, I like spending time with you, but I'm just trying to say that . . ." He sighed. "It's difficult to explain properly."

Kendall shrugged. "Whatever it is, don't give it too much thought. I'm sure it'll sort itself out."

"No, that's the problem! It won't!" Jett snapped. "Because it's you!"

"Me?!" Kendall gaped at him. Outraged. "I'm the problem?"

"Well not you exactly, but all your lies and all these problems with making decisions—"

"Look, I'm trying—"

"What's going to happen when he or she is born?" Jett demanded. "How many fathers are they going to have by that time?!"

"Jett, I don't even know if I'm—"

"You need to know!" Jett shouted. "You need to fucking plan these things out or it's never gonna work, none of this is going to work!"

"Do you think I don't know that?!" Kendall shouted back, voice cracking. Jett clamped his mouth shut, jaw clenched. A tear slid down Kendall's cheek, seeming to startle him when he felt it slide under his chin and drop to the floor. "I'm trying to figure it out, okay," Kendall continued weakly, drying his eyes. "I'm trying."

Jett sighed. "I know, I just . . ." He sighed again, giving Kendall a soft hug. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"It's fine," Kendall sniffled, giving him a small smile, head tilted up towards him.

"No, seriously. I shouldn't have done that." Jett's hand shyly played with Kendall's. "Are we okay?"

"Of course," Kendall replied, smile growing. "I guess we're both a bit over sensitive. Is there something you're not telling me?" He patted Jett's stomach.

Jett chuckled, hands linking together at the small of Kendall's back as he pulled the blond closer. "Just that I love those jeans on you."

"Oh, do you?"

"Mhm. But I think they'd look better on the floor."

Kendall's laughter was muffled by Jett's lips, as he was swept up into his arms and carried off out of the room.