Disclaimer: I don't own Big Time Rush and that's that.

person: Haha I don't know if Sarah's actually going to pop up again in this. So we'll see ;) If she does, I'll try to arrange a bus to strategically cross her path...Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read and review! I really appreciate it :)

bubblegum pop: Thank you so much! I'm so happy you enjoyed it :) Well, it's only a week and a day later and compared to some of my slow updates, that's pretty early...right? And thank you for reading and reviewing! I appreciate it so much :)

Guest: Here it is! Thank you very much! That means so much :) And thank you for reading and reviewing, I really appreciate it!

darthvader1808: Agreed! And thank you for taking the time to read and review! You rock :)

person: Here's the update! I hope you like it :) And thank you for reviewing!

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has read, followed, favorited, or reviewed "Break the Ice". You're all so awesome! You rock! :)

Um...wow. Okay. So, if my calculations are right, this is the second to the last chapter (not counting the epilogue). I'm still trying to wrap my head around that, it's insane. But anyway...Shout out to am4muzik for guessing one of the plot points in this chapter! I must have dropped some clues in the last chapter without even meaning to, or she's just that smart. Either way, kudos to you! Also, Dana2184 recently updated her new story "Family Matters" and it'd be amazing if you guys went and checked that out :)

To me this chapter almost feels like a filler, though it kind of isn't. I don't know, I have mixed feelings about this one, and writing it was a little hard, but hopefully it's okay :) Oh, also, I might have gotten some of my facts about sprained ankles wrong...I sprained one of my fingers a few years ago so I'm basically basing what the doctor tells Katie off of that. I doubt a sprained finger and a sprained ankle are even close to the same thing, but hey, I'm hopeful. I figure the basics have to be the same, so...Oh yeah, I also know next to nothing about hockey even though I've been writing this story for over a year. So if I got any of the stuff wrong in this chapter, could you please let me know so I can correct it? I'd mega appreciate it.

Oh, and I just watched the season finale of BTR today and can I just mention that, hello, there was totally a Jatie moment at the end? Just have to get that out there because I may or may not have fangirled the tiniest bit over it.

Enjoy the chapter! :)

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Daddy Dearest

James' POV

Once I got Katie out of the rink, I passed her to Kendall. "Take care of her."

"Thanks. We're going to head to the emergency room…you can come if you want…"

I looked at Katie. She lifted her head over Kendall's shoulder, all big brown eyes and tear stained cheeks, a pleading expression on her face.

There was no way in hell I could say no to that.

"Just let me turn in my skates and slip my shoes back on," I agreed.

"Okay," Kendall shifted his grip on Katie, trying to figure out how to support her ankle a little better.

I returned the rental skates and laced my sneakers up, before joining the Knights. We headed out to the parking lot and I followed them to La Castillo Hospital in my car. Once we arrived, we hurried inside. Mr. and Mrs. Knight signed Katie in while Kendall and I sat with her in the waiting area. A thought occurred to me and I pulled out my phone.

"I'll be right back, I just need to call my mom."

I headed into the hall and dialed my mom's number. She answered on the second ring. "Hey, how'd it go?"

"Um…well, Jo won first place and Katie won third, but she got hurt during the competition, her ankle gave out under her. I'm at the emergency room with the Knights. Katie will be admitted in a few minutes."

"Oh my gosh…how's she doing?"

"Not well, she's in a lot of pain. I don't think her ankle's broken, but it might be, she can't stand up."

"It might just be a bad sprain."

"Yeah…let's hope so. Anyway, her parents fired her coach, so that's something."

"It is. Well, let me know what happens and remember, you have the hockey game tonight."

"I know," I said into the phone. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten."

"Good. Oh…and…um…one more thing…"

"Yeah?"

"I got a call from your dad today."

"You – what?"

"He called me about an hour ago. He's in the San Diego area for business and he's coming up here to visit. He's going to be at the game tonight."

"Oh my God…"

"I know. With any luck he'll just stay in the crowd, but you never know…I just wanted to warn you about that."

"Thanks…yeah…wow…I'll talk to you soon."

"Okay. Love you."

"Love you too." I hung up and numbly made my way out to the waiting room, taking my seat beside Katie once more.

Katie looked at me, gripping Kendall's hand tightly. "Are you okay? You look…out of it…"

"I…um…yeah. My dad's in the area and he's coming to the game tonight."

Her eyes widened. "Holy shit…"

"I know."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I – I don't know. Ask me that tonight. Assuming you're out of here by then."

"I will be," she said determinedly. "I don't care if my dad or Kyle has to carry me, I'll be at the game tonight to cheer you guys on."

I gave her a small smile, just as a nurse stopped in front of us to let us know that we could bring Katie back now.

Kendall carried her to a small, curtained-off area and laid her on the bed, sitting beside her as she rested against the plastic covered pillows. "How're you doing?" he asked her, concern evident in his eyes.

"My ankle hurts. I'm disappointed. But other than that I'm doing okay."

"I'm sorry you didn't get first place, Baby Sister."

"Me too. But at least it went to Jo, and I did place."

"Exactly. And you'll show them just how truly amazing you are at regionals."

Katie nodded, a small smile crossing her face.

An intern showed up to fill out a medical chart for Katie, and then headed off, assuring us that the doctor would get to her as soon as possible. The doctor did in fact arrive a few minutes later, introducing himself as Dr. Simons.

"So, what do we have here?"

"We're not sure, but we think her ankle might be sprained. She twisted it yesterday at ice skating practice, hurt it again later in the evening, and it gave out under her today when she landed a jump," Mrs. Knight reeled off. "And then she continued to skate, but now she can't even stand."

"Gotcha." He made a note on his clipboard. "Well, let's get this ice skate off, I doubt that's helping matters."

Kendall and I gently eased Katie's skate off and set it on the floor, before stepping back to allow Dr. Simons to examine her ankle. He rotated her ankle, before sending her out to get x-rayed. When she returned, he examined the x-rays and nodded. "It's definitely sprained and badly so. However, if she's careful, it should heal up for the most part."

"Can I walk on it?" Katie asked.

He nodded. "You're going to need to keep it elevated and covered with ice, but I'll wrap it up in a splint so you can walk if need be. But be extremely careful with it. And you're going to need to take some time off from ice skating."

Her face crumpled. "I have regionals in two months…"

"That might be enough time for it to heal to a point where you'll be able to skate," he told her. "But you'll need to continually baby it. I'll make up a list of instructions for you."

"Thank you," she mumbled, staring down at the ground.

He nodded and headed off. The intern returned a few minutes later with a prescription for over the counter meds to help her ankle, and we left the ER soon after.

"See you in a couple of hours," I said to Kendall.

"See you then. Hope we can keep our heads in the game after today and with your dad…"

"Ugh…don't remind me." I shuddered, pecked Katie's lips, and walked over to my car.

I drove home, taking my time, trying to clear my head. The second I was doing once I got home was plug into my iPod and listen to my Get Pumped playlist repeatedly until it was time to leave for the school.

However, my plans were dashed when I spotted an unfamiliar car sitting in the driveway. My stomach churned uncomfortably as I parked beside it and shut off the ignition. I climbed out and ever so slowly walked up to the front door. I paused on the porch before pushing the door open and stepping inside. I let the door fall shut behind me, kicked my Converse sneakers off, and followed the trail of voices into the living room.

Mom and Shane sat in there on the couch, side by side, across the room from none other than my long lost father. He was in the sole armchair, a half touched cup of coffee sitting in front of him on the table.

I cleared my throat as I entered the room, trying to ignore the way my breath seemed to be coming up unevenly through my lungs, or the way I was shaking slightly.

Yeah, I really wasn't happy to see my father.

Everyone looked up at me and Mom immediately leapt to her feet. "How's Katie?" she asked at once, hurrying over to hug me.

"Who's Katie?" Dad wanted to know as he reached for his cup, taking a sip from it.

"James' girlfriend," Shane responded, looking at Dad uncomfortably.

I hugged Mom back, leaning into her. "Katie's okay. She won't be able to skate for awhile, but she's okay. She's coming to the game tonight. She was able to walk out to the car from the hospital, and the Knights are getting her some prescription painkillers so hopefully her ankle won't hurt her too much."

"What happened to her ankle?" Dad demanded.

"She sprained it really badly today, during an ice skating competition," I answered.

"At least she didn't break it," he replied oh-so helpfully.

"She broke it going on five years ago."

"Oh well. A sprain's still better than a break."

"At least she'll be okay," Mom said to me softly. "Are you two…official?"

"Not quite. We were going to talk tonight but…I don't know. Things have been getting in the way."

"Why aren't you two official?" Dad snapped.

"Because I just broke up with my ex girlfriend last night and Katie and I – why am I even telling you this?" Reason flooded into my brain.

"Because I'm your father?" he suggested.

I snorted. "You're nothing but a sperm donor. You gave up your fatherly rights when you walked out on us."

"I'm just amazed that you're actually dating girls. You were so in love with your looks I thought for sure you'd be gay."

Shane shifted and that in itself told me Shane hadn't mentioned his sexual orientation to Dad.

"Well, surprise, surprise, I'm straighter then a ruler."

"That is a bit of a surprise."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever. I have a hockey game to go get ready for."

"You go do that."

I headed for the stairs, taking them two at a time in an effort to get away from him a little bit quicker. I crashed into my room and slammed the door behind me. I collapsed on my bed, trying to ignore the rage that was spreading through me, limb by limb.

He was back. Dad was back. I was praying fervently that it was only for the night, that he would be gone, out of my life, by this time tomorrow.

There was a knock on my door a few minutes later, neither the light tapping that signified it was my mom in the hall, or the hard booming that seemed to echo my dad. Instead, it was a polite, un-intrusive rapping.

Shane.

"Come in," I called, and he stepped into my room, closing the door behind him.

"So…"

"So…?"

"Dad's here."

"Hopefully it's just for the day."

"Hopefully," Shane agreed, nodding. "You think it is?"

"I don't know. We'll see."

"Yeah, I guess so."

We fell silent and Shane crawled on the bed beside me. "James…no one blames you for being angry with him."

"I know that."

"He deserves it."

"No shit."

"What he did…all the things he said…he doesn't deserve to be here."

"Why is he even here? He doesn't give a damn about us. How did he even find out where we're living?"

"Mom probably told him. He probably managed to coax it out of her. You know how sweet he can talk when he's trying to get something out of someone."

I nodded. "Yeah, I remember."

"It's not fair that he's back here," Shane continued on. "I wish there was more I could say."

"There isn't. I never cared if I ever saw him again and as far as I'm concerned, he's not my dad. I don't have a dad. That man sitting in our living room, drinking our coffee from our coffee mug, he's nothing but a sperm donor who didn't know when his time was up."

Shane fell silent for a moment, before changing the subject. "How's Katie doing with the whole coming in third place thing?"

I pressed my lips together. "Not well. When I found her, she was kind of in the middle of a freak out. She's angry because her ankle cost her the competition. And then Sarah showed up and proceeded to scream at her, and I just…I don't know. I lost it. I ended up yelling back at her, and then the rest of the Knights showed up and long story short, Sarah's fired. They're going to find a new coach for Katie."

"Assuming she still wants to skate," Shane said.

"What makes you think she won't want to?"

"I just know that this isn't the first time she's hurt her ankle during a competition."

"I know. But you know how Katie is. She'll get to the Olympics through sheer force of will."

"You really think she can get to the Olympics? I mean, that takes a lot of training and a lot of time…"

"If anyone can get there, it'll be her," I said firmly. "Assuming that's even her end goal."

"Considering she always has to get her way, I can believe it," Shane nodded. "Is she still coming tonight?"

"I believe so. She said she wasn't going to let an injury stop her."

"Even if she can barely walk?"

"You know what she's like."

"Very true. So, I was meaning to ask you – what did you two run off to talk about last night?"

I paused before diving into the story. I explained about Sarah and the text as thoroughly as I could.

Shane listened intently, his raised eyebrows the only clues to what was going on in his mind as I walked us through the story.

At last, I fell silent and Shane propped himself up on his elbow. "Well, we always knew Sarah was a piece of work," he stated. "Do you think she'll spill about Kyle and me?"

"Who's she going to spill to? It's not like you can get kicked off the hockey team for being gay. Besides, I don't think anyone at this school is going to care, and even if they did, they wouldn't want to cross Katie."

"Very true," he allowed. "Just as long as Kyle and I don't have anything to worry about…"

"I don't think you do. And if you do, Katie and I have your backs."

He gave me a small smile. "Thanks." He sat up, getting to his feet. "Come on, get ready. We need to leave within the next hour."

I nodded and stood up as well. "Let's just hope the game goes well tonight."

"Amen to that."

Katie's POV

I winced slightly as I hobbled into the lobby. I could barely walk with the splint around my ankle anyway, and even with the painkillers, my ankle throbbed sharply.

My parents were standing on either side of me, with me clutching their arms so that I wouldn't fall over.

"Are you sure you don't want me to carry you?" Dad asked me, eyebrows knitting together with worry.

"I can do it," I insisted, stumbling a few more steps.

"How're you going to get up the bleacher steps?" Mom wanted to know and I deflated slightly, my shoulders slumping forward.

"Crap."

"Need some help?"

I turned around to find Kyle standing there, hands in his jeans pocket. "Hey," I smiled at him. "How're you doing?"

"Obviously a lot better than you." He nodded to my ankle. "What's the verdict?"

"A bad sprain."

He winced. "Ouch."

"Tell me about it." I sighed. "I don't know if I'm going to be able to compete in regionals."

"Wow…K, I'm sorry."

"Thanks."

"Anyway, do you want some help getting up the bleachers?"

"I think I can handle carrying her up," Dad replied. "But you're more than welcome to sit with us, Kyle."

He smiled. "Thanks."

We managed to get into the rink before Dad had to scoop me up. "We really should've accepted those crutches."

"I don't need crutches. And crutches aren't going to help me go up and down stairs."

"True."

"It still wouldn't hurt to have them for emergencies," Mom piped up. "Because you're not always going to have someone there to help you."

"I'm aware. But do you know how long it's going to take me to relearn to use them? By the time I remember how to get more than a few steps, my ankle's going to be completely healed."

She sighed but didn't say anything else.

Dad slid into a row of seats about a third of the way up and plunked me on the bleacher, before sitting down next to me, Mom and Kyle following suit.

A few minutes later, I spotted Brooke and Brad walking into the rink, followed closely by a tall man with chestnut brown hair and large hazel eyes. He could only be James' and Shane's father, there was no question about it.

I nudged Kyle as Mom waved them over.

"See that man with Brooke and Brad?" I asked Kyle.

"Yeah. What about him?"

"That's James' and Shane's dad."

Kyle whipped his head around to stare at me. "Are you freaking kidding me?"

"Nope. Brooke called James when he was at the hospital with me to let him know."

"Oh wow…"

"I know. It's insane – hi!" I beamed up at Brooke and Brad as they reached us, sliding into the seats on Mom's other side.

"Hi, Katie," Brooke greeted me, smiling back. "We heard about the competition? How's your ankle doing?"

"I'm managing," I replied.

"That's good to hear. I know we were all really worried when we heard that you'd hurt yourself."

"Wait a second," Mr. Diamond spoke up. "That's James' girlfriend?"

"Something to that effect…" Brooke said slowly.

"James and I are trying to get stuff figured out," I volunteered.

Mr. Diamond smirked. "Oh, I bet you are."

Mom and Dad both bristled at his tone, and Brooke quickly jumped in, introducing them to James' dad, and adding that Kyle was a friend of James and Shane.

"So, uh, what made you decide to come to La Castillo?" Dad asked Mr. Diamond, doing his best impression of total politeness.

Mr. Diamond shrugged. "Just wanted to check to see how my sons are doing."

"Ah."

"Yeah, you know, it's been a few years since I've last seen them. I've been busy."

Yeah, getting drunk off your ass, I thought as I gritted my teeth. No wonder James can't stand you. You don't deserve to have him as a son.

Mr. Diamond continued to chat with my parents, Brooke looking a little uncomfortable and my parents squirming slightly, obviously not too thrilled with his presence here. Brad did his best to soothe the tension, but to no avail.

Luckily, the game began not too long after and I beamed proudly as I saw James zooming out on the ice, Diamond emblazoned on the back of his jersey. Shane was close behind him, and from here they looked almost exactly alike. The only difference was that Shane was a little bit slighter and shorter than James, plus their player numbers were different.

Mr. Diamond grinned widely a few minutes into the game, when James scored the very first shot. "He's gotten better at hockey."

"It tends to happen when you do something often enough," I commented dryly.

The game continued on and I began to frown. The other team was beyond aggressive. I knew hockey was a dangerous sport and the players had to take a lot of physical abuse, but this was pushing it. And the way the other team was doing it was sneaky and clever enough that they were able to get around any fouls.

It took several minutes for me to realize that only two players were being targeted by the other team – James and Shane.

I leaned forward, focusing in on James. Why the hell was he being targeted? What had he done to the other team?! Was he just too good a player? No…that wasn't it. Kendall was just as good as he was and he wasn't getting attacked left and right. And they were going after Shane too…

And then I saw James spin around abruptly, and even through the padding I could tell that his muscles were tense. He raised his stick, and the player who had obviously been taunting him shouted something. James retorted furiously before skating off, but the next second…

Two large players had slammed into him, one forcing him to the ice, the other grabbing his head in a headlock.

I was on my feet and bumbling my way halfway down the row before I even registered the fact that my ankle was screaming in pain. By that time the referee was on the ice, blowing his whistle as Shane and Kendall attempted to pry the two guys off of James who was doing his damndest to fight back.

"Katie, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Mom demanded as she helped me back to my seat. "Your ankle is in no condition for you to even skate, much less get in the middle of a hockey fight."

"But – but – they just attacked James…" I said helpless, staring down at the ice. James was on his knees now and he slowly lifted his helmet, head tilted up. His hair was matted from sweat, and his skin was glowing with perspiration. He looked like he was trying to catch his breath while he rubbed at his neck and shoulder, right where the second guy had grabbed him.

Was it bad that the one thought that seemed to be able to cross my mind was, he's so beautiful?

Considering the fact that it looked like everyone single female's eyes were on him, apparently it wasn't.

James stiffly got to his feet, putting his helmet back on, and the game resumed, the players who had attacked him being put in the penalty box, with him taking a penalty shot and scoring.

Halftime was called a short while later and we filed out of the rink to use the bathroom and grab hot chocolate before returning. My parents and Kyle alternated between walking normally and letting me use them as crutches, and my dad once more carried me back up into the bleachers.

The game began again a few minutes later.

The two teams clashed on the ice, one player stealing the puck from the other, back and forth, back and forth. I watched with baited breath as the timer clicked down…two minutes left…and then one minute…thirty seconds…twenty-five…twenty…fifteen…ten…

Kendall smashed the puck towards James. James caught it with his hockey stick, rushing it towards the net. A huge swing and – bam! It was in the opposite team's net.

The buzzer sounded and our entire side broke out into cheers and screams and wolf whistles as the team collapsed in one huge bear hug.

Dad and Kyle helped me to the lobby, where we waited along with Mom, Brooke, Brad, and Mr. Diamond for the guys to appear.

They came out of the boys' locker room a few minutes later, each one looking beyond happy.

I grinned widely at them, letting go of Kyle and managing to hobble over to James. He met me halfway, wrapping his arms around me, keeping me upright.

I looked up at him, swaying slightly as I tried not to put any weight on my right ankle. "How's your shoulder and neck?"

"My neck actually isn't that bad. My shoulder hurts like hell though from where the one hockey player rammed into me."

"Poor baby." I brushed my lips over his.

"You still up for talking?"

"Yeah, definitely."

"Where do you want to go?"

"Well, someone should probably take a look at your shoulder," I pointed out. "We can talk while I play nurse."

"Uh, Katie, I hate to break it to you, but your fastest form of transportation right now is hopping on one foot."

"I'll manage."

He must have seen the determination in my eyes because he gave in, nodding. "Okay."

"Okay. Let's head to your place – unless your dad's going to be there."

"I doubt it. Hey, Dad?"

Mr. Diamond looked around at him. "What?"

"Where're you heading after this?"

"Back to my hotel. I'll be around tomorrow."

"Don't strain yourself."

Before James and I could even more towards the door, however, Mrs. King and Mrs. Taylor came scurrying over to my mom. "Jenn! The city council is holding a meeting about what to do about the rinks next Saturday at noon. You'll be there, right?"

Mom nodded. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"We'll all get a say," Mrs. Taylor put in, before looking at Brooke. "You and your boys are more than invited."

"Just as long as you don't decide the second rink needs to be shut down," Mrs. King said. "By the way, good game, boys." She smiled at Kendall and Carlos. "Stephanie, Jo, and Camille are waiting outside for you two."

"Wait, they came here? To the game?" I demanded.

"They did. They came with us. We looked for you guys, but you looked pretty well closed in."

"Ah."

"Yeah. Well, it was nice seeing all of you," she added.

"You said the girls are outside?" Kendall asked.

"They are."

Kendall, Logan, and Carlos all exchanged looks, before dashing through the lobby, almost knocking a couple of elderly people over in their haste to get outside.

I shook my head before letting out a loud squeal as James scooped me up bridal style. "Your shoulder!"

"It can handle supporting ninety pounds. We're heading back to the house," he added to Brooke and Brad.

"We're taking Shane and Kyle out for ice cream," Brooke told him. "So we'll be awhile."

Shane smirked. "So, uh, enjoy yourselves. Celebrate. But not too much – I don't want to be an uncle at the ripe old age of sixteen."

I grinned evilly. "You should be more worried about the possibility of a baby me."

"Oh, dear God…James, you're not allowed to procreate with her!"

James just cackled and carried me out of rink towards his car.

My stomach churned slightly as realization settled in. We were about to figure things out once and for all, and there would be no going back after this.

So, what'd you guys think? They're about to finally figure things out, and the ice rink thing will be decided as well. And yeah, they both ended up hurt...James and Katie had awful luck on the ice.

Thank you so much for reading, and please review! I'd love to hear your take on the chapter and your theories for the next one :)