I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Sorry for the lack of mentions, I'm having trouble with editing my docs.

Chapter 5: Closure

Adam yawned as he sat up in bed. He stretched and his back cracked and arms ached. He blinked a few times before shutting his alarm off. He got out of bed and started getting ready for the day. He no longer had to work for Brooke. Her secretary was back from her vacation, so Adam was free to do as he pleased today.

Adam made his way down to the kitchen where Brooke was quickly eating and talking on the phone. Adam just waved and grabbed the plate she had prepared for him. He didn't need her to do it, but she always did. Maybe it was a grandma thing.

Brooke hung up her cell phone and turned to Adam. "I have to go to work early, but I need to talk to you today. So why don't you come by the office around noon and we can have lunch together," she said.

"Ok, I'll be there, I was just gonna wander around today. Nothing big planned," Adam shrugged nodding his head. Brooke smiled and said her good byes as she quickly left the kitchen.

Adam sighed and sat down alone at the table. He knew what she wanted to talk about, and Adam wasn't really ready. She wanted to talk about him leaving LA and if he wanted to go back. Adam wanted to go back more than anything, but things wouldn't be the same. He and Cooper had fought and words had been said that couldn't be taken back. Adam had gotten mad and been hurt. He wanted to hurt Cooper and he knew he had. Cooper had been calling his cell for weeks now leaving messages. Adam listened to every single one and his heart broke more with each message.

If Adam went back to LA nothing would be the same. He didn't expect anyone to welcome him back with open arms. He hadn't said a word to anyone, he had just up and left. He knew Cooper would probably get even angrier at him for come back now. Damien would probably have a few choice words for him as well. Kendall and James would be glad he was ok and then yell at him for leaving. However if Adam didn't go back he's lose his family. Time was running out and the longer he waited the less likely they'd be to forgive him.

Adam was so conflicted right now.

His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Adam pulled it out and smiled as he saw the text.

From: Mason

Since you have the day off and I don't have classes today lets hit the beach.

Adam sent a quick reply before putting his phone away. He quickly finished his breakfast and headed out the door.

-We Are-

Cooper was sitting in the quad alone working on his English paper. Miri was with Kendall and James for the day. She loved going there and playing with Jenny. Cooper was so thankful that they had remained by his side throughout this whole Adam leaving thing. They were a big help with taking care of Miri for him. Even his mother was a big help, she was taking Miri for the night as well so Cooper could get some school work done.

Cooper shook his head. He needed to focus on his paper. Adam had to be the furthest thing from his mind.

"Coop!" Jake said sliding into the bench beside him. Cooper glanced up at Jake.

"What's up Jake?" Cooper asked.

"Adam finally called, I mean he left a message, but he's alright. He called from a Minnesota number, so that means he either with grandma Brooke or grandpa Eli," Jake said practically bouncing. "Isn't that great?"

Cooper sat there looking at Jake. He didn't know what he was expected to say here. On one hand he was excited that Adam had called and he was ok, but on the other he was upset. Was Adam gonna come waltzing back and expect everything to be the same? Cooper blinked and looked at Jake.

"Ok," was all Cooper said.

"Ok?" Jake asked slowly. "This is great news. We know he's alive and well," he said oblivious to the mental anguish Cooper was going through.

"I don't know what to say Jake," Cooper said slowly. "I mean what do you want from me? He left me alone with our daughter. I've had to take care of her and keep up in school and hold down a job, and then he calls. 'I'm ok. I'm fine' he can't just come back and expect me to welcome him with open arms. I've spent almost two months now trying to figure out how to...how to be on my own and take care of Miri. I-I-I need to be alone!" Cooper closed his laptop and jumped up barely grabbing his bag. He stormed off shoving his laptop into his bag.

Cooper turned a corner and ran into something solid. He fell to the ground and looked up. He saw Jace standing over him. Cooper gaped at the dark haired man.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," Jace said holding out his hand to help Cooper up.

"Jace," Cooper said quickly his cheeks going red. "I'm so sorry I was just..." He trailed off. He wasn't really sure what he was doing.

"Just racing off again?" Jace asked with a smile.

"Kind of yeah, I've been working too hard just needed to clear my head a bit," Cooper replied. Jace probably wasn't interested in hearing his problems.

"I know what you mean, I'm about to do that too, care to join me? It'll be fun," Jace offered. Cooper bit his lip and glanced over his shoulder as if he could still see Jake sitting in the quad.

"What did you have in mind?" Cooper asked.

"It'll be fun, just trust me," Jace said taking Cooper's hand and leading him back into the quad.

Cooper had no idea where Jace was taking him. For some reason though Cooper trusted him.

-We Are-

Kendall was pacing back and forth in the living room with the phone pressed to his ear. He let out a frustrated groan as he got Kyle's voicemail again. He was getting tired of this. Kyle was getting out of control and heading for disaster real quick.

James was sitting on the couch watching Kendall. Jenny and Miri were upstairs taking a nap. James hadn't said a word since He had found the blonde trying to call Kyle.

"I'm gonna kill that boy," Kendall said annoyed.

"Kendall calm down, I'm sure he's fine," James said.

"He was grounded for a reason James," Kendall said, "he missed curfew three times already," he said.

"Don't you think you're being a little hard on him," James asked.

"James, rules are set for a reason. I'm just looking out for him and Leora. They are at that age where people can easily pressure them," Kendall said.

"They are old enough to know better than that. They won't do anything like that. They are good kids," James assured his husband.

"You say that now, but it won't be long before one of them is pregnant and the other in the hospital for doing something stupid," Kendall said looking down at the floor.

"Kendall, they are not Jake or Adam," James said.

"I know that James," Kendall snapped.

"I don't think you do," James said standing up. "Kyle is a big boy and he knows right from wrong," he said.

"It's not Kyle I don't trust, it's Jared," Kendall said annoyed. James arched a brow at the blonde. "Don't be dumb James, where do you think he's been disappearing to," he said.

"You brought this on yourself by forbidding Kyle to see him," James said shaking his head. "I mean if you had left it be they'd have burned out by now," he said.

"This is what we get for letting him date, I told you this would happen," Kendall said.

"No, no, this isn't my fault," James said shaking his head.

"I didn't say that, I just...I don't trust Jared. He's using Kyle to replace his crush on me. I don't want Kyle getting hurt," Kendall said.

"Relationships aren't easy, Kendall. People break up and most times someone gets hurt. Kyle's gotta learn sometime," James said.

Kendall sighed and fell down onto the couch next to James. "Why do kids have to grow up?"

"It's a part of life Ken," James replied.

"Maybe you're right though, maybe I am a bit too strict," Kendall sighed.

-We Are-

Kyle quickly texted Miles. He had had his cell phone on silent while he was with Jared. He had missed a bunch of Kendall's phone calls. He was beyond pissed at Kyle. Miles would cover for Kyle, he always had his back. Kyle approached the Mitchell house and Miles opened the door. They quickly made their way to his bedroom.

"Before I fucking cover for your lying ass tell me what it is you were doing to get your dad so pissed," Miles demanded.

"Miles please I will explain, just give me like five minutes," Kyle pleaded.

"Why should I? All you do is use me to cover for you when you go all AWOL," Miles said annoyed.

"Miles please," Kyle said as there was a knock at the door before it opened.

"Miles you haven't-Kyle," Logan stopped mid-sentence.

"Hey," Kyle said with a smile. It was no secret that Logan hadn't been very happy with Kyle, but at least the death glares had stopped.

"What's up dad? Kyle and I have been playing video games all day and were about to head to the mall?" Miles said.

"Oh, Kyle your dad is looking for you. Apparently he's been calling you all day," Logan said. Kyle pulled his phone from his pocket and groaned for effect.

"I left it on silent, how mad is he?" Kyle asked.

"I'll go talk him down," Logan assured Kyle. He left the room and Miles rounded on Kyle.

"It's Jared isn't it?" Miles asked glaring at the blonde. Kyle gaped at Miles. "You could've told me. I still would've covered for you."

"How did you know?" Kyle asked.

"That night we went to the movies you couldn't keep your eyes off of him," Miles said shaking his had. "He could stop staring at you either. So how long has this been a thing?" He asked.

"You're not mad at me? I've been a real shitty friend lately," Kyle said.

"Dude I am pissed that you've been a shitty friend, putting your boy toy before your best friend that's just sloppy dude," Miles said shaking his head.

"Miles look I'm sorry, I just wanted to be sure of things before I told someone. I wanted to make sure he wanted me for me not because...well you know," Kyle said hanging his head.

"Because of your dad?" Miles asked. Kyle nodded his head. "So what's the verdict?" He asked.

"To be determined still, he's leaving for tour and it might even be international," Kyle sighed.

"Then tell him how you feel dude. I'm sure if you do he won't want to do it," Miles said.

"I can't, this is his dream. He wants to be famous and who am I to stop him," Kyle said hanging his head.

Kyle sighed and turned away from Miles. He didn't want to have this discussion right now. He hadn't even talked to Jared yet about this. Every time they got together Kyle avoided talking about the tour. They had talked about it once, and that was it.

Kyle knew the tour would be with Icsis and TBA. There was a US leg of tour and a month break and then a European tour. Jared was for sure they were going on the US leg and Kendall was debating on the European leg. Jared wasn't sure if Inside Joke was ready to go international, but Kendall and Kelly seemed sure of them.

"Kyle," Miles said.

"I gotta go, my dad probably wants to kill me," Kyle said. He left the room.

-We Are-

Jake made his way into the apartment carrying grocery bags. He had gone shopping and Damien was nowhere to be found. He had been trying to call Damien all afternoon. He didn't answer his phone and Jake was starting to get annoyed. Jake stopped when he saw flowers sitting on the table. He smiled and walked over to them.

"Day?" Jake called out. He heard movement behind him Jake turned around and his smile fell. Damien wasn't standing behind him. "Who are you?"

Standing there was a Hispanic looking boy. He had dark hair and dark eyes. He looked confused.

"Jake," Damien said running into the room. "I can explain," he said quickly.

"That would be nice," Jake said.

"This is Tito I and he was helping me with something. You weren't supposed to be home for another hour," Damien said.

"Not very helpful Damien," Jake said before turning to Tito. "It's nice to finally meet you. Damien hasn't stopped talking about you and your friends since he got back," he said.

"It's nice to meet you too, Damien doesn't shut up about you either," Tito said with a slight Italian accent.

"Tito, Jake and I need a moment. I'll call you later," Damien said.

"Alright, I'll see you later," Tito said quickly. He left the apartment and Damien looked guiltily at Jake.

"So I was trying to set up a surprise for you. I asked Tito for help, but you weren't supposed to be home yet. What happened to your class?" Damien asked.

"It was cancelled, which you would know if you'd answer your phone," Jake said, "anyways I did the shopping like I said I would. So that's Tito?" He asked.

"Yes that was Tito I was planning on introducing you to him soon. He's really cool and his girlfriend is nice too," Damien said.

"I never suspected Tito was gay," Jake said.

"Oh please Jake, you get all moody when I mention going out with him and the guys. I've been trying to find a time where we're not busy so you could meet him," Damien said.

"I get moody because you never seem to want to spend time with me. It's always Tito this and Tito that. You're either in class or working when you're not going out with Tito. I mean you forgot our lunch date. You haven't touched me in weeks. All I seem to get is a quick kiss and a good bye. I just feel..." Jake trailed off. He looked away from Damien.

"Neglected?" Damien asked. Jake looked back to his husband and nodded his head. "I've noticed and I was working on fixing it. Tito was gonna help me make you dinner and then set up a nice romantic evening for you and I. I wanted it to be special," Damien said. He walked over to Jake and grabbed his arm. He led him into their bedroom. There was candles, flowers and new silk sheets laying on the bed. "I was making sure we had everything when you showed up." Damien said.

"Day," Jake said breathlessly.

"Oh," Damien led Jake back out to the kitchen. He opened the fridge and pulled some items out. "I also bought you some strawberries and chocolate syrup because I know how much love love them," he said.

"Thank you," Jake said smiling. He pulled Damien into a kiss. "We can still have that romantic evening. I can help cook or set up the bedroom if you like," he said.

"Ok you can set up the room, but leave all the cooking to me," Damien said.

"Ok, but first let's put the groceries away," Jake said. Damien grinned and nodded his head.

-We Are-

Carlos yawned as he nestled back into the couch for comfort. He was tired and it was his day off. He had done all his scenes for the next two episodes and he had a few days off. It was good to not have to get up at the crack of dawn to be on set and stay until way after the sun went down.

"Los."

Carlos cracked an eye open as Logan walked into the room. He smiled at his husband. He patted the couch beside him.

"Tired?" Logan asked.

"Just a little," Carlos replied. Logan chuckled and sat down next to him. He grabbed the TV remote.

"Let's watch a movie then and we can cuddle," Logan said pulling the Latino close. "Maybe after the kids get home we can go out for supper tonight," he suggested.

"Sounds nice," Carlos said.

"Great, you can take a nap if you want," Logan said. Carlos smiled and pecked Logan on the cheek.

Carlos sat back and rested his head on Logan's shoulder. Logan put a movie on. The two relaxed as it started. Carlos couldn't help but feel content here with Logan. Things were just great.

-We Are-

Cooper smiled as he watched Jace move about telling a story to his friends. He had was making wild gestures and laughing with his friends. Jace had ended up bringing to Cooper to a small cafe close to campus. Jace had met his friend there. They all seemed really cool and liked Cooper. Jessica, the blonde girl with bright green eyes was especially nice to Cooper. Nate, the brown eyed brunette boy; and Stan, the ginger haired green eyed boy; seemed to wonder why Cooper was there, but didn't say anything. As the evening progressed they seemed to come around. Soon they were all laughing and having a good time.

"Jace, this was fun but I've got a big test tomorrow and I need to get some studying done," Jessica said standing up. She looked to Nate. Nate smacked Stan's arm.

"Come on Stan lets give the girl a ride home," Nate said.

"Princess, why can't you just take a cab?" Stan sighed standing up as well.

"This is how you treat your sister?" Nate asked with a chuckle.

"Bite me," Stan said.

"Later," Nate replied with a wink.

"Ooh, kinky," Stan said.

"Please guys, taxi cabs are so gross," Jessica whined.

"Relax princess we'll give you a ride, whether your brother wants to or not," Nate said.

"Sometimes I feel like you're dating her not me," Stan said annoyed.

"Stan just shut up and give your sister a ride back to campus," Jace said laughing. The three said their good byes.

"Oh and Cooper it was nice meeting you," Jessica said with a smile.

"Barking up the wrong tree Princess," Stan said as he ushered the blonde girl away. The two bickering the whole way.

"Sorry about Stan, it's his time of the month, it was great meeting you though," Nate said.

"You too," Cooper replied akawardly. Jace chuckled and moved over to sit beside Cooper. "They are interesting," Cooper said.

"Stan's a grouch, but Nate's been my best friend since high school, once he started dating Stan I met Jess and she's just a doll. I love her," Jace said.

"I've noticed she's a bit of a princess though," Cooper joked. Jace looked at Cooper and laughed. Cooper smiled.

"Jessie is a little princess with a fear of germs, hence the aversion to taxi cabs," Jace said. The two fell into silence for a moment. "So was this fun?" He asked.

"Oh yeah, it was way more fun then I had planned for the night. My first night off and I planned to study and finish my English paper," Cooper said with a grin.

"Professor Dumbbum is so lame," Jace said before placing a hand over his mouth. "I meant Dunham," he added hastily.

"So Dumbbum isn't a new name," Cooper said with a laugh.

"Not at all," Jace said.

"How'd you get to be his TA," Cooper asked.

"I want to be an English teacher," Jace said.

"Really?" Cooper asked.

"Yeah, I like teaching," Jace said simply.

"Thank you," Cooper said after a moment. Jace arched a brow at him. "For inviting me out, and making me have a good time in I don't know how long," He explained.

"Too busy studying freshie," Jace teased.

"Something like that," Cooper said nodding. He looked at his phone for the time and sighed. "I should probably get going. I have an English paper due tomorrow, which you already know because you assigned it," he teased.

"Come on I'll walk you to your car then," Jace said. He stood up and helped Cooper up. They exited the cafe and headed down the street to Cooper's car. Once they were there Cooper stopped and turned to Jace.

"Thanks again Jace, this was fun," Cooper said suddenly nervous.

"No problem, you're not that bad for a freshie," Jace teased. Cooper laughed and suddenly found Jace standing really close to him. "You're really cool Cooper," he said.

"Thanks," Cooper said swallowing thickly. Next thing he knew Jace was kissing him. Cooper gasped and allowed Jace to kiss him before pushing him away. "Jace, I'm sorry...I just...I have to go," Cooper said. He quickly got into his car. He drove off, still thinking about that kiss.

Cooper had wanted Jace to do that so bad, but when he did all Cooper thought about was Adam. He didn't want to think about Adam anymore. He wanted to be able to move on. He wanted nothing more than to forget Adam.

Cooper pulled his cell phone out and dialed the same number he always dialed. He got the voicemail again. Cooper sighed and took a deep breath before talking.

-We Are-

Logan smiled as he looked at his family. They were all put together eating. Lilly, Miles, and Lucas were all talking and laughing together. Carlos was holding Layla's attention and they were both grinning ear to ear as the spoke rapid Spanish back and forth.

This was nice, Logan wouldn't trade this for the world.

"Logan," Carlos said getting his attention.

"What?" Logan asked confused.

"Layla was just asking me about a concert she told me she asked you about already," Carlos said.

"Oh, I forgot Lay, I'm sorry," Logan said looking to their youngest daughter. "I did call Justine and she said her and Tyke are gonna be the concert and they'd look after the girls. She assured me they would be safe," Logan said quickly.

"What band is it?" Carlos asked looking at Layla.

"Icsis, only the coolest band ever," Layla said.

"Icsis? I think Kendall's band it touring with them," Miles said quickly.

"I don't see a problem, I mean I trust Justine," Carlos said looking at Logan.

"I think you just got a yes Lay," Logan said. Layla jumped up excitedly.

"However, if you want spending money, you have to do some chores around the house," Carlos said.

"Of course, thank you dad, thank you papi," Layla said hugging the two. She quickly sat back down with her phone in her hands.

-We Are-

Adam yawned as he made his way into his bedroom. He was still thinking about his lunch date with Brooke. She had of course asked him why he left and told him he should go back. Adam refused to tell her why he left. She'd think it was stupid and call him out on it. She would also most likely call Kendall and James. Adam didn't want that just yet. He wasn't ready to face them.

Things were complicated. Growing up complicated things and Adam had been pushed to grow up fast after he had Miri. He just wished he could still be a kid sometimes. Adam just wanted to forget.

Adam started getting ready for bed. He stripped his shirt and jeans off. He pulled his phone from his jeans pocket and saw he had two missed calls. He looked at the numbers; Damien and Cooper. He's other before checking his voice mail.

Damien had called him once since he had left. He had been so pissed at Adam for leaving. He hadn't held back either. Adam hadn't expected anything less from his best friend. Damien was always honest with Adam, even if the truth hurt.

Cooper on the other hand had called several times. His messages had turned from begging Adam to come back to asking why he left to just updating him on Miri or life.

"Adam, look I know you left and you probably haven't checked your phone, but I gotta say this in case you got my last message. I'm sorry for the way I yelled. I was upset that you could do something like this. Man you just need to come home, no questions will be asked just one back. We all miss you, especially Miri. Cooper hasn't been the same since you left either. Just please Adam, come home."

Damien's message ended. Adam sighed, if only things were that easy. Sure Damien would give him a little space but his family wouldn't.

"Adam, it's me. I know I've left you like a million messages, but this one is kind of important. No, I mean really important. I just want you to know I got your message loud and clear now. You're not coming back. I messed up big time. I still care about you, probably always will, but I get it. I just needed to get this off my chest so I can finally move on. So what I'm finally saying is good bye Adam."

We finally got to see a little more of what Adam is up to. Who is Mason? Jace is interested in Cooper, is Cooper interested? What do you think about Cooper's message to Adam? Kyle is having trouble coming to full terms with his feelings, will be figure them out in time? Kendall knows about Jared and Kyle, will be confront the two? Carlos and Logan seem content with life, will it last?

Always

OUTOFMYMIND