I'd like to thank annabellex2, winterschild11, Franshes, germanfanfictioner, and DeniseDEMD for all taking the extra time to review. You guys rock and I love you all.

Chapter 12: Two Steps Back

Leora knocked on Lilly's bedroom door getting her attention. Lilly had motioned her in. Leora skipped over to her bed and fell down beside her.

"What do I owe the pleasure of you presence Le?" Lilly asked.

"So how was your date with Artie," Leora asked getting straight to the point.

"It was great, he was nice and funny. We went to the boardwalk and had some fun. We played some games and ate at this small surf shack that has the best sandwiches," Lilly said.

"Aw Lil, sounds fun," Leora gushed.

"Yeah it was," Lilly said with a smile. Her date last night had been so perfect. Artie was really everything you would want in a guy.

"I'm sensing a a but," Leora said.

"There is no but," Lilly assured Leora. Leora arched a brow at her friend. Lilly sighed and hung her head. "It's nothing, last night was awesome, really," she said.

"Come on Lil, I know that look," Leora said scooting closer to her friend.

"It's nothing," Lilly assured the blonde beside her. Leora crossed her arms over her chest and Lilly sighed. "Artie is great, but last night all I could think about was Kyle," she admitted.

"Lilly, I thought we were past all this," Leora said.

"I was, but seeing him with someone else brought it all back," Lilly said steering clear of using Jared's name.

The pair fell silent for a moment. Leora opened her mouth and closed it. She chose her next words carefully.

"You know there's a sale at the mall today," Leora said grinning.

"You've got a shopping addiction Le," Lilly laughed as she stood up.

"Great, we just have to stop at my house so I can get my purse," Leora said with a smile. Lilly nodded her head. The two left with Lilly telling Logan she was going to the mall.

They reached the Knights house. They stopped in the doorway. They heard music playing, more specifically a guitar. The two shared a puzzled look and followed the noise upstairs and to Kyle's room. Leora peeked in. Kyle was sitting in his desk chair playing guitar and singing.

"White lips, pale face, breathing in snowflakes, burnt lungs, sour taste, light's gone, day's end, struggling to pay rent, long nights, strange men," Kyle sang.

Leora took a step back smiling. That was the first song Kyle had ever learned to play on guitar. Kendall had taught him that. She motioned Lilly to her bedroom.

"He's playing guitar again?" Lilly asked as Leora dug around for her purse.

"I guess so, I don't know why he ever quit, he's not that bad," Leora replied.

"You're awful, he's actually pretty good," Lilly said.

"I guess, now if only he could write songs he'd really be our dad's clone," Leora quipped. Lilly laughed at that one. "Help me look for my purse," she asked. The two finally found it under Leora's backpack.

They left her room and hear Kyle a bit clearer. He was singing a different song. One neither of the girls recognized.

"My heart was broken, hope was overdue, running empty, running out of time, thought I'd lost my mind, but everything has changed since I met you," Kyle sang.

Kyle stopped singing and Leora looked to Lilly. Leora couldn't help but get curious. She walked over to Kyle's room with Lilly right behind her. She opened the door and watched Kyle. He was scribbling something down.

"What song was that?" Leora asked startling her brother.

Kyle jumped a foot in the air and turned around. He looked from Leora to Lilly his cheeks red.

"Nothing," Kyle said quickly.

"It sounded like something," Leora said.

"I don't know what you're talking about, I was just messing around," Kyle said.

"Come on Leora, let's go," Lilly said getting Leora's attention. She nodded her head and turned to leave.

"That was really good Kyle," Leora called over her shoulder. "Who knows maybe you could be a songwriter like dad," she added.

The two girls headed down stairs leaving Kyle alone. Leora looked at Lilly, her smile was gone. Then it dawned on Leora. Kyle had been singing about someone, it most likely wasn't Lilly. Lots didn't say a word. They just walked out to Lilly's car in silence.

-We Are-

Layla and Erika bounced up and down with their arms laced together as they waited for the concert line to start moving. Millie was beside them excited as well. Justine and Tyke were behind them making sure they were within eyesight at all times.

"Oh my god this is gonna be so awesome!" Erika shouted excitedly. Layla laughed and nodded her head. They had been waiting for this concert for so long. It was so close now.

"I can't believe we're actually here," Millie piped in. The three girls continued to chatter excited and move with the line.

Once they were inside Layla spotted a very familiar face. She smiled and ran up to Kendall. He spotted her and quickly caught her in a hug.

"Hey short stack," Kendall grinned at the young girl. Millie, Erika, Justine, and Tyke joined the group. Layla quickly explained how she knew Kendall to them.

"He manages Inside Joke, they are one of the bands performing tonight right?" Layla asked looking up at the blonde. Kendall nodded his head. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some backstage passes.

"I got you a gift, your papi told me you'd be here," Kendall said with a wink. Layla and the girls squealed excitedly. They all hugged Kendall. As they fawned over the back stage passes Kendall talked to Tyke and Justine. They assured him it was fine.

"Would you girls like to meet the band before the show?" Kendall asked the girls. They all looked ready to faint. Layla gave the others their passes and Kendall led them back stage.

People were running around and shouting to one another. Kendall finally found Timber talking to Jared.

"Timber, where are Icy and the girls, I've got a few fans who's like to meet them," Kendall said. Timber turned and smiled. He quickly introduced himself to the girls with a bow.

"It's nice to meet you girls, I'll go get he rest of the gang," Timber replied with a wink. The three quickly nodded their head to awestruck to say anything.

Timber left and returned with other four members of Icsis. The girls all smiled and introduced themselves.

"I'm Layla," Layla said with a big smile.

"I'm Millie, and I just want to say I love you're music!" Millie said excitedly.

Erika's mouth floundered as she tried to form words. Layla jumped in for her thought. "This is Erika, this is her first time meeting anyone famous. She's a huge fan," Layla said.

"You seem like a pro at this," Icy commented looking at Layla.

"Yeah well I grew with famous dads and uncles," Layla said looking to Kendall.

"Famous dads?" Glacia asked.

"Carlos and Logan Mitchell," Layla said proudly.

"Oh, do you mean Carlos from the show Save Rock and Roll?" Winter asked interestedly. Layla grinned and nodded her head. "I love that show!"

"I'll let papi know he has a fan," Layla said with a laugh.

"This is a dream come true," Erika said finding her voice.

"Would you like a picture?" Icy asked. The girls all nodded their head. They each got Kendall to take a picture. Even Icy had him use her phone. She quickly tweeted the photo making sure to use the girls Twitter names too. Icy then got the girls some posters and they all signed them for the three. They chatted a bit longer.

"Ok the shows about to start, want me to take you to your seats?" Kendall asked the girls. They nodded their heads and Kendall led them away from Icsis. They all waved good bye to the girls.

-We Are-

Damien practically bounced as he walked into the apartment. He called out for Jake. He had some good news to share with him. When he got no answer he walks down the hallway to their bedroom. He found it empty. Damien was sure that Jake didn't work tonight. He wondered where he could be.

"Jakes not here," Adam said walking out of his room.

"Where is he?" Damien asked.

"I think him and Mason went out again," Adam said shrugging. He made his way to the kitchen in search of food.

"Again? Didn't they just hang out like last night?" Damien asked.

"Jealous?" Adam asked glancing at his friend as he pulled out a box of cheese crackers.

"No, I just had something I wanted to tell him," Damien said walking over to the couch. Adam joined him still munching.

"What?" Adam asked curiously.

"Nothing that concerns you Addie, it's a surprise for Jake," Damien replied.

"Gross, I gotta go anyways," Adam said setting the box in his hands aside.

"Where are you going?" Damien asked.

"Out, don't worry I'll be home before midnight dad," Adam teased.

"Ha ha, so funny," Damien said. Adam just waved him off and left the apartment.

Damien sat there alone. He had really hoped that Jake would be here. He wanted to tell Jake that Tito had invited them to Italy over winter break. He was going to visit some family there and invited the couple to join him. They didn't even have to pay for their plane tickets. It would all be taken care of by Tito's grandma.

Damien knew that Jake had always talked about going to Europe again. He had been over there a few times on family vacations, but this would be different. It would be just them and it would be so romantic.

-We Are-

Layla, Erika, and Millie were all screaming and jumping up and down as Icsis walked out onto stage. The first song started and they screamed louder before singing along.

Layla couldn't help but glance over at Erika. So much has changed in his life since she had come out. She had a girl friend and she was more confident that she had ever been. It was all thanks to the girl standing next to her. Sure this relationship might not last, but for now Layla was happy. She didn't care what anyone thought, she was in love.

Before long the show was winding down and there was only a few songs left. The show had been amazing and the girls had had fun.

"Ok this next song, goes out to thee news friends of ours," Winter said stepping up to her mic.

"Yes this next song is for Layla, Erika, and Millie. Three of the sweetest girls I've ever met," Icy said.

The next song started and Erika turned to Layla. She had the biggest smile on her face and threw her arms around Layla in a big hug. She was screaming thank you to Layla. Layla smiled knowing she was referring to Kendall bringing them backstage earlier. Layla felt so happy and this moment was just perfect.

-We Are-

Jared, Matt, Noah, and Roldy all quickly entered the hotel. They just wanted to get up to their room and into bed. They had to be up early to get on the road again. The show had been amazing. People really seemed to like them as much as Icsis and TBA.

"I hope all our shows are this awesome," Jared said as they entered the elevator.

"Me too, that was amazing. I wasn't expecting that crowd response, especially after our LA show where they weren't that excited," Roldy said.

"Hey, they were there to see Icsis not some bozos who just entered the tour a couple weeks ago," Matt said.

"True, but still," Roldy said.

"Why have you guys been acting so weird around me?" Noah asked slowly as the elevator stopped at their floor.

"What are you talking about No?" Roldy asked as Jared quickly left the elevator.

"Oh don't play dumb," Noah said running to catch up with Jared. He stopped him from entering his room. "Jared what's wrong?" He asked.

"It nothing Noah, forget it," Jared said shaking his head. He didn't want to do this right now.

"Guys, I'm not dumb. You all stop talking when I enter the room or get gittery. It's been happening for a couple days now," Noah said.

"Noah I'm sorry," Jared said biting his lip.

"What?" Noah asked getting angry now.

"It's Jace," Matt said.

"He was at our LA show," Roldy said.

"Oh," Noah said slowly. He stood there not sure what to say or do. Noah honestly was shocked by this news. Jace wasn't supposed to be in LA. He was supposed to be on the east coast. At least that's what Jared had told him.

"Noah, I'm sorry I didn't just tell you, but can you blame me?" Jared asked. Noah remained silent.

"Noah say something please," Roldy said.

Noah opened his mouth and closed it. He turned and bolted into his and Roldy's room. The guys were shocked at how fast he opened the door with the key card. Roldy pulled his card out and opened the door only for it to stop a fraction of the way. Noah had bolted the door.

"Noah, let me in," Roldy said.

"Open the door Noah," Jared said.

The guys turned as the elevator doors opened and Kendall walked down the hallway with Icsis's manager, Tracy. The two stopped and looked at the three.

"Is something wrong," Kendall asked.

"Noah's upset and he won't let me in our room," Roldy said.

"What did you do?" Kendall asked.

"It's not him, it's Jace," Jared said.

"Who?" Kendall asked confused.

"The rat I regret to claim as family," Jared spat venomously.

"Someone please explain," Kendall said looking to Matt and Roldy for help.

"Jace Munroe is a disgrace to my family. He's my cousin and him and Noah dated for awhile and it didn't end well," Jared said.

"Yeah, he was possessive and it took a lot for Noah to see what was wrong with him. It took more than it should've," Matt said dancing around the subject.

"What?" Kendall asked knowing where this was heading.

"He showed up on my door step with a black eye and a couple broken ribs, telling me he fell down the stairs," Roldy said looking at the ground.

"Noah," Tracy said walking to the partially open door. "I know what you're going through," she said softly. "Please just open the door."

The door shut and opened to show Noah standing there. He had tears in his eyes. Roldy was at his side in seconds. He pulled him into a hug. Noah collapsed into his arms sobbing. Kendall directed everyone into the room, including Tracy.

"Noah it wasn't your fault," Tracy said softly. "I get it I really do, making all the excuses, hiding the truth and being too scared to say anything," she said. Noah still had his face buried in Roldy's neck. She pressed on though. "I was in a relationship where my partner cheated on me and blamed me for doing it and he would hit me and make me feel worthless. I spent five years in denial and fear. My sister finally caught on and helped me realize I was better than that."

"He just...I don't get it," Noah said softly.

"Me either, but what I do know is you are a strong young man, you're still young and you've got great friends who care about you. You're part of band that is gaining more and more recognition as the days go by. Things get better Noah," Tracy said.

Noah looked up at Tracy and have her a small smile. Tracy dug around in her purse and pulled out a pen and a small business card.

"Look, you don't have to talk now, but when you're ready here's my number," Tracy said quickly jotting her cell number on the back. She handed it to Noah and he nodded his head as he held onto the card.

"Thank you," Noah said softly.

-We Are-

Kyle and Miles were walking through the mall. They were leaving the food court when Kyle saw Cooper. He was sitting in the food court talking to someone. Kyle recognized him as Jared's cousin from the other night. Kyle grabbed Miles's arm and quickly led him out of sight.

"Dude where's the fire?" Miles asked confused.

"Sorry, I just saw someone I didn't think I'd see," Kyle said thinking back to what Jared had told him about his cousin.

"Who?" Miles asked interestedly.

"No one you know, I gotta go," Kyle said taking off for the parking lot. Miles followed him.

"Dude don't blow me off, we came here together,"Miles said. Kyle froze and sighed as he fell onto a bench. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I just forgot that Jared's on tour," Kyle said shaking his head. "I saw his cousin with Cooper. From what I gather he did something bad to Noah and he's no good scum," he said.

"Wow and you only met his once?" Miles asked.

"Shut up, it really affected Noah. Jared said his family doesn't even like claiming him as family anymore. He wouldn't tell me exactly what he did though," Kyle said.

"Should we warn Cooper then?" Miles asked confused.

"I don't know," Kyle said shrugging. He pushed himself off the bench and headed for the parking lot once more with Miles behind him. "Let's just get out of here," he said.

"If he's a bad guy Kyle shouldn't we tell Cooper?" miles asked.

"I agree, but let me figure out more. I'll call Jared tomorrow. He had a show tonight and they all probably crashed by now," Kyle said logically. Miles nodded his head as they walked over to Kyle's car.

Kyle wasn't paying attention to where he was going and ran into someone. He fell into Miles who managed to stop him from falling. The other guys wasn't so lucky.

"Dude I'm so sorry," Kyle said quickly. He helped the teen up. He had a smile on his face which Kyle took as a good sign. He had dark raven hair and brown almost green eyes.

"It's ok I wasn't watching where I was going," the boy said.

"Me either," Kyle said moving past the boy. The two quickly made their way over to Kyle's car and Miles smacked Kyle's arm. "What?" Kyle asked. ,

"Dude, he was totally checking you out," Miles said glancing back to where the boy had been.

"You're crazy, besides I have a boyfriend so I'm no looking," Kyle stated.

"Didn't stop you when you had a girlfriend," Miles chimed in as they got into the car.

"That was different. I didn't mean for that to happen and Lilly and I were drifting apart. We were never really gonna make it and I've accepted that. Lilly needs to too," Kyle said thinking back to earlier when she had caught him singing. She had looked so hurt and confused. He knew that she knew the song wasn't about her.

And there you have it, another chapter from me. So Jace abused Noah, who saw that coming. We have one side of the story, what's the other side have to say? Kyle is becoming a songwriter, will he follow in Kendall's footsteps, or James? Or will he blaze his own path? Lilly's date with Artie was amazing, but she's still not over Kyle. Will she ever be? Layla, Erika, and Millie got to meet Icsis! Layla realized her love for Erika, what does this mean for the young couple?

Extra points to whoever gets the reference in Kyle's first song.

So there you go. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry for the lack of Cargan. I've got plans for them and Kames that will blow your socks off. I realize most of you read this for the Kames and Cargan and I have been lacking and I am sorry.

Happy Easter!

Always,

OUTOFMYMIND