I'd like to thank Franshes, germanfanfictioner, annabellex2, Charlie-Rose94, winterschild11, and DeniseDEMD for all taking the extra time to review. Thank you guys and much love sent your way.

Chapter 13: Reality

Kendall tapped his pen on his notepad as he listened to whatever music Tracy and Jazz had chosen. Jazz was TBA's momager. She was Jackie's mom and was helping the girls the best she could. She had been a lawyer at one point and really knew her stuff. The three had their own vehicle for travel. They loved their bands, but needed to let them have some space.

Jazz was currently driving and talking to Tracy about the your and how thankful She was to have her girls included in the tour.

Kendall was sitting in the back seat thinking about Noah. He had no idea that Noah had gone through something to traumatic. Noah was always to happy and full of energy. He was the goofball of the band.

"You ok back there blondie?" Tracy asked teasingly. It was a nickname the two women had taken to calling him.

"I can't stop thinking about Noah," Kendall admitted.

"Me either, but he's young and has great friends. He'll get through this Kendall," Tracy replied turning to face him.

"So what happened again? The little blonde one was in an abusive relationship?" Jazz asked slowly. She was learning the boys names, but had a little trouble remembering who was who at times.

"Yeah, and he showed up at our show in LA and now Noah is freaked out. Roldy sad he's jumpy and easily scared now," Kendall said.

"If I saw my ex, I'd be the same way," Tracy replied, "it takes time to get over these types of things. They don't just go away and when you see them again it brings it all back," she said.

"I know, but Noah's in a better place now. He's got the guys and the band and then Roldy. He's always doting over Noah," Kendall said.

"Give him some time, he'll come around," Tracy said.

"I hope so, I don't like seeing him this way," Kendall replied looking out the window. He happened to notice the tour buses had pulled over at a rest stop. He asked Jazz to pull over. Once the three got out of the SUV Icy and Timber were stepping off their bus.

"Oh, we were about to call and see where you guys were, we wanted to stop and have lunch. This spot it nice and secluded," Icy said.

"I spotted you from the freeway," Kendall said looking to the freeway.

"You know it's us, they however think it's three tourist buses and won't come near here. Relax Kendall this isn't my first rodeo," Icy said with her hands on her hips.

"Icy are you sure this is...Tracy?" Timber said as he stepped off the bus. "It was her idea," He said pointing to Icy.

"This isn't my first time either Icy," Kendall said redirecting this conversation. "incase we you forgot I was doing this way before you even picked up a guitar, I've been on both sides here. I was performing and now I'm making sure my hands get to where then need to go on time," Kendall said annoyed with Icy's arrogance. Normally Kendall didn't have a problem with it, but this wasn't the best idea. It seemed to do a bit as Icy declared a bit.

"Relax we'll be fine, we're just stoping for a bit," Icy said.

"All it takes is one person seeing you and there will be a flash mob here begging for autographs and whatnot. We get flash mobed and we will fall behind schedule and maybe even miss a show," Kendall said.

"He's right, five minutes and everyone back on a bus," Tracy said. Icy grumbled and walked back to her bus brushing past Timber. He sighed and followed after her.

"I'm gonna go see what the guys are up to," Kendall told the other two women. Tracy nodded and headed off to talk to Icy as Jazz made her way to TBA's tour bus.

Kendall stepped onto the bus and saw Jared lounging on the couch with his phone in his hands talking to Kyle. Jared glanced up at his holding a finger up to Kyle.

"Can I help you?" Jared asked.

"Where are the other three?" Kendall asked.

"I think Noah's in his bunk and Matt and Ro headed over to TBA's bus to hang for a bit," Jared replied.

"Is that my dad?"

"Yes he is looking for the guys," Jared replied looking to his phone once more.

"We are leaving in five minutes. Go get the other two," Kendall said.

"I'll do it," Noah said emerging from the back of the bus. He had a smile on his face and seemed to be his old self again. He quickly ran past Kendall and and off the bus.

"He seems better?" Kendall said.

"He's trying to be, but Jace really messed him up," Jared said looking to Kendall. Kendall nodded his head.

"See that's what I wanted to know, I saw Jace with Cooper last night. I think they were on a date," Kyle said getting Jared's attention. Jared looked back to his phone.

Kendall left the bus leaving the two alone. Kendall saw Noah, Roldy, and Matt all talking the the ladies of TBA. Matt was smiling and Maggie and Naomi seemed to be extra giggly and smiley towards Matt. Noah had his arm laced with Roldy almost as if he was making sure the girls knew he was taken.

"Ok guys on your bus we are leaving," Kendall said getting their attention. They all nodded their heads and said quick goodbyes to the girls.

-We Are-

Adam practically ran as he exited the diner. He had gotten a job and he was thankful, but it was a relief to be done. He had to go pick up Miri from campus since Cooper was letting him have her over night. Adam was excited for this. For the next two days Miri was all his.

Adam managed to get a cab easily. He was just excited to have Miri all to himself. He had talked to Jake and Damien and they were cool with it. They loved Miri and were always happy to have hater over.

As Adam rode in silence he couldn't help but think about the kiss he and Cooper had shared. They hadn't really talked about it and Cooper had been avoiding Adam. He had made excuses why he could talk when he dropped Miri off or had Blaine or his mom drop Miri off for him.

Adam wasn't sure what he had wanted the kiss to mean. It was obvious Cooper wanted to pretend it never happened. If that was what Cooper wanted he would give him that much at least. Adam wasn't dumb, he could take a hint.

Once the cab stopped Adam gave the driver the money and sprinted from the cab. He made his way onto campus and to the quad. He did a scan of the area and saw Cooper sitting with Miri. She was smiling and laughing at Cooper as he made faces at her. Adam took a moment and watched the two. He felt a prang of regret and jealousy. He never should have left. There was no changing the last though. Adam just had to move forward and show Cooper he was a good dad.

Adam made his way over to the two. Miri saw him first and started pointing. Cooper looked up with a smile. It fell slightly as he saw Adam. Adam however plastered the biggest smile on his face. He crouched in front of Miri and greeted his daughter. If Cooper wanted to play this game, Adam would follow his lead.

"So she just ate," Cooper said getting Adam's attention. "She probably gonna be a little wound up."

"That's ok we are going to the park and Damien is gonna pick us up once his class is done in like half an hour," Adam said checking his watch. He grabbed Miri's diaper bag and stowed it in the stroller under Miri.

"She has some juice in her cup, and I packed extra clothes for her," Cooper said quickly.

"Cooper I got this, relax," Adam said giving Cooper his best charming smile. Cooper seemed to relax at that. "I know her schedule, you remind me every time I pick her up. I know what I am doing, I am her father after all," Adam said.

"Sorry it's just..." Cooper trailed off looking to his hands. "I hate being apart from her," he admitted.

"I know the feeling. It sucks that I only get to see her once or twice a week. You should be happy you get her most days," Adam said looking down at his daughter.

"You brought this on yourself Addie," Cooper said.

"I know Coop, but I will make this better. I'll show you I'm in this for real. I'm not going anywhere," Adam said. He looked down to Miri. "Alright Mir-bear, let's go," he said taking her stroller.

"Adam," Cooper said stopping Adam. Adam glanced over his shoulder. "I trust you. I know you're not going anywhere," he said. Adam smiled and nodded his head. He left the campus with Miri.

Adam knew it would be a long road to winning Cooper back, but he was willing to do whatever it took. Adam was still in love with Cooper and he knew the feeling were returned, no matter how much Cooper denied it. Adam could read him like an open book. He had always been able to. There was one person Adam needed to talk to first.

-We Are-

James rested his chin on his hand as he watched Logan play with Jenny. Logan had the day off and had decided to see what James was up to.

"I thought you guys hired a nanny?" Logan asked looking up to James.

"I don't have anything to do today so I gave her the day off," James shrugged.

"So how's Kendall doing?" Logan asked.

"Good," James replied.

"Good?" Logan asked arching a brow at James.

"Well he's on the road with the boys and those other two bands. I hardly get to talk to him," James shrugged.

"I know how that goes, I hardly get to see Carlos anymore," Logan sighed.

"How's his show going?" James asked. He watched the show and it was pretty good, at least he thought so.

"It's going great they are in talks to extend the show to its fourth season already," Logan said nodding his head slowly.

"Didn't they just start the second season?" James asked.

"Sure did," Logan replied.

"Why don't you sound happy about that?" James asked.

"I hardly get to see him as it is. Two more years of this..." Logan trailed off.

"I get it, life gets hard but, you'll get through this Logan, you and Carlos just have to work something out. Besides I'm sure they'll work a better schedule out for him if he asks now that he's a big star," James said.

"Maybe, but still it's not just me feeling it. The kids notice it too," Logan said.

"It's an adjustment," James nodded his head. "Carlos is happy, isn't that all that matters," he asked.

"Yeah, it is and I'd do anything to see him smile," Logan said with a smile of his own.

"See, it'll work out in the end Loges, now come on I'll buy you lunch," James said standing up.

-We Are-

Kyle paced back and forth in his bedroom. He was thinking about what Jared had told him about Jace. Kyle didn't know what to do anymore. He was so confused right now.

From what Jared had told him, Jace had abused Noah when they were back in high school. They had dated for awhile. Things had gone south quickly. Noah had changed and become withdrawn. The guys felt bad for not realizing sooner.

A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. Kyle quickly turned and saw Miles and Lucas standing in his bedroom doorway.

"Stop answering your phone? You ok?" Miles asked.

"I've been busy," Kyle said shrugging.

"With what?" Lucas asked as he and Miles quickly made themselves at home. Miles jumped on Kyles bed and got comfy as Lucas sat down in his desk chair.

"Nothing," Kyle said quickly. He didn't want to talk about Noah with these two. He wasn't sure if Noah even wanted him knowing. It was none of their business. Sure Miles knew a little bit, but that was all he would know. Kyle fell down beside Miles and pushed him to make some room.

"Ok, so where have you been lately, I feel like we hardly see you outside of school," Lucas said allowing the lie to slide.

"Oh god, you got a guitar? No wonder you've been MIA all week," Miles said.

"Yeah, I-uh-I've been rediscovering my love for music," Kyle said slowly.

"Should I really be surprised your into music? Look at who your dads are," Lucas said.

"Are you forgetting who your dads are?" Kyle shot back at the brunette.

"Touché," Lucas said, "I haven't known that long though."

"So what song you learning to play?" Miles asked curiously. "I remember your dad taught us The A-Team and your pops was so mad because the song was about drugs," he said laughing.

"I remember that," Kyle laughed as well. "I'm not really working on a cover. I'm actually writing something," he said his cheeks heating up.

"Following daddy's footsteps are we?" Miles asked arching a brow at his blonde friend.

"No, just experimenting and checking all my options," Kyle replied with an eye roll.

"Well I think it's cool, I don't think I'd ever be able to write a song, much less compose music for it as well," Lucas said.

"It's not easy, but I'm just messing around," Kyle said his cheeks still a bit red. "What are you guys doing here?" He asked trying to change the subject.

"We were bored and instead of going to the mall where people seem to like to follow us, we thought we would come harass you," Miles said with a grin.

"How thoughtful," Kyle said with another eye roll. He was used to miles being Miles. It was nothing new to him. "So people are still following you guys?" He asked.

"Yeah, papi and dad did an interview for a magazine and papi went on GMA and talked about it," Miles said.

"They wouldn't let us go though. They said the less recognition we get the better, but that isn't really helping," Lucas said.

"It's not gonna stop, it'll die down for a bit, but once you do something the public doesn't like or make a cry for attention they'll be all up in your business again and they won't let you forget your mistakes," Kyle said.

"You mean like dating a nineteen year old?" Miles asked.

"I mean like getting pregnant at sixteen," Kyle replied, "why do you think Adam left when he got pregnant again? Him and Cooper fought yes, but he was scared of what the public would say about him. He's scared of them finding out. It won't be much longer before he really starts showing."

"You know I think Leora is the only one of you guys to stay out of the spotlight," Miles said shaking his head.

"What do you mean? I haven't made news in forever," Kyle said.

"True, but think of all the news you'll generate when the world finds out you've got a boyfriend who's over eighteen and your dads are letting you," Miles said.

"I don't care and their not going to find out anytime soon," Kyle said waving his hand dismissively.

"Sure, sure, you're Kendall Knight's son and Jared is a rising popstar. People will find out and drag you through the mud. You should know this better than anyone Kyle, you've grown up in the spotlight. You know how awful it can be," Miles said looking pointedly at the blonde.

Kyle looked away from Miles. His left hand moving to his left ear. He felt the small scar there. It was a constant reminder of how harsh the spotlight was. He quickly dropped his hand not wanting to think about it.

"What are you talking about?" Lucas asked confused.

"I was five and these guys with cameras were always in our faces. I ran into my dad trying to get away from them and moron behind me dropped his camera on me. The flash blinded me and it cut the side of my head," Kyle said running his finger along his temple to his ear. I don't think I've ever seen my dads get so mad," Kyle explained.

"Whoa," Lucas said.

"Yeah, I had to get stitches," Kyle said shuddering at the memory. He had always hated his pictures being taken like that.

"I never understood that whole I wanna be a model phase you went through. Before that you always hated getting your picture taken," Miles said shaking his head.

"I wanted to prove that I wasn't afraid to get my picture taken. I wanted those assholes to know they hadn't gotten to me, but being a model takes a lot of work. I'm not sure if that's the career I want, but I've got time to figure things out," Kyle said.

"Well you better figure them out cause I've got plans of mooching off my best friend for the rest of my life," Miles teased.

"Oh screw off," Kyle said shoving Miles off the bed. The brunette helped and hit the ground with a unceremonious thud.

"That hurt," Miles whined.

"Serves you right," Kyle said getting up. He stepped over Miles.

Miles had other ideas. He grabbed the blonde's ankle and pulled him down to the ground. Kyle yelped and kicked at Miles. The two started wrestling. Lucas say back and let them duke it out. He didn't want to get caught up in that.

-We Are-

Jake laughed as he followed Mason up to his apartment. Mason was telling him about a story from his high school days. Mason and a few friends had managed to dump paint and sparkles on his principal. Jake had wished he had been as daring as that. Then again his dad's probably would've grounded him for a month.

"I can't believe you did that," Jake said as he dug his keys from his pocket. He opened the door. "Did you at least get away with it?"

"I did at first, but Frankie wasn't so lucky. He was loyal and went down by himself. I came clean because I didn't want him getting all the blame," Mason replied.

"A prankster with a heart of gold," Jake teased. Him and Mason laughed. Jake quickly stopped him when he saw Damien on the couch on his laptop. He seemed to be concentrating.

"Hi guy," Damien said as the silence stretched on. Jake crossed the room quickly and plopped down next to his husband, being sure to peck him on the cheek.

"Hi Day, Mason and I found this awesome vegan place. I'm sure you'd love it too, I know how much you love sweet potato fries," Jake said smiling. Damien looked over at him and smiled as well.

"You'll have to take me there sometime," Damien replied.

"Sure," Jake said happy that Damien was trying to accept his new healthier eating habits as well.

"Ok she's all clean," Adam said emerging from his room with Miri in front of him. "Now if only she ate as much as she got on her clothes," he said. He stopped when he saw Jake and Mason. "Oh hey, didn't realize you guys were back."

"Aw Miri," Jake said as the girl ran up to him making up hands. Jake picked her up and blew a raspberry on her cheek. She laughed and moved her head back before moving closer pointing to her cheek. Jake repeated his actions.

"You've got Miri?" Mason asked.

"Over night." Adam nodded with a big grin.

"He's trusting you again, that's good," Jake said setting Miri down. She ran over to her toys.

"Yeah, maybe once I get my own place we can really work something out where I get her for a whole week or something," Adam said smiling at his daughter.

"So what about baby number two, when do we get to meet the little bundle of joy?" Jake asked changing the subject.

"You'll get to meet him in March," Adam said.

"Isn't it a little early to know the sex," Damien asked.

"I just have a feeling this one is gonna be a boy," Adam said placing a hand on his stomach.

"Baba," Miri said toddling over to him. She reached out to him. Adam picked her up. "Bay-bay!" She pointed to his stomach.

"She knows," Mason said looking at Adam questioningly.

"I've been trying to tell her, she knows baby is in my stomach," Adam said smiling. He couldn't seem to stop smiling.

-We Are-

Carlos quietly entered the house. He was sure the kids and Logan were all sleeping by now. He didn't want to wake them. He crept up the stairs and into his and Logan's bedroom.

Carlos stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Logan siting up slightly in bed with a book on his chest as he snored softly. He smiled at the sight of that. It had been so long since he had seen Logan like this. He rarely had time for anything other than work, but this was a nice changed.

Carlos walked over to the bed and grabbed the book. He marked the page and set it aside before sitting down beside Logan. Logan jerked awake with his eyes shooting wide open. He relaxed and smiled when he saw his husband.

"Hi," Carlos said with a smile.

"Hi," Logan said sitting up and stretching. He winced as he moved. "Must've fallen asleep reading," he said looking to the book on the bedside table.

"Yeah, it reminded me of when we first started dating and you'd always be reading," Carlos said with a smile.

"Yeah, things were simple back then," Logan said with a thoughtful look. Carlos leaned in and pecked Logan on the lips.

"Come on let's get to sleep I've got an early call time in the morning and you've got to work," Carlos said standing up and moving around to his side of the bed.

"Do we have to, can't we just skip a day?" Logan asked playfully.

"I'd love to, but I've got people depending on me and a deadline to meet Logie," Carlos said regretfully. Logan sighed and patted the bed beside him. Carlos shed his shirt and pants and climbed into bed next to Logan. "Things will work out Los, we can make this work," he said pulling Carlos close to him.

-We Are-

Kyle sighed as he rolled over in bed. Sleep was evading him. He wasn't sure why, but he just could not fall asleep. It seemed no matter how hard he tried he just couldn't fall asleep. It's like his mind was racing a mile a minute.

Kyle was thinking about everything Jared had told him about Noah. He was still in shock that someone like Noah had gone through all that. Noah was always so upbeat and happy. He always had a positive out look on things.

Kyle knew Jared went through it with his parents. Jared had told Kyle all about what his dad did and his way of getting a point across. In a small way Jared was glad that his parents had kicked him out, but Kyle knew he missed them. They were his parents after all.

There was a soft knock at his door Kyle slowly opened the door and saw Leora standing there. He arched a brow at her in silent question.

"Couldn't sleep, I was wondering if you were up," Leora whispered. Kyle stepped aside for Leora. She walked into his room. She sat down in his desk chair. "What's keeping you up?" She asked.

"Just thinking," Kyle shrugged. "What about you?" He asked.

"Promise to keep a secret?" Leora asked slowly as she bit her lip.

"What's wrong Leora?" Kyle asked curiously.

"Promise," Leora said.

"Cross my heart," Kyle replied sticking his hand up in promise.

"I think Caleb wants to take things further," Leora said slowly.

"Is he pressuring you?" Kyle asked quickly.

"Not really, but how did you know you were ready to, you know," Leora said wringing her hands together. She was embarrassed, but Kyle was the only one who could help her.

"It just felt right. Neither of us pressured each other," Kyle said.

"He's not pressuring me, I just think he's getting tired of me stopping him at every turn," Leora said slowly. "I'm sorry you don't wanna hear this," Leora said moving to get up. Kyle quickly stopped her.

"Leora you're my sister and while I don't really want to know the details of you sex life or lack thereof, I will listen to you and help you in anyway I can. I mean we used to tell each other everything," Kyle said slowly.

"We did," Leora bobbed her head. "When did things get so complicated?"

"When you became a girl and I became a boy," Kyle replied. Leora nodded her head knowing what he meant. When they were younger they barely thought twice about telling each other things. They were just Kyle and Leora the twins. Now they were two separate people. They had drifted apart.

"Why does life get in the way?" Leora asked thoughtfully.

"I don't know, society has rules and guidelines. They want to box people in," Kyle replied.

"Don't let them," Leora replied with a grin.

"I never do, I mean I'm dating Jared aren't I? That's like a big no-no according to most people. I don't care though," Kyle said.

"Of course you don't," Leora said.

"Le, promise me, if you ever wanna talk, just talk to me. I won't judge you," Kyle said holding his pinkie out to his sister. Leora crossed the room and grabbed his pinkie with hers.

"Promise, cross my heart," Leora replied with a smile. She climbed on to Kyle's bed and sat beside him. "Thank you for listening to be babble. Now what's on your mind," she said looking at him.

"Ok, but you have to promise not to tell anyone," Kyle said quickly.

"Cross my heart," Leora repeated.

Kyle told her about Noah and Jace. He wasn't sure what to do about Cooper. He didn't even know if the two were really dating. Maybe they were just friends. Maybe he was reading too much into this.

"Relax Kyle, it's not your burden to carry. That being said just keep an eye on Cooper and Miri. You don't know for sure what's going on yet to do anything. You could be just jumping to conclusions," Leora said.

"I know, but what if he's still that guy and he hurts Miri or Cooper?" Kyle asked.

"Just don't do anything until you know for sure," Leora replied.

The pair lapsed into silence. Each lost in their own thoughts. Kyle knew Leora was right and that he should wait until he knew more of the situation.

A thought occurred to Leora. She opened her mouth and closed it. Kyle looked at her curiously.

"Can you believe it's almost been a year since the bombing?" Leora finally asked.

Kyle's hand flew to his left cheek. The faint scar there reminded him of the bombing. It had been awful and for the longest time loud noises had scared Kyle.

"It's so weird," Kyle said slowly, "one day things were fine and the next I wake up weeks later and everything had changed," he said.

"I'm sorry Kyle, I didn't meant to-I-it just occurred to me," Leora said.

"It's ok Le, it's probably gonna be talked about at school soon anyways," Kyle replied

So there you go another chapter from me. Yay!

So much going on. Noah is trying to deal with the memories of Jace. James and Logan are feeling abandoned. Kyle's dealing with the reality the abuse is real. Adam wants Cooper back, can he win him over? Should Kyle warn Cooper about Jace? Leora and Kyle opened up to one another and strengthened their sibling bond.

Always

OUTOFMYMIND