I'd like to thank winterschild11, annabellex2, Franshes, Sir RCCS, germanfanfictioner, and DeniseDEMD for taking a little extra time to review. Thank you guys.
Chapter 20: Tensions Rising
Kyle bounced excitedly as he walked out of the terminal. He was in Atlanta with James and Leora. Jenny was back in LA with Jennifer. Kyle and Leora were on thanksgiving break from school. James had decided to surprise Kendall and join him on the road for Thanksgiving. It was only Wednesday and they would be in Atlanta for the weekend. Leora was excited to do some shopping with James and Kyle was excited to see Jared.
"Why are you so jumpy, they won't get here until tonight," Leora said shaking her head.
"I know that," Kyle said glaring at his sister as they headed to the exit with James. A rental car as waiting for them already. James got the keys and ushered the kids into the car.
"So, they have a show Saturday, are we staying that long?" Kyle asked James.
"Yes, we leave Sunday morning," James said.
"Awesome," Kyle said excitedly.
"You are not spending the night in his room Kyle. You and Leora are sharing a room," James said quickly.
"I know pops," Kyle said rolling his eyes.
As excited as Kyle was, he was also a bit uneasy. Things had been a bit difficult for him lately. Between the rumors and his arguments with Jared, this weekend was going to be a long weekend. Especially since Jared and Kyle could really be seen alone together. It would spark even more rumors. That wasn't what Kyle wanted. Jared just wanted to get things over with. Jared was being a little pushy and Kyle didn't like it too much. Despite all that, Kyle was still excited to see his boyfriend. Maybe seeing Jared in person would help get rid of some of the tension that had grown between the pair.
"So pops, are we gonna go shopping while we're here?" Leora asked.
"Of course Le, wouldn't miss an opportunity to go shopping in Atlanta," James replied to his daughter.
"You guys are crazy. Black Friday shopping is nuts," Kyle said.
"Pops and I have a system," Leora replied waving her hand.
"What beat people until they let go of that new shirt or a that new purse you just need to have," Kyle said.
"No, I'll let just let go, no shirt or purse is worth it," Leora said, "we just gotta be quick and careful and stay together. Right pops?" She asked looking to James.
"Exactly," James replied.
-We Are-
Lilly laughed as she followed Artie through the mall. They were heading to the arcade to play some games. Artie was telling her a story about a time with his grandfather when he was a kid.
"Grandpa Art is crazy," Artie said.
"I know I've heard stories. My dads used to work for him," Lilly said.
"That's right," Artie said nodding his head.
The two entered the arcade together. Lilly quickly pulled Artie over to a hunting game. She grabbed one of the guns and handed it to Artie. She grabbed the other gun and slipped a dollar into the machine.
"I'm not that good at shooting games," Artie said slowly as the game started.
"Me either, but I love this game," Lilly said excitedly.
The two started shooting deer and trash talking. Lilly was quicker to shoot but Artie seemed to hit more. Once the game ended the two laughed.
"I thought you weren't good at shooting games," Lilly said as they moved on.
"I'm usually not," Artie said quickly.
"Ok, pick a game and I'll own you," Lilly challenged.
Artie picked a game. The two played and Lilly won this time. They took turns picking games. Soon they grew tired and headed to the food court to get some smoothies. They sat down in the food court together.
"You are good at video games," Artie said as he took a sip of his smoothie.
"I grew up with a few boys. Videos games were a normality," Lilly said shrugging.
"Boys? Well I grew up being close to Lendall and James's kiss. They have three boys and they have friends. I used to kind of be a tomboy," Lilly said blushing.
"Oh," Artie said smiling.
"Yeah, I have a brother too, but that different. I only just found out he was my brother a year ago. It's kind of a long story," Lilly said.
"Family is complicated I get it, and I kind of saw the news about your brothers all over gossip magazines," Artie said.
"Right, those are stories. I've got the real story," Lilly said. The two lapsed into silence. Lilly sipped at her smoothie. She wasn't sure what to say. "So what are you doing tomorrow?" She asked.
"Uh nothing much, maybe just staying in my apartment all alone," Artie said without thinking.
"What? Aren't you gonna spend the day with your family?" Lilly asked confused.
"Uh no, I'm not really on talking terms with my mom right now," Artie said shaking his head.
"Oh," Lilly said.
The two sat there again. Neither of them was sure what to say. Lilly wasn't sure what to do. This was getting a bit too serious for her liking. It was getting personal. It was almost a conversation she'd have had with Kyle when they were dating.
"So, uh this was fun," Lilly said jumping up. Artie looked at her confused. "I'm sorry Artie my dads get mad when I stay out late. I gotta go," she said quickly.
"Lilly wait," Artie said jumping up as well. Lilly stopped and looked at Artie. He took a step closer to her. "This was fun, I don't have many friends who want to hang out with me anymore, so thanks," he said slowly.
"No problem Artie, just call or text whenever. I'm not too terribly busy," Lilly said.
"Thank you," Artie said giving Lilly a hug. Lilly returned the hug. As they took a step back Lilly locked eyes with Artie. Before she knew what was happening they were kissing.
Lilly quickly took a step back her eyes wide. She shook her head. "Artie I'm sorry I can't. Not yet, I just-" she said cutting herself off. "I'm sorry I have to go."
Lilly turned and took off at a run. She hadn't meant to do that. She could not go down that road again. All it was, was a road to heartache and hurt.
-We Are-
"So their in Atlanta?" Adam asked Jake.
"Yep it was a spur of the moment thing. I think pops is trying to get back at me for wanting to go to Italy for Christmas and New Years," Jake said quickly.
"Ok well, it looks like you'll be going to the in-laws this year Jake," Adam laughed.
"Don't remind me," Jake said.
"Are they that bad?" Mason asked jokingly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Damien asked looking over at his husband. Jake smiled and moved closer to Damien.
"Nothing," Jake said with a big smile.
"Or we could have our own thanksgiving!" Adam said excitedly. "Day and I can cook and you and Mason can watch sports, it'll be just like normal," He said looking at Jake.
Jake thought it over for a moment. Adam had a point, they were adult and could make their own traditions.
"Ok, but we don't have anything for food. Thanksgiving is tomorrow," Damien said slowly.
"Let me go shopping," Adam said raising his hand quickly.
"I can go with and make sure he doesn't go over board," Mason offered.
"Sounds like a plan," Damien said.
"Great, Mace lets go," Adam said standing up and pulling Mason along. He managed to swipe Jakes car keys from the counter and the two left the apartment.
"So," Damien said leaning closer to Jake. He made sure to breathe on his neck. "Are my parents that bad?" he asked.
"That is not where I thought you were going with that," Jake said with a laugh. "No, it's Marissa and Clarissa. They can be a bit much," he said referring to Damien's young cousins. Damien laughed and shook his head.
"We have the apartment to ourselves," Damien said his voice dropping low. He leaned over and nipped at Jake's neck.
"What's gotten into you lately?" Jake asked looking over at Damien. "You've been very..." He trailed off.
"Horny?" Damien asked playfully. "What can I say Jake, you turn me on," he added with kiss to Jake's cheek.
"It's not that, it's just you're being so affectionate, it's nice," Jake said smiling at his husband.
"Jake we've been so busy with classes and work and I've been ignoring you. I'm sorry, I just want you to know I love you and that we still have that spark," Damien said.
"I know we've been busy," Jake said moving closer to Damien. He pressed a kiss to his lips. "I like this new affectionate Day," he added.
"Bedroom please," Damien said.
"Since you asked so nicely," Jake said standing up. He wobbled for a moment before catching his balance and laughing. Damien jumped up quickly.
"Are you ok?" Damien asked worriedly.
"I'm fine I just got a little light headed," Jake said waving his hand. He took off for their bedroom. Damien quickly followed after him.
-We Are-
Kendall yawned as he handed key cards to the guys telling them which rooms they had. They all snatched their keys and took off. No doubt they were tired too and wanted to get some sleep like Kendall did as well. Kendall shook his head and turned around. He stopped when he saw James standing leaning against one of the pillars in the lobby.
"What are you doing here?" Kendall asked shocked.
"We wanted to surprise you."
Kendall looked to his side and saw Leora and Kyle standing there was well. They both smiled at him. Kendall gave both twins a hug. Being sure to tell Kyle what Jared's room number was.
"Dad, I'm a little upset that you think I'd have another motive for visiting," Kyle said feigning hurt. Leora laughed at that. "You know what, I am gonna just go up to my room and think about what you said," Kyle said taking off.
"Behave," Kendall called after his son.
"Always," Kyle replied as he entered the elevator.
"Well, I've been texting Jackie and she upstairs, so I'll leave you two be," Leora said giving Kendall another hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Alright, I'll see you later Le, behave as well," Kendall said.
"Dad please," Leora said turning to face him as she backed up to the elevator. "Compared to Jake, Adam, and Kyle I am an angel," she joked.
Once she was gone Kendall walked over to James. He pecked him on the lips and led him over to the elevator.
"I've missed you Jamie," Kendall said softly. The elevators doors slid open and Kendall grabbed his James' hand. He pulled him into the elevator.
"I've messed you too," James said.
"So who's got Jenny?" Kendall asked as the elevator started to ascend.
"You mom and she wants you to call more," James replied with a smile.
The two rode in silence up to the fifth floor. Once the doors slid open Kendall grabbed James' hand and led him down the hallway to his hotel room. Once there he quickly opened the door and pulled James inside.
Once inside Kendall pushed James up against the door and pressed their lips together in a much needed kiss. It had been far too long since they had had a moment to themselves. Kendall needed this so bad. They hadn't had time to even be together like this during Halloween.
James pushed Kendall further into the room. They managed to get their shoes off and on to a bed rather quickly. Kendall rolled them over so he was on top. He stared down at James.
"God I've missed this," Kendall said.
"I've missed you," James replied. Kendall smiled and leaned down and pressed their lips together in a slow sweet kiss. It was a far cry from the kiss they had just shared.
"I've missed you James, so much," Kendall said when they parted. James placed his hands on Kendall's neck and pulled him into another kiss. It started slow and soft. It quickly started escalating. James' hands began to wander and Kendall felt at ease.
-We Are-
Jared groaned as he fell onto his bed. He was glad to finally be in Atlanta. He wanted nothing more than to just pass out and not wake up for a week. He had time to relax. He didn't have a show until Saturday and it was only Wednesday. He was looking forward to a few dad of rest and relaxation.
There was a knock at the door. Jared groaned and asked Matt to get it. He got no answer. He looked around and saw Matt was nowhere to be seen. He grumbled as he got out of bed ready to holler at Roldy or Noah, or whoever was at the door. Jared stormed over to the door and opened it ready to yell.
Jared froze when he saw Kyle standing there with a grin. Jared's jaw dropped as he stood there. He wasn't sure if he was dreaming or not. Was Kyle really here?
"Stop gaping and let him in Munroe," Matt said pushing Jared aside as he walked past him. "Nice to see you kid," he added as he passed Kyle.
"See ya Matt," Kyle said as he walked into the room shutting the door behind him. "Hi," he said looking to Jared.
"What are you doing here?" Jared asked a he took a step closer to the blonde and pulled him into a kiss.
"Pops wanted to surprise dad, and I get to surprise you," Kyle said as he wrapped his arms around Jared's neck and pulled him closer.
"I've missed you," Jared said smiling at his boyfriend. All the tiredness and achyness drained from him. The annoyance he felt towards Kyle as of late was forgotten. He was just happy to have the young blonde here with him.
"I've missed you too," Kyle said walking into the room. Jared followed him and sat down on his bed. Kyle sat down next to him. "We're here because pops wanted to surprise dad for thanksgiving. I talked him into letting me and tag a long since we didn't have school anyways."
"I'm glad," Jared said smiling.
"So," Kyle said slowly. He was looking away from Jared. "Are you still uh," he started.
"No," Jared said.
"Good cause, I'm sorry," Kyle said quickly.
"Don't be, I've recently been told I can be a douche sometimes," Jared said smiling. Kyle chuckled at that.
"Was it Roldy?" Kyle asked.
"How the hell did you know that," Jared asked amazed.
"He seems to be the one to put you in your place when you need it," Kyle replied.
Jared chuckled and nodded his head. Roldy was that and more to him. Roldy was his best friend and wasn't afraid to tell him off.
"So are we making up?" Kyle asked.
"I think so," Jared said.
"Good," Kyle said leaning over and kissing Jared. Jared grinned into the kiss and pulled the blonde closer.
There was a knock at the door. Jared pulled back and looked to the door confused. Kyle moved to get up, Jared stopped him and pulled him into a kiss. He had other plans at the moment. He knock came again louder and more persistent.
"Sorry Jer, they're not going away," Kyle said slipping out of Jared's hold. He walked over to the door and opened it.
"Kyle!"
Noah threw himself at the young blonde. Kyle stumbled, but managed to stay on his feet.
"Great, who let you out of your cage," Jared asked walking over to the door.
"Matt told us Kyle was here," Roldy said appearing beside his boyfriend.
"And it's true," Noah said pushing his way into the room. Roldy gave Jared an apologetic look and followed Noah shutting the door behind him.
"It's not just me pops and Leora are here too," Kyle said walking over to Jared's bed and sitting down again. Noah claimed Matt's bed and Roldy sat in the recliner. Jared sat next to Kyle.
"Cool, so we'll be spending Thanksgiving with you?" Noah asked.
"Yep," Kyle said.
"Good, it's nice to have some fresh faces to be around. I'm kind of getting tired of Jackie and the girls. I mean their great but we see them all the time, same goes for Icsis," Noah said.
"Whatever, you're just pissed that Tim is crashing on our bus," Jared said laughing.
"What?" Kyle asked confused.
"Icsis and all girls and Timber. When girls live together they all kind of sync up and he needs to get away for a bit," Jared explained.
"Oh right, Miles does that too, he's got two sisters," Kyle said quickly. The guys laughed at that.
-We Are-
Adam was sitting in Cooper's apartment. Cooper was sitting on the floor playing with Miri while Adam watched. Sitting on the floor was a difficult task for Adam to get up from.
"So what are you doing tomorrow?" Adam asked.
"Nothing, Blaine is going to his girlfriends house and my mom has to work. She might be going to her boyfriend's afterwards. I think he's got like two kids," Cooper said.
"Well, Jake and I are hosting a misfit type Thanksgiving. Our dads are in Atlanta with he twins. This is our year to do it on our won," Adam said.
"Don't you think they'll get suspicious that you invited me," Cooper asked.
"I told them we were just friends now and Jake asked me to invite you, if you're not busy," Adam said quickly.
"Not at all, Miri and I will be there," Cooper said with a smile. He turned back to Miri who was babbling away with her doll. She was oblivious to the world around her. "You know we aware gonna have to tell them sooner or later," Cooper said glancing up at Adam.
"I know, just give me some time,"Adam said.
"I know, I'm not quite ready for Blaine's reaction. He uh told me I needed to move on and has been repeating it ever since you returned," Cooper said.
"I don't blame him," Adam said looking away from Cooper. He still couldn't believe that they were together again. Cooper had every right to be mad at him from now to eternity, but he wasn't mad.
"Hey, stop, that's is in the past, we agreed to start over," Cooper said quickly. He stood up and moved to sit beside Adam. He made Adam look at him. "I love you Adam, nothing is ever gonna change that," he said.
"I don't know why," Adam said softly. "I love you too you know," he added. Cooper pressed a kiss to his lips.
Miri stood up and walked over to the pair. She started to whine and make up hands. Cooper chuckled and picked her up. He set her in his lap. She reached over and touched Adam's stomach.
"Baa," she said smiling. Adam nodded his head.
"Yep that's where bubba is," Adam said smiling. Miri giggled and pulled her hand back. She looked up to Cooper before trying to crawl into Adam's lap. Cooper stopped her.
"No, not right now Miri, papa is tired," Cooper said.
"It's ok Cooper, I'm not a fragile," Adam said.
"I know, I just..." Cooper trailed off.
"I know, but everything is good with the baby. He's healthy and I am healthy," Adam said.
"I know, I just worry," Cooper said softly.
There was a knock at the door.
-We Are-
Kendall walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. He saw James had taken the robe and was already sitting on the bed.
"Should we get dressed and go check on our kids?" Kendall asked not looking away from his husband. It still amazed Kendall that even after all these years James could still turn him on with out even trying.
"If you want to be a responsible parent," James sighed standing up.
"Knock it off, get dressed," Kendall chuckled. He walked over to his bag and started getting dressed. James grumbled as he got dressed as well.
Once the pair was fully clothed Kendall walked over to Names and placed his arms on his shoulders. James smiled and stole a quick kiss.
"Thank you for showing up here," Kendall said.
"Your welcome, but it was mostly just so I could see you," James replied.
"I know your a little selfish and kind of self centered, but I knew that when I married you. I love you," Kendall said.
"Aw, how sweet," James laughed, "I love you too," he added quickly. He stole another kiss.
"You better stop, or we will never get out of this room," Kendall said pushing Jams back slightly.
"And that's a bad thing?" James asked.
"Yes, we've got two kids running around this hotel," Kendall said.
"Their sixteen Kendall, I'm sure Kyle is with Jared and the guys, and then Leora might be with Jackie or back in her room," James said quickly.
"Come on, let's be responsible parents," Kendall said.
"Fine, if we must," James said walking to the door. He wiggled his butt as he did so. Kendall groaned and looked away.
"Don't, I'm serious," Kendall said.
"I'm not doing anything," James said coyly.
"Just go," Kendall said giving James a playful shove. The two exited the room and started the search for their kids. Kendall texted Kyle while James texted Leora.
-We Are-
Kyle sat back as he watched Jared and Matt talk to Artie on video chat. Noah and Roldy were jumping I'm every once in awhile. Artie was having a problem with a girl and asking for advice. There was a girl that Artie was kind seeing. She was still hung up on another guy. Artie was sure if he should keep trying or move on, since she did see interested.
"Look Artie, this is ultimately your decision, but I'd have to say move on," Jared said.
"Says the guys who was hung up on a guy for like two years," Roldy said.
"And I learned my lesson. Don't get hung up on someone who's not interested," Jared said.
"So what's her name?" Noah asked pushing Matt aside to be seen on screen.
"It's Lilly and she's amazing. I know she likes me, she's just not over her ex," Artie said.
"Aw, is she cute? Does she have a brain? She might be worth fighting for," Noah said quickly.
"Yes, yes, and I am trying to determine that," Artie sighed.
"I need some more details," Noah said.
"Blonde, but I don't think it's her natural color and she has like the darkest brown eyes I've even seen. She's also a Latina," Artie said.
Kyle who had been sitting back taking a drink of water choked on his water. Jared looked over to the blonde worriedly. He stood up to check on him and Noah took his vacated spot asking Artie more questions.
"Are you ok?" Jared asked once Kyle seemed to catch his breath.
"Yeah, peachy," Kyle said glaring at Jared slightly.
"What's wrong, what happened? Forget how to drink water," Jared asked.
"No, but I might have the answer Artie is looking for," Kyle said.
"How so?" Jared asked.
"Well for starters I'm the other guy," Kyle said slipping off the bed. He walked over to the laptop. "Artie is the girl you're dating Lilly Mitchell?"
"Yeah, how did-oh, you're the other guys aren't you?" Artie asked.
"Lilly and I dated for almost two years. Things didn't really end well for us," Kyle said.
"Wow, no wonder she's so hesitant," Artie said. "What did you do to make her so scared," he asked curiously.
"It's complicated, I uh kind of cheated on her and then I might've dumped her at prom," Kyle said slowly.
"Prom? Really?" Matt asked shocked.
"Look it's not something I'm proud of. I felt bad, and believe it or not Jared wasn't the reason I broke up with her. Lilly and I had been growing apart long before Jared showed up in my life," Kyle said.
"So you know Lilly better than these guys, do I stand a chance?" Artie asked.
"Yes, if you are honest with her," Kyle said.
"I was afraid of that," Artie said.
"Relax, I've known Lilly since I brith. She won't care as long as your honest," Kyle said quickly.
"I don't know, I mean my mom changed after I told her I wasn't Lexi," Artie said.
"Trust me Artie, Lilly is not like that. She is worth the fight and then some," Kyle said.
"If she's worth the fight why did you give her up?" Artie asked.
"Yeah, why," Jared asked.
"Because I wasn't in love with her anymore. I still care about her, but it's more like a sister than anything," Kyle said looking to Jared. "Which is why you need to help her move on Artie. It's been months and I can tell she's not over it yet, no matter how hard she tries to hide it," he said.
"I don't know," Artie said quickly.
"Leora's noticed a change in Lilly. She says she's been happier since she started seeing some guy she met at the Palm Woods that I can only assume is you," Kyle said.
"Really?" Artie asked.
"Yeah, she's been smiling more and everything. No joke dude," Kyle said nodding his head.
"Honestly, I think you and Lilly need to sit down and talk. I think there might be some unresolved feelings on her side," Artie said.
"Don't you think I've tried, I've just gotten her to be my friend again, but she doesn't want to talk about our relationship," Kyle said glancing over to Jared who looked a tad uncomfortable.
"I gotta go, I'll talk to you guys later," Artie said. The guys all said good bye to Artie and he signed off.
Kyle turned to Jared. He didn't look happy right now. Jared never looked happy when Kyle brought up Lilly.
"What's wrong now?" Kyle asked. The guys all sensed the unease there and jumped up. They quickly left the room. Even Matt left, which was odd since it was his room.
"Nothing," Jared said quickly.
"Oh don't play dumb, you're upset, is it because I mentioned Lilly and the relationship I had with her?" Kyle asked arching a brow at his boyfriend.
"No; it's not that it's-" Jared started.
"Look, you can't get jealous every time I mention Lilly or hang out with her. She is my friend," Kyle said.
"Kyle I'm sorry, it just the way you talk about her. It makes me feel like you still love her," Jared said hanging his head.
"I don't love her like that anymore. She's more like a sister now," Kyle explained.
"Well sometimes it doesn't feel like it," Jared said.
"What do I have to do to prove to you that I don't love her?" Kyle asked. Jared looked away from Kyle. Kyle knew exactly what he wanted to say. "Say it," Kyle said.
"No, it's not gonna make a difference, you don't seem to care how I feel," Jared snapped.
"It's not like that, I've known Lilly since I was born. I can't just not have her be a part of my life Jared, we are friends and that is it," Kyle said.
"I see the way she looks at you sometimes and I can't help but feel like I stole you away from her. That you two would still be together if I had never kissed you," Jared said.
"I am not having this argument, I am going to bed," Kyle sighed throwing his hands up in the air. He had had this argument before. It seemed even the mention of Lilly made Jared insecure and Kyle wasn't sure how to fix it. He stormed out of the room and down the hallway towards his room.
-We Are-
Logan started down at the magazine in his hands. It was open to a page with an article about Carlos. Logan gotten the magazine from Gerald King. The article was about Carlos' trip to New York, sort of. It involved Selene, Carlos' costar.
Logan closed the magazine and shook his head. If there was one thing he he knew, it was to not believe everything he read. Which was what Logan had told Gerald. He just wanted to make sure everything was ok. He didn't want Lucas in the middle of arguing. Logan assured him everything was fine. However, after he read the article he wasn't one hundred percent sure. That was silly though. Carlos would never cheat on Logan.
Logan shut the magazine. He stuffed it in a drawer. He didn't want to think about it right now. All he wanted to do was go to sleep. Logan left his officejn and headed up stairs. He made sure to check in on the girls. Layla was passed out and Lilly was doing homework. She promised to go to bed soon.
So there you go another chapter. James, Kyle, and Leora surprised Kendall and the guys in Atlanta. Is a good idea or will it end in disaster? Jake and Adam are gonna attempt their own thanksgiving, how will that turn out? Artie is trying to get closer to Lilly, can he get past her walls? Can he tell her the truth about himself? Will Lilly accept him? Jared is jealous of Kyle's past relationship with Lilly. Can Kyle convince him he doesn't love her that way anymore? Is Carlos cheating on Logan?
So many questions and I have the answers. You will get them soon hopefully. So next chapter will be thanksgiving and some hijinks. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. There will be more to come.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND