I would to thank Franshes, annabellex2, winterschild11, Charlie-Rose94, DeniseDEMD, germanfanfictioner, and Sir RCCS for all taking the time to review, so thank you my lovelies. Hugs and kisses being sent your way.

Chapter 23: The Interview

Kendall bit back a yawn as he looked over some paper work. He had given Inside Joke a well deserved vacation and was just getting some paper work done before Christmas break. James wanted to take the kids upstate for Christmas. It would be good to get away from everything for awhile.

"Hey boss, need anything before I head out?"

Kendall looked up to the doorway and saw his blonde assistant standing in the doorway with her jacket on she looked ready to go.

"No Pen, go home and enjoy your vacation," Kendall said smiling to her.

"Ok then, I'll see you after the new year," Penelope said with a smile.

"Merry Christmas Pen," Kendall replied.

"And a happy new year," she winked. With that said she turned and left.

"Still working?"

Kendall looked up and saw Kelly standing in his doorway now. He smiled at her. "Just finishing up some paper work," he replied.

"Don't stay here too long, or you'll never leave Mr. Workaholic," She teased.

"I have to, James and I are taking the kids up North for enter break," Kendall said.

"Ah, some family time away from the press?" Kelly asked.

"Yeah, Kyle's been having a tough time and I have to do that stupid interview with Jane Michaels," Kendall said.

"Why her?" Kelly asked knowing full well how much the talk show host pissed Kendall off.

"Because, if I can get on the show and talk maybe I can get some people to see things my way and not bother Kyle as much," Kendall said.

"How is he doing?" Kelly asked.

"He's ok, he seems to be fine," Kendall said.

"That's because you don't see him all the time."

Kendall looked past Kelly and saw Jared standing there. Kelly looked to the bleached blonde shocked as well.

"I gave you vacation," Kendall said.

"I'm worried about Kyle," Jared said.

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

"He's tired, all the time, he's moody and distant, I think this is all getting to him," Jared said.

"As a kid Kyle hated the paparazzi," Kendall said.

"I've heard," Jared said walking into the office. He sat down across from Kendall with Kelly.

"Look, I've noticed the mood swings and the tiredness. James and I are taking our family upstate for winter break. That will two weeks away from everything and hopefully it will do Kyle some good," Kendall said.

"Yeah, hopefully," Jared said slowly.

"Getting away from all the stress should help Kyle," Kelly assured Jared.

"I know I just...worry," Jared said hesitantly.

"What's on your mind," Kendall asked knowingly.

"You can't tell him I told you this," Jared said shifting uncomfortably in his seat. Kendall nodded his head and ran a finger over his lips. "He hasn't been eating, he's losing weight. He doesn't want you or James to know. That's why he takes off all the time."

"James mentioned he hadn't actually seen Kyle eating lately," Kendall said slowly.

"I'm worried about him, I don't know what to do," Jared said.

"We are taking him out of town. We'll talk to him and I am doing that stupid interview with that Jane Michaels," Kendall said making a face.

"Of all the people to do an interview with?" Jared asked.

"I've done a bunch of interviews already. Maybe if I stand up to her some people will realize that this isn't a bad thing. Maybe I can open some people's minds," Kendall replied.

"For Kyle's sake I hope is does," Jared said standing up.

"Any holiday plans?" Kendall asked.

"Noah is trying to get us to go up north for some snowboarding, but Matt wants to stay here for his niece," Jared said.

"Up North?" Kendall asked arching a brow at the bleached blonde.

"The idea may or may not have been planted in his head after he heard you talking about it the other day." Jared shrugged and left the office.

-We Are-

Kyle's leg bounced up and down as he waited for the bell to ring. Winter break would start as soon as the bell rang. Kyle was eager to get out of school. He had managed to get his grades back up to a C+ average. It was better than failing. Kyle was excited for a break away from school and the city. His dad's had sprung a surprise on him and Leora this morning and saw they were taking them up north to the ski resort, for winter break.

Kyle was eager to go home and pack. The only down side to going away for winter break was no Jared. Kyle would miss him, but it would be ok. They'd do what they did when Jared was on tour. It would work out. Ok maybe Kyle would go see Jared for a bit before he went home to pack. Yeah, that sounded like a good idea. They weren't leaving until tomorrow anyways.

"Dude what's go you so jittery?" Miles asked.

"It's almost winter break, I just wanna get out of this place," Kyle said glancing around the room.

Things had died down a lot since Jared's return. Sure people were still arguing whether or not his relationship with Jared was inappropriate or not, but the reports and photographers had mostly moved on. They were no longer camped outside the Knights house, they chose the Palm Woods after Roldy's and Noah finally came out as dating. People had been speculating for weeks, but now that it was confirmed people could not get enough of the two. They had been deemed the adorable couple of the group while Kyle and Jared were the controversial couple.

"Got somewhere to be?" Miles joked.

"Kind of, I have to pack, we're going up north for vacation," Kyle said quickly.

"You guys too? Papi told us we were going to a ski resort," Miles replied.

"What are the odds it's the same one we're going to?" Kyle asked.

"Very high," Miles laughed.

"I hope so, that would be so much fun," Kyle said.

The bell finally rang. The pair jumped up and left the room waving to their other friends. Kyle took off to his car with Miles. He would give him the keys for now and get Jared to bring him home later.

-We Are-

Adam yawned as he followed Cooper into his apartment. Cooper had picked him up from the diner and talked him into coming over for awhile. Miri was with Jennifer for the night, so they'd be alone.

"So I was thinking maybe for Christmas we could finally tell your dads and my mom about us," Cooper said slowly as he looked to Adam.

"Yeah, it's about time we tell them," Adam said walking over to the couch and sitting down.

"Really?" Cooper asked shocked. He quickly joined Adam on the couch.

"Well, we've been going to counseling and we've worked through a lot together Coop. I think we're stronger than we've ever been," Adam said smiling at his boyfriend.

"Really?" Cooper asked.

Adam nodded his head and leaned over and pecked Cooper on the cheek. "I really do think that Coop. I mean look how far we've come in the last few months."

The two lapsed into silence for a moment. Adam was right. They had made so much progress in the last few months. They had gone from arguing every time they saw each other to be happy to see one another again. It was a nice change and Adam was happy about that. They were finally getting back on track with their lives. Things were looking up for them.

"Thanks Adam," Cooper said softly.

"No Coop, thank you forgiving me a second chance when I didn't deserve another," Adam said grabbing Cooper's hand. Cooper just smiled and nodded his head.

-We Are-

Jake smiled as he lifted his camera up and caught a picture of Damien moving about their bedroom packing things for their trip. Jake had packed a few days ago and only had his carry on to worry about. He was getting better and better with his camera and almost always had it in his hands. He looked over at Damien and smiled. Life really couldn't be any better.

"Put the camera down and come help me," Damien said without turning back to look at his husband.

"Just look at me a second," Jake commanded. Damien turned with a smile for him. Jake snapped a picture and set the camera aside.

"You're bringing the camera with right?" Damien asked.

"Like I'd leave it at home," Jake said as he joined Damien in folding his clothes.

"Right, it's practically glued to your hands," Damien said rolling his eyes. "I don't mind, as long as certain pictures stay between us," he said.

"Well duh," Jake said grinning.

"So what do you want to do first when we get to Rome?" Damien asked casually.

"The Trevi Fountain," Jake said quickly.

"I wanna see the colosseum," Damien said quickly. "Tito knows his way around though. He can show us some cool places," he added.

"I can't wait," Jake said with a big smile. He was really eager for this trip. It was going to be fun. "What time do we leave?" He asked.

"Tomorrow at 6AM and we layover in New York for a couple hours to meet up with Tito's mom," Damien said.

"Sounds good," Jake said giving Damien a thumbs up. The two continued to pack for their trip and make small talk. Jake felt at ease with Damien. He loved this feeling and never wanted to let it go.

-We Are-

"You're doing the interview?" Kyle asked looking at his dad shocked. He glanced to James knowing he was probably behind this. They had to have a motive for this. They wouldn't go in blind, Kyle knew his dad's to well. Hey had some convoluted plan to get this to go in his favor.

"Yes, I have to get going they've got a camera crew set up at the studio and I'll be done over satellite," Kendall said.

"Why her though," Jared asked. He had given Kyle a ride home and Kendall as asked him to come in.

"I agree, she's not the best choice, but I've done interviews already and no one seems to be listening. Your father and I figure if we can maybe get her to kind of see that this isn't a bad thing," Kendall reasoned.

"How long did you rehearse that one?" Kyle asked.

"Not long enough, but I'll be doing this tonight," Kendall said.

"Then we leave for the ski resort? Nice stir the pot and then get out of town," Kyle said.

"Basically," James replied.

"This was your idea," Kyle said looking to James once more.

"Maybe, but hey his could help you guys. If we can even change a few people's minds, then it'll be worth it," James said.

"Thanks, both of you," Kyle said looking between his dads.

"Alright now, I have to go. You don't have to watch the interview if you don't want to," Kendall said.

"Are you nuts I'm calling the guys and having them watch it. We might even head over there," Kyle said.

"Invite them here, I'll be with your dad and your grandma Jen has Jenny," James said.

"On it," Kyle said grabbing his phone. "I'll have Miles pick them up, since Jared has their car," Kyle said as he texted his friends.

"Wow, thanks for the support I guess," Kendall said.

"I just wanna see you yell at her again," Kyle said glancing up at Kendall. Kendall smiled and shook his head.

"That's why I'll be there, to stop him from pissing her off. At least until after he gets his point across," James said. Kendall rolled his eyes at that.

"Miles said he'd do it and the guys said they'd be here," Kyle said looking to Jared. "If this is anything like your last interview with her, it'll be great," he added.

"How do you even remember that, you were, like, eight," Kendall said.

"You don't forget watching your dad yelling on national TV dad, or the fact the pops and Logan had to drag you away," Kyle laughed.

"Yeah, well she's an awful woman, but I've grown up since then," Kendall said earning a look from James. He elbowed his husband, "I have," he said firmly.

"If you say so, let's just go get this over with," James said leading Kendall out the door.

-We Are-

Adam quickly ran into Jake and Damien's apartment, well as fast as he could being pregnant. Cooper shook his head as he followed him. Jake was sitting on the couch watching TV.

"Jacob Elijah don't you know how to answer your damn phone?" Adam asked.

"What's up Adam?" Jake asked.

"Kyle called me and he's been trying to call you. Dad is going on that Jane Unchained show," Adam said.

"What? Again?" Jake asked shocked.

"Yeah, he's doing an interview about Kyle and Jared," Adam said as the door opened. He turned and saw Damien walk in with pizza. He looked to Adam and Cooper shocked.

"Addie, Cooper, I wasn't expecting you two to be here," Damien said slowly as he looked to Jake.

"Dad is going on Jane Unchained," Adam said.

"Are you serious?" Damien asked shocked

"Am I missing something?" Cooper asked, "Adam wouldn't tell me why we had to come over here so quickly."

"Oh right, you probably didn't see his last interview," Adam said quickly.

"Our dad had it out with her the last time she interviewed him. He vowed to never go on her show again," Jake said.

"It was bad, I remember James and Logan had to drag him off," Damien said laughing slightly. Adam and Jake both nodded their head in confirmation.

"Oh," Cooper said, "so I take it you want to watch the interview?"

-We Are-

Carlos sighed as he sat inside his car outside the house. He had just gotten done with work. He had one more day until the show was done for the holidays. The cast all wanted to spend time with their families. Carlos was happy to have a few weeks off and spend time with his family. They were heading up North with the Knights for winter break.

Carlos got out of his car and headed inside. Things were a bit chaotic. Layla and Lilly were arguing, it seemed to be over clothes. Miles seemed to be trying to smooth talk Logan to get a chance to leave, while Logan also tried to mediate the girls argument.

"What's going on?" Carlos asked.

"She stole my sweater and my favorite pair of leggings!" Lilly hollered.

"She never wears them," Layla argued.

"I just want to go over to hang out with Kyle and the guys," Miles said.

"Alright one at a time," Carlos said cutting his kids off. He pointed to Miles.

"Kyle and the guys are at his house. They are going to watch Kendall's interview with Jane Michaels," Miles said quickly. Carlos could tell he was just itching to leave.

"Jane Michaels? I thought he wasn't gonna be on her show ever again," Carlos said shocked.

"He told me that today, but Miles needs to pack so we can be ready to leave tomorrow," Logan said.

"I'll pack when I get back later," Miles promised. He turned to Carlos with a begging pout.

"Go, and you better pack of you'll be stuck waiting a day with me," Carlos said. The rest of the family was leaving tomorrow morning while Carlos had one more day of work. He would drive up that night.

"Fine, I will," Miles said before taking off out the door.

Carlos turned to his daughters. They both opened their mouths before Carlos held a hand up silencing them before they started yelling. "Layla they are Lilly's clothes and you need to ask to borrow them, besides I thought Leora just let you raid her closet for clothes. Lilly she is your sister and she's gonna take your clothes. It's a part of life. She is right you don't wear half the clothes in your closet. I think it's almost time to make a donation box," Carlos said.

"The brat needs to stay out of my room, it's not my fault her girlfriend isn't interested anymore," Lilly snapped before taking off up to her bedroom.

"At least my girlfriend didn't cheating on me!" Layla hollered.

"Enough, both of you go pack," Carlos snapped. He two took of to their bedrooms bickering the whole way.

Carlos finally turned to Logan with a small smile. Logan thanked him and walked over and pecked him in the cheek. Carlos smiled and slumped his shoulders. Kids were a handful.

"You're welcome, have you packed?" Carlos asked.

"Mostly, I wasn't sure what you wanted to bring," Logan replied.

"Come on let's go finish, if I remember anything after you guys leave I can pack it myself," Carlos said.

-We Are-

Kendall tapped his foot as he was fitted with a mic and made ready to be on camera. He wasn't sure if this was the best idea, but it was better than nothing. He looked off to the side at James. He was talking to someone. Kendall felt a small prang of disappointment. He just needed James to acknowledge him and make him think this was a good idea. Maybe this was a good idea. Kendall could fake sick or something.

James pointed to Kendall as he talked and then turned to the blonde. He smiled and walked over to Kendall as the others finally walked away.

"Whatever you're thinking there is no backing out now," James said knowingly. Kendall smiled guiltily at the brunette. James knew him better than he knew himself.

"Why not, she's awful, I can't believe I let you talk me into this," Kendall said.

"Hush, this is for Kyle not you. The kids come first remember, if you can change a few people's minds then this will all be worth it," James said. Kendall sighed and hung his head. "Just remain calm until you get your point across. Tell her you support the boys and their love. Age doesn't matter." Kendall nodded his head.

"Thanks Jamie, you always know what to say to make me feel better," Kendall said lowly. James just grinned.

"I'll be off to the side watching the show," James said.

"Don't worry about me, I am an adult now. I can handle a few insults," Kendall said.

James just nodded his head. He left Kendall alone once more as he was ushered aside. Kendall was being told he would be going live in a few minutes. He took a a deep breath and mentally prepared himself for this interview. He could do this and not get too angry.

-We Are-

Kyle was sitting with Jared in one of the recliner while Miles took the other one. Noah, Matt, Roldy, and Leora were all sitting on the couch. Jenny was in the corner playing with her toys. Everyone was waiting for Kendall's interview.

"I hope he doesn't get too mad at her and start yelling because then this will all be for nothing," Leora said.

"Me too Le, but it'll be funny," Kyle replied.

"Sure, but then he won't be taken seriously anymore. The first time he was young and dumb. This time, he's for teenagers and is grown up this could have major repercussions," Leora said.

"Stop being such a worrywart, dad knows what he's doing and she's just a bitch. Someone needs to put her in her place," Kyle said.

"I agree, she's awful, but she's got so many people are her side it's ridiculous," Roldy said.

"It's because she's an animal lover, people love animals and want to help them. She tries to help them so people just assume she's right in everything she does leading to the huge ego she has being stroked by the public," Matt said.

"Exactly, besides they probably pay her a boatload to do all this crap, who know she may really hate animals," Kyle said.

"Way to make it a conspiracy Kyle," Leora said.

"I do what I can," Kyle replied.

"You're starting to sound like Miles," Leora commented.

"Where do you think he learned it, I taught him everything he knows," Miles replied smugly.

"Hush it's back on," Noah said making everyone go quiet.

"Alright before the break we were discussing probably one of the most controversial coming out stores in a while. And while coming out is no big deal, it's the fact that he is sixteen and dating a twenty year old popstar," Jane Michaels said, "joining us now from LA is he father of this teen and music producer and manager for the band Inside Joke, who's lead singer is dating his son, Kendall Knight."

Four people appeared on the screen as Jane's guests. There was Kendall, along with Drew Sandmon; a psychologist, Sherri Kerry; a gossip commentator; and Harry Walt; Jane's occasion co-host. Kendall and Sherri were on one side of the screen as they both had the same position on this topic.

"Alright Kendall, Drew has a question for you," Jane said jumping right into things.

The seven all sat back to watch the interview. Kendall was asked questions and pulled into some nice debates over dating and age differences.

"Alright, yes at first I wasn't happy that Kyle was dating Jared. In fact at first I was like most of you," Kendall said cutting off Drew who was going on about how wrong this was. "But I've come around. I've seen these two together and what they have is love, it's not something you see very commonly between young people," he said.

"How can you let this happen? As a parent myself I could not imagine what I'd do if one of my twins was dating someone so much older," Jane said addressing Kendall.

"Honestly I thought the same thing at first and honestly I tried to keep the two apart and in the end I think that's that drove them together." Kendall said thoughtfully. "Like I said what those two have is love. Now whether their relationship lasts ten years or ends tomorrow, I don't care. Because right now my son is happy. If there is anything I learned from being a parent is your kids happiness comes first whether it's dating someone I don't quite agree with at first or having a baby, my kids come first period."

"I agree kids come first, but he's only sixteen, for him to say he's in love with-" Jane started.

"I was sixteen when I first fell in love," Kendall cut her off. "I had my first real relationship at sixteen and I loved her. I really truly did, and to this day I still hold a special place in my heart for her. I don't love her like I used to, but she's still there. I think about it sometimes and without her I never would've realize who I was really destined to spend my life with," he said glancing off camera to James no doubt. "Besides I trust me son to use his best judgment. If he has a problem I hope he will come to me no matter what the issue is. I am not an irresponsible parent as some people have been calling me. In fact I believe I am the best parent I can be. Kids are gonna make mistakes and how are they gonna learn if we shelter them?"

"I agree, kids gotta learn somehow," Sherri commented as she nodded her head in agreement.

"But it's wrong-" Harry started.

"Wrong? Would we be having this conversation if Kyle was seventeen going on eighteen? No. Would this be an issue if Kyle were twenty and Jared was twenty-nine? No. You are all so hung up on his age that you can see the real picture. Now I can sit here repeating myself and keep bashing my head against this wall of I can just forget the haters, and you know exactly who you are and get on with my life. I've got more important things to worry about," Kendall said.

"Preach baby," Sherri said holding a hand up.

"I am done, I've got a family to worry about. This is done now leave me and my family alone. The only reason this is still being talked about is you Neanderthals have nothing better to talk about," Kendall said getting up and walking off leaving a stunned Jane.

Kyle grabbed his phone. He took to Twitter to check what people were saying. Some people were rallying with Kendall. #LoveisLove and #AgesDoesntMatter were trending. There were still people saying it was wrong, but the good seemed to out weigh the bad. Kyle turned to Jared and nudged him. Jared looked to him and arched a brow in silent question Kyle held his phone out.

"Oh my god he did it," Jared said.

"I know," Kyle said pulling the older male into a kiss. He didn't care about he other right now. All he cared about was the small victory he had right now. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

Kyle texted James telling him to thank Kendall. This was far from over, but maybe some people would move on. Maybe people would find something else to talk about this wasn't that big of a deal. He wasn't sure why people were still harping on about this. It was old news. They needed to move on.

So there you go another awesome chapter from me. Kendall did the interview and shared his thoughts on Kyle and Jared's relationship. Jake and Damien are preparing to leave for Italy. Will it be a blast of a bust? The Knights and Mitchell's are heading up north for the holidays. What drama will that bring? Kendall seems to have rallied some support for Kyle, will be get better? Or will the haters still get to him? Layla and Lilly seem to be at each other's throats. Inside Joke is also taking a vacation. Good idea?

So there you go another chapter. I've been busy and trying to get things back together with my life. Sorry for the delay.

Always

OUTOFMYMIND