We Are
I'd like to thank winterschild11, annabellex2, cicibunbuns, DeniseDEMD, Sir RCCS, and jamesmaslowlover, for all taking the extra time to review and sorry for the long wait guys.
Chapter 24: Just Getting Started
Kyle yawned as he walked out to the car with his suitcase. It was too early to be up, especially since it was winter break. It would be worth it though, since they were heading up north to a ski resort where Kendall and James had rented a cabin with Carlos and Logan.
"Dude!"
Kyle turned as Miles walked up to him. Kyle arched a brow at his friend.
"Can I help you Miles, shouldn't you be getting ready to go," Kyle asked.
"Lilly and Layla are driving me nuts, do you guys have room for a stowaway?" Miles asked putting on his best pleading face.
"Dude not my call, maybe you can convince Le to switch,"
"Something wrong Miles?" James asked as he walked out of the house with Jenny in his arms.
"I was just coming to see if maybe Leora wanted to trade places with me and ride with Lilly," Miles said smoothly.
"You'd have to ask her, I don't have a problem with it," James said as he set about getting Jenny in her car seat.
As if on cue Leora walked out of the house. Miles was at her side in seconds. "Hey Le, wanna trade places and ride with Lilly?"
"Why?" Leora asked arching a brow at the brunette.
"Because she's your best friend and Kyle is my best friend. I figure you'd just like to ride with her rather than Kyle," Miles said quickly. Kyle shook his head as he listened to Miles.
"So this has nothing to do with you pissing her off already?" Leora asked holding her phone up. "And sure, it'll be better than riding with Kyle." She said. She quickly loaded her bag into Kendall's SUV before she told James she was riding with Lilly and took off.
"Miles, I take it were stuck with you rather than Leora?" Kendall asked walking out of the house with a suitcase.
"Yep stuck with me, I do have to say I think I am more fun than Leora," Miles quipped.
"I'd say so Le can be a real stuck in the mud sometimes," Kyle said.
"Knock it off, has she left already?" Kendall asked looking to James.
"Yeah, but I told Carlos and Logan we'd swing by before we set off," James said.
"Actually papi has to work. He will be driving up later, so it's just dad," Miles said quickly.
"Right, I knew that," Kendall said.
"Are you sure sending Leora with him is a smart idea?" James asked jokingly.
"Maybe, it's only a eight hour drive how bad can it be?" Kendall asked.
"With Lilly and Layla bickering the whole way, it's gonna be awful," Miles said without thinking. "And it's all over clothes. I don't get it," he added shaking his head.
"Sisters are awful, but you love 'em anyways," Kendall said.
"Yeah, just like you love ice cream until it gives you brain freeze," Kyle added.
"Knock it off," Kendall said sending his son a small glare.
"Come on I've got one more thing to get," Kyle said punching Miles arm. The two headed inside. Kyle ran up to his bedroom with Miles behind him.
"So what's Jared doing for the holidays?" Miles asked casually.
"Nothing much, Matt's niece is sick so they might just hang out around here or head down to San Diego to see her," Kyle said shrugging as he entered his bedroom.
"All of them?" Miles asked.
"Yeah, they all love Mia. She's so cute I can't see who wouldn't," Kyle said as he grabbed his backpack and dumped it on his desk. He grabbed his laptop bag and stuffed it in his backpack. He walked over to his closet and started digging around. He pulled out the gift he had bought for Jared. He smiled as he brought it over to his backpack and tucked it away.
"What's that?" Miles asked.
"It's Jared's present. He said he'd try and make it up for Christmas day at least," Kyle said smiling.
"Cool, so what is it?" Miles asked.
"It's a limited edition figurine of his favorite characters from the Princess Zora series," Kyle said.
"Let me guess is Kane and Zora," Miles asked.
"Yep, he's a total Zora nerd," Kyle said laughing.
"That game is so lame though," Miles said shaking his head.
"It's an acquired taste," Kyle replied as he zipped his bag shut after stuffing a few more things into it.
"Don't tell me he's got you going all dark side on me," Miles said.
"Maybe," Kyle replied. He grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder. "Let's go," he said shoving Miles shoulder as he passed him.
"That game is so lame. Who wants to rescue a princess anymore. Been there done that, try something new," Miles said shaking his head as he followed Kyle back down the stairs.
"Dude get over it, it's not that bad of a game," Kyle said as he walked out the door.
-We Are-
Jared yawned as he walked into the living room. Noah had managed to talk the guys into headed up North for a week at least. He had booked a hotel for Christmas Day until New Year's Day. It was near the same Ski resort the Knights would be at as well. Kyle was gonna be so happy about that.
Jared spotted Matt sitting on the couch talking with Noah and Roldy. He did not look happy. The three turned to face the bleached blonde.
"Morning sleeping beauty, sleep well?" Roldy asked.
"I guess, it's a million times better than a tour bus," Jared replied, "so Matty what news do you bring about Mia?" He asked.
"She's getting worse, it's her liver," Matt said.
"Like how bad?" Jared asked worriedly.
"She needs a liver transplant and they prefer the biological parents to be the doner," Matt said looking down at his hands. "Marney isn't a close enough match," he added tears threatening to spill down his cheeks.
Jared knew how much Mia meant to Matt. He hated seeing him like this and hated that Mia was sick. He bit his lip as he quickly devised a plan.
"What are you thinking?" Roldy asked.
"Ok here's the deal, you three go on down to San Deigo. I'll talk to Jace and see what I can do and I'll meet you guys there," Jared said.
"How?" Noah asked.
"I'll find a way, just go be with Mia. Matt I know it's what you want to do," Jared said sitting down beside Matt. "If I can't get Jace to agree I'll do what I can. She is family after all," he said. Matt threw his arms around Jared in a hug. Tears slipping down his cheeks as he thanked his friend.
"How do you even know where Jace lives," Roldy asked.
"I don't, but I know someone who does," Jared said jumping up. "Now go, I've got some work to take care of," Jared said.
The guys all nodded and jumped up. Noah and Roldy quickly gathered a few things for the trip and left with Matt. Once they were gone Jared grabbed his phone and wallet and left the apartment. He had to find Jace and knock some sense into him. Mia needed help and he would be damned if he left Jace back out like a coward.
-We Are-
Jake bounced his leg anxiously. He was sitting with Damien and Tito in the airport. They were all waiting for their flight for Italy. Tito's mother Angelica was wandering around the airport doing some last minute things before they left the states.
"You guys are gonna love Rome, I'm just glad I talked my mom into letting me invite you guys rather than her friends," Tito said smiling.
"Me too, I haven't been on a vacation in forever," Jake said.
"Where's the last place you went," Tito asked.
"In the states or out? I've been all over," Jake said.
"Really?" Tito asked shocked.
"Well yeah, with dads who travel for business. I've been to Paris, Tokyo, Milan, and every state in the U.S.," Jake said shrugging.
"Really?" Tito asked. Jake nodded his head. "What do your dads do?" He asked.
"Day didn't tell you?" Jake asked looking over at his husband.
"It never really came up," Damien shrugged.
"Well my dad is a music producer and my pa is a male model/spokesman for Cuda products," Jake shrugged.
"Wait, are you telling me your dads are Kendall and James Knight?" Tito asked after a moment.
"Well my last name hasn't always been Saunders," Jake laughed.
"Wow, I never would've guessed it," Tito said shaking his head.
"Yeah well I'm not like Adam or Kyle. I like to keep my private life private," Jake shrugged.
The three continued to talk and laugh with one another. Jake was really getting to know Tito a lot better. He could hardly believe at one point he had been jealous of the guy.
"Boys are you listening, they called our flight," Angelica said walking up to the three.
"Yes mom, we heard. They called first class boarding. We're not in first class," Tito said quickly. Angelica smiled at her son and sat down beside him.
"I'm sorry, I'm just excited to be going home for a bit," Angelica said apologetically. She then turned to Damien and Jake. "I'm sorry you boys must think I'm crazy," she said.
"Nah, it's ok, my pa is the same way before he leaves for a flight for the holidays. He's gotta make sure everything is taken care of," Jake said.
-We Are-
Adam yawned as he slowly sat up in bed. He was getting bigger and doing things was getting harder. Jake and Damien had talked him into staying with scooper while they were in Italy. They wanted someone with him invade something happened. They seemed to think being pregnant meant Adam was not capable of taking care of himself.
Cooper walked into the room with a smile on his face. "You're awake?"
"Yeah, what time is it?" Adam asked sleepily.
"8:30, I've gotta work at ten and I wanna know if you want me to bring Miri to my moms or..." He trailed off.
"Your as bad as Jake and Damien, I can take care of her. If I need help I know who to call," Adam assured him.
"I know Addie, I just worry," Cooper said giving Adam a small smile.
"Well relax, I'm not working today so I can watch Miri until you get home. Then once your home she's all yours," Adam said with a grin. Cooper laughed and nodded his head.
"Also, my dad invited us up north for Christmas Eve and day if we're not busy," Adam said.
"Us or you?" Cooper asked.
"Well me and Miri, he doesn't know we're together," Adam sighed, "but I'm inviting you." He added.
"Thanks Addie," Cooper said.
"Yeah, yeah, what's for breakfast?" Adam asked smiling at the other brunette. Cooper chuckled and led Adam to the kitchen.
-We Are-
Kendall walked up beside James. They had stopped at a gas station for some snacks and we're waiting for Logan to catch up. James was so absorbed in picking out some snacks he didn't notice the blonde at all.
"The sunflower seeds are good," Kendall said causing the brunette to jump. Kendall laughed as his husband turned to glare at him. "Scare ya Jamie?" He asked teasingly.
"Jerk," James said shaking his head.
"Focus much? You didn't even notice me and I catch everybody's attention when I walk into a room," Kendall said cockily.
"Sorry I was trying to decide what to get and I got to thinking is all," James said his cheeks going red. Kendall chuckled and shook his head.
"Thinking about what Jamie?" Kendall asked.
"Just how this is the first vacation we've taken in a long time," James replied.
"Yeah, with the kids getting older and all doing their own things we have t had much time," Kendall said thoughtfully.
"I know and Jenny's so young she won't get to experience vacations with the others," James said revealing what he had been really thinking about.
"Well she's gonna have Miri and the baby," Kendall replied, "and then Jake and Damien will probably want kids in a few years," he added thoughtfully.
"I guess, but still," James sighed, "it's just a random thought I had."
"It's ok James, we all freak out once in awhile," Kendall said. "Now come on the boys are getting restless. I left Jenny with Kyle," Kendall said.
"Logan here yet?" James asked.
"I don't know, you know he drives like an old lady." Kendall chuckled at his own joke.
"It's better to be cautious than reckless."
Kendall and James turned to see Logan approaching them. Kendall smiled sweetly at Logan.
"Aw Loges you know I was joking," Kendall said with a small pout.
"Sure, sure, that pout doesn't work on me either," Logan said sending the blonde a small glare. James laughed as Kendall frowned.
"Well you do drive like an old lady," Kendall replied sticking his tongue out at Logan.
"Real mature," Logan replied.
"Alright enough," James said cutting in. The two looked to him. "We are all adults here," he said.
"So quit treating us like kids," Kendall replied snarkily. James punched his shoulder and walked away. Kendall and Logan shared a laugh as they stocked up on some snacks. They joined James and Leora at the cash register.
"Hey Le, behaving?" Kendall asked his daughter.
"Always," Leora replied.
"That's right you're good one lately," Kendall replied.
"Leora the good one? Ha."
Kendall glanced over his shoulder at Kyle. "Compared to you she is."
"Sure dad keep believing that, pops know what I'm talking about," Kyle said turning and leaving. "And please hurry up Jenny is getting fussy."
"Where is she? Did you leave her with Miles?" James asked quickly.
"What's the matter James don't trust my son?" Logan asked.
"No, not at all," James replied as he took off out the door.
Logan looked to Kendall for an explanation as the blonde chuckled and shook his head
"We left Leora, Kyle, and Miles in charge of Mickey, Kelly's daughter, one night. Leora abandoned the boys and when we got back, well it wasn't pretty," Kendall explained. "It was before Kenny was born and Leora was supposed to help," he added.
"Oh come on it wasn't that bad. I fed her and made sure she had a clean diaper. The mess was probably from Kyle and Miles," Leora replied.
The guys paid for their snacks and left the gas station. James was standing against the SUV watching Kyle who was on his phone pacing back and forth. The other kids were all sitting together talking.
"Who's he talking to?" Kendall asked looking to Kyle. He already knew the answer, but he just needed to ask.
"Who do you think?" Miles asked.
"Kyle tell Jared goodbye and lets get going," Kendall hollered to his son. Kyle held up a finger to Kendall as he talked. Kendall's has tightened and he walked over to his son. "Kyle off the phone," he said.
"Dad what the address to Cooper's apartment?" Kyle asked. Kendall froze for a second caught off guard by the question.
"Why?" Kendall asked.
"He's asking why," Kyle said to Jared. He waited as Jared talked back to him. "Ok hold on, just ask him yourself, I don't think I can remember all that," he said. Kyle lowered his phone for a second. "Dad something's wrong with Matt's niece and he needs to talk to Cooper about something here, he can explain it better," he said holding out the phone.
Kendall took the phone from Kyle. He listened to Jared. He knew about Mia being sick and knew how mush she meant to the guys. He would do anything to help. He gave Jared the information that he needed and handed the phone back to Kyle, "make it quick we have to go," he said before walking away.
-We Are-
Jared sighed as he looked up at the apartment building. He had talked to Cooper and gotten Jace's address from him. He was nervous about going to see him again. Jared had even called Marney himself and made sure this was ok. She was all for it, if it would help Mia.
Jared wasn't even sure if Jace wanted to see him again. The last time he had seen him hadn't turned out so well. What if he hadn't changed at all. Would he believe Jared? Would he even care? Jared shook his head, he would make Jace care. This was too important and Mia needed help.
"You look lost."
Jared recognized that voice. He turned and came face to face with Jace. Jace was standing beside him holding two pizza boxes. He was looking at Hared surprised. Jared didn't know what to say or do.
"Yeah, uh we need to talk," Jared said looking around. He wasn't sure what else to say.
"We can go somewhere more private if you like. My apartment is on the second floor, but I have to warn you my roommates are crazy," Jace said casually.
"Don't, I haven't forgiven you just yet," Jared said shaking his head.
"Then why are you here?" Jace asked. He didn't sound angry, or even the slightest bit mad. He was curious.
"I-it's complicated," Jared said looking down at the ground.
"The invitation is still open," Jace said walking up to the door and holding it open. "Besides the longer you stand here the more likely someone will recognize you," he added.
Jared sighed and followed Jace inside. He wasn't happy about this, but it had to be done. Mia needed help. This was for Mia and Jared had to be nice. He had to make Jace help and being a jerk wouldn't help.
Jared followed Jace inside. They walked up to the second floor in silence. Jared didn't know what to say.
"Just a fair warning once more, my roommates are a bit crazy, well Nate is," Jace said as he opened the door. Jared followed him inside.
"Jace is that you, I'm starving!"
A brunette ran into the room eagerly. He stopped when he saw Jared. He looked to Jace confused.
"Nate this is my cousin Jared, Jared this is Nate; my best friend," Jace said.
"Oh the famous cousin?" Nate asked.
"He's kind of an Inside Joke fan," Jace said.
"It's nice to meet you, Jace is there somewhere more private we can talk," Jared asked looking around.
"Right, I'll just take the pizza," Nate said grabbing he boxes from Jace. "Not worry we won't eat it all on you," he added as he walked away.
Once Nate was gone Jace turned to face Jared. He arched a brow in silent question. Jared knew it was now or never. He just had to say it and get this over with.
"You have a daughter," Jared said quickly. Jace's face dropped and he frowned. "Do you remember Marney Tanner? You guys had a one night stand and she got pregnant. Her name is Mia and she's four," he said quickly.
"Are you serious?" Jace asked slowly.
"Dead serious Jace," Jared said seriously. "Marney never told anyone except me and her husband. Well they were only dating when Mia was born, but he stepped in and until now everyone thought he was her dad, or at least pretended for Marney's sake."
"Why are you telling me this?" Jace asked.
"Because Mia is sick and inherited our blood type. You know the rare one," Jared said quickly.
"If she needs blood why can't you help," Jace said slowly.
"Because this time is different. I've already given her blood. She needs a liver transplant. They prefer the biological parents to be the doner. Marney said all they do is take a small slice of your liver and fuse it with hers and it should help her get better," Jared said pulling his phone from his pocket.
"Just a slice?" Jace asked.
"Oh knock it off Jason, just do it already."
Jace and Jared looked to the hallways where Nate had disappeared to. Stan was standing there glaring at Jace.
"Stan, I don't know-"
"If it were Zelda and you were the only one who could help you'd do it in a heart beat, this little girl is your flesh and blood," Stan said quickly.
"Here, Jace please, she's only four and needs help soon," Jared said handing his phone to him.
Jace looked down at the screen and saw a small girl smiling up at him. She had dark curly hair and pale blue eyes that matched his and Jared's so closely. His heart clenched at the sight. She looked like a little girl version of him. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that this child wasn't a Munroe.
"Ok, I'll do it," Jace sighed as he handed Jared his phone "but I don't want to take over her life. She's got a mom and dad right?" He said looking to Jared.
"Yeah," Jared said.
"You can't just not be a part of her life after this," Nate said emerging from behind Stan.
"I know, but I don't want to be called dad or anything. I can be..." Jace started unsure what to say.
"Like an Uncle? She already calls me, Ro and..." Jared trailed off.
"Noah?" Jace asked. "Will he be there?"
"Of course he's probably already in San Diego," Jared said, "and no he doesn't want to see you."
"I figured as much, but in guessing what Noah didn't tell you guys was we had been out drinking that night. I made a mistake and I know what I did was wrong," Jace said simply. Jared opened his mouth to speak but Jace held a hand up. "I'm not asking for forgiveness. I'm asking for you to understand that I am only human and that I make mistakes too. I'm not perfect."
"Drunk or not you still hurt him and just the mention of your name scares him. He had a hard time getting over that and trusting people again. He is still jumpy when he gets into an argument with people, what you did-" Jared said.
"Don't you think I know that!" Jace exploded annoyed with Jared. "Look I'm not asking for you guys to like me, but you and I are family whether you like it or not. Now I will go to San Diego, but it's not for you, it's for Mia," Jace said.
"Ok then, I'll see you in San Diego. It's the children's hospital," Jared said nodding his head.
-We Are-
Jake slowly made his way back to his seat. They had been in the air for a few hours now. Jake wasn't feeling good. He had just puked in the bathroom. It was probably from that food they had earlier. Jake had told Damien something wasn't right.
"Hey," Damien said as Jake approached him. Damien stood up to let Jake into his seat. Jake gave him a wary smile and sat down. "Something wrong?"
"I think that good isn't agreeing with my stomach," Jake replied.
"I told you not to eat it if you didn't like it," Damien said shaking his head.
"I know," Jake said, "just wake me when we get there ok," he asked.
"Alright," Damien said smiling at him.
Jake reclined his seat and grabbed the blanket and pillow the stewardess had given him earlier. He heard Damien resume talking to Tito across the isle. Jake didn't know why he felt so awful, he hoped it would pass soon. He didn't want to be sick during their entire vacation.
Vacation has started. Everyone has their own plans. The Knights and Mitchell's are heading up North. What hijinks will the kids get into up there? Jared and the guys are heading to San Diego to see Mia. Jace is going as well. How will Noah reach to seeing him again? Jake and Damien are off to Italy. What adventures await them there? Will Jake get better in time to enjoy their vacation? Adam is staying with Cooper for the holidays, is it too soon for them to be staying together again? Will Jared make up North for Christmas?
Sorry for the long wait, I've just been stuck on this for so long. I think I have a good idea and I am running with it. Hopefully I won't make you wait so long for the next chapter.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND