I'd like to thank annabellex2, Franshes, winterschild11, cicibunbuns, and beckyy for taking the extra time to review. Thanks so much guys it means so much to me that you are still hanging in there.

Chapter 25: Secrets

Jake and Damien looked around the hotel room Tito had managed to book for them. Damien turned to Jake with a smile. He saw Jake looking around the room. He walked into room to the door that revealed their bedroom.

"Wow, Tito went all out didn't he?" Jake asked turning to face his husband.

"Guess so, we'll have to find a way to repay him," Damien said.

"Yeah, I know," Jake said as he set his bag down. He walked over to Damien with a big grin. "So what's on the agenda for today?" He asked.

"Nothing really, Tito and his mom are meeting with family for now and he'll be by later to show us around and take us to dinner at his favorite restaurant," Damien said.

"Sounds fun, let's kill some time then?" Jake asked arching a brow suggestively at his husband. Damien smiled and closed the gap between them.

"What did you have in mind?" Damien asked huskily. Jake shivered and pressed their lips together in a kiss.

"Do I have to spell it out Day?" Jake asked as his hand came down to cup Damien. Damien smirked and placed a hand around Jake's waist and pulled him close.

-We Are-

Kyle and Miles moved about the bedroom, they were sharing, getting ready to go snowboarding. Today was the first day of vacation for them. They were excited to get out and have some fun.

"So what is Rion up to for winter break?" Kyle asked.

"She's visiting family," Miles replied with a shrug.

"So how are things going with her?" Kyle asked.

"Ok, I think," Miles said slowly.

"You think?" Kyle arched a brow at his friend.

"Well, we haven't really...uh-had-uh" Miles said his cheeks going red.

"Sex?" Kyle asked bluntly. Miles nodded his head, his face turning redder. "Well, with both Lilly and Jared I knew I was in love and it just felt right. With Lil it was kind of planned but at the same time it wasn't. It was perfect. With Jared it was a spur of the moment thing and it was awesome," he said his cheeks going red as well.

"You didn't force it though right?" Miles asked.

"Is Ri forcing you?" Kyle asked curiously.

"Not exactly, like I know she wants more, but I don't think I'm ready yet," Miles admitted as he sat down on his bed.

"Have you told her?" Kyle asked sitting down next to his friend.

"Not in so many words," Miles admitted, "I don't want to disappoint her, but with everything that happened to me in life, I don't trust a lot of people," he said.

"Well, do you trust Rion?" Kyle questioned.

"Yes, and that's what scares me," Miles said softly. "I'm so scared that I'm jumping into this so fast even though we've been together for like a year now," he said.

"Look I can't tell you what to do dude, but talk to her. I mean she knows about the kidnapping and the twin thing and I am sure she will understand," Kyle assured his friend.

"I don't know, I'm nothing special, what she sees in me I don't know," Miles sighed. He jumped up and raced to the door. "Come on let's go the others are probably waiting for us," he called over his shoulder.

Kyle sat there a moment. He wasn't sure what had just happened, but something was up with Miles. He was hiding something. Kyle was t sure if he should be worried yet. The last time Miles got distant he had been cutting. Kyle didn't want miles to fall back into that again. It had been scary seeing him go through all that.

Kyle sighed and left their room. Miles was standing by the door with Layla laughing and cracking jokes. Leora and Lilly hollered at him to hurry up. Kyle caught Miles eye and saw that whatever had happened was over for now. They'd talk later. Kyle would get to the bottom of this.

-We Are-

Jared walked down the hallway to room 2108. That was the room that Mia was in. The guys were probably in there with her. Jared had managed to talk Kelly into getting him onto a flight down here. It was a short flight, but he didn't have a choice. He needed to be here for Mia.

Jace entered the room. He saw Matt sitting beside Mia with Marney and Ross on the other side of the bed. Noah and Roldy were sitting at the end of the bed making Mia laugh. She was the first to notice Jared.

"Uncle Jared!"

The others all looked to him. Jared smiled and walked over to the young girl. He gave her a hug. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a Inside Joke keychain with an a picture of him and the guys.

"Look what I got you," Jared said sitting gently on the edge of the bed. Mia smiled and snatched the keychain. "Now you can have a reminder of us when we're away," he said.

"Thank you," Mia said smiling brightly.

"Jared a word please," Marney said standing up.

"Sure," Jared said.

Marney and Ross both gave Mis a kiss and said they would be right back. Jared followed the two out of the room. Matt followed as well. They stopped just outside Mia's room. Marney turned to Jared.

"I talk to him yesterday," Jared said slowly.

"Yeah, and?" Matt asked.

"He agreed to get tested. He's doing it up in LA to get it done quickly and he should be on his way down soon," Jared said.

"He's gonna help?" Marney asked shocked.

"Yeah, he seems to want to change and if we don't give him a chance to show he's changed who will? I don't think I can forgive him fully, but this is a start," Jared replied.

"Oh Jared thank you," Marney said throwing her arms around Jared in a hug.

"Wait a minute," Matt said quickly, "what is he expecting in return?" He asked.

"Relax Matty-" Jared started.

"Yeah, what is he expecting, I am not going to lose my daughter over this," Ross cut in worriedly.

"No you're not, he understands that you guys are a family. He's just the-uh-doner," Jared replied with a smirk. Marney rolled her eyes. "He does however want to meet her and maybe get to know her a little. Maybe like a uncle or a friend or something. He does not want to take over though."

"Really?" Ross asked shocked.

"Yep, at least that's what he says now," Jared said nodding his head. He really hoped that Jace wouldn't change his mind. Things could get messy. That wasn't what Mia needed.

"Come on, let's go back in there," Jared said quickly returning to the room. Noah was in the middle of telling Mia a story, he was making up as he went.

The others all sat down and listened to Noah tell Mia a story about a princess and her four knights in shining armor. The Knights would do anything to protect her. Mia like the story and would add her own touches here and there. Noah went with the flow and before he knew the princess and the knights had battled dragons and ogers together.

-We Are-

Kendall smiled as he brought a hot chocolate over to James. James looked up to the blonde and smiled. They had taken the older kids to the ski resort and they were all out having fun. Logan had hung back and decided to watch Jenny as he waited for Carlos to arrive.

"Something to keep you warm gorgeous," Kendall flirted. James' smile grew as he took the drink from his husband.

"You know, if I didn't know any better I'd think you were trying to get into my pants," James replied.

"All day every day babe," Kendall replied with a flirty smile. He leaned in for a kiss. James laughed and shoved the blonde away. Kendall pouted.

"I can never say no to you," James sighed as he leaned over to give the blonde a kiss. Kendall grabbed the brunette and pulled him closer for a longer kiss.

"I love you, have I told you that?" Kendall asked after they parted.

"A time or two," James replied with a small giggle.

"So I was thinking, maybe tonight we could go out and explore the town a bit and maybe have a nice evening out with Carlos and Logan. Leora and Lilly can watch Jenny," Kendall said slowly.

"Seems like you've got everything planned out," James said.

"Well, I did already ask the girls and they said yes," Kendall replied with a smile. James couldn't help but smile at that. Kendall was so sweet at times.

"Sounds fun," James replied. Kendall pulled his husband into a hug.

"Now hurry up and finish you're drink I want to hit the slopes," Kendall said eagerly. James laughed at his husband eagerness. After all these years Kendall could make him feel like he was a teenager all over again.

-We Are-

Jake and Damien were snuggled up together on the couch in their suite watching a movie, when there was a knock at the door. Damien pushed Jake up and stood up. Jake sat up and watched as Damien walked to the door and let Tito in.

"Change of plans," Tito said with a smile.

"What's wrong?" Jake asked.

"Nonna wants to meet you," Tito said, "she won't take no for an answer. She says I don't bring any friends to meet her. She's already making dinner," he said.

"That's ok T," Damien said with a laugh.

"She speaks broken English, but mostly Italian," Tito warned the two.

"I can speak a little Italian," Jake said standing up and stretching.

"Oh really?" Tito asked.

"Of course I can, I told you my dads travel a lot, you kind learn the different language as you go," Jake replied. "I mean you gotta learn basic phrases so you can survive," he added.

"Well, just smile and tell her her cooking is good and you'll fit right in," Tito said. "By the way her cooking is amazing," he added.

"Alright, then," Jake said smiling.

"Just give us a few minutes to get ready," Damien said. Tito nodded his head. The pair headed to their bedroom to get ready.

-We Are-

Leora cheered as she reached the bottom of the hill. She looked back and saw Kyle and Lilly coming in close behind her. Miles wasn't too far behind with Layla hot on his tail.

"I won," Leora announced as the others joined her.

"I think someone owes us lunch," Lilly said looking to Miles.

"Best of three, me and Le," Miles challenged.

"You want me to beat your ass again, I will," a Leora accepted the challenge.

"I'll make sure we get a fair start," Kyle said raising his hand.

"Layla and I will stay and see who gets here first," Lilly said. Layla nodded her head in agreement.

Leora, Miles, and Kyle all raced to the chair lift. Leora get her own while Miles and Kyle rode up behind her. Leora knew this was going to be a breeze since Miles wasn't as fast as her. He hadn't been skiing as long as she had.

Once she reached the top of the hill she waited for the other two. They reached the top of the hill and instead it taking or even laughing the two were dead silent. Miles was avoiding looking at Kyle.

"Ready to get your ass kicked?" Leora asked getting their attention.

"You wish," Miles said sending Leora a challenging glare.

The three took off to the top of the hill. They looked down and saw two small people standing at the bottom. Kyle got Leora and Miles into position.

"Alright, there's just one rule," Kyle said quickly looking between the two. "The loser has to buy the winner lunch."

"You mean Miles has to buy me lunch," Leora said cockily.

"You wish," Miles replied.

"On my count then," Kyle said holding a hand up. The two got in position. "Alright, three, two..." -he moved in Leora's way- "...one, go Miles go!"

"Jerk," Leora said shoving Kyle as Miles took off. She took off after Miles trying to regain lost time. Miles was laughing and glancing over his shoulder.

Leora sped up a bit. She knew if she got close she could spook Miles and maybe get past him. After all, Leora had been doing this longer than he had. She was better than him. All she needed was get the edge on him.

Miles glanced back and saw Leora. His jaw dropped and he tried to move quicker. He crossed his skis and fell. Leora gasped as he tumbled down the hill. Leora and Kyle were at his side in seconds.

"Dude, are you ok?" Kyle asked worriedly.

"That was awesome," Miles shouted sitting up. He looked to Leora and smiled. "How about a fair start?"

"Alright you're on," Leora said holding a hand out to him. She helped him back up. The two took off once more.

It was neck and neck until Leora got the upper hand. She passed him with a wave and reached the bottom of the hill where Lilly and Layla were waiting for them. Miles and Kyle weren't far behind.

"Alright Le, you are the best," Miles smirked, "let's go get some lunch."

-We Are-

Carlos yawned as he walked up to the cabin. It had been a long drive and he wanted nothing more than to pass out and get some sleep. At least he hadn't been alone. Lucas had managed to talk his parents into letting him go last minute. It had been good to have some company.

"So, this is it? It's huge?" Lucas said looking at the cabin.

"Yep, the only place big enough for all of us," Carlos replied, "ok sure the others are already out at the resort so it might just be us and whoever got stuck watching Jenny for the day," he added.

"That's cool, I'm tired anyways," Lucas replied.

Carlos nodded his head and walked up to the door. He knocked and waited. It opened several second later to reveal Logan. He smiled once he saw Carlos. He quickly hugged his husband.

"Hi Lucas," Logan said turning to his son.

"Hey, I take it everyone else is gone?" Lucas asked.

"Yeah, come in," Logan ushered the two inside. He led them to the living room where Jenny was playing in her playpen. "So I bet your probably tired. Lucas you can have a downstairs bedroom," he said

"Sweet," Lucas said.

"It's down the hall and on the right. Kyle and Miles have the one across the hall," he said.

"Great, I think I'm gonna go lay down for a bit," Lucas said picking his bag up and leaving the room.

Carlos sat down on the couch and patted the spot beside him. Logan smiled and sat down next to him. Carlos rested against his husband. "I missed you," he said.

"It was only a day Los," Logan replied with a chuckle.

"So, I barely get to see you. I'm either working or doing press conferences for the show or doing TV interviews. I don't get to see you or the kids much anymore," Carlos said.

"It's your job Carlos," Logan said, "we knew this might happen. We just have to work around it and wait until summer. The show stops shooting in May right and you don't shoot again until September," he said.

"Correct," Carlos nodded his head trying to stifle a yawn.

"Besides, you don't work this week. It's just us and the kids and the others," Logan said placing an arm around Carlos. "Also Kendall wants to go out later just the four of us."

"Sounds good, but I've been up for longer than I should be. I need to lay down for a bit," Carlos yawned.

"Up stairs, first door on the left," Logan replied. He kissed Carlos on the cheek and let him go.

-We Are-

Leora, Lilly, and Layla were sitting together at a table in a small cafe in town. They had talked Kendall and James into letting them go into town for a bit with the boys. Kyle and Miles were ordering food for them. Layla on busy with her phone, texting her friends.

"So Le, how are things going with Caleb, I've barely seen him lately," Lilly asked.

"He's busy with essays for college and he's got a part time job," Leora said quickly.

"Job?" Lilly asked.

"Yeah, he's got a deal with his dad's, they will pay his tuition and housing, but he wants to pay for everything else," Leora said.

"Oh, so where's he planning on going?" Lilly asked.

"Well he's applied to UCLA, Berkley, and a few other places," Leora sighed.

"Everything ok?" Lilly asked worriedly.

"Yeah, I guess," Leora sighed.

"You guess?" Lilly asked skeptically.

"Well he's graduating and I have another year of high school," Leora admitted, "I already don't see him often, what if he heads north for college? Am I fooling myself into thinking we are gonna make it work?"

"Oh." was all Lilly said.

"Yeah, I don't know, maybe it's for the best that we end it now and save the hurt," Leora sighed.

"Le, you gotta do what you gotta do. I know breaking up sucks, but if both of you aren't into it anymore, maybe it wasn't meant to be," Lilly said.

"Maybe, I don't know," Leora sighed.

"Ladies," Miles said getting the girls attention. He had sandwiches and hot chocolate. Kyle was right beside him with the rest of the food.

"About time," Layla said snatching a hot chocolate from Miles.

The two sat down at the table. Leora took her food and started eating. She kept her eyes on her food. She didn't want to talk about her dating problems with Kyle and Mile around. Lilly seemed to pick up on that and kept her mouth shut.

-We Are-

Jared sighed as he looked up at the night sky. He was staying with Roldy at his parents house while they were in San Diego. The Harrison household had always been Jared's second home.

Jared could help but feel the small sting at the thought that his parents didn't want him with them. He hadn't bothered asking. They didn't want him before he was famous, why go back now.

"Hey."

Jared looked over his shoulder to Roldy. He was standing in the slaking glass door looking at Jared worriedly.

"Hey Ro, thanks for letting me crash with you, tell you mom thanks too," Jared said.

"Oh stop it, my mom adores you. You know you are always more than welcome here," Roldy said walking out onto the patio.

"Thanks, at least in wanted somewhere," Jared said.

"Yeah, in LA, or should I saw way up North," Roldy said. "There is a boy that loves you and is probably wishing you were with him right now."

"I know that, but I mean here," Jared said, "you don't get what it's like to not be wanted by your own family. What it's like to be kicked out of your home and told you're not loved because your dreams and aspirations aren't realistic," Jared said.

"Well is there loss."

Jared and Roldy both turned to see Noah and Matt standing behind them. Noah grinned and walked over to Roldy and sat down beside him. Matt took the last chair and sat beside Jared.

"Look Jared, none of us know exactly what you're going through, but you are wanted," Matt said.

"Yeah, he's right you know," Noah said nodding his head.

"You are our brother," Matt said.

"What happened to Munroe?" Jared asked playfully.

"Well, I figure we've known each other long enough," Matt shrugged with a smile. The three laughed together.

"Thanks Matty," Jared said, "you too Noah and Ro," he added looking to the others.

"Ok boys, who wants hot chocolate and and cookies," Deanna Harrison asked as she walked out onto the patio.

"Mom," Roldy sighed.

"Sure Mrs. H," Noah said jumping up. The other three stood up as well. They all followed Deanna to the kitchen. There was a plate of cookies and mugs of hot chocolate waiting for them.

"Thanks mom," Roldy said.

"Yeah thanks mom," Jared said with a smile.

"Anything for my boys," Deanna said with a smile. "So how's LA?" She asked.

"It's amazing," Noah said quickly.

"Yeah, we just got done with a tour with Icsis and TBA, it was so much fun," Roldy said.

"Yeah, we've got some down time for the holidays though," Jared said, "we had to come see Mia."

"How is she doing?" Deanna asked.

"Good for now, hopefully things can happen quickly and we can get her on track to getting better soon," Matt said.

"Well, I hope everything works out," Deanna said.

"Can we stop dancing around his name, I know he's on his way down," Noah said breaking the awkward silence that had fallen over them. Deanna had been let in on the truth about Jace. She also knew what he did to Noah. "I don't want to have to deal with him, but for Mia's same he has to be here. It doesn't mean I have to like it, but it's been forever and I can suck it up for a few days," he said looking around the room at his friends.

"Noah, you don't have to even see him if you don't want to," Roldy said.

"It's bound to happen sooner or later," Noah said.

"He's right No, you don't have to see him if you don't want to. I already told him you didn't want to and to give us warning when he was here," Jared said.

"Thanks Jared, but I'm a big boy. I can make my own decisions," Noah said.

"Alright, but just know we got your back," Matt said. Jared and Roldy nodded their heads.

"I'm here for you too sweetie," Deanna said, "we're practically family now," she added with a smile.

"Mom," Roldy groaned his cheeks turning red. Jared and Matt laughed.

The atmosphere lightened and guys relaxed. The chatter turned light. Deanna kept asking questions about the band. Everything just felt right for once. Jared felt like he was at home. He felt wanted. When his phone rang and Jared saw Kyle's name on the screen he excused himself.

"Hey, what's up?" Jared asked.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about you," Kyle said slowly. Jared chuckled at how cute the blonde teen could be at times.

"I was thinking about you too," Jared said, "I'm down in San Diego and it's weird. I miss you," he said.

"I miss you too Jer," Kyle said lowly. "How's Mia?"

"She's fine, Jace is gonna do the surgery. So hopefully she will get better soon," Jared replied.

"That good, so I guess I'll see you when we get back to LA then?" Kyle asked slowly.

"I told you-" Jared started.

"You're niece needs you Jared. I'll understand if you guys don't make it up here," Kyle said quickly cutting the bleached blonde off.

"I'll try, but I can't make any promises," Jared said.

"I know, family comes first Jer," Kyle said.

"I love you," Jared said simply.

"I love you too," Kyle said. Jared didn't need to see him to know that he was smiling.

"I gotta go, but I will call you tomorrow," Jared said.

"Ok, bye Jer," Kyle said.

Jared hung up. He returned to the kitchen. The guys were all scrambling back to their spots at the table. Jared shook his head at them.

"How's Kyle doing?" Matt asked.

"He's fine," Jared said taking a seat. The guys settled back into mindless chatter. Things just felt right for the moment.

-We Are-

Damien woke up alone in bed. His arm stretched out in search of Jake, but he couldn't find him. Damien finally opened his eyes and saw he was alone. A quick glance to the alarm clock told Damien that it was only 6:30 in the morning.

Damien got out of bed and left the bedroom. He saw the bathroom light on and walked over to the door. He knocked carefully.

"Jake?"

The door opened and Jake stepped out of the bathroom. He looked pale and shaken. Damien immediately took Jake into his arms.

"What wrong, are you still sick?" Damien asked.

"Yeah, but it's probably jet lag," Jake said taking a step back from the taller man. "I always get sick after long flights," he said quickly. Damien didn't quite believe him.

"Are you sure?" Damien asked worriedly.

"Yes Day, I just need to lie down for a bit," Jake said firmly. Damien took Jake's hand and led him back to the bedroom. He laid down with Jake. He quickly pulled his husband close. Jake didn't mind.

"I hope you feel better soon Jake," Damien said softly.

"Me too Day," Jake replied.

Damien sat there holding Jake. He couldn't help but feel that Jake was keeping something from him. Jake had started to avoid him a little bit and was always up before him in the morning. What ever was wrong, Damien hoped Jake would tell him.

"If something's wrong, you know you can tell me," Damien said softly. He was met with silence. He looked down and saw Hakes eyes shut and his breathing had evened out.

There you go another chapter. The Kinghts and Mitchell's are having fun on their vacation. What's Miles keeping from Kyle? What's Leora not telling Lilly? Jace is on his way to San Diego. How will Noah react to seeing him? Jake and Damien are having fun on their vacation as well. What Italian adventures await them? What is Jake keeping from Damien.

As always more to come, so keep your eyes peeled, and I will see you next time.

Always

OUTOFMYMIND