I'd like to thank Charlie-Rose94, annabellex2, winterschild11, cicibunbuns, and DeniseDEMD for all taking the extra time to review.

Chapter 28: Christmas & New Years Surprise

Jake jumped up as his computer started beeping. He answered it and smiled when he saw Adam and Miri on the screen.

"Hey Miri," Jake said quickly. Damien joined him and greeted the pair as well.

"Merry Christmas guys," Adam said.

"So how are things going over there," Jake asked.

"Good, good, I've got a surprise for you though," Adam said. He reached over to the side and grabbed a box and pulled out a onsie. Jake and Dmaien smiled at that. "I know it's a bit soon, but it's so cute and it says 'my dads are the coolest.' I saw it and I could not help myself," Adam said quickly.

"You haven't told anyone right?" Jake asked.

"No, well I told Miri but she's not gonna spoil your secret," Adam said.

"Good, it's our job to tell the others," Damien said.

"I know I know, speaking of the others would you guys like to go say hi? In sure everyone's up by now," Adam said changing the subject.

"Others? I thought you were in LA," Jake said confused.

"Oh, Coop and I decided to go after all. We've been here since yesterday," Adam said. He stood up and left the room with Miri holding his hand and balancing his computer in the other

Jake sat back and looked to Damien for a moment. Right now things were perfect. Jake couldn't be anymore happier than he was right now. He looked back tongue computer as Adam handed it off to someone. Kyle and Leora appeared on the screen.

"Hey guys," Jake said.

"Hey Jake."

"Hey Damien."

"How's Rome?"

Miles pooped up on the screen next to Kyle as well.

"Are you having fun?"

They all started firing questions at Jake. Jake quickly held his hands up. "Whoa, whoa, one at a time please, Rome is great and of course I'm having fun. I miss you guys, you too Miles," Jake said smiling.

"What about me?" Layla asked leaning over Miles and Kyle.

"Always squirt," Jake replied.

"Hey dad and pops want to talk to you," Kyle said grabbing the computer. The screen moved and Kendall and James came into view.

"Hey dad, pops," Jake said with a smile.

Jake sat and talked with his family for awhile. It was nice to actually talk and have things be calm. Eventually Tito showed up and Jake had to go. They were having dinner with his family again.

"Guys I gotta go," Jake said sadly, "I guess I'll see you guys after the new year then," he said. Everyone waved and said goodbye. Jake closed his computer and looked over to Damien and Tito.

"Ready to go?" Tito asked.

"Yeah," Jake said nodding his head. He had been feeling a bit homesick, but that had helped. He felt a lot better having actually talked to his family.

-We Are-

Jared yawned as he made his way down to the kitchen. Roldy was still sleeping and it appeared that Deanna wasn't up yet either. Jared was sure that Harry, Roldy's dad, was at work already. Jared made himself a bowl of cereal and sat down at the table.

Jared's thoughts shifted to his parents again. As much as he wanted to forget about them, he couldn't. He could hear Kyle's voice in the back of his mind telling him to at least listen to them. Kyle always saw the good in people, but there was no good in his parents. Kyle didn't understand that.

"Hey, stop thinking so hard," Roldy said shoving Jared as he sat down at the table next to Jared. He had his own bowl of cereal.

"Oh hey Ro, I didn't notice you come in," Jared said.

"I know, you've been a total space case lately," Roldy commented.

"I know, but they just get under my skin," Jared sighed. He knew Roldy would know what he was talking about.

"Just let it go Jer, their not worth it. Come on we have to get going. Noah texted me and Matt wants to see Mia. It's Christmas after all," Roldy said.

"I know, I'm just glad Mia made it through the surgery," Jared said as he stood up and put his empty bowl in the sink. He waited for Roldy to finish eating.

Once he was done the pair quickly bid Deanna a good bye with a promise to be back for dinner. Deanna was cooking a nice Christmas dinner for them since they were in town. Noah and Matt were invited as well. Jared picked up Noah first and then Matt. Noah seemed a bit distracted and distant. He had been acting a bit off ever since last night.

"Noah, you went and saw him didn't you?" Jace asked looking over his shoulder as he stopped at a red light.

"You told him?" Noah asked looking to Roldy.

"I didn't say a word No, you asked me not to," Roldy said quickly.

"Noah we've been friends since we were little, I know you better that that. You've just been a bit fidgety," Jared as as the light turned green and he started driving again.

"Fine yes I saw Jace. I don't think I'm ready to forgive him, I don't think I'll ever be," Noah said.

"Don't worry Noah, what he did was awful," Matt said.

"But, he's changed. I can tell that he's really trying to be a better person," Jared said slowly.

"Really Jer?" Matt asked.

"Guys, he is family to me and to an extension you Matt. We have to be careful here. He's helping Mia and asking for nothing in return, if we're not nice he might change his mind," Jared said.

"His friends were trying to change his mind last night," Noah said quietly.

"You're kidding me," Matt said turning to face Noah.

"No I'm not, but he told them off and seems like he's made up his mind," Noah said quickly.

"We have to tell Marney," Matt said quickly.

"Hold up there Matty, let's not over react," Jared said cutting Matt off. "Let's get the full story before we go in guns blazing." He said.

"Fine, lets talk to him then," Matt replied coolly. Jared sighed knowing Matt wasn't going to let this go until Jace confirmed he wasn't taking Mia.

-We Are-

Kyle yawned as he scrolled through his Twitter feed. He was bored while he waited for his dad's and the Mitchell's to finish cooking dinner. They had opened presents earlier and even talked to Jake. Today was a pretty chill day.

"Dude," Miles said plopping down next to Kyle.

"What?" Kyle asked turning to face his friend.

"Still moping over Jared not calling you every around of everyday?" Miles asked playfully.

"Shut up," Kyle said nudging Miles with his elbow. "I'm just looking at Twitter. The guys visited kids in the hospital the other day and there's a sweet article about it," he said showing Miles his phone.

"Cute, at least their using their celebrity status for something good," Miles said.

"Who?"

The pair looked up and saw Kendall standing in the doorway.

"Your band," Kyle replied.

"What did they do now?" Kendall asked confused.

"Their visit to the children's hospital got them some attention, good attention," Kyle said.

"Well good," Kendall said walking into the room and sitting down.

"Did pops kick you out of the kitchen finally?" Kyle asked with a smirk.

"Maybe, I guess moral support isn't a good reason to sit in the kitchen," Kendall replied. Miles and Kyle laughed at that.

"So how is Mia?" Kendall asked Kyle.

"She's doing good, she's getting better," Kyle said nodding his head.

"So the surgery was a success?" Kendall asked.

"Yeah," Kyle said nodding his head.

The three continued to talk about anything that came to mind. Layla and Leora wandered into the room with Jenny and Miri. Everything was relaxed and fun.

-We Are-

Carlos smiled as he followed Logan down the street. The pair had finally gotten a moment alone. Christmas was gone and New Years was upon them.

"So what do you want for lunch?" Logan asked glancing over his shoulder to his husband.

"I don't care, you pick," Carlos said.

"Come with me," Logan said grabbing his hand. He led Carlos a bit further to a small restaurant. They walked in and were seated quickly.

"So," Carlos said getting Logan's attention after they ordered their food. Logan arched a brow at his husband. "How are things, I feel like we barely get to see each other," he said.

"Feels like it sometimes," Logan said with a small smile, "but I'll take what I can get, after all you're a big TV star now," he said with a smile.

"Yeah, getting away these last few weeks has been great," Carlos said.

"I know, I almost don't want to go back," Logan said.

"I know what you mean," Carlos said.

The two fell silent for a moment. It was nice to be able to be out together and not be bugged by people asking Carlos for an autograph.

"Lilly's graduating in a few months," Carlos said.

"Don't remind me," Logan sighed. Carlos chuckled. "She'll be off to college soon," he added.

"Where has she applied? Has she even told you?" Carlos asked.

"Yeah, she's looking at UCLA, I think Berkeley was mentioned," Logan said thoughtfully.

"I hope she doesn't go too far away," Carlos said biting his lip.

"Me too, but you know Lilly, she's always been so driven," Logan said slowly.

"We still got the boys and Layla," Carlos said.

"Miles and Lucas graduate next year and Layla's not far behind," Logan reminded him. Carlos let his head fall with a pout.

"All my babies are growing up," Carlos sighed.

"Hey it's ok," Logan said reaching across the table. "It'll be ok and we will have more time for us," he said.

"I guess," Carlos sighed.

"It'll be ok Los, we knew this day would come sooner or later. We can't keep them wrapped in a bubble forever," Logan said.

"I know, I know, it's just hard to see them go," Carlos said.

-We Are-

Jared, Matt, Noah, and Roldy walked into Mia's hospital room for the last time. They were heading back up to LA and wanted to say good bye before they left. Mia smiled at them as they entered the room.

"Hey Me," Jared said grinning at the girl. She grinned right back.

"Mia, we have to get home. We're gonna miss you," Matt said cutting to the chase.

"You're leaving?" Mia asked.

"Yeah, we gotta go, but we will try and visit again soon," Noah said sadly.

"Ok, promise?" Mia asked.

"Cross my heart," Matt said with a smile.

"Ok then," Mia said. She held her Ames out for hugs. The guys all have her one. They could never deny Mia.

"Ok, don't forget you can call us or Skype," Matt said looking at his niece. She nodded her head. "Just ask your mom first," he added.

"Are you sure you guys can't stay awhile longer," Marney asked.

"Yeah, we have to get back to LA. We've got to get back to work," Jared said.

"What work? Didn't you just get off tour?" Ross asked.

"Yeah, but an album doesn't record itself," Roldy said with a chuckle.

"Songs don't write themselves either," Jared added.

"Ok I get it, but still I was good to see you guys," Ross said.

"Yes, it was so nice to see you guys," Marney said hugging them all. She turned to Matt. "You better call mom more often. She worries," she said.

"I know, I know, she gave me that lecture this morning," Matt laughed.

"Come on guys, we better hit the road soon," Jared said.

-We Are-

Kyle yawned as he looked out the window beside him. He was sitting in the small reading nook in the living room. He was looking out the window at the night sky. Everyone else were all moving about excitedly. He wasn't sure why New Years was such a big deal. For most adults it was drinking, and for little kids it was the excitement of staying up past midnight. Kyle was at the awkward age where he wasn't sure what the point was.

"What's on your mind mr. Grouch?"

Kyle turned to see Leora had walked up to him. She sat down on the bench next to him.

"Nothing, just don't get the point of all this," Kyle said gesturing around the room.

"Uh, family time," Leora said.

"I meant New Years Eve celebration," Kyle chuckled.

"Oh, yeah me either. It's not much fun anymore, but come on, you can still sit with us and be social," Leora said.

"Nah, pass," Kyle said shaking his head. Leora giggled at that and grabbed Kyle's arm.

"Come on," Leora said.

"No thanks," Kyle said shaking his head. Leora laughed and tugged on his arm. "Le no," he said.

"When did you become such a stick in the mud?"

Kyle's head snapped up. His jaw dropped as he looked at Jared and the guys. Kyle jumped up and hugged the bleached blonde. Jared chuckled as he hugged Kyle back.

"What are you guys doing here?" Kyle asked.

"We were heading back to LA this morning when your dad called and invited us up," Jared said.

"Yeah, Mia's all better so we figured why not," Matt said with a shrug.

Kyle looked to Leora who shrugged with a knowing smile. She walked past him over to the couch. She sat down next to Lilly. Kyle didn't miss the way Lilly looked away from his quickly.

Kyle and the guys all found spots around the living room. Kyle sat down next to Jared, a lot happier than he had been. Miles quickly jumped into conversation with Noah and Roldy. He was practically part of the group thanks to Kyle. He knew the guys pretty well. Adam and Cooper struck up a conversation with Matt as Miri crawled all over him. He didn't seem to mind.

Before anyone realized it was time to count down to the new year. Everyone counted along with the TV. As the reached one everyone cheered happily. Kyle turned to Jared and gave him a kiss as Kendall and James, Logan and Carlos, and Roldy and Noah did the same.

As Kyle sat back, with a smile on his face he saw Lilly out of the corner of his eye. He was reminded of their first kiss, which had been a New Years kiss. He felt bad, but at the same time guilty. He had given her false hope the other day. Kyle didn't know what to do to get her to move on. He had tried everything, maybe them being friends again just wasn't in the cards for them. He felt bad about having that thought, but it was true. If Lilly couldn't move on then they couldn't be friends.

"You ok?" Jared asked.

"Yeah, just thinking," Kyle replied.

"About what?" Jared asked interestedly.

"Just things," Kyle said shrugging. He leaned closer to Jared. "I missed you," he said quietly.

"I missed you too," Jared replied with a smile.

-We Are-

Lilly sighed as she got ready for bed. It was late and she was tired, but she couldn't help but think about Kyle and Jared. She had watched them kiss. She remembered her first kiss with Kyle had been two years ago at Gustavo's New Year's Eve party. Thinking about that made her sad. It made her long for a time when things were so simple. She didn't want to hurt and she didn't want to remember all the happiness that she had had. All it did was remind her that the happiness was gone and all that was left was this empty hole.

Lilly shook her head and climbed into bed. She needed to move on. She needed to get away from Kyle and forget everything they had. It would help her in the long run.

A thought occurred to her. She was graduating in a few months. She would be going to college. Suddenly colleges out of LA seemed a lot more appealing.

The bed room door opened and Leora walked into the room. She looked to Lilly and smiled. She fell on the bed next to her friend.

"Happy New Year Lil," she said giggling.

"Happy New Year Le," Lilly replied.

"We have to leave tomorrow," Leora sighed.

"I know, but think of this, you'll get to see Caleb again," Lilly said.

"That's a plus," Leora said, "you know if he's not too busy to see me," she added quickly.

"I'm sure he'll make time," Lilly assured the blonde girl.

"Hopefully," Leora said sitting up. "Well I'm gonna get some sleep, don't stay up too late," she said moving over to her bed. Lilly laughed and nodded her head.

So there you go another quick chapter. I am on a roll. Not much going on here. How will the Knights react to Jake and Damien sharing their news? Can Kyle and Lilly be friends? Will Leora and Caleb make it? Will Carlos and Logan accept that their babies are growing up? As always more to come.

Always

OUTOFMYMIND