AN: hi everyone. So excited for this chapter because we get to see what everything in last chapter results to. I love this one and the next which I'll be posting shortly! I'd love to hear what you guys think! Enjoy :)

Chapter 5

The morning came much to Kendall's dread because he was about to be forced into being around the person that he couldn't bear to face and work and sing like everything's fine. He looked in his mirror to find a puffy-faced, red-eyed version of himself. Just do your job, Kendall, he thought. Him and the boys got ready for the day and Kendall made sure to get a back seat when they decided to take James's car. The rest of the band engaged in conversation. About what, Kendall had no idea. James notably was making subtle glances at him with suspicion.

At Rocque records they worked on the harmonies for the shit song and were presented with a new one about an unrequited love between friends. Perfect, Kendall thought. When it was his turn to sing one of the verses he tried to play along until he found his voice flattering. He rolled his eyes.

Kelly's voice came through to the sound booth "Everything alright, Kendall?"

"Yeah," Gustavo added. "I need less sulking and more singing."

"You know what?" Kendall asked. "Everything is not alright. I can't do this shit right now."

He exited the booth, grabbed his phone and left the group of shocked faces. Not before adding, "and the last song sucks!"

"Kendall, wait!" Logan's voice called from behind. "What was that all about? This isn't like you." The shorter boy caught up to him and he could see the others waiting at the studio door.

"I'll let you in on it in the house," Kendall said in a low voice before quickly turning to leave.

Kendall took an Uber home, went upstairs and called his mother.

"Hi, sweetie," she'd mused.

"Mom, I'm not sure how much longer I can take being in the band. Or even in this house."

"What's the matter?" She asked, concern ever-present in her tone.

He paused, Ready to tell his mother everything. He felt tears well up. "It's James. I'm in love with him and now he's fucking any model he can find and he's letting some other guy take him on a date." Kendall admitted. "Which would be fine if I didn't have to see him every fucking day."

"Oh, sweetie." His mother exchanged her empathy. "What are you gonna do about it?"

"Well I have to finish out our contract. I can't get out of it."

"You're right." She affirmed. "That's gonna be some time feeling the way you do."

"I know," Kendall sighed. "I just can't wait to get done with this contract and be done with the band for good."

"What?!" Said a voice that wasn't his mothers. Kendall turned around to see a shocked and angered James.

"Mom, let me call you back."

"Oh, ok, dear."

He hung up and faced James. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Just long enough for you to hear that you're trying to leave the band behind. Why, Kendall? And why am I finding out like this?"

"Because!" Kendall exclaimed and then looked down. He had to be honest. He had to cut the shit and be real. He'd already be caught in one way, might as well share the rest. "Because I'm in love with you, James." His voice just fell into weakness. "I've been head over heels for you for years. And yesterday hearing that you were gonna go out with some other guy just took me over the edge." He looked up at a silent James who was no longer angry, but rather hanging on to hear more. "I could handle it if you were just straight and it could never happen. But you with another guy is too much."

"Kendall," James started, his voice softened along with his eyes. A dreamy serenity coming through them. "I've wanted to hear that for so long. But I never thought it would happen. If I'd known I would've gone after you years ago. I thought if I tried anything it would ruin our friendship forever." He stepped to Kendall who was feeling a mix of glee, shock, and anticipation. James placed one hand on his shoulder and the other around his waist "Do you mean it, Kendall? Because if I do what I'm about to do there's no turning back."

Kendall breathed. As if everything made sense and didn't all at once. No turning back. He nodded. "I do."

James took a breath and leaned in. His eyes closed and his lips parted and puckered. Kendall's heart was going a mile a minute. This was it, all he ever wanted. He closed his eyes and allowed their lips to meet, his chest body now pressed against James's. He had never been kissed so softly, so intentionally, breath taken. James parted all too quickly to look at him. He went again to reunite their lips lingering and beginning to trace Kendall's lips with his tongue. Kendall gasped in the sudden pleasure of it giving James the perfect opportunity to slide his tongue across his own. Kendall submitted allowing for deeper access and a final locking of lips just before James pulled away.

"I've been wanting to do that to you for years," he said.

"Me too," Kendall agreed, breathing heavily. "I can't believe this whole time you've wanted me too."

"Why wouldn't I want you, Kendall?" James asked, taking the blonde into a firm but tender embrace.

"Well you're always getting these girls that are so beyond beautiful. And when I found out you liked guys I just didn't think I'd be what you wanted."

"You're all I've ever wanted," James chuckled. "I guess we were just too afraid to see what would happen if the other was to hear it."

"I guess so."

"Well then I'm not gonna waste my time with it," James started. "Will you go on a date with me, Kendall?"

Kendall cheeks flushed. He still couldn't comprehend that it was all coming together. "Yes, James. I'll go on a date with you."

The two came together for a short but passionate kiss. Kendall didn't think there'd be a happier moment in his life than this.

James convinced Kendall to go back to the studio with him. While Kendall had asked what James had in mind for their first date and he was met with was "it's a surprise," or "you'll see."

The other half of the band looked suspiciously at Kendall as he walked in.

"Everything, ok man?" Carlos had asked. His voice low with concern.

"Yeah," Kendall replied as level as he could be. "I was just in a bad mood, but I'm good now."

"Good," Gustavo chimed in. "Because we're two hours behind and we need this demo done tonight. I'm taking the weekend off to write some options and then we're going into overdrive. So you guys need to get ready to be on your A game!"

Normally Kendall would've rolled his eyes but he was still riding the high of kissing James and knowing that this would leave him free for a date.

"You ready to sing your verse, Kendall?" Kelly asked.

"Let's do it."