AN: Hello everyone. This note comes to you after a lot of tequila. Regardless, i love the fluffy Kames moment we get in this. I hope you all get the feels the same way I did writing it. Let me know what you think! I love this pat so much and i hope you do too. :)

Chapter 6

That night, Kendall found a new reason to be kept up. It was 12:30. There was a new energy and excitement in him. James actually wanted him. The thoughts and dreams he had of this moment could never prepare him for the feeling in real life.

There was a touch of disappointment earlier when he had asked James if he would stay in his room. He had said no, that he wanted this to go slow and proper. And while Kendall wanted to negate the notion and get him in his bed for anything he could, he found the gesture romantic. He looked out his window at the night sky that somehow seemed brighter than it could ever be when heard his phone chime. He reached over to the bedside table to see that he had a text from James.

Thinking about you.

Kendall typed out. Me too. Can't wait for tomorrow

James: I think it's gonna be a good day ❤️

James: Goodnight Kendall

Kendall: Goodnight Jamie

James: I've always loved when you called me that.

Kendall put his phone down and tried to calm down from reeling. Could tomorrow just come?

Sure enough it did. James had said they'd be leaving in the morning so Kendall wasted no time getting ready. For his outfit he picked his lucky teal flannel with the green accents and jeans. He took extra care combing his hair and examined his reflection five times over till he heard a gentle rapping on the door.

Kendall opened the door to a stunning James. His black beater and jeans fit him perfectly. Kendall could've died right there.

"Ready?" James asked as he leaned on the door frame.

Kendall swallowed before answering. "Yup. Let me just get my wallet." He went into his room, grabbed his wallet and took a moment to shake the nerves off. He had known James practically his whole life, but this felt major. Like everything could change today.

Kendall rejoined James in the hallway. "Let's do it."

The boys headed down the stairs. Logan and Carlos must have still been asleep. Before leaving the house James grabbed Kendall's hand, took a quick glance to make sure know one had come out and kissed Kendall. Just once but deeply.

They walked to James's convertible and James opened the door for him before entering.

"So, where to?" Kendall aske still feeling the nerves.

James donned his sunglasses and replied "Not telling you, yet." He began driving to the highway to go south. "But it is a little bit of a drive. Hope you don't mind." He turned to flash a smile that made Kendall smirk and blush.

"Not at all," Kendall said looking down knowing he'd be more than happy to spend hours in a car with the dark-haired boy.

"I can finally say how cute your dimples are," James chuckled. They made it on the highway en route to wherever they were going and James reached for Kendall's hand. Kendall's anxiety melted away at the warmth of it, the strength. The two turned to each other and smiled. They didn't have to say anything about how it felt to have this moment.

It took Kendall a moment to realize but he caught on where they were headed. "San Diego?"

"Yup," James said, keeping his eyes on the road. Their hands were still interlocked. "But that's all you're getting out of me." James smiled and turned to him for just a second. He seemed so effortlessly chill when it came to this first date. When it came to expressing his feelings. Kendall wanted to emulate that same level of ease. Allow himself to enjoy the moment. James lifted their hands to his lips to kiss Kendall's hand. Kendall didn't hide his delight. He didn't have to.

Pretty soon it became clear where they were going. They had gotten into the city and James began to follow signs that lead him into lush greenery and Spanish styled buildings.

"We're here?" Kendall asked, feeling his excitement rise again.

"You bet we are," James stated. "Balboa park." He parked the car and popped open the trunk. Before getting out he asked, "Are you hungry?"

Kendall didn't even realize he hadn't eaten today. "Actually, I really am."

"Good, I have another surprise then." There was a devilish smile on his face.

James went to the trunk to retrieve a blanket and a small, chic cooler. "Do you wanna hold my hand on the way there?"

For a moment Kendall's face dropped. He had completely forgotten about the fact that they were in the public eye. He didn't want people to find out, at least not right away. But it was relatively calm here. He couldn't see many people around, especially no paparazzi.

"I'd like that," Kendall responded, reaching for James's hand.

"Cmon, cutie. I have a spot for us."

The pair walked through the exposed gardens and palm trees and reflecting pools beside elaborate buildings until Kendall saw a patch of greenery by a domed building. And a whole set up with a low table, plates and cutlery, treats and a charcuterie board.

"Oh my god," was all Kendall could say, dropping James's hand to run and see everything.

"You like it?" James asked, knowing the answer.

Kendall turned back to see James had set down the cooler to open his arms. An invitation. Kendall ran to him and obliged. James's body was firm against his, and his arms circled the boy with intention without squeezing.

"This is amazing. How'd you do it?"

"Called in a favor. Let's get this blanket set up and eat."

The pair had sat down and James pulled out some pink champagne for the two of them. Kendall had never seen a side of James like this. One that was so romantic and engaged in him.

The two indulged in the spread and giggled, sharing moments of their secret mutual attraction to each other. James only had one glass over champagne knowing he had to drive back. Kendall had two and was feeling a gentle buzz. Although he might just be feeling the high of being with the man of his dreams.

"Can I ask you something?" James asked, his tone was still sweet but shifted to serious.

"Of course," Kendall said, curious to what it was gonna be.

"Are you still thinking of leaving the band?" James's voice was level and he squinted in the sunlight.

Kendall paused to think. He didn't feel a drastic need to but he wasn't sure if being in the band fulfilled him the same way it used to. And there were days, regardless of James, that he wanted to take a break.

"As of now I'm genuinely happy with whatever happens. If another contract comes I'd do it."

"Sweet."

"But I'd love just a three month hiatus after all of this," Kendall added.

"Seriously," James agreed. "If we got that I'd take you on a sick vacation where they have those over-water bungalows and shit."

Kendall blushed at the thought of this thing lasting long enough to go on vacations as romantic as that. "Really?"

"Of course I would." James leaned over to kiss Kendall. "It's been a long time coming, you and I. And I really don't want to screw it up."

"Me neither."

"You ready to check out some of the gardens?" Kendall nodded and they left the set up. James said it would be cleaned up for them. They then made their way to the Japanese friendship garden and strolled along. Took selfies. And admired the beauty of it all.

As the two settled into a gazebo James kissed Kendall. This time there was a lot more passion as he began to grab his waist and pull him in. Kendall melted right in and allowed James's tongue to slip further into his mouth. But James pulled back and Kendall felt a shift in his pants.

"I'm sorry," James said. "I'm just not sure if you're ok if we got caught."

Kendall thought about this. There's a lot of people that didn't know that he liked men, let alone his best friend in a band. And if he was honest he wanted to keep it that way for a moment. And just enjoy the new budding romance.

"I'm not ashamed of a little PDA. But I just wanna keep this to our little bubble for now."

James smiled back. "That's fine by me," he said, placing one last chaste kiss on his cheek. "Let's get out of here."