AN: hi Everyone. Thanks to S, Guest, and 123lgb for reviewing I'm glad you like the story so far. It's a short chapter but I think it sets up the direction of the rest of the story. Hope you enjoy! :)

Chapter 8

Waking up next to James the next morning was a complete 180 from the last time. No awkwardness, no depression from unrequited affections. Just joy and kisses. And another blowjob, James reciprocating this time. Kendall delighted in waking up to his friend turned lover, but also felt an impending sense of dread. The two agreed that they wouldn't tell anyone yet. So how they were going to maneuver throughout this time was a mystery to him.

The two got ready for the day and joined Logan and Carlos for breakfast at this spot a block from the beach. Kendall was happy to see things carried on as usual with the exception of a little footsie going on between him and James. Kendall felt the anxiety melt away.

The boys all spent the rest of the day together, feeling back to normal. Kendall even felt excited to record tomorrow. Everything he had worried about last week was a thing of the past.

The next day at the studio, Gustavo presented them with a dance song that was sure to be a single and very "radio-friendly." Kendall thought back to what James had said about their authenticity, but shrugged it off because he actually loved his hook and the chorus.

It was when Carlos was recording his verse that Griffin had stepped in with the publicity team. Fuck, what are they gonna have us do now? Kendall thought.

"Gustavo, Kelly," Griffin started. Carlos paused, as curious as the lot of them. "Do you know why I'm here?"

"No, but I'm sure you're going to enlighten us," Kelly responded, knowing she wasn't going to like this.

"Yes, that is what I'd normally do," Griffin said, tilting his head. Then he turned to Kendall and James who were sitting on the couch with Logan. But his eyes were fixed on the two. "Or perhaps we should ask our little love birds over here," he added, gesturing towards them.

Kendall's heart sank and he could see every face that had been there before turned into one of shock or confusion. All except for James who was frozen in panic.

"I'm sorry," Gustavo was the first to break the silence. "When you say love birds, you—"

"I mean Kendall and James," Griffin cut him off. "The two were spotted kissing and having a romantic picnic in San Diego."

The lead publicist, Jane, handed Gustavo printed copies of photos and articles. Kelly scanned over them as he flipped through, their faces switching from shock to concern.

"We're not sure what this news is going to mean for Big Time Rush's image, but I've made it the PR team's top priority," Griffin continued.

"We'll be using the rest of the day to look at public reaction and come up with a strategy as we learn more," Jane added. The boys exchanged panicked looks. "So far the response is mixed."

"Mixed how?" Kelly asked.

"Well some of the fans love the coupling and find them cute together and look forward to the songs of their love story."

"That's good," Gustavo interjected immediately, holding on to hope that it would outweigh the negative.

"However," Jane added, her tone shifting to serious . "You are losing support with girls that follow Kendall and James as heartthrobs as well as non-lgbt supporters." She sighed. "Some of them want to boycott the band's music."

A dark looming went over the room and in a sea of defeated faces Kendall began to breathe heavily. James's hand appeared on his back in an attempt to soothe him over.

"But we can lean into the positive fans, right?" James asked, trying to be the strong voice in the group. Kendall could still sense the panic in his voice.

"Hard to say," Jane said plainly. "We'll find out what the general consensus is and go from there."

"All I know is that we have to get ahead of this. Especially with the last album in the contract on the line," Griffin said. "So we need to get this sorted out…quickly. I'll leave you guys to discuss."

The three suits left and all eyes were on Kendall and James. The blonde swallowed dreading the slew of questions they were about to be hit with.

"So that's what you guys were up to in San Diego?" Carlos asked.

"When did this start?" Logan followed.

"Do you know what this could do to Big Time Rush?" Gustavo yelled. Kendall felt knots in his stomach. He wasn't ready for what being involved with James would do to himself let alone his best friends and their careers.

"You guys," Kelly Interjected. "Can we show a little compassion for the two that were just outed to the world. I doubt they want to be bombarded with these questions."

"I know, you're right," Gustavo said. "I'm sorry this has happened to you guys. You don't deserve this."

Kendall appreciated their statements but he still was feeling awful. James reached for his hand and for a moment things felt better.

Gustavo continued, "However, this is gonna impact all of us, and I need you to know that."

The two nodded and began filling them in on the details. Kendall felt conflicted. It was nice sharing this amongst the people in his life, but he also knew that he would have to answer to the world. They did their best to carry on with the session, business as usual and Kendall did everything to remain off his phone. The last thing he wanted to do was deep dive into what the internet was saying about him.

"Alright, boys," Kelly started. "We'll need you back in the studio at eight. The PR team wants us to meet at ten and discuss strategy. Until then, you guys want to stay off of social media."

The boy collectively groaned.

"Most importantly," Kelly added, focusing her gaze onto Kendall and James. "Gustavo and I want you to know we have your backs on this no matter what. We're gonna get through this."

"Thanks, Kelly," James said.

"I know we talk about how important business is and this and that but we support you two," Gustavo said.

"Thank you," Kendall said, taken aback.

Kendall turned to his friends and saw their earnest faces. Then he looked at James and wondered how they were gonna get through this.