Chapter Text
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.
James' alarm clock ever so rudely decided to wake him up for school. He didn’t want to get up for a multitude of reasons. He had to go to school, it wasn’t pizza day in the cafeteria, he had to confront Logan, he had to go to his mothers house.
“Ugh kill me now!”He shouts into his mattress. His phone continued to yell at him as he had yet to hit the off button. He blindly slapped his hand on the screen to shut it off, though it wasn’t working. He whines and lifts his face to look at it. The world was blurry around him as he refused to put on his glasses. He squinted at his screen and saw that his phone wasn’t making the noise. Also it read 5:00 am. James then searched for the other phone that was playing the same annoying tune repeatedly.
“Logan I swear if I didn’t like you I would kill you!”He grumbled as he picked up the phone. He hit the off button and placed it back on the bedside table. Sadly, now that he was awake, he wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep. So he crawled out of his bed and decided a nice shower would help him come up with a game plan. It also might make his dad not kill him for the early wake up call.
“Why does Logan need to be up at this time anyways?” James asked himself as he grabbed his mother's approved outfit and headed to the bathroom. After his quick shower he forgot about the night before. At least, he momentarily forgot why he was upset with Logan. That was until he made his way down the stairs and was confronted by his very much awake father.
“Grab a plate, son. We need to have a little chat.”
“It is not my fault Logan’s alarm is set at five a.m. I’m starting to think he is the rooster we hear at six thirty every morning.”James joked, mostly because he was trying to gauge Mike’s mood. The lack of laughter coming from his father was a bad indication. James instantly dropped his head and grabbed a plate.
“What’s up Dad?”He asked.
“Well, as you know Logan left here in a rush last night. Care to explain why?”Mike asked.
“Not necessarily.”James answered, outloud.
“Excuse me?”He asked.
“I- know you have to listen to me here, I may or may not have upset him. Not entirely my fault, he wanted a truthful answer to his questions.”James explains. Mike sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
“I thought so. Though I would be lying if I denied hearing the tail end of your conversation with him before dinner.” Mike admitted. James felt his heart stop, this could not be happening.
“Look, I know you two are trying to figure stuff out. Just know that he has your best interest at heart. I saw the looks he was giving you at dinner. I also saw his face before he left. Whatever it is that went down, he cares about you. I also know that you are probably just as upset as he is about whatever happened.” Mike ended up saying. James could only sigh and nod along. At least he didn’t hear much.
“I’ll talk to him at school. After all, he left his phone here.” James said.
“Good, good. Now please tell that boy that he has no business tutoring Jenny Tinkler at five in the morning. No decent person should be awake at this time.”
“Will do dad.”James got up and headed back up the stairs, not eating any that was on his plate.
Now it was a decent time in the morning and Mike dropped him off. James fumbled with his shirt as it was uncomfortable. His mother's approved outfits were always so itchy and overly expensive. He made a game plan in head about how he would approach Logan. Hopefully he would catch him alone before school started but Kendall was always with him. He hoped maybe this would be the one day he was sick. James exhaled and entered his school. He navigated towards his locker in hopes that maybe Logan was hanging around there. Unfortunately there wasn’t anyone there waiting for him, like there had been the past few weeks. James' expression grew glum as he made his way towards the end of the hall, where his locker was placed. He must have been looking too closely at the ground because James could feel his shoulder make contact with another body. A sharp pain shot throughout the area causing an uncontrollable yelp from James. Laughs filled the confined space quickly after. The laughs were ones he recognized. He shot a look at the direction it was coming from. Victor laughs loudly with his hands in his pockets as he ambles along his way. James sneered but didn’t speak, he just rested his hand on the pain and continued to his locker, ignoring the kids that were once his ‘friends’ made him lose any power he had over James. The laughs dissipated and James continued to his locker.
“You okay?” A familiar voice whispered behind him. James turned around and saw the boy he had been looking for.
“Yeah, I’m okay.” He said, admittedly feeling relieved that he was still talking to him.
“Sorry I wasn’t waiting for you today. Kendall couldn’t find his copy of Lord of the Flies.” Logan chuckled. James nodded along, wanting to pretend that the elephant in the room wasn’t there. That they were fine and nothing had been said the day before.
“Oh, I have your phone.” James then said, pulling out said device. Logan smiled and took it from him, shoving the thing into his pocket.
“Thanks, I was going to turn around to get it but…” Logan trailed off, not that James didn’t know what he was going to say.
“You didn’t have to leave. I calmed down after you left.” James whispered. Logan nodded and looked down at the floor. Neither of them said a word but both boys headed over to James locker. As James put away his folders and grabbed the materials for his first three classes Logan talked him through the test questions again. Like clockwork five minutes before the bell Carlos and Kendall showed up to their spot.
“Are you ready for this test?” Carlos asked James, his enthusiasm confusing all of them.
“I am, but are you?” James asked. Carlos nodded excitedly.
“Yeah, cause no one has seen Mr. Dewit’s car.” He explained. Mr. Dewit had a yellow dodge neon that was painted to look like the yellow transition car character. Needless to say everyone knew what his car looked like.
“Do you think he’s sick?”James asked.
“He’s probably late, I know I have late start days,”Logan shrugged. James then turned towards the boy with a small glare.
“Speaking of, why is your alarm set at 5:00 am?!”James asked, placing his hands on his hips.
“Thank you, I have the same issue!”Kendall eagerly agreed. “I swear I haven’t slept in since I was ten.”
“I have a lot of stuff I do before school. Excuse me for being punctual.”Logan scoffed.
“Anyways!”Carlos interrupted since his sleep has never truly been interrupted by Logan, at least recently,”I also heard the older kids talking. They said he wasn’t going to be here today so they didn’t have to take their math tests!”
“That would be a relief, then I would only have one thing to worry about today,”James said. Logan gave him a look before looking back at his brother and Carlos.
“Yeah, but what if the sub makes us take the test?” Kendall asked, shuttering at the thought. Logan shook his head.
“No, I don’t think so. Mr. Dewit likes to make sure no one is cheating. No way he’d chance us with a sub.” Logan said. Before anyone could respond the bell rang, leading to the group splitting up. Carlos and Kendall both had the same first period while Logan and James had ones near each other.
“Even if we have to take our test today, I believe in you.” Logan whispered to James as they walked up to James’ first period classroom. James felt his face heat up and looked away from the boy.
“Uh-thanks. Really.” He mumbled. Logan then grabbed his hand and squeezed it twice.
“Good luck, see you in third period.” Logan said before dropping his hand and walking off. This time though, Logan did look back and give him a small wave. James gave a dorky smile before walking into the wall right next to the door.
“Owie.. doors right here James.”James mumbles to himself.
They did in fact have the test in their math class. Surprisingly though, James actually understood most of the questions. Though he was still the last person to finish his test, which was disheartening. Sadly the day went by much quicker after the test had finished. Before he knew it he was at lunch and they were all talking about their classes.
“We played dodgeball in P.E today.” Carlos informed them. James and Logan both groaned at the thought of that class. Though for the first time it was for similar reasons, dressing out was going to be a pain.
“Thanks Litos, I might be sick for the sixth period.” Logan joked. James snorted and patted Logan’s shoulder.
“Oh, we did have a test for math.” James informed them. The group collectively groaned. Well, Carlos and Kendall did. Logan looked nervous but also excited. James could only hope that it was due to him wanting to know how James did.
The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing that made James pause was his 6th period teacher informing him that he was to go to the office after class. However, James had little time to dwell on this. Once the final bell rang he had the time to properly panic. Especially when he found Heidi and Mike both in the office when he arrived.
“James, you're here, good. The school counselor and the nurse are here to talk to all of you.” The receptionist informed them.
“I didn’t do anything I promised!”James panicked, “I was framed!”
“You aren’t in trouble sweetheart go ahead and head this way. James still felt uneasy, he had to see his mothers at three, she didn’t like it when he was late. If she was there that is. James walked to the counselor's office where he saw the counselor and the nurse sitting behind the desk. James sat in the car closest to the wall and leaned back. Mike sat next to him and Heidi was on the edge seat.
“We called you three in here because one of your teachers called. James, they told us that you've been using your non-dominant arm frequently. Also that you look as though you are in pain when you do use your dominant arm.” The nurse started. James paled more dramatically in that second. He then felt his father touch his arm, making him look at him and Heidi. Both of which were white as sheets.
“James, did you get hurt?” Heidi asked gently.
“N-no mama, I'm not hurt.” He whispered but Heidi only looked more alarmed.
“James, I have known you since you were a toddler. You can't lie to me.” She insisted.
“I can’t tell you.”James shook his head, debating on running out of the room. Though his options were limited and one of them was his mother’s house. He did not want to go there but it was an option.
“Did someone hurt you?”Mike then asked. James just shook his head and tried to hide into himself.
“James-“Mike whispered.
“Mom’s boyfriend.”He whispered, so quiet that the adults in the room couldn’t hear him.
“What?”Heidi asked. James lifted his face exposing fresh tears.
“Mom’s boyfriend did it okay!”James exclaimed,”I wanted to go outside and he dragged me back to the room I slept in. He popped my shoulder out of socket and left me in my room alone! He popped it back in and it had hurt ever since. All because I was spoiled and ungrateful.”
“Jamie.”Heidi started but James shook his head and stood up from his spot.
“Mom came into my room and said she would do anything in her power to get full custody of me if I told you. I don’t wanna live there. I guess I acted out so you wouldn’t notice that I was in pain.”James calmed down a bit, but he needed air. “Happy?”
Before he got any response he left the room and the office all together.
When he got outside he noticed Logan was sitting on the steps with his phone in hand. The boy didn't notice as James sat down next to him. Thankfully James hadn't seen his mothers car. Which meant she forgot, again.
“What are you still doing here?”James asked. Logan glanced up from his phone and gave James a small smile though it dropped instantly.
“You were crying,”Logan said ignoring James question completely.
“No- I-“James just sighs in defeat,”I just told my parents about my shoulder. Stupid gym teacher ratted me out.”
“Oh- I assume they didn’t take it well. Obviously with you being ingured for months at the hands of your mother.”Logan said. James nodded and pulled his knees up to his chest so he could hide his face in them.
“I dunno, I walked out before they could say anything.”His voiced was muffled. Logan’s hand rested on his back and he rubbed up and down.
“It’s gonna be okay Jamie.”Logan tried to consult,”if not I can help you run away, so Brooke doesn’t find you. I mean I will miss you a lot but at least you would be safe.”
James lifted his head from his knees and gave him a small smile.
“Well I wouldn’t run off anywhere without you with me. I’d miss you more.”James leaned in as he spoke.
“I think that’s impossible.”Logan leans in as well. Their faces came inches away from each other at this point. James had hoped what he was going for, Logan felt the same.
“I don’t think so, I really really like-“James was about to go in for a kiss but he heard a familiar vehicle pull in causing him to jump back. “Shit she was just late.”
Before James could get up they heard the doors open from the school.
“James, get back into the school. Your mother and I are about to have a serious talk.” His father instructed. James wanted to argue but Logan grabbed his hand and began to pull him into the school building.
“Jamie, I think he's being serious.” Logan informed him. James nodded and followed him into the building.
“Thank goodness we caught you in time. Apparently your mother was contacted for this meeting but she never answered her phone.” Heidi said, her eyes were red. James hugged her gently and she kissed his head in return.
“I am so sorry we never noticed you were hurting.” She whispered into his hair.
“No, I hid it from you. It's not your fault, mama.” James tried assuring her.
“James, we are your parents. We are supposed to notice these things. We failed you on that one. I can only hope we don't make this mistake again, especially in regards to your health.”
“I love you mama.”James whispered. He honestly felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
A week later James found himself sitting at his desk in his room. He turned his chair to face Logan who was sitting on his bed.
“Did I tell you my surgery date, I now have one.”He informs his friend.
“I didn’t know you needed surgery.”Logan sat up from his laying down position.
“Oh yeah, I have to have surgery.”James said nonchalantly,”I have to get something tightened.. my tendon or something was torn.”
“That sucks, but I’m glad they are able to fix what’s wrong. Though I hope you will be able to play hockey again. I mean, maybe not this season but next year after you’re healed up.” Logan said, scooting closer to James.
“Yeah, which sucks, I miss playing a lot.”James frowns. He noticed Logan had moved closer so he rolled his chair closer to the bed. He thought about the brief moments they have been sharing recently and now that the shoulder issue was out of the way maybe they could explore the b plot. “So I have been meaning to ask you something-“
As though his mind was read, Logan got up from the bed and kissed him right in the lips. Heat filled James' face once they made close contact. Though the action was sudden, there was no shock. Other than the fact that James wanted to be the one to kiss him first, Logan took things into his own hands.
“I’m sorry-“Logan said once they parted, “I couldn’t- I couldn’t wait any longer.”
James only leaned in and kissed him again, bringing his hand up to cup his face. Logan responded to the kiss almost as soon as it started, much to James’ pleasure. When he pulled away he gave Logan a grin.
“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that.” James murmured.
“Two weeks?”Logan asked softly, one arm resting on his good shoulder.
“I’ve liked you way longer than two weeks.”James chuckled.
“Mmh, four weeks?”Logan asked, in a joking manner.
“Something like that.”James shakes his head fondly.
“I liked you for a long while too, I just thought you weren’t interested.”Logan admitted to him. James would argue but he did have a mean streak for the first few weeks of the school year, he wouldn’t get crush vibes from himself either.
“Yeah, I get that.”James sighed and brushed his hand over Logan’s hair. It was soft and fluffy, he could pet it for hours. Logan shut his eyes and leaned into his hand. James smiled and kissed Logan once more. They would have kept doing this but the time ruined it for them.
“I gotta head home Jamie, see you soon.”Logan got up from the bed, grabbing everything that he owned.
“These tutoring sessions just aren’t long enough.”James pouted and he stood in front of Logan.
“Well, we can add more if you want, to get extra help.”Logan flirts.
“I’d like that.”James hummed. Logan gave a small smile in return, but soon after one last kiss he was gone. James sat on his bed with a real smile on his face. His life was really turning back to the right direction.
“And that’s how this started.”James told his group of friends.
“That was a nice story James.”Jo said,”well a nice ending. Your mom sounds awful.”
“Y-yeah, a whole lot more happens later but I’m sure you guys don’t wanna hear about me and Logan all night.”James said.
“Wait, wait, your mother’s boyfriend did what to your shoulder?” Kendall demanded.
“Oh, right, you didn’t hear about that one.” James chuckled awkwardly.
“You also never told us how you two started dating.” Camille pouted. Logan groaned in response to that one. James could sympathize as there were parts of that story he wanted to remain private.
“No, what I want to know is what Mr. Mike did to your mom. We didn’t hear much about her after freshman year. Last I remember was her picking you up from homecoming.” Carlos inputted.
“Carlos, do we really need to poke holes in the story? It’s getting late and I’m sure everyone has stories to share.”James rubbed his eyebrows.
“Okay.”Carlos huffs and crosses his arms. Different topics of conversation continued until the fire dulled. Kendall put one more log in the pit and they all collectively went to sleep in their own spots. Logan waited a while to hear snoring when he poked James.
“Jamie, do you wanna go upstairs and cuddle with our Star?”He whispered,”I’m getting cold and I want my baby.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”James whispered and the two snuck off to apartment 2J without waking anyone else. Once they walked in James went to his room while Logan snuck in mama knights bedroom to retrieve the baby sleeping in the little makeshift temporary cot thing. James made sure the nightlight was on before crawling in his bed. Logan walked in moments after with the sleeping girl. Logan climbed on in with Andi in his arms.
“Goodnight Jamie.”Logan pecked his nose and shut his eyes. James kissed Logan’s forehead and then the infants.
“Goodnight Logan, goodnight my Andromeda.”He whispered back and wrapped his arm around the two. This is where he wanted to be.