Hi Stranger | Kendall

[Kendall Donald Knight]

Camille would indeed be missed should she decide to leave. Then again L.A. was just a warm up to the big main event, New York City. Camille had presence so it wouldn't be too much of a surprise if she decided to hit the stage or possibly get her name up on a billboard. In fact he honestly saw her having stage presence more then being in the role of a movie character. He couldn't see himself on the stage for he was afraid he would choke. It was different then performing just songs because there was no flub there. He listened as she talked of a party and while it was tempting...that small voice in his head told him to retreat from something like that for now. He agreed, sort of, after all a party meant inviting people you knew and that in turn would lead to some awkward moments. If talk came up of BTR or even what everyone was doing he was sure to be lost in the conversation. Walking into the store he noticed a red jacket Lucy had taken an interest in.

"Wow...it looks just right for you. I suppose a change from your usual color will do you good...not that it didn't before. Man...I really should learn to stop while I am slightly ahead. Is this a new place? I don't really remember it last time I was at the mall with Katie." He perused the jackets and found the prices really steep. Of course he wasn't here to buy a jacket, nah, he was here to help out Lucy and be a good friend. Fighting off his hunger with looking at heavy jackets or ones with styles etched into their sleeves was just a fun thing to do. Walking off to the back he noticed a lot of posters with James on them...even a broadway one with Carlos on it. The play was quite well known, Footloose. A slight smile was on his face as he noticed how happy he was.

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Lucy wished she could do more to Kendall than just being a friend and by that, she didn’t mean by dating him. She thought that she could help him move on but she would need help and James would be the best. She was certain that he wouldn’t end up being into a major depression. Sure, he was having one but not to the point of getting a psychologist to talk to him and see if there was really something bad about it. She supposed that time would heal but she sure hoped that friends would be a great help for the matters. She was convinced that friends helped healing as well.

She smiled slightly when she showed the jacket to Kendall. She was sure James would be surprised of such a change as well. She laughed a bit as he spoke and shook her head. She didn’t take any offence in it from him since she knew he didn’t mean it. She would though if it came from a complete stranger but since it was Kendall. She nodded at his question. “Yeah, it’s a new place and I really love it!” she mused happily. “I’m glad they finally have more shops that suit my style, not that I don’t get what I want in the other shops but I like having variety and being able to pick clothes from different places. And hey, I do wear colors, just not with my jackets.” She added with a smile. After all, she did still have that pink shirt she wore on her first days at Palm Woods or even a few light colored shirts of her favorite bands. She went further into the shop to grab the jacket she wanted and also pulled out a black one that she loved quite a lot. Trying them both on she smiled, satisfied with what she had picked and looked around, finding Kendall smiling at posters. She silently went next to him and glanced at what he was looking at. She smiled seeing Carlos. “Yeah, I’ve heard he’s become big on Broadway.” She commented.

[Kendall Donald Knight]

Kendall laughed at her comment about wearing different colors. It was a natural laugh and it came from deep down. It was nice getting out for a change instead of holed up in his apartment. There was a reason why he didn't buy as many homes as Gustavo, he wanted to stay put. Gustavo tended to travel a lot to different parts in promoting his new artists and stuff. He on the other hand preferred staying put, though when in a band they had to head to different parts to play for their fans. Kendall was glad she had found a few jackets in this place, other wise they would just be browsing and wasting time before they had to eat. Hearing footsteps join him he smiled and could picture Carlos playing this role. A part of him wanted to fly out to see him perform onstage...but he wouldn't know what to talk about with him. Some people were better conversationalist then others. Oh he could hold his own, hands down, but Carlos tended to have them beat when it came to talking.

"I'm not surprised...Carlos always had a knack for the over the top performances. He has a stage presence that James himself would not be able to copy. Logan would likely think too much of the situation and me...I would likely do well...up till a change and then I'm thrown off altogether." Kendall moved away from the poster as he placed his hands in his pockets. "Lucy...when Big Time Rush split up...were you with James after we all went our separate ways? If so...how was he?" Kendall knew how he felt, but, he wasn't with the others. Sure they seemed a bit sad, but, none of them wept or fell apart too much. Kendall needed to know, just in case he ever did make it back to the Palm Woods to visit his mom, sister, and of course James.

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Lucy was satisfied when she heard Kendall laugh; at least, it didn’t seem like being a forced one which was a good thing. It proved her that her mission of making him feel better than how he seemed to be earlier was slowly working. She knew that she still would have to talk to James about Kendall and all but she was confident into the fact that she would get him to sing with them. It would only be a matter of time, and good and convincing arguments. She was surprised to see that Carlos already had a poster with him being on Broadway but then again, he was good with expressions and acting. She figured he was made for it just how Camille would be made for it as well. Then again, she was sure that Camille would prefer the big screen…unless she had dreams to get on Broadway. Who knew; she never asked the girl about it as it seemed that she was having a blossoming Hollywood career.

She nodded. “Just like Camille, I’m sure they’d be epic in a same musical, or play.” She commented. She didn’t think Carlos would fall apart after the split. He had always been happy and full of energy…even when he tried to flirt with her at the beginning, when she first came to Palm Woods. She smiled as Kendall spoke of Logan and himself. “You never know until you give it a try.” She shrugged. “I know I’m not made for it…my kind of music isn’t found on Broadway half of the time.” She added with a light laugh.

She blinked when he questioned her about the split and her relationship with James. She couldn’t help but shrug on this one. “I went to another tour, I think it upset him since I didn’t tell him when I came back to LA but I tried my best to stay in touch with him as much as I could. I’ve also spoken to him lately, he’s doing fine and I think he misses you too.” She added with a small smile. She went to the cashier to pay for her jackets.

[Kendall Donald Knight]

Kendall didn't have trouble seeing Camille in a musical. She was much the same as Carlos, the two of them could own a stage and show others with practice anything was possible. He would pay a lot of money for front row seats to an extravaganza like that one, hands down. Lucy was a great singer, though as she said her music wasn't found on Broadway. Hard, edgy, yet sweet underneath. Still he was unfamiliar with the world of Broadway so there was no certainty there if there was indeed music for her out there or not. It must've sucked for James to know she was in L.A. that entire time and she hadn't stopped by to say hello. Sure their feelings weren't delved into then, but it was likely the whole friend thing. He knew that if he had a friend in the same city as him and not even drop by to say hello he would be disappointed. Once she was at the cashier he wore a small smile as she spoke of James missing him.

"When I am ready to go back to the Palm Woods I will let you know. I figure since you see him more then I do you can give him the heads up. For now I think I am happy where I am, situated in an apartment where I can ease back into the place where it all started...and where it all ended." Kendall began to head to the exit as his hunger was really working on his ability to stand in one place. The food court would likely be packed soon and finding a spot would be difficult. "So...what are you in the mood for?" Kendall asked as he placed his weight up against the wall.

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Lucy was glad that he was open on the idea of letting her greet him back at Palm Woods. She was happy about the fact that he was considering of coming back there. Not for herself but for himself, it was there where all the good memories were and not to add that there were still some of their friends such as Jo and Camille. She was certain that they would all love to see him back again and to talk about anything that came across their minds. Besides, she was almost positive that no one would want to bring up a touchy subject such as the split. Or if they wanted to question him, they’d have to hold themselves back not to do it just to prevent Kendall from a possible break down since it was what he seemed to be inclined to do lately.

“Sounds like a plan, you still have my phone number right?” She asked him, tilting her head to the side. “Unless you bought a new phone, I still have yours so you can text me whenever you’re ready and I’ll be happy to be your greeting committee and tell you about what you’ve missed around Palm Woods.” She proposed with a light smile. When she bought her things, she smiled and followed him out of the shop. She looked at him as he questioned her of the food. She paused. “Uh, anything really, though Mexican food sounds good.” She smiled. “You know, tacos.” Yeah, the more she thought of it, the more she was craving for this kind of food.

[Kendall Donald Knight]

Kendall thought that over. Did he still have her number? Pulling out his phone he flipped through the numbers and sure enough she was still in his phone. He never could find the heart to delete it...even when he and Jo had got back together. There was a sense of loss when you got rid of someone from your phone, sort of like they were erased from your memory. A lot of guys and girls shared history through texts and calls, without them that person might as well not exist. They lived in a technological society where phones, game systems, even lab tops were vital, like a limb or so back before texting was ever invented. Why he was thinking all this now he wasn't sure, all he did know was Lucy was his friend and even with the distance between him and the Palm Woods she still considered him her friend, and that was nice to hear and to see. Approaching the Mexican restaurant, or part of it, he ordered them some tacos. Paying for them he accepted a number as he looked over the row of empty chairs and tables.

"Lucy, just out of curiosity, should I go back to the Palm Woods...you wouldn't by chance be planning something would you? To be completely honest I don't want any attention on me...or the mention of music. I still have a lot to decide and my stay wouldn't be permanent, I would just be a guest. I hope you can understand that, I mean can you believe if I was sprung on to sing in Rocque Records or posed for photos? This seems like a nice spot to sit down." Kendall went to pull out her chair and then went to go sit down in his. He still practiced his vocals in the shower and made sure no flab came on his body, still, perhaps he was overreacting and his presence at the Palm Woods would be like it usually was, quiet and for the most part unnoticed.

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Lucy glanced at Kendall when she watched him look at his phone. She took the time to glance down at hers as well and see if James texted her back, which he did and she replied quickly before putting the phone back into her bag. Kendall didn’t know what they were planning but she thought that in time and with her pretty eyes and James’ convincing attitude they’d get him to do a trio with them. He could even just play the guitar if that was what he was comfortable with. He didn’t have to sing again. She just wanted to have a good time like they had in the past. She didn’t think it was too much to ask. She blinked though as he questioned her on her intensions and she shook her head quickly before giving him a wide smile. “Nah, don’t worry, I’m not planning anything big for you.” She reassured him, which was true…she didn’t think of inviting the entire community of Palm Woods to greet Kendall once again. She was disappointed a bit when he said that he didn’t want to talk of music or anything related to it but she could understand and for now, she would let him be.

She was glad they finally ordered for food as she was hungry as well and she nodded when he spotted a table. She went with him and sat down on the seat that was across from his. It really felt good to be back in LA and she was more than happy to hear that her friends, well, most of them, were doing still good. She smiled at him. “I think you would still look great as a model if you pose for photos though, if you get rid of that beard.” She commented teasingly. “I’m still sure that whatever you’ll do, you’ll be great at it.”

[Kendall Donald Knight]

Kendall was relieved to hear that nothing big was planned. He knew that he needed to get back into the game, eventually, and when he did it would likely ignite a firestorm and rumors of BTR getting back together. It was tempting but at the same time he wanted his friends to spread their wings and get out from under the veil that was their former lives. It was essential that in order to first move on one must admit to themselves that it was over, whatever it was that haunted them. For him it was the splitting of btr and his break up with Jo. The facial hair right now was a mask he wore, a former visage of his leading btr through all its troubled and glorious days. Kendall looked over at Lucy and wondered if she had been in a band like btr how she would've dealt with the split. She seemed so strong, capable, someone who had everything on her shoulder and would never fall apart. However he knew that by not asking him about music he would do the same with her. Drumming his fingers on the table he cracked a smile as she talked of modeling.

"As flattered as I am at that, you and I both know that area has always belonged to James. I take it James still has that comb of his? I remember one misplaced hair and he would instantly freak, it was like a lucky thing for him. I will take care of this beard soon as I get a razor...or tempt to shave as it has been ages since I last took up shaving cream in hand and stared the mirror down. I appreciate your words Lucy...and whatever path I walk down I hope they still stay with me. Oh look our food." Kendall accepted the tray and set it down before them. Picking up his taco he tempted a bite only to have it fall apart and collapse onto the tray. "You wouldn't by chance have glue on you would you?"

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Lucy also restrained herself from letting him know that maybe she wasn’t going to plan anything big but she couldn’t promise anything coming from either James or Camille…or both of them reunited. Right now she had a couple of ideas to get him back in game but even though she was planning something on the side along with James and would try to convince Kendall – not today- to join them in a song. She was positive it would be great if they ever managed to convince him but considering the state he was in and that she wasn’t with James, she’d rather wait before trying to do anything that would break their friendship apart. He seemed so fragile right now that it almost made her feel bad over planning such a thing in his back but she was almost positive that he needed it and that it would be a nice light push forward a new career.

She smiled slightly when he spoke of his friends and Lucy nodded. “You know I’ll always be on your side, especially considering that you helped me to convince my parents about the path I wanted to choose.” She pointed out remembering the time where she had to face her parents about her musical orientation that wasn’t exactly what they had expected her to be. She smiled when they got the food they had asked for and could already feel her stomach growl for food when she saw the delicious tacos they were about to eat. She couldn’t help but laugh a little at Kendall’s attempt to eat his tacos but it resulted that the same happened to her. “Sadly, I don’t carry glue with me 24h/24 she said with a light chuckle. Geez, these things taste good but they’re hard to eat.” She commented while taking a sip of her soda.

[Kendall Donald Knight]

"Friends help friends out, that is always the code I have lived by. James, Logan, Carlos, there isn't a thing I wouldn't do to help them out. I think of those guys like family, like brothers in arms, us against the world. When you form bonds, naturally they come through even in the most dire of hours. I am glad for the friendships I have formed and the longstanding effect it has even to this day, yours included. I understand full well about parents and the slight difficulty of getting a message across, especially when it is involved in a huge change from norm. When I was younger I never dreamt of being a singer, that was James's dream. I just wanted to play Hockey, and somehow I wound up on this magical tour, a bus for which destiny was shared with all my friends. Life is kinda funny in that regard, like a part of it still stays with you even when the ride is over." He didn't mean to sound philosophical or anything, but, it felt nice knowing that even though he never wanted to be a singer it was for the better. He could never let James go on this alone, they were a team.

Of course the ride did end...and when it did even though he spoke of their bonds, they still parted ways. Trying to stick together was a lot like the taco and gravity, it always lost the fight. He wore a light smile as she talked of her taco and the lack of glue on her person, which was ok really. "Lucky enough they invented forks for us messy eaters. Lucy...I am curious, since everything went down with your parents, do they follow your career, talk to you by chance?" He bit into his taco and used the fork to scoop up the stuff that had fallen down.

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Lucy couldn’t agree more with Kendal as they spoke of friendship. Indeed, when you were friends with someone, it was your duty to help them if they ever had trouble. Even though she had always been a tough one, she was glad to have Camille as a backup in case there were things she couldn’t deal with on her own. She smiled when he spoke of their friendship and nodded. “I couldn’t thank you more when you helped me deal with my parents, it must have been awkward and I’m glad that we managed to make it understand to them, that I preferred to go on with rock music instead of classical music.” She told him. While being in thank yous, she decided that she could as well do the same to him. She was surprised when he sounded like a guru, she had never thought that Kendall could be so deep. Well, there were no doubts on the fact that he was deeper than Carlos and James on most parts and Logan was the brain of the team but it was still surprising coming from Kendall. “I see you’ve grown up mature.” She commented with a smile. “Much mature than James probably.” She giggled a bit, not that she minded but at times, she did think that James was a bit…immature and childish.

She nodded as she glanced down at the mess she had caused with hers. Gladly, she wasn’t bothered by it and neither was Kendall. She smiled at Kendall’s question. “They’re more understanding than they were before I guess. But I think they still wish I went by the path they wanted me to go to. They talk to me on occasions.” She explained.

[Kendall Donald Knight]

"It is a gift...and a curse...or could be the isolation I have had to get in touch with myself," Kendall shrugged with a smile. "Each and every person, well, yeah that sounds right, each and every person deals with things differently then most. Take Carlos for example, for the longest time he would cope with things through humor or having his trusty helmet through life's harder lessons. Logan resolved to take on the world through logic, that everything had a reason, a solution always ready to present itself through clear thinking. James...well James has his charm about him, ready to whip out his comb and sing a soulful tune. If we were all the same, if we did resort to logic and well thought out deep stuff...can you imagine the grey world we'd live in? It would be like Pleasantville, that movie about being stuck in a world so safe, so predictable, that it drove the characters nuts. Am I rambling? We should probably get up before we get stuck in my talk."

Kendall appreciated Lucy listening to him. It was nice to have a friend, who was a girl, who used to be with him on a slightly intimate level to just be upfront with one another. He needed this in his life, a balance to rule out the unevenness he was living with now in his isolation. The next step would be to go back to the Palm Woods, but in all good time and measure. Getting to his feet he moved to the trash and slid his tray in letting the remainder of his nightmare of a meal, not in taste but in design fall to the bottom. Stretching his arms he waited for her as the next spot of their destination as yet to be decided.

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Lucy couldn’t help but laugh as he explained how James solved things. She could easily imagine him with his comb, as he would probably still be doing that by now. She didn’t mean to laugh at what Kendall explained to her but the image she had out of his words was a rather hilarious one and it made her smile. “You’ve really grown more mature.” She told him lightly. She didn’t mind his rambling, as he called it. It was nice to talk with someone who had knowledge even though Logan did too. It looked like Kendall was a mix of the three boys put together, which was a rather nice one and it made him for who he was. She wondered about if he still knew that he was amazing. It made her wonder also about how Jo was taking things since they were obviously no longer together. They hadn’t been the greatest friends but still, she was a bit concerned for the girl since she was one of Camille’s closest friends.

She was still glad that he wasn’t entirely down the hill and that he still had some spirit within his body. She would have been worried otherwise…sure, she still worried but not as much. He still needed a shave though. As they finished their meal, Lucy sighed contently. “You know, I’ve missed L.A. so much, I don’t think I would want to live anywhere else actually.” She said with a smile to Kendall as she stood up to go place her tray on top of the garbage bin. “I need a couple of shirts, how about you?” She then asked thinking of the next shop they would go to. She had, of course, a couple in mind already but she still asked for Kendall’s opinion.