Love the Way You Lie

Summery- James is in an abusive relationship and it's up to Kendall to get him out.

Warnings- Domestic violence, abuse, slash (obviously) and lots of James angst

Rihanna: Just gonna stand there and watch me burn but that's alright because I like it when it hurts. Just gonna stand there and hear me cry but that's alright because I love the way you lie.

Out of all the stupid mistakes James had made throughout his life, staying in a relationship with Dak was the stupidest of them all. He hurt the brunette so much but he didn't want to leave due to his foolish belief that it was only going to be a one time thing, that he really loved him. It never was; it when from a once in awhile thing to everyday. He never really loved James the way he should. He was his fuck toy. That was not cool with Kendall, on any level.

James lied anytime Kendall asked about the new bruises and cuts marking up his beautiful sun kissed skin. James always told him it was nothing or made up an unbelievable excuse. He was worrying everyone. Logan kept asking doctor like questions and Carlos tried talking him into telling them the truth. All it did was drive him further into Dak's arms and further away from the help he needed.

It was a Friday night when something remarkable happened. Kendall was sitting on the couch, watching TV with a blank expression marking up his face. The front door opened and closed quietly. Kendall was about to shout hey over his shoulder to whomever it was, but he stopped when he heard incredibly soft sniffling.

Cautiously, he called out "James? You okay?" but got no answer. Slowly he got up and crept towards the younger's door. He knocked but still had no answer. Kendall tried again. "James, can you hear me? Are you okay?" Again, no answer. Letting his patience wear thin, he pushed open the door, mildly surprised that it wasn't locked. His jaw dropped almost as soon as he was inside their shared bedroom.

James was sitting on the bed with his knees drawn to his chest, sobbing heavily into a pillow he clutched tightly in his arms. Worriedly, Kendall jogged over and sat beside James, gently stroking his hair behind his ear. Without a single word, James clung to Kendall as he cried even harder into his chest. Kendall shushed him and rubbed his back comfortingly as he cried.

When he got some control back, James sat up and leaned against the wall. Kendall moved beside him and waited for him to speak. It soon became clear he wasn't going to. He had to break the suffocating silence.

"What happened?"

With those words, tears began to form again in the younger's eyes. Sniffling, he whispered his answer. "He… He said he… He didn't… Love me… Anymore…" He choked out, tears rolling down his cheeks. Kendall pulled him into another hug. James began crying all over again.

"I'm so sorry James." Kendall whispered, anger beginning to burn his insides. "But he's no good for you." Suddenly, James pulled away and looked him in his eyes. Sensing his confusion, Kendall continued.

"I mean, he hurt you, on numerous occasions. James, Dak was abusive. I know you loved him, that he was your first real true love, but it's better this way. You can do so much better."

James sat silent for a few minutes. Kendall had to wonder; how badly did he offend him? Finally, after a long period, the brunette spoke.

"I don't understand…. He said he loved me…. He said that every hit was an accident…" As shocked as Kendall was, he knew why. He hugged him again and began talking.

"Dude, I hate to tell you this, but they never change. There's never going to be one final hit. There will always be more after it." The blonde muttered, squeezing him gently. Before James could say anything, Kendall pushed on. "He was just using you. Sex was all he wanted. For him, love never even crossed his mind."

James made this choking sound before beginning to wail the shattered pieces of his heart out, with Kendall there to help clean up the mess.

Kendall told Logan and Carlos what he had found out. Dak had been the one who had broken James' ribs, no car wreck involved whatsoever. He always dumped James right after they had sex, but then got back together with him a week or less later. He made James change because he didn't like his personality. James wasn't who he was; he was a fake play toy for a bastard who didn't deserve him.

Nobody got the chance to find anything out because Dak had threatened to kill James if he ever told. So he kept his silence. Kendall and Logan both had to restrain Carlos so he didn't slaughter that son of a bitch. Although, they all wanted to help with his demise.

Over the next few weeks, James was beginning to become more like his former self, thanks to the help from his friends. One Monday afternoon, James and friends were tanning by the pool when Dak came up.

"Yo, bitch. You're coming back with me." He said, leaving no room for argument. James looked towards his friends for support and Kendall squeezed his hand. They all sent reassuring smiles his way. With a deep breath, he spoke.

"No."

"What? You ungrateful bitch! Don't you dare speak to me that way!" He shouted. James didn't flinch. Kendall couldn't help but be proud of his boyfriend for the next words that came out of his mouth.

"No. Don't you remember? We broke up. I have a boyfriend now. I'm actually happy with him, which is more than I could say when I was with you. If anything, you're the ungrateful one. I gave you my heart and you kept breaking it. I was an idiot for believing you were a good guy. But not anymore. Now, go screw yourself, you know you want to." With that, he began reading his magazine again.

Dak stuttered a moment before yelling some choice words that got Mr. Bitters to throw him out on the streets. Kendall hugged James and kissed his cheek. James smiled and kissed his boyfriends lips.

Upstairs that night, as they laid in bed together, James said something that brought tears to Kendall's eyes. "Thank you. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't showed me the error of my way. Thank you for saving my life."

With a light smile, Kendall whispered, "Anytime baby, anytime."