A/N: *Snortle* Last chapter.

I just want to send out an absolutely sincere thanks to all of you amazing people. I'm beyond floored at the response this story has gotten. It's baffling. Nothing makes me happier than hearing that many of you have actually quite enjoyed this! What coherent words can be used ? ! Geez…You guys mean a lot to me.

I've kept and read every single one of your reviews, over and over…the short, the long, the insane ramblings at 2am…they are treasures to me. I appreciate them more than you could ever know.

Thank you SO much for being faithful readers, and for your unrelenting kindness and patience with this rookie author! ! !

*deep breath*

So…

Without further ado—the conclusion.

*sigh*

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Disclaimer: Big Time Rush is not my own. But they're welcome at my house anytime!

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Face Value

Chapter 24: Epilogue-Beautiful

"…Hey, James…Pssst—James…You still asleep? Hey…" Carlos sat on his knees in their untidy floor, eye level with the bed. His elbows rested on top of the sheets as he leaned almost nose-to-nose with James, repeatedly poking him.

Logan sat across the room, back propped against the headboard of Carlos' bed, perusing the latest edition of Doctor's Weekly. The spritely, sharp-witted brunette crossed his ankles and sighed, stopping his leisurely page flipping for a moment to gaze up at the Latino.

"Give it time, Carlos. People are drowsy after surgery."

Carlos peeked back at Logan and Kendall who were sitting behind him on his bed and jutted out his bottom lip, turning back around and resting his face on his fisted hands; tan cheeks smushed against them in a pout.

Kendall grinned at him and shifted forward on the foot of the bed. The ever-cool, collected leader took in a deep breath and released it meditatively, blowing the air out of his cheeks in a puff; then slapped his hands down on his knees, standing up from his place beside Logan. The bed frame let out a grating squeak as he rose, relieved from the slight pressure that had been weighing down on the end of it; even so, the noise did not disturb the subject of their observation.

"He is really sleepin'…" Kendall mused humorously, walking around Carlos in the floor to get a better view of James. He sat down on the edge of the other boy's bed then, carefully; looking down at their best bud who snored quietly, mouth partially opened, bundles of gauze packing puffing out his rosy, pinkish cheeks.

A little triangle of skin peeked out at James' stomach where his shirt had shifted upwards in his deep sleep. Kendall tugged at the hem, pulling it back down, and laughed. "I bet he doesn't even remember the ride home." He shook his head and smiled at Carlos and Logan, remembering the bustling events of the morning.

It had literally taken all three of them just to help Mama Knight get James out of the car. They'd staggered and stumbled through the lobby, James practically laying on top of them in his dopey, post-anesthetized state as they walked/carried him into the elevator and up to the apartment; before finally guiding him into his and Carlos' bedroom where he'd collapsed on the blue and zebra-striped bed, immediately passing back out.

"Dude is out of it…" Kendall chuckled again, watching James snooze.

Logan nodded, grinning a bit. "I'm glad it's finally done." He told Kendall, "Now he can start feeling better—Carlos…stop poking James."

"Ughhh…" Carlos moaned, falling back onto his butt in the floor impatiently, before sprawling out on his back like a starfish. Logan leaned over the side of the bed, looking down at him, curiously. Carlos lifted his red wrist watch, and rolled his eyes at Logan, who seemed to peer at him upside down, from his current viewpoint.

"Is he gonna wake up anytime today?"

"Patience, Carlos…"

"Oh—Hey, look…He's starting to stir a little…"

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"…yeah…Yeah!—I think he's waking up…"

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"...Ugh—Finally!…"

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Distant, hazy voices echoed in James' dreaming ears. The talking penetrated his fading slumber, growing closer and louder, and James rolled his head away from the sound, moaning a bit; not ready to open his eyes yet.

Just as he began his steady re-decent, sinking back into dreamland, he became vaguely aware of something jabbing him in the ribs. He slapped it away weakly, whining when it picked up again, tapping annoyingly on his forehead.

"Carlos, quit. You'll make him mad."

James rolled over then, slowly rousing at the familiar hum of his brainy friend's voice. He struggled to open his eyes, and they kept falling back closed; lids drooping four or five times before he successfully cracked them, squinting at the afternoon light.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. Did you have a nice nap, James?"

James blinked, eyes focusing on the blonde figure leaning over him.

"Mmm…wha?…huh?" he slurred, eyes threatening to close again as he wiggled his toes on top of the comforter, taking in the strange sensation of wearing only one sock. His hands spread out to his sides leisurely and smoothed over the blankets beneath him; he was on his bed, in his clothes. Except for the shoes…and one sock. He pried his eyes open again in confusion and glanced up, seeing his friends all huddled on the bed around him. He rubbed the back of his hand across his chin, jadedly wiping away a trickle of drool when it suddenly came back to him. James shot up in bed and gasped; wide awake now, remembering everything.

"MY TEETH!" he cried, "AM I PRETTY AGAIN?" He clapped his hands over his puffy jaws, frantically feeling of his stuffed face.

The three others smiled, exchanging a knowing look.

"Let's see," Kendall quipped walking over by the dresser to retrieve James' long forgotten hand mirror; while Logan perched in front of the boy on the bed.

The doctor wannabe reached between his friend's polished teeth, gently pulling out the dirtied gauze as Kendall returned, handing them the mirror. Carlos smiled crazily at James, virtually buzzing with excitement, and began to rock the entire bed, bouncing on the mattress as James reached out to take it.

James paused mid-way, then his shaky fingers stretched toward Kendall's again slowly; cautiously wrapping around the smooth, black plastic as he grasped the slender handle, raising the round mirror to himself, but closed his eyes, afraid to look.

"Go ahead, James." Logan coaxed. He smiled sweetly, "It's okay—I swear." James nodded back at Logan, swallowing hard, then looked around the small room, gazing into the patient, expectant eyes of his three best friends. Knowing them, they'd probably sat around the apartment all afternoon just so they'd all be there when he woke up. His heart thrilled at that thought, and he took a deep breath to steady his nerves. He lifted the mirror once more, slowly; but still didn't look yet. He wasn't sure what to expect. His eyes followed the room, trying to gage his friends' response. He cleared his throat, nervously, squeezing the handle for dear life as he brought the little mirror closer.

Then at last...though with great trepidation...he dared himself to peer into the glass—

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And he smiled.

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There, to James' great relief, he found his old, familiar reflection smiling back at him. Beaming.

Hazel eyes groggy, chestnut hair tussled…but just as he'd remembered it—

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Absolutely. Beautiful.

Review? One more time?

…or maybe for the first very time?

I'd like to hug you guys for reading this far. I wish I could thank everybody! (Please…Go to my profile after this and look for your name in my gigantic spiel. Anonymous people too!)

I hope to have some more things for you guys in the coming year. Until then, I'll definitely be reading plenty of YOUR fanfic! Everyone enjoy the winter solstice, have an Awesome Kwanza, the Happiest of Hanukkahs, and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! ! !

Much peace & love,

Emmaleigh