A/N—So I just now saw that there are rules for this, and I'm hoping this still fits in the "has to be BTR-verse" requirement; this would be taking place before the whole Gustavo thing, obviously. I think everything else in here works for the rules. If not, I apologize. It was supposed to be a one-shot but got a little wordy (as all my stories do), so I'm breaking it up into two chapters. I'll post the second one tomorrow.

Thanks to my wonderful, awesome beta for reading this over and making it better. Her biggest problem with it was "I want to know what happens next!", so if I leave you feeling the same way, I've done my job. :P

I'll continue posting "Magic" later in the week, for those wondering. Thank you for reading!

"Dude, will you come on already? I don't want to be late!"

Though what Logan wanted to do was continue to drag his feet, he quickened his steps a tad—just enough to hopefully get Carlos off his back, because Carlos' excitement only added to his dread. Yes, Carlos was excited; Logan had listened all through lunch while his best friend attempted to guess what surprise was waiting for them in history class today. Would they be writing love poems? Eating chocolate hearts? Passing out roses? Or Carlos' personal favorite, dressing up like Cupid while doing all of the above?

Logan had put a stop to the guesses after that one, grossed out by the visions it brought to mind; the last thing he needed to be picturing was his entire history class running around in diapers and not much else.

Although, there was one student...

Stop it. Just don't even go there. It's never gonna happen.

That was true, but it didn't make Logan's crush go away. Being a logical sort, he would've expected that the knowledge it would never happen was enough to put a stop to the feelings that flared up every time his crush walked into the room. It made no sense to pine after someone you knew you'd never have.

And yet...

It was still there. Two years in, it was still there. The secret Logan would die before admitting to a soul, the daydreams he only allowed himself to give into late at night when no one was around to see. No amount of arguing with himself about it made the feelings go away.

Valentine's Day always made it worse, as it was a reminder of things he'd never have. Valentine's Day with Miss Newton promised to be even more torture.

Miss Newton had a healthy respect for her subject, as did Logan. History was important. People learned from their mistakes, and by studying what went wrong in the past they could (hopefully) have a better future. It made sense. Most of the time Logan enjoyed Miss Newton's class and even did extra credit simply for the reason that he liked doing the research.

Holidays, though...holidays were a little scary in her class. She liked to spice things up a little bit, to use history in a way that related to current times. She called it "fun." Hell, even Carlos called it fun.

Logan called it torture.

Halloween had been their first introduction to her madness. He hadn't minded the research portion of it so much, as he'd never really learned the origins of the holiday and found it fascinating.

What he hadn't counted on was the participation involved. They were instructed to either make or buy masks to wear in class on Halloween in order to honor those who began the tradition of dressing up to frighten the ghosts and demons away. The only condition was that it couldn't be fun or cute, it had to actually be scary or it ruined the theme. Logan had gone out and bought a stupid devil mask. Carlos showed up in a clown mask, explaining when asked that "Clowns are evil, man!"

Miss Newton let him by with that.

Thanksgiving came next, and along with learning about all of the horrors that Columbus inflicted on the indigenous people of America, they had a potluck in class and all brought dishes that were said to be served at the first Thanksgiving (or "whatever you guys eat at home"). She provided the turkey, at least.

Logan was a little nervous about Christmas, wondering if she'd make them dress up as elves, but instead they'd learned that Saint Nicholas was once a real person who became loved for his selfless acts of giving gifts secretly. So that wasn't too bad, and there had been a gift exchange where Logan drew Carlos' name and ended up having to buy him a second present, as he'd already purchased a gift for his friend.

All in all, not a bad time, though.

Now they were walking into Valentine's Day. Logan had researched over the weekend in an attempt to prepare himself and discovered that the man known as Valentine had also been a saint, one who performed marriages in secret when the emperor forbade the act. Logan's skin crawled at the idea that Miss Newton might have them stand up before the class and perform mock weddings. No way would he stand next to someone and pretend to be in love, possibly even be forced to kiss his random partner.

There was one student, though...

But no. No. He needed to just get that idea out of his head, and quickly before Carlos picked up on his thoughts and asked why he was blushing.

Speaking of Carlos, he was now seated and practically bouncing in anticipation. "I hope it's the chocolate hearts!" he whispered. "I only got three cookies in my lunch!"

"Right, along with that sandwich and bag of chips, you must be starving." Logan rolled his eyes and opened his backpack, stomach twisting as he pulled out a notebook. He really wasn't ready for this.

A carefree laugh from outside the door jolted Logan's stomach. That was Kendall, the jock who sat in front of Carlos. And if Kendall was here, that meant...

Sure enough, James Diamond sauntered into the room behind his best friend. His dark bangs lifted as he shook them out of hazel eyes, then settled right back down over his forehead. Logan felt his skin tingle as that gaze touched him in passing, as it always did, but it meant nothing. He shared two other classes with James and it was the same in each one—James' eyes did a casual pass around the room upon entering. Five seconds later the tall body fell into the desk in front of Logan, who purposely avoided staring at the shiny hair that hung down to rest against the collar of James' light blue t-shirt.

James tended toward pastels, which Logan liked so much more than primary colors. He always felt that the brighter colors might camouflage the inner beauty hidden inside those clothes, whereas the softer tones seemed to make James glow.

Or maybe he was putting way too much thought into that.

"Guys, what do you think our project is gonna be?" Carlos hissed. "I'm voting chocolate hearts."

Kendall spun around and frowned at Carlos. "What are you even talking about?"

James chuckled, though, and turned to face them. "The Valentine's thing, right? Didn't she say we were starting on that today?"

"Oh god, I forgot," Kendall sighed. "Lord help us all. As long as she doesn't stick me up there in a diaper and wings, I'll survive."

"I had that thought, too!" Carlos exclaimed. "We could all go around shooting arrows at each other!"

"Carlos, she's not going to have us shooting things around the classroom," Logan scolded.

"They can be Nerf arrows!"

Kendall snickered, James doing the same before adding, "Maybe she'll pick one volunteer to run around and be Cupid."

"I'd totally do that!"

Kendall laughed louder this time. "Somehow I'm not surprised."

"Come on, you'd be so jealous. I'd get to be half-naked and shooting people with shit."

"With love," James corrected. "You'd be spreading love. And aww, isn't that romantic?"

But he said it in a mocking way, as if romance and love were things to be laughed at. Thinking now of all the girls who were constantly flocking to James for attention, Logan felt a little sorry for them. Mostly he hated them, but he did feel sorry for them because James never seemed to care much for their feelings.

Just one more reason to forget about him.

Class was called to order. Miss Newton spent half the period continuing where they'd left off the previous week, lecturing about the American Revolutionary War and the effects it had on the rest of the world (which surprisingly, were many). With about twenty minutes remaining, she told them to "Close your books and open your hearts."

Logan's sped up with dread.

"That's right, we're talking about Valentine's Day! Which is Thursday, so you have a few days to prepare. I'm sure many of you already have plans with loved ones, and even if you don't you know all about it. But where did all this start? Who was the first person to actually hand out a 'Valentine'? Why is it even called that? Well, it all began with a priest who refused to let love die even when his government tried to put a stop to it."

As Logan had already learned all of this, he only half-listened to the lecture and studied the faces of his classmates, who seemed genuinely interested for once. Then again, love touched everyone. Carlos was enthralled. Even Kendall, who usually had some snide remark to make under his breath, was paying close attention. Logan only wished he could see James' face. Did James find this boring? Stupid? A waste of time?

Eventually Logan tuned back in. "So here's what we're gonna do. Now I know you all think you're too old for this, being sophomores and all, but it's a time-honored tradition that began when St. Valentine handed over his first note and signed it with his name. So we're going back to that. Remember back in grade school when you guys used to pass out Valentines to everyone in the class?" A series of groans reached her and she smiled wider. "Yep. I'll hand out a student roster to each of you and when you come in Thursday, we're going to pass out Valentines just like we did all those years ago."

"Can we get the candy ones?" Carlos called out. "My mom always buys those for my sisters. They actually come with candy!"

"Whatever you want," Miss Newton laughed. "You can make them or buy them, but I expect you to have one for each member of the class."

Kendall asked, "Can we just sign our name on each one and be done with it?"

"Well yes, Kendall, if you want to take all the fun out of it. As long as you have one for each student, that's fine. And hey, why not put a little effort into it for a change?"

"Hey, I do okay! I pass my tests, don't I?"

"Barely," James snickered, earning a kick from his friend.

"Oh, look who's talking. I at least get C's on my work."

"Shut up, I get B's in this class! It's just all the other ones I suck at."

That was probably true, Logan thought. James tended to get that glazed look and slouch down in the other classes they shared, but he sat up straight in this one and seemed to be paying attention most of the time. Maybe a love of history was something they had in common.

It would be nice to have one thing.

Miss Newton's voice broke into his musing. "Okay, the bell's about to ring so grab the roster up here on your way out. Guys, have fun with this! Don't be in such a hurry to grow up! Go shop for Valentines!"

"Well, I guess I was sort of right," Carlos commented as they stood to gather their belongings.

"How so?" Kendall wondered.

"One of my ideas was that she'd make us write love poems. I mean, it's not exactly that, but it's still giving out love notes. Too bad I don't have a crush or I could write a real love note."

Kendall smirked and hefted a gym bag over his shoulder. "You would totally do that, wouldn't you?"

"Duh. I can't wait to get a girlfriend."

"You've never had one?" James asked curiously. "You're what...fifteen?"

"Just turned sixteen," Carlos answered proudly. "And no, I don't have a lot of luck with the ladies. They all think I'm just a big kid," he shrugged.

James smiled. "Well, don't give up. There's someone out there for everyone."

Kendall made a "psh" sound. "You can say that, you've got a different girl after you every week."

"Must be nice," Carlos commented.

"It's...what it is. Come on, bro, we can't be late to math again."

"See you guys," Kendall waved. "And Carlos, I'd better get candy with my Valentine."

"Nothing but the best from me," he winked. "Logan, want to stop at the store with me after school so we can pick out our Valentines?"

Logan was barely listening. His gaze followed long brown hair out of the room, mind stuck on something Carlos had said.

Too bad I don't have a crush or I could write a real love note.

Kendall had mentioned signing his name on each Valentine, but no one had said they had to, right?

Maybe Miss Newton's madness could work in his favor.

Logan begged off of shopping with Carlos, citing "too much homework" as the reason. It wasn't a complete lie, as he did have a ton of homework; what he neglected to mention was that he'd finished most of it in study hall.

It was time alone he needed, and lots of it most likely, because "love notes" weren't his forte. They weren't even something he'd ever considered before. He didn't know how a note for James was supposed to advance his cause, since he had no intention of signing the damn thing, but he thought it might be nice for James to know that someone found him...

Attractive wasn't the right word. Beautiful didn't even come close. James Diamond was...

Radiant. That was a good word for it, and thank God Logan wasn't going to attach his name to this. How to write a poem explaining that James was radiant? You couldn't even rhyme anything with it, except maybe gradient, and Logan didn't think that word fell under the umbrella of poetry.

Phrases tumbled through his mind for the remainder of his walk home after parting from Carlos, and by the time he arrived there he thought he maybe had a skeleton of a poem created. It would be cheesy, and it would be lame, but it would get across the idea that James had someone who appreciated him, and wasn't that was Valentine's Day was all about?

It's not about appreciation, Logan, it's about love. The married kind of love that you believe in so strongly you're willing to defy your government and do it in secret.

Well, he didn't know James well enough for that yet, so this would have to do.

Surprisingly, it only took Logan an hour to compose the finished product once he sat down at his desk to work on it in earnest. When it was done, he read it again with a more critical eye, cringing through half of it but hoping James would like it anyway—even if it came off more like an essay than a sappy card you'd buy in a store.

There are different kinds of beauty, and varying degrees of attraction.

Some are beautiful on the inside, by way of kindness, generosity, and compassion. Others stop traffic with their outward beauty, and command the attention of every eye in the room. Then there's the beauty that shines out of someone no matter what they do or how they look, because it's innate and radiates from every pore, shining like the glitter of a glowing diamond.

You possess all of the above.

There are different kinds of attraction, and varying degrees of love.

For some, a smile might be all they ever show as proof of their attraction. In others it's obvious with a look or a laugh. Some turn red and avert their eyes instead. The heart quickens, the hands start to sweat, breathing is suddenly a struggle and everything seems just a little more beautiful.

When you walk into a room, I possess all of the above.

There are different kinds of love, and varying degrees of devotion.

When love is new, it is at its most thrilling and scary. Every word is like an anvil trying to drop through a cloud—at once dangerous and magical. Hands are held, kisses are stolen, glances hold a thousand secret thoughts. We speak of love best through touch, because words cannot begin to explain what our hearts wish to share.

My touches with you are innocent, seemingly nothing more than the course of another mundane day, but each brush of my fingers against your skin, or even your clothing, is my heart sharing without words that I wish to love you.

And my devotion is of the highest degree. For you I would defy the world and wed in secret, because now that I know your radiance, I could not live without it.

It was horrible. It was lame. But it was from the heart, and Logan would have to be satisfied with that.

He only hoped James would be, too.

"So my biggest problem is do I go with chocolate or sour gummies?"

Logan allowed his attention to be pulled from the classroom entrance long enough to glance over at his best friend. "You have both?"

"Yeah. Some people don't like chocolate. How is that even possible?"

"Well, it depends on your—wait, shouldn't you already have the little cards filled out with names?"

"I couldn't decide! So I'm just gonna write the names on the envelopes instead of taking notes on the lecture. I can look at your notes later."

An eye roll was Logan's reply. "That's if I let you." His breath caught as James turned into the room, this time not with Kendall but instead no less than four girls fighting for his attention. He laughed easily at something they said but was thwarted in his attempt to escape to his desk when they surrounded him on all sides.

And now here came Kendall, looking annoyed and perhaps a little envious as well. He dropped into his seat and muttered, "Can't even go two minutes without getting swarmed. I don't get it. He's hot and all, but he obviously doesn't like any of them. Why can't they see that?"

"Girls are stupid," Carlos answered. "Kendall, do you like chocolate or sour gummies?"

"Both. What you got for me?"

"Well, you don't get it yet, you have to wait until we pass out the Valentines! But you only get one."

"Am I not special enough for two, Carlos? How many times have I saved your ass from getting kicked when you shoot off your mouth?"

"But I only have one for each student!"

"Whatever. If you really loved me, you'd find a way."

Kendall faced forward as if offended, following that with an exaggerated wave of his hand. Carlos grinned, the thousand secret thoughts in his eyes reminding Logan of his poem.

Which he'd never get to slip into James' bag if the guy didn't sit down.

The arrival of Miss Newton broke up the "I love James Diamond more than you do" party going on near the door. Logan watched carefully as James slid into his seat (after that cursory passing glance that skated over Logan's red face) and bent down to unzip his gym bag. A textbook was lifted out, and to Logan's relief the fabric remained unzipped.

It would be easy to slip the card into that bag. Logan had eventually purchased a generic "Happy Valentine's Day" card at the store, and then printed his poem on the inside cover. He didn't think James would recognize his handwriting; it wasn't as if James had any reason to study it when passing papers back.

You can do this. While everyone's walking around passing out Valentines, just slip it in his bag. That way when he finds it, it could've been anyone.

The idea was smart, Logan mentally patting himself on the back.

Ten minutes into class, Carlos slid a note onto his desk.

"Would you be mad if I gave your candy to Kendall? I'll make it up to you later."

Logan's lips curved up. Carlos had indeed found a way. He answered back.

"It's cool. But I demand a full-sized candy bar on the way home to make up for the delay."

After reading that, Carlos furtively gave him a thumbs up.

A chance to tell James how he felt and a Snickers bar? This whole Valentine's thing was turning out better than he'd imagined.

Except that in the end, it was a disaster. It was actually worse than he could've predicted, because as he sat in study hall going through his pile of little Valentine cards for the fourth time, he was forced to face what his brain (mostly his heart, if he was honest with himself) didn't want to accept.

James had not given him a Valentine.

Out of everyone in class, it was James who skipped him. The guy he laid awake in bed at night thinking about. The guy he fought to keep his eyes off of in three separate classes. The guy he'd written poetry for just to try to explain his feelings.

James Diamond didn't even think he was good enough for a stupid little Valentine card.

It was an honest mistake. He's not a cruel person, he just accidentally skipped your name when going down the list. It happens.

It still hurt. Logan's chest was on fire from the effort to keep tears from falling.

He suddenly whipped out his phone, grateful that this was the one class they were allowed to use them in, and sent a text to Carlos.

"Did you get a Valentine from everybody?"

"Duh, that was the rules. Kendall even actually wrote my name on mine and drew a heart. He admitted it was only to tease me since he knows I like that stuff, but still. It's so cute!"

Logan sighed. Carlos was getting hearts without even trying, and he couldn't even get a "From: James." It hurt.

"Wait why? You got one from everybody, right?"

"Not James. I guess he really doesn't like me."

"James didn't give you one? That's weird. He's actually pretty nice."

"I know! Have I ever done anything to make him hate me?"

"Nah, he's cool with you. I mean you guys don't talk much or anything, but he seems cool with you."

"Whatever. It's just a stupid thing for class."

"Forget about him. Just think about the chocolate I'm gonna buy you later."

Well, there was still that. Logan supposed it was better than nothing.