A/N: A little long two-shot about lovable Carlos and pretty Peggy after watching "Big Time Crush". I mean, as much as I love Carlos and realize that Peggy has a thing for Logan, I absolutely think that they would make a cute pairing. He's the guy who does all these crazy stunts while she's the caring and understanding girl who wouldn't want anybody to change. Now, don't you think it could work? Besides, I'm sure none of us would want Carlos to be alone on Valentine's Day. That would be tragic...
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I still do not own Big Time Rush. But, hey - everything happens for a reason.
Once Upon A Phone Call
It's Valentine's Day yet again, and for the past sixteen years, Carlos had spent this special holiday on his own. He hated the truth. Everywhere he looked there would be two people making out and whatnot. It sickened him. He wished he could find some girl who would gladly share her whole life with him. That was his only dream, and it was so close of happening.
Last year when he planned on asking Stephanie King to be his valentine, he realized that she had left. For him, it was heartbreaking news. He didn't had a single clue that she was leaving. The least the girl could possibly do was to say goodbye to him, but she didn't. He figured that it was probably for the best. He did have a very sensitive heart anyways, according to his best friends. But he couldn't help it. He was a sucker for love.
Then the fantasy that was prancing inside his mind almost became reality once again when he fell for a girl named Sasha. He honestly though "love" was too easy and that Sasha was the one destined for him. Apparently, he was proven wrong. The second he found out about Gustavo hiring the girl to eventually break his heart was a turn-off. But being a such a sweet gentleman, he decided to give the girl a second chance after hearing that she really was beginning to like him. Hours later, however, that relationship pummeled. He couldn't stand a girl who hates corn dogs. That would be seriously absurd. But coming to think of it, he shouldn't have exaggerated. If he hadn't, Sasha would likely be his girl right now, and he wouldn't have to spend this day alone.
Carlos moaned, beginning to slap himself on the head. "Stupid, stupid, stupid!"
From afar, Logan had a puzzled look. He worries for the boy at some occasions. "Hey, Camille and I are gonna head out and watch that new movie featuring Wayne Wayne. Wanna come?" Logan offered the Latino after seeing the boy slouching on the bright orange furniture in their shared apartment. He felt terrible seeing one of his best friends looking depressed. Besides that, Carlos always helped his friends out in times of need. Like a good friend, Logan just wanted to return the favor.
Carlos shook his head frantically. If the word "love" was going to be involved, he wanted no part in it. It caused too much agonizing pain for him to handle. It wasn't fair. Why can't he get dates like his friends? The way James gets all the girls makes it seem so easy. He envied Logan's charms. It was like the skills of getting liked and adored by several were installed Logan, like it came in the package. While on the other hand, Kendall was somehow attractive. Every single time Carlos watched as the tall blond held a girl's hand, Carlos wondered what was Kendall's secret. And whenever he asked him, Kendall would simply reply by saying that it works to be yourself.
"Easy for you to say," Carlos mumbled, thinking about his conversations with Kendall in the past.
Logan blinked. "What was that?"
"Uh, it's nothing," Carlos quickly said. He then shifted in his seat to face Logan and plastered a fake smile. "So, why are you suddenly watching a movie starring a jerk who tried to kick Kendall out of our band?"
Logan shrugged. "I know it's not gonna be interesting. We're just planning to laugh and make fun of his horrible acting skills."
"Aren't you gonna waste your money, though?"
"No."
"Okay, then... You kids have fun..." He sighed, letting out a huff. He then turned to face the television screen in front of him that was currently playing the beginning scene of the movie Valentine's Day. Carlos groaned at the sight as he collapsed on the long couch and buried his face in a square pillow. He grumbled something into it that Logan couldn't quite comprehend. It was something about how life was being a total drag and how he was set on spending this holiday on his own once again for the next century.
Logan rolled his eyes. He waited for the rush of pleasure to rise inside him but it didn't come. He raised his eyebrows at himself, questioning why he wasn't chuckling at all. Then he realized that it was because of Carlos. He didn't want him to spend the day on his own. But then again, he didn't want to disappoint Camille and let her down. What could he do?
"Carlos, I'll help you find a date," he said reassuringly, now approaching his friend. Logan then sat by next to Carlos as he watched him sobbing into the small piece of fabric. He frowned. The fact that Carlos was acting like a fool made him upset.
Logan extended his right hand to rub tiny circles on Carlos's back, assuring him that everything was going to be fine. It felt odd, seeing as Carlos is the eldest between the two. It didn't matter, though. Right now Carlos needed a friend, and Logan was the closest thing he has right now. Out of the three, he is best at comforting people. And even if he has an appointment, Logan would either cancel or reschedule it. To him, his friends meant more to him than ever. They were really his one and only family who weren't biological related to him.
"No need," replied Carlos with a huff, trying his best to control himself. He twisted his head around slightly to see Logan, letting his head rest against the soft pillow. "Kendall already tried."
Logan cocked his head, wondering about something. "How about James?"
"A couple of times, and they all ended up as failures," Carlos cried. "Face it, Logan. I'm gonna be single for eternity."
Logan smiled as he placed his free hand on his heart. "Trust me. You won't."
Carlos's eyes twinkled, and Logan knew that they were glinting of hope and pride. "Promise?"
"Yes," Logan replied with a simple nod. "I just gotta make a quick phone call. Then we'll continue our search for your perfect girlfriend."
"Logan?" Peggy asked once she opened her apartment's front door. She rubbed her eyes tiredly as he tried her best to refrain from laughing. She really didn't expect the boy to pay her a visit. Let alone, she didn't expect him to show up in that ridiculous "old lady" outfit.
Logan chuckled. He soon cleared his throat, preparing to speak in that pathetic voice he used the first time they met. "Oh, sweetheart! It's been an awful long time since we last saw each other."
The pretty blond rolled her eyes as she smiled back. She decided to play along on this childish act. "I know, Grammy. So, how is your grandson doing?"
"Logan's doing fine, my sweet darling," he said with a swift hand gesture. "Although he's having a hard time with something, so he wanted to ask you a favor."
"Of course. I'd be happy to help."
"Good." Logan then began explaining. This time, however, he was using his regular voice. "I have this friend who deserves more than what he currently has. He has been alone for the past couple of years on Valentine's Day, and he just decided to give up. Fortunately I persuaded him of giving it another chance, so I need you to—"
Peggy forced a smile. Honestly she was upset after finding out that Logan only came for a favor. She decided she could do it, at least. They were good friends for a couple of months now, and maybe this could be one step closer to Logan's heart. "Sure. I'll go on a date with him."
"Great!" He then pulled Peggy into a friendly hug, showing his appreciation and gratitude, as the girl giggled. He soon pulled away and kissed the girl's cheek.
They stared at each other for a brief moment. The silence was broken the second Logan started laughing. Peggy joined him. This was somehow awkward since Logan is still dressed as an old lady, but the girl let it slide. Besides, it was Logan, and he shouldn't be let down.
"Okay, so when do I—"
"This afternoon at two o'clock. Just meet us at our apartment, and we'll go from there."
Peggy nodded, showing that she had understood. And after they said their goodbyes, Peggy shut the door closed, leaving Logan wearing a brilliant grin. For once he was the one with a genius plan that was bound to work, not Kendall. It was a nice change.
With a smile, Carlos watched Valentine's Day without any doubt. He wasn't entertained by the movie at all. He was just excited for the day, knowing that Logan was going to take care of everything. He trusted him.
Sighing dreamily, Carlos leaned back against the furniture as he rested his legs on the glass coffee table in front of him. He rarely did this, but today he has a good reason. He was happy, and nothing could take the joy out of him.
The door busted open, swinging until it banged on the wall. Carlos jumped from out of his seat, not expecting for the encounter at all. He turned towards the direction to see who had entered. He was going to smile at the visitor, seeing as it was Katie Knight, but frowned instead. It seemed like the little girl was having a bad day, and he was interested to know what happen, so he gracefully stood up and flashed a hopeful smile, hoping to light up the mood.
"What's wrong?" he asked sweetly.
"I don't to talk about it," she grumbled as she made her way across the room.
"But—"
"Kaitlyn Kara Knight!" erupted a familiar voice. Carlos guessed it belong to Kendall, considering the fact that heavy footsteps were heard moments later. "Do not walk away from me! Get back here this instant!"
Katie swiftly turned around in her heels just as Kendall appeared near the door. He then entered the room, looking madder than ever. Carlos took a quick glimpse at the little girl, suddenly worried for her safety. But he knew that she wasn't scared. She was irritated by her big brother who kept on following and harassing her for the whole day. She didn't like it, and she wanted to tell him how much she needs her privacy, so she simply flipped Kendall off just a few minutes ago. Of course Carlos had no clue. He was just aware that the two beloved siblings were fighting, which is rare.
"Kendall, I hate you right now," Katie said through gritted teeth. "I am not in the mood to talk."
"Well, excuse me for being a protective brother who cares and loves you," he snapped back. Carlos sighed, guessing that Kendall didn't even bother that Carlos was witnessing this whole scene.
"No, you're being an ass who doesn't want his baby sister to grow up," Katie scowled, practically growling.
Carlos began to question, thinking, "Where the heck is Mrs. Knight?"
"I'm just..." Kendall trailed off. Katie was right. He didn't want her to grow up. She was his baby sister. And after seeing the little girl receiving her first kiss with a boy last night, he had been all up in her case. It frightened him to the day when he has to give his baby sister to a man, signaling the fact that she doesn't need him anymore.
Realizing that Kendall wasn't planning on saying anything at this moment, Katie cleared her throat. She calmed down a bit, relaxing. It wasn't her to be filled up with anger and rage anyways. "It's fine, really. Just promise me that you won't scare the crap out of Kyle like that ever again. I actually like him, and you know how boys usually don't have a chance with me."
"Okay, but—"
Carlos chuckled. He then approached Kendall and rest a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Relax, dude. Katie's not getting married. She has a simple crush."
Katie grinned at Carlos as she mouthed to him, "Thank you." At times Carlos was her older and understanding brother. Either way, she loved both of them, even James and Logan. And if Kendall wasn't available to play the role of the eldest sibling, she could always turn to his three best guy friends.
Kendall groaned. "I dread for that day to happen."
Katie stared at him incredulously. "Don't get your hopes up, loverboy. And if you push it, you know I'll flip the cards on you."
Carlos had a puzzled look, not getting it. He glanced between the two siblings to find some answer. "Huh?"
Kendall glared at his baby sister as he replied, "She's gonna make me choose between her or the girl I love, and she knows that I would risk anything for her and how hard it is for me to pick."
Carlos laughed. The little girl knew her way around the world, that's for sure. And he was pretty positive that she had other ideas to stuck in her devious yet innocent mind. He was glad that he only had an older sister, who was preparing for her wedding in a few months. He realized how lucky he was to not deal with this kind of things in his family since everyone was somewhat independent.
"Why are you suddenly cheery?" Katie asked Carlos, turning towards him. It was a miracle how subjects can change quickly.
"Logan's doing me a favor by hooking me up with a friend," he sheepishly answered, smiling brilliantly. To be honest, he was more than excited to see what was planned for the day.
"But you're hopeless," Kendall blurted out, letting the words slip without knowing. Katie stomped on his foot, sending him in horrifying chills. He yelped as he hopped on one foot to ease the pain. He glared down at his baby sister and yelled, "Katie!"
"Way to be sensitive, Kendall," she only said with a huff as she crossed her arms firmly across her chest. She then glanced around the room with a questioning look, realizing that something was missing. "Where the heck are James and Logan anyways?"
"Logan is out talking to someone on the phone, and I have no freakin' clue where James is."
James Diamond strolled down Palm Woods lobby. He took a quick glimpse at every teenage girl he came across, looking quite desperate. It wasn't him to not have a date on Valentine's Day. He was James Diamond, and Diamonds sparkle brighter than any star in the sky. He wasn't claiming to be God, but he wanted to be respected at least. He never really liked the feeling of being alone. Coming to think of it, his mind started to drift off, referring to Carlos. He has been alone for a couple of years, and James finally understood how the Latino felt. It was time to make a difference. The first step was to push the agenda of finding the right girl for tonight aside. His friend meant more to him than ever.
James turned around and headed towards the shared apartment, looking confident. This year Carlos is going to have a heck of a good time on his particular holiday.
Just then, a petite blond girl named Elisabeth hurried up to James. Once she stopped him in his tracks by blocking his way, she flipped her hair off of her shoulders and flashed a smile. "Hey, do you happen to have a date tonight?"
James smiled back. "Sorry, Lisi, but I'm taken," he lied.
Elisabeth frowned upon him. She slouched as she walked away from the pretty boy, feeling ashamed. She shouldn't have asked him out anyways. He was out of her league.
James felt terrible for lying, but it didn't matter anymore. He was determined to help Carlos find a date. And maybe on the way, he could find a girl for himself too. It was a win-win, and an opportunity too good to be true shouldn't be missed.
So James made his way to their apartment, only to find Kendall and Katie arguing about something stupid as Carlos is stuck in the middle. James chuckled to himself, finding this amusing. The fact that Katie shouted out insults better than Kendall made the tall blond seem less like a jock. All James knew was that Kaitlin Kara Knight could beat her big brother any day and any time. It frightened him to think about it if he was Kendall, but he shook the thought out of his head. He wasn't here to watch the epic scene anyways.
James called out as he waved a hand high up in the air to grab his attention, saying, "Hey, Carlos!"
Carlos turned around as he let out a loud yawn. He was tired of standing in between the annoying bickers of the two siblings. That and he felt sleepy after waiting for Logan to come back. Carlos was starting to think that Logan abandoned him or something since Logan isn't the type to ditch for such a long period of time. That job was owned by Carlos, and if Logan took that away from him, he wouldn't know exactly what to do. No one could be a better stalker than him, right?
James rushed over to his friend, ignoring Kendall and Katie completely. "I decided to help you find a date for today."
"Logan's already helping me," Carlos replied groggily. "Thanks for the offer, though. I really do appreciate it, James."
James scrunched his nose. He wasn't expecting that for an answer, and he didn't want to take it. "Come on, dude. I'm better with this than Logan and Kendall combined. Give it a chance, will you?"
Carlos sighed. He was aware that nothing was going to stop James. If he was determined, then he's practically invincible. Besides Kendall, James is also a very straightforward person who isn't afraid of anything.
Kendall glared at James suddenly, forgetting about Katie for a few moments. He had heard about what James said, and he didn't like it. He didn't like how superior James was acting. Last time he remembered, he was the leader that motivated the others. Then Kendall realized he was being a self-centered jerk, and that was not him. Still he didn't want James to convince Carlos that he's better at finding dates. When he recalled, Logan needed help asking Camille out to the school's dance, so he asked James. Of course it didn't turn out that good.
"What are you talking about?" snarled Kendall. "No one can play Cupid better than me."
"Is that a bet?" James questioned, cocking his head, as he slowly took steps closer to his best friend.
Kendall nodded. "You bet it is."
"Okay, so whoever finds Carlos a date first wins—"
Kendall finished off the sentence, stating, "Twenty bucks."
"Cool?"
"Cool."
"Deal?"
"Deal."
"You're on."
"Bring it."
"Oh, I will, and you're gonna regret ever making this—"
Out of nowhere came a highly energetic and hyper Logan Mitchell. He ran with such speed that Katie thought the windows of their apartment were opened, letting out a sudden breeze of chilling wind. And in one breath, he uttered, "Carlos, I found you the perfect girl!"
