OK. So I will no longer say my chapters are bad. Not only do people keep telling me that they're not, but it seems like I'm fishing for compliments. So yeah... But I'll still complain about issues I have with them. Which I guess is the same thing. Which makes the previous statement invalid... I'll just shut up now.
October
Kendall was leaning against his locker before first period. Watching Logan. Logan's eyes met his and he quickly looked away.
"Jesus, Kendall, just ask Logan out already," Jo said.
"It's not that simple," Kendall told her.
"How? You asked me out once you realized I liked you."
"Yeah. But see, I knew you were into me. I have no idea what's going on in Logan's head. Also, I knew that you'd accept my invitation to go out anyway. Since apparently everyone likes me as a person, and you would feel bad turning down a friend."
Jo sighed. "You have a point. Ooh. Logan's coming this way. Bye!" She ran off.
"Hey, Kendall."
Kendall let out a breath. He still couldn't get over it whenever Logan said his name. "Hi, Logan."
"So are you ready?"
"For what?"
Logan looked at him in disbelief. "Your first Stat test is today."
Kendall banged his head against his locker. "Shit!"
"How'd you forget? We did a review on Sunday. That was only two days ago."
Another head bang to the locker. "I'm such an idiot."
Logan sighed. He grabbed Kendall's shoulders and turned him away from the locker. "You're not an idiot. You're just forgetful. Next time, I'll just call or text you the day before and remind you to study."
"But. You don't have my number."
Logan rolled his eyes. "Then you'll give me your number."
Kendall laughed at himself. "Right. Duh."
The bell rang. "You can do that in English. And tell me how the test went." Logan gave Kendall a pat on the back and walked away.
Kendall watched him leave. The hallway was almost empty when someone lightly pushed him into the lockers. "What the hell, Dak?"
His friend laughed. "Stop daydreaming about Logan and get to class."
Kendall punched his shoulder. "Shut up, douche bag."
...
When Kendall entered the classroom, Logan looked at him expectantly. Instead of the usual blush, Logan was greeted with a frown.
Kendall sat down and banged his head on the desk.
"So how'd it go?" Logan asked.
"I'm." Bang. "So." Bang. "Fucking." Bang. "Stupid." Bang.
"Kendall-"
"Stupid." Bang. "Stupid." Bang. "Stupid." Bang. "Stupid." Bang. "Stu-"
Logan took hold of Kendall's head. "Stop doing that. You'll get a giant bruise on your forehead. And even if you fail, it doesn't mean you're stupid. It just means that you don't understand the material. Because you didn't study. Which you will next time. Now take a calming breath. You're kinds hyperventilating. "
Kendall did as he was told. Though he was only hyperventilating because his face was now in Logan's hands. "OK. I'm no longer freaking out."
"Good." Logan smiled at him, making his heart spin in his chest. Logan let go of his face than handed him a piece of paper. "My number. Just text me at some point so I can get yours. But tell me it's you, or I'll ignore it."
"Alright. Thanks."
"For what?"
"Preventing me from having an anxiety attack. And tutoring me, a complete dunder head."
"Stop saying bad things about yourself. And it's no big deal. I tutor people all the time."
The bell rang and Ms. Commings starting talking about some book Kendall didn't read. So, instead of paying attention, Kendall took his phone out of his pocket. He saved Logan's number in his contacts, then sent him a text.
Logan felt his phone vibrate. He quickly checked it and let out a chuckle when he read it: It's Kendall.
"Logan? Is something funny?" Ms. Commings asked.
Logan cleared his throat. "Nope. Nothing's funny. Nothing at all." He shot Kendall a glare, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Ms. Commings continued with her lesson while Logan saved Kendall's number.
Kendall felt a little proud of himself for making Kendall laugh.
...
Kendall was at work, gathering up all the shopping cats that assholes just left all over the parking lot.
"Hey, Kendall."
Kendall looked to his right. It was Carlos who had spoken. Logan was standing next to him and waved at Kendall.
"What's up?" Kendall asked.
"Nothing much," Carlos said. "Logan was about to drop me off at my house when I got the sudden urge for chips."
Logan rolled his eyes. "Fat ass. I was wondering if we'd see you here, Kendall."
"You know I work here?"
Logan and Carlos laughed.
"Not only does the entire school know you work here-" Logan began.
Carlos interrupted by saying, "That's why half the girls from PWA come here."
Logan sighed. "Anyway. What I was going to say is that you told me you work here."
"Oh yeah." Kendall was happy that Logan had remembered something he said.
"I'm gonna get my chips," Carlos said as he began to walk away.
"Don't get a family size bag since you'll be the only one eating them!" Logan shouted to him.
"Don't worry! I will!"
"Sometimes I question why I'm friends with him," Logan said, laughing. He looked at Kendall. "It must suck just pushing around shopping cats."
"In the winter it is. I've slipped on ice several times." That earned a laugh from Logan. "But I get to stock shelves sometimes. And if I'm really lucky, I get to work the register."
"Sounds glamorous." He smiled at Kendall's blush.
"Yeah. It is. I know you're jealous."
"You caught me."
Carlos came running out of the supermarket. "OK! Let's go."
"Carlos!" Logan scolded. "You got three family size bags?"
"One of them's for you."
Logan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Gee. Thanks." With a sigh, he turned to Kendall. "See you tomorrow."
"Bye, Logan. Bye, Carlos."
Kendall leaned on a shopping cart and watched them leave. He loved that Logan didn't go in the store with Carlos. Logan chose to stay outside with him. This was progress.
...
Kendall strolled into English class with a smile on his face.
"You look happy," Logan commented.
"I am. It's lame, but I'm happy."
"So, what's the cause for this joy?"
Kendall handed him his graded Stat test. "A D minus," he said proudly.
Logan laughed. "That's good considering you had no idea what you were doing."
"Exactly!"
Logan grinned. Kendall could be such a trip. "On Saturday we'll have to go over everything you got wrong, though."
"Whatever. I consider this a success." He paused for a second. "What do you get out of this?"
"Extra credit for anything over a C."
"Oh. I guess I should step up my game then. For you."
"Dude. You don't have to. Unlike some people, I'm passing math."
Kendall pushed him slightly, yet playfully. "Jerk."
Once class began, Kendall went over the conversation that just happened a million times in his mind. Had Logan been flirting? Was that even in the realm of possibility? It couldn't be. Could it? Kendall told himself it wasn't. Then wondered if it was again and again.
The class ended. Kendall looked down at his notebook. He had scribbled Logan's name all over a sheet of paper. He mentally slapped his forehead. He was definitely turning into a fifteen year old girl.
He went to his Bio class.
When Camille took her seat next to him, she asked, "Why do you look so confused?"
"I was just trying to figure out when I became a middle school girl."
Camille giggled. "Swooning over Logan again, I see."
"Oh, you know, only twenty-four seven."
"You know homecoming's in a couple of weeks."
"I'm aware."
"You could ask Logan to be your date."
"Camille. In case you haven't noticed, this is a Catholic school. No one would be cool with that."
"Don't be a chicken."
"It's a shame I am."
...
On Saturday, Kendall was trying to figure out a way to bring up homecoming.
Logan sighed. "What's on your mind?"
"Who says something's on my mind?"
"You've only be able to concentrate for five seconds at a time."
"Um. You know homecoming is in, like, two weeks."
"Ugh. I hate dances."
"Really?" Kendall asked. His heart dropped.
"Yeah. I only went to them last year because of Camille."
"B-but they can be fun. Just hanging out with your friends and goofing off."
"Yeah. And you have to dress up and find a date."
"You don't need a date."
"It looks lame for a guy to go dateless."
"I'm going dateless."
Logan looked at him with surprise. "Really? Half the girls at our school would kill to go with you."
Kendall blushed. The amount of blushing he did around Logan was ridiculous. He hoped Logan didn't notice. "Sam for you, buddy."
"Maybe. I have gotten a few invites."
"And you say I'm the popular one."
"It's only the girls who know who I am."
"Just go to the stupid dance, Logan. We can be dateless losers together."
"Are you giving me puppy dog eyes?"
"Depends. Is it working?"
"I'll consider it."
Kendall smiled. "I'll take that. Oh. Even if you don't go, you should still come here after. The Jennifers, Mercedes, Jo, Dak, Guitar Dude, Camille-and I'll invite James and Carlos-will be spending the night. We do that after every dance."
"I'll definitely do that. God. Carlos and James are gonna guilt trip me into going."
"And I plan on encouraging them to do so. Because I know it'll work."
...
Friday. The day of homecoming. In their English class, Kendall tossed Logan a note. Homecoming is tonight.
Duh. No one will shut up about it.
But you're still going, right?
Kendall heard Logan chuckle. Of course. I already bought my ticket. Plus, you, Carlos, James, and even Camille will chop my head off if I don't.
You'll be thanking us.
Yeah. OK.
Hey. We're wonderful friends to you.
I'm considered your friend now?
Kendall looked at him, confused. You didn't think we were friends? It made Kendall sad that Logan thought he wasn't his friend. That also meant Logan didn't know Kendall wanted to be more than friends.
Well, you haven't known me that long...
I make friends quickly. Just accept it.
He watched Logan read the note out of the corner of his eye. Logan smiled. That gave him a tiny bit of hope.
Logan passed the note back. Alright. We're friends. Now is the only reason for all this note passing just because you're paranoid I won't go tonight?
That, and I'm bored as hell. You going to the game?
Fuck no.
Kendall laughed.
"What's so funny, Kendall?" Ms. Commings asked.
"Uh... I was just remembering a video I watched online last night."
"Well, good for you. Now pay attention."
"I always do Ms. Commings." He flashed her a smile.
"Uh-huh." She went back to teaching.
Kendall continued his and Logan's conversation. So, I'm having a Halloween party.
Good lie earlier. And I know.
Thanks. You do?
Don't you throw one every year?
Yeah...
Exactly.
Whatever. I'm inviting you.
Good. Because I was gonna show up anyway.
They smiled at each other. Oh, Kendall wrote, Another reason for this. I was thinking we should do the tutoring thing today after school before I do the whole guitar lesson thing.
Sure. That's fine. May I ask why?
I won't feel like it tomorrow.
Logan bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. At least you're being honest. I'll drive you and Katie home too.
You'd be an ass if you didn't.
I do try not to be an ass.
The bell rang, and Kendall put the note away with the others.
"See you after school," Logan said.
"OK."
Kendall practically skipped to Bio.
"Camille," he said when he sat down.
"Yes?" She knew he wanted to talk about Logan. She had gotten used to him doing it every single day. She assumed he chose to always discuss things with her because of her previous experience with Logan.
"I need you to read this note and tell me if there was flirting going on."
She peaked in the folder as he handed her the note. "You save all the notes you guys pass to each other?"
Kendall glared at her. "Just shut up and read."
"Aw. He thought you didn't want to be his friend."
"Does that mean something?"
"Yeah," Camille said, as if it was obvious. "It means he wanted to be your friend, but he was afraid you didn't think of him that way. Don't worry. You'll learn Logan code."
Kendall felt all giddy. Logan actually wanted to be his friend. There was hope that more could happen. "Awesome. So was there flirting?"
"Let me finish." She resumed reading then smiled. "Oh yeah. It's kind of subtle, but that's how Logan rolls."
Kendall bounced in his seat happily. "That's even more awesome."
"Kendall. Camille," their Bio teacher, Mr. Palmer, said. "Are you aware that the bell rang five minutes ago?"
"Nope," Kendall said, not caring.
"Well, now you do. So shut up, or you two will get detention."
"Yes, sir," Kendall said with a salute.
...
"Since my mom won't be home yet, Katie'll probably harass us," Kendall warned Logan. They were standing outside the middle school building, waiting for the girl just mentioned.
"I don't care," Logan said. "She's a funny kid."
Katie walked up to them. "What's Logan doing here?"
Logan smirked. "I guess I won't drive you home then."
"No! I'm glad you're here! You're a god amongst men! I'm not worthy of your kindness!"
Logan laughed. "That's more like it. And that earned you shotgun."
"Yes!"
Kendall frowned at Logan. "That's not fair. I didn't know calling you a god got one shotgun."
"Maybe next time, Big Brother."
They arrived at the Knight house a few minutes later. Kendall and Logan went straight to Kendall's room, and Katie to hers so she could change.
Kendall shut his door. "You don't mind if I change, do you?"
"No. Go ahead." Logan removed his sweater vest, untucked his shirt, undid a few buttons of the shirt, and rolled up his sleeves. "What?"
Kendall hadn't realized he'd been staring. It was just amazing how Logan made the simplest actions hot. "Nothing. I was just off in space." He went to change. He thought he might have felt eyes watching him, but didn't dare to turn around to look.
Once dressed, he turned on the TV and sat on the beanbag chair next to Logan. "OK. Let's start."
Halfway through the session, there was a knock on Kendall's door.
"Who is it?"
"Katie."
"Go away! I'm trying to learn!"
"But I need help with my math homework!"
Logan laughed at the two. "Come in, Katie."
When she entered, Kendall shot her a glare. She just shrugged.
"What do you need help with?" Logan asked.
"Algebra," she told him with disgust.
"Do all the Knights hate math?"
"Yes," they both answered.
Logan smiled. "Let me see." She handed him her notebook. "Damn. That's a lot of doodles."
"I stop paying attention after the first two seconds."
Logan rolled his eyes. "Of course."
Kendall watched as Logan helped Katie with her homework. They got along well. And Katie seemed to genuinely like Logan and vice versa. That was a good thing. It was important to Kendall that a potential significant other was cool with his little sister.
"Shit-"
"Don't swear, Baby Sister."
"I mean, wow. I actually get it now. Thanks, Logan."
"No problem."
Katie left.
"She seems to approve of you," Kendall commented.
"As what?"
"Uh... You know... As a human being... Or whatever."
"You are a strange one, Kendall," Logan said with a laugh.
They finished their session, and Kendall walked Logan to the door.
"You have a ride to the dance?" Logan asked.
"I was either gonna walk or have my mom drop me off."
"Ew. Don't do that. I'm driving Carlos. Since you're on the way, I can pick you up."
Kendall smiled. "Sure. Sounds like a plan. I was gonna ask you to be my ride on the way back anyway."
"That's what I figured. See ya later, Kendall."
"Bye, Logan." Kendall went to the window and watched Logan drive away-as always.
"Why do you do that?"
Kendall jumped and turned around. "Mom. You scared me." She looked at him, waiting for an answer. "And I have no idea what you're talking about. Well, I gotta get ready for Tyler's guitar lesson!" He ran up to his room, hoping he was convincing.
...
"So you excited about the dance?" Carlos asked Logan as they drove to Kendall's house.
"Not really."
"Why? I mean, Kendall's gonna be there."
"Why does that matter?"
"Don't play dumb with me, Logan."
"Oh, look. We're here!" Logan pulled into the driveway. "I'll be right back. Don't move. Or touch anything."
Carlos rolled his eyes. "I'm not gonna make your car explode."
"Uh-huh. Sure." Logan left Carlos, went to the Knights' door, and knocked.
Katie answered. "Hi, Logan. You look spiffy."
He smiled at her. "Thanks, kid."
"KATIE! I TOLD YOU I'D GET THE DOOR!" Kendall ran down the stairs, skipping every other step. He let out a breath when he saw Logan. Yet again, the boy made boring, everyday, semi-nice outfit look stunning. He was wearing black pinstriped pants, a long sleeved white button up shirt, a black tie and... "Converse? The ones you always wear to school?"
"This coming from the guy wearing his usual Vans," Logan responded.
"Hey! I change it up once in awhile."
"And you just look so classy," Logan teased.
Kendall was wearing black slacks, a dark blue button up-not buttoned-and a white T-shirt. "You're just jealous that I look hotter than you." Truthfully, though, Kendall found Logan the hottest thing on the planet at that moment.
There was a honk. Logan's body whipped around. "I TOLD YOU NOT TO TOUCH ANYTHING, CARLOS!"
"Bye, Mom!" Kendall yelled. "See you after the dance!" He grabbed Logan's wrist and pulled him to the car.
"It's about time," Carlos said when the other two got in the car.
Logan angrily pointed at Carlos. "Do you ever listen to rules?"
"Yes. But not yours."
"I should make you walk." Logan started the car, and drove them to their school.
Once Logan parked, they got out and headed to the gym's entrance. Logan looked at it reluctantly.
"Don't you dare run away," Kendall said.
Logan sighed. "As much as I want to, I won't."
The three walked in, and even though they had yet to enter the gym, they could hear and feeling the music pounding.
They handed the girl at the door their tickets. She greeted them each by name.
"Why do you look confused?" Carlos asked Logan.
"That girl has been in the same class as you and me since second grade," he informed Carlos. "The number of people per class didn't get significantly large until high school."
"What's you point?" Kendall asked.
"We've been in the same class for so long, and she didn't know my name until now."
"But-"
Logan held up a hand. "You have an excuse, Kendall. You didn't start going here until ninth grade."
"I bet she only knows you now because of your friendship with Kendall," Carlos said. Actually, he knew it to be true. Rumors had been flying around about the two boys. Especially since Kendall would never shut up about Logan. And Carlos had heard from people in Kendall and Logan's English class mention them staring at each other, giggling, and passing notes. Hell, Camille told him that Kendall saved all the notes. Also, most of the school thought they were already dating.
Logan turned to Kendall. "Ah. So it's all your fault."
Kendall smiled proudly. "I guess it is."
Once in the gym, they scanned the crowd for their friends.
Carlos pointed, said, "I see them!" and ran off.
Kendall took hold of Logan's wrist and they followed.
"Hi!" Camille hugged Logan tightly. "Kendall, you're the only person who got Logan to come to a dance that he wasn't dating."
Kendall shrugged sheepishly. "James and Carlos helped."
"They did," Logan agreed. "But you were way more persistent."
"Mission accomplished then."
Kendall and Logan spent the first half of the dance as wallflowers. They ate free food, made fun of their friends, laughed at other couples, mocked the school sluts, and pointed out those who were wasted.
"Now. I know when Jo and Dak started their fling," Logan said.
Kendall nodded. "Like three weeks ago."
"But Mercedes and Guitar Dude?"
Kendall laughed. "I'm pretty sure that started yesterday."
"What interesting friends you have."
"They're your friends too," Kendall told Logan as he poked his ribs. Logan playfully pushed his hand away. Kendall cleared his throat. "Who do you think will pair up next?"
"Carlos and Stephanie. She's way into him, but that boy can be so ridiculously oblivious."
"Good point."
Two of the Jennifers walked up to them. Which left Carlos dancing with Stephanie and Brunette Jennifer. He appeared to be very happy about that.
Curly Jennifer held out a hand to Logan. "You're dancing with me."
Logan shook his head. "I don't dance."
"Lie. You danced with Camille plenty of times when you were dating her."
"But that was dif-" She didn't listen to his excuses. She grabbed his hand and dragged him to the dance floor.
Kendall was a little pissed. The Jennifers knew about his infatuation with Logan. So why were they doing this? Then he remembered. Though they were his friends, they had a tendency to be bitches. And they loved fucking with people.
"The three of you are evil wenches," he told Blonde Jennifer.
She only smiled. "They're just dancing."
"I know you have more planned."
"So what if we do? He isn't your man."
"Yet."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Just dance with me and don't think about it."
He let her lead him into the crowd. "Is this part of the plan?"
"Maybe." She put his hands on her hips and they began to dance.
As she grinded against him, Kendall watched Logan and Curly Jennifer. They had started with her back facing him, but they eventually ended up face to face. He watched her snake her arms around Logan's neck. Their lips would occasionally get close to each other's ears so they could speak. Once in awhile they made each other laugh. Then something happened that made Kendall's heart drop. Curly Jennifer placed her lips against Logan's. And Logan kissed back. Soon, a battle of tonsil hockey began.
Kendall couldn't take it anymore. He let go of Blonde Jennifer's waist. "I hate you right now."
As he walked away, he heard her say, "Aw! Come on, Kendall! It's nothing to be upset about!"
He exited the gym, made his way down the hall, took a right, went down that hall, entered the stairwell, then took a seat on the steps. He was there for about three minutes, trying not to cry. He felt stupid on so many levels.
His phone vibrated. He looked at the screen and answered. "Hey, Logan."
"Dude, where are you?"
"Why do you care?"
"Kendall, what's wrong? You just disappeared. Tell me where you are."
Kendall let out a breath. "I'm fine. Just go back to having fun."
"I'll start a search party if I have to. Now tell me where the fuck you are."
Kendall laughed when he heard a teacher yell at Logan for swearing. "Fine. I'm in the Imaginary Stairway."
"Are you talking about the one I think you're talking about?"
"I don't know..."
"Not Sex Stairway across from room one-ten?"
"No."
"So the one across from one-twenty-two?"
"Yeah..."
"Holy shit! You call it the Imaginary Stairway too?"
"Yeah. Because people always think I'm lying about it."
"Same! You would think people know it exists."
Kendall could hear Logan getting closer. "Well, no one really uses room one-twenty-two. Maybe a few clubs meet there."
"You mean like the short lived math club I was in freshman year?"
Kendall laughed. "Yeah."
The door to the stairway opened and Logan walked in. They both hung up. "So how'd you find this place?" He took a seat next to Kendall.
"I was skipping math class freshman year. I hid in room one-twenty-two. When I heard people looking for an empty room for some reason, I left and went through the first door I saw."
"Which led you here."
"Yup. I stayed until the bell rang, and was surprised when no one used it." He paused and chuckled. "I bet Dak fifty bucks once that I could beat him to class. He thought his way was the fastest. I just used these stairs. He still thinks I cheated and used the elevator."
"You still get your money?"
"Hell, yeah." He frowned. "You were, uh, making out with Curly Jennifer."
"Yeah..."
"Why? You into her?" Kendall wanted to know.
Logan shrugged. "James tells me I can be kinda slutty when I'm not in a relationship."
"Um. How slutty?"
Logan raised his eyebrows. "I don't fuck everything that moves, if that's what you're asking. I mean, a few hook ups and some making out. It doesn't happen that much. My therapist thinks it's because I have low self-esteem."
"What?" Kendall asked with surprise. "Why would you have low self-esteem? I mean, apparently a lot of people want you." Including me, Kendall thought to himself.
"I really don't want to get into it. It's stupid anyway."
"OK. But I'm sure it's not stupid."
"Well, if slash when you find out, you'll think it is."
"I doubt that." Kendall's phone beeped, telling him he got a text. "It's the last dance. We should go wait for the others outside the gym."
"Alright." Logan stood up and held out a hand for Kendall. Kendall took it, allowing Logan to help him up.
"So who's riding with who?" Jo asked when they got to the parking lot.
"I'll take Kendall, Carlos, and Stephanie," Logan said.
"James and Camille can come with me and Jo," Dak said.
"That makes you two stuck with the Jennifers," Kendall told Mercedes and Guitar Dude. He shot a glare at the Jennifers before he got in Logan's car.
When they all entered the house, they found Mrs. Knight sleeping on the couch.
Kendall smiled down at her then turned to his friends. "You guys head to the basement. Quietly." He kneeled in front of the couch and gently shook his mother's shoulder. "Mom, I'm home."
She awoke with a yawn. "Hi, honey. Have fun at the dance?" She got off the couch.
"Yup." At least kind of. "You didn't have to wait up."
She kissed his forehead. "You know I always do." She glanced to her left. "Hi, Logan."
Kendall's head snapped in the direction his mom was looking. Logan was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, smiling at the mother and son. "Hi, Mrs. Knight."
"Well, I'm off to bed," she told the two boys. "Oh. Don't let your friends drink the alcohol."
"Why would they do that?" Kendall asked. At her glare, he said, "I'll take it away from them when I get down there."
"Good boy. Good night, Logan."
"'Night, Mama Knight."
When she was gone, Kendall said, "I didn't know you stayed up here."
"I wanted to avoid the mad rush to the basement. Then I got distracted by you and your mom. It was a very sweet and adorable moment."
"Thanks?"
Logan laughed. "You're welcome."
They went down to Kendall's basement. The place people loved to party at. It was a semi-epic basement. The previous owners had put in a bar. It was a large room, and had its own bathroom. The carpet was black and crazy soft. There were two very comfortable black couches, a black fridge near the bar, a huge flat screen TV with surround sound, and Christmas lights as well as various other flashing lights that were only turned on during parties. There was a door toward the back of the room that led to the stairs, and those stairs went to the backyard. That's where people entered on party nights.
"Put the vodka down, Mercedes," Kendall commanded.
"Why?"
"My mom said no. She'll never let you guys over again if you drink anymore."
Mercedes sighed. "Fine." She put the bottle back in its original spot.
"Pajama time!" Camille announced. "Unzip me, James."
After they were changed, they sat around in a circle, just talking and laughing.
"So, Kendall," James said at one point, "like my dear friend, Logan, you also like guys?"
"Uh. Yeah..."
Logan did a face palm. "James shut your mouth immediately."
"Why should he?" Kendall asked, opening a fresh can a soda.
"James likes to ask a lot of uncomfortable questions," Logan informed him.
"Maybe he secretly likes guys too," Jo teased.
James gave her an annoyed look. "No. I'm just a curious person."
"Hey, man, you know what curiosity did to the cat," Guitar Dude said. "Do you want to die?"
Dak smacked him on the back of the head. "It's OK, James. I did the same. Except Kendall doesn't answer questions."
"Really?" Camille said. "He's answered all of mine. Like, I know he's a bottom."
Kendall choked on his soda.
"Shit!" Jo started to pat his back.
"Don't do that," Logan said. "It'll make it worse."
She pulled her hand away. "Sorry."
"Don't worry about it. It's an automatic reaction for people." Logan rubbed Kendall's back until he could breath again. "You OK?"
"CAMILLE! Why the fuck would you say that!"
"Whoops."
Carlos nudged Logan. "Works out for you, huh?"
Logan pushed Carlos over. "You're this close to dying," he hissed.
"OK! Time to sleep!" Kendall announced before things could get anymore awkward. "Jo, get the inflatable mattress and some blankets and pillows from the closet. Camille, Dak, pull out the beds from the couches."
James, Camille, Jo, and Dak slept on one pull out bed. Mercedes, Guitar Dude, and the Jennifers on the other. Carlos, Stephanie, Logan, and Kendall squeezed together on the inflatable mattress. Kendall wanted desperately to reach out and touch Logan. To run a hand through his hair. To put his arms around Logan. But he knew that'd be creepy, so he settled for just just watching Logan until he fell asleep.
...
It was Halloween. A Saturday. Kendall and Logan were doing their tutoring session in Kendall's room.
"Where will your mom and Katie be during the party tonight?" Logan asked as he graded the practice quiz Kendall had just finished.
"Katie's going to be spending the night at a friend's house. My mom is having one of her girl's nights with her friends. They do that once a month. They usually get a little trashed, so she'll sleep at someone else's house. Which means my mom wants me to have at least one friend spend the night..."
"I can if you want."
Kendall smiled because Logan didn't even have to think about it to suggest that. "Well. I mean, usually a few smashed people stay over..." He didn't want to sound like he wanted Logan to stay over more than anything. Even if that was the truth.
Logan chuckled. "Then you'll need a sober friend to help you take care of them."
"You're not drinking?"
"Last time I was drunk, I had sex with Mercedes. I'd like to avoid something like that happening again."
"Good plan. It's nice to know I won't be the only one."
"You aren't either?"
Kendall shook his head. "Not at my own parties. I have to make sure nothing gets broken, and that no one pukes everywhere. And I like to clean up at least a little before the morning."
"Well, I can help."
"Thanks."
"No problem. Hey."
"What?"
"I was wondering how no one ever ventures to other parts of the house."
"Oh. The basement door locks from the outside. And since I lock all the other doors except the backyard basement door, no one accidentally ends up anywhere else."
"Damn. You got this down to a science."
"Practice makes perfect."
"Just like with math."
"Huh?"
Logan smiled at him. "This practice quiz is the equivalent to a C."
"For real?"
"Yup." Logan's smile widened.
"Yes!" Kendall threw his hands in the air, then gave Logan a tight hug.
"I'm glad you're happy," Logan said with a laugh.
Kendall pulled away from Logan, missing the contact immediately. "I am. This means I'm capable of getting a C on a real quiz. Now I'm really jazzed for this party."
Logan checked the time. "Damn. I should go. I need to get ready then pick up my lovely friends who only use me for rides."
"OK." He walked Logan to the door. "See you later, Logan."
"Later, Kendall."
After he watched Logan drive away and turned around, he saw Katie on the couch, staring him down.
"What?"
"You better make a move tonight," she said. "I'm tired of watching you stare at him longingly, wishing you could kiss him. It's pathetic."
"Wow. You're so kind."
"Just do something, Kendall. You'll regret it if you don't."
Katie was right. And he would never know if Logan felt the same unless he made a move. At that moment, he started to mentally prepare himself for what would hopefully be one of the greatest moments of his life.
...
The party had been going on for about a half an hour. Logan was nowhere to be seen, and Kendall was getting antsy.
Jo walked up to him. "Stop freaking out. Logan'll be here."
"But he should be here now."
"He had to get James and Camille too." She looked at the door. "Speak of the devil." She looked back at Kendall. "Jesus. Are you having an anxiety attack?"
"N-n-no."
"Oh my God. Are you planning on actually making a move tonight?"
Kendall nodded.
Jo jumped up and down with a squeal. "This is so exciting! We've all been waiting for this."
"I'm glad my life is so entertaining to you people."
"Oh, it is. Now, go."
"No!"
"Why the hell not?"
"I need to give him time to loosen up. And myself some time for my heart to start beating normally again."
Jo rolled her eyes. "Well, it better happen before the end of the night." She walked away to go do shots with a group of people at the bar.
Kendall let out a sigh. "DAK! Don't change the music!"
"Why?"
"Because you'll put on shitty music!" There had almost been a riot at the last party when Dak put on something different.
Kendall spent most of the night stopping people from ruining his basement. He had to clean up some spilled drinks and broken glasses, and had to kick some people out.
It was about two o'clock when Kendall decided to take a break. He saw Logan across the room with his back against the wall, watching the party goers with amusement. He walked up to Logan and leaned next to him. "Hey, Logan."
Logan smiled at him. "Hi, Kendall. So, what are you supposed to be?"
"Kurt Cobain. Isn't it obvious?"
"Kendall, you wear plaid all the time. You don't look that different." He watched Kendall's face and laughed. "Don't pout."
"Yeah, well, you being a doctor isn't that surprising."
Logan tilted his head at Kendall. "You know I want to be a doctor?"
Kendall mentally scolded himself. He had read that on Facebook about a million times. Logan never actually told him. "I, uh, heard from James that you want to be?"
Logan laughed. "You said that like a question." He smiled widely at Kendall's blush.
Kendall tried to avoid Logan's eyes. Then he noticed Logan's name tag. "Dr. Sexy?"
"Yup."
Kendall put a hand on Logan's shoulder. "Please tell me that's a Supernatural reference." He already knew it was, though. Supernatural was one of Logan's favorite TV shows. Kendall loved it as well.
"Thank you!" Logan said. "James, Carlos, and Camille didn't get it at all! Mother fuckers have only watched the show a million times."
Kendall looked at the three just mentioned. "I see that James and Camille are Han Solo and Princess Leia, but Carlos is?"
"Phantom of the Opera. He figured it'd help him pick up chicks."
"OK..."
"We tried to get Camille to wear the slave girl outfit from Return of the Jedi, but she refused."
"Damn shame."
"I know. Um. Since it's your party, I feel I should ask if you have your eye on anyone so I don't chat them up and make you pissed at me."
Kendall realized that fate had just given him an amazing opportunity. "Well, the person I have my eye on you can't steal." His heart started to beat faster. He hoped Logan couldn't tell how nervous he was.
"Oh?" Logan raised his eyebrows. "Do you doubt my sex appeal?"
"What? No."
"Then why-" Kendall made the boldest move of his life then. He gave Logan a quick kiss.
Kendall looked down and blushed, waiting for Logan's reaction.
"Huh," Logan said after a few seconds, yet it felt like years to Kendall. "It would be hard to steal myself."
Kendall dared to look at him. "So... I can do that again?"
"Yes, Kendall."
Kendall stood on front of Logan. He moved his face closer to Logan's, slightly afraid that Logan would come to his senses and run away. Logan must've gotten tired of waiting, because he closed the distance between them. It started out innocently. Until Kendall needed more, that is. Kendall ran his tongue along Logan's lips, and thankfully, Logan allowed entrance. There was a short battle for dominance, but Kendall decided he liked Logan being in control. He slid his hands up Logan's shirt slightly, wanting to touch his skin. He kept his hands on Logan's sides, making small circles with his thumbs. Logan grabbed Kendall's waist and pulled him closer. Kendall wanted it to go on forever, but...
"Uh. Kendall?" Kendall felt a tap on his shoulder.
He pulled his lips away from Logan's with great effort. He turned and saw Curly Jennifer and Blonde Jennifer. "What?" he spat at them.
"Jennifer's about to throw up," Blonde Jennifer said, referring to the brunette one.
"Then take her to the bathroom."
"Some people are having sex in there," Curly Jennifer informed him.
"Fuck. You two grab her and wait for me at the bathroom door." He looked at Logan. "I'll be right back. Please don't go anywhere?" he practically begged Logan.
"I won't." Kendall ran off. Logan let out a breath and rested his head against the wall.
Stephanie came over and stood next to him. "God. It's about fucking time."
Logan chuckled. "You saw?"
"Logan, people applauded."
"You're exaggerating."
"Not at all. Camille's planning on bitching the Jennifers out when they get back."
"That'll be a fun show."
Stephanie giggled. "Yeah. You enjoy the lip action with Kendall?"
"Christ, yes," Logan said with a smile. Carlos and James had kept insisting that Kendall was into him, but he refused to believe it. He never believed those kinds of things unless the person straight up said or did something to prove it. Logan was glad his friends were right. "You move in on Carlos?" he asked Stephanie.
She sighed. "There's always a ton of people around him."
"Then push the bitches out if the way."
Stephanie laughed.
"Um. Hi," Kendall said. He glared at Stephanie. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Calm down, Kendall," Stephanie said. "I'm not hitting on Logan."
"We were talking about Carlos," Logan told him.
"Oh. Well, why don't you go talk to him." He shoved the girl away.
Logan laughed. "You're so kind to your friends."
"Shut up." Finally having confidence, he started to lean forward for another kiss. But then he caught something out of the corner of his eye. "Guitar Dude! Don't you dare light that joint!"
"Aw! Why not, man?"
"You know there's no smoking in my house! Go outside and do it!"
"Fine." Guitar Dude made his way outside, several people following him.
Kendall moved to Logan again, but Logan said, "Shit."
"What?" Logan pointed.
"CARLOS! GET OFF THE BAR!" Logan commanded. Carlos always pulled stupid stunts when intoxicated. It currently appeared like he was going to make an attempt at break dancing.
The two went and convinced Carlos to get off the bar. They spent the rest of the night preventing people from hurting themselves and others. They never got to resume their interrupted moment.
At three o'clock, Kendall started to make everyone leave. Except the Jennifers, Camille, James, Carlos, and Logan.
Logan cleaned up a bit as Kendall went to change and grab the girls pajamas.
When Kendall got back down to the basement, he saw that the pull out beds and the inflatable mattress were ready. Logan and James were laughing at a stumbling Carlos.
"He's gonna be so hungover in the morning," James commented.
"Not as bad as Jennifer, though, "Curly Jennifer said, petting her friend's hair.
"That's what they get," Kendall told them. He threw the change of clothes at the girls. "You did a pretty good quick clean up," he added to Logan.
Logan just shrugged. "There's still a lot of mess. Don't even look at the bar. Or the bathroom."
"I'm too tired to care right now."
The Jennifers took one bed, Carlos, James, and Camille the other, and Kendall and Logan got the inflatable mattress.
"Thanks for helping out," Kendall whispered to Logan.
"No problem. You'll be needing it."
"Yeah." Kendall wanted to say more, but couldn't find the words. So he just said, "Good night, Logan."
"'Night, Kendall."
They both fell asleep quickly.
I feel like the party scene was rushed... Well, tell me what you think. Or not. Whatever you feel like doing. :)