So here's Carlos/Kendall. Again, it's real short because I figured I'd be uploading it with James/Logan. But please review anyway!
After their confrontation, Carlos didn't see Kendall again. He was slightly angry Kendall had ruined their chance to catch up with each other, but at the same time he felt bad for the younger boy. Kendall doesn't handle stress well and with almost no way to vent (except at 12, when they have access to the phones for half an hour), he must be drained out. But, as an actor, he hides his misery well; putting up a fake front only Carlos could see through.
Carlos sighed, rolling onto his stomach to get comfortable. It had been a long day of training, getting the "new" boys used to the territory. With sore muscles and a throbbing headache, he had expected to fall asleep quickly. But, as he lay awake, listening to the unconscious snores around him, he started thinking about James. What was he doing right now? Carlos wondered. Considering the time difference, he was probably still in bed, sleeping. Or maybe he was just laying there, thinking about Carlos.
He grew hard thinking about James. It's been so long since he's had any sort of stimulation, as he refused to touch himself. Groaning, he turned onto his back, trying to relieve some pressure.
In order to distract himself, he thought about the tough day tomorrow. They were ordered to storm a small town nearby who were housing opposing soldiers. That was the part Carlos hated the most about the whole situation. Marching into a village, using explosives and weapons, while innocent citizens are caught in the middle of it. He took training just like everyone else, it wasn't a challenge. Perhaps the hardest part was being away from loved ones. Carlos missed Sydney, Fox, the puppies they had together, Logan, and his brothers. But being away from James gave him a heartache he'd never felt before.
Suddenly, Carlos heard the bunker door creak open, followed by footsteps. He shrank down, afraid of being caught awake. Listening to the steps, he realized they were approaching his bunk. Maybe it was instinct or some sixth sense, but Carlos could almost feel that the sound would stop, right beside him.
Which it did.
He breathed evenly, not wanting to give himself away. He's heard stories of late night army rapes, being forced into submission against their will. But Carlos was strong, he could fight off an attacker. Right?
Hands grabbed him from the dark, a small squeal emitting in protest. A hand covered his mouth, shushing him.
"Carlos-"
As soon as he heard his name he instantly relaxed. After years of listening to that reprimanding tone, he knew to trust it.
Pulling away, Carlos squinted up at Kendall.
"What the hell are you doing?" He breathed.
Kendall glanced around, making sure they hadn't woken anyone up, then leaned down to Carlos' ear.
"Come on. I just want to talk." He whispered. Rather than face an argument, Carlos got up, following his bandmate though the long room of sleeping soldiers.
As they emerged outside, Kendall withdrew two cigarettes, handing one to Carlos. It was a filthy habit, but one every soldier eventually took up. They lit up, leaning against the wall.
"Okay, you're probably wondering why I'm here-"
"Probably." Carlos scoffed.
"And I'll tell you why." He took a deep breath. "I've been thinking. You know about convalescence leave?"
Carlos frowned, confused. "Yeah.."
"I know it sounds crazy, but what if we got hurt- nothing serious. But had to leave? Go home?"
"What on earth are you talking about?" Carlos asked, bewildered.
Kendall hugged him and spoke softly. "What if we got an injury that required us to leave the service? Something small, like a broken leg. We could go back to Logan and James-"
Carlos grabbed the taller boys shoulders. "Kendall you will not hurt yourself. I don't care how desperate you are, you will stay. Fight. Earn your way back home, don't cheat for it." He backed off. "Did you even think about what would happen? You would have to come back anyway. For even longer maybe. And what if that leg got beyond broken, if you screwed up? If we were to ever make a comeback, you wouldn't be able to dance!"
Kendall sighed. "You don't understand. I can't do this anymore. Everything is stressing me out, I'm a wreck."
"Kendall Schmidt is not a quitter. Neither is my best friend. I don't care what it takes. We're staying and we will make it, together."
It was silent for a moment. They boys could hear a watch guard coming.
"You're right." Kendall admitted, pulling Carlos in for a hug. "I'm sorry for being so difficult."
Carlos chuckled. "It's okay." He patted Kendall's back. "Go get some sleep."
Kendall nodded and walked back to his sleeping quarters. Carlos sighed. Stomping out his cigarette, he went back to bed.
