A/n: Hey there! Thanks for the reviews! I enjoyed the trending BTW...;) I want to thank trannce sea, Mr. Badass, HappyDazeChick, Physco WiTh A CaPiTaL S, bubzchoc, winterschild11, and of course all of the hilarious and entertaining anonymous reviewers! O.O You know who you are!
As far as that all goes, you just never know...
Disclaimer: I do not own Big Time Rush, not even the 1950's version!
James put the finishing touches of grease in his hair, combing the sides back smooth and the top down sleek. Logan grinned over his shoulder, then knelt to check his own handiwork.
"Lookin' good James!" he teased, pleased with his own perfectly coiffed hair.
"Yeah, you too. Kind of a shame to ruin it in the water, but you know we always end up there."
"You always end up there. Usually with some dolly you barely know, and in your birthday suit!" Logan laughed.
"Well, what's the point of a beach party if there isn't any skinny-dipping?"
"You're a cad, James." Logan said with a half-grin.
"You know it. And, you're not by the way?" James asked, looking him over him as he added more pomade to his hair.
"You know that I'm just a big tease," Logan said with a wink.
"What's this about being a big tease?" Kendall asked, poking his head in. "Move over," he said, bumping Logan with his hip. He finger-combed some grease into his blond locks, and let it fall thickly over his forehead. The tousled look suited him.
"None of your business, James Dean."
"Oh, Logie. You know by now that everything you do is my business."
Carlos stood in the doorway. "Any room for me?" he asked.
"Sure," Kendall said, scooting into Logan and knocking him slightly off-balance. Logan knocked him back.
Carlos squeezed a generous amount of grease into the palm of his hand, and combed it heavily into his hair. He slicked it back, giving it a wet look, with just a hint of volume at the crown. It shone smooth like black licorice, and complimented his small features nicely.
"Your hair looks yummy," James murmured, nuzzling the smaller boy into the crook of his arm. Carlos shook his head, grinning from ear to ear.
All four boys stood before the mirror, various degrees of grease in their hair, checking one another out. James wore a form-fitting, blood-red shirt, open at the neck and paired with wide-legged sailor jeans, and black and white converse shoes. He splashed on some Chanel Pour Monsieur, and winked at his reflection.
"Yes James, you are a hunka'- hunka' burnin' love," Kendall said.
"Tell me 'bout it," James said, posing in the doorway.
Logan watched Carlos straighten his black belt under a snug-fitting white tee-shirt. He wore tight black jeans over matching swim trunks and black lace-up boots.
"Guys, do you have your trunks on underneath too?" he asked.
"Of course," said Kendall, yanking out a handful of white fabric to show. Carlos looked at James.
"No need for trunks," James said, his eyes half-lidded in his sexiest way.
Carlos reached for his black leather jacket from the hook in the hall. Logan smiled, his eye-brows arching as he looked him over. "I have mine on too," he said, tugging the blue fabric over the top of his waistband, "and might I add you're looking pretty badass tonight, Carlitos."
"Thanks," Carlos said proudly, running a hand through his hair one last time. He grinned at Logan. "Maybe I'll get lucky, then. And look at you. No wonder you get followed."
He slowly looked Logan up and down, from head to toe. Logan didn't use as much grease as he did, but he certainly rocked the pompadour and sideburns. He kept the sides smooth, leaving an abundance of lush dark hair on top. He wore dark blue dungarees, cuffed wide, a snug black tee-shirt under a dark blue jean- jacket, and black slip-on loafers.
"Yeah, now he can tease some girls tonight. No cardigans or sweater vests. Preppie just went Neo," Kendall said. " Your derriere in those jeans, by the way, is the bomb."
"I'm wearing this because it's party-wear," Logan said.
"Mmmmm-hmmmm..." Kendall said softly. He wore a pale pink button-down shirt, and light blue jeans with white buck shoes.
"And, Kendall here," Logan said, staring deeply into his green eyes, " looks like a delicious cupcake tonight." Kendall chased Logan out of the room with a bottle of No. 89 cologne in hand.
"Kendall, no! It will clash with my scent!" Logan squeaked, racing down the hall.
"Those two," James said, rolling his eyes. "They fight like brothers."
"We're all brothers, " Carlos said, watching the handsome boy put toothpaste on his toothbrush.
"Or, they're more like an old married couple," James said, pausing for effect. Carlos couldn't help but laugh.
x-x
It was dusk, and the moon loomed large and low on the horizon. It shone silvery white in the deep purple of the sky and shimmered across the water. The boys sat silently watching the waves break on the shore. It was the calm before the chaos. The serenity before guests arrived. The smoke from the applewood chips wafted on the air, and Carlos rubbed his belly.
"Mmmmm...that smells so good," he said.
"Then you're craving apple wood chips, because that's all you're smelling," Logan said.
"I know. But, apple wood chips make me think of food, so they make me hungry," Carlos explained.
"Pavlov's dog," Logan teased.
"What's that?" Carlos asked, puzzled.
"Never mind," Logan replied.
Kendall clinked the ice around in his tumbler absent-mindedly, and watched the palm trees sway in the warm breeze.
"No beer yet. I'm impressed," Logan said, nodding at the turquoise aluminum tumbler in his hand.
"I can take constructive criticism to heart you know," Kendall said.
"Since when?" James ribbed.
"Since Logan gave me some last night," Kendall said.
"I'm thinking about getting a tattoo," Carlos said out of the blue.
"What?" Logan asked. "I must have heard wrong because-"
"No, you heard right. I said, I'm getting a tattoo before my next birthday."
"No, you're not," James said.
"What? I can if I want!"
"You're not getting a tattoo. I don't want you to have a tattoo," James said.
"Since when do I answer to you?" Carlos asked indignantly.
"Now he sounds like Logan!" Kendall said to James. "There are officially two control freaks among us."
"Me, controlling? What about you? You were actually spying on me the other day, weren't you?" Logan accused.
He saw Kendall's body tense. He seemed shocked that Logan would speak of it. Logan was certain that he was right now. He thought he saw Kendall's black car parked down the road when he was talking to one of the guys from the diner.
"Let's get the beers and sodas on ice, James," Kendall said, urging James to follow him. The two walked off, leaving Carlos and Logan alone on the deck.
"Think he's pissed off?" Carlos asked.
Logan shrugged. "It's true. He was definitely spying."
x-x
The guests were beginning to arrive, and cars parked all along the drive. Kendall had been avoiding Logan since his earlier comment, and he stood watching Kendall greet the guests without him.
"Hey, Daddy-O! What's shakin'?" he called to a carload of guys they knew from the club where they had played.
"Hey! Where's the beer?" they shouted from the car.
"That all you're here for?" Kendall asked, feigning hurt.
"And the chicks!" the red-headed boy chimed in, climbing out quickly.
"Of course! Logan over here will be more than happy to set you up in that department. He's probably invited enough dames to fill a Tupperware party!" Logan threw Kendall a disapproving look.
"Cool beans!" the red-head said, tailing behind Logan, his new best buddy, after hearing that news.
The guys passed around the beers, and showed the guests where the food and condiments were. They had entertained many of the same people at earlier parties, but none at the summer beach house. The parties had always been held at James' parents house or at Carlos' uncle's place.
"Who wants a burger?" James called from the grill.
"Oh, you look so cute in that red and white check apron," a tall blonde girl said, ogling him freely.
"Hi, I don't believe we've met," James said, eyeing her appreciatively.
"We'll take six over here, James!" someone shouted. James waved and nodded.
"I'm friends with Maureen from the diner. She's the waitress that you invited. She'll be here later," she said. James beamed her a million-dollar smile.
The party-goers began to lay blankets on the cool sand. Some stood on the deck where James was grilling. The area was lit by tiki torches, party lanterns and the light of the moon. Carlos watched the teens mingle from where he sat perched on a deck rail feeling utterly alone. Everyone was milling about, socializing and laughing with one another. He wondered why it was, that he had plenty of admirers, yet no one to call his own.
The aqua and white convertible was fashionably late, rambling up the drive too fast, and turning up dirt and sand. Logan turned to see the girls park haphazardly on the hill.
"Hi boys!" they called. Kendall placed a hand on Logan's hip and rested his chin on his shoulder.
"I believe that your guests have arrived," he said with a snicker.
"Kendall...please. Come on. Just help me out this once...," Logan pleaded, getting nervous when he saw them barreling his way.
"Nope. They look like they're on a mission and they're all yours. Put those flirting skills to use and lay down some of that famous charm," Kendall said with a smirk. He turned Logan back around to face the four girls and swatted him. "Go get 'em, cowboy," he whispered.
"Where are you going, cutie?" the brunette asked, tilting her head to the side.
"Grabbing a beer. I'm sure Logan will show you around however," he said.
She immediately tucked her arm through Logan's in a possessive way.
After a half-hour of one-sided conversation with the girl still affixed to his arm, Logan excused himself. "I'll catch up with you later. I have something to discuss with Kendall."
"Sure," she said, trying not to look too disappointed.
Logan searched for Kendall, surprised to find the other girls sitting alone. He walked along the edge of the property and looked out to the ocean, wondering if he'd decided to go for a swim without him. A glowing red light caught his eye in the darkness. He figured it was the tip of a burning cigarette, and sensed it was Kendall. He made his way over.
"Hey," Logan said, plopping down beside him.
Kendall took another puff. "Hey."
"I really hate when you ignore me, Kendall."
"Aw. I didn't know I meant so much to you, baby," he said.
Logan sighed and played with a seashell he found. "I'm sorry."
"I know. Especially now that you can't get rid of that chick."
"Who said I wanted to," Logan said.
Kendall laughed softly and ground the cigarette butt into the sand. "Logan, you can never lie to me and get away with it. Remember that and we'll always be cool." Logan bit his lip and nodded.
Kendall stood to tug him up by the hand. "Let's get back. We have fans, and future fans, to impress," he said, keeping his arm securely around Logan's slender waist.
x-x
Everyone had either eaten grilled burgers or crab, and the supply of beer was dwindling. Kendall ignored the girl who followed him around most of the evening, despite his efforts to dissuade her.
"I wouldn't mind another beer," she slurred, wobbling a bit.
"Well, it looks like there aren't too many left in the buckets," Kendall said, digging through the ice. "Wouldn't you rather have a coca-cola?"
"No," she said with a pout.
"Here, last one!" he announced.
"Thanks!" she said, batting her eyes at him. "So am I going to get to hear you play tonight?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking about pulling out the old squeezebox," Kendall said. "Hang on a second. Carlos!"
Carlos walked over. "I was thinking we should gather 'round and sing some tunes," Kendall said.
"Sounds good, but James said we're low on drinks. I think I'll go grab some from the liquor store in town. Gotta' feed the getbuckets, right?"
"Taking the cycle?" Kendall asked, noticing that Carlos had his black leather on.
"Yeah, just a quick jaunt before they close. Be back soon. Then we'll play."
"I'll tell Betty that you'll be back soon!" the girl called out.
Carlos hesitated then turned back around. "Betty?"
"Yeah. She's the one with black hair and green eyes. She thinks you're the cat's meow!" she said.
Carlos grinned. "Tell her I think she's tops too!"
Carlos left, and the girl ran off with her beer to tell her friend. Kendall shook his head and smiled. Looks like Carlos is going to get lucky after all, he thought to himself.
Logan spotted Kendall! "There you are! Are you avoiding me, again?"
"Yep."
"Come on Kendall," Logan whisper-yelled.
"See you when Carlos gets back with the beer. We're gonna' have a jam session when he does."
"Kendall, wait!" Logan called, stumbling in the sand to catch up. "Some of these under-aged girls are getting pretty tipsy, you know."
"Are you being a drag again, Logan?" James asked.
"Hey, James. Done serving all the chicks gourmet burgers complete with a side-order of you?" Logan asked sarcastically.
"Never!" James said with a wink. "She just went in to use the powder room."
"I was just saying that-"
"You are the one who brought most of the under-aged girls here, Logan. They all followed you, not us!" Kendall scolded. Logan looked down at his feet.
"Look, we can't police everyone. Just go with the flow and have a good time," James said, slapping him on the back. "Oops, someone is looking for me," he said in a sing-song voice. He walked off to meet the blonde who was waving him over.
"But, if Griffin hears of this we are going to be-"
"Then he can't hear of it!" James shouted over his shoulder.
Kendall walked off too, leaving Logan standing alone.
x-x
Carlos pulled the visor down on his black helmet, and kick-started his motorcycle. It roared to life as he drove down the winding drive, stopping at the edge of the road. He looked both ways carefully before pulling out, and opened up the gears to gain enough speed to head out into the darkness of the country road.
Headlights immediately shone in his side-mirror. Where did you come from, Carlos wondered, certain that the road had been clear. The headlights stayed with him, and he couldn't help but feel like they were tailing too close. He wasn't sure if the driver was actually chasing him, or just trying to intimidate him.
He veered off to a side road, challenging the driver to follow. The car turned too, giving him a quick glimpse of a black muscle car. He sped up, attempting to lose them on the next turn. It sped up as well, and followed even closer. Carlos approached the liquor store and pulled in near the entrance. He swung his leg over the side and stood to face his foe.
The car pulled in slowly and came to a sudden stop. Two teens glowered at him. "Hey, you Carlos?" the light-haired driver asked.
"What's it to you?" Carlos flexed his gloved hand.
"Stay away from my girl, man! If I hear that she was within a foot of you losers, we'll make mincemeat outta ya'! Got it?!"
"Oh yeah? Whose your girlfriend, anyway?" Carlos asked, puffing out his chest to stand tall.
"Figure it out! She's at your bungalow now! Just consider yourself warned!"
"Does she drive an aqua and white Pontiac convertible by any chance?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah, that's right!"
"Why isn't she with you if she's your girl?!" Carlos shouted.
The boy presented his middle finger and spun the tires, rotating the car twice around, before speeding off down the dark road. The elderly man who owned the liquor store came running out, shaking his fist at the diminishing tail lights.
"Beatniks!" he shouted. "They better stay off my property," he muttered. "Comin' in? I'm closin' down early tonight. Don't need that riff-raff coming back to rob the joint!"
"Know who they are?" Carlos asked, going through the door the old man held for him.
"I'm almost certain that it's that Danny Barton's son. He's the dirt of the town."
Carlos picked up a case of beer and set it on the counter. "That's all I need tonight," he said.
"Oh, Heineken. The good stuff. Buying for you and a little gal-friend of yours?"
"Naw. Buyin' for a roommate. But, I may have a gal waiting for me when I get back," he said proudly.
"Well, stay vigilant on the way home. That trash is liable to mess with you some more. Far to go?"
"No, just up the road. I'll be careful though. Thanks."
The old man bolted the door behind him. Carlos strapped the case of beer into the boot of his cycle, and closed the lid. He looked around for any sign of the black car before climbing on.
x-x
James, Kendall, and Logan, had a crowd gathered around the bonfire. Kendall was softly strumming his guitar while the brunette laid at his feet on her stomach, gazing up at him with infatuation. The girl who had shadowed Logan all evening, was leaning into him. James had the blonde seated on his lap, making it difficult for him to hold his own guitar. He gave up and laid it down, allowing Kendall to play solo. Kendall sang a ballad next, and the girl at his feet swooned.
"Isn't he dreamy?"she whispered to her friend. Kendall watched Logan ignoring the girl he was with, and he smiled. He could see by the light of the moon that Logan was biting his lip, like he always did when he was in a predicament.
"Yes, he is! But where's Carlos?" the girl asked impatiently, craning her neck to see the driveway better. "We went through a lot of trouble to get the car back from Dad, just so we could be here tonight. And, my dream guy isn't even here!"
Logan, James and Kendall were just thinking the same thing. Where was Carlos? It shouldn't have taken him more than twenty minutes or so to make the trip there and back. He had been gone over thirty, and they were all beginning to worry...
I am going to see what you guys think about this story, then decide where to go from there.
Thanks for checking it out,
Crumpet