Author's Notes: Anyone reading this knows that Nickelodeon owns the rights to Big Time Rush, right? I just like to play chess with the boys, moving them around as I see fit.

Yes, the title is based on the Disney song, because it's always been one of my favorites and because it fits. Also? Christmas in August? Don't even ask, I don't know. Seriously. I don't know.

I was going to post this when it was completed, but it's not going to be very long (ha, she says now) and when I realized I'd have to break it up on LJ anyway, I decided to just chapter it. So...yeah.

This pairing took me by surprise, and it's so different from what I'm used to writing that I'm not even sure it's any good. Please let me know if you like it-or don't like it, that's fine, too. Because I'm nervous about this one.

Every single word of this fic (and probably all future fics I write) is dedicated to kathrynew30 . The words came from me, but the story, ideas, tone, characters, the entire dynamic of this was borne out of conversations between us and how we see this pairing. She is my cheerleader, my sounding board, my squeeing partner, my friend. SHE GETS ME. And I love her way much more than is healthy.


"How come I can't go? It's not fair!"

"Carlos, we've been through this. I'm taking James out to thank him for helping me with my date the other night." Logan is pacing around the living room, more nervous than he would have imagined possible. He's wearing a new pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt—red, because James seems to like him in red.

"But I wanna go to the observatory too!"

"Will you keep it down?" Logan glances toward the bathroom, where James is doing...something to his hair. Whatever it might be, Logan knows he will look incredible when he emerges. "It's a surprise, okay? I don't want him to know where I'm taking him."

"But that's stupid, Logan. What would James care about a bunch of stars in the sky?"

Logan frowns while looking over at Carlos, who is sitting on the arm of the couch while sulking. That is Logan's fear as well, and why does Carlos have to hit it right on the head? Like Logan's not worried enough about this date. "And that, Carlos, is why you're not invited. It's so much more than 'a bunch of stars in the sky.'"

"Kelly told me they have a laser show, too. Are you gonna see that?"

"Maybe." In fact, he knows for sure that they are. A dark room with music drowning out all talk while they lean back against headrests? Oh yeah. Logan's hoping it'll be romantic. He's always found observatories to be romantic anyway; something about being in a place where you can't help but realize how tiny you are in comparison to the galaxy and that life is short...it leaves him feeling wistful and daring to take risks he wouldn't otherwise take. Hopefully James will experience similar emotions.

"You ARE! Come on, Logan, let me and Kendall go! We want to go!"

"Speak for yourself." Kendall has appeared out of nowhere. Logan watches him collapse onto the couch, looking bruised, swollen, and utterly wiped out.

"What happened to you?" Logan asks, stopping his pacing long enough to stare down at Kendall.

"Jo." He winces as he lays an arm over his forehead.

"Judo?"

"Yep. I need to find a new girlfriend."

Carlos grins before taking a flying leap to land on Kendall.

"AGH! DUDE!"

"Carlos!" Logan tries to pull him off, but Kendall holds up a hand.

"It's okay."

"No, it isn't! You're in pain!"

"Not really." Kendall smirks at Carlos, who is now sitting on his legs. "Yes, I would love a massage. Just be more gentle this time."

Logan blinks. Massage? Okay, this whole James thing is making him read way too much into everything. "James, you almost ready?" he calls out.

"In a minute! A dude's gotta have great hair when he goes...wherever it is you're taking me!"

"I hope he isn't disappointed," Logan says quietly to Kendall, who is lying on his back with eyes closed while Carlos rubs his legs.

"He won't be. Trust me. It's rom...AGH! Dude, I told you!" Kendall's eyes fly open.

"Sorry. You have a huge bruise right there, man. And Kendall, I wanna go with them to the observatory. Please?"

Logan clucks his tongue. "Like it's his decision? No, it's mine. You're staying home."

"Let it go, Carlos." Kendall sighs and turns over, burying his head in the cushion. "Okay, go. Not too rough."

Logan senses James before he sees him. He looks to his right and all the air leaves his lungs.

"Is this okay? You said casual, but I wasn't sure..."

James is also wearing jeans, but the similarities stop there. He's wearing a white tank under a gray long-sleeved shirt that is open to the waist and tucked into the denim pants. His hair is different, and it's a moment before Logan realizes his bangs are swept back off his forehead.

You're trying to kill me. James, you're trying to kill me here.

Kendall's head pops up and he whistles before grinning. "Nice."

"Quit moving, dude." And then to James, "Can I go with you guys? Please?"

"Carlos! I said no! Drop it!"

James shakes his head. "Sorry dude, I don't even know where we're going."

"I do! You're going-"

"CARLOS!" Both Logan and Kendall shut him up.

"Fine. Kendall, quit looking up."

The front door opens and Katie breezes in with Mrs. Knight. "Hi boys. James, you look so handsome! Date tonight?"

Logan and James share a panicked look before Kendall can answer. "He and Logan are going out. Logan wants to thank James for helping him out."

"Oh, that's sweet. Going anywhere special?"

"I have no idea." James notes Katie studying him. "What?" he asks.

She finally nods. "You look nice."

He smiles. "Thanks. Ready, Logan?"

"Uh...yeah. You sure you don't mind me taking the car, Mrs. Knight?"

"No, not at all. I didn't know James would be with you, but as long as he doesn't distract you while you're driving, you'll be fine. Got it, James? I don't want to hear that Logan crashed because you were yelling at him to look over there or check out those hot girls in the next car."

Kendall snorts into the couch. Logan glares at him.

"We'll be fine. Thanks, Mama Knight." James gives her a hug before gesturing for Logan to follow him to the door.

"Where are you guys going, anyway?" Katie asks.

Carlos opens his mouth but Kendall pushes his body up, causing Carlos to fall off him and onto the floor.

"Dude!"

"Oops."

"Bye!" Logan grabs James by the arm and rushes him to the door, breathing out a sigh of relief once it closes behind them.


Ten minutes later they're cruising down Sunset Boulevard. Maybe it's because he's afraid of distracting Logan, who's only had his license for two months, but James has spent the drive looking out the window in silence. Or maybe he's just enjoying the sights. Either way, the quiet is getting to Logan. "Did you see Carlos smack into the wall at rehearsal today?"

James laughs. "Yeah. Nothing new there, but it's always funny. He looks so dazed afterward."

"I know. And Kendall was trying to hold him up because he kept falling over."

"Hey, Logan? Would you mind if we don't talk about them or the band? We never have time alone and I was kind of looking forward to a break from it all."

Now James is looking at him and Logan glances over with a tight smile. "Sure." And then they're back to silence and James looking out the window. What was I thinking? We have nothing in common. This is going to be a disaster and he's never gonna want to spend time with me again because I'm so boring and an observatory? Really? What was I thinking?

James comes to the rescue, though. Finally. "Are we just cruising Sunset? Not that I'm complaining, it doesn't matter where we go or what we do."

I'm gonna throw up. I've known him almost all my life and suddenly being around him makes me so nervous I want to throw up. Logan pastes a smile across his face. "No, there's an actual destination. I promise." The sound of snickering causes him to look over at James for a moment. "What?"

"Dude, relax. You're holding onto the steering wheel like it's gonna fly off. You're doing fine."

Logan can't help but smile a little because James is right. Hands are on ten and two and he's sitting up so straight there might as well be a length of plywood between him and the seat. "I'm nervous."

"I know, but you shouldn't be. You're a good driver. Just calm down. Enjoy the moment."

When did James learn to talk in that soft, sexy voice? No wonder the chicks are always after him. Logan forces himself to take a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling some of the tension escape with the air. He lowers his right hand, laying his arm over the console between them, and immediately James' arm moves to occupy the same space. Fingers brush the back of Logan's hand before settling lightly over it. Instead of making Logan more nervous, it soothes him, and he lifts his own fingers to link with James' as he makes a left onto Los Feliz Blvd.

"Logan? Are you taking me to the Observatory?"

Oh God. Here it comes. "Maybe?"

"That is so cool!"

James is grinning, honestly excited, and Logan feels his entire body unwind. "Really? You're okay with that?"

"Yeah! It's such a you thing to do. I love it!"

"You won't be bored? I mean, there's exhibits and a telescope and an amazing view of L.A. and Kelly said there's also a laser show that's pretty neat."

"How could I be bored listening to you talk about stars?"

Logan laughs a bit self-consciously. "Please. How can you not? You know how carried away I get when I start talking about astronomy."

"Or biology. Or math. Or even the English language. But dude, it's awesome. You're so freaking smart. I mean, half of what you say goes over my head, but I love to listen to you because you get so excited and you get this gleam in your eyes and I just...love your brain. I wish I could be smart like that."

"You do?" Logan risks a glance at James even though the road is winding and requires his attention. "Why? You've got everything else going for you."

"Psshh. Looks. Style. It's what's gonna get me famous, but without you guys it gets me nowhere. I wouldn't have made it out here without you."

"Kendall got you out here."

"Who got me to that audition?"

"Kendall."

"No, you did. You drove, remember? And I know you were terrified; it meant a lot to me that you were willing to do that just so I could have a shot at my dream."

"It wasn't that big a deal." James is complimenting him and it's...not something that happens often. At least it never did before. "So can I ask you something?"

James squeezes his fingers. "Of course."

"You're a lot smarter than most people realize. How come you act dumb around everybody else?"

"I don't."

"Yeah, you do. I see it when you talk to Kendall mostly, you have great ideas and your mind works like a steel trap sometimes. But outside the apartment, you're all about The Face and your hair and your image. Why is that?"

"I don't know. I guess...well, I'm more comfortable around you guys. If I say something stupid, you might laugh but you'll still love me. So I'm not afraid to say things that might come out sounding dumber than I thought they would."

"But what you say around us doesn't sound dumb. Not usually, anyway." Logan squeezes James' hand to take the sting out of his words. "Why are you afraid to let people know you have a brain?"

"Well, take Gustavo for example. He doesn't want to produce guys who think for themselves. He wants dogs he can train. And that's how most of Hollywood is, Logan. If you think too much, you'll ruin your chances."

"I guess." Still not completely convinced, Logan shrugs. "I like it when you're just...you. Like this."

Rounding the last curve before coming to the crest of the hill, Logan almost crashes the car when he feels lips on his cheek. He turns wide eyes on James, who giggles.

"Dude, pay attention. I didn't even ask you to check out the hot chicks in the next car, so you can't use that as an excuse."

"Shut up." But Logan can't stop grinning, even when he has to disentangle their fingers to park the car. This night might just turn out okay after all.


They wander the halls and check out the exhibits but pass on the telescope; the line is long and it's almost time to head for the Planetarium anyway. Logan figures they have just enough time to take in the view from the terrace before the show and leads James to the back of the building.

"Wow. Look at all those lights. Never see anything like that back home."

"Nope." Logan stands in front of James, hands on the short wall before him as they absorb the beauty of Los Angeles at night. "I still can't believe we're here. In Hollywood, I mean."

"Yeah. Sometimes it seems like a dream. I keep thinking it's gonna end any second, that Griffin's gonna kill the contract and send us home."

"I know. It would be weird to go home again."

"Yeah."

Logan feels long arms slide around his waist and leans back into the strength that is James Diamond—so much more than a pretty face and washboard abs. He's not self-conscious because he noted the lack of other people when they emerged onto the terrace. He wraps his arms around James'. "Can we just stay here all night?" James is warm and smells so good and how is it possible that he finds Logan interesting at all?

A rumble of laughter answers him. "Sounds good to me." James presses his lips to Logan's hair.

We need to talk about this. But he's unwilling to break the mood because how often they do get to just be together like this? "I meant to tell you, you look incredible tonight." He can feel James smile above him.

"Thanks. I wasn't sure if you'd like this hair. I just wanted something a little...different."

Logan nods. "Different is good. Though I like the normal look as well." He hears James swallow behind his head.

"When are we gonna cook dinner again?"

"I don't know. I think Mama's gonna be out Wednesday afternoon, we can do it then."

"That's too far away. It's only Friday."

"You know...if you're just wanting an excuse to spend time together, we can do our Christmas shopping tomorrow."

"Carlos and Kendall will want to come."

"Not if we're shopping for Carlos and Kendall."

James grins his appreciation. "Nice. I love the way your brain works."

Turn around, Logan. Do it. Right now, turn around and kiss him. This is the right moment.

"Attention visitors: Those with tickets to the 7:00 show, please line up outside the Planetarium doors now. Thank you."

Logan sighs. It's just not meant to be. "We should go," he says in a quiet voice.

"Yeah." James doesn't move.

A wave of lust rushes up Logan's body so suddenly it almost knocks him over and he can hardly breathe. What the...where did that come from? He licks his lips and feels James' breath on his ear. "James," he whispers, eyes falling closed. James pulls him back harder and Logan gasps softly. Oh my, I'm not the only one. "We could skip the laser show," he manages to breathe. James groans so softly he almost misses it.

"Jesus, Logan. What is it about you?"

And that makes him chuckle, because Logan knows that feeling. "It's crazy. It makes no sense."

"I know. I don't get it."

"Attention visitors: Doors are open for the 7:00 show. Please make your way to your seats."

"Damn. Okay, we should do this. You already bought the tickets and if we go back to the car, I might end up getting us arrested."

"Oh really?" Logan pulls away from James and looks up at him. "That might be fun."

"Wait, you think getting arrested is fun? What happened to my innocent little Logie?"

"I think he disappeared around the time you cut your finger."

"And you sucked on it. God, that was hot."

There is definitely a bounce in Logan's step as he pulls James toward the building. "Let's get this overwith. Then maybe we can go park somewhere down the hill. Camille told me there's a place for that."

"Oh, nice."

Once inside the Planetarium, they grab their glasses and take seats in the outermost ring. Logan's thinking about grabbing James' hand once the lights go down. Or maybe he'll just rest his hand on James' thigh and see what happens. Because damn, Logan has never been this turned on, and who could have foreseen it would be James to do that to him?

An employee gives the signal to close the doors but suddenly there's a commotion.

"WAIT! We're coming in, hang on!"

No. NO, this is NOT happening. That is NOT Carlos. Please God, NO.

"Carlos, I'm sitting next to Logan, don't even think about it!" Kendall hops over the back of the seat next to Logan before Carlos can get there.

"Boys, please be quiet. Sorry everyone!" Mrs. Knight calls out to the crowd glaring at them. She takes a seat with Katie while Carlos settles in on the other side of James.

"Dude, surprise!" Carlos is all smiles. Grinning.

And Logan wants to kill him. With his bare hands. Never has he felt such anger in his life.

Kendall leans in to whisper, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Logan's eyes are wet as he meets Kendall's gaze. "What the fuck, Kendall? How could you let this happen?"

"I tried to stop them, I swear. But Katie and Carlos wouldn't shut up about the laser show and finally Mom got fed up and said okay."

"But you should've..." Logan tries hard to keep his voice from rising. The lights slowly dim and at least that's something. "You know how much this means to me. I didn't have to say it, did I?"

"No. Dude...I see what's going on here, and I swear I tried to talk them out of it. I'm sorry!"

Logan wants to be mad at Kendall, wants to rage at the whole world, but he can't because he sees that Kendall truly does feel horrible about this. Carlos is rambling excitedly to James and Mrs. Knight keeps shushing him.

"And just for the record? I approve. You guys are good together."

Logan blinks in surprise, the anger lifting in a flash. "Really?"

"Yeah." Kendall looks past Logan to nod at James, who nods back but doesn't smile in the dark. "Sorry," he mouths to James. James nods again.

Logan whispers, "He tried to keep them away."

"I know. Just promise me we can do the mall tomorrow."

"Damn right we will." Logan sighs and leans his head back as the music starts. We should've gone to the car. I could be kissing him right now. Sitting on his lap. I wonder what it feels like to get a hickey?

Fingers slide down against his thigh, settling between his leg and James'. Logan moves his hand until their fingers are brushing, and then James locks his own around Logan's. In the dark it's not noticeable, but it's enough to let Logan know James is thinking the same thing.

Next time, James. Next time. We won't make that mistake again.