Chapter 4: Tryouts
Logan was practically bouncing as he walked down the hall to his last class. It was Friday and he was looking forward to spending a quiet weekend with James and Camille. He had been at the school for a week and people had labeled him a bad boy with brains. Logan couldn't help but let his nerdy side through with school work, but his attitude towards Kendall made people think he was a bad boy. Things were working perfectly.
"Logan," James said running to catch up with him.
"Hmm?" Logan turned to face his brother. James had been acting weird all day towards him. He knew he had something to tell him he just didn't know what it was. He didn't know if he should be scared or not. He had only seen James this fidgety once before, and that was when he and Camille stole his microscope and broke it. They had been so afraid that he was going to yell at them. Logan had told them he wasn't mad, but the week after James' lucky comb went missing along with Camille's favorite stuffed animal. Both items then turned up in the back yard a few days after.
"Before we go to study hall there is something I have to tell you," James said slowly.
"What?" Logan asked.
"Carlos and Kendall are coming over this weekend," James said, "for the whole weekend starting after our tryouts," he added quickly looking away from Logan waiting for him to yell. He knew Logan didn't exactly like Kendall.
"Ok," Logan said and he started walking again. He knew James knew by now, it was more dangerous when he didn't way anything. Logan walked into his study hall with James following behind him. He knew James was scared of Logan yelling at him and he should be. He had just ruined his weekend plans. Logan had been looking forward to spending time away from Kendall. He was falling harder and harder for the blonde as each day passed, and it had only been a week. Logan took his usual seat in front of Kendall and James sat next to him.
"Did you tell him?" Kendall asked noticing the cold shoulder he was getting from the feisty brunette.
"Yeah," James said, "I don't know what he's thinking he hasn't really said anything," he added as he looked at Logan.
"It's fine James you want to spend time with your friends," Logan said, "and like I said I don't really have a problem with Carlos," he added while looking at James. "So what time are our tryouts for the team?" Logan asked.
"At four thirty when practice starts," Kendall said.
"Great," Logan said. He then grabbed a book out of his backpack and started reading. He had been practicing all week on the ice getting ready for his and James' tryout. The team had started practicing, but they had yet to have a game. Logan had quickly gotten back into the swing of things. He had done it in secret. He want to surprise everyone. The only person who knew he had been going to the ice rink all week was Camille. She had helped Logan get back into it. Kendall and Carlos had helped James get ready, but Logan refused their help.
"I hate it when he gets like this," James said looking at Logan.
"Like what?" Logan asked.
"When you answer me with one word answers and tell me everything's fine when I know your upset," James said.
"Ok," Logan said turning the page of his book as he continued to read.
"Logan," James said.
"James," Logan shot back in a whine similar to James'.
"Leave the sour puss be," Kendall said, "he's more than likely gonna take his anger out on you on the ice," he added.
"He hasn't been on the ice in years," James said.
"But, like Kendall said it's like riding a bike you never forget," Logan said finally setting his book down. He looked over at James.
"That's what you've been doing all week," James said suddenly. Logan didn't say anything he just picked his book back up and started reading again. He could feel three sets of eyes on him. He tried to ignore them, but he knew they wouldn't stop until he reacted. He sighed and set his book down and turned to look at the three staring at him.
"What?" he asked.
"Well are you any good?" James asked.
"I don't know why don't you wait until we're on the ice," Logan said picking his book back up only to have it snatched up by Kendall.
"You can't just dangle that in our faces without telling us if you're any good or not," he said.
"I can and I did now give me my book," Logan said holding his hand out to Kendall.
Kendall shook his head, "No not until you give us some hint at how you are," he said.
"Kendall this isn't funny now give me my book," Logan said standing up to grab the book. Kendall stood up as well, and held the book above his head. Logan grew annoyed and jumped to get it. "Kendall I'm serious this isn't funny," he said. He grabbed Kendall's arm and pulled it down. They locked eyes for a moment and froze. Logan felt his heart beat quicken as he looked into Kendall's eyes. They stood there staring at one another. Logan wanted nothing more than to lean in and kiss Kendall. He wanted to so bad, but he knew he couldn't. Kendall was straight and hated him.
The bell rang making Logan jump. He snatched his book from Kendall and ran from the room. He didn't look back to see if anyone was following him. Logan stopped at his locker to get some of his books. He opened his bag and grabbed two books from his locker and shoved them in.
"Hey Logan," Camille said. Logan jumped up and turned to look at her.
"Don't do that," he snapped.
"Sorry," Camille said confused. "Where's James?" she asked.
"I don't know," Logan said looking around. He then started for the door. He wanted to get to the rink as soon as possible. He knew James was probably already outside with the two waiting for an explanation. He didn't know what to say. He had almost kissed Kendall back there.
"What's wrong with you?" Camille asked as she followed Logan out the front door.
"Nothing," Logan said quickly, "I'm fine," he said.
"So am I gonna go home or are you taking me to watch you and James tryout?" Camille asked.
"Kendall said it would be ok if you came," Logan said, "Katie's gonna be there too," he said as he walked towards his car. James, Kendall, and Carlos were already there waiting for them. Logan quickly walked over to his car and got in trying to avoid the stares he was getting form the three. James and Camille got in and looked at Logan confused.
"Logan," James said slowly.
"Let's go," Logan said ignoring James for the time being.
"Kendall said it was ok for Camille to come," James said.
"I know he told me earlier," Logan said as he pulled out of the school's parking lot. The ride to the ice rink was spent in silence. As soon as the car stopped Logan was out and getting his things out of the trunk. James was at his side grabbing his things as well.
"What happened to you?" James asked quietly.
"It was nothing I was just having a mini flash back of Curt doing the same thing," Logan lied. He had not told Camille or James about his feelings for Kendall. He wanted to keep in the dark. He did not want them telling Kendall. He did not want them ruining what he had going for him.
"Oh," James said.
"It's no big deal, now come on," Logan said heading for the door. "I want to get on the ice a little before hand," he said. James and Camille followed Logan inside. James and Logan left Camille to change. Logan quickly changed and was out on the ice before James. Logan skated over to the benches just outside the ice to talk to Camille.
"Where's James?" Camille asked.
"Still changing," Logan said shrugging. "I just wanted to thank you for helping me get ready this last week," he added.
"I just can't wait to see the looks on the guys' faces when they see you," Camille said, "they don't think you have it in you anymore, then again they never saw you play in the first place," she said. Logan smiled and nodded. He used to love playing hockey as a kid. He had given it up as he got older due to his interest in science grew. Camille knew how good Logan was and how much fun he had on the ice. She had been glad to help him.
Logan took off on a few practice laps while he waited for James. It wasn't really that hard for Logan to get back into skating. Kendall had been right it was easy to remember. Logan remembered why he had gotten into hockey when he was young. It was a rush to be on the ice, he loved it. He had no idea why he had even quit. Maybe if he had kept at it people wouldn't have teased him back at his old school. He shook his head to clear it as James came out onto the ice.
"Come on James you're slow," Logan said.
"Sorry, but I actually like to make sure I have everything before I leave," James said.
"Slowpoke," Logan teased as he came to a stop by Camille and waited for James to join him. James shook his head and joined the two on the other side of the rink.
"Kendall and Carlos are on their way and they'll help us get warmed up and give us tips on what the coach is looking for," James said.
"I am gonna do my best and be myself," Logan said, "I am not gonna play the way someone else wants me to play, either the coach likes me or he doesn't," he said. He then pushed off the wall and started skating. James joined him and they started racing around the rink with Camille cheering them on. After Logan beat James for the third time the two decided to take a small break. They stopped along the wall by Camille again.
"Hey guys," Katie said as she walked up to them.
"Hey Katie," James and Camille said.
"Katie," Logan said nodding his head in her direction.
"Kendall and Carlos are getting ready," Katie said.
"Good," James said. Logan remained silent.
"I'm gonna take a few more laps," Logan said taking off again. He did not want to be standing still when Kendall and Carlos joined them. Logan was focusing on his skating he almost didn't see Kendall and Carlos come out on to the ice. He managed to stop just before running into Kendall.
"Whoa Logie watch it," Kendall said playfully.
"Sorry didn't see you guys," Logan said. He noticed both were holding two hockey sticks and a puck.
"We gonna do some two on two?" James asked joining them.
"Yep, I wanna see what you guys got," Kendall said holding a hockey tick out to Logan.
"Me and James against you and Carlos?" Logan asked taking a stick from Carlos.
"Yep," Carlos said laughing.
"Well let's get to it then," Logan said skating off.
"What are the rules?" James asked.
"Treat it like a real game," Kendall said.
"Can we start?" Logan asked impatiently. Kendall nodded and followed Logan out on to the ice. The four started to play and were being rather rough. Kendall and Logan kept checking each other into the wall.
Kendall watched Logan play. He was better than he had expected him to be. He knew Logan used to play, James had told him, but he did not think he was this good. Especially since he had not been on the ice in years. Logan did look good though. He had to admit he was hot as he flew across the ice and scored on Carlos again.
"Kendall," Carlos yelled annoyed.
"Sorry, I was watching James and Logan play," Kendall said as he moved over to the other three. "You guys are good and I think coach will think so too," he said.
"Are you sure?" James asked, "because I think you were taking it easy on us," he added looking at Kendall.
"I was, but I wanted to see how well you two played," Kendall said.
"Knight," a voice called across the ice. Kendall turned around and spotted the hickey coach, Coach Parks standing on the other side of the rink. Kendall looked at the other three and they quickly made their way over to him.
"Coach these are the two we were telling you about," Kendall said, "This is James Diamond," he said pointing to James, "and his step brother Logan Mitchell," he said.
"Nice to meet you boys," Coach Parks said as a few of members of the team walked out of the locker room. "I wanna do a small scrimmage and see how good you two are," he said.
"How many players on each side?" Kendall asked.
"Four on four," Coach Parks said.
"As long as I am not on Kendall's team I'm fine," Logan said.
"Are you sure about that?" Coach Parks asked, "Kendall is the best player on the team," he said.
"I'm sure," Logan said, "if you really wasn't to see how good we are I think putting us against Kendall it the best way to do that," he said.
"I agree with Logan," Kendall said, "I wanna play against him," he said.
"Well alright," Coach Parks said, "Mitchell, Diamond, Garcia, and…" he turned around and looked at the boys coming out of the locker room. "Phillips," he said pointing to tall raven haired boy.
"Yes sir," he said.
"You're with Garcia and the new boys," Coach Parks said. He then turned to Kendall. "Knight pick you're team," he said to Kendall. Kendall nodded and picked three of his team mates to play with him against Logan.
Logan collapsed on the bench in the locker room. He and James had both made the team after Logan wiped the ice with Kendall. He had showed Kendall up in front of the coach and gotten the compliment that Kendall had to watch out for his MVP spot. That made Logan's day, but the look on Kendall's face made his week.
"Tired?" James asked as he dropped a towel onto Logan's face. Logan lifted his hand and flipped James off. He was to tired to do anything else. "Gonna shower?" James asked his brother.
"At home," Logan mumbled.
"Why?" James asked sitting down next to Logan.
"I think you know damn well why," Logan hissed sitting up the towel falling to the floor. He looked around and the team was already in the showers. "Now I am going to change and go tell Camille you will be out shortly," he said.
"Calm down Logan," James said, "I was just asking a question," he said.
"Look I don't know if I can control myself right now," Logan said. The truth was he did not want to see Kendall naked. That was what he was afraid of not the team. He knew he wouldn't look at them. It was Kendall. James nodded and stood up. He headed to the showers.
Logan took a few deep breath to calm himself down. He started to change. He wanted to get out of here before Kendall came out. He wanted to get out of here. He knew seeing the blonde would break his resolve. He would shower with the team eventually once he got over his crush on Kendall, which had to be quick. He had to find a way to move on from the blonde. Maybe breaking up with Dak wasn't such a good idea. Maybe if he still had Dak he wouldn't think about Kendall that often. He did wonder what the blonde looked like shirtless. Logan sighed as he slipped his jeans back on. He had to stop thinking like that otherwise he'd have a problem.
"Not showering?" a very familiar and unwanted voice asked. Logan looked up at Kendall, who was only wearing a towel around his waist and shook his head.
"No," Logan said, "I have to get home, do you think you could give James a ride home?" he asked trying not to look at Kendall's body.
"Uh, sure," Kendall said.
"Thanks," Logan said as he grabbed his shirt and put it on. He was trying desperately to look anywhere but at Kendall, but it was hard. Logan finally sneaked a peek at the blonde. His skin was still wet from his shower. He looked so delicious and Logan wanted to just kiss every inch of tan skin. Logan shook his head and quickly put his shirt on. He grabbed his things and shoved them in his bag. "Tell James I'm sorry but I had something important to do," he said.
"Will do," Kendall said confused by Logan's behavior.
Logan practically ran from the locker room. He spotted Camille and grabbed her arm and yanked her towards the door. She barely got to say good bye to Katie.
"Logan's what's going on?" Camille asked, "Where's James?" she asked.
"I have to go and Kendall is giving him a ride," Logan said, "we really have to go. I am sorry for pulling you out of there like that," he added as he tossed his bag in the back seat next and got in. Camille got in next to Logan and looked at him confused. "I just needed to get out of there," Logan said in a forced calm voice as he started his car.
"What is wrong with you?" Camille asked confused.
"Nothing," Logan said, "I am fine," he said. He pulled his car out of the lot and started driving.
"No you're not," Camille said, "you're freaking out," she said. She looked at Logan trying to read his expression. Then it hit her. "Oh my god," she said.
"What?" Logan asked.
"Who is it?" she asked, "I've only ever seen you this flustered once before," she said quickly. Logan blushed as he looked over at Camille.
"It's no one," Logan said.
"Come on there has to be someone," Camille said.
"Fine there was someone," Logan said, "but I am not saying who," he said.
"Oh my god," Camille said slowly.