Author's Notes: I do not own Big Time Rush or any of these characters, and I make no money off this whatsoever.

I know Kenlos isn't a pairing a lot of people can get behind, and I admit it took me a while to see it myself, but once I did there was no going back. This is a sequel to Because I Wanted the Best, which was the story of James and Logan meeting and falling in love. Now we have Kendall and Carlos, because as I wrote that story, Kendall kept whispering to me that he was lonely. He wanted Carlos. I tend to stay away from Carlos, but in this case I gave in because...well, because it's Kendall and I can't say no to him. I explained to him it would be a challenge to make Carlos fall for him, but he said he lives for a challenge. Yeah, I don't know. So here we go.

Dedicating this to my two awesome betas, kathrynew30 and Aranelle. They're both happy to see Kendall going after what he wants, and happy to see more of Carlos for once. And this is still fun to write, because it's lighter than what I normally do and makes me laugh. I hope you like it, too! Thanks for giving it a try.

Apparently I was wrong! I can't believe how many people told me they were excited to see a Kenlos fic. I had no idea there was a lack of them because I don't read the pairing much myself. Happy I was able to fulfill a need, though I'm pretty sure it won't ever happen again. This one only came about because of the other.

Okay guys, Carlos is finally here! It's about time, right? I'm having so much fun writing him in this. So glad I decided to give it a try, even though I shy away from Carlos because he's hard to pin down.

Also, Anime Yaoi Lover pointed out that I gave Carlos' girlfriend the name Megan, like in BTContest. I didn't even realize that! Her character is in no way supposed to reference that Megan, I chose that name for personal reasons. Sorry if anyone thought otherwise.

Calm down. You've seen him a million times, grew up with him. Seeing him today is no big deal, nothing new.

Except it was, because they'd never been apart this long, nor had they been as close as they were now. The web chats they'd been doing had reawakened the physical ache Kendall used to feel for Carlos; seeing him had only intensified the need, bringing it back to what it had been when Kendall left Minnesota. Watching Carlos kiss women, seeing his hands on them...it had devastated him in a way he didn't care to dwell on.

Kendall's fingers drummed his knee, foot tapping with nerves as he stared up at the board displaying arrival times. He was antsy and needed to walk, but terrified he'd miss Carlos coming in.

Any minute now. And he'll be all full of Megan and sex and fuck, I can't listen to that. I can't.

Because now it would be worse. Now they freely talked about sex together and Kendall would have to hear the details. Without a word of complaint and acting as if he was excited for Carlos.

Carlos had texted him a few times that morning. "I'm up! On my way! :D" "Waiting to board! Can't wait to see u! :D" "DUDE I AM ON THE PLANE! CAN'T BELIEVE IT! HAVE TO SHUT DOWN NOW BUT I'LL BE THERE SOON! :D :D :D"

Those stupid smileys. They really would be the death of him.

His phone shrilled and he frowned at Katie's ringtone. Katie calling while Carlos was in the air couldn't be good. "What's up, baby sis?"

"Okay, we need to talk about the office space. I want to make sure we get the kind of building we need, not one that has a place for a swirly slide. He asked for that for Christmas, can you believe it? Wants one installed in his living room. Where does he get this stuff?"

"He's wanted one of those since we were ten," Kendall smiled. "I didn't know he still did, though." Immediately his mind tackled the problem, wondering if he could make it work in his house.

"He's so weird. But okay. Here's what we need." Katie listed the requirements necessary for their new space, Kendall taking a mental note and nodding. "Got all that?"

"Yup. I'll make sure we find a place for you guys. It'll be nice to see you again on a regular basis."

"Yeah, I kinda miss you, too. He's not there yet, is he?"

"Nah, any minute. I'm at the airport."

"I figured. You doing okay?"

"Doing great. Enjoying the time off before pre-season starts up again."

"If we move out there, you gonna be okay with that?"

"Of course," Kendall answered. "I miss you guys."

After a pause, Katie said, "So I figured it out last night. Why you moved."

Kendall swallowed, fingers fidgety again. "Carlos said you told him I requested it."

"Yeah, that was months ago. We were talking about how we thought you and Logan had something going, and I mentioned it. I'm sorry, if I'd known the real reason I wouldn't have said anything."

"What is it you think you know?"

Instead of answering the question, Katie replied, "If this is too hard on you, I can talk Mom out of the move."

Kendall was silent, not sure what to say.

"See how this weekend goes, okay? If it's gonna be too hard, let me know."

"You know I love you, right?"

"Yes, I know that. And I love you, too."

"So tell me about Megan."

"Oh, that bitch needs to go. She's totally using him."

"That's exactly what I thought. Oh, getting another call, probably him. Gotta go, love you!"

"Love you, too! No swirly slide!"

With a grin Kendall pulled his phone away to switch calls, surprised to see it was Logan. He sighed. "Let me guess, you're calling to tell me it's a bad idea to share a bed with him."

"I was calling to make sure you're okay. He's not there yet?"

"Anytime now. And I'm fine."

"Excited?"

"Can't even sit still. I can't believe I'm gonna get to hold him again. I've missed that, missed hugging him. Touching him."

"I know, but...he has a girlfriend. Remember that."

"I am, trust me." It was pointless to mention the brief break-up that occurred the day before. "It wouldn't matter if he didn't. I'm the wrong sex."

"Yeah. But on a lighter note, James is on his way to see me!"

"Right now?"

"Yes! He just called, he'll be here in about ten minutes to rescue me. Dude, I've missed him so much!"

"I know you have. And I'm happy for you."

"I bet you ten bucks he brings me flowers. And plays me that song; he said he recorded it already."

"Did you call to check on me or brag about your perfect boyfriend?"

"Sorry," Logan smiled. "Can't help it. I haven't touched him in over a week."

"Oh, poor you. Try a year, dude. Try a fucking year."

Logan made a shivery sound. "No way. I think anything more than two weeks is gonna leave me a wreck. Good thing we're rich so I can go see him here and there."

"Bragging again."

"Oh please, like you haven't already decided to move Carlos in with you."

"I-what? Like I'd really-"

"Don't even bother, Kendall. Who knows you better than me? No one. And for the record, it's a bad idea. Just like sharing a bed with him this weekend."

"Ha! I knew that's why you called!" Kendall stood up, restless.

"Worried about you. If you need me, just call, okay? Get away from him and call."

"Not calling you while James is there. Knowing him, he probably gets off on an audience and would blow you anyway."

"Dude, you really need to spend time with him. You've got this weirdly twisted opinion of him."

"Well, that's what this weekend is for. So dinner tonight, Disneyland tomorrow, Dodger game Sunday. And Carlos asked if we can hit the beach at some point."

"James wants that too, so we'll work it in." A sudden gasp. "He's here! Hi!" The sound of a door closing and then an amorous greeting.

Sighing, Kendall went to hang up the call but Logan stopped him.

"Wait!"

"What?"

"You owe me ten bucks. And James says hi."

"I didn't even bet you! Hang up and go make out with the love of your life already."

"Kendall?"

Kendall stopped pacing. "Hey, James."

"Hi."

"Hi."

"I uh...wanted to apologize again. For a few weeks ago."

"It's fine, I'm over it. I know you didn't mean it like that."

"I wasn't thinking. You just always seem to bring out the asshole in me."

Kendall laughed. "That makes two of us. Keep making him smile and we'll never have a problem."

"Gonna try."

"Here's a hint. He loves the song."

"He said that?"

"He did. Told me he cried over it."

"What! Logan, you said your allergies were acting up when I sang for you. You were crying!"

Kendall snickered, listening to Logan flustered and denying it. "I'm gonna let you go. Have fun with him."

"Always. And uh...good luck with your guy."

"Thanks. He should be here any-"

"Kendall!"

He spun around and almost dropped the phone because his heart was beating so fast. There he was, a huge duffel bag over one shoulder but running anyway, jostling people and barely noticing in his hurry to reach Kendall. There was only time to pocket the phone and take in that Carlos was wearing purple, Kendall's favorite color on him, before he was being lifted off his feet and spun around, clinging tight for balance.

"Heeeeeey!" Carlos yelled, setting Kendall back down and dropping the bag but not stepping back, instead wrapping his arms around Kendall's waist and holding tight. Kendall's own arms surrounded Carlos and kept him there, his body shaking slightly now that he had what he'd needed most for over a year-Carlos safe in his arms.

"Hey," he answered softly, one hand running over Carlos' hair and his lips pressed to Carlos' head. He breathed in the scent, something spicy and soothing all at once, and closed his eyes in contentment.

"Can't believe I'm here."

"I can't, either." Carlos was never leaving. He'd just have to call and tell Mom and Katie that Kendall was holding him prisoner because there was no way in hell Kendall was letting Carlos out of his grip, let alone out of the state.

"Missed you so much, dude!"

"I know. Missed you, too."

They might've stood like that for the next year if not for the ringing of Carlos' phone. He sighed and stepped back, Kendall screaming inside at the separation, then pulled out his phone. "My mom, hang on." He turned away to assure his mother he'd arrived safely, giving Kendall an opportunity to just drink him in.

Carlos didn't really look any different, he just looked...better. Amazing in every way, as if the colors and lines were somehow sharpened. His hair was a glossier black, his eyes a deeper brown. Somehow his lips looked softer. Even the way his fingers curled around the phone pressed to his ear, they begged for Kendall's to link with them and never let go.

This was such a bad idea.

Carlos caught him staring and his face brightened into a wide grin, eyes dancing over Kendall's face. Kendall's lips immediately answered in kind, then he bent down to pick up the bag while Carlos wrapped up his phone call.

"She feel better now?"

"You know how she worries. Want me to get that?"

"Nah, I got it." Kendall settled the bag over his shoulder as they started walking, then slid his other arm over Carlos' shoulders. "Flight okay?"

"I tried to sleep but I was too excited. Barely slept last night."

"I can imagine." Steering Carlos toward the exit, Kendall commented, "That's what happens when you stay up all night with your girlfriend."

"It wasn't that. Things didn't work out the way I hoped they would."

The sadness in Carlos' voice had Kendall stopping and turning to him. "She didn't give in?"

"I don't know, she probably would have, but...you know what? I don't want to talk about it here. Do we have time for some lunch before our first appointment?"

"Yeah, sure." Don't get your hopes up. Stop getting your hopes up over this guy. It's not gonna happen. "Denny's okay? It's right by our first stop."

"Sounds great."

"And if you feel like talking, I'm here. You know that, right?"

Carlos glanced up with a smile. "I do, buddy. Thanks." He slid his arm around Kendall's waist as they walked toward the parking lot, and Kendall tried not to let his heart beat too crazily when Carlos' head rested against his chest.

Kendall looked up as the waitress set down their menus and asked, "New boyfriend? What happened to the other guy?"

Laughing, Kendall replied, "Logan's not my boyfriend. Sadly, neither is this guy."

Carlos rolled his eyes but grinned, opening the menu.

"Does that mean your doctor friend is available?"

"Nope. He's very much attached. Also gay."

"Damn. All the good ones are."

"I'm not!" Carlos piped up. "And I'm unattached, too! What time do you get off?"

The waitress ruffled his hair. "So cute. But I have plans after work."

"So do you," Kendall reminded Carlos, kicking him under the table. "We have a dinner date, remember?"

"Yeah, I would like to see Logan again. Sorry, uh...Karen," Carlos answered, staring at her namebadge.

She chuckled and took their drink orders, then left them alone.

"So why are you picking up waitresses when you have a girlfriend back home?"

Carlos shook his head slowly. "I don't. We're taking a break."

"Another?"

"This time I called it. I mean, I called the first one, too, though it only lasted a few hours. This one's different. I need to figure out if she's what I want. Plus, we'll be moving eventually, so I shouldn't get involved with a local girl, right?"

"If she's the right one for you, distance doesn't matter. You don't stop loving someone just because you move away."

Carlos looked up from the menu, eyeing Kendall curiously. "So there was someone. That you moved away from."

"I needed a change. That's why I moved."

"Are you sure it wasn't over that Paul guy? Was there more to it than I thought?"

"Quit changing the subject. Tell me what happened with Megan."

"Fine," Carlos sighed, but halted when Karen returned to bring their drinks and take their orders. He continued when she moved away. "So I showed up and within ten minutes she was asking me to help her clean out her garage."

Kendall's eyebrows shot up. "You're kidding."

"Nope. And that's what she wanted me to do today, what she asked for earlier and I told her I'd be gone. So I figured out that she really needed me to do it, and that's why she invited me over."

"Dude, it was almost midnight by then."

"I know! And she knew I had to get up early for the flight, too. So even though I think I might've gotten sex out of it, or at least cuddling..." He shrugged. "It wasn't worth it. Because she's totally using me."

"I'm sorry, man. You were so excited, thinking she wanted you back."

"Like you said. I deserve better."

"You do. Why didn't you break it off completely? Are you really thinking about going back to her?"

"I don't know." Carlos opened one end of his straw and blew it at Kendall, who waved it away with a grin. Some things never changed.

"You don't need that, dude. Find someone who lights up when you walk into the room. Who aches to hold you. That's what you deserve."

"Like I'll ever find someone like that. This is me we're talking about. I'm not smart like Logan, or cool like you."

"Dude, you have so much to offer. You don't even know how amazing you are. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Anyone."

Carlos smiled at him. "Of course you say that. You're my best friend, you have to."

"You've known me long enough to know that I don't lie. If it's something negative, I just don't say anything at all. If I do say something, I mean it."

"So you really believe that? I'm amazing?"

"I do. I always have."

"And someone would be lucky to have me?"

"Damn right."

Carlos blushed, touched as a tiny smile curved his lips. "Thanks. I think the same about you. Why haven't you found anyone yet? If you're not dating Logan, and you swear you never did..."

"Never did, dude. We've never even kissed. We have snuggled on the couch while watching a movie, though. Quite a few times. But it wasn't anything romantic. We were just lonely and cold," he joked.

"Kind of like you and me. We're still gonna cuddle, right?"

Trying not to scream with joy, Kendall replied, "If you want. We should watch a movie together, huddle under a blanket and snuggle up." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"I love it when you flirt with me! You don't do that enough."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah! You always did it with Logan, but never me. Of course we thought you and Logan had something going, the way you flirt with him."

"It's not that I didn't want to, Carlos. I'm just always so afraid to scare you with my gay."

"I told you, I know you don't mean anything. When we cuddle, I'm not gonna be terrified you'll kiss me or anything."

Karen appeared with salads and drink refills. "Anything else?"

"No, we're good, thanks." Kendall licked his lips and turned back to Carlos. "You realize you've just opened yourself up to me flirting insanely with you all weekend, right?"

Carlos grinned. "Bring it. It'll be nice to feel appreciated for once. Even if I know you're just joking."

"I do appreciate you, though. You know that, right?"

"Yeah," Carlos answered softly, deep brown eyes meeting bright green ones. "I know. I've never doubted that."

"Good," Kendall nodded, feeling the moment thicken between them. "I don't want to see you settling for someone who doesn't appreciate the awesome that is Carlos Garcia. I want you to have what Logan has, the undying devotion."

"I want the same thing, I just don't see it happening, dude. How many girls have I rolled over and bent over backwards for? They appreciate what I do for them, but they don't appreciate me. Tell me something. And be totally honest."

Oh fuck. You know I can't lie to you, Carlos, it almost killed me that one time. "Okay..."

"So you're gay, right? Or at least bi."

"Yes, I thought we established that when I was eighteen."

"No, I know, I just mean...I'm asking you as a gay man. Don't answer as Kendall, my big teddy bear. Answer as a gay man who can be objective. Am I good-looking at all?"

Kendall choked on his salad, then sucked down his tea. "Are you really asking me that?"

"Just tell me the truth. I know I'm not hot like James Diamond or anything, but am I at least good-looking?"

"Wow. You want an honest answer on that? You sure?"

Carlos groaned. "I knew it. Never mind." He sighed and leaned back in the booth, shoulders slumped.

"Carlos."

Carlos shook his head.

"Carlos. Look at me."

He finally looked up in frustration.

"Are you listening to me?"

"Yes, Kendall."

"Look at me."

Carlos' eyes stayed on his plate. Kendall reached out and tilted his face up with one finger under his chin until Carlos was looking back at him. Staring into Carlos' eyes, Kendall said without a hint of flirtation, "You are the most attractive man I have ever seen in my life. You are sexy and gorgeous and anyone who doesn't see that is a complete moron who is blind. Don't ever think you're not beautiful, because-"

"Here we go, two bacon cheeseburgers with fries."

Kendall sat back suddenly, irritated beyond belief. Did the woman have no sense of timing?

"Um. Thanks," Carlos said, and Kendall wasn't sure if Carlos was speaking to Karen or him. It didn't really matter, he supposed, as the moment was gone. What mattered was the way Carlos acted around him now, because he'd probably just pushed it too far.

Unsure how to continue a normal conversation after that, Kendall shoved fries into his mouth, wincing at the burn and sucking down more tea. A ringing from his phone further saved him. "That's Logan, hang on." The text simply asked if it was a good time to call Carlos. "Call Logan. He wants to say hi."

"Okay, cool." Carlos did that while Kendall excused himself to the restroom.

Fuck. I fucked up. He totally knows now, knows I want him and things will be weird. I didn't want that, wanted this weekend to be perfect. Why did you have to ask me that, Carlos? Why?

After relieving himself and splashing cold water on his face, Kendall was ready to face Carlos again. He heard Carlos' ridiculous giggle and smiled, heart warming. It had been far too long, and even if things were weird between them now, just having Carlos near would be enough.

He slid into the booth and bit into his burger, letting Carlos finish the conversation with Logan.

"So James seems pretty cool," Carlos commented after hanging up.

"Yeah, he does. I'm looking forward to spending actual time with him, seeing him and Logan together for more than five seconds. Did you actually talk to James on the phone?"

"No, but he was making comments about our conversation. I got the feeling they were in bed together."

"That sounds about right. They haven't seen each other in a week or so. Logan was bitching about it this morning, said he was going through withdrawals."

"Oh, poor baby," Carlos scoffed. "How long has it been for you?"

"A long time." Kendall shoved more fries in his mouth, the direction of the conversation with Carlos both welcome and dreaded.

"But you've had blowjobs, right? Since you said you love that so much?" Carlos teased.

"Let's just say I haven't had enough of either to satisfy my urges. Not for a long time."

"Yeah, me too. I miss that. I should've stayed for the sex last night and then broke up with her."

"Carlos!" Kendall laughed.

"What? I'm lonely, okay? We discussed this."

"I am too, but I'm not about to go use someone just to get off."

"Why not? She used me."

Kendall sighed. "That's isn't you. You wouldn't have gone through with it."

"Maybe not." Carlos shrugged and pushed his empty plate away. "But I would've considered it for a good ten seconds before turning it down."

"Oh, Carlos. You need to get laid. We both do."

"Depressing, isn't it?"

"Let's not dwell on women or sex this weekend. Let's just enjoy each other's company and have a good time."

"And cuddle. You're not getting out of the cuddling after you offered it."

"Yes, we'll cuddle. Why are you so set on that?"

"I told you. I want that at night, want to feel someone next to me and not...be alone."

"You won't be. Not while I'm around."

"So you're saying I should move here next week."

Kendall giggled. "The sooner, the better, dude. You should just move in with me."

"Don't tempt me. Got room for a swirly slide?"

"Already on it."

"What?"

"Katie told me you wanted one. I already figured out where I could put it. I'd just have to knock out part of a wall."

"You'd do that for me?"

"Haven't you learned anything after knowing me all your life? I would do anything for you, Carlos."

There was a moment when Kendall thought Carlos might actually cry, and then he said, "I've really missed you."

Kendall reached out to squeeze his hand. "I've really missed you, too."

"Here's the check, guys. Anything else I can get you?"

Kendall wanted to scream in frustration. Seriously, how did she not sense this stuff? He pulled his hand back. "We're fine. Thanks."

She looked at Carlos, who nodded in agreement. "Thanks, Karen."

"Anytime. See you guys later."

Kendall pulled out his wallet.

"I'm full. Do we have to look at places today?"

"Yes, Carlos. Katie called me to make sure we do."

"Damn her. Always meddling."

"It's because she knows you too well. Ready to go? We're running a little late."

"Yeah, I guess. Let me run to the bathroom?"

"Sure. Meet you by the entrance." He watched Carlos walk away and let out a long breath. It was going to be a long weekend.

When he paid the bill, Kendall made sure to leave Karen a poor tip. Nobody ruined perfect moments with his Carlos.