Back to James' POV

A few weeks later, I was feeling worried and alone, so I called Carlos.

"Hello?" Carlos answered, sounding ridiculously tired.

"Hey Carlos. It's James."

"Oh, hi."

"How are you? And the baby?"

"The baby's fine. I went in for a check up a few days ago... My tummy's getting bigger so it's a little more noticeable. Plus, I always complain about my stomach hurting so I think my parents are getting suspicious. Have you told your mom yet?"

"No, not yet, but I will soon."

"Alright."

"You never told me how you were..." I noted.

Carlos sighed. "I'm tired."

"Understandable."

"James..." Carlos trailed off.

"Hmm?"

"I... I'm sorry..."

"It's okay, Carlos. I'm still hurt but I can't hold a grudge."

"Good... I feel so bad... and you're not gonna believe this..." Carlos laughed a little bit.

"What?"

"You'll probably hate me..."

"I won't."

"Well... I do like you. A lot. I have for a long time. I was... too scared to tell you so I said I liked Logan. I just wanted to kiss you. I was mad the day I kissed Logan because after you left my house, I thought about all the times I felt like shit when you were with girls, as childish as it sounds. I knew Kendall would be at Logan's and I know he'd see us and tell you... When you and I kissed, I didn't plan on it going that far... I'm not saying I regret it, but I just wanted to tell you the truth."

"Is all that true?"

"One hundred percent."

"Well, I'm glad you feel what I feel for you..."

"Yeah, but I understand if you don't want to be together, still... We can just be friends and take care of the baby, if that's cool with you."

"Well, I understand you're probably feeling more than a little lost and sad, so I can't really stay mad at you for kissing Logan..."

"Really? I'd be pissed at me."

I laughed. "Well I was at first, but I can't stay mad at you... ever."

"Same here... I felt so bad after I kissed him. I'm sorry."

"It's fine."

"No it's not..." Carlos sighed.

"It really is. Don't beat yourself up about it, it's the past. Can I come over and see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Alright, I'll see you then."

"Okay. And James?"

"Yes?"

"We're friends, right?"

"Yeah. Friends."

"Good."

"Yeah. Goodnight Carlos."

"Goodnight, James."

The next day was a Saturday, so I visited Carlos like I said I would.

I felt butterflies in my stomach as I rang the doorbell and when I saw Carlos, I realized I hadn't seen him for a while. He hadn't changed much. He looked tired.

"Hi Carlos." I smiled.

"Hi." He smiled back. "Come in."

I walked into his house and we headed to his room. He laid on his bed and groaned.

"Are you okay?"

"Sore." Carlos chuckled softly.

"Aw, where?"

"My back."

"I could... ya know, give you a massage or something."

"That'd be... nice." Carlos smiled.

I nodded and went behind him, massaging his shoulders and heading down to his back.

Carlos sighed. "Thanks."

"No problem... So," I continued as I massaged his back. "Besides sore and tired, how are you emotionally?"

"Scared... Excited... Confused... Upset with myself... It's probably just the hormones."

"If you don't mind me asking, why are you feeling those things?"

"I'm scared because of the baby. And I'm excited because of, well, the baby. I'm confused on how I feel, as always. And I'm upset with myself for...hurting you."

I laughed. "Don't worry Carlos, I forgive you. Don't be upset with yourself. I understand why you're scared, confused, and excited. I feel the same."

"Yeah, it's a weird mix."

"Mhmm." I smiled.

Carlos smiled back weakly and told me I could stop massaging now and that his back felt better than it had in a long time.

"Can I ask you a favor?" I asked.

"Anything."

"Can I see your stomach? I know it sounds weird."

Carlos groaned. "It's so embarrassing though... Once I have this baby, I am working out non stop. I've been eating, like, everything."

"Come on Carlos, it doesn't even look noticeable with your shirt on and I think I deserve to see my... friend who's holding my baby's stomach I think."

Carlos was silent.

"Come on Carlos, don't make me use my ultimate argument." I grinned mischievously.

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what would that be?"

"I've seen you naked." I whispered, mimicking Carlos' raised eyebrow.

Carlos giggled. "Fine."

He stood up slowly and lifted up his shirt, taking if off. I studied his slightly stretched tummy.

"Aw, Carlos. It's cute."

"No. It's gross. I'm hideous."

"No you're not! I'm your friend, you know I'd tell you if you looked hideous. And you actually look quite cute."

"Thanks." He smiled. "But I'm still working out a lot when this is all over."

I smiled.

"So is just friends taking care of a baby we made all we'll ever be?"

"I don't think that we'll be that forever, but we haven't talked lately. We need to catch up before anything happens."

Carlos nodded. "I agree."

After that was decided, it was a good day. It felt like things were back to normal.

The more we talked, the more I wanted to be with him again.