Sorry for the slow update. School springs a lot of work and it's discouraging to write when you're worried about school. And I am on the verge of finishing my other story, "Vindictive and Selfless Love." Hopefully after that, I can get back to writing this on a regular schedule. =]
With You, I'm Comfortable
"Something is fishy with the step-brother." James states as the lawyers take their seat around the round meeting room table. Logan, unbuttoning his jacket, nods his head. "I didn't want to say anything in front of Kendall but I think he was acting up there. No brother would willingly testify against his brother."
Logan, loading up Dak's files on his laptop, questioningly looks at James. "Why would you think he's acting?"
"Well one, he is hot." Logan rolls his eyes. Everyone that's hot, James thinks he saw him on TV as an actor. "Don't give me that face, Logan. I know you think so too but I won't tell your boyfriend. And two..." James snaps his fingers, trying to remember something.
Logan shakes his head, feeling a lack of belief in his partner. "Whoa!" Logan suddenly yells after googling Dak. "Apparently you're right. He was an actor on-"
"Strip the Law!" James shouts, pointing at Logan smugly. "I knew I remember him from somewhere. He was the hot lawyer defending all those strippers."
"What a manwhore." Logan judges, searching up files of Dak the firm has on him.
"You're just jealous that you're not like him, defending a stripper in the morning and have sex with her at night."
"I'm gay. I don't care about sex with female strippers. No wonder why the show only lasted two seasons." Logan reviews the tiny files that barely hold any information on the acting step-brother. "Is it weird that we don't have any files on him?"
"We do. It's called Wikipedia." James rushes over, sliding Logan's chair to the side.
"Wikipedia is not a creditable source, especially for lawyers."
"Psh! How did you think I got my doctoral with only a week of research?" James types away on the keyboard smugly.
"By sleeping with the top three students for their research." Logan mumbles under his breath, collecting the small pile of data he has on the actor. "Can you put an order for the firm PI to collect more info on Dak and do an extensive study on everything about him? Some thing about him doesn't add up."
"What!" James whines, turning to pout. "Can't you do it? I have important things to do."
"Sleeping with the client is not important." Logan packs his notes, straightening out the already clean table.
"I haven't slept with him yet because you're a cock blocker! Plus you can't lecture me on sex when you're sleeping with a stripper just like Dak." James defends himself, packing his work as well.
"I-I can have sex with him." Logan stutters, blushingly a deep red. "He isn't a client."
"But he is interfering with the case therefore you're not allow to have sex with him." James objects. Apparently, James is very good with legal matters dealing with sex and strippers.
"He-Hey! I came to court today. To be fair, I wasn't completely absent." Logan defensively adds.
"Fine whatever Logan. Believe what you want to believe but you can't deny he is becoming a huge part of your life." James throws his hands up in the air. Logan tries to come up with a snappy comeback but the lingering thought that he is in fact going back to the club tonight makes him guilt ridden. "You're thinking about him."
"No I'm-"
"It all over your face, Logan! Oh my god, stop denying it. Just says that you know he is taking over your life, both personal and work, and you don't care." His voice is stern, forceful and strong. James normally wouldn't yell at his partner for sex, actually he would congratulate the little prick on his nights of "fun" but today James rather get home to his night of "fun."
"But I do care." Logan answers, his face drops as he turns to James. "Is something wrong with me? I mean, I never had a boyfriend that you didn't steal from me and if we didn't have Kendall, you would have stolen Carlos from me-"
"Whoa! I told you. I am into blonde. And what are you talking about?" James quizzically asks, walking to the somberly slouching brunette.
"He is my only chance of a real boyfriend and he won't be my boyfriend. What is wrong with me?" Logan cries; his lips are slightly pursed out, his dimples are painted a shade of vulnerable red. "Why can't I be normal or as good as you?"
James would have answered "No one is as good as me" but instead he sighs and rubs the back of his neck. "You are good too, Logan. The dancer-"
"Carlos."
"He will be your boyfriend."
"You t-think so?" Logan sobs with a hint of hope in his voice. "But, but, I don't know."
"You know he will say yes. Just take him on a date and Carl will-"
"Carlos."
James grits his teeth, not wanting to punch the heart beaten loser. "Carlos will love you."
"But if I go on a date with him now, I have to run home to get a tux and to the tux store to buy him a tux. I don't have time."
"Fine! I'll stay here and research the actor so you can go errand running for Kevin."
"That wasn't even close!" Logan shouts, flinging his bag over his shoulder, and dashes to the door. "But thanks James. I owe you big for teaching me how to act and fake cry."
"Wait, what?" James blankly stares at the closing door. Confusion is written all over his white face. It takes him ten seconds to fully gasp what just happened. "THE LITTLE MIDGET PLAYED ME!"
Ring! James grabs his vibrating cell phone from his pocket, seeing a text from Logan.
- I want a detailed, LONG analysis and summary of who Dak is. I'm off get banged by Kevin, Carl or Carlos. ;]
Logan
"Damn that conning bastard but…" A smirk surfaces on his face as he takes out everything from his bag and turns on the computer. "I am so proud of him." The lawyer exclaims, his face radiating with joy. "I taught him how to be a whore. I'm so proud of that socially awkward little freak." James beams contently as his continues the arduous task with a smile.
"But that little asshole is going down tomorrow."
…
Arriving at the club, Logan struts in, holding a pressed, wrapped suit in hand. He chuckles, shaking his head at the song choice. "Like a Virgin" is blasting over the loud speaker. Either the D.J. is a cruel man stalking Logan or it's a coincidence that the song that marked Logan as a dancer is played exactly when he walks in.
"Hey Logan." He turns around, seeing the voice belong to the same girl who greets him every time.
"Hi." Logan steps back instinctively, flinching his head. But instead of a horrible slap that will scar his face red, the girl throws her arms around him. Logan blushes, feeling her lengthy, semi-bare body pressing on his chest. "Um."
"It's Grace." She whispers into his ear while releasing Logan from her gentle embrace. She gives him an innocent wink, pressing her index to her glossy lips. "Don't worry. I am not going to seduce you from Carlos. He seems to have taken a liking to you."
"He does?" With a streak of red across his face, Logan asks shyly.
She nods her head. "He wouldn't stop talking about you. 'Logie is cute' and 'Logie gets me'." She chuckles, repeating what Carlos told her. "He actually yelled at me when I said Logie instead of Logan." Logan smiles, rubbing the back of his head. "You did good, doc." She gives him a simple kiss, making sure none of her lip gloss stains Logan's cheek; she wouldn't want Carlos to suspect Logan to be with another dancer. "Take care of our boy." She ends, walking away with her white wings flickering club glitter everywhere.
"Dang it." Logan quickly brushes his suit and the one he's holding of the sparkles before walking to the bar.
"Hey Stacy." He greets the manager, leaning over the counter. "Have you seen-"
"Logie!" A loud, excited shriek echoes. Logan turns around, being surprised with Carlos thrusting his lips onto Logan's. Cupping his cheeks, Carlos deepens the kiss, tongue slipping into Logan's mouth. Moaning and wrapping his free arm around the dancer, Logan closes his eyes.
"Ahm." Stacy coughs several times before the two breaks and realizes Stacy's existence. "Carlos, what did we tell you about kissing in the club?"
Carlos grins, swinging Logan's hand innocently. "Kiss the one you love." Logan blushes, turning his red face away from the two workers.
"No." Stacy places two drinks, non alcoholic ginger ales, in front of them. "Payment first then kiss the client. You just gave Logan a freebie without him paying yet."
"You can have my car if Carlos kisses me again." Logan jokes. Apparently Carlos didn't get it, pressing another one it his surprised lips.
"I guess I get your car." Stacy jokes, laughing as she types up Logan's information. "Ok Logie... I mean Logan." She corrects herself, noticing Carlos' glare. "You guys are free to go. Have fun tonight."
"I plan to." Logan answers, handing Carlos the dry cleaning. "Here Carlos."
"You want me to leave it in my dressing room? We aren't going to your apartment tonight?" Carlos asks; his innocence making Logan's smile brighter.
"No, this is a suit I got for you." Logan throws it on Carlos' empty arms. "We are going to a nice restaurant. I owe you a date, remember?
"But." Carlos unzips down a few inches before his eyes bug out. "Logie. I can't take this. It's a Hugo Boss tuxedo. This must have been-"
"Nothing if you take me on a date." Logan cuts, pleading with eyes for Carlos to change. "Go change Carlos. I don't want to be the only one in a tux at the restaurant. People will think I am weird."
Giddily, Carlos dashes to his room down the long hallway. Logan smiles, staring at the path Carlos takes.
"That's a nice thing you did." Stacy comments, staring dreamingly at Logan. "From what I heard, Carlos never had a real date and sad to say, I thought he might be like one of those prostitutes."
"Wait, what do you mean 'one of those prostitutes'?" Logan asks, scrunched his eyebrows. He notices Stacy sighing and stealing a quick peek at the hall in case Carlos comes running.
"Prostitutes aren't just physically scarred. Some of us are badly, emotionally scarred. Carlos, to some us girls, has the worst scars. He said he never had a date but he is selling his body. He said he never kissed a person he's in love with, yet he is selling his kisses every night. Of course to most people in this field, they would shrug their shoulders and brush this off but to me, Grace and a few others, we think Carlos will be suicidal."
"You think Carlos will kill himself?" Logan yells, fisting his hand at the accusation. "My Carlos would never do that!"
"Logan, calm down." She folds her hands over Logan's fist. "I've lost my best friend because she was exactly the same. So innocent and naive. She viewed sex as an important quality of love and thought that whomever she had sex with will love her forever. After awhile, guys came and gone; they had sex with her and left. She fell into depression and thought that no one loved her. The first few guys she was ok with, saying that's her job as an escort but after years of sex with strangers, she had enough." Stacy starts to cries, fanning her eyes. Logan offers her his handkerchief. "Thanks. She realized that sex is not love. That every single time a guy said I love you was nothing more than put on a smile and let me have sex with you." She takes another deep breath, dabbing her eyes. "She was so innocent and sweet. I miss her so much. Sorry for dumping this on you, Logan."
Logan pats her shoulder, giving her a hug over the wooden bar. "Don't worry Stacy. I do love Carlos and I will show him that love is not sex. That I will treat like a real gentleman."
Stacy chuckles, wiping her wet nose. "You look like a real gentleman. But thanks Logan. I really love Carlos and don't want the same thing to happen to him. I think of him as my baby brother and I have to protect him, keeping him as innocent as possible if that is even possible working here."
Logan laughs along with her. "Don't worry. I fell in love with his innocence the time I saw him. I won't let him lose it."
Stacy gives him one final hug before she notices Carlos walking towards them, looking classy and sharp.
"How do I look?" Carlos turns to side, fixing his bow tie, beaming a smile Logan knows all too well.
Logan with his dropped jaw, shakes his head at how incredible Carlos looks. The tuxedo fits him perfectly. The top shows off his perfectly tone arms. The pants are snugly wrapped his legs; oh how Logan wishes he is that pair of pants right now. And the cute bow tie acting as a stand for Carlos' beaming, radiating smile. "Umm..."
"I look stupid don't I?" Carlos frowns.
"Carlos, will you marry?" Logan blurts, face palming himself.
Carlos, with the same mouth expression, blushes. "Well I-I I'm in a tuxedo so I'm waiting on you."
"Oh god dammit! He is in a tuxedo too! Oh my god! This is fueling my gay guys in suits having sex fantasy!" Stacy face palms herself too. "Just go on your date and make babies already." Stacy says, jumping over the counter and pushing the two guys to the front door.
"Stacy, we are both guys. We can't have babies." Logan corrects.
"I don't care. You guys are too cute. So go get marry." She pushes them out the door, nearly causing them to trip over their own feet. "And I hope to be the maid of honor." She winks, returning back into the club
Carlos turns his head to face Logan before they burst out laughing.
"Come on Carlos." Logan locks their hands together. Carlos happily smiles at the gesture. "Let's go on that restaurant date I owe you."
...
"Logie?" Carlos whispers, tugging his sleeve. "I don't think we should be here." He says after observing the room. A warmly lit chandelier hangs from the painted ceiling. Whispers fill the room, completely the opposite of the loud boom club Carlos is so familiar with. Everyone is dressed in tuxedos matching his and the women are in diamond studded dresses, probably even more expensive than the suit he's wearing. But what strikes him the most is how glamorous everyone looks and acts. Gentlemen with a hand tuck behind their back and the women showcasing their diamond covered hands float to their tables. Everything so beautiful and so regal makes Carlos feel out of place, out of society, out of the normal human world. "Can we leave?"
"What, why?" Logan asks quietly, the two of them following the waiter to their table. "I had to pay the waiter a lot just to get a table on short notice."
"Please, Logie. I don't feel good here." He begs again, arriving at their table.
"Come on Carlos." Logan continues, holding both his hands. "This place is the most romantic and luxurious place in the whole city, state even. You deserve all of this."
"It is but..." Carlos looks around, eyes fixed on the beautiful, model like women. Every single female here looks as beautiful as Stacy or Grace in Carlos' mind. "But everyone is so perfect here and I am so different."
"No, you're not different. You look perfect in your tux." Logan coaxes.
"I look like a prostitute!" Carlos exclaims, covering his mouth with his hands.
Logan shares the same surprised expression as the waiter. "Umm, can you give us a second?" The waiter, probably feeling just as awkward, walks away, nodding his head. "What are you talking about? You're not a prostitute. You're Carlos, going on a date with me to the fanciest restaurant."
"Everyone is staring at me." Carlos shrinks into his seat, cautiously looking at all the guests. "They are all looking at me and they know you paid me to date you and have sex and, and they know." Carlos cries.
Logan takes a look. Everything is fine. Everyone is minding their own business. "Carlos, no one is looking." Logan says, noticing Carlos covering his head with his hands, shaking in his seat. The brunette sighs and walks over to Carlos. "I think there is a cute cafe we can go down the block."
"You mean it?" Carlos looks up with his big, innocent brown eyes. Logan softens, not caring about the roll of hundreds he stuffed into the waiter's pocket. "I mean, we can go if you want to."
"I hate upscale French food." He lies. "The food is so small and the taste is so simple. I bet I can make this stuff at home."
"Thank you Logan." Carlos jumps off his seat into Logan's arms. Logan smiles widely as Carlos' warm hug gets tighter. All thoughts of this restaurant and the wasted money dissipate. He wraps his arms around Carlos, stoking the back of his head.
"Anything for you."
...
"Here Carlos." Logan returns with a tray of pastries and two cups of teas. "I have chocolate croissants, danishes, cookies and other bake goods."
"Thanks Logie." Carlos smiles, slowing stirring his Earl Grey tea with a spoon full of sugar. Logan pouts, taking minute sips of his drink.
"Hey, Carlos. Are you ok?" Logan looks around. The cafe is practically empty; only four other people occupy the modest shop.
Carlos looks up, forcing a big smile. "Yea, I'm well. Thanks Logie." He answers, returning his gaze of his reflection in the cup.
"Then what is wrong?" Logan questions once more, determine to pry the dancer. "Carlos you're acting differently. You're quiet and reserve. What's up?"
Carlos lifts his head and smile. "I'm happy. I'm actually happy. I've never been this happy since forever." Carlos confesses, a chuckle slipping from his mouth with a tear leaking from his eyes. "No one has ever asked me on a real date. For the longest time, all I knew was have sex, act happy. But you're different. I'm being happy just sitting next to you. I don't need sex and you're not forcing me to have sex. You're everything I ever wanted and, and I just feel so lucky." Carlos cries gleefully.
Sliding his chair to the other side, Logan caresses Carlos' hand, threading his fingers through the webs. Carlos silently studies how perfectly Logan's digits fit between the spacing of his own fingers. Their eyes link, sharing a wordless conversation.
"You deserve everything Carlos, everything. I will treat you right. I will be your until you get sick of me because I will be the clingiest boyfriend you will ever lay your lips on."
Carlos chuckles, whipping his other around Logan's neck, connecting their lips together. Logan brushes his hand up the ruffles of Carlos' dress shirt to his dimples, cupping Carlos' warm cheeks.
Breaking away, a smile lingers on each of their faces before Carlos gives a simple snicker, his face glowing of pure innocence.
"You know you're sexy and ..." Logan smirks, his eyes darting at the room. "People are staring. They might think I paid you for sex and-"
"Just kiss me." Carlos whispers, roughly crashing their lips. Logan guesses Carlos isn't only made of pure innocence.
...
"James!" Kendall yells, knuckles gripping the brunette's jacket, pulling him into the house. His arms instantly wrap around his body, surprising the lawyer.
"Kendall, I have to lock the door." James wheezes under his strained breath. Kendall finally notices, releasing James from his herculean hug and brushing his goose bumps filled neck.
"Umm... Sorry James, I guess I am antsy."
"Daddy sees ants?" Katelyn asks, skipping to the adults innocently. She smiles brightly at the two, oblivious to the situation; just the way her father wants to keep it.
"No, um yes, mean no, maybe honey." Kendall stammers, confusing his daughter.
"Mr. James. Are you a doctor?" She questions, her eyes stain with worry. James nods his head slowly, sharing a look with Kendall. "Is daddy dying?"
"WHAT!" James jumps back. "Kendall is perfectly fine. Why do you ask?" James notices the father shifting about with heavy black circles under his eyes. "Actually Kendall, do you mind setting the table and plating the food?" James hands him the many bags of take-out food from his extending arms. Kendall nods obediently, rushing to the kitchen with the food.
"Ok, come here." James knees down, patting his lap for the tiny girl to sit on. With a frown on her face, she takes the seat, playing with her fingers.
"Daddy hugged me for an hour. He said I love you too many times. He's been crying since I got here and he kept checking the front door. Do you think daddy is losing his brain?"
James stares down at her big green eyes; the same lost eyes Kendall enticed him with, probably she got that from her father. But the problem is, he can't tell her the truth. How can you tell a little girl that people think her father killed her mother? How can you tell her that she might not be able to see her father ever again? "Kendall has a giant head. If he loses some, he still has a big brain." James jokes, faking a smile. He wraps his arm about the lithe body, tickling the girl. "If he loses his brain, he can have mine."
"He won't take your brain." She giggles, pushing James' wandering hand with her tiny ones.
"How do you know? Your daddy is a monster who eats brain to stay alive." James laughs, roughing her hair.
"Because he told me a secret about you." Katelyn instantly jumps up, covering her mouth."
"A secret? What is the secret?" James smirks, crawling to her with his devious hands, ready to tickle him. "Tell me the secret!"
"No!"
"Tell me!" James immaturely plays.
"No! Dad promised not to talk about my crush if I don't talk about his." She slaps her hand over his mouth again, eyes filling up with tears. James wraps his arms around her, whispering into her ear.
"I will keep it as a secret. I won't talk about your crush." James coaxes her.
"You promised?" Katelyn cries. James nods and connects their pinkies.
"I'll tell you a secret just so you know I am not lying." James sweetly adds, wiping the frown off her face. "I have a crush on a hockey player. He is sweet, beautiful and the nicest guy I ever met. He's special. Normally I would date someone for one night and never see them again but this guy, I don't want to see him at night. I want to see him every day."
"What is his name?"
"Nope, that is a secret." James winks, playfully swinging her hands. "I don't know your crush's name."
"Andy! Now please tell me." She begs, the beaming energy filled eyes sparkle happily.
Looking left then right, he makes sure they are alone in the hall. "I have a crush on your dad. He makes me feel like I am not ok. If anyone needs a doctor it would be me." James chuckles, smirking. "Don't tell your dad, ok? He might hate me." Katelyn nods, locking her lips with her hand like a key. "Come on, your daddy is waiting for us."
They walk around the corner into the kitchen, noticing Kendall calmly sitting at the table. He soundly stays still, his nerves under control. Katelyn hugs her father and dashes to the seat across from him. She winks at James, silently giving him her permission to sit near to his crush.
"What was that?" Kendall asks, feeling left out of the nonverbal conversation.
"Nothing." The two giggles, sharing another look.
James smiles and turns to him. Leaning to Kendall's ear, he whispers a few words. "I expect your ass tonight."
"God you!" Kendall pushes the devious, naught brunette back in his seat. "And I thought you were a better person after that speech."
"And to think Mr. Goodie-goodie doesn't eavesdrop on secrets but I guess the Wilds are not just hot athletes but naughty boys." Kendall jolts, feeling James carcass his inner thigh, the arousing sensation causing him to blush. "What green eyes? I don't make you feel comfortable anymore?"
Kendall sighs, shaking his head in defeat. "Just eat your dinner pretty boy."
"I can't. Logan and his date are coming soon." James explains, even though he steals a couple bites of the burgers. "You mmm know it is mm impolite to eat mmm when everyone is not here."
Kendall rolls his eyes at the "impolite" lawyer, whom is stuffing his face with the fries.
Ring! Ring!
The door bell echoes. "If you waited a minute, you could of have a full burger to eat with them."
"I don't know what you are talking about." James secretly switches plates with Kendall when he isn't watching. Katelyn giggles, tossing the side order into her mouth.
"Hey guys." Logan calls, hopping into the kitchen with his arms full of pastry. "We got side track at the restaurant."
"Right Logan." James sarcastically comments. "Why are your lips so red and your hair so messy?"
"Shut up, James." Logan blushes, fixing his hair. "Oh. By the way..." He starts, hooking his arms through Carlos' in the hallway. They walk into the crowd room, connecting eyes with everyone. "This is my date-"
"Carlos!" Kendall shoots up from his seat. Carlos shyly steps behind Logan, softly whispering his greeting.
"H-Hi Kendall."
:) It's getting closer to Carlos' secret. In the past chapters, I've been dropping hints of what it is. Any idea? ;) What do you think is Carlos' secret? I won't tell but I want to know if I developed Carlos' story right :).
Please review.
