Disclaimer: I do not own or claim any rights to Big Time Rush or the characters portrayed in this story, nor do I own or claim any rights to The Bachelor. It's all in good fun and because I can't contain the visions in my head that scream to get out.

I love that you guys have all picked your favorite to win, but I'm going to say it again—do not assume it's going to end up a certain way. I can't remember if I mentioned it, but I now know who's going to win. The story is written in my head. At any one point it may seem that there's a clear winner, but as we'll see more and more, James changes his mind depending on his emotions, and none of these guys are perfect. Obviously not everyone will be happy with the outcome, as there can be only one winner, but that's exactly what the show is like. This last season I was raging at the outcome; I hated the chick he chose and wondered if he was insane. You get so involved and want to see your favorite win, but that doesn't always happen. Then again, sometimes it does! You won't know for sure who James chooses until almost the last chapter of this story, no matter what happens in the meantime. Just please don't give up at any point because you think your guy isn't going to win—the ending may surprise you. ;)

So for those who don't know, this is how "The Bachelor" works. Approximately 30 contestants are chosen to compete on the show. They live in one big house together for about six weeks, and each week at least one contestant is eliminated at the rose ceremony. If the Bachelor gives you a rose, it means you stay another week. There are other roses given for other reasons (for example, the First Impression rose is given to the contestant who makes the best first impression on the Bachelor), and once you receive one of those roses you're guaranteed to remain until the next week. At the end of each date the Bachelor also has the choice of giving his contestant a rose or deciding not to, and that decides whether you go home or not. There are group dates and one-on-one dates and the drama gets out of hand sometimes because the competition can be vicious, but ultimately it gets down to two contestants and at that point the Bachelor decides to propose to one of them, or he can choose to propose to neither of them. I've taken some liberties with the rules and the process here, partly because I'm not sure of all the rules and partly because it works better for the story, but hopefully it makes sense and stays somewhat true to the show's atmosphere.

I dedicate this to kathrynew30 because even though she laughs at me for watching the show, she is always encouraging when it comes to my writing and she's been wanting this story for a long time. My other two betas Aranelle and PromiseMeTheStars also have informed me who they think should win, and while I love how each of them are rooting for different guys, in the end it's up to James. God help him, because the poor guy is going to go through so much emotional upheaval before he's forced to make a final decision. How is he supposed to choose between these three incredible men?

Their next flight took them to San Francisco. Having been there before, Kendall's reception to the news was lukewarm, but Carlos couldn't contain his excitement. "It's like...the gay capitol of the world!"

"Actually, the city is known for far more than that, Carlos," Logan pointed out. "It's a major hub of the banking and finance world."

"You know what I mean," was Carlos' response; he was unwilling to allow anything to bring him down, secure for the first time in the knowledge that he was a top contender for James' heart.

When he mentioned this once (or five times) Kendall brought up the point that none of them really knew how James acted around the other contestants and that truly they couldn't possibly know where they stood in relation to the group. Carlos argued that he could "just tell" by the way James looked at everybody, and reiterated that along with Logan and Kendall, he had a damn good chance. "James doesn't look at anyone else the way he does us."

"Except Ryan," Logan said quietly from the window seat on his right. He'd expected Carlos to put up a fight for it, but Carlos seemed content to sit between him and Kendall. "If anyone has a chance at squeezing us out, it's that guy."

Three pairs of eyes swung to their left, where Ryan was chatting with Mike while Peter hovered over from the seat in front of them. Mike laughed at something Ryan said, Peter grinning as well, and Carlos sighed. "Man. He's so cool. And you can't hate him, he's so nice. Friendly with everyone."

"Kind of like you," Kendall said, turning his head to the right to smile at Carlos. "But I still think you're more fun."

"And we know James likes to have fun."

"Lucky for you," Logan smirked, "or your ass would've been sent home ages ago."

Carlos frowned and tilted his head to study Logan. "You're different. Ever since the rose ceremony, you're more..."

"What?"

"I don't know. You're more relaxed. You smile more. You even laugh at my stupid jokes now. Before, Kendall was the only one who did."

"Not true," Kendall countered. "Most of the other guys did, too. And didn't James?"

"He hasn't heard a lot of them. Yet."

"Well," Logan suggested, "make sure he hears them from now on, that way he'll send you home soon. One less guy to knock down."

"Logan, shut up!" Carlos exclaimed. "I liked the quiet, shy version of you better."

Both Logan and Kendall laughed, Kendall saying, "I think the difference is that now he knows he's got a shot. Right, Logan?"

"That, and the fact that I'm not hiding anything from James anymore. It feels good."

"And the truth shall set you free," Carlos quipped.

Logan nodded. "Or at least keep you around one more week."

"Think you'll get a one-on-one date this time?" Carlos asked.

Biting his lip, Logan shrugged.

"He will," Kendall assured them. "I bet James can't wait to get you alone. The way he kissed you? He's probably dying for it."

"Then why haven't I gotten one yet? Even Scott got one, and nobody liked him. Except Peter, I suppose."

"You know what I think?" Carlos began, "I think he took Scott out on purpose so he could send him home. He knew it wasn't gonna work."

"He could've just sent him home at a ceremony," Kendall argued. "Why would he pass up a whole day with someone he liked just for that?"

"I've seen other Bachelors do that," Logan stated. "It's kind of like a last-chance thing, he wants to give it one last try before taking that drastic step. The only way he'll know for sure if there's something there is to get the guy alone and spend real time with him."

Kendall and Carlos pondered that for moment before Carlos asked, "But with me and Kendall, it's the opposite, right? He felt a connection and wanted to...explore it?"

"I would assume so. He definitely likes you guys."

"Then why haven't you had a one-on-one date yet?"

"That's what I'm saying."

"Don't worry," Kendall soothed, reaching across Carlos to pat Logan's knee. "You'll get it this time. Carlos and I will sit in the hotel and mope together about how he's totally falling in love with you. Maybe we can find some ice cream, dude."

"Can it be rocky road?" Carlos asked in a wistful tone.

"As long as I get chocolate, I'm good with whatever else is thrown in."

Logan grinned at them, suppressing an eye roll.

"So..." Carlos began hesitantly.

"What?" Logan pressed.

"Are you ever gonna tell us what happened at the ceremony? When James took you away? Because I gotta tell you, dude, I really thought you were going home that night."

One corner of Logan's mouth curved up. "Yeah. I did, too."

"He was." They both turned to stare at Kendall, who continued, "When we were alone he said something to that effect. He was planning to send you home, Logan."

Logan was silent, absorbing that.

"So what did he say?" Carlos tried again.

"He asked me if I wanted to go home."

"And you said...?" Kendall urged.

"I realized then that I didn't. That no matter how much I miss Caroline, I need to see this through. Because he's worth it. So I said no, I didn't want to go, and asked him if he wanted me to go."

"Dude, you asked him that?"

"Yes," Logan chuckled, amused by Carlos' wide eyes. "If he doesn't want me here, there's no sense in staying."

"And?" Kendall pressed.

"And he said no. That he wants me to stay. And I apologized again for keeping it from him for so long, and we...he saw a picture of her. She was real to him then." When neither of them commented, Logan said, "And he asked me to stay anyway. So if he sends me home without a one-on-one date this week, I'm going to be pissed."

Carlos nodded. "No kidding."

"Don't give up on him, Logan. Let him get used to the idea."

Logan sighed at Kendall's words, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the seat. His brain turned to James again and he prayed for time alone with the man who had come to captivate his dreams.

But when the next date card came, it had Peter's name on it. Logan tried not to let it bother him, spending the day exploring the hotel with his buddies, and they returned in the afternoon in time for the next date card to arrive.

Peter was still on his date, which left twelve other men gathered in the main suite with them. Carlos snatched the envelope up, excited. "Okay, this one's for all the marbles. Well, not really, it's just a group date."

"You're such a dork," Kendall giggled. "Just read the card!"

"Okay, okay!" Clearing his throat, Carlos began to read. "'Let me amuse you. Mike, Kendall, Jeff, Dave...and Carlos!'" The last word was of course screamed out in joy, Carlos fist-pumping the air again.

Kendall raised an eyebrow at Logan, knowing this could be good or bad. Not getting a date now meant that he might get a one-on-one the following day. It was between him and nine other men, but one of them was Ryan. Would Ryan get a second one-on-one before Logan even got his first? He closed his eyes for a moment and told himself to trust James. He had to put faith in the fact that James wouldn't have kept him here for no reason, that James understood how difficult it was to be away from Caroline and wouldn't put him through that unless there was a chance for something between them.

"Amuse you...so we're gonna laugh a lot?" Carlos asked.

"Maybe it's a comedy club," Logan responded. "That fits in with what I've seen in the past. Maybe you guys get to practice your stand-up. Oh hey, the quicker to get rid of you, dude," he teased. "Tell him your jokes."

"Logan, I swear to God, you're gonna get punched before this week is over."

With a laugh Logan hugged Carlos to him. "You know I don't mean it. Going through this without you would be torture."

Kendall smiled at them, Logan giving him one in return over Carlos' shoulder. He saw it in Kendall's eyes, the encouragement to believe in James, and he nodded.

But if he didn't get a date this week, he and James were going to have a long talk before the rose ceremony. There was only so much a heart could take.

Peter didn't return after his date with James. Once again the pressure seemed to double as their numbers dwindled and their chances increased by one. The dates were fun, but there was always a fear of it ending badly.

The following day a van took them to their location, Kendall and Carlos sitting in the very back and discussing the shops as they passed. Carlos mourned the fact that they weren't given any real time to see the sights in the cities they visited, and Kendall suggested that when it was all over, maybe the three of them could plan a trip to San Francisco. Carlos replied, "You mean the four of us. Because one of us will be with James."

There was a lot implied in that statement, and Kendall wasn't willing to consider any of it in that moment. A whoop from Carlos called him out of his thoughts. "Look! I see a Ferris wheel! And a roller coaster! Dude, it's an amusement park!"

"Of course," Kendall chuckled. "'Let me amuse you.'"

It was more of a large carnival than an actual park, but it felt a bit like Disneyland to Kendall. The park was closed to everyone but the five of them and James, who met them at the entrance along with the ever-present cameras. Everyone received warm hugs, James looking relaxed and ready for a day of fun—and of course gorgeous, but that was a given.

"Okay, here's the deal, guys. First and foremost, I want this to be a fun day. I know everyone wants a turn with me, but for the most part I'm keeping this a group thing. Just pretend we're all buddies hanging out at an amusement park, going on all the rides together and having a good time. I'll rotate who I ride with, and of course there will be moments I take you each of you off alone as well. We have the whole place to ourselves, and everything's free. Let's have some fun."

Jeff and Dave took the hands James held out, and talk turned to what they should ride first. It was discovered that Dave had a fear of roller coasters, but James managed to talk him into it with the promise he'd sit next to Dave and hold his hand. Carlos started to roll his eyes, but Kendall reminded him that he too had needed extra attention from James and was given it without hesitation, and Carlos sighed.

"Yeah, you're right. I guess he's a nice guy. That's...a good thing."

"A very good thing. And let's be honest here," Kendall whispered, leaning in. "Do you really think James is going to end up with a guy who's afraid of roller coasters?"

That got Carlos laughing, Kendall reaching out a hand for his out of habit before dropping it. The last thing he wanted was to give James a reason to be jealous again.

Other than the few turns each of them got to ride with James, Kendall and Carlos stuck together throughout the morning as Carlos and Logan had on their shared group date, and as Logan and Kendall had on theirs. Because it was a situation that required them all to hang together, though, it was more of a group feel than pairs, and nobody really felt left out for once.

They stopped for lunch around one, everyone branching out to try different stands and Kendall impressed the place had staffed it fully even though it was only the six of them running around. He figured the show's production had more to do with that than the carnival itself, having put out plenty of money to make this possible, but it wasn't his concern.

Carlos started giggling when James spit out the bite of hot dog he'd taken then said, "Dude, that happens every time!"

"This is gross! You've ruined me, Carlos! I can't eat this crap!"

"I forgot to warn you about that. Once you've tasted my dogs, nothing else compares. Look, you've got the mustard thing going on again." He leaned across the table with a napkin, wiping at James' mouth, and the two grinned at each other as they remembered their previous date. Suddenly Carlos was desperate to be alone with James.

James, however, seemed content to chat with everyone while eating his food (though not touching the remains of his hot dog), and it wasn't until they were all complaining of overfull bellies that he stood up. "I need to walk this off. Join me, Carlos?"

Beaming, Carlos hopped up and slipped his hand into James'. "What are we doing?"

"Anything but a roller coaster, I'd probably puke right now."

"I saw some spinning cups on the other side of the midway..."

"Stop, I'm about to lose it. How about I win you something?"

"Yeah? Like what, a teddy bear?"

"We'll figure something out."

James spent about twenty minutes with him, the two of them competing at carnival games with James being the victor, but Carlos didn't complain because he ended up with two stuffed animals and an inflated toy in the shape of a dog. "I feel bad I didn't win you anything, though."

"How about you kiss me for a while and we call it even?"

Carlos smiled. "I can live with that."

James pulled him behind a stand and kissed him deeply, relief pouring through Carlos as he felt the same attraction in James that had been there before; it was always good to know James' feelings hadn't changed. "This still sucks, having to share you."

"I know. Just remember moments like this, and know that I miss you."

"I keep doing that, but it's...hard. Seeing you with the other guys...it hurts."

James nodded, hugging Carlos close to him. "I invite you on these dates because even a little time with you is better than nothing. Remember that, okay? I can't include you in everything, it wouldn't be fair, but you're still the most fun person I've ever known. That hasn't changed, Carlos."

"And you still love kissing me?"

"More than ever."

They shared a grin before kissing again, James allowing it for another few minutes before stepping back. "Okay, time to share me again."

"My least favorite part of the day."

James laughed before dragging Carlos away and leading him back to the group. He took Dave next, and Kendall scooted over for Carlos to join him. "So, I see you have some new toys."

"Look! I got a cheetah and a monkey! Oh, and this dog. I think I'll name him Arnold."

"Arnold?"

"Yeah, like the guy from 'Happy Days.' All my dogs have 'Happy Days' names."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nope. Chachi, Richie, Fonzie, Potsie, and Ralph."

"That's...very you."

"Thanks! So now we have Arnold, too. Or I could make it a girl and name it Joanie. What do you think, does this look like a girl or what?"

Kendall leaned back as Carlos shoved the toy in his face. "I think you're silly, that's what," he laughed.

"Yeah, but besides that. Is it a girl?"

"Sure, whatever. Just don't sleep with it, I don't want to wake up with a heart attack when it pops in the middle of the night."

"Do you want to sleep with her? I'd let you."

"No, I'm good, thanks. Did he kiss you?"

The subject change threw Carlos for a second. "Yeah. And he said some nice things. He makes me feel...good, you know?"

"Yeah. I know."

When it was Kendall's time he smiled at James and allowed him to lead, content to go where James chose. He hated that their time was short and gave voice to his feelings as they climbed onto the Ferris wheel.

"I know you have to be fair and all, but when can I have a second date with you?" Kendall moved in to cuddle up to James, who raised a hand to stop him.

Eyes suddenly serious, James said, "I need to talk to you about something."

The ride started moving, lifting them high into the air, and Kendall's body went cold. Whatever it was, James wasn't happy about it. "What's wrong?"

They got to the top and James called down for the operator to stop the ride, leaving them suspended in midair.

"You have to trap me for us to talk?"

"No, but we're away from everyone and you can't walk away from me. I want to know about Logan."

Kendall blinked, his heart dropping into his stomach. "I thought we weren't discussing Logan. You refuse to."

"Kendall, I need to know what I'm getting myself into. If the two of you would be happier together than with me, then this is the time to-"

"Wait, what? You think he and I...James." Rubbing his face, Kendall said, "We're just friends."

"But do you want to be more? Because if you do, that's fine, I just need to know now so that you two can start your life together."

"What life? We're both here for you, not for each other."

"You two are very close and-"

"No. I promise. We're just friends and we have no interest in each other that way."

"Are you sure that's mutual?"

"What do you mean?"

James looked away before answering. "He looks up to you. I can see that much. And he's always laughing and smiling around you and-"

"Because he's comfortable around me. He trusts me somehow to take care of him but I swear, that's all it is."

"And you don't want anything more?"

"No! Where is this coming from?"

"I spent an entire day with you two, watched you around each other. When he and I got into an argument, you were suddenly right there to make sure he was okay."

"Because I'm his friend."

James continued as if Kendall hadn't spoken. "I need to know for sure because if you really would rather be with him than me, I have to send you home. Both of you."

"James. Please." Kendall wanted to pull his hair out, but he took a deep breath and squeezed James' arm. "Look at me. When I kiss you...how to explain it? Remember the night you first kissed me? How much I wanted to hate you?"

James nodded slowly.

"I couldn't. I tried. What I feel for you is romantic, it's sexual, it's exciting. With Logan...he's wonderful. A great guy, an incredible friend. But that's all. I couldn't resist you then, and I can't resist you now. That hasn't changed, either."

"Promise?" James asked in a tiny voice.

"Yes," Kendall answered softly. "Can I tell you about my last boyfriend? Not the dates I've had here and there, but my last serious boyfriend?"

"If you feel the need to." James didn't look as if he particularly wanted to hear it, though.

"His name is Michael Chandler."

The reaction was immediate and exactly what Kendall had expected it to be. James' mouth dropped, his eyes widened, and he looked like he was going to hyperventilate. "That guy? You fucked that guy? Oh my god, he's so hot!"

"Of course you get hung up on the fucking aspect," Kendall chuckled. "We went through our first few years in the NHL together. Became best friends, and eventually more."

"I never heard anything about that. What happened?"

"We were on the same farm team for a long time, and then I advanced to the official team."

"The Kings?"

"Yeah. He ended up getting traded to a different team-"

"The Flyers, that's where he started."

"Right. So you follow the hot hockey guys, is that it?"

James rolled his eyes. "I follow the really good hockey guys. But if they're hot, that helps, too," he grinned.

"Sure. So we decided to let it go because of the distance, it got harder every day and we were both lonely so we said goodbye. But for three years, he was my partner in every sense of the word."

"I didn't even know he was gay."

"Did you know I was?"

"I'd heard rumors, but you can't trust what you read in magazines. I know that better than anyone. Do you still love him?"

"There's always going to be a small piece of my heart that belongs to him, but..." Shrugging, Kendall said, "We moved on. And I've grown a lot since leaving him, being alone has shown me what I really want in a man."

"And he wasn't it?"

"He...sometimes he was. For example, our date? That's exactly the sort of thing he would've done for me. The romantic dinner. And the game. Though he never combined the two into one date," Kendall smiled. "That was a lot to take in at once."

"It worked, though." James' grin widened.

"Hell yeah, it did. And that's my point. You knew what I needed without me having to ask. I really had no choice but to fall for you."

James went quiet then, letting it all digest. Kendall held his silence, looking at the park from above and seeing rides they hadn't yet visited, practically bouncing in his seat when he spied a merry-go-round. As childish as it seemed, he knew Carlos would want to ride it.

"What are you smiling about?"

"There's a merry-go-round."

"This excites you, I take it?"

"Can we ride it, James?"

"As a group, I suppose. Though the guys will probably find it silly."

"Carlos won't."

"True," James laughed. "Okay, let's do it for Carlos." Motioning for the operator to get them moving again, James laid an arm over Kendall's shoulder and pulled him close.

"So do you feel better now? You know I'm not going to run away with Logan?"

"Shut up."

"Are you blushing?"

"Shut up, Kendall."

"You are! Ha! Did I get you blushing before Carlos? I think this is significant."

"Who says I didn't blush for Carlos?"

"I'm sure I would've heard about it. Or did you blush over the fish?"

"Can we stop talking about the fish?"

"Maybe if you kiss me..."

James did, their tongues happy to make contact again as the wheel went around and around. Finally he motioned for the ride to stop, and as they walked back toward the group James held his hand. "It was important to me to let you know that if you two honestly want to be together, I won't stand in your way. Because if that's the case, obviously I'm not the one for you. I'd hate to marry you and watch you pine over some other guy for the rest of your life."

"That's not gonna happen, James. It's you I want, okay?"

"Okay." James smiled, hugging Kendall to him as they walked, and when they arrived, he let go reluctantly to take one of the other guys away.

Carlos immediately pulled Kendall down to a table. "Okay, what happened?" he hissed.

"What, you're gonna grill me? I didn't grill you."

"Yes, you did. You asked if we kissed."

"Oh. I guess I did. Yes, we kissed."

"I know that much, we could see you on the Ferris wheel. But you were up there talking for a long time first. What'd he say?"

"Carlos..."

"Come on. We agreed, open books. And I don't want to get yelled at again, so I'm telling you guys everything. I expect the same from you."

After glancing around, Kendall stood up. "Walk with me to the restroom."

Carlos left his new friends in the care of Mike, who swore to protect them with his life. When they were far enough away, Kendall said, "He thought I had a thing for Logan."

Carlos' momentum stopped. "Logan?"

"Yeah. Come on, keep moving. He thought Logan and I were in love."

"Oh. Wow." After a few moments, Carlos asked hesitantly, "And...are you?"

"What?" Now Kendall stopped, causing Carlos to halt this time. "No! Why does everybody think that?"

"Because you guys are so close. I mean, I never really thought it was true, but I can see how other people do."

"Then why would you ask me that?"

"Hey, you never know. Did you tell him it's not true, that it's him you want?"

"Of course. He's better now. But damn, he's got a jealous streak."

"I've never understood jealousy."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah! Like...what good does it do? All it does is make you fight and see things that aren't there and you spend more time wondering about stuff that isn't happening than noticing what's right in front of you. My brother's wife is like that, she gets jealous all the time. Has to call and check up on him. It's stupid. If someone's going to cheat on you, let them. You're better off without them anyway."

Kendall studied Carlos, impressed. "I never thought of it that way."

"Why, are you a jealous guy?"

"I...have had instances of jealousy," he hedged.

"Oh, that means yes. Seriously, dude, it's not worth it. All you do is make yourself sick and make your boyfriend resent you."

"What if you're both jealous? Doesn't that even it out?"

"I don't know, I guess it could. But the thing with jealousy is, you're more worried for yourself than the other person. Because it's rooted in fear. You're afraid to be alone or that someone's going to leave you. And it ruins the good stuff you do have."

"Carlos..." Shaking his head, Kendall started walking again.

"What?"

"Nothing, I just...you continually surprise me."

"Is that good?"

"I guess. But I have a surprise for you later, so that makes us even."

"A surprise? For me?"

"Yep. You can thank me later."

"What is it?"

"Not telling. You'll see."

"Kendall! You're killing me!"

"I know, and it's so much fun."

Carlos punched him in the arm, the two of them laughing as they entered the restroom.

An hour later Kendall watched his face light up at the sight of the merry-go-round, though Carlos held it inside, not wanting the guys to laugh at him. When James steered the group toward the stationary horses, he could hold it in no more. "We're going on this? For real?"

James shared a wink with Kendall before answering. "Only if you ride with me."

"Of course!" Carlos hopped up onto it, ignoring the groans from the other guys. "Come on, we can sit on this bench-y thing. Oh, but I kind of want the black horse."

"Take the black horse," James laughed. He reached out to pull Kendall onto the platform. "You can share the uh...bench-y thing with me." Kendall slid onto it, dragging James in next to him and hugging him close while James called out, "We're riding this thing with or without you guys! Get on so we can do this."

The other three hopped on, Carlos climbing onto a large black steed while carefully holding his prizes.

"Isn't he adorable?" James whispered, eyes on Carlos.

"Yes," Kendall answered with a smile. "He's like no one I've ever met."

Dave received the rose for that date, Kendall assumed for having overcome his fears. He liked that about James, that he didn't necessarily give it to his favorites but to those who needed it most for various reasons. Of course the previous group date had been an exception, but James had fully intended to give the rose to Logan in order to show he wasn't outcast for being a father; Logan himself had ruined that.

They returned to the hotel to find Logan playing chess with Ryan, and Kendall felt a moment's jealousy before laughing at himself. Maybe this was what James had been talking about, but it wasn't anything romantic on his part. True, he found Logan sexy and thought he'd make a wonderful boyfriend, but the spark wasn't there between them—not in that sense, anyway. He didn't find himself daydreaming about Logan or thinking back on things Logan had said. He cared for Logan, wanted to make sure Logan was taken care of, but in that sense it was more of a brotherly love, and he assumed it was the same for Logan.

"You guys need to quit assuming things about me."

They were James' words, but could they apply to Logan as well? Suddenly Kendall wasn't sure, and what if James had seen something he hadn't? What if Logan's feelings for him were more than brotherly? They had certainly flirted a bit in the first few days of meeting.

Kendall stepped up behind Carlos, who was showing off his toys, and waited for him to finish speaking. "Carlos, can you take over for Logan? I need to talk to him."

"I don't know how to play chess, dude!"

"That's okay," Ryan jumped in. "I can teach you. Or we can do checkers if you'd rather?"

"Sure! That game I know. And kick ass at. Let me just go put away Joanie and the guys."

"I got it, Carlos. Let me take them to the room." Kendall took the stuffed toys from Carlos and waited for Logan to stand before heading out of the suite.

"Kick his ass for me, Carlos!" Logan called back. "He kept beating me at chess, and nobody beats me at chess."

"Sore loser!" Ryan yelled with a laugh.

"What's going on?" Logan asked when they were in the hallway.

"I need to talk to you. James brought up something today that got me thinking, and...well, open the door."

Logan did, Kendall entering and dropping the toys on Carlos' bed. Unsure how to approach this, he finally just spun around and asked, "Are you in love with me?"

Logan's eyes bugged out, his mouth opening and closing a few times before he sat on his bed. "Um...no. Are you..."

"No. But James thought we were, thought he saw something between us, and that's why he was so jealous. Are you sure?"

"Yes! Positive. I mean, you're a great guy, and I'm sure you'd be an amazing boyfriend, probably husband as well, but James is what I want, he's so much more than I could ever have imagined I'd have a chance at and-"

"Okay. I get it. I just had to make sure, because he said we acted like it. Or something like that."

Logan sighed. "He thinks I'm in love with you? You told him I wasn't, right?"

"Well, I could only speak for myself, but I didn't think you were so I told him we're just friends and that's all we want. It is, right?"

"Yes! Why do you keep asking, is there something you want to tell me?"

"No! I feel the same way, you're an incredible guy and probably an amazing father but I don't feel for you what I feel for James. And I sure as hell don't want a kid right now. No offense."

"None taken," Logan chuckled, pulling Kendall down next to him. "So he really thought that? Damn. If I'd know that I would've done things to show him that's not the case."

"Like what? Thrown yourself at him?"

"I don't know, maybe," Logan snickered. "Can you see me doing that? It would be a disaster. I can't pull it off like Carlos."

"Well, then you just have to make sure he knows how you feel tomorrow. On your date."

"My date." Logan let out a "pfft" sound. "I'm not even getting my hopes up anymore."

"Yes you are, don't lie." Kendall nudged Logan. "It's gonna happen. He likes you."

"I still think he's afraid of me. More than ever now, because it's not just me he's dating. It's my family."

"You have to trust him. He's had time to think it over, and he did ask you to stay. Even knowing about Caroline. Do you trust him, Logan?"

Looking down at his lap, Logan shrugged. "It's hard. I barely know him."

"Do you know enough, though?"

When Logan remembered the feel of James' lips on his, of James' arms around him and the sound of his voice when he'd asked about Caroline in that little room, the look in his eyes when he'd presented Logan with a rose and said "Please take this rose"...Logan nodded. "I do."

"Then don't worry about the rest. It's going to happen. And maybe when it does, when you spend more time alone with him, you'll realize he's not the guy for you. I'm not saying that'll be the case, I'm just saying it's a possibility. You might even be the one to leave because you're not feeling it. And in that case, I will allow you to leave."

"Gee, thanks, Kendall," Logan joked.

"I'm just saying. Anything's possible."

"Guys!"

It was muffled, but it was Carlos, who sounded excited as he yelled through the door. "Where's my key? Damn, did I lose it on the rides? Guys, open up!" This was followed by pounding, and Kendall finally stood to open the door.

"What?" he asked with an indulgent smile. Truly, Carlos was like no other.

"Logan! Come on, the date card came! We haven't opened it, I made them wait for you, but come on! This could be it!"

Logan's heartbeat tripled, his stomach feeling nauseous. If he didn't get this date, he was going to seriously think about going home. And if he did...

"Come on!" Kendall dragged him out of the room, the two of them following Carlos back to the main suite, and his palms were clammy as they settled onto a couch. Kendall grabbed his hand, holding it tight, before Dave opened the envelope and began to read.

"'Surprise me...Logan.'"

There were whoops on either side of him and sighs from the other men who'd been hoping for a date, but all Logan really heard over the sound of his own heartbeat were the words in James' voice.

"Surprise me."