Carlos was pleasantly surprised to find that the world hadn't changed much in 6 months. He watched the world go by from the back seat of his parent's car, Minnesota looking just like it had when he left it. He was freaked out at first- he hadn't been outside of those blank walls of the recreation area of the hospital in so long. But then he remembered what he loved about the world- the singing birds and the cool breeze and the people who he didn't know.

"I'm going out with my friends tonight," he piped up.

"Friends?" his mom asked in surprise.

"Yeah. I met them at the hospital and they were released a while ago. They're dating now and they're taking me out to celebrate," Carlos said with an excited grin.

"To where? You can't go drinking- you're not old enough," Papi said.

"Yeah, I dunno what we're gonna do. Probably grab some grub and find somewhere to go."

"You could go see a movie," his mother suggested.

"Yeah, that would be fun, but I feel like I'd be the third wheel," he said.

"You'll be the third wheel no matter what," she said. "If they're dating now, you'll be left out of some things."

Carlos twisted his lips, suddenly doubting his friends. He just imagined them at a movie, Carlos leaning over to do commentary to James only to find his friend occupied with making out with Logan.

Logan opened his apartment door to find a VERY handsome looking James. He was wearing a light blue flannel and jeans, his short hair made up and cologne just thick enough to drive Logan nuts.

"SOMEONE looks sexy," James said, stealing the words from Logan's mouth.

"I was about to say the same thing," Logan laughed as James kissed him and entered. "I look like this every day- you're the good looking one."

"Maybe you look sexy every day," James said slyly, making Logan laugh. "Carlos'll be here any minute."

"I thought you were picking him up."

"I was, but he called and told me he was driving himself."

"Weird."

"Yeah."

Soon enough, Carlos arrived with big smiles and huge hugs. He had missed his friends and was excited to have a fun night.

"Still crazy?" James asked.

"Only a little bit nowadays," Carlos winked.

They ended up going to see a new Paranormal Activity movie at the theater.

James sat between Logan and Carlos, popcorn in his lap for everyone's access.

It started off fine and dandy, Logan happy with the simple hand-holding. The movie's exposition was innocent enough- nothing scary and Carlos and James were quiet as church mice.

As soon as it started to get scary, James and Carlos started whispering to one another and giggling like school girls. Logan was angry- he had TOLD James that he didn't like scary movies, and now his big, protective boyfriend was too preoccupied to comfort Logan.

Every time a jump-scare would happen, James and Carlos would burst into laughter as Logan was on the end, hugging his knees, James not even noticing that he had let go of his hand.

Carlos was happy that his mother had been wrong. He expected James and Logan to be making out over there, Carlos having no fun, but he was so wrong. He felt bad for Logan- he seemed freaked out- but he was having a blast making jokes and commentary with James.

Neither of them noticed when Logan got up with his drink and left the theatre. He had only agreed to a scary movie because he thought that James would be there to hide into and to cover his eyes when scary things were about to happen.

He couldn't say he was mad at James. He was glad that he was showing Carlos a good time. He was just a bit irritated. But he didn't want to stay in that theater- he was tired of jumping out of his skin and hiding his eyes in his knees.

At the end of the movie, the lights dimmed on and James and Carlos stood, popcorn raining down from their clothes, residue from their little food-fight earlier.

"Where's Logan?" James asked, looking around.

"Did you lose your boyfriend?"

"Shit. I bet he's mad."

Carlos followed James out of the theater and they searched the crowd, finding nothing. Finally they found Logan on a bench beside the door, leg crossed over the other, sipping his drink.

"I'm SO sorry," James pleaded.

Logan got up and shrugged.

"I know you hate scary movies and I shoulda paid more attention to you," James said. "I just- I missed Los."

"Don't be mad. It's my fault," Carlos begged.

"I'm not mad," Logan laughed.

James let out a relieved breath, glad that Logan wasn't angry.

"Can we eat at a pizza place?" Logan asked thoughtfully.

"I can't tell if you're beyond pissed or really not at all," Carlos said, eyes squinted.

"I'm not mad."

"So why did you leave?"

"Because I was afraid," Logan shrugged. "And James wasn't helping. But can we get pizza?"

"…Yeah…" James said, surprised when Logan wove his fingers with James' and got to his toes to kiss his lower cheek and whisper in his ear.

"This is date number four, sir," Logan whispered as close to James' ear as his height would permit. "I think we may be overdue."

James laughed, knowing that Logan was talking about the "sex after 3 dates" thing that James had mentioned so long ago.

Carlos sat in the booth across from Logan and James in the local pizza place. It was a bit crowded, but James insisted the place served amazing pizza. He had even ordered for them.

"Kendall wanted me to tell you guys something," Carlos said, watching James put an arm over the back of his and Logan's booth after ordering.

"Is it that he hates us?" Logan asked, sipping his Coke.

"Actually, no," Carlos laughed. "He wanted me to tell you guys that he's sorry for being an asshole to you guys."

"How sweet," Logan grumbled.

"Is he getting any better?" James asked.

"Nope. Even though we spent the whole time together after you guys left, he still didn't give me his number. Said he was gonna break up with Jo after he left because he didn't want any reminders of this place," Carlos grumbled.

"What an asshole," James said.

"Yeah, but I don't wanna talk about the hospital anymore," Carlos sighed. "Let's talk about something happy. Like tell me about your new apartment!"

"It's really nice. Pretty big, two bedrooms, nice kitchen and bathroom. It's not really HOME yet, I don't guess, but it's getting there."

"He's moving in this weekend," Logan said. "We could use your help."

"I'll be there," Carlos said excitedly. "But hey- aren't you guys going a little fast?"

"Yeah," James shrugged.

"But if he wasn't moving in, I wouldn't be able to afford rent and I would have to get a stranger to be my roommate," Logan said. "And we'll be in separate bedrooms."

"How long is THAT gonna last?" Carlos giggled, but his smile dropped. "Have you guys done IT yet?"

"That's random and kind of personal," James laughed.

"Nuh-uh! I'm your all's best friend!"

"No, we haven't. Not yet," Logan said, his hand moving to James' knee beneath the table.

"He got close once," James retorted.

"He fainted," Logan giggled.

"Day-um, Logie, you're that big?" Carlos winked.

"We were fully clothed," James said in defense. "I just… Have this problem sometimes… Where I pass out if I get too excited. But it's only cause I'm abnormally large, so THERE."

Carlos laughed and put his hands up in defense.

"It was quite a surprise to me when we were making out one minute, then he's telling me he doesn't feel good and THUNK! He's on the ground," Logan laughed.

"I didn't want to do it anyway. He trapped me and seduced me, Los, it was almost rape," James said in mock innocence.

"I'm sure it was," Carlos laughed. "Is that why you were getting 'too excited'?"

"Okay, you make out with this boy for a few minutes and just see what he says and does and YOU don't get turned on."

"I'm straight."

"Even better."

Logan's hand, invisible to Carlos, trailed up higher on James' leg, James' hand laying on his before it could get too high. James shot him a look and Logan just bit his lip.

He had no idea why he was so turned on tonight, but that was just typical for him nowadays.

"Our innocent, blushing little Logie is a sex beast?" Carlos asked, impressed, oblivious to what was going on beneath the table.

"Hell yeah. He's been trying to fuck me ever since he got medicated in the hospital," James laughed, jumping as Logan's hand managed to climb his leg. James gripped his hand hard, not wanting to faint in the middle of the restaurant. "He likes to think he's sneaky, but he's not."

Logan scooted closer and leaned his head on James' shoulder.

"Quit that," James laughed. "I'm gonna move."

"Quit what?" Logan asked innocently.

"I'm gonna go wash my hands before the food gets here," Carlos said, oblivious, as he scooted from the booth.

"Even if you moved over there I could still do things to you and you know it," Logan sang, looking up deviously at James.

"Why are you doing this here? Can't you wait?"

"Does that mean we can do nasty things when we get to my place?" Logan asked brightly.

"Didn't say that. We've been together for three DAYS, Loge. And we've known each other for like a month."

"So? I like you, you like me. Is it Patrick?"

"What? No."

"Are you afraid that I'll leave you once I get what I want?"

"I just think you want to go faster than me is all," James said reassuringly.

"Cause I think I want to marry you and adopt cute babies with you," Logan said. "And I think the sooner we fuck, the sooner we can do that. I think the wedding should be… Next month?"

James grinned, realizing that Logan was joking.

"But really… I've never had a serious boyfriend OR girlfriend, but I know that right now I want to be with you… Forever," Logan said sweetly. "So I don't think it matters how soon we do it."

"Are you being serious?"

"Well… Yeah…"

James' heart fluttered as he tilted Logan's chin up to kiss him.

"That's so sweet," he melted.

"But I don't want you to be uncomfortable about it," Logan said. "I'll wait for you. But just saying, I'm about to explode. But I'll slow down when you say slow down, but I think you should try speeding up."

"You know that porn exists, right? And you've got a hand…"

"Yeah, but I'm only ever turned on around you, and I can't very well do that when you're there, can I?"

"You could."

"Could not," Logan laughed as Carlos sat across from them again.

"Could not what?" he asked.

"Eat a plate of spaghetti in two minutes," Logan said simply, breaking from James' gaze to face Carlos.

"I could," Carlos said proudly.

"Oh yeah right," James said.

"I could!"

"I'll have to see that," James laughed. Logan took the opportunity of distraction to slip his hand the rest of the way to James' crotch and squeeze a little, making James jump, hit his knee on the bottom of the table, and get up.

"Hands to yourself!" James hissed as he shoved Carlos over and sat beside him.

"I'm not much better, honey," Carlos said in a lispy voice, making James crack up in laughter and make Logan giggle.

"It's okay if it's YOU," James said flirtatiously as the pizza arrived.

"Can't you stay the night?" Logan pouted, back against James' car's passenger side door. His hands were entwined with James' and it was a sticky summer night, crickets chirping and kids playing in the streetlight down the street.

"I have to help my mom pack up the house tonight," James said. "And tomorrow. Then the next day I'm moving here."

Logan pouted and pulled James to him by the waist for a hug.

"You're doing so good with your eating," he said.

"Awe."

"Would you tell me if you were throwing up again?"

"No."

"But… You wouldn't lie if I asked, right?"

"I'm not throwing up anymore," James said reassuringly.

"Good. You feel softer than when I met you."

"Thanks," James retorted angrily. Logan pulled away, leaning his back on the car again and grinning.

"I like it. It's hard to cuddle with a bony person, after all," he said. "I think you're even sexier now."

James smiled a little, looking down into dark eyes, which reflected the streetlight above them.

"Did you mean what you said about wanting to be with me forever?" he asked quietly.

"Of course I did, baby," Logan smiled.

"You've never called me that."

"Is that okay?"

"I'm all for pet names," James nodded, but his smile faded quickly. "But… Logan, I don't want to keep you waiting on sex for too long…Because I'm afraid you'll find someone else who WILL do it with you and-"

"James, what the hell? Do I seem like someone who would cheat?"

James fell silent, shaking his head.

"Yeah, I'm a horny bastard, but I want YOU to take my virginity. I'll wait on you."

"It's just… Patrick told me that he loved me every day, he would kiss me like we would be together forever. And we were gonna get married- you know that," James said, dropping his eyes. "I won't put up with cheating, Logan."

"Why are you so paranoid about this?"

"I lied to you when we met," James said, looking up at Logan. "Patrick… He knew about my condition from day one and he basically fed the fire. He didn't dump me because of it…"

"James… You're scaring me," Logan said uneasily, watching James' face turn grim and serious.

"I was so in love with Patrick, you know? I was young and stupid, yeah, but I was sure that he was the one," James said, looking down at their entwined fingers. "I found some texts in his phone between him and some guy- sexy texts and pictures. He had been seeing that guy for half a year and I had no idea. They fucked on a regular basis and I was too stupid it see it. That's why I got tested after we broke up."

Logan was dumbfounded.

"I confronted Patrick about it and he got really pissed off at ME. He… He hit me, Logan. And that's not okay by me. My boyfriend can hit me when he's pissed- I'll be his punching bag- but not when they're pissed at ME. That's a different kind of hit. I didn't want to hurt him, but he HIT me."

"What did you do?" Logan asked, letting go of James' hands and pressing himself hard against the car, suddenly afraid of what words came next.

"No, I didn't KILL him or anything," James said quickly. "I kicked him out. I was physical about it, but I didn't hit him or anything. And… He beat at the door all night, yelling at me, telling me he hated me and that he never loved me and that he was only gonna marry me for my money. And I'm sorry I lied about this at first, Logan, but that's the story I told my mom. Only you, me, Patrick, probably Patrick's little boyfriend, and the therapist know the truth. And I wanted you to know the truth and know exactly WHY I'm so fucked up about relationships. And if you want out, tell me now. If you ever feel like cheating, just tell me. I'll let you go. You don't have to go behind my back. And I don't deal with violence when we're fighting. That's not okay. And… I'm fucked up so bad because of him. I was so in love with him and he broke me- cheated and made me anorexic. And then we broke up, I dwelled so hard on him. I don't even know why- I HATED him. But I still thought about him constantly- all the way up to when we met."

Logan just stared up at his boyfriend, taking all this in, completely shocked. He shook his head a little and slammed into James' arms around his torso, squeezing him tight.

"I'm not Patrick," Logan whispered as James hugged him back.

"That's what they kept saying," James said.

"I'm falling in love with you," Logan murmured, cheek on James' chest, hearing James' heart flutter a little at the words. "And I promise you, James, I won't hurt you. Not emotionally and especially not physically. I grew up with an abusive dad, remember? You don't have to be afraid of getting into another relationship- I'm not, nor will I ever be Patrick. Okay? You're not enslaved by your and his past anymore. I'm freeing you, and I'm asking you to move on with me. I'll protect you and I'll love you every day of our lives."

Logan pulled away to look seriously up to James.

"I don't know what possessed you to be with him so long and want to marry him, but you're with the right person now. Okay?"

Logan reached up to wipe the few tears shed by James and give a little smile. Honestly, that was probably the deepest, most heartfelt monologue he had ever given.

"That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me," James said with a choked laugh. "That was…"

He suddenly swooped down to lock his lips with Logan's, his arms tight around Logan's waist and Logan's around his neck.

"I'll be your Band-Aid," Logan whispered as James broke the kiss to hug him tight. "As long as you love me back."

"It's a deal."