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.

Yes, I'm already updating again. There's really only one thing I need to say about this chapter, and that's...I'm sorry. Since I know you're all gonna scream at me for ending it where I did, let me tell you now that I most likely will not be updating again until Friday. It's possible I'll do it tomorrow night after work, but it would be pretty late. I have my reasons for ending it where I did, and that's because there's so much more to cover in the next section that I don't want to overwhelm everyone with too much at once. Just don't hate me for this one, okay? I LOVE YOU GUYS.

Thanks for the wonderful reviews, guys. Still makes me smile and laugh and flail when I read them. I love you guys so much for reading this and sticking with it.

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. I also thank Aranelle for being an amazing beta and continually supportive of me in every area of my life.

Having been told to be prepared at seven A.M., Logan was up at six. He showered, packed, and woke up the other two to say goodbye. Carlos clung to him, sleepy-eyed but his grip no less desperate for it, and Logan promised that no matter what happened, they'd see each other again. Kendall also sat up for a hug, Logan whispering for him to look after Carlos. Kendall only nodded before wishing Logan luck, and then Logan picked up his luggage and was gone. His last vision of the two of them was Carlos snuggled up against Kendall, both of them smiling as they waved goodbye, and his heart broke thinking that soon enough he wouldn't see this anymore.

The main suite was deserted. Logan made himself a cup of coffee, wondering if he should call Caroline quickly before the date got started but then deciding to wait and see if James wanted to join him for that. He prepared a second cup of coffee for James, mind turning over the day ahead and realizing this could be his last real time with James. He was determined to make it count, to rack up enough memories to get him through the lonely nights and leave him smiling as he drifted off to sleep.

James stumbled in at 7:15, Rich behind him, and Logan frowned. James was dressed immaculately, his hair in perfect place, yet Logan sensed something missing behind the smile James greeted him with. He held up the coffee and the smile widened and became genuine, and while James sipped it Logan made one for Rich as well.

"I'm sorry I'm late, it was a long night."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah, met with the producers and planned some things, and Jerry...let's just say he didn't make things easy on me last night."

Logan stepped around the kitchen's counter and pulled James into his arms, loving the way James sank into his embrace. "It's fine, we've got all day, right?"

"Yes."

"So there's no rush. Relax, drink some coffee, and I don't know what you have planned but I'm sure we can fit some breakfast in there. Maybe even a nap if that's what you need."

James fought the smile that stole over his features but finally gave in, chuckling. "You really are such a mom."

"Complaining?"

Stepping back, James ran a hand over Logan's hair. "Never," he answered softly, then leaned in for a kiss. It lasted longer than it needed to, but neither let it flare into the passion that would carry them away. Instead it smoldered in them so that James sighed in contentment when he lifted his face. "I'm so excited to spend time with you again."

"That's definitely mutual. Finish your coffee and tell me where we're going."

"You tell me." James settled on a stool at the breakfast bar, one hand sliding down to link fingers with Logan and drag him closer.

"Oh, no. We did what I wanted last time. This time it's all about you."

"I don't care what we do, as long as I'm with you we can go wherever you want."

"But that's not fair to you, we can't always do what I want. You deserve to have fun, too."

"But I do have fun with you." When Logan didn't back down, James raised a hand. "Okay, how's this? Why don't we do what we want to do? We'll go get some breakfast, talk to someone and find out what all there is to do around here, and decide together?"

Satisfied, Logan nodded. "I can live with that. Oh, but I do need to call Caroline at some point."

James' face brightened immediately, eyes sparkling. "Want to do that now? Before we get lost somewhere?"

"Or maybe run away together and never come back?"

"That works, too," James grinned, lifting Logan's hand to kiss his palm. "But we'd have to take Caroline with us."

"Already planned."

They found the place where Logan could make his phone call, Logan relieved it wouldn't be a problem from outside the country. "Is it too early there?" James asked.

"According to my watch, it's two hours earlier. She might still be asleep, but at least we'll catch her before school."

"Awesome."

This time James held the phone, Logan not even asking for it but his heart warm seeing James' excitement over talking to Caroline again. The phone was answered and James blanched, suddenly at a loss for words, Logan realizing what the problem was and taking the phone. "Hi, Mom. Sorry about that, I know it's early but is Caroline awake?"

"Not yet, let me go get her. Can you tell me where you are?"

"Probably shouldn't. But we're not in the U.S."

"Oh, that's exciting! Hold on, sweetie, let me get her for you."

Logan passed the phone back to James, who now looked nervous again. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know what to say!"

"Just talk," Logan commanded. "When you can, that is. She'll carry most of the conversation, I'm sure."

"Good point," James laughed, then his face changed. "Hello? Caroline? Hi, good morning. This is James, your daddy's friend?" After a pause James laughed again. "Yes, the one who likes Timon. Oh, you did? That's so cool!'

Logan motioned for James to put it on speaker, and when he did Caroline's voice emanated from the phone. "-and then he gets big and strong and he's the king at the end is daddy there?"

Her words ran together so that it took them a second to catch up. "I'm right here, baby," Logan replied. "How did you sleep?"

"Hi, Daddy! Grandma took me to Pizza Castle last night and I ate two pieces!"

"Wow, two? How did you fit all that into your tiny little body?"

"I was hungry 'cause I didn't eat lunch."

"Why not?"

"I got sick. Grandma picked me up from school but I went to sleep and was all better!"

James watched the concern take over Logan's face, and he reached out for Logan's hand. "How are you feeling right now, pumpkin?" Logan asked.

"Good! We have a parade at school today! I get to be the tiger!"

"Oh, that'll be fun. Make sure Grandma takes pictures."

"Kay. Grandma! Daddy says to take pictures of me! Is James still there?"

James seemed to melt next to Logan. "I'm right here, princess."

Caroline gasped. "How did you know I'm a princess? I have a castle and everything!"

"Do you? Where did you get that?"

"Daddy got me it! For my birthday. Wanna come play in the castle with me, James? You can be my prince!"

When James was speechless, Logan smirked and said, "You get to rule over all her stuffed animals, James. She's got a ton, so you'd be pretty powerful."

"I uh...if I get to meet you, okay?"

"When will you meet me?" Caroline asked.

"Hopefully soon." He ignored the glare from Logan. "And yes, if I get to meet you, I will be your prince for the day."

"Okay! Daddy, are you coming home soon with James?"

"I am, sweetheart. I'll be home in a few days. I don't know about James."

"James, are you still there?"

"Right here."

"Will you come to see me?"

"I'll try, princess. I can't promise anything, but I'll try."

"We have to go, pumpkin, but I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" Logan squeezed James' hand, letting him know he wasn't angry.

"Okay. I love you, Daddy!"

"I love you, too, sweetheart. Have fun in the parade today."

"It's gonna be so much fun! Bye, James!"

"Goodbye, Caroline. I'm glad I got to talk to you."

"Me too. Spongebob kept me safe, just like you said."

James grinned. "Told you. He will every night, okay?"

"Okay."

"Goodbye, pumpkin." Logan disconnected the call and moved into James' embrace, James hugging him close.

"She's...wow."

"Something else, isn't she?"

"It's no wonder you kept wanting to leave in the beginning. How the hell do you keep yourself here now? She has me wanting to catch a flight every time she asks if she'll get to meet me."

"I'm here now because I don't want to leave without you. I know that's a very real possibility so I enjoy the moments I do have with you and make more memories and I know that whatever happens, I'll go back to her. Whether today or in a few weeks, I'll have her again. You...I've got so little precious time with. I cherish every single second."

James shook his head slowly as he stared down at Logan, and though Logan sensed there were things he wanted to say, instead he stepped away and plucked the phone out of Logan's hand to pass back to the man who'd given it to them.

"Ready for breakfast?"

"Yes." Logan slid up against James' side, head on his chest as they made their way through the hotel and out to the street. "We ate at this really good restaurant last night, want to try that?"

"Sure. Lead the way."

An hour later they were staring at a map of the city, all the landmarks listed on a back page as they stood on a street corner with full bellies. "See anything you really want to do?" James asked.

"What would it take to get us up to that Christ the Redeemer statue? I've always wanted to see that."

"Then we'll see it. We just have to find someone who speaks English and can-"

James stopped talking when Logan hailed a local man and started asking him questions in Portuguese. A minute later he turned back to James and said, "Okay, we take a railway up the mountain, and then a bunch of steps to the statue itself. The train leaves about every twenty minutes, so we can take a cab or—what's wrong? Why are you looking at me that way?"

"You just busted out with some foreign language."

"Oh, I did. Portuguese. I don't know a lot, but enough to get us around the city."

"Logan, Jesus Christ, that's like the hottest thing I've ever seen."

Logan's eyebrows shot up toward his hairline. "Me speaking another language? You find that hot?"

"God, I find everything about you hot. You keep surprising me."

"That's a good thing, right?"

"It's...damn. Okay. So let's go see this big statue of Christ."

"What about you, what do you want to do? And don't say whatever I want, find something on that map to check out."

"I already did. There's an old theater I want to visit, and if you're up for it we can hit the beach later. Unless that's boring because we've done it before?"

"Absolutely not, that's perfect. I loved our beach date, let's do it again."

"Awesome." James folded up the map, leading Logan out to the street so they could catch a cab.

They talked about Caroline for most of the ride, James asking her interests besides animals (not that there were a lot of other things to catch her fancy, Logan explaining that she had a sort of tunnel vision when it came to them), and James was ecstatic to hear she had a love of horses. He'd seen the picture from her birthday but hadn't realized it was a frequent occurrence (or maybe didn't remember from Logan mentioning it in Arizona), though Logan cautioned that she didn't get to do it often, both because he was busy a lot and because each time they went it cost money. James was quiet, Logan sensing immediately where his thoughts were.

"Don't even think about it, we have no room for a horse where I live."

"I didn't say anything."

"So you're not sitting there trying to figure out a way to buy Caroline her own horse?"

"Oh, Logan, look at that view of the water!"

Logan shook his head, not falling for the distraction but going along with it anyway. "You're taking a nap on the beach."

"I don't need a nap, I'm not a child."

"But you do. You're not sleeping well, are you?"

James shrugged. "This is hard."

"I know." Logan snuggled up under James' arm, James continuing to stare out the window but welcoming Logan's proximity. "We can find some shade, maybe pick up an umbrella somewhere."

"How boring would that be for you?"

"I could nap with you. Maybe know what it's like to fall asleep in your arms."

That had James' head swiveling over to smile at Logan. "That does sound nice."

"Do it for me, then. Because it's something I want to do. Though we might get some funny looks."

"I've heard about a beach that's gay-friendly here."

"Yeah?"

"And I found it on the map, it's not too far from where we're going."

"Sounds like a perfect place for a nap, then. Maybe a little making out, a lot of cuddling."

"Or a little cuddling, a lot of making out," James winked.

"Horndog."

"More memories for you to make..."

Logan laughed and snuggled up closer, content to watch the scenery pass with his head resting on James' chest.

"Oh, there is one more place I want to go today, if we have time."

"Where's that?" Logan asked.

"They have a really cool zoo here. I heard some of the staff talking about it last night."

"You want to go to the zoo? Really?"

"Hey, I gotta brush up so I can impress Caroline. I don't want her thinking I'm stupid."

Logan's eyes narrowed, his heart thundering against his ribcage. "Do you realize what you just said?"

James looked everywhere but at Logan, murmuring, "You heard nothing."

Logan let it go, but inside he was screaming with joy; to him, James' slip was more than "nothing"-it meant everything.

As they stood at a railing staring out over the city below, Logan leaned back against James, the strong arms coming around him in a way he'd come to know well.

"It seems like I'm always on top of the world somehow when I'm with you and Kendall."

Logan smiled. "Literally?"

"Yes. We always end up high above the ground. I wonder if that should mean something."

"We have a way of lifting you above the clouds?"

"Mmm. Something like that. Or just making me feel like I'm on the top of the world."

"Is that how you feel right now? So high you never want to come back down?"

"That's exactly how I feel."

"It's mutual."

James dipped his face down to kiss Logan's neck, Logan tilting his head to the side for better access.

"Your lips are like fire on my skin. Every time you kiss me."

"That's mutual, too," James whispered, sucking on those spots he now knew made Logan crazy.

"James, there are people here, we can't go at it like—oh fuck, right there." Logan's legs went weak, James holding him up as his teeth claimed the spot, bringing a whine out of Logan when he sucked hard enough to bruise. "James! Jesus, just..." Fingers digging into James' arms around his waist, Logan pressed back against the strong body and hissed when he felt James' erection digging into him from behind. "Oh my god," he whispered, the heat rising to fog his brain as he went limp in James' embrace, forgetting about everything but the feel of the wet tongue licking at his skin while teeth dug into it.

He vaguely felt James' hand sliding down toward his belt and rose up to meet it, desperate for friction of any kind, and it wasn't until after James tore his mouth away and put distance between them, arms still close enough to catch Logan should he not be expecting it, that Logan realized he'd heard the word "Brooke" through the haze rolling through his head. Thank God for Rich.

Logan took a few moments to compose himself, leaning against the railing and away from James. He glanced around but nobody really seemed to have noticed, or if they did they certainly didn't care.

"Hey. Logan."

Attention drawn back to James, Logan looked back to find James running his hand over a plaque at the base of the statue. "What's that?"

"Come read it. What does it say?"

Logan approached, letting James slide an arm around his waist. "This statue was built to honor the idea of an all-encompassing Jesus. It says 'Christ loves all.'"

"Is that true?" James asked quietly. "Does he love everyone?"

"He sure does in my book."

James spun Logan around and smiled at him. "I think you're right. How could anyone know you and not love you?"

Logan didn't answer, knowing it was James' way of saying things he couldn't really say, and instead he hugged James tight. "If that's the case, I'd say he loves you, too."

"Yeah?"

"Yes," Logan replied softly, and for a while they held each other, happy to know they were in love.

The zoo proved to be fun, James once again enjoying Logan in lecture mode and commenting that Logan was definitely the sexiest teacher he'd ever had. Logan blushed but accepted the compliment, reminding James that he'd already known some of the facts Logan had spewed, and James' answer was that it didn't matter-he could listen to Logan talk about something as complex as rocket science for hours and never get bored.

"Yes, but did you actually hear anything I said?"

"I heard every word. Quiz me, I'll pass. I may not remember anything a week from now, but I definitely listened."

After a quick tour of the theater, Logan learning that James still had a passion for acting and singing even though he maintained those days were behind him, they stopped to pick up a late lunch that they ate on the beach, cuddling under an umbrella after while Logan urged James to sleep. He fought the idea, stating again he didn't want to miss a moment of his time with Logan, so Logan closed his eyes and pretended to sleep, his cheek to James' heartbeat, which soothed him into an actual nap.

When he woke it was to feel James' gaze on him, James' lips pressed to his hair and a hand rubbing his back. Lifting his head, he smiled at James. "Did you sleep at all?"

"I did, actually. Just woke up a few minutes ago. The sun's going down so it's not as hot now, want to go for a walk?"

"Yes, I'd love that."

It was peaceful, both of them at ease rather than suffering the nerves they'd been plagued with on their last beach date, and they talked of their interests. Neither was surprised to find they didn't seem to have a lot in common, and while it made Logan a little nervous because he was sure Kendall (and probably Carlos as well) had a lot more going for him in that area, James' willingness to experience the things Logan enjoyed reassured him a bit. He met James' excitement about his own interests with the same open mind, wanting to know more and hoping one day they'd have the opportunity to share their own brand of fun with each other.

James also asked more about Caroline, hungry for clues as to how best to win her over, and Logan reiterated that James needed to relax and be himself with her. "She'll see through you in ten minutes if you're fake. She's smart."

"I know, but what if she doesn't like me?"

"She already likes you."

"You know what I mean. This could make or break us, Logan. I don't expect you to marry a man your daughter can't stand."

"Just be genuine. Either you'll click or you won't."

"And if we don't?"

Logan lifted his face to James', giving James his own favorite answer. "I can't promise anything."

James nodded, the fear in his eyes tearing at Logan's heart because he knew it so well himself, knew next week could change everything for them. James looked around suddenly, his gaze resting on a nearby restaurant, and then Logan was being dragged toward it while James held up a hand warning Rich to stay back.

Without bothering to note Rich's reaction, Logan followed James into a bathroom stall and barely noticed his surroundings, focused entirely on the feel of James' rough hands pulling him down until he was straddling James' hips, James' lips finding his and suffocating him in a way that he never tired of. He moaned when a hand slid inside pants again, bucking into it, but after a few thrusts he stood and fell to his knees, wanting to treat James this time.

"Logan, get off your knees, you don't have to-"

"Shut up, let me do this."

James groaned when he was free, and then Logan's mouth was on him and he gasped, eyes wide as his head fell back and his fingers twisted in Logan's hair. "Fuck, Jesus fuck, Logan, what are you...oh God, yes, just...you're so amazing!"

Logan had watched enough porn on his computer to have a pretty good idea what he should be doing, and though he was clumsy with it and he sensed James holding back and was grateful for that, he could tell he was doing something right by the sounds James was making. They drove Logan insane, making him crave more, and he pulled off to whisper, "Let's do this. Now. No more waiting."

"Jesus, Logan. No."

When James shook his head, dark eyes smoldering into Logan's, Logan let out a whine. "Please, this might be our only chance, please James, give me this, one time with you."

"No! Not here. Your first time is not going to be in a fucking bathroom, you deserve better than that."

"I don't care, just give me this, please!"

"Logan, no. I want you, you don't even know how badly I want you, but not like this."

Logan's reply was to swallow James down again, surprising him into a loud moan as his hands clawed at Logan's hair. "Fuck! Stop, just stop, just...fuck!"

James tore Logan's mouth away, both of them panting as they stared at each other. "Stop, Logan. Please."

Logan gave in, seeing that even though James didn't want that, he did. "I'm sorry. I don't want to lose what might be my one opportunity to have you."

James kissed him softly. "Have a little faith in me."

It was hard, though, when Logan knew the reality of raising a child and all that came with it hadn't fully hit James yet. Once it did, he wouldn't blame James for running.

James pushed Logan back gently before standing to fix his pants, helping Logan up to do the same. "We need to get out of here."

Logan nodded, relieved as they left the bathroom that no one had come in (or maybe they had, it's not like Logan would've even noticed), and once they stepped out into the air James waved Rich over. "We need the car. We're going back now."

Logan's heart sank, prompting him to clutch James' hand tighter. It was still early, and he could only assume James wasn't able to bear being near him at this point in time. He remembered the way James had shunned him after their first kiss in the cabin, and knew this was on a scale much grander than anything they might've suffered after that first encounter.

"I'm sorry I ruined it," Logan said, burrowing into James' embrace.

"You didn't ruin anything." James held him tight. "Promise."

They were quiet on the ride back to the hotel, Logan sensing James' mind turning and not wanting to intrude on his thoughts. He felt in James' touch that he was still treasured, and that was enough because it had to be.

James kissed him once after they exited the limo, then again before leaving Logan at his door.

"Thank you," Logan whispered, hands framing James' face. "Today was magical. Whatever happens after this, know that I love you."

Logan wasn't sure what to make of the tortured expression that resulted from that, but the kiss he received was passionate, if brief. Without another word, James walked away, Rich lowering the camera as he followed James down the hall.

As it was still early, their room was deserted and Logan could only assume Carlos had somehow cajoled Kendall into going out dancing. He smiled, hoping Kendall was at least letting himself have fun, and curled up on his bed, the tears falling silently when he realized James had never given him a rose. Didn't that mean he was going home?

"Have a little faith in me."

After everything they'd been through, Logan refused to believe James would send him home before even meeting Caroline. Surely he still intended to do that, right?

An hour later he was still awake, mind replaying every moment of the glorious day spent with James, when there was a knock at the door.

Logan's stomach dropped, brain imagining someone from the show coming to tell him it was time to go, and with leaden feet he approached the door. He opened it with dread, unsure what it meant that Rich was standing before him.

"Oh, good, you're still dressed. I need to talk to you."

"Is everything okay? Nothing wrong with Caroline?"

"No no, she's fine. Come on."

Rich took off down the hall, Logan making sure he had his room key before following. "Do I need to get my luggage? It's in the main suite."

"No, just hurry."

Rich led him to the stairwell, taking him down three flights of stairs and shushing him when he asked questions. Moves furtive when they entered a hallway, Rich approached a door and slid a room key into the lock, pushing it open and waving Logan through.

He stepped into semi-darkness, it relieved by the flickering of what appeared to be a mountain of candles spread around the room. Logan's heart stopped when James stepped out of the bathroom, clad in a robe and most likely nothing else.

"Hi," he said softly. "I forgot to give you a rose."