A/N—Not a lot to say right now but I hope you're all safe. As for the story, this chapter picks up directly after the last one. Logan spent James' birthday with him and Brooke, then had the talk with Sylvia about Carlos and then he and Carlos discussed Kendall before Carlos got mad and stormed out. That's where we stand at the moment.

Logan's phone buzzed on the nightstand. Please let it be James. I miss you already.

It was Kendall instead. "You still awake?"

"Yeah, waiting for Carlos to get out of the shower so I can take mine. Everything okay?"

"I feel kind of guilty sending you this, but you need to see it. Don't show Carlos. And maybe don't tell him either, because he'll be sad James didn't include him."

Intrigued, Logan waited. What followed was a series of images that looked like text messages. Clicking on the first one, Logan saw that he was right—it was a screenshot of texts between James and Kendall.

The first was from James, and it showed a time of five minutes after Logan left the Diamond house. "You're home, right?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Got time to talk?"

"Sure. You okay? I can call."

"No, I don't want my mom to overhear. I need to tell you something but I need to know you won't hate me."

"I swear to God, if you're telling me that you're running away after everything that happened since last night, I WILL hate you."

"No, nothing like that. I'm sorry I was a dick about it. I was just scared."

"I know. I tried to tell you that. I'm glad you stayed."

"Me too. Logan promised you would all be there to help me through this."

"We will. I swear, James. You just have to talk to us. Be open with us."

"This is me trying to do that. It's scary."

"I know but we're your best friends. You can talk to us. So what's going on?"

"I don't really know how to say it but I'm going crazy and I have to tell someone. Please don't be weird about it. I'm trusting you to not be weird."

"Okay? I'll do my best."

"It's about Logan. We've talked a lot since he moved here, you know? He's really cool."

"Yeah. Are you gonna tell me you're in love with him? Because if you are, that's okay."

"You don't think it's gross or weird?"

"I might if I didn't feel the same way about Carlos."

"Dude, what? Since when?"

"I don't know, it just happened."

"You guys are a thing and you didn't tell me?"

"No, he doesn't know how I feel. Please don't tell him."

"Fine, but why didn't you tell ME?"

"You had enough going on. And because it's scary. You're all about your image and being tough, I didn't know if you'd hate me for being into a dude. But now that I've seen how you are with Logan, I know you'll be cool about it."

"Is that why you never went for Mindy? Because she's actually really hot."

"If I was into girls, I probably would have."

"So you're not at all? It's all guys for you?"

"So far. I don't really know, I just know how I feel about Carlos."

"I think you should tell him. He worships you, Kendall."

"Not like that."

"But imagine how much it would boost his confidence, knowing someone as cool as you is into him."

"It would also change things. I don't want to lose him or push him away."

"What if it just made you guys closer?"

"Can you honestly see that happening, James? He'd feel weird around me. Wouldn't want to spend the night anymore or be close to me."

"I'm telling you, it's just gonna make him feel better about himself. He needs that."

"Well, he has Denise for that."

"No, he doesn't. She's not into him."

"She's not?"

"No. Don't ask how I know, just trust me."

"For sure? She's not trying to date him?"

"Nope."

"But he still likes her."

"Look, I'm not gonna tell you how to live your love life. If you don't want to tell Carlos, I understand. I just needed to talk about Logan to someone."

"How was it today?"

"Amazing. The best birthday I've ever had. You guys were so great with the breakfast party, then I got to cuddle on the couch with Logan all day and watch movies. I miss him already."

"Your mom was okay with that?"

"Dude, Mom's been bugging me to go out with him for like a week. She wants us to get married. It's so crazy!"

"Wow. I wish my mom would react like that."

"Your mom's not gonna be mad if you tell her you like guys."

"She might. Unless I have a reason to, I'm not risking it. So are you and Logan a thing now? Officially?"

"We're friends. That's what we decided, at least until graduation."

"Why?"

"Because he says I won't be focused on school if we're making out all the time. And honestly? He's not wrong. We made out a little today and I can't stop thinking about it. It sucks, I just want to kiss him all the time."

"That's how I feel about Carlos. It's hard being around him so much, especially when we're alone. Today I wanted to so many times!"

"Maybe you should. Instead of telling him and giving him time to think about it, just kiss him. No warning. I bet he ends up liking it."

"No, that's not fair to him. If he doesn't like me, I'm not gonna force it."

"Okay. Just an idea."

"But you and Logan are really okay with just being friends?"

"I'm not really okay with it but I get it. He's doing all this stuff to help me, I don't want to make it harder on him. Plus it's only a few months until graduation. He's worth it."

"Man, you are so into him."

"He's incredible, Kendall. He's seen me at my worst and he still loves me. I mean, think about what a dick I've been to him. And he still didn't walk away. I don't deserve him."

"Just treat him good, make up for the past. I'm glad you have him to help you through everything. But remember that me and Carlos and still here, too. And we care, dude."

"I know, you guys are the best. When I broke up with Mandy I didn't think I'd be seeing her again, so school is gonna suck tomorrow when I'm hanging out with all you guys. And she knows how Logan feels about me. What if she tells everyone? How does it look that I'm friends with a guy who wants me?"

"So you don't want anyone to know you like guys?"

"They can't. It's my career on the line."

"I guess you could pretend like you still hate him. But that might be hard, and I don't think he'd go for it."

"He'd never go for it."

"Then if anyone asks, just say you guys talked it out and you're cool now. That he knows you're just friends and respects that. You don't have to justify your friendship to anyone."

"I guess. It's just Mandy I'm worried about. She's really popular, she could make my life hell."

"Try not to worry about her. You have enough to deal with. Just focus on your mom and school. Carlos and I will take care of anyone who messes with you."

"I love you guys. I'm sorry I pushed you away. Thanks for being cool about all this."

"No sweat, dude. Just keep your mouth shut about Carlos."

"Okay. Does he know how Logan feels about me?"

"Yeah. And Logan knows how I feel about Carlos. He figured it out. But he won't tell Carlos, either."

"You can trust him. He's a pain in my ass, but he's trustworthy. And so hot, holy shit. Who knew a nerd could be so hot?"

"He really cares about you, James. He just wants you to be happy."

"I know. I'm an idiot for fighting it as long as I did. I just wasn't sure of his motives, and I didn't want to risk anyone finding out I like guys. But I'm glad he didn't let me run."

"Me too. How's your mom?"

"Tired. I'm determined to make her talk tomorrow. We need to be more open about everything."

"I've been telling you that for months."

"I know. Guess it just took a hot nerd to make me believe it."

"Well, on that note I need to get to bed. I'm jealous that you got to make out with Logan while I can't even hold Carlos' hand."

"You could if you just tried. Maybe he's just never considered guys as an option before. You could be the one to open his eyes. Because trust me, if anyone can turn him, it's you."

"I'm not turning anyone. Goodnight, James. Thanks for trusting me with your secret."

"Thanks for listening and not making me feel like a freak. Goodnight."

That was the end of the long conversation. Logan smiled as he skimmed through it a second time, then sent Kendall, "Thanks for showing me that. I'm glad he's embracing his feelings instead of running from them. Admitting it to you is a huge step."

"I thought so, too."

"And you admitting your own feelings to James is a step, too. For the record, I agree with James. I think you should try kissing Carlos and see what happens."

"Oh my god, will you stop with that? That's not why I showed you the texts."

"Just making a point. I'll text James before bed to let him know I miss him. Thanks, Kendall."

"Anytime. See you tomorrow. Can we all walk to school together now? Since the whole 'I hate Logan' thing is done?"

"Fine with me. Carlos will be happy, too. Goodnight."

"Night!"

Five minutes later, Logan was still lying in bed with a smile on his face. It was good to be loved. Hearing Carlos' voice out in the hall, he sat up and sent a quick message to James. Better to do it now in case James went to bed soon.

"Hey. I love you and I miss you. Oh, and Happy Birthday! See you tomorrow."

"I was just thinking about you. I miss you, too. Sure you can't come back? Or I could sneak in again and cuddle."

"Carlos might notice."

"Oh, right. Damn. Fine, I'll suffer until morning. Can I walk to school with you?"

"It's already been decided. You doing okay?"

"I've never been better. Except for the fact that my mom is dying, I'm happier than I've ever been. Thanks for that."

"You're welcome. I'm always here for you, James."

"I know. See you tomorrow."

"Night."

"I love you."

Logan's heart fluttered. Seeing it in writing was so much more permanent than a whispered, "I think I love you." He messed with the phone's keyboard until he found a heart to send back.

Life could be worse.

The following morning played out the way Logan thought it should have from the start—he and Carlos walked to James' house, where Kendall was soon dropped off to walk with them to school. James refrained from any outward affection other than perhaps walking closer to Logan than most would. Logan was content with that and just happy to have him there and laughing with them.

They all met up again for lunch, but this time in the library at Logan's suggestion. He knew that James feared retaliation from Mandy and thought it best to keep them away from each other when possible. He led them to the corner table he'd used before to sulk, amazed at how far he'd come when James smiled while taking the chair next to his and said, "Does this mean we have to be quiet? I'm not sure Carlos is capable of that."

"I can be quiet!" Carlos exclaimed, causing the others to chuckle as James' point was made. Carlos blushed before trying again in a softer voice. "See? I know how."

"You got this, buddy," Kendall assured him with a pat to Carlos' shoulder. He sat between James and Carlos and opened his lunch bag to pull out string cheese. "Here you go."

"Thanks, bro!" When James shushed him, he sighed. "I'll get used to it."

Logan shook his head. "Don't worry about it. There's a reason I chose a table far away from everyone. James, want my pudding?"

James perked up. "You don't?"

"I have yogurt. This is left over from Friday, I never ate it."

"Hell yeah! Thanks!"

They all settled into their food, the table calm for a minute. Logan wondered how to bring up the subject he'd promised Sylvia he would. "So this is nice. All of us eating together for a change."

James' gaze ducked away. "Yeah, sorry about that. I was..."

"Doesn't matter," Kendall said. "You're here now."

"Exactly," Logan agreed. "We're all together now. Or...at least for a few months. I know what James' plans are after graduation. What about you, Kendall?"

Kendall's expression soured, as if his sandwich suddenly tasted bad. "I'm...not sure yet."

James shared proudly, "Kendall's gotten three scholarship offers. He's still deciding which one to take."

"Deadline has to be approaching pretty fast, doesn't it?" Logan prompted.

Kendall struggled to swallow his food. "Friday. I have to decide by Friday."

Logan glanced over at Carlos, who had grown uncharacteristically quiet in his focus on peeling off strings of cheese. He knew Carlos was listening closely, though.

"Which one are you leaning toward?" James asked. "I mean, USC has a great hockey program and they really want you."

"Yeah, they're pretty cool," Kendall shrugged. "I don't know, though. California's so far away." After a beat he added, "From Mom and Katie, I mean. I'd hate to leave them alone. They depend on me."

James lifted an eyebrow. "Your mom is the one pushing you to choose USC. I think she's fine with it. And you know Sylvia and Papi would make sure they're taken care of."

"I'll still be here," Carlos pointed out. "We won't let anything happen to them, Kendall."

Kendall nodded slowly, gaze on the orange he was holding but not breaking open. "Thanks."

Carlos bit his lip. "So...USC, then?"

"That would be the smart choice," Kendall replied. "Still making up my mind." He suddenly looked up to stare at Carlos. "What do you think I should do?"

"Me? What do I know about universities? I don't even know if I'll graduate."

"But if you do, then what? We've never really talked about it, Carlos. What do you want to do with your life?"

Put on the spot as everyone looked at him, Carlos shrugged. "I try not to think too much about the future. When I do, I just get..."

Logan thought he knew how Carlos would finish that sentence if he could find the right words. Lonely. Sad. Scared. "Kendall, do you have an option that won't take you so far away?"

"Not with a scholarship," he answered. "And we really can't afford university without one."

"What about financial aid?"

"Mom says it makes more sense to use a scholarship because I won't have to pay that back."

"True," Logan nodded, "but what would make you happier in the long run? I mean, let's say you qualified for financial aid at a local university. You take the same path here that you would in California, end up getting scouted by a pro team, and eventually sign with one. Then you'll have enough money to pay back the loan, right?"

"What would be the point of that?" James wondered. "Why not just take free money when it's offered?"

Was James being dense on purpose? Logan stepped on his foot and tilted his head toward Carlos, who was beginning to look hopeful at the notion that Kendall didn't have to move across the country. "Because moving far away might not be the best option. Not if it makes Kendall miserable." Or Carlos, he mouthed at James. Light dawned as James began to understand.

"Is that an option?" Carlos asked Kendall. "I know how great that USC team is, we've looked into it."

Kendall studied Carlos. "Honestly...I don't know. I don't really understand how all that financial aid stuff works. But if it is...I don't want to let Mom down. She's really excited at the prospect of me getting into a great university."

"Right." Carlos deflated and reached for his yogurt.

"Then again," Kendall began, "do I really want to spend four years of my life in a place where I don't know anyone and will miss my friends so much? My family?"

Carlos stated, "You'll make new friends. All your hockey dudes. And I'm sure the girls will be all over you. You won't have time to miss us."

Kendall's head tilted to the right. "Is that really what you think, Carlos? That I wouldn't miss you? That anyone I could possibly meet in the future would be more fun than you?"

James' hand suddenly gripped Logan's knee. They hadn't discussed any of this between themselves, but James was aware that Logan knew of Kendall's feelings. He sensed what Logan did, that Kendall and Carlos were on the verge of crossing that line.

Carlos rolled his eyes. "Come on, dude. You think they wouldn't be? These are guys destined for greatness like you! There's no way I could compare to that."

"Are you kidding me? Carlos, you're fantastic at the net. You could easily get a spot on a team if you just tried. You should come with me! Wherever I decide to go, we could go together and play for the same team."

Carlos scoffed. "Dude, there's no way I'd get into a university. I might not even graduate! Even if I did, it's too late to apply."

"You'll graduate," Logan promised. "I'll make sure."

"See?" Kendall argued. "Who says it has to be a university? Maybe we could just like...find a community college. Start out there, keep our grades up, and then together we'll apply to university in a year or something. I want to play hockey and I want to do it with you. It's not gonna be any fun without you, man. Do this with me."

Carlos licked his lips, breath shallow. "You're serious? You'd give up all that to stay here with me? You might be ruining your life, Kendall, there's no guarantee I can make it and then you've wasted a year and passed up these awesome opportunities for nothing and—"

"Yes."

Carlos was stunned for a few seconds, then "Yes, what?"

"Yes, I'd give up all that to stay here with you."

James squeezed Logan's knee. Logan grinned while laying his hand over James'.

"Why?" It was so obvious to anyone who knew them, but Carlos still couldn't comprehend Kendall's reasoning. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I don't want to leave you. Because..."

James and Logan held their breaths.

"...life without you just wouldn't be..."

Say it, Kendall, Logan silently urged. Just say it.

"...the same. That's why."

It was close, but not enough that Carlos would get the point. Kendall needed to just spit it out.

"You're dumb," was what Carlos finally said. "You could have it all, but you'd walk away from it for me."

"Every time," Kendall stated. "You're what matters most to me."

Carlos was speechless. His mouth moved without sound. James leaned over to whisper to Logan, "Will they just kiss already?" Logan elbowed James gently, not wanting to break the moment.

Realizing he'd probably pushed it too far, Kendall looked down at the table. Logan knew what was coming the second before it did. "I gotta go," Kendall suddenly blurted. Lunch forgotten, he grabbed his backpack and dashed away from them.

"Kendall, wait," James called out. He shoved his chair back. Logan considered stopping him to give Kendall time to recover, but thought James might be the perfect person for Kendall to talk to right now. He let James follow.

"You okay?" Logan asked once they were alone.

Carlos started as if surprised Logan was still there. "What? Yeah, just...you agree with me, right? Kendall would be an idiot to give all that up for me?"

"Not if he cares more about you than his hockey career."

"He doesn't. Kendall's smarter than that."

"You know, Carlos, I've learned a few things since moving here. One is that brains have no power over feelings. Your head tells you one thing, the right thing, and then your heart completely ignores it and takes whatever it wants. Common sense and love don't exist at the same time."

"Except Kendall's not in love with me. That's not what he meant."

Logan wanted to bash his head into the table. "Carlos, how many more ways can he say it? He flat-out just told you that nothing matters more than you. What else could he mean by that?" He could see that Carlos wanted to believe it—he just didn't dare. "He ran off because he was embarrassed. He basically admitted he's in love with you and thinks you don't feel the same way. Will you just tell him already?"

Carlos licked his lips while debating it. "You really think so, Logan? You're not just like...telling me what I want to hear?"

"I've been telling you this for a week. I see it, James sees it, you just need to—"

"Wait, what? James sees it? Did he actually say that?"

"Yes! He didn't know that you had feelings for Kendall, but he knows Kendall does for you. And I know you do for Kendall, so...what's it going to take, Carlos? When will you believe that what we see is real? He offered to give up his future just to stay here with you!"

"Oh my god," Carlos whispered. It was finally sinking in and he couldn't sit still. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, took a long swig of water, and stood up. "Where is he?"

Like Logan knew? He placed a call to James, who answered long enough to give up that information. Logan hung up and said, "Bathroom down the hall."

"Don't eat my cookie."

With that parting comment, Carlos jogged away through the stacks of books. Logan let out a deep breath, hoping Carlos wouldn't start doubting himself and chicken out. Either way, he'd made progress and could reassure Sylvia that Carlos wouldn't be left alone after graduation.

Kendall would see to that.