A/N—Not much at all to say about this chapter, but I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for reading. :)

Four days later, Kendall rode in the passenger seat of Logan's car with tacos on the brain. Ever since Logan had told him he was being treated to dinner at his now-favorite Mexican restaurant, he'd been craving them. Two days of waiting was finally about to pay off. He looked over at Logan with a grin. "I still can't believe you're willing to drive this far on a weeknight. Usually you don't like to stay out late because you have work the next morning."

"Well, those tacos are worth it, right? Though I'm thinking I might try the fajitas this time. And it's not like we're going to be out all night. It's just dinner."

"Yes, with a thirty-minute drive each way. I'm not complaining, I'm just surprised."

Logan shrugged. "I'm not always predictable."

"Yeah, you kind of are," Kendall snorted. He patted Logan's free hand. "But that's okay. It's nice to know I can count on some things in life."

"That's pretty much my motto," Logan joked. "I like things I can count on." He turned the car into the lot and hummed as he pointed it toward the restaurant.

"You know, you're in a really good mood tonight."

"I am?"

"Yes. You're humming. When do you ever hum?"

"I actually hum a lot when I'm working."

Kendall rolled his eyes. "Because that's when you're happiest. We really need to get you a boyfriend, Logan."

"Hey, how many times do I have to tell you that my work is enough? Let's get you a boyfriend first, okay?"

"Oh my god, please back off about that. I told you, I'll know it when I see the right guy. You can't rush romance."

"Nobody's trying to rush anything, Kendall." Logan parked the car and turned to him. "But you can't even take something slow if it doesn't exist."

"I'm done with this conversation." Kendall hopped out of the car and shut the door, not waiting for Logan as he marched toward the entrance.

"Kendall, come on!" Logan jogged to catch up. "Fine, let's change the subject."

"Thank you." Searching for a completely different topic to discuss, Kendall asked, "How did it go with your experiment at work? Did you try my idea yet?"

"Uh...I'm going to very soon, actually. I figured out how to change the treatment subject. Now I just have to see if it works."

"That's good." Kendall opened the door for Logan. "Let me know how it goes."

"Oh, I will." Logan smiled back at him before stepping through the next set of doors and into the main room. "Mmm, just the scent alone makes me hungry."

"Right? I'm really starting to love this place. Even with the memories of Taylor's never-ending puns."

"I hoped it would work with him, but I have to admit that would get to be a bit much after a while."

"Yeah, it was great for five minutes. Wow, they're busy tonight. We might have to wait."

"That's fine." Logan stepped forward when hailed by the host and put in his name for a party of two. Then he said something quietly to the man, who looked back over his left shoulder and nodded.

"What did you just say to him?" Kendall asked once Logan had returned to his side.

"What? I gave him my name. He said it'll be just a few minutes. That's not bad."

"You said something else."

"Oh. I requested that we be seated on the right side of the room. You know how particular I am about that sort of thing."

Another roll of Kendall's eyes was necessary. "You really are. It's funny how you're so logical and anti-superstition, yet you insist on always choosing the right side of anything when given a choice."

"That's because right is right and left is wrong."

Kendall burst into laughter. "When did you learn that? Kindergarten?"

"Please, I was in pre-school at two years old. Right's always been right as far as I'm concerned."

"Oh my god, you're so ridiculous. Just for that, I'm going to start choosing left when we're together."

Logan gasped. "You wouldn't dare!"

Kendall noted the host waving them over. He bumped Logan's hip to get him moving. "Come on, our table's ready."

Logan made sure to take the side of the booth facing the kitchen so that he could see Carlos' actions as much as possible. Carlos wasn't in sight at the moment, but he'd texted earlier that he was here. Should Logan alert him that they'd arrived? He pulled out his phone to do that.

"Logan, put that phone away and pick up a menu. You're here to eat. I won't let you work."

"Fine." Logan exhaled and shoved it back into his pocket. "I don't need a menu, though. I know exactly what I'm getting." He did another pass of the room with his gaze. Still no Carlos.

"I've been craving those tacos for days, but now you've got me wondering about the fajitas. Dude, relax. I'm sure the server will be here soon. Are you just really hungry?"

"Thirsty," Logan fibbed. "I'm dying for a drink."

"Want me to go order something at the bar for you?"

"No, you just sit right here and figure out what you're eating." Logan breathed easier when he spied Carlos coming out of the kitchen laden down with a tray of drinks. He probably should've brought Kendall on a night that wasn't so busy; what if Carlos didn't have enough time to get something going with Kendall?

"Oh, that's why it's so crowded in here," Kendall commented, eyes on his menu. "Tuesday Taco Night. Which means cheap tacos."

"Don't worry about the price, Kendall, I'm buying. Order whatever you want."

"Are you getting fajitas for sure? Because I could just try some of yours, right?"

Logan nodded, trying not to stare down Carlos as he moved around the room. "Why don't you get the tacos and I'll get the fajitas, and we'll split it?"

"Oh, that's a great idea! You don't mind?"

"Not at all."

"Cool. Now we just have to decide what kind of fajitas we want."

Kendall was so engrossed in that dilemma that he didn't even look up when Carlos stopped at the table. Logan could see that he'd taken extra care with his appearance tonight. "Good evening. I'm Carlos and I'll be taking care of you guys. Can I start you off with a drink or appetizer?"

"Oh, appetizer!" Kendall exclaimed. "I didn't even think about that. Logan, should we get an appetizer?"

Logan exchanged a disbelieving look with Carlos. Was Kendall really not even going to acknowledge him? "I think we'd be too full with that and our dinners. Kendall, what do you want to drink?"

"My usual. You're probably right, we should just stick with the meals. But...chicken or beef?"

Logan wanted to kick Kendall. Instead he smiled at Carlos and said, "Sorry Carlos, we didn't mean to ignore you. My friend Kendall will have the chicken tacos. Kendall, did you want both beans and rice?"

Kendall finally set down the menu and looked up with a smile. "Yeah." He added on a beer before deferring to Logan, who gave his own order and requested extra plates so they could share.

Carlos looked like he was about to say more, but was interrupted by a yell for him from the kitchen area. He sighed and said, "I'll be right back with your drinks."

"Thank you." Well, that had been a bust thanks to Kendall barely even paying attention to Carlos. They'd have to try again on Carlos' next trip over.

"Hey. Logan."

Logan returned his gaze to Kendall. "Hmm?"

"The waiter."

Or maybe they were already getting somewhere. "What about him?"

"He's cute. Did you notice?"

Logan wanted to scream in victory. "I...didn't, actually. I think he said his name is Carlos."

Kendall tried that out on his tongue. "Carlos."

"Are you...thinking maybe...?"

"Logan, don't pressure me. I told you to back off."

"Okay, fine! You're the one who said he's cute."

"Doesn't mean I want to get hitched and adopt babies with him."

"Okay, Kendall, relax! I'm sorry. I'll just...sit here and not say a word about him."

"Thank you."

Carlos set their drinks down a few minutes later. He smiled at Kendall and asked, "You doing okay? Anything else I can get you?"

Kendall actually seemed flustered. "Um...no, I think we're good. Thanks."

"Wait, I forgot the chips and salsa! That comes free with dinner. I'll be right back!"

Logan smirked into his glass, pretty sure that Carlos had done that on purpose for an excuse to visit again. He was ready for it when Kendall hissed his name.

"Logan!"

"Yes?"

"Is it just me, or does Carlos seem familiar?"

"Oh, am I allowed to talk about him now?"

"Logan, I swear to God—"

"Yes, he does," Logan grinned. "And I just figured out where we've seen him before."

"You did?"

"Remember last time we were here? We sat at the bar first and had drinks?"

Kendall's eyes narrowed as he cast back in his mind. "The night I got you to try this place?"

"Right. There was a guy checking you out, but he was here with a date. I think that's the same guy." Kendall didn't say anything right away, and Logan became concerned. Had that memory disappeared, too? "You do remember that, right?"

"Yeah. I'm just trying to—"

Carlos magically appeared. "Here we go, chips and salsa. I made sure they're fresh for you guys." Carlos winked at Kendall, who blushed. "If you need anything else, just get my attention. I'm Carlos."

Logan took great joy in watching Kendall struggle to speak. Eventually he came to the rescue. "Thank you, Carlos, we will."

Carlos offered Kendall one last smile before moving away. Logan dipped a chip in the salsa and devoured it. "So."

"Okay, that's definitely the same guy."

"Yeah, it has to be."

"But...didn't he have a boyfriend?"

"Just because he was on a date doesn't mean that was a serious boyfriend. And maybe they're not together anymore."

"How do I even find that out, Logan? I can't just say 'Hey, you're cute and I'd like to take you out, but are you single?'"

"Don't ask if he's single. Just see if he'd be interested in going out sometime. If he's taken, he'll let you know."

"True, I guess."

"And eat some of these chips before I finish the basket and have no room for dinner."

Kendall chewed while thinking over Logan's suggestion. "I just...I don't know."

"About?"

"Carlos. I can't just ask him out. That's...I mean, he's just here doing his job and I'm sure he already gets hit on all the time. It seems sleazy."

"Kendall, with the way he's flirting with you, I don't think he'd find it sleazy."

And there was the blush, right on cue. "You think he's flirting with me?"

"Yes. He's already winked at you. Do you think he does that to every customer?"

"I don't know. How do we know he wasn't winking at you?"

"Because I know. I saw it. Trust me, he was checking you out that night and he's still interested in you. Take a chance. See where it goes."

Kendall bit his lip, torn. "I don't know. Maybe I'm not ready to date yet."

"Kendall, your last date was over six months ago. If you aren't ready now, you won't ever be."

"And is that so bad? So what if I don't find anyone?"

Logan sipped at his tea to buy time so he didn't explode. By the time he set his glass down, he was calm again. "Look. I know it's scary to put yourself out there. But you are lonely. You can't deny that."

Kendall crossed his arms over his chest and looked away, sulking.

"Here's a guy that you are attracted to, and he's obviously attracted to you, as well. What can one date hurt?"

"He could say no."

"Not if you never ask."

"Exactly. So I just won't ask."

"Kendall, come on. What are you afraid of?"

Kendall shook his head in annoyance. "I'm not afraid."

"Then what is it?"

"I don't know. I'm just not...I've never been good at making the first move."

Logan had to stifle a laugh; Kendall never had that problem with James. "I'm telling you right now that there's a good chance Carlos is going to be receptive to you. I can tell, he really likes you."

"He doesn't even know me, Logan."

"Then give him a chance to. I bet you two will hit it off great."

"Ugh, I don't know. I mean, look at me. I didn't even change after work. I'm a mess."

"You look fine." Logan knew exactly how to get Kendall past this bump in the road. "Why not go into the bathroom and fix your hair?"

"What's wrong with my hair?"

"Just a little...wild. Tame it a bit. Pump yourself up. You can do this."

"I don't know."

"Go. I'll save you some chips." When Kendall hesitated, Logan said it again. "Go."

Kendall gave him a look like he'd gladly see Logan's head chopped off. "You're really annoying tonight." But he stood up. "I'll be back."

"Take your time." Logan smiled sweetly at Kendall, who glared even harder before turning toward the restrooms. Why was he always so stubborn?

The second Kendall had disappeared around a corner, Logan searched for Carlos. He flagged him down and waved him over hurriedly.

"Where did he go?" Carlos asked, kneeling down next to the table. "Did he leave?"

"No, he went to the bathroom. Look, he's not going to do this. He wants to, he remembers you and still thinks you're cute."

"He does?!" Carlos' face lit up.

"Yes, but he's nervous about the actual asking. That's where he has a problem. You're going to need to be the one to ask him out."

"Hell, I can do that. You're sure he likes me?"

"Well, he likes the look of you. Enough to be curious about the rest."

"Okay. Cool. When do I do it?"

"I'll let you decide that. Maybe after dinner?"

"Oh, I gotta go get your meals. They should be ready."

"Wait until he comes back to bring them over. And keep up the flirting."

"Is it working? I was afraid I was being too aggressive. He keeps blushing! Which is so adorable."

Logan smiled. "Just keep doing what you're doing. It's definitely working."

"Awesome!"

"He's coming! Go!"

Carlos scampered away in the opposite direction so as not to run into Kendall. "So?" Kendall tried once he was back in the booth. "Better?"

Logan studied Kendall and nodded. "Yeah. You look good."

"Thanks, but it isn't you I'm trying to impress. Has Carlos been by again?"

"He just stopped by to tell me our meals are almost up."

"Okay. Logan, I'm still not sure about this."

"Don't worry about it. Let's just enjoy our dinner and you can use the time to get your courage up."

"I'm not scared, I told you."

"Okay, fine. You can use the time to figure out a plan. Is that better?"

Kendall didn't answer. He was still miffed.

"Hey guys, got your tacos and fajitas right here!" Carlos was very careful when setting down the plate and the skillet of fajitas; Logan wondered if he was naturally accident-prone. "I'll be right back with the extra plates."

Logan kicked Kendall under the table.

"Uh, thanks." Kendall tried a shy smile. Carlos looked like he was about to melt as they gazed at each other.

Logan covered up a snicker. "Kendall, pass me the tortillas."

"Oh. Right." He finally looked away from Carlos, slightly dazed.

This was going to be just fine.

Logan escaped to the restroom once he'd finished eating his fill (and then some). He whipped out his phone, about to text Carlos when the man himself rushed into the small room. "Hey!"

"Hey! Should I ask him now?"

"Yes, I was just about to text you. I'm going to take my time in here so that you have a moment alone with him. Don't waste it."

"Okay. Cool. Yeah." Carlos cleared his throat, visible nerves taking hold. "Do I look okay?"

"Carlos, you look great." He really did. "Kendall definitely wants to get to know you better. He's just nervous."

"So am I. You're sure he'll say yes?"

"99.99%." Why was there always that 0.01% of doubt? It drove Logan insane.

Carlos looked at himself in the mirror. "I'm ready."

"Do it. Go get him, Carlos."

"Wish me luck, man."

"You don't need it."

Carlos suddenly threw himself at Logan, arms wrapping around tightly in a hug. "Thank you, Logan. Thank you for this. I never thought I'd be able to get a guy like that."

Mentally off-balance, Logan struggled with his reply. He awkwardly patted Carlos' back, unused to physical affection from anyone other than Kendall and James. "Uh...sure. Glad I could help."

Carlos leaned away with a frown. "You're not used to hugs, are you?"

"What?" Was it that obvious?

"Seriously, you're like a stick of wood. We'll have to work on that. Once Kendall and I start dating, we'll probably see each other more and I'll practice with you. Because you really suck at hugging."

"Well excuse me, there was no warning for that! You just ambushed me with it."

"Oh yeah? I bet if I hug you again, with a warning, you'd still be stiff."

"Carlos, will you just get out there and ask Kendall on a date? You're wasting time."

"Yep," Carlos smirked. "You're afraid of hugs."

"I am not!"

"We'll see about that."

Just before stepping out of the bathroom, Carlos spun back to attack Logan with another hug. He was just as unprepared as the first time and shoved Carlos away. "Will you cut that out?"

Carlos grinned. "Totally afraid. But that's cool, we'll work on it."

"Get out of here!"

Carlos winked at him, then rushed out of the room. Logan went into a stall to compose himself, annoyed that he was actually trembling from the bodily contact. It was just a hug, for God's sake. It shouldn't scare him that much.

I'm not afraid. I just wasn't ready.

Logan told himself that until he believed it. Hugs were nothing to be afraid of.

Where was Logan? Carlos would be along any second to collect their empty dishes and leave the check, and Kendall didn't know what to say to the guy. Yes, he wanted to ask Carlos out, but there was no way he could bring himself to. Logan had probably imagined the flirting in the first place.

And now Carlos was approaching with an easy smile. Kendall was just another customer to him, nothing special. Logan was insane.

"Hey. All done here?"

"Yes. Thanks."

"I got your check ready." Carlos pulled a small folder out of his apron pocket. "Um...is it you that's paying?"

"Uh...no. Tonight is Logan's treat."

"Oh. Well, this is awkward then."

"How?" Kendall frowned.

"Because I wrote my number on it, hoping you would be the one to get it."

Kendall's mouth fell open.

"Is that too much? I never do that, I just...there's something about you. I'd really like to see you again."

So Logan wasn't crazy. It was happening. Kendall tried to control his racing heart. "You um...you don't even know me."

"I'd like to. It could be something simple, like...maybe you could come hang out here after I get off work one night? Totally public, no pressure, just two guys sitting next to each other at the bar and talking. In a place that's familiar to both of us."

Kendall swallowed hard. That did sound nice. "Are you seeing someone?"

"Nope. Are you?"

"No. Not at all."

"Cool. Are you busy Friday night? I get off at ten. Bar's open until midnight."

"Um...Friday? Yeah, I can be here. Ten is good?"

"Ten is perfect."

Carlos smiled again, and Kendall's insides melted. He really wanted to kiss Carlos, a realization that surprised him. "Okay. I'll be here."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. For sure."

"My number's on the check. If anything changes, just let me know. It was Kendall, right?"

"Yes. Kendall. Hi."

"Hi." The smile widened. "I'm Carlos, but you knew that."

"Yeah. Hi."

"Hi."

Another waiter called out to Carlos, breaking up their mindless exchange of "hi's." He turned away for a second. "I gotta get back to work. Friday?"

"Friday," Kendall nodded. "Unless...what time do you get off tonight?"

"Tonight's my long shift," Carlos answered apologetically. "Taco night stays busy until closing. So I'm here until after midnight."

"Oh. If I didn't have to work in the morning..."

"Yeah, that sucks. But Friday's only a few days away."

"You're right. I can wait." Offering Carlos a flirty smile, Kendall added, "Maybe."

Carlos bit his bottom lip on a groan. "That smile will be the death of me."

"Should I stop?"

"Hell no. See you Friday night, hottie."

Kendall grinned wider. "It's a date."