A/N—Reminder that I don't own these characters and that all credit goes to the creators of "Big Time Rush."

One more chapter before I go back to work. Hope you enjoy! And if I haven't said it enough, thank you to those reading. Real life can really suck sometimes, and it's so nice to have this to escape to when we need it. :)

As usual, it was Susan who joined Logan first at the lunch table. He knew James would be there in a matter of minutes, Mary hopefully not at all, and wondered if Kendall had made other friends in the athletics department since Friday that would keep him away.

With a guy like Kendall, Logan wouldn't be surprised.

"Hey," came from above, an almost-nervous sound.

Logan looked up with his heart in his throat, a bright grin greeting Kendall, but Susan spoke before he could.

"Hi, you're the new P.E. guy, right?"

"I am. Kendall."

"Susan. I work in math. This is—"

"We've met," Logan jumped in, gesturing toward the empty chair next to him. James usually sat there, but James would just have to get over it. He'd promised again just that morning to be nice if Kendall showed up for lunch. "How's it been?"

"Good, actually." Kendall set his brown paper lunch sack on the table before sinking down.

"The kids treating you well?"

"Most of them, yeah. I wasn't sure if they'd respect me, being so young, but the team seemed receptive to me Friday afternoon. Today will be the real test, since we're getting in some actual practice."

"I'm sure it'll be great," Logan smiled, meaning it. Kendall just had that way about him that won people over. He wondered if it would be the same with James, should James actually give Kendall a chance.

"Oh! Mary!" Susan jumped up upon spying her buddy heading toward a different table; she grabbed her tray and turned to Kendall. "It was nice meeting you! Let me know if you need anything."

"I will, thanks." Kendall waited until she'd moved away to say, "She seems nice."

"Yeah, she's not so bad. Watch out for Mary, though, she's a major gossip."

"Good to know." Kendall bit into a sandwich, then said, "I need advice on something you've probably dealt with."

"Shoot."

"How do I make the girls stop throwing themselves at me?"

Logan laughed so hard he choked on his lasagna. "I'm not at all surprised you have that problem."

"I think it's my youth."

"I think it's that you're hot."

A small grin formed on Kendall's face, his cheeks flushed when he replied. "If that's the case, you definitely have the same problem."

A shocked look was Logan's reaction. "You think I'm hot?"

"Well...if that makes you uncomfortable, I can retract it."

"It's...I...nobody's ever said that before."

"Then they're either blind or too shy to say it out loud. Are you telling me the girls don't try to get extra study time with you?"

"They do," Logan admitted sheepishly. "James teases me about it all the time. Actually, he's probably the best one to ask for advice. He constantly has students coming on to him."

"Of course he does. Being on T.V. will do that."

"True," Logan nodded. He spotted James frozen just inside the lounge door and inclined his head in a "come over here" gesture. James still hesitated. Logan held up a second container of lasagna with a raised brow and smirked when he saw James mutter under his breath.

Kendall followed his gaze. "Is it okay that I'm here?"

"Of course. I was just letting him know I brought leftovers for lunch."

James approached stiffly, standing behind Kendall's chair. "Is that lasagna?"

"You know it is." He set down the container in front of the chair Susan had vacated, forcing James to take the seat on his right. "I already warmed it up. And here, there was one more brownie left so I brought it for you."

"Thanks," James uttered grudgingly.

"This is Kendall, but you knew that. Kendall, this is the friend I was telling you about that's a huge hockey fan."

Kendall glanced around Logan and nodded. "Hey. James, right?"

"Yep."

"Kendall was asking how to deal with all the girls trying to get into his pants. What's your secret, James?"

"All the...what?"

Logan tried again, praying James would be civil. The way he was spearing pasta onto a fork gave him little hope. "He's having the same problem you do, that his students flirt with him. How do you discourage them?"

"Well, I guess it depends on how you want it to go. If you actually want them to get into your pants, then—"

"I don't!" Kendall assured them hurriedly. "That's the last thing I want."

"Then just tell them to knock it off."

Logan frowned. "Is that how you handle it?"

"Of course. Don't you?"

"I just keep it professional. Get their minds back on task."

James rolled his eyes while reaching for the can of soda Logan had set out for him. "That's not a clear enough message. You have to actually tell them it's never going to happen or they're just gonna keep trying and trying."

"Come on, you're—"

"How long does it usually take before they give up on you, Logan?"

"I..." Not wanting to admit that James might be right, Logan sighed. "At least they're getting some extra help on their math in the meantime."

Again, James rolled his eyes. "You can't play games with them. Just tell them flat-out that you're flattered but it's not going anywhere. Use the rule about not dating students if you have to. That's helped me a lot."

Logan asked, "Are you at least nice about it when you shoot them down?"

"Always. Unless they don't get the message and you have to keep telling them. Then I get a little more harsh about it."

Kendall had been quiet during the discussion, but when Logan looked over at him he seemed to be considering their words. "What do you think?" Logan wanted to know.

"Honestly? I think James has the right idea. Yeah, it hurts, but if you don't shut it down right away, you're giving them false hope."

"Thank you." James nodded as if the point had been made. "No wonder those girls keep showing up early for class, Logan. You have to be firm."

"Firm isn't really my thing." When the sentence was met with a smirk from both sides, Logan shook his head. "You're both immature."

"Hey, I didn't say anything!" Kendall argued.

"You didn't have to. A year around James has taught me to watch what I say."

"Really? This from the guy who turned nuts into a come-on?" Kendall teased. Logan blushed hard, hiding his face in both hands. Kendall laughed and squeezed his shoulder. "I wasn't saying I minded it."

That got Logan looking over. He lowered his hands to ask, "Really?"

Kendall nodded, hoping that Logan would read the message in his eyes because he wasn't good at talking about feelings.

"Logan!"

All three heads swung toward Susan.

"We need to go now or we're gonna be late."

"Oh, crap. It's Monday. I totally forgot about our department meeting." Logan stood up in a hurry. "James, can you...?"

"I got it. Go ahead."

"Thanks. See you after school."

"I'll be there."

"Kendall, it was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow?"

"Sure."

Though the staff room was teeming with talk, the silence that settled over Kendall and James felt deafening.

"So...Logan says you're into hockey. Ever played?"

"No. No, I wasn't...there was something...I need to go."

Just like that James was gathering the remains of his and Logan's lunches, in an obvious hurry to get away. Kendall sighed, wondering if the guy was always like this or if it was just him.

Probably just him.

"See you tomorrow?" Kendall tried.

James spared him one last look, his eyes a storm, and rushed out.

Logan glanced toward the television, the loud barrage of gunfire distracting while he attempted to grade math tests. He was used to it, but James tended to be such a good shot that only a few were needed; this sounded like WWIII going off.

As Logan continued to watch, he noted that James was missing most of the shots and frowned. He'd sensed that something was on James' mind from the moment he'd arrived at Logan's place, and assumed it had to do with Kendall. When Logan had asked how it went after he left for his meeting, all James said was, "I didn't stay long." He refused to talk about it past that. Now Logan wondered if there was more to James' uncharacteristic quietness.

"How long have you been on that level?" Logan asked, eyes back on his paperwork.

"I don't know."

"I'm just asking because you usually pass this one with your eyes closed. You make fun of me because I struggle with it."

"So?"

"So...you're struggling."

"What, so I can't have a bad day?" James snapped.

"Of course you can. I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Logan knew that dangerous tone; something was definitely bothering James. "Can we talk about it?"

"There's nothing to talk about."

After setting his pile of tests aside, Logan sighed and turned to face James, who was still attempting (not very successfully) to blow away the enemies. "Please talk to me. You know you always feel better once you do."

"Not this time," James bit out.

Okay, that hurt. Logan liked being the one James came to when he was upset or angry. It made him feel needed and appreciated. "Well...you know where to find me if that changes." And why was he about to cry over this? So James didn't want to talk, so what? He probably would once he cooled down.

Logan gathered the tests again and set them on his lap, trying to regain his focus. One minute more of nothing but gunfire was suddenly interrupted when the controller was thrown to the table and James shot up from the couch and yelled, "What the fuck, Logan?"

Finally. Whatever was wrong, they'd talk it out and go back to being okay. After tossing the papers lightly onto the table, Logan sat back and looked up. "What are you angry about?"

"I just..." James shook his head, turning away, and Logan realized it wasn't anger at all. Well, okay, maybe some anger, but James was at a loss. James was...hurting?

Logan stood up and went to him, moving in behind to settle a hand on James' shoulder. "Please talk to me," he said softly. "Is it Kendall?"

Silence. It was definitely Kendall.

"Did you fight with him after I left?"

"No." Sullen, pouty. That was a good sign; Logan could deal with sullen and pouty.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, I told you. I left."

"Right away?"

"He tried to talk to me about hockey."

"Ah." Bad move on Kendall's part, but how would he have known that? "And you got mad at him again for ruining it all?"

"No, I just...left."

"Okay?"

James suddenly spun around, Logan's hand dropping away with the movement. "Is he gay?"

Well, that wasn't where Logan had expected James' head to be. "What?"

"You were fucking flirting with him. And it sounds like you were on Friday, too."

"Oh." Logan had completely forgotten about today's conversation about that, except the part where Kendall said he didn't mind the "coming on." That had been swirling around in his brain since lunch. "Well...yeah. I was. And it's not really my place to talk about his interests, but since he admitted it in front you, then I'll tell you that he's curious. He wants to try guys."

James nodded slowly, this obviously confirmation of whatever had been bothering him.

"He's not a bad guy, James. I wish you'd just talk to him and give him a chance."

"So you're gonna date him or what?"

"I..." Logan shrugged. "We really haven't had time to talk about anything like that."

"Do you want to?"

Knowing James would hate the idea of his best friend dating someone who made him angry on sight, Logan sighed. This wasn't going to be easy. "I wouldn't...say no. If he asked."

There was that nodding again, as if James had been expecting the answer. "Great. So you're gonna date my worst enemy."

"He's not your enemy, James! He did nothing to you personally!"

"Still, you know how I feel about him!"

"I'm sorry, but you need to get over that. What he did was the right thing to do."

James didn't argue the point. Instead he stared at Logan for a long time in silence before asking, "Do you like him?"

"I mean..." Why did Logan feeling like crying again? What the hell was wrong with him, he never cried. "Yeah. I don't know him very well yet, but what I do know...yeah. He um. Makes me feel good about myself."

And why was James on the verge of tears also? Logan saw them gathering before James looked away, arms defensively across his chest. "Okay."

"Okay?"

They were suddenly both crying and trying hard to fight it. James conquered it first, regaining control to say, "If he makes you happy. Just...make sure he knows that if he hurts you, I'll kill him."

Logan threw himself into James' arms, James hugging him tight and letting Logan cry. He had no idea why Logan was crying, but assumed it was because they'd never really fought before. He knew that Logan was a master of keeping his feelings inside; every once in awhile, though, they slipped out like this, and James was grateful to be the one Logan felt like he could be vulnerable with.

For now, anyway. One day there would be someone else. Possibly Kendall. The thought made James want to cry all over again.

"Rusherone has requested a private chat. ACCEPT or DECLINE?"

James quickly clicked on "ACCEPT" with a sigh of relief. He'd been sitting in front of his laptop for twenty minutes praying Rush would show up, because he was going crazy inside his own head and needed the distraction.

Rusherone: Hey, hot stuff.

Kingofdiamonds: Hot stuff?

Rusherone: I know, it's lame. I'm trying to be more flirty and thought I'd start with that. This is why I need your help.

Kingofdiamonds: Well, I have to admit I've never been called hot stuff before. It does make me feel good about myself.

Rusherone: Good! But does it make you want to like...flirt back?

Kingofdiamonds: You're adorable. Ditch the hot stuff, we'll come up with something better. You're on the right track, though.

Rusherone: Awesome. How was your weekend?

James didn't want to think about his weekend. It had been perfect, actually. He'd gone along with Logan to the party, where they'd pigged out on fattening foods and he got away with standing way too close to his friend for hours because Mrs. Mitchell encouraged it. There had even been times when Logan allowed an arm around his waist, and James was in heaven. After the party they'd returned to Logan's apartment and fallen asleep together on the sofa while watching a dumb movie. Sunday was always his favorite day of the week, and this one had been no different. They'd spent the morning out walking, then showered before finding a new spot to try for lunch. The food hadn't been fantastic, but it wasn't about the food for James, anyway (well, it mostly wasn't).

What mattered was spending the time with Logan and nobody else. They always cooked dinner together on Sundays, no outside influence at all, and James loved that he could be himself—except, of course, for that one glaring omission he kept inside and fought whenever Logan's face looked just right in the glow of a lamp. In those moments it was difficult, but James knew better than to show any signs of attraction. Their friendship was what kept him going and he needed it in his life.

All of that was shattered on Monday, though. Out of the blue, Logan—LOGAN!—was flirting with someone. Logan never flirted. Logan didn't even like to make new friends.

He made you, his mind whispered. You were new, and he made you feel welcome. Now there's another new hot guy, and apparently it's his turn now. Maybe you weren't all that special on your own. You were just someone he felt sorry for.

Kingofdiamonds: My weekend was great. Today kind of sucked, but the weekend was fantastic. How about you?

Rusherone: Well, I met you, so that was a good thing. Work went well today, too. Want to talk about your bad day?

Why did this guy care? A total stranger wanted to hear him whine?

Kingofdiamonds: I don't want to bore you. But I was right about my buddy. He's been flirting with someone and I think they're gonna date. It fucking hurts. I know it shouldn't. He deserves to be happy. But I don't want to lose him. Not yet.

Rusherone: When do you want to lose him?

Kingofdiamonds: What kind of question is that?

Rusherone: I'm just asking, will there ever be a good time to lose him?

Kingofdiamonds: No. He's incredible.

Rusherone: So it isn't the fact that it's now. It's the fact that it's happening at all.

Kingofdiamonds: Are you psychoanalyzing me?

Rusherone: Maybe. If it bothers you, I'll stop. I'm sorry that you're hurting over this.

Kingofdiamonds: I just thought I had more time.

Rusherone: Are you SURE he wouldn't go for you if he knew the truth?

Kingofdiamonds: Positive. I'm so not what he needs.

Rusherone: Do you know the guy he's interested in?

Kingofdiamonds: Sort of. It's the hot guy I mentioned from work.

Rusherone: Is it jealousy? Are you upset because you want the hot guy for yourself?

Kingofdiamonds: No. I didn't even know he was into dudes. I'm actually really surprised about that.

Rusherone: And you're sure you don't want to tell your buddy? It wouldn't change anything between you?

Kingofdiamonds: It would, because he'd know right away I was in love with him. And that would change everything. He'd be careful around me, wouldn't sit so close or cuddle with me. He'd have the "I love you but not like THAT" talk and probably feel bad letting me down, then feel bad thinking he led me on. I don't want to put him through that.

Rusherone: Okay. I just feel like if you ever plan to tell him, this is the right time. Before he falls in love with someone else.

Kingofdiamonds: He needs this. He says he's not lonely but I think he's lying a little bit. I mean, I'm lonely even with a best friend like him.

Rusherone: Because you want more.

Kingofdiamonds: He deserves more. This guy that he's into, he's actually a good person. I know enough about him to know that. He'd take care of my buddy, which is what my buddy needs. I just always liked being that person, you know?

Rusherone: I know. I'm so sorry.

Kingofdiamonds: When he told me today, I kind of lost it and freaked out on him. But in the end I did the right thing and told him he should go for it. That's good, right? That's not a selfish thing to do?

Rusherone: No, it's not selfish at all. I'm proud of you.

Kingofdiamonds: You are?

Rusherone: Sure. It's not easy to push someone you want into someone else's arms. That's really mature.

Kingofdiamonds: Wow. I don't think anyone's ever called me that before.

Rusherone: Maybe you never earned it before. ;)

James laughed, the winky face doing for him what Rush's words had been attempting to. He felt a little better.

Kingofdiamonds: So that's my day. How are you doing on the hunt for romance?

Rusherone: Not bad. I think I found someone I want to ask out.

Kingofdiamonds: That's great! When are you gonna do it?

Rusherone: I don't know. The thought of it makes me want to throw up. How do you ask someone out?

Kingofdiamonds: You just do it, I guess. Do you have any hobbies in common?

Rusherone: I don't really know. That's the problem, I don't know enough about him.

Kingofdiamonds: Does he have any friends you can ask?

Rusherone: One, but that guy doesn't seem to like me much.

Kingofdiamonds: What a dick. Why doesn't he like you?

Rusherone: I'm honestly not even sure. He just hasn't from the moment we met.

Kingofdiamonds: Well, forget about him. He sounds like a loser. If you don't have a way to find out what your guy is into, you'll have to find out yourself. How do you know this guy?

Rusherone: Work.

Kingofdiamonds: Okay, cool. So can you like...have lunch with him or something?

Rusherone: Yeah, I already do. But his buddy's always there.

Kingofdiamonds: Damn. You need to get rid of this asswipe.

Rusherone: I can't just ask him to leave.

Kingofdiamonds: Is there anywhere else at work you can get him alone?

Rusherone: Not really. We don't work in the same area.

Kingofdiamonds: Then I guess you have to cut straight to the date. Ask him out and take him someplace you can just talk.

Rusherone: But that's my problem, I don't know what he likes.

Kingofdiamonds: You know what everybody likes? Coffee.

Rusherone: Coffee?

Kingofdiamonds: Sure! What if you say something like "Hey, I was heading out to this coffee place after work, want to join me?"

Rusherone: I can't after work. I get home late, remember?

Kingofdiamonds: Oh, right. And he doesn't?

Rusherone: I don't think so.

Kingofdiamonds: Can you leave work for lunch?

Rusherone: I'm sure I can.

Kingofdiamonds: So ask him to go somewhere else with you for lunch.

Rusherone: Hmm. Maybe. But the buddy. If the buddy's there, he probably won't want to leave the buddy out.

Kingofdiamonds: Is there a way you can go to his area and just pop in to ask? Like does he have an office or something?

Rusherone: He does. I bet I could stop in tomorrow morning before work.

Kingofdiamonds: There you go! Do it! If he says he doesn't want to leave his buddy, then try for dinner or something.

Rusherone: What if I'm reading him all wrong? What if he isn't interested in me and was just being nice?

Kingofdiamonds: You won't know until you ask.

Rusherone: Damn, that's logic I can't fight.

Kingofdiamonds: Wow, I said something logical. My buddy would be proud.

Rusherone: Haha thanks for the advice. I'm still scared to actually do it, but at least now I have an idea. What about you? Is there someone else you'd be interested in that we could get you on a date with?

Kingofdiamonds: Can't go on dates. In the closet, remember?

Rusherone: I think you'd be happier if you weren't.

Kingofdiamonds: Maybe, but I have my reasons. And please don't try to convince me to come out. This has to stay a secret for now.

Rusherone: You're not some politician, are you?

Kingofdiamonds: Me? Please. I can barely even spell the word.

Rusherone: Well, we need to find you someone to talk to so you can practice. That's what I'm helping you with, right? Talking to people?

Kingofdiamonds: I guess.

Rusherone: So who in your life would you like to talk to but don't know how?

Kingofdiamonds: Everyone?

Rusherone: Narrow it down to one for me. Wait, what about the hot dude your friend is into?

Kingofdiamonds: Oh, that's not a good idea.

Rusherone: Why not? If they start dating, you'll need to get along with him.

Kingofdiamonds: But he's hot! What if he figures out that I'm gay because I can't stop staring at him? I can't be alone with him, I freak out!

Rusherone: Practice. It's gonna take practice.

Kingofdiamonds: I don't even know what to say.

Rusherone: Where do you run into him?

Kingofdiamonds: At lunch.

Rusherone: And what do you normally do? Sit there and say nothing?

Kingofdiamonds: No, I talk, it just always comes out sounding like I'm an asshole.

Rusherone: Why not talk to him like you do your buddy?

Kingofdiamonds: I do. The difference is my buddy knows how I am and accepts me anyway.

Rusherone: Maybe this guy will, too.

Kingofdiamonds: Nope. He's...I don't even know how to describe him. He's not gonna put up with my attitude.

Rusherone: Then let's teach you how to talk without it. Pretend I'm him. What would you normally say when I show up?

Kingofdiamonds: Nothing.

Rusherone: That's your first mistake. How about hi?

Kingofdiamonds: I'm telling you, he makes me nervous.

Rusherone: You can't even say hi?

Kingofdiamonds: Fine. He shows up and I say hi. Then what?

Rusherone: I'm him, okay? And I say something like...hey, how it's going?

Kingofdiamonds: Fine.

Rusherone: And?

Kingofdiamonds: And what?

Rusherone: Then you ask how HE'S doing?

Kingofdiamonds: That's so much to deal with, though.

Rusherone: You do it with me.

Kingofdiamonds: But I like you. I actually care about how you're doing.

Rusherone: Pretend you like him. For your buddy's sake. Maybe you'll learn more about him and like him for real. I mean, if your buddy's into him, he can't be all bad, right?

Kingofdiamonds: No. The truth is, if I was out and wasn't already into my buddy, I'd want to date him. He's pretty much got it all.

Rusherone: Well, he's off limits. Just be nice, dude! It's not hard!

Kingofdiamonds: I don't know how.

Rusherone: I'm telling you how. Okay, here's your assignment for tomorrow. Are you writing this down?

Kingofdiamonds: Now you're a teacher? :P

Rusherone: Sure I am. :P Your assignment for tomorrow is to say hi to him.

Kingofdiamonds: That's it?

Rusherone: Yes. And if he asks how you are, answer him and then ask how he is. That's really all. If you can manage that, I'll be super proud of you.

James took a deep breath. It sounded so simple, and for someone like Rush, it probably was. For him, though...

Kingofdiamonds: Okay. I'll do it. But if I blow it, it's on your head.

Rusherone: And now I'm thinking about blowjobs.

A laugh broke free from James while at the same time something jerked in his pants.

Kingofdiamonds: And just like that, so am I. :P Who says you don't know how to flirt?

Rusherone: Was that flirting? Is it really that easy?

Kingofdiamonds: It really is. Try it some more.

Rusherone: No, I can't do it on command!

Kingofdiamonds: Just try. Say something naughty.

Rusherone: Oh my god, stop! I'm not capable of dirty talk.

Kingofdiamonds: We'll change that. ;) Same time tomorrow night?

Rusherone: For sure. I expect a full report on how his day was.

Kingofdiamonds: And I expect you to tell me your guy said yes to lunch.

Rusherone: Deal. I hope. Can I ask a question that might make you uncomfortable?

Kingofdiamonds: Maybe?

Rusherone: Are you hard right now?

James swallowed over the sudden lump in his throat. Not only was he hard, he was breathless.

Kingofdiamonds: I thought it was just me.

Rusherone: Wow. Okay, so...that's something new. A good sign, though, right? It means we're feeling things?

Kingofdiamonds: Totally. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go "feel things" in my bedroom.

Rusherone: Holy shit, that's hot. See you tomorrow?

Kingofdiamonds: I'll be here. Night, Rush.

Rusherone: Night, King. Have fun. ;)

Kingofdiamonds: Hey, you're flirting! I'm proud of you!

Rusherone: :P

"Rusherone has left the chat."

James sat back in the chair, his jeans suddenly too confining and his head full of visions of Knight taking care of himself.

"Fuck," he groaned. "I really have to stop picturing him."