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

Not much to say about this chapter, so...on with the show! Thank you if you're reading this! :)

"Coach, I think you got a visitor again."

Kendall spun around fast, barely missing a basketball flying his way. He'd assumed (hoped) it would be Logan, but instead Lucy Stone smirked back at him with her arms crossed over her chest as if judging him. In her leather jacket and heavy boots, she somehow managed to look even more out of place than Logan had.

"You guys play without me, I'll be right back."

"Take your time, Coach," Oscar winked. "She's fine as—"

"Don't finish that, please."

"You know it's true. Too bad she's not into dudes."

Kendall had taken two steps, but stopped at that comment. "So you guys know about that? She's out?"

"Everybody knows it," Quentin shrugged. "She admitted it to a few friends of mine, too."

"And you're cool with that?"

"Except for the fact that it means I can't go after her, sure," Oscar laughed. "Not that she'd ever go for a student anyway, but still."

Kendall nodded, wondering if they'd say the same thing about him when the time came. Hoping they would.

"You totally stick out in this place," Lucy commented when he approached.

"Me? I was thinking that about you."

"You're the only one wearing jeans. Why don't you wear shorts?"

"Did you forget I have a fake leg?"

"So what? It's no secret, nobody would care."

"You don't think it would freak them out? To actually see it?"

"One way to find out," she grinned. "Seriously, though, are you avoiding me?"

"Avoiding you? Of course not, why would I be?"

"'I'll talk to them at lunch and text you.' I didn't realize you meant lunch on a future day."

"Oh! No, I'm so sorry, I did ask and it was a no."

"Diamond?"

"Yeah. He really doesn't like you."

"He's afraid of me."

"Not sure he's wrong to be. You can be scary."

"Please, you love me. Mitchell would've been okay with it, though?"

"He agreed it's not a good idea, but I think mostly because of James' feelings. Hey, what did you say to him that pissed him off so much?"

Lucy shook her head. "I'd love to tell you, buuuuuut...I can't. Everything in there is confidential."

"Right. Well, whatever it was, he won't even tell Logan. So it must've been good."

"I told you, Kendall, I speak nothing but the truth in there. I bring reality into the situation."

It suddenly clicked. "Did you tell him he deserved to lose that contest thing?"

"What? No, we didn't even talk about that. I mean, except in the way that he was coming from that to this. I'm not heartless, I would never tell someone that to their face."

Self-loathing settled over Kendall. "Well, you can't come. I tried. I'm sorry."

"It's your loss. I'm not the one missing an opportunity to kiss my boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend, we're just...letting things ride."

"What does that even mean?"

"I told you, we're taking it slow. No real claim on each other, just...dating."

"How long is that going to last? Until you see him kiss someone else?"

"You know what? I have a class to run, so if you'd just—"

"Oh, Kendall, come on. You know you want more. You're not going to be satisfied with just...'letting things ride.' You need someone to claim you because you'd need to claim him. Admit it."

"You don't even know me. And I'm not about to screw this up with Logan. We'll take it at his pace. It's been one date!"

"Which is enough for you to know that you want more. But fine, keep fooling yourself that you're satisfied with grandma kisses."

Kendall's stomach dropped as a sick feeling settled. "Oh my god. Lucy. Do you go around pretending to be a guy in gay chat rooms just to torture men?"

She looked at him as if he'd just vomited a bouquet of flowers. "What are you even talking about?"

"Does the name Rush mean anything to you?"

"Rush? Like...I'm in one right now to get away from you because you sound crazy?"

"No, Rush like the hockey term. Like a name someone told you to call them."

"I don't know anyone named Rush. I'm assuming this is someone you met in a gay chat room? Wait, you go into those things? They're insane, everyone in there is just looking for sex, why would you do that? Oh my god, you're looking for sex."

"No! No, Lucy, just...you're really frustrating. But honestly, you don't go into them?"

"I tried one once. Hated it. Now I meet chicks in bars like normal people do. I'm hardly even online except for Facebook, and I only do that for aunts and uncles and cousins I don't want to see in person. Can you believe my great-grandma has more friends on there than me? She's like eighty!"

Kendall let out a relieved breath. "Okay. Sorry. You just sounded like someone I met in one and it freaked me out."

Lucy's gaze narrowed. "Are you talking to someone online? Is that why you're keeping your options open with Logan?"

"No, it's not like that. We're just friends."

"If you say so. You're sure there's no way I can go with you guys to the movie?"

"Not unless you make up with James sometime in the next two days."

"Impossible since he avoids me like the plague."

"Why don't you ever eat in the staff lounge?"

"Like I want to sit in there with those fuddy-duddies?"

"If you did, it might help. I mean, yesterday James couldn't stand to be in the same room with me but now we're at least...sort of okay."

"How did that happen?"

"We talked. Without Logan. And we agreed to a truce, at least when he's around."

Lucy looked as if she wanted to say something, then literally bit her tongue.

"We're trying."

"Kendall. Please. Make this happen for me. Tell James I want to make it up to him or something. That I apologized for upsetting him."

"You're gonna have to do that yourself."

"He won't come near me."

"I tried. Damn, the period's half over. I really need to get back over there."

"Fine. Thanks for trying. At least let me know how it goes."

"Okay. See you later."

As Kendall headed back toward the court, he realized some of the guys were watching Lucy leave while the rest were watching him as if...speculating. He'd now had two visitors during this period, both gay. It was only a matter of time before they figured it out, if they hadn't already.

Well, maybe this is for the best. Do I want to be miserable like King and keep my true self hidden, or do I want to be happy?

Then again, this could put his job in jeopardy. Not all parents were cool with a gay man coaching their sons, especially one so close in age to those sons. And without this job, he had nothing.

Fuck. This could ruin everything for me. I get it now, King. I get it.

James beat Kendall to the lounge that day, not surprised to find Logan sitting at their new table. Everything else had changed since Kendall showed up, why not that, too?

"Hey," he grinned, happy to have Logan to himself even for a minute or two. "Ready for some enchiladas?"

"I never thought I'd say this, but I don't think I can handle enchiladas right now."

"Why not?" Concerned, James sat down without taking the plastic containers out of his soft cooler. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I think it's just allergies or something. I started feeling off during third period and now my stomach's acting up."

After studying Logan more closely, James lifted the back of his hand to a warm cheek. "You do feel hot. Aren't fevers dangerous? Haven't you told me that before?"

"Only if they remain too high for a prolonged period of time." When James started to feel his forehead, Logan smacked his hand away. "I'm fine. Just not up for enchiladas."

James was actually glad to see Kendall take a seat. "Hey, feel his forehead."

"What?"

"James, I'm fine," Logan argued.

"Feel his forehead. I think he has a fever."

Kendall frowned. "You okay?" He pressed his hand to the smooth skin, Logan suffering it with an annoyed expression. "Dude, you do feel hot. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, it's probably just something I ate."

"He's turning down enchiladas," James shared. "And these are damn good enchiladas. Which I didn't bring for you."

Logan rolled his eyes at the childish tone.

"I'm happy with my turkey sandwich," Kendall retorted.

"Then you're crazy, because Logan made these and they're phenomenal."

"He can have mine," Logan offered. "I'm not going to eat it anyway."

"No way, this douchebag is not eating your lunch!"

"James, grow up for two minutes. Please. I'm not in the mood."

"It's fine," Kendall stated. "I'm more worried about you, Logan."

"And I'm fine."

"You sure?" James asked, the flushed cheeks and the general misery in Logan's eyes concerning him.

"Yes. Go heat up your lunch." Once James was gone, Logan rested his forehead on one hand. "I'm sorry about James. He's a work in progress."

"I don't care about him right now. Tell me the truth, are you okay?"

"I really am," Logan promised. "I have a headache and possibly a slight fever, and I'm starting to feel a little nauseous but it'll pass."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Logan bit his lip, hesitant to ask. "Would I be a horrible person if I asked for half of your sandwich? That sounds like something my stomach can handle."

Kendall immediately passed over the whole thing. "It's yours."

"No, you need to eat something."

"I'll eat your enchiladas. He can just suck it."

Logan smiled, tilting his head sideways to look at Kendall. "You're pretty amazing, you know that?"

"Amazing enough to kiss me in that little corner of the gym that nobody ever—"

"No!" Logan laughed, it turning into a cough. "I forgot about that. There's also a cough and a sore throat. I really hope I didn't pass whatever this is on to you."

"I'm not worried about it. I think you should go home."

"I can't leave halfway through the day. Who would teach my classes?"

"I'm sure they can get a sub."

"On short notice like this? Plus there's the faculty meeting after school, I can't miss that."

James joined them just in time to hear that. "Oh god, are we having one of those again?"

"Yes, it's today. Don't you read your memos?"

"I don't get memos. I'm not an actual teacher, remember? You're supposed to tell me this stuff." When Kendall reached out to take one of the plastic containers James had brought back, James smacked his hand. "That's for Logan."

"He wanted my sandwich. I'd rather he eat that than nothing at all."

James looked over in question at Logan, who nodded and picked up a sandwich half.

"Whatever, dickweed. Enjoy it while it lasts because I'm never bringing you lunch again."

"If I didn't know this was for Logan I'd be afraid you poisoned it, asswipe."

James paused while lifting a steaming bite to his mouth. "I'm surprised you know that word."

"I heard it recently and found it charming. It's most definitely accurate to describe you."

Logan sighed while chewing on turkey and bread. "So this is how it's gonna be between you two?"

James shrugged. "It's better than me taking off whenever this douchebag shows up, right?"

"Is it, though?" Logan wondered.

"It is," Kendall answered, and surprisingly he was grinning at James in a way that caused an answering smile to form on James' face.

"You have a gorgeous smile. You should use it more often."

Don't think about that right now, James. Don't think about that ever again.

James' inner monologue was interrupted by a sudden lurching from Logan, who bent forward and covered his mouth with one hand.

"Oh shit," James whispered. He quickly stood, Kendall doing the same, and together they steered Logan out of the room.

"I'm fine," Logan argued.

"Shut up," James commanded.

"Where's the nearest bathroom?" Kendall wanted to know.

"Right over there."

They got Logan into it, stopping to watch him run toward a stall and fall to his knees before retching sounds filled the room. James' eyes were scared when they met Kendall's.

"He's gonna be okay," Kendall said softly. "It's just the flu or something."

"Right." James obviously didn't believe that, though; his breath was coming in sharp pants and panic was making him dizzy.

"Hey."

A strong hand reached out to rest on his shoulder and squeeze.

"I promise. He's gonna be okay."

"What if he's not?"

"That's not an option."

A toilet flushed and James rushed over, Kendall right behind him. James squatted down to rub Logan's back. "You okay, bud?"

"Yeah. Just..." Logan reached for toilet paper to wipe his mouth. "Water would be good."

"On it."

Kendall rushed out as fast as he could, leaving James to hug Logan against him. "Don't scare me like that."

"It's just the flu. It's been going around, remember we got that memo yesterday that—oh. Nevermind."

"You're sweaty and shaky and pale and...please go to a doctor or something. At least go home and rest."

Logan sighed. "Okay. I won't be much good puking in my classes anyway."

"Exactly." Gently hugging Logan, he pressed a kiss to a feverish cheek. "You gotta take care of yourself because I'd go crazy without you. I need you."

"You'd be fine," Logan chuckled.

"We both know that's a lie."

"Here!"

James reached for the bottle of water Kendall passed over, then backed off so Logan could drink from it.

"Give him some space." Kendall dragged James to his feet, pulling him out of the stall.

"He's gonna go home."

"Good."

"I'll drive him."

Logan argued, "You will not drive me, I'm perfectly capable of driving."

"What if you puke again?"

"It's ten minutes. I think I can make that."

"What if you don't?"

Kendall again squeezed James' shoulder. "Let him go. You're needed in class."

"Fuck that, Thomas can cover it. I'm not even the real teacher."

Logan shook his head. "Cindy needed help, remember? You promised her."

"Ugh."

When Logan started to stand, James moved in to help. He didn't let go until Logan approached the sink to wash his hands and splash cool water against his face.

"Do you need any medicine? I can get some from the nurse, she's got the hots for me."

"I have it all at home," Logan promised. He thanked Kendall for the paper towel that was held out to him, drying his face before turning a wan smile on James. "So this is all I had to do to make you two get along? Get sick?"

James made an "oh please" sound. "Who says we're getting along?"

"We're totally not getting along," Kendall agreed. "This is a momentary lapse of reason."

Logan chuckled weakly and hugged each of them to his sides. "Whatever it is...thanks for taking care of me."

"Of course," James murmured. "We love you, bro. Now you have to take care of yourself. Swear you'll go home and just sleep? Nothing else? You're allowed to watch one of your nerdy documentaries or read a book, but nothing else. Swear to me."

"I swear," Logan replied. "All I want to do is sleep."

"And text me when you get home."

"I will."

They made sure Logan got to his car safely after stopping in to let the office know he'd be going home; luckily they had a sub just about to leave for the day, and she agreed to take over his classes. As Logan rarely used his sick days, no one argued with him and instead the office staff wished him well in his recovery.

James stood behind Kendall in the parking lot, both watching until Logan's car made it to the street.

"He'll be fine."

"I know," James said in an annoyed tone. "Quit saying that, I'm not an idiot you have to repeat yourself to twenty times."

"We both know you're worried about him."

The indifference was hard to keep up. "Why aren't you?"

"I am. I just know that worrying about it isn't going to help him get better. But hey, would you let me know when he texts you? So I know he's okay?"

"Like I'm gonna give you my number? Keep dreaming, asswipe." Kendall looked like he was begging for patience, so James compromised with, "I'll tell him to text you."

"Thank you."

They started walking back toward the building. "I guess you can have his enchiladas, since he said you could, but don't you dare dream of sitting with me."

"Yeah, I think they call those kinds of dreams nightmares."

James didn't speak again until he was gathering together his food and drink in the lounge. "You're probably not gonna be at the meeting today, right? Hockey practice and all?"

"No practice today. According to the memo, this meeting is mandatory."

"God, they're so boring. If there's a Hell on Earth, it's this sort of thing."

"Sucks that Logan won't be there to distract us."

"Yeah, he's the only reason I survive that torture. Why do I even have to go? I'm not official. I'm an aide."

"I guess because it concerns the students and how classes are run. Tell Logan to text me, okay? I know you wish I'd just go away, but I care about him."

"I know you do, which is why I will do that for you. But don't get used to me being nice. It's only because Logan's sick."

"Heaven forbid you should be nice to me just because you like me," Kendall smirked. "But you do. You don't want to, but you do. I can tell."

"There you go dreaming again."

"Watch out, I see a hint of that gorgeous smile coming on."

"You're fucking blind if you see that." James spun on his heel, more than ready to be away from Kendall.

"Know what else I see?"

"Don't care."

A hand on his shoulder stopped him from storming out. James forced himself not to react, but then Kendall played dirty by speaking softly into his ear from behind. "Those jeans really cup your ass just right."

Fuuuuuuuck. Employing all of the acting knowledge he'd attained over the years, James responded without showing that his body was on fire. "You keep forgetting that I'm not gay, so that doesn't work on me."

The hand dropped away. "You're right, I did forget that for a second. It's not as much fun if it doesn't mess with your head."

James grinned triumphantly back over his shoulder. "Next time try a little...harder."

He didn't expect the flare that lit up in Kendall's eyes, but the reply belied that. "Doesn't work on me, either."

James leaned back to whisper, "Tell that to the boner in your pants." With a wink, he strutted out of the lounge with his head held high.

Take that, asswipe.