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

We've made it to Saturday! For those who were asking, the Kogan date will happen in the next chapter. This needed to happen first. I'll probably post the next one on Halloween. Thank you for reading and I love you guys for the feedback!

It was getting harder to hear his own voice as the rink filled up with fans. Though a larger audience was what the school wanted, Kendall knew many of the spectators were in attendance merely to see if he was capable of turning the team around. Coach Teague was here and that was a welcome sight, but how many of these people only wanted to see what he was made of? Pressure continued to close in and he had the passing thought that a hug from his mother would be a welcome comfort right about now.

So would one from King, and that wasn't something he was ready to think about just yet. He had a date with Logan tonight and would need to spend some time with his feelings before then, but for the moment hockey was all that mattered; his team had a game to win (or at least not completely blow).

And just like that, King was back on his mind. Really, this had to stop. He didn't even know the guy.

Forcing himself to focus on the moment at hand, Kendall went through a quick last-minute pep talk with the team. He caught sight of Logan and James on the bleachers as he spoke, their heads bent together while talking, which threw off his train of thought. Suddenly Lucy was there as well; she dropped down next to James with a grin and hugged him against her side, then reached around him to squeeze Logan's shoulder in greeting.

Logan was not amused. Wasn't that interesting?

It was too much to think about right now. He finished up his impromptu speech, then slapped hands with each of the players as he made his way down the line. When he reached the end, a smaller hand shot out for a slap and Kendall frowned, his own hand freezing in midair.

"Don't leave me hanging, bro!"

Shock coursed through Kendall as his eyes met the twinkling brown of his sister's. "Katie?!"

She threw herself into his arms with a laugh, Kendall feeling emotion well up in him at the sight of his mother grinning at him from behind her. "Surprise!" Mom exclaimed.

"Oh my god. Oh my god...Mom..." As soon as Katie let go, it was Kendall throwing himself into someone's arms. He fought off tears because life was just so hard on his own and he hadn't allowed himself to think about it. Being in his mother's arms again made him want to break down and confess all of his fears and confusion; instead, he pulled himself together with wet eyes. "What...? How?"

"You know we couldn't miss your first game, sweetheart!"

"I can't believe you guys are here!"

Katie rolled her eyes. "Duh. Just because you're a coach now, that doesn't mean we don't care about your games. Mom! I'm gonna get some nachos. Kill 'em, Kendall!"

He laughed, her fighting spirit a match to his own. They watched her jog away while Kendall commented, "I could swear she's grown."

"Honey, it's only been a few weeks."

"I know. It feels like years."

With an understanding smile, his mother hugged him again. "We'll talk after the game. You're free for lunch, right?"

"That sounds amazing. I can't believe you guys came out."

"Of course we did! We never miss a game. And honey, I know you don't have a lot of time so really quick there are two things I need to say. First, is that James Diamond in the stands?"

Kendall sighed, wondering why this guy commanded so much attention (and why he couldn't stop looking at the man, either); he should've seen this coming from his mom. "Yes, he works for the school now."

"Do you know him? Can you introduce me?"

Her excitement made it impossible to deny her. "After the game."

"Okay! And I know this isn't the time to spring this on you but I don't want to put you in an awkward position for lunch. I invited someone."

Someone? With a sinking feeling, Kendall thought he knew what sort of "someone" that might be. "Mom..."

"I know, I know, but you're never going to get anywhere without a little help. You remember Violet from my office, right?"

Oh god. It was what he'd feared. "Mom...no. Please, I don't have time to talk about this now but please don't. Tell her not to come, I can't...we'll talk later, I promise, but—"

"Kendall, she's perfect for you. Give her a chance before you decide against it, just sit with her for an hour and—"

"No, you don't understand, and I don't have time right now to explain. Please, Mom, just—"

"She's having lunch with us and I expect you to be pleasant to her. She's very pretty and I think you two will really hit it off. It's one hour, Kendall."

It was too much. Everything was suddenly too much. He'd wanted to do this in private, wanted them to have a serious discussion when the time was right, but apparently he wasn't going to be afforded that. Kendall glanced around and behind, then pulled his mother away from the ice and into a short hallway. When she opened her mouth to continue her argument, he blurted quietly, "I'm gay."

Her lips froze in the shape of an "O". Kendall closed his eyes and braced himself for the shocked words that came after a long silence. "You're...what?"

"I'm sorry, Mom." He looked into her face. "I was going to tell you when I saw you again, and I know this isn't the right way to do it but you wouldn't back off. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me."

That was the right thing to say, because her shock was immediately overwritten by the need to make sure he knew he was still loved. "Honey no, of course not, I'd never hate you, I just...are you sure?"

"Positive. I've learned a lot about myself since the move and that...trust me. There's no question."

"Well. Okay." Still reeling, she nodded slowly as if trying to grasp the news. "We'll definitely talk about this later."

"Thank you. Now can you please tell Violet not to come? I know that's rude, but—"

"No, it's fine. I'll tell her you had plans. I should've run it by you first, but I know you and you would've said no even if you weren't..."

"Gay. It's okay, Mom. You can say it."

"Does everyone here know?"

"No. Only a few people. And...I'm seeing someone."

Her face morphed into excitement. "Kendall! Is he here right now?!"

"He is," Kendall chuckled. "I promise I'll introduce you after the game."

"Oh my god. This is...honey, I'm so proud of you!"

When she dragged him in for a hug, he asked, "Because I'm gay?"

"Because you're putting yourself out there and trying new things and...dating! My son is dating!"

"Hey! Coach! Ref wants to see you before the game!"

Kendall spun around, nodding at the team's captain. "I gotta go, Mom. Please don't tell Katie, I want to sit down with her later and talk it out. I don't know how she's gonna feel about this."

"She'll accept you, Kendall. You know she idolizes you."

"Hmm, not so sure about that," he laughed, thinking of all the pranks and fights that had passed between them over the years. "I promise. We'll talk over lunch."

"Invite your man!"

"I...okay. Fine. I have to go!"

"Love you!"

He couldn't resist one more hug. "I love you, too. I'm so glad you're here."

"Who's the chick talking to Kendall over there?"

James had been listening to something Logan was saying about the opposing team's uniforms, but the question from Lucy caught his attention. He followed her gaze to Kendall, who was smiling at a woman with warm auburn hair. "No idea." He nudged Logan and asked, "Who's that lady?"

Logan studied her before shrugging. Judging by her track suit, he guessed, "Maybe someone from the other team's camp. She looks athletic."

"Probably some mom that Kendall knew when he went here," Lucy suggested. "He seems like the kind of guy moms approve of."

Logan chuckled. "Mom's going to eat him alive when she meets him."

The comment didn't sit well with James. "Does she know you're seeing someone?"

"I haven't told her yet. You know how she is, she'll insist on meeting him and decide we have to get married and adopt babies and...I think that's a bit much to dump on Kendall after one date."

James nodded. "Maybe after tonight then."

"I need a hot dog," Lucy announced suddenly. "Did you guys eat yet?"

"We stopped for breakfast," Logan answered.

"Thanks for the invite, assholes. I'll be back."

She hopped down the bleachers and rushed off, Logan shaking his head. "She's...different."

"She's great."

"You still never told me how you two just magically became BFF's within thirty seconds."

"Yes I did, we talked things out and I apologized for misunderstanding her." James watched as Kendall pulled the redhead out of view, reminding himself to stop staring at his friend's boyfriend. This was going to be difficult, as hockey was where Kendall shone. It didn't matter that Kendall wasn't skating; his intensity and aggression had already peeked out while he watched the team warm up and gave some sort of encouraging speech to them. James shifted on the bench, then decided it would be smarter to take off his jacket and set it over his lap. How had he thought coming to a hockey game with Kendall in attendance was a good idea?

"Can we talk about last night?"

The question was put to him quietly but also in a rush, as if Logan was aware their time alone was short. He forced his brain back to the moment after settling the jacket across his legs. "What about it?"

"I feel like I'm losing you," Logan admitted. "You never turn down an invitation to stay the night."

Shit. How to explain that he hadn't trusted himself to keep his hands off Logan without actually saying that? "I was...my head was in a weird place last night. I'm sorry."

"That's what I want to talk about. Something was...off. Different. Was it just me?"

"Well, I mean...I was with you and your date. Of course it's gonna be different."

"I don't mean that. You felt different. Something in the way you looked at me, I...it's hard to put into words."

Shit. SHIT. He'd slipped, let his feelings show too much. Logan had seen how badly he wanted him, probably saw the kiss written all over his face. Fuck. "Logan...I don't think this is the place to talk about us."

"I don't think you want to talk about us."

"Dude, I'm not putting you off, but this isn't the time. Lucy will be back any second and—"

"Oh, of course. Lucy."

James frowned. "What the hell does that mean?"

"Nothing."

"Oh hell no. You don't make some comment like that and then not explain it. What's wrong with Lucy?"

"How would I know? I don't even know her. You don't even know her."

James turned slightly to face Logan. "So...hold on. I'm trying to understand this. You want me to hang out and be buddies with your boyfriend, and I'm just supposed to be happy about it."

"No, of course not, I just—"

"But I make a new friend and that's not okay."

"That's not what I'm saying."

"You don't have to say it. I know you. You're pissed that I made a new friend."

"James, I am not, you're allowed to—"

"Hi, excuse me?"

James froze at the sound of a voice next to him that didn't belong to Lucy. He'd been so caught up in the discussion with Logan that he hadn't noticed the red-headed woman take a seat. They both looked over at her, James seeing her face and knowing exactly what she wanted because he'd seen that expression many times since his stint on "National Pop Star." He forced a smile onto his face. "Hi."

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I saw you and was so surprised, I just had to come tell you how much I loved your performances on the show. I voted for you every week and I still think you should've won."

He was used to people wanting pictures or autographs. Used to people telling him he was "robbed" of the win (which always sounded ironic to him since it was Rob that kept him from getting that win). He appreciated the sentiment, but never knew if it was truly genuine or if they were just kissing his ass to get a picture with a famous person.

This woman, though...he saw it in her eyes. Heard it in her voice. She believed in him. It had been so long since someone besides Logan and Thomas had that the words went straight to his soul, soothing him so that he felt a moment's peace. "Thank you," he replied sincerely, surprised to feel his throat closing up with emotion. "That's...honestly the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."

Her smile was as warm as her eyes. "I'd heard you took up a job teaching but I had no idea it was here at the school my son went to!"

"Yeah, I...I'm not actually a teacher, I just help out in the arts department. More of an aide."

"Well, they're lucky to have you. I saw a lot of promise in you and I was disappointed that the judges didn't."

James' lips trembled with emotion. He was trying to come up with something to say that wouldn't come across too pathetically grateful when a young girl dropped down next to the woman and shoved a box of nachos into her hands. "Here, I got you some, too. And your drink's down there, don't kick it with your—oh god, are you James Diamond?"

And there it was, the judgment James was used to seeing on the faces of most who'd watched the show. It killed a bit of his high. "Hello," he said anyway, opting for politeness and the fake smile that got him through life. He held out a hand. "And you are?"

"Uh...Katie. Why are you here?"

"Katie!" the woman scolded. "He works at the school now." She shook the hand Katie had ignored. "I'm sorry, where are my manners? I'm Jennifer. I think you know my son? Kendall Knight?"

James' hand went numb in hers. He felt more than saw Logan's interest perk up. "Kendall? Y-yeah, we've met. This is..." He looked over at Logan, seeing fear and dread in the brown eyes he'd fallen in love with. Logan couldn't find the courage to speak.

Luckily it wasn't a problem for Lucy, who had arrived in time to hear the woman's introduction. From Logan's left, she leaned across him and James and reached out her hand. "Hi! Kendall's my buddy, it's so nice to meet you! Jennifer, was it?"

"Yes, hello. This is Katie, my daughter."

"I'm Lucy. Guidance counselor. Katie, when will I be seeing your smiling face in the halls of Lincoln High?"

"She'll be here next year," Jennifer offered.

"If I'm still here then, come see me. Oh, did you meet Logan?"

Feeling Logan's panic ratcheting up a notch, James squeezed his wrist in encouragement. "Logan teaches math."

"Uh...hi." He shyly held out a hand, Jennifer shaking it with a chuckle.

"I'm sure we'll be meeting plenty once Katie gets into your classroom. Math is her least favorite subject and she avoids it as much as she can."

"Mom!" Katie complained. "I don't even go here yet and you're setting me up to fail!"

"I'm just warning him that you'll do anything you can to get out of assignments and cause trouble in class. He deserves that!"

"Which means you'll end up in my office at some point whether you like it or not," Lucy grinned. "My door is always open."

James' attention was arrested by Kendall, who caught his eye before blushing and looking away. It was difficult to look at Kendall and not remember the way he'd been staring back the night before in the dark. James had purposely tried to put it out of his head, knowing it was a useless moment since Kendall was dating Logan (and he himself wasn't ready to come out anyway), but now when their eyes met his body remembered every sensation of those long, slim fingers caressing his.

Fuck, I've held hands with Logan a million times and it never did this. Why can't I forget two seconds of barely touching this asshole?

He thought he knew why, though. It was all tangled up with Rush in his head. He'd hurried up to his apartment in a frenzy after Logan dropped him off, desperate to get off because he knew he wouldn't be able to relax until he did. Rush had been there for him, knowing exactly what he needed and not hesitating to give it. Between the highly-charged moments he shared with Rush and the...whatever it was that had happened with Kendall the night before, he was doomed to arousal every time he looked at Kendall now.

And I'm sitting between his boyfriend and his mother. This is so not a good idea.

He couldn't tear his gaze away, though, not for more than a minute at a time. Kendall was like a magnet dragging him closer, especially once the game started and he got that determined, hungry look on his face. It wasn't sexual, it was about winning, and yet...

It's about conquest. Kendall will not be satisfied until he gets what he wants. He'll claim what's his. He'll conquer it and own it and fuck I want that, I want someone to claim me and show me I'm his conquest. I want him to own me.

The jacket was the only thing saving him now. Logan was barely paying him any attention, his focus on the game and on the occasional questions from Lucy, who didn't know a lot about hockey. Katie was also glued to the game. James thought he felt Jennifer's gaze on him a few times, but decided it was his imagination since Kendall was so heavily on his mind.

During the second period she leaned over and asked, "Did you move here?"

"I'm sorry?" He'd been watching the action and missed most of what she said.

"After the show. Did you move here to St. Paul?"

"Oh. Yeah. I needed a new start."

"And did you find it here?"

Thinking of Logan and of the students who actually listened to his advice and improved their talents, James nodded with a smile. "I did. It's not the life I imagined for myself, but for now it works."

"Are there plans to make music of your own? Maybe return to the stage at some point?"

The question surprised him; he didn't think anyone cared about his future other than Logan and his own mother. "I...actually, yeah. I've been writing songs. Trying to...well, it sounds cliché, but trying to find myself. Live a little, you know?"

She nodded, eyes warm. "Sometimes you need that. We came out to see you during the Pop Star tour, you know. When you played downtown."

"You did?" James didn't think anyone but his mother was there to actually see him; Justin was what everyone cared about. "Did Kendall go, too?"

"No, he's not as big a fan of the show as I am. I dragged Katie with me. We had a lot of fun."

"That's awesome," James grinned. "And for what it's worth, thanks for voting for me."

"I still think you have what it takes."

James chewed on that, gaze following Kendall as he paced near the boards. "Can I ask you something then? And please give me an honest answer. Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings."

"Well, if I can avoid that..."

"I know, but...please. The truth."

"Sure."

"Why do you think I lost? What does Justin have that I don't?"

Jennifer seemed to think that over rather than just give a quick response. "If you're asking me, I don't think he does have anything you don't."

"Then why didn't I win?"

"Because most people don't see past your image and your appearance. They see a put-together, polished performer who nails every note and smiles for the camera."

James swallowed over the lump in his throat her words caused. "What did you see?"

"You really want to know?"

"Truth," he nodded.

"Okay. But you asked for it." She gathered her thoughts and said, "Every time you took that stage, I saw how badly you wanted to please people. You wanted to be accepted and loved and were terrified you wouldn't measure up. That you'd be a disappointment."

His breathing had gone shallow. "I knew I was good," he argued. "I never doubted it."

"But you also never put your heart out there, at least not where everyone could see it. You followed instructions. Did what you thought everyone wanted you to do. Tried to please them all. I don't think you ever took the time to figure out what you wanted, though. You were too busy trying to be what everybody else wanted you to be. I think it's important in life to know what you want, to know what makes you truly happy. If you don't take the time to learn that, you'll never find peace. Do you enjoy performing?"

"Yes," James answered without hesitation. "I feel alive when I'm out there. I just...I don't know how to reach people. I think that's why I like this job so much, I feel like I'm making a difference. I'm inspiring people and helping them through music, and it's...I never had that on the show."

"Maybe you just weren't ready. Now you're here and living life and letting people get to know the real you, right?"

No, he wasn't doing that. Not the last part. Nobody knew the real him, except Rush. Logan knew some things, Lucy knew some things, but only Rush knew everything.

And he doesn't even know my name.

It was ironic when James thought about it. The man who accepted and loved his true self had never seen him. A man who couldn't judge him on appearance but thought he was amazing anyway.

"I'm...working on it. Letting people in."

"It's scary."

"Terrifying. My mom...she supports me and loves me but I don't feel like she really knows me. Or even that she wants to. Sometimes I just wish I could tell her everything I'm feeling. I don't think she'd want to hear it, though."

"Can I give you my number?"

"What?" James turned wide eyes to her.

"Everybody needs someone they can talk to without fear of being judged. I won't ask for your number, I know that's invasive. But will you take mine so that if you ever feel like you have nobody, you can call me?"

"You'd do that? You don't even know me."

"I have a good feeling about you," she grinned, nudging him with her shoulder. "Come on. Give me your phone."

James only hesitated for three seconds. Something about the woman drew him in and made him feel...

Safe. Accepted. Like he could tell her anything.

It was so opposite of the way his own mother made him feel that he didn't want to lose it.

She passed the phone back. "I'm under K for Knight."

Knight. Right. This was Kendall's mother he was baring his soul to. What the hell was he thinking? James' eyes drifted back to the man, who was watching the puck fly with intense concentration.

"Can I ask you something now?" Jennifer wanted to know.

"Um. Do I have to tell the truth?"

"I'd appreciate that," she chuckled. "Does Kendall seem happy here?"

"Uh..." Thinking Logan was a better person to answer that question, James glanced to his left but Logan's attention was on the game. "I've only known him for a short time," James answered honestly.

"I know, but...it's been extremely difficult for him to adjust, as you can imagine. You know his history, right?"

"Yeah," James nodded. "I used to watch the Iowa games. He was...I've never seen anyone like him on the ice."

"He was phenomenal," Jennifer agreed. "Which is why the accident hit him so hard. He thought his life was over."

Remembering how angry he'd been at Kendall for killing his career, James sighed; he'd been unfair to blame Kendall. "I'm sure it wasn't easy for him."

"I was worried he would never recover emotionally. Coaching, though...has it been good for him? He seems to have some of his fire back."

"He did tell me that he wished there was a way he could've saved the girl and still been able to skate. I know it's weighing heavy on him."

Jennifer nodded and leaned in closer. "Don't tell him, but I'm going to surprise him tomorrow. We have an appointment with a specialist to get him a prosthetic skate."

James' head shot over. "What? He's going to skate again?"

"Not like he did before, I'm sure. But we've discussed it and he feels like he can't coach properly from the sidelines. He wanted to pay half the price but...well, to be honest his salary isn't enough to make that happen for at least a year. Maybe two. And I don't want to see him suffer any longer than he has to."

James' brain was moving in a direction he didn't like. He watched Kendall studying the action, seeing something on his face he hadn't until this moment: Kendall missed hockey. It was more than just wishing he could play again, it was like a piece of his soul had been ripped from him.

"I'll pay half." The words were out before James could think them through.

"What?"

What the hell was he saying? "I'll pay the other half. Just...don't tell him."

"No, James, you don't have—"

"Money's not an issue for me. I can't even imagine what I would do if I lost my voice or the ability to act. I just...let me help."

There was something in the smile she favored James with that made him feel like she was seeing things even he couldn't. "It's a deal. But you don't want him to know?"

"No. He can't know."

"So you don't want to come with us tomorrow then?"

"I can't, I uh...Sundays are already spoken for."

"That's too bad, I was going to invite you to breakfast. There's a place nearby that Katie and I haven't tried yet."

James was touched. "Thanks. But..."

"It's okay. Maybe next time."

"For sure," he nodded. "I'll text you tomorrow for the amount of the skate."

She gave him that smile again, and James had to look away. He didn't like the way it made him feel.

The Lincoln Patriots didn't win the game, but it was close enough that Kendall was satisfied. The mood in the locker room was buoyant, Kendall proud of the way his boys had hustled. He knew that with just a little more practice in teamwork, a win would be theirs. He gave them a heartfelt speech about how much it meant to him that they'd welcomed him, and was boosted up by all the fistbumps and handshakes coming his way as the students filed out.

It wasn't playing for the Wild, but it would do. Quite nicely.

Kendall checked his phone to see that his mother had texted to let him know she and Katie would wait for him near the building's entrance. He was pleasantly surprised to find Logan in conversation with his sister while Lucy and James listened to something his mother was saying. He'd missed his family so much more than he realized.

"Oh, Kendall, there you are!" His mother rushed to him and hugged him tight. "I'm so proud of you, the team is going to be winning in no time!"

"I know!" he grinned. "Teague said the same thing. I can't believe how much they've improved in just a week. And they're all excited and fired up and...it's a great feeling."

"That's because of you, honey," Jennifer leaned in to say. "You inspire others to greatness."

Though Kendall rolled his eyes, he admitted, "Teague also said that."

"He's right. And listen, I invited your man to lunch with us but he can't make it."

"Yeah, I didn't have time to tell you that earlier. I'm sure he has a lot of schoolwork to catch up on."

"He didn't say why. Just so you know..." She looked back over her shoulder to where the others were still in conversation and spoke softly when she was sure she wouldn't be overheard. "I approve."

Kendall blinked a few times, gaze going to Logan and his heart lighter. "Really?"

"Really. We talked a lot. I think he's exactly what you need. What you both need. That boy couldn't take his eyes off you for more than ten seconds at a time."

"Yeah?" The knowledge made Kendall stand up straighter with pride. "I can't always tell with him. He doesn't really speak his mind a lot."

"Sometimes you just know these things. Which is how it was for you when you met him, I'm sure. You just felt it, right? That he was special?"

"Yeah, I guess. There was something about him. Did he tell you we have a date tonight?"

"Oh. No. Dinner's out of the question then."

"I'm sorry, I made the plans before I knew you guys were coming."

"Kendall, don't apologize! Take that beautiful boy out and treat him to a nice dinner."

"Actually, he's gonna cook for me," Kendall grinned.

"Really? I wouldn't have expected him to know his way around a kitchen."

"Mom, you literally just met him. You can't have any expectations at all."

"That's not true, I feel like I know him after watching him on T.V. for six weeks. He's everything I imagined him to be."

"Watching him on..." Kendall's mind struggled to catch up with the words that made no sense. He followed his mother's gaze to the group a short distance away, realizing with horror she was smiling at...

"Oh. No. Mom, no. Oh my god, Mom...no. You don't think I'm dating James, do you?"

Her smile faltered as she gave him her attention again. "I..." She looked over at James before turning back to Kendall. "It's not James?"

"No! Oh god, Mom, no!" Feeling Lucy's eyes on them, Kendall brought his voice to a lower volume. "No," he reiterated firmly. "It's Logan. You did meet Logan, right?"

"Logan?" After a quick glance at him, she put a hand over her mouth. "Oh, honey. I just assumed...you're dating Logan? The math teacher?"

"Yes! Why would you assume I meant James? He's not even gay!"

She moved around and pulled Kendall with her so that his back was to the group. "Are you sure about that? Because he couldn't stop staring at you!" she hissed. "And the way he talked about you...Kendall, are you sure he doesn't have feelings for you?"

"I'm positive. He hates me!"

"Oh, honey, no. Trust me, he doesn't hate you. It's hard for him to express his true feelings, surely you've picked up on that."

"We don't talk much," Kendall admitted. "The only reason we talk at all is because he's Logan's best friend. If not for him, we'd happily ignore each other."

Jennifer studied Kendall shrewdly. "I don't believe that. I think there's more to him than you realize, Kendall. But okay, I guess I need to get to know Logan a little better. Ask him to join us for lunch."

"So you didn't talk to Logan at all?"

"Barely. I just assumed it was James and...Logan seems nice."

Kendall could tell his mother was trying for his sake, but he was disappointed that she hadn't hit it off with Logan. "He's great. You'll love him, Mom." A bit louder, he called out, "Logan!" before waving him over.

"Hi," Logan smiled, his cheeks heating up. "That was a great game. I can tell you've really been working with them."

"I have," Kendall nodded. "So uh...you met my mom."

"And your sister, yes. Hi again."

"Hi, Logan," Jennifer smiled. "I'm sorry we didn't talk more during the game."

"Oh, it's okay. I spent most of it explaining the calls and plays to Lucy anyway."

Kendall was momentarily distracted. "Did she enjoy it?"

"She loved it," Logan chuckled. "Called it a real man's sport or something ridiculous."

"Sounds like Lucy. So um...would you want to join us for lunch?"

"Today?"

"Yeah, we're going right now. I know you probably have a lot to do but—"

"I do, actually," Logan cringed. "I'm so sorry, but since I was here I didn't get to any of my schoolwork and tonight I won't have time because..." He hesitated, not sure how much Kendall's mother knew.

"It's okay," Kendall promised. "I understand. And she knows. About us."

"Oh." Logan's entire face turned red. "Okay."

Hoping to put him at ease, Jennifer pressed a brief hug on him. "We'll be down here for Kendall's games every weekend, so we'll find time to talk. It was really wonderful to meet you, Logan."

"You, too. Does uh...does Katie...?"

Kendall shook his head. "Not yet. That's...probably going to happen before our date tonight. Six, right?"

"Six is great."

"Okay, I'll see you then." Perhaps sensing that Kendall needed a moment alone with Logan, Jennifer wandered over to join the other three before Kendall spoke again. "I'm sorry about all this, if you feel bombarded. I didn't know they were coming."

"I think it's nice that they came to support you."

"It is, I just...this wasn't how I wanted to have the talk with my mom. But she was trying to set me up with a girl and I had to make it clear because she wasn't taking no for an answer."

"It's okay," Logan smiled. "She's sweet. And obviously doesn't mind that her son's gay."

"Yeah, she's amazing. I'm nervous about telling Katie, though."

"I think it'll be fine." Logan curled his fingers into Kendall's shirt. "See you tonight?"

Heat began to coil up into Kendall's belly. "Can't wait," he whispered. He was halfway to Logan's mouth when it disappeared, Logan putting distance between them.

"Later."

"Right." Kendall held in the frustrated sigh that wanted to escape. This was how it was going to be and he needed to be patient. But what if it never changed? Would Logan always be like this in public?

It doesn't matter. He's a private guy and I need to respect that. It's how he behaves when we're alone that matters. Tonight will be a good night.

Feeling an intense stare on him, Kendall's eyes met James' over Logan's shoulder. James looked away within seconds, but it had been there. For one brief instant, James hadn't been able to hide the longing.

The real question was, what exactly was it he longed for? He acted like being around Kendall was torture, yet his mother had insisted that James couldn't peel his eyes away. Was he purposely trying to mess with Kendall's head or was there something deeper he was hiding from not only Kendall, but the world?

Neither option was a good idea. As he'd told King only days before, it was best to keep his distance from the asswipe.

One more look like that from the beautiful face, and Kendall might snap.