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

Yes, I'm already back again. I really need to stop posting so often. But if you guys don't mind it, then why should I? As always I thank you for reading. :)

The three small sets of metal bleachers were filled to capacity, but they'd been smart enough to have Jennifer and Logan save their spaces before loading up at the snack bar. James settled in between the two of them while Lucy and Katie sank down behind the other three one tier up. Food and drinks were passed around, Lucy setting her Coke down near her feet before passing Katie's to her.

Or at least attempting to. Katie's gaze was glued to a boy doing warm-up exercises with her brother. Number 17, which Lucy recalled was the same boy she'd been watching upon arrival. That was before the black-haired beauty with the crystal blue eyes had donned a helmet.

"He's a cutie, isn't he?" Lucy mused.

Realizing she'd been caught, Katie blushed bright red and reached for her soda. "Thanks. I don't remember seeing him before."

"Kendall brought him up from the JV team for this game. There's a lot on the line."

"Can you imagine if they make it to state?" Jennifer beamed. "They started off in last place this season but now they're one game away from the championship. I'm so proud of my baby!"

"It was a smart move on his part," James commented. "That kid's really good. Kind of reminds me of Kendall when he plays, all that fire and skill."

Logan turned to face James. "Wow, did I just hear you compliment Kendall?"

"Hey, I never said he wasn't talented on the ice. Even with that fake skate, he's a powerful force."

Jennifer's mouth turned down. "Still not good enough to make it in the pros, and I know that bothers him. But look at him out there, he's still got that fire James mentioned. There's no way the team is going to lose this game."

Katie waited until everyone's attention was on the ice to address Lucy quietly. "So, you said JV? Meaning he still has a few more years at Lincoln?"

Lucy grinned. "He's a sophomore. You'll get two years with him. Unless he's not as great at academics and gets held back; then it would be more."

"Wonder how I can make that happen," Katie smirked.

"Just remember, your brother holds that boy's future in his hands. I've heard he wants to go all the way with hockey, so he can't do anything to piss off Kendall."

"Damn. I'll never get close to him."

Lucy laughed before nudging Katie's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'll handle Kendall-the-overprotective-brother-coach. I've got stuff to blackmail him with."

"Really?" Katie gasped. "That's like...my dream in life. The guy has no secrets, what could you possibly have over his head?"

"You'd be surprised," was all Lucy said.

They continued to watch the teams warm up, Lucy able to feel Kendall's nerves and tension from across the building. If he could get his team to state by winning this game, it would be the proof he needed to believe that he was still worthy and relevant. He'd been searching for his place ever since the accident, and Lucy knew how badly he wanted this to be it.

"You got this," she said under her breath. "Make us proud."

Two-thirds of the way through the game the Patriots were ahead, but only by one goal. The last period would decide everything, and the crowd's excited anticipation could be felt around the building. Katie and Logan had escaped to the bathroom, leaving Lucy to her own thoughts while Jennifer tried again to cajole James into joining her and the family for lunch after the game.

"Logan has to get home and work on school stuff." The answer never changed, but Lucy had to respect that Jennifer continued to wear him down.

"I figured that was the case. I just keep hoping that one day I'll ask and you'll surprise me by saying yes. Logan's more than welcome to join us, you know."

"I know, and I appreciate that. But his schoolwork comes first, and I actually have things to do at the school myself."

"What about breakfast tomorrow, then? You did love those waffles."

"I did," James admitted. "But we're doing an early movie tomorrow. Sundays are our date...well, I'd say nights but it lasts all day, so..."

"Kendall mentioned something about a dance tonight, too. I suppose you and Logan will be going to that?"

"We will," he nodded.

"So that leaves out dinner. I know I'm a pain, James, but even if we go to state, that only leaves one more game this season. Two, if we make it to nationals. And I wouldn't see you at that game."

"Depends on how far away it is. If we can manage it, we'll go. But we'll drive out for state, I promise. And if Logan says he's too busy, I'll go alone."

"You'd do that?" Jennifer asked in surprise. "For Kendall?"

"I love hockey and I believe in this team. Kendall's really put his heart and soul into them and it shows. I mean, look at the way they're playing now compared to how they played three months ago. The same players. The difference is Kendall."

"Coach Teague says the same thing," Jennifer smiled. "And I think that prosthetic has helped immensely. He feels more involved on the ice. He's always been more about showing something than saying it."

An amused sound came from James. "You're telling me. But you're right, the fact that he can skate with them made all the difference."

Lucy found the entire conversation hilarious. She knew James would die if anyone overheard him complimenting Kendall to this degree. Bending down to reach for her drink, she almost dropped it in shock at Jennifer's next words.

"Thank you again for helping with that. Your half of the cost made it possible."

"You were going to do it anyway," James deflected.

"Yes, but this way I'm able to pay off the loan faster. Thanks to your generosity, Katie's getting a new phone for her birthday in a few months. Don't tell her, though. It's a surprise. And that wouldn't have been possible if you hadn't helped pay for the skate."

James leaned closer to admit, "It was my pleasure, honestly. Seeing him out there with that passion again...that life...that's worth more money than anyone could come up with. I'd pay anything to keep that fire burning."

The reappearance of Logan in their midst brought the conversation to a halt, but Lucy had heard enough. How had no one shared with her that James helped pay for that skate? How had Kendall himself never mentioned it?

He doesn't know. There's no other explanation. He has no idea, because...

Because James would rather die than admit he cared for Kendall. But why would he be willing to pay so much money for someone he hardly knew? This had been three months ago, right? Back then they'd seemed to hate each other even more than they did now. Back then...

Did James know that Kendall was Rush? He'd liked Rush—hated Kendall. He would've done it for Rush, no question.

Nothing else made sense to Lucy. She waited until the game was back in play to text Kendall, knowing he'd see it before they all left the building in (hopefully) great spirits.

"We need to talk. I just found out something you're not going to believe."

Logan insisted they wait for Kendall in order to congratulate him; surprisingly, James didn't argue.

The victorious coach was greeted by hug after hug when he finally reached the lobby, James being the last to address him. Kendall hesitated, unsure how to approach James (or even if he should), but James managed a smile before hugging Kendall tight and whispering, "You're fucking amazing. I'm so proud of you."

Kendall closed his eyes and squeezed tighter, wishing the moment could go on forever. He tried not to think about how much more James would hate him if the truth of his identity ever came to light. "Thanks. Please come to state."

"I'll be there."

"Honey, I don't mean to rush you but our time is short since you have to get ready for this dance thing."

"Right." Kendall stepped away from James, who quickly moved back into place next to Logan. "See you all tonight?"

"We'll be there," Logan smiled. "Really proud of you, Kendall. Your boys were fantastic."

"They just needed someone to show them they could be," Kendall grinned. He waved them off before remembering Lucy. "Uh...Mom, I'll meet you guys at the car. I need to talk to Lucy really quick." At his mother's exasperated look, he added, "It's about the dance tonight. Sorry, we have to do this now."

"Okay, just remember that the more time you talk, the less time we have for lunch."

"I know. Be right out." Once they were gone, Kendall made sure no one else was paying him and Lucy any attention. "Okay, what's so urgent?"

"Does James know you're Rush?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. He never would've hugged me like that if he knew." When she looked like she was about to point out that it would only make James like him more, Kendall added, "We had a fight last night. Online. He's not speaking to me, probably ever again."

"I thought you two weren't speaking at all."

"Well, last night was...nevermind. Trust me, he has no clue. Why do you ask?"

"He paid for half your skate."

Kendall was dumbfounded. "What?"

"I heard him talking about it with your mom. She was thanking him for the money and he said something about how he'd pay anything to keep your...fire burning. Whatever that means."

He was having a hard time breathing. "That's impossible. I went with her the day we ordered it. She put a down payment on it. He was nowhere around."

"All I'm saying is that he helped pay for it. When was this?"

"I don't know, it was the weekend they first came out here. The weekend I told them I was gay. The day...oh my god."

"What?"

Kendall moved closer to hiss, "The day we kissed! The day it all went to shit, when I found out it was him and I broke it off and I dumped Logan and then kissed James again and...you're telling me that day he agreed to pay for that? But why? What does it mean?"

"I don't know. Maybe just that he believed in you."

"He hated me."

"He kissed you."

"No, I kissed him."

"Did he fight it?"

"No," Kendall admitted with a sigh. "He was on fire for me. God, I miss that."

"And you're sure he doesn't know you're Rush?"

"Yes!"

"Then maybe he had some sort of feelings for you even back then. Not Rush, but you."

"Well obviously, if he kissed me like that. I just don't understand why he'd hide it. Why he wouldn't tell me. Why my mother wouldn't tell me."

"Knowing James, he made her keep it a secret. He wouldn't want anyone to know he cared about you. Especially not you."

"Fuck. Like I wasn't already in love with him. When did he develop such a huge heart?"

Lucy shrugged even though they both knew the answer—when Logan came into his life. "I just thought you should know. Do with the information what you will."

"There are so many ways I'd like to thank him for that."

"Psst. You're in public. Stop the porn going on in your head."

"Shut up," Kendall chuckled. "He brings that out in me. Well. Okay then. Anything else?"

"Nope. Just show up tonight ready to be nice to the new guy."

"Yeah yeah. It's not like I'm gonna be a dick."

"You'd better not. Okay, I have to get home and change and then meet James and the kids over at the school. You need a ride tonight?"

"No, Logan's picking me up. I was going to ask you for a ride home."

"Deal, but you'll have to stay and help clean up."

Kendall shrugged. "Not like I have anything better to do, right?"

Lucy giggled when James sauntered by with a cup of punch.

"Stop it."

"I'm sorry, it doesn't matter how many times I look at you, I can't get over your costume. You make such a pretty preppy boy."

"Can it, Lucy."

"I just don't think I've ever seen you wear so much white. Didn't Danny Zuko only wear a white sweater and not the entire outfit? Has Logan seen you in this yet?"

"No, because he originally picked it out for himself."

"He's going to eat you alive once he gets a look."

"Actually, I'm more concerned that you'll do that, considering your costume. Really, Lucy? Zombie Virgin Mary?"

"Hey, it satisfies both Halloween and Christmas."

"I'm pretty sure it's blasphemy in at least two religions."

"It's creative. Jo liked it. She helped me with the robes."

"Yeah, the dirt stains are a nice touch. Where the hell is my man?"

"Relax, I'm sure they're on their way. Oh! There's Carlos! Come on!"

"Who?"

There was no time to say more than that, and barely time to set down the punch so that it didn't spill, before James was dragged away. Lucy pulled him around and past dancing bodies toward the entrance, where they stopped in front of a shorter man dressed in loafers, rolled-up jeans, a sweater topped by a bowtie, and a pair of glasses with tape holding them together. His black hair was slicked down other than a cowlick that stuck up at the back, and the obvious nerves he was suffering due to being in a new social setting fit in perfectly with the costume.

"Hi!" Lucy greeted him, hugging him in a sweetly welcoming way she'd never shown James, Kendall, or Logan. "Welcome to my nightmare!"

"Wow, you weren't kidding about the theme. This is crazy!"

"Thanks! I can't wait until they crown the Pumpkin King and Queen tonight. Those poor saps have no idea the crowns are black and shaped like bats. Oh, Carlos, this is James! He's in the performing arts department. James, Carlos is the new shop teacher."

James had already figured that out with the way Lucy was gushing over him. "Hi," he smiled, doing the polite thing and shaking Carlos' hand. "Welcome to Lincoln High. Are we both wearing cardigans?"

"We are!" Carlos exclaimed. "Are you a nerd, too? Or...wait, that red and white theme looks familiar."

"I'm preppy Danny Zuko."

"Dude, yes! I love Grease! Where's your Sandy?"

"Uh...not here yet. Also not a Sandy. I could swear you raided my boyfriend's side of the closet for that sweater."

Though James normally wouldn't out himself so blatantly, it was an attempt to put Carlos at ease and let him know he was among a "friend" of sorts. Lucy had already vouched for Carlos' discretion, and he prayed she was right. Either way, the gesture did its job; Carlos grinned. "I just hope I don't offend any actual nerds that might be here."

"Well, our favorite nerd's not here yet, so..." Lucy cried out when James smacked her shoulder. "Ow! Oh come on, you call him a nerd all the time."

"He's my boyfriend, I'm allowed to. Carlos, the punch isn't that great, but would you like some? There are also cookies."

"Sure, but first..." When Carlos leaned in toward them looking a bit embarrassed, he stated, "I don't come around the gym often. Is there a bathroom around here?"

"Right over there." James pointed to an area just outside the double doors that were propped open. "Make sure you get your hand stamped so you don't have to pay again."

"Got it," Carlos chuckled.

Lucy shared, "We'll be over by the food. That's where we told our buddies to meet us."

"Awesome, since I love to eat," Carlos winked. "See you guys."

Once he was gone, Lucy took James' hand to lead him back toward the refreshments. "So? What do you think? Is Kendall going to love him or what?"

"Uh...maybe out of costume. I hardly talked to the guy, Lucy, how would I know?"

"Just give me a first impression."

"He's nice. Friendly. Short."

"Kendall doesn't care about that sort of thing."

"No, I suppose he wouldn't. I mean, he dated Logan."

"Exactly! I really have a good feeling about this. And I want Kendall to find someone, he's so lonely."

"Is he?" James wondered for a second why he even cared. "He seems fine with dating random guys."

"He's not. He hates it. What he really wants is a steady boyfriend who belongs to him and likes it that way. I think Carlos might be perfect."

James poured himself another cup of punch to quench his suddenly-dry throat. "Likes it that way?"

"Yeah, you know. The type who likes to be possessed. Owned. But not in an abusive, scary way. He'd want the guy to own him, too. I don't know, he tried to explain it to me once and I didn't really get it."

James did. James definitely got it, because it was what the majority of his fantasies including Logan (and Rush, don't forget Rush) revolved around. Best not to think about that, though, especially in a room full of students and in white pants tight enough to show off his...assets. "Seriously, where the fuck are they?"

"They're coming, relax. Knowing Logan, he was running late because he got caught up in his lesson plans so that made both of them late."

That did sound like Logan. James just wished they would hurry. Seeing his boyfriend in black leather and with his hair teased in a seductive manner was exactly what he needed to get his mind off of...other things.

Logan peeked at his phone as he and Kendall headed toward the gym. "James has texted me three times wondering where we are."

"Well, it's your own fault. You were the one late to pick me up."

"I had a lot to finish, okay? And why was it I didn't have all day to work on that? Hmm? Oh right, because I was too busy cheering someone on at a hockey game."

Kendall grinned. "I really do appreciate that you came."

"I know. Hang on a second, your armor's slipping."

After stopping to let Logan fix him, Kendall stared down at his feet. "You can see the prosthetic poking up the from the shoe, can't you?"

"Nobody cares, Kendall. I promise."

"What if Lucy didn't tell this shop guy about it? That might scare him away."

"Then he's not worthy of you." Logan stepped back to look Kendall up and down. "Perfect. You look like a true knight."

"My mother said the same thing. Then again, she always pulls that 'true knight' crap on me. Figured it was an ironic sort of costume. Didn't stop to think about how uncomfortable all this armor would be, though."

"It's not heavy, is it?"

"Not really. Just awkward to walk in. Like I don't have enough trouble walking as it is."

"You do fine. And you look great. I think losing the helmet was a good idea. Somehow your blond hair just makes you look more noble."

"Okay, William Shakespeare."

"That doesn't even make sense."

"Humor me. You ready to go blow your man's mind with your sexiness?"

"God, I just hope he can rein himself in. The last thing we need is to get kicked out because he can't keep his hands to himself and attacks me in front of everyone."

"In case you've forgotten, I know a corner in the gym where nobody—"

"Yes yes, horndog, I know." They made it to the building and got in line to buy tickets. "As long as he waits until we get home, it's fine."

"Nothing wrong with a little spontaneous making out to shake things up, you know."

"Well then let's hope this shop guy is waiting for you in that corner." Logan turned a smile on the student working the table. "Hello, Grace. Stuck here all night?"

"Only for an hour, Mr. Mitchell. You look..."

Sudden self-doubt assaulted Logan. "What? That bad?"

"No, not at all! I've just never seen you so..."

Kendall smirked while passing over enough cash to cover both tickets. "She's trying to say you look hot," he whispered.

"Now I'm paranoid. Here, give me my ticket. I'll meet you inside."

"Where are you going?"

"I'm just gonna run to the bathroom and make sure I look okay."

"Logan, you look fine."

"Go without me!"

Kendall rolled his eyes but followed instructions. He spotted Lucy and James near the punch, having to bite his lip hard to keep from groaning at the sight of James in such tight white pants. James turned toward Lucy, giving Kendall a better view of his ass, and Kendall almost tripped over himself.

The man was trying to kill him.

Logan was grateful to have the mens' room to himself; no one should have to witness him fretting over the curl of bangs hanging down his forehead. Logan had never had bangs in his life. He also had never worn so much black. It felt strange when he looked at himself in the bathroom mirror, but also...exhilarating. Dangerous. For one night, maybe he could actually pull off this bad boy image.

James certainly wasn't going to mind it.

But Logan wouldn't think about that now. He'd worry about James' overactive libido when they got home tonight. He'd make it clear from the get-go that he wasn't interested in any kind of roleplay, and—

A toilet flushed, causing Logan to sigh. How had he missed that one of the stalls was occupied? Oh well, he just needed to fix this one piece of—

A door banged open and Logan's gaze in the mirror caught on the man walking toward the sinks. Not someone he'd seen before, unless his costume was that good. Logan could appreciate the style even though he'd never been quite that nerdy.

The guy looked up before Logan could avert his gaze, their eyes meeting in the mirror and both of them freezing in place. It was always awkward to look at another man in the john, which was why men didn't do this. Logan needed to look away.

Now.

Instead his gaze was drawn into eyes so dark they were almost black while his stomach did some sort of weird somersault thing.

Why couldn't he look away?

A pair of students entering the room took care of that, breaking whatever it was that had kept Logan glued to the nerd. Needing something to do, he turned on the faucet. The nerd stepped up slowly to the next sink and did the same. The boys entered different stalls.

"Hey."

The greeting was so quiet it almost went unheard, but Logan picked it up over the sound of running water. "Hi." Liquid soap was suddenly his best friend; it gave him a reason to prolong the moment, though if someone had asked he couldn't have explained why that was even necessary.

"Nice jacket."

"Thanks. Nice...sweater."

The guy's eyes twinkled as he smiled. "Belongs to my dad. I figured red and green would work for a Christmas dance."

"Ah, but you're forgetting the Halloween side of it."

The guy dried his hands before pointing toward his feet. Logan laughed when he noted black and orange socks. "You did come prepared."

"I always do."

And wow, did that come off flirty. A thrill worked its way up Logan's body. None of this made any sense. He reached for a paper towel, wondering why the guy seemed to be waiting for him.

Wondering why he liked that the guy was waiting for him.

The stranger held the door for Logan, who thanked him before walking back into the hallway. "Did you get your ticket yet?"

"Yeah. I've already been inside. Just came out to...uh..."

"No explanation needed," Logan laughed again. "Are you...why haven't I seen you before?"

"Oh, I don't leave the shop area much. I might if I knew people, but..."

"Oh. Are you the new shop teacher?"

"Just subbing for now. But yeah. Hoping I get to stick around permanently. Not that I want Ingram to stay sick! That came out wrong."

"I know what you meant," Logan assured him, reaching out to squeeze his arm. Damn, the guy was almost as built as James. Never would've known it under that sweater. "It's auto shop, right?"

"Yeah! Cars are my first love. Probably the only women I'll ever want to get inside of, if you get my drift."

It was cheesy, but the wink the guy added to it made it adorable for some reason. "I know the feeling."

A smirk met the comment. "Yeah?"

Why was he still holding on to the guy's bicep? Logan dropped his hand in a hurry, not missing that the guy seemed a tad disappointed. "My dad was into cars. Used to take me to car shows all the time when I was a kid. We bonded a lot over our love of powerful engines." Why was he talking about this? He never talked about this because it hurt to think about his father. He'd never even talked to James about this. What sort of magic was this guy weaving over him?

"My uncle's the car guy in my family. But same thing, we used to go to car shows all the time. Still do, actually."

"I miss that," Logan admitted. "Haven't really thought about it since my dad died, but...I really do miss it. We didn't have a lot in common, actually. Cars were the thing that we both understood and could talk about."

"You should come with us Friday night! They put on a great show over in Shorewood. We go once a month and it's a blast."

What was he thinking? Him at a car show? Maybe he was getting a little too carried away with the costume and letting it go to his head. There was no way in hell James would want to go to something like that.

James.

The name was like a wake-up call. James was waiting for him inside the gym, probably thinking Logan got lost in the bathroom and about to send out a search party—or worse, come looking himself. "I'll think about it," Logan finally said, having no intention of doing so. "We should get inside."

"Right. The dance. Would you believe I forgot about it for a few minutes?"

Yes, Logan would, because he had, too. Who the hell was this guy? "I'm Logan, by the way. Math."

"Hello, Logan." The smile his name was pronounced with was definitely flirty. "I'm Carlos. Very nice to meet you."

And yeah, Carlos definitely held his hand longer than was proper.

Logan couldn't get to James fast enough, because something about Carlos scared him to death.