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

Hey guys! So I meant to mention this in the last chapter and forgot. I'm aware that hockey season usually goes on much longer, but for this story I needed the championships to happen around Christmas. Normally I think they're in March. I apologize for any confusion on that, I really do know more about hockey than you'd think reading my stories. What I don't know are cars, so forgive any errors regarding that. There's a reason I'm vague when I write about them. :P

And we're back at the dance again, which will stretch into the next chapter as well. Lots of stuff going on at this school dance. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading. :)

James didn't even try to fight the smirk that greeted Kendall. "Really?"

"Oh, like you have room to talk? What are you two, night and day?"

"What?" James asked in confusion.

"He's the dark and you're the light. Which is so opposite of real life, so...good job on becoming something you're not."

"I'm not going to stand here and listen to you insult me."

"Who said it was an insult?"

"Boys!" Lucy yelled. "You're acting like the kids who sit in my office and argue over who started the fight. I'll tell you what I tell them—I don't care who started it, but one of you has to end it or we all sit here until the bell rings."

James rolled his eyes. "There's not even a bell at this time of night."

"My point exactly. You want to stay here until Monday morning, that's on you. Oh shit, that pumpkin just fell off the wall."

Lucy scurried away from the table, leaving James and Kendall to avoid looking at each other.

"Where's Logan?"

"Bathroom. He's nervous about his costume."

"Of course he is. I'm sure he looks hot as fuck, but he won't believe that no matter how many times I tell him."

"He does," Kendall agreed. At James' raised brow, Kendall shrugged one shoulder. "It's no secret I find him attractive. I did date him."

"Don't remind me."

Kendall almost choked on the punch, which was mostly just flavored water. "This is disgusting. And shouldn't your sweater have an R on it?"

"What?"

"For Rydell High. Isn't that where Danny and Sandy went?"

"The thrift shop only had this. So it's a T. It works."

"I guess."

"Oh, like any self-respecting knight would go into battle without his helmet?"

"Logan says my hair makes me look noble."

James snorted. "Logan doesn't know you very well, does he?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"We both know you take what you want, even if it doesn't belong to you. I think a pirate would've been a more accurate costume for you."

A hand fell on James' shoulder from behind, the grip firm. Tight. Possessive. Kendall's voice was way too close, as usual. "You didn't belong to him then."

"I did," James argued weakly. Even with all that armor covering his body, Kendall's heat radiated to James. "We just hadn't said the words."

"You were mine until the day you did."

Nostrils flaring, James spun around with fire in his eyes. "I was never yours."

"You wanted to be."

"You're so full of shit that I think you actually believe that. It was always Logan for me, Kendall."

Kendall nodded slowly, his own fire dying. "You're right. I was only exciting because you couldn't have him. But then you did and..."

"And what?"

"And it was like I didn't exist. I think I liked it better when you hated me than the way it is now, where you won't even look at me."

James chewed on that. "Is that what you meant yesterday when you said you miss me?"

The answer was a long time in coming. "Yeah."

"Well, I'm sorry. That part of our...I don't even think you can call it a friendship. But that's over. It's better when we don't exist to each other."

"Why is that?"

James didn't know how to reply to that question. Luckily he didn't have to, because Kendall's focus shifted from his face to something over his shoulder. "Logan's coming."

It was only when Kendall's hand dropped away that he realized it had been there the whole time. His skin burned where it had been touched. He slowly spun back around to see his boyfriend approaching, looking deliciously dangerous in black leather. "Holy shit, he looks good."

"Told you. Who's that guy he's talking to?"

"That's Carlos. Your date for the evening."

"Oh."

"Gee, don't sound so thrilled," James commented with sarcasm. "He might think you just want him for his body."

"I'm sure he's nice. I mean, Logan's already laughed three times since they walked in the door."

"The dude's definitely not boring. Don't let the costume fool you." Directing his next words to the other two as they neared, James offered, "Carlos, this is Kendall. He coaches our outstanding hockey team. And I see you've already met Logan."

"We did meet," Carlos grinned. "Hi. Kendall, was it?"

"Yes. Welcome to our school."

"Thanks! Everyone's been really nice so far. Especially Lucy; I wasn't even gonna come tonight but she talked me into it."

"She's good like that," Kendall agreed. "Punch?"

"Sure. Thanks. Logan, can I get you some?"

"Oh, why thank you. That would be...nice."

James stepped aside so that Carlos could reach the bowl, amused at the way the new guy was trying so hard to make friends. The move brought him closer to Logan. "Hey, gorgeous," he purred into Logan's ear. "I like you in leather."

"Not here!" Logan hissed, smacking James lightly and putting distance between them. "I already warned you. Oh, thanks!" He reached for the full cup with a smile for Carlos.

"You're quite welcome."

He tipped Logan a wink, causing Logan to blush and James to hold in amusement. Carlos obviously didn't know Logan at all if he thought any kind of affection in public would be welcome—even as friends.

"James! I need you!"

All four spun around at the sound of Lucy's yell, which was frantic enough to be heard even over the music.

"That poster by the door is falling down! Did you use enough tape?"

"Of course I used enough tape. It's probably because of the cold air coming in. Why not just forget about it? The dance is already on anyway."

"I am not going to stand here and wait for it to happen. The ladder's in that closet in the corner, let's go."

James dug in his heels; Logan was finally here and looking that good and no way was he going to spend his entire evening running around fixing things. "No."

"No? Did you just say no to me?"

"Yes. I'm here for the dance."

"Oh. I see." She stepped closer to say, "If you don't help me with this, I'll tell all of Kendall's secrets."

Her words confused James and Logan. Kendall, on the other hand, was outraged. "Lucy, what the hell?"

"Kendall has secrets?" James asked. "Wait, I don't care. How is that supposed to get me to help you?"

"Because it's your choice. You help me, everything's fine. You don't, this guy gets in your face. Probably repeatedly and often."

Well. That was a proper threat. The last thing James needed was Kendall in his face. Still, Logan looked so good. "Why can't he do it?"

"He can't climb a ladder. Are we doing this or is Kendall up your ass for the rest of your life?"

And damn if her choice of words didn't bring up visions he didn't need. "Fine." He turned to point a finger at Kendall. "But you owe me."

"I don't owe you shit!"

Lucy rolled her eyes. "Just come on."

There wasn't even time to say anything to Logan before she dragged James away. Attempting to shake off the momentary panic that her threat had induced (she wouldn't really do that, would she?), Kendall addressed Carlos. "So, Carlos. Are you from around here?"

"Edina, actually. I moved here about a year ago. Worked as a mechanic while getting my teaching credentials, and...here I am."

Though he knew already that it wasn't going to work between them, Kendall offered a smile. "Welcome to Lincoln High."

"Thanks. I heard the hockey team's going to state. That's awesome!"

"It is! I still can't believe it, they were so unmotivated when I started here and then—"

"Kendall!"

Principal Kalvert in their midst was always a nerve-wracking experience. It could go either way. "Hello, sir."

"Oh please, this is a fun thing. Call me Bruce. Listen, the superintendent is here and wanted to congratulate you on today's victory."

Just like that Kendall was gone, leaving Carlos to grin at Logan before offering more punch. His stomach full of butterflies, Logan accepted.

The next twenty minutes consisted of James and Lucy flitting around the room putting out fires while Kendall was waylaid by person after person wishing to congratulate him on the team's fine work. Logan and Carlos made small talk for most of that, and Carlos shared that he hadn't really explored the campus yet. "I think I'm too afraid I'll get lost if I stray anywhere but the shop and the bathroom," he joked.

"It's not a huge school," Logan chuckled. "We could probably cover it in ten minutes."

Carlos waited a beat before asking, "Is that an invitation?"

Logan's breath caught. "Now?"

"Well, what better time? I have a capable guide with me and won't have to deal with a ton of students mowing me down."

"It's...dark."

"I do better in the dark."

Oh shit. Was he...? Was Carlos really...? "Um, Carlos, I think you should know that—"

"I'm sorry."

That derailed Logan's train of thought. "For what?"

"I never know when to keep my mouth shut and now I'm making you uncomfortable and—"

"Carlos, no, it's..." It was what? It wasn't exactly fine. Carlos obviously had no idea Logan was taken.

"The truth is I was hoping to swing you around to the auto shop and show you what we're working on. I'm super proud of it, my dad jumped through a million hoops to buy it for my birthday and I thought it would be a fun car to restore in class. I just wanted someone who would appreciate it to see it, but I know I came on too strong."

Damn. How was Logan supposed to fight those sad eyes? "What is it?"

"'57 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner."

Again, Logan's breath caught. His father had dreamed of owning that exact model. He remembered seeing pictures of it as a kid but never one in person. "You have a Skyliner sitting in that room right now?"

"It's not as far along as I want it to be, there's still a lot to do, but—"

"Show me."

Carlos' excited face matched Logan's. He whipped out his phone, at least cognizant enough to remember to text James a quick "Be right back," and then practically ran with Carlos out of the gym.

When James was finally free to return to their rendezvous point, he found Kendall chatting with Susan. A quick glance around showed him no sign of his boyfriend. "Where's Logan?" he interrupted, not caring if it was rude. He'd barely had any time at all with his man tonight.

Susan replied with, "Hello to you, too, James. Having fun?"

"I would be if I could find my...friend."

Kendall jumped in to cover what he knew James had almost let slip. "Last time I saw him he was here talking to Carlos. I don't see him either." After nodding at Susan as she moved to greet someone else, Kendall suggested, "Check your phone. He's good about that sort of thing."

It was a smart idea. James frowned at the message he saw from Logan, his gaze then drifting down to another one from the chat program. He felt Kendall's eyes on him and turned away, not wanting his frenemy to see that he was breathless at the simple message from Rush that said, "Thinking about you a lot tonight. I miss you." James cleared his throat and managed out loud, "Be right back."

"Fine."

"No, I mean, that's what Logan's text says. 'Be right back.' Where the hell would he go?"

"Knowing him, Carlos probably had some sort of emergency and Logan's helping with it. You know how he is with new guys, always making sure we feel welcome."

James' stomach turned slightly at the words, which were innocent enough but brought to mind a realization he'd never grasped before. Kendall was absolutely right. When he'd been the new guy, Logan looked after him. When Kendall showed up, it was the same thing except that since Kendall was gay, there'd been more than an attempt at friendship.

Carlos was also gay. And so far had shown no signs of wanting to keep that a secret.

James felt the beginnings of a panic attack fluttering in his chest. Kendall noticed it immediately. "Hey. You okay?"

"Um. I need to find Logan."

"Why not start with texting him?"

"Boys!"

Both James and Kendall groaned, knowing that the urgency in Lucy's tone couldn't be a good thing. She rushed up to them and asked, "Where's Logan?"

"That's what we were about to figure out," James replied.

"Okay, I need you all to count the ballots for king and queen."

"Count the...?" James had had enough. "Lucy, there are students who can do this! That's what the committee's for!"

"The committee can't be trusted. Three of the members are up for the crown, so it has to be impartial people who do the actual counting. And since you three are my best friends who would do anything to help me, it's up to you."

James thought calling Logan a "best friend" was stretching it a bit. Though he tolerated her now, James suspected there was still a resentment in place that made no sense. "I spent last night and today helping you get this ready. Can't I just enjoy it now?"

"No, because we're short on time and you both owe me."

"Here we go again," Kendall droned with a roll of his eyes. "What exactly do we owe you for?"

"Numerous hours of free counseling."

James snorted. "Like you charge everyone else?"

"Look, I'm trying to do this the nice way. But if you'd rather, we can go back to threats and—"

"Fine!" Kendall yelled. "James, just give in. I learned this with Katie years ago, sometimes it's easier to just give in."

Lucy's sweet smile matched the sugary tone of her next words. "Katie is so smart. Come on guys, it'll be fun! There's a box for each of you near the stage. Find someplace quiet to separate and count it all, and get Logan in there to help you so it goes faster! We have less than an hour!"

Like a tornado, she was off and running to who knew where. Kendall shook his head. "Good thing she's such a great listener."

"You're telling me. Where are we supposed to find a quiet place to sit and do this?"

"I know exactly where to go. Come on, let's get this over with."

Not feeling that he had a choice, James followed as Kendall set off. He used the trek to type out a quick reply to Rush.

"We're not speaking, remember?"

He sent that, wishing he could still be angry with his friend. In truth, the thought of never speaking to him again left James feeling empty.

Finally caving to the ache in his chest, he added one more message.

"But if we were, I'd say the same thing."

As Kendall had said, sometimes it was easier to just give in.

They did actually do a quick tour of the campus on the way to the shop. Carlos had been shown the teachers' lounge on his first day but after that never set foot in it. "You're welcome to join us for lunch."

Carlos smiled at the invitation, his eyes dancing. "Maybe I will."

Logan forced himself to turn away fast before he got sucked into that gaze again. When they eventually ended up in the shop area, he was in awe of the beauty before him. The car was boosted up on jack stands, but at their lowest setting to make it easy to peer inside.

"Obviously she's missing some pieces right now," Carlos explained in a rush. "And the paint's faded and one of the lights is broken but—"

"Carlos," Logan whispered, silencing him with a hand to the shoulder. "She's beautiful."

Carlos relaxed, seeing that Logan was just as taken by the car as he was. "You ever worked on one before? Any car, I mean."

"No. Dad did, and I helped, if that counts." Logan moved closer to run a hand over the front fender.

"It counts," Carlos grinned. "I mean, you at least know your way around a lug wrench, right?"

"Definitely," Logan laughed. "May I?"

"Oh, sure!"

Together they lifted the hood so that Logan could study the engine. "You'd think it wouldn't be so different from the current ones. An engine's an engine, right?"

"No. Not at all. I love that you appreciate that. You should see it from underneath!"

"What? Oh no, that's okay."

"Come on, you know you want to."

"But you're all dressed up, you shouldn't get all covered in grease and—" And why did just the idea of that send Logan's heart racing? What was wrong with him?

"It's just a costume, not like a tux or anything. Come over here." Carlos used his foot to roll over a creeper and gently pushed it toward Logan. "Go for it."

"I...can't."

Carlos' gaze narrowed. "You know it's safe, right?"

"Actually, I know it isn't. I um..." There were no more words, just Logan shaking his head.

Carlos closed the distance between them and rested a soothing hand on Logan's arm. "Something happened."

"I don't talk about it."

"Okay. I'll back off." He stood there awkwardly, waiting for a cue from Logan as to how to proceed. Both of Logan's arms were crossed over his chest, not in annoyance but as if to ward off cold. He looked lost. The protector in Carlos came out and he pulled Logan into his embrace. Though Logan remained stiff, he allowed it. "Your dad?"

The lingering scent of motor oil in the room took him right back to his childhood. "We went away for Labor Day weekend. Me and Mom."

Logan's voice was barely audible, but it was quiet enough in this wing of the school that Carlos had no trouble hearing.

"We went to visit my aunt. Dad stayed home. He didn't answer the phone Sunday morning. Or Sunday afternoon. We went home early because of it and..."

Carlos could piece together the rest. "Did you find him?"

"No. Mom kept me out of the garage. I never saw anything. But she told me..."

"Shh." Now the arms slid around Carlos' back and squeezed tight as if somehow that would contain the emotions trying to break free inside Logan. "Don't talk about it."

"I don't. I never do. I don't even think about it."

"I'm sorry I brought it back."

Without warning, the flood of memories and grief overwhelmed Logan. He hadn't allowed himself to think about it in years. He tried to swallow down tears but they came anyway, his body quaking in Carlos' embrace.

"It's okay. Let it out. It's just you and me in here."

Five minutes later Logan was wiping his eyes with a clean rag Carlos had dug out of a drawer. "I'm so sorry. I don't know where that came from. I'm around cars all the time, this is so stupid."

"I'm guessing the fact that you block it out has something to do with it."

"I didn't block it out, I just don't..." The ringing of his phone jolted him before he sighed. That would be James wondering where he was. He cleared his throat and got control over himself before answering. "Hey."

"Where are you?"

"Auto shop. Carlos wanted to show me the car they're working on. It's beautiful."

A short pause was followed by, "Since when are you into cars?"

"I was as a kid. A lot of good memories back in my garage." Also some bad ones, but Logan refused to think about that anymore tonight.

"Oh. Okay. Lucy has us counting ballots in the gym. We need your help."

"Be right there. Uh, where exactly?"

"There's a little corner you've probably never noticed before. I know I didn't. Equipment room."

"A little corner in the..." Logan managed a smirk. "Must be the place Kendall always wanted to take me and make out when we were dating."

In the tiny room, James shot an accusatory glare at Kendall, who lifted an eyebrow in question. "Is that so?"

Logan replied, "Stop, you know it never went anywhere. We'll be right over."

"Hurry. We only have like forty-five minutes."

"Okay okay." Logan hung up the phone and pocketed it before turning to Carlos. "Feel like helping Lucy out?"

"Sure, I figure I owe her one."

"For what?"

Rather than answer that question, Carlos asked, "Did I hear you say you were dating Kendall?"

"No! I mean I was, but...that's long over. It was a brief thing."

"Good."

"Good?"

"Yeah."

"Why is that good?"

"Because I won't feel guilty doing this."

Carlos' lips were on his before he even had a chance to deflect it. Logan gasped, a surge of something powerful shooting through him and into Carlo's mouth because his own was open wide to accept the eager tongue that asked his for a dance. His fingers clawed at Carlos' sweater as if grabbing for purchase, and Carlos took that as an invitation to probe deeper. A whine like Logan had never uttered came out when Carlos rubbed against him just right, and the deep shudder that resulted from that was enough to wake Logan up. He shoved Carlos away so hard that Carlos stumbled but still he couldn't catch his breath.

"What...why...Carlos?"

"Fuck. Fuck, I'm sorry, I convinced myself it wasn't just me, and it obviously was, you're just so fucking hot and I've never wanted someone like this, I mean yeah I've been attracted to guys but there's something about you and I don't know what it is and now you'll probably never speak to me again and—"

"I have a boyfriend!"

"Oh god. Oh god, of course you do, a guy like you wouldn't be single, Logan please, I'm so sorry."

Logan could still barely think straight enough to converse. "Shit. I just cheated on James."

"No, that was my fault, I—" A look of confusion took over Carlos' face. "James?"

"Yes. He's my boyfriend."

"James from the gym?"

"Yes, Carlos, why is that so hard to believe?!" Logan's tone was approaching hysteria.

"I just assumed he was with Kendall."

The hysteria gave way to his own confusion. "Kendall? Why would you think that?"

"I don't know, the way they were standing? I saw them talking when we went into the gym and I felt this...forget it."

"No, wait. You felt this what?"

"I don't know! I'm sorry, I made a mistake, obviously my judgment can't be trusted. I mean I convinced myself you were into me!"

Logan couldn't think about that right now. He focused on the other point instead. "Kendall and James can't stand each other. They only put up with each other for my sake."

"Okay. I was wrong."

"I'm sure that's what you felt. There's always tension because they're like...sworn enemies or something."

"Right, that's all it was. Can we just...forget tonight ever happened?"

Logan nodded slowly, still trying to get a handle on his feelings. "I think that's best."

"I'll keep my distance from now on."

"No, Carlos..." Now Logan felt guilty for making him feel unwelcome and embarrassed. "Look, it wasn't your imagination, okay? I was definitely...feeling some things. And it's hard enough for me to admit that to myself, so I can't talk about it or even think about it. Do you understand?"

"Yeah. You love him."

"I love him a lot. I can't lose him."

"I get it. This never happened."

"Temporary insanity."

"Sure."

"But if you can forgive me for leading you on, I'd love it if you joined us at lunch Monday. Kendall's single and looking, just so you know."

Carlos managed a slight chuckle. "I didn't feel any kind of connection with him, but...you never know."

"He's a great guy." When Carlos didn't seem convinced, Logan added, "I'm really sorry. If it wasn't for James..."

Carlos nodded again. "Yeah. I'll just try to forget that that kiss was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Logan's eyes fell closed as Carlos turned toward the exit. Easier said than done, because his body was still tingling from it.