HELLO EVERYONE, so sorry for the lateness and what not. I don't own any of the characters or anything! Um reviews make me feel special so that'd be nice too :) I hope you enjoy the chapter it's the longest one I've written and the next chapter is going to be crazzzy.

This was the last place Carlos wanted to be spending his afternoon. In a drafty room that smelt of hair grease and hormonal teen angst. He sauntered in room 205, eyes downcast and shoulders heavy. He looked up only for a moment to make himself aware of his surroundings, at the desk sat Mr. Johnson, a red faced, balding little man who had a bad attitude and even worse breath. He saw the usual delinquents chattering amongst themselves in hushed tones, Guitar Dude was among them and he waved at Carlos excitedly, gesturing for him to join them. Carlos smirked and headed over taking the seat right in front of Guitar Dude, he turned around to join in the conversation, but was cut off by Mr. Johnson's harsh cough of command.

"Good afternoon future jailbirds, most of you already know me and my rules, but for those newbies I'm spotting around the room, let me make a few things very clear", he stood up and started to pace in front of the gleaming oak desk.

"One, we need to break up this little group we have here, spread yourselves out, there should be NO talking understood?" The teens groaned but listened to the small man as they scattered to different corners of the room. Carlos sat in the very back corner at a desk covered in gum and graffiti and laid his head down.

"That leads me to point number two, do not talk to your peers, this is detention, not an after school club, you people are being punished for doing bad things and disrupting the sanctity of these fine halls", he said smugly. The room filled with a chorus of soft snickers and the occasional 'yeah fuckin' right'. Mr. Johnson glared daggers at everybody in the room finally landing his beady eyes on Carlos.

"Ah Mr. Garcia, you are a perfect example of rule number Trois, sit up in your desk, straight and proper. You are all in here for a reason, you don't get to sleep, this isn't suppose to be fun and I intend to make sure you all never end up in here again, So Mr. Garcia, put your head up now or you'll be getting a detention for tomorrow", he finished. Carlos scoffed but obeyed never the less, he wasn't trying to get another one.

"Now that we all understand each other, I suggest maybe you all do a little homework, I know for a fact all of your grades could use a little push", with that, Mr. Johnson sat down at the desk and started grading papers. Carlos let out a sigh of discontent as he filed through his back pack looking for his math homework.

"Pssssssssst dude, Carlitos", Guitar Dude whispered, successfully getting the attention of Carlos, "that was a sweet punch you served Jett today, the douche bag needed a good ass whooping." Carlos smirked at that and gave Guitar Dude an air high five.

"Thanks bro, it was worth it", he bragged.

"AHEM", Mr. Johnson cleared his throat and aimed a sharp glare at the conversing boys. Carlos quickly dropped his head and started scribbling on his math work. It was his worst subject, he couldn't remember a time where math came easy to him and he constantly struggled o maintain a D average. James was no help due to the fact that, well, James is an idiot. It was like hieroglyphics, so ancient and useless and difficult. Carlos' brow furrowed and he stuck out his tongue in deep concentration as he attempted to understand a particularly hard equation. What is a variable anyway? Why are letters even in a number zone? UGH. He threw his pencil down in a state of utter defeat. He looked up at the clock and almost threw up at the fact only twenty minutes had passed. He ran his tan fingers through his messy locks in an attempt to calm himself down. Tick. This was frustrating. Tock. Time wasn't moving fast enough for his liking. Tick. School is so hard. Tock. 'Everyone hates Jett, I should've gotten a medal.' he thought bitterly. Tick. Guitar dude started doodling on the desk. Tock. Carlos started too. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. The metronome of the clock kept steady and Carlos couldn't believe that the first hour wasn't even up. How did people stand this? Carlos had only this one detention and he wanted to die, he looked around and these were the students that had been here ten, twelve, maybe even twenty times! He shook his head in disapproval. The silence was broken by the slamming of the door. Mr. Roque strutted in, in all his fat, sassy glory. He kept his chin up and scanned the room.

"Principal Roque, can I help you with something", Mr. Johnson asked sheepishly. Gustavo turned to him sharply, as if he'd just sworn at him.

"Did I ask for your help Herbert, did I come over to you, ring your little bell, and ask for assistance", Gustavo mocked. Some students giggled at the mentioning of the teacher's first name. Herbert turned red and shook his head.

"THAN NO I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP", Gustavo yelled, frightening Herbert into a whimpering mess. Gustavo turned his attention back to the bored teenagers. When his gaze fell on Carlos, he grinned and pointed a sausage finger in his direction.

"Garcia, up, we have business to attend to", Gustavo ordered. Carlos didn't need to be told twice. He scampered up and rushed to put all of his things back in his bag with some sort of rhyme and reason. He heard the other kids clicking their tongues and whining about his early dismissal, but he paid no attention to them. Gustavo started out the door and Carlos followed, giving a small wave in Guitar Dude's direction. He trudged after Gustavo's hurried steps. For a large man, he sure could move fast. He led them right outside the brick building into the warm, August sun and for a moment, Carlos just stood there and let it sink into his skin, right into his veins. The school courtyard was so tranquil when 500 kids didn't litter it. He was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of a car pulling up to the curb. Gustavo got in and looked to Carlos to do the same. He took a deep breath and joined him in the black, very expensive looking vehicle. Behind the wheel was Kelly, the stoic secretary, looking a little less hardened than she had during the school day. He made a mental note that Kelly was a very pretty young woman. The car started drifting away from his school, and Carlos started getting this horrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to ask where they were going, how Gustavo could afford a car like this on a principals salary, why Kelly was still here after work hours, but Carlos decided to keep his mouth shut in a thin, pressed line.

"At this point Carlos, you may be a bit terrified, well I don't blame you, but rest assured that you're going to be pretty enthused by this little project we got goin'", Kelly said sweetly meeting his eyes in the mirror. That didn't make him feel better at all. He swallowed the lump in his throat and gave a short nod. They drove in silence for the rest of the fifteen minute trip into the city. Their ending destination was a metallic skyscraper, with mirror like windows and a beautiful infrastructure. Kelly parked in a reserved spot, turned off the car and proceeded to get out. She was followed my Gustavo, and he was followed by Carlos as the trio made their way into the massive building. Carlos was astounded and confused, but the fear in his belly was slowly desipitating as he entered the air conditioned lobby. Busy people rushed past, everybody looking important. Phones were in people's ears, in their hands, the chattering of a thousand workers filled the Latino boy's ears. Next to the chrome front desk was a humongous portrait of the billionaire Arthur Griffin, looking down upon them all, a menacing glint in his eyes. Carlos felt a chill run down his spine. They made their way through the lobby quickly and boarded the elevator. The ride up was uncomfortable for the bubbling youth with the cheap, music playing and Gustavo's heavy breathing. The 'ding' signaled their voyage's end and he grabbed his backpack straps tightly as they went down the long hallway. They finally came to a solid door and Gustavo slipped his keys in the lock, he pushed the door open and Carlos' took in a deep breath. He looked around at the recording studio in absolute awe. Everything was so high tech and beautiful and oh my goodness is that a mini fridge? Carlos couldn't comprehend any thing right now. He walked into the space, as if he were a zombie and plopped down on a nearby leather couch.

"Welcome to Roque Records Carlos Garcia, first rule you are my LAPDOG you do what I tell you, when I tell you to, how I tell you to, comphrende? SECOND RULE do NOT touch any of my things unless I give you permission, final rule you will never disclose any of this to ANYONE, this is my little side business, me and Kelly here have been making magic happen since before you were born, with things getting a little busy around here we figured we could use a little extra help, with a little bit of talent. Your duties will include coffee runs, fax and copy runs, testing out new equipment, scouting for 'the fire' and keeping me happy. All of this in exchange for me not suspending your ass like I should have. You shall be here every Monday and Wednesday .Kelly tells me you have a decent voice, I expect to hear it later on. Right now the big dog is starving and he craves the dinner, there's a little shop two blocks from here called Le Café pour les Grand take this twenty dollars and go fetch me something good, surprise me I practically eat everything on the menu", Gustavo concluded his rant and turned his back to the overwhelmed teenager.

"YOU'RE DISMISSED", he screamed when Carlos didn't move. He ran off of the couch and right out of the studio with his tail between his legs. His mind still wasn't completely computing. SO, what he's collected thus far is: Mr. Roque, his infamous principal, is also an infamous producer with a pretty henchman by his side. They work for Griffin, Mercedes' father and one of the most powerful in the known world, and he's just signed his soul away to keep himself out of trouble with his mom. Was it worth it? No. No it wasn't, he decided. But now he's stuck, and with a roast beef sandwich, some potato soup, and the weight of the world on his shoulders he left the café and went back to the headquarters, wishing the entire way that he could've just gone surfing with his brunet counterpart. When he arrived back at the studio, Kelly was typing away at the computer, engrossed in her work, and Gustavo sat with headphones on twiddling with the sound board bobbing his head and stoking his beard in contemplation. Carlos crept in as quietly as he could and sat the food down on the glass table in the middle of the room. As soon as Gustavo got a whiff of his dinner, he removed his headphones and started in.

"DOG go shred these papers for me, the shredders in my office", Gustavo demanded as he sat to eat his meal. Carlos took the papers and scurried off to do what he was told. When he returned, Gustavo was inhaling his food, the smell tickled the Latino's nostrils. Watching Gustavo eat his food made Carlos remember his own hunger and he looked at his cell phone. 5:39, two missed calls from his mom, a text from Stephanie, and one text from The blonde Jennifer asking about James' party Friday. Okay, he should probably head home. Carlos hadn't said more than two words this whole time and he was having trouble asking for a lift home. He could walk home from school, but this place is like thirty minutes driving distance away. He cleared his throat and turned to Kelly, she seemed like the lesser of two evils.

"Hey um.. Kelly it's sorta late and I need to be back before my Mami leaves for work and uh…I kinda live a bit out there could I-I maybe, get a ride possibly", Carlos stuttered out. Gustavo looked up from his sandwich and Kelly looked up from whatever she was doing on this computer. She beamed up at him and gave him a smile that spoke for itself.

"Sure, Carlos. Gustavo I'm taking the pup home, say your goodbyes", Kelly said as she stood up and started for the door. Gustavo mumbled something out that kinda sounded like a goodbye but his mouth was full of half chewed food so he gestured with his hand and they clicked the door shut behind them. When it was just him and Kelly, Carlos exhaled a breath it felt like he'd been holding for three years. Kelly chuckled and turned to Carlos. Her features were so much softer now and she looked at the boy as if he was her family.

"He's a hassle I know, but there is no reason for you to be so up tight. Once you know him you figure out he's all bark no bite..well sometimes a little bite but not a bad one, and I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun Carlos, it's not everyday Gustavo lets a student in on this", she said resting her hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sure it will be.. it's just all…whoa like. I mean Gustavo's been doing this for years, why is he a principal at a shitty high school", he asked as they neared the car. Kelly unlocked the doors and gestured for Carlos to sit up front with her.

"Well That was Griffin's doing as well, you're right, Gustavo has been at it for years, he's actually extremely successful and he was known for what he does once upon a time, but as soon as Mercedes entered high school, Griffin wanted somebody who would bend to the whims of his Princess as much as he does. Seeing as Gustavo is one of Griffin's favorite pets, he bought the school and put him in charge. It's kind of a method of torture, you see the kids in that school. I'm just along for the ride I suppose", she answered sarcasm dripping from her tone.

"That all makes sense, but why me, anybody would work to be an errand boy". Kelly pulled out of the lot and started out of the city, she put a perfectly manicured finger to her lips before you gave her answer.

"When the opportunity arises, in this business, you pounce on it. You've never had any other bad reports, you'll work for free cause, well you know, Gustavo blackmailed you, and I heard you hummin' in there, you were good! It just seemed really convenient.". Carlos laughed a little at that.

"Okay, Kelly".

"What? You wanted the truth! Now where do you live my little tamales?" He laughed at the nick name and stuttered out some directions for her. When they arrived at his house, all the lights were off, signaling his mother had already left for work. The sun was still shining but it was a searing orange hue and it dyed the sky an array of colors. Carlos muttered a 'see you tomorrow and thank you' and got out of the dark car. The studio was better than detention, but he was happy to be home. He took out his key and unlocked the front door, almost immediately throwing his backpack down. He almost called out a hello to his mom, but stopped when he realized she'd left. He entered the kitchen and went over to raid his fridge of any possibility of sustenance. On it, was a note from his mother advising him of what to eat, and to call her when he got home. She drew a small heart and a smiley face at the end and it made Carlos, just a little bit teary eyed. He loved his mother so much, she was everything he ever needed. He decided to eat some left over lasagna and popped it in the microwave before he kicked off his shoes and stretched out on his sofa. He took his phone out, texting out quick replies and calling his mom.

"Carlos Roberto Garcia, where have you been" she sounded concerned.

"Mami, calm down I was at math tutoring, you know I'm actually trying to raise my grade", he smiled when he heard his mom snort.

"I know hijo, just call me and tell me where you are next time kay? I couldn't even get a hold of James to see where you were".

"I'm sorry Ma, it won't happen again".

"Okay Carlos, I gotta go have a good night te amo", she said sweetly.

"Te amo", he responded and ended the call. He turned on the TV and stared blankly at the screen, just trying to absorb everything that happened today. The shrill ringing of the microwave sounded and he ran to get his dinner. Just as he was putting his feet up and eating his dinner, the doorbell rang.

"Uggy", Carlos rolled his eyes, but didn't move. 'maybe they'll go away if I'm quiet enough'. It rang again. And again. And again. More frantically each time, until there was no pause in between them it was just constantly ringing. Carlos kicked the table, which he instantly regretted and went to the door.

"God Damn I'm fuckin coming", he screeched over the doorbell. He swung the door open prepared to deliver a big ol' can of whoop ass, but he stopped when he was met with a distraught James, dripping wet and dazed.

"Bro…what happened, what's wrong", Carlos asked his words laced with worry. James just walked in the house, holding a white towel to his side. Carlos examined the boy and noticed the bloody towel.

"Holy shit James what happened, you're scaring me", he rushed over to the boy and made him take a seat on the couch.

"I drowned, almost, but hands, water filled my lungs, but he saved me, bleeding though, angels, I don't even know right now, I can't-", James babbled incoherently and Carlos was having a rough time understanding anything.

"James, you gotta speak English for me or Spanish, which ever you prefer, but words would help a little bit", Carlos pleaded. James met his gaze, honey colored eyes met with dark chocolate ones and Carlos could see James finally starting to organize his thoughts.

"I was surfing, and this huge, knarly wave just hit me, and I couldn't get to the surface, I was dying 'Litos I was so scared and everything was just burning, and than out of fuckin nowhere this man comes up to me, and Carlos you should've seen him, he was…I can't explain it, but he helped me break the surface. I swam to shore and for awhile I just laid there and than I look down and see…these", James removed the towel from his sides and all the color drained from Carlos' face. Two hand prints red and shiny blared up at him from James' sides. They'd been etched into his skin so perfectly.

"Wait here James", Carlos said and ran upstairs. James leaned back on his couch , assuming the boy would come down with some ointment but instead he came down with his sketchbook in hand.

"I need to remember these, this is insanity", Carlos breathed as he started sketching out the handprints adorning James' body. James scoffed in offense.

"Carlos I need a band aid, or two, maybe even three, can you please not do this right now", James asked. Carlos bit his lip obviously ashamed.

"James you need a whole lot more than a band aid that's a grown man's hands, give me five minutes okay? It's just a rough sketch". James nodded and rolled his head back on the sofa cushions. Like promised, Carlos stopped after five minutes and ran to go get his friend some ointment and some ace wrap. He applied the ointment as gently as he could, but that didn't stop James' from wincing every so often. He wrapped his torso tightly and secured the wrap, then he said something that James knew he eventually would.

"You were saved by a merman James! Did he have dark hair, dark eyes, and a pale complexion, did he sing to you", he asked. James rolled his eyes and groaned.

"Carlos, stop, it was not a merman, okay, I'm thinking that maybe it didn't even happen, like I was hallucinating or some shit".

"How do you explain those hand prints James?", he retorted.

"I don't know maybe he was a regular dude wearing gloves or something! Since when do mermaids leave cuts anyway?" Carlos was stumped with that one.

"Plus he was blond, with green eyes and a pale complexion and I'm pretty sure he was a figment of my imagination".

"James this is the only explan-", "Carlos, no it's not! I can think of fifty other explanations that still make more sense than your mermaid theory okay? I've entertained this little idea of yours enough over the years, I've put up with your shit, I've put up with everybody else's shit and I'm done, you need to grow the fuck up and figure out that the belief in merthings is a belief for five to eight year old girls", James exclaimed. Carlos was in shock. He'd never been yelled at like that before, and for it to come from his best friend, ouch. His eyes started to fill with tears and he ran up to his room, hurt by what he saw as a betrayal. For ten minutes he sat there and stared at the pictures of the merman he'd drawn over the years.

"I know you're real, I know it", he said softly to the pieces of paper. He heard a knock on his door and James came in with his eyes downcast. He ran his fingers through his hair and let in a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry 'Litos, I'm just freaking out a little bit okay? I mean I just almost died and it'd be easier if we didn't complicate things with theories and…I'm just sorry", he said walking towards Carlos. He wrapped his arms around his shorter friend and kissed his forehead.

"Don't be mad at me", he whispered. Carlos returned the hug. That was a sign that all was forgiven. After his tears had dried, he untangled himself from James, and sat cross-legged on his bed.

How was detention and Gustavo", he asked timidly.

"Detention was awful, but, well I'm not suppose to tell anyone but you're my best friend so I'm going to trust you to keep your mouth shut, Gustavo is like this record producer, he has this big ol' studio and everything and he works for Griffin and I'm now his errand boy, he's really scary but I think I can handle this". James looked impressed.

"Whoa, so he makes people famous", James inquired.

"Yeah", Carlos said happily, "I bet if I told him about you, you'd make it to the big time in no time, they even wanted to hear me sing". James' face lit up.

"If you did that for me I'd love you forever", he smirked.

"Yeah, yeah if you maybe start kissing my ass a little more I might say a word or two about your brilliance.

" Whatever 'Litos I don't know if fame is worth my dignity, can I sleep over here? I don't want to be alone tonight after everything", James mumbled the last part.

"Sure".

The rest of the week flew by without a hitch. Carlos visited the studio on Wednesday, as promised. This time he got to watch somebody being recorded, Gustavo practically popped a blood vessel with this guy. He was off key, pitchy, and way to self involved. James would blow this guy out of the water. Jett walked around school, sporting a large bruise, he still sat at the same table with Carlos, but he avoided eye contact at all cost. The hype about James' huge beach party was buzzing through out the high school, and although James had stayed far away from the ocean since the incident, he couldn't have been more excited when his alarm clock rang Friday morning. Hot girls. Hot naked girls. The sea. The fire. The s' mores. The drinks. The sex. Yeah, it was going to be a good night for the Party Kings Of L.A.