Big thank yous and love for the people that reviewed the last chapter. Me love you brittney, taeXen, SmoshGaby, Big Time Ships, WeLoveTheLove, rosebud, cococolakid, Mr. President and of course, MoonbabyAstroRock3r.
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Behind The Lens
Chapter Eight; How Long I've Waited.
The car slowly pulled up to the large, towering block of apartments. James brought the car to a halt, taking his keys out as he turned to Logan.
"Do you want me to wait here?" James questioned him.
Logan paused for a moment. "Erm, yeah, if you want."
"Okay!" James grinned like a child, lounging back in his chair as he flicked his sunglasses back on, letting the rays pour down onto him. Logan let out a small chuckle, climbing out of the seat.
He started to walk towards the building, turning around to face James for a split second, noticing the brunette was facing him, looking at him through the dark shades. Another gorgeous smile swept his face as he waved at Logan, the model awkwardly waving back. He couldn't explain it, but the James he knew when growing up in the business was completely different to the James that just offered to be Logan's friend.
James Diamond was extremely vain for his own good. He was literally the definition for a male model. He had it all, the looks, the vanity, the popularity and swooning girls. Logan had the same, but James managed to balance his out with an ounce of smugness. But now, James was offering to be Logan's friend? In the entire length of being at the same company, Logan and James have never shared a word really, let alone a proper conversation. Logan only had James' number because of one of Mercedes' parties. He was completely trashed, so being a kind person, Logan got James into the limo at got Carlton to drive him home. Well, to a hotel anyway.
Then, the next day, James randomly texted him, apparently already having his number. Logan was confused, but saved it and that was the last time they spoke, which was a few months ago back in the winter.
With a shaky hand, Logan pushed the buzzer, the door swinging open with a hiss. Logan entered, nerves filling him up as the raw tears still filled his eyes. His mother had slapped him a while ago, but for some reason, Logan was a mess. He couldn't decide whether it was because of the slap, or the combination of that, the pressure of being a model and the longing for Carlos. Yes, Logan had decided that on the trip after messing the photoshoot up god knows how many times, that he indeed missed Carlos like crazy.
Logan walked up the concrete stairs, each of his steps echoing out in the hollow hallways. Deep down, his stomach was swirling more than normal. Sure, he missed Carlos a bunch, but for some strange reason, he was more nervous this time then when he woke up next to the topless Latino.
Step up step, floor after floor, Logan finally got lost. He was in such a rush that morning, he had forgot which floor Carlos even lived on. Then, a man opened up the door, entering the staircase.
"Excuse me?" Logan asked politely.
The man spun round, his dark hair flinking slightly. "Yeah?"
"Do you know where, err, Carlos Garcia lives?" Logan sniffed through the breakage of his voice.
A dark smirk appeared across the young man's face, as he tossed his set of keys into the air before catching it. "So, you his latest fuck?"
Logan looked taken aback by the switch in attitude. "E-Excuse me?"
"You know, are you another notch in his bedpost? Another friend to play with? Henry, by the way, one of Carlos' conquest." Henry smiled darkly, extending his hand.
With slight hestitation, Logan responded, giving it a good shake. "L-Logan, but as I was saying, do you know which floor?"
Henry let out a hushed laugh. "This floor. Actually, I've just been to see him," Henry tossed his keys into the air once more. "Was fun to see him again, anyway, tell him I said hello."
With that last, evil word, Henry walked away and down the steps, the atmosphere getting lighter after his departure. Logan looked on in shock, his bloodshot eyes bulging out over his puffy cheeks. Right now, Logan looked a mess. And in comparison to Henry, Logan didn't exactly look attractive, but of course, it was due to the rollercoaster of emotions he was feeling.
Opening the door, Logan carefully entered into the hallway, noticing the darkness overall, a small amount of light peering through. He walked down, using his brilliant memory to try and remember the door number at least.
Finally, he came across it. Room Number 6.
He rose his fist into the air, before slightly pounding the door, his knuckles crashing against the oak. He waited for a moment, listening carefully for a response. He could hear some muffled noises on the other side, someone walking around. Finally, the door slowly opened.
"L-L-Logan?.." Carlos breathed, noticing the distraught boy in front of him.
Without saying a word, Logan flung himself forward, wrapping his arms around Carlos' neck as he dug his head into the Latino's shoulder, tears flowing out fast and soaking into the t-shirt Carlos had on. Logan just sobbed, Carlos making small circles on his back as he cooed him into calming down.
The boys were sat on the bed, Logan looking into his hands as Carlos stared on.
"Logan, you have to speak sooner or later," Carlos said in a hushed voice. "I'm here for you, you know that. Remember, we're friends."
A few stray tears fell from Logan's jawline, splashing as they hit the floor below. However, Logan still refused to utter a word.
"Logan," Carlos soothed, moving across the bed and slinging an arm over Logan's shoulder. "You can tell me anything."
Logan looked at Carlos, their eyes connecting. Another tear rolled down his cheek as he smiled, the Latino being comforting instantly warming him up.
"I-I-I-I don't know.." Logan breathed through the cracks in his voice.
"About what?" Carlos responded, his hand over Logan's shoulder playing with the model's shirt.
Logan let out a deep sigh. "Everything."
"Logan, it's gonna be alright," Carlos replied, pulling Logan in for a hug. "Everything always is."
"How'd you know?" Logan asked, his voice muffled from the Latino's body.
Carlos let out a small chuckle, pulling away from Logan. "Because otherwise we'd be going nowhere in life. Things always end up right, otherwise, we'd never be moving in life, just simply stuck."
"I didn't know you were such a philosopher." Logan let out a laugh under his breath.
Carlos instantly laughed. "Well, one of my many hidden secrets."
With that word, something sparked inside Logan. That word helped me remember what that Henry guy said. "C-Carlos, I bumped into something in the hall."
Carlos' body instantly stiffened, his eyes in shock as his the blood began boiling. "R-R-Really?"
"Yeah, err, think his name was Henry? Anyway, he said hi and asked if I was another notch on your bedpost." Logan laughed at the end of the sentence, dismissing the claim.
However, Carlos didn't find it amusing. A burning desire washed over Carlos' entire body, the warmth causing his blood to literally boil as if it was cooking away. Carlos quickly flung himself to his feet, his fist clenched so much the knuckles were turning a ghostly white. This of course, freaked Logan out.
"C-C-Carlos?" Logan stammered.
Carlos didn't reply. He simply started to storm around the room, taking in heavy breaths and releasing them in an attempt to keep himself calm. He hated anger and violence. That was the one thing that replayed in his head. But ever since things happened with Henry, he never got to let out that anger. Everytime Henry approached him, it reduced Carlos to a blubbering pile of flesh that couldn't really fight back. But of course, when Henry wasn't around, the slight mention of his name caused every fibre in his body to shoot towards the sky.
Logan quickly rose to his feet, watching Carlos continue his angry pace.
"Carlos?" Logan asked.
Still no response. Carlos began muttering to himself as he slowed to a halt. It was as if he was trying to hold back a monster.
"Carlos!" Logan shouted this time, hoping to snap Carlos out of his weird trance.
But once again, Carlos didn't respond. He began his heaving breathing again, his eyes squeezed shut as he started to count down from 10. Logan looked at a lost, his eyes fixed on the crazed Latino in front of him, propped up against the kitchen counter. If Logan didn't react fast, god knows what was going to happen to Carlos.
So, Logan used his brain. Well, half of it. His heart and the emotions played the bigger part. For Logan, it just seemed to make more sense of blaming his brain for his actions.
He quickly moved forward, crashing his lips against the moving pair of the Latino's. The minute they touched, Carlos soon slowed himself down. His body began to stop slightly shaking, his eyes loosening up rather than being squeezed so tightly. A small moan escaped Carlos' lip as Logan pulled away from the passionate yet quick kiss, a small popping noise made from the mixing saliva.
Carlos looked at Logan with wide eyes, completely caught off guard by his actions.
"L-L-Logan.." Carlos breathed.
"I-I-I'm so sorry," Logan apologised. "I-I-I just didn't know what to do.."
Logan backed again, slightly horrified. He had no idea how Carlos was going to react, or better yet, whether Carlos would still want to know him after it all. Logan's eyes dropped to the floor, his head hanging in shame. So worried about his actions, he didn't even notice Carlos move forward across the floor. A finger touched his chin, lifting it up, only to meet a smiling Carlos.
"C-C-Carlos, I'm so sor-" Logan said, before a finger was placed on his lips.
"Stop apoligising. I'm glad you done it," Carlos sweetly smiled. "In fact, I've been dreaming about it all week."
Logan let out a relieved laugh. "All week?"
"Yup," Carlos responded, wrapping his arms round Logan's waist. "But if that makes me sound weird, then.. I'm screwed."
Another small laugh left Logan's rather red mouth. "Makes you sound cute."
"Well, you're cute." Carlos playfully replied, all the while smiling at Logan.
Logan's arms soon found their way around Carlos' thick neck, his finger intertwining as they connected on the other side. Logan gently bit down on his lip as his eyes connected with the Latino's. All the emotions, confusion, tears and anger that Logan had just felt had simply melted away like that. Being in Carlos' arms, made him feel safe, as if he was in a protective bubble away from the rest of the world.
"Carlos?" Logan quietly asked.
"Yeah?" Carlos smiled, playfully moving his head to the side.
"If we are, y'know, dating, if we are dating that is, could we erm, like, take it slow, maybe?" Logan stuttered, tripping over every single word.
"Whatever you want. There's no rush," Carlos grinned. "Besides, we still have a longgggg way to go."
Logan tilted his head in confusion as his eyebrow rose. "Long way? Whatcha mean?"
"Well," Carlos started, tightening the grip around the model's waist. "There's our first date, the first time you sleep over without being drunk, meeting my other friends, me possibly meeting yours.. All of that has to happen before we become official."
"Err, can we hold off about you meeting my friends? Sabrina and Drew are the only real ones," Logan trailed off. "Plus, I'm not out.. Not to everyone anyway and especially not to my mother.."
"How come?" Carlos asked.
"If I told her I was gay, she'd complain that I'd lose all my adoring fangirls." Logan rolled his eyes.
"But don't they love gay guys more?" Carlos chuckled.
"She doesn't see it that way." Logan scrunched up the side of his mouth.
"Well," Carlos leant in closer, their breaths mixing. "We have all the time in the world, I won't pressure you."
Logan let out a small smile, noticing the glimmer of happiness in Carlos' eyes. For the Latino, what Logan done was the best thing he could of. The sound of Henry's name could set him off like a rocket, so to be fair, he needed someone to snap him out of it. He was just glad that Logan decided to use his lips for that job. After all, Carlos could sense the mutual attraction. People thought he was rather oblivious, but being a photographer, you see the smaller details in life and the one thing Carlos noticed, was the way Logan's cheeks changed colour in every awkward moment with the Latino.
A small thud could be heard at the door. Carlos pulled away from Logan, Logan taking a seat on the bed. The door opened up, Kendall appearing in the doorway.
"Hey buddy, ready for 'Operation: Model Grabbing?'" Kendall cheered as he entered the apartment. It was only then, he noticed Logan sat on the bed. Kendall quickly scratched the back of his neck, before punching Carlos in the arm.
"Ow! What was that for?" Carlos gasped, rubbing his sore arm.
"You done the operation without me? Not cool man, not cool," Kendall glared at Carlos, before turning to Logan. "Sup Logan, nice to see you sober again."
Logan let out an awkward laugh, the heat rushing to his cheeks quickly.
Carlos smiled, moving over to take a seat next to Logan, leaving a confused Kendall stood in the middle of the apartment. He watched on as Carlos and Logan whispered to each, before Logan gave a slight nod and Carlos turned around, grin wide enough to make the Latino resemble a chipmunk.
"The operation was a success!" Carlos grinned, grabbing Logan's hand and locking the fingers.
"Shut up!" Kendall shouted. "Dude, you work fast! But that's great, I'm happy for you both."
Logan and Carlos let out a joint laugh, perfectly in sync. Kendall looked sort of creeped out by the fact that they done it at the exact same time, but managed to push the weirdness away once he saw how happy Carlos was. Carlos deserved to be happy, especially after what the prick Henry done. And what better way than another train wreck like Logan Mitchell. Well, less of a train wreck anyway. At least he didn't seem like a complete douche like Henry was.
"Carlos, I hate to say it," Logan said, standing to his feet, letting out a nervous chuckle. "But my friend is waiting in the car. I forgot my way here.. So he drove me."
"That's fine," Carlos let out a small laugh. "God, you're so cute."
"I want to barf-" Kendall interjected, getting a pillow in the face that Carlos had quickly collected and thrown at him. "Thanks Car, nice of you."
Carlos passed a sarcastic smile, before turning to Logan. "Well I can at least get your number this time?"
"That would be good." Logan flashed his famous crooked grin, making Carlos melt instantly like it always had. Carlos leaned over to his bedside table, collecting a marker and passing it to Logan.
Logan collected the pen, looking skeptical. "Err.. Carlos.. What about some paper?"
Carlos gave a devilish smirk, stretching his arm out in front of the model. "Use my arm."
Logan smiled, writing down the needed digits for his.. Boyfriend? Well, if they were there yet.
"Seriously, pass me a trashca-" Kendall playfully said.
"Shut it Kendork!" Carlos interrupted him.
Kendall held his hands up in defensive, stepping back as Logan finished his number, signing it with a small love heart. Of course, this small gesture and Carlos being a softie only pushed the Latino over the edge. With a wide grin on his face, he watched as Logan left the apartment, mouthing a 'bye' to him. Literally, his heart was fluttering like a butterfly at the precise moment.
Gingerly, Kendall took a seat next to the happy Latino, turning to face him.
"I take it.. You know he's back, right?" Kendall asked.
"Yup," Carlos nodded. "But screw him. He can't wreck anything, I have Logan now and frankly, Henry can jump in front of a bus."
"Actually, that can be arranged y'know? I have a friend who is a bus dri-" Kendall said, pointing a finger in the air.
"We aren't killing him, we'll just pray." Carlos laughed.
Kendall laughed as well. "Well, you got your man, aye!"
"I did," Carlos smiled. "But we're taking it slow, so we're not technically an item yet, just seeing each other.."
"Same thing Car," Kendall stated. "Sooner or later, you'll be boyfriends."
"I hope so, I really do." Carlos responded.
Logan walked out of the apartment and down the stairs, a skip in every step. He felt drained, but at the same time, he was over the moon. It had been a rollercoaster day, from feeling nausea when on the plan, to get anger and hurt when getting slapped by Johanna, to tears and then to happiness. It the span of a few hours, Logan had managed to go through nearly every single emotion.
He pushed open the doors that lead outside, noticing James still lounging in his car.
"Dude, you took your time!" James exclaimed, leaning up and knocking his sunglasses off.
"Sorry," Logan smiled. "You didn't have to wait."
"I wanted to," James grinned as Logan climbed in the car. "We're friends, remember?"
"Yeah, I remember." Logan let out a light chuckle.
James started up the car, the engine purring as he pulled away from the apartment block. Logan lounged back in his seat, a natural smile plastering his face. He was happy. Not only had he managed to push aside the feelings of longing for Carlos by admitting them, but the Latino also understood his predicament and was willing to take things slow, especially since this was Logan's first ever proper relationship that wasn't an elaborate publicity stunt created by Johanna.
"Hey, I wanna ask you something," James started, eyes fixed on the road as Logan turned to face him. "I was thinking of doing a small gathering at my house, and I wanted to know if you wanna come?"
Logan looked nervous, the first thing entering his head being paparazzi and cameras. "Err.."
"Don't worry, no paps or cameras or wine. Just general, normal teenage fun," James reassured him. "I'm going invite Sabrina and Drew, if that makes it better?"
"S-Sure then, I guess I'm up for it," Logan stated. "Don't suppose you could take me to Drew's could ya? Can't face my mom just yet.."
"No problemo Loganator," James grinned, taking a turn. "Heck, you can even invite your friend you just saw earlier? In fact, get him to bring some friends along. The more, the merrier."
"You sure?" Logan asked.
"Course," James confirmed. "We're models, who live and mingle with people in the entertainment business, it'd be nice to hang around with normal teenagers instead."
Logan nodded. "O-Okay then, err, so who's it gonna be?"
"So far, it's you, me, Sabrina and Drew if they say yes, as well as your friend and whoever he or she brings." James said, looking into the mirror to check out his reflection and hair.
Another small laugh escaped Logan's lips as he watched James being as vain as he could. James simply smiled, slowing the car down as it stopped in front of a large, manor type house. Drew Huntley was a model, yes, and a good one at that. But he also happened to come from a wealthy family, his father being in the music industry and his mother being a real estate agent. Even Logan, who was the top model under Rocque Modelling, couldn't afford a house like Drew lived in.
Logan said thanks to James before climbing out of the car, waving James goodbye as he drove off.
At that moment, Logan was flushed out of all emotions. He literally had no more energy to cry, get angry or anything negative. Positive? Well, he had a lot of that, just specifically for Carlos. But he couldn't face Johanna, not yet. Logan remembered putting his phone on silent after calling James, so gingerly, he pulled the phone out and slid it up.
His jaw slowly dropped when he noticed he had dozens of missed calls, all from mother dearest. Along with that, were a bunch of verbally abusive text messages from the woman, and one from an unknown number.
Seeing the digits instantly made Logan's heart flutter. He knew who it was. He pressed down on the button, the text message popping up.
Carlos: 'Hey you, I miss you already, again :('
A small, goofy smile pushed itself along Logan's pale face, causing his dimples to become more prominent. He knew it was Carlos, which made the text even more sweeter. He quickly saved the number, before sending a text off.
Logan: 'I miss you too :) hey, I was wondering whether you wanna come to my friend's party? I'll be there, so will Drew and Sabrina. You can bring Kendall if you want and that girl you mentioned?'
Instantly, Logan got a reply.
Carlos: 'YES! You only had to say you'll be there and I would still come :)'
Logan smiled, pocketing the phone as he walked up the Huntley's pebbled driveway. Each step crunched and scratched as Logan continued his pace, finally climbing up the marble porch and slightly banging on the door. He stood back, waiting for a reply. When he didn't get one, he stepped to the side peered through the window into the living room. It was sort of dark, the curtains having been pulled across to create some privacy. But upon closer inspection, he could tell Drew was sat on the sofa, an arm slung around somebody's shoulder.
Confused, Logan looked in even closer, cupping his hands around his eyes. Drew never had a girlfriend, or at least, what he told Logan and Sabrina. He kept his private life private, and plus, he always said he couldn't be tied down and tamed, that the Drew-Beast should be free to roam from hook-up to hook-up.
Then, it all made sense.
Drew was slouching on a long sofa, his arm holding someone in closer. The person, who was obviously a girl with her long hair, had her face covered by the lengthy locks. But once Drew turned towards her, the hair fell out from her face, revealing who it was.
Sabrina.
Logan's jaw dropped slightly at the sight of his best friends being awfully close. Then, it happened. Sabrina leant upwards, her lips crashing against Drew's. For a moment, Logan had to register what he just saw. Drew and Sabrina, kissing? Girlfriend and Boyfriend? But why not tell him?
But before he could justify everything, being the genius that he was, they noticed his presence.
Instantly, Sabrina threw herself onto the floor, Drew instantly waving with one hand whilst scratching the back of his neck with the other. So that explains why they didn't answer the phone then.
There you have it, that's why Sabrina and Drew didn't pick up.
My aim for this chapter was to make it, err, sweet. I'm not all that great with cutesy moments, but I hope that it shows that they've agreed to try something romantically out, but aren't official yet. It's too early for them to be official.
After the next chapter, or in fact in the next chapter, I'm not sure yet, the drama kicks up a notch as I get ready to introduce antagonist #3, the worst of the worst.
Also, please go and check out my best friend's newest Cargan story! MoonbabyAstroRock3r'sCarlos In Wonderland.