Okay, so, I still love you all so so much. Hugs and kisses for seddielover1311, randomwriterssummit, brittney, ValidHearts, taeXen, Miss-Invisible-Heartbreak, WeLoveTheLove,rosebud, Hikari no Kasai, I AM AIR, cococolakid, Mr. President, This Is My Someday and of course, MoonbabyAstroRock3r.
Your alerts and favourites are still loved, although, I'm shocked as to how it's still happening.
For anyone who's reading this right now, this could be important to you. So, I never really had a good idea for when or where to finish this story, let alone the plot. It's all coming to me chapter by chapter. But, for once, I've mapped everything out. After this chapter, you can expect 7 more chapters for definite, possibly 9 chapters at a maximum.
Behind The Lens
Chapter Twelve; Falling Into Place.
The rest of the day seemed to go by really quickly after Johanna left. For Carlos though, it was pretty nerve-racking. I mean, it's not like he hadn't met Johanna before or anything. But now, she wasn't just the nasty agent that kept staring at him as if she was planning to murder him in some fancy way. Now, she was a mother, a mother to his boyfriend. Things had just stepped up a level.
Things didn't really help with Logan trashing his mom at any second. He just kept telling Carlos about how cold-hearted, cruel, snobby and evil she could be. Then, Johanna seemed to change. Which meant now, maybe her personality changed as well? She could be completely different or still a bitch. It could go either way.
Logan placed the remote control back onto the table, looking up at Carlos, who for some reason, was rushing around the kitchen.
"Carlos, erm, what are you doing?" Logan inquired.
"Well," Carlos replied, his eyes focused on a stain on the counter, the sponge in his hand scrubbing over it rapidly. "When I, erm, get pretty nervous.. I tend to, err, go into a crazy OCD mode.."
Logan cocked an eyebrow, noticing the tension in Carlos. He wasn't joking, seeing as he seemed to cursing under his breath at the stain that apparently, wasn't going anywhere. Logan got up from the seat, moving over to Carlos. Gingely, he placed his hand onto Carlos' shoulder.
"Carlos, calm down, I know I told you she was a demon and everything," Logan soothed. "But I'll be there, every step of the way."
The movement of the Latino's hand slowed down. Slowly, he let go of his death grip on the sponge, taking a deep breath and turning round to face Logan. He pushed out a little smile, moving in and quickly pecking Logan on the cheek.
"You always say the right things." Carlos said into the kiss.
A small chuckle escaped Logan. "Well, what can I say, I'm amazing."
Carlos leaned away, tapping Logan on the nose. "That you are."
Carlos' arms found their way around Logan's waist, intertwining and connecting on the other side, pulling the model into a hug. Following the unspoken command, Logan draped his own arms around Carlos' thick neck, locking his fingers.
"So, Mr. Garcia, have you got a suit or something posh to wear?" Logan smiled.
A frown drew across the Latino's face. "No.. Damn it.."
"No worries, I mean, just try and dress smart.. Got a shirt and trousers?" Logan asked, his eyebrows raising as he gently bit down on his lip.
"Think so.. And stop it!" Carlos gushed, his eyes seemingly focused on Logan biting on his lip.
"Why?" Logan teased. "Does me biting my lip distract you?"
Carlos pushed himself out of Logan's grip, moving himself backwards, passing a fake angry look at Logan before laughing. He moved across the room to his wardrobe, scanning through the small amount of clothing he had. Luckily, tucked right at the back was a white shirt and black trousers, sitting neatly against a small, plastic suitbag. When he noticed the small bag, he stared at it, memories flooding.
The small suitbag contained his suit. The suit he wore when he was 5 and had to attend his own mothers funeral. He remembered that day so well. The pitiful looks his family members gave him and Roberto, deep down knowing that they couldn't afford or couldn't be asked to take the orphans in. The rain that poured down, the way a 4-year-old Roberto clutched onto his hand whilst their tears mixed with the rain.
"Carlos, is everything okay?" Logan said, snapping Carlos from the memory with a hand to his shoulder.
"Yeah.." Carlos breathed, worried his voice might be croaky from the built-up emotions. "That's my suit, the one I wore to my mama's funeral.."
"Carlos.." Logan babied, his hand making circles on the Latino's shoulder.
Carlos smiled lightly, the warmth and passion from Logan's genuine care igniting him. Rarely did anyone show him real care. He never felt like his adopted parents understood him. And obviously, none of the families before even cared for him, passing him onto another family or orphanage across the country without thinking about the damage it was doing to him and Roberto.
But now he had Logan.
"I'm fine, honestly, I was just having a flashback moment. I can't remember the last time I had to look for posh clothes," Carlos laughed, grabbing the shirt and trousers out. "Although, don't expect a tie, or should I say, dog leash."
"A dog leash?" Logan laughed. "Well, someone doesn't like suits and that, I take it?"
"You are correct," Carlos grinned, setting the clothes on the bed. "What are you going to wear? All your clothes are back at your apartment?"
"Meh," Logan shrugged. "When we stop, I'll rush and get changed."
"So much for seeing everyone today." Carlos chuckled.
"Yeah," Logan joined in, sitting down on the bed next to the clothes. "Oh well, I mean, we can always arrange like, a night out or something."
"More alcohol?" Carlos laughed. "I am a bad influence on you!"
Logan smiled, watching Carlos pull off his t-shirt, replacing it with a skin tight shirt, the material clinging to his faint muscles and biceps, making them pop and look amazing. His eyes lingered as Carlos shuffled out of his jeans, his legs on show, his boxers looking rather tight around his crotch.
"Logan?" Carlos blushed.
That snapped him back to reality. His eyes flew up, connecting with Carlos' chocolate orbs as he pulled the trousers up, zipping the zipper as the pink continued to tint his tanned cheeks. Logan smirked, knowing that just like Carlos had power over him, he also had enough power to make the tanned boy blush.
"Sorry, I err, got a bit distracted there.." Logan coughed. "So, do you think we should head on out?"
"Yeah, I think I'm ready.." Carlos replied, buttoning up the shirt before stretching it out, letting the material cling even tighter than before.
Logan smiled as he rose from his seat on the bed, heading towards the door with Carlos in tow.
The boys made their way through the apartment block, heading for the lobby downstairs. Moving out the doors, they were met by the humid evening air that lingered over California, the sky a mixture of pinks and oranges, the beautiful canvas stretching out across the horizon. Being romantic as possible, Carlos moved his hand down to Logan as they puttered across the pavement, linking his fingers with Logan's.
He instantly felt the heat from the mere touch they were sharing. It was electrifying. The minute their skin touches in the smallest amount, it was as if a million volts of electric poured through Carlos' body, shocking him until it was replaced with the faint, warm feeling of content.
As they moved across the sidewalk to Logan's apartment, Carlos' eyes glanced over to a news stand, noticing the array of magazines, one in particular. It stood out compared to the others, but mainly because it was Pop Tiger, which always got the best seats on a shelf due to their popularity. Logan and Carlos were on the front, kissing. Another warm feeling rushed through Carlos' body, realising that Logan went to that length to please him.
A small smirk peered across the Latino's face. Since the magazine photoshoot, where Logan kissed him, they hadn't spoken to any of their friends. Not Kendall or Sabrina or Drew or Lucy or James, even. Everyone now knew of their relationship through a picture plastered across the country.
The tall building came into view, and surprisingly, it was completely new to Carlos. It weren't just the fact that he's never been to Logan's apartment before, but because the building looked so out of place. It was posh, there was no denying that. But it looked like a hotel. A really posh one.
Logan gently squeezed Carlos' hand as they passed through the lobby doors, moving down the hallway and for the elevator. They shuffled in, hearing the metallic screeching as the doors closed, the whirling noise it made as it made it's climb to the right floor. Soon, the doors opened again, revealing the hallway.
"This is my floor," Logan said, walking out the elevator with Carlos closely behind. "I'll be a second."
Soon, Logan disappeared down the hall, quickly ducking through a door.
Carlos just hung around, patiently waiting. He took in the reality of everything, something he'd be avoiding. See, Logan got a happy ending through the kiss and the announcement. It wasn't that Carlos didn't appriecate it, in fact, he loved it. But, other people read the magazine. Homophobic adopted parents and an idiotic brother to be exact. He hadn't spoke to his 'dad' in almost 9 months now, not after that pointless argument over Carlos simply being confused, well, I guess bringing Henry to meet your parents weren't a good idea.
When Carlos met Henry when they were 17, it was love at first sight for Carlos. They quickly got together by the time Carlos turned 18. Then, believing that him and Henry were going to live happily ever after and that maybe if he came to his adopted parents with a boyfriend on his arm, they'd be more accepting.
Things didn't turn out so great. Believing that he couldn't stay at home anymore, Carlos and Henry got a flat together, joint name. That's how Carlos ended up moving out. And without his adopted parents paying for his college anymore, that lead to him dropping out and struggling to make ends meet.
Carlos rubbed the temple of his forehead in a circular motion, a pounding feeling rising behind his eyes. They would have seen the photo. Even if they didn't, Roberto sure as hell did. It would lead to anoter argument and another confrontation about being 'confused' or needing a 'cure'. Something he couldn't deal with, and well, didn't want to put Logan through.
With all the thinking, Carlos didn't realise Logan rapidly approaching, a sway in his step. Carlos' eyes instantly fell onto the suit he was wearing. A tight, light grey suit that clinged to his body, a black shirt underneath and a white tie to finish it all off. He looked absolutely gorgeous.
"Wow," Carlos breathed as Logan stood before him. "You look amazing."
"Really?" Logan gushed. "Well, I got you something, despite you hating them.."
Logan put his hand into his pocket, pulling forth a bright red skinny tie. Carlos laughed when he realised what it was, the object screwed up in Logan's hand.
"A tie? I was thinking more like chocolates or flowers.." Carlos teased.
"Hey!" Logan bit back, hitting Carlos on the arm. "You need a tie and I know red is your favourite colour."
"Thanks Logie," Carlos smiled, taking the tie. "You know, you're gonna have to put it on. I don't have a mirror to help me."
"I personally think you're just lazy," Logan laughed as he lifted the collar of Carlos' shirt up. "But I don't mind, you're cute, so it's acceptable."
Logan wrapped the tie around his neck, forming it together as he pushed the collar back down, straightening it out as Carlos smiled at him. Before the Latino could even say anything, Logan leant in for a quick, passion-filled kiss that caused him to see fireworks, even for a split second.
"Lets go have dinner with the in-laws." Carlos teased, taking Logan's hand once more as they climbed back into the elevator, the metallic doors closing once more.
When they reached the lobby, Johanna was already waiting, wearing a bright purple dressed that laid neatly on the floor. She smiled at the approaching boys, a clutch bag in her hand.
"Hello boys, you both look rather dashing." Johanna sweetly smiled.
"You look great mom, right Carlos?" Logan smirked.
"Yeah, you look extravagant." Carlos grinned.
Johanna smiled, turning to face Logan. "Well, I like him so far."
Logan chuckled, whereas Carlos didn't seem to catch on so quickly. Confused, he followed Logan and Johanna out of the lobby, climbing into a limo that was being driven by Carlton. As per usual, Logan thanked and greeted Carlton, strangely enough, even Johanna thanked Carlton.
The limo seemed to drive for ages, whilst the journey was filled with Johanna questioning Logan on whether or not he was going to still continue being a model or if he planned on venturing somewhere differently, possibly music or television.
Soon though, the limo came to a halt, Carlton opening the door and helping Johanna out, seeing as her dress touched the floor and her hidden high heels were clearly too high to properly walk in.
They entered the restaurant, Logan fiercely staying by Carlos' side, his hand gripped onto the Latino's. Once again, that electrifying warmth filled his body as a man in a suit guided Johanna and the boys to a booth in the far corner from prying eyes. Once they took their seat and ordered, Johanna spoke up.
"So Carlos, before working with Andrew, what did you do before?" Johanna inquired, placing the menu neatly in front of her.
"Well.." Carlos paused, thinking of a way not to make it sound trashy. "I worked in a bar, a small one not far from my apartment."
Johanna nodded, continuing the small conversation until the food arrived. Clearly, Logan was conscious about eating with his mother, seeing as he went back to getting healthy and appropriate food, rather than the fatty stuff Carlos had been feeding him. As they tucked in, Johanna made sure to keep asking the most embarrassing of questions.
"Are their kids in your future?" Johanna asked, taking a sip of water.
"What?" Logan choked, coughing hysterically.
"You heard me. Seeing as you're gay and my only son, do you plan on giving me grandchildren?" Johanna raised a plucked eyebrow.
Logan's eyes bulged as he regained his composure. He didn't know how the hell to answer that. He shuffled in his seat uncomfortably before looking over at Carlos, gaining a playful smirk of the Latino, him clearly having fun witnessing Logan squirming.
"Well, mother," Logan coughed. "We haven't exactly talked about kids just yet, y'know, seeing as we've only been together for a few days.."
"It was just a question, I'm curious, that's all.." Johanna smiled. "What about marriage?"
"Mom!" Logan whined. "It's been a few days, don't you think it's more appropriate to wait a while first?"
"I guess so honey, but look at him, his eyes won't look away from you, he's like a lovestruck puppy." Johanna retorted.
Logan quickly glanced over in Carlos' direction, noticing the Latino was now staring at his food, surpressing a smile as a deep shade of red covered his face. He was looking.
"Well, we'll decide on that and let you know, okay?" Logan replied rather sarcastically.
"Good. Because don't think you're pushing me out that easily. And when you get me a granddaughter, I expect it to be called Johanna." Johanna replied, taking another sip of water.
Logan surpressed the urge to roll his eyes. She may have changed and not be so demanding, but she'll always be there. She'll always be a nagging mother.
Dinner moved on rather quickly, the conversation becoming less heated and embarrassing and more laid-back and casual. Soon, Logan made an excuse to go to the toilet, shuffling out of his seat and smiling at the sight of his mother and boyfriend in a deep conversation. A sense of warmth flooded his body. It was even better in reality than it was in his dream.
Logan walked across the packed restaurant, noticing the many famous faces. Typical, really. Johanna had gone and chosen the best restaurant in all of California, and of course, nearly every celebrity dines at this place on a regular basis. It was such a popular hotspot, many paparazzi used to pretend to work here, just to grab the needed pictures to sell to the magazines.
He pushed the door to the toilet open, the beam of light illuminating the tiled room. Logan puttered over to the sink, turning the tap to allow the water to run. The droplets splashed against the ceramic of the sink, until Logan pushed his hand under. The liquid rolled along his skin, his hands cupping together to let a small puddle of water to gather. He raised it in the air, splashing it against his now burning cheeks.
He couldn't believe it.
From mean and nasty, to a wonderful mother expecting children. It was such a 360, that it even made Logan's head spin, which rarely happened. That, and being at a dinner with Carlos, who only seems to be encouraging Johanna's many hopes, it just made Logan feel like a feather. His story was folding out into a very nice fairytale.
Then, the door to the toilets flung open, thudding against the wall. Logan's eyes moved up, only to notice the one person he didn't want to see just yet. Stood there, dressed in a tuxedo, was James.
"Logan, we need to talk. You can't avoid me forever." James said sternly, moving over to Logan.
"I can and I will," Logan replied rather coldly. "Friends, James. That's what you wanted."
James placed a hand on Logan's arm, only for it to be thrusted away as Logan stood straight.
"Maybe I wanted something more? Have you ever thought that?" James pleaded.
"No, No I haven't!" Logan raised his voice. "We've never really spoken and then all of a sudden, you kiss me!"
"I was nervous in talking to you.." James replied timidly, his eyes planted on the floor.
"Sure," Logan scoffed. "James Diamond, nervous at chatting someone up? You should really talk to the reputation you have then, seeing as it thinks differently."
Logan moved forward, attempting to past James and move out of the room. But, before he could react, James stepped in front of him, arms held out in protest.
"No! We need to talk this out!" James argued.
A deep sigh escaped Logan's lips as he stepped back, crossing his arms. "Go on then."
James took in a breath. "Well, I just, I wanted an excuse, y'know? Then you made the phonecall, and I dunno, it was like I was walking on air at the chance to speak to you!" James moved his arms around frantically, empthasising his point. "Then, I thought, you could feel the same.. So I kissed you.. I didn't know why, but erm, I guess I should, seeing as I saw the picture of you and Carlos.. Look.. I'm not gonna move my way in, okay? I just, y'know, thought the friends option could still count? Maybe?"
James' eyes met the floor once more, almost ashamed. He shuffled his feet, thinking he had lost his only chance, until he felt a soft touch on his shoulder.
"Fine," Logan said, causing James to look up. "We can be friends, but seriously, nothing more."
James nodded his head, his gorgeous smile plastering his face. "If you wanted to hook me up with Carlos' friend though, that'll be brilliant!"
Logan let out a slight laugh. "I don't think Kendall is even gay."
"Trust me," James grinned. "He is. I can perfect gaydar after all, seeing as I managed to get you."
Another breathy laugh escaped Logan's lips as James grinned like an idiot.
"Anyway, on a more important note, what are you doing here?" Logan said, tilting his head and raising an eyebrow.
"I have a dinner date with my mom. Which reminds me, better hope she doesn't see Johanna.."
"Yeah," Logan laughed. "Wouldn't be a pretty sight!"
Both boys smiled as James opened the door for Logan to move out, the pair separating to their own tables. Logan joined Johanna and Carlos, realising that the conversation was still intact, both parties completely absorbed into the talk that they didn't notice Logan appear until he coughed.
More warmth covered Logan's body as he realised that in reality, Carlos and Johanna got on really well. It seemed as if a perfect little picturesque family was unfolding.
As the trio carried on the conversation in the restaurant, a dark figure watched from the window. Another dark, raspy laugh came from his mouth as he rolled up his sleeve, revealing a gold watched. He looked at the time, his glove-covered finger running over the face of the watch.
"Times running out boys.." he breathed.
Logan smiled, when a cold feeling ran up his back. It caused his spine to shiver, the many small hairs raising to a new height. He glanced over to the window that separated them from the dark Californian evening. It was almost as if someone was watching him.
So Carlos' background will be more important. So will Roberto, if you've forgotten about him. Erm, yeah, I haven't really got much to say on this chapter. Except, Johanna is no longer an antagonist and James will now be leaving Logan alone. Things will be focusing more on this mysterious figure as well as some more from the ever-so-charming Henry.
Oh, some self-advertising is always good. Another Cargan story is starting. Struck By Thunder - involves Logan being sent to another reality where homosexuality is the norm and the natural way of life, whereas heterosexuality is completely frowned upon and commiting a sin