Chap. 3 Corndogs & Comfort

By the time they were 5 minutes from Kendall's apartment, Carlos was asleep and shivering in James' arms. James thought Carlos looked so cute in vulnerable in his arms. It had started pouring rain about halfway, and when Carlos had whimpered and clung closely to James, he really wanted to kiss him. James wanted to hold Carlos forever and kiss him in the rain, making out or not. But him falling asleep in James' arms was good enough. James started wondering as he jogged through the thick rain.

God, he thought. How did this happen? Me hooking up with this little, adorable, scared kid? James pondered, wondering why he hadn't noticed Carlos before. Probably because Carlos was so freaking scared. He's always hiding himself because of those stupid bullies. James grimaced at the thought of the bullies. Why was I so stupid? I knew something was up, I knew there was a reason forhis weariness. The thoughts, memories, of his little Carlitos being beaten and teased by the lockers made James break down.

James' legs gave through, and he keeled over on the sidewalk. The rain, and the pain pelted down on him, soaking him until he cracked. James sat and sobbed through the storm, holding Carlos close and vowing to never let anyone harm him. James rocked back and forth with Carlos on his lap, planning to be his hero and his protector. James heard a screen door open.

"JAMES?" he heard a familiar voice shout into the storm. Kendall. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GET INSIDE BEFORE YOU FREEZE!"

They had made it to the apartment and James hadn't noticed. James choked back a sob and stood up, carrying Carlos bridal style. He was staggering up to the door when he heard a weak voice.

"James?" Carlos croaked, pathetically. Carlos felt sore all over, and he was wet and freezing cold. But that's not what was bothering him. The moment he opened his eyes, he was expecting to see his beautiful boyfriend giving him that beautiful smile. But instead he saw a soaking wet emotional wreck staggering and crying while he carried him. Carlos wrapped his arms around James' neck and buried his face into James' shoulder. It was his turn to do the comforting. "It'll be alright, James. I'm fine. You're fine, James." Carlos coaxed, snuggling deeper against James' chest. James nodded and walked through the door that was held open by Kendall.

"I know." James whispered.

And those two words made Carlos feel very warm all over. Hearing James talk washed away the aches and pains that he had been enduring for the past 2 years. Carlos felt better as they entered the Knights' cozy household. James set Carlos down gently as they entered and James plopped himself on their couch as if it was his own home. Carlos cautiously sat down on James' lap. He kissed James on the head and promised it would be alright.

*Time Change*

It had taken about an hour, but James and Carlos were dry, warm, and happy again. Logan and Kendall gave them dry clothes and gave them a good pep talk. Mrs. Knight called their parents to tell them they were staying over and lended them sleeping bags and blankets. Katie made some hot chocolate. They were all gathered on the living room floor, talking and laughing as if they were all at home. Wait, Carlos thought. This is home.

James still had Carlos on his lap, and he was bouncing and laughing with excitement, like he never had before. James giggled at the sight of him. Carlos turned to look at him, smiling.

"What?" Carlos asked curiously, leaning in so their noses touched. James nuzzled his nose and shrugged.

"I don't know. You just look so cute when you're happy."

Carlos laughed and closed his eyes, ready to just drift off to sleep in James' grasp. But then he felt his stomach rumble. Carlos' eyes shot open.

"I'm kind of hungry." Carlos whispered timidly, almost embarassed as if he thought eating someone else's food was rude. James gave him a simple, but sweet peck on the lips and an idea came to his head.

"You know what," James said, standing up with Carlos. "I know the perfect food for dinner." He turned to Carlos. "You'll love it. Guess what it is?"

Carlos giggled and racked his brain for answers. He hadn't had much variety with his food. "I don't know. Show me what it is." Carlos said, giving up.

James told him to wait one second and he walked to the kitchen, opened the freezer, and started microwaving like crazy. He came back with a big bowl and James passed the bowl to Carlos.

"Corn dogs." James simply said. "Enjoy."

Note: Okay, I kind of stopped adding much detail at the end part. As you read, this is how Carlos was introduced to corn dogs. :D Please R&R! I'm glad this is getting good feedback! 2 more chapters left people!