Okay yall, this song fic is a bit special because I am doing to chapters for it on here but both are for Mariah Carey songs. Also, I am so sorry for the long wait to this too by the way... I have been struggling a lot this year with myself and with the changes in my life but I have been inspired so much lately and I hope you enjoy and sorry for any mistakes.

Song 10: It's Like That

Album: The Emancipation Of Mimi

Pairing: Cargan

Request: CPrusherinSean I'm sorry it took so long.

The Adventures Of Carlitos- Part 1

"James, I can't! You know I don't like to go to parties." A lithe Latino named Carlos said to his best friend. Said friend had made it there mission to finally get Carlos to go to one of his mother's friend's fancy parties. You see, James comes from a very well off family and certain occasions like these are something that occur only a couple of times in the year and they are always pretty fun and entertaining. Something that he felt Carlos desperately needed.

However, Carlos never wanted to go to these events because he didn't come from even a fraction of the same background as James. He certainly didn't want to be seen as a vulture who was only friends with the brunet because of his status. That just wasn't the case. If anything it's rather odd, cute and quirky how there friendship had started.

Back in the day, when they were both 16, Carlos worked as a bus boy at a really lovely and expensive restaurant, Yo Quiero. He was an aspiring chef back then and heard that his favorite chef had worked there. The Latino was excited when he got to work there and soon became friends with Chef Mosley. They shared recipes and Carlos learned so much from her and so did she. Even though the teen was about 15 years under than her. Carlos wasn't allowed to cook anything because that wasn't his job, but Chef Mosley asked him one slow day if she could make his rendition of a Chocolate cream cake, which she deemed 'phenomenal.' It was that cake that left James and his family in pure bliss. They were so in love they asked to meet Chef Mosley to thank her for such a meal, but she said all the credit belonged to Carlos. Thus, introducing him to James and the family he feels as his own. The rest is history.

"'Los, you can and you will. We've been best friends, no family, for eight years now and you've turned down just about every party other than my birthdays, which don't count and you know it! Eight years! I want you to stop shutting yourself off from the world! Please, please go?" The hazel-eyed man begged. His bottom lip jutting out and he made his eyes wide and innocent looking. Carlos rolled his eyes and huffed. He wasn't going to give in, he wasn't going to give in. He just wasn't. Even if James did as all the time and maybe he did own this to him...

"Okay." Carlos caved with a heavy sigh. Sometimes he couldn't help those darn eyes and pout.

"YAY! Oh my god, I've waited for this moment all my life... Well, eight years of it. You know it's a masquerade ball so I have the perfect suit and mask for you to wear. Mama Diamond is still here, is I ask nicely, she'll probably tailor it really quickly for you too! You are just going to look so great." Rambled James with the hugest grin on his face. He made his way to his closet dragging Carlos as well.

'What have I gotten myself into.' Carlos shuddered the thought. James didn't notice.

The hours had dwindled down quickly. James made sure he and Carlos looked absolutely hot tamale. In a way, if you think about it, it is a special occasion. Carlos was finally letting himself live for once. The tall brunet just hoped Carlos could let himself have fun tonight and not just be awkward. He's been through the worst of times with Carlos. He's seen the way people used to and still do treat him. To sum it all up, let's just say the little Latinos life was never easy. So for Carlos to finally do this, finally allow himself some fun and happiness. Well, dahling it felt like the emancipation of Carlitos. The side of Carlos that let himself enjoy things and show people just how strong he is.

"James, you really didn't have to do all of this. I mean this suit is breathtaking." Carlos said as he looked himself in the mirror. He wore an all white suit that was accented with gold buttons, handkerchief, and bow. The gold was so vibrant and warm it made him think of sand in an Egyptian desert. His shoes were white as while and they were James so he was going to be extra cautious tonight with them on. But it was his mask that just pulled everything together even more. The mask was white too, and like the suit had gold. But the way the gold swirled and created intricate designs was simply gorgeous. The mask was on a golden stick, instead of the type that tied around his head. James didn't want him to ruin his hair. He too had a mask that you merely hold up to your face. He had to do Cuda Justice.

"Which is why you are wearing it. This suit looks so much better on you then it would have on me. I'm so happy mom could tailor it for you on such a short notice. Though, we won't be hearing the end of it." James replied back as he smoothed out his on suit. His was a dark red, similar to the color of a ripe pomegranate, with dark blueish-black accents and such. His shoes matched the blueish-black perfectly and his mask was a bit of a different shape than Carlos. Where Carlos' covered his eyes with the mask, James covered half his face. The both of them looked like gods.

When they arrived, it was as if a family of royalty had made an appearance. The look on many of the people's faces was really flattering. Either adoration, jealousy or lust adorned their features and it was so exciting for the caramel-colored man. James told Carlos to walk slowly into the house, or rather mansion, with a smirk on his face to create an 'essence.' Whatever that meant... He did what he was told.

There were so many beautifully dressed people. Especially some of the ladies elegant gowns. Not to mention all of the hot guys that seemed to be just as interested in Carlos as he was with them. He smiled and waved, getting a wink in return from a few random faces.

The air of the whole room seemed so light and friendly. There were many servers out circulating Bacardi, Vodka and some other cutely decorated purple alcoholic beverage. James smiled brightly at him before took two of the purple drinks. He handed one to Carlos who hesitantly took it. Taking a sip, his eyes widened. It was delicious. He took a few more sips only to turn towards a giggling James.

Laughing himself, the brown-eyed man stuck his tongue out at him. "What? It's really good."

"Oh, I can tell. Do me a favor and try to refrain from licking the cup." Joked the tall brunet. The smile on his face was so big as he laughed at his own joke.

"Okay, this is the part where I need everyone to start making it to the dance floor." The DJ's voice rang out and James pulled Carlos to the floor.

The room felt so much hotter on the floor as everyone danced with or around each other. However, Carlos didn't mind it at all. The purple was taking him higher, lifting him in the most delightful way and he just wanted to make the most of life. Everyone was just living it up. He had lost James while he was dancing and hadn't the slightest clue where he was. Though he figured he see him soon again.

He was completely unaware of the two pairs of eyes that were set on him. One pair an emerald color, while the others were a warm chocolate color. They were entranced by his surprisingly graceful moves. He was utterly enticing and he did not even know it.

All of the drinks Carlos had made him want to go the restroom. Asking a familiar face, he was directed to where he could handle his business. His journey was stopped however, by a tall blonde male who smiled seductively at Carlos. That smile could killed and Carlos definitely felt his body start to kick start.

"Hello there. You are looking divine this evening. Let me introduce myself. My name is Kendall Knight," Kendall paused as he moved in to kiss the Latinos hand, who blushed lightly at that. "And I'm so, so happy you could attend one of my very own parties. I hope you are enjoying yourself and maybe I'll see you around some more." Kendall continued with a glint in his bright green eyes. Slyly he handed Carlos a card with his number on it before walking away. Leaving a stunned tanned beauty behind.

When Carlos came out the bathroom he was determined to find James to tell him about the blonde man he just ran into. His search was halted however, as a random man just up and started to dance with him. Or maybe on him would be the better objective... He tried to dance back to the chaotic rhythm the man was dancing to but in the end he have had enough and pushed the man away. As he made his way back to the bar where he was safe he couldn't help but laugh at the incident.

As he looked around the bar he turned and saw a pair of memorizing brown eyes. Similar to his own but at the same time completely different. They were so... open and warm. It was all too intense. Way more startling to him than the green ones he saw earlier. The beautiful, mysterious man started to make his way towards Carlos. The caramel colored man felt rooted in his seat as he came closer.

"I must say, you are very alluring." Said the raven-haired man to Carlos who blushed and smiled. The man took a seat to Carlos' right and gave him a soft, intimate smile.

"I try to be." Carlos said and it sounded even more lame out loud. Logan just chuckled and he could have sworn his eyes twinkled.

"Oh really? So I have to worry about other people coming to swept you off your feet?" The mysterious man asked with a huge grin on his face. That smile could light the darkest dark. There was dimples in his cheeks and he had what looked like perfect milky skin. Just purely attractive.

"Of course. I have standards." Carlos stated lightly. A smile of his own planted on his face as he looked more closely at the man next to him. Seeing just how flawless the man seemed to be. No gimmicks, just genetics, Carlos supposed.

"I wouldn't doubt that. Right now I'd say you meet mine. How am I doing for you?" The handsome pale man asked gaining a hearty laugh from Carlos. This guy was really put his hooks into the slightly shorter male and he could feel himself being reeled in... He wasn't complaining though. The man to his right took in all of his laughing. He couldn't help but admire such a beauty as Carlos.

After his laughter died down, Carlos replied back saying, "You're alright."

"Just alright?" The man asked in a baffled voice. He looked to be so entertained by Carlos. Both getting lost in their moment together. Forgetting completely about the party or even that there was a world around them.

"I can't just tell you. I have to make you work for it." Carlos smirked. He let his and the man in front of him eyes linger into each other a bit more before he looked out into the dance floor.

"I have a feeling you are worth the work..." The man paused, looking as though he was pondering something for a moment. "Oh, what happens to be your name by the way."

"Carlos." The man reached out and shook his hand.

"Logan." Logan. Hmm. Carlos could get used to saying that name every so often. Logan.

"It was a pleasure to talk to you, Logan." Carlos spoke slightly above a whisper. He looked at Logan intently.

"The pleasure was mine. How about we exchange numbers. I wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity to date someone as elusive as yourself." Logan grinned. Carlos nodded at him with another blush forming on his cheeks. There were butterflies in his stomach, he hadn't felt them like this since high school. He pulled out his phone as Logan did the same and they exchanged numbers.

"I hope to hear from you soon." And with that, Logan was gone. Leaving Carlos gaping.

About five minutes passed before James resurfaced. Completely missing Carlos' whole ordeal. James looked at his best friend and could instantly see the whimsical look on his face. It was quite adorable.

"Earth to 'Los." He joked and in return got a playful glare from the shorter male. "I take it you had fun tonight? All thanks to Jamesie." He bragged.

"I met the love of my life tonight. I just... I feel weird." Carlos informed him. His face held a complex look that made James laugh so hard, it seemed contagious to the few people around them.

"Okay, Carlitos. Lets get you to my house. Too much purple."

"Okay." Carlos hummed.

As they made their way to the door, they heard someone whistle from behind them. Turning, Carlos saw Logan who throw a red rose at him before winking. James stared wide eye at them and then a small grin settled on his face. Carlos gave Logan a delicate smile before he turned, pulling James out of the front door with him. He was never going to hear the end of this.

The following day, Carlos found himself gushing over Logan to James. Completely forgetting about the other flirts he got that night until he saw the Kendall knight card. He slipped it on his table and smiled to himself. Ehh, he was nice but all Carlos could think about was Logan.

He didn't hear back from the man until three days after the party. The Latino was too nervous to make the first move so he waited and hoped Logan would do it for him. It wasn't long before they were going on their first date. A walk in the lit up park in time square.

Logan looked just as good as he remembered. A sense of nervousness quaked them both at the beginning of their date but as it went on, they just felt so natural together.

"Okay, so you're a chef but you enjoy eating corn dogs and curly fries even though you can cook some people tasty sounding things. You love animals but you don't have any pets-"

"Yet." Carlos corrected. They were walking aimlessly through the park. Hand in hand as they just talked about nothing and everything.

"... Yet. You love riding your bike because," Logan paused to laugh lightly. "Because you love your helmet, and you claim to be mildly superstitious." Logan spoke with a smile of his face. The more he learned of Carlos' quirks the more he was attracted and adored the small male.

"You're a good listener. Although I'm not surprised Mr. World Renown Brain Surgeon, Dr. Mitchell. I should have figured. You just sound smart." Carlos simpered. It was so sudden and chaste but Logan pressed their lips together causing both of them to gaze at one another with such doped up faces. Both on a natural high.

After that, they both continued to walk and hold hands as time seem to transcend into darkness and soon Carlos had to get back home. Only to be left with thoughts of Logan.

Two months have gone by, and the two have just started to really impact one another's lives. Not a day when by where they didn't at least talk to the other. They were so smitten and James found it so cute. He was there to talk to Carlos and relinquish in all of the happiness his relationship brought. Logan and James met and instantly were the best of friends. It was great for Carlos to see that his boyfriend and best friend got along so wonderfully.

Carlos credits the tall brunet to him meeting Logan because he pushed him to go to that ball after all. He just couldn't be more happy. He owed this to James. James however, was just happy to see his friend so elated and to actually enjoy what life had to offer him.

To be honest, Carlos was scared out of his mind. He could see himself being with Logan for a long time and that terrifies him. All his life's he's had work hard for his happiness but with Logan, he doesn't try at all. It just happens. Now he can't fathom the idea of this going sour. Not went he's starting to invest way more into this relation than he ever has before.

The third month is when things got more interesting and more real. Carlos for the first time he's been in a relationship, opened up about his past.

Tears were streaming down his face and Logan was holding him closely. "When I came out to my father, he-he beat me. He couldn't handle the idea of one of his own children liking the same gender. Especially if they were a boy. He told my uncles and they also slapped me around. One of them said they beat the gay right out of me.

'My older brother was the only one who defended me but even then, he couldn't do much. He didn't live at home anymore. My dad kicked me out and for a couple of months, I was homeless... I couldn't stay with my brother because he lived too far... There were many nights that I-I-I cried myself to self in the woods or wherever I could find to sleep that seemed somewhat safe. It was a miracle I got my first job busing at the restaurant I dreamed about as a kid. My boss, and coworkers took in me. Like, I would stay with one one night and another a different night until I could afford an apartment. The chef especially took me in. She changed my life. Her and James." Carlos muttered onto Logan's chest, struggling on some parts with a shaky, tear-laden voice. They were cuddled up together. The smart man listening to ever single thing Carlos said and feeling anger for those who hurt Carlos the most when they should have loved him the most. He felt saddened to know that his sweet love had to struggle the way he did. And above all, he felt so proud of Carlos for never giving up.

"You are so strong, Carlos. You deserved more. I am so proud and honored that you trusted me enough to tell me this. You... I care about you so much already and it frightens me." He said kissing the top of the caramel colored male's head.

"I know. It scares me too."

Month four and five past similarly to there second month. They spent so much time together it was like they knew each other in another life with how drawn to one another. Logan opened up about being bullied for being a nerd in school and how when he did start dating, after his success, his exes always taking him for granted or just using him for his brain or body and Carlos was there for him just like he was for him.

They would often stay on the phone with one another till the sun came up. Both so wrapped up in the were so in love but refused to admit it. It was too soon to them. They couldn't possibly think those things so soon. It was ridiculous right?

It was the sixth month where they gave themselves to each other in the most intimate way. Both felt like their world had exploded and in its place left a universe more vibrant and expressive. It was now fully apart to them that they were in love. No denying it. But neither of them could work the courage to tell the other how they felt. Even after everything they shared.

But all of this was left unsaid when the worst possible thing happened. Their fight official fight. Yes they bickered. Of course they did with all the time they spent together but this was their first fight.

"Hey, 'Los? Why don't you start your own restaurant? I've been wondering this for a while now. It would be so amazing." Logan asked the shorter man he was cuddled next to. Said man shrugged and keep his eyes downcast. What was just a simple question to Logan turned out to be the wrong thing to ask.

"I'm not that smart. I couldn't run my own business." He answered, feeling his old insecurities about his intelligence settle in. Logan looked at him baffled.

"You're kidding me right? Carlos you can do this. You are very smart and independent. Look at all of the stuff you've done for yourself." Logan spoke hastily. A frown was adorned on his face as he stared at the Latino.

"Hey, stop it. I don't need you to pity me and make me believe something that's not true. I know I'm not smart, I'm not like you. I don't just get things." Carlos responded, getting oddly defensive.

Logan's frown hardened. This was getting out of hand and he didn't know how to stop it. "What-where is this coming from? I'm not pitying you. I would never. And not like me? What are you implying. Carlos, what's going on?"

Carlos let out a huff of breath. "Nothing! I was fine until you brought this up. I get it. I'm the only person you know in their mid twenties that's not wealthy. I don't need your ideas and people like you! Who never had a damn problem with anything in their life instead of with basic stuff. You've never had to really struggle. Sure you work for everything but that doesn't mean it wasn't already there for you on a silver spoon."

"Oh okay, so this is how you really feel? After everything that I have expressed to you about my past? After I shared myself with you like you did with me. You know what I think. I think you like the pity or whatever people give you. You don't grow from life, you stay cooped up in a God-damned bubble!" Logan spat out. He glared at the male next to him who had pulled himself away from him.

"Really? You think you are so perfect just because you being bully get you humanity aside from your great upbringing! I can't believe just said that. Stop trying to fucking fix me and start trying to help yourself. You can't even let someone else discover who they are or who they want to be before you come along and make them think things that just aren't right for them. You keep pushing me to do or think about doing things with my own future. Logan, I know where I falter and it has everything to do with the fact that I let people walk over me. You don't know all there is to know about me. So don't put me into some mold. I'm not one of your privileged friends you grew up with! But I guess you can't see that. I'm not good enough for you." Carlos uttered out. As he did so it all became clear. He didn't deserve some like Logan. Someone so understanding and patient. He couldn't offer Logan what some Nobel prize winner could. His eyes became misty as he looked at the smart man he loved so much in front of him who was looking at him with soft eyes.

"Carlos, that's not true. Sweet love, I-I I love you." Logan admitted watching in horror as Carlos stood abruptly and made his way to the door.

"I don't love you." Carlos lied. He broke both their hearts in that moment but he knew in his heart, him leaving Logan was so much better so the paler man.

Almost two months have pasted by. A month and a half of pure misery. Carlos never felt so empty in his life. It was awful. He was trying to keep it together but then songs on the radio like 'If You Think You're Lonely Now' by Bobby Womack and Babyface's 'I Only Think of You' would start breaking him apart. Logan makes it harder for him by calling incessantly.

That's not even the worst of it. For him, it's like never ending tears. And there are so many bruises on him from throwing things and hitting stuff. Trying so hard to get his anger out on something when really, he was just anger with himself. He did this. He told Logan he didn't love him.

Three months have past and now all Carlos can feel is numbness. Everything is full and lackluster with a certain someone in his life. He's refraining from even thinking about his ex name. There are no more calls from Logan. Logan finally gave up on him. Finally realized he could do so much better. Even though in reality, Logan is just as bad or even worst than Carlos because he thinks that the shorter male doesn't love him. It's a mess.

"You don't look as living as you did at my party, when was that? 10 months ago." Carlos was surprised to see Kendall Knight seated with company at the restaurant he had been working at for an upcoming 9 years now. He gave a timid smile.

"A lot has changed." He muttered to the blonde before a fellow co'chef of Yo Quiero told him to go back to help Chef Mosley. He gave a small wave good-bye.

"Kendall, you've been single for so long now. It was fine at first but now it is annoying. Why don't you go out with that guy we just saw?" Jett, Kendall's friend said and the blonde had to suppress a groan. For the past month, the majority of his friends have been trying their hardest to get him to date and stop coming home to a empty house. They were genuinely worried about him and just think that his lonely heart needed a companion.

But Kendall didn't want anyone. No one he met ever captured his full attention. Maybe he could just date Carlos for a little bit so they would get off of his case...

To Be Continued...