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Chapter 9: Stronger
Logan looked down at the address in his hands and then to the building before him. It was the café that Kendall had asked him and James to meet him and Carlos at. Logan looked over at James who was silently walking behind him. They walked inside and spotted Kendall and Carlos sitting with a brunette girl. Kendall spotted them and jumped up.
"Hey you made it," Kendall said smiling.
"Yeah," Logan said, "So what do you want to do?" he asked as Kendall grabbed his hand and led them over to his table.
"I don't know, I just want to finish my hot chocolate before we leave," Kendall said sitting down. The girl stood up and offered Logan her seat next to Kendall as James sat down next to Carlos.
"Oh Logan, James, this is Camille," Kendall said pointing to her, "Camille these two are Logan and James," he said smiling at her.
"It's nice to meet you but I gotta get back to work," Camille said and she walked away.
"You guys don't want anything do you?" Kendall asked looking at Logan and James. They both shook their heads. "They have amazing Danishes here, they are just so sweet and amazing," he said.
"Easy on the pastries preggers," Carlos teased.
"Hey shut up," Kendall said glaring at his best friend.
"Well you've had like four already," Carlos said.
"I'm pregnant leave me alone," Kendall said.
"Carlos be nice now," Logan said laughing at the two.
"Thank you," Kendall said smiling at the brunette. Logan felt his heartbeat quicken at that and smiled back.
"Are you ok, you've been awfully quiet," Carlos said turning to James.
"Sorry my mind is just else where right now," James said.
"We just got out of a meeting with our producer and he did not like the song James had written," Logan said.
"I worked hard on it too and he's being a major ass about it not fitting our image," James said shaking his head.
"Make him like it then," Carlos said.
"That right there is why I like you," James said smiling at Carlos. Carlos blushed and looked away from James.
"So where's Dak normally he's with you guys as well," Kendall said.
"He's working hard on getting his vocals done for his new movie," Logan said, "he hasn't been around a lot lately," he said.
"He's doing a movie right now?" Kendall asked.
"Yeah it's a new vampire high school movie thing," James said, "it's supposed to be the next big thing. He's been a Rocque Records all week trying to get his vocals recorded," James said.
"That's cool," Kendall said nodding his head.
"My movie starts shooting in two months," Carlos said proudly.
"Oh that reminds me I got something for you," James said reaching into his pocket and pulling out a slip of paper. He handed it to Carlos. "Steph wanted me to give that to you," he said.
"Her number?" Carlos asked looking up at James.
"Yeah, she thought you seemed cool and wants to get to know you before she works on the movie with you," James said. Carlos' jaw dropped.
"I think you broke him," Kendall said looking at Carlos who was frozen in place.
-Better Than I Know Myself-
Dak was laying in bed. He looked at the person sleeping next to him. It had a few days since the night of Stephanie's party and he had hardly even talked to James. He wasn't sure what to do. They had never really fought like this, and they weren't even in a relationship. What they had was nothing. Dak had fallen for the pretty boy but he didn't care about Dak like that, and Dak accepted that now. Dak was over it and he just needed to sort a few things out.
Dak shook his head. James and Logan would both be pissed if he knew where Dak was now. Dak had been lying to the two saying he had to work more. Part of it was true. He needed to get his vocals done for his movie, but that wasn't the only thing he was doing. He had been doing something else completely.
Dak was doing what they had help him avoid for quite some time now. James and Logan were great friends, and they helped him avoid the situation he was in now. If they only knew where he was now though. Dak was afraid to tell them.
"Quit thinking."
Dak smiled and looked down at Jett. Jett was looking up at him.
"Sorry," Dak said. He laid his head down on Jett's chest. He knew this was wrong, but Jett cared about him, and he had cared about Jett at one point. Maybe he would get those feeling back eventually.
"Have you told your friends we're back together?" Jett asked after sometime.
"No," Dak admitted.
"Dak," Jett started.
"I have to go about this carefully Jett," Dak said looking up at the other male. "They spent the last year helping me avoid you and everything," he said looking away from Jett.
"I get it, but I don't want to come around you with them not knowing and then having them try to kick my ass again," Jett said.
"I know, but I can't just up and say we're dating," Dak said.
"Why not?" Jett asked.
"Because I am not exactly sure how I really fell just yet. I mean we've only been back together for a few days," Dak said sitting up. Jett sat up as well.
"Look I know last time I jumped into this and that's what pushed you away so I won't make that mistake again," Jett said.
"I just need to really think this through," Dak said getting out of bed. He started grabbing his clothes and got dressed.
"Dak," Jett said getting out of bed and stopping him for a moment. "I'm sorry," Jett said. Dak stopped and turned to Jett.
"I'm sorry," Dak said sighing, "I just don't want to rush into this again," he said. Jett nodded his head. Dak walked over to the bed and sat down. Jett sat down next to him.
"I know you don't want to rush into this again, and I am sorry," Jett said, "take all the time you need," he said. Dak nodded his head and finished dressing.
"I think it's best we not talk for a few days to give me time to get my priorities straight," Dak said. Jett nodded his head and stood up. He walked over to Dak.
"Here's something to think about," Jett said pulling Dak to him in a kiss. Dak melted into the kiss. It was so familiar and just plain inviting. He pulled away and smiled at Jett before he left the other actors apartment.
Dak made his way down to his car. He had to tell James and Logan he was seeing Jett again. He knew they would be mad, but this is what he had to do to move on from James. He didn't know where things with Jett were going, but that was ok. It helped him stay away from James and that was good for Carlos. James and Carlos were happy together and that's all that mattered to Dak. He didn't want to get in the way of that.
-Better Than I Know Myself-
Kendall and Logan were walking along a side walk hand in hand. They were doing it all for show by Kelly's request. They were just walking around and window shopping. Kendall didn't really want to do much. Logan was fine with that, but Kelly wanted them out and about.
"Is it always like this?" Kendall asked as he noticed some people following them down the street.
"You get used it," Logan said, "I hardly notice anymore," he added.
"I don't think I could get used to this," Kendall said as he looked straight ahead of them. He didn't want to look back and see all the creeps following them. It was almost noon and they were just walking and talking until Kendall's stomach rumbled.
"Hungry?" Logan asked. Kendall blushed and nodded his head.
"I know the best place to go to for lunch," Logan said, "it's not far from here actually," he said looking around.
"Let's go," Kendall said. Logan nodded his head and they continued to walk until they reached a small restaurant. Logan led Kendall inside and they sat in back in a booth. A waiter took their order and left.
"So is this like our first date?" Kendall asked.
"Yeah, I guess s since the party didn't really count," Logan said nodding his head.
"Ok then this will be our first official date," Kendall said smiling. Logan smiled as well. "Ok then let's get to know one another," Kendall said.
"What do you wanna know," Logan asked sitting back in his seat.
"So where are you from? I mean like where were you born and raised," Kendall said.
"I was born in Texas just outside of Dallas, but I grew up in San Diego with James. We moved here when we were eighteen because James wanted to be a pop star and marry Nicole Scherzinger," Logan said.
"I take it that last part didn't happen," Kendall asked laughing. Logan laughed as well and nodded his head.
"What about you where are you from?" Logan asked.
"I was born in Kansas in Wichita and I lived there with Carlos until we were nineteen and we moved out here because Carlos wanted fame as well," Kendall said.
"You came all the way from Wichita for your friend's dream?" Logan asked.
"Yeah, you came here for James," Kendall said.
"We lived a few hours away and I kind of wanted it too," Logan said.
"Well call me selfless and Carlos needed someone to help control him and get him on track. I mean without me he probably would only be a busboy somewhere and not dating James for sure," Kendall said.
"I know, I was surprised when James told me he liked Carlos, but watching them together is just weird. Carlos is not the usual type James goes for, but he seems really happy with him," Logan said nodding his head.
"I know Carlos is like in shock of everything still," Kendall said.
Their food arrived and they started eating and continued talking about anything and everything. Kendall told Logan about the things him and Carlos used to do back in Wichita and how much trouble they got into because of Carlos. Logan in turn told some of his and James' stories from high school.
"Our math teacher was a big ass and he hated me and James for some reason. I don't know why, but he just did. One day some kid pulled a prank on him and he accused us when we didn't do anything. He insisted that we did it until some kids came forward saying they did it. James demanded an apology from him," Logan said.
"Wow," Kendall said.
"It wasn't until about a week later that I found out that James actually pulled the prank and paid the kids to come forward just so we could actually get the man to apologize to us," Logan said. Kendall laughed at that.
"That's great," Kendall said.
"I know, I wasn't even shocked when James told me he really did it," Logan said shaking his head.
"I can believe that," Kendall said. Kendall looked down at his watch and saw that they had been at the diner for an hour. He looked up at Logan. "We've been here for an hour," he said.
"We have?" Logan asked looking down at his own watch. "We have," he said. Logan paid for their food and they left going in the direction they had come.
"This was nice," Kendall said.
"It was," Logan agreed. They walked all the way back to Kendall's apartment where Logan's car was parked.
"This was fun, and we should do it again sometime," Logan said leaning in and pecking Kendall on the cheek.
"Give me a real kiss you dork," Kendall said. Logan looked at him confused. Kendall rolled his eyes and pulled Logan in for a real kiss on the lips. "We're dating now, it's ok to kiss me," he said.
"I'll call you then?" Logan asked. Kendall nodded his head. He walked up to the door and looked back at Logan as he got into his car. Kendall smiled as he watched him drive off. He didn't know why, but he was starting to like Logan a little. He had the potential to be a great friend.
Kendall walked inside and made his way up to his and Carlos' apartment. He smiled as he thought more about Logan. He didn't know what it was about the brunette, there was just something likeable about him. Kendall reached the apartment and pulled his keys out and opened the door. He froze when he saw James and Carlos on the couch. They seemed to be attached at the lips and their hands were everywhere.
"I am sorry," Kendall said bringing a hand up to his eyes. The two on the couch sprang apart.
"He-Hey Kendall," Carlos stammered embarrassed.
"I didn't know you guys were here I am so sorry," Kendall said walking into the apartment and to his bedroom. He didn't look at the two. He walked into his room and over to his bed. He sat down.
He should've known better than to not expect James and Carlos to be here. Carlos usually ended up here with his dates by this point in his relationships. Kendall shook his head not wanting to think about what he had seen. Sure, he knew Carlos wasn't innocent. They actually lost their virginity in high school at the same party to two girls they knew. The reason he didn't want to think about it was Carlos was like a brother to him.
-Better Than I Know Myself-
Carlos and James sat there for a moment not looking at one another. Kendall had gone to his bedroom. Carlos hadn't expected Kendall home so soon.
"I'm sorry about that," Carlos said finally.
"It's ok," James said.
"He wasn't supposed to be home yet," Carlos said.
"It's ok Carlos," James said placing a hand on Carlos' shoulder. "It's not like we were doing anything that bad," he said.
"True," Carlos agreed smiling slightly.
"I think it's best that we only go that far right now," James said, "I mean I don't want to rush into things," he added quickly.
"I agree," Carlos said nodding his head. He really didn't want to rush into this. He didn't want to lose James because they rushed. "So, can I ask a question?" he asked.
"Sure," James said.
"What brought that on?" Carlos asked.
"What do you mean?" James asked confused.
"I mean one minute you're hardly taking to me and then the next you're like attacking me," Carlos said.
"I told you I've got a lot on my mind. Logan and I getting a little more personal on our second album and we're writing songs and our producers is shooting down our ideas and telling us our songs suck," James said.
"I don't mean to sound needy or anything, but I want to know if you're seeing other people since we're not exclusive yet," Carlos asked.
"No, I really like you Carlos, and I would be very happy if you were to officially be my boyfriend," James said.
"What happened to not rushing into things?" Carlos teased.
"We can still take things slow, but I want the world to know that we're dating," James said grabbing Carlos' hand. "there is just something about you," he said.
"I think I'd like that," Carlos said smiling.
"So how about this Saturday I take you out to dinner again," James asked, "it's gonna be one of my last free night for awhile," he said.
"Sure," Carlos said smiling. James looked down at his watch and groaned.
"I hate to say this but I have to go, Logan and I have a meeting with the record company about the progress of our new album," James said.
"Go," Carlos said smiling. James smiled and pecked Carlos on the lips.
"I'll call you," James said. Carlos nodded his head. "Or text at least," he added as he started for the door.
"I'll be waiting," Carlos said. James left and Carlos fell back onto the couch. He didn't' know why but he felt like James was keeping something from him. In the last few days they hardly talked, but then again did have a lot to worry about at the moment.
-Better Than I Know Myself-
James and Logan were leaving Rocque Records. They had just finished their meeting with the company's CEO Arthur Griffin. They were walking through the lobby when they spotted Dak talking to Mr. X their dance choreographer. Mr. X was also helping choreograph Dak's movie. They waited until Dak was done talking to him and walked up to the younger male.
"Hey Dak," Logan said. Dak turned and smiled at them.
"Hey guys," Dak said smiling in guiltily.
"Where have you been these last few days?" James asked, "we've missed having you around," he said.
"I know I haven't been around much, but I've been busy getting things ready for my movie and everything," Dak said.
"You can't be that busy," James said.
"There's also another reason," Dak said looking away from the two.
"What?" Logan asked.
"Well, just promise not to be mad at me," Dak said.
"Why would we be mad at you," Logan asked confused.
"Just promise," Dak said.
"Ok, we promise," the two said together slowly.
"I'm kind of seeing Jett again," Dak admitted as he looked down at the carpet like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
"Are you nuts?" Logan and James asked together.
"You promised not to get mad," Dak said looking up at his friends. "It's not as bad as you think. I mean we've been apart since he's been out of the country and I decided to give him another chance," he said.
"Dak," James said.
"Logan," Kelly said as she walked down the hallway. "I need to talk to you," she said. Logan walked over to her and they moved away from Dak and James.
"Are you insane?" James asked glaring at Dak.
"Hey it's my life," Dak said, "I think Jett and I could work this time," he said.
"Are you trying to get back at me for yelling at you the other day?" James asked.
"Why would I want to get back at you?" Dak asked, "we we had was nothing, just friends having casual sex it meant nothing," he said.
"I know that," James said.
"So we're on the same page then," Dak said.
"Completely," James said.
"We're both down with the casual sex and seeing other people just like you wanted. I mean it's not like anything was going to happen between us anyways," Dak said.
"Exactly," James said nodding his head.
"So friends?" Dak asked.
"Yeah," James said. He didn't want to admit he was going to miss what he and Dak had. It had almost seemed like Dak leaned on him the last few month. It was almost as if Dak needed him at one point.
"And FYI I can make it on my own without you," Dak said as if he had read James' mind.
"I know, you're a strong person Dak, no one can hold you back," James said smiling despite how he felt on the inside.
"Well, I have to get going I'll see you later James," Dak said, "tell Logan I said bye," he added as he walked out the door.
James didn't want to admit it but he was getting a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. He did not like that Dak was back with Jett. He had never even really like Jett in the first place. Jett was no good for Dak. Dak needed someone you complimented him and was nicer to him than Jett was. Jett wasn't exactly mean, but he wasn't nice either. If you wanted to be a actor you couldn't really be nice though.
James shook his head, he couldn't care about this. He wad with Carlos now. Carlos was his boyfriend, not Dak.
-Better Than I Know Myself-
Dak walked out of Rocque Records. That had probably been on of the hardest things he had ever done. He had given up all hope of him and James getting together. Dak would have to be strong and just let James go.
Dak walked to his car and got in. He started driving. He was heading to his apartment. He needed to sort some things out. He had to sort out his feeling for James and his feelings for Jett.
Jett.
Dak wasn't sure what he had with Jett at the moment. Sure Jett liked him, no loved him, but did Dak feel the same way. He wasn't sure. Was he being fair to Jett? Dak was sure he wasn't. He was only with Jett again because of James.
Dak had fallen hard for James. He didn't know how or why, but he had. He was fighting his feeling for James though. He knew James would never see him as more than a friend that he used to have sex with. He knew James was better off with Carlos anyways. James was happy with Carlos, and that was what Dak wanted. He wanted James to be happy.
Dak sighed as he pulled into his apartment building's parking lot. He got out of his car and made his way up to his apartment. He walked in and went straight for his phone. There was only one person who could help him at the moment.
Dak picked up his phone and dialed the number he knew so well. He pressed the phone to his ear as he waited for someone to answer.
"Hello Dak, is that you?" at familiar voice asked.
"Yeah it's me," Dak said, "do you think you could come to L.A. for a bit?" he asked.
"Sure."
"As soon as possible?"
"I'll be there by tomorrow afternoon."
So yeah there you go. I have a question for you guys. I don't know what the end holds for James yet. Should he be with Dak or Carlos? What do you guys think? I have a poll set up so go vote or if you can't let me know in a review. Review and let me know what you think.
Always
OUTOFMYMIND