AN: Sorry for the long wait! The semester is almost over, and that's when all the professors decide to load on all the work. However, only 2 more weeks of this, and then I'll be able to get back into my writing and update on a more regulated schedule.
So I think for this story, every chapter will rotate between the point-of-views. Like first chapter was Logan's, the second James's, and this chapter will be Logan's. That's the plan for now, I'll note when things are different, and also remind of who's POV it is.
So without further a do…
I do not own BTR or anything you may recognize.
As soon as Logan turned off his alarm this morning, he knew today was going to be different. It wasn't as if he knew exactly what was going to happen, he just knew something is going to. He looks to the empty bed across the room from him, once again taking in the rooming mishap and how he was able to get away with not having a roommate. After shaking off the thought, he gets himself ready to face the day. Same shit, different day.
He makes himself comfortable in his European History gen-ed class; he always arrives early so that he has time to get his thoughts in order. He has his notes from the reading from last night out on his desk, his 5-subject notebook, and a couple of pens ready for use when the class begins. He re-reads his notes from the reading, making sure that he will be able to participate and get the participation credit for the day. He's re-reading his notes about how Adolf Hitler should've stayed alive to get his punishment during the Nuremberg Trials, when he hears his name being called by the professor, accomplishing taken out of his reverie.
"Mr. Mitchell, will you please help our new addition to the class get acquainted with the syllabus?" The professor asked of Logan.
Logan looks up and sees a tall, sandy-haired, hazel-eyed young man next to his professor. He hasn't ever seen this guy before, and even though the campus is relatively large, Logan feels like he would've recognized him before. Of course I would've recognized him, he's beautiful.
"Uh s-s-s-sure Professor Whittaker, I can definitely do that" Logan stutters, realizing he's been staring at the guy for longer than necessary.
"Great, now Mr. Diamond, you can take the seat next to Mr. Mitchell, and I can begin our class…" the professor trails off, beginning today's lecture.
"So, Mr. Mitchell, do you have a first name?" the sandy-haired guy says as he takes his seat, opening his laptop, ready to maybe learn something.
"It's Logan, you?" Logan asks
"James." And the smile James gives Logan is one that, if to be quite honest, makes his heart soar.
~*~LINE BREAK~*~
As the class ends, Logan quickly gathers his belongings, ready to bolt out of class. He's halfway out the door when he feels a tap on his shoulder.
Smiling sheepishly, James asks "Hey, so I was wondering if you could maybe show me where all my classes are? I'm brand new here, and I haven't had the time to really explore the school."
Logan blinks and swallows real quick, not expecting how nice James is. Normally, from Logan's experience, people who looks like James are douchebags and are really rude, not really Logan's favorite type of people to communicate with.
"I guess I can do that, let me see your schedule." Logan requests, and as James hands it over, he quickly scans all his classes, and laughs quietly.
"Well, it looks like we are both enrolled in the same classes, how does that happen?" Logan questions more to himself than to James.
James smirks "Well, why don't you look at that, that will make things easy for me." Of course I have all the same classes, but some of these classes, I don't even know if I'm going to pass.
"Haha I guess so, listen I usually grab lunch now before heading to my next class at 2:45, and since we have the same class, would you like me to show you where the campus center is?"
"Yeah, that would be amazing, I could go for some grub." James pats his stomach, efficiently alerting Logan that he's probably starving.
"Ok well then, follow me." And Logan makes his way across the campus to the campus center where there's a bunch of different concessions to get quick food from. Along the way, Logan points out various things about the campus, and different buildings that James will have to remember for their classes. James finds Logan's vast knowledge of the school adorable, almost like Logan is a human brochure for the campus. They reach the campus center and quickly stopping at the sandwich and salad concession for some lunch. They find a table and sit down to enjoy their lunch.
"So Logan, tell me about yourself, since we're going to be in the same classes together, we should probably get to know each other." James breaks the ice.
"Well, I'm 20 years old, almost 21. I'm from Pennsylvania and am here on a scholarship. Like you, I'm an accounting major, hoping to be a CPA and build my own firm here. I love math and history, and in my spare time I read. What about you?"
"Like you, I'm 20 years old, almost 21. I'm born and raised here in California, and am a true surfer dude. I recently decided to declare a major in accounting, and transferred from a community college to this prestigious school by some ounce of pure luck. I love the beach, music, shopping, and making sure I look my best at all times." And to reinforce what he just said, he took out a compact mirror and began to "fix" himself, even though Logan saw no reason to have to fix anything.
They eat in a comfortable, yet slightly awkward silence, not really knowing what to say next. Except James always has something to say.
"So tell me about your parents, what are they like?" James asks innocently.
Logan takes a deep breath, realizing this was going to come about at some point. "Well, my dad is a piece of shit, and my mother passed away when I was in high school."
"Oh Logan, I'm sorry, I didn't realize…" And James lets that trail off.
"No, you wouldn't have known, it's not like you already know me or have a file all about me." Logan chuckles. Little does Logan know…
"Well my mom is the head of Diamond cosmetics, and I'm constantly her guinea pig on all her new products, hence why my skin is so silky smooth. Go ahead, touch my face."
"Nah, I think I'll pass." Logan dismisses.
"No seriously, touch my face." James once again urges Logan.
"Maybe some other time, can I take a rain check? Plus, my hands are dirty, I wouldn't want to clog one of your precious pores." Logan says, half jokingly.
"True, ok, next time." James, fully serious, says.
They once again return to that comfortable, yet slightly awkward silence. Logan then points something out.
"You haven't said anything about your dad. I don't want to step on your toes or anything, you don't need to tell me." Logan says, letting James knows that he can respect people's privacies.
"Nahh, it's ok. I'm an open book; don't be afraid to ask me anything, especially since we're going to be spending the rest of the year together. Well, my dad is in business. He's always busy with his business." James states.
"Oh your dad owns his own business? What type? International, business management, human relations?" Logan curiously asks James.
"You can say that…" James cryptically answers Logan.
"Ummmm ok, I guess that's cool." Logan notes, not really sure what James is talking about.
"Well, it's 2:30, do you want to head to class?" Logan asks James, effectively changing the subject.
"I guess, you're the genius after all." James says, effectively making Logan blush.
~*~LINE BREAK*~*
James and Logan make their way out of their last class. Logan is about to go back to his dorm when he realizes he doesn't know where James lives on campus.
"Oh James, I totally forgot, where do you live on campus? I can show you."
"Ummm, I live in Baker Hall, room 203. Is that close to here? I don't remember exactly where it was, I arrived this morning and I quickly went to Euro History."
Logan stops short, and just stops and stares at James.
"Logan, you're scaring me, why are you staring at me like that?" James asks concerned.
Logan shakes himself of whatever was going on in his mind and answers James. "Welp, looks like we're roommates too. I guess it was about time I actually was assigned a roommate."
"Holy shit, really? What a small fucking world." Except not really…
"Yeah, no kidding." Logan chuckles.
They make their way to their dorm, and Logan shows James where everything is, including the en-suite bathroom, to which James is grateful.
"So, partner and now roommate, what is the first order of business?" James jokes
"Well, usually I read for a bit and then grab some dinner, work out at the gym, and then do my work. Feel free to copy whatever I do, I mean you basically are anyway unintentionally."
As James was about to agree, the Mission Impossible ringtone blares from James's pocket, and that ringtone only means one thing…
"I've got to take this call, I'll be right back, don't leave for dinner without me!" James announces as he makes his way to the floor lounge.
~*~LINE BREAK~*~
"So, how is everything?"
"Going as planned. I'm in every one of his classes, I'm his roommate, and hopefully worm my way into being his best friend." James reports back.
"Good, now keep your eye on the prize, don't get tangled in the boy. The quicker it happens, the less attachments you make."
"I know sir."
"Good, so do you have a plan from here on out?"
"Yeah, and this plan isn't something I had to come up with. Logan's an accounting major, as noted in the file, and I will need lots of help. I can probably get him to tutor me."
Bruce chuckles "yeah, well math was never your strong suit."
"No kidding." James agrees and chuckles along with his father, feeling like he has a normal relationship with his father.
"Ok, I'll check in again in a few days, I expect progress."
And just like that, they're back to being professional. "Yes sir."
And with that, the phone clicks. James's next plans are crystal clear in his mind. However, he's afraid Logan will not just worm his way into his plans, but into his heart. And this will make it that much harder to pretend to love Logan, because how can he fake something that could eventually be real?