Maybe It Just Happened (#10InfiniteWeeks)

"If you wanted candles and romantic music, then you wouldn't have chosen me."
"Maybe I didn't choose," she dared. "Maybe it just happened."

- Logan & Charleigh, Ninety Degrees.


**SPOILERS FOR NINETY DEGREES**

The relationship between Charleigh and Logan is one that took me on a journey. It wasn't like anything I'd ever written before, so it was definitely an experience.

I love Logan's character for two reasons: he's not afraid to actually act on what he's thinking, yet at the same time, he's very vulnerable. Logan has a fear of being tied to another person. The only relationship he's ever been able to compare himself to is the one his parents share, and they aren't the best examples. In his eyes, companionship is not permanent. So, when things begin to progress between Logan and Charleigh, he isn't exactly thrilled.

For a long time, they only hook up randomly. It's more of a friends-with-benefits situation and Logan is perfectly okay with that. There's no commitment when it comes to simple pleasure. But then it happens. One night after a party, the two are drunk and overcome by lust. They take things further than they ever have before, and Charleigh loses her virginity. Charleigh in under the impression that Logan has no clue. She thinks he didn't know it was her first time - that's the only explanation for why he's acting like it's no big deal. But then she finds out he knew all along.

In Logan's defense, he assumed that Charleigh wanted to get it over with. He assumed she didn't consider it important, and honestly, she didn't. Not until Logan. Saving herself for marriage, or for someone special, was never a requirement. This changes after she realizes her feelings for Logan and understands that it's more than just a friendship.

Logan can't handle this. At first, he distances himself and pulls away from her completely. He senses that she's looking for something more, and he throws himself into drug deals to keep him busy. But then he realizes he misses her. Especially after seeing her with Tucker. The jealousy that sparks after finding out Tucker and Charleigh have been close causes a huge rift between the friends. Even Silas feels the aftershock. Logan succumbs to the desire to be near her and ends up giving the wrong impression. Charleigh thinks he's finally ready to be with her for real, but he's not. He doesn't want to be with her, but he doesn't want anyone else to have her. She feels hurt and flees into Tucker's arms, leaving Logan more alone than ever.

Over time, we learn that Tucker is aware of the blossoming relationship between Logan and Charleigh the entire time. He sees how much that need each other and chooses to step away. Logan takes advantage of this and finally steps up. He fills Charleigh's room with flowers and candles, contradicting his denial of romance in the absolute best way.

One of my favorite scenes between the two is when Charleigh is drunk after the graduation party. Logan is sitting next to her at the bar and Charleigh mistakes him for Silas. She opens up about how she feels, and Logan responds, pretending he's not himself.

“Why doesn’t Logan want to be with me?” she asked, unaware of who she was talking to.

 “What?” Logan asked, continuing to caress her back.

“Come on, Silas. You can be honest with me.”

Logan faltered slightly, unsure of how to answer. “He wants to be with you,” he said. “He’s just scared.”

Charleigh lifted her head. She kept her eyes closed – the flashing lights weren’t helping her dizziness – and slumped her cheek against the side of her fist. “I’m scared, too. I’m not used to needing someone like that.”

“You don’t need him,” Logan said, going along with her banter. “You’re a strong person.”

“I know that,” she insisted. The weight of her head fell back onto her arms. Logan had to lean in to hear what she was saying. “I thought I could prove that being with him was no different than being with Tucker,” she said. “But I was wrong. Tucker’s just an angle. Logan’s the entire fucking circle.”

Logan pulled away. Charleigh opened her eyes and took in who was sitting next to her. She felt a sudden jolt of electricity jump start her heart, and in that moment, she was completely sober. Logan placed his hand on the side of her face softly. His thumb brushed her cheek.

He spoke in the best tranquil tone he could manage so that she could still hear him over the limitless distractions around them. “He’ll come around, Charleigh,” he said, referring to himself. “I promise.”

Thanks again for everyone that has followed along so far on the blog tour! 

Unfortunately, I don't have the cosplay photos I was hoping for, because the person I wanted to use as Logan wasn't available. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of edits, though! And I'll have lots more to discuss here on my blog! Leave comments if there's anything specific you want to know!

-Megan.