Chapter Text
Andy had been under the care of the church since his de facto guardian’s detainment. After his sentence was served Logan had been fighting to get custody again, but unfortunately, the church of Light had stops in place to prevent the willy-nilly distribution of children, even if it was to someone who had proven to be a decent parental figure. It was frustrating, to say the least.
Logan didn’t talk about it much, but Ari knew. The hunter spent a good few hours every day seeking out Andy between classes, checking on him, making sure he was eating well. The answer was always the same. Dan-bi was taking great care of him, not to mention Burgess. It was as if the man was made to serve.
Ari tried to be surreptitious about it, but he went out of his way to check on Andy as well. The kid looked good. He’d filled out a little since he’d had access to regular, good food. He was also smart. Good grades and good participation in class, albeit if some of the things he had to say were a little out there. It was the sign of a good imagination, a “developing brain,” the new schoolteacher Jane had said. Logan had looked relieved when he’d recounted that to Ari. It was one of the few conversations they’d had on the subject.
Ari was arms deep in his collection bin when he heard hoofbeats behind him; they were fast. It could only be one person on one animal. He turned with a grin and Rambo screeched to a stop next to him.
“Hey, Ari, ya got a minute?”
Logan slid off Rambo, touching Ari’s jaw just for a moment before leaning in for a kiss.
“Always,” he replied.
They went into Ari’s small house, the loud hum of his sh*tty refrigerator and the ticking grandfather clock filling the silence. Logan seemed nervous.
“So, they’re thinking of lettin’ me take Andy soon. I have a house in town that I’ve been cleanin’ up, I won’t be at the outpost nearly s’much.”
He trailed off, deep in thought.
“I know he’s not an easy kid, but… He’s got no one else. And, he’s a good kid…”
Ari’s heart seized as he realized exactly what was being implied.
“Um, Logan,” he interrupted, taking his hand. “I like Andy. You’re right, he is a good kid. We can help him together. I mean, if that’s what you want. It’s kind of your call… Legally, that is.”
Logan looked surprised at first, then his look faded to one of pure, soft affection.
“I’d love yer help, doll. I don’t know much about raisin’ kids, but I do know I’ll do everything I can to care for him. It’d be an awful lot easier if I wasn’t in this alone.”
Ari smiled back at him.
“Honestly, I would love to. Babies are scary but Andy’s awesome. We can talk about trains, astronauts, I have some models I can give him, actually… And when he wants to talk about girls, I’m so good at that. I mean, or boys. Or whatever. I don’t know.”
Logan laughed aloud, then pulled Ari into an embrace.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, alright?”
Ari buried his face in Logan’s chest for a moment, taking in his scent before he pulled back suddenly.
“We should take him out. The Blue Moon or something. I don’t know. It could be… nice.” Ari trailed off sheepishly.
Maybe he was getting ahead of himself. Logan cupped his face and bent down to kiss him fully. When he pulled back, his eyes were sparkling.
“Yeah, we should. Kid could use a break.”
They rode to the school on top of the town. It was just about to let out so they waited outside on the yakmel station bench, idly chatting before the school’s bell rang. Logan stood, nervous, and Ari just waited in his seat.
“Logan? Ari? What are y’all doin’ here?”
A harsh voice broke out across the courtyard and they both laughed. Andy ran towards them, arms waving.
“Is one of ya dyin’? Are ya both dyin’? What’s goin’ on?”
“Nah, Andy, just calm down. No one’s dyin’.”
Logan reached out and ruffled Andy’s sandy hair.
“We just thought you deserved an outin’.”
“Yeah!” Andy whooped.
They walked together to the Blue Moon Saloon, tying Rambo up outside. Ari ordered a whole spread for the table, including plenty of cheese sandwiches. They were Andy’s favorite. He’d only known that because he’d sleuthed his regular order from Owen, but he’d never admit it. The moment Owen had walked away from the plates, Andy shoved one of the sandwiches in his mouth.
“So Elsie told me y’all are datin’ or whatever, does that mean you’re in charge ‘a me too, Ari?” Andy asked around the bread in his mouth, looking right at him.
Ari looked away in embarrassment, but as Logan’s hand came to take his under the table, he made eye contact again.
“I mean, not in charge. We’ve basically just met. I’ll be here to help you if you need it, okay?”
Andy chewed, thinking, then swallowed. His eyes gleamed as he leaned in.
“So like, if I need a cheese sandwich, or a… say… high speed motor, I can just ask ya?”
Ari cracked a grin at him.
“Within reason.”
Andy grinned back. Ari didn’t have an extended family he was close to and no siblings. He wasn’t totally sure how to act around kids but he liked Andy. That was a good start.The kid sat back in the booth, eyes narrowing for just a moment.
“So do y’all like. Kiss?” Andy pointed between the two of them, a cheese sandwich in his other hand.
Ari’s face got uncontrollably red.
“Uh…” He stuttered, eye turning to the ceiling.
Logan barked a laugh at that, squeezing Ari’s hand.
“That’s none of yer business, squirt. Eat your sandwich.”
Andy just shrugged and returned to his food. Ari let out a breath of relief. They finished up at the Blue Moon, laughing and talking until the sun was starting to dip below the clouds.
“C’mon, Andy, let’s get Ari home.”
They walked to the workshop, Logan taking his hand as they did so. When they reached his door, they paused; Andy was standing aside expectantly. Logan leaned in but paused to slip his hat off, blocking a brief kiss from Andy’s view.
“Aw, c’mon!” Andy crowed.
“Nosey,” Logan chided, replacing his hat. He looked back at Ari, blue eyes bright.
“Have a good night, alright darlin’?”
“You too,” Ari said with a smile, placing a hand on Logan’s chest just for a moment.
“Even without kissin’ you guys are gross,” Andy wretched.
“Whatever, kid. Let’s get you back to the church. You’ll be stayin’ with me soon enough.”
As usual, Ari waited until they were out of sight to go inside. He chewed his lip, looking around his place. He’d have to make some major renovations for a guest room, just in case Andy wanted to stay over. He could use a larger bed, too, just in case Logan wanted to stay over too.
Yeah, just in case.
