The Sweetest Secrets

by BuzzingInMyHead

Summary:

Things are changing for the people of Sandrock. Some are getting married. Some are having babies. Some are returning home. Some are just figuring out what's next.

In amongst it all, Logan is working hard to support those he loves most. Unfortunately, his work sometimes takes him away from Lucy, and they need to work out how to be apart as well as together.

NSFW chapters marked in the chapter title.

Not related to my Crescent Moon story in any way. This is a different Logan and Lucy, and it all started with a smutty one-shot at The Outpost. If you haven't already read it, I'd recommend starting there (13 chapters in all, until you get to this part!).

Notes:

This first chapter is all fluff. Enjoy :)

Chapter 1: A new year (NSFW)

Summary:

Lucy, Logan and Andy celebrate Winter Solstice together, and set some New Year's resolutions.

On a bright, frosty morning, Lucy stood next to Nia and Mi-an as they cast their judgment over the reams of fabric Vivi was showing them. 

“Oh! This one!” Mi-an said, holding up a swatch next to Lucy’s face. “This would look so beautiful on you.” 

Nia pulled a face. 

“You don’t agree?” Mi-an asked, a little dejected. 

“I agree it would look great on Lucy, but what about Elsie?” 

“Oh, yes, maybe you’re right.” 

Lucy smiled sympathetically at Mi-an. Lucy loved Nia, but she knew she could be very finicky about what she did and didn’t like. That’s why Lucy was keeping her mouth closed and her opinions to herself. 

Vivi thumbed through her samples and picked out a different one — a deep emerald brocade with intricate leaves woven into the pattern. “What about this one ladies? I think this would suit both our Lucy and Elsie just beautifully,” she said in her low, honeyed voice. 

“Oh, yes!” Nia clapped her hands together, her eyes shining.

“Mi-an?” Lucy said, wanting to make sure she also got a vote. “Do you like the green?” 

“It’s beautiful,” Mi-an agreed. “And it would go so well with our garden theme!” 

Nia and Mi-an began babbling enthusiastically. Lucy caught Vivi’s eye and they shared a smile. 

Lucy’s friends had visited her the day after she’d returned from her trip with Logan in the autumn. They’d tried to play it cool, asking her about her time away, making sure her and Logan were still good, until Nia practically exploded with the news she could no longer contain: she’d proposed a few days earlier during a romantic picnic by the Mama Tree, and Mi-an had said yes without hesitation. 

Lucy had jumped up and squealed, before she flung an arm around each of her friends and pulled them into a group hug. They’d set a date for their formal celebration in the summer, giving them plenty of time to plan and for their families to be able to join them from Highwind and Tallsky. They’d asked Lucy and Elsie to be bridesmaids and they’d both jumped at the chance, although Elsie was less keen to get involved with the girly stuff. She’d rather be out befriending monsters than choosing colour themes and flowers.

With the fabric settled, Vivi pinned the sample to her sketches. Lucy, never being one to be afraid to show a little skin, had been delighted with Vivi’s design for her — a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline and a tight waist that would flare out to sit mid-thigh. Elsie’s only stipulation had been, “I ain’t wearin’ a dress.” For her, Vivi had designed a corset style top and knee-length culottes. 

The two brides-to-be took a seat at Vivi’s table, drinking tea and flicking through the binder Nia had put together of their wedding plans. Vivi ushered Lucy into a space and had her hold out her arms so she could take up to date measurements, and they listened to the couple behind them tick things off their list. 

“Won’t be long till we’re plannin’ your weddin’, hmm?” Vivi quietly asked Lucy with a twinkle in her eyes, before she bent to write some numbers in her notebook. 

Lucy laughed. “We’re not quite ready for all that Grandma Vivi, you’ll just have to make the most of this one.”

Vivi smiled knowingly and peered at Lucy over the rim of her glasses as she ran the tape measure around her waist. “Oh come now sugar, I’ve seen how Logan looks at you. That boy is already there.”  

Lucy went quiet, thinking back to the conversations she and Logan had had on their trip to the village. Logan had been probing, asking Lucy what she wanted from their future, and she’d been unable to give him an answer. Truthfully, she’d been stunned he was asking. She’d assumed she was further ahead than him in terms of how much she was invested in their relationship, so to find out he’d been thinking about living together and marriage and babies…well, it’d taken her by surprise. 

He still hadn’t brought it up again and she appreciated he was giving her time. When she’d turned up at the Outpost a few weeks ago and been greeted with a romantic setup for their anniversary, she’d wondered for a moment if he was about to propose. She couldn’t work out if she was disappointed or relieved when he didn’t. 

She knew Logan was ready for more, but she quite liked things the way they were. She really valued her independence and her freedom. That wasn’t to say she never wanted those other things, just…perhaps not yet. And of course there was Andy to think about. She adored him, but stepping into a more mothering role was no small thing. 

How did you know when you were ready? 

Lucy chewed her lip as Vivi continued moving her this way then that, noting down more measurements.

“You had a good marriage, didn’t you Vivi?” Lucy asked. 

“Oh, me an’ my hubby had a happy marriage for a long, long time. He was a wonderful husband. A terrible cook though, worse than Grace.” Vivi smiled as she shook her head at the memories. “Oooh, honey, nothin’ worse than comin’ home to the same mush every day, believe you me. You want my advice? Find a partner who can cook!”

Lucy laughed. “Oh dear, maybe Logan isn’t the one then.” 

Vivi chuckled. “You make him practice, sugar. Light only knows what Logan and his Pa ate out on those trails. That boy was forever stealin’ cookies from my counter or turnin’ up at Mabel’s right in time for supper. Ain’t no doubtin’ he’ll try hard for you though.” 

_________________

Several miles away, Logan was packing up his kit ready to return home following another stint at the Outpost. He zipped up the first aid kit and stowed it under the sink, having tended to the scratches on his face that he’d won dealing with a flight of dart kestrels — not as large as dive buzzards, but their talons and beaks were just as sharp, and oh boy were they fast. 

He stored the clean bedding in the drawers under the bed, washed up the dishes, and shoved his final few belongings into his bag. With a final glance around, he pulled the door shut behind him and locked the door, before jogging down the steps to fetch Rambo.

Logan was taking every bounty and commission he could get right now alongside his normal patrols, working himself to the bone. But he’d finally paid off his fines and was able to start saving in earnest. Feeding and clothing a small boy wasn’t cheap — that kid must be going through a serious growth spurt, as Andy could put away nearly as much food as he did. Logan also liked being able to send Haru a small amount every month to support him with his studies.

Plus, Logan wanted to be in a good place should Lucy indicate she was ready for something more. He knew she did well for herself, didn’t expect to be a kept woman, but he wanted to be able to bring as much to the table as possible. He wanted to be worthy of her, this woman who’d made him imagine his future in a completely new way.

It also felt good to be useful, needed, respected. He didn’t ever expect to fill his Pa’s boots, but he felt like he was starting to carve out his own place in Sandrock again. He still woke often in the night, restless, agitated. But the passage of time, Andy’s boundless energy and enthusiasm, and Lucy’s love and support — they were all proving to be great healers. 

So, he figured he’d work as much as he could, save as much as he could, so he’d be in the best place to support what he wanted most — a family with them both.

But right now it was time to head back to town and take some time off for the Winter Solstice. 

Last year he’d hovered at the edge of the celebrations, letting Andy stay up till midnight so he could see the fireworks, watching Lucy sneak the kid more than his fair share of crispy potatoes from the barbecue when she thought nobody else was looking. 

Then Logan had perched on the Blue Moon stage next to Hugo, chatting with the older man while he kept an eye on Andy near the bonfire and watched Lucy dance with her friends, her face lighting up with laughter.

With hindsight, he’d already been pretty smitten with her then, trying to work out a way to engineer another hookup. She’d been on his mind since their first unexpected tryst at the Outpost, and if he hadn’t had Andy to think about, he might’ve tried to take her home again that night.

This year he didn’t have to make up an excuse to see in the new year with her. She’d set up a bed in her spare room for Andy, and the three of them were going to stay at hers for the night. 

He couldn’t wait.

_________________

Over the next few days, Sandrock was transformed into a festive delight. The builders worked especially hard, freshening up the displays and decorations, making fireworks, and helping to harvest food for the feast. 

On the day, Logan and Andy helped build the bonfire with Justice, Hugo and Heidi. As they worked, Logan told Andy how his Pa had always been responsible for the fire, and how each year it got a little bit bigger than the last. Andy took that as a challenge, and the adults were happy to oblige. The bonfire ended up being the biggest Sandrock had seen since Howlett’s final Winter Solstice. 

Finally, with the preparation done, everyone headed home to wrap up warm for the evening’s festivities. 

Logan and Andy arrived at Lucy’s with their overnight bags, and Lucy showed the boy to his makeshift room. He was going to have to bunk in with her crammed bookshelves and her laundry airer, but he didn’t seem to mind and bounced on the bed eagerly. 

Just before they headed out the door, Lucy gave Andy a new woolly hat she’d made, one with longer sides that would keep his ears warm. He decided it made him look like a pilot and ran around the room with his arms out, pretending he was in the Flying Pigs.

Lucy knew that Logan would flatly refuse to wear any kind of woolly hat, especially one with a fluffy bobble or fur trim, as much as the idea entertained her. He was, however, thrilled with the scarf she’d made him in a mixture of chunky cerulean and pearly-white wool, and he wrapped it around his neck over the top of his sweater and jacket. Lucy watched him with a grin, and he quirked a questioning brow at her. 

“You always look so different in regular clothes,” she teased. 

“Bad different?” he asked, eyebrows raised and a smirk playing on his lips. 

“No, good different. Always handsome.” She ran her hands over his scarf and stood on tiptoes to peck him on the lips, then giggled against his mouth as Andy made a vomiting noise from behind her.

“Cut it out,” Logan said as they both turned to the boy.

“You cut it out!” Andy retorted. “Nobody wants to see that.” 

“Andy,” Logan said, the warning implied by his stern fatherly tone. 

“We gonna give Luce her solstice present now?” Andy said with an angelic grin, deftly changing the topic. 

Logan sighed and shook his head at the boy. “Sure, you wanna do the honours?” 

“Yeah!” Andy ran upstairs to fetch whatever it was. 

“That kid—” Logan mumbled quietly.

“Is just a kid. A funny one,” Lucy said with a smile, and she used the opportunity while Andy was out the room to kiss Logan again. 

Andy appeared at the top of the stairs and they both watched him carefully carry the small parcel back down then launch himself from the third step to jump onto the ground. “Happy Winter Solstice!” he said to Lucy before Logan could tell him off again. 

“Thank you Andy.” She felt a little shy opening the present with both of them watching her, but her eyes grew wide when she unwrapped the star-crossed voyager earrings. “Oh! These are beautiful guys!”

“Are they alright?” Logan asked. “I asked Pablo and he reckoned you’d like ‘em…” 

“I love them, thank you.” She smiled up at him and he returned it, relieved. “Let me put them on before we head out.” 

Logan watched her reflection in her small hallway mirror as she removed the first hoops from her lobes and threaded the dangly earrings through, then fussed with her hat and her hair to make sure they were on display. “Hey they kinda match your scarf,” she said, smiling at Logan in the mirror. 

He grinned, then looked down at Andy as the boy grabbed his arm and jumped up and down. “Can we go now? Please?” 

Outside, the celebrations had already started. Lucy took Logan’s arm as the three of them wandered over, while Andy ran a little ahead to sneak up on Jasmine and instigate a game of tag. “Careful by the fire!” Logan shouted as they both ran off. Mabel, Vivi and Trudy watched Logan and Lucy, and they whispered together, admiring the small family unit that was forming.

During the evening, Rocky and Krystal shushed everyone to announce some news — Krystal was pregnant and Pebbles was to be a big brother. Everyone raised their glasses, delighted for there to be a new addition to the Sandrock family.

As the night wore on, they ate too much food and laughed with their friends, all of them trying to get Logan to dance. He still flatly refused, but he stood close to the fire with his drink so that Lucy could shimmy up to him every now and then to make him laugh or press a kiss to his lips.  

Just before midnight everyone gathered together and counted down, erupting into whoops and cheers as they reached zero and the fireworks launched overhead with a cacophony of whistles and colourful explosions. 

All of the noise fell away as Logan took Lucy in his arms and kissed her.

“Happy New Year Darlin’,” he said quietly. 

“Happy New Year my love,” she said, pulling him into another kiss.

They finally dragged Andy away after the last firework fizzled out, the boy overtired and giddy from all the sweet treats he’d scrounged from kind neighbours. He bounded up the stairs and ran into his room before Logan collared him and instructed him to brush his teeth. 

Lucy wasn’t sure the boy was going to sleep anytime soon but, once he was all ready for bed and tucked in, it didn’t take long for his eyes to close and soft snores to begin. 

“He got used to sleepin’ whenever and wherever when we were on the run,” Logan explained with a smile as they watched him from the doorway. “Now he’s just happy to be tucked up in a warm bed knowin’ we’re nearby.” 

When Lucy and Logan were ready for bed they lay together for a while, recapping the evening, hands lightly stroking arms and shoulders. When they’d said enough, they kissed softly, lazily. 

After a while, Logan worked his way down under the sheets to lick and kiss between her legs, enjoying the sweet scent of her arousal, the taste of her, the little whimpers she made. As her fingers began to tighten in his hair he kissed his way back up, stopping to tease her belly button, and then her nipple piercing, before he settled above her. He encouraged her to bend her knees, bringing them up towards her shoulders, so that he could slide in deep to hit that spot she liked and grind his pelvis against the piercing through the hood of her clit, all while he continued to kiss her.

Lucy wrapped her arms around his waist, then slid her hands down to his ass to pinch and squeeze as he rocked in and out slowly. With his cock deep inside, his tongue exploring her mouth, his strong arms caging her in, she felt completely consumed by him. He had claimed her, and she was his.

They both tried to keep their moans to a minimum, to keep things quiet. But as Logan began to get worked up, his movements bigger and more forceful, the bed began to creak. He slowed down again and buried his face into the space next to her neck, letting out a frustrated groan. 

“Builder,” he muttered between thrusts, his lips brushing the shell of her ear, “Y’need…to fix…this bed.” 

He felt her soft breath on his jaw as she spoke between her own moans. “You want me to…oh…f-fetch…my tools…Bandit? Oh…” She gasped as he thrusted particularly deeply, one hand holding the headboard to try and stop the creaking. It didn’t work. 

His efforts to keep quiet caused them both to edge closer and closer to climax, then back down again. Over and over — so close, then reining it in when things got too noisy.

As a result, when Lucy finally came, her orgasm racked through her body with such force and for so long she thought it might never end, her muscles clenching and quivering around Logan's cock. 

He wasn’t far behind her, and Lucy revelled in the sounds of Logan’s low gasps and groans as he was overwhelmed with pleasure. He finally finished and went still, deep inside her, trying to catch his breath.

“And here I was thinking having a kid in the house would put a dampener on things,” Lucy whispered into his ear, and they both burst into a fit of quiet laughter.

_________________

Logan woke early, despite the late night. He left Lucy sleeping and ducked his head in to check on Andy. The boy was still out for the count, his feet now by his pillow, arms and legs splayed wide. Logan chuckled and closed the door again, then went downstairs to make coffee. While it brewed he pulled on his boots and sweater and wandered outside and over to the stables, his breath cloudy on the frosty air. He leant on the fence, breathing in the earthy smell of warm straw and fur. Merle eyed him carefully, then nuzzled her nose back into her bedding. The animals didn't seem to be in a rush to start the day either. Logan looked to the east where the sun was just beginning to rise, a golden glow breaking through the cool blue of morning. It was so quiet and peaceful.

Logan thought about the ring he was carrying around in his other pocket, and he tried to find a word for the emotion he was feeling. He hadn't felt this way at the start of a new year for a while. Excited? Hopeful? Content? There was a lot to be happy about he realised, and there was somebody he needed to tell. 

An hour later he returned to Lucy's, the click of the gate sounding loud in the early dawn. 

Lucy's front door opened before he reached it, and she stood against the frame in her nightshirt and woolly socks, a mug of coffee in her hands. 

"Where've you been Bandit?" she asked with a smile. 

Logan bent a little to kiss her on the lips. "Went to see my Pa, to wish him Happy New Year." 

Lucy tugged him down for another kiss, and they took their drinks back to bed to wait for Andy to wake. In the end, it was the smell of pancakes that lured the boy from his bed and he stumbled into the kitchen wiping his yawning face with the sleeve of his stripy pyjamas, his blond hair sticking up every which way. 

Over an indulgent breakfast of pancakes, cereal and fruit, they talked about the idea of New Year’s resolutions, or intentions for the year. 

“Mine’s to eat candy every day!” Andy decided triumphantly, much more awake after another hit of sugar. 

“Nice try kiddo,” Logan said. “How about doin’ your homework on time?” 

“Nah.” 

Lucy laughed. “What about designing your own invention?” 

Andy stopped shovelling Sandrice Puffs into his mouth for a moment, a thoughtful look on his face. “Yeah that one I like! Can I use yer tools?” 

“Uh, some of them, with my help,” she added quickly as his excitement became evident. 

Logan grinned at them both. “What’s yers then Builder?” 

“I want to build a glider,” she said, and Logan smiled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had one and been flying.” It’d been on her mind for a while, since they’d both been stuck high up on an outcrop to avoid a pack of rockyenarolls back in the autumn. 

Andy’s eyes grew wide. “Can I have a go when it’s ready?” 

“Yeah, maybe. You can start off low. We might need to make one specially for you though so it fits properly. I mean…if your Pa says that’s okay…” she added, looking at Logan. The monster hunter simply nodded. 

“I trust yer,” he said. “If you say it’s okay, I’m alright with that.” 

“Awesome!” Andy lifted his bowl of cereal to drink the dregs of yakmel milk then bashed his bowl back down on the table. “Can I get down now?” 

“Sure, off you go,” Lucy said, picking up their dishes and carrying them through to the kitchen. Logan joined her at the sink and she took a moment to cast her gaze over the morning stubble on his handsome jaw, his long hair tousled about his face, his broad shoulders under his cream sweater. Light, the things he did to her. The things she’d let him do…

She gave her head a little shake and tried to concentrate on the job at hand.

“What’s your New Year’s resolution then Bandit?” she asked as she ran a bowl of warm soapy water. “To finally get that piercing?” she teased. 

She’d joked about it while they’d been in the village getting their tattoos. Logan had visibly blanched at the idea, so when he’d started to cave and asked her what she wanted him to have done she’d backtracked quickly, telling him that anything like that had to be his decision, and only if he wanted to.

“Very funny,” he said, flicking her bottom with a tea towel, making her yelp and giggle. “I got some ideas, but, I dunno. I don’t much like makin’ promises till I know I can keep ‘em. Spendin’ more time with you and Andy, that’ll do for now.” 

“Mmm, I like that one,” she said, flashing him a smile before they started washing the dishes.

Chapter 2: A familiar face

Summary:

An old friend returns to town and helps Logan and Lucy reminisce.

One morning a few days after Winter Solstice, Lucy left her workshop bright and early and bumped into someone she wasn’t expecting to see. 

The train was just pulling in, so she waited at the crossing in front of her house, idly tapping her fingers on her thighs to the tune she was humming. She was planning to make a start on her glider while work was still relatively quiet after the festive break, and before she lost her nerve. On her list today was to speak to Vivi about the best material, and to catch up with Amirah about paints to decorate it.  

She was lost in thought, picturing the design she wanted to add to the wings, when the train slowly chugged away in the direction towards the Highwind tunnel. Lucy began to walk then stopped, shocked at the face that greeted her from the other side of the tracks. 

Grace met Lucy’s stunned expression with a huge grin. 

It took Lucy a moment to believe what she was seeing, then she ran. 

She wrapped her arms around her friend, causing Grace to stumble before she hugged Lucy back. “Grace! Oh thank the Light, we thought something terrible had happened to you.” 

“I know, I’m so sorry Lucy. It had to seem that way.” 

Grace’s letters to Lucy and Logan had dwindled, and Haru had written to them both to say the same. Then Lucy’s letters were returned to sender in the autumn, with ‘Recipient unknown at address’ stamped on them. When an article appeared in the Atara Times about an operation that cost the lives of three Alliance agents, they’d all feared the worst. 

So to have Grace here, now, Lucy felt like she was seeing a ghost. She wouldn’t have believed it was true if she couldn’t embrace her friend and feel her very solid presence in her arms. 

“What happened? Tell me everything,” Lucy insisted, finally releasing her. 

“Absolutely. I need to go and check in at the Blue Moon. Owen’s expecting me. Walk and have breakfast with me?” Lucy picked up one of Grace’s bags for her and they started to walk over to the saloon. “So, the mission actually went well…” 

Grace began to tell Lucy what had happened, but as they neared the Blue Moon stage Logan appeared at the bottom of Main Street. He reacted in much the same way Lucy had — pausing, blinking slowly as if he was seeing things — before he quickly walked forward and pulled Grace into a bear hug.

“What the hell Grace?” he said as he practically squeezed the breath out of her.

She laughed as he let her go. “I was just starting to tell Lucy. We’re going to grab some breakfast. You wanna join us?” 

“Sure, I was on my way to see Luce anyway.” 

“You were?” Grace asked. 

Logan nodded and gave Lucy a dopey smile, one that the builder returned.

“Oh,” Grace said, her hands on her hips, “It finally happened.”

“What did?” Lucy asked. 

“You two. You’re together, right?” 

“Oh. Yeah. Yeah we are,” Lucy said, wrapping an arm around Logan’s waist as he put his around Lucy’s shoulder.

“Whadda you mean by ‘finally’?” he asked.

“Well it was obvious you two fancied the pants off each other the moment you met,” Grace said, somewhat regretfully. 

“What? No it wasn’t,” Lucy said with a scoff. 

“It absolutely was! You were always checking each other out when you thought nobody else was looking. Nobody else stood a chance.” She sighed. “So how did it happen? How did you get together?” 

“No no,” Lucy said, “Your news first. Let’s go and grab a table.”

Owen joined the three of them for breakfast and they listened to Grace as she told them what’d happened, and how she had ‘died’ as an agent so that she could retire to Sandrock permanently.

“This place just feels like home now,” she said with a shrug, and her friends smiled at her warmly. “So that’s my story, tell me yours. How did you two finally get together?” she asked, waggling a finger between the couple sitting across the booth from her.

Lucy and Logan grinned, then filled her in on the past year, glossing over some of the more…intimate…details. "I did put it in my letters, but they got sent back," Lucy said.

Once they were finished, Grace sat back with her arms folded. 

“Were you surprised Owen?” she asked after a brief pause.

“About these two?” Owen scoffed. “I don’t think anyone was. Only that it took them so long.” 

“Exactly! It was obvious they fancied each other wasn’t it?”

Owen nodded while Logan looked bemused and Lucy gave an embarrassed laugh. “Since when?"

"Uh, since the beginning." Grace grinned and shook her head, then turned to Owen. “Let me tell you how I saw it,” she said.

_________________

Three years earlier…

Grace had been trying to bring Lucy on board for ages. But no matter what she told Logan he’d just huff and shake his head, suspicious of any unknown quantity.

“Her background checks out,” she said. “She is who she says she is. I’ve spent a lot of time with her now. We can trust her.”

None of it worked, but Grace persisted. She really felt Lucy would be an asset to the gang as they tried to uncover what was going on in Sandrock. The fact that Grace thought Lucy was hot, well, that was just a bonus. Bedding beautiful women was one of the perks of being a spy after all. Or in this instance, trying to bed a beautiful woman. Unfortunately Lucy seemed immune to Grace’s charms.

But — Grace knew Lucy could look after herself when she found a reason to send her into The Breach and the builder returned unscathed. She knew she was trustworthy when Lucy refused to lie to her about the extent of the damage Grace had caused in Owen’s kitchen. Grace also knew that Lucy looked at Pen and Yan with disdain, and that she kept her distance from the Church of Light. And she knew that Lucy was an excellent builder.

On the day the water tower fell, Grace went to the hideout as soon as she could and found the bandits doing what they did best — brooding. They sent Andy to play in his corner of the hideout, then Grace paced up and down next to the chair Logan occupied and filled him in on what’d happened in town since he’d fled the scene.

“What did the builder tell you?” he asked Grace, avoiding eye contact while he finished cleaning his pistol.

“She said she saw you running away.”

“That all?”

“She said you saw her too.” Grace was surprised to see Logan blush, but she put it down to embarrassment that he’d been caught at the scene. He stayed silent and focused on reassembling his gun, so Grace carried on. “She said the damage to the tower doesn’t add up with Pen’s story. She’s suspicious Logan, I know she is. Now is the perfect time to bring her in.” But Logan still wouldn’t budge. 

Logan was even less inclined to bring Lucy into the fold after Matilda’s kidnapping, though Grace wasn’t sure if it was still his suspicious nature or his pride that was getting the better of him at that point. He grimaced as Haru stitched up a cut above his eyebrow — one that Lucy had caused by bringing the hilt of her dagger up into his face while they grappled. 

“She wasn’t pullin’ any punches Grace,” Logan grumbled.

“Of course she wasn’t Logan, why would she? As far as she’s concerned, you’re the bad guy, and you keep proving that to her by doing stupid shit like kidnapping the Minister.” Grace glared at him, and he practically sneered back at her. 

“What else are we meant to do? You ain’t gettin’ any answers. I’m sick of sittin’ here waitin’ for stuff to happen.” As soon as Haru finished the last stitch Logan pushed him away and stormed off. 

A few weeks later, when Grace found the locked door under the town, she knew she’d won. 

There was a legitimate reason they needed a builder now — a reason Logan couldn’t argue with. He still invented a test for Lucy, claiming he wanted to make sure she was capable, though Grace knew he really just wanted to try and scare Lucy off so he wouldn’t have to make the decision.

Not surprisingly, Lucy passed with flying colours. 

When they were finally sitting around the table taking her through everything, Logan just sat there, assessing her with those piercing blue eyes. Grace knew that under his mask his mouth would be set in a grim line. 

Lucy spoke mostly to Grace or Haru. She seemed a little unnerved by Logan and his brooding silence, not to mention the way he was staring at her, sizing her up. Grace couldn’t blame her — Logan could strike an intimidating figure. Grace had got the measure of him very quickly, but she knew he could hide himself well behind his persona.

Logan began to soften up though as Lucy spoke, his furrowed brow relaxing ever so slightly. Lucy held herself well, her voice calm yet passionate. It would’ve been the first time he’d heard her speak for any length of time, and her soft Highwind accent was quite unique in Sandrock.

But then, as Logan shifted in his seat, Grace caught his eyes darting down, scanning Lucy’s body. More than once. It was so quick each time, Haru wouldn’t have noticed. But Grace did. 

Well, he’s not looking for weapons, she thought to herself drily. Lucy had placed her daggers on the table between them, and her short sandrunning skirt and tight t-shirt definitely didn’t hide anything. 

No, Grace recognised that look. Logan was as taken with Lucy as Grace was.

And that was just the start of it. 

He was subtle, but whenever Lucy was at the hideout with Grace to drop off rations or update them on progress for the anti-lock, Logan’s eyes would inevitably wander at some point, especially if Lucy was wearing that skirt. Grace could tell that he’d wait until he thought she and Haru weren’t paying attention, but of course Grace always was. 

One evening he was lighting the fire and he’d just lit a match to light the kindling when Lucy walked by. She dropped something on the floor and, as she bent down in front of him to pick it up, Logan stared, transfixed — until the match burnt down too far. 

“Fuck,” he muttered, tossing the match into the fire then giving his singed fingers a shake. Lucy turned to look at him, concerned, but he avoided eye contact.

Grace caught the whole thing and she quickly turned her laugh into a coughing fit. She was sometimes tempted to tease him, but he was so moody lately, she didn’t want to give him another reason to sulk. Still, it was entertaining to watch.

Lucy meanwhile, seemed to avoid looking at Logan or talking to him unless she really had to. Grace could tell she still found him intimidating. On one of their treks back to Sandrock, Lucy told Grace she didn’t think Logan liked her very much. 

“Why do you think that?” 

“He barely talks to me, never looks at me — or if he does he seems to be scowling about something.” 

If only you knew, Grace thought wryly. “Don’t worry,” Grace said, “He’s moody with everyone at the moment. And it’s difficult to read him properly with that mask on.” 

“Elsie keeps telling me what a great guy he is, how she thinks he’s really cool and one of the good guys. The way she describes him just doesn’t match how he behaves.” Lucy frowned. “I guess he’s going through a lot though.” 

“Do you want him to like you?” Grace asked, a curious smile on her lips. 

Lucy scoffed. “I want to not feel uncomfortable around him, that would be a start.”

But slowly, Grace’s suspicions — that Logan’s crush might be reciprocated — were confirmed.

One day they were all sitting around eating some of the food Lucy and Grace had brought to the hideout — all except Logan who refused to remove his mask until Lucy left. He had his feet up on another chair and was whittling a small piece of softwood, carving a meaningless but intricate pattern, tiny curls of creamy wood falling to the floor around him.

Lucy was telling them all how she’d caught Andy a few days ago collecting frogs by the oasis. He’d told her it was for a science project. She didn’t really believe him, but she’d shown him how to make sure the frogs had air-holes in their jars to be able to breathe. She’d known he was up to something, but the extent of it didn’t become clear until a few days later when she was walking by the Temple on Sunday morning and heard screaming from within, and the sound of an army of croaking frogs…

Logan suddenly chuckled at her story and Lucy faltered, seemingly taken aback by his warm laugh. He looked at her when she stopped talking, his eyes soft and creased at the corners as if he was still smiling. Lucy smiled back and blushed a little, before she carried on. 

Then there was the day that Lucy was poring over one of Haru’s designs for an explosive. Haru was reaching over to point things out and explain his reasonings, while Logan sat next to her, pretending to listen to their conversation — pretending he wasn’t there simply to watch her, wasn’t focused on the lower lip she kept biting.

Haru was fiddling with a coin as he talked, and at one point it slipped from his fingers to roll across the table. Logan reached out to catch it just as it fell from the edge, but Lucy had reacted first. She caught the coin and Logan’s hand grasped hers, and they both stayed stock-still for just a beat too long, before Logan let go of her hand. He quickly stood up and walked across the cave, busying himself with organising his bag. Lucy placed the coin on the table and picked up her conversation with Haru, but Grace saw her eyes flicker towards Logan once, twice, three times. 

Then there were the little acts of thoughtfulness that began to creep in. 

The chair that Logan always chose to sit in when they were gathered around the table had one leg shorter than the others. It annoyed him no end and he’d fold bits of paper to stick under it, but it was never quite right. One afternoon, on a day when Lucy had left the hideout before he’d returned from a stakeout, Logan sat down to eat. It took him a moment to notice his chair felt different, and it wasn’t until he looked down expecting to see that wad of paper that he realised the chair leg had been altered. A small piece of wood had been glued on and smoothed down so that it looked neat. 

“Lucy,” Grace said by way of explanation as she watched Logan’s puzzled face. He slowly looked up at her, then nodded, a thoughtful look on his face.

And then there was the day when Lucy arrived to tell them the anti-lock was finally ready. She’d stayed up all night finishing it, having finally solved a bit that’d been puzzling her. She rushed into the hideout, running headlong into Logan as she turned the corner. He steadied her with his hands on her upper arms. "Builder," he said with a nod as he let go.

"Bandit," Lucy said, returning his greeting like for like. After an awkward pause she side-stepped him to walk over to Grace. "It's ready!" she said. 

She was animated as she told them all of her success, and excited that they were going to try it that evening, but she was clearly exhausted. Grace suggested she take a nap, so while everyone else was busy with other preparations in the hideout, Lucy curled up on the couch and fell asleep. 

Grace had gone outside the cave for some fresh air, and when she returned she found Logan stood next to Lucy, draping a blanket over her and ever-so-gently tucking it around her shoulders. He didn’t know Grace was there, so he took his time and didn’t hurry away. When he was done, he gazed down at Lucy for a moment before he wandered over to his area of the hideout.

It continued that way throughout everything. Even fighting together, Lucy and Logan danced around one another, never speaking all that much, avoiding eye contact, but each staring at the other when they thought nobody else was looking.

The day Logan and Haru were released from jail, many of the townspeople gathered at the Blue Moon to welcome them back. Grace and Lucy were chatting across the bar when they heard a couple of cheers sound from the top of the saloon, indicating that the two ex-bandits had entered. 

So Grace witnessed it — the moment when Lucy saw Logan’s unmasked face for the first time. He suddenly appeared amongst the crowd, bashfully nodding and smiling at his old friends, and Lucy stilled, her drink near her mouth, her lips parted. Grace knew that, if she were to take her friend’s pulse at that moment, it would’ve been racing. 

Grace looked towards Logan. His face really was transformed when he smiled, from rugged and handsome to youthful and, frankly, heartbreaking. Grace felt a pang that it was Logan that Lucy was drawn to and not her, but she was a big girl, and there were plenty more fish in the sand. So, she made light of it. “You’re drooling Luce.” 

“What?” Lucy’s head whipped towards Grace, and she looked flustered. “What do you mean?” 

Grace just smiled. “You know when I told you I liked you, and you let me down gently, saying you loved me as a friend?” 

“Yes.” Lucy’s eyebrows furrowed.

“And I asked you who your type was, if it wasn’t me?” 

Lucy nodded. 

Grace looked at Logan as he walked down the steps to join them. 

“Howdy Logan, what can I get you for your first drink as a free man?” she asked.

_________________

“I actually thought you’d get together a lot sooner than you did,” Grace said to the couple before her now. 

Lucy and Logan smiled at each other a little sheepishly. Then Lucy raised her hand and traced the scar above his eyebrow with her thumb. She hadn’t considered that she’d given him that one. Logan’s smile deepened, his eyes soft as he looked at Lucy.

Across the table Owen and Grace watched them, one of them wearing a big grin, the other smiling a little more wistfully. 

They caught up on Owen's latest news while they finished breakfast, then Lucy and Logan left to go and get on with work, assuring Owen and Grace that that wasn't a euphemism for something else.

Lucy gave Grace another hug and a squeeze on her way out. "I'm so glad you're back," she whispered in her ear. 

Notes:

I've used some poetic license for when Lucy first sees Logan without his mask. It felt like the right moment for this story given he's served his time and paid his dues, and feels more able to face everyone again

Chapter 3: A leap of faith (NSFW)

Summary:

Logan treats Lucy for her birthday, and he meets someone from Lucy's past.

Lucy stood on the ledge, feeling the cold breeze lift her hair. 

“Y’don’t have to do this now, not if yer not ready,” Logan said from a few feet behind her. 

“I know. I want to.” 

Her new glider was strapped to her back, her goggles in place. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, trying to clear her mind and tune into the song of the wind. It was the first breezy day they’d had in a few weeks — perfect flying weather, if still a bit chilly. 

It also happened to be her birthday. 

And Lucy was frightened. 

She hadn’t flown with a glider since her parents’ accident several years ago. Gliding mishaps weren’t all that uncommon in Highwind. It was one of the primary sources of travel between the two cities of her home, but like any mode of transport, the more you do it, the more chances there are of something going wrong. 

On the day her parents had died, her mother’s glider had malfunctioned and she’d gone into a tailspin. Her father had flown straight for her, grabbing ahold of her, but she was already going much too fast for him to pull them both up out of the dive. Her father had refused to let go.

Lucy turned to face Logan, who was ready and waiting with his own glider in place. She’d made him one too after he reminded her he’d used one before when escaping the train robbery with Haru.

“I need you to promise me something Lo,” she said.

“Anythin’ Luce.” 

She smiled. “If there’s ever a problem with my wings, I need you to promise you won’t try and save me.” 

Logan looked at Lucy sadly. “I can’t promise you that Luce.” 

“You said you’d promise me anything.” 

“I know. But not that. It’d be an empty promise Darlin’. You know it would.” 

Lucy sighed, but she’d figured as much. She knew she wouldn’t be able to promise him the same thing.

“Okay. Shall we do this?” she said, turning and walking back a little way and pulling her goggles down over her eyes. She’d found the perfect launch site partway up the Mount Rocksand massif — a ledge that gradually sloped towards the edge so they could run and jump then use the thermals rising from the valley floor to gain some height.

“Remember I only know the basics Luce, I’m gonna be diving and headin’ straight for the ground y’know.”

She nodded. “See you at the bottom?” 

Logan reached out to squeeze her hand, and they shared a smile. “Love you Luce,” he said.

“Love you too Lo.”  

Then they both faced forward and ran. 

Lucy felt the familiar rush of jumping over the edge — that crazy, exhilarating leap of faith that the wind would hold you, that your wings would keep you aloft. There was a rushing sound in her ears as her blood and adrenalin coursed through her veins. 

And then it all went quiet, and she was flying. She found her balance, tilting herself gently one way then the other, catching the updraft. First she smiled — an unsure, hesitant smile. Then she grinned. Then she laughed. Then she whooped and shouted for joy. 

She heard Logan laugh below her as he flew in circles making his way down. Lucy slowly followed him but she took her time, every now and then tilting to do a wide swoop or to catch the updraft and rise again, just a little bit. 

Logan made his running landing at the bottom of the valley on a soft patch of grass. It wasn’t a stylish landing, but he just about kept upright. He let out a deep breath, taking a moment to calm his legs, which shook now they stood on solid ground. He’d put on a brave face for Lucy, but he’d been just as nervous as she was. 

As he began to unclip his wings he looked up and spotted her, still fairly high up. He knew she’d grown up doing this, that it came somewhat naturally to her even though she hadn’t done it for a few years. 

But there was a difference between knowing it and seeing it. 

He watched her with awe. She really looked like a complete pro next to him. Graceful. Elegant. He smiled to himself and perched on a rock, settling in to watch her descent. 

Several minutes later she landed near him on the same patch of grass, adjusting her wings to slow herself down and dancing on her toes as she touched down. Logan chuckled and shook his head. She made it look so easy.

She was out of breath and beaming. She unclipped her wings and lowered them to the ground, threw off her goggles, then ran to where Logan was now walking towards her and jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist. Logan held her by her bottom as she kissed him passionately on the lips. 

“Thank you,” she said, staring into his eyes. 

“For what? I ain’t done nothin’. That was all you Luce.”  

“For being there. I always feel safe with you.” 

“I’m glad,” he said. “Besides, that’s what friends are for, right?” He grinned as Lucy laughed and he lowered her to her feet. “You need to give me a lesson one day Luce, y’look amazin’ up there.” 

“I’d love that. Let me have a few more sessions so I’m properly confident again first.” She began gathering up her glider and packing it away in its small backpack. 

“Well, that’s yer New Year’s resolution done already, better think of another one,” Logan teased as he watched her. 

“Oh, I have a couple of ideas,” Lucy said with a sly smile. “But ‘I don’t much like makin’ promises till I know I can keep ‘em’.”

Logan raised an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be me?” 

“Accurate huh?” she said with a laugh, dodging out of his grasp as he went to tickle her. “I suppose we’d better have a quick rest then work our way back to town.”

“Got somethin’ I wanna show you first Luce.” 

She hoiked her bag onto her back and turned to face him as Logan walked behind a small cluster of rocks and picked up another bag. He slung it over his shoulder, then held out a hand. 

“How’d you get the other bag down?” she asked as she took his hand and they began to walk. 

“I didn’t. I stashed it here the other day when I was doin’ a patrol out this way,” he admitted with a grin. 

“You did? For today?” 

“Yep.”

“What’s in it?” 

“You’ll see when we get there.” 

He led her through the valley where the tall cliffs drew closer and closer together. At various points they had to clamber and squeeze through narrow gaps, until they could slide down a small slope of scree to the mouth of a cave. It was barely wide enough for a person to climb through, and Lucy would never had considered risking it if it weren’t for Logan and how well he knew his stuff. 

Logan turned on a torch once they were inside the cave so Lucy could see the tunnel open up. They followed it for a few minutes, until Lucy heard a roaring noise. “What’s that?” she said, anxious. It was faint, but sounded powerful, whatever it was. 

“It’s alright Luce, don’t worry.” Logan took her hand again and led them on. As they continued and the sound grew, Lucy figured out what it was. 

“It’s water,” she said, and Logan nodded. 

“Yep, ain’t far now.” 

The end of the tunnel curved away from them, but there looked to be light shining from wherever they were heading. Logan clicked off his torch. 

When they turned the corner, Lucy halted. “Wow,” was all she could say. 

In front of them the cave opened out into a huge cavern. A gash in the highest reaches let the midday sun filter in. Small ferns clung to the caramel-coloured walls nearest the light. Tall stalagmites stood in the shadows. And an immense waterfall cascaded from a gap high above to a small pool in front of them, casting tiny dots of cold spray onto their skin.  

She’d never seen anything like it. 

“Lo, this is beautiful.” 

“Ain’t it? Found it a few weeks ago, thought you’d like it. Here—” he reached inside his bag and drew out her camera. “Brought this along for you.” 

She laughed as she accepted the camera. “You know me so well Lo.” 

When she’d taken her fill of photos, Logan slipped the bag off his shoulder and led them back away from the waterfall mist towards a dry boulder. “I thought we could eat lunch here.”

Lucy tore her eyes from the waterfall to follow him. She perched on the rock and watched him take out carefully wrapped packages of bread, yakmel cheese, and sliced tomatoes, setting them out between them. 

When he was done he gave a happy sigh and sat down, but as he reached for some food he noticed Lucy staring at him. 

“What?” he said, eyes wide but smiling, hand hovering above the bread. 

“You’re so sweet Lo, you know that?” 

He blushed and chuckled self-consciously, casting his eyes down at the spread between them. “Just wanted to do somethin’ special for you Luce, on yer birthday. I mean…I know we’ve got the dinner party tonight but…” He trailed off as he met her eyes again. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever been with someone as thoughtful as you,” she said quietly. She couldn’t quite find the words to tell him in that moment how much she loved him. She was surprised to feel tears welling up, so she inhaled deeply and smiled, trying to brush past it. “This looks great Lo, I’m starving.” 

As they ate, Logan told her a little bit about how the cavern would have formed, and where the water might flow underground beneath them. When they’d finished eating, they watched the waterfall for a while, equal parts soothed and energised by the crashing water, then they finally peeled themselves away. 

It was late in the afternoon by the time they got back to Lucy’s, leaving them just a few hours to get ready for the dinner party they were hosting in Lucy’s yard. She’d already set up some of the space that morning with Andy, when Logan brought him over first thing. The boy had given Lucy a replica golden bull head that he’d saved up for and bought from the museum, and she’d been touched by his thoughtfulness. “I know just the spot for this,” she’d said, and immediately hung the ornament in a space above her desk. “Now I can look at it when I’m working here.” Andy had grinned up at her, then they’d got to work setting up the banquet table and making sure the music system was plugged in. 

“Can’t I come?” he’d asked for the hundredth time when Lucy and Logan dropped him off at Vivi’s before they went gliding. 

“Not this time kiddo,” Logan had said, knowing that Lucy was starting to feel pretty nervous, knowing that he wanted to be able to focus on only her. “But Vivi’ll send you and Jasmine down at seven for the party.”

Now, back at her workshop, Logan and Lucy stored their gliders then went inside to get ready. “We haven’t got long,” Lucy said, turning to face him just inside her door while they removed their winter jackets and gloves. “Perhaps we should bathe together.”

“Always with the good ideas Builder,” Logan murmured, following her as she walked backwards towards the bottom of the stairs. She bit her lip and grinned, then led him upstairs. 

They undressed silently, each watching the other as they removed each item of clothing. When she was naked, Lucy walked to the bathroom — her hand trailing over his chest as she passed him — and began running the bath. 

Logan appeared behind her. He ran his hands over her hips, then brushed her hair out the way with one hand so he could kiss her neck just behind her ear. He kissed along the top of her shoulder and his hands travelled around to her front, cupping her breasts and gently rolling her nipples between his fingers. Lucy moaned and sighed, and leaned back into him with her eyes closed. 

One of his hands slid away from her breasts, down over her stomach, then his fingers delved down to feel how slick she was, covering his fingers with her arousal before sliding them back up to swirl them around her clit. 

Lucy groaned loudly and tilted her head to kiss along Logan’s jaw, the day’s stubble scratching her lips, their skin glistening as the bathroom grew steamy. Her legs began to shake and she stilled his hand with hers. “I want to come with you Lo,” she whispered.

Logan reached over to turn the taps off, the bath already full, then he turned her away towards the sink, encouraging her to bend over slightly and put her hands on the basin. She gazed back at him from her reflection in the mirror, and he ran his hands down her back, over her ass and her hips, and pulled her into position. 

He watched her face in the mirror as he entered her — as her eyes closed and her mouth opened wide, her eyebrows furrowing as she focused on the pleasure, and a guttural moan left her lips. He knew he wouldn’t last long. 

Logan reached around her to continue caressing her clit, rubbing two fingers either side of it, then rubbing them in tiny circles, all the while thrusting into her, wet slapping sounds echoing around the bathroom. As she started to moan and shake he increased his pace, trying to time it so they’d come together. 

“Oh, fuck…Lucy.” In the end he couldn’t hold it. It was too much, felt too good, and his deep thrusts slowed momentarily as he came, hard. He tried to push through the sensitivity, to keep going, knowing she was close, her knuckles white as she gripped the sink, until finally he felt her clench and quiver around him and she groaned, her hips and ass shaking with her climax. 

After a moment Logan slipped from her and encouraged her to stand, wrapping his arms around her stomach and kissing her cheek before they gazed at each other in the mirror, pink-cheeked and clammy.

_________________

Andy and Jasmine tore into Lucy’s yard just after 7pm, excited for a proper grown up party. Andy held onto the back of one of the chairs and jumped up and down, excited about the veritable feast before him, while Jasmine danced in circles to the music that was playing.

Lucy watched them and laughed, and Logan watched Lucy and smiled to himself. He’d asked her a few times if she was sure she wanted to invite the kids, as she really didn’t have to. She’d told him how her parents had held dinner parties when she was little, and she had fond memories of staying up late, eating an excessive amount of sweets, dancing, hiding under the table, listening to the grown ups chat and grow silly on too much wine. 

Lucy’s other guests began arriving at 7.30pm. Mi-an, Nia and Elsie arrived together, closely followed by Unsuur, Justice, Heidi, Grace and Owen. Lucy had also invited Fang, but she wasn’t sure if he was going to show, and she’d tried to invite Trudy and Vivi, but the older women had waved her away, saying it was a night for the young folk.

As she sat and ate with her friends, watching them all talk excitedly and pass dishes to one another, Lucy thought back to the previous year, when she’d had a night at the Blue Moon for her birthday. She and Logan had only just started their casual arrangement, and as far as everyone else was concerned they were just friends — not even close friends at that. 

She hadn’t expected a gift from him, but after everyone else had given her theirs, he’d presented her with a small parcel of glass lenses. She’d smiled at the practical gift because privately he’d told her that, as it was her birthday, she could decide where they’d meet at the end of the night — hers or his — and what they’d do, how many times, toys or no toys. She’d held the glass lenses in her hands and looked up at him to see a knowing smirk on his lips, one she’d struggled not to return when they both knew what his real present was.

This year, he’d bought her a new full-length mirror for her hallway. She’d mentioned a few times how she kept meaning to make one but she just never got round to it, always busy instead with her projects and commissions for other people. And, this year, he didn’t have to hide the fact he’d be staying over after the party. 

She caught his eye from where he was sitting near the other end of the table chatting with Owen and Justice, and he flashed a grin at her. Her heart flipped and she smiled back. She couldn’t believe how smitten she still was with him. She kept waiting for the feelings to fade, for things to feel boring as they became more and more comfortable with each other. But she still couldn’t get enough of him. 

From a few seats away, Grace watched Lucy and Logan gazing at each other. She’d kind of hoped that on returning to Sandrock…well. She should’ve known. Lucy had already let her down gently once. And she had to admit they looked good together. So when the sound of laughter and clinking glasses surrounded her, Grace sighed and schooled her face into a happy smile, then she raised her glass with everyone else in a birthday toast. 

_________________

Later that week, Logan was heading to the Civil Corps having returned from a morning patrol, when Nia waved at him from outside the Town Hall. She was standing arm in arm with a tall man who had the same sandy blond hair and green eyes. “Logan! Come and meet my brother!”

Logan walked over with a smile and a tip of his hat. “Howdy.” 

“Brandon, this is Logan, the guy I was telling you about,” Nia said, grinning up at her brother. Logan raised his eyebrows, but the other man simply smiled and held out his hand. 

“Good to meet you Logan. Nia’s been filling me in on what they’ve been getting up to.” 

“‘They’?” Logan asked as he shook Brandon’s hand. 

“Nia and Lucy.” 

Logan nodded. Of course, if he’s Nia’s older brother, he’d know Lucy.

“Brandon’s visiting for a while to help with wedding plans,” Nia said excitedly. 

“Uh, that’s not exactly true,” Brandon said with a laugh. “I said I’d come and visit. You’ve decided I’ll help with wedding stuff.” 

“Yep! Speaking of which, I need to go and speak to Arvio about the invitations. Be right back.” 

The two men watched her go. “Going to be the wedding of the century if she has her way,” Brandon said with another chuckle. “So, Nia tells me you’re a monster hunter. How’d you get into that?” 

“Kind of a…family business I guess,” Logan said. “Fell into it working with my Pa.” 

“Must be exciting. Pays well?” 

“Varies. I do alright.” 

“I guess you must be in demand around here. Kind of dangerous though isn’t it?”

“Oh, certainly can be.” 

“Lucy doesn’t worry about you?” 

Logan tried not to smirk. “I’m sure she does, ‘bout the same as I worry about her when she’s off doin’ her thing.” 

Brandon frowned and looked over at Nia, currently talking with a panicked-looking Arvio. “Yes, Nia told me about everything Lucy’s been through. Invasions. Monsters. Broken tram carts. Collapsing bridges. Water poisoning. Electrocution.” 

“Well, when you put it like that it’s a lot, but it ain’t always like that round here…” 

“No?” Brandon eyed Logan carefully, a look of disapproval on his face. 

“No.” Logan stood up straighter, bristling at the tone in Brandon’s voice. “And Lucy knows how to look after herself.” 

“Should she need to though?” Brandon asked, meeting Logan’s stare. “And the whole Duvos plot…you pulled her into that?”

“Not by choice. We did what we had to at the time.” 

“Was it Lucy’s mess to get involved in though?” 

“It would’ve affected her either way at some point. Duvos don’t discriminate when it comes to takin’ prisoners. If I’d’ve known…if I coulda told her to get straight back on that train to Highwind…” Logan trailed off and looked down the street towards Lucy’s house. “Actually, no. I wouldn’t. Might be that I’m selfish, but I wouldn’t change anythin’.”  

“Hmm.” Brandon’s demeanour seemed to indicate that he agreed — that Logan was selfish.

Logan ran his tongue over his back teeth. “So what is it you do fer a livin’ Brandon?” he asked, the tone in his voice a little colder than it had been. He caught the twitch at the corner of Brandon’s mouth, and knew he’d given the game away that the other man was getting to him. 

That twitch turned into a confident smile. “I’m a veterinarian. Nia got the plant bug, I got the animal one.” 

“Sounds like a nice safe job, tendin’ to cats ’n’ dogs,” Logan said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

Brandon chuckled and nodded, his smile also carrying an edge to it. “Cats and dogs are easy enough, sure. I tend to work with bigger animals though — livestock mostly, horses, that sort of thing, which means bigger teeth for biting and stronger legs for kicking.” He looked at Logan expectantly, chin raised, waiting for a barbed comment, but their conversation was interrupted as Nia returned. 

“Oh, sorry about that guys. I just had to make sure Arvio was giving us the best deal. You know what he’s like Logan. You two…okay?” she asked, picking up on the tension.

“Yeah, we’ve just been getting to know each other a little,” Brandon said, relaxing his posture and smiling down at Nia. “I’m keen to know more about this fella that’s won our Lucy’s heart.” Logan narrowed his eyes at him, but the other man was distracted by something — or someone — he saw over Logan’s shoulder. “There she is! Hey, short stuff!” 

Logan turned and saw Lucy walking towards them, a puzzled look on her face. Nobody in Sandrock called her that. ‘Skinny arms’ had been Pen’s nickname for her, which she’d hated. But ‘short stuff’ — only one person had ever called her that. 

When she saw Brandon, her face broke out into a huge smile and she ran over, flinging her arms around him. Brandon returned the hug, practically lifting Lucy off her feet. 

“Brandon! What’re you doing here?” she asked as she stepped back. 

“Just visiting this one,” he said, putting his hand on the top of Nia’s head. Nia tutted and brushed him off. “She’s roping me into wedding stuff.” 

“That’s great! How long are you here for?” 

“Not sure yet.”

Lucy was beaming. 

Logan hated it. 

But when Lucy looked at him he tried to return her smile. “You two have met already?” she asked, taking Logan’s hand. 

“Sure have,” Logan said. 

“Oh good. I think you’ll get on really well,” she said, looking between them both, excitement written all over her face.

“I’m sure we will,” Brandon said, giving her a charming smile. 

“Lucy, you’ll never guess the quote Arvio just gave me…” Nia began, taking Lucy’s attention away. 

Next to them, Logan and Brandon looked at one another, some unsaid challenge passing between them.

Notes:

I really thought you'd get a glider at some point during the game.

The ones Logan and Haru use in the game look like a sort of base jumping thing but they're strapped to their back and not a suit. I've gone for some sort of wing design that follows paragliding kind of mechanics for this story. If that sounds vague, it's because it is.

Chapter 4: A new face in town (NSFW)

Summary:

Nia's brother Brandon settles into town. Lucy surprises Logan at the Civil Corps.

“Who is that incredibly hot guy?” Grace asked as she wiped the bar in front of Logan while he waited for his takeout. She'd settled right into her old job with Owen, although longer term she thought she might need another plan — her cooking hadn't improved. Lucy wasn't the only one who'd thought that had been part of Grace's disguise. Turned out she was just that bad at it. Still, she could serve at the bar and take orders, freeing Owen up to experiment in the kitchen. 

Logan looked over his shoulder and saw Mi-an, Nia and Brandon take a seat in a booth. “Hot? Really?” He grimaced. 

Grace looked at Logan then back at Brandon, one hand on her hip. “Tall? Blond? Handsome? Yeah I’d say he’s hot. Geez, I was swinging more towards women, but for him…” 

Logan scowled. “That’s Nia’s brother. Arrived yesterday.” 

“What’s his name?”

“Brandon.” 

Grace smirked at Logan. “And…you hate him?” 

“I wouldn’t say hate.”

“Okay…strongly dislike?” 

Logan huffed. “Don’t know him all that well.” 

“So why’s he rubbed you the wrong way?” 

“Just seems like a bit of an asshole,” he said matter-of-factly, before taking a sip of his water. 

Grace chuckled. “New hot guy arrives in town and the resident hot guy doesn’t like it. Or…oh…is that the reason?” 

Logan looked up and followed her gaze. Lucy had walked in and reached her friends’ table, and Brandon had immediately stood and kissed her on the cheek. 

“Hmm,” Logan grumbled.

Grace rested both palms on the counter and watched the small group, then she waved and greeted Lucy as the builder wandered to the bar. 

“Hey you two,” Lucy said. She wrapped an arm around Logan’s shoulders and leant into him for a quick kiss, then she took a seat on the stool next to him. 

“Logan was just telling me about Nia’s brother,” Grace said. 

“Oh yeah? Have you met him yet?” Lucy asked.

“No. She’s real keen to though,” Logan answered for her, just before he took another sip of his drink. “Thinks he’s ‘hot’.”

Lucy laughed. “I can introduce you now if you like?” 

Grace shook her head. “No rush. Tell me about him first.” 

“Oh, um. Well, he’s a few years older than me and Nia. He’s a vet, still lives in Highwind. Has had a few serious relationships but he’s single at the moment as far as I know.” 

“You keep in touch with him a lot?” Grace asked.

“No not really. The last time we spoke was probably when I was on summer break from builder school. The three of us were close growing up though. He was sort of like a big brother to me. A bit like you and Elsie,” she said to Logan with a smile. Logan smiled back. Was that it? Was Brandon looking out for her as a big brother figure? Well, Logan could appreciate that. 

“Oh, so you and he never…?” Grace asked. Logan squinted at Grace, wondering at all the questions.

“Me and Brandon? No! No.” Lucy looked surprised, but she also blushed. Grace raised her eyebrows and Logan peered at his girlfriend. Lucy shifted awkwardly in her seat. “Oh Peach,” she mumbled. She scratched her head, then sighed. “I had a bit of a crush on him when I was a teenager. Unrequited, obviously. I was just this annoying girl that followed him around.”  

“Did he know?” 

“Yeah.” Lucy squirmed again. “Nia took great delight in teasing me about it in front of him.”  

“I did what now?” Nia said, appearing at Lucy’s side to make their lunch order at the bar.

Lucy groaned and covered her face with her hands. 

“Used to tease her about her crush on your brother,” Grace answered for her. 

Nia grinned. “Yeah, Luce had it bad.” 

She proceeded to tell Grace and Logan all about it, while Lucy hoped the ground would open up and swallow her. Grace found it hilarious, but then she moved on to quizzing Nia about Brandon. Old spy habits die hard. 

Lucy peeked at Logan from between her fingers and was surprised to see him smiling at her. He reached out a hand and gently tugged her forward so that he could murmur in her ear. “S’alright Luce. I ain’t gonna get all weird and jealous about a teenage crush.” 

He heard Lucy sigh, then she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Good. Because that’s all it was,” she said quietly. “Probably best you know though. You know what Nia’s like. It would only have been a matter of time before she teased me about it. Brandon will be mortified it came up.” 

Logan wasn’t so sure about that.

________________

That afternoon, Andy arrived at Lucy’s to find her painting another set of glider wings.

He’d taken to turning up at hers after school every now and then, especially when Logan was working late or away overnight, even though Logan arranged for him to stay at Trudy’s or Vivi’s. He would let himself in through her gate, help himself to a popsicle from her freezer (cantaloupe was his favourite), then sit on a stool near whichever workstation she was using and ask her about whatever it was she was working on.

The wings she was painting this time were huge. “Wow! Luce what are these? They make you go faster or somethin’? Oh, oh! Can you do cool tricks with ‘em?”

Lucy laughed as she finished the delicate swirl she was working on. She liked to take her time decorating her gliders. It felt like part of the ceremony of flying, a way to form a connection with her wings. A dedication. It also gave her a chance to practice the traditional art from Highwind. Amirah had stopped by more than once to ask questions about it.

“No, not for tricks or for going faster. This is a special set. For you.” She smiled down at Andy as his jaw dropped open. 

“These are my wings?” 

“Sort of. Our wings.” 

“Huh?” 

Lucy grinned. “I was thinking about how best to teach you to fly, and I can still make a set for you to learn. But then I remembered that, when I was first starting out, I wouldn’t go out on my own. I’d go tandem.”  

“Tandem? What’s that?” 

“It means we’ll go together. I’ll be in control, and you get to come along for the ride. It means you get to experience it and decide if you like it, and learn a few of the basics at the same time.” 

“That’s AWESOME!” Andy shouted, overcome with excitement. “When can we go?” 

“Another few days till they’re dry, then we have to wait for the right conditions.”

________________

Grace wasn’t the only one who found Nia’s brother very attractive. Elsie’s jaw had dropped open when she first saw him. When she found out he was a vet, she was beside herself. Lucy had never seen her tongue-tied before, and it was very endearing. Elsie took to running off whenever Brandon appeared which, considering he was the brother of one of her closest friends, seemed to be often. 

One morning during his first week, Elsie was chatting to Lucy in her yard when they caught sight of him crossing the tracks towards them. Elsie suddenly became flustered, and she made her excuses and left. All she could manage was a quick wave at Brandon as he held the gate open for her. He turned and grinned at Lucy, and she shook her head. “Stop breaking hearts,” she teased, turning her attention back to her worktable. 

“Don’t know what you mean, short stuff,” he said, joining her at her side. 

Lucy scoffed then focused on tightening a screw to keep a wire in place. 

“Hey, nice wings,” Brandon said, and Lucy looked up at the glider drying in the sun. She beamed at his praise. “Who’re they for?” he asked.

“Me and Andy. I’m going to take him for his first tandem flight.” 

“Nice. That’s Logan’s kid?” 

“Yep.” Lucy bent down again to snap some plastic casing to the train set she was making. It was a commission for Catori, and would be a present for her son Alo.

“Does that make you a stepmom?” Brandon teased. Lucy simply let out a breathy laugh, still focused on the toy she was making. “I didn’t think to bring my wings,” he continued. “Shame, would be fun to go out for a flight with you. It’s a good way to see the area.” 

“Perhaps you could borrow Logan’s,” Lucy suggested. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.” 

Lucy didn’t pick up on the awkward silence from Brandon, nor the fact that he changed the subject. “Nia was telling me about your animals,” he said. “ I wondered if you want me to give them a health check while I’m here? Might as well be useful.” 

“Oh that would be amazing, thank you. Cooper and Elsie are great, but I’d appreciate your professional opinion as well. Their stable is just round the back here.” She dusted her hands off on her jeans and led him to the rear of her yard. Roach and Merle were both laying down in their stalls, enjoying the slightly warmer weather as spring drew nearer. 

“Wow, that’s a big goat,” Brandon said as they leant on the fence. 

“You should see Rambo. He’s Logan’s goat,” she explained.

Brandon snorted. “Yeah, Nia told me he rode a goat.” 

“I ride a goat Brandon,” Lucy said, looking at him with mock indignation. 

“Yeah, but you’re cute. The idea of you on a goat is sweet,” he said, turning his head to give her a flirty grin, his dimples breaking out on his cheeks. He had the same teasing, confident air to him that Nia had — one that suggested a charmed upbringing, where things just always seemed to work out and they always got what they wanted. Some might see it as arrogance, but Lucy knew that neither of them took themselves too seriously.

“Don’t poke fun,” she said with a laugh, then she pushed herself away from the fence and went to unlock the stable door. He followed her inside where it was cooler, and the aroma of straw and warm fur was stronger. “What do you need for the health check?” Lucy asked. 

“Got everything I need here,” he said, patting his bag. “Maybe just one of those iced teas you were telling me about?”

“Sure, I’ll be right back.”  

When she returned he was kneeling down in the straw, sleeves rolled up, stethoscope held against Merle’s side. The goat was chewing the cud, her eyes half closed as if she was enjoying the attention. As Lucy held out Brandon’s drink he pulled the scope from his ears to let it sit around his neck, then pushed himself up. “Thanks,” he said, taking his drink from her. “Ma and Pa send their love by the way. They’re excited to see you at the wedding.”

Lucy smiled. “I miss them. Did your Ma tell you about what happened to the blankets she sent me?” 

“Yeah, she said a Duvos soldier had stolen them?” He frowned as if he didn’t quite believe it.

Lucy laughed. “Yep. Even soldiers like fluffy blankets apparently. I got them back eventually.” 

Brandon just shook his head. 

“So, how’s the veterinary business?” Lucy asked as she jumped up to sit on a bench in the corner. 

Brandon nodded as he took a sip of his tea. “It’s going well. Got a lot of regular clients now, a couple of junior vets to help out. The practice is growing, which was my goal.” 

“Who’s looking after it while you’re away?” 

“My practice partner. He’ll manage fine.” 

“When’s he expecting you back?” 

“You trying to get rid of me already?” Brandon asked with a wink. 

“No! Of course not.” 

Brandon chuckled again. “We haven’t set a date for me to go back. I haven’t taken a break for a while, what with getting the new practice up and running then bedding everything in, so a sabbatical was long overdue. I might stay until after the wedding.” 

“Really? That long?” 

Brandon shrugged. 

“You should chat to Elsie some more while you’re here, she loves animals,” Lucy said. “You have a lot in common. She’s our monster whisperer.” 

“As opposed to Logan, the monster killer?” 

Lucy tutted. “He only kills when he has to. A lot of his work involves deterring them, not hurting them.” 

“So he tells you.” 

“So I’ve seen Brandon. Did Nia tell you about the antelophants?” 

When he shook his head, Lucy told him about her trips to the village with Logan and how they hadn’t harmed the creatures in any way. She invited Brandon inside to look through the photos she’d taken on the morning Logan had taken her to see the pride, and he looked reluctantly impressed. 

“So, are you and Logan serious?” he asked as he flicked through the photos. 

“Yes,” she answered instantly, gazing at a photo she’d taken of Logan when he hadn’t realised. He was sharpening his knives and laughing at something Lucy had said. 

“But you’re not engaged? Or living together?” 

“No. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.” 

“It kind of does.” 

“Why?” She looked up at Brandon. 

“Because that’s what you do when you love someone and you’ve been with them a while, isn’t it?” 

“Perhaps, but there’s no particular timeline for those things.” 

“Still. If he’s dragging his feet—” 

“He’s not,” Lucy said with a frown.

“But he’s expecting you to look after his kid?” 

“No, it’s not like that. Andy is… Logan took Andy under his wing. He didn’t have to do that. But we all look out for Andy, that’s how this town works. He’s a great kid. And Logan, Andy and I…we’ve been through a lot together.” 

Brandon looked at her frowning face, then sighed and gently dropped the photos onto her desk. “Sorry Luce. I’m just trying to look out for you.”

“Why? I’m an adult Brandon, I can look after myself.” 

“I know,” he said quietly, “You’re all grown up now.” His green eyes studied her face for a moment, and Lucy felt herself blush. She rubbed her warm cheek, then changed the subject. 

“Do you want another tea to take out to the stables with you?” 

Brandon shook his head. “No, I’ll go and crack on. Thanks Luce.” He placed a hand on her shoulder as he passed, and Lucy stared at his back as he walked out her door, a puzzled look on her face.

________________

Logan had thrown himself straight back into work after his breaks for the Winter Solstice and Lucy’s birthday. Lucy didn’t mind him working hard. She liked that he was driven, but she wondered how much he still felt the need to prove himself —  to make amends to the town he’d fought so hard for. And she missed him. 

So, after what turned out to be another week of quick kisses snatched at her gate, she decided to do something about it. There was a certain…favour…she was yet to repay.

She decided to surprise Logan at the Civil Corps office. Justice had told her that Logan was there finishing up some paperwork for his recent bounties. “I asked him to lock up when he’s done,” Justice said. “He’s got a whole heap of stuff to get through though, reckon he’s gonna be there a while.” 

It was already late in the afternoon, and Lucy bumped into Brandon on her way there. He was heading back to the apartments after a tour of the Moisture Farm with Nia. 

“Isn’t it great what she’s done with Zeke?” Lucy asked, keen to sing her friend’s praises in front of her brother. 

“Yeah. She told me about the woods too. Perhaps you could take me out there to have a look?” he asked.

“Me?”

"Yeah! Why not? Nia said you did a lot of the planting. You can give me a little tour at the same time."

Lucy smiled. "Sure, that sounds like a plan."  

“Would now work?” he asked optimistically.

“Oh, um, it’s quite far. We’d be better off heading over there one morning. I’ve got something to do at the Civil Corps now, but...we’ll set it up, okay?” Lucy smiled as she backed away, her hands nervously running over her skirt. Brandon looked a little surprised, and part of her was too — old Lucy would've jumped at the chance to spend time with him. But it was something they could plan in for another day when they had more time. She gave him an apologetic smile then turned, making her way to the office.  

Logan was sitting at the desk frowning at the papers in front of him when she entered, and it took him a moment to look up and see her. “Howdy Bandit,” she said with a grin.

“Luce, hey.” He stood up and reached out an arm to her as she walked over, and he pulled her into a hug. “Jay tell you I was here?” 

“He did. I’ve got something I need to look at up in the cell for him. How’re you getting on?”

Logan rubbed his eyes and sat back down with a groan. “Gettin’ there. Was hopin’ to get through all the paperwork today, but I’m runnin’ outta steam. Ain’t my forte, as they say.” He looked up at her with a lopsided grin.

“Do you want a coffee or something? I can make you a drink…” 

“No it’s okay. You do the work y'gotta do Luce, I’ll maybe finish up when you do. Would be nice to catch some time with you.”

Lucy gave him a quick kiss then she left him to it, a mischievous smile playing on her lips — one that Logan would’ve caught if he wasn’t so tired and bogged down. She took her tools upstairs and unlocked one of the cells. 

“Hey Lo, do you think you could come and help me a moment?” she called down after a few minutes. She heard Logan push his chair back and stand, then his boots on the wooden floor and the staircase. He smiled again as he saw her and she returned it, fluttering her eyelashes at him a little — the very picture of innocence. 

“What’s up Builder?” he asked.

“Do you think you could hold this for me?” she asked, referring to the bar of the cell she was holding. 

“Sure,” Logan said, looking a little confused but doing as she asked. 

“Thanks.” 

As soon as he’d put his hand on it, before he could realise what was happening, Logan’s wrist was fastened to the bar by a set of handcuffs. “What the—”

Taking advantage of his confusion, Lucy quickly pulled his other hand up and clipped another set over his other wrist. With his hands now trapped either side of him, his back to the bars, she stepped away. 

“Luce…what’re you doin’?” He still looked utterly bemused, but also like he had a feeling he knew what was coming.

Lucy bit her lower lip and smirked. “You’ve been workin’ real hard Bandit, but you need to take a break too,” she said, repeating back to him the words he’d once used on her at the Northern Plateau. 

He narrowed his eyes and shook his head, but the twitch at the corner of his mouth gave away his excitement. Lucy stepped closer again and ran her hands over his chest, then his abs, feeling his strong muscles under his shirt, then she tilted her face up to his, her lips tantalisingly close. Logan leant into her as far as he could with his wrists fixed to the bars either side of him, but she stayed just out of reach.  

Suddenly she delved into his pocket and his eyes widened in panic. He still carried the ring around with him and if she was frisking him… 

But seconds later she found what she was looking for, and she raised his mask to his face. She gently fastened it, then adjusted his hat on his head and stepped away again. “There,” she said, looking pleased with herself. “I caught a bandit.” 

Logan’s eyes narrowed again, wondering what she was playing at. She walked to the other side of the cell where there was a single wooden chair. She grabbed the back of it and dragged it along the floor until it was in position several feet in front of him. Then she sat down and faced him again, locking eyes with his, before she took the zip of her sandrunning jacket in one hand and slowly began to pull it down. 

“I’ve missed you Lo,” she said quietly, as her jacket opened. Where Logan was expecting to see her t-shirt or tank top underneath, there was nothing — just the smooth clear skin of her neck, then her collar bone, then the valley between her breasts, then her abs. Logan felt his pulse began to race as she reached the bottom of her jacket. She gently pulled it apart, exposing her breasts and nipples fully.

Her eyes hadn’t left his face, but she could see exactly where his gaze was focussed. She smiled as she licked her fingers then lightly traced around her nipples, before she cupped her breasts more firmly and played with them. She kept one hand on her nipple with the piecing, toying with it, as she ran the other one over her stomach, and down between her thighs. 

“I’ve been thinking of you often,” she said. She shifted on her chair, spreading her legs, then lifted the bottom of her skirt to expose herself to him.

Apart from the slow tracking of his eyes, Logan had remained very still. But on seeing her bare pussy underneath her skirt, his arms flexed against the bars and he grunted in frustration. The knowledge that she’d walked here like this to see him, then sat just out of reach in front of him — it was torture. 

Lucy’s eyes dropped lower, taking in the very obvious bulge in his pants, then her devilish smile grew wider as she circled her clit with her fingers and played with her piercing, soft sighs leaving her parted lips. 

She took her time, giving him a show as she teased herself with her fingers, swirling them around her clit, then plunging inside, then back up, lewd sounds mixing with her gasps and moans. When at last she came she threw her head back, her eyes closed as she shook with pleasure. 

She lifted her head to look at him and found him staring at her with those piercing blue eyes, his gaze intense, and a little dangerous. A frisson of excitement travelled up her spine. She knew she’d be in trouble as soon as she unlocked those handcuffs. 

As she stood, she adjusted her skirt and zipped her jacket back up — mostly — then took a few steps to stand in front of him again. Silently, she ran her hand over his crotch. He tried to stifle his groan as she gently squeezed him through the fabric. “Do you need some help there Bandit?” she asked, her mouth close to his mask. 

“Release me Luce,” he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice muffled by his mask.

“Release you? Okay.” 

Lucy quickly undid his pants, then pulled them and his underwear out the way just enough to release his cock.

Logan groaned as she lightly danced her fingers over him. “Luce, that’s not what I—”

He grunted again as she grasped him more firmly. 

“Not what you want Bandit?” she asked as she stroked him and he squirmed against the bars. “How about this?” She dropped to her knees and took him into her mouth.

This time Logan’s moan behind his mask was loud and unrestrained. “Oh…fuck,” he mumbled, his eyes closing momentarily. Lucy sucked and licked him eagerly, and continued to stroke him with her hands. He looked down, watching her head bobbing, taking as much of him into her mouth as she could. He was desperate to touch her, to run his hands over her hair. But there was nothing he could do but take it as she worked him until he cried out and came in her mouth, his arms rattling the handcuffs against the metal bars. 

Spent, Logan rested his head back on the bars, breathing deeply. Lucy stood and wiped the corners of her mouth, and she gazed up at him with those big brown eyes. She rearranged his underwear and fastened his pants. Then she sighed deeply and ran her hands over his chest, up over his shoulders, his neck, behind his ears to where she could unfasten his mask and remove it. She folded it carefully then tucked it back in his pocket. 

This time when he bent his head forward she tilted hers up to meet him, letting him kiss her, letting him explore her mouth with his tongue and taste himself on her. 

“Are you going to behave if I release you?” she asked as she pulled back. It was Logan’s turn to smirk, and Lucy raised her eyebrows. “Seems like you wanna stay tied up for longer Bandit,” she said.

He chuckled. “Don’t think I’ve got anythin’ left in the tank Darlin’. Ain't nothin’ to do except behave.” 

She eyed him for a moment, then took the keys from her pocket and undid one set of handcuffs, then the other. Logan rubbed his wrists as she removed the cuffs, but he smiled down at her. “That sure is one way to get my attention Luce,” he said. 

Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on tiptoes to kiss him on the lips. “I don’t mind you working hard Lo, but I worry about you. You’ve been working all hours, and you need to take some time for yourself.”

Logan kissed her again, and ran his hands down her back, over her ass, up under her skirt to squeeze her bare buttocks. “Message received,” he mumbled. He wanted to tell her it was all for her and Andy. But he knew he needed to find a better balance. 

As they kissed he heard the rattle of the handcuffs she was still holding behind his head. Oh, that’s a mistake, he thought to himself with glee. 

He ended the kiss and pulled back slightly, smiling down at her. When she dropped her arms from around his neck, he held out his hand, as if to take hers and walk back downstairs. 

She naively took it, falling straight into his trap. 

Her mouth opened in shock as he spun her to face the bars of the cell, then pressed her against them while he locked her wrist in place with the handcuffs. She yelped and tried to resist as he grabbed her other hand, but it was no use — he was much stronger than her. Now it was her turn to be trapped, both hands locked to the bars either side of her head. “Lo,” she said, turning her head to try and see behind her. 

He pressed himself against her back and ran his hands up and down her bare thighs, then spoke against her ear. “My turn, Builder,” he murmured. 

He lifted her skirt and peered at her naked bottom. “Do you remember yer safe word Builder?” he asked as he gently ran his hand over one of her ass cheeks. Lucy’s breath hitched and she swallowed, nervous and excited, but she nodded. They’d discussed it before, what they were both okay with, but she still gasped as he pulled his hand back then slapped it against her ass cheek. 

She fell further against the bars and Logan paused, giving her a chance to speak, but she didn’t. So he slapped her again, harder this time, then again. Then on her other cheek, then again, and again. After a few slaps, Logan softly stroked her buttocks, admiring the pink marks.

And then his hands were under her skirt, one winding its way to her clit, the other between her legs to delve deeper. At the same time he pressed open-mouthed kisses along her neck, his body pressing into hers from behind. She moaned loudly, overwhelmed by him, smothered by him. She began to rock against his hand as he scissored his fingers inside her, and she felt him grow hard behind her.

“Oh Builder…” he muttered after a few minutes, “I’m gonna fuck you so hard.” He stopped fingering her just long enough to undo his pants and take out his cock, then he nudged her legs further apart and grabbed her hips. They groaned together as he pushed inside. He paused momentarily while his hands fumbled to unzip her jacket and release her breasts, to squeeze the weight of them and pinch her nipples. Then he began to move inside her as one of his hands travelled down, all the way to her clit, working tiny circles over the nerves, until she cried out his name and he felt her clench and shake. 

Satisfied she’d reached her climax, he grabbed her hips again and continued to fuck her as she gripped the bars and moaned with pleasure, until he reached his edge and came, forcing her up against the bars as he buried himself in deep. 

He stayed that way for a moment, arms wrapped around her, eyes closed and brows furrowed with the pleasure of it all, his heart pounding. She was still breathing heavily, her head resting back against him, her face tilted up so he could feel her warm breath on his cheek. He turned to look down at her and she smiled. He kissed her softly and gave a few final thrusts deep inside her, just to hear her moan again.

Logan didn’t return to his paperwork that day.

Chapter 5: A difficult conversation

Summary:

Andy has his first gliding experience, a stranger visits town and seeks Lucy out for a conversation, and Lucy and Logan take Brandon to visit the Little Woods.

“For how long?” 

“I ain’t too sure Darlin’.”

“Days? Weeks?” 

Logan held Lucy’s gaze, his face a little pained. 

“Months?” 

“I hope not Luce, but I gotta be honest. I don’t know.” He took her hand and looked at her fingers as he stroked them. “If I can do this…it’s big Luce, the reward. One big job, an' then I can back right off. Just work my patrols, smaller bounties closer to home. Closer to you and Andy.” 

He looked at her again, his brows creased with worry. Lucy’s frown turned to sadness, then acceptance. 

“When do you go?” she asked quietly.

“In a week. Friday. We’ll make the most of the time we have till then.” 

She nodded as he kissed her hand.

And so they made plans. 

They spent Saturday with Andy, cramming in a pancake breakfast, games at the Golden Goose, an afternoon fishing, and dinner and story night at the Blue Moon before they all went back to Lucy’s for the night. She'd fixed her bed, but Logan didn't take any chances. He lay her down on the fur rug next to her bed and lost himself in her.

Sunday arrived with a glorious morning, the air still cool but without the bite of deep winter, the sky an unblemished blue. A brisk hike later, and they were in position, ready to make the most of the breeze before it dropped in the afternoon.

Logan squatted on his haunches as Lucy unravelled everything from her pack and laid it on the ground. The breeze rustled the fabric of the glider wings, causing them to flap rhythmically. As she pottered about, her boots crunched on the rocky dirt, and Andy’s young voice asked her question after question, which she patiently answered. In the valley below, two birds of prey called to one another as they hunted for their breakfast. 

Logan’s heart was in his mouth, but he was taking great care not to show it. Lucy had been gliding a number of times now, with her own glider and the one she’d made for her and Andy. She was calm, and confident, and there was absolutely no question about whether Logan trusted her.

But his nerves were still very much on edge. 

It was bad enough when he had to throw himself off that ledge. Having the two people he loved most up there together, well, he wasn’t sure how he was going to cope. 

Now, Logan watched nervously as Lucy strapped herself into the glider then got Andy to stand in front of her so she could clip his harness to hers. She took her time, making sure each clip was secure before moving to the next, pulling the straps tight so that Andy was firm against her and wouldn’t throw her off balance. She’d made the boy a red helmet too, and his scruffy blond hair poked out from the bottom. Boy needs a haircut, Logan thought to himself. 

“Ready?” Logan asked when Lucy finally finished and put her hands on Andy’s shoulders. At her nod, Logan raised the camera and took a photo of the two of them beaming with excitement. Then he stowed the camera carefully and stood to one side, giving them space to launch. 

He saw Lucy quietly give Andy instructions while she gathered the straps for the larger wings to get them in position. Andy was nodding, his face facing forward, serious, concentrating so hard on what he had to do. Then Lucy stood up straight, pulled her shoulders back, and glanced at Logan. She gave him such a loving, happy grin, he could only give her a dopey smile in return. 

He was still in a daze when she started running, Andy’s little legs working in front of her. At the edge Andy lifted his feet and they went over. 

And straight down. 

Logan gasped as they disappeared, shock and horror coursing through him as he ran to the edge. 

Then he saw them, just below, gliding out across the valley beautifully. He let out a long, long exhale, shook his head, and chuckled to himself. 

Then he followed them. 

_________________

Andy whooped and hollered when he was finally unclipped and his feet were on firm ground again. 

“Yeah! That was the best thing ever!” He jumped about, his body itching to burn off the energy it’d worked up from all the adrenalin. “Did yer see the birds? We were higher than the birds! And, and I saw the trail, it looked so small. And we saw the wild yakmel runnin’. And then our shadow when we landed, it was like…” Andy made a whooshing noise and used his hand to demonstrate their touchdown on the earth.

Lucy and Logan grinned at him as they packed up their wings. 

“You weren’t scared kiddo?” Logan asked. 

“No, course not,” Andy replied, not very convincingly. 

“You’re braver than me then kid,” Logan said.

“Yeah?” Andy stilled for the first time in about five minutes and watched Logan zip up his pack.

“Yeah. Flyin’s pretty scary, ‘specially when you ain’t done it before. I ain’t afraid to admit I get nervous.” 

Andy rubbed his nose. “I guess it was a bit scary, just at first.” 

“I still get butterflies when I first launch off the edge,” Lucy said, “Even after all these years. Good butterflies, but butterflies nonetheless.”

Andy chewed his lip as he contemplated their words. 

“Look sharp,” Logan said, breaking Andy’s thoughts by throwing an apple at him. Andy caught it with a little jump, then wandered a few metres away to eat it, scuffing his shoes through the dirt at the same time.

Logan approached Lucy and put an arm around her shoulder, then kissed her temple. “Thank you Darlin’,” he said quietly. “Reckon you’ve made that boy’s year.”

_________________

After the high of their adventures at the weekend, Monday brought with it a definite low. 

As much as Logan wanted to just drop everything and stay at Lucy’s for the week, he had things to do to prepare for his trip, and they’d agreed he also needed to spend some one-on-one time with Andy too. So Logan and Andy had returned home the evening before.

Lucy’s heart ached when she thought of Logan going away for so long. It was about a year ago when he’d left for his trip to the village and she’d been away from him for several weeks. She’d missed him then, even though they weren’t properly together at that point. She knew it would be worse this time, and there were no plans for her to join him. 

But she had things to do, her own job and her own friends to focus on. So on Monday morning she left her home to head to the Commerce Guild. When she stepped outside, she found Owen walking up to her gate. 

“Owen! It’s good to see you. Are you here to catch up?” she asked, pulling him down into a friendly hug.

“I’d love to Lucy, you know it always brightens my day seeing you,” he said. “But, um, there’s something I need to tell you first. Or give you, actually.”

“What is it?” 

Owen looked at her and sighed, then reached into his pocket to draw out an envelope. He nervously tapped it against his other hand. 

“That woman came back to the saloon, the one that…the one who…that guy’s wife,” he said with a wince. 

The image of her flashed straight into Lucy’s mind. She’d thought of her from time to time, ever since that night when Lucy had found out the man who’d been pursuing her, the one she’d slept with before things got serious with Logan, was married.

“She asked me if I knew you and how she could get in touch,” Owen continued. “And she asked if I’d pass you this letter.”

“Oh.” Lucy stared at the envelope in Owen’s hands. 

“You don’t have to read it Lucy. I told her that I’d see what I could do but I didn’t make any promises. You didn’t do anything wrong and you don’t have to get involved in any more of their drama. So if you want me to throw this…” he said, holding up the envelope, “Straight in the trash, I will do.”

Lucy took a deep breath then let out a long exhale through her nose while she thought about it. “No, it’s okay Owen, I’ll read it.” 

Owen handed her the letter, somewhat reluctantly. He felt bad, like he should be protecting his friend more, but he thought she should be the one to make the decision. “There’s one more thing,” he continued with a grimace. 

“Go on,” she said, trying to give him an encouraging smile, even though she was desperate to run back inside and read the letter in private. 

“She’s still here, in town. She’s staying at the Blue Moon. Just thought you should know.” 

“Got it, thanks Owen.” Lucy turned the envelope around and around with her fingers, and tried to put on a brave face for her friend. “I’d better…” She pointed a thumb over her shoulder towards her front door. 

“Okay. I’m sorry Lucy. Look — I’m about for the rest of the day, so if you need some company or just want to catch up…come and find me?”

“Sure,” she said, forcing a smile. “I’ll let you know.”  

Owen spread his arms and drew her into another hug, rubbing her back gently. Then he stepped back and gently squeezed her arms before he turned and walked away. Lucy took a deep breath and went inside.

_________________

It was 4 o’clock in the afternoon when Lucy entered the saloon, her stomach a swirl of butterflies. She stood inside the door and scanned the seating area until she saw the woman she’d come to meet. The woman met her gaze and stood, her face pale, anxiously running a tissue through her fingers. 

The letter she’d written to Lucy had been tough to read. The woman had gotten wind of her husband’s antics and was looking for answers. She’d asked Lucy if she’d be able to talk with her, and Lucy had asked Owen to set it up for them. He’d suggested a time before the dinner rush so that it would be the most quiet, for which Lucy was grateful.

So here she was now, nervously walking across the room to the seating area at the back, until she was face to face with James’ wife, Catherine. 

“Oh, Peach,” Catherine said, dabbing the corners of her eyes with the tissue. “I’d forgotten how pretty you are.” 

Lucy swallowed the lump in her throat. The woman in front of her was very attractive, but what use would it be for her to tell her that. “Shall we sit?” she said instead.

Owen arrived quickly to take their order, then moved away quietly. Lucy turned to Catherine and gave her a weak smile. “So, what would you like to know?” 

Catherine sniffed and dabbed her eyes. “I think the fact you’re here asking me that pretty much confirms things, otherwise you’d be denying it all straight away, wouldn’t you?” It wasn’t really a question, although Lucy detected a faint hint of desperate hope.  

“What’s he told you?” Lucy asked. 

“He didn’t tell me anything, not for a long time. He’d been acting weird though. He didn’t want me to come on his trip, then he didn’t want to stop in Sandrock, then he didn’t want to eat here. That night we met you…” 

She tailed off as Owen arrived with their drinks and set them down cautiously. 

“That night,” she continued once he’d gone again, “He was being so shifty. I asked him how he knew you and his story kept changing. He wouldn’t admit it for ages though. That was the worst bit. I knew in my gut something was wrong, but he made me feel like I was imagining things.” She sniffed angrily and picked up her teacup with a shaky hand. 

“I’m so sorry,” Lucy said, her voice very low. “It was a shock for me, finding out he was married. I never would’ve…if I’d known about you.”

“So,” Catherine said, taking a deep breath and setting her cup down. “Tell me everything.” When Lucy hesitated, Catherine spoke again. “Please. Tell me everything.” 

They talked for a while, Owen periodically bringing them more tea. Lucy tried to be as delicate as she could, whilst also being honest. Catherine asked for a lot of details, some of which Lucy didn’t feel comfortable sharing, namely the specific details of the night they’d slept together. Finally, Catherine seemed as satisfied as she could be and she began to gather up her bag, setting some gols down on the table to pay for her drinks. 

“Well,” she said, “I guess, thank you for meeting with me and for being honest. I think I’ve got the answers I needed.”

Lucy nodded as Catherine stood. She didn’t know what else to say. 

“If I can offer you one piece of advice, woman to woman,” Catherine said, just before she turned to go. “Never get involved with a man who travels for work. You never know what they’re getting up to.”

Lucy watched Catherine walk away.  

_________________

Lucy had planned an early night to put the day behind her, but she’d just got ready for bed when there was a knock at her door. Logan’s face smiled at her when she opened it. “Owen told me what happened,” he said. “You alright Darlin’?”

Lucy nodded, but she felt her face crumple and tears run down her cheeks. Logan stepped inside and closed the door behind him, then hugged her close. “It’s okay Luce,” he said, stroking her back while she finally let it out. “I know it’s a lot.” 

They sat on her couch and Lucy told him about her talk with Catherine. “I’m glad I could give her some answers I guess,” Lucy said, wiping her eyes with a tissue. “I just feel so bad about it. I’m so ashamed.”

Logan took her hand and kissed her knuckles, then traced them with his thumb. “I know Luce. I can tell yer that y’don’t have anythin’ to feel bad about, but I don’t think that’ll help. But I’m here for you Darlin’. Andy’s with Vivi tonight. I’ll stay with you, okay?” 

She nodded tearfully and he leant forward to kiss her forehead, then pulled her against his chest. They talked a while longer, then he went to use her bathroom. 

Lucy stood to lock up just as another knock sounded at her front door. This time it was Brandon smiling down at her.

“Hey,” he said. “I overheard Owen and Grace talking about some married guy and his wife, then Nia filled me in. I just wanted to make sure you’re okay?” 

“Oh, that’s sweet Brandon. I’m okay,” she said, returning his smile, though she was sure her red eyes indicated that she wasn’t really fine. He gave her a look that confirmed he didn’t believe her. 

“Lucy, I don’t think you should be alone…” 

“I’m not—”

“…and Ma gave me these to bring with me. I thought we could look through them together.” He gave Lucy a tatty envelope. Lucy opened it and gasped when she saw what was inside, then giggled, her laugh a little thick from crying all evening.

“Oh my goodness, look at this,” she said, pulling out the topmost photo of her, Nia, and Brandon sitting on a wall eating ice cream. Lucy and Nia must’ve only been about eight or nine at the time, Brandon barely a teen. She peeked at the others — there was quite the collection. “Wow, these are great.” 

“Look at this one,” Brandon said, rifling through them to pull one out. “Remember when you didn’t have your front teeth?” he said with a chuckle.

“Oh gosh.” Lucy smiled and shook her head, her face a picture of nostalgia. 

“So, what do you say, shall I come in and we can…”

Brandon trailed off as the stairs behind her creaked and Logan came into view, dressed for bed in only his pyjama pants. When he reached the bottom, Logan nodded at Brandon but otherwise didn’t speak. 

“I see you already have company,” Brandon said, giving Logan a thin smile, then turning his attention back to Lucy. “Perhaps I can come over another time and we can look through them then.”

“Yeah, that would be nice,” Lucy said. “I’m sure Nia and Mi-an would like to see them too.” 

Brandon bit his lip and smiled, then nodded. “Okay. Good night short stuff,” he said. “Night Logan.” 

“G’night,” Logan said, a little gruffly.

Lucy smiled at Brandon as he left, but as soon as she’d shut the door she felt a gentle tug on her hand. When she turned, Logan pulled on her hand again — this time a little more firmly to draw her right up against him. He cupped her chin and kissed her gently, then stroked her jaw with his thumb. 

Lucy placed a hand on his chest and grinned up at him knowingly. 

Logan chuckled. “Alright. I’m a little jealous,” he said. “Can you blame me? What’s this guy doin’ turnin’ up at yer door at night?” 

“He just came to check I was okay,” she said.

Logan chuckled again. “Sure.” He reached down between them to pluck the envelope from her hand and pulled out a photo of an eight-year-old Lucy holding a stick in each hand, her knees muddy, her short brown hair a mess of waves. "Oh Luce, look at you," he said, a huge grin on his face. 

She giggled as she looked at it. "Those sticks were my daggers," she said. 

"'Course. Figures." Logan put his arm around her shoulder and kissed her hair. "I'mma need to look through all these, right now," he said.

_________________

Logan tried to object the following morning when Lucy told him she was going to ask Brandon if he wanted to visit the Little Wood, and that she wanted Logan to join them. 

The previous night he’d tried to delicately tell her that he thought Brandon’s intentions towards her might not be all that innocent. Unfortunately, yakboys are not known for being delicate. 

Lucy had burst into laughter at the idea. “Brandon is definitely not interested in me Logan.” 

“Do y’not see it?” he’d asked, his face the picture of bewilderment. How could she not see it? 

“He’s protective Logan and he can be a flirt, but he definitely just views me as a little sister. I promise.”  

In the end he’d left it, but when she’d brought up the trip to the Little Woods, he’d baulked.

“Look, Luce,” he said, “Yer tellin’ me there’s nothin’ to worry about, and I trust you, I don’t need to chaperone you.” He pulled a face that suggested he could think of nothing worse than spending the morning with Nia’s brother.

“I know you trust me Logan, it’s not about that. I want you and Brandon to get to know each other. Please? For me?” 

With a final grumble he agreed and went to fetch Rambo while Lucy sought out Brandon. When they met up again outside Lucy’s workshop, Brandon looked about as pleased to see Logan as the monster hunter was to see him. Still, they nodded at each other and Logan attempted a smile. 

“Well, well, this is the infamous Rambo is it?” Brandon asked, approaching Logan’s goat. He reached out and scratched Rambo’s chin, then ran his hand down Rambo’s neck and over his shoulder before giving him a solid pat. The goat gave a loud, happy bleat. 

Brandon’s attention was drawn away by Lucy, who was leading Merle out of her gate. While Lucy and Brandon greeted one another, Logan leant forward in the saddle to give Rambo a scratch on his head and to whisper, “Traitor,” in his ear. Rambo gave another loud, nonplussed bleat. 

“You really need those daggers?” Brandon was asking Lucy. 

She laughed as she hopped up into the saddle on Merle’s back. “The woods are out in the desert Brandon. It’s likely we’ll meet some of the local fauna, and it isn’t always particularly friendly.” 

Brandon pulled a skeptical face, then smoothly pulled himself up onto the back of the horse he’d hired from Cooper. Logan tutted quietly to himself. Well shit, the guy was good with animals. 

The three of them began their ride, ambling slowly over the Shonash Canyon Bridge, Lucy in the middle of the two men. Brandon looked up and spotted the tram carts. “Luce, is that where you fell?” 

He turned to her, his face concerned. 

“Yeah,” she said awkwardly, eyeing the carts. 

“Holy shit.” Brandon looked up again, then down into the canyon below. “And you didn’t even break a bone?” 

“I’m tellin’ yer,” Logan said, “Luce is a lot tougher than she looks.” 

“That’s putting it lightly,” Brandon muttered. 

Lucy smiled to herself and gently tapped Merle’s sides to encourage her into a faster trot, picking up the pace to avoid the tripions that often lurked just past the bridge. As they crossed the desert she pointed out the ruins she worked in and the Outpost, and they stopped a couple of times so Brandon could watch the penskies, which he’d heard about from Nia but never seen before.

Once they were at the Little Woods they tied up their mounts to let them rest. As they wandered through the woodland, Lucy explained to Brandon how Zeke had helped them improve the soil and how they’d been able to plant so many trees in such a short space of time. Logan walked a few steps behind, listening to them talk, until Brandon turned to look at him over his shoulder.

“So you weren’t here when this wood was planted Logan?” 

Logan shook his head. “No, we were still on the run then.” 

“Right. Of course. You hadn’t been in prison at that point.” 

Logan rolled his eyes and Lucy frowned at her friend. “Stop it Brandon,” she said.

“Stop what? They’re facts, are they not? Facts about your boyfriend’s past.” 

“S’alright Luce,” Logan said from behind them. 

“See,” Brandon said, holding a hand up in Logan’s direction, “Logan doesn’t mind talking about it.” 

Lucy was about to say something else, when a threatening hiss sounded from the scrub that had formed amongst the trees. Lucy and Logan immediately stopped walking, alert. 

“Brandon,” Lucy whispered, grabbing ahold of his arm. “Stay still.” 

“What? What’s wrong?” he asked. 

Lucy and Logan’s eyes were both tracking the undergrowth, looking for signs of movement. 

Quick as a flash, Logan suddenly withdrew his gun and fired, one, two, three, four times into the long grass. When he stopped, they all waited again, the sound of the last gunshot and the smell of smoke dissipating. 

When he was certain it was safe, Logan stepped forward, bent down to the spots where he’d fired, and picked up four desert hoppers. 

Brandon couldn’t help but look impressed, then schooled his face back into it’s usual cocky expression. “Luce told me you tried to deter creatures, not just kill on sight,” he said. 

He threw a smug look at Logan, but his face dropped when Logan raised his gun again, this time aiming towards Brandon. 

Logan smirked, moved his gun a few inches to the right, then fired again. 

Brandon flinched then turned quickly, just in time to see the viper that’d been crawling towards his ankles. 

Logan walked a few paces to reach Brandon’s side. “Ain’t no deterrin’ some creatures,” he said quietly, returning Brandon’s look before he stooped to pick up the final snake.

Lucy looked on and shook her head, annoyed. She’d thought the two of them might get on. Had hoped they would. Apart from Nia, Brandon was the first of her old friends she’d introduced to Logan. 

But it was clear she was wrong. Brandon seemed to have decided he didn’t like Logan, which she was sure was down to overprotectiveness. But all his comments were winding Logan up, and a wound up Logan was like a coiled hopper waiting to attack. He’d only prove Brandon right if this continued.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Shall we carry on?” she said, not waiting for an answer before she started walking. “Probably time to start heading back.” 

The two men glared at one another then followed her.

It took them a good 20 minutes to walk back through the woods to where they’d left their mounts. Brandon asked more questions about the planting and the work Lucy had done. Lucy answered, a little cooly at first but softening up as she realised he was making an effort.  

When they reached their mounts, Logan attached the snakes to Rambo’s side and Brandon gave him a curious look. Logan decided to try and play nice. “We can use their skin and venom. The doc makes an anti-venom for us, in case someone gets bit. You use the skin, right Luce?”

She gave him a small smile. “Yeah, I can make a hardened leather with it. It’s good for lots of things — protective clothing, the straps or sheaths for weapons, toughened boots.” She turned her foot to the side to show off her footwear.

Brandon nodded, looking thoughtful, then smiled. “Does that include armour for Rambo and Merle?” 

Lucy looked at the goats’ protective eyewear and impressive saddles, straps and cinches, then she looked at Logan. “It can do, I’ve done a few repairs for them. But a lot of the gear they have was made by Logan’s dad, Howlett.” She gave Merle a pat on her neck and dug her fingers into the goat’s wiry fur. “Howlett was an excellent monster hunter, really knew his stuff, and this gear just…works. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” she said with a grin, which Logan returned.

“Do you make stuff for the horses and yakmels?” Brandon asked. 

“I’ve made a couple of saddles for Elsie, yeah,” she said, smiling at him, before movement in the sand behind him caught her eye.

She stepped sideways to look around him. “Incoming Logan. Is it tripion season already?” she asked, withdrawing her daggers.

Logan looked over Rambo’s back at the three mutated scorpions heading their way. “Bit early for that,” he said. “I reckon they’ve just spotted an easy meal.” 

Lucy went to step around Brandon, but her friend held out his arm in front of her. “You’re not serious Lucy?” he asked, giving her an incredulous look before glancing back at the tripions, their claws clacking and and energy crackling around their three-pronged stingers as they zig-zagged across the sand. “Why can’t the monster hunter do it?” 

“Guns ain’t very effective against tripions,” Logan said calmly, scratching his stubble. “On account of their exoskeleton.” 

The tripions scuttled ever closer, but still Brandon stood in front of Lucy. “What the hell do we do then?” he asked, his voice frantic.

“Only one of us is armed right now Brandon,” Logan said in his low drawl. “And yer blockin’ her way.” When Brandon turned to look at him, Logan just raised his eyebrows. Brandon stared, wide-eyed, then glanced at Lucy behind him.

She returned his worried look with a smile, nodded, then stepped in front, ignoring his protestations. Tripions were no bother really, not with the right training. And daggers. 

Approach, dodge the stinger, spin, stab. If you brought the dagger down between the armoured plates at the back of their head, you could make a pretty easy kill. Lucy hunted them often because Fang needed their heliconia nails for medicines and supplements. It was always a straightforward commission, ideal for when she needed to let off steam. 

She pulled the last nail from the final tripion and turned back to the two men watching her. 

Brandon was looking at her like she’d grown an extra head. 

Logan was grinning, pure pride on his face. 

Lucy blushed then walked over to stash the nails in her saddlebag, and wiped the goo from her daggers onto her trousers. 

“Shall we go and get some lunch?” she asked.

Notes:

A bit of closure for the wife of the married guy - hopefully she'll return home and kick him to the curb like he deserves.

Chapter 6: A secret shared (NSFW)

Summary:

Logan, Lucy and Andy make the most of their time together before Logan leaves for a bounty. Meanwhile, Lucy and Brandon look through memories of their past, and Lucy has a dress fitting.

Lucy, Logan and Brandon rode back to town in an uncomfortable silence, accompanied only by the gentle crunch of hooves on the sand and the occasional clink of a buckle or strap. Lucy didn’t have the energy to try and cajole the two men into talking. 

Logan looked at her once or twice, but she stared straight ahead. He knew she was disappointed with them both. Perhaps he hadn’t made enough effort with Brandon. And his reckless behaviour, giving Brandon a fright, had been foolish, no matter how much satisfaction it’d given him. Logan felt the corners of his lips twitch, and tried to suppress his smile. It had been fucking satisfying. 

As they reached the end of the bridge and the road that curved up into town, Elsie came into view. She stopped and dithered when she saw Brandon with them, almost turning in a full circle, as if she wanted to run straight back up the street towards the Civil Corps. But then she gave herself a visible talking to, and she walked over to flag down Logan. 

“Logan, I was lookin’ for yer,” she said, avoiding eye contact with Brandon, who watched her with gentle amusement. “If you’ve got some time, I got some more questions about yer handover.” 

“Alright Else,” Logan said. He turned to Lucy, but before he’d said anything she just nodded. His eyes searched her face for a moment, then he reached across to Merle’s reins so he could pull her closer. “I’m sorry Darlin’,” he murmured as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. “About this mornin’. And lunch. I’ll come find you later, okay?” 

As much as he wanted to make the most of his time with Lucy before he went away, he was more than a little relieved to get out of a lunch with Brandon. Still, he felt like he had some making up to do.

Lucy gave him a small smile. She didn’t really blame him for jumping at the chance to leave them to it. The morning had been a bit of a disaster.

After they’d parted ways, Lucy and Brandon continued along the tracks, only speaking when Brandon told her he’d return his horse to Cooper then come and meet her for lunch. A short while later, as she was brushing Merle in her stall, Lucy heard her gate creak open. Brandon walked over holding a Blue Moon takeout bag. 

“I’ve brought lunch,” he said. “A peace offering.” 

“A peace offering?” 

“Yes. For the way I acted with Logan. I was an ass.” 

“You were an ass. You both were. Thank you,” she said as she took the bag from him and peered inside. “Take a seat over there,” she said, pointing to the chairs under the pergola. “I’ll just wash my hands and grab us some drinks.” 

“So why were you an ass?” she asked as they ate.

Brandon sighed. “I’ll admit I have my doubts about him Luce. Ex-bandit slash convict slash monster slayer doesn’t look good on paper. I still think he’s a hot head. And dangerous. And you can do better. But you’re right…” he continued when she went to speak. “You’re an adult, and you can definitely look after yourself.” His eyes were wide as he nodded at his own statement, then they both laughed. “That was…interesting…watching you take down those creatures. I don’t know whether I should be scared of you, or impressed.” He chuckled again. “Is that what they’re teaching at builder school?” he asked, half-serious, half-joking. 

“I mean, kind of,” she said. “Self-defence anyway. Ruins aren’t exactly safe spaces. It can be a dangerous business.” 

“No kidding. Did Logan teach you the rest?” he asked, his gaze focused on his sandwich as he picked at it. 

“Some, yes. Also Justice and Unsuur, and Grace.” She paused for a moment. “Logan’s a good guy you know Brandon.” 

“So everybody here keeps telling me. I haven’t seen you look at a guy like that since…” He tailed off, a smile creeping onto his face. 

Lucy laughed and looked away. She brushed her hands together awkwardly to get rid of the crumbs from her lunch. “I expect you’re glad you don’t have me following you around everywhere anymore.” 

When he was silent, she looked back and found him staring at her. “I feel like you’re a completely different person Luce,” he said quietly. “It’s like I’m seeing you for the first time.” 

“Have I really changed that much?” 

“Kinda, yeah.”

“In a bad way?” 

“No.” He smiled at her. “Not in a bad way.” 

When there was an awkward pause, Lucy cleared her throat then gathered up their empty food containers. “Shall I get the photos?” she asked. “We can look through them.” 

She brought out tea and the envelope, and they spread the photos out on the table, laughing and giggling at how young and silly they looked. In most of them, Lucy was carrying a stick and she was covered in mud and scrapes — sometimes pen ink where she’d drawn on herself — looking like a scruffy ragamuffin. 

“Maybe you haven’t changed that much,” Brandon teased her, and she gave his arm a shove as she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes.

In another photo Brandon was dressed up, ready for some kind of teen dance. Nia was posing next to him, a huge bow in her hair, while Lucy was staring up at him, adoration all over her face. She might as well have had hearts in her eyes. “Oh Peach,” Lucy said, blushing and quickly burying the photo while Brandon chuckled. 

When they’d looked at them all, Lucy sighed at the happy memories. “Weren’t we cute,” she said. 

“Still are.” 

Lucy laughed. “Yeah, okay, we still are Brandon.” 

“I wasn’t talking about me,” he said. Lucy looked up to find him grinning at her again with that teasing, dimpled smile. She stared at him for a moment, then she huffed a laugh and shook her head, and began gathering the photos together in a bundle. She got it now — why Logan thought Brandon was interested in her. 

But he wasn’t. She was sure of it. 

Wasn’t she?  

________________

A few hours later, Lucy looked up from her garden beds when she heard a young voice calling her. 

“Luuuuuuuuuuucy!” 

“Over here kiddo!” she called, sitting back on her heels to remove her gardening gloves and survey her progress. She’d been tackling the weeds, ready to till the soil for the new season’s planting. 

Andy rounded the corner of her garden and skidded to a stop.

“You look excited Andy, what’s happening?” 

“Logan said we’re going to the fair, and you’re coming too!”

“Did he now?” Lucy asked, her brows creased with amusement as she heard the sound of heavy boots on her path. 

“Actually, I said we could ask the builder if she wants to join us,” Logan said as he finally appeared. He’d clearly been left behind by an excited Andy. He put his hand on the boy’s head and ruffled his hair. 

“That’s what I said!” Andy looked up at Logan, a cheesy grin on his face. 

Logan chuckled then looked at Lucy, slightly sheepish. “Whadda you say Luce? Fancy an evenin’ of fried food and weird pink cloud sugar, and rides that’ll make us regret our choices? My treat.” 

She looked between them both — Andy bouncing on his toes, Logan’s tentative smile — then she stood up. “Can you give me some time to wash and change?” 

“Yeah!” Andy punched the air in triumph.

A little while later they stepped from the yakmel cart and walked down to the entrance to Catori World, funfair music and gaudy lights and the smell of fried onions assaulting their senses. 

“Thank you for inviting me,” Lucy said as they stepped through the gates after showing their ‘Sandrock Resident’ passes. The fair was relatively quiet during the off season, so Catori had given each resident a pass for free entry, knowing they’d still be spending on food and games once they were inside the park. 

“‘Course Luce. Though Andy beat me to it.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“He asked if you could come before I suggested it.” 

“He did?”

“Yeah. He adores you Luce,” Logan said, smiling down at her. 

Lucy smiled back, then watched the boy running a few paces in front of them. She knew that Andy liked her, but she still worried sometimes that she was intruding on their time together. That he’d wanted her to come felt very special indeed.

They weren’t the only residents who’d ventured to the fair. As the town teetered between winter and spring, the first pleasantly warm evening had brought a lot of familiar faces out. Krystal and Rocky were trying to peel Pebbles from the toddler rides. Krystal’s pregnancy bump was really starting to show, and Lucy stopped to ask how she was. One of her first commissions of the year had been to make a special scanning machine for Fang so that he could check on the baby. Krystal had brought a black and white photo for Lucy to see after they’d used it for the first time, and Lucy had been speechless at the image it’d captured for them.

After a couple of the more extreme rides, Logan and Lucy decided they were safe to eat and sat on a bench eating beef tacos and meat buns, Andy between them, his legs kicking back and forth as they people-watched and talked about what they were going to do next. 

Lucy pressed some gols into Andy’s hand and sent him up to buy churros with thick chocolate sauce. The boy carried the box back to them, his eyes wide with excitement. When they’d finished them, Andy tipped the box up to tip the sugar dregs into his mouth, and Lucy burst into laughter as Logan admonished him. “What the hell are yer doin’ boy, look at yer all covered in sugar. You ain’t Nemo!” Logan was chuckling as he tried to wipe the mess from Andy’s sticky face and hands, and Lucy watched them both, her heart full. 

"I don't wanna waste it!" Andy argued back.

As they stood and put their rubbish in the trash, they bumped into Nia, Mi-an and Brandon. After greeting each other the two groups realised they were heading in the same direction to the game stalls. The two men managed to make some civil small talk, and Lucy looked up at Logan and gave him a grateful smile. 

He smiled back and gave her hand a squeeze before letting go. But moments later his fingers twitched when Lucy picked up the toy gun for the target shooting and Brandon went to put his arms around her, as if to show her how to use it. Logan had to dig his fingernails into his palms to stop himself reacting. The urge to pull Brandon away and give him a shove was immense — it was only for Lucy’s sake that Logan kept a lid on it.

Lucy levelled a look at Brandon over her shoulder, and he raised his hands as he backed away, laughing as he realised his faux pas in underestimating Lucy again. Logan slowly relaxed his grip on himself, then realised Nia was watching him. As Logan looked at her, Nia’s gaze flickered to Brandon and Lucy, then back to Logan, a question in her eyes. Logan gave her the briefest nod, as if to convey that he knew exactly what Brandon was up to. Nia chewed her lip thoughtfully. 

After a few games and a few more rides, the groups parted ways and Logan and Andy dropped Lucy home. Logan sent Andy to the stable to check on Merle and Roach so that he could say goodnight to Lucy.

“I’m sorry again for this mornin’ Luce,” Logan said as he tugged her close by her waist.

“I know,” Lucy said. “And I’m sorry for the way Brandon spoke to you. I’ve had a word with him. It looked like you were getting on better tonight though. I appreciate the effort.” She smiled up at him. “Hey, why don’t you and Andy stay tonight?” she asked hopefully, running her hands down over his chest. “We’ve only got a few days left and I want to make the most of you.”

“I’m sure the kid would be happy to stay,” Logan said, slowly leaning in so his lips could brush hers. 

________________

Lucy woke early to use the bathroom, peeped in on Andy in the spare room across the landing, then quietly shut her bedroom door before she crept back into bed next to Logan. The morning sun was just beginning to filter through her windows so she could make out his profile, one of his arms flung up on his pillow behind his head, his hair tie around his wrist, white hair loose about him. The ink of his tattoo looked dark against his skin in the dawn light, and she traced the pattern with her fingers, following it over his chest and up to his shoulder, then down across his abs. 

She must’ve reached a ticklish spot, as he grunted slightly and his stomach muscles flexed. She hadn’t intended on waking him, but she couldn’t resist lightly teasing that spot again. This time his other hand grabbed her wrist, making her jump, and he opened an eye to look at her. “Caught yer Darlin’,” he said, his voice thick with sleep. 

“Sorry my love,” she said with a quiet smile. “Didn’t mean to wake you. I was just admiring you.” 

“Hmph,” Logan said as he closed his eyes again and stroked the pulse point on her wrist with his thumb. Lucy began to caress his stomach again and he loosened his grip on her, enjoying the sensations. 

Slowly, she worked her way to the middle of his stomach, then just below his belly button, then she caressed the soft hairs of his happy trail, following it down under the band of his underwear to where the hairs grew thicker. 

Logan sighed happily as she reached the base of his now semi-erect cock and wrapped her fingers around it, gently stroking his length. As he hardened fully, she worked him a little more firmly, sliding her thumb over his tip as he became more and more aroused. He blinked his eyes open as Lucy shifted on the bed to settle between his thighs, then he closed them again and moaned as she pulled his underwear down and wrapped her lips around him, sucking him deep into her mouth. She was slow, and gentle, and thorough, and Logan felt himself building to that peak. He lifted his head to look at hers, bobbing up and down, her own eyes closed as if she was lost in the moment, her hands running over the strong muscles of his thighs. The sight of it was enough and he grabbed the sheet either side of him as he came, total bliss sweeping over him. 

Lucy slowly crawled up the bed to lie flat on top of him, squashing her breasts against his chest, and he ran his hands up and down her spine and over her ass while they kissed. After several minutes she began to wriggle against him, rubbing her clit against his cock as he became hard again. When they were both slippery with arousal she moved enough to be able to slide back onto his cock, letting him fill her, then she sat up, angling herself so he was hitting that deep spot inside. Logan pressed his thumb against her clit, against that piercing, and she ground against it as she rode him, seeking that high, chasing that climax, trying to bite down her cry as it swept over her, before she collapsed forward onto his chest.

Logan, still hard, wrapped his arms around her back to anchor her in place, then he continued thrusting up into her, gaining pace while she clung to him, her head resting on his shoulder, her breathy cries sending him over the edge again with a long low groan. 

They held one another for a while, talking quietly, recapping the previous evening and the fun they’d had, avoiding talking about Logan’s impending departure. After a while Lucy yawned loudly and Logan left her to doze, dragging himself away to get Andy up and ready for school. 

As he walked the boy up Main Street they bumped into Brandon. Logan couldn’t help the smug smile that crept across his face as Andy told the other man they’d stayed at Lucy’s the night before. Brandon could try all he wanted, but Logan was the one that got to stay with her, love her. 

Of course there was the tiny niggle at the back of his mind that kept reminding him he was going away soon, but he had no reason not to trust her.

________________

Later that day, Lucy and Elsie went for the first fitting of their bridesmaid outfits. 

While they were changing, Nia and Mi-an settled on Vivi’s couch, and after a while Brandon joined them. “What’re you doing here?” Nia asked as he perched on the arm next to her. 

“Just taking an interest sis, that’s what you wanted wasn’t it?” 

Nia pulled a face. “Sure, just didn’t think bridesmaids dresses were your thing.” 

“Depends who’s wearing the dress,” Brandon said, causing Nia to do a double take. She was about to ask him to explain when Elsie walked out in her outfit. She looked amazing, the green brocade perfectly complementing her long red hair and pale skin. She was beaming ear-to-ear, even more so when she saw Brandon and he looked her up and down. 

“Well, whadda you think?” she asked shyly. 

“You look wonderful Else,” Mi-an said, her hands on her heart. 

“Beautiful,” Nia agreed. 

Brandon just nodded and smiled at her, but it was enough for Elsie and she turned to admire herself in the mirror. Next, Vivi left the changing rooms and stood to one side by the couch. She was very pleased with her work — she thought both outfits suited the girls to a tee. 

Then Lucy walked out, brushing her hands over the skirt of her dress. She was a little surprised to see Brandon there, watching her with the others, but her attention was taken by Nia. “Oh, that’s perfect,” Nia said. “Oh Grandma Vivi, they’re both wonderful, you’ve done a great job.” Nia stood to give the tailor a hug. 

Mi-an was nodding. “I’m so excited!” she said, clapping her hands together. 

Lucy grinned at her. “Is it all starting to feel real?” 

“Very much so,” Mi-an said. Nia walked over to her fiancee and bent down to give her a quick kiss. They gave each other such a loving look and Lucy felt herself welling up, so she quickly turned away to face the full length mirror. She ran her hands over her waist, feeling the botanical embroidery beneath her fingers, then she adjusted the front of her dress around her cleavage. 

Nia appeared at her side.

“You don’t think it’s too…?”

“Too what?” Nia asked. 

“Too revealing?” Lucy asked quietly, looking at her friend. Vivi was a wonderful tailor, and it hugged Lucy’s curves in all the right places. Maybe too much. 

“No such thing,” Brandon called from his position on the arm of the couch. Lucy looked up, catching his eye in the mirror. He was staring at her, a peculiar smile on his face, and Lucy felt her skin prickle under his gaze. What was that smile? Teasing? Flirting? No. That was a smile she'd wanted him to send her way for years. How often as a teen had she been desperate for him to look at her like that, to see her. And now he was, now it looked like he did, she didn’t know how to feel about it.

“Ugh, shut up Brandon,” Nia said. “This is why you weren’t invited to the dress fitting. You can’t be sensible about things like this.” 

“My input was very sensible,” he said. The bell above the door jingled as someone entered, and Brandon turned to look. “Oh, look, here,” he said, nodding towards the newcomer, “I’m sure Logan will agree with me.” 

“Agree about what?” Logan asked, and Lucy swivelled to look at him. He was looking at Brandon, bemused, and then his gaze landed on her. His eyes widened as he looked her up and down.

“Lucy’s dress. She’s worried it’s too revealing. I think she looks gorgeous.” 

Lucy swallowed nervously as she watched Logan. Sure enough, a muscle in his jaw ticked, but he remained calm. He wandered over to her, ignoring Brandon’s comment. “Y’look beautiful Luce,” he said. 

Behind them, Nia walloped Brandon on the arm. “Stop it,” she hissed. “Why’re you trying to cause trouble?”

Lucy looked up at Logan and he smiled at her. “You like it? Will you dance with me at the wedding if I’m dressed like this?” she asked, crossing her wrists behind his neck. He placed his hands on her waist. 

“You know I ain’t much of a dancer Luce, but I’d be honoured to try.” He bent his head to her ear. “But y’know you could be wearin’ a sack, and I’d still think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.” His hands gently squeezed her waist, and he kissed her softly on her jaw, sending tingles down her spine. “I just came to find you to see when yer free,” he continued, murmuring in her ear. “Andy’s havin’ a sleepover with Jasmine. So I wondered if you fancied comin’ over for dinner, stayin' the night? We won’t have to keep quiet. And there’s a lot of noises I wanna hear you make.” 

Lucy shuddered with anticipation and her chest and cheeks flushed. Her eyes quickly scanned the room, worried from her reaction that it was obvious what Logan was whispering to her. The only person watching them was Brandon, and his eyes darted away once she caught him looking. 

Lucy turned to face Logan again. “I’d love that,” she said, and she stood on tiptoes to kiss him on the lips. 

“Perfect.”

Logan stood up tall and adjusted his hat as he walked away. “Else, that colour looks great on you,” he said as he passed her. “Oh, and Brandon?” Logan waited until Brandon looked at him, then he simply said, “I agree,” before he walked out. For once Brandon didn’t have a smart quip or smirk. He glanced at Lucy, then down at his hands.

Lucy and Elsie went to change, and Brandon and Mi-an left. Then it was Nia’s turn to try on her dress for the first time. Lucy gasped when she saw her. “Oh Nia,” she said, her hands clasped under her chin, tears spilling onto her cheeks. “You’re such a beautiful bride.” 

“Absolutely,” Elsie said. “Mi-an is one very lucky woman.” 

Nia beamed at them from her reflection in the mirror. “Wait until you see the shoes, you’re both going to freak out,” she said with glee. 

________________

“Will yer look out for ‘em both, while I’m away?” 

Logan had stopped for a drink with Grace while he waited for Lucy to be finished with her dress fitting.

“Of course,” Grace said. “You know I will. We all will.” Logan smiled. Owen and Justice had both said the same when he’d caught up with them. “They’ll be fine though,” Grace continued. “Lucy’s always been very independent, and the two of them are growing closer every day.”

Logan nodded and took a swig of his beer, then put the bottle back down on the table and turned it around and around with his hand. “You okay about it? Me an’ Luce I mean.” 

“Oh. She told you?” 

“A little bit. Just that you liked her.”

Grace huffed a laugh. “Yeah, something like that. It’s fine, I’m over it. Can’t say I’m not jealous though. She’s a babe.”

Logan chewed his lip, trying not to smile. 

“Alight Logan, you don’t have to look so smug about it.” 

Logan chuckled. “Sorry. Can’t help it.”

“You really love her, don’t you?” 

“Yeah, I do,” he said. He eyed Grace carefully. “Can yer keep a secret?” 

Grace gave him an incredulous look. “Logan, I was a fucking spy. Of course I can keep a secret.” 

He laughed again and reached into his pocket. Grace’s eyes grew wide when she saw the ring. Logan blushed, then quickly stowed it away again before anyone else could see. He picked up his beer and scanned the saloon, just in case. 

“Logan.” Grace smiled, a truly genuine smile. She was so excited for her friends. “When are you going to ask her?” 

“I dunno. I’ve had it for a while. I bought it in the autumn, but it didn’t seem like she was ready. I don’t know to tell if she is, y’know?” 

“Want me to sound her out?”

“Could you?”

“I’ll see what I can do. You just concentrate on your bounty so you can get home and ask her. And perhaps keep your fingers crossed that someone else doesn’t tempt her while you’re away.” She gave him a wink before she drank from her bottle. Logan narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head. 

“That ain’t what I meant when I asked you to look out for her,” he said. 

“Well, whatever she needs, right?” She grinned at him while he shook his head again and sipped his beer. 

“It ain’t you I’m worried about,” he said quietly, staring over her shoulder. She turned to see Brandon approaching the bar. 

“You don’t think Lucy’s interested in him do you?” Grace asked. 

“No. But he’s definitely keen on her.”

As if he could sense them looking, Brandon turned in their direction. 

Logan raised his beer and tipped it in greeting. “Ah, shit. That was a mistake. He’s comin’ over,” he murmured to Grace. 

“Hi Logan, Grace.” Brandon gave Grace one of his charming smiles. She smiled back, tilting her head coquettishly. She knew Logan didn’t like him, and she could totally see why. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy a little flirt herself. He was very handsome. “Can I buy you both a drink?” Brandon asked.

“Oh, I need to get back to work unfortunately, but I’ll grab your drinks for you. What are you having?” Grace asked as she stood. 

Logan’s face fell as he scrabbled to think of an excuse to leave, but Brandon took the seat opposite him. “I think it’d mean a lot to Lucy if we could get on,” he said. 

Logan frowned. Condescending git, he thought. But he felt caught between a rock and hard place. He didn’t really want to spend any time with this guy, but if he said no, he might seem like the unreasonable one. 

“Alright,” he mumbled. “Same again please Grace.” 

“Same for me too please, thanks Grace.” 

She nodded and walked away, turning back to give Logan a double thumbs up behind Brandon’s back. This was all quite entertaining for her. Logan scowled and rubbed the label of his empty bottle with his thumb.

Brandon tapped the table, a small smile playing at the edges of his mouth. “It seems we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.” When Logan arched a brow, Brandon held up a hand. “I know, probably my fault. I just want what’s best for her.” 

Logan sat back as Grace brought their drinks out and placed them on the table. “Is that all it is?” he asked as she walked away again. 

Brandon’s smiled widened and he focused on his beer. “So Lucy tells me you’re going away for a while.” 

Logan noted how Brandon sidestepped the question, but he wasn’t going to get drawn into it. “Yeah. Bounty in a town a few days’ ride away. Some kinda mountain beast — half man, half bear — scaring the folks there.”

“That happen often? You going away for weeks? Lucy showed me the photos from your trips last year.”

“Big bounties like this are rarer I guess. Sometimes they come through City Hall, a request for help. Like with the village. Sometimes it’s a private bounty, like this one.”

“It’s good there are people here to look after Andy for you.”

“Absolutely. Kid’s bin through a lot. Havin’ a stable village to help raise him is a godsend.”

“Of course a lot of it will fall to Lucy.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well she’s your partner, it’s implied she’ll feel she has to step up right?”

“We’ve talked about it plenty. I wouldn’t be with someone who couldn’t accept Andy too.”

“No, of course. Well. We’ll all make sure they’re okay while you’re away. We wouldn’t want Lucy to get lonely,” Brandon said, raising his beer to his lips.

Logan ran his tongue over his teeth. “Mighty kind of you, Brandon.” 

________________

That evening Lucy and Logan talked over dinner, finally discussing his departure, and when they’d have to say goodbye. He had two more nights in town, including this one. But, he said wryly, he really ought to use the last one to get some good shut-eye. They talked about the bounty, the town he was going to, what Lucy’s plans were for the coming weeks, the projects she had on, how Andy was doing with school. 

Lucy tried to stay strong, to not get sad or emotional, to not make Logan feel guilty for leaving. But she was dreading it. 

After dinner they showered together, and Lucy took her time running her soapy hands over Logan’s chest and abs, his ass and thighs, as if she could commit every muscle and line to memory. He wrapped a towel around his waist once he’d stepped out of the shower, then he picked something up off the side to show Lucy.

“I was jostlin’ through some old belongings while I was packin’,” he said. “And I found this. Pa’s old shavin’ knife. Reckon I could put it to good use before I go away. Get these whiskers under control." He ran his hand over his stubble. "What do you think?”

Lucy buttoned up her sleep shirt, then plucked the knife from his fingers. “I can do it, if you like?” 

Logan dragged a chair into his bathroom then sat down, his white towel around his waist, his chest still damp. He tied his wet hair back out the way, and Lucy dabbed shaving cream over his jaw. “Ready?” she asked with a grin before she started shaving his face. 

He nodded. “I trust yer Darlin’.” 

She gently ran the knife along his jaw using small strokes, angling the knife to cut the hairs close but avoid nicking his skin. He watched her face as she moved about him, her brown eyes serious as she concentrated. Every now and then she wiped the knife, then continued, short scratching sounds echoing around the bathroom. Logan found his eyes closing, tingles dancing over his skin as she attended to him. At last she was finished and she wiped his face with another towel.  

“Not a scratch,” he said as he felt his jaw. “Smooth as velvet.” He grinned at her.

“You sound surprised Lo,” she said, arching a brow.

Logan chuckled and pulled her forward to sit on his lap, her night shirt riding up so his towel was the only barrier between them. “You like the clean shaven look?” he asked.

She leant back a little to assess him. “I like it, although I think I prefer the scruff.” 

“That so? Well, I’ll have plenty time to grow it back.”

Lucy ran her hands over his chest and up to his shoulders. “I’m going to miss you so much Lo,” she said quietly, at last allowing a slight tremble into her voice. 

“I’m gonna miss you too Darlin’. So much. You got plenty o’folk here lookin’ out for yer though.”

“I know. It’s not the same though.”

“Well that’s good. I don’t want you to replace me Luce,” he murmured, his hands palming her thighs.

“Nobody could you replace you Lo, you know that.” 

“Somebody sure is tryin’,” he said drily. 

“Who? Brandon?”

"He wants you Luce, I know he does,” he said as he began to trace her collarbone lightly with his fingers. “I saw the way he was lookin’ at you today when you were wearin’ that dress, the way his eyes travelled over you, the way he watched your lips when you spoke.” 

Logan ran his fingers down to her buttons, and slowly began undoing them. “It’s how I used to look at you, when I wanted to know what you looked like under yer clothes.” He pushed her open nightshirt back from her shoulders so it fell to the ground, then he ran his fingers down over her neck, her breasts, down to lightly tease her nipples. Lucy sighed, her chest heaving as he stroked her, and she leant into him so he could gently kiss her lips, then her jaw, her neck.

“It’s how I used to look at you when I couldn’t stop imaginin’ what it was like to taste your lips, to lick your skin. When I was desperate to feel the wetness between your legs and slide inside.” His fingers travelled down, over her stomach, down between her legs. “When I wondered what you’d sound like if I hit the right spots, and how your breath would change just before you came.”

He slid his fingers along her sex and she began to whimper, her hips beginning to rock in his lap. Logan slid a finger inside, pressing against that soft spot, and she groaned. But then he stilled. Lucy ground against his hand, desperate for him to continue, but he didn’t move. She opened her eyes, her eyelids heavy, pleading with him to carry on. 

His eyes scanned her face. “But now I know Luce, now I know what it’s like to have you, and I don’t want anyone else to know. I want it to be my secret alone, to be the only one who knows those parts of you.”

“You are Logan,” she murmured, her lips brushing his, her hands cupping the smooth skin of his jaw. “Now and always. It’s only you. Nobody has ever made me feel the way you do. You’re all I want.” She kissed him again. “Just you. I love you. I’m yours.”  

Logan smiled softly at her. “Good.” Then he slid another finger inside and she groaned loudly, the pent up excitement causing her to buck against his hand, leaning back even more so he had better access, her feet on the bars of the chair, her hands braced behind her on his knees. He began to fuck her with his fingers, his thumb sliding over her clit until she came and curled into him, clasping his shoulders. 

When she’d stopped shuddering and could finally kiss him again, he ran his hands around to her ass, squeezing and pulling her to rub against his cock under the towel. 

He broke the kiss and looked at her. “Bed. Now.” 

Lucy bit her lip and obediently stood. Logan followed her, his eyes raking over her as she walked to his room and climbed onto his bed. The evening sunlight cast its rays through the window, making her skin flicker with tones of gold and red, and her piercings sparkle.

She gazed up at him, waiting for him to join her, her heart beating quickly. He was so beautiful standing there, watching her, his white hair and the white towel contrasting with his tanned skin, the red ink of his tattoo, and his deep blue eyes. It was almost too much, waiting for him to lie down and make love to her, like she couldn't endure it. But she also wanted to press pause, to stay like this, drinking in the sight of him, so that he'd never have to go away. 

He unwrapped the towel from his waist and dropped it on the floor, then he climbed on top of her and nudged her legs apart. His eyes burned into hers as he took her in one slow movement, and she closed her eyes in bliss. 

“I hope you weren’t plannin’ on gettin’ any sleep tonight Builder,” he murmured, his nose nudging her jaw, tilting her chin up so he could kiss her neck. “I need to show you how much I love you.”

She wrapped her legs around him, encouraging him deeper, and threaded her fingers through his white hair, pulling it loose about his face as he slowly made love to her, over and over again, as the sun through the window slowly set behind the mountains. 

Logan lost count of how many times she cried out his name that night, of how many times he filled her, spilled inside her. 

They made love as if they could make up for the time they would be apart.

As if they could cram it all into one night. 

As if it was the last night they’d ever have together.

Chapter 7: A test

Summary:

Lucy looks after Andy while Logan's away, until she begins to feel unwell herself. Logan arrives in the new town for his bounty.

Logan was leaving at daybreak, so Lucy said goodbye to him the day before then went home to her bed and tried to sleep. She tossed and turned, finally falling into a fitful doze. When she woke again at dawn she lay there for a few moments, contemplating, then she rushed out of bed to pull on her clothes and boots, grabbing her keys as she ran out her door. 

She knew when she reached Mi-an’s that she was too late. Rambo was gone. Logan's house was shut up. She wiped her eyes as the tears fell, scolding herself for being dramatic and over emotional, telling herself she’d see him again soon. She slowly trudged back down the hill and through the tunnel, oblivious to the beautiful sunrise and the sound of the dawn chorus. 

As she reached the train tracks she saw the flag on her mailbox was up and she slowed. Too early for mail. 

She flipped the latch and opened the metal door, and a smile bloomed on her face. 

A single mountain rose, and a note.

I’ll be counting down the days.

Logan xx

_________________

Logan’s departure seemed to trigger a permanent shift in the weather, and it felt like a betrayal. All of a sudden the days were much, much brighter, the breeze deliciously warm, and tiny spring buds sprouted on the branches. 

Lucy’s plan was to keep as busy as possible while Logan was away and hope that the time passed quickly. She felt it should be easy — her speciality even. Commissions, ruin-diving, installations, deliveries, catch-ups with friends. She knew how to fill her time. And she was used to him being busy and away for a few days at a time. It would all be fine.

It helped that Owen threw a party that first week to celebrate his birthday. He closed the Blue Moon for a private event and hosted his friends with an array of delicious dishes. Grace’s present to Owen, and as a result to everyone else, was a new cocktail she’d created. A chef she was not, but she seemed to have a skill for mixing drinks. She called the new cocktail ‘The Barkeep’ and, like Owen, it was warm, extravagant, and very, very strong. It was also dangerously delicious and Lucy knocked back far more than she could handle.

Owen had invited Brandon for Nia and Lucy, but he and Justice were also on watch, keeping an eye out on behalf of their missing friend. They noticed how Brandon would drape his arm around Lucy's shoulder every so often. Lucy, for her part, didn’t seem to encourage him beyond being her usual friendly self.

“What’s going on there?” Owen asked Nia at one point.

Nia sighed. “That’s my brother wanting what he can’t have.” 

“You don’t think he actually likes her then? It’s all a game?” 

“I don’t think it’s a game. I think he thinks he likes her. When we were younger, he knew Lucy adored him. He was never interested, but I think he liked the attention. He got used to it. Now it’s directed elsewhere…well.” Nia frowned. “I’ll talk to him.”

Still, when the night drew to an end and Brandon made to walk a wobbly Lucy home, Justice quickly intervened. “I’ve got this,” he said with a confident smile, quickly wrapping an arm around Lucy and guiding her through the doors. 

“Justice!” she cried, hugging her arms around his waist as they stumbled out together. “My favourite sheriff.” 

Justice chuckled. “Thanks Luce. Say, how many of those cocktails did you have?” 

“I dunno. Why?”

“Oh, no reason,” he said, as he tried to keep her upright while they zig-zagged towards her house.

Owen visited her the next morning. She winced at him when she opened the door and the sunlight filtered in. His deep chuckle sounded very loud to her sensitive ears.

“It’s the birthday boy,” she said, her voice scratchy. “Oh, no, it’s an angel,” she amended, as he held out a takeout cup of strong coffee. “Come in.” 

“Did you have a good time last night?” she asked, curled up on her couch with her warm drink. She knew she must look a state, her hair wild, wearing her comfiest, grungiest old t-shirt and sweatpants. For once she was glad Logan wasn’t around to see her.

She chatted with Owen for a while, and eventually he brought the subject round to Brandon. “Just be careful there Luce,” he said, his brows furrowed. “I know you love Logan, we all know that. But you clearly have some history with Brandon as well. You need to make sure that…whatever that is…it doesn’t mess up what you have now.” 

“The thing is,” Lucy said, “Brandon hasn’t actually said anything, or tried anything. I know it seems like he’s flirting a lot, but that’s just him. He might not actually…”

She trailed off as Owen raised his eyebrows and dipped his chin. She knew that expression. It was a ‘get real’ look.

Lucy chewed her lip, then nodded. Then she rubbed her eyes and groaned. “There’s no question in my mind Owen, it’s always going to be Logan.” 

“But…?” 

“But Brandon had a hold over me for the longest time.” 

“And there’s some satisfaction in the fact he’s now pining after you?” Owen asked, not unkindly. 

Lucy nodded, embarrassed. 

“I can understand that.”

Lucy sighed and shook her head. “You’re getting very wise in your old age Owen.” 

Owen chuckled. “Less of the ‘old’ please Lucy.”

_________________

Lucy didn’t bump into Brandon for a few days, which she was quite relieved about. She felt it was all starting to get out of hand. Now that Owen had spoken to her about it, she worried there was gossip about them both. She was relieved Logan wasn’t around to hear it. 

She knew she had to nip it in the bud, but it was going to be an awkward conversation. And as much as she’d crushed on Brandon and probably made a fool of herself when younger, it had never been awkward between them. She’d never felt she had to guard herself against him. He was her friend, someone she idolised. 

It saddened her that that might change.

Thankfully he seemed quite busy. It was vaccination season for the yakmel herd, and Cooper had roped Brandon in to help. She waved at him as she dropped a delivery to Mabel and picked up a pint of milk. He seemed in his element, sleeves rolled up above his elbows, rubber boots on, stomping through the mud. Lucy had always been amazed how Brandon and Nia always looked picture perfect, despite their love of nature. They didn’t seem to end up covered in it like Lucy did.

She startled as Elsie suddenly ran up behind her. “Boo!” 

Elsie cackled as Lucy placed a hand over her chest, her heart racing a mile a minute. “Light, Elsie.” 

The noise attracted Brandon’s attention and he looked over, grinning at them both. 

When Elsie realised, her face suddenly matched the colour of her hair. Lucy looked at her friend and smiled sympathetically. “Just talk to him Elsie, he won’t bite. I know you’ve probably heard things from Logan, but Brandon’s a nice guy if you get to know him. Have you introduced him to Daisy yet? I’m sure he’d be fascinated to meet her.”

Elsie scuffed the ground with her boots and stared at her feet. “I dunno Luce. I just don’t know what to say to him. I get all tongue-tied, it’s embarrassin’.” 

Lucy nearly said that she’d felt the same when she was younger, but she stopped herself just in time, not wanting to be condescending.

“Would you come with us? Perhaps you could mention it to ‘im,” Elsie asked, her eyes lighting up at the idea. 

“Oh,” Lucy said, a little hesitantly. “Okay. Sure. I’ll arrange it.” 

_________________

Love life issues aside, Lucy’s ‘keeping busy through work’ plan started out well. Her workstation was currently a mess of commission slips, notes and scribbles where she’d written lists and worked out measurements for her upcoming builds. Lucy smiled to herself — if Logan were there he would’ve teased her mercilessly about her organised chaos. But Lucy knew just where everything was and what everything meant.

At half past three on the dot Andy let himself in through her gate and wandered over, jumping up onto a stool next to her workstation to peer at what she was doing.

“Howdy Builder, what’s that?” 

Lucy was sanding down some strips of beautiful rich acacia wood.

“These,” she said, holding up a couple of pieces, “Will be the bars on a new crib for Pebble’s baby brother or sister. I’ll be fixing them to this base here. Pretty special huh?” 

“Yeah.” Andy ran his fingers over the smooth wood and smiled. 

“I was thinking actually,” she continued as she put the bars back on her worktable, “About all of these offcuts. I wondered about cutting out some shapes from them and making a mobile to hang over the crib. Would you like to help?” 

“Can I?” he asked, crimson eyes wide and sparkling. 

“Absolutely. I need to finish the crib first, but perhaps you could draw out some ideas for shapes.”

“What kinda shapes?” 

“Well, we could do farm animals. Or, a space theme. Something like that. What do you think Rocky and Krystal would like?”

“I bet I could find out.” 

“Sounds like a plan.” She grinned at him. His serious, thoughtful face was very endearing. As much as he could play the fool — like any young kid — if you gave him a task to do he took great care to do it well.

“You got any of those popsicles Luce?” Andy asked as she began sanding again.

“Sure, you know where they are.” 

Andy hopped down off the bench to go and get one.

“Luuuuce, I can’t find any!” she heard him call from her kitchen. 

“Alright, coming!” she called back, setting her tools down carefully. 

A rummage through her fridge later, and she’d dug out the last popsicle for Andy, hidden under a few frozen Blue Moon meals she kept in for easy dinners. “We’d better make some more kiddo,” she said, and they got to work mixing melon slices, juice, and honey in her blender. When the mixture was ready, she held the molds so that Andy could pour it in. They both ended up a sticky mess and needed a thorough hand wash before she carefully placed the popsicles in the freezer.

“Can I come by again tomorrow?” he asked, when it was time for him to head back to Trudy’s.

“Sure thing kiddo,” Lucy said, ruffling his hair. She watched him walk away then went back to her work.

_________________

Andy and Lucy fell into a routine as he took to visiting her every day after school. She didn’t think much on it, simply enjoyed his company, although she subconsciously started to make sure she’d done any work that took her far from home during the mornings so that she’d be back in time for him.

Lucy didn’t realise she’d come to expect him until, one day at the end of the week, he didn’t appear. 

She waited 10 minutes, then 20, before she removed her gloves and peered into the distance to see if she could spot him. When she couldn’t, she decided to go and look for him to make sure he was okay. She figured he was probably playing with Jasmine, which was fine if that’s what he wanted to do, but something told her she should check. 

He wasn’t at the park, so she walked to Trudy’s and knocked. She waited patiently as she heard movement from inside.

“Oh, hello Lucy, good to see you.” 

“Hi Trudy, I’m just checking if Andy’s here. He didn’t visit me today.”

Trudy took her upstairs where Andy was curled up in bed, struck down with a bad case of flu. Lucy perched next to him and laid a hand over his forehead. He was burning up. Trudy told her Fang had visited and given him some medicine, and told them the best thing was to let the fever run its course. “Jasmine had something similar last week,” Trudy said. “It must be doing the rounds.” 

Lucy’s hand on Andy’s forehead seemed to rouse him. 

“Lucy,” he croaked, “Yer here.” 

“Of course,” she said with a smile, then took his hand in hers. “We gang members have got to look out for each other.” She was taken aback when Andy’s lower lip began to wobble. “Andy, what’s wrong?” 

“We’re the only ones left,” he said, sniffling.

“What do you mean?”

“The gang. S’only us left.”

“Oh, Andy. Grace is still around. And I know Haru’s away at uni, but he’s still part of the gang. And Logan will be back soon.”

“How soon?” 

“As soon as he can.” It was then that she realised why Andy had been visiting her so much. He missed them all, their adventures together. “Hey, how about you move over to my place for a bit, while you get better. Would you like that?” 

Andy sniffled again and nodded, his lower lip still pouting. He looked so very sorry for himself. 

“Okay,” Lucy said with another smile, stroking his fever-damp hair from his face. “Let me chat to Trudy and figure out how to get you there. Maybe Uncle Owen could come and carry you for me.”  

It was a small procession that saw Andy to Lucy’s house and settled him into the bed in her spare room. Trudy and Jasmine tagged along, bringing his medicine and overnight bag, while Owen carried the small boy and Justice walked with them, telling jokes to make Andy laugh, and Grace brought along a bunch of cheese sandwiches and banana-orange gelatin from the Blue Moon. 

When at last everyone had left them to it, Lucy sat next to Andy and tucked him into his bed. 

“Lucy, will yer tell me that story again?” Andy croaked. “The one with the pirates and the whales?” 

Lucy smiled and stroked his hair. “Once upon a time…”

_________________

She left him dozing and went to potter outside in her yard, not wanting to go too far in case he woke and called for her.

“Howdy short stuff,” Brandon called as he let himself in through her gate. 

“‘Howdy’?” she said with a laugh, leaning on her spade. “Oh dear, you’re one of us already. How’s it going with Coop?” 

“That man sure can talk hey?”

“Did nobody warn you?” 

He chuckled. “It’s going well. I have to shower three times to get the smell of yakmel off me though. That shaggy fur carries a whole host of sins.” 

“Yes,” Lucy said, agreeing emphatically. “We have to wash it a lot before we can use it for clothes. Great for winter gear though.” 

Brandon grinned at her. “So, I wondered if you fancied grabbing dinner or something? Been a few days since we caught up.” 

Lucy paused. Would now be the time to have that conversation? Clear the air before they carried on? But there was Andy, and he might wake at any moment. “I can’t today. I’ve got Andy here. He’s not very well.”

“Oh, alright, no worries. Is he okay?” 

“Should be. Some kind of flu. Thanks for asking though.” 

Brandon nodded. “Can I fetch you anything? Food? Medicine?” 

“No we’re all good, thank you. Um, actually there is something though — I don’t know if anyone’s told you about Daisy, Elsie’s duck?” 

“The giant duck. I’ve heard of it yes. Thought they were pulling my leg though to be honest.” 

Lucy laughed. “Well, Elsie and I thought we could take you to see her one day, catch a ride to the Northern Plateau?” 

“Both of you, or just you?” 

“Both of us.” 

“Uh, sure. Always up for seeing giant waterfowl,” he said with a grin. 

“Great. We’ll arrange it when Andy’s better.” 

Lucy watched Brandon leave and felt a little brighter. They’d managed a nice normal conversation, zero flirting, just friendly. Maybe it would all be fine.

_________________

Andy became rather attached to Lucy’s home, her cooking, and her yard with Merle and grumpy old Roach, so she let him stay, even when he was better. She was getting quite used to having him around. He’d decided to work on an invention he’d thought up — something that was to be a present for Logan when he got home, and Lucy helped him with his sketches.

But a few days after Andy had recovered, Lucy began to feel unwell.

She struggled on for a day or two, trying to work through the fatigue and the queasiness, until at last she had to admit working and looking after Andy was too much, and she arranged for him to stay at Trudy’s again. She joked with him that they were tag-teaming the flu, and said to give her a few days to get better, then he could restart his visits again.

Once he was safely settled, Lucy set off home, but she swung by the clinic first. She was sure it was just the flu. As Trudy said, it was doing the rounds. But there was something she wanted to check, just in case. She wasn't sure why, but she just had an odd feeling.

Fang’s face remained impassive when she asked him for a pregnancy test, but he did probe her for symptoms. 

“You and the monster hunter…you are…sexually active?” he asked.

Oh boy. That was putting it lightly.

“Yes. I take the contraceptive you gave me though.” 

“Only…98 per cent...effective.” 

Lucy nodded nervously and wrung her hands together. 

“Symptoms?” 

“Nausea. And feeling very tired. Probably just the flu but…” 

A little while later Lucy stared at the tiny screen on the contraption Fang had made her pee on. She wasn’t sure how to feel, and that surprised her. She thought she’d be happy but, she wasn’t. 

It wasn’t until Fang silently handed her a tissue that she realised a tear was rolling down her cheek. She took it gratefully and wiped her face, then looked at the screen again. 

_________________

Logan placed his holdall on the floor and assessed the room before he hung up his hat and took a seat on the bed. He ran his hands over his face and groaned. He was stiff and sore from spending days in the saddle, and desperate for a bath and a hot meal.

He really hoped this bounty would be worth it. He was a seasoned traveller, but putting down roots with Lucy and Andy seemed to make things more difficult. He was regularly homesick now. He figured that was a good sign though. Something to be grateful for. 

As he got up to run the hot water for a bath, he wondered what they were both doing right now. He hoped the kid was coping alright. Andy seemed to take it in his stride, but there was a distant sadness in his eyes every time they said goodbye. 

And Lucy. Logan had been surprised at how upset she was when they finally said goodbye. She’d clung to him so tightly, quiet tears running down her face. She hadn’t asked him not to go, hadn’t made him feel bad for leaving, and for that he was grateful. He hoped her sadness was a good sign that he didn’t have anything to worry about with her and Brandon. Owen and Justice had both offered to keep an eye on them, but he’d felt a little weird about it, like he was spying. 

He had to trust her. It niggled at him though. Brandon would be able to offer her a much more stable life. He seemed well off, had great prospects. Could sweep her back to Highwind, her hometown. Lucy knew him well, considered him family. What if she realised she still had feelings for Brandon? Loved him even? Chose him? 

And because Logan loved her, he knew he could never stand in her way.

Those creeping doubts, the ones that still plagued Logan from time to time, threatened to rear their ugly head.

But perhaps this was the test. And Logan would know, when he returned home, whether they’d passed it.

Chapter 8: A confession

Summary:

Lucy confides in Nia and Grace, and takes Brandon to meet Daisy with Elsie. Meanwhile, there's mischief brewing.

Luce

I hope you’re doing alright and this letter don’t take too long to reach you. Took me and Rambo a few days to reach the town. Weather held out ok though. No sandstorms. That might’ve scuppered things, so we were lucky.

Everyone’s real nice, but I miss you, and Andy too. I’ve sent a letter for him with this one, if you could give it to him for me. 

Been chatting to the folks here trying to find out what the problem is and how best to tackle it. Seems the beast has a den just outside town. Ain’t hurt nobody yet, but comes crashing about at night. They’re all white with fear. I’m gonna have to wait until it appears next, see what I’m up against.

If you get a chance, you can write to me at the address above — letter will find me at the inn here. Would be nice to hear about what you’re up to and to know you’re alright. 

Miss you Darlin’.

Logan xx

_________________

Nia got wind that Lucy was unwell and stopped by the Blue Moon to pick up soup for her. When she told Grace she was paying Lucy a visit, Grace decided to tag along. She’d only really just started to get to know Nia since her return to Sandrock, but anyone who’d drop things to visit a sick friend seemed A-OK to her. 

They found Lucy on her couch, wrapped in a blanket despite the warm weather. “Oh you poor thing,” Nia clucked, fussing around her.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Lucy said to them both, her voice thick and nasally. “You’ll catch it.” 

Grace took the chair furthest away and grinned at Lucy. “Safe zone,” she said. 

“You want to hear something silly?” Lucy asked them a little while later, after they’d made her eat something. 

“Always,” Grace said.

Lucy gave her a small smile. “Before I got properly ill,” Lucy began, gesturing to her red nose, “I thought I might be pregnant.” 

“What?” Nia squealed.

“I’m not, calm down.” 

“Oh. But why did you think you were pregnant? Is your period late?” Nia asked, getting straight to the point. 

Lucy shrugged. “I haven’t had a period for ages — one of the blessings of Fang’s pills. I just felt tired and queasy. It didn’t seem like the flu. I feel…felt…different.” 

“Have you checked, to make sure?” 

“Yes, Fang did a test.” 

Grace leant forward in her chair and narrowed her eyes slightly. “And how do you feel knowing you’re not pregnant?” 

Lucy shifted in her seat and stared at the ratty tissue in her hands. “I was kind of disappointed,” she admitted. 

“Eep.” Nia squeaked then slapped a hand over her mouth. Grace looked at her and laughed, then back at Lucy. 

“So…you want to have a baby?” 

Lucy nodded, then she slowly shook her head. “I want to have Logan’s baby,” she corrected.

Grace couldn’t believe her luck. She hadn’t had to pry or think of smart questions to get the answers Logan had asked her to get, it was falling right into her lap. Next to her, Nia was a bundle of excitement.

“This is amazing Lucy,” Nia said. When Lucy frowned Nia babbled on. “Obviously not that you’re disappointed, but that you know this is something you want. That’s good, right?” 

“I guess."  

Grace thought carefully about how to lead into her next question. “I didn’t have you pegged as a ‘marriage and babies’ sort of person.”

“It was always something I thought about. More of a ‘one day’ kinda thing though.”

“But now…you want that with Logan?” 

Lucy nodded again. 

“Marriage too?” Grace asked. She was alarmed when Lucy pulled an odd face, until Lucy let out a huge ‘achoo’. 

Lucy blew her nose, her eyes watering as she looked at the two expectant faces in front of her. 

“Not so much a wedding. No offence Nia, I’m loving helping you with yours, but—”

“It’s okay Luce, I know it’s not your sort of thing,” Nia said.

Lucy smiled gratefully at her friend. 

“But…?” Grace prompted.

“But being married to Logan…” Lucy chewed her chapped lips. “Yeah. I think I’d like that very much.” 

Both women stared at her, smiles tugging on their lips. 

“Oh fuck it,” Nia said, “Who cares about the flu?” She stood and threw her arms around Lucy. 

Grace grinned. Mission accomplished.

_________________

"Do you think Logan's the marrying type though?" Nia asked Grace as they walked back towards the Blue Moon. Nia was worried her friend may be hankering after something that was unlikely to happen. 

“You'd be surprised," Grace said. 

Nia stopped walking and looked at Grace, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "You know something," she said.

Grace grinned. "How good are you at keeping secrets?" she asked conspiratorially. 

_________________

Dear Lo

Andy and I were so pleased to get your letters. We both miss you a lot. What’s the town like?

We’ve both been unwell with the flu — Andy first, now I’ve come down with it. He came to stay with me for a bit but he’s much better now and back with Trudy. I’m hoping I’ll be over it soon. I hadn’t realised how much more easily kids bounce back than us!

I’ve included a photo of us from last week with this letter. Andy’s helping me make a mobile for Krystal and Rocky’s baby. After some excellent sleuthing from Andy we settled on a farm theme, with baby yakmels and roosters, that sort of thing. He did bang his thumb with the hammer (hence the bandage) but I promise it’s just bruised under there. He’s been working hard on his homework too (honestly!) and I told him you’d be proud of him. 

Owen wants to know what the inn is like and if you can steal borrow any recipes. The rest of the gang say hi too. Have you had any more clues about what it is you’re hunting for?

I know you can handle yourself, but stay safe Lo. We want you home in one piece.

Love always

Lucy xxx

_________________

Logan smiled when he received Lucy’s letter, but frowned when he read they’d been sick. He hoped it was nothing serious, and that Lucy was taking care of herself. She had a habit of trying to get back to work before she was well enough. 

When she’d been electrocuted in the summer, and suffered severe burns to her hands and feet, she’d still been itching to get the bandages off and get back to things as soon as possible. He smiled at the memory. It had been harrowing, but looking back on it now, he thought of that time fondly. It had been special, taking care of her, reconnecting with her after their breakup. Funny it took something like that for them to realise the depth of their feelings. 

Logan finished writing his letter back to Lucy then folded it and placed it in the envelope before turning it over and penning Lucy’s address. As he was fixing the stamp, he heard boots clomping on the floor of the saloon, heading in his direction.

“You ready Lo?” the voice said.

“Yeah, let’s crack on.”

_________________

Darlin’ Luce

I was having a real shit rough day til I got your letter and the photo of you both. Made everything so much better to hear from you. I’m gonna see if I can get some pictures of the town for you, I reckon you’d be interested to see it. 

I’m sorry you’ve both been ill though. I’m glad Andy’s okay. Thank you for looking out for him. Are you feeling better now Luce? Make sure you’re resting and eating enough Darlin’. Wish I was there to look after you.

The inn ain’t anything special but it has a warm bed and whisky so that’s an improvement right there on camping. They do a good pork and leek pot pie here, I reckon Owen could do something like that with yakmel or rooster meat, tho what do I know about cooking!

No sighting of the beast yet but I heard it. They’re not wrong Luce, the way it crashes through town, thing sounds like a boxing jack caught in a, well, a box. Man is it fast though. Shot off into the trees and away into the night. Only thing I saw was the trees quivering as it passed through. It's been mighty frustrating to be honest.

Met another monster hunter though, Elliott. Reckon we’re gonna team up to find out what’s frightening the folks here. We’ve found some pretty large footprints, not sure I wanna find the fella they belong to, but we're gonna try and track 'em. Good to have someone to team up with though, and the bounty’s plenty big enough for us to share. Means you don’t have to worry about me so much neither, knowing there’s someone else here watching my six. 

Would prefer it if it was you, but I’m happy to know you’re back in Sandrock, safe and sound.

Feel better soon Darlin'.

All my love

Logan xx

_________________

After ten days Lucy was back on her feet, albeit still tired. Fang explained that flu can cause post-viral fatigue, so she should still take it easy but visit him again if she felt worse or had new symptoms. She carried on with her easier commissions and upped her orders with Rocky and Ged to ease the burden. Mi-an was also an angel of a friend, dropping by materials whenever she ‘made too much’. (Lucy didn’t believe her.) 

Andy’s daily afterschool visits started up again, as did the odd sleepover. Sometimes Grace would join them for a barbecue dinner, and Lucy would cook things ‘extra crispy’ to remind them of Logan. 

Lucy finally got round to arranging the trip for her and Elsie to take Brandon to meet Daisy. He’d visited her a couple of times when she was poorly, but he’d been on his best behaviour (or perhaps she’d just looked too disgusting to flirt with, she wasn’t sure).

Brandon met Lucy at her gate in the morning and they wandered over to the Ranch together. 

“So, is Elsie going to talk to me today or…?” 

“Be nice,” Lucy warned him. “She’s very sweet, and knows a lot about animals, just like you.” 

Brandon just grinned, so Lucy shook her head. “Morning Else!” she called as they drew near.

“Oh, h-hi,” Elsie said, smiling nervously. 

“Brandon’s very excited to meet Daisy, aren’t you Brandon?” Lucy looked at him expectantly, and his eyes widened. 

“Oh, yes. Absolutely.” He turned to Elsie. “Can’t wait. I’ve never come across a giant duck before. How big is she?” 

“She’s about 12 feet standin’,” Elsie answered quickly.

“12 feet? No way. You’re having me on.” Brandon looked between them both. 

Lucy smiled. “Only one way to find out, let’s go.” 

As they walked through the pasture, Brandon asked Elsie more questions — how she’d found Daisy, was she the only one of her kind, did Daisy follow any migratory patterns. Elsie’s answers at first were stilted, but the combination of his genuine curiosity and a subject she knew inside out meant she began to open up. Lucy hung back a little, smiling as their conversation began to flow a little more easily.

She could still hear the skepticism in his voice though, and when they reached the ledge near the Moisture Farm and Elsie began to quack, he looked at Lucy over the top of Elsie’s head, his face the perfect expression of you expect me to believe this nonsense? 

Lucy grinned, especially when large wing beats sounded from above their heads and the resulting wind whipped up the hair around their faces. Brandon’s mouth gaped as he slowly looked up. 

Daisy landed and Elsie introduced her to Brandon with a seemingly random selection of quacks. The duck settled down and clacked her beak, making a few soft quacking noises in return. 

And then Brandon’s tone truly changed and he was asking Elsie question after question, asking if he could touch Daisy and examine her, asking about her feeding habits and care. 

Elsie bloomed. She loved nothing more than sharing her knowledge, and the fact that this man she liked was genuinely interested lit her up inside. She said something to Daisy and the duck rifled around in her wings before plucking out a large white feather. Elsie handed it to Brandon and he ran his hands along it, studying it seriously. They had their own fair share of unusual animals in Highwind, including large seabirds like the petrelican, but nothing quite like Daisy. 

“And we can ride her?” he was asking excitedly.

“Uh-huh,” Elsie nodded enthusiastically. ‘We can take her over to the plateau…oh shoot.” Elsie stopped talking and cocked her head to listen. Sure enough, carried on the wind was the sound of her father hollering for her from the nearest end of the pasture. Something had got him riled up, yet again. 

“Oh, dammit.” Elsie looked dismayed. “I gotta run, see what’s got my pa’s pants all twisted. Perhaps another time?” She waved good-bye and darted away, leaving Lucy and Brandon watching after her. 

“Do we need Elsie to ride her?” he asked Lucy.

“No. I think Elsie would like to go with you though.” 

“Well, we can do that again another day. How about you and I go now?” 

Lucy looked at him, his face so excited, green eyes shining, dimpled smile imploring, and she didn’t have the heart to say no. “Okay, sure. Just a quick ride now.”

The plateau was calm and quiet when they dismounted. Brandon gave Daisy an affectionate pat and the duck quacked loudly. Lucy began walking, leading Brandon on a loop around the Starship Ruins. 

“You come here often?” he asked, then smirked and winked at her as he realised it sounded like a chat up line.

Lucy chuckled and rolled her eyes. “Quite a bit. There are some good resources up here. And it’s quiet.” And Logan once tied me to a tree up here and it was one of the hottest moments of my life.

She blushed at the memory and Brandon eyed her curiously.

He looked away for a moment, licking his lips, then he stopped walking and took Lucy’s hand. Lucy looked down as his fingers entwined with hers, her mind taking a while to catch up with what was happening. 

“Lucy, can we just get things out in the open?” 

“What things?” she asked, wide eyed, panic setting in.

He stepped closer.

“This. Us.” 

“Oh. Brandon—” 

“Nia’s telling me I’m being an idiot, but I don’t think I am. Seeing you again, the woman you are now, I can’t stop thinking about you, what it would be like to be with you, kiss you…”

“Brandon—” Lucy took a step back but Brandon followed her and reached out a hand towards her face.

“And I know I brushed you off in the past when I was young and stupid, and you moved on. But those feelings you had for me, feelings like that don’t just disappear, no matter what Nia says, and I know you’re with Logan, but he’s not right for you, you should—”

“Brandon!” Lucy stared up at him, her eyes sad as he finally stopped talking. Then she slowly shook her head.

He frowned at her. “No?” 

“No. I’m sorry. You know I adore you Brandon, I always will. But not like that. Not anymore.” His eyes darted between hers, as if he was trying to make sense of what she was saying.

“Because of Logan?” 

“Because…I grew up, and built a life for myself, and worked out who I am. And yes — maybe because of Logan, because he’s everything I want.” 

“Really? An ex-convict is who you want?” Brandon shifted on his feet, his face stern. 

“Would you stop with that?” Lucy couldn’t help her voice rising. “Yes he made some shit choices but he was cornered. Everything he did was for his family and this town. They don’t call him the hero of Sandrock for nothing.”

“He’s dangerous Luce.”

“He is not dangerous. He’s the sweetest, kindest guy I’ve ever met.” Brandon scoffed as Lucy continued. “You seem to forget Brandon, that I’ve known Logan for a long time now, worked with him, fought with him. You — you I haven’t seen for years, and then you turn up and decide after a few weeks you like this ‘new version’ of me you think you see?”   

Brandon shook his head, his face twisted into a scowl. “Sweet? Kind? You saw what he did out by the woods. He’s reckless. How many of the problems he’s had did he cause himself?”

“Do you know what you would’ve done in his position Brandon? No, you don’t, because you’ve never had to think about things like that. You haven’t known loss, or pain. You’ve breezed through life and everything has just fallen into your lap and now you’re angry and making out like Logan is some awful person because I’ve turned you down, because I’ve chosen what I want, and it isn’t you. Because you’ve clicked your fingers and for once I haven’t come running.” 

She glowered at him, her chest rising and falling. Brandon glared back, then he abruptly walked past her towards Daisy. Lucy closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, then she turned and followed him. 

Their ride back to town was silent and icy. As soon as they’d stepped down from Daisy’s back, Brandon stomped ahead on the path towards the clinic, Lucy several steps behind. 

As they rounded the corner, their attention was drawn to a commotion through the gate to the pasture. 

Brandon slowed and Lucy caught up with him, and they both stared open-mouthed at what was in front of them. 

The herd of yakmel were bright blue. 

Cooper was running his mouth, shouting at the small crowd that’d gathered, telling them somebody had poisoned his animals and they were going to pay, “Just you wait an' see”. Lucy winced when she saw him jab his finger in Fang’s direction, the doctor looking absolutely bewildered and terrified. 

She jogged over to Fang’s side and tried to get Cooper to slow down and explain what had happened. Elsie, Mabel, Heidi and Justice were also there trying to work out what was going on. 

“I…p-promise. I…did not…g-give medicine.” Fang’s stuttering was worse than ever, and X was circling him, flapping and trying to defend his beloved owner.

Lucy could see why Cooper thought it might be some of Fang’s inventive concoctions that’d turned his herd blue. She remembered suffering the same fate more than once when she’d helped him with his medical trials, although turning blue was still preferable to some of the other side effects she’d had to endure.

But she knew Fang would never lie. As much as it would pain him, he would admit a mistake. While the squabbling continued, she walked over to the water trough and dipped her hands in. A shadow appeared over her shoulder and she looked up to see Brandon staring at the blue water in her cupped hands. “Someone’s contaminated it,” he said with a frown. 

New voices sounded from behind them and they both turned to see Jasmine dragging Andy by the hand, the young boy’s face the picture of panic. 

“Andy,” Lucy whispered, letting the water run from her fingers.

“Tell ‘em Andy,” Jasmine started. “Ma says it’s always better to come clean and apologise.” 

Andy stared at his feet, his hands behind his back. He looked so small, and so ashamed. 

“Well, what is is boy?” Cooper demanded.

“I’m sorry sir,” he said. “I-I thought it’d be funny to see if Fang’s medicine would work on the animals, so I tipped it in their water. I didn’t mean to hurt ‘em.” 

“You stupid boy!” Cooper raged and Andy flinched.

“Cooper!” Lucy stepped forward, but the man took no heed. 

“Do you know what could’ve happened boy? Didja think about whether that there medicine was safe fer animals?”

“Pa, calm down—” Elsie tried to interject.

“Fer all you know these could all be dead tomorrow, an’ it’ll all be yer fault for bein’ thoughtless, putting a prank before common sense…”

Andy’s face was completely ashen and he looked at the animals, all currently happily swishing their tails, not in the least bit bothered about their colourful hue. But Andy was horrified at Cooper’s words and, while the man continued his diatribe, Andy slowly began backing away. Lucy tried to reach for him, but her fingers only just brushed his shoulder before he turned and fled. 

She ran after him, but he slipped through the fence and a small hole in a hedge — one Lucy was sure he’d used numerous times to escape a telling off — and disappeared from her sight. Justice jogged to her side. “I don’t know where he went,” Lucy said, worried, still trying to spot Andy in the distance. 

“Give him some time to cool off Luce, kid’ll be feelin’ ashamed.” 

“I know. That’s what I’m worried about.” She’d never seen Andy look so upset.

Lucy returned to the group where Elsie had managed to cut off her father’s ranting. Heidi told Lucy Brandon had left to fetch his kit and he’d be back to check on the animals and make sure they’re okay. Fang was slowly trudging home, his shoulders slumped, X following him faithfully. 

Lucy decided the best thing for her to do was to wander about town, see if she could find Andy, and if not, wait for him at home in case he turned up. She walked through the pasture down to the Ranch, casting glances side to side, looking for a flash of blond hair, or a red cape, or a white t-shirt. 

She continued up through the tunnel, wondering if he might’ve tried to get into Logan’s house, but it was all still shut up and secure. She walked to Trudy’s and told her what’d happened, and asked her to let her know if he turned up. Then she walked all the way up to the school, checking around the park, inside the Temple, every nook and cranny she could think of, before she stood by the railings to peer back into town. No sign. 

On her way back down she told everyone she met that she was looking for Andy. Amirah and Pablo both assured her he hadn’t passed them, but they’d keep an eye out. Unsuur’s face was grave and kind when she told him what’d happened, and he promised he’d leave no stone — and he knew plenty — unturned. She checked the shooting range, the oasis, the shops, Grandma Vivi’s. She even had Owen check all the rooms in the Blue Moon, just in case. 

“He’ll be alright Luce,” Owen said, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “He’ll be holed up somewhere until he gets cold and hungry enough. The things me, Justice and Logan got up to, well.” Owen chuckled. “We could hide out for hours knowing we were in for a hiding, but we always turned up eventually.” 

Lucy just nodded, her face creased with worry. Grace offered to go and check the hideout. “Do you think he’d go all the way there?” Lucy asked.

“Worth checking just in case,” Grace said. “I’ll head straight there now.” 

By the time Grace returned it was nearly six o’clock. She shook her head as she walked towards Lucy. “We need an emergency meeting,” Lucy said. 

Soon after, Trudy called everyone together for an emergency fireside to explain that Andy was missing, and to ask everyone to help look for him urgently, as they only had a few hours of daylight left. Nia stood with her arm through Lucy's, Mi-an at her other side, her hand on her shoulder. After the quick briefing, people organised themselves into teams, grabbed their torches, and set off, calling Andy’s name. 

Lucy wondered about joining one of the groups, but she was paralysed by indecision. And then she had an idea. She rushed home and straight to her storage box, and began pulling out what she needed. She didn’t look up when her gate creaked open, just carried on getting ready. It was only when Brandon appeared at her side that she met his gaze and responded to his quizzical expression. 

“We can’t find Andy. And I thought, if I can get up high, to look for him…”

Brandon looked at the glider she was prepping, then nodded. “Did you say Logan has one I could borrow?” 

Notes:

Mama bear mode ACTIVATED

Kudos to those who knew why Lucy was unhappy with her test results - spot on!

Chapter 9: A rescue

Summary:

While the town searches for Andy on foot, Lucy takes to the skies.

Lucy and Brandon hiked up to the peak that rose above the temple and eyed the town beneath them. The wind whistled in their ears, but they could still hear the shouts from below. People were wandering everywhere, calling out for Andy. Lucy could just make out the yakmel in their pasture. Their shaggy hair was glowing a rather fetching purple now the sun was sinking lower. Periwinkle, she thought, remembering the blue-violet flowers that grew in clusters around Highwind.

Lucy swallowed nervously. They didn’t have much time before they ran out of light, and the nights were still very cold. They had to find Andy, and soon.

She pulled down her goggles then looked at Brandon, who nodded to her that he was ready, Logan's glider on his back.

They fell into step running towards the edge, taking off into the sky together like they'd done a thousand times before as kids. They split up as agreed, Brandon soaring south-east towards the Grand Mesa and surrounding areas. Lucy flew straight, scanning the town, then over her house, before making her way across the barren land towards The Bend. 

It was a beautiful evening, but the sun’s golden rays bounced off of everything, making it very difficult to spot anything unusual. Several times Lucy’s heart leapt when she saw a glint of red that turned out to be something else — nesting rocket roosters or wild roses or even just a flash of agate. She sighed and mumbled to herself, “C’mon, c’mon,” then used the thermals rising from the canyon below to gain some height again. Townsfolk were working their way out of town, and she saw some heading towards the bridge to The Bend, Justice at their helm, torches now lighting their way as the light dipped lower. 

Lucy flew on.

She circled above the entrance to the Portia tunnel, trying to see into the deep red shadows. She began to get frustrated, understanding just what an impossible task it was trying to find a small boy in a place like this. She should've made a spare glider, one that Nia could've used.

She had horrible visions of Andy curled up somewhere, sobbing, feeling rejected and alone and frightened, and it broke her heart. And then the thoughts grew worse. What if he was hurt? Had fallen? Been bitten? Tears began to blur her vision, but she couldn’t risk taking her goggles off to wipe them away. 

She looked to where people were still searching on the ground, and then to the sky where she could see Brandon flying in the distance over Paradise Lost.

As Lucy glided back towards the bridge, she glanced to the right and her eyes landed on the sand pond. Her heart began to beat a little faster. It was one of Andy’s favourite spots for fishing and picnics with Logan. He liked catching the mudfish and eels.

She dove a little lower and made her way there, scanning the sand, looking for any clues. 

Nothing.

But then a sound. A shrieking, squeaking laughter. The gleeful sound of monsters who've caught something special. 

Bandirats. 

Lucy’s heart dropped as she flew towards them and saw them circling something.

Someone.

Someone small with blond hair. 

Lucy saw the red of his cape, and she saw red. Pure rage pulsed through her body as she saw the creatures closing in on Andy, taunting him. 

She flew above them, then pulled a move she hadn’t used since she was a reckless teenager. 

_________________

From his position across the valley, Brandon looked up and caught Lucy’s silhouette against the expanse of rock.

He saw her flying in a straight line, as if she was heading for a target.

Then she rose in one large loop, twisted, and dropped from the sky like a seabird plunging to catch its prey. 

It was a trick both familiar and terrifying — one their parents’ had reprimanded them for time and time again, telling them they were one false move away from a broken neck. 

Brandon knew she’d found him, and he tilted his body to turn and shoot after her, sweeping round to glide low over the people on foot. “Justice!” he called as he soared over them, “This way!” 

_________________

A last minute twist to pull up, just enough to break her fall, and Lucy landed heavily on her feet, right in the middle of the horde. She heard Andy yelp with shock, then whimper with relief as she pulled her daggers from the sheaths on her thighs. 

The bandirats were momentarily startled, but then they squealed with excitement, their rancid rodent teeth bared as they closed in. “Andy, stay down,” Lucy demanded, and then she launched herself at the nearest creature. 

Andy cried out, squeezed his eyes shut, and covered his ears, but even his hands over his ears couldn’t drown out the slashing, ripping sounds. He couldn’t tell if it was Lucy’s daggers slicing fur or the rats’ claws tearing skin, and he cried with fear. Then there was another shout, another familiar voice, and Andy peeled his eyes open enough to see Justice had joined the fray, and then Heidi too. 

And then it was silent, and a hand grabbed Andy’s shoulder. 

His eyes flew open to meet Lucy’s, and they stared at one another for just a brief moment before she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him to her. Andy buried his face against her chest and sobbed with relief, and shame, and fear. He was exhausted. 

“It’s okay, you’re okay,” Lucy murmured, stroking his hair. “It’s all going to be okay. I’ve got you.” 

_________________

“The yakmels are fine,” Brandon said, crouching down so he was face to face with Andy. “I’ve checked them over, and apart from having some funky looking hair, they’re in perfect health. And I’m sure you’ve learned it’s important not to give animals anything unless we know it’s good for them, so no harm done.” He smiled gently at the boy, who was perched on a rock in the lamplight. 

Heidi had wrapped a blanket around Andy and given him a flask of warm milk and some biscuits, and Lucy had whispered a thank you to her as she returned to her side.

“We need to get you home kid, I’d say it’s well past yer bedtime, and any more talkin’ can wait till the mornin’.” Justice gently placed a hand on Andy’s back, encouraging him to stand. “You want me to carry you kid?” Andy nodded and Justice crouched so that the boy could climb onto his back and clasp his hands around the sheriff’s neck. 

Slowly, they all began to walk back to town, sending the message ahead that Andy was found safe and well. 

Lucy watched Justice carry Andy, hoiking him up every now and then as he slipped a little, making little jokes to try and brighten Andy’s mood. Then she hung back so she could fall into step with Brandon. 

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “For helping with the search, and for being so kind to him.” 

“Of course.” 

“I’m sorry, too, for what I said this morning. I was a bit harsh.”

“You were defending Logan. Which is good. If you’re going to turn me down for someone else, at least you’re passionate about it.” He gave her a small smile and she huffed a laugh. 

“Can we talk some more, soon?” she asked.

“Sure.” Brandon looked her up and down as they walked. “I’m not sure those wings are going to be flyable again Luce.” 

Lucy looked over her shoulder at her glider hanging in tatters down her back. “No. Worked quite well to distract the bandirats though. They didn’t know where to aim,” she said with a grin.

_________________

Lucy didn’t hesitate when Justice asked where Andy would be sleeping that night. “My house,” she said. 

Brandon had taken over carrying Andy for a bit, and Lucy opened her door so he could take him inside. 

“You all good from here?” Justice asked, looking past Lucy towards Brandon. He felt he should accompany them inside, keep an eye on things, but Logan had told him not to spy on her — he wanted things to play out however they were going to. To trust that nothing would happen because she chose him, not because other people had stood between her and Brandon.

“Yes, thanks Justice.” She gave him a hug then waved goodbye and followed Brandon inside. Andy had slid from his back and stood by her stairs, biting his nails nervously.

“You know where everything is Andy,” she said kindly. “Go and get ready for bed, and I’ll be up in a moment.” 

“I don’t have my toothbrush,” Andy said, his voice small. 

“Oh, I’ve got a spare one, don’t worry. And you left some pyjamas here from last time. They’re on the bed.” 

Brandon and Lucy watched him nod then slowly climb the stairs. Brandon sighed then turned to say goodnight to Lucy. He paused for a moment, taking in her pale face under the hallway light.

“Are you okay Lucy?” 

“Hmm? Oh. Yes. I’m feeling quite tired. Probably all the excitement catching up with me.” She gave him a weak smile. She did feel very wobbly. Shock and that ongoing fatigue she assumed.

Brandon nodded, but he was still frowning at how peaky she looked. “Here,” he said, reaching into his kit.

“You’re giving me animal medicine?” Lucy asked with playful smile. “Didn’t we learn something today?” 

Brandon chuckled. “It’s just an electrolyte drink. To help you recover.” 

Lucy took it gratefully and gave him another smile. “Okay. Thank you.”

“Make sure you rest then, and let me know when you want to talk.” 

_________________

Lucy wasn’t sure what time it was when she woke in the night, but she was suddenly aware she wasn’t alone. 

She could make out Andy’s sleeping form in the space Logan normally occupied. He must’ve crept in while she was sleeping and curled up next to her. One of his hands was reaching out, his fingers just gently resting on her arm for reassurance that she was close by. 

Lucy smiled and went back to sleep.

_________________

Andy was quiet over breakfast and ate his Sandrice Puffs slowly. Lucy had told him they’d be doing some visits today to apologise to Cooper and Fang, and she could tell he was dreading it. “Best to get it over with,” she said. “But you’ll need to make it up to them, okay?” 

To give him his credit, he delivered a solid apology to Cooper, who stayed quiet long enough to listen. Cooper agreed with Lucy that Andy could do some jobs on the ranch to make amends. 

Once Andy had delivered his apology and his punishment had been decided, Lucy stared at Cooper expectantly. He stared back, for once lost for words, trying to figure out what she was waiting for. She raised her eyebrows at him, then looked down at Andy, then back at Cooper. He still looked confused.

“Have you got anything you’d like to say to Andy?” She gave him a stern look, one that she’d seen Mabel level at him many times, and that did the trick. 

“Oh, right, ‘course. I’m sorry fer scarin’ yer boy. The animals are fine. ‘Course we’ve got the blue hair to deal with, the color don’t seem to be fadin’ like it does on humans, but then Vivi did say she quite liked the color and she could maybe use it fer some new designs fer the winter. I reckon I’ve got my eye on a new blue fur-lined jacket. That’d look mighty smart fer performin’, and maybe a new pair of…”

Lucy smiled as Cooper droned on. 

Fang received Andy’s apology with the calmness and grace she’d come to know him for. “He’d like to do some jobs for you Fang,” she said, “To make up for the medicine he took without payment or permission.”

“No…need,” Fang said. 

“Please Fang. Cleaning? Counting stock? Let us make it up to you.” 

_________________

Lucy met Brandon at the Blue Moon a few days later.

“Thanks for coming. I got you a beer,” she said. 

He slid into the seat opposite and pulled the bottle towards him. “Thanks.”

They looked at one another awkwardly. 

“What did you want to talk about Luce?” 

“This,” she said. “I don’t want it to be uncomfortable between us Brandon. You’re my friend. One of my oldest friends.” 

Brandon chewed his lip and stared at his drink. “Things will be fine Luce. Just give me time to tend to my bruised ego.” 

He suddenly grinned at her, and Lucy broke into a smile.

“We’ll be okay?” 

“We’ll be okay.” 

_________________

Dear Lo

I’m feeling much better now. Still quite tired, but Fang says that’s fairly normal after the flu, so you don’t have to worry about me. 

We have had a bit of excitement this week though. Andy pulled the prank of the year and managed to turn Cooper’s entire herd blue using some of Fang's medicine (Owen said it was a classic Logan stunt). With hindsight it was pretty funny, but Cooper was obviously distressed. He was very angry with Andy, and Andy ran off for a while. He gave me quite a fright but we found him after a few hours. I’ll fill you in properly when you’re home, but it all turned out alright. I'll try and get a photo of the yakmel when it's all a little less raw, they're still quite blue!

Andy’s got some making up to do, so he’s helping Cooper with mucking out and doing some stocktaking for Fang after school.

Were you really as naughty? Actually I don’t need to ask, I can totally imagine it. Will our kids be as mischievous do you think? I guess one already is. 

Anyway, tell me your news. How’re you getting on? Any progress on catching the monster? I'm glad you have someone there to help. Look out for each other. I hope you have some luck soon so you can come home to us. 

Grace asked me to send you the note enclosed. She told me not to read it, but of course I did, haha! It doesn’t mean anything to me though. Do you know what she’s on about? What’s the job?

Write soon Lo, I really miss you.

Love you so much.

Lucy xxx

_________________

Logan read Lucy’s letter several times. First, to get over the shock (and the hilarity) of what Andy had done. That kid had spirit, that’s for sure. 

Then he read it again to check he hadn’t misread a particular line. ‘Will our kids be as mischievous do you think? I guess one already is.’ 

She was thinking about what their kids will be like, and counting Andy as theirs, not his?

Then he opened the note from Grace.

I looked into that job you asked me about. Looks positive. I’d say there's a good chance of success. ~ Grace

“What’re you grinning about?” 

Logan chuckled as his new friend joined him at the table. “Letter from home,” he said. 

“Good news?” 

Logan nodded. “Yeah, you could say that.”

_________________

Luce

That all sounds like a lot Darlin’. I’m sorry you had to handle that on your own. Is Andy okay now?

I don’t know what Owen’s talking about. I was good as gold. (Ask him about the yakmel shaving dare.) I can picture Coop’s blustering face. Poor fella’s had a lifetime of dealing with naughty boys. I’m sure ours will be angels though, if they take after you. Tho, after seeing those photos of you, perhaps a little feral? I’m joking Darlin’, you’re already such a good influence on Andy.

Nothing much to report here I’m afraid. We’ve had a lot of rain and it’s turned the ground to mush. It’s making it difficult to track without sliding about or getting your boot stuck in the mud. I never thought I'd miss the sand so much. Me and Elliott spent ages out in the wood trying to make headway before we realised we were going round in circles. 

I got some postcards for you to show you the town. Reckon they make it look a bit nicer than it is though really. You’d like the scenery here though Luce, it’s much greener than Sandrock and looks real pretty when the sun breaks through the mist. It’s like our Little Woods but a few years down the line I guess. Perhaps we could take a trip here all together one day. There’s lots of places I wanna take you. 

Hope the wedding plans are going alright. Have you tried yer dress on again? Would love to see a photo of you, if you can send one? 

My eyes are hungry for you Darlin’.

I love you Luce.

Logan xx

Notes:

I picture Lucy pulling an Avengers style landing when she drops in the middle of the bandirats. Let's not worry about physics.

This chapter is a little shorter than some of the others. I'm trying to just go with the flow of natural breaks in the story and not get too bogged down with reaching a certain chapter length (as I have done in the past). I hope that works for y'all.

This chapter also marks the end of what I'll call Act 1. Yep, there's a way to go yet!

Chapter 10: An eyeful (NSFW)

Summary:

Lucy fulfils Logan's request, and she finds out a key detail about his new monster hunter friend, Elliott.

“Yours.”

“You sure? I won’t be offended.” 

Andy nodded. He’d stayed at Lucy’s since the yakmel incident, and she’d asked him if he’d like to continue staying at hers or move back to Trudy’s. 

“Okay.” She gave him a big smile. “That’s settled then.” 

“When’s Logan comin’ home?” 

“I don’t know kiddo. Are you keen to get home?”

Andy scrunched up his nose while he thought about it. “Yer house is nicer.”

“But you miss him?”

Andy nodded again and fiddled with the edge of his cape. 

“Me too. Shall we write him some letters? We should write to Haru too.” 

Andy had been quite subdued since his rescue from the bandirats, but he was doing better day by day. Lucy was trying to make him feel at home and as settled as possible. She knew he felt bad, and embarrassed, about the worry he’d caused everyone. He’d been particularly upset about Lucy’s glider, worrying that he’d ruined her New Year’s resolution. She told him she wasn’t sad about it. It’d done its job, and she had some ideas to make the next one even better.

They ventured together to the pasture before school so they could get a photo of the yakmel for Logan and Andy could do his jobs for Cooper. The yakmel’s hair color was slowly beginning to fade back to normal, but they were still a sweet pastel blue. Lucy captured a photo of Andy with one of the new season's calves. It was incessantly licking his sticky hands while he sat next to it in the straw, and Andy's face was creased with giggles. 

A little while later Lucy waved goodbye to Andy then wandered over to Vivi’s, carrying a bundle of yakmel hair from Cooper for the tailor to make use of. 

“Oh look at this color,” Vivi remarked, “This would make a beautiful baby blanket.” 

Lucy ran her hands over it. The hair was thick and coarse, but after Vivi worked her wonders with it, spinning it with finer wool, it would be perfect for a blanket. 

“I wonder if Krystal will have another boy or a little girl,” Lucy mused. 

Her somewhat wistful tone caused Vivi to look up and peer at her. “Hmm, I wonder,” she said gently, suppressing her knowing smile.

Lucy suddenly inhaled deeply and let out a quick sigh, then turned away from the yakmel hair. “I wondered if I could try my dress on again Vivi? Get a photo?” 

“Of course sugar.” 

When Lucy had changed, she handed the camera to Vivi and instructed her on taking a photo, first getting her to stand in place so she could make sure she’d be in the frame, then swapping places. She would’ve used the timer, but she didn’t have anything to stand the camera on yet — she mentally added that to her list of personal projects. 

Vivi took a few shots, apologising in case they didn’t come out well. “I’ll develop them later Vivi but I’m sure they’ll be fine, you're a natural, thank you,” Lucy said, giving Vivi a hug as she left.

Lucy returned home and took her camera upstairs with her, putting it on her dressing table while she tied a headscarf around her hair to keep it out the way and protect her head. The spring sun was getting warmer every day.

She idly looked at her camera as she fastened the fabric, then back at her reflection in her mirror. Her eyes wandered to the bed behind her. She bit her lip as an idea occurred to her — one that flamed her cheeks and caused a smile to pull at the corners of her mouth. 

Did she dare? 

After a pause, Lucy very slowly untied her headscarf and fluffed her messy bob, fixing her bangs. She stared at herself in the mirror for a moment, then picked up her lipstick and applied it. Some eyeliner. A bit more mascara.

Then she moved the camera along the dressing table and peered through the viewfinder to make sure the bed was in frame. She took a deep breath, wondering if she was losing the plot. 

Lucy slowly undressed and climbed onto her bed, trying out some different poses with the sheet just covering her. Thinking she’d found the one, she set the timer on the camera then got back into bed. She took a few photos, edging the sheet down each time, until it only just covered her nipples and fell away on one side to expose the tattoo on her stomach and hip.

30 minutes later, dressed again and with a cup of coffee in her hand, she went to her workshop to develop the photos, thanking the Light she’d found data discs with the information she needed to set up a darkroom at home. There’s no way she would’ve taken these to Qi to develop. 

Under the red light, she dipped the photos to process them, then hung them up to dry. The photo of Andy with the calf was very cute, and although one or two were blurry, Vivi had managed to capture Lucy in her bridesmaid dress well. 

The ones of Lucy on her bed made her clap her hand over her mouth and giggle. She glanced over her shoulder nervously even though she knew nobody else was about. When they were ready, she picked the photo that showed off the most skin and the outline of her nipples and piercing under the sheet, imagining Logan’s face when he saw it. Before she lost her nerve, she put the photos she'd chosen into an envelope and sealed it tightly, ready to send with her letter. Then she prayed to the Light that it wouldn’t get lost in the mail.

_________________

Dear Lo

How are you my love?

Thank you for the postcards. We’ve enjoyed being able to picture where you are. I’ve put them up around my desk so Andy can look at them too. He wants to know if there’s a game center there or a play park (he forgot to ask in his letter)? Catori’s installed a new game. Andy and I are practicing so we can beat you when you get home before you get the hang of it. 

You should get Andy’s letter separately to this one with a photo of the yakmel. They look quite sweet with blue hair, don’t you think?

Wedding planning has slowed a little bit. There will be another mad rush at some point I’m sure, but for now I’m allowed to get on with other things besides judging flower arrangements and menus! I've got quite a big commission at the moment. I'm working with Fang to extend the clinic a little, offering another private room for treatments or if people need to stay in. It's quite exciting. We're just drawing up the plans at the moment.

I’ve included a couple more photos for you in a sealed envelope. One is a bit special, and just for you — keep it safe!!!

I hope the rain has dried up now and you’ve had some more luck finding the beast. The scenery behind the town does look really pretty in the postcards. I’d love to see it one day.

All the spring blooms are flowering here now, and it’s making me realise how long you’ve been gone. I wish I could come and join you. I know it’ll all be worth it when you’re done and you can ease off on work — maybe we can take some trips together then?

Missing you.

All my love

Lucy xx

_________________

Lucy sighed when she woke few days later to the sound of a gale and looked out her window to see her view of the town hindered by a sandstorm. She went to wake Andy and tell him the good news — sandstorms meant no school. 

“I think we can start the day with practising those pancakes, what do you say?” Lucy asked. She'd started teaching Andy all the simple recipes she’d learnt at his age. Simple by her mother’s standards anyway.

After breakfast she encouraged him to do some homework, much to his chagrin, then told him they’d get kitted up when the storm died down and catch the yakmel cart to visit Mort. She liked to visit him during sandstorms to make sure he was okay. His little house was also always very cosy.

Mort chuckled and tutted when he opened the door to them. “You young folk, always busy, never staying still for long. I appreciate you visiting me though young Lucy. And master Andy today as well! Let’s have some tea.” 

He’d already pulled out his photo album, as he often did on stormy days, when the memories came back particularly strongly. Lucy and Andy sat with him at his dining table, steaming mugs of tea and biscuits to share, as he talked through his photos for the umpteenth time. 

“I often dream of the days when Martle and I kept each other company. We used to dance under the stars you know,” he added in a low voice to Andy, as if he was sharing a great secret. The boy smiled up at him as Mort chuckled at the memory. “I heard Logan has gone away. That must be hard. But there’s something special about knowing there’s someone out there thinking of you, isn’t there?”

_________________

Logan was sitting at his usual table, opening his mail while he ate supper at the inn. He read the letter from Andy first, chuckling at the blue yakmel. Andy’s scrawl was as unruly as ever, not that Logan’s writing was much better. 

The kid sounded pretty happy though, considering what he’d been through recently. He said the stocktaking with Fang was boring but he’d trained X to fetch sweets for him. Andy would eat the sweet and give X the shiny wrapper. The raven thought he was getting the better deal. Logan huffed a laugh and shook his head. He wondered if Fang or Lucy knew. 

Andy said mucking out for Cooper wasn’t much more interesting, but at least he wasn’t stuck in a stuffy building. Logan could sympathise with that. He much preferred being outdoors or in a barn or stable looking after animals. Logan had also done his fair share of odd jobs on the ranch when he’d had to make up for his own mischief. It was good, honest work, truth be told.

He set Andy’s letter and photo to one side, then picked up Lucy’s. He slid his thumb under the small gap at the side and along the top of the envelope, forcing it open, nodding a thank you to the barkeeper who set down another beer for him.

He unfolded the letter, eyebrows raising a little at the extra envelope that fell out with it. He read her letter first, smiling at her news, reassured that she was doing well. She never mentioned Brandon, but he didn't expect her to. As much as he might be curious, nervous even, Lucy knew Logan wouldn't want to hear about it. There was nothing in her letters to indicate her head had been turned though, at least not yet anyway.

Logan took a bite of his supper, then set his fork back down as he opened the extra envelope. 

He withdrew Lucy’s photos and gazed longingly at the one of her in her dress, delighted she’d sent it. She was so beautiful. He took another bite of his food, then peeled the top photo away to see the one beneath.

His eyes shot open, then Logan thumped his chest and coughed as his food went down the wrong way.  

“You okay there partner?” a stranger at another table asked.

Logan nodded, still coughing, and lifted his beer to his lips. 

“All good, thanks,” he said to the other man, his eyes watering and his voice croaky. When the stranger looked away, Logan peered again at the photo of Lucy. 

He couldn’t quite believe what he was seeing.

After a few brief seconds, he abruptly shoved the letters and photos back into the envelope, stood up and walked quickly to his room, leaving his supper half eaten. 

He had thought of her, day and night, for the past few weeks. He’d fallen asleep every night, spent, after picturing her touching him, kissing him, sucking him, riding him. And he’d woken hard every morning, riled up by the dreams that snuck back in after he’d woken briefly, the ones that took over his mind while he dozed, making everything seem real. Dreams where she was lying next to him and he could caress the smooth skin of her shoulders, her thighs, could kiss her neck and sniff her hair, could lift the hem of her nightdress and bury himself in her. And then he’d wake properly, realising he was alone and she was miles away.

He was sure it was some kind of spell she’d put on him. Perhaps it was the lavender and rosemary soap she’d packed for him, which smelled so much like her. It tainted his skin and his pillow, seeping into his subconscious to trick him into thinking she was close. But not nearly close enough. 

Her laughter, her stories, her kindness. The way she’d light up when she saw him. The way she saw him, all of him, all of his faults, and still wanted him. He missed her. All of her. The way she knew him, and he her.

And that’s what’d made him lose his mind over the photo. It wasn’t just that she was beautiful and sexy, although she undoubtably was. 

It wasn’t the way the sheet looked to be just barely hanging on to the peaks of her breasts, seconds away from falling, or the way he could just make out her nipples and that piercing, so tantalisingly close. 

It was the look in her eyes. 

Sultry, confident, commanding. And it was her lips, the soft teasing smirk. She knew exactly what the photo would do to him, what he’d have to do when he saw it. 

He lay the photo on his bed as he unbuckled his belt.

She cast the spell, and he had to obey. 

_________________

Lucy, Darlin’, Love,

That photo…

Let me tell you, when I opened your letter to find that…well, let’s just say I had to leave my dinner unfinished and take myself off to my room. That one is gonna be staying safe next to my heart at all times.

Thank you for sending it, and the one of you in your dress. You’re so beautiful Luce. I can’t believe you’re mine. I gotta say I'm half tempted to just pack up and head straight home to you so I can hold you in my arms. I thought it was torture before, being away from you, but now I've seen that photo, I don't know how long I can bare it Luce.

But if I left now, it'd all be for nothing.

And we’re making some headway on catching the beast. Found what looks to be its lair. We’ve been watching and waiting, so when we know for sure we can work out how to deal with it. 

Hoping it won’t be too much longer now till we’re done.

Are you feeling well now? Not still tired?

I met this fella who does a lot of singing at the inn in the evenings. Calls himself a bard. Nice enough, talks a lot though and asks a heck of a lot of questions. 

Next thing I know he’s written a song about the ‘Heroes of Sandrock’ and he’s threatening to follow me so he can sing about more of my adventures. 

Think I’ve had enough of adventuring for a while to be honest, at least without you. I miss not having you here by my side Luce.

Write soon Darlin’. More photos welcome. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that rubber suit of yours…

Yours, always

Logan xx

_________________

Another week, another night at the Blue Moon to celebrate someone’s birthday — this time Elsie’s. She was still fairly new to alcohol, being the youngest of the group, so Grace designed a mocktail that was fruity, fun, and bright red. She called it ‘The Whisperer’. 

Those that wanted to added a healthy finger of spirits to theirs and got very merry. Elsie was delighted that Brandon was there to celebrate her birthday. She found him much easier to talk to since their morning visiting Daisy, although the two of them hadn’t taken a trip alone.

Justice and Owen watched Brandon and Lucy, interested to see how they were with each other, and whether Brandon would be as tactile and flirty as before. He wasn’t. In fact, Brandon and Lucy barely interacted at all. 

That should have been reassuring, but all it did was raise some alarm bells. What had happened between them?

_________________

Andy had gone for a sleepover at Jasmine’s, giving Lucy the night off after Elsie’s party. The house felt oddly quiet. She’d become used to Andy’s presence in the house, even when he’d gone to bed. She took some painkillers with a tall glass of water, hoping to stave off the worst of a potential hangover, then she settled down to sleep.

She tossed and turned for a while, then decided she was too hot. She got up and opened her balcony doors, letting the night breeze ruffle her long curtains, staring for a moment at the rattan chair Logan would sit on when he was at hers. In her room she spotted her guitar and picked it up, plucking a few of the chords Logan had taught her. She'd been practicing, hoping to impress him when he returned, but right now all it did was make her wish he was sitting behind her, his strong arms around hers.

She went back to bed, but sleep still would not come. She huffed and threw her covers off. She wondered what Logan was doing right now. Sleeping too probably, unless he and Elliott were staking out the beast at night. She hoped they were safe, whatever they were doing.

She wondered what Logan’s reaction had been when he saw the photo. She knew from his letter that he liked it, but she wished she could’ve seen his face. She smiled at the thought, and gently ran her fingers over her collarbone. She wondered how often he looked at it, how often he thought of her when he had a moment to himself. 

The cool breeze through her balcony doors reached her skin, caressing, laying down a path of goosebumps. Her fingers wandered and she imagined they were Logan's, lightly tracing, sending tingles over her skin. She closed her eyes, imagining the weight of him on the bed, on her, stroking and kissing his way around her body, as he had done countless times.

The need for him was in her mind, her heart, her core. But it was also in every cell, every patch of skin, every tiny hair on her arms and legs. Desperate to feel his touch. His strength. His comfort. His love. To open her eyes and see his, electric blue, burning into hers. To hear his low drawl while he whispered in her ear.

She began to touch herself, lightly circling her clit, letting the sensations build. But it wasn't enough. Pulling her hand away, she reached over to her bedside table and pulled out her toys. She thought about the times she’d used them with Logan — when he’d teased her to beyond reasoning with them then replaced them with his tongue, fucked her with them then replaced them with his cock. 

She imagined he was with her there, now, as she closed her eyes and let go. She pictured it was him in control, and she submitted to him completely.

_________________

Dear Lo

I’m glad you like the photo and that it arrived safely. I had nightmares of it getting lost and ending up in the wrong hands. Can you imagine! I’m not sure I could brave sending another. Plus it might make you hurry home if you have to wait to see that rubber suit again. I'm thinking of making one in red, what do you think?

I know what you mean about torture Lo. I feel like I can sense you sometimes, like if I could just imagine it well enough you'd be here and I could grab you. I want to hug you Lo, and kiss you. It feels like years, not weeks.

I'm feeling much better now. It's just taken time, as Fang said it would. It's tiring having a kid around though, isn't it? Andy's staying with me for now and we're having a blast. We had a sandstorm recently, but we had a nice cosy day cooking and visiting Mort. Andy went for a sleepover at Jasmine's this week too and I went out with the gang for Elsie's birthday. It wasn't the same without you though. We all miss you! 

You should invite the bard to Sandrock so we can all hear the legendary songs about you! First you’re a muse for Ernest, and now a musician too… What’s next, a painting of you? A sculpture? A display in the museum? 

Sorry for teasing you my love. I’m glad people appreciate you as much as I do (well, maybe not quite as much as I do). 

Hurry home? 

All my love, 

Lucy xxx

_________________

“Woah, Lucy!” Owen ran to Lucy’s side in her yard as she huffed and puffed, trying to lift one end of the frame for the new chest of drawers she’d made. 

“I…can…manage…” she managed to get out, before conceding defeat and setting it down. “Okay,” she huffed. “It may be a bit heavy.”  

“You think?” he asked with a chuckle and she smiled up at him, wiping her brow. “Where’s it going?” 

“My bedroom. I moved my smaller one into the spare room for Andy.” 

“Right, well. Let me help you. You take that end.”

Together they manoeuvred the chest of drawers through her yard, through the front door, up the stairs and into her room. 

“Phew. That’s one heavy piece of furniture Lucy.”

“Yeah,” Lucy agreed, panting. “It’s fine wood, but it does weigh a fair bit. Thanks for the help O.”

“Hey, while we’re here,” Owen began, seizing the moment, “I just wanted to check how things are going with Brandon?”

“Oh? How come?” Lucy ran her hand along the top of the wooden case, feeling the grain under her fingers. 

“Justice and I noticed you two gave each other a bit of a swerve the other night.” 

“Oh, right.” Lucy gave him a small smile. “Um, things are fine, a little awkward. He…made a move, I guess you could say. The morning of Andy’s prank, actually.”

Owen raised his eyebrows and nodded. “And you turned him down I assume?” 

“Correct.” 

“I’m sorry Luce. It’s difficult when a friend likes you and you don’t feel the same way.” 

“It is. I think we’ll be okay eventually. He was great during the search for Andy. We just need time I think.”

Owen nodded and crossed his arms. “I’m sorry for asking Luce. I’m just looking out for you, and Logan too.” 

“Did Logan ask you to keep an eye on me?” 

“No! No. Actually he specifically told us not to.” Owen rubbed his chin. “Said he didn’t want us to be spying on you. And we’re not. Just…couldn’t help noticing. Will you tell Logan that Brandon made a move on you?” 

Lucy pondered the question. “Maybe after Brandon’s gone back to Highwind,” she said, and Owen laughed.

“Probably wise.”

Lucy grinned, then pushed herself away from the wooden frame. “Shall we get the drawers?”

They wandered back down to bring up the drawers a couple at a time. Lucy had gone to fetch the last one while Owen slotted them into place on their runners. While he waited, he glanced around her room. On her bed were a few piles of things she must’ve taken from her old drawers, and Owen knew enough to know you didn’t go snooping around in a lady’s things, especially when they were likely to contain her undergarments, and when said lady was your best friend’s girl. 

However, a photo of Lucy in a pretty green dress caught his eye, and he picked up the small bundle, smiling at the photo of his friend. He’d heard about the wedding plans and figured this must be her dress. He put the top photo to the back to see the next — it was similar, slightly blurry. Then another. And then…

Lucy gasped when she walked in the room and saw Owen holding the photos, making him jump. He stared at her, wide eyed and open mouthed.

“Put those down!” she demanded, frantically placing the loose drawer on her bed and snatching the photos from him. 

“I’m so sorry Lucy,” he said, palms raised. “I honestly just thought it was some photos of you in a dress. I wasn’t expecting…” 

They stared at one another, Lucy’s face pure mortification, Owen’s expression not far off. But then his mouth twitched, then again, and he covered his mouth with his hand.

“Stop laughing!” 

“I’m not!”

“You are!” 

“I’m not. I’m sorry Luce. It was just…more of an eyeful than I was expecting.” This time he couldn’t hold his laugh in. 

Lucy covered her red face with her hands. “Oh Peach,” she mumbled.

“Lucy, you don’t have anything to be embarrassed about. It’s my fault.”

“Easy for you to say,” she said from behind her hands. 

“No, I mean it. It was your private things and I shouldn’t have picked them up. We will pretend this never happened and never, ever talk about it ever again. And we will definitely not tell Logan I saw it. Okay?” 

Lucy nodded, still hiding. Owen didn’t have the heart to tell her that, with the way she was holding the photos while covering her face, he could still see it. He bit his lip to keep from laughing again, and averted his eyes as he walked past her. 

“This never happened,” he said again, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, then he left.

_________________

Luce

First off, I think if you made that suit in red I'd never let you leave the bedroom.

Second, you know you’re in the song too right? Let me see. ‘The wily builder, so bonnie and brave — her daggers’ll send you to an early grave’. I think that’s how it goes. I’m gonna learn it for you. I reckon I could play it on the guitar, serenade you on that balcony of yours when I get home. 

 

Lucy blushed at Logan's first line, then giggled at the song lyrics before she carried on reading.

 

I’ve bin carrying the photo of you and Andy in my wallet, that first one you sent where he’s helping you make the mobile. I showed it to Elliott while we were out on the trail waiting. She said you’re real pretty. She also reckoned Andy looked cheeky, but like he could win anyone round with that smile of his, so she got the measure of him just from that photo.

We finally saw the beast Luce. It’s fucking huge. Taller than a man, shaggy like a yakmel, horns like a goat. You know me, I ain’t scared of too many monsters, but this one, well, I ain’t looking forward to dealing with it. It still hasn’t hurt anyone, ain’t done too much wrong really ‘cept damaging stuff and scaring folk. We’re gonna see if we can deter it first, fore we think about trapping it or something. 

It’s progress though Luce. Progress, and getting closer all the time to being able to head home to you and Andy. 

Can’t come soon enough.

Love you

Logan xx

 

Lucy put Logan’s letter down slowly, an uncomfortable feeling settling into her stomach, her heart beating a little fast.

She gazed into the distance. Mi-an was running to complete another commission. Hugo was hammering away at his workshop. Laughter spilled from the Blue Moon as someone opened the door, heading inside for breakfast. But Lucy didn't see any of it. 

‘She’? Elliott was a ‘she’? How had Lucy missed that? 

Lucy stared back at the letter. It shouldn’t bother her. What did it matter? It was good he had someone with him to help. Another qualified monster hunter. It didn’t matter if they were male or female. Especially with a beast that sounded as frightening as the one they were up against. She worried for him. At least he wasn't doing it on his own.

Lucy shouldn’t have assumed. Why had she assumed it was another man? 

She shook her head. It didn’t matter, she told herself again. She trusted him. Logan’s letters were as loving as always. He wouldn't say those things if he didn't mean them.

It'd just taken her by surprise. That's all.

But…

Who was this woman who was spending so much time with him, sharing in his adventure, staying at the inn with him? Were they chatting into the night, walking back to their rooms together, tipsy from a nightcap?

Lucy could picture her. Tall. Strong. Athletic. Cool and interesting. Someone who really got Logan, understood what it was like to be out on the trail day after day, putting their lives in danger to protect people. 

But Logan loved Lucy, didn’t he. She had no doubts about that. Their relationship was great. And he'd trusted her with Brandon, so she could afford him the same courtesy.

But a solid relationship didn’t necessarily mean anything. Catherine had told her that. Told her that, as far as she’d been concerned, her husband had doted on her. Their sex life had been great. There was no reason for him to go looking to hook up with someone else, to sleep with Lucy. 

But he had, because he could.

Notes:

I nearly took out the bit where Owen sees Lucy's boudoir photo, but it made me laugh so much. It's so awkward, like that episode of Friends where they accidentally see each other naked. Let's hope Logan doesn't find out. At least it wasn't Brandon hey?

Timings wise, I'm going by our normal 12 month calendar (so three months for spring) instead of the in-game one, but loosely following birthdays and festivals. And also trying not to tie myself up in knots working out how long Logan's been away so far 😅

Chapter 11: An anxious mind

Summary:

Lucy finishes a project in Sandrock, but Logan is never far from her mind.

Lucy avoided the Blue Moon for a few days. Avoided Owen. But, after several long days in the ruins sourcing the ore she needed to make steel for Fang’s clinic upgrade, she needed a hot dinner that she didn’t have to prepare or clean up herself. So she walked across the tracks, shoulders back, feigning confidence, knowing the sooner she got it over with the better.

She nearly baulked as soon as she walked in and Owen looked up from mixing himself a drink. The thought that he’d seen her like that, made her chest and cheeks flush.

“Lucy,” he said in greeting. 

“Owen,” she replied. She struggled to meet his eyes.

Grace, next to Owen behind the bar, gave them both a curious look. 

“It’s good to see you Luce,” Owen continued with a gentle smile.

“You too,” Lucy said, slipping onto a stool at the bar.

“The usual?”

“Please.” 

Grace’s eyes followed Owen into the kitchen, then she turned back to Lucy. “What was that about?”

“What?”

“You two. Why so awkward?” 

“We weren’t being awkward.” It was so awkward. 

“Right. Okay then. You keep your secrets.” Grace narrowed her eyes playfully, and Lucy smiled. 

“Did you enjoy your birthday?” Lucy asked changing the subject. Grace hadn’t wanted a lot of fuss. She wasn’t really used to celebrating her birthday — not her real one anyway. She’d had to use a fake date of birth for so long, she’d almost forgotten when it was. So Grace, Lucy, Owen and Justice had just gathered at the Blue Moon after closing for a game of cards.

“It was fun! And nice to have a chance of winning a game for once, what with our resident card sharp being away. Speaking of which, any news from Logan?” 

Lucy nodded. “I had another letter from him. Oh, what was that note about by the way? The one about the job? I just realised he didn’t answer my question when I asked him about it.”

“I knew you’d read that note Lucy,” Grace said with a huff. “You’re so predictable.” 

Lucy just grinned. “Wouldn’t you?”

“Yeah, probably.” 

“So, what’s the job?” 

“Oh, something in one of the ruins. He just wanted a second opinion on it. Looks pretty promising.” 

“Oh. Okay. I wonder why he didn’t mention it. Why’s it a secret?” 

“I think he wanted to set it up to surprise you — something closer to home so you know he’s staying put for a bit.” Grace’s expression remained calm, but she was sweating. Lying came pretty easily to her, but she didn’t like doing it to her friend, even if it was for a good reason. “He doing alright? Nearly done with the bounty?” 

“He seems okay but no, they’re still not making much progress and I…” Lucy trailed off, not wanting to say it, knowing how pathetic she’d sound. 

“You what?” 

Lucy took a deep breath. “I found out that the monster hunter, the one that’s helping Logan, is a woman.” 

Grace dropped the dishcloth to the counter. “What! A woman? What in Peach’s name is the world coming to!” she cried in mock outrage.

“Alright,” Lucy smiled and rolled her eyes. “I don’t mean it like that. I just… What if she’s this gorgeous babe of a monster hunter, and they’re out there together, fighting for each other, then heading back to their cosy inn every night…?”

“Luce.” Grace picked up the cloth again and began wiping a glass. “Logan adores you. He’s not going to start hooking up with someone he’s just met. Not when he’s got a gorgeous babe of a builder at home.” 

“Hmm.” Lucy appreciated the compliment, but she still tapped her fingers nervously on the counter.

“C’mon Luce. Logan’s trusted you with Brandon, and you two have history together. I’d say Logan’s had more to worry about than you.”

“I know. But what if he thinks, ‘Light only knows what Lucy’s up to, I might as well have my own fun, and nobody will ever know’?”

Grace chuckled at Lucy’s impression of Logan’s gravelly drawl. “Does that really sound like Logan to you? He’s the most honest, loyal guy I’ve ever met. And you two are solid.”

Lucy just looked down at her hands. 

“Where’s this coming from Lucy?” Grace asked.

“That woman — Catherine — the wife of the guy I… She told me they were solid too. Fantastic. It didn’t stop him playing away.” 

“Well, some men are like that. But I can confidently say Logan isn’t.”

“But what if Logan and this woman just get on, fall for each other? What if they’re dragging their feet on the bounty because they don’t want to be apart?”

Grace sighed. “That could happen I guess. It could happen at any point Luce, with anyone, for either of you. But it doesn’t mean it will. You don’t know anything about this woman. Don’t go making up stories in your head. It won’t help.” 

_________________

Lucy chewed the end of her pen, trying to think of what to say to Logan. It was the first time she’d struggled with what to write to him. Her anxiety over Elliott was addling her mind.

She remembered the time she’d made a fool of herself thinking Logan was hooking up with Aurelie. He’d seen straight through her jealousy then.

And Lucy was jealous. She could admit it. Positively Greeno with jealousy. Not just because she kept imagining them being intimate together — which caused her stomach to churn — but because there was someone else having an adventure with Logan. Lucy had adored their trips so much, she didn’t want him to have that with anyone else. She knew she was being selfish, greedy, but that was how she felt. He’d swept her off her feet during those expeditions and she couldn’t stand the thought of him doing the same with someone else. 

But Lucy couldn’t keep dropping everything to follow him around. She couldn’t keep tagging along on his trips. She had her own things going on — her own job, things she wanted to do. She had her stuff, and Logan had his, and they needed to keep that independence.

Rationally, Lucy knew she had no idea what Elliott was like, what her relationship with Logan was like, and that was the problem. So perhaps she just had to ask. 

And maybe he’d reassure her. ‘Elliott? Married with 15 kids.’ ‘Elliott? Eager to get home to her wife.’ ‘Elliott? Geegler. One of Larry’s cousins in fact.’

Lucy took a deep breath, and picked up her pen.

_________________

Dear Lo

That song sounds hilarious. Please learn it for me. I’ve been practising those chords you taught me, but I miss your tuition. 

Did you have any luck deterring the beast? It sounds frightening. I hope you can find some kind of solution without having to challenge it. Please be careful.

I realise I don’t know anything about Elliott. What’s she like? How long has she been a monster hunter? I’m glad you have another expert with you keeping you safe. 

Work on the clinic is going…well, it’s going. I need so much hardcore aggregate for the foundation and so much steel for the frame, let alone the furniture, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the ruins. I did manage to pull together a couple of gifts for the Day of the Bright Sun too. I can't believe it's that time of year already.

Andy is doing well. He’s finished his chores now with Cooper and Fang. I think he quite enjoyed it in the end. I found out he’s trained X to steal foil-wrapped sweets for him though. Those two are so cheeky it’s unreal! I made him give some of his pocket money to Arvio to make up for it. 

He’s working on an invention, something he designed himself. I’m trying to keep him busy with that after school, keep him out of further mischief! 

Write back soon Lo. Your letters keep me going when we’re apart. 

All my love

Lucy xxx

_________________

With the new foundation for the clinic's extension laid, Lucy was able to start building. It was heavy work, and noisy, and she apologised profusely to anyone who had an appointment with Fang. 

Every now and then the doctor would appear outside, watching her work. At first she couldn’t tell if he was concerned or pleased about how things were going, until he gave her a simple nod then went back inside. Then he began to bring her drinks — green tea when the mornings were cool, fruity drinks spiced with red peppercorns as the day grew warmer, often served with small crispy crackers that were salty and spicy on her tongue. She knew he was a caring soul and food was his love language (they’d bonded over cooking early on in their friendship), but Lucy was touched nonetheless.

Andy would head down to the clinic after school and check in with her, then run off to play with Jasmine around town or at the park. One day the duo went to the Golden Goose and Andy kept running back and forth to Lucy, asking for more gols to play on the games.

“Andy, I’m not made of money!” Lucy said after a while, feeling hot and bothered. 

“No, but yer a builder. You can make more.” 

“Not in the way you think kiddo,” she mumbled, reaching into her purse for some more change. “These are my last coins,” she said, holding them up and giving him a warning look before she handed them over.

“It’ll be worth it, I promise!” he called as he ran away again.

An hour later he walked back over. She was about to snap at him that she had no more coins to give him when he held out a book. 

“What’s this?” she asked, removing her gloves and securing them between her thighs while she took the book. 

“It’s a cook book. I won it for yer. Cos you like cookin’.” 

Lucy looked at his face. He was beaming. He was so proud of himself. 

“This is wonderful Andy, thank you.” She felt guilty she’d been snapping at him when he’d been set on doing something nice for her (even though she probably could have just bought it for half the price). “Can you take it home for me so it doesn’t get dirty or damaged here on the building site? Maybe you can have a look through, see if there’s anything you want us to try to make together?” 

“Course Luce!” 

She smiled as she watched him run away hugging the book to his chest. A warm glow settled around her heart and carried her through the rest of the day.

After finishing the structure and the roof of the extension, Lucy began working inside. It was a relief to be working indoors as the spring heat picked up. The building was cool and echoey as she skimmed the walls.

It was one of her favourite jobs, spreading the fresh plaster on the walls and smoothing it out. There was something therapeutic about it and it helped to calm her mind, which was otherwise still often worrying about Logan — whether he was safe, and what his relationship with Elliott was like. She’d calmed down a little after the initial few days of worry since she received his letter. Flashes of him with another woman no longer taunted her just as she fell asleep. But it was still often on her mind.

She’d moved on to fixing the windows in place when she saw Owen walking towards her. He waved at her, and she made sure the window she was working on was secure then met him outside.

“Lucy, how are you? I’ve brought you lunch,” he said with a big smile, holding up a paper bag. 

“You have? Thank you. I didn’t order anything…”

“No I know. But I know you’re working hard. I thought we could eat together.” 

Lucy nodded. “I’ll just wash my hands.” 

They sat on a bench in the shade between the clinic and the Golden Goose while they ate. Owen had brought her favourites — Highwind Rice and Sand Jujube cake. 

“This is nice O,” she said after a while. 

“Good. I’ve had a sneaking suspicion you’ve been avoiding me,” he said, waving her away as she started to protest, “And I understand why, but if we don’t see each other we won’t move past it. And you need to eat.” 

Lucy chuckled at his last point, then sighed. “I know, you’re right. I’m just embarrassed.” 

“No need. I’ve done my fair share of embarrassing things anyway. We all have.”

“Yeah? Like what?” she asked with a grin. 

“Oh no, that’s for another day. This is about your embarrassing episode, not mine.” 

“You just said there was no need to be embarrassed!” 

Owen laughed. “Anyway, you said things are awkward with Brandon. You don’t need them to be awkward with me too. We’re friends Luce. We’ve got to look out for each other.” 

Lucy bumped his shoulder with her own. “Thanks O.” 

“Anytime.” 

When Owen took his leave, picking up all their empty cartons to take back to the Blue Moon with him, Lucy continued to sit for a while in the cool of the shade. She closed her eyes, letting her mind wander.

She'd had more dreams of Logan. Not just the ones of him with a faceless woman — dreams that twisted her heart and haunted her all day. Sweet ones. Dreams where he was just laying next to her and she was cuddled into his side, his fingers tracing lazy circles over her shoulder. And they were just talking quietly, about their future, no doubts in their minds that they'd spend it together. Their voices were soft, their laughter gentle. In those dreams she'd doze off in his arms, and wake up alone.

_________________

Luce

I’m so happy to hear from you. Your letters keep me going too, Love.

How’s the work on the clinic going? You sound a little stressed. Is it just work? You can tell me anythin you know, even though we’re just writing. I don’t want you putting on a brave face for me just cause I’m away. Andy ain’t causing you too much grief is he?

I ain’t feeling too good myself. Deterring the beast didn’t go so well. We just managed to make it angry. It went on a hell of a rampage. It’s killed some of their livestock now Luce. I’m feeling like I’ve made things worse, not better.

Elliott is great though. You’ll love her. She’s been monster hunting a fair few years, really knows her stuff. I think we make a good team. I said she should come and visit Sandrock. I reckon you’ll think she’s real cool. She reminds me of you sometimes, she ain’t afraid of anythin. She’s making the trip a lot more bearable, think I would’ve given up by now if it weren’t for her. 

We’ve set a trap for the beast. We’re heading out first light to deal with it, once and for all. 

Off for a quick drink now with Ellie before getting an early night. 

Miss you Darlin’. We’ll be done soon, one way or the other, and I’ll be heading home. 

Love you so much

Logan xx

_________________

Lucy chewed the inside of her cheek as she read Logan’s letter, trying to talk herself down. They were going for drinks together, ending their nights together. And it was just a bit…gushy…about his new friend. But Logan spoke well of most people. Those he liked anyway. 

It was good they were cracking on with things. Soon they’ll have finished the bounty, and he’d be on his way home. 

She couldn’t wait, but she was also nervous to see him, to find out the truth of it all, especially if there was a chance he was going to bring Elliott home with him. Part of her hoped he would, so she'd either be reassured or get her answer quickly. More of her hoped he'd say goodbye to Elliott and not give her another thought. 

Either way, the fact Lucy felt nervous about seeing Logan and not just excited made her feel a little sad.

_________________

Dear Lo

I was a little stressed. Work has been full on, but the clinic is going really well now. The bulk of it is done, so it’s just the final details and snags, and installing all the furniture. I think it looks great. I’m proud of it and Fang seems pleased too. 

Andy is his usual cheeky self, but no he’s not causing me too much grief. He’s good company and I like having him around!

I really hope it’s gone well with the trap. Perhaps you’ll already be on your way home and you’ll miss this letter. I really hope so. I’m going to choose to be optimistic, so I won’t spend too long writing my news. You might walk through the door tomorrow, and I’ll be able to tell you face to face.

I can’t wait to see you.

Lots of love

Lucy xxx

_________________

When the clinic was finished Trudy called everyone together for a grand opening, a big blue ribbon across the entrance. Fang stood nervously to one side, Lucy next to him for moral support, Heidi the other side.

“…And I’m sure we can all agree the improvements to the Clinic will be of huge benefit to everyone, residents and visitors alike, providing more space and privacy for those that need it during their care. A big thank you to our wonderful architect Heidi and our fantastic builder Lucy.” Trudy held up a hand in their direction while everyone clapped and Lucy and Heidi waved awkwardly. “Fang, if you’d like to do the honours?” Trudy asked.

Fang nodded then stepped forward to cut the ribbon, and after a few more claps and cheers people began to filter inside to look around the new extension. 

Mi-an gushed to Lucy about the quality of the work. “This is amazing Lucy! Outstanding as always.” 

“Thanks Mi-an, that means a lot coming from you,” Lucy said, giving her friend a hug.

Lucy smiled and nodded her thanks as people gave her a physical or metaphorical pat on the back. She was pleased with her work — it provided a much-needed treatment room for anyone that needed to stay in for surgery or longer care, freeing up the larger space as a ward. She was looking forward to showing Logan when he was home. 

As everyone milled around, Lucy sensed a presence at her side and turned to see Brandon holding out a small cup of juice for her. 

“Congratulations Lucy,” he said with a smile. “This is fantastic.” 

“Thank you.” She took the juice gratefully. Talking was thirsty work. “I’m glad you got to see some of my work Brandon, and not just me fighting monsters.” She rose her eyebrows at him as she smiled and took a sip of her drink.

Brandon chuckled. “I might need to get your advice on some new rooms at the vet practice.” 

“Yeah?” 

Brandon nodded. “I think we could do with an extra room or two.” 

“I’d love to help if I can, though Heidi did a lot of the planning. Do you have blueprints for the current layout?”

“I’ll see what I can get sent over.” 

There was an awkward pause while they smiled at one another.

“I haven’t seen you much lately,” Lucy said, breaking the silence.

“No. I thought some space might be a good idea,” he said, surveying the room.

Lucy nodded and looked down at her toes.

“I miss you though Luce.” He was looking at her when she looked up, a smile teasing the corner of his lips. A hint of the smile he usually gave her.

“I miss you too Brandon. You know you can pop over any time. Merle misses you.”

A proper smile broke out onto his face. “Oh, well. If Merle misses me…”  

Lucy grinned at him.

“So when is this boyfriend of yours going to be back in town to kick my ass?” 

Lucy huffed a laugh. “He’s not going to kick your ass.” 

Brandon’s eyebrows creased and he gave her a withering look. “The guy that shot at my feet isn’t going to swing for me when he finds out I asked his girlfriend to leave him for me?” 

“Well. He might. But I wasn’t planning on telling him.” 

“You weren’t?” 

“What is there to tell? Anyway, I’m not sure when he’s going to be back. Soon, hopefully.”

“Hmm, hopefully,” Brandon said sarcastically before taking a sip of his drink, and Lucy thumped him gently on the arm.   

_________________

Logan’s letters normally arrived about six days after she sent hers. She assumed that he, like her, wrote his letter the minute he got hers and posted it straight away. So towards the end of the week she checked her mailbox every day for news from him. 

After eight days she wondered where his reply was, but thought it could just be a delay in the post, or perhaps he was busy with…things. She shook her head, forcing any negative images out. The most important thing was that he was safe, and she was sure he was. He knew how to look after himself.

Perhaps he hadn’t written because he was already on his way home. That was likely it.

She helped Andy finish building his invention that week. It was an all new improved Super Shock Shield Mk. II — an upgrade on a design he’d made for Logan, and he’d put a lot of thought into it, even getting Qi’s advice on some of the mechanics.

“That uppity science fella sure knows a lot of stuff don’t he?” Andy had commented as they screwed the final pieces into place.

Lucy giggled. ‘Uppity science fella’ was pretty apt. “I think Logan will love this Andy. The fact you designed it will make it even more special.” She stood up and lifted the shield, admiring it. 

“Do yer think it’ll help keep him safe?” 

“I do.” Lucy smiled down at him and ruffled his hair. “Shall we wrap it as a welcome home present?” 

_________________

Dear Lo

I haven’t heard from you, so I hope no news is good news? How did it go capturing the beast? 

Perhaps my last letter got lost, or yours did, or you’re travelling home right now. I hope it’s the latter.

If it’s not and you’re still there, I hope you’re okay. Please write and tell me your news. Or, even better, come home soon, please?

All my love

Lucy xxx

_________________

Sandrock had properly burst into colour, as if it was giving spring a final 'hurrah'. Vibrant green grass framed the oasis and the paths, glossy leaves rustled in the breeze and marked out welcome shade on the ground below, and pink, purple and yellow blooms were awash with tiny insects.

Nia and Mi-an had asked Lucy and Brandon to join them on their decking for the week’s important wedding task — invitations. 

Nia had set up a production line. She was writing the invitations with her well-practiced cursive handwriting. Mi-an was writing the corresponding address. Lucy was making sure the right invitation was going into the correct envelope. And Brandon was sealing them and fixing the stamps. Elsie was off manning the Outpost in Logan’s absence, so she was excused.

“How many more to go sis?” Brandon moaned after a while. “My tongue feels like the desert.” 

“Wanna swap?” Lucy asked.

“No!” Nia snapped. “No offence Brandon, but I can’t trust you to not mix up the invitations in their envelopes.” 

“Offence taken,” Brandon muttered. Lucy cast him a sympathetic smile. 

“I need to check in with Justice and Trudy about Logan anyway,” Lucy said. “Perhaps we could take a quick break and I’ll fetch us some drinks on the way back?” 

“Still no news?” Mi-an asked, her concerned face reflecting Lucy's. 

Lucy shook her head. “I’m sure he’s fine, but…” 

“It’s alright Luce." Nia said. "You go. We’ll start up again when you’re back.” Lucy gave Nia’s hand a grateful squeeze as she stood up and left the table. 

Justice and Trudy both shook their heads when she spoke to them. Still nothing. They’d sent some messages out to see if they could get any information about his whereabouts, but they’d had no luck so far. “We’ll keep trying Lucy, don’t you worry. We won’t give up,” Trudy said, and Lucy nodded.

She walked along the dusty cobbles of Main Street staring at her feet, her mind whirring with possibilities. The one that worried her the most now was that Logan was hurt. Even if something had happened with Elliott, she was sure he’d return to let her know. He wouldn’t just disappear. 

Or even if he would, if he’d decided not to return to Lucy, there was no way he’d abandon Andy. 

Lucy quickly scribbled another letter, and dropped it in the mailbox.

_________________

Dear Lo

I hope everything’s alright — I haven’t heard from you. Did you get my last few letters? 

Please write to me soon and let me know you’re okay. I’m worried about you. Andy misses you.

Love always

Lucy xxx

_________________

It was a hot hike up to the ledge Lucy and Logan had used when they'd been gliding earlier in the year. When Lucy looked down at the valley below now, green accents dotted the barren cliffs from the trees that'd established themselves in the rocks, like the hardy troopers they were. She adjusted her new glider on her back and stood on the edge, letting the wind encircle her and wrap her in its soft airy arms. She closed her eyes, listening, focusing on right now, trying to clear her mind. 

She'd felt like she was going crazy in town. Every time she heard a low, gravelly Sandrocker accent her head would whip up, only to be disappointed. The same happened whenever heavy boots thudded towards her, or the sound of hooves. Her body knew before her mind did that they weren't Logan. The sounds weren't quite right. But she was so anxious, so hopeful, her mind would arrow in on any sound or image that was remotely like him. She didn't even care anymore what might have happened with Elliott. She just wanted to know he was safe. 

She'd escaped to the mountains for the afternoon, hoping gliding would give her some much needed mindfulness. 

Hoping, as she did every day, every hour, that Logan would be there when she returned home.

_________________

A few days later, Lucy stood next to Andy as he smeared a thick layer of salty butter onto the bread she’d sliced, then layered on the thick, wonky slabs of cheese he’d cut. Another slice of bread on top, then he cut his sandwich into triangles and carefully tucked it into his lunch bag. A sweet perfumed apple and a small packet of potato chips, and he was all set.

Lucy saw him to the door and waved him off to school, then went back to her kitchen to clear up and make her morning coffee, humming softly, content in her domesticity. She thought she'd take her drink out into her yard while she made a plan for the day’s work.

The hot water was just beginning to boil when there was a knock at her door. Her heart leapt, as it always did, that hope springing to life immediately inside her. She turned off the stove and walked quickly to the door, anticipating Logan on the other side, smiling down at her. 

She'd imagined it a thousand times.

His skin would be tanned from the spring sun, his white teeth shining as he grinned at her, his blue eyes crinkled at the corners. 

'Howdy Builder', she imagined him saying in that low voice that sent ripples down her spine. 'Howdy Bandit' she'd reply in a breathy voice, overcome at seeing him again.

Or maybe they wouldn't say anything. 

Maybe, after a moment's pause where they lay their eyes on each other again, drank in the sight of each other, he'd simply step forward and wrap his arms around her, and she'd pull him down into a kiss. Soft at first, then passionate.

Reunited.

Home.

But when she opened the door, it was Justice standing on the other side.

Lucy tried to hide her disappointment and smiled at him broadly. 

“Justice! How are you?” she asked.

And then her smile faltered. 

There was something about his face, like he was trying to set his features into the right expression despite some kind of deep sadness. 

And there was something about the way he held himself. Tense. Like his shoulders carried a great weight. 

And there was something about the way he removed his hat and held it in his hands. And in the way he paused before speaking, as if trying to find the words.

Lucy’s world began to tilt and she reached out a hand to steady herself against the door frame.

“Logan?” she whispered. 

Justice nodded. 

He stepped forward and caught Lucy just as her legs gave way.

Notes:

I'm sorry.

Chapter 12: A messenger

Summary:

Lucy tries to remain hopeful, whilst also planning for the worst.

“We don’t know for certain Luce,” Justice said a short while later once he’d got Lucy to her couch and fetched her a glass of water. “They haven’t found a…” 

He trailed off, but Lucy winced at the implication of the word ‘body’. 

“Elliott’s back at the Civil Corps office now. She’s travelled all the way here, was asking for you, wanted to come and tell you what she knows, but I thought it better the news came from me. When yer feelin’ up to it, we can go up there and talk to her.” 

Lucy nodded and placed her glass down on the coffee table, accidentally spilling some water in the process. Her hands wouldn’t stop shaking. 

“Let’s go now. I want to get it over with.” 

Thankfully Main Street was quiet as they commenced their walk along the cobbles. The kids were at school. Business was slow in the morning. 

The whir of the coffee machine sounded as they passed the Blue Moon. Clinking glasses. Owen and Grace calling to one another as they set up for the day. 

They saw Arvio sweeping his porch and he raised a hand to greet them. Justice returned the gesture, but Lucy stared straight ahead, not seeing, not hearing.

When they reached the door to the Civil Corps Lucy paused. She took a few deep breaths, felt Justice by her side, his hand resting gently on her back for moral support. She swallowed her fear, and reached for the door handle.

Inside the office she saw Unsuur and Elsie sitting at a table with another woman. They all looked up as she entered, and Elliott stood.

Lucy had got some things right. 

Elliott was tall, fit, attractive. 

Her dark braids were down to her shoulders on one side, cropped close to her skull on the other. 

An array of small studs and hoops ran up the edge of her exposed ear.

She had an impressive pale scar that ran from the edge of her eyebrow to her jaw, and a newer, fresher looking scar on her other cheek. It was deep and angry looking, and ran very close to her eye.

If Lucy was to try and place her age, she would’ve put her in her 40’s. 

Damn, Lucy thought, Logan was right. Elliott was the coolest-looking woman Lucy had ever seen.

“Lucy?” Elliott asked.

Lucy nodded and held out her hand, pleading with it to stop shaking. “It’s nice to meet you Elliott.” 

“I wish it was under better circumstances. And call me Ellie, please,” she said as she clasped Lucy’s hand warmly.

Justice fetched Lucy another drink, then they all took a seat around the table. “I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news Lucy,” Ellie started. “Logan asked me to let you know if anything should happen to him. He talked about you and his kid all the time. All the time.” 

Ellie smiled sadly at Lucy, and Lucy returned it.

“So, what can you tell us Ellie?” Justice asked. 

Elliott took them through the last time she’d seen Logan. They’d set the trap for the beast with the intention of stunning it and moving it elsewhere. They hadn’t wanted to kill it if they didn’t have to.

But in trapping it, they’d sent the beast into a rage. 

It had fought back and released itself from its bindings with a force of strength that had sent both Logan and Elliott stumbling back in shock. Then it lunged and began to attack Ellie viciously. 

“I was fighting for my life,” Ellie said. “This ain’t the half of it,” she added, gesturing to the new scar on her cheek. 

The poison darts didn’t seem to be doing anything to stun it. Logan was trying to distract it, to get it to go for him instead, but now it had Ellie in its grasp it seemed only intent on killing her. Maybe it would’ve moved onto Logan once she was out of the way. She saw Logan raise his gun, but he must have changed his mind, perhaps worried he’d hit Ellie if he fired.

Then Ellie was on the floor, and she knew she was starting to lose consciousness. One of the last things she remembered was Logan suddenly running at the beast, putting all of his weight into his shoulder as he tackled it, forcing it away. But by that point they’d edged close to a ravine and…well…Logan and the beast both went over.

“I was in a bad way. I reckon I passed out for a bit. It took me a long time to get back to the town and get help. It was dark by then, too dark to send people out looking, but they sent a search party the next morning. They looked for a few days, dawn till dusk, and they found the beast — it’d smashed its head on some rocks part way down. But there was no sign of Logan. I’m sorry Lucy.”  

“But if they haven’t found him, if there’s no body…” Lucy began, some hope in her voice.

Elliott shook her head. “I mean, I’d love to tell you that there’s still a chance. I guess that’s why I’m here, in case you all have any ideas. I couldn't search on my own. But I think we need to be realistic. Let’s say he survived the fall into the ravine — and that’s already a long shot — the water down at the bottom comes off a mountain. It’s cold. And then, if he survived the cold water shock, and the hypothermia, he’s out in the wilderness with Peach knows what, probably injured. Where’s he gonna go? I just think if there was a chance, he’d have turned up somewhere by now.” 

“But we don’t know.” Lucy looked pleadingly at Justice, Unsuur and Elsie. Unsuur and Justice both looked sympathetic, but Elsie frowned and leaned forward. 

“Luce is right,” she said. “We can’t give up. Heck I ain’t givin’ up. We finally got Logan back after all those years. We need to go and check it out for ourselves — all the surroundin’ towns and villages too. What if he’s hurt somewhere? Banged his head up real good and can’t remember his way home?”

Lucy could have cried with thanks for her friend’s attitude and support. Then she saw Justice nod, and a seed of hope began to sprout in her chest. “I’m up for headin’ out that way and seein’ what we can find out.” 

“Me too,” Lucy said immediately. “I want to come.” 

Elliott snorted a laugh and Lucy looked at her, frowning, annoyed at the perceived slight.

“Oh no, I’m sorry,” Elliott said, waving her hand. “It’s just that, Logan told me if anything happened to him, I was to stop you doing something rash — like rushing in to save him. He said you were a stubborn firebrand. Thought that was rich coming from him.” 

“And will you?” Lucy challenged, one eyebrow raised. “Try and stop me?” 

“Heck no woman. All the power to you. I’d like to come along and help though. I know the area and a bit about where they’ve already searched. I wasn’t fit enough to do it at the time. But maybe with you folks…” 

Lucy eyed Elliott and smiled. Yeah — she liked this woman. 

Justice asked Elliott if she had a map of the area, and she stood up and spread it on the table. They put a pin in the location Logan fell, and drew a large circle around it. 

“Looks like there’s four main towns around that area, some closer than others,” Justice observed. 

“Yes,” Ellie said. “This is the one we were staying in. It’s worth checking back in with them, but otherwise I think we can assume that’s been covered. That leaves three. One to the south-west, one north-east, and one north-west.” She tapped each one as she listed them.

Planning began in earnest. But as they talked, Justice noticed Lucy had gone quiet. He watched her for a moment. 

“Luce, you okay?” 

She looked up at him, her face pained. 

Lucy never thought there would be anything that would stop her rushing straight to Logan’s side. She would drop everything, move mountains, to get to him if she could. She’d climb to the bottom of the ravine and haul him out herself.

But she’d realised, quite suddenly, that there was another. Another person she loved. And she did, she realised — she really loved him. 

And so, for the first time since she’d fallen in love with Logan, she was torn about who to choose, and it made her want to weep.

“Lucy?” Justice asked again. 

She took a deep breath as she made her decision.

“I can’t leave Andy,” she said. 

Justice’s concerned face softened. 

“I just, I can’t.” Lucy looked at Elsie, and her friend reached out to take her hand. “He’s been abandoned so many times, and he’s so settled at mine. I can’t leave him, especially if there’s a chance I’d only be returning with bad news. I just can’t.” She wiped her eyes, suddenly wet with tears.

Justice smiled at her. “We ain’t gonna think less of you fer stayin’ Luce,” he said. “I reckon that’s what Logan would want anyhow. Me, Elsie and Ellie will go. Unsuur — you can stay and man the Corps as acting Sheriff.”

Unsuur’s eyes grew wide, and for once he was lost for words. “Yes sir,” was all he could manage.

Elsie gave Lucy’s hand a squeeze. “We’ll find ‘im Luce, I promise.” 

_________________

Lucy sat down with Andy after school. He’d spotted Rambo in her yard and yelled in excitement, and she’d had to ask him to hush and listen several times before he stopped asking where Logan was.

She didn’t want to frighten him, so she only told him the basics — that Logan’d had an accident, and Elsie, Justice, and Logan’s new friend Ellie were going to go and try and find him. And that Ellie had brought Rambo home, so Lucy and Andy could look after him for Logan in the meantime.

“Is Logan gonna be okay?” Andy asked, his expression unreadable. 

“I hope so kiddo.” 

Lucy and Andy got up early the next morning to say goodbye to the search party. Justice and Elsie hugged Lucy tightly, both reassuring her they’d do whatever it takes. Ellie shook her hand again, then she bent down so she was eye level with Andy. 

“I found this in your Pa’s room,” she said, holding up a little wooden carving of a dog. “I reckon he was making it for you. He said you kept asking for a dog.” 

Andy took it from her palm and enclosed it in his. Then Lucy gently rested her hand on his shoulder as the trio mounted up and, one by one, set off on their journey.

Lucy had considered giving Andy the day off school, but she thought it might be best for him to keep a sense of normalcy. When he didn’t object, she walked him there so she could let Jane know what was happening for him at home, in case he needed some support.

Lucy returned home and went up to her bedroom. Elliott had scooped up Logan’s things from his room at the inn and returned them to Lucy. She’d also picked up his hat from the ground. Lucy ran her fingers over the horns and smiled to herself. Then she lifted his bag onto her bed and unzipped it.

She pulled out his things one by one, placing them reverently down next to her. A few spare pieces of clothing, his toiletries, his favourite woolly socks, his kit for cleaning his gun and sharpening his knives, his emergency aid kit, some more postcards he must have bought for them, his pen and paper, a dog-eared book — one that Lucy had loaned him — with the photos of her in her dress and Andy with the blue yakmel slotted inside. 

Lucy looked at all of his things around her, and ran her fingers over them lightly. How long ago had it been that he’d touched them? 

She picked up one of his carefully folded shirts and let it unravel, then she held it to her face and breathed it in. It was clean but still smelled of Logan. 

Earthy and wild. 

A faint hint of his cologne. 

She curled up into a ball on her bed, her face pressed into his shirt, and wept.  

_________________

Lucy wasn’t sure what time it was when a knock sounded at her door. Early afternoon, she’d guess.

She heard Nia calling for her. 

Lucy didn’t move, just stayed on her bed staring into space, still curled around Logan’s shirt. 

Nia let herself in and Lucy heard her walk upstairs. 

“Oh Lucy,” she heard her friend say softly from her bedroom doorway. Then Nia laid down on the bed behind her and held her tightly.

_________________

Lucy knew Andy was bottling up his feelings when he woke with a nightmare. His sobs had startled her awake and she was in his doorway before she even realised what was happening. She perched on the edge of his bed and pulled him into a hug, stroking his back while he cried, then holding his hand until he fell asleep again.

After several nights and more nightmares, Lucy took Andy with her to Construction Junction. 

“I’ve got some work I need doing,” she explained to Heidi. “I want to expand a little, to build a couple of new rooms. One will be for Andy, so he’s here to help choose the decorations.” 

Andy stared up at Lucy. “Really? I get a room and I get to choose my stuff?” he asked. 

She smiled down at him. “Yep. Colours, wallpaper, carpet. What do you think to the dinosaur light?” 

Together they pored over Heidi’s catalogue and Andy picked out what he wanted for his very own bedroom.

Lucy knew it wouldn’t be a quick fix, but she hoped it might help him feel settled at hers and like he was home. She was still hoping for good news — praying to the Light for good news — but at the back of her mind was the thought that the two of them could be on their own now. 

She decided to call in reinforcements.

_________________

Luce

We arrived at the town and checked it out. Ellie was right, there ain’t been any more news or sightings. We’ve put up some of the ‘Missing’ posters though.

We travelled west straight away and we’re staying at the next spot for a few days while we search. We’re asking everyone we meet and checking all the inns and clinics. We’re gonna head out to the spot where they had the kerfuffle too, see if we can track any more clues.

We ain’t found anything yet Luce, but we’re here now and we ain’t gonna give up till we’ve checked everywhere, don’t you worry.

We hope you and Andy are doing alright. We’ll write again soon.

Elsie, Justice & Ellie

_________________

Over the next few days Lucy felt as if she was walking around in a daze. Nothing felt real. More than once she found herself stood at her worktable staring into space, a tool held limply in her hand. Wei had told her to take some time off, but she told him she wanted to keep busy. Except she couldn't. Her brain wasn't functioning as it normally did.

She felt she'd made the right decision in staying for Andy, but she hated not being out there searching. The impotence was killing her. She knew Logan so intimately, she couldn't help but think she'd spot something they wouldn't, that she should have gone in case they missed a tiny detail. But Justice and Elsie loved Logan too, and she had no doubt that they would hunt high and low for him.

_________________

When it came to finishing Lucy’s extension and Andy’s room, the townsfolk rallied. Mi-an helped with the build, and she let Andy help paint his room the pale blue he’d chosen. 

Vivi gifted them some blankets in ‘yakmel blue’ alongside the stripy red and white curtains and bed covers she’d made. Nia helped Lucy decorate her second, bigger spare room in beautiful creams and pale greens, then set vases of fresh flowers throughout the house. 

Trudy, Hugo, Owen and Rocky appeared when it was time to carry in the new furniture. And Mabel and Cooper popped round with a dozen home cooked meals and Andy’s favourite banana-orange gelatin. 

When it was all done and everyone had left, Lucy padded upstairs to check on Andy. She stopped when she heard voices, then peered around the door. 

She couldn’t see them, but she could hear Andy and Jasmine giggling from inside the new play tent in the corner of his room.

"And with that,” Jasmine said, “The ten thousand years of space jail was over for evil butler kitty. Stay tuned for next time where we'll see evil butler kitty attempt to re-enter society…" 

Lucy smiled to herself then left them to play.

_________________

In amongst the pain, there was a ray of light. Krystal and Rocky welcomed their new baby girl, Pearl, and mum and baby were among the first to use the new private room at the clinic after a few minor complications during the birth. 

When they were home, Lucy took Andy for a visit. He peered at the new baby, milk-drunk and fast asleep in her mother’s arms. 

“Babies don’t do much, do they?” he commented, then went to entertain Pebbles for a bit, seeing how high a tower they could build with blocks.

Krystal insisted Lucy held Pearl, and she took a seat before Rocky carefully placed her in Lucy’s arms. She stared down at the tiny pink face and rosebud lips, and wondered what it was like to hold a baby of your own.

_________________

A few days later, Lucy held Andy’s hand as they waited on the platform. As the train pulled to a stop, Jenson hopped down and nodded hello to them both, and chucked Andy under the chin. As the carriages opened, Lucy glanced up and down to see who was disembarking where. Finally, Andy yelled, “There!” and pointed to a train door further down the platform.

Lucy smiled as Haru came into view, his bag slung over his shoulder. 

“Hey little buddy!” he called to Andy, and he opened his arms wide to give the boy a hug. 

His hug with Lucy was a little more sombre, and he rubbed her back gently before whispering in her ear, “I’m so sorry Lucy.” She pulled back and nodded at him, trying to smile and not get emotional. 

“We thought you could get settled in then we’ll go for dinner at the Blue Moon. There are lots of people keen to see you,” she said.

Andy took great pride in pulling Haru up the stairs to show him his new bedroom. “Wow, this is amazing Andy, you’ve got your own desk and everything.” Haru ran his hands over the pinboard in Andy’s room, where the boy had hung up some photos of the gang alongside his drawings. Lucy had added a hook to the back of Andy's bedroom door, and Andy had proudly displayed Logan's hat there. The little wooden dog took pride of place on his desk.

Haru was going to stay in Lucy’s new spare room, freeing up her old one which she used to dry clothes indoors and store things. In his letter Haru had offered to stay at Logan’s, but she’d asked if he’d stay with them, at least for a few nights. She wanted him around for Andy. 

Dinner at the Blue Moon was fun and helped them take their minds off of things, although Lucy still felt Logan’s missing presence massively. Andy was thrilled to have Haru home for a visit and they played several rounds of Critters before sharing a huge bowl of ice-cream. Owen and Grace joined them when they could, and Arvio stopped by to say hello to his friend. 

Later that evening, once Andy was tucked up in bed, Lucy and Haru sat on her couch to talk. Lucy liked Haru, but she didn’t know him all that well. She’d found him much easier to talk to than Logan in the early days when they were all still working out of the hideout. He was generally easy company. But he’d left for university not long after they’d served their jail time, so she only really knew what Logan told her from Haru's letters and what she picked up during his brief visits home. 

“It was a real shock when I got your letter,” Haru said.

“I can imagine. I’m sorry. I thought you should know, and I can already tell it’s making a difference for Andy having you here for a bit. He was sad about the gang splitting up anyway, but with the worry that Logan could be… might not…” She cleared her throat to stop herself welling up. “Well, neither of us have been doing all that well to be honest.” 

Haru watched her face as she spoke. “Logan loves you so much Lucy, you know that right? He’s not the gushy type, but I could just tell from the way he wrote about you in his letters. He was picturing a future with you, you know?” 

Lucy nodded. Haru’s words were lovely, but one broke her heart — 'was'. 

_________________

Luce

I’m sorry, we don’t have any good news yet. We’ve checked out the town to the south-west and now the north-east too. We’ve been in all the clinics, every inn, checked every farmhouse. Nobody has seen or heard sight nor sound of him.

I really wish we had better news Luce. We’ve got one more town to check, but we wanted to let you know. We think we might need to start bracing ourselves for the worst outcome. 

We’re so sorry. We’re sending you all our love and strength, and we’ll write again before we head home. 

Elsie, Justice & Ellie

_________________

Lucy stared into the bottom of her empty whisky glass. Her second one, she thought. She knew she shouldn’t be drinking alone, but it seemed appropriate. Seemed a Logan thing to do. 

Haru'd had to go back to school and Lucy had asked Trudy if Andy could have a sleepover with Jasmine. She’d said he’d been asking to, which wasn’t a lie. But the main reason was that Lucy wanted to wallow. Just for one night. Trudy seemed to understand without her saying anything — Lucy knew her grief was written all over her face. 

Elsie and Justice’s last letter had just about done her in. That tiny thread of hope was beginning to fray. One more knock and it would snap, Lucy was sure of it. So it was a night in for her, with a bottle of Logan's favourite whisky to keep her company.

She knew someone was at her door before they rapped on it. She heard their shoes on her path and her porch light flickered on. It was late. 

She was surprised when she opened the door to find Brandon standing there, one arm holding a box, the other raised ready to knock. 

“Lucy!” he said, caught out by her pre-emptive door opening. “Sorry to call so late. I just got back from Highwind.” Brandon had gone home for a couple of weeks to check on his business and make sure everything was all in order. “Ma put together a package. She wanted me to bring it for you.” 

Lucy’s eyebrows rose just a touch, but her face otherwise remained impassive. “Oh, right. Thank you. Can you put it on the dining table?” 

She opened the door for Brandon then turned away. “Do you want a drink?” she asked, walking to her coffee table and pouring herself another finger of whisky. 

Brandon frowned as he set the box down. “Uh, sure.” 

Lucy fetched another glass from her kitchen and brought their drinks to the dining table, then together they opened the box from Nia and Brandon’s mother. Inside were dozens of treats from Highwind — the candy Lucy liked, the potato chips, the rice crackers. Her favourite soaps. A new headscarf. A big box of chocolates from her favourite store. “Oh, let’s open these,” she said, taking the box over to her couch. She set it on the coffee table, but she didn’t open it, choosing instead to knock back her drink.

Brandon followed her and took a seat, then cradled his glass. “How’re you doing Luce?” he asked softly.

Lucy just looked at him, a smile on her face that confirmed he was silly for even asking. He rested his arm across the top of the couch and gently brushed a lock of hair from her face. “I’m sorry Luce. I know Logan and I didn’t hit it off, but I’m still so sorry this is happening.” 

Lucy blinked quickly, trying to stop the tears from having the chance to form. “Yeah, well,” was all she could say.

Brandon continued to stroke her hair, and Lucy felt her eyes close. For a moment she allowed herself to just focus on the sensation, on being soothed. It was what Logan used to do — brush her hair away from her face, or gently tug on a lock of hair when he was teasing her or flirting.

She thought she might pretend it was Logan's hand now, just for a second.  

She imagined it was Logan's fingers that brushed against her cheek as she turned into his palm, and she let out a sigh.

Then she pretended it was Logan’s chest under her fingers as she moved closer, gently feeling her way over his shirt.

She pretended it was Logan’s nose that she bumped with her own. Logan’s lips, so close to hers.

“Lucy.”  

She opened her eyes and focused on the mouth in front of her. Not Logan’s lips.

Brandon smiled, gently, sadly. Shook his head, just a little, but not unkindly.

“I’m sorry,” Lucy whispered. She wasn’t sure if she was apologising to Brandon or to Logan’s ghost. 

Both, probably.

Brandon didn’t pull away, but nor did he try and kiss her. 

He simply pulled her against his chest and held her as she cried.

Notes:

This chapter is sponsored by Nothing But Thieves - Real Love Song (Alternative Version).

I'm quite wrung out.

I realise I haven't given you a proper answer yet, but we're just about hanging on alongside Lucy.

Next chapter will give you the answers, I promise 😊

Chapter 13: A struggle

Summary:

An injured Logan tries to get himself to safety.

Logan woke with a start, his eyes blown wide, gasping for air. 

As the air hit his lungs, he groaned in agony.

He pressed a fist to his chest, desperately willing himself to get his breathing under control. 

Above him, the sky was bright blue, cloudless, a mirror of his eyes.

But the calm of the sky was not reflected in the man beneath it.

Logan squeezed his eyelids shut, trying to get a handle on his panic. And the pain. Every breath was like a piercing blade, hot and sharp.

His head was pounding. 

He could taste blood.

He coughed and the spasm through his body caused his face to twist with pain.

He groaned again.

Taking short, urgent breaths, he looked to the side of him, trying to keep his body as still as possible. 

Rock. Grey rock to one side, scrub and trees and…a drop, to the other. He tried to move a little, moved his hands over the rough ground, felt the small stones shift underneath him and heard some scatter over the edge. But the pain in his chest…it was unbearable. 

A fall.

He’d fallen. 

With the beast. 

Where was the beast? 

Where was Ellie?

Was she alive? 

Logan moaned through his gritted teeth as he reached into the pouch at his hip. It was a struggle, every movement making that stabbing pain worse, but he fumbled with shaky hands to pull out some of Fang’s medicine. He didn't count them, simply shoved as many into his mouth as he could and chewed, swallowing the bitter pills down dry. 

Then he laid his head back, his breathing still shallow, and slowly slipped back into unconsciousness. 

_________________

Dusk was falling when Logan woke again, the sky above him violet. 

The painkillers had lessened the agony in his chest but he was shivering. Shock, perhaps. Or the temperature dropping rapidly. The grey rock was cold beneath his bones.

He thought about closing his eyes again, just drifting off. His eyelids were heavy. Sleep would be the easy choice.

There was no pain when he was asleep.

And he was so tired. 

So cold. 

Logan stared at the sky above him.

One star flickered on, then another. 

He watched, blinking slowly, until the Immortal Deer formed above him and he remembered a time when he’d watched the stars with Lucy, when he’d told her one of the stories his Pa had told him, and that he now told Andy.

Tears formed in the corners of his eyes and he grimaced. The sob that formed in his throat created a different kind of pain in his chest. In his heart.

With a loud moan he rolled onto his side, reaching towards the cliff face with a wobbly hand. A few short breaths to steady himself. Then with another groan he pulled himself to his feet, shooting pains travelling up and down his leg, his head spinning. 

He reached behind his skull and gingerly poked at the back of his head. His fingers were red when he pulled them away.

That metallic taste was still in his mouth and he spat onto the ground, alarmed but not surprised when his saliva was dark in the twilight, tinged with blood.

He held himself steady against the rock and looked around, trying to figure out where he was, and how he could get back up.

He couldn't, he realised.

It was quiet, just the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, a few evening songbirds, and the river rushing through the ravine a little way below. 

He wasn’t sure how far he could travel, especially with night falling. But there was nothing nearby to start a fire with. Down seemed easier than up — sliding easier than climbing. 

He started to carefully scramble down the rocky slope, grunting and crying out in pain every time he jarred his ribs or his leg. 

Fuck, he was in a bad way. 

_________________

Logan slept fitfully next to the fire he’d managed to scrabble together under a rocky overhang. At some point during the night he heard a howl in the distance and he hoped that whatever it was couldn't smell him, couldn't tell there was a wounded animal nearby.

In the early dawn, when everything around him was blue-grey, he crouched by the river as best he could and cupped his hands together to drink. The water was icy and fresh. He splashed some over his face then looked up and down the river, trying to work out which way to go.

With nothing else to do, he slowly began to limp along the riverbank, picking his way over stones and fallen branches, following the water in the direction that seemed to be sloping downwards, hoping he may eventually come across a house or a village.

At some point during the day he heard shouts from the direction he’d travelled. He tried to call out but his voice sounded strangled — he couldn't get any power behind it, was still having trouble breathing normally. 

He debated heading back, but it had taken him so long to make the little progress he had, he worried he’d get there and any help would be long gone, leaving him to start again. 

Slowly, he trudged on.

_________________

Another night by a small fire, a heavy dose of Special X and hemostat for dinner. Probably too much, but he had to take the edge off somehow. 

He pulled out the ring he’d bought for Lucy and stared at it in the firelight, imagining it on her finger. He always kept it with him, to remind him what he was working for. What he hoped for.

He was beginning to realise he may never get the chance to give it to her. 

He should have just done it, just offered her the ring. "Here, take this. You don't have to promise me anythin', just know how much I love you, that I can't picture any kind of future that doesn't have you in it."

Lucy. Andy.

Had he imagined all of that? Were they really his? It seemed too good to be true, now.

Bonfires and fishing trips. Camping. Gliding. Churros and sticky hands.

Ruffling Andy's hair.

Hikes and waterfalls. Sheltering from the storm. Swimming in the oasis. Getting caught in the rain.

Holding Lucy in his arms.

So much laughter.

Logan's dreams that night were plagued with visions of Pen. His enemy hadn't haunted him for a while, but that night he returned to pound his ribs and snap his leg.

More than once Logan woke with the sense that he was falling, but he couldn’t remember if he was still in the ravine or back in the Starship Ruins. 

Andy’s face appeared, crying, begging him not to leave him in Sandrock, desperate to go back to the hideout with him.

Logan would give anything to go back to that place now. He'd be content to live through that ordeal again knowing the good things that were around the corner. 

An animal shrieking sounded like a child wailing.

That poor kid, abandoned again. 

_________________

Logan was delirious the next day. 

The river had begun to run dry. It was barely a trickle.

Or at least he thought it was, but he wasn’t sure if he’d wandered away from it, gone wrong somewhere. His plan to stick next to it, follow it down to a village, had seemed like a good idea at the time.

Maybe he should've stayed put.

There were large pebbles underfoot, and Logan staggered side to side, unsteady on his feet as he walked, one arm wrapped around his ribs like he could hold himself together.

His vision was starting to blur, everything going in and out of focus, and he worried he’d been turned about and was heading in the wrong direction. 

There was a gravel riverbank, and grass, and the rock face had disappeared. 

He imagined he could smell woodsmoke and he stumbled towards it. 

His delusions invented a warm cabin with a cosy hearth, charred meat, whisky to numb the pain. 

He fell to one knee, his hand in the dirt.

And then arms were around him, and people were shouting.

_________________

The flash of sunlight in the tree canopy above. The rocking of a wagon. The smell of sawdust. 

The faces of strangers. Questions. 

Concerned looks. 

Swinging doors and bright lights. 

Probing hands. 

Needles. 

Then…

Blessed sleep.

_________________

Luce, we’ve found him!! We’ve found Logan!!!

Some foresters picked him up a few miles from where he fell. He’d somehow got himself all the way there, followin the river they reckon. He collapsed when they found him, but he'd held on long enough Luce. 

They took him to a clinic cos he was in such a bad way. He was in an’ out of consciousness for a while. Doctors couldn’t trace him.

He'd broke a few ribs and banged up his leg real good. Got a bump to his head too.

He was lucky though Luce. Could’ve been much worse. By the time they found him he was dehydrated and out of it. Doctors said he was lucky the internal bleedin wasn’t worse. 

Justice is here tellin me I shouldn’t be worryin you with so much detail but I reckon you’d wanna know. 

He’s gonna be okay Luce. We just need to wait for him to be well enough to travel, then we’ll bring him home. 

He’s been askin for you. It was the first thing he said.

We told him you wanted to come but stayed to look after Andy.

I’m with Logan now. He told me to tell you he loves ya, Andy too. 

We’ll let you know when we’re headin home.

He's gonna be ok.

We're bringin him home Luce.

Elsie, Justice & Ellie

_________________

Mabel was pottering around on her porch, setting up her stall for the day, making sure the milk was staying cool in the warm sunshine. She saw Lucy leave her house and raised an arm to wave. Lucy waved back. 

That poor girl, Mabel thought to herself. She was heartbroken for her. They were all praying for Logan's safe return. Light, that boy had been like another child to Mabel. And he'd been through so much. Seemed like he finally had it all to live for.

She was so proud of Elsie for going to look for him. Mabel knew her daughter wouldn't give up easily, would keep going even if it seemed all hope was lost.

She saw Lucy stop at her mailbox and pull out her letters. Lucy stood with her back to Mabel as she opened one straight away. 

Mabel looked away to fluff the cushion on her chair, but as she turned back around, about to take her seat, she saw Lucy drop to her knees. 

Without pausing to think, Mabel ran — the fastest she'd run in years — until she reached Lucy's side and could bend down and place her hand on Lucy's shoulder.

Lucy looked up at her and put a hand over Mabel's.

Lucy's face was wet with tears. But she was smiling.

 

 

 

Notes:

Y'all really thought I'd kill off Logan?!

A shorter chapter today, but hopefully worth it?

This was one of the first chapters I wrote for this part. I'm sorry I teased you for so long.

Does anyone else write like that? Key scenes that appear in your mind, and then you have to sort of fill in the gaps to get to them?

Reunion imminent!

Chapter 14: A sight for sore eyes (NSFW)

Summary:

Lucy and Andy plan for Logan's homecoming. Lucy has a question for Logan.

Lucy and Andy ate a quick breakfast then did the dishes, Lucy washing, Andy drying. Together they put everything away and wiped down the kitchen before scattering to do their jobs. Even Andy, who normally needed a good nudge and a reminder to do his chores, happily tidied his room, going so far as to dust and vacuum and put his dirty clothes in the wash, before he ran outside to feed Merle and Roach. 

Lucy tidied the rest of the house, making sure everything was spick and span. Every now and then Andy would rush inside and ask Lucy what time it was. 

“You can tell the time as well as me Andy! Asking me isn’t going to change what it says up there,” she said, pointing to the clock on the wall. 

The boy jiggled on his feet. “It’s takin’ aaaages,” he whined. 

Lucy smiled at him. “I know. The best way to make the time pass quickly is to keep busy.” She understood his excitement. She felt the same. Anticipation fluttered in her stomach, making it difficult to stay still. 

When the house was ready, Lucy sent Andy to call for Jasmine, a packed lunch in his hands, and assured him she’d come and find him when it was time. Then Lucy bathed and got herself ready. 

She stood in her bathrobe staring at the clothes she’d laid out on her bed. It felt like she was going on a first date. Silly really. Frivolous, after everything they’d been through. But she was so excited, and nervous. She settled on the skirt Logan liked most and paired it with a top he said she looked ‘real pretty’ in (although he said that about most of her clothes). Then she added the earrings Logan and Andy had bought her for Winter Solstice, threading them through her ears with shaky hands. 

Andy had been overwhelmed with relief when Lucy told him Elsie and Justice had found Logan. He'd finally let out a lot of the emotion he’d been holding in, and had sobbed in her arms for a good long while. She hadn’t told him Logan was on his way home until the day before, knowing he wouldn’t be able to handle the wait. She also couldn’t help but worry something else might go wrong in the meantime. It all felt too good to be true.

But the day had arrived.

So, at 3.30pm, Lucy found Andy playing at the park with Jasmine, and they all walked down the hill together.

And at 4pm they stood with the large crowd gathered near the train station to welcome Logan home.

It seemed all the residents of Sandrock had ventured out to greet him. Lucy was touched to see so many people. She hoped Logan would realise just how much he meant to the town, seeing everyone here.

Andy stood one side of her, holding her hand tightly, while Nia stood the other, her arm through Lucy’s. 

Lucy chewed her lip, biting back the sting of tears, and watched the train approach.

_________________

The train journey had been long and uncomfortable. Logan kept fidgeting in his seat, struggling to get comfortable while his leg still ached and his ribs were still tender. Elsie had tutted more than once about how annoying he was being.

He just wasn’t used to this sort of travel. Heck the last time he’d been on a train had been to hijack one. He’d told his friends he’d be happy to buy a horse and join them for the ride home, but they’d all pretty much laughed at him. 

“A three-day ride in your condition? I don’t think so brother,” Justice had said with a chuckle. So they’d ridden as far as the nearest train station, then loaded their three mounts into the horse box and settled in for the journey. 

Justice and Ellie had chatted all the way. They seemed to have really hit it off. Logan tried to hide his smile as he watched them now debating the best firearms. After the early start, Elsie had fallen asleep, her head often lolling onto Logan’s shoulder. Which probably explained why she kept getting annoyed at him for fidgeting. 

Logan stared out the window at the passing terrain. Fields and farmlands. Dusty roads. Muddy earth turning to dry sand. Distant outcrops.

Each minute meant he was getting closer to Lucy and Andy. He couldn’t wait to see them again.

Elsie and Justice had filled him in a little bit on what had been happening in town while he was away, and how Andy and Lucy had been getting on. They’d given him more details about the day Andy went missing — details that Lucy had left out of her letters. When Justice described Lucy’s dive into the horde of bandirats, Logan had looked horrified. Proud, yes. Relieved she’d saved Andy, of course. But that she’d put herself at such risk…that was terrifying. 

Then he’d shaken his head and laughed at himself, acknowledging that he was the man who’d pushed a beast off a cliff to save his friend. 

Two peas in a pod, he supposed.

Elsie had told him about her trip to see Daisy with Brandon and Lucy, and Logan’s heart had flipped uncomfortably at the thought. He’d risked a glance at Justice, who’d just given him a reassuring smile and shook his head. Elsie had also told Logan just how utterly bereft Lucy had been while he was missing, and while it saddened him to think of her so upset, it put his mind at rest that he didn’t need to worry about what he was returning to. That Lucy was still his.  

In her replies to Elsie, Lucy had said she was keen for Logan to stay with her and Andy, at least while he recovered fully, and if he wanted to. If he wanted to. Logan had scoffed at that. Of course he wanted to.

He wondered how Lucy and Andy had been getting on, and tried to picture them right now pottering around her house. Elsie said Lucy had really taken him under her wing, caring for him, mothering him. She was always good with him, Logan thought. More than she realised. But she’d held herself back a little, not wanting to step on Logan’s toes. He wouldn’t have minded, but he didn’t want to pressure her into a role she wasn’t ready for. It warmed his heart to think of them together. 

Logan wondered what it would be like if he stayed at Lucy’s even after he’d recovered. He wondered if it would be strange for Lucy if he suddenly took Andy home to his and pulled them apart. He didn’t really want to do that. He wanted them all to be together. He hoped that’s what Lucy wanted too. He’d had enough of being separated.

Finally, after hours and hours, they emerged from a tunnel into the familiar Sandrock landscape, red cliffs and golden sands stretching before them. In the distance Logan could make out the shape of the town — Gecko Station, large and bulbous, the temple on the hill, the mountain peak above it. He sat forward in his seat as they continued over the bridge, his eyes eagerly staring out the window, waiting for Lucy’s house by the tracks to appear.

Logan twisted to try and get a better view, ignoring the dull ache in his leg and the twinge in his ribs. They were nothing compared to the butterflies in his stomach.

_________________

When the train pulled in, Lucy inhaled deeply. She couldn’t quite believe he would be there. She was still worried they’d got it wrong and he was missing, hurt, or worse. 

The train stopped with a hiss and a woosh.

What if she’d been driven so mad with grief she’d imagined the letter telling her they’d found him? It was only the fact so many other people had gathered to greet him that reassured her she hadn't.

The train doors clunked open and the first travellers began to disembark. Lucy watched them all, eagle-eyed, waiting for the face she wanted to see. 

Her mouth was dry, her heart pounding. 

Elsie appeared first and wandered down the steps carrying her gear. Mabel rushed over to hug her daughter, and Cooper began carrying on about how darn tootin’ proud he was.

Justice and Ellie came next, still chatting. Smiling. Relaxed.

And then, Logan.

There he was, leaving the train carriage, shaking Jenson’s hand, walking slowly down the steps.

Lucy gasped at the sight of him, so handsome he took her breath away. But he was clearly injured and bruised, walking a little awkwardly as though his ribs were still tender. A few people clapped him on the shoulder and he smiled. Owen, Hugo, Unsuur. Vivi pulled him down a little so she could pinch and kiss his cheek. Grace hugged him, then Heidi did. 

Andy slipped from Lucy’s hand and ran. 

Logan’s face lit up as he saw his boy. He winced slightly as he bent down and pulled him into a hug. Lucy could tell from where she was standing that Andy was crying. Logan rubbed his back and talked to him quietly, holding him tight. Eventually the boy pulled back, nodding at whatever Logan was saying. Andy wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and Logan gave him a final pat on his arms. Vivi took Andy's hand and handed him a hanky to wipe his face.

Then Logan stood and it was clear he was scanning the crowd. 

Looking for her. 

The crowd parted a little and their friends looked towards Lucy, helping Logan pinpoint her.

When their eyes met Lucy let out the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding, a soft sigh escaping her lips. 

Logan. Her Logan. Just a few yards away, smiling at her. 

Lucy had never really thought before about how much you can read in someone’s eyes. A general emotion, of course — happiness, anger, sadness. But in Logan’s eyes she saw a special kind of wonder. An expression of awe at seeing a face he never thought he’d see again. If she could’ve seen her own eyes, she would’ve seen that emotion reflected right back at him.

There was a beat of silence. Even the voices around them seemed to fade to nothing. The wind died. Everything was still. 

This moment. They’d waited for this moment for weeks, months. 

As Logan slowly walked towards her Nia gave Lucy’s arm another squeeze then stepped away. Everyone stepped away. The crowd around them began to disperse with smiles and fond looks. Owen surreptitiously wiped away a tear and Grace, smiling, rolled her eyes. Mi-an and Nia kissed then wandered home, hand in hand. Justice, Elsie and Ellie went to retrieve their mounts from the horse box, and Vivi led Andy back to Lucy’s house to wait.

When he was just a few feet away Logan paused again, just for a moment, his eyes locked on Lucy's, looking at her like she was a dream come true. 

Then all at once he closed the distance, took her face in his hands, and kissed her.

It was tender but firm, and Lucy stumbled from the force of it. She grabbed his waist with her hands, feeling him solid under her fingertips, and opened up to him, as she always did.

Their first ever kiss at the Outpost hadn’t been particularly romantic. It’d taken them both by surprise — a crazy moment of pure lust during that stormy day, after months of attraction neither of them had fully admitted to themselves, let alone each other. Their first kiss after their breakup had been sweet and tentative, but they’d both still had bruised hearts. That kiss had been a truce and a promise to each other to try, but there had been a lot they had to sort through.

This kiss, now, was different. Urgent and deep.

It was like a long drink from a cold canteen after days wandering the desert. 

Relief. Elation. Bliss.

Lucy wasn’t sure how long they stood there, locked in their embrace. It would never be long enough.

Eventually one of them pulled away and Lucy bit her lower lip, her brown eyes wide as she stared up at him. He was here, right in front of her. Home. 

Logan caressed her cheeks with his thumbs, his blue eyes serious as they searched her face. 

“Hey,” he said. 

“Hey,” she replied. She tried to smile at him, but the tears began to fall. 

“I’m so glad you’re home,” she whispered. “I thought I’d lost you.”

“I know Darlin’, I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his thumbs wiping her tears away. “I love you so much Luce. I’m sorry I put you through that.” 

“I love you, Lo.”

Logan pulled her into a hug, one arm around her back, the other cupping the back of her head as she rested it on his chest. He kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes, breathing in the smell of her, feeling her body tight against his.

Then, after a little while longer, Lucy wrapped her arm around his waist and let him lean on her as they walked home.

_________________

Logan paid Rambo a quick visit first, giving his old friend a good scratch on the nose. Rambo bumped Logan's chest like he knew where it hurt. "I'm alright buddy," Logan said quietly. "I'm sorry I was away so long." 

Inside, Vivi was sitting in Lucy’s living room with Andy, looking through some books. The boy jumped up when they entered and ran to give Logan another hug. Vivi took Lucy’s hand in both of hers as she left, giving it a comforting pat. 

“C’mon Logan, we got stuff to show yer!” 

Logan looked at Lucy, amused, as Andy grabbed his hand and pulled him upstairs.

Lucy had created a photo gallery on the landing between their bedrooms and they showed him that first. Photos of Andy and Logan fishing, goofing about in their old hideout, camping. Photos Haru had sent from uni. Lucy and Logan in the village, the first time and the second. The antelophants. Their journeys home. Photos of them on Logan’s birthday the year before, and her birthday this year. Their gliders. The cave with the waterfall. Photos of the three of them wrapped up warm during the Winter Solstice. Photos of Logan brushing Rambo or caring for his tools, laughing at something Lucy had said.

Logan gazed at them all, speechless. Then he cleared his throat, blinking quickly as his eyes became wet with tears. 

“Aw, s’okay Logan, you can cry,” Andy said with a big grin, ever observant. Logan chuckled and pulled the boy against his side for a hug.

Andy excitedly pulled Logan to his bedroom and talked him through the colours he’d chosen, where he kept his books, his toys, the desk Lucy had made him, the pictures on his pinboard, the view out his window. 

“You got the dog,” Logan said, smiling at the wooden carving he’d made for Andy. 

“Yeah, Ellie brought it for me. We got yer hat too,” Andy said, pointing at the back of his door. 

“Oh. I thought I’d lost it.” 

Lucy peered up at Logan, a small smile on her face as he stared at his old hat.

“Hey kiddo,” she said after a moment, turning to Andy. “You think you could go downstairs and start heating up some water for our noodles? You can show Logan how good you are at cooking now. I’ll come and help you in a sec.”

“Sure thing Luce!” Andy said as he disappeared out the room and thundered down the stairs.  

Logan turned to Lucy and put his hands on her waist, tugging her towards him. “Luce, all this, everythin’ you’ve done for Andy…it’s just wonderful Darlin’.” 

Lucy smiled, then took a deep breath. “There’s something I wanted to ask you,” she said. 

He waited, his blue eyes kind and patient. Lucy focused on the buttons of his shirt, running her fingers over them, before she spoke again. She still felt like she was in a dream, like this wasn’t all really happening. 

Perhaps she should wait. He’d only been back a matter of minutes. But she knew what she wanted to ask. She’d thought about it a lot since she’d found out he was safe — what it might be like when he was home.

“I know you’ve just got back and you’ll probably need some time, and you can absolutely think about it. There’s no pressure. But...I’d moved Andy in because you were…” She trailed off, glancing up at his face then back down at his chest. “Well, he’s pretty settled I think, in his new room. What I’m trying to say is, I like having him here, I think he’s happy. I know the plan is for you to stay here while you recover, but really, I’ve been thinking I’d love it if you stayed all the time, moved in. Permanently, I mean. If you wanted to. Or we could all move to yours, if you’d prefer that. I mean, we can talk about it. My workshop’s here, you know, and there’s a bit more space, and there’s more land to expand, but as long as we’re all together, I just—”

Logan silenced her with a kiss. 

“I’d love that Luce.”

“Yeah?” She smiled at him, relieved. 

He brushed her hair away from her face. 

“When I was lyin’ there, not knowin’ if I was gonna survive, not knowin’ if I’d get home to you both…it was your faces that kept me goin’ Luce, yours and Andy’s. Kept me tryin’, fightin’. So comin’ home to this — it’s more than I could’ve hoped for Darlin’.” 

He rested his forehead against hers and they both closed their eyes, content to just be for a moment. 

The silence was broken by the sound of a bunch of silverware clattering to the floor downstairs. 

“I’m okay!” Andy shouted up to them. 

They both giggled, then went to see what the boy had done.

_________________

Logan sat on a stool in the corner of the kitchen watching Lucy and Andy prepare dinner. They were like a well oiled machine now, Lucy giving instructions, Andy concentrating and carrying out his tasks with great care. Every now and then the boy would glance over his shoulder and grin at Logan to check he was watching him. 

Logan couldn’t quite believe it. At one point he thought he’d never make it home, let alone be sitting here in Lucy’s kitchen watching his family prepare a meal for him. If this was all there was, if this was the pinnacle of his life, it was enough. 

After a while Logan got tired of watching and he stood behind Lucy, one hand gently resting on her waist, and asked what he could do. She smiled and handed him a wooden spoon. “Stir this,” she said. 

Over dinner Andy asked Logan what’d happened to him, and Logan did his best to tell him what he could. He could only remember glimpses now — the sky above him as he lay there in shock after the fall. A couple of nights by a campfire. Just putting one foot in front of the other as he followed the river. The voices of the people who'd found him. The hospital lights. Lucy reached across the table to hold Logan’s hand. She realised how terrified he must have been. 

“What was the beast like?” Andy asked. 

“Oh, well. It was huge. Twice as big as me, at least, and covered in wiry fur like Rambo, but more like a bear, with two horns like the ones on my hat.” Logan leant forward in his chair as he spoke, his fingers raised above his head like horns, eyes twinkling as he described the beast with — Lucy was sure — some exaggeration for Andy’s benefit. It worked, and the boy listened with big, shining eyes while Lucy grinned.

Then Logan quizzed Andy about what he’d been up to. Andy happily reeled off his news and achievements. 

“Sounds like you’ve bin doin’ great kid. I’m proud of yer. But what’s this I hear about blue yakmel?” he probed, eyebrows raised. 

Andy’s eyes grew wide and he glanced at Lucy. 

“It’s alright Andy,” Lucy said with a smile. “Your Pa knows you’ve paid your dues.” 

Andy gulped and nervously began his story, admitting to Logan what he’d done. As he got into the story though, he got more and more enthusiastic in his retelling of what turned out to be one of the most exciting moments of his life. 

“And then Lucy fell from the sky like, BAM! And all the bandirats were like, WOAH!” 

If Justice hadn’t told him the same story, Logan might have thought Andy was exaggerating.“Y’didn’t tell me any of that in yer letters,” he said to Lucy.

“I didn’t want to worry you. It was done. Everyone was safe.”

“You really dropped from the sky? What kinda move is that?” 

“A very reckless one. It’s something we used to do as kids back in Highwind. A sort of dare I guess. To see how quickly you could drop, and how low, before you pulled up. Very dangerous.”  

“I kinda wish I was there to see it, but I don’t reckon my heart could handle that.” Logan shook his head as he speared some more food with a fork. “What about you then Builder, what’ve you bin up to?” 

Lucy told him about her commissions, the new room at the clinic, Krystal’s baby. When she moved on to Nia and Mi-an’s latest wedding plans, his hand subconsciously went to the pocket with the ring in it. Justice had brought him a change of clothes, and he’d carefully moved his things across. He was relieved he hadn’t lost it during his delirium.

After dinner the three of them lounged in the living room, Lucy and Logan on the couch, Andy kneeling at the coffee table showing Logan some of his drawings and designs. 

“Do you want to fetch Logan’s present?” Lucy asked when he was done. 

Andy nodded shyly, then raced up to his room. 

“A present?” 

“He made it for you a few weeks ago. Wanted it to be a welcome home gift.” 

Back downstairs Andy passed the messily wrapped bundle to Logan, who took it with a big grin and unwrapped it with great care. “Oho,” Logan said, “It’s a shield.” 

“It’s the Super Shock Shield Mark II,” Andy said proudly, enunciating each word carefully. “I bet if you’da had this when you was fightin’ the beast, you woulda won easily.” 

Logan chuckled. “I bet you’re right kiddo. I’ll make sure to wear it. Has it, uh, been through quality control?” he asked carefully, looking at Lucy.

She was resting her head in her hand, her elbow propped on the back of the couch, and she grinned at him. “It has. Qi has given it the official seal of approval too.” 

“That’s awesome.” Logan ruffled the boy's hair. “Thanks Andy.” 

A little while later, mugs of hot cocoa polished off, Lucy reclined on the couch, curling her legs up under her. Logan watched her for a second before he turned to Andy. “Right, well, time for you to get to bed,” he said, standing and ushering Andy to his feet. 

“Aw what? But it’s yer first night back? Ain’t we gonna stay up late?” 

“I ain’t slept in a comfy bed for weeks Andy, I’m gettin’ to bed as soon as I can. We got the whole of tomorrow to spend together.” 

Lucy laughed quietly to herself as the two of them continued their lighthearted bickering all the way up the stairs. She spent a few minutes locking the front door and tidying away their mugs, then she padded upstairs and took a seat at her dressing table, listening to Logan read to Andy in his room while she removed her makeup. She didn’t focus on the words too much, just listened to his low, calm drawl and let it wash over her.

He was safe. He was home. 

She’d just stood up, about to get changed for bed, when Logan appeared in the doorway to her room. 

Their room. 

“Howdy Bandit,” she said, suddenly feeling shy. 

“Howdy Builder,” he said, shutting the door behind him. 

"Asleep already?" 

"He is. All the excitement must've worn 'im out."

"He didn't sleep well last night. Neither of us did," she admitted. 

Logan kept a hand on the door as he met her eyes. 

Lucy's heart began to thump in her chest and she felt her cheeks warm under Logan’s gaze. Her whole body thrummed with anticipation, especially when he pushed himself off the door and slowly took a step towards her, then another, and another, until he was standing directly in front of her, his body barely an inch away from hers.

His blue eyes bore into hers and she couldn’t look away. She could get lost in those eyes. Wanted to get lost in them.

She felt him reach for her hand with his own, his fingers lightly brushing against hers, slowly entwining. Then, with his other hand, he cupped her face, his fingers cradling behind her ear, his thumb stroking her cheek. She placed her free hand over his heart and she swore she could feel it thudding beneath her fingertips, as loud and fast as her own.

She saw his throat move as he swallowed, then Logan slowly leant forward until his nose gently bumped hers. Her lips parted with the anticipation of his kiss as she felt his breath on her mouth.

Then their lips brushed, the lightest touch. 

Oh, this, Lucy thought. Logan. So close. Taking her breath away. Making her heart feel like it could jump right out of her chest. 

He wove his fingers into her hair, drawing a sigh from her lips.

“Light, I’ve missed you Luce,” he whispered, his lips grazing hers. 

“I’ve missed you too Logan. So much.” 

Logan pressed his lips to hers more firmly. He took his time, making the most of every second, reminding himself of the softness of her lips and the way she responded to him.

He knew better than to take any of this for granted ever again.

The kiss deepened, their lips parting so that they could taste one another. Mouths wide, tongues exploring, thorough and slow.

Lucy moaned quietly. She let go of his hand so she could run both of hers up and over his chest and around to the back of his head, winding her fingers into his hair and pulling him further down into the kiss. 

More. She needed more.

But, as she pulled him down tight against her, Logan grunted. Not a sound of pleasure, but one of pain. Lucy stopped immediately. 

“Oh, shoot. I’m sorry. You’re still healing,” she said, apologetic eyes searching his face.

“Don’t be sorry Darlin’. It’s worth it.” 

Logan bent to kiss her again but she lightened her grip on him, stroking his chest and shoulders instead, feeling his firm muscles under his shirt. 

His hands were on her waist, worming their way under her top. He was desperate to feel her warm skin. He tugged the bottom of the fabric, asking for permission to remove it, and she broke the kiss to pull it up over her head. 

Logan pulled her close again, splaying his hands against her back, feeling the silky straps of her bra beneath his palms. He leaned into her, an urgency in his kiss now. It had been too long and he needed her. 

But his eagerness led to another pull in his ribs and a grunt he couldn’t quite keep under wraps. 

Lucy pulled back, but Logan followed her, keeping his lips close to hers. 

“Don’t,” he said, pleading. “Don’t pull away Darlin’. Please.”

“Logan—” she said before he silenced her with his mouth on hers.

“I know what you’re gonna say Darlin’,” he mumbled against her lips, “But I’m fine.”

She pulled away again, placing a palm on his chest to hold him back a little. “You’re not. And I want you Logan,” Lucy said, stroking his cheek as he rested his forehead against hers, “But I don’t want to hurt you.” He opened his mouth to speak but she carried on. “We have time Logan. You’re home now. You’re here. We have time. Better to wait until you’re better, than rush it and put you out of action, hmm?” 

Logan groaned again, but this time with frustration. Lucy smiled up at him. She wanted nothing more than to take him to bed to kiss and fuck and, Light, feel him inside her again. But she could be patient. It would be worth the wait.

She kissed along his jaw as he bent his head next to hers, conceding defeat. When she reached his ear she murmured, “I don’t want either of us to have to hold back when we make love Logan. I want you to be able to fuck me as hard as you can, and I want to ride you until neither of us have anything left to give. So you need to get better. And to do that, you need to rest now.” 

“Fuck. Luce.” Logan buried his face in her neck and wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her tight against him. 

“Let’s get you to bed,” she murmured. 

Lucy took her time helping him undress, marvelling at his body that she knew so well but that still gave her so much delight. He had a few new scars over his ribcage and his leg and she traced them reverently.

They lay down side by side, naked, stroking, kissing. Making out like teenagers. 

Lucy’d had every intention of sticking to her word — that they would get into bed and perhaps kiss and cuddle but nothing more. 

Restraint. They could show restraint. Just this once.

But feeling his body next to her, the hard lines of his muscles, the way he held her, kissed her, led to a sweet ache between her thighs that became unbearable. She could tell Logan wasn’t fairing much better, his hard length pressing into her stomach. 

She lifted her top leg and hooked it over his hip, opening herself up to him. Logan ran a hand down her thigh to her ass and squeezed her towards him, purposefully pressing his cock against her pelvis. 

Lucy let out another of those soft sighs. Logan ran his hand back up her thigh and pulled it higher, onto his waist, opening her up even more. 

She was rocking against him now, eager and overwhelmed by lust. He could feel the slickness between her legs helping him glide against her, over her clit, and he let her move against him, working herself up more and more.

When he could wait no longer, he shifted a little so his cock was lined up with her entrance. She was so wet, and he was so hard, he knew he could slip inside her easily. She knew it too, and she used her foot on his ass cheek to pull him closer, and he slid in, just an inch. Lucy moaned. 

Logan broke the kiss for just a moment. “I thought you didn’t want to Luce,” he murmured.

“Of course I want to Lo,” she said quietly, looking at him with lust-filled eyes. “I’m desperate for you. To be close to you. But I don’t want to hurt you.” 

“You won’t.” Logan pressed inside a little more, another inch, and another gasp escaped her lips. 

“You need to promise to stop Lo,” she said, bumping his nose with hers. “If your ribs hurt, or your leg. Promise me you’ll stop.” 

Logan thought Lucy probably underestimated just how much pain he’d put up with in order to make love to her right now. He knew he’d put up with an inordinate amount.

“I promise,” he said, the white lie rolling off his tongue easily. 

He held her ass and pushed himself inside her another inch, then another, then another. She encouraged him deeper still with her foot on his ass as he consumed her mouth with his.

He began to rock in and out, and Lucy sighed and moaned against his lips. Little whimpers that she couldn’t control.

This. Logan. My everything. 

Logan broke the kiss to stare at her face as he made love to her. Her lips were plump and pink from all their kissing, her cheeks rosy, her eyelids heavy, long lashes dipping to flutter against her cheek with every thrust. 

“Luce, I love you so much. D’you know how many times I pictured this while I was away? Every mornin’, every night, tryin’ to remember what it was like to be with you.” 

Lucy caressed his jaw, the white scruff that had grown back since he’d been away, and brushed his long hair away from his tanned face, away from his blue eyes. “Oh, me too Logan. I thought of you every night. Sometimes the ache was so bad I couldn’t sleep, no matter what I did.” 

The thought of Lucy pleasuring herself in his absence, over and over again, but it still not being enough — her needing him — did something to Logan. He groaned and thrusted harder, ignoring that dull pain in his ribs. The position they were in meant he could only go so deep. It was wonderful, hitting a spot just inside her. 

But she needed more. All of him. “Would you be comfortable on your back?” she asked, her lips close to his.

He grinned then did as she asked, reclining on the pillow and allowing her to straddle him. “Stop me if you need to,” she said, waiting for him to nod before she held his cock and lowered herself onto it, all the way down to the hilt. “Oh, fuck. Oh, Light,” she said, her eyes closed with the bliss of it, the fullness. 

Lucy rocked back and forth, up and down his length, and Logan watched her in the soft lamplight as she moved above him, her beautiful face contorted with pleasure.

Her. Lucy. My world.

The sight of her, the feel of her, the sounds she made, after all this time, after nearly losing hope… Logan worried he wouldn’t last long. He found her clit with his thumb and began to caress her, helping her climb towards her climax, hoping he could hold off until she got there. 

When she did, when she began to moan and shake and clench around him, he let himself go, exploding inside her with his own grunts and groans, intense pleasure causing his stomach to clench, causing a spasm of pain in his ribs.

But it was so very worth it.

Lucy fell forward onto him, panting, and nuzzled his neck. Logan stared at the ceiling, his eyes wide, trying to catch his breath after the force of his orgasm. Lucy kissed his neck, his jaw, his ear lobe, and slowly began to roll her hips again. “I love you Lo,” she whispered. “I love you so much.” 

He was still inside her, and he felt himself beginning to harden again. 

“Lucy,” he said with not a small amount of regret, “Darlin, if y’don’t stop, I’m gonna want to go again, and I don’t reckon I’ve got it in me.” 

She paused and placed her hands either side of him to push herself up. He smiled up at her, but she could see by the slight furrow of his brows he was feeling uncomfortable. “Did I hurt you?” she asked. 

“Only in the best way.” When Lucy’s face creased with worry, he said, “Nah. Hurt myself I reckon.”

Logan chuckled, then winced. 

She slipped from his lap and lay next to him, stroking his chest. “I’m sorry my love.” 

“I’m not,” he said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. He kissed the top of her head and sighed deeply. Lucy lay her head against his shoulder and traced her fingers over the fine white hairs of his chest. They were quiet for a few minutes.

“I’m so glad I’m home Luce. Here. With you.” There was a slight tremor in his voice that she hadn’t heard before, and she lifted her head to look at him. He chewed his lip.

“Do you want to talk about it?” she asked. “About what happened to you?” 

“Maybe, at some point.” Logan pulled her down to rest her head against him again. “Right now, I’m happy like this. Just layin’ here with you. This is all I want.” 

Lucy resumed her stroking, winding tiny circles over his chest, listening to his breathing slow as he relaxed. 

Logan closed his eyes and began to drift, content to be home, his boy in the next room, the love of his life in his arms. 

He had everything he needed.

Notes:

WE'RE BACK BABY!

Chapter 15: A sense of gratitude (NSFW)

Summary:

Logan, Lucy and Andy spend some time together. Logan speaks to Brandon.

Lucy watched Logan sleeping as the dawn began to brighten her room. She’d woken a few times in the night, startled, worried she’d dreamt everything. And then she’d heard him breathing, and felt him next to her, his arm wrapped around her shoulders or draped over her waist, or their hands touching. They hadn’t stopped touching. 

Now, she simply gazed at him. She wanted to reach out and stroke him, check he was solid and real, but she didn’t want to wake him. He needed to rest. 

A golden triangle of light crept from a crack in her curtains, stretching long and thin over Logan. A fresh summer breeze blew through the windows, making the curtains billow, and the triangle of light wavered as if it was dancing over him. "Look," it said, "He's back."

Lucy's eyes drifted over his profile, his strong nose, his lips, which were parted ever so slightly. The scar above his eyebrow that she'd given him the first time they'd fought. His white hair loose over his pillow, some lifting in the breeze. His chest, rising and falling, with new, freshly-healed pink scars, one cutting a line through his tattoo.  

The night before, as he’d begun to doze, Lucy had got up to slip on her nightdress and use the bathroom. She’d returned to their bedroom to find Logan sitting on the edge of the bed running his hands over his face. 

“You okay Lo? Do you need some painkillers?” 

He’d shaken his head and inhaled deeply, before giving her a sleepy smile. “No just waitin’ to use the bathroom. Could do with diggin’ out some pants too in case the kid comes in. Not sure how unsettled he’s gonna be.” 

“I’ll get some out for you,” she’d said, then unzipped his bag while he went to the bathroom. While she rifled through his bag she’d thought about how she’d need to move some things around to give him space for his stuff. She'd smiled at the thought of his clothes in her chest of drawers. She wondered if he’d want to move any furniture over too. 

She’d been holding his pyjama pants, staring into space with a dreamy look on her face, when Logan came back in. 

“Gol for yer thoughts Builder,” he’d said, taking his pants from her. 

“Just thinking about you moving your clothes and things in.” 

Logan had grinned. “You sure you wanna make space for a filthy yakboy? Still time to change yer mind.”

“I’m sure. He can always sleep in the stables if he gets annoying.” 

Logan had laughed as he pulled his pants on, then tugged her back to bed — to sleep, this time.

Now, those pyjama pants were sitting low on his waist, perfectly accentuating that dip between his stomach muscles and his hips. Lucy sighed as she stared at him, her fingers itching to touch, her lips tingling with the thought of pressing light kisses all over him. Before the urge became too much to resist, she got out of bed and threw on her bathrobe. 

Downstairs she made a pot of coffee then started getting a few things out to make breakfast. She'd just picked up the bread knife when Andy made his way downstairs and greeted her with a huge yawn. 

“You don’t have to get up yet Andy,” she said with a smile. 

“Is Logan up?” 

“Not yet. He needs his sleep.” 

“Can I go and see ‘im?” 

“If you’re quiet. Don’t disturb him.” 

30 minutes went by and Andy didn’t reappear, so Lucy went to check on him. She smiled from the doorway when she found him. He was laying next to Logan, tucked under his arm, both fast asleep.  

Lucy read quietly on her couch, enjoying the silence of the house. It was a new silence, different to the one she’d sat in when she lived alone. It had a comforting weight to it, like a fluffy blanket. When she heard quiet chatter and giggling from the floor above her, Lucy closed her book. 

Andy’s eyes grew big and round when Lucy entered the bedroom a short while later carrying a tray with several rounds of toast, salted butter, raspberry jam, orange marmalade, coffee, and a glass of milk for Andy. She carefully set the tray down on the bed and climbed on to sit with them. 

“We get breakfast in bed? Really?” Andy’s eyes were shining with glee. 

“Y’sure that’s a good idea Luce?” Logan asked with a chuckle.

“I’m sure it’s a terrible idea and I’ll be cursing the crumbs for days. Which jam do you want?” 

_________________

After breakfast the three of them dressed to head outside and tend to the animals. Logan pulled on his t-shirt with a bit of a grunt, still stiff and achy, and Lucy watched him with her hands behind her back. 

“Watcha got there Luce?” he asked while reaching for a band to tie his hair back.

She grinned and waited until he’d finished, then she stepped forward and placed his hat on his head. “There, that’s better.”

He reached up to adjust it and returned her grin. “Thanks Darlin'. I feel like me again,” he said. 

Outside, Andy rushed ahead to the stables, delighting in the simplest chores with his Pa. Logan was keen to spend some time with Rambo too. He’d missed the stubborn goat. And it seemed the goat had missed him too, judging by the deep bleats of delight he gave when he heard Logan coming, and the happy beat his hooves made on the ground.

Logan and Andy brushed him thoroughly, chatting all the while about everything and nothing. Andy asked again for Logan to describe the beast and his fall, and Logan obliged. Lucy wondered if it helped for Logan to talk about it or if he found it difficult. As the topic moved on to their plans for the day, she listened and occasionally chipped in from her spot in Merle or Roach’s stall. 

Stalls mucked out, animals brushed, it was feeding time, and Andy helped Lucy tip their feed into their troughs and top up their water. In amongst the mix of hay, and the usual treats of carrot tops and chopped rutabaga, Logan watched Lucy mix in a small scoop of something else. “What’s that?” he asked, wandering over to take a look.

“Oh.” Lucy looked at the scoop in her hand and the tub she’d pulled it from as if she’d just realised what she’d been doing. “Just some supplements.” 

“Supplements?” 

“Yes. For their hooves and joints.”

“From Coop?” 

“No. From Brandon.” She looked up at Logan. 

“Huh.” They hadn’t talked about Brandon at all. Logan didn’t really want to. But he couldn’t stop the questions tumbling out of his mouth. “He still in Sandrock?”

“Till after the wedding, remember? So another few weeks.” 

“He been round here much?” 

“Not especially.” Lucy put the scoop back in the tub and clicked the lid back on, then put it back on the wooden shelf. Logan watched her carefully. He’d returned thinking he didn’t need to worry, but there was something about the way she was avoiding his eyes…

“Logan! Lucy!” Andy came running over. “Are we done? Can we go to the game center now?” He was eager to show Logan the new game Catori had installed. It would be the one and only time Andy had a hope in hell of beating Logan at a game.

“Sure kid,” Logan said softly, placing his hand on Andy’s head. “You ready Luce?” 

“Yes.” She turned and gave them both a big smile. “Let’s go.” 

The shooting game involved buttons and a joystick and fast, pixelated images on a screen. It was not the usual point and shoot style game Logan was used to at the fair. Lucy managed to win the first two games, Andy the third. Logan lost miserably, but he watched them both, eyes tracking what they were doing.

Logan won the fourth, fifth and sixth game. Their reigning championship hadn’t lasted long. 

Logan chuckled as Lucy huffed at the scoreboard on the screen, her arms folded across her chest, while Andy ran off to play something else. She was so competitive. He stood behind her and palmed her waist with his hands, bending his lips to her ear to whisper, “Want me to give you some pointers Darlin’?” 

She whipped around, mouth open in shock at his arrogance, until she saw the playful smirk on his face. “I could change my mind about you moving in you know Bandit,” she said, but she grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. 

_________________

While they were at that end of town they popped into the clinic so that Fang could check Logan over. He seemed satisfied Logan was healing well. It would just take time, he said, as he often did. Time was a great healer for many things. He gave Logan a few stretches for his leg to help strengthen it after his injury.

Before they went for lunch, Logan asked for a few minutes in the graveyard, so Lucy gave him a peck on the cheek then took Andy on ahead to the Blue Moon. 

The iron gate opened with a creak and Logan pushed it closed behind him. He wandered slowly to his Pa’s tombstone and took a moment to brush the sand from the top and from the nooks and crannies of the engraving. 

Satisfied, he stepped back and stared at it, then removed his hat. 

“Howdy Pa,” he said. “Did y'see what happened? Were you watchin’?” 

Logan fiddled with the rim of his hat. 

“I thought for a moment I was gonna be meetin’ up with you real soon. Might not have bin so bad. At least I know when it’s time you’ll be there waitin’ to greet me.” 

Logan inhaled deeply and glanced across the graveyard towards the town where he could just make out Lucy and Andy in the distance, walking hand in hand. He smiled. “It seems life has a bit more in mind for me yet. 

“I’m glad to still be here Pa. I’m not sure I would’ve said that a few years ago. Might’ve bin happy to just lie down an' slip away. I got a few things to live for now though.

“Lucy’s asked me to move in. Means our old house’ll be empty a while I guess, but it’ll be there for Haru to use when he’s finished uni, if he wants to come back. Or maybe I’ll rent it out. Makes a nice home for a couple or a family. I’ll keep it though I reckon. Andy might wanna live there when he’s older. 

“I got some good memories of that place Pa. 

“I’m excited to live with Lucy and Andy though. I say it every time I visit you, but I know you would’ve loved ‘em. Andy’s a ball of energy and mischief. You’d probably say he takes after me, even though he ain’t blood. He feels like mine now.” Logan smiled and chewed his lip. 

“And Lucy’s got that spunk you always liked in people. She’ll stick up for anyone. She’s real honest too. And kind. And beautiful.” Logan paused to glance over his shoulder, in case anyone else was near. 

“I’m gonna ask her to marry me Pa. Real soon. I reckon I’ve waited long enough. Even if she says no or not yet, I need to tell her how I feel, how serious I am about her. I got a good feelin’ about it though. I’ll come let you know what she says." 

Logan rested his hand on the top of the tombstone. "See you soon Pa. Thanks for lookin’ out for me.”

With a final pat of the stone, Logan placed his hat on his head and walked away.

The benefit of being old and worn thin was that people often didn’t notice you. Especially if you were sitting in the shade of a tree, quiet and still like the immovable trunk, your skin lined like the rough grain of bark. 

As the iron gate creaked shut behind Logan, Mort stood and walked slowly down the path, leaning heavily on his stick. When he reached the gate he watched the younger man walk away into the distance. 

“I told you Martle, didn't I,” he said with a knowing smile, “Right from the start. I knew those two were just like you and me.” 

_________________

After a long lunch at the Blue Moon where everyone stopped to say hello to Logan and tell him how glad they were he was home, and where Owen brought them too much food and extra ice cream and waved them away when they tried to pay, they returned home to rest. After a few rounds of Critters, Lucy and Andy took to making towers with the cards while Logan watched. 

"Oh, I meant to ask you about that job Lo," Lucy said as she carefully balanced two more cards in a triangle shape. 

"Which job?" 

"The one Grace is helping you set up." 

Logan looked puzzled. "Grace ain't helpin' set up a job." 

"She isn't?"

"No. Why would Grace be helpin' set up a bounty or commission?" 

"Well, I thought it was odd. But what about that note she sent? In your letter? When I asked her she said she was helping you with a job for when you were home." 

After another second of confusion, Logan's eyebrows rose high. "Oh. That job." He felt his mouth go dry and he rubbed his suddenly sweaty palms on his thighs as he remembered Grace's cryptic message confirming she thought Lucy was ready for him to propose. 

"Yeah, she said it looked promising. Did it not work out?" Lucy asked.

Logan cleared his throat. He wasn't as good at lying on the spot like Grace was. Luckily Lucy was still half distracted by Andy, especially when he tried to add more cards and it unbalanced the tower, sending all the cards fluttering to the floor and making them giggle.

"Uh, I ain't too sure. I'd better check with her now you've reminded me." Logan hoped he could play it off as a memory lapse due to his bump on the head. 

Thankfully Lucy didn't push it, and after a few more games with them both she stood and announced that she'd pull together a simple supper for them all. While she prepared it, Andy went to play in his room and Logan nosied about the kitchen. He opened a cupboard and pulled out a few snacks he didn’t recognise. “What’re these?” 

“Oh! Only the best candies from Highwind. Do you want to try some after dinner?” 

“Sure. Nia get them for you?” he asked, peering inside the bag, noticing a significant amount had already gone. 

“Nia’s Ma sent them with a few other things. A care package while you were…” Lucy still found it difficult to finish that sentence. Every time she thought about it she wanted to cry. She swallowed the lump in her throat and carried on chopping the veg for the salad she was preparing.

Logan put the candies back in the cupboard and walked behind Lucy. “I’m here now,” he said quietly as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Lucy nodded.

He kissed her shoulder. “What were the other things she sent?” 

“A few types of chips, chocolates. A lot of them I stress ate though,” she said with a soft laugh and she saw Logan smile out the corner of her eye.

“Must’ve cost her a bit to send ‘em. She must really love you.” 

“She sent them back with Brandon. He’d gone home to check on his business.” 

Lucy felt Logan stiffen behind her. It was the second time Brandon’s name had come up that day, and there was definitely still tension in the air whenever he was mentioned. Lucy had hoped Logan would’ve realised by now that he really didn’t need to worry. There could never be anyone else. 

But the guilt that something had almost happened — could’ve happened, if Brandon hadn’t been sober and sensible — was starting to eat at her. She didn’t think Brandon would ever say anything to Logan, but that didn’t make it right. Especially when Logan asked his next two questions.

“How are things with Brandon?”

“Fine.” 

“He still bin flirtin’ with you?” 

Lucy was quiet a moment, trying to think what to say, and that pause set Logan’s pulse racing. He was so happy to be home with her, with things moving forward. If something had happened, he didn’t think he could bear it. 

“Luce, why do I feel like there’s somethin’ you’re not tellin’ me?” 

Lucy set down the knife and stared at the countertop. Logan released her waist, then turned her to face him. “Luce? No secrets.” 

So she took a deep breath, and told him everything.

_________________

The next morning Logan was on his way to pick up some milk from the ranch when he spotted Brandon in the pasture checking over one of the yakmel. Logan chewed his lip and looked back towards town, thinking for a moment, then sighed and pushed through the gate.

It took a minute for Brandon to notice him, focused as he was on the yakmel’s sore leg.

When Brandon did look up and saw Logan striding towards him — head down, hat covering his face — he felt his palms start to sweat. He looked around hastily to see if there was anyone about who would be able to pull Logan off him. Unfortunately for Brandon, it was quiet and still, with not another soul to be seen. 

He swallowed nervously, but pulled himself up to his full height as Logan approached. 

“Mornin’,” Logan said, slowing his pace and coming to a halt when he was a couple of yards away.

“Morning. I heard you were back. I’m glad it all worked out.” 

Logan gave a slightly sardonic smile and looked away for a moment. He didn’t believe Brandon cared one jot about whether he was safe or not — perhaps for Lucy’s sake, but not his. He cleared his throat. “Luce told me what happened. While I was away.” 

“She did?” Oh shit, he thought, I’m going to end up at the clinic. Perhaps he could dodge a punch and put the yakmel between them. He cleared his throat. “At the plateau?” 

“And at her house. The night you brought her the package from yer Ma.” 

“Oh.” That took Brandon by surprise. He didn’t think she’d tell him about that.

“She said you looked after her. Stopped her doin’ somethin’ stupid.” 

“Oh,” Brandon said again. “She told you…everything?” 

“Everythin’.”

This was not where Brandon thought their conversation was going to go. 

“Well. I’m not the sort to take advantage. Especially not of Lucy. I know what you think of me, but she’s been one of my closest friends since I was a boy.” Brandon squinted into the distance. “Honestly? If I’d thought it was actually me that she wanted to kiss, I wouldn’t have hesitated. But I could tell she was thinking about you. She would’ve regretted it massively, and it would've ruined our friendship for good.”

He met Logan’s eyes again, and Logan nodded. 

“I hope you know how lucky you are Logan,” Brandon said.

“Oh I do.” Brandon expected Logan to walk away then, but he lingered for another moment. “She told me what you did fer Andy too. Helpin’ to search fer him, bein’ kind to him when he was worried 'bout the animals.” 

“Of course. I’m not a monster, Logan,” Brandon said with a wry smile. 

Logan huffed a laugh. “Me neither Brandon.” 

Brandon's laugh was more of a genuine chuckle. “Touché.”

There was an awkward silence.

“Well, thanks for lookin’ out for my boy. That’s all I wanted to say. I’ll let you get back to yer work.” 

Logan tipped his hat then turned and ambled back towards the ranch. Brandon watched him go, stunned to still be in one piece.  

_________________

Lucy looked up from the dining table, her hand still on the box of cereal she was putting out, when Logan returned with the milk. She smiled at him tentatively as he kicked off his boots and hung up his hat. 

She’d been surprised by Logan’s reaction the day before when she’d told him about everything that’d happened between her and Brandon. He’d sat on the stool in the kitchen while she talked, focused on his hand, his thumb tracing the lines on his palm. Just listening. 

She saw his jaw clench when she told him about her conversation with Brandon on the plateau, and that he had made a move. She told him how Brandon had stormed off when she turned him down, and they’d returned to town straight into the chaos of Andy’s yakmel prank. 

She told him that things had been awkward with Brandon after that, and he’d mostly avoided her. 

And then she told him about that night when he brought the gifts from his Ma. Lucy’s voice went very quiet, and it cracked on a word more than once. Logan had looked up then, watching her. She wasn’t looking at him though. She was remembering. And Logan had been shocked at how her face had changed as she talked. She managed to keep the tears at bay, but Logan could see it — the grief that she’d been battling, etched all over her face. Elsie had said she’d been bereft when she found out Logan was missing. But he finally realised just how bad it’d been for her.

She’d thought he was gone. That she’d lost everything. 

She didn’t make excuses for what she did, for that moment she nearly kissed Brandon. She told Logan she was picturing him, but that she understood if he didn’t believe her. She told him she would’ve done anything at that point to bring him back, even just for a moment. She was so relieved and thankful Brandon had the sense to stop it. 

“I understand if it changes things for you though Lo,” she’d finished softly. “There’s nothing between me and Brandon. Never will be. Even if you hadn’t come back, I don’t want him. 

“But I get it, if you want to change your mind about moving in or…about us. I wasn’t sure whether to tell you, honestly. Selfishly, I thought it would be safer not to. But if we’re going to do this, if you are happy to stay, I don’t want to be hiding anything from you. Even something like that, which meant nothing in the end — I know it probably means something to you. And you deserve to know the facts so that you can decide.”

Logan had been silent for a minute, and when he'd stood Lucy’d flinched, expecting him to storm out. 

But he’d pulled her into a hug. 

“I don’t like it,” he’d said. “But it don’t change anythin’. I believe you. I know it didn’t mean anythin’. And Light, the stupid things I did when I was grievin’ my Pa… It does funny things to us. So I ain’t gonna judge, or think less of you. I know you love me. And I love you. That’s all that matters. I’ll keep choosin’ you Luce, if you keep choosin’ me.”  

Lucy had still been anxious when she woke in the morning, worrying that Logan might’ve changed his mind after sleeping on it, so she was pleasantly surprised when he returned from his early walk to the ranch and greeted her with a soft kiss on the lips.

“You were gone a little while,” Lucy called after him as he walked through to the kitchen. “Did you get caught by Cooper?” 

Logan reappeared with the milk jug and set it on the table. 

“Yeah,” he said, deciding not to waste any more breath on Brandon. “Yeah, you know what he’s like.”

Andy ran down the stairs, washed and dressed for school, and he landed in a chair with a scrape and a thud, then poured himself a huge bowl of cereal, the crispy grains tinkling into the bowl.

“Woah, kiddo, you need that much?” Logan asked as he took a seat opposite him. 

“Uh-huh. I got a test today. Lucy says I need fuel for my brain.” Andy tapped the side of his head as he narrowed his eyes at Logan.

Logan tried not to laugh. “Fuel huh.”  

“Yep. An’ I’m growin’.” 

“Well I can see that. Reckon you grew an inch while I was away. Gonna be taller than Luce soon.”

Lucy raised her eyebrows and Logan winked at her. 

“Um, excuse me Bandit," she said, taking a seat at the table with them. "We didn’t all grow up on the rocket fuel that is yakmel milk you know. All of you local boys are freakishly tall.” 

_________________

When Logan returned from walking Andy to school, he and Lucy took another pot of coffee upstairs onto Lucy's balcony, which overlooked the desert behind her house. Their balcony. Logan still kept having to remind himself. As soon as he was recovered completely, they were going to tell Andy and Logan was going to go back to his Pa’s house and pack up his things to move across. He couldn’t wait.

They talked for a while about their plans for the next few days. They had another day or two where they could just spend time together, then Lucy was going to have to help with Nia and Mi-an's wedding preparations, which were going to ramp up now it was only a few weeks away. Logan also wanted to catch up with Elliott before she headed out on her next adventure, wherever that may be. 

“Can I tell you something?” Lucy asked.

“‘Course.” 

“When I got your letter and realised Elliott was a woman, I freaked out a little bit.” 

Logan tipped his head and gave her a quizzical look. “You did? Why?” 

Lucy shrugged. “I just had no idea who she was, what your relationship with her was like. And I got spooked I think, from what Catherine said.” She realised she hadn't told him the little bit of parting wisdom she'd left her with.

“Oh, yeah," he said when she repeated it. "That’ll do it. I could’ve reassured you if I’d known Darlin’. Ain't nobody gonna catch my eye when I know I got you at home. Elliott’s a pal, but nothin’ more.” 

“I gathered, when she came to tell me what’d happened.” 

“She kept ribbin' me for only havin’ a quick drink with supper then headin’ off to bed early to moon over you. She got pretty friendly with the barkeep, if y’catch my drift,” he added with a chuckle. “You can come with me if you like, when I catch up with her?” 

“Only if you want me to. I’d like to get to know her more, but we can do that another time.” 

They talked for a while longer, the morning stretching on, quiet and relaxed, then Lucy fetched her guitar and perched on Logan's wicker chair between his legs. She played the riff he'd been teaching her, stumbling over a couple of the notes, and he gave her several pointers as she tried again and again.

“Better,” he said. “On this bit, it’s more like…” He sat forward, wrapped his arms around her and took control of the guitar, demonstrating the pattern. 

Lucy leaned back against him and stared at his face. 

“Are you payin’ attention Builder?” Logan asked, his eyes still focused on his hands, aware that hers weren’t. 

“Yes,” she said.

“Don’t seem like it,” Logan said. He kept playing, but she saw his lips twitch with the threat of a smile. 

“I am.”

“Seems like yer eyes are elsewhere.”

“Looking at you helps me concentrate.” 

Logan’s face broke out into a self-conscious grin and his cheeks coloured ever so slightly. 

“That so?” 

“Mmhm.” 

He put his palm over the strings and looked at her, their lips close. “Is this what you meant in yer letter when y’said you missed my tuition Builder?” he asked quietly.

“Yes. Your hands-on tuition specifically. I’m very grateful for it.” 

“I can be very hands on,” he said, brushing his lips against hers. 

“Show me."

Logan gently set the guitar down, then wrapped his arms around Lucy’s waist, pulling her back against him. As he kissed her, his hands began to wander, first to her breasts, squeezing them through her top. Then one hand slid inside her shirt, inside her bra, seeking to feel that piercing. His other hand slid down her stomach, between her legs — which she parted for him willingly — underneath her skirt, and over the crotch of her knickers. 

He didn’t break the kiss as he slid his fingers beneath the fabric and dipped his fingers into her wet heat. He began to tease her clit, satisfied when she groaned into his mouth.

“You have good fingers for strumming,” Lucy mumbled. 

Logan’s grin was wide and wolfish. “You gonna make some pretty noises for me Builder?” 

Lucy wrapped one of her hands around the back of his neck and began to writhe on his lap, her hips moving in rhythm to the pleasure his fingers were giving her. “Oh Light. It’s so good Lo. Why’s it so good when you do it?” 

Logan found her nipple with his fingers and began to gently pinch and tweak it, pulling a loud moan from Lucy’s lips. “Better hush Darlin’,” he teased. “Ain’t too many folks gonna see us up here this side of the house, but they might hear you. Don’t wanna give Fang or Mi-an a fright while they’re foragin’.”

Lucy was squirming now, so close, and she could feel him hard and ready beneath her. “Let’s go inside Logan,” she said breathlessly. 

“No Darlin’. I wanna make you come right here.” Logan tightened his arm across her chest, his hand on her breast, locking her in place as his fingers continued working. 

Lucy moaned again, loud and uncontrollable. “Logan, I can’t — I can’t, oh.” 

“Yes you can. Just let go and come for me.”

And just like that, the pleasure tingled up over Lucy’s back and down through her core, carrying her on a silent high until it snapped and she bucked and groaned on his lap, her legs shaking as he slowed his fingers.

When she came back to herself she was dazed and flushed and breathless.

“How’re you feelin’ Builder?” 

“Like gelatin,” she said, nuzzling his neck. “You want to go inside yet?” She could still feel him beneath her, rock hard. But Logan grinned again, wicked, devilish, and he reached under her skirt to start wriggling off her knickers. 

“Here?” she asked, shocked, self-conscious now her desire had abated a little — but not enough.

“Here.” 

He encouraged her to sit forward so he could undo his pants and slip himself out, then he tugged her hips back. Lucy rose just enough to be able to hover above his cock, then she let him guide her back down onto it.  

The angle was sublime, but she was still sensitive from her orgasm, and it was almost too much. Logan began to tease her clit again, and as the pleasure resumed, Lucy began to move, adjusting to his size and the position. Logan lifted her skirt and looked down at where they joined — Lucy’s perfect ass as she rose and revealed more of his cock, slick with her juices, before she lowered herself back down, taking all of him. Over, and over, and over again. 

“Fuck Luce, yer so hot.”

But her legs began to ache and she struggled to find her rhythm. Losing patience, she stood then turned around and straddled him, and lowered herself back onto his cock. Then she rode him, hard and fast, her hands gripping his shoulders, losing herself in her frenzy of desire. 

Logan’s eyebrows furrowed with pleasure as Lucy gathered pace. It consumed him, that bliss that was building inside. If he was at his full fitness he would've matched her, thrusted up into her as hard as he could, but he knew if he did he'd cause that sharp pain to return, and he wasn't about to do anything that might mean he'd have to put an end to it.

He was half aware of a distant knocking sound, someone at their door at the front of the house, but neither of them stopped, too far gone to care who it might be. Another minute, and whoever it was tried one more time with three more raps on the door. Then they gave up, their shoes crunching on the path.

A soft, guttural groan left Logan’s mouth as he finally came, but still Lucy rose and fell on his lap, squeezing every drop from him until he had to put his hands on her hips to still her, his cock now too sensitive. 

She stopped and looked at him, eyes sultry, lips parted as she panted. She still wanted more. 

After a few seconds to catch his breath, Logan resumed his attention on her clit, using his thumb to rub circles over it. She could feel him inside her, still just hard enough, and the combination tipped her over the edge quickly. Logan watched her as her eyes closed tight and her head tipped back, and she shuddered. He felt her clench and shake around him, until eventually she grabbed his hand to still his thumb.

As they both sat there gazing at one another, breathless and sweaty, Lucy reached up to stroke his jaw. “Did that hurt you?” she asked.

“No Darlin'. Not too bad this time," he said, running his hands up and down her thighs. That ache in his ribs was back, and he knew his leg would be stiff and achy when he stood, but it was worth it. "Hope that wasn’t an important caller at the door though.” 

Lucy looked at him, confused.

“There was a caller?” 

Notes:

A somewhat quieter chapter, after all the excitement.

But, we will soon have Nia and Mi-an's fancy-pants wedding.

And maybe Logan will finally get round to doing something with that ring...

Chapter 16: An emergency

Summary:

Logan helps Lucy with an important task, and he confides in Owen and Justice about his plans.

Lucy tentatively opened the front door and peered out. 

There was no sign of anyone, but the ominous red flag on her mailbox was up. 

LUCY!!!!

We have an EMERGENCY!!!!! 

Please could you and Logan put each other down for TWO MINUTES???? 

We need you to come to our house ASAP!!!!!

- Nia XOXO

There was also a second note, hastily scribbled and folded, as if dropped in the mailbox surreptitiously.

Sorry Lucy, it’s really not that urgent — take your time

- Mi-an

When Lucy walked up the path by their house, she saw Nia pacing on their decking, wringing her hands, and Mi-an sitting on one of the wrought iron chairs, trying to soothe her fiancee. Nia spotted Lucy approaching, ran down the steps, and threw her arms around her.

“Oh thank the Light, you’re here.” 

“What on earth’s going on?” Lucy asked, concerned. “Has something happened?” 

“It’s not that ba—” Mi-an began before Nia cut her off.

“Yes! Something terrible.” 

“What? Tell me?” 

Awful thoughts ran through Lucy’s mind. 

Had Nia’s parents been hurt? 

Were they no longer able to make the wedding? 

“The patisserie got in touch. They can’t make our cake!” 

Nia looked at Lucy like it was the worse thing in the world. 

Lucy fought back the urge to say, “That’s it?” and instead just patted Nia on the arm. “I’m sure we can find someone else to make it. What about Owen?” 

“No! It has to be traditional Highwind Chiffon Cake. And it must be made by someone who knows what they’re doing.” 

“Okay. Well let’s try contacting some other patisseries, see if we can find someone else at short notice.” 

“We already have,” Mi-an said from her spot on the decking. “We sent letters out last week. They've all said no.” 

It was then that Lucy picked up on the apologetic look on Mi-an’s face. She glanced between Mi-an and Nia, then took a step back.

“Oh. Oh no. You don’t want me—”

“Please Lucy. You’re the only one who knows how to make it properly,” Nia begged, grabbing Lucy's hands to stop her retreating.

“I know you’ve got your heart set on it but—”

“I’ve dreamt of this cake for my wedding since I was a little girl Lucy,” Nia said. 

“Yes! I know! That’s why it’s so terrifying!” 

“Do you remember the wedding your mother catered, and we tried it for the first time, and it was so light and fluffy and dreamy?” Nia eyes were wide and shining, pleading, cajoling. “And I decided there and then that that was going to be the cake I’d have at my wedding?”

Lucy stared at her, panic and dismay setting in, then at Mi-an, who gave her another apologetic grimace, then back at Nia. 

“Please? I’ll pay you of course.” 

Nia pouted.

Lucy let out a small sigh.

“If I do it,” she began, and Nia let out an excited squeak, “You’re going to have to lower your expectations. I can’t promise it’ll be anywhere near a professional standard.”

Nia started nodding.

“And you need to let me get on with it. No interfering, no bugging me every five minutes.” 

“Absolutely.” 

Lucy eyed her sceptically. She knew Nia wouldn’t be able to keep up that end of the bargain. 

“Let me talk to Owen about using the Blue Moon kitchen,” she said with the tone of defeat, and Nia squealed and hugged her. 

Logan was in the garden when Lucy got home, his gun and daggers on the bench in front of him. He hadn’t had a chance to clean or service them since his accident. He saw her walking over, her shoulders slumped, and he stood to greet her, a worried frown on his face. 

“Luce, what’s happened? Everyone alright?”

Lucy walked right up to him and let her forehead fall against his chest.

“Luce, what’s wrong?” he asked again as he hugged her, his mind conjuring up all sorts of awful things.

“I’ve got to make a stupid wedding cake,” she mumbled. 

_________________

Lucy slowly unfurled the cake design on her dining table, wincing as each inch of the drawing was unveiled. 

Five tiers. Nia wanted five fucking tiers, each one sandwiched with sweet whipped cream and raspberries. 

The base would need to be huge. Lucy would need to make some bespoke cake tins and make sure they’d fit inside Owen’s oven. Her brain was trying to recall how her mother had stacked cakes on top of each other so they didn’t collapse and smush each other. She’d need what felt like a million eggs, a bazillion quarts of cream, and 50,000 berries. And how was she meant to stop the whole thing melting and sliding to the floor on a hot summer’s day?

After packing away his things in the garden, Logan went inside and found Lucy with her head resting on the table. 

“I’ll help ya Darlin’,” he said, rubbing her back. “I mean, if y’want. I know I ain’t a good cook, but I can help stir the batter or somethin’.” 

Lucy nodded, her forehead still glued to the design. 

“When do you wanna get started?” 

She finally lifted her head and inhaled deeply. Logan tried not to chuckle at the red mark on her forehead.

“I’ll have to make it quite close to the wedding so that it’s fresh. But I think I need a practice run to remember the basics and get the sponge right. The texture’s important. It has to be really light and airy. We could do a trial run? I need to wait for Nia’s Ma to send some vanilla pods first though. It won’t be the same without vanilla.”

“Sure Darlin’. What else do we need to get?” 

Logan went to the ranch to buy eggs and cream, and to tell Mabel to expect a big order soon, while Lucy went to the Blue Moon to buy flour and sugar, and to measure Owen’s oven. He’d already told her she was welcome to use the kitchen, although they’d have to work around each other as he was catering the wedding breakfast. They’d be fighting for space in his fridge to keep things cool.

Over the next two days Lucy sketched out her diagrams for the cake tins, and the boards and dowels she’d use to stack the tiers. She apologised profusely to Logan for having to work. Wei had given her some time off now Logan was back, insisting that she didn’t take enough leave as it was. And she still had all the other things to finish making for the wedding — the decorative flower arches and screens, the pretty chair covers, the table runners. She'd planned to take her time making those over the next two weeks, but now she'd be squeezing them in around trying to make the cake. Thankfully Mi-an was handling the actual chairs and tables, and Nia would do the flower arrangements.

Logan just shook his head when Lucy said how sorry she was. 

“Don’t be apologisin’ Darlin’. How about I use this time to start boxin’ up my stuff and movin’ in, and we take another vacation after the weddin’?” 

He already had an idea for somewhere he wanted to take her. Somewhere special. 

Somewhere romantic.

_________________

Logan worked along his bookcase, placing things that he wanted to move to Lucy’s house in cardboard boxes. His monster hunting journals, the ones his father had written, a few novels he thought Andy might like when he was a bit older, his Pa’s old compass, a few whittled carvings and trinkets, things he’d picked up on his travels. 

He’d written to Haru to tell him he was going to be moving out, but that the place would still be set up for him. Logan didn’t need to take much else, apart from the weapons in his armoury and his clothes, some tools and hunting gear, perhaps his favourite armchair. He’d get Owen or Justice to help carry that across. Then he'd give the place a clean and a tidy ready for Haru. The only food in the kitchen was stuff with long on dates anyway, as he'd cleared that out before going on his trip at the start of spring.

Haru had promised to visit soon. He’d apologised for not making it home for the day Logan arrived in Sandrock, but the letter telling him Logan was on his way hadn’t arrived in time. He said he’d come back during his autumn reading week, if not before.

Logan crouched down to open a cupboard to check if there was anything in there worth taking. It was mostly old paperwork filed away haphazardly. Bookkeeping wasn’t his strong point. But there, at the bottom, was a large old book with a thick navy blue cover. He slid it out and wiped the front, then opened it. 

He smiled at the first page. A photo of Howlett holding Logan as a toddler was slotted into the page, a tiny slit at each corner holding it in place. There was another photo of Logan trying to walk, teetering on his toes, Howlett holding his hand to stop him falling. Then another of Logan sitting on a horse, Howlett holding him in place — Logan was pulling a cheesy grin, his eyes scrunched up. His hair was long and white even then.

Logan guessed his mother had taken these photos. He flipped the pages. More photos of Logan and his Pa, then just Logan, getting older, legs getting gangly, posing with a catch, his first hunting knife, next to a fire he'd built. No photos of his Ma. Then some of Logan and a younger boy with brown hair, scuffed knees, arms around each other's shoulders, young chests puffed out proudly.

Logan smiled at the photos of Haru. Then he closed the album with a thud and placed it in the box.

_________________

That evening Logan left Andy tucked up in bed and Lucy soaking in a cool bath. She’d spent the last two days mining, smelting, making sheets of stainless steel, stamping out, then finally rolling strips of metal to make the cake tins. Even when she wasn’t working at her furnace, she had to wear all her protective clothing and gloves to make sure she didn’t cut herself on the thin, sharp metal. It was hot work at any time, let alone the height of summer. And she was stressed about getting it all just right.

She'd looked wiped out by the end of the day and Logan could tell she didn’t want to make conversation. So he handled Andy’s bedtime then left her to relax while he went to catch up with Owen and Justice. They'd been keen to restart their weekly poker nights.

“I see bein’ injured ain’t taken the edge off,” Justice grumbled as he chucked a few gols across Owen’s dining table. 

Logan chuckled as he placed the coins into a neat pile. “Easy pickin’s. Could beat you fellas in my sleep.”

Owen laughed. “It’s good to have you back Lo. Again.”

“Good to be back.” Logan smiled at them both, a genuinely happy smile. 

“I expect Lucy’s relieved you’re home safe and sound.” 

“Yeah, so she tells me." He grinned, but then his face turned pensive. "How was she, through everythin’?”

“She was in a bad way Lo, honestly,” Owen said. “She was so worried about you. We would’ve looked after them both though you know, if…” His voice wobbled and Logan clapped him on the arm. 

“I know you would brother.” 

“Seems like someone’s lookin’ down on you Lo,” Justice said. “How many of those lives have you used up now?” 

“More than I’d like, feel like I’ve bin pushin’ my luck a bit.” 

“I'd say so. It turned out alright in the end though,” Justice said. “And you’re movin’ in to Lucy's right?”

“Yep, gettin' packed up and ready to go.”

“That’s excitin’! A big step, the three of you livin’ together. A proper family.” 

"Yep."

Justice looked at Logan and laughed. “Lo, I ain’t ever seen you smile like that brother.” 

Logan blushed, but he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. 

“Who asked who?” 

“She beat me to it. I would’ve asked though. It just feels right, what with Andy too. We have a lotta fun together.” 

Justice nodded then smirked. “So when’re you gonna put a ring on her finger?” 

Owen looked up from his cards and chuckled at Justice’s teasing. But when they both looked at Logan, he was smiling like he had a secret to share. 

“Wait, are you going to ask Lucy to marry you?” Owen asked, sitting forward in his chair.

Logan looked between them both, then reached into his pocket to pull out the small velvet jewellery pouch. 

“Holy shit!” Justice said when Logan showed them both the ring. 

“Logan. Brother.” Owen shook his head in awe. “I’m so happy for you. When did you get the ring?” 

“In the autumn,” he said, putting the ring away and picking up his drink. 

“What?” Justice grabbed Logan’s arm, knocking his beer in the process, sending the contents all over his shirt. “Oh shit, sorry my man. But really, the autumn? That was months ago.”

Logan put down his drink, shook his wet hand, and looked at his soaked shirt. “Yeah.” 

“Take that off Lo, I’ve got another you can borrow,” Owen said as he stood and fetched a clean shirt from his laundry basket. “But seriously, you decided that long ago? Why in Peach’s name haven’t you done it yet?”

Logan stood and began unbuttoning his shirt. “I didn’t know if Luce was ready.” 

“And now she is?” Justice asked.

“Grace seems t’think so.” 

Justice whistled. “Never thought I’d see the day you were wantin’ to settle down.”

Owen returned with a clean shirt just as Logan finished shrugging his off. “I’m not surprised,” he said as he handed it across. “These two were made for each other.”   

He glanced at Logan, who was shaking out the clean shirt ready to put on, then sat down and picked up his cards again. “They’ve even got matching tattoos.”

Owen didn’t realise what he’d said at first. It was only when Logan paused, Owen’s shirt halfway up his arms, that he recognised his blunder.

“How do you know about Lucy’s tattoo?” Logan asked.

Owen focused very hard on his cards. “Oh, she must’ve mentioned it at some point.” 

Logan slowly shrugged the shirt up over his shoulders as he studied Owen’s face. “But you know what it looks like, if you know it matches mine.” 

“Yeah, she…described it.” 

“Did she?” 

Justice looked from Logan to Owen, then Owen to Logan. The air was suddenly thick with tension and he had no idea what was going on. 

“Yes, she must have. Anyway, ready for the next round?” Owen leant forward and began picking up his chips.

“Owen,” Logan said. His voice was low, his tone promising trouble if he didn’t start getting answers.

Owen sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Look,” he said, placing his cards face down and finally looking at his friend. “I’ll tell you. Just, don’t freak out, okay?”

“Tellin’ me not to freak out when you seem to know somethin’ intimate about my girlfriend’s body ain’t exactly gonna keep me calm O.”

Owen felt very hot under the collar as his friend stared at him. He’d seen Logan level a look like that at other guys, ones who stood too close to Lucy or tried to flirt with her, but never at him.

“Just, listen, okay?” he asked, holding up a hand to get Logan to stop rushing ahead.

Logan placed his hands on the back of his chair and leant forward, just a little. “Go on,” he said.

Owen quickly glanced at Justice for help, but the sheriff just shrugged, wide eyed. Owen cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. “Okay. While you were away, I helped Lucy move a chest of drawers upstairs. A new one. It was really heavy.”

“The one in her bedroom?”

“Yes, but, but! Wait Logan.” Owen held up that hand again as a muscle in Logan’s jaw ticked. “I was just helping her carry it. Anyway, she went back downstairs to fetch a drawer, and while she did I picked up some photos she had on her bed. I didn’t think anything of it, they were just photos of Lucy in a dress, until…” He trailed off, eyebrows raised at Logan as if to say ‘Do I need to say any more?’.

“You saw the photo?” 

“I did. Lucy was horrified. I was horrified. We agreed to never speak of it. I left. End of story.” 

“What photo?” Justice piped up, then shrivelled in his chair as both men turned to him, only just seeming to remember he was there.

Logan looked back at Owen and straightened up. He inhaled deeply, then let it out through his nose. 

Then he began buttoning up the shirt. 

“Alright,” he said.

“Alright? That’s it?” 

“Is there more?” 

“No! That’s it. You can ask Lucy.”

“Then alright. I’m gonna grab another beer, either of you want one?”

“No, all good thanks Lo.” 

As Logan walked away, Justice leant forward in his chair to whisper to Owen. “What photo?” 

_________________

Dear Lucy

You are an angel making this cake for my darling girl. Your mother and father would be so proud of you. We are all so proud of you. Michael and I are looking forward to seeing you soon. 

Here is the vanilla you need, plus something extra for you. 

Love and best wishes

Angie and Michael

_________________

Logan looked at the strange black seed pods with alarm. He was even more wary when Lucy carefully split one open and used the point of her knife to scrape out tiny black seeds. He was pleased Nia’s Ma had sent more of those candies, but he was highly suspicious of these black things.

Lucy laughed when she saw his face. He looked disgusted. 

“Smell this,” she insisted. 

Logan lowered his nose to the seeds reluctantly, then sniffed. 

“Light, that’s amazin’.” 

“Right?” 

“That goes in the cake?”

“And the cream, when we get to it. Right, I need you to whisk these egg whites while I add the sugar, until they’re light and fluffy.”

“Light and fluffy. Got it.” 

Lucy could see by his face that he didn’t really know what she meant. 

“It needs to look a bit like that styling foam Pablo uses.” 

“Oh! Alright. Good to have a visual to aim for.” 

After a while Logan stopped whisking to give his hand a shake. “Man, this is hard work,” he said. 

“It’s a labour of love alright.”

“We gonna have to do this for the final cake?” Logan asked, more than a little worried he was going to be whisking for days. But Lucy shook her head. “I’ll use the whisk attachment on my blender for the batter for the final cake, I’ll need to make so much. Here, let me take over.” She tipped in the final spoonful of sugar and took the bowl from him. 

Logan leant back against the counter and folded his arms across his chest as he watched her. “You’re definitely a natural at this whole bakin’ thing Luce,” he said as she tilted the bowl in her arms and whisked the contents. 

“I don’t know that it’s that I’m a natural, it was just ingrained in me as a kid. No different to you and tracking monsters,” she said with a grin. “Unless it’s an obvious hoof or paw print, I have no idea how you spot the signs. When you’re like, ‘Oh look, a tiny broken twig, must be a boxin’ jack’ and I nod? I’m just agreeing with you because I have no clue.” 

Logan laughed at her impression, and her honesty. “I bet you know more’n you think Luce. Just takes time, like anythin’.” 

“Time and practice.” 

“Absolutely.” 

“Right,” she said, placing the bowl down. “This looks good, time to add the other ingredients.”

Finally the cake batter was ready and Lucy carefully poured it into two tins, levelled it very gently so as not to knock the air out of it, placed the tins in the oven, then turned the dial on the timer. 

“There, all done for a bit. Do you want a cup of tea while we wait?” she asked as she pressed her fingers into some spilled sugar then licked them. Logan watched her — watched her soft lips suck the sugar from her fingertips one by one, imagined the sweetness on her warm tongue.

When Lucy met Logan’s eyes they had that blue fire in them. He smirked a little, and reached out a hand to wipe some flour from her cheek with his thumb. 

“Oh, thanks,” she said, flustered under his gaze. Light, did he know what that look did to her? The piercing eyes, the confident curl of his lip. How quickly he could just turn on that look that made her feel all giddy and weak at the knees. She wiped her flushing cheek again with her own hand. “Is it all gone?” 

Logan’s lips twitched. “Flour’s gone from yer cheek Darlin’. But you’ve got sugar on yer lips.” 

Lucy reflexively began to lick her lips, but Logan pulled her against his chest, his hands firm about her waist. “Save me some?” he asked, bending his mouth to hers.

His kiss was sweet at first, focusing on tasting that sugar, licking it from her lips, then her tongue. But then he spun her so her back was against the fridge door and he pressed her to it, his mouth more insistent, his hands beginning to roam. 

“Logan,” she said as she breathlessly broke the kiss, “We need to keep an eye on the cake.” 

“How long we got?” he asked as he kissed along her jaw towards her neck. 

“25 minutes.”

“More than enough.” 

_________________

A short while later, a pink-cheeked and very satisfied Lucy removed the cakes from the oven. She caught Logan’s eye as she placed them on the counter, and his self-assured, flirty smile caused her to bashfully look away again. 

She thought it was a good thing she’d be making the final cake in Owen’s kitchen. There would be fewer...distractions. And even if Logan did come to help, she was certain there were health and safety rules against that sort of thing. 

Although the idea of doing it in the kitchen of the saloon was pretty hot.

Logan watched Lucy carefully loosen the cakes from their tins with a knife then gently tip them onto their cooling racks. Then, while the cakes cooled, Lucy made a sweet, vanilla cream. 

She piped it on top of one of the sponges, topped that with an attractive swirl of raspberries, and gently pressed the second sponge on top. She dusted the whole thing with fine sugar, then they took it to the garden with a tray of black, perfumed tea. 

“I reckon we did a good job Luce, it looks great.” 

“It looks alright doesn’t it.” Lucy beamed. “Let’s try it.” 

Lucy took a bite of the cake, and she was instantly transported back to Highwind and her mother’s kitchen. She felt a lump rise in her throat. The sponge was light and fluffy. A bit more vanilla wouldn’t go amiss, but it was otherwise perfect.

Logan set his plate down. He could see Lucy’s thoughts had gone elsewhere.

“It tastes good to me Luce, but what d’you think? Is it right?” 

She nodded, a small melancholic smile on her face. “It tastes like my mother’s cake.” 

“That’s pretty special Luce. I reckon Nia’s Ma is right, yer mother would be proud of you. Yer father too. ” 

Lucy nodded again. 

“You think of ‘em often?” 

“Sometimes. Mostly good things, like this. They were good parents really. I wonder…” 

“Wonder what?” 

Lucy shifted in her seat. “I’m not saying I’d ever want a wedding like Nia and Mi-an’s. But I sometimes wonder what it would’ve been like if my parents were still here for things like that. Like, if my mother could make my cake one day, or help me choose my dress.” 

“Or if yer father could walk you down the aisle?” 

“Exactly.” 

Logan watched her face as she poked her cake with her fork. He hadn’t thought about stuff like that. He wanted to be married to Lucy, but he hadn’t thought about what kind of wedding she might want. And what she might miss.

A light summer breeze blew a lock of hair across her face, but before she could react Logan’s hand was there, pushing it back behind her ear. Lucy smiled at him. 

“They would’ve liked you,” she said.

“Yeah?” Logan smiled back. 

“I mean, once you’d finished with all the hijacking and the kidnapping and the general banditry,” she added with a grin. 

Logan laughed. “My Pa would’ve loved you. I tell him about you y’know, you and Andy.” 

“You do?” 

Logan nodded. “When I visit him. Do yer parents have a grave back in Highwind you can visit?” 

“Yes, but I’ve never been. Not since their funeral.” 

“Do you wanna go?” 

Lucy thought about it. “I didn’t want to, for a long time. It was too hard. But maybe. I think so, yes.” 

“I’d love to see where you grew up Luce. We could go there one day, the three of us. Meantime, I reckon you could find a spot here,” he said, looking up and around, past her yard towards the desert, then towards the town, “Somewhere quiet, where you could sit and talk to ‘em, tell ‘em stuff, if you wanted to. I get that might not be everyone’s cuppa tea, but you could try it an’ see.” 

“Does it help, talking to your Pa?” 

“Yeah. It’s like…writin’ a letter. I get to fill him in on everythin’ that’s bin happenin’ and I picture him hearin’ it, bein’ happy for me, or thinkin’ of me if I’m strugglin’ with somethin'.” 

Lucy nodded again, a thoughtful look on her face. 

“Thank you for your help with the cake Lo. You’ve kept me sane these past few days.”

“Anytime Darlin’. We make a good team.”  

“We do.”

_________________

A few days later, Lucy and Logan were wandering home after taking Andy to school when they bumped into Nia with her parents near the Blue Moon. Her folks had arrived on a late train from Highwind the night before, and they were all walking to get breakfast. 

“Lucy!” Angie cried, holding her arms out wide for a hug.

“Hi Angie,” Lucy said, leaning into the comforting embrace. “Mike! You shaved your moustache!” she exclaimed as she hugged Nia’s father. 

“What do you think Lucy?” Mike asked, his voice booming and jolly. “Ten years younger?” 

“Oh at least!” Lucy said with a grin. 

“It’s so good to see you darling,” Angie said, giving Lucy’s arm a squeeze. “You look so well. Doesn’t she look well Michael? So beautiful. We’d love to see your house and your workshop while we’re here. Nia says it’s quite impressive. Who’s this? Is this the man Nia’s been telling us about?” 

Lucy slipped her arm through Logan’s. “Yes this is my boyfriend, Logan. Logan this is Angie and Mike, Nia’s parents.”

“Sir,” Logan said, holding out his hand for Michael to shake, then to Angie. “Ma’am.” 

Nia’s Ma didn’t let go straight away when she shook Logan’s hand — she held it as she peered up at him, then as she looked at Lucy, then back at Logan.

“Oh yes,” she said, slowly shaking his hand again. “Yes, I see it. You suit our Lucy perfectly.” She smiled, satisfied, and let go of his hand. Logan smiled too, pleased to have seemingly won her approval. He hadn't been sure how it was going to go, based on Brandon’s reaction to him, and Angie and Mike were the closest thing Lucy had left in terms of parental figures.

“You know Brandon’s been trying it on with Lucy, Ma,” Nia said. Lucy cursed under her breath, then felt Logan squeeze her hand supportively.

Angie tutted. “That boy. I always knew he’d look up one day and realise what he’s missed out on with you. But no. You two would never have worked. I love my son, but he’s not right for you. You are a wild spirit, our little Pixie, and you need someone who will fan the flames, not try and tame them.”  

They chatted for a little while longer, promising to meet up again in the next few days, then Nia insisted they get to breakfast as they had a packed schedule to stick to. “She’s going to be putting us to work, I can tell,” Mike mumbled with a conspiratorial wink. 

Logan bit his lip as he and Lucy watched the three of them walk away and through the doors of the saloon. But he couldn’t contain his mirth for long. 

“Pixie?” he said when they were out of earshot, a huge, delighted grin on his face. 

“Oh Peach.” Lucy sighed and shook her head. 

“All this time, I coulda bin callin’ you Pixie?” 

“No. Absolutely not.” Lucy turned and began walking back to their house.

Logan followed her. “Why not? It’s cute.”

"Stop it.”

“Nope. No can do, Pixie.”

Lucy gave him a lighthearted shove on the shoulder and he stumbled sideways, then wrapped his arm tight around her shoulders as they walked home.

Notes:

Getting roped in to make a ridiculous wedding cake seems like the sort of bullshit side mission the builder would be asked to help with doesn't it?

Just a heads up that I'm going to be going on holiday in about a week. I think I'll be able to post another chapter or two before then, and then there will be a wee break for a couple of weeks.

Chapter 17: An 'I do' (NSFW)

Summary:

Nia and Mi-an get married!

(Chapter marked NSFW but it's a very 'quick' scene 😏)

The week before the wedding was hectic. The whole town was abuzz as large round tables and fancy chairs were laid out near the Blue Moon stage, slowly bordered by flower boxes, arches, screens and planters, creating the impression of an enclosed garden. Wreaths and bouquets began to adorn the temple, inside and out, and lights were strung up everywhere. 

A band stepped off the train from Tallsky and checked into the Blue Moon. Then more of Nia and Mi-an’s family and friends arrived, taking up the rest of the rooms at the saloon as well as the apartments, crashing on floors when they ran out of space. Logan let some of Mi-an’s family stay in his old house, seeing as it was now lying empty.

Lucy and Logan were quite relieved to have their quiet house across the tracks to return to. 

Elliott vacated her room at the Blue Moon, deciding now was a good time to head off. Logan caught up with her before she left, agreeing to keep in touch in case they wanted to work together again. It was always good to have someone you knew you could trust out on the trails. She also gave Logan some good news in the form of a rather hefty check. As they’d sorted the issue with the beast, albeit not how they would’ve liked, the bounty had been fulfilled and paid, so he was due his half. He stared at the large number, contemplating what it meant for the future. At the very least he’d be able to keep his foot off the pedal for a while.

Meanwhile, Lucy worked hard getting everything ready for the wedding, knowing she had the biggest and most stressful task still ahead of her — the cake. She'd need to make the sponge the day before, then assemble it on the day of the wedding. There was no way the final cake would fit in the fridge and the cream needed to be kept fresh. Owen would be prepping in the kitchen, but he would set up the grills outside to keep food warm, so they could keep the kitchen cool for the cake and the other desserts. 

Surprisingly, Nia had kept to her word and only asked Lucy how the cake was going once, seemingly satisfied when Lucy told her she and Logan had done a trial run and it had gone well. Lucy just hoped she could pull it off. 

The day before the wedding, Logan decided he and Andy needed to go and get their hair cut or they’d stand out as the scruffy ones. 

“I kinda like the longer look,” Lucy said, twirling Logan’s long hair around her fingers in the morning. It’d grown quite a bit while he’d been away. “I’m surprised you didn’t come home with more of a beard though.” She ran her fingers along his jaw. He’d let the scruff grow back, but it was still fairly short and neat. 

“Jay brought me a razor while I was in hospital,” Logan admitted with a grin. “It was lookin’ a bit wild.” 

Andy was less than enthusiastic about having his hair cut, but when Pablo suggested a style more like Owen’s — still a bit longer on top but shorter on the sides — his eyes lit up. “Y’reckon that’ll look good on me?” he asked.

“Absolutely young man,” Pablo said, running his fingers through Andy's hair as he assessed it. “It'll be much easier to wash and comb. And I can show you how to style it with gel.” 

“That sounds real cool. I’ll be like a whole new person. Let’s do it!” 

Lucy gasped when Logan and Andy surprised her in the Blue Moon kitchen and she saw the boy's new hair. “Andy! You look so grown up! And so handsome.” 

Andy finished his posing with a grin, satisfied, and Lucy gave him a small bowl of raspberries to snack on while Logan asked how the cake was going.

“First layer is in the oven. It’s the biggest one so it’ll take the longest, and it’s really important I don’t open the oven until it’s done. It’s just going to be an issue of timing I think.” She wiped her brow and frowned at the oven. 

“Anythin’ I can do?” 

“Book me a first class train ticket in case it all goes wrong?” she quipped.

“Ain’t gonna come to that Darlin’,” Logan said with a chuckle. “But if it does all go sideways, I’ll get ya outa here.”

_________________

On the morning of the wedding, Lucy threw on some clothes and grabbed her dress from the back of their bedroom door, said goodbye to Logan and Andy, then made her way to the apartment Mike and Angie had rented to get ready with Nia. Mi-an had stayed at her house with her parents, and Elsie was going to get ready with them. 

Pablo did the rounds doing hair and makeup, threatening pain of death on Lucy if she kept fiddling with the up-do he’d managed to get her hair into. She hadn’t worn it up in forever. It was rarely long enough, normally barely just grazing her shoulders, but he’d managed to twist and pin her dark wavy hair at the back of her head, leaving her soft bangs around her face. It felt strange having her neck so exposed.  

Lucy gasped when she saw Nia in her dress. She’d seen it a couple of times now during fittings, but with her hair and makeup done too, she looked like a princess. 

“Don’t,” Pablo said firmly when he saw them both tearing up, getting more and more anxious that his carefully designed makeup was going to be ruined. “I’m going to Mi-an’s, it’s all on you now,” he announced with a flourish of his hand, deciding it was too stressful to hang about any more. What would be would be. 

“Are you ready for the shoes?” Nia asked, her eyes shining. When Lucy nodded, Nia lifted the hem of her dress and poked her foot out. Underneath her beautiful white dress, she wore high heeled emerald shoes that matched Lucy and Elsie's outfits. 

“Oh, they’re amazing!” 

“Aren’t they?” 

_________________

Logan and Andy dressed in their smart shirts and trousers, then slowly wandered up to the temple along with half the town. As traditional as Nia wanted their wedding to be, she hadn’t insisted that anyone wear a full suit and tie. She said she wasn’t a sadist — and she didn’t want anyone passing out in the heat. 

Logan had to admit the temple looked nice, even if this whole fancy wedding thing wasn’t really his style. Lucy had mentioned she wouldn’t want this kind of thing either, but he was worried she might want something traditional, especially after experiencing Nia's wedding. He’d do it, for her, if that’s what she wanted. If she said yes, of course. He felt butterflies in his stomach at the thought. Even though this wasn’t his wedding, it was making the idea feel more real somehow. 

Logan and Andy took a seat near Trudy and Jasmine, and Logan smiled to himself when he heard Andy confidently tell his friend, “Ya look real pretty Jazz.” That boy was going to be a charmer. It was cute now, but Logan was already dreading the teenage years. 

There was a bit of waiting around and Logan made small talk with Trudy, then with Justice across the aisle. Then Hugo began playing the organ, and everyone hushed. 

Elsie walked in first and Logan grinned at her. She was trying to walk elegantly, but it didn't come naturally. She normally stomped about in her clunky boots. She looked pleased with herself though, especially when she got near the front and Brandon smiled at her from his seat in the front row. 

Mi-an walked in next, arm in arm with her dad, looking beautiful in a white pant suit and bright green boots. She blushed shyly when everyone looked at her. When they reached the front near Burgess, her dad kissed her on the cheek then stood to one side, and Mi-an turned nervously, waiting for Nia to arrive. 

Logan turned too, along with everyone else, and looked to the temple doors. He’d seen Lucy in her bridesmaid dress at the fitting and he knew she looked beautiful in it, so he didn’t think there would be anything that would surprise him.

But when she walked in, dark hair pinned up, her elegant neck exposed, soft tendrils around her face, it took his breath away. He’d never seen her with her hair up before. She locked eyes with him as she passed, a knowing smile on her face as he gaped at her. Logan stared at her until she reached the front and took her place next to Elsie. 

Everyone else turned again to watch Nia walk in. Everyone except Logan, who couldn’t take his eyes off Lucy. She met his gaze and they stared at one another, oblivious to anyone else in the temple, until Nia reached the dais, and the ceremony began.

Logan had trouble concentrating, focused as he was on Lucy’s neck. He couldn’t work out what was driving him so wild. Then he realised — it was the strapless dress with that neckline that dipped in the middle. It wasn’t just her neck that was exposed, it was her shoulders, her arms, her collarbone, all the way down to her cleavage. Her dress seemed to be defying gravity. It wasn’t overly revealing, but the way it covered her seemed to tease at what might be underneath.

He couldn’t wait to get her alone later.

He finally tore his eyes away to watch Mi-an and Nia holding hands saying their vows. But Brandon also caught his eye, and Logan’s pulse quickened when he saw the man's eyes flicker to Lucy. He was clearly appreciating her dress too. Logan took a deep breath and reminded himself that Brandon could look, but that was all he’d ever get. 

_________________

Nia and Mi-an walked down the aisle to a shower of confetti, then out into the temple courtyard where drinks and small canapés were set out on tables. Lucy followed the crowd outside until she felt a hand on her elbow, pulling her to one side. 

She looked up, unsurprised to see Logan staring down at her. “Luce, you look…” He couldn’t quite find the right words to finish that sentence. Lucy smiled and ran her own eyes down, taking in his light cotton shirt and trousers, which were fitted just enough to emphasis the strong toned muscles underneath. She stepped forward and ran a hand over his chest, then tilted her face up to his.

“You look gorgeous,” she said, before kissing him softly on the lips. 

“Save it for later you two,” Owen said with a smirk as he passed. 

Lucy bit her lip as she pulled back and shyly glanced at Owen. Logan bent down to whisper, his lips brushing the shell of her ear, “Later can’t come soon enough.” He slowly brushed her neck with the back of his fingers, and she felt a delicious tingle creep up her spine. 

Unfortunately for Lucy, after a quick photo with the bridal party, she had to forgo a glass of bubbly and a snack, and instead catch the yakmel cart down the hill to the Blue Moon to finish the cake. In the kitchen, she tied one of Owen’s aprons around her waist, keen to not ruin her dress, then began the careful assembly.

First came the largest round of sponge cake, topped with cream and raspberries, before the next round was gently placed on top. She pushed a few dowels into the cake near the centre, evenly spaced, then put a thin wooden board on top, ready for the next layer. 

She repeated the steps, falling into a sort of calm trance, until she placed the final layer. The cake, sitting ready on its trolley, was now taller than she was. She stood on a small stepladder to shake a healthy dusting of icing sugar all over the cake, then she placed some edible flowers that Nia had given her on top and around the base. 

She stepped back down and looked at her creation. It had been incredibly stressful, but now that she saw it finished, she was proud of what she’d done.

“What do you think mother?” she asked the air around her, trying out Logan’s suggestion to talk to her. The room was silent, but she could hear distant laughs and chatter as the wedding party started to make its way down the street towards the reception area. She felt a warm breeze through the open window behind her, and she turned her head as something caught her eye. A tiny jade butterfly, accidentally brought in on the breeze, fluttered around her, before circling the cake, as if passing judgement. It paused for a moment on one of the flowers then took off again, finding its way out the window. 

“It looks great Luce,” a voice said from the doorway. Lucy turned to see Logan leaning against the doorframe. He smiled when she saw him, then pushed himself off and walked over to hand her a glass filled with sparkling wine. “Y’deserve a drink,” he said, and clinked his own glass against hers. 

“Thank you,” she said, then she took a sip, breathing in the fresh, fruity smell of the wine and enjoying the bubbles on her tongue. She sighed deeply. “Now I can relax.”

Logan took her hand, and led her outside. 

_________________

Unfortunately for Logan, they were seated at the top table for the wedding breakfast, which meant Brandon was opposite him. But fortunately for Logan, Nia’s Ma was next to him, and she spent the entire meal asking him questions about his job and Andy, and gushing over what a nice gentleman he was to Lucy. She seemed thoroughly smitten with him. 

Andy poked at the weird looking food until Lucy bent down to tell him what each thing was. “I know it looks like creamy goo, but it’s just fancy mashed potato with a load of butter. It’s delicious, honestly.”

After the desserts there were a few toasts and speeches, which went on so long the sun began to dip and the sky turned lilac. The sand and rocks surrounding the town glowed orange and yellow, and the vibrant displays of hydrangeas, mountain roses and potted cacti popped with colours of pink, purple, and succulent green. Tiny lights slowly flickered on and Lucy had to admit that — for all the stress and over the top planning Nia had demanded — the space looked incredible. 

While there was still enough light left to appreciate it, Owen carefully brought out the cake. Nia stood and clapped her hands over her mouth at the sight of it, her vision brought to life, and Mi-an caught Lucy’s eye and mouthed a big ‘thank you’. The newlyweds cut into the cake and the guests erupted into cheers and applause. Everyone was served a slice with another glass of bubbly, and they all enthusiastically tucked in. Everyone except Lucy. She looked around, enjoying the sounds of everyone commenting on the cake, then she looked at Nia across the table. 

Nia was chewing thoughtfully, staring at her plate. Then she looked up, straight at Lucy, and she smiled, then nodded, her eyes shining with tears. “It’s perfect,” she mouthed, and Lucy nodded too, then wiped her eyes, her own tears falling. 

“Y’alright Luce?” Logan asked quietly, his hand finding hers. 

“Yes, happy tears,” she said with a smile, pleased to have brought a little bit of her mother's magic to the celebrations.

_________________

When the meal was done, the band from Tallsky invited Nia and Mi-an up to the area in front of the stage for their first dance. It was a slow, romantic bluesy number, and Lucy rested her head on Logan’s shoulder as they watched the newlyweds dance. Nia and Mi-an held each other close, swaying to the music, giggling between kisses.

“Look at them,” Lucy said with a sigh. “They’re so happy.” 

The song finished and the band started another, and Nia and Mi-an grabbed the hands of those nearest them to drag them up to dance. Lucy laughed as she watched, but then Logan stood and held out his hand to her. She stared up at him, stunned. After a moment’s hesitation, she put her hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor, where he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. Lucy draped her free arm around his neck and kept her other hand in his.

“Why Bandit,” she said, looking up at him, “I didn’t think you danced in public?” 

“I told you before Luce, back at yer dress fittin’, I’d be honoured to dance with you in that dress.” He bent his mouth to her ear. “And out of it.” 

Lucy giggled. “That second option might land us a few looks.”

She felt Logan grin against her ear, and felt the stubble of his jaw brush her cheek. She could smell his cologne, feel the firmness of his muscles under his light shirt, his body pressed against hers. Her heart fluttered as they swayed - even more so when he bent his head down so that his lips could just graze her neck, and he flexed his hand against her lower back. 

His breath was warm on her skin. “You’re so damn beautiful Luce.” 

As soon as the song finished and another, more upbeat one started, Lucy grabbed Logan’s hand and pulled him from the dance floor. But she didn’t take him home. 

“Where we goin’ Luce?” he asked, confused, as she dragged him towards the Blue Moon.

“Chef business,” she said confidently, smiling at some of the other guests as they passed. But when she’d dragged him through the saloon and through the swinging doors of the kitchen, grateful everyone else was outside, she turned and clasped his face with her hands, and kissed him firmly on the lips. Logan responded instantly, his hands at her waist, his tongue finding hers, his body pushing her towards the kitchen island. 

“Luce,” he murmured, not wanting to take his lips away from hers, “Here?” 

“Here.” She began fumbling with the belt of his pants to release him. Logan reached behind her to sweep things out the way on the counter top, then he lifted her up so she was sitting on the edge. His hands dived under the skirt of her dress to grab her knickers and pull them down, all the way off. Then, without delay, he hitched up her skirt, pulled her hips forward, lined himself up, and drove into her. She groaned loudly and found his mouth again with hers, her hands running along his jaw and into his hair, pulling it loose. 

“Faster, harder,” she mumbled, and Logan obliged, rutting into her, taking her quickly, urgently, their gasps and groans covered by the raucous party now underway outside. He felt Lucy's hands on his ass, her fingers squeezing, her nails biting into his skin as she enjoyed the feeling of him thrusting and bucking, claiming her. 

Logan came with a final grunt and he paused, chest heaving with exertion, before he looked her in the eyes. She stared at him, her own eyes wide and full of lust, then she grinned.

“I think we’ve just made like a dozen health and safety violations,” she said. 

“Better not tell the owner then,” Logan said, his wicked grin matching hers.

_________________

They were both more than a little dishevelled when they rejoined the party, but a fair few adults were at least a little tipsy by then, so they didn’t look out of place. Lucy danced again with Logan, enjoying the sweet ache caused by their rough lovemaking. 

Then they danced with their friends, and the kids ran around doing their own creative moves. Lucy danced with Nia, singing along to the songs they knew, their voices loud and off key. As the song beats picked up Lucy grabbed Andy’s hands and they twirled together, round and round, until they were dizzy and giggling. 

And then there were fireworks lighting up the sky, signalling the end of the wedding. Lucy watched them leaning back against Logan, his arms around her waist. A final kiss on the cheek for the newlyweds, and Lucy, Logan and Andy wandered home, agreeing with everyone else that the clean up could wait until tomorrow. 

Once Andy had passed out asleep, Logan pulled Lucy into his arms. He finally had the chance to properly kiss her neck and he took his time — little feathery kisses from her ear to her collarbone, then deep open-mouthed kisses back up the other side, then he nibbled, and sucked, marking her skin, while she tangled her hands in his hair.

Mine.

_________________

Days later, after recovering from their hangovers and the big clean up, and when most of the guests had returned home, normal life and work resumed.

It was the final few weeks of summer, and Lucy had woken early to head to the ruins, trying to beat the heat. The ground was scorched, parched, desperate for the season to turn — ready for the return of cooler nights and damp, dewy mornings.

Lucy had already told Logan she’d be in the ruins most of the day. She had a lot to collect to rebuild her stores ready for the commissions she wanted to take on now the wedding was out the way. It made sense to pack a lunch for when she got tired and stay down there as long as she could, but she’d be home for supper.

Logan had a morning patrol, one of his first since his accident. He was still meant to be taking it easy, but Elsie was going to go with him and they weren’t expecting to come across much at this time of year. Mating season was over, and a lot of creatures were quite docile during the day, hiding away from the glaring sun. 

He cleared away his and Andy’s breakfast things, daydreaming about the weekend ahead while he washed the dishes. He was going to take Lucy away, just the two of them, to a cute cabin half a day’s ride away on the crest of a small peak. It had outstanding views of the night sky. 

The perfect place to pose an important question.

Logan was jittery with nerves and excitement, and worried Lucy was going to pick up on it, so he was relieved in some ways to have a day apart. But with his mind elsewhere, he managed to snag his pants on a loose nail in the stables while he was getting Rambo ready. It tore a small hole. No big deal, but a small tear can easily turn into a larger one if you’re not careful out on the trail. Logan headed back inside to change, and left the ripped pants on top of the wash basket. He’d wash and fix them when he got back at lunchtime. 

It was only as he was riding away with Elsie that he realised he hadn’t moved the ring across, but that shouldn’t be a problem. He’d be home well before Lucy. 

_________________

Lucy called out as she opened the door. She wasn’t sure what time Logan would be home, but she thought it probably wouldn’t be long. Things had not gone well in the ruins that morning. She’d managed to bump her knee and get a small shock. She was fine, but grumpy, and decided to call it a day and try again tomorrow. 

With the house empty, she wandered upstairs to wash and change. She threw her stuff by the wash basket then had a quick, hot shower and pulled on some fresh clothes. She decided to sort the washing, then she’d get lunch out for them both, ready for when Logan got home. 

She pulled Logan’s pants off the top of the wash basket and shook them out, noticing the small tear. Then she put her hands in the pockets, checking for anything that shouldn’t go in the wash. She found one of his spare bandanas in one pocket, and placed that on the dresser. In another pocket she felt something velvety, and she frowned as she pulled it out, puzzled. A small, black jewellery pouch. Curiosity got the better of her, and she placed Logan’s pants on the bed then sat next to them while she opened the pouch.

With her fingers she felt something metallic, and she took it out to look at what it was. 

When she saw it, she felt like her heart stopped beating.

A shaft of sunlight from her window landed on the diamond, making it sparkle. She tilted it, watching the angular cuts shine with all the colours of the rainbow.

It was a beautiful ring.

When she heard the door go, she flinched, knowing she should quickly put the ring back and pretend she never saw it. But she felt frozen in place. How could she possibly put it back and act like everything was normal, when it very much wasn’t? 

Her heartbeat thundered in her ears as she heard Logan take off his boots, then his footsteps on the stairs. 

His face lit up at first when he saw her, surprised she was home. Then he saw what she was holding, and his face fell.

“Luce…”

“I was going to put a wash on,” she said dumbly. 

“Oh.” 

“I checked your pockets.” 

“I can see that.”

There was a moment’s pause.

“Is this…?” she asked, struggling to finish the sentence.

“An engagement ring? Yes Darlin’.” Logan took a few careful steps forward.

“When were you…?”

“I was waitin’ till I thought you were ready Luce,” he said quietly. He knelt down in front of her and put his hands on her thighs. He moved slowly, like she was a skittish creature he was trying not to alarm. When she didn’t say anything, just continued staring at him with those big brown eyes, he took the hand that wasn’t holding the ring in his and stroked her palm.

“When did you get it?”

“I bought it in the autumn.”

“You did?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Took it all the way to the village with me.”

He didn’t think it was possible for her eyes to get any bigger, but they did. He continued to stroke tiny circles over her palm with his thumb.

“I had some notion of proposin’ while we were on that trip, maybe while we were watchin’ the antelophants, or that night when we went out into the field and the moon was shinin’ down on us. But it seemed like you weren’t ready, so I didn’t. And then I didn’t know how to check if yer feelin’s had changed. I didn’t wanna put pressure on you.”

Lucy's eyes searched his face. “But do you still want to? Get married?”

Logan nodded. “I had all these ideas about a big romantic proposal…” He chuckled softly as he looked down at the ring in her hand. “I thought about settin’ somethin’ up at the Outpost again — lights, candles, flowers, y’know. Or a moonlit picnic. Or somethin’ under the stars. Andy reckoned I should do some elaborate treasure hunt involvin’ balloons…”

He reached up a hand to push some hair from her face. “Grace told me she thought y’might be ready. But it’s okay if you’re not Luce. I understand. Things are already changin’ a lot, what with me and Andy movin’ in. I just…I know that, for me, you’re it.” 

Lucy swallowed and looked down at the ring, turning it to watch the light bounce off the precious stone. It was the perfect ring, striking but not fussy. Exactly the sort she would choose for herself. 

She gazed into Logan’s beautiful blue eyes. 

Her lover.

Her best friend.

Her family.

She took a deep breath.

“Ask me,” she said.

“Hmm?”

“Ask me,” she repeated.

“Ask you?” 

Lucy nodded.

Logan was still on his knees before her, which was a good thing because his legs suddenly felt very weak. He felt his throat tighten and his mouth go dry. 

He’d had a whole thing figured out, and this wasn’t how he’d pictured it. There was no romantic setting, no big gesture. No fancy music or lights or food or fripperies of any kind. 

But suddenly none of that seemed to matter.

Just the two of them, together — that’s all they needed.

So there in their bedroom, on a normal Thursday afternoon, still wearing his work gear, his gravelly voice only slightly wobbly, he asked her.

“Lucy, will you marry me?” 

Lucy’s eyes glistened as she smiled at him. 

“Yes,” she whispered, then more confidently, “Yes Logan. I love you. I want to marry you.” 

A joyous sob broke from her mouth as he rose up on his knees to wrap his arms around her, and she put her arms tight around his neck. She heard him sniff, and when he finally pulled back his eyes were shining and he was grinning from ear to ear. 

“You’re sure Luce? You wanna get married?” 

Lucy nodded, biting her lip to hold back the happy tears. “I do, I really do.” 

Logan's fingers shook as he gently took the ring from her and held her trembling hand in his, then slid the ring onto her finger. 

They both looked at it then smiled at each other, and sealed the deal with a kiss.

 

 

 

Notes:

Ahhhhhhh.

Poor Logan. Kept the ring secret all that time only for her to find it two days before he was finally going to propose. Don't worry though, Lucy and Logan will still get their romantic getaway, because I'm greedy like that.

Andy's haircut is inspired by my own son who had his long blond hair chopped short this year (his decision) 😭 I love long hair on boys, but short hair is SO much easier.

This chapter marks the end of Act II. We're onto the final part now 🥰

Chapter 18: A do-over (NSFW)

Summary:

Lucy and Logan go away for a romantic weekend.

“You’re really sure Luce?” 

“I’m really sure, stop asking,” Lucy said, unable to stop smiling. “I think we need something to celebrate with, hang on.” 

Logan sat on the edge of the bed while she disappeared downstairs. He shook his head and chuckled softly, wiping his sweaty palms against each other, his heart still fluttering wildly. Lucy appeared a couple of minutes later with two glasses and a bottle of sparkling wine. 

“Nia had some of this left over from the wedding so she gave me a few bottles. Seems appropriate.” She handed Logan the glasses then stood in front of him as she twisted the cork until it popped, then she quickly poured the wine into a glass before it flowed onto the floor. With both glasses full, she put the bottle on the dresser then sat next to him on the bed, took a glass from him, and held it up. 

“To us?” Logan asked with a lopsided grin. 

“To us.”

Lucy gently bumped her glass against his, then they both kept their eyes on each other as they took a sip. Lucy felt the bubbles on her tongue and winced slightly at the tart yet sweet taste of the wine — a little strong for the middle of the day. She swallowed then bit her lip as she looked at Logan. His gaze had flickered down to his glass. When their eyes met again they both smiled shyly. 

“I don’t know what to say now Lo,” Lucy admitted. 

“Me neither Luce. This is all a bit surreal. Ain’t how I thought the day was gonna go, that’s for sure.” 

Lucy’s happy face suddenly fell into a sad frown. “Wait. This weekend — was that when you were going to propose?” 

Logan nodded sheepishly. 

Lucy gasped. “I’m so sorry Lo, I ruined it—”

“No, Lucy, don’t be sorry—” 

“But you’d planned something and I spoilt it. If I’d just stayed in the ruins this morning or waited a few minutes before sorting the washing—”

“Luce.” He took her hand. “It ain’t how I pictured it. But I wouldn’t change it. You said yes Darlin’. That’s all that matters. We’ll still go away this weekend. It’ll just be a celebration trip instead.”

Lucy looked slightly appeased, but still a little sad. She tapped her glass thoughtfully. “You said Grace told you she thought I was ready, when was that?” 

Logan grinned at her. “When she sent that note.” 

“The note with my letter? The one about a job?” Lucy asked, confused. 

Logan raised his eyebrows.

“I was the job?” 

Logan nodded. “Indeed.” 

“That’s why you were both so cagey about it?” Lucy said, laughing. “Does anyone else know?”

“I told Owen and Justice a coupla weeks ago, and I spoke to Andy about it, to see how he felt. And Haru’s known a while.” 

Lucy thought back to when Haru had visited while Logan was missing. ‘He was picturing a future with you.’ That’s what he’d told her. If she’d known then, what Logan had been planning… The thought made her chest ache. 

“Do y’know what made Grace think you were ready? I never got round to askin’.”

“Oh.” Lucy tried to remember what had happened around the time Grace had given her the note to send. Andy’s yakmel stunt. What had come before then? “Oh,” she said again, remembering. Then she blushed fiercely. 

“Luce?” 

“Oh Light. Um. Okay.” She rubbed her brow. “So not long after you left for your trip, Andy got sick with the flu, do you remember from my letters?” 

“Yeah. Then you got ill.” 

“Yes. Except, when mine started, it seemed different to what Andy had. And for a few crazy days I thought I might be…pregnant.” 

“Pregnant?” Logan’s eyes were huge. 

“Yes. I went to see Fang, did a test and everything. It was negative, obviously. It’d be pretty obvious that I was pregnant by now otherwise Lo,” she said, because he was staring at her stomach like a baby was suddenly going to just materialise.

“Right.” He met her gaze again and she laughed softly. 

“Anyway, Grace and Nia came to visit me while I was sick and I confided in them both about it. And I told them I was feeling sad. About not being pregnant.”

“You were sad about it?” 

Lucy nodded. “It made me realise that I did want that, with you.” She smiled at him, suddenly shy again. “And then Grace brought up marriage, so yeah — that all makes sense now…”   

Her voice trailed off because Logan was looking at her like she’d said something incredible. “You want to have a baby?” 

“I want to have your baby.” 

Logan looked at her in amazement. “Well…shit. This is turnin’ out to be quite the day Luce,” he said with a chuckle. 

“Do you want to have a baby Lo?” 

“I would very much like to have a baby with you Luce,” he said.

“Good.” She gave him a shy smile.

“You wanna wait till we’re married to start tryin’?” 

“Depends how long we wait to get married Lo.” 

“Well, that depends on what kinda weddin’ you want Luce,” he said with a grin.

Lucy looked at him. She thought for a moment about teasing him, about pretending she wanted a big fancy affair. But she settled on the truth.

“I don’t really want a wedding Logan. I just want to marry you. As soon as possible.”

“Are y’sure Luce? I don’t mind if you wanna do somethin’ bigger, somethin’ like Nia’s.” 

“Do you?” 

“Oh you know I ain’t really into all that.” 

“But you would?”

“For you.” 

Lucy played with the loose tendrils of hair that’d fallen from his hair tie. “That’s sweet Lo. But I don’t want all that. It was fun to experience it with Nia. But it’s not me. Or us. I just want something simple. Soon.” 

“Soon.” Logan smiled at her. “And then…tryin’ for a baby?” 

Lucy nodded and bit her lip. “I’d better speak to Fang.”

Logan’s eyes flickered to her lips. “Should we get some practice in? While we’re waitin’?” 

Lucy laughed. “I don’t think we need any practice Lo.” 

“Oh I dunno. Can never be too prepared,” he said as he leant in. 

_________________

“Should we tell anyone before we go away?” 

Logan thought about it as he stroked her shoulder. They were laying in bed, naked, making the most of the time they had before Andy finished school in a couple of hours. 

He kissed the top of her head. “I kinda like it bein’ our secret, for now at least.” 

“Me too.” 

“We could tell Andy I guess. He’s bin real keen for me to get on and ask you.” 

Lucy lifted her head to look at him. “I’m amazed he kept it quiet.” 

“What?” Logan asked with a teasing smile. “He’s an ex-bandit Luce, kid’s built fer keepin’ secrets.” 

Lucy laughed. “Yes, you’re right, I’m underestimating him. Okay, let’s tell Andy today, and then everyone else after the weekend?” 

“Deal.”

“What shall I do with the ring in the meantime? I probably shouldn’t wear it until we’re away.” 

Logan looked thoughtful. “Y’still got that pendant?” 

“Of course.” Lucy fetched the wooden pendant Logan had bought her from her jewellery box. Then she knelt next to him on the bed and slipped off the ring, threaded it onto the cord of the pendant, and Logan helped her fasten it behind her neck. 

Logan lifted the pendant and ring in his hand, looking at the gifts he’d given her. 

“I love you Luce,” he said. 

“I love you too Lo.” 

_________________

“We got some important news kiddo. Gang information only. You gotta keep it a secret until after me and Lucy get back,” Logan told Andy in a dramatically serious tone as they all sat around the dining table while the boy ate his after school snack. 

“Anythin’ for the gang, you know that,” Andy said, equally serious. 

“Alright.” Logan nodded at him. “Luce?” 

Lucy broke into a smile. “It’s good news Andy. You’ve already been in on it — a secret between you and Logan.”

Andy’s eyebrows rose as he looked at her, then at Logan. “Did ya finally do it?” he asked in a loud whisper. 

“I did.” 

“What did you say?” Andy asked Lucy. 

“I said yes.” 

Andy grinned. “I knew y’would. Logan was all worried but I told ‘im to stop bein’ a big baby and just ask.” He took another bite of his sandwich and swung his legs nonchalantly, but there was a very contented smile on his face.

_________________

The ride to the cabin took Lucy and Logan out through the desert and across the sands towards a mountain range a few hours away. They reached the base by late morning, and Logan suggested they stop for a drink and something to eat before they began the ascent. They’d be climbing a couple thousand feet to reach the cabin. Or rather, Rambo and Merle would be, with their riders on their backs. Logan had assured Lucy it wasn’t particularly steep as there was a winding track with dozens of switchbacks they could use, so it would just take time. 

The goats’ hooves thudded on the rocky ground as they began, their heads bobbing as they plodded. It was easy work for them both, despite the sun beating down on them. Lucy eyed the drop to the side of them as they got higher and higher, the red rock sloping away sharply. The sand below became a golden sea, and any landmarks grew smaller and smaller.

They finally turned the corner and a small plateau came into view. Nestled on it, in amongst a few rocks and a handful of hardy trees, there sat a small wooden cabin. Logan and Lucy jumped down and led their goats to the shade of the stable on one side, then got to work filling the troughs with water from the water tank and hay from a small shed. 

“How did you know about this place Lo?” Lucy asked as she broke up the hay for Merle and Rambo. 

“Did some work for the fella that owns it,” Logan said as he tipped another bucket of water into the trough. Merle and Rambo were both drinking noisily, their pink tongues lapping and flicking water everywhere. “Yakmel herder. Had a problem with rockyenerolls pickin’ off his cattle, so I sorted it. He told me this place was available if I ever wanted t’make use of it.” 

“Have you stayed here before?” 

“Only once.” 

“On your own?” 

“Yes Luce,” Logan said with a smile, stopping to give her a quick peck on the lips before fetching more water. “On my own.” 

With the goats sorted, Logan unlocked the cabin and they both went inside. It was dark and cool thanks to the shutters that had been closed against the sun. It smelt of warm wood and woollen throws, and as Logan threw open the shutters Lucy wandered about the place, her hand trailing over the back of the old, comfy-looking couch. To the other end of the room there was a tiny kitchenette with a small table and two chairs, then a door that led through to a small bedroom and, off of that, a bathroom. It was tiny, and cosy, and perfect for two. 

Lucy gazed at the bed, twiddling the ring that she’d placed on her finger again as soon as they’d left Sandrock. Logan put a bag on the floor, then wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. 

“Is this alright?” 

“It’s perfect Lo,” she said, raising her hand to rub the back of his head.

Back outside, Logan found two wooden folding chairs in the shed. He set them up around a brick fire pit out front, facing away from the cabin and towards the edge of the plateau. Lucy walked as close to the edge as she dared to get a good look at the view. Behind her, behind the cabin, the rock continued to rise higher into a small peak, then behind that, further still, higher and wider as the rest of the mountain range continued. But in front it all dropped away to an expanse of blue sky and golden sands, distant rocky outcrops and tiny clusters of trees.

Amongst the quiet whisper of the breeze, Lucy could also hear birds — the sweet chirps of black birds with bright beaks darting about the rock, feasting on tiny insects.

And then there was another sound. A ‘thwack’.

Lucy turned suddenly, just in time to see Logan raise the axe again and bring it down onto a log, splitting it neatly. He’d stripped down to his sleeveless undershirt, removed his holster, retied his hair out the way. Lucy gaped at him, while his blue eyes remained focused on what he was doing. 

The muscles of his arms flexed as he raised the axe again then brought it down — effortless, smooth, rhythmic. 

The material of his white shirt was thin, and she could make out the lines of his abs underneath, and his pecks, and his tattoo creeping out over his shoulder.

She sighed.

He was hers. 

Her fiancé. 

Lucy’s breath hitched as she watched him. He tossed the smaller pieces to a pile on one side, until he finally seemed satisfied he had enough.

Then he looked up and caught her staring.

Lucy blushed. She couldn’t work out why she was embarrassed. Shy. Nothing had really changed between them, had it? But it had. She’d known he loved her, wanted her. But to know he really wanted her. This man. Wanted her. All of her. Forever. That was something else. 

Logan simply smiled — a soft, confident smirk — then picked up the pieces he’d cut and began to build them up in the fire pit. Lucy laughed to herself, realising he’d been fully aware she was watching, admiring. 

She shook her head and walked over to where he stood next to the fire pit chucking in the last few pieces of wood. She pressed her body against his arm, and ran her fingers over the edge of his undershirt where it revealed his firm, tanned skin. 

“Were you putting on a show Bandit?” 

“Depends. Did it work?” 

Lucy gently placed her fingers on his jaw and tilted his face towards her, then kissed him, soft and slow. He leant in, gave in, before he caught himself and pulled away, inhaling deeply. He looked down at her as he slowly let out his breath. 

“Darlin’, we fall into bed now, I don’t reckon we’ll get out of it till it’s time t’leave.” 

“Sounds good to me.”

His replying grin was wolfish. “Me too. But I reckon we need to eat.” 

They’d brought simple fair with them to cook over the fire, still making use of the insulated packs Lucy had made years ago for Grace to keep everything fresh. Some steaks, some mushrooms, some tomatoes, some chopped potatoes — all rubbed with a little oil and salt and pepper. Some wine.

Logan had spent so long planning this weekend over the last few weeks that he kept getting nervous, forgetting that the hard bit was already done. But every time Lucy’s hand reached out to turn the food or poke the fire with a stick, Logan’s gaze would fall on her ring. It looked so right on her hand. He still couldn’t quite believe it had happened — that she had accepted him, told him she wanted him, always. Wanted him as much as he wanted her.

They ate looking out at the view as the sun began to set, watching as the deep red shadows of the mountains behind them swept over the golden sands in front. 

Logan took their empty plates inside and returned with another glass of wine for Lucy and a beer for himself. The heat of the day had warmed the wooden chairs and as the temperature began to drop Lucy could smell the sweet, earthy scent of acacia. The fire flickered in front of them both, the orange flames now licking at the inky night sky, smoky tendrils disappearing into the ether. They fell into a companionable silence for a few minutes, enjoying the peace, and just being together.

Lucy glanced at Logan, admiring his profile in the firelight. There was something she wanted to know. 

She took a deep breath and ran her finger over the rim of her wine glass.

“So..." she finally ventured with a smile on her lips, "How would you have done it Lo?” 

Logan’s gaze snapped to hers and his eyebrows rose as if surprised. Then he huffed a laugh and ran a hand over the back of his neck. Lucy could tell he was blushing, even in the firelight. 

“Oh, come on yakboy,” Lucy teased. “You can’t seriously be going shy on me now? I said yes didn’t I?”

“You did,” Logan agreed, nodding, turning his beer bottle in his hand.

“When would you have done it? Tonight? Tomorrow?” 

“Around now, probably.” 

“Yeah?” She grinned. 

Logan nodded again.

“So — you get to show me how it would’ve gone already knowing the answer. Surely that’s better? You can’t lose Bandit.” 

“Might make you change yer mind Builder,” he said with a shy smile, fiddling with the label on the bottle. 

Lucy just stared at him until he met her gaze again. He took a deep breath and sat forward. “Alright,” he said, placing his beer down on the ground. “Stay here a minute. You’re gonna have to imagine I’d already done this bit.”

“Okay,” she said. She suddenly felt giddy, and she bit her lip to keep from bursting into nervous giggles. 

Logan disappeared into the cabin then she heard his boots on the ground, but she didn’t turn to see where he was going or what he was doing.

When he returned he stood in front of her and held out his hand, and she let him help her up out of her seat. He led her away from the fire pit, away from the cabin, further along the plateau where the light of the fire didn’t quite reach them. 

There was a cluster of rocks leading in a slope up towards the peak. The bottom few formed some natural steps, and Logan had set out blankets and cushions for them to lounge on. He encouraged Lucy to sit, then he took his place next to her, his arm around her. The night was cool but the rock was still warm from its time in the sun. Still, Logan wrapped a blanket about them.

Then they faced the sky and, as Lucy’s eyes adjusted to the darkness, it seemed to come alive with stars. Millions of them. Tiny crystal dots in an expanse of the deepest blue. They felt so close, like she could hold out her hand and run her fingers through them — as if they’d ripple like the surface of a pond. She drew a sharp breath at the sight of it. 

“Wow.” 

“Quite the view huh.” 

“I’ll say.”

She curled her legs up and leaned into him, sighing happily.

“Do y'remember the story I told you Luce, that first time we came back from the village? About the stars. The eagle and the crown, and the immortal deer?” 

“I do.” 

“Would y’like to hear another?” 

“Yes.” 

“Okay.” He cleared his throat, and she could tell he was nervous. He’d clearly thought about this a lot and it made her heart flutter. “Y’see that constellation there, seven stars with a triangle in the middle? That’s the Heron. And over there,” he said, pointing, “With the two triangles facin’ each other, that’s the desert fox, or Vulpes Zerda. And the six stars there, goin’ up into a peak, that’s the Sanctuary.”

“Those six there?” Lucy asked.

“Yep, four sorta in a row and then two there, but if you imagine them joining like that…” Logan gestured in the air, connecting the stars with a zig-zagging line, and Lucy nodded. 

“The story starts in the sanctuary, a temple — a place people would go to pray to their gods, whoever they were at the time. A place of peace an’ contemplation. In the centre of its white walls there was a courtyard, and in that courtyard there was a large pond covered with floatin’ flowers, a little bridge to walk over, a pavilion, trees with leaves that would drape all the way into the water.” 

Logan used his fingers to sketch out the bridge and the trees in the air as he described them, and Lucy wondered if this was how Howlett had once told the tale — if these were movements that were part of the story, passed on from one generation to the next. 

“One day, a small desert fox crept into the courtyard through a gap in the wall, thinkin’ it was sure to find food. It’d been wanderin’ the desert and couldn’t believe its luck. It could smell the rodents that lived in the muddy bank under the rocks, could hear the insects buzzin’ about the water. It crept slowly, real quiet like, so as not to disturb anythin’. It had huge ears, so its hearin’ was pretty good. But it still didn’t spot that there was another creature there, standin’ still as a tree. The fox didn’t realise till he was right next to it.

“It was a heron. A tall, handsome bird with a long beak, feet right in the water, starin’ down at the fish. The fox apologised for disturbin’ the heron, for tryin’ to hunt in the same spot. But the heron didn’t say anythin’, just kept starin’, even as a fish swam right beneath its beak. 

“The fox came back, day after day, and watched the heron. Still it stood, starin’ into that water, immovable, silent. One day the fox got so curious he had to ask, ‘Heron, what’re you waitin’ for? Why ain’t you just catchin’ yer fish? You’re gonna starve.’ 

“The heron finally spoke. ‘I’m not catchin’ fish, I’m waitin’ for her.’ 

“Well, the fox was mighty confused, ‘cause he couldn’t see another bird anywhere. So the next day he asked again. ‘Who’re you waitin’ for?’ And the heron just said, ‘Her.’ 

“The fox moved closer, carefully, and peered into the water to see what the heron was lookin’ at. And then he saw it — on the surface of the water, the reflection of the bird. 

“‘But that’s you’, the fox said. ‘No’, the heron said, ‘That’s my true love, and I’m waitin’ for her. I will know her when I see her, and my life will be forever changed.’ 

“The fox was perplexed. His new friend was wastin’ away, standin’ there day after day. He tried to talk to him, one more time, before he moved on to a new huntin’ ground. ‘My friend,’ he said, ‘If you never look up, you ain’t ever gonna see her.’”

Lucy felt Logan shift a little next to her, then tighten his arm around her shoulder again. “I never really held much faith in all that ‘true love’ stuff,” he said with a wry chuckle. “I thought it was somethin’ writers made up to sell their stories. But I do know that, when you came into my life Luce, everythin’ changed. And I don’t just mean when we finally admitted how we felt — that we were fallin’ in love. Before then. Before we even had that day at the Outpost. Before you came to the hideout even. 

“Do you remember the day the water tower fell and we saw each other across the tracks?” he asked. Lucy sat up a little and nodded. She wasn’t looking at the stars anymore, she was looking at him, her heart pounding. 

“I thought you were beautiful. But there was somethin’ else. Like…a shock, or a shift. I felt it, in my stomach. I knew you were gonna change everythin’. And I was scared. Scared of everythin’ that was goin’ on in the town, sure, but scared of you too. Of what that feelin’ meant. So when Grace kept askin’ to bring you in, I refused, for a long time. And then when she finally did, I kept you at arms length, much as I could. Kept my head down focusin’ on uncoverin’ what was goin’ on in town, avengin’ my Pa.

“And then, fast forward to now, everythin’ we’ve bin through together — I don’t know what I was scared of, because where we’ve ended up, is better than anythin’ else I could’ve imagined. 

“It took me so long to look up Luce, but I’m so glad I did, because I found you.”

Logan looked down between them and took her hand in his, and ran his thumb over her ring. “Whenever I picture the future, you’re there Luce. No matter what happens, we’re together, figurin’ it out, side by side. And I will be so honoured if you’ll marry me Lucy.” 

Lucy stared at him in the starlight, her eyes wet with tears. She cupped his face and kissed him, gentle and sweet. “I felt it too,” she whispered. “That day, that shift. I knew you were important. But I didn’t know just how important. I can’t wait to marry you Lo.” 

They kissed again, underneath a shower of shooting stars. 

_________________

Lucy and Logan gathered up the cushions and blankets and walked silently back to the cabin. Logan put out the fire and Lucy picked up their drinks and brought them inside. Then Logan took her hand and they walked to the bedroom, still quiet, not needing to say anything as they slowly undressed one another. They kissed, their tongues entwined, parting only to lift their shirts over their heads. 

The moon shone through the cabin window, casting a pearly glow across the room. It made Lucy’s skin shine as she got onto the bed, slowly working her way backwards until her head touched the pillow. Logan watched her — naked but for her ring — then moved above her and pressed the length of his body against hers, cupping her face in his hands as he kissed her deeply. Then he kissed her cheeks, her brow, making her smile, then he kissed along her jaw, all the way to her neck. 

“My fiancee,” he whispered. “My betrothed.” She felt his teeth brush her skin as he grinned. “I can’t wait till you’re my wife. I can’t wait to make love to you as yer husband.” He kissed her neck, then gently sucked and nibbled, and Lucy sighed. She ran her hands through his hair, silvery strands of moonlight spilling about his face, then over his broad shoulders and around to his back, feeling the strength of him above her. 

“I can’t wait until you’re my husband Lo. Till you’re mine.”

“I’m already yours Luce,” he said, kissing her once more on the lips. He ran a hand down over her neck, her collarbone, then cupped her breast, squeezing gently, massaging. Lucy parted her legs beneath him, already ready, already wanting. But Logan wanted to worship her first, to bring her close to the brink and make her wild with lust. He kissed her throat and she tipped her head back, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Then he travelled downwards, kissing her sternum, then across to her breast, sucking her nipple into his mouth and making her moan. He rolled her piercing with his tongue, delighting in the feel of it and the sounds she made. He kissed his way down to her stomach and her tattoos, the lines looking like magical runes against her moonlit skin. He smiled to himself, remembering her nickname. He still felt that she'd bewitched him sometimes, this pixie from Highwind, but he fell happily under her spell. 

Logan shifted lower down the bed and wrapped his arm under her thigh, then kissed the inside of it, up towards her sex, now glistening with desire.

He tasted her with one long, slow lick.

Then he explored, into her depths and between her folds, up over that bundle of nerves, swirling his tongue around her piercing. Lucy groaned loudly and arched her back, her hands grasping the pillow behind her head. 

Logan kept switching between those delicious, long licks, and flicking her clit with his tongue. 

“L-Logan, come h-here,” she managed to stutter between gasps, trying to squeeze her legs together to get him to stop and shift back up the bed. She was so close, but she needed to feel him inside her. Logan licked her once, twice, three times more, enjoying the shake of her legs, before he moved back up to lie above her. She took his face in his hands and kissed him, tasting herself on his lips, his tongue, all around his mouth. 

Logan braced himself above her, holding himself up on his elbows as he rocked his hips, sliding his cock along her silky entrance, then up and over her clit. He couldn’t wait to plunge inside, but he loved to tease her — Lucy worked up, blinded by lust, was one of his favourite things. He repeated the motion, feeling how easily his hard length slid against her warm, wet folds, almost pushing inside, then up to tease at that bundle of nerves. Lucy whimpered and wrapped her legs around him, her eyes staring deep into his. 

"Please Logan," she begged.

The next time he pushed between the lips of her pussy she squeezed her calves and rolled her hips, trying desperately to pull him in. Logan smiled against her mouth — that devilish, satisfied smile — then finally, slowly, enjoying every second, slid his cock inside her. Her eyes closed and she made the smallest sound — a tiny, “Oh!” — as he pushed in up to the hilt. He was above her, inside her, his strong arms either side. There was nowhere for Lucy to go, nowhere she’d rather be.

Logan bent his head to kiss her neck then groaned as he began to slowly slide in and out, taking it slow, wanting it to last. “I love you so much Luce,” he whispered in her ear as he moved, grinding his pubic bone against hers. “You don’t know how good this feels, to be so deep inside you.” He groaned again, his lips against her neck. “You’re everythin’, Darlin’. Love. You’re my everythin’.” 

Every thrust sent a wave of pleasure through Lucy’s core and up her spine. She felt Logan’s cock pressing along her walls, nerve endings firing with bliss. Each time he pulled out there was a moment’s reprieve, a split second where she thought it couldn’t possibly continue to feel as good each time, and then he’d plunge inside again with another roll of his hips, and Lucy would gasp and moan.

Logan began to increase the pace, and Lucy didn’t know whether her climax started from within or without, only that a delicious tension began to build, creeping through her pelvis and her stomach, sending her higher and higher. She stayed there, on that peak, her vision burning white behind her eyelids, until the tension finally snapped. 

It had been a while since they’d been completely alone — not just away from small ears, but away from town, free from the knowledge that someone could be walking close by. So when Lucy cried out, she truly let go. Release rushed through her core, her lower back, down her legs and up her spine, her legs shaking uncontrollably as the pleasure washed over her.

“Oh, Light. Logan.” She clung to him as she came back down, her fingers gripping his arms. Logan stilled for a moment and brushed her hair from her face, let her catch her breath. She blinked at him slowly, a small smile on her face, and he kissed her sweetly.

Then he began to roll his hips again, the bed began to creak, and Lucy's mouth fell open. She moaned. It was too much, too soon, the pleasure already beginning to coil in her belly as Logan rocked in and out, gathering pace, firmer, harder, his thumb rubbing her nipple at the same time. 

“Oh, Logan, I can’t—” she started. 

“You can Love,” he said, setting his rhythm, placing soft kisses on her cheeks, “Come for me again Darlin’.” 

“Oh! Logan.” Lucy grasped the sheets, her head thrown back, and Logan watched her, using one arm to prop himself above her, the other sliding down to her hip, holding her steady as he continued to thrust. He felt her begin to clench and pulse around his cock and he groaned, knowing she was close. 

“Fuck, you’re so beautiful Love.”

The damn suddenly broke and Lucy was flowing over the edge, crying out and shuddering beneath him. Her legs and ass shook violently until her climax ebbed. She whimpered, then giggled, the release making her giddy. 

“Good girl,” Logan whispered, and he paused his thrusting. Lucy was breathing heavily, staring at the ceiling, her limbs soft and loose, lost in the aftermath of her pleasure. Then she stared into his eyes and cupped his face, and ran her thumbs along his jaw. 

“I love you so much Lo.” 

“I love you too Luce.”

He took her hand and kissed the ring on her finger, then he lowered his face to hers to kiss her softly on the lips, giving her a minute to rest. 

“You got one more for me?” he asked. She stared at him, eyelids heavy, lips pink and lush. Logan began to move again and her mouth formed a perfect O. 

“Logan, oh, I don’t…oh, Light.” Her brows furrowed and she arched her back on the bed as that pleasure took root. 

“One more, Luce, one more, with me.” 

“Oh, fuck, Logan.” 

He set a punishing pace this time, chasing his own pleasure as much as hers. The feel of her around his cock as she began to climax caused him to groan loudly. He was so close, so ready to spill inside her, but he tried to hold off as long as he could, wanting them to fall over that edge together. 

Lucy went quiet, forgetting to breath as her pleasure peaked, completely swept away by Logan losing himself in her. She loved the sounds he made as he lost control, to know that she was the one doing that to him. Logan was lost in his own bliss, but he was half aware of how long she’d been silent, and he could tell from the way she finally cried out, and the way she clenched, and pulsed, and quivered around him, that her third orgasm was immense. He couldn’t hold back any longer, feeling her walls squeezing his cock, her hands gripping his biceps, her legs shaking around him. She came undone, and it was his undoing. He came with his own loud, guttural groans, his movements stuttering, driving himself into her as deep as he could. 

As last he stopped with a final thrust and a grunt — panting, sweating, his forehead resting on the pillow next to her head, his fingers tight around her shoulders, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. They were both breathing heavily, both stunned. 

Logan propped himself back up on his shaky arms to look at her. “Did I hurt you Luce?” 

She shook her head and a small giggle bubbled up. “Hurt me? Light, no Logan. Nearly made me pass out. But you didn’t hurt me.” 

His face relaxed and he licked his lips, a smile breaking out on his face. “If that’s what it’s like when we’re engaged Darlin’, I wonder what it’ll be like when we’re married.” 

 

 

 

Notes:

Okay, I'm off on vacation for a couple of weeks now (nothing as romantic as this one 🤣). Hopefully this fluffy/smutty chapter is a good place to pause for a moment.

There's still a bit to come, so there will be a few more chapters when I return 😁

Big love to everyone who's been reading along/given kudos/subscribed/bookmarked/commented so far, I appreciate you and it makes me very happy that others are enjoying my self-indulgent imaginings ❤️

Chapter 19: An expected surprise (NSFW)

Summary:

Logan and Lucy announce their engagement and celebrate Logan's birthday.

Logan and Lucy woke in the morning to the sound of light rain on the cabin roof. They stayed in bed, legs entwined, their bedroom dark and cool as a rare grey cloud drifted over the mountain.

When Logan finally dragged himself out of bed to make coffee and toast, Lucy luxuriated in the warm sheets where he’d been laying. 

She felt conflicted. She wanted to stay there in Logan’s arms, dozing, cuddling, making love, forever. To move to this small cabin on the mountainside and stay in their own little world. But she was also desperately excited to get back home and share their news, and to start making plans — for their wedding and their future with Andy. They were already a family. She didn’t need a marriage certificate to know that. But it would celebrate what they were and tie them together even more. And there was something about knowing she’d be able to call Logan her husband that made her heart skip and dance.

Logan chuckled at the sight of Lucy sprawled out in the middle of the bed when he returned with their breakfast. She stretched as he set the tray down on the tiny bedside table, then smiled as he crawled on top of her, his weight and the sheet between them pinning her down.

“Mornin’ Builder,” he mumbled as he kissed her. 

“Morning fiancé,” she said with a grin, then she traced his shoulders and back with her fingernails. Logan let out a small grunt of pleasure, and dipped his face to the crook of her neck. Lucy smiled at the ceiling as she continued stroking him. “Coffee will be getting cold.”

“Mmm.” 

“And we need to pack and head home to get Andy.” 

“Mmm.” 

Lucy giggled. “C’mon Bandit. It’s not like you to be lazy.” 

“Not lazy Darlin’. Content. That feels nice.” 

“We’ll have plenty more mornings like this,” she said. 

“Perhaps. Though, not if we have more kids,” he said, lifting his head to look at her. He ran his thumb over her cheek. 

“No, I suppose not. Do you want to wait?” 

“No. Do you?”

She smiled again. “No.” 

After finally tearing themselves away from each other to eat and dress, they tidied the cabin for the owner, washing the bedding and towels and leaving them to dry on laundry racks inside. Then they locked up and got Rambo and Merle ready for their journey home. The rain had petered to a fine mizzle and the sun’s halo was already burning through the haze, promising a hot trek back to Sandrock.

“Do they know you were going to propose this weekend?” Lucy asked, referring to their friends. 

“I reckon they probably guessed. They knew it was on the cards an’, well, a romantic weekend away kinda gives the game away. Why?”

“I just wondered if we could surprise them with an announcement, or if they’ll be expecting it. We could’ve told them on your birthday, but I don’t think we’ll keep it a secret that long.”

“Nah, two days is too much for those busy bodies,” he said, flashing her a grin as he led Rambo from the stable.

In fact, two hours was too much. They’d only had time to collect Andy from Trudy’s and sit down to a late dinner together when they were disturbed by a knock at the door. 

Nia stood on the threshold, practically bouncing on her toes. 

“Logan! Hi!” she said.

“Nia,” he said with a nod.

“I just came to see if you’re home. Well, Mi-an said she saw Rambo and Merle in the stable, so we guessed. How are you? Is Lucy here?”

“She is.” Logan opened the door a little wider to let Nia in and turned towards Lucy with a small smirk on his face.

“Hi Nia!” Andy called from his seat at the dining table, where he was busy twirling noodles onto his fork.

“Hi Andy. Ooh, that looks good. Mabel’s beef noodles, is it?” 

“Yep.”

Lucy cocked her head, suspicious. Nia hadn’t been on Logan’s list of people that knew he was thinking of proposing. Nor Mi-an. 

“Hi Nia, how are you?” she asked, standing to give her friend a one-armed hug, purposely keeping her ring finger out of view by shoving her other hand in her pocket. She was going to make Nia work for it.

“I’m good! Great! How was your trip?” Nia looked between Logan and Lucy expectantly. She clearly didn’t want to ask outright in case Logan hadn’t gone through with it, or in case Lucy had said no.

Lucy let the question hang in the air for a moment, dragging it out.

“It was lovely,” she finally said. “The cabin was super cosy. We had a beautiful clear night too, to watch the stars.”

“Oh, that sounds perfect. Very romantic.”

“It was.” Lucy smiled at her friend.

Nia nodded and looked at Logan. Logan just smiled placidly back.

“Just…a lovely romantic weekend then? Nothing…unusual?” 

“Unusual? Like what?” 

“Oh, I don’t know,” Nia said, flustered. “Just, you never know, around here…”

Lucy nodded as if she understood. “Hmm. How were things while we were away?” she asked.

“Oh fine. Fine. The usual.” Nia looked at them both again, trying to school her face out of its disappointed frown. "Okay. Well. I’ll let you all carry on with your supper, I guess. We’ll catch up soon?” she asked Lucy.

“Sounds good. We’ve got quite a bit to do this evening, and we’ve promised Andy a few rounds of Critters.” 

“Right.” Nia began to retreat to the door slowly, now throughly dejected. “Goodnight then.”

Lucy let her get most of the way there, waited until Nia’s hand was on the door handle, before she called to her again.

“Nia."

“Yes?”

Lucy held up her hand. 

Nia stared at her finger, saw the diamond sparkling, and squealed. “Yes yes yes!” she said, running back over to throw her arms around Lucy. “I knew you’d say yes!”

Lucy laughed as she stumbled from her friend’s hug.

Logan grinned at them both. “Who told you I was gonna propose?” he asked, curious.

“Grace,” Nia said as she held Lucy’s hand and admired the ring.

“Grace? When?” Lucy asked.

“The day we left yours, when you were sick.”

“Some secret agent she is,” Logan muttered. 

_________________

Logan set out for his patrol the following morning, heading to the Civil Corps first to check for reports of any particular issues. He’d just reached the veranda outside Tailor Made when Vivi left her home. 

“Mornin’ Grandma,” he said, stopping to remove his hat and give her an affectionate hug. He couldn’t walk by Vivi without greeting her properly. He also knew the Sandrock gossip mill would soon be going into overdrive, and she was one of the first people he wanted to tell. 

“Mornin’ sugar, how’re y’all doin’ today?” she asked, straightening his waistcoat for him.

“Good, good. We have some news, Lucy and I.” 

“You do?” 

He exhaled a sort of bashful laugh and turned his hat in his hands. “Yeah. I, uh, I asked Lucy to marry me an’…she said yes.” 

Vivi pressed both her palms over her heart. “Oh, of course she did. Well that is wonderful news Logan. I am so pleased for you both.” 

“Thanks Grandma. I thought you might be.” 

“Mmm. It’s about time sugar,” she gently scolded, “I was beginnin’ to worry you was all hat an’ no cattle.” She chuckled softly as Logan laughed. “So when’s the big day?” 

They were asked that question a lot, that day. And, by the evening, they were in the Blue Moon surrounded by most of the town to celebrate their news.

“Another weddin’, so lovely,” Heidi said, a dreamy look on her face.

Mi-an nodded in agreement. “Have you set a date?”

“Not yet. We want to get married soon though.”

Nia gasped. “Shotgun wedding?”

“No! I’m not pregnant Nia,” Lucy laughed. “We just don’t want to wait.”

“How soon is soon?” Grace asked.

“As soon as possible,” Logan said looking down at Lucy, his hand around her waist. “Week or two?” 

“Won’t give you long to plan,” Justice said.

“We don’t want anythin’ fancy. Just a simple ceremony at the temple.” 

"The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity," Unsuur added serenely. 

Everyone stared at him for a moment, confused.

“You sure Luce?” Elsie asked. “Don’t let Logan bully ya into somethin’ small just ‘cause he don’t want the bother.” 

“Else,” Logan said, unimpressed at her harsh assessment of him. “Since when has Lucy ever bin bullied into doin’ somethin’ she didn’t wanna do?” 

“Oh, Lucy’s sure Elsie, don’t worry,” Nia chimed in. “She’s always hated the idea of a big wedding. I don’t know why. It was so much fun.”

“It was a lot of fun Nia,” Lucy agreed. “And perfect for you. I just don’t like the idea of all that fuss and attention.” She looked at the expectant faces around her. She was already overwhelmed.   

“Still, can’t we do something for you both? A party here afterwards perhaps?” Owen asked. 

Logan and Lucy looked at each other again. “Maybe somethin’ small,” Logan said as he turned back to Owen. “Just drinks with y’all. Honestly, we don’t wanna put anyone out.” 

_________________

“How does Andy feel about it?” Justice asked Logan a little later as they watched the kids polish off their potato chips and sandberry juice before they began tearing around the tables again. 

“He’s excited about a party. Told him nothin’ much’ll change, far as he’s concerned.” 

Justice clapped Logan on the shoulder. “I’m happy for you man. You deserve it.” 

“Thanks brother,” Logan said with a smile. “Say, you heard from Elliott lately?” 

“Oh.” Justice cleared his throat and looked away, and Logan smirked at his friend’s coyness. “We write a bit, you know. She’s doin’ alright. She might visit again soon.” 

Logan grinned and nodded, then took a sip of his beer. 

Upstairs, Lucy walked from the restroom towards the stairs, coming to a stop as Brandon reached the top step. 

“Hey, Luce,” he said. 

“Hi Brandon.” 

They faced each other. 

“It appears I’ve wandered into an engagement party tonight,” he said with a smile. “Congratulations.” 

“You really mean that?” 

“If you’re happy, then yes — I mean it.” 

“Thank you. I'm very happy. ” 

“When’s the big day?” 

“Not sure yet. A week or two.” 

Brandon’s face fell a little. “Really? So soon?” 

Lucy nodded. 

“Are you…?” 

“No! What is it with you and Nia? I’m not pregnant.” 

“Oh. Well. Why the rush?” 

“It doesn’t feel like a rush. We just realised we’ve both been wanting to move onto the next stage for a while.” 

“So. You’ll be married when I head home then. Ma will be pleased.” 

Lucy smiled. “When do you go?” 

“Mid-autumn, I think. Definitely be heading home for the winter. I don’t want to be travelling in bad weather.” 

Lucy nodded. She didn’t know what else to say.

“Well,” Brandon said after a pause. “This isn’t awkward at all.” 

That broke the tension, and Lucy laughed. “Hug it out?” she asked.

“Sure.” Brandon sighed as he hugged her. “I am happy for you Luce.” 

Lucy had just pulled back when they both heard footsteps on the stairs. Logan slowed when he saw them pulling away from their embrace. His eyes flickered to Brandon, then to Lucy.

“I was just congratulating Lucy,” Brandon said. “Well, both of you, I guess.” He held out his hand to Logan, who stared at it before begrudgingly accepting the handshake. 

As Brandon made his leave to head to the bathroom, Lucy turned to Logan. She searched his face for any signs of jealousy or worry, but he just smiled at her.

_________________

It was late by the time Logan, Lucy and Andy returned home — even later by the time they’d got Andy to sleep. Lucy eyed the clock on the wall. 

“Hey, let’s stay up a little longer. I can give you your first birthday present,” she suggested. 

“Does it involve rubber?” Logan asked, bending to nuzzle her neck, thinking back to his previous birthday. 

“Not this time,” Lucy said with a laugh. She fetched a small, neatly wrapped present and set it on the coffee table between them, and made Logan wait the 42 minutes until it was officially his birthday before he opened it. 

“Okay…go,” she said. 

Logan smiled as he unwrapped her gift — a new leather holster, embossed with his initials. 

“Darlin’, did you make this?” 

“I did. Hugo showed me how to stamp the leather. You like it?” 

“It’s beautiful, Love, thank you. I can’t wait to wear it tomorrow.”

“You know, this will be your last birthday as a single man.”

“I ain’t single. I wasn't single last year neither.” 

“You know what I mean.” 

“I do. Can’t wait.” 

Logan and Lucy both had work the following day, and Andy had school, so after an early pancake breakfast where Andy gave Logan his birthday present (a new notebook with a leather cover stamped with various patterns — it seemed Lucy had passed on her new-found knowledge of how to emboss leather), they set off on their respective ways. 

“I’ll meet you after school today kiddo,” Logan reminded Andy as he walked with him along Main Street. “We’ll head to our fishin’ spot.” 

“Okay. How we gonna decide the winner this time? The one with the heaviest fish? Or the one catches the most?” 

“Most caught?” Logan suggested, knowing that’s what Andy preferred. It was his only way of having the chance to beat Logan. 

“Yeah!” 

“Sounds good.” Logan ruffled Andy’s hair. “You sure you don’t mind stayin’ at Vivi's tonight?” he asked. Vivi had wanted to let Logan and Lucy have a romantic meal together, and insisted Andy stay with her. She said it was a joint birthday and engagement gift. But Logan was anxious they’d already left Andy at the weekend. 

The boy didn’t seem bothered though, used as he was to the town pitching in to look after him. 

“I don’t mind,” he said as he hopped up on a low wall and held out his arms to balance himself as he walked. “She said I could help her make some of those cookies again. You want me to bring you some?”

_________________

Lucy joined Logan and Andy that afternoon at their fishing spot near The Bend. She brought along a small hamper filled with freshly squeezed juice and lots of little cakes. 

“You can take any leftovers with you to Vivi’s,” she said to Andy, “For her, Hugo and Heidi.” 

“Leftovers? What leftovers?” he asked, shovelling another cake into his mouth while he stood next to their blanket. 

“And you shouldn’t eat too many,” Lucy said to Logan with a laugh, her eyebrows raised as he polished off another, “You don’t want to spoil your supper.” 

Logan gave her a ‘yeah, right’ look, before stealing another cake from the basket. “I reckon I could eat this whole basket and still happily eat whatever you cook Luce,” he said. 

Lucy acquiesced. “Probably. You yakboys can eat an unbelievable amount of food.” She looked up at Andy. “How are you feeling about all this wedding business kiddo? There’s a lot of fuss about it isn’t there.” 

“It’s excitin’. I like weddin’s.” 

“Well, this one ain’t gonna be like Nia’s,” Logan warned him. “Just our closest friends at the Temple. You’ll have a big part to play though Andy, if you like?” 

The boy stopped still, his mouth full of cake, and looked at Logan. “What part?” 

“We thought you could carry the rings for us,” Lucy said, “Keep them safe until we’re ready to put them on.” 

“Oh, I can do that. Easy. You can trust me.” 

“I know Andy, that’s why we chose you.” 

Andy blushed and smiled down at Lucy. Then he looked away, a thoughtful look on his face. 

“What’s on your mind kiddo?” Logan asked.

“Tomorrow’s the Day o’ Memories.” 

“It is.” 

“We gonna write messages on the lanterns again?” 

“‘Course.” 

Andy shifted a little uneasily on his feet. 

“What is it Andy?” Lucy asked, reaching up to take his hand. He chewed his lip as he looked her in the eye. 

“Do you think my Ma will mind?” 

“Mind what?” 

“That you’ll be my Ma now.” 

“Oh.” Lucy felt a twinge in her heart. She glanced at Logan and he gave her a small encouraging smile. You can handle this, it said. She took a deep breath. 

“I don’t think she’ll mind, no. I think she’ll be pleased you have someone looking after you while she can’t.” She gave his hand a tug and he sat down next to her, all gangly limbs after his growth spurt over the summer. “You remember Nia’s parents, Mike and Angie?” He nodded. “When my parents died, they looked after me. I was older than you, but I still needed my mother and father. I missed them — still miss them — so much. I don’t think I’ll ever stop missing them. Mike and Angie never tried to replace them, but they were there for me when I needed a Ma and Pa. I know my parents would be grateful. So I think yours would be too. You don’t have to call me Ma though, if you don’t want. You can call me something else. Mom. Mam. Or just Lucy. I don’t mind.”

Andy picked up a handful of sand and let it run between his fingers. “I’d like to call you Ma sometimes.” 

“Okay then.” 

Andy gave her a small smile. “Can I have a hug?” he asked shyly.

“Of course.” Lucy wrapped her arms around him, and he wound his around her neck. “I'll always take a hug kiddo.” Lucy glanced at Logan, who was running a hand over his mouth and jaw, blinking back his tears. She smiled at him as she rubbed Andy’s back. 

_________________

Later that evening, Logan returned home after dropping Andy off at Vivi’s to the smell of his favourite meal — five spice steak. He placed his hand on the back of Lucy’s neck and kissed her hair as she set the table. “You were great today,” he murmured, “With Andy.” 

“It caught me off guard a little,” she admitted.

“That’s children for yer. He’s always askin’ questions or makin’ observations I’m not expectin’. Some days he still seems like a little kid, other days he seems like he’s practically a teenager.” 

Lucy smiled and nodded. “It’s a weird in-between sort of age isn’t it. Has he said anything like that to you before, about us replacing his parents?” 

“Sort of. When we came back to Sandrock and I adopted him properly he asked questions about me bein’ his Pa and what that meant. I get the feelin’ he was closer to his Ma though.” 

“I wonder what he’ll think if we have a baby.” 

“A little brother or sister? I reckon he’ll be delighted. He’s got a lot of love to give, that kid.” 

Lucy turned to face Logan properly and ran her hands over his chest. “I saw Fang at lunchtime today,” she said, peering up at him, “About stopping my contraception.” 

“Yeah? What did he say?” 

“That it was okay to just stop, and start trying.” She smiled bashfully. “He did say to be prepared for a ‘hormonal surge’ though.

“What does that mean?”  

Lucy laughed. “I think it means, prepare for some mood swings.” 

“What, more’n normal?” Logan teased, and Lucy gave his shoulder a shove.

After dinner, as it got late, Lucy excused herself to go upstairs and use the bathroom, and Logan took their wine glasses through to the kitchen. He left them by the sink to wash the following day, and chuckled to himself that Lucy was a bad influence on him. 

He locked the front door and wandered upstairs, first checking the bathroom for her, then their bedroom. Their bedside lamps were on, but she didn’t seem to be there.

“Luce?”

Logan wandered further into the room, then he felt her presence behind him. “Luce,” he said again, and she could hear the smile in his voice. He began to turn, but she held his arms and made him stay where he was.

“Eyes forward Bandit,” she commanded.

Logan raised his eyebrows, but did as she asked.

“Close your eyes,” she instructed.

Logan licked his lips and raised his palms slightly. “Eyes are closed.”

”Hmm, not sure I trust you. Stay still.”

He felt some soft material press against his eyelids as Lucy stood on tiptoes behind him and tied a silky scarf around the back of his head. 

He grinned, white teeth gleaming, as he heard her step in front of him, the floorboards creaking slightly.

“You look happy Bandit.”

“Bin caught by my favourite Builder again.”

“Oh, you like being caught?”

“By you Darlin’, yes. I like it very much.”

“What do you think’s going to happen?”

Logan inhaled, thinking. “I’m hoping’ it’s somethin’ else to unwrap,” he said.

“Hmm, good guess.” 

Logan felt Lucy’s hands rest on his chest. His hands twitched reflexively and he began to raise them to her waist, but he heard and felt Lucy step back. 

“Hands to yourself Bandit.”

He clenched his fists and held them at his side. “You’re allowed to touch me though are you? That the game Builder?”

“For now,” she said, and he felt her press her palms to his chest again. She caressed his muscles through his shirt as she slid her hands to his waist. Then she tugged, untucking his shirt from his waistband, and began to undo the buttons.

“Who’s unwrappin’ who?” he asked.

Lucy didn’t reply, but he heard her chuckle softly, then she pushed his shirt back over his shoulders and down off of his arms. He heard the shirt land with a soft ‘flump’ in the corner of the room.

”Mmm.” She sighed happily and traced his tattoo. “Still looking good, Bandit.”

He grinned again. “Why, thank you Darlin’.”

Lucy ran a finger down the centre of his abs, then she continued her stroking and teasing around his side, to his back, pressing a little more firmly as she ran her hands from his lower back to his shoulders. He hung his head and moaned softly, soothed by her massage. She worked her way back round to his front, then lifted her hands away. 

Logan felt the absence of her touch and he tilted his head, trying to listen and figure out what she was going to do next. 

He inhaled sharply when he felt her hot breath on his skin. She kissed her way across his chest, then ran her tongue in circles over one of his nipples, then the other, sucking gently. 

He felt her hands working his belt open, unbuttoning his trousers, then unzipping his fly. He couldn’t help it — his hands flew up to grasp her arms. He’d only just felt her smooth, bare skin under his fingertips when she stepped back away from his touch. 

“What did I say Bandit?” 

“Sorry,” he mumbled, and dropped his hands again.

He heard Lucy move, felt her stand behind him and tuck her thumbs into the waistband of his pants before pulling them down. She did the same for his underwear then lightly touched his back to get him to step out of them. He expected her to move to stand in front of him again, and his fingers tingled at the thought of touching her. But then she kissed between his shoulder blades, down his spine, all the way to his ass cheek. 

He hissed as he felt her nip the soft flesh of his buttocks, and he heard her giggle. 

“Good enough to eat Bandit,” she said as she stood.

“Hmm.”

He heard the rustle of fabric behind him, then felt her encourage his hands behind his back. 

Another soft scarf, tied gently around his wrists. 

His heart beat in his chest. He felt totally exposed standing naked, blindfolded, with his wrists bound — and completely aroused. 

“That really necessary Darlin’?” he asked.

“I don’t trust you not to touch during this next bit.” 

“What’s the next bit?” 

The floorboard creaked in front of him.

Then it was silent.

Then he felt it — the wet heat of Lucy’s mouth enveloping his cock. 

“Oh, Light.” He groaned and squeezed his eyes shut in spite of the blindfold. 

She ran her tongue over the tip of his cock and took the base of him in one hand, then she sucked, taking as much of him into her mouth as possible. She repeated the move, taking her time to slowly lick and tease, enjoying his grunts of pleasure whenever she flicked her tongue over his tip then followed it with a deep suck. She settled into a quicker rhythm, her head bobbing up and down in time with her hand, her other fingers massaging that sensitive spot behind his balls.

Logan’s legs began to shake. He felt unbalanced with his hands tied behind his back. Vulnerable. 

The pleasure began to build in his lower belly and he groaned again. “Luce, I-I ain’t gonna last.” 

She gave him a final suck and let him slip from her mouth, then he sensed her step away. He was breathing deeply now, trying to catch his breath after being so close to his climax. The air felt cool on his wet cock, and he missed her warm mouth. 

As if she knew, she placed her palms on his chest and kissed him on the lips, slowly caressing his tongue with hers.

Then she pulled away again.

It was quiet again for a moment. “Luce?” he asked, and he heard the pleading tone in his own voice.

“Would you like to touch now Bandit?” she asked.

“I’d like that very much.”

“Okay.” 

Lucy untied his wrists, discarded the scarf, then stood in front of him again. She took his hands and placed them on her waist. Logan’s brows furrowed, then he swallowed as he realised what he was feeling.

Soft rubber, moulded to her skin.

His heart, already racing, beat even faster. 

He’d been hoping it might be, had hoped this might become a birthday tradition. 

And then he remembered her letter.

“Luce,” he said, his voice low and raw, “If this suit’s red…”

Another moment’s silence.

Then, with a wicked smile in her voice; “Are you going to finish that sentence Bandit?”

Logan palmed her waist again, then he reached up to pull the blindfold up and over his head. He squinted against the light, then stared at her.

“Fuck,” he said.

Lucy’s new rubber suit was as red and glossy as her lipstick and — though he hadn’t thought it possible — more revealing than the first one, sleeveless with a plunging neckline that barely contained her breasts, and a tantalising zip that started just above her navel. 

Lucy slowly took a step back, then another, and Logan followed her, mesmerised. 

“Where do you want me Bandit?” she asked. “On the bed? By the mirror?” Logan tore his eyes away from her body to meet her gaze. “Or on my knees?” 

She let out a shaky breath as he stared at her. She could tell it was taking a lot of self-restraint for him to not just pull the suit off of her. 

“All of ‘em,” he said, his voice still low as he took another step towards her. “Every possible way. Over an’ over again. All night.” 

He’d nearly reached her when he stooped down to pick up one of the scarves she’d used. “May I?” he asked, already knowing the answer. When she nodded, he slowly walked around her and tied her hands behind her back. Then he fetched the other scarf and covered her eyes before tying it at the back of her head. 

Lucy's red lips parted as she waited for his next move, understanding she'd handed him the control.

She felt him run a finger from her collarbone to the top of her breasts, which were pushed together by the tightness of the rubber suit. He traced the swell of them, watching them rise and fall with her breath, then ran his finger along that line where they met, then below them, down to the zip. 

She thought he might undress her straight away, but then his touch disappeared and she felt a tug at the back of her head. He gently pulled the ends of the scarf, tilting her head back. She felt his hot breath on her neck as he pressed kisses to her skin, and she shivered with anticipation.

Logan hooked a finger into the top of her suit and tugged, pulling her into position in front of the mirror. Then he took a moment to let his eyes wander over her again, taking in all her curves, wrapped so decadently for him. Committing it to memory.

“Logan?” she said, when he was silent for a beat too long. 

He gently cupped her jaw and she felt his lips press against hers. Soft. Loving. Then he placed his mouth near her ear. 

“Kneel,” he said.

Notes:

Sorry for the long wait between chapters folks 🤗

*Edited to add - I often post in the evening here (and then have to try not to keep waking up to check my phone!) and it's such a lovely feeling to wake up to comments, thank you! So if I don't respond quickly, that's why 😊

Chapter 20: A mix of emotions

Summary:

Lucy, Logan and Andy join in the Day of Memories celebrations. Lucy and Logan spar. And Lucy visits Vivi about a commission.

“Stop fidgeting,” Lucy said as she took the safety pin from her mouth and threaded it through the fabric.

“I can’t help it!” Andy said, “Is it done yet?” 

“One more. There.” Lucy stepped back to admire her handiwork. In front of her, Andy was now the perfect representation of a scary scarecrow. “Perfect.” 

“You think I’ll fool people?” he asked with an excited grin. 

“Absolutely. Well, except me of course. We should make sure we’re on the same team.” 

“Yeah! Always!” Andy held up his palm and Lucy gave him a high five.

Ghost hunting costumes ready, Lucy, Logan and Andy made their way to Martle Square for Trudy’s Day of Memories opening speech, before heading down to the lantern launch area to write their messages before it got dark.

Perched on the Blue Moon stage, Lucy tapped her pen against her lips as she thought back over the past year. She didn’t normally write a note for her lantern, just sent it skyward while holding the memory of her parents in her mind, but Logan had convinced her to give it a go this time. 

There was so much she could tell her parents about this year, good and bad. It had been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and yet she felt that the most exciting bits were still to come. She decided to start with that. 

Dear Mom and Dad

I miss you. I wish you were here. I have some things to tell you. First off, I’m getting married! He’s wonderful, I know you’d like him…

Logan knew what he wanted to write and, as he went to speak to his Pa at his graveside regularly, he planned to keep it short and sweet. It was perfect timing really, as he’d promised to let his father know the outcome. 

Pa, you remember I told you I was gonna ask Luce to marry me? She said yes, and we’ve set a date for the weddin. It’s real soon, I wish you could be there, but I know…

Andy tapped his feet against the front of the wooden stage. He didn’t know what to write. He was happy. Really happy. And that made him feel sad. Because how could he be happy when his parents weren’t here? Lucy had told him they wouldn’t mind and they’d be pleased he was being looked after. But he still didn’t know what to say. 

“How’re you doing kiddo?” Lucy asked him as she clicked her pen shut. 

Andy stared down at his blank piece of paper. “I dunno how to start it.” 

“Hmm. That’s often the hardest bit. Starting.” She looked at him, but he carried on staring at his hands, heels tapping against the boards. “Can you tell me a bit about them? They were called Pete and Wendy, right?” 

He nodded. 

“Did they both have blond hair like you?” 

He shook his head. “Just my Ma. Pa had red hair. He had a really loud laugh. Like, the loudest laugh you ever heard. I think he laughed a lot when I was little. He didn’t laugh so much when we had to leave and we was travellin’ though.” 

“It’s nice you can remember his laugh. I can imagine he might’ve been stressed while you were traveling. What about your Ma?” Lucy asked. “Do you have a memory about her?” 

Andy gazed into the distance while he thought about it, his heels tapping on the wall. “She made banana-orange gelatin with me, when we was still at home.”

“She did?” Lucy smiled. “Did it taste like ours?”

“Yeah, but it looked different.”

“How so?”

“It was a different shape. An’ she put orange slices in it.”

“You think you could draw it?”

Andy nodded. Logan smiled as he listened to the boy’s conversation with Lucy. 

“She was good at tellin’ stories too. Like you,” Andy said to her. 

“If you remember any and can write them down, I can read them to you at bedtime.” 

“I think I can remember some of ‘em. I might’ve forgotten bits though.” 

“That’s okay. We can fill in the gaps with our own ideas. I bet your Ma would like that — a new take on her stories.”

Andy’s face lit up. “Yeah, that’d be cool. We could make a book!” 

“Great idea!”

Andy looked thoughtful. “I reckon I know what to write.” 

“Go for it kiddo,” Lucy said, then she busied herself with attaching her note to her lantern for later. 

Andy started writing. 

To ma and pa

I miss ya. guess what? I live with logan and lucy now. Their real good at lookin after me, so you don’t gotta worry about me no more…  

The rest of the evening was a raucous affair of ghost-hunting games and delicious food from the Blue Moon — a new special of beef chilli over baked potatoes, and toffee-covered perfume apples that almost broke their teeth — followed by the peaceful ascent of their lanterns into the dark night sky. Lucy watched their set of three rise higher and higher, and she cuddled into Logan’s side as Andy leant against hers.

_________________

The next day, Lucy and Logan filled in the paperwork at the Town Hall to register their wedding and set a date for two weeks’ time. Apart from inviting a small number of friends to the ceremony, there wasn’t much else for them to do except get their rings (simple bands of gold that Lucy was planning to make) and pick out some clothes to wear on the day. Simple. 

In the meantime, they tried to get on with their normal duties as builder and monster hunter. The breeze shifted as the season turned to autumn, bringing with it a slight freshness, and the anticipation of their wedding day gave them both a boost of energy. Logan left for his patrols with a skip in his step, truly excited about the future ahead, knowing they were going to be married and that there was the possibility of a new baby on the horizon.

Lucy was also excited, and nervous. Keeping things small didn’t make it any less significant, although she knew getting married wouldn’t really change things between them. But trying for a baby too, that was terrifying. She didn’t regret her decision to stop taking her contraception, and she couldn’t wait for those first potential pregnancy signs, but it was incredibly daunting. 

Fang had told her to expect some emotional ups and downs for a short while, and to visit him if it continued longer than a couple of months. So far she’d felt fine — slightly teary every now and then, but otherwise pretty steady. 

So, she confidently felt like she was going to breeze through the adjustment. Until she had a disastrous morning in her workshop where everything seemed to break and all the parts she made wouldn’t fit together and she cut herself trying to force them into place and ended up sobbing on the floor. 

Once she’d finally pulled herself together, bandaged her cut, and washed her face, she decided a walk would set her right. Her first stop was the Blue Moon, where she bought herself a huge slice of cake and let Owen entertain her with a few of his stories. Then she wandered further up Main Street, doing a bit of window shopping, before cutting up the steps and along by Amirah’s studio, where she admired some of the artist’s new pottery. 

As she continued on, she caught sight of Logan leaving his old house. She was about to call out to him, feeling that what she really needed was to be in his arms, when an attractive woman followed him out the door. Once outside, Logan turned to the woman and said something else — something that caused the woman to laugh coquettishly and put her hand on Logan’s arm. 

At first, Lucy smiled. She was used to women trying to flirt with him. Of course they would, he was gorgeous. But as Lucy waited for Logan to pull away, to distance himself from this flirty woman, and he didn’t — she frowned. 

She waited a few more minutes and saw Logan and the woman nod, then say their goodbyes. 

Logan turned away, ready to head home, and stopped and smiled when he saw Lucy. “Hey Darlin’,” he said as he approached her.

“Hey. Who was that?” Lucy asked, staring after the woman while Logan bent to kiss her on the cheek.

“Oh. Potential tenant for the old house. Obviously Haru’ll use it when he visits for our weddin’, but I thought I’d get on and see if I could find someone to take it after that.” 

“Right.”

Logan peered at her. “You okay?” he asked, puzzled by Lucy’s serious face and slightly cool demeanour. 

“I’m fine. Is she going to take it?” 

“She seems keen,” he said, reaching up to remove a stray bit of fluff from Lucy’s hair.

“She certainly does.” 

Logan dropped his hand and his eyebrows rose. “What does that mean?” 

“It means…she clearly fancies you,” Lucy said, gesturing after the woman. 

“What?” 

“The way she was giggling and touching you.” 

“Luce.” Logan smiled and shook his head. “She was tryin’ to get me to lower the rent. That’s all she was after.” 

“Come on Lo. That is not all that she’s after. You’re not stupid.” 

Logan couldn’t help it — he laughed, which, given how irritable Lucy was feeling, was the worst thing he could do. “Luce, you really think she’d hit on her potential landlord?” 

Lucy crossed her arms, her face now like thunder. “Of course she would. She did! And it looks like she thinks she’s got a shot with you.” 

Logan stared at her, incredulous. “Why?”

“Because it certainly didn’t seem like you were discouraging her.” 

“What? I was tryin’ to keep it professional. What do you want me to do?”

“Tell her you’re not interested!”

“Right, Luce, and how would that sound? ‘Sorry love, I’ve made a massive assumption that by puttin’ yer hand on my arm it’s not just a low rent you’re after, but I ain’t gonna sleep with you, now do yer want the house or not’?”

Lucy bristled. “You can stop flirting back.” 

“I was not flirtin’,” Logan said through gritted teeth. 

Lucy stared at him. “No? Well…you should still put a stop to it if someone else is flirting with you,” she said.

“Like you did with Brandon?” 

Lucy’s jaw dropped. “What?”

Logan raised his eyebrows as he stared at her, the challenge clear on his face.

“That was completely different,” she said.

“Was it?” 

“Yes! He’s an old friend.” 

Logan scoffed.

“He’s always been like that,” Lucy said. “How was I to know it was different this time?” 

“Oh c’mon Darlin’,” Logan said, “You knew it was. You say I ain’t stupid and I should be able to see when someone’s comin’ on to me. Well, you certainly ain’t stupid either. You knew exactly what Brandon was doin’.” 

“I did not.”

“You did. And you were enjoyin’ it. That’s why you didn’t tell him to get lost.” 

“Where the hell is all this coming from?” 

“Because… Luce, I sat by and watched that guy makin’ moves on you, time an' time again, and I chose to trust you. Heck, even the other day I catch you two havin’ a moment. And the minute a woman looks like she might be hittin’ on me — and bearin’ in mind you weren’t even part of that conversation—” he said, pointing back towards the house, “You accuse me of flirtin’ back. How’s that fair Luce?” 

Lucy stared at him, her heart pounding. She knew he was right. Deep down, she knew it. She actually had no idea what he’d said to that woman. But she was so cross with him for throwing Brandon in her face, and the shame and guilt it stirred up in her fanned the flames of her anger. 

“You caught us ‘having a moment’? What on earth does that mean? He was congratulating me. On our engagement.” 

“Yeah, he said.” 

“You don’t believe me?” 

“I do believe you. That’s the point Luce. I trust you. But it seems y’don’t trust me.” 

Lucy huffed. “That’s a cheap shot Logan, trying to deflect what just happened with that woman back onto me.” 

Logan put a hand over his eyes and groaned. “You don’t see the comparison Luce?” 

“No. I don’t. You just don’t want to admit you’re wrong,” she said, then turned and began briskly walking away, her heart pounding. 

“I don’t want to admit I was wrong? Can you hear yerself?”

“I’m going home Logan,” she said over her shoulder. 

Logan tapped his foot. He was seething and wondering how the hell this fight had blown up in the last two minutes. It was ridiculous.

He wasn’t ready to stop talking about it, unsure how to clear the air between them and get things back on track, so he did the only thing he could think of. He caught up with her and grabbed her hand, then began pulling her along the street.

“What the hell Logan?” Lucy pulled her hand, trying to yank it away, but he held her firmly. 

“No,” he said, turning to her for a moment, “You don’t get to walk away. Those times when we fought last year — you told me I was a coward fer not stayin’ and workin’ it out. So that’s what we’re doin’.” 

Lucy was gobsmacked, even more so when he pulled her all the way along the road, past Qi’s lab, past the Golden Goose, all the way into the sparring ring. 

He finally let go and she turned to glare at him. Logan simply walked to the weapons rack, picked up two daggers, then kicked them over to her. Then he picked up his own set. 

“Oh, you wanna do this Lo?” Lucy asked, palming her daggers. 

“Yep.”

“You know I can beat your ass,” she said. 

“Yeah? And you know I can beat yours Darlin’,” he said. “You’re angry? Me too. So fight me. Let’s get it all out in the open.” 

“Is this your answer to everything? Hitting stuff?” 

Logan sighed. 

“Fine.” He turned to look down the street, thinking, then back at Lucy. “You know what Luce? You wanna walk away? Walk away. Stew on it fer hours. Then we can continue fightin’ again later at home. Why not drag it out fer hours.” He turned and started to walk back to the weapons rack to put his daggers away. 

He wasn’t surprised when he felt Lucy launch herself at him from behind. He ducked to dodge her attack, turned, blocked her follow-up with his crossed daggers, and pushed her away.

“You’re so predictable Luce,” he said, a smirk on his lips.

Lucy let out a huff of annoyance, then she attacked again, her daggers clashing with his. The sound of their blades colliding and their grunts carried across the arena as they fought, neither prepared to back down first. 

She managed to land a hit to his shoulder, causing him to reel back, and another to his ribs, making him curse under his breath. But it had been a while since Lucy had sparred with him, and she soon began to get tired — and sloppy. 

Logan was soon parrying her attempts easily, one after the other. Sensing she was worn out but too proud to admit it, he dodged her next attack then swept her feet out from under her, sending her flat on her back. 

Lucy stared at the blue sky, momentarily stunned, and Logan took his time pinning her — pressing one knee against her thigh, his pelvis against hers, the weight of his body holding her down. He plucked her daggers from her hands and chucked them across the mat, then held her wrists by her head. 

“You done Darlin’?” he asked.

She tried to twist and throw him off, but she had nothing left but a winded chest and a cold stare. Logan reasserted his hold on her wrists, but then his face softened.

He searched her face. “Luce,” he said gently, “What’s goin’ on? This ain’t like you.” 

When she stayed silent, he continued. “Darlin’, you need to get it through that stubborn skull o’yours, that when it comes to other women, you ain’t got anythin’ to worry about. First Elliott, now this. Why’re you worryin’ I’d look elsewhere? I asked you to marry me for Peach’s sake. And maybe that’s still a new idea fer you, but I’ve bin wantin’ to marry you since last year.”

Lucy stared up at him, her chest still heaving. 

“Now, I ain’t gonna give the tenancy to that woman.” Lucy opened her mouth to interject, but Logan carried on. “I wasn’t flirtin’ with her, I ain’t backin’ down about that. And I do know the difference ‘tween when a woman’s flirtin’, and when she’s just tryin’ it on to get her way. But I’m not havin’ anyone livin’ there who makes you uncomfortable. You should come with me when I interview the next people. It’s only right. It’s yer house too really. I’m sorry I didn’t think about that.” 

Lucy’s scowl faded, and she nodded. 

“Okay?” Logan asked, his tone still gentle.

“Okay,” she whispered. 

“I love you Luce.” 

“I love you too Lo,” she said, her voice quiet. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened. I just saw you there with her and I…” She tailed off, her voice suddenly choked with emotion.

“It’s alright Luce.” He thought for a moment about what Fang had said about her hormones going wild, but decided it was safer not to suggest that as a reason for her sudden burst of jealousy.

“I do trust you,” she said. “And I don’t doubt that you love me, and that you want to be with me. I just…I want everyone else to know that too. I’m sorry if that sounds silly. And I’m sorry, again, about Brandon. If I ever made you think…made you doubt…” 

Logan shook his head. “You’ve already apologised about that. I’m sorry fer bringin’ it up again.” 

He kissed her gently and slowly released his hold on her, moving his hands to cup her face. Now safe in Logan’s arms, the fight forced out of her, Lucy relaxed. She ran her hands through his hair and hooked her leg around his, pulling him tight against her body, then she pressed up into him, deepening the kiss with some urgency, and felt him respond above her.

“Don’t make me write you two up fer public indecency,” a voice suddenly called out. 

They broke the kiss and turned to look at Justice, who was leaning on the edge of the sparring ring with a grin on his face. 

“Keep it decent folks,” he said, and Lucy bit her lip as she nodded. Justice waited until Logan had pushed himself back to sit up on his knees before he gave them both a wink and turned and walked away. 

Lucy shimmied backwards and sat up in front of Logan, watching as he pressed a hand to his shoulder and rotated his arm. 

“Shit, are you okay Lo?” she asked, suddenly guilty with the knowledge she’d hurt him, more than once, while he’d barely tapped her. She’d been sparring for real, while he’d been letting her let off steam.

“You still got it Luce,” he said with a grin. “Though yer stamina could use some work. We’d better get some regular practice back in.” 

Lucy rolled her eyes and poked him in the stomach with her foot, but she smiled. She shifted onto her knees so that she could meet him at eye level, then adjusted his collar. “Let’s go home and I can kiss it better,” she said. 

_________________

A few days later, Lucy opened the mailbox and found two letters in Vivi’s handwriting — one addressed to her, one to Logan. 

Lucy

Please visit me when you can. I have a commission for you. 

Grandma Vivi

She left Logan’s letter on the dining table for him, and finished getting herself ready for the day. She’d planned on picking up some commissions from the Commerce Guild anyway, but she’d see what Vivi needed beforehand. Lucy was a little worried by the request — Vivi normally sent her commissions through the Guild, so she hoped she was okay. 

She made a point to get there as soon as possible, only briefly stopping to tell Nia where she was headed and why she couldn’t stop to chat.

The bell above the door rang out as Lucy entered Tailor Made, and Lucy called out a greeting. Vivi appeared from the back room. “There you are sugar. Thank you for visitin’ me.”

“Hi Vivi, how are you?” 

“Oh I’m just fine honey,” Vivi said, pulling Lucy down into one of her warm, grandmotherly hugs. “I’m still so pleased that boy finally proposed.” 

“Me too Vivi. We both are, we’re really excited.” 

“You fixed a date yet?” 

“A week Wednesday, 6pm,” Lucy said with a bashful smile. It still didn’t seem real. 

“So soon! You got a lot to get done?”

“Not really, we’re just keeping it small.” 

Vivi nodded. “Well. That’s the reason I asked you to come here.” 

“It is? What do you need?” 

“Oh no. It’s not what I need. Come this way sugar.” 

Puzzled, Lucy followed Vivi as she led her to the changing rooms at the back of the store. Vivi stepped to one side and gestured for Lucy to look inside the cubicle at the end. 

There, on a hook next to the mirror, was a dress. Pearly white, in a similar style to Lucy’s bridesmaid dress — strapless with a sweetheart neckline — but with beads and lace on the bodice, and tulle under the silky skirt to make it flare out. 

“Oh, Vivi,” Lucy whispered. 

“You can say no of course sweetheart, if you don’t like it, or you’re wantin’ to wear somethin’ else. I just thought that style looked so beautiful on you. And I’d love to gift this to you, for yer weddin’.” 

Lucy bit her lip as her eyes swam with tears. “It’s beautiful Vivi.” 

Vivi smiled and placed her hand on Lucy’s back. “Let’s try it on you shall we?” she asked, and Lucy nodded and wiped the tears from her cheek.

Several minutes later, Lucy held the dress in place while Vivi zipped up the back, then they both looked at Lucy’s reflection in the mirror. 

It fitted like a glove.

“I don’t know what to say Vivi. This is stunning.” 

“It’s only right sugar. A beautiful girl like you should have a dress to match.” 

“I was just going to buy something off the rack through the town hall,” Lucy said with a laugh.

“Hmm. That’s what I was afraid of.” Vivi pursed her lips disapprovingly. “Shall we get another opinion?” 

“What do you mean?” Lucy asked as she stroked her hands over the skirt of her dress. Vivi smiled at their reflection, then called out, “You can come in now girls!” 

Lucy turned to see Nia, Mi-an, Elsie and Grace wander into the changing area, followed by Mabel. Vivi had already given them a heads-up about her plan, so when Nia saw Lucy walk to Tailor Made that morning, she got everyone together and they snuck into the shop waiting for Vivi to call them.

“Lucy! That looks so beautiful on you!” Mabel said with her hands over her heart.

"So beautiful!" Mi-an said, and Elsie nodded with a broad grin.

“Stunning,” Grace agreed. “Logan is very, very lucky.” 

Lucy smiled at her friends, then looked at Nia. Nia was standing with her hand over her mouth, her eyes glistening. She pulled her hand away and tried to speak, but nothing came out. 

“Wow Nia, are you speechless for once?” Lucy teased, but she felt herself tearing up again too.

Nia simply nodded and took a shuddering breath. “I’m so happy for you Lucy,” she said finally, giving her friend a hug. She sniffed as she pulled back, trying to compose herself. “You look wonderful. I...wanted to give you these to wear at your wedding too...if you’d like.” Nia took Lucy’s hand in hers and dropped a pair of teardrop shaped pearl earrings into her palm. “Something borrowed.” 

“Oh, Nia, these are perfect," Lucy said as she ran a finger over them. "Thank you.” 

“You need somethin’ old an' somethin’ blue too,” Elsie interjected.

“I do?” Lucy asked. 

“Yep. ‘Somethin’ old, somethin’ new, somethin’ borrowed, somethin’ blue.’” 

“‘And a coin for your shoe’,” Mabel added. “Did you know that part ladies? A gol in your shoe, for wealth an’ prosperity.” She pushed an old coin into Lucy’s other hand and squeezed her fingers around it. 

“So your dress is new, you have Nia’s earrings to borrow, and a coin for your shoe,” Mi-an listed.

“Speakin’ of shoes, which ones are you gonna wear?” Elsie asked. 

Lucy thought about it. “I don’t think I have anything that will do this dress justice. Vivi do you have any for sale?” 

“Of course honey, we can have a look and find you some.” 

“So you just need something old and blue,” Mi-an said, then she looked at her wife with a smile. 

Nia nodded and stepped forwards again. “I have another gift you. Ma brought it when she came for our wedding. She said to give it to you when the time is right. It’s yours anyway, but Ma wanted to save it for this occasion. She said she could tell straight away that Logan was the one, and that it wouldn’t be long before you two were engaged.” 

Nia held up a necklace with a delicate chain and a beautiful blue orchid pendant the colour of Logan’s eyes. “It was your mother’s, do you remember?” 

Lucy gasped, then covered her mouth as she nodded, the tears falling freely now. Grace handed her a tissue and put a reassuring hand on Lucy’s shoulder. “I’d completely forgotten about that necklace, I loved it so much,” Lucy whispered. 

“How many times did you get in trouble for stealing it from your mother’s jewellery box then going outside to play in the dirt wearing it?” Nia said with a laugh. 

Lucy’s laugh was thick from her tears. “Too many to count.” 

“Here, let’s try it on,” Nia said, clasping it around Lucy’s neck. 

Lucy turned to look at her reflection, and smiled at the others in the mirror. 

“We know you don’t want a fuss Lucy, but we hope you don’t mind a little bit of tradition,” Mabel said. “You an’ Logan are both a big part of this town and our Sandrock family. And we would like to spoil you—” She held up her finger and thumb, “—just a little bit.” 

Lucy nodded again, too choked up to say anything much, but she did manage to whisper a, “Thank you,” before Grace handed her another tissue.

_________________

Towards the end of the week, Logan stood on the platform waiting for his brother to step off the evening train. Haru spotted Logan straight away, and quickly strode over to him, pulling him into a tight hug.

“It’s so good to see you Logan,” Haru said. It was his first opportunity to visit Sandrock since Logan was found safe and well. And it was quite the occasion he was visiting for. He'd been so happy for Logan when he received his letter telling him he'd finally proposed and Lucy had said yes. Happy, but not surprised. 

Logan and Haru clapped each other on the back as they let go.

“You too Haru,” Logan said with a grin, holding his brother by his arms so he could get a good look at him. "You're lookin' well. Uni suits ya."

"Thanks Logan. You look well too. You feeling better now, after everything?"

"Oh yeah. Still get a twinge in my leg every now an' then, but nothin' like it was." Logan bent down to pick up some of Haru’s bags, and they began the walk up to the old house. “Lucy feels guilty for not havin’ you to stay durin’ the weddin’, but I figured you might like some space to yerself. Might be a nice luxury after those shared rooms you got at uni.”

“You’re not wrong there. A whole room to myself would be nice, let alone a whole house. Anyway, it’ll be a good chance for me and Andy to spend some time together. I assume you want me to look after him on your wedding night?” he asked with a sly grin.

Logan laughed. “That’d be mighty kind of you.”

Haru looked Logan up and down as they walked, subtly checking him over, making sure he wasn't lying about his old injuries. And then another thought popped into his head. “What’re you going to wear for the wedding Lo?” he asked, slightly worried Logan was just going to give his boots a polish and turn up in what he normally wore. 

“Oh, don’t worry,” Logan said, “Vivi’s sorted it. Let’s drop these at the house then grab a bite at the Blue Moon. Luce and Andy are keen to see you, but she’s happy for us to catch up first.” 

15 minutes later, they were seated at the bar with a cold beer, where Justice joined them and Owen chatted in-between serving customers.

“So, now Haru's back in town, what’re we doin’ for yer bachelor party Lo?” Justice asked. 

“Bachelor party? Nah, I don’t reckon I need one of those.” Logan chuckled and turned his beer around on its mat, watching the cool droplets of condensation drip down the outside of the glass.

“What? First one of us to get married and you ain’t havin’ a send off? That ain’t right Lo. Back me up here O,” Justice said to Owen. 

The barkeep chuckled. “It’s as good excuse as any for us to get together and have a night out, especially now Haru’s back. What do you say Lo? Just the four of us?” 

Logan looked between them all, his eyebrows drawn together in amused dismay, then at Haru, who looked particularly excited by the idea.

“We could hang out at the hideout,” Haru suggested. 

“Or venture further afield, find another bar,” Owen suggested. "What about the village you're from Haru?" 

“You just wanna find someone new to hook up with,” Logan teased.

"It might be nice to meet some new folks," Owen said with a chuckle. "It's not exactly good business to be hitting on my own clientele is it? But it's not just that. Jay's right Lo. You deserve a send off." 

Logan sighed, sensing he was defeated. 

Justice, recognising the look on Logan's face, raised his beer. "Let's plan a night out!" he said.

Chapter 21: A cornered beast

Summary:

Logan and the boys head out of town for his bachelor party.

Notes:

Y'all know where this is headed, sort of.

Logan, Haru, Justice and Owen stepped off the train and walked across the dusty street to the nearby village where Haru had grown up. He’d assured them there wasn’t much there, but there was a small inn with a bar, and a decent fishing spot. And a different dating pool for Owen. 

Logan had been somewhat backed into a corner about having a bachelor party, given how enthusiastic his friends were. He’d hoped Lucy might have objected or given him a reason not to go. But she’d told him he deserved to spend some time with his friends and, if all went well and they got pregnant quickly, they should squeeze this kind of stuff in while they could. 

It wasn’t that Logan didn’t want to spend time them. He just didn’t want to be getting drunk and rowdy and dealing with a big hangover with his wedding to Lucy only days away. Owen had form for inviting women to join them at their table, which used to be fun but was now just a pain when all Logan wanted to do was talk to his friends. And if Logan was honest with himself, he didn’t want to be apart from Lucy. 

That had actually been the deciding factor for him. If one of his friends had told him they couldn’t bear to tear themselves away from their girl for one night, he would’ve probably raised his eyebrows and told them to get a grip. So that’s what he told himself. 

And he’d got his way with keeping things low key — a meal, drinks, then up early for some fishing before returning home. 

Checked in, keys fetched, Logan had a moment alone in his room to look around and wonder what he was doing. Perhaps it was because he’d been away so long on his bounty — the one that nearly took his life — that he was feeling unsettled about it. Perhaps it was because he was so happy at home with Lucy and Andy. 

He was definitely not feeling the life and soul of the party. 

Had he ever though? he wondered. Justice and Owen had always taken him under their wing, dragging him along on their escapades. He’d idolised them, been happy to just follow them around. They were the first ones to get him drunk as a teen. They’d found it pretty entertaining, but they’d also made sure to get him home alright. His Pa had simply shook his head and tutted, then forced Logan to drink a load of water, and placed a bucket by his bed. His Pa had been pretty familiar with his own bottle of whisky at times, Logan seemed to remember. 

And then Haru had come along and followed Logan around, idolised him. And look where that got him, Logan thought to himself.

When was the last time Logan had enjoyed going out, drinking with his friends? They’d had some good nights at the Blue Moon when he’d returned to town, although he’d still felt like an outsider trying to crawl his way back in at that point. He’d had fun, chatting up tourists, flirting. Sometimes taking a woman home then hoping she'd leave straight after.

And then he’d hooked up with Lucy, and everything had changed. Sure, they’d had that period where they weren’t exclusive, but he hadn’t actually done anything with another woman during that time, other than flirt. He’d suggested to Lucy that he might, gave them both the option. He’d known that he could fool around with other women, if he wanted to. 

But he hadn’t. Once he'd had Lucy in his arms, he didn't want anyone else.

He realised Lucy probably didn’t know that. Had he told her? That once he’d been with her, he hadn’t looked away again? As far as Logan knew, she’d only hooked up with that one guy too. James, he thought, his lip curling in a snarl at the memory.

Logan rubbed that spot on his ribs that still ached from time to time, sighed, then made his way down to the bar to meet the others, trying to plaster an enthusiastic smile on his face, for Haru’s sake if nobody else’s.

“Shall we eat?” he asked, clapping Haru on the shoulder.

The bar was a little grimy, definitely nowhere near as nice as the Blue Moon. It was busy though for such a small village. It helped that it was Saturday night, Logan supposed. 

After they’d eaten, Owen went to fetch them another round of drinks, but he took his time returning. 

“Looks like he’s found somethin’ more interestin’,” Justice quipped as they watched Owen regale a small group of women with one of his stories. 

Logan laughed. Then he realised one of the women Owen was with was looking right at him, and from the smile that bloomed on her face, she thought Logan’s grin was for her. He cursed under his breath as he saw the woman say something to Owen, and his friend turned around to look at who she was referring to. 

And then they were all coming over, Owen and his new fan club. 

“These are my good friends Logan, Justice and Haru,” he said, then introduced the women.

Logan sighed and stared down at his beer. This was what he didn’t want. He could understand why the single fellas would though. He wondered how long he needed to stay before he could head back to his room. 

The woman who’d been looking at Logan made a beeline for him, pulling up a chair next to him and sitting with her arms folded, like she didn’t know that the posture squeezed her cleavage together. “Owen here told me you’re a monster hunter,” she said, fluttering her eyelashes, “I’d love to hear all about it.” 

Logan looked at the woman, then at Owen, who was already distracted, then back down at his drink. “I ain’t much of a talker,” he said. 

“Oh, that’s a shame,” she said. “Perhaps you’re a good listener instead?” She gave him another simpering smile and lightly ran her fingers over his arm.

Logan shifted in his seat, moving his arm away from her touch.

“Or shy?” she added with a tilt of her head.

Logan looked at his friends, now preoccupied with the other women, laughing and having a great time, although he saw Haru excuse himself and head to the restroom.

He glanced at the woman again. She was quite pretty really. She probably wasn't used to being turned down. He gave her a small smile, deciding to try and be a gentleman about it. “Not shy. Just ain't interested. Sorry.” 

“Not interested in what? A little talking? A little fun?” She rested her chin in her hand as she peered at him.

“No.” 

“No? To which bit?” 

“All of it.” 

“You think you’ll find a better offer?” she asked, trying the arm touching again. 

Logan smiled properly then — a genuine, smug grin.

“Oh, sweetheart, I already have,” he said

The woman dropped her hand. “Where is she then? This better offer?” 

“She’s at home. With our son.” 

“Oh.” 

Logan looked at the woman, saw it sink in. 

“You’re married?” she asked, her eyes flickering down to his hand. “Why aren’t you wearing a ring?”

“We’re engaged. Gettin’ married Wednesday.” 

"You're only just getting married now, but you have a child together? Why's it taken you so long? Have you had second thoughts?"

"You ask a lot of questions," Logan said.

"Just trying to understand. Perhaps you're not that keen on the idea of marrying this woman after all." 

Logan huffed a laugh. "'This woman', has taken on a kid that ain't her own. And I am very, very sure that I want to marry her."

“Oh,” she said again. “Well then, congratulations? She’s a lucky lady, having a handsome man like you to herself.” 

“I’m the lucky one.”

And then Logan found himself telling this stranger all about Lucy, how they’d met, how great she was, how fantastic she was at her job, what a good ma she was to Andy, how much he loved her…

To give her some credit, the woman listened politely, although he saw her eyes begin to glaze over as she accepted there really was no chance of turning his head. Logan wasn’t surprised when she stood and told him she was going to get a drink, and grabbed the arm of her friend on the way.

Justice had also seemingly lost the interest of the woman he’d been chatting to, as she joined her friends at the bar. Logan wondered how much Elliott had to do with that.

Haru was returning from the restroom, an oddly anxious look on his face. That just left Owen still deep in flirty conversation with a woman.

Logan chuckled and raised his drink to take a sip, just as Haru slid into a seat next to him.

“Lo,” Haru said, his face white, “I just overheard some guys talking. They were saying there are some bandits nearby causing trouble.”

“That so? Hope they don’t come here tonight then,” Logan said, though he wasn't too worried. 

“No, it’s not that.” Haru looked over his shoulder, then back at Logan and Justice. “They called them Logan and Haru. Lo — someone’s using our names.” 

Logan frowned, and Justice changed seats to move closer. Heads bowed together, Haru told them what he’d learned, that these bandits, so-called Logan and Haru, were scaring people in some nearby cave ruins, getting them to hand over their cash and valuables before making them scarper.

“You know which set of caves that is?” Justice asked them both.

“Yeah, familiar with it,” Logan said and Haru nodded. “Popular spelunkin’ spot.”

“We did hide out there for a short while. Not been there for years though,” Haru said. 

“Reckon some of our old gear was left there. They might’ve taken over our abandoned camp.” 

Justice looked at Logan’s face. He could see the cogs whirring. 

“Change of plan fellas,” Logan finally said as he picked up his beer again. “We ain’t goin’ fishin’ tomorrow. We’re goin’ huntin’.” 

_________________

“Logan, brother, think about this,” Justice said the following morning as he fell into stride with Logan. They were walking to a nearby ranch to see if they could hire some mounts, Haru a couple of paces behind them. “You really wanna go after these guys right now? Can’t it wait? Shit, can’t we let the local Civil Corps handle it? I’ll come with you, vouch for you with ‘em. We can set ‘em straight that it ain’t you an’ Haru causin’ trouble. Give ‘em evidence.” 

“I wanna go after ‘em Jay. I need to know who these jackaninnies are, and what the hell they think they’re playin’ at.” 

Justice scrabbled around for something else to say to put Logan off. “You’re gettin’ married Lo, this week. Wednesday. At the very least, think about what Lucy’s gonna say if y’turn up at the temple with a black eye.”

That made Logan pause, just for a second.

But he shook his head. 

“I need to sort it. For Lucy.” 

“What? How? Lucy wouldn’t want you to do it.” 

Logan stopped and faced his friend, then looked down the street chewing his lip. He fidgeted on his feet, a walking ball of frustration. “I need to clear my name Jay, before I marry her.” 

“Why?” 

“Because…the notice’ll go in the paper, about the weddin’. Her name will be tied to mine, again. Permanently. My past has already followed us both around, affected her. I can’t have it happenin’ again.”

Justice sighed and looked at Logan’s face, his friend’s eyes pleading with him to help. “Fine,” he said, “But I want it on record I tried to stop you.” 

“Thanks buddy,” Logan said with a grin as he clapped Justice on the arm, then continued walking along the dusty street to the stables. 

They hired three mounts, having left Owen to sleep off his hangover. He’d stayed up later than the rest of them, still chatting to that woman. They weren’t sure if he’d been alone in his room or not when they’d knocked first thing, but there had been no answer so they slipped a note under his door.

Logan and Haru were fairly confident they knew which cave system it was, but they mentioned it to the ranch keeper and he drew them a basic map to set them in the right direction. They rode for an hour or so, Justice praying the whole time for something to happen that’d mean they’d have to turn back. He really had a bad feeling about it, but Logan was a stubborn mule when he had an idea in his head, especially if he felt someone — including himself — was being wronged. 

By mid-morning they’d found the entrance Logan and Haru used to use, and they left their horses outside tied up in a shady spot, then began their slow quiet walk through the tunnels. Logan lit a lantern and led the way, taking them on the route he knew, their boots softly crunching on the tunnel floor and long shadows flickering along the wall.

At certain points Logan paused and signalled to his friends behind him, then pointed to metal plates half hidden in the ground. Pressure plates. A little further along, he pointed to the tiny holes where he was certain a weapon would launch from. The whole place was rigged up. 

So what was their game, these bandits? It seemed they were preventing people from coming in here, not luring them in. But why? What were they up to? 

At last they heard voices and came to a halt. Haru and Justice hung back behind a corner, but Logan didn’t bother hiding. He wanted to confront these men. Now. 

As their silhouettes came into view, their features slightly obscured by shadow, the two men stopped. They looked surprised to have company, then the bluster started.

“Puh, check it out! A tourist who thinks he’s a yakboy!” the first man said, his hand hovering by his holster.

“Ha! Prey’s just walking straight into our hands these days. Give us what you got, and maybe we’ll let you walk,” said the other, his hand also reaching for his gun. This man wore a hat that was a poor imitation of Logan's.

“Not sure I’ll be doin’ anythin’ of the sort fellas,” Logan said, rubbing a hand over the scruff on his jaw. 

“Oh, a wise guy huh? Listen, this is your last warning, I happen to be the leader of an infamous gang. You mighta heard of me, Logan’s the name, so don’t test your luck!” 

“What a coincidence,” Haru said, rounding the corner, “He’s got the same name as you Lo.” 

The man with the hat took a step back, surprised to see there was someone else there.

“You wouldn’t happen to be called Haru would you?” Haru asked the other man. 

“Who’s askin’?” he said.

Logan turned to Haru and smirked. “This here is my good friend, my brother, Haru.” 

“W-w-wait a minute, that’s—”

“Logan!” the man with the hat said. “What the hell are you doing here?” 

“Could ask you the same question, Mule.” 

Justice chose this moment to come out from the shadows and stand behind his friends. “Seems like pretty strong case of stolen identity boys,” he said, flashing his Civil Corps badge. 

“We’re sorry, we’re sorry to the both of you,” the first man said, starting to back away, hands pressed together as if in prayer. “We didn’t think we’d run into you. We didn’t think you’d find out—”

“What’re you doin’ down here settin’ traps? You’re gonna get someone killed.” 

“We just wanted to scare folks away so we’d—” The first man stopped speaking when Mule elbowed him in the ribs. 

“Look, we’re sorry Logan. Real sorry, we won’t use your names no more, we’re sorry.” 

"You better not," Logan said, his voice hard and stern. "I get wind of anythin' else, there'll be trouble. Now git." He nodded back at the entrance, and Logan, Haru and Justice watched the men scurry past. 

“You know ‘em then?” Justice asked once they were out of sight. 

“Yeah. Donkey and Mule. Right pair of asses. They’re from Haru’s village. Shoulda known it was them.” 

“Okay, well. We’ll report it when we get back, just in case they try anything like that again. Shall we go?” 

As they walked, Logan placed his hand on Justice’s shoulder. “See?” he said with a confident grin, “I told yer there was nothin’ to worry about. We’ll be back at the village and on our way home in no ti—”

A monstrous wail from deeper in the cave made them all stop still and turn. 

“What the—”

The creature roared again, louder this time, as if it was on the move. 

“Shit,” Logan said, “Is that what they were doin’ down here?” 

“What is it Lo?” Haru asked.

“Sounds like a tunnel worm. A big one.” 

“Could it get through these caves? These tunnels?” 

“Clue’s in the name, Jay.” He looked at his friend. “Yes, it could.” 

“Whadda we do?” 

Logan looked back at the exit, then again into the dark tunnel. “We can’t leave it, I don’t know what those two idiots have been doin’, but I doubt they’ve secured it. If anythin’, sounds like they’ve bin windin’ it up. Could be dangerous to the folks in the village.” He unhooked his gun from his holster and checked his bullets. “I can handle it guys, if you wanna wait.” 

“No way Lo, we’re coming with you,” Haru said, withdrawing his gun. Logan nodded at him, at them both, then led the way. They followed the sounds of its wails deeper into the tunnels, until they caught sight of its slithering mass through a gap in the cave wall. Logan stopped and gestured for the other two to do the same, bringing a finger to his lips to tell them to keep quiet.

He crouched on the floor, and in the sand drew a rough diagram and jabbed at it, showing Haru and Justice where they were and where the beast was — then he drew a line, indicating the way they should approach it.

He stood and they continued on their way — quietly, slowly, guns raised ready. 

The smell of the beast permeated the air, the stink filling Logan’s nostrils. It wasn’t a smelled you’d forget quickly. It took him right back to the time he, Lucy and Elsie had fought a nest of tunnel worms in the Portia tunnel. That felt like an age ago now. 

He and Lucy had just been friends at that point, although he did remember admiring her ass as she hung from the ceiling to attach the tunnel whistles, the straps of her harness hugging her in all the right places. Logan smiled to himself at the memory. She’d caught him staring at one point, and he’d had to think of a quick excuse for his ogling.

“Is yer strap loose?” he’d called, and she’d twisted to get a look at her harness. 

“No, it’s fine,” she’d said.

“Oh. Must be a trick of the light”

He wished she was here now. Not to put her in any kind of danger of course. But he loved fighting alongside her. And he knew she was an excellent fighter. She said she always felt safe with Logan, but he felt safe with her too. 

The three men slowly tiptoed into a wider tunnel that opened out into a cavern, just in time to see the worm disappear into a hole at the other end. 

“Shoot,” Logan muttered, gun still raised, listening for any clues as to where it might reappear. 

He edged around the cavern, Haru and Justice following. 

It was eerily quiet now, just a far off drip of moisture in one of the adjacent tunnels.

Logan stopped walking and held out his hand for the other two to pause as well.

He crouched a little, quietly picked up a stone, then threw it as far as he could into the center of the cavern.

There was a moment's pause, that drip-drip, and then the worm was there, bursting through the ground in front of them.

All three stumbled back as rock exploded around them with the force of its strike. It had clearly heard them walking, quiet as they were, and had tried to come up underneath them, fooled by Logan's decoy. 

Justice stared into the beast’s huge gaping jaws, frozen to the spot by the sight of the sword-like teeth and the oozing stench of rotting flesh seeping from its gut. 

Logan immediately began to shout and fire, trying to get the beast to follow him. He was aiming for a shot down its throat or through the top of its head, but also trying to get it to reveal its vulnerable side for Justice and Haru to attack. 

They sprung into action. All three men fired their guns and the worm thrashed as the bullets pierced its thick skin. It lunged to the side, nearly sweeping them all off their feet.

They just about stayed standing, but as Haru stumbled he felt something click under his foot. Another pressure plate. 

“Lo!” he cried, not daring to move, “Lo I’ve done something…” 

“What is it?” Logan shouted, trying to edge his way back around to see. When he saw his best friend with his foot on the trap, Logan’s stomach lurched.

“Stay still, keep yer foot on it!” he shouted again.

“I’m trying!” Haru said, ducking as the worm twisted and threw up a mass of rocks in their direction. 

Logan was glancing up and around, trying to see what the trap had triggered, but he couldn’t keep his eyes from the worm for long.

Justice moved closer too, trying to concoct a plan in his head to swap Haru’s foot for a large rock — something to keep the trap weighed down. 

But then the worm lunged again, hoiking it’s heaving body towards them, threatening to crush them against the hard rock wall. 

Logan shouldered Haru out the way, making the decision for him so that he could leap out of the worm’s path. 

And then they heard it, the arrow, whistling through the air. 

As if in slow motion, it travelled straight for its target. 

Logan felt a jolt.

Then the arrow struck, piercing flesh, embedding itself deep into muscle. 

Logan stared at it, his eyes wide with shock, the world spinning.

The arrow’s fletching, the only bit still visible, quivered.  

Then the cave righted itself and Logan lunged, reaching out to grab Justice around his shoulders before his friend fell. 

He helped Justice stagger back, and leant him against a rock. Justice was gasping, and he grunted when Logan ripped off a piece of his own shirt and pressed it firmly around the wound. Behind them, they heard the worm wail again.

“Haru! Come hold this.” 

Haru slid to their side. “Here, press here, hard,” Logan said. 

Haru did what he was told, trying to keep firm pressure on Justice’s wound while Logan turned and fired again at the beast, unleashing every bullet until it finally went still. 

By the time Logan returned to his friends, Justice had grown quiet and pale, a small fleck of blood at the corner of his mouth. “You’re gonna be okay buddy,” Logan insisted as he peered at the wound. Dark blood seeped from it. “We need to get you to a doctor.” 

“Not sure…there’s time,” Justice said through clenched teeth. 

“Course there is,” Logan scolded, pulling some Special X and antidote from the pouch at his waist. He gently tipped them down Justice’s throat, praying they’d bide them enough time to get him back to the village. “Why’d you shove me out the way?” Logan reprimanded.  

“You would've done the same thing,” Justice said, trying to smile. “Besides, I owe you.” 

“Owe me? Fer what?” 

“Fer not havin’ yer back.”

“Oh heck Jay, look at you, you were right, we shouldn’t have come here, done this, I understand you were tryin’ to talk sense—”

“No, not now, today. Back then. With yer Pa.” 

Logan froze, his eyes on Justice’s face. 

“I’m sorry Lo. I’m sorry I…didn’t believe you, when you said…there was somethin’ more to yer Pa’s illness. I’m…sorry I believed ‘em so quickly…when you went on the run. I shoulda known...” 

Logan shook his head, a lump in his throat. Justice had tried to apologise before, but Logan had shrugged him off. But it had always hovered between them, that unspoken crack in their friendship they still hadn’t quite healed. 

“C’mon,” Logan said, grabbing Justice’s good arm and pulling it up over his shoulder so that he could help him stand. “We need to get goin’.” 

Haru rushed to support Justice’s other side, and they made their way out of the cave.

_________________

They were alarmed to see a commotion outside when they reached the exit. Alarmed, and relieved. Blinking into the bright daylight, they could see a couple of wagons and more horses, and half a dozen people. 

A man and a woman in Civil Corps uniform approached them, one calling back to a colleague near a wagon to fetch the emergency aid kit. 

In the back of the wagon they saw Donkey and Mule, both sitting with their hands behind their backs, cuffed. 

And Owen, striding towards them, concern on his face as he saw them holding Justice. 

“What on earth happened?” 

“Tunnel worm. Trap set by those two idiots,” Logan said, releasing his hold on Justice as the medics took over. "Look after him," he said to them, then to Owen, "How come you’re here?”

“When I saw your note I thought I’d check in with the Civil Corps, see if they knew anything about it. They were very keen on hearing what I had to say when I explained who I was, who we were. Less keen when they heard you’d come out here to sort it yourself. I think they were expecting to have to arrest you as well.” 

Logan managed a small chuckle. “Well, I’m glad you’re here buddy,” he said, as they all looked at where Justice was receiving treatment. “Perfect timing.” 

_________________

Lucy stared at the note Trudy had brought her — the one they’d received via the messaging system at the Town Hall. It was a note from Logan, explaining he’d be away another night.

Then she stared at the message she'd received from Unsuur — the official report via the Civil Corps about what had happened.

_________________

The following morning, Logan stepped off the train behind Owen, who was guiding Justice by the arm to make sure he didn’t knock the wound in his shoulder. 

As they walked down the platform steps, Logan spotted Lucy walking towards them.

He smiled — a huge, warm grin, relieved to see his love, excited to catch up with her, fill her in on everything properly. 

But then he realised she was not smiling back. 

In fact, she looked furious. 

His face fell as she stormed closer like an animal that had been caged up and was ready to unleash itself.

She didn’t slow as she reached him, and he raised his palms as she pushed hers against his chest, shoving him backwards. 

“What the hell Logan?”

“Luce—”

“Three days Logan!” she shouted, “We’re getting married in three days, and this is the time you choose to go after a gang of bandits?” On her last word she gave him another shove backwards. 

Behind them, Owen, Justice and Haru turned to stare, gawking at her rage.

“You could’ve gotten yourself killed Logan, or the others. Look at Justice!” she said, gesturing to the man behind them, his arm in a sling to support his shoulder. “We could’ve been holding a funeral, not a wedding. Do you know how worried I was? How worried Andy was when you were away longer than you said you’d be? After everything we went through in the summer…what the hell were you thinking?” 

She went to shove him again, but he grabbed her arms. 

“Lucy! I’m sorry!” 

She tried to wrestle free, but he held her tighter, pulling her towards his chest, “I’m sorry. Lucy!” 

He wrapped his arms around her and felt her collapse against him, her fear now released in sobs. 

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, stroking her back and pressing his lips to her hair. “I’m sorry.” 

_________________

"I know what you're gonna say Luce," Logan said as he rubbed his hands together, his arms resting on his thighs. Lucy set a cup of coffee down in front of him, then took the seat next to him at the dining table. 

"What am I going to say?" 

"That I didn't need to do it. That you don't care what other people think." 

"So you knew that, but you did it anyway?" 

Logan looked down at his hands. "I care, Luce," he said quietly. 

Lucy watched him, waiting. "Everyone who knows us, who's actually important, knows the truth Lo," she said gently when he didn't speak.

Logan shook his head. "I finally felt like I was doin' well, takin' pride in my job, feelin' like a part of this town again. Workin' hard for you and Andy. Like I finally deserved you both." He looked up at her. "Then somethin' like this happens...reminds me my past ain't ever gonna leave us." 

Lucy sighed. "That might be so Logan. But do you ever think that, if things hadn't played out how they did, we might not be together?" She smiled at him. "You know I went into all this with my eyes wide open Lo. You never hid who you were from me."

Logan returned her smile and nodded, although he still looked a little sad. Lucy stood in front of him and encouraged him to move his arms out the way so that she could straddle his lap. She took his face in her hands and stared into his eyes. 

"I get it Lo," she said. "I get why you wanted to go after them. And I'm glad it all worked out. But please, next time, take a pause to think about whether it's worth it? I love you so much, I don't want to lose you."

Logan nodded again, his eyes searching her face. Then a look of faux hurt crossed his features. "You reckon there'll be a next time?" he asked.

"Undoubtably," she said before she kissed him.

Chapter 22: A big day (NSFW)

Summary:

It's time for a wedding!

On Monday evening, Logan and Lucy went to bed as they normally did, Andy fast asleep in the other room.

They undressed and lay facing one another, Lucy’s hands on Logan’s chest, her fingers tracing tiny circles, one of Logan’s arms under Lucy’s head.

They were quiet, just looking at each other. 

Because this was it.

The last night they’d ever have together before they were married. 

The following evening, Logan would stay with Haru and Andy, and Nia, Mi-an, Elsie and Grace would stay with Lucy. That was a tradition they’d both agreed on. 

“Do you think it’ll feel different on Wednesday night?” Lucy asked. 

“Maybe. I dunno. It won’t really be different, will it?” 

“I guess not.” 

Logan smiled at her and she returned it, watching the evening light cast shadows over his handsome face. 

“Lo?”

“Yes Darlin’?” 

“I can’t wait.” 

_________________

Lucy’s friends arrived on Tuesday evening carrying an insane number of things — their overnight bags, make-up bags, wine, snacks, their dresses in their protective coverings slung over their arms. Lucy watched them all walk in and scatter their things about. 

“Who’s sleeping where?” Elsie asked as she clomped up the stairs. 

“Mi-an and I are taking the spare room!” Nia shouted, running upstairs to claim it. 

“Aw man, does that mean I have to sleep in Andy’s room?” Elsie whined. 

“I can sleep in there,” Grace said, “You can bunk in with Lucy.” 

Elsie looked at her, then at Lucy. Lucy nodded. “Wherever you’re comfortable,” she said. 

“I’m not sure Logan would be comfortable me sharing a bed with you Luce,” Grace said with a quiet smirk as the others went to place their things in their rooms.

“Why not?” 

Grace shrugged and moved past Lucy to put her bags down. 

Back downstairs, the women tipped bags of chips and candies into bowls and placed them around the coffee table, poured large glasses of wine, then attacked Lucy with face masks and nail varnish and all manner of pampering things. 

Lucy laughed. She laughed so much her face hurt. She was so happy. 

_________________

Across town, Logan, Haru and Andy cooked supper. Andy was pretty good, now that Lucy had taught him a few things. Logan and Haru stepped back and let him handle a lot of it, stepping in only when he tried to lift a huge pan of boiling water or his fingers looked unnaturally close to a sharp blade. 

They played cards while they ate, like they used to back in their hideout, trading small pebbles instead of money. Logan and Haru laughed when Andy won and jumped up, shouting, then wrapped his arms around his winnings and pulled them towards himself. 

Logan watched them both, and thought about how life had changed. He felt calm, content. He was so ready.

_________________

The day of Lucy and Logan’s wedding dawned bright and clear, without a single cloud to mar the sky. 

The boys woke early and snuck in a ride to the top of the mesa where they used to survey the town. They watched the sun come up while feasting on hunks of bread and jerky, and sipping cold juice. They saw the blue of dawn retreat as the sun crested the horizon, sweeping the land clean with its golden rays.

On their way back they rode along the tracks by Lucy and Logan’s home. Logan fell quiet, listening, and Haru watched his brother with a smile on his face. There were no sounds from their house yet. No glimpse of his bride-to-be. 

Logan stopped in at the Blue Moon, to check everything for later. 

“How’re you feeling Lo? Nervous?” Owen asked as he topped up the shelves with more bottles of beer. 

Logan thought about it. “Not nervous, no. Just…” He struggled to find the right word.

“Excited?” 

“Yeah. I dunno. We’ve done everythin’ together, me an’ Luce. Doin’ this bit apart — the waitin’ — feels odd.” 

“It’ll be worth it when you see her walk down that aisle.” 

Logan smiled. “Yeah. Yeah it will.” 

The girls woke late then made brunch, though Lucy found she couldn't eat much of it. Nia popped open a bottle of sparkling wine and poured Lucy a glass, but she sipped it gingerly, not wanting to get tipsy. She didn’t want to forget a single second of the day. 

She was nervous now, butterflies dancing in her stomach at the thought of what was to come. She wondered what Logan was doing at this moment. Relaxing probably. Certainly not worrying about hair or nails or make-up.

At 2pm Pablo arrived in a swirl of perfume and worked his magic on those who wanted help, enjoying his own glass of sparkling wine and filling them in on some particularly salacious gossip he’d heard at the salon. “You didn’t hear it from me darlings, but…” 

At 3.30pm he stood behind Lucy, his hands on her shoulders as she sat at her dresser facing her mirror. He grinned when Lucy told him what she’d like him to do.

At 5pm, they caught the yakmel carts to the temple, alighting just as the sun hit its most radiant golden hour, the white brick of the building glowing warm and inviting. Outside, the flower boxes were still blooming like they hadn’t realised summer had passed, tiny insects buzzing in the warm autumn breeze.  

Grace, Mi-an and Elsie each gave Lucy a hug and a kiss on the cheek before they went inside, leaving Lucy and Nia waiting on the steps outside. 

“Are you ready?” Nia asked, her hands clasped around Lucy’s, as Lucy held the bouquet Nia had made for her.

“Ready,” Lucy said with a nervous smile. 

Nia grinned. “I love you,” she said.

“Love you too.” 

Nia gave Lucy's hands a final squeeze, made an excited high-pitched squealing sound that made Lucy laugh, then went inside. 

Lucy turned and looked to the sky. There were a few clouds floating by now, pink like cotton candy. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. 

Everything was changing, and she couldn’t be more excited for it. 

She turned and pushed the large wooden doors open. 

As she stepped inside the cool interior and the heavy doors closed behind her, she blinked, her eyes adjusting to the change in light, and the sight that greeted her. 

Hundreds of tiny candles lit up the inside of the temple, lining her way down the aisle. She paused, stunned, and followed the lights with her eyes all the way to the altar, until she found Logan. 

Her lips parted when she saw him. 

She’d guessed what Vivi’s letter to him had been — that she’d made an outfit for him too. But she was still blown away by how striking he looked. 

Beautifully-tailored, deep blue trousers, and a matching waistcoat over a white shirt, his top button undone, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. 

So perfectly casual and yet smart at the same time. 

So handsome. 

And looking so happy to see her, his blue eyes sparkling.

She began to walk, not really hearing the music Hugo was playing for them on the organ, just floating towards Logan like she was pulled on a string. 

Logan watched her, barely blinking, unable to tear his eyes away. 

He’d known she’d look beautiful. Of course she would. A white dress from Vivi, sitting beautifully on her gorgeous body, like she’d been sewn into it. Her chocolate brown hair up in that style she’d worn for Nia’s wedding, leaving her neck, shoulders and collarbone exposed. Earrings glittering in the candlelight. A blue pendent sitting above her cleavage. A blue orchid. One he’d not seen before.

He’d expected nothing less. 

What Logan hadn’t expected, was to feel the prickle of tears in his eyes as she stepped closer. 

This was really happening. 

She was here. 

She wanted him as much as he wanted her.

When she stood in front of him, he wiped the corners of his eyes and huffed a laugh, and felt Haru clap him on the shoulder. 

Lucy looked up at him, her own brown eyes wide and shining, her mouth trying to contain her smile.

“Hey Bandit,” she said softly, shyly.

“Hey Builder,” he answered with a smile.

“Who did the candles?”  

“Nia."

Lucy glanced at her friend, who beamed back at her. “Thank you,” Lucy mouthed, and Nia blew her a kiss.

Hugo’s music died away and Burgess began the ceremony, telling their friends they could sit. There weren’t many people there. Just their closest friends. And Andy, of course. 

Lucy grinned at the boy as he stood to one side, his hand clasping the box with their rings in. Andy grinned back, bouncing on his toes.

When they reached the part with their vows, Burgess turned to Logan. 

“Logan, did you want to go first?” he asked. 

Logan swallowed and nodded, then he took Lucy’s hand.

“Luce, when we first started…datin’,” he said, and they shared a knowing grin, “I told yer I didn’t want a relationship, just wanted to keep things casual. 

“An’ then I completely ignored my own rules an’ fell so hard for you, so fast. Because, not only are you beautiful, an’ sexy, funny an’ smart, you’re also incredibly kind and carin’. You pulled me outta myself, got me to open up like nobody else ever had. 

“You are, without a doubt, my best friend Luce. It’s like I fell into orbit around you, and got pulled closer an’ closer, and I will never be able to pull away, an’ I will never want to. I love you Luce, with all my heart, an’ I am so excited to be able to call you my wife.” 

Lucy looked up at him, chewing her lip as she tried to still the tears that she could feel brimming in her eyes. She gave him a wobbly smile, and took a deep breath. She looked at Burgess, who nodded at her with a smile, then back at Logan. 

“Lo,” she said, then paused for another moment as she tried to keep her voice steady. She cleared her throat. 

“If I could go back in time and tell that Lucy what was going to happen today, well, I think she'd laugh, thinking it's a joke. She would've shrugged it off, made light of it. But deep down she would've been thrilled by the idea, of being the one you chose. She adored you, from the moment she saw you. And she tried to play it cool, but she was giddy with excitement when you first started seeing each other. When we first started seeing each other.

"For those that know how we met, it might seem surreal that we’re standing here, doing this. But, actually it’s completely believable. Because I think we both know now, that the connection between us was instant. It could only have led us to this.” 

Logan nodded and smiled. 

“It took us a while to admit it,” Lucy continued, “But we’ve been through enough tests now to know that this is real, and true, and the strongest love. 

“I can’t imagine my life without you Lo. You are the kindest, most loyal, most wonderful person I’ve ever met. You have been my best friend through everything, and every day I feel like I love you more and more. 

“To be able to call you my husband, and to be able to build a life with you and Andy — I feel like the luckiest woman in the world Lo.” 

Logan nodded again, then wiped his eyes. “Shit,” he mumbled, embarrassed by his tears, then, “Sorry Burgess,” when he saw the pastor’s face. 

“S’alright Lo, you’re among friends,” he heard Justice say, and he could hear the grin in his voice and the light scatter of laughter from their friends, and saw Lucy turn and look at them all, a huge smile on her face.  

Burgess’ admonishing expression turned to an understanding smile. “It’s time for the rings now folks!” he said, “Who’s going to bring them up?” 

“I am!” Andy said, his voice clear and confident in the temple. Lucy handed her bouquet to Nia, then Andy stood in front of her and Logan and opened the ring box, holding it steady while they placed their rings on each other’s fingers. 

“Thanks kiddo,” Logan said quietly, ruffling the boy’s hair. Then he took Lucy’s hands in his and they remained lightly entwined, caressing one another, not wanting to let go, wanting to feel that the other was really there in front of them. 

When Burgess pronounced them husband and wife and announced they could kiss, Logan grinned at Lucy, then tugged her hands, pulling her to him. Lucy placed her hands on his chest and gazed up into his eyes. Then, with one hand on her waist, the other cupping her jaw, Logan bent his face to hers, and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. Chaste at first, then a little more passionate, with a parting of the lips and a caress of the tongue, as Logan dipped Lucy, his hand behind her head. 

A few cheers and whoops, and a classic, “Save it for later!” from Owen that made Lucy giggle, and they both pulled apart, blushing and grinning like fools at their friends.

_________________

The temple walls were glowing pink and orange in the setting sunlight when the small procession filtered outside. The yakmel carts were there, waiting to take them down to the Blue Moon where they’d have a small party, put on by Owen. 

Logan insisted their friends take the first carts, telling them he and Lucy wanted to walk down so they could have a moment alone. Nia took Lucy’s bouquet for her, promising to keep it safe, then in groups of twos and threes, the others departed.

When all was quiet, Logan took her hand and they silently walked to the stone railings to look down at the town beneath them. A few stars were just becoming visible in the dusky pink sky, and the moon glowed, small and round, as if it were floating just above them. 

“We did it Luce,” Logan murmured as he turned her to face him and lifted his hands to her waist. 

“We did it.” Lucy smiled as she raised her arms to cross her wrists behind his neck. Logan dipped his face to hers and kissed her, his palms spreading flat against her back.

As they came up for air, Logan pressed his forehead to hers, keen to keep within easy reach of her mouth. “I can’t believe you’re my husband,” she said, biting her lip as she grinned. 

“Better start believin’ it, wife,” Logan said, before kissing her again. Next time they broke the kiss, he lifted her hand — the one with her rings — to his lips. “We’d better join the others,” he said, his lips still close to her knuckles. 

“Hmm. They’ll be waiting for us.” 

“They know we’re walking down.” 

“Or,” Lucy said, mischief in her eyes, “We could catch a cart down, and take a detour.” 

“A detour? Where?” Logan asked, but the way he smiled and licked his lips told her he knew exactly what she was suggesting. 

“Your old house is quite near the Blue Moon, if we were to pop in there for a…moment.” 

“A moment?” 

“Mmhm. I mean, some might say we’re not truly, properly married until…”

Logan’s grin grew even wider, then he was dragging her towards the yakmel station where a cart had just pulled up. Logan tipped the driver a little extra to drop them near his old house, and they rushed from the seat towards the front door in a fit of giggles and hasty whispers. 

Once inside, Logan pushed Lucy against the door, his kisses no longer sweet and chaste. She was overcome by the single thought — this is my husband — and it caused a swell of need to rise up in her core. She was ready for him to take her. She wouldn’t have cared if he’d torn her dress from her in that moment, desperate as she was to feel his skin against hers. 

So she whimpered when he pulled back.

But Logan needed another moment. A pause to truly appreciate her, to devour her with his eyes, before he claimed her with his body. 

Her dark hair and eyes, made even more striking by the contrast with her ivory dress. The slope of her neck, exposed, so kissable. Her skin, her curves, so soft against the tight, structured bodice holding her in place.

“You’re so beautiful Luce, always, but this dress…” he said quietly.

Lucy kissed his temple as he gazed down at her. 

Then she watched his face. The evening sunlight was now piercing a line through the window, casting a golden sheen over his hair. And his eyes, always a gorgeous blue, were ultramarine in the low light, like two ocean pools. 

Hair like the clouds that form far up in the Highwind sky. Horsetails, they call them. 

And eyes like the depths of the Western Sea. 

Wild but calm. Intense but safe. Strong and kind. 

“You’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen,” she whispered, her voice cracking as emotion threatened to overwhelm her, more in love with him than she ever thought possible.

Logan’s eyes immediately darted back to hers, piercing that line straight into her soul. 

Nobody had ever called him beautiful before Lucy did. He knew women found him attractive, and he secretly accepted he might be what you’d call handsome, but he knew Lucy saw something else. The physical, yes. But she saw even more in him. All of him. 

He loved being seen by her. 

He kissed her again, softer this time, one hand at the nape of her neck massaging her skin and her scalp, pulling a few tendrils loose from her updo. His other hand was at her waist, feeling the delicate beading of her bodice, then travelling up to cup her breast and run his thumb over her skin where her cleavage arched above the fabric. 

He couldn’t wait to get her out of her dress. But, right now, he wanted to make love to her in her wedding dress. 

His bride. 

His.

Lucy clasped his face in her hands, her thumbs tracing his cheeks, his jaw, her kisses turning desperate and insistent. 

How many times had they done this, now? They knew each other so well, knew each other’s body intimately. 

Yet, this licit embrace took her back to those early hedonistic days, when Logan would drag her home from the Blue Moon under cover of darkness and push her against the wall. When their relationship — though neither of them admitted that’s what it was — was still a secret.

As Lucy’s kisses heated, Logan began to battle with her skirts, trying to ruck them up to give him access to that part of her he was desperate to touch, to fill. 

He broke the kiss to look down. “How many fuckin’ bits of fabric are there?” he asked, exasperated, making Lucy laugh. She helped him lift up the silky skirt and the layers of tulle, slowly revealing a garter she’d made, one that matched the intricate lace of the underwear she was wearing. 

Logan took a sharp intake of breath as he saw the lacy fabric adorning her most intimate parts. It looked so fine and delicate. He had a feeling he could tuck one finger inside the waistband and tear it from her body. He swallowed as he resisted the urge, then instead gently rolled the fabric down against her skin, letting it drop, momentarily bending to help her remove her knickers when they got caught on the heel of her shoe. 

He kissed her again as he stroked along her center, parting one set of lips with his tongue, the other with his fingers. He felt the slickness between her legs and used it to help his fingers glide over her clit, teasingly rocking that piercing. 

She moaned, her hands once again on his jaw, then sliding down his neck, over his shoulders, his arms, down, finding his belt buckle and rushing to open it. 

He didn’t help her, left her fumbling with the clasp, then his button and his fly, as he continued with his teasing circles. 

Lucy finally undid his pants and reached inside his underwear to grasp him, delighting as always in the feel of him in her hand. So hard. So big. 

She ran her thumb over his tip, finding his own slickness to help her hand slide down to the base of him, then back up, slowly at first, then matching his pace. 

Logan won though. 

He always won at this game — her hand becoming clumsy as his fingers kept their steady rhythm — bringing her to an orgasm so swift and intense she moaned against his mouth and felt him grin, satisfied. He caressed her through it, gently rubbing her clit while her legs shook, until it became too much and she closed her legs, forcing him to still. 

He gave her a moment, a few breaths, to gather herself. 

But it was Lucy who moved first, pulling his underwear down out the way, telling him she didn’t want to wait. Logan lifted her up, one hand under her buttocks, the other hand under her thigh to help her wrap her legs around him. And then he found the angle and pushed inside, and felt her open up to him. 

They both groaned as he settled in deep. 

And the thought hit him again, that they were married. 

That this was his wife. 

That this was a new first. 

That now he could truly claim her. 

He began to move — forceful thrusts that made the door rattle in its frame and made Lucy tip her head back and moan. 

“Oh, Logan,” she said, her hands tight in his hair as he kept bucking and grunting. 

A whine left her mouth, a long, drawn-out, “Yes,” and Logan’s movements grew quicker, more frantic, as the animalistic way she clawed at him sent him hurtling towards his edge. 

He felt his balls contract, felt the pleasure tingle through his core, and then it was spilling out of him in three, four, five deep thrusts as he came, then another, and another, the biggest orgasm of his life causing him to brace himself against the door with one hand, his other holding her ass to keep her steady while he groaned and filled her. 

He came to a stop deep inside her, gasping for breath, a laugh bubbling up from his stomach. Lucy smiled, her own breathing heavy, and kissed his cheek as she waited for him to regain agency over his own body.

At last he slid from her, their bodies slick where they’d joined, and helped her stand on her wobbly feet. 

They stood, eyes closed, noses rubbing gently together, as they took deep, grounding breaths to still their beating hearts.

Married.

_________________

When Lucy and Logan finally walked through the doors of the Blue Moon, passing the 'Closed for a private function' sign, they were greeted by cheers and applause by those that had gathered to welcome the newly married couple.

And it seemed the whole town had joined them to celebrate.

They were stopped by dozens of people — Mabel and Cooper, Vivi, Hugo and Heidi, Unsuur, Zeke, Catori, Pablo, Amirah and Arvio, Rocky and Krystal, Yan, Trudy and Jasmine, everyone — to receive hugs and kisses, handshakes and congratulations. 

“Took you a while to get here,” Grace said quietly with a knowing wink as she pressed glasses of sparkling wine into their hands. 

“Oh, you know, just took our time walking down the hill,” Lucy said. 

“That’s why your dress is so creased is it?” Grace asked with a smirk, and Lucy quickly looked down, blushing fiercely while she tried to straighten out her skirts.  

“That dress! Vivi, you did a stunnin’ job,” Catori said. 

“She did, didn’t she?” Lucy said, as she gave Vivi a kiss on the cheek. 

Lucy turned as she heard Logan let out a grunt, and saw Andy barrel into him for a hug. “You did great kiddo,” Logan said. 

Then the boy let Lucy hug him, giggling and squealing as she squeezed him tight.

While Coogo played some background music, Owen circled with drinks and small bites — smoked sandfish and soft yakmel cheese on small bits of toasted bread; little pastry cups filled with vegetables in a cheesy, eggy custard; cured meats and olives and chutneys to dip things in. Lucy filled a plate, suddenly ravenous now the ceremony was out the way. She laughed at Logan next to her, who was eying one of the quiches with suspicion. With a small shrug, he stuffed it into his mouth, then looked pleasantly surprised and tried to grab more from her plate. "Get your own!" she scolded.   

After a while, Grace tapped a glass to get everyone’s attention and the kitchen doors opened behind her. Lucy gasped and Logan's eyebrows rose as Owen brought out his pièce de résistance — a decadent chocolate cake three tiers’ tall. 

“For you Lucy and Logan,” Owen said, “A commission from Nia — a cake you didn’t have to make yourself.” 

Lucy laughed and grinned at Nia, who took a small bow in their direction. 

“You have to cut it!” Mabel instructed them, and everyone parted to let the couple through. They held the knife together as they sliced into it, Ernest snapping photos of them all the while, before Owen took over and cut the cake into smaller pieces to share around. 

Lucy ate her piece carefully, anxious about getting any on her dress. “Owen,” she said as he passed, speaking even though her mouth was full, “This is the most delicious cake I’ve ever tasted. Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome Luce,” he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. He shook hands with Logan, then said with a sly grin, “You ready?” 

Logan took a deep breath then nodded. 

“Ready for what?” Lucy asked, finishing her cake and licking her thumb. 

Logan took her empty plate from her, wiped a crumb of chocolate from her lips, then took her hand and walked her to the area in front of the stage where Coogo had paused their playing. 

“Folks, it’s time for the first dance!” Cooper announced. “Now this is a weddin’ tradition goes back hundreds of years—”

“Get on with it Pa!” Elsie shouted. 

“Right, sorry folks.” He nodded at Hugo, and they began to play a slow lilting song, and everyone else went still and quiet as Logan pulled Lucy towards him, one hand at her waist, the other holding her hand by their shoulders. 

“A first dance Bandit?” Lucy said as she peered up at him. “I didn’t think this was your style.” 

“Told you before Builder. I’m honoured to dance with you. And I couldn't resist the chance to show you off now, could I? Never bin a more beautiful bride.”

Lucy blushed as he pressed a kiss to her cheek, and they swayed together until the song came to an end. The applause this time was much louder than it had been in the temple, now that the Blue Moon was rammed with people, and Justice managed to do a piercing whistle with his good hand. 

Logan and Lucy reluctantly let go of one another, then Lucy made a beeline for Andy, grabbing his hand and pulling him up to dance, while Logan held out a hand to Vivi, and they were soon joined on the dance floor by all their friends. 

_________________

A few days later, Lucy popped into the Blue Moon to fetch lunch for a picnic she was going on with Logan, Haru and Andy. Haru was only in town for a couple more nights, so they were making the most of the gang being back together. 

“How’s married life treating you?” Grace asked as she packed up their order.

Lucy grinned. “It’s the same really.” 

But Grace could tell by the colour in Lucy’s cheeks that she and Logan were making the most of Andy staying with Haru for the week.

“Did you hear about this one and a certain blond guy?” Owen asked with a smirk, pointing his thumb at Grace.

“Blond guy?” Lucy asked, then she twigged. “Brandon?!” 

Grace sighed and gave Owen her classic side eye. 

“When?!” Lucy asked, her face the picture of amusement.

“Night of your wedding,” Grace admitted. 

“Really? Wow. So are you two a thing?”

Grace snorted. “No.”

“Why not?”

“One, he’s leaving town at the end of autumn,” Grace said as she zipped up their cool bag. “And two, it was a one time thing. You know — just two people consoling each other that Sandrock’s hottest bachelorette is now officially off the market.” Grace smirked at Lucy as she passed her the bag.

“Stop it,” Lucy said, though she blushed. “So…how was it?”  

Grace shrugged. “I’ve had better, I’ve had worse.” 

Lucy giggled. "Tell me how it happened." 

_________________

Five weeks later…

As the wagon crested the hill, Lucy gave Andy’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. 

“Andy, we’re here,” she said softly. 

The boy, cuddled into her side, slowly blinked his eyes awake. “We’re here?” he mumbled, rubbing his face as he slowly sat up properly. 

“Yep. Take a look kiddo,” Logan said. 

Andy yawned and blinked at him, then slowly turned in the direction Logan nodded.

His jaw dropped open at the view.

“Woah, you built that?” he said. 

Lucy nodded. “Well, some of it,” she said. 

Before them, down in the valley, the large steel fence of the village gleamed gold and bronze in the evening sunlight.

Lucy inhaled deeply, a smile on her face. She was still incredibly proud of that project, and had many fond memories of her first expedition with Logan. It was a trip that had proved life-changing for the both of them. 

Lucy turned to look at Logan, Andy between them on the box seat. Logan was already looking at her, a smile on his face as if he was thinking exactly the same as her. “Shall we?” he asked. 

Lucy nodded with a grin, and Andy jiggled in his seat, excited to reach their destination. 

Chapter 23: A change of pace (NSFW)

Summary:

Andy makes friends in the village. Meanwhile, Lucy plans a gliding trip for Andy's birthday, but she has something to tell Logan, and it scuppers her plans.

The large gates of the village were already opening as they drew near, as if the trio was expected.

Lucy waved at the guards and Andy followed suit, gawking up at the man and woman in the tower above them. Logan brought the wagon to a stop just inside, and as they stepped down familiar faces came to greet them. 

“Lucy! My sister!” Aurelie said, “I was so excited to get your letter telling us you were wishing to visit us.” She gave Lucy a warm hug, then held her by the shoulders. “Congratulations to you both on your marriage. I knew it, didn’t I? I said last time.” She looked between them both, a big grin on her face.

"You did," Lucy said with a laugh, then she turned and accepted a hug from Shona, Aurelie's wife, while the other builder embraced Logan. 

“And who is this?” Aurelie asked, smiling at Andy.

“I’m Andy ma’am,” he said, offering his hand as Logan had instilled in him.

“Hello Andy,” Aurelie said, shaking his hand. “I am very happy to meet you. Logan has told me lots about you. You are very welcome. Here this way, I will show you all to your cabin.” 

Andy wandered next to Lucy, gawking at the sights of the village. The wooden buildings, the bunting, the smell of unusual food, the friendly faces bustling past, the unusual lilting dialect they spoke, the children running about like a small feral gang. Apart from his home town and Sandrock, and hiding in various small rooms and caves while on the run, Andy couldn’t remember being many other places. Especially not places like this. 

Lucy gently touched his arm to steer him to their cabin, distracted as he was by everything else. 

It was a cabin similar to the one Lucy and Logan had stayed in before, although slightly bigger with an extra bed for Andy. 

“All in one room? Cool! It’s like bein’ in a hideout again!” the boy said, flumping down onto his bed.

“Settle in then come for supper. I want to hear what a traditional Sandrock wedding is like!” Aurelie said, insistent. 

_________________

“How’s the fence holding up?” Lucy asked Aurelie as she helped her with the dishes after supper. 

“It is still up,” Aurelie said.

“Oh, yes, of course,” Lucy said, realising her phrase might not be the easiest to understand. “Is it still working to deter the antelophants? There’s no damage, or wear and tear?” 

“It has been great. The antelophants cannot get in. They still try sometimes though, when they are hungry. We have not had rain for a long time. We think there is less grass on the plains for them to eat. There is one section of the fence they try to get through. I would like your opinion on it. They have made some damage.” 

“Okay. We can take a look tomorrow?” Lucy placed the last dish onto the drying rack. “How does the lack of rain affect your crops?” 

“It has been a tough year. We have less corn growing, and what there is, we do not think all of it will ripen fully if we do not get rain soon.” 

Lucy nodded, thinking. “I might be able to help.” 

_________________

After breakfast the following morning, Lucy left Logan and Andy to explore the village and went for a walk with Aurelie to check the fence. Aurelie was right — there was a panel the antelophants had targeted, causing scuffs and dents, like they’d been trying to slot their tusks through the small openings in the metal latticework. Thankfully the gaps were small, and the panel was still holding, for now. 

“They’re clever aren’t they, picking the same section to try and weaken it. We could set up an electric fence, for this part at least. Not to seriously hurt the animals, but to give them a shock if they bump it again. At the moment they’re learning the fence isn’t scary, so they might keep trying. Otherwise… do you know if there are any plants they don’t like, or any scents?” 

Aurelie shook her head. 

“Perhaps we could try planting something else alongside the corn,” Lucy said. “Some animals don’t like strong smells, like chilli. I can get some seeds to send you. It’s worth a try to put them off. Of course that would take away some of the water you use, which is already a precious resource.” Lucy scratched her chin. “Can you show me your water irrigation system?” 

They walked through a few rows of corn and Aurelie pointed out the buried pipes and sprinklers. 

Lucy bent down to inspect them. “Have you spotted any leaks?” she asked, looking along the row. 

“Not that we have noticed. But our tanks are running low without much rain. Every drop is valuable.” 

“Can I see your dew collectors?” Lucy asked as she stood. 

Lucy worked with Aurelie for the rest of the day, sharing with her the diagram she had for more advanced machines to collect dew and feed it into their water tanks, and sketching out some options to upgrade the irrigation system, based on the work Zeke and Nia had been doing at the Moisture Farm and Little Woods in Sandrock. 

She met up with Logan and Andy late in the afternoon, finding them both lounging in the cabin to rest and cool off. The weather was still hot and dry, despite being the middle of autumn. “You boys had a good day?” she asked. She took a second to admire Logan, who was sitting back against the headboard, hands behind his head, legs stretched out in front of him, wearing just his trousers, and looking mighty fine. She wondered where he'd choose to take the tattoo on his chest this time — across his other pec? Further down his back? She licked her lips as her eyes wandered over the fine red lines on his golden skin. 

Andy was perched on the end of the bed playing with one of the toys he’d brought with him from Sandrock. Lucy was delighted Andy was with them, was so excited for him to experience life in this village, to share it with him. But for a split second she thought about the previous times she’d been here with just Logan, when they’d fallen into bed at this time of day. And not to sleep. It didn’t help that they hadn’t had a chance to have sex for a few days, travelling as they had been with Andy, then all staying in the same cabin together. And Lucy and Logan had grown accustomed to being able to make love every day.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts and focus on what Andy was saying.

“Shona took us on a tour of the fence. It’s huge Luce!” he said enthusiastically, making Lucy beam with pride. Andy’d had a great time running around up and down the towers and through the corn fields. 

“Everythin’ okay with it?” Logan asked.

Lucy nodded. “A couple of things we can do to make it safer, and hopefully help them manage their water scarcity. I’m starving though now.” 

“Me too, I’m famished! I reckon I could eat a whole yakmel,” Andy said, flopping back onto the foot of the bed. 

“You look a little tired too Luce, you feelin’ alright?” 

“Yeah.” She rubbed her forehead. “I am a bit tired after being out in the sun all day. Have I got time for a nap before supper?”

_________________

Ten of them crammed around the dining table a few hours later — Aurelie and Shona, Aurelie’s brother Gabriel plus his wife, Juliette, their three kids, and Lucy, Logan, and Andy. 

Andy was quiet, a little shy to be around children he didn’t know well, especially when the three of them squabbled. Andy bickered with Jasmine from time to time, and Pebbles and Alo, but he didn’t have siblings, yet, and found the dynamic unusual. Gabriel’s eldest, Luca, was a similar age to Andy, and confident and gregarious. He was happy to tell tales of what his younger sisters had been getting up to that day, much to their annoyance. It made for a lively meal with lots of raised voices and laughter. 

Aurelie and Shona dished up a beautiful meal of rooster meat in a deep red sauce, with flatbreads and green beans on the side. 

“Will you have a new tattoo while you are here?” Gabriel asked at one point, as he dunked a piece of bread into the rich, garlicky sauce. 

“Absolutely,” Logan said, sharing a smile with Lucy. 

“Can I get one?” Andy piped up, hope in his voice.

“Sure,” Logan said.

“Really?!” 

“‘Course. When you’re 18.” 

“Aw man. What? That’s ages away.” 

“Those are the rules kiddo.” 

Lucy gave Andy a sympathetic smile as the group gently laughed at his dismay. “It does hurt Andy. I wouldn’t rush to do it.”

“My Papa will not let me get one yet either,” Luca chimed in, “But I know what patterns I will get first. Do you want to see?” 

Andy nodded and Luca fetched his sketchbook, then began drawing different lines and swirls and explaining what they represented. Lucy watched them, smiling to herself as she saw Andy relax and begin to open up.

“Oh, while I remember,” she said, “Andy and I brought our glider with us this time. I wondered if any of you know where there might be a good launch site?” 

“I can have a think,” Gabriel said. “What do you need for a good launch site?” 

Lucy chatted with Gabriel about gliding mechanics and heights and ledges and wind directions and landing spaces. Logan watched her talk. He loved how passionate she was about it, and how she shared her knowledge of something that was pretty unique to Highwind. He watched her lips move, then his eyes slid down, appreciating the tanned curves of his wife’s shoulders against her white tank top, and how the top was cut just low enough to see a bit of her cleavage. The skin on her chest was a little pink from the day's sun, and he wondered if it would feel hot against his lips, and if her piercings would still feel cool on his tongue…

“Logan!” 

“Hmm? Sorry kid, you say somethin’?” 

“Yeah, look at these drawin’s Luca’s done, you got any of these in yer tattoos?”

“Let me see,” Logan said, blinking to clear his head of thoughts of Lucy, and taking the notebook from his kid’s hands. “These are great. Yeah, I reckon I got that one…and that one. That one too.” 

He handed the book back. “You excited for yer birthday kid?” Logan asked.

“Be more excited if I could get a tattoo,” he said a little grumpily. But then he smiled. “Will I get a cake?” 

“I’ll see what I can do.” 

_________________

That dinner was the start of a budding friendship between Andy and Luca. They’d only just finished breakfast at Aurelie's house the next day when Luca stopped by and asked if Andy could play with him. At Logan’s nod they took off, tearing down the streets, gathering a few children on the way into a game of chase. 

“Guess I’ll head out on a patrol then,” Logan said with a laugh. “You headin’ out Shona?” 

“Yes, we will meet in 20 minutes?” 

That left Lucy free to carry on with her work with Aurelie, working out what they needed in order to make the pressure regulators and check valves Lucy wanted to add to enhance the irrigation system for the fields. They were relatively small builds, but fiddly, with dials, springs, hinges, not to mention the metal and plastic casings for each part. They got to work pouring metal and plastic scrap into the recyclers, and in-between Lucy finessed the measurements and diagrams based on those she already had in her builder’s handbook. Every now and then she heard Andy’s voice amongst the squeals and shouts of the children in the neighbouring streets. It was a wonderful sound, to hear him playing with so many children. 

In the middle of the afternoon, while she was focussed on a particularly tricky bit of math, she felt someone squeeze her ribs and she yelped. When she heard Logan chuckle, she turned and flicked him in the chest with her glove. 

“Logan! You scared me.” 

“Looked like you were in yer own little world there Darlin'.” 

“Hmm.” She brushed her hair from her face. “It’s hurting my brain a bit. I could do with calling it a day. Are you done? Where’s Andy?” 

Logan licked his lips, a cocky smile brewing on his face. “Andy,” he said, “Has bin invited to help Luca with his chores.” 

“Oh, I bet he’s delighted,” Lucy said, laughing.

“Yeah. He was not. Until Juliette told him she’d pay him in cookies.” 

Lucy laughed again. 

“But,” Logan began, his hands creeping up to Lucy’s waist and tugging her a little closer, “It does mean, Builder, that we have some time to ourselves.” 

Lucy’s lips parted as she looked up at him, then she grabbed his hand and began pulling him through the streets. If it wasn’t for all the people about who might wonder what the emergency was, Lucy and Logan would have run back to their cabin. As it was, they walked quickly, avoiding too much eye contact with others less they felt they had to stop and chat. They only ran when they were a few feet away from their cabin steps, before Lucy fumbled with their door, giggling, and they rushed inside. 

Logan quickly locked it, then grabbed Lucy — one hand at her waist, the other cupping her jaw — and kissed her firmly, his tongue finding hers properly for the first time in days, and began to walk her backwards towards the bed. 

“Do we need to rush Bandit?” Lucy asked against his lips, and he pulled back, just a little. 

“Way I see it Builder, safer to rush an’, if there’s still time, we can do it again.” 

She gave him a wicked grin, then grabbed his t-shirt and yanked it up over his chest, helping him pull it over his head and onto the floor. It was a frantic scrabble then to remove the rest of their clothes, not caring where they landed, until they fell onto the bed in a tangle of naked limbs. 

Logan kissed her neck and ran his fingers down over her stomach, reaching between her legs, intending to stroke and tease her. He groaned with satisfaction when he felt she was already wet, and she grabbed his hand, pulling it away. 

“No time,” she said, instead grabbing his cock and encouraging him to enter her straight away. 

Logan didn’t need asking twice. He was definitely feeling more than a little pent up. 

He sighed with pleasure as he slid inside easily, shallow at first, then getting deeper with each thrust, holding himself up with one forearm while his other hand roughly squeezed her breast, then toyed with her nipple piercing, then slid down to clasp her hip and hold her steady against his forceful bucking. 

Lucy tried to contain her moans, aware there were people bustling around the streets just outside, but Logan was hitting that spot and she couldn’t help it. She bit her lips and pressed them against Logan’s shoulder as he continued to fuck her, a tiny whine leaving her, her eyes scrunched up with the force of effort she was using to keep her cries to a minimum. 

So it was a relief in more than one way when her orgasm began to build in earnest. It took her breath away and she went silent as it grew, higher and higher, until it finally crashed through her. She couldn’t control her guttural groan then, but she did keep her face pressed into Logan’s neck, hopeful that it might muffle the sounds of her bliss. 

Logan, feeling her come undone beneath him, let himself go, his own release strong and plentiful after days of buildup. “Oh, fuck,” he mumbled, as the pleasure travelled through his groin to the tip of his cock and his seed spurted inside her, again and again, his heart beating wildly.

As he stilled, panting to catch his breath, Lucy placed her hands on his flushed cheeks and gazed into his blue eyes. Logan kissed her gently then, still gasping, rolled away to lie beside her, pulling her against him with one arm, the other flung above his head as he stared at the ceiling. 

Lucy sighed happily as she rested her cheek against his shoulder and ran her fingers over his chest. 

_________________

“Funny to think, might be a new little one in there any day now,” Logan said a short while later, looking at her stomach as he traced around her belly button with his finger.

“Yeah…about that…” Lucy said. 

Logan’s eyes flickered to her face, then grew wide when he saw the smile on her lips. “Luce?” 

Her smile broke into a grin. 

“Really?” Logan’s eyes were huge now. 

“Really.” 

“Since when?”

“I went to see Fang before we came away. He’d told me to expect a period within a few weeks of stopping my contraception, and that if it didn’t arrive, I should have a check-up. Turns out, part of the check-up is a pregnancy test.” 

Logan looked at her stomach again, his palm now laying gently below her belly button. 

“I would’ve told you sooner but I knew you’d be fussing about the journey. And we haven’t had much time alone.” 

“Fussin’? Me?”

Lucy gave him a look that made him chuckle. “Were you uncomfortable on the way here?” he asked.

“No. I’ve been a little more tired I guess. My boobs have been a bit achey from time to time,” she said shyly. “But otherwise, no real symptoms yet. I feel normal.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before we had sex just now? Did I hurt you Luce?” He was suddenly anxious that he’d been too rough, too wrapped up in his own ecstasy and joy of her body. 

“Because I wanted you Lo!” she said with a laugh. “And no you didn’t hurt me.”

“You sure?” 

“I’m sure. Although, I’m not sure how much longer I’ll keep my piercing in.”

Logan’s eyebrows raised, then he looked at her nipple. “Is it sore?” 

“A bit sensitive. And it will need to come out anyway eventually, if I breastfeed. You don’t mind?” She knew he loved that piercing. It’d been one of the first things he’d discovered about her body, that day at the Outpost, and he very much enjoyed it. 

“‘Course I don’t mind Luce. I don’t want you to be puttin’ up with anythin’ makes you uncomfortable. When did you see Fang?”

“A few days before we came away.” 

“Has he seen it?” The thought suddenly popped into his head, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it.

“My nipple piercing? No, he hasn’t.” 

“What about—”

“No. He hasn’t seen that one either,” she said, knowing at once Logan was referring to the piercing through the hood of her clit. “Although, you do realise he’s probably going to have to stick his head down that end at some point, don’t you?” Lucy said with a grin.

Logan's cheeks flushed, a sheepish smile on his face. “Can’t say I like the idea Luce, but if needs must.” 

He paused and looked down at her body again. “Builder,” he said, stroking his thumb over her stomach, "You’ve bin keepin’ secrets.” 

“Are you mad?” 

“No Darlin’, I’m so happy.” He bent his face to hers and kissed her softly, then nuzzled her nose with his own. “We’re gonna have a baby.” 

Lucy nodded, unable to wipe the smile off her face. 

“When will…I mean, how pregnant…?” 

“Fang said it’s difficult to tell at this stage. I could be six or seven weeks’ pregnant, since that’s when I stopped taking those pills, or less. So baby will be due…late spring, early summer?”

“Could’ve bin our weddin’ night,” Logan said with a devilish grin. “Or the week after.” 

Lucy laughed. “Could’ve been. Or any of the other nights Lo.” His grin only grew wider.

“A summer baby. Like me,” he said. 

“Mmhm.” 

“When should we tell Andy?” 

“Oh, I think let’s give it a few more weeks yet. I wouldn’t want him to get his hopes up, just in case.” 

“Okay Darlin’. It’s our secret for now.” 

“Our secret,” she said, pulling him down for another kiss. 

_________________

The following morning, Andy was up early, anxious to go and play with his new friends. Logan chuckled as the boy ran out the door. “Kid’s gonna love havin’ a siblin’ to play with.” He turned to Lucy and saw her grab her shoe and slide her foot into it. “What’re you up to today?” 

“Gabriel’s offered to take me up to that ledge we talked about, see if it’s a good spot for gliding,” Lucy said with a smile as she picked up her other shoe. 

Logan frowned. “What?” 

“Gliding, remember?” She began tying her laces and looked up at Logan. Her hands stilled when she saw the look on his face. “What’s the matter?” 

“You’re goin’ glidin’?”

“Yes, with Andy, for his birthday.” 

“I know but…” 

“But what?” 

“That was before.”

“Before what?”

“Luce…you’re pregnant.” 

Lucy smiled, though her eyebrows knitted together, bemused as she was. “Only just. It doesn’t change things.” 

“Yes it does.” 

“Why?” 

“What if y’get hurt?” 

“Lo, the chances of anything bad happening are really small. You know I'll be careful.” She finished tying her other shoelace, then stood and looked him in the eye. He still looked serious, and worried. “The baby’s tiny Lo, it’s not going to get hurt.” 

“Did ya clear it with Fang?” 

Lucy hesitated. “Well. No. I didn’t think I needed to. Lo, it’ll be fine. Pregnant women fly all the time in Highwind.”

“Tandem?” 

When Lucy hesitated again, Logan shook his head.

Lucy raised her eyebrows. “No?” she said.

“No, Luce, I don’t want you to go. It ain’t right. You need to look after yerself.” 

“Logan, I’m pregnant, not ill.” 

He shook his head again. “It’s too much of a risk, for you an’ Andy.”

“I would never put Andy in danger—”

“I know you don’t mean to, but—” 

“And I handle risks every day. What about my work? Ruin diving. Hunting. All that machinery?” 

Logan shifted on his feet then, a pained look on his face. Then he grimaced, like he’d realised what his expression must have given away before he’d had time to school it, and knew what her reaction would be. 

“Lo, you can’t be serious?”

“Luce, I don’t wanna tell you what to do, but don’t you think you should cool it with all that stuff?” 

“When I’m heavily pregnant Lo, yes maybe, but now? No I don’t.” 

“You need to think about what’s important Luce.”

“My career is important!” 

“It ain’t more important than yer health Luce. Puttin’ yerself in danger to fix stuff for other people when they could find someone else to do it... it ain’t smart!” 

“Not smart? Lo, it’s my job. I love that stuff. And I’m careful, you know I am.” 

“Not careful enough!” 

Lucy stared at him in shock. 

“Luce, I—”

“I can't believe what you're saying. Giving up that side of things, changing who I am — that wasn’t part of the deal Lo.” 

Lucy’s eyes searched his face one more time, before she walked out and let the door slam behind her. 

Logan sighed and rubbed his face, then sat on the bed. That wasn’t how he wanted that conversation to go. It hadn’t even occurred to him that Lucy would still want to go gliding. And then when she brought up her job — he hadn’t thought about it until now, but yes it was frightening, the thought of her doing those things when she was carrying his baby. 

It was bad enough when it was just Lucy. He couldn’t bear it if… 

He couldn’t bear it.

_________________

“Is everything okay?” Shona asked a few hours later as Logan brushed the horse in front of him with a little more force than he normally did.

“Everythin’s fine,” he mumbled. 

Shona stared at him like she didn’t believe a word. “That horse will not have any hair left.” 

Logan stopped and sighed. “Sorry, yer right.” He patted the horse’s side in apology, and glanced at his friend. “Luce and I had a fight.” 

“About what?” 

Logan thought how best to explain without telling her Lucy was pregnant. “About her takin’ unnecessary risks.” 

“Risks? Like what? It seems like you both have a sense of adventure.” Shona grinned at Logan, and his face softened a little.

“Yeah, I guess y’could say that. She wants to take Andy glidin’ for his birthday, but she’s…recoverin’…from bein’ ill.”

“Lucy thinks she is up to it?” 

“She does.” 

“Well, can she not give it a go and see how she feels?” 

“I just worry about somethin’ goin’ wrong.” 

“I can imagine. Gliding sounds scary! How many times has she done it?” 

“Hundreds.” 

“Oh. And how many times has she hurt herself?” 

“None. But it would only take one accident to—” 

“That is just life Logan. It only ever takes one moment for everything to change, for better or worse.” 

Logan looked down at the brush in his hands. He didn’t know if Shona knew about what’d happened at the temple, with his Pa. But her words struck a chord nonetheless. 

“It is okay for you to want her to be safe,” Shona said. “And, it is okay for Lucy to still want to do the things she loves if she feels well enough. I am sure you have both taken risks that have frightened the other, no?” 

Logan looked at Shona again, a thoughtful look on his face. Then, in the distance, he heard Lucy’s voice travel towards him on the breeze. 

She was chatting to Gabriel excitedly, explaining the different types of gliders you could see in Highwind, but as they rode nearer Lucy spotted Logan, and her voice trailed off. She looked at him warily, then dismounted. 

Gabriel, glancing between them both, sensed the tension. As he got down from his horse he called out a greeting to Shona and Logan, then patted Lucy on the shoulder before he walked their horses to their stalls. 

Logan turned to give his apologies to Shona, but she was already holding out her hand for the brush. She nodded as if to say ‘go on’. 

Logan wiped his hands on a rag then walked across to where Lucy was waiting for him.

“Hey Builder,” he said softly.

“Hey Bandit.” 

“Take it the ride went well?” 

“Yes, the spot is perfect for gliding.” 

Logan nodded. “Can we talk?”

“Of course.” 

“You up for another ride?” 

“Sure.” 

They took Rambo and Merle out this time, past the village gates and towards the base of the rocky outcrop that formed one side of the valley. They rode in silence, the autumn sun still beating its way down onto their backs, the sound of the crickets’ obnoxious chirping filling their ears. 

After a while, Logan steered them towards a gap under a natural rock bridge. Lucy gaped up at it as they passed underneath, marvelling at the sandy rock carved by nature.

As they walked on, the rocks either side cocooned them, until the passage was only several feet wide. When Logan jumped down from Rambo and instructed him to stay, Lucy followed suit and walked behind her husband as he took them further along the path. 

They passed under another rocky bridge, then back out into the sun. There, Logan leant back against one side of the passage, his arms folded, one ankle crossed over the other. Lucy leant on the other side, the rock warm against her back. 

Logan’s blue eyes studied her face. “Let me have it then Luce,” he said.

Lucy looked down at her feet, scuffing them in the dirt as she tried to work out what to say. “I said it all earlier. I’m not giving up who I am or what I do.”

“I ain’t askin’ you to.” 

“Yes you are! That’s exactly what you’re asking! You told me not to go gliding, like I can’t make decisions for myself. Then you strongly implied I shouldn’t be working.”

“I never said you shouldn’t be workin’ Luce. I just reckon you should ease up a little.”  

“Perhaps when I’m heavily pregnant Lo, but now? That’s crazy!” 

“Why? Why’s it crazy to think you might need to look after yerself?”

“Logan! I’m only a few weeks’ pregnant and you’re already trying to wrap me in cotton wool. I will go out of my mind if I can’t work, you know that. You’d be the same.”

“I ain’t tellin’ you y’can’t work! Just have some sense Luce about what could hurt you or the baby.”

“Like what?” 

“Like…runnin’ into areas with crazy green gas and breathin’ in Light-only-knows what, or fightin’ robots that get you electrocuted, or hangin’ from tunnels with giant worms snappin’ at yer heels, or…or…divin’ into a horde of bandirats.” 

“Those are very extreme examples Lo,” Lucy said, her face fierce. 

“Are they?”

“Yes.”

“Seems like they happen pretty often Luce,” Logan said, his own face hardened.  

“And what about you Lo?” 

“What about me?” 

“Well are you going to ‘ease up’ too? Because I’m not the only parent here. And I’m not the one who got thrown off a cliff or went after a gang of bandits or, hell, dived from a train after a holdup. This baby is going to need you as much as it needs me, so I am not going to be the one making all the sacrifices. If you wanted a woman who was going to sit at home in a rocking chair knitting blankets, you should’ve married someone else.” 

“I don’t want that Luce, I want you!” 

“So get used to the fact I will not ease up until I decide that it’s best for me and our baby!” 

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

Lucy pushed herself from the rock and began to walk back to the goats.

“We’re not done!” Logan said loudly, his voice stern.

She turned to look at him, surprised, and Logan let out a long exhale through his nose.

“Of course you’re allowed to decide what’s best for you Luce, an’ I’m sorry if I made it sound like I was makin’ demands, or tellin’ you what to do. 

“But I’m allowed to worry about you Luce. I always will. And now it ain’t just you — it’s you and our baby. An’ the only way I can look after the baby right now, is to look after you. I’m allowed to be scared. Heck, how would you feel if I went out on patrol with our baby strapped to my back?” 

Lucy avoided eye contact as she shrugged. “I’d trust you.” 

Logan gave her a look as if to say, ‘get real’. 

“Okay, I’d be nervous about it,” she admitted.

“That’s my point Luce. Until they’re born, our baby goes with you. So you can carry on, knowin’ I’ll support you, trust you, encourage you to go after whatever it is you want. You can call me out on it if I get overprotective, and I will, we both know I will.” He stopped and chewed his lip. “Because I will always worry about you. ‘Cause you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I love you.”

Lucy swallowed. “I love you too.” 

They stared at one another, then Lucy slowly walked forwards and wrapped her arms around his waist, and rested her cheek against his chest. “I love you,” she said again, softening against him. 

Logan returned her embrace and pressed his lips to the top of her head. She felt his solid chest rise and fall as he sighed deeply. 

“I’m sorry to make you worry Lo. I... I’m not going to take Andy gliding.”

Logan closed his eyes for a moment, relief and guilt washing over him. “Luce—”

“No, it’s my decision Lo. Gabriel was asking me about it, about how much strain flying tandem puts on my body and…you’re right. It’s too much right now. And I don’t want to put Andy in danger.”  

She lifted her head to look at him. “I’m still working though, as much as I can while I can. But I appreciate your input on when something might be too much. And your help.” 

“Okay Darlin’.” 

Lucy rested her head against Logan’s chest again, and they stayed that way for a minute.

Then he heard her voice, quiet and slightly muffled against his chest. “You’re not really going to take our baby on patrol are you?”

_________________

“I need your help telling Andy that I can’t take him gliding for his birthday,” Lucy said as they walked back towards Rambo and Merle. “We worked so hard on that glider. He’s going to be disappointed.” She felt her eyes sting with tears as she thought about it. 

Logan slung an arm over her shoulder and hugged her to him as they walked. “We’ll find somethin’ else to do together Luce. He won’t mind. And even if he is disappointed, when he finds out why in a few months, it’ll all be forgotten.” 

Lucy nodded as she wiped away the stray tear that had run down her cheek. 

“You alright Darlin’?” 

She nodded again. “I think it’s just hitting me how much is going to have to change, how much I’m going to have to change. I knew it would be physically tough, but I didn't think about what I'd have to give up.” 

“You havin’ regrets?” 

“No! No. I just… It’s scary. And I don’t want to lose myself Lo.”  

Logan stopped them walking and ran his thumb over her cheek. “I get that Darlin’. An’ I’m nervous too. But we’ll figure it out together, like we’ve always done.” 

“Okay,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. 

He looked at her face, which was suddenly looking quite pale. “You feelin’ tired Love?” 

“I think a little, yes.” 

“Ride back with me on Rambo. We’ll let Merle walk next to us.” 

When they reached the goats, Logan helped Lucy up into Rambo’s saddle then took a seat behind her so he could hold the reins with one hand and wrap the other around her waist, holding her against him so that she could rest. He nuzzled his nose into her hair, breathing in the scent of her, enjoying how warm she felt against his body. Knowing he couldn't always keep her safe, but for now, feeling content. 

 

 

Notes:

Sorry it's taken a while to get this chapter published. I thought I'd cover their trip to the village in one chapter, but there's a lot I want to include. So you get more chapters, yay!

Chapter 24: A new family member

Summary:

Lucy and Aurelie finish their work to build the electric fence, and Andy celebrates his birthday.

Lucy was thoroughly worn out by the time they got back to the village. She cuddled into Logan’s side as they walked back to their cabin, then crawled onto their bed for a rest. 

Logan wasn’t worried about her fatigue. It'd been a long day, and he knew a little about pregnancy from the other mothers in Sandrock. He was old enough to remember Mabel being pregnant with Elsie too, and his Pa telling him Mabel would need to lay off providing them dinners for a while so she could focus on herself. It was a rough few months, eating his Pa's cooking. 

And Lucy's tiredness was reassuring for him in some ways. It made it feel real.

He left Lucy to rest and went back out looking for Andy, and supper. He found the former playing at Gabriel’s house with Luca. Andy had taken his action figures over to show the other boy, and they’d created some kind of war zone in the dirt to reenact a battle. 

Logan gently rested his hand on Andy’s head then bent down to tell him he needed to go back to the cabin to — quietly, so as not to wake Lucy — wash up before supper. “Can I leave these here?” Andy asked Luca, who nodded enthusiastically. 

“I’ll keep them safe!” the other boy said, bundling them up to take them inside.

Luca was stopped on the doorstep by his mother Juliette. Logan wasn’t entirely sure what she said, but he was pretty sure it was along the lines of, “You’re not bringing those dirty things in here!” 

Logan smiled and continued on his way to Aurelie and Shona’s. He stopped at their house for a little while, drinking the tall glass of juice they pressed into his hand while they cooked supper for him to take back to Lucy and Andy, refusing any kind of payment for the meal. They appreciated Lucy and Logan's help whenever they stayed in the village, and felt the least they could do was make sure they were fed and watered.

By the time he returned to the cabin, the shadows were long on the ground, the bright sun sinking towards the fields. He opened the door and blinked into the dimness, then paused on the threshold. 

Andy looked to have done a decent job of washing his hands, though he’d missed the dirt on his knees. He’d clearly decided a nap was a good idea though, and he’d crawled onto the bed next to Lucy, where they were both fast asleep. 

Logan decided to give them 15 more minutes before he woke them for supper.

_________________

Lucy wanted to tell Andy about their gliding trip the next day, but he was so excited about spending another day with his new friends that she thought, I’ll tell him later.

While Logan took on his own jobs at the stables or on patrols, she got stuck into her work with Aurelie, keen to finish the improvements they'd planned for the irrigation system. They fitted the new pressure regulator to keep the flow of water steady, and the check valves to reduce the risk of water flowing backwards and siphoning out of the pipes in the wrong places.

By mid-afternoon, Lucy felt weary again, and excused herself to go back to the cabin for a rest. That wasn't unusual here — a quick siesta late in the afternoon. Of course, how they used that time was different for Lucy and Logan these days. Lucy really did just want to sleep. Her fatigue was also now accompanied by a hollow feeling in her stomach — a kind of nausea, she guessed. Fang had warned her that 'morning sickness' didn't necessarily appear in the morning. 

Logan watched her face as she got freshened up for dinner. She was looking a little peaky. 

"You want me to bring somethin' back for you Luce?" he offered. But she shook her head, feeling like her absence would be noted. 

Lucy thought she might find time to tell Andy about the gliding while they ate, but it was such a nice evening for a cookout with their friends that she decided she’d tell him tomorrow. Really she knew she was putting it off, but she hated to disappoint him.

The food Aurelie and Shona were cooking smelled delicious. It always did. So Lucy was surprised that, when she was handed a plate, she didn't fancy it at all. Especially the meat. The thought of it actually turned her stomach.

She poked at her food with her fork, then gave her leftovers to Andy, who accepted them gratefully. He wolfed down the beans then grabbed the rooster leg and disappeared off to play, deaf to Logan's shouts that he should sit down while eating.

Juliette, sitting on one side of Lucy, quietly observed her. Logan, on the other, nudged Lucy's arm. "You feelin' alright Darlin'? You ain't eaten much." 

"I'm fine, just not hungry." 

"Luce." 

"Alright. I'm feeling a bit sick," she admitted. "But I'm okay." 

Logan bent forward and kissed her forehead. "Let's get you back to the cabin, get some rest." 

Tomorrow came, but Andy was off early again, keen to leave them to it while he went off on his own adventure, asking for extra jerky to take with him to share with his friends.

Lucy and Aurelie moved on to planning the electric fence they wanted to install. It would sit outside the huge metal fence, and would only cover the lower half of the panel the antelophants were targeting. They just needed it in place long enough to put the antelophants off, or teach them that attacking the fence wasn't worth it. That was the theory anyway.

They marked out the ground where the new electric fence would sit, several feet in front of the metal panel, then marked the positions for the new fenceposts. 

It was strange working outside the village, with the landscape behind them opening up into the barren wilderness. At first Lucy felt like she was looking over her shoulder every two minutes, checking for some beast or monster that might be creeping up on them. She realised how safe it felt inside the village with its fortified walls. 

They weren't far from one of the gate towers though, and she could see the guards up there looking relaxed as they monitored the horizon. Occasionally they would wave or call down to them, making jokes about what the builders were doing ("That line isn't straight!" said with a cheeky grin). 

In the afternoon, as they were digging the holes for the posts, Logan called out to Lucy from the other side of the metal fence. She could see his grin through the latticework, and she waved at him before he continued the walk around and through the gates. 

"You nearly done for the day Builder?" he asked quietly when he reached her. He was really trying not to be overprotective, but he knew she was likely to overdo it and, based on the last few days, about now was when it would hit. 

"Yes, I just want to...finish this...hole." She sighed as the shovel hit another rock. 

"Here, let me Darlin'." 

It wasn't long before Logan was sweating. He stopped to discard his hat, then untucked his shirt and pulled it off, adding it to the pile, before he picked up the shovel again. Lucy sighed happily as she watched him, his pants slung low on his hips, the muscles of his back and shoulders working hard. She glanced up at the tower and saw one of the guards there watching him too, clearly enjoying the view. Lucy smirked, then returned her gaze to Logan.  

"That deep enough Love?" he asked, his eyes looking to her for approval. She blinked slowly a few times, then walked closer to check. 

"Yes, that's perfect. Thank you Lo." 

Logan had his own cocky smile on his face when she looked at him again. 

"What?" she asked.

He shook his head and grinned, tapping the dirt with the shovel. "I just like it when I catch you lookin' at me like that Darlin'." 

"Like what?" she asked, though she didn't need to. She stepped closer, and admired the sweat that glistened on his chest. She wanted to put her mouth to it, to taste the saltiness of him on her tongue.

"Like you wanna do somethin' that ain't fit for an audience." 

Lucy smiled mischievously. "Do you think they'd have a problem if I licked you, right here..." She pressed a finger to his collarbone, then traced it lower, down over his abs. "Right now?" 

Logan cleared his throat and squinted against the sun as he looked up and around. "I reckon you could get away with that," he said. "But what I'd wanna do next...well..." He looked back at Lucy and bent his head so his mouth was only a few inches from hers. "They might have a problem with me rippin' yer shirt off so I can return the favour." 

Lucy blushed and bit her lip as she looked away. It was too much, the way he looked at her, his eyes as blue as the hottest part of a flame. "Perhaps we should head back to the cabin then?" she said. "It would be better for everybody." 

There was another second where they grinned at one another, before Logan called out to Aurelie that he needed to borrow his builder. Aurelie rolled her eyes but waved them away. 

The cool cabin was a refuge against the heat outside. They'd passed Andy on the way, on his own but claiming he was playing a game of hide and go seek, so they knew they had a small amount of time. 

They lay down together, still half clothed, still sweaty and dusty. Lucy fulfilled her promise, running her tongue over the lines of his chest, saying thank you for the work he'd done. Logan fulfilled his, helping her remove her top and bra so he could worship her with his tongue, going gently with her breasts and nipples now he knew they were tender. Then he unbuttoned her shorts, and slipped his hand inside. 

"I would've happily done this there and then in the dirt Luce," he murmured in her ear, making her moan as his fingers found their target. 

_________________

Lucy just wanted to sleep all evening, but she forced herself up and out. She looked over all the dishes Gabriel and Juliette had set out on their table for everyone to share, dismayed to find there was nothing there that she wanted to eat. Then she felt someone hover next to her, and Juliette quietly set a separate plate down in front of her.

On it was a baked potato with a tiny bit of butter, and lots of salt. Juliette squeezed Lucy's shoulder and smiled at her, then took her own seat at the table. Lucy stared at the potato, then decided to risk it.

It was boring, and plain, and the most incredible thing she'd eaten in days. 

Lucy was quick to volunteer to help Juliette with the dishes after dinner.

"How did you know?" she asked, as she dipped her hands into the sudsy water. 

Juliette smiled at the plate she was drying. "You have seemed tired, and I noticed you were off your food last night. You looked worried again at supper today. It was...just a guess. I ate a lot of potatoes when I was pregnant." 

"Does anyone else know?" 

"I do not think so. I will not tell them. It is your news." 

"Thank you Juliette," Lucy said, grateful, and happy to have a confidant.

Lucy was ready to drop when they got back to the cabin that evening, but Andy's birthday was now only a couple of days away, and she had to get it off her chest and break it to him. She sat him down on their bed while Logan went to make sure Rambo and Merle were all set for the night. 

He looked really worried about what she was going to say.

"Have I done somethin' wrong?" 

"No! No, not at all. It's me. It's about the gliding. I know we’d planned to go for your birthday, but I’m afraid we’re not going to be able to.” 

“Oh, okay.” Andy looked relieved but fidgeted where he sat next to her on the bed. Lucy was worried he was upset and was trying to hide it. 

“I’m really sorry kiddo, I just can’t do it at the moment. I have some…back pain, so I need to give it some time.” 

“S'alright. Does it hurt?” 

“Oh, not too bad. I’m fine. I’m sorry though Andy. We’ll do something else for your birthday. What would you like to do?” 

“I’m happy just playin’ round here.” He twisted his hands together. “Actually, can I go and do somethin’ now real quick?” 

Lucy was surprised. It wasn't like Andy to not want to talk about his birthday and make some outlandish requests. And right now, Lucy was feeling so guilty about the gliding, she probably would've agreed to lots of things she normally wouldn't. Andy would usually pick up on something like that and use it to his advantage, so the fact he didn't set off a small alarm bell in the back of her mind. 

“Now?" she asked. "It’s getting quite late.” 

“It ain't properly dark yet. I’ll be quick.” 

“What is it you want to do? Is it with Luca?”

“Uh, yeah. Yeah we just want to finish somethin’.” 

“I guess. Can you be back in 15 minutes?” 

“Sure Luce, see ya!” 

Andy ran out the door, and Lucy watched it swing shut.

That hadn’t gone quite how she thought it would. Was he upset? Was that why he took off? But that knot of suspicion brewed in her stomach.

_________________

Lucy didn't give Logan all the details of her chat with Andy, only that it had gone fine. She sensed something more was going on, but she couldn’t quite put it into words. It was just a feeling. And because she didn’t know how to explain it, she didn’t want Logan to worry.

The following morning, Logan left on an early patrol with the old scouting party, keen to see where the antelophants were these days, promising to update Lucy and take her and Andy to see them if they were close by. Andy hadn't seen them in real life, and they wanted to give him that chance if possible while they were here. As long as they didn't have to cut through that valley with all the rockyenaroll again.

Lucy went to get washed up, leaving Andy in their shared bedroom. But as she returned, she saw Andy pick up her bag. She stopped and stepped back, just behind the door, and watched. He rifled through her things and finally pulled out another sealed pack of jerky, and shoved it in his pocket. It wasn't unusual for him to want snacks all the time, but it was unusual for him to take something without asking.

What was the boy up to? 

She stepped into the bedroom, but didn’t let on she’d seen him. He made up some excuse about going to play with Luca then left. Lucy gave it two, three minutes, then she followed quietly behind him. 

As she suspected, he didn’t head in the direction of Luca’s house. Instead he veered left along an alleyway, heading out towards the north side of the village.

Lucy trailed Andy with a pang of guilt, ducking behind the corners of cabins whenever it looked like he was going to check over his shoulder, her hand resting on the scratchy wooden planks until she was sure he was walking on.

After a few more minutes, Andy stopped near a cabin that looked neglected and run down. Possibly empty. 

He glanced around again, then reached into his pocket and pulled out the strips of jerky Lucy had seen him take. He crouched down and edged forward, and she heard his voice call out softly. 

Lucy saw movement from the shadows under the cabin, then a small black nose, sniffing the air. 

A small puppy emerged and edged its way towards Andy with its belly low to the ground. When it reached him it stood a little taller and gently took the pieces of jerky from his hands one by one. 

It was a sweet little thing, with coppery-coloured fur, floppy ears, and a tail that was wagging so much its whole backend wiggled back and forth. 

Lucy quietly stepped closer, until her shadow fell over Andy. His head whipped around and he gaped at her, alarmed to have been caught. 

“Who’s this?” she asked, crouching down next to him in the dirt.

The puppy crawled happily into Andy’s lap and licked the boy’s fingers. 

“I… I bin callin’ him Rusty.” 

“Rusty? Because of his colour?” Lucy held out her hand to try and stroke the top of the puppy’s head, but it decided it wanted to lick her palm instead. Lucy smiled.

“Uh-huh.” 

“Where did you find him?” 

“Under this cabin. I heard him cryin’ a coupla days ago when we were playin' hide and go seek.”

“And you’ve been bringing him food.” 

Andy nodded. 

“Why didn’t you tell us?” 

“‘Cause I knew you wouldn’t let me keep ‘im,” Andy said sadly. “Logan said I couldn’t have a dog.” 

“When did he say that?” 

“When we was livin’ at Howlett’s house. Said there weren’t enough space. And then when we moved to yers, he said it weren’t his place to say.” 

“Why didn’t you ask me?” 

Andy shrugged. “Just a feelin’.” 

“Hmm.” Lucy wiped her damp hand on her trousers. “Rusty might have an owner you know.” 

“He doesn’t Luce! Look at ‘im, he’s skinny as anythin’. An’ he never moves from this spot. He stays hidin’ till I come.” 

“He might be lost then. We should check, in case anyone’s missing him.” 

Andy’s face fell even more.

“I know you don’t like the thought of giving him up Andy, but how would you feel if he was your dog and you lost him, and someone else claimed him?” 

“I’d be real sad.” Andy hugged Rusty tighter to him, nuzzling his nose into the puppy’s neck. “Okay,” he said quietly. “We should ask around.” 

“Good idea,” Lucy said, giving Andy’s shoulder a pat. “I’ll get something to make a leash. You stay with him until I’m back.” 

When Lucy returned with a makeshift collar and leash, it took her a great deal of jerky to get Rusty to let her put it on him. He sat back on his bottom and lifted his back leg to scratch at it, almost toppling over with the effort.

When they gently pulled on the leash to get him to walk, he simply rolled onto his side and playfully attacked the cord. 

“Okay,” Lucy said, as she and Andy tried to recover from their giggles, “This isn’t working.” She bent down and picked the puppy up, one hand clasped under his warm pink belly, and they carried him back towards the main street. 

“Rusty could do with a bath you know,” she said, scrunching up her nose at the smell, then turning her face sharply as Rusty tried to lick her nose. 

Juliette greeted them as they passed, and raised her hand to stroke the puppy in Lucy’s arms. “One of the herder’s dogs had a litter recently,” she said. “They look like this. Perhaps this one got loose. It is a little ride out that way.” 

At the stables, Lucy helped Andy up onto Merle’s back, handed Rusty to him, then climbed up behind.

_________________

Logan had returned from his patrol by the time Lucy and Andy returned to their cabin. 

He stopped short when he saw the damp coppery bundle in Andy’s arms, then looked at Lucy, the question written all over his face. 

“This is Rusty,” she said with a slightly awkward, apologetic smile.  

“Right. And he’s with you because…?” 

“We found ‘im Logan, and he’d bin given to another family but they upped and left him all alone. He doesn’t have anyone to look after 'im!” Andy said in a rush. 

Logan looked between Andy and Lucy. 

“Shall we go inside?” she said. “I’ll explain.” 

Lucy sat with Logan on their bed, while Andy played with Rusty on the floor. Between them they filled Logan in on their afternoon — how the herder had told them it looked like Rusty’s owners had left him to fend for himself, so he was theirs if they wanted him. 

“And why’s he wet?” 

“We gave him a bath at Aurelie’s. He was quite dirty. The herder gave him a check over too and gave him some medicine for any worms and fleas.” 

“So when he said ‘he’s ours if we want him’…” 

“He’s bin abandoned Logan! Like me!” Andy said, his eyes wide and pleading.

Lucy looked at Andy, then back at Logan. “I said you need to have a say too. It’s a family decision.” 

“How big’s he gonna get?” Logan asked with a frown, eying the puppy's rather large paws. 

“About...yay high,” Lucy said, holding out her hand.

Logan nodded. “You wanna keep him Luce?” 

She gave a little shrug. “I always wanted a dog growing up. We have the space.” She smiled at Rusty and Andy. “They seem to have formed a bond. But what about you? You don't want a dog?” 

“I don’t mind the idea of havin’ a dog Luce, but with everythin’ else…” He looked at her, and she knew what he meant. A puppy and a baby? It was less than ideal. Would definitely be a handful. 

“Andy’s promised to look after him and we’ve talked about what that involves. Feeding him, walking him, all that stuff.” She looked Logan in the eyes. “And just look at them,” she said quietly. 

Logan did. He watched Andy and Rusty rolling about on the floor, the puppy clambering all over him while the boy giggled in hysterics. 

Logan smiled and let out a long breath, sensing he was already defeated. “If you’re sure Luce.” When she nodded, he said more loudly, “Andy?” 

“Yeah?” The boy sat up, while Rusty grabbed the cuff of Andy's shorts and started his own game of tug of war. 

“You two want a dog, we can take him home.” 

“Really?! Thank you thank you!” Andy unhooked Rusty from his shorts then stood and flung his arms around his Pa’s neck. 

“You gotta put the work in though kiddo, trainin’, keepin’ him busy, pickin’ up his poop. I don’t want no chewed boots or messin’ in the house, y’hear? Me an’ Luce have enough on our plate with work an’ stuff. He’s yer dog. Not mine. I ain’t doin’ it for you.” 

“I promise! I'll do it all!” 

Lucy was sure Logan meant everything he'd just said, but she bit her lip to keep from laughing as Andy handed Rusty to Logan.

Her husband melted. 

Not Logan’s dog? She had a feeling that wouldn’t last.

_________________

So, Andy’s birthday turned out a little differently than originally planned. No gliding, but a new pet. 

They’d made a make-shift dog bed on the floor but, rather unsurprisingly, when they woke in the morning, Rusty was in Andy’s bed. 

Andy told them it was the best start to a birthday ever. 

Alongside the new red boots she’d made him, Andy’s birthday gifts from Lucy included a proper collar for Rusty in pale blue leather, with a golden tag with his name on it, plus a hastily made rope toy and dog bowls for his food and water. From Logan, Andy received a pocket knife he’d been coveting, with a few tool attachments and incredibly strict instructions on when and when not to use it. 

They took Rusty out for some walks, but didn’t venture far as his little legs couldn’t handle it. But Andy had the best day, playing with his new friends and his new dog.

And, as everyone gathered in the evening to sing happy birthday to him while he blew out the candles on his cake — Rusty stood on his hind legs next to him, his front paws on Andy's lap — the boy beamed at Lucy and Logan, his cheeks flushed with happiness. 

_________________

With just a few days left of their trip, Lucy and Aurelie cracked on with finishing the electric fence.

They got a few extra hands involved to help them lift the heavy wooden posts into place, then secured them with concrete. Then they attached the electric wire between the posts, and the plastic insulators that would stop the electricity escaping into the ground. 

Aurelie made the copper grounding rod, while Lucy made the power unit and output terminals, electrics being more her forte. Logan stopped by the yard and whispered something in her ear about needing a rubber suit, grinning when her cheeks heated. 

"Keep moving Bandit," she said, "I'm trying to concentrate." 

Logan chuckled and continued on to the stables. 

Finally, all Lucy and Aurelie had left to do was to put the final pieces in place and connect it all. 

They began their work, each focussed on their own tasks, taking their time with the fiddly connections. 

Lucy hummed to herself as she worked, feeling pretty relaxed and focused on the job in hand. 

The sun was warm on her skin, the ground smelled earthy and straw-like from being so dry, and a couple of insects gently buzzed around her. 

In the distance she could hear people calling to one another in greeting, could hear the gentle chatter of the guards in the gate tower a little way away, could hear children playing, and then one cry as they lost a game. 

And then suddenly one of the guards was shouting.

She looked up, alarmed, to see them pointing and waving frantically, while the other guard began to ring the warning bell. 

Lucy looked over her shoulder, and her heart dropped into her stomach. 

_________________

Logan was saddling Rambo up when he heard the bell ring out from the southern tower. "Sorry buddy," he said as he patted the goat's side, "I'd better help check that out before we go." 

He made his way through the streets, keeping his stride measured so others around him wouldn't panic and run. He passed a few concerned faces, but it wasn't quite the mad rush to defend the fields they'd had previously, now that the village was protected by its metal fence.

But as he got nearer to the tower, there was more of a commotion and people were grabbing bells and whistles and pots and pans — anything to make noise — and Logan sensed something was wrong. 

He joined the rest of the crowd near the fence, and scanned the area for Andy and Lucy. It was chaotic, with all the people shouting.

This was how they’d handled the antelophants’ intrusion before — by making noise to scare them away — but it seemed even worse than before. 

And then he saw why. 

“What the—”

Logan stopped, dumbfounded, when he spotted Lucy and Aurelie on the other side of the fence. 

He began to push his way to the front of the crowd, not believing what he was seeing. 

The two builders were desperately trying to connect the final pieces so they could switch on the electric. In the distance behind them, the antelophants were swaying, worked up by the noise the villagers were making, but they were not retreating. And they were uncomfortably close.

“Lucy!” Logan shouted as he got closer. “What the hell are you doin’? Get yer ass back round here now!” 

“I will! I will,” Lucy didn’t look up, just kept pushing things into place and connecting wires. Logan could see her hands were shaking. 

One of the antelophants ran a few paces forward, and the crowd’s gasps and cries were enough to make Lucy turn and look over her shoulder. “Shit,” she murmured under her breath. She quickly scanned the fence in front of them, assessing what they still had left to do.

“Aurelie!” she shouted, “I can handle the rest, go inside, now!” 

“I will not leave you!” 

“No, it’s fine,” Lucy said, reaching her friend’s side and giving her a gentle shove. “Go, I can do it.” 

Aurelie stared at her, wide-eyed, then nodded and turned, running back towards the large gates. 

Lucy took over, snapping the final pieces of the unit together, then fiddling with the wires to connect it. 

Logan followed her along the other side of the metal fence, watching her through the latticework. “Lucy, for the love of Peach would you stop it and get inside?” 

“I can’t leave it Lo, they might get tangled in it, hurt themselves, and they’ll damage it, make it harder to start again… I’m so close…” 

Logan cursed under his breath and pushed himself away from the fence, then marched towards the large gates Aurelie had just run through.

But a large man stopped him, his palm firm on Logan’s chest. “Stay this side,” the man instructed. 

“That’s my wife,” Logan said through gritted teeth, pointing back towards Lucy. “I have to get her!”

“Stay this side,” the man repeated, not budging, and not backing down when Logan squared up to him.  

Lucy was trying to connect the final wire, but her hands were shaking so much. Nearby, on the other side of the metal fence, Andy was watching her, his fingers grabbing onto the gaps in the lattice. He'd seen from Lucy's photos how big the antelophants were, and Logan had described their tusks and their horns, but nothing could've prepared him for seeing them in real life. He would've been awestruck, if one of the people he loved most wasn't working right in front of them, her back towards them so she seemed even more vulnerable.

“Lucy!” he cried, but she carried on, frantically fixing the final parts into place.

“Ma!” 

Andy’s cry finally pierced through Lucy’s concentration and she looked up.

Her eyes found his, peering at her through the fence. She swallowed anxiously. She’d never heard his voice like that — pure, desperate fear, and hoarse, like he’d been screaming at her for a while. She could see the tears streaming down his face. 

She nearly crumbled. “It’s okay Andy, I’m almost done!” she called, and she really tried to keep her voice steady while the guilt cut through her like a knife.

But she was pretty much there.

One more twist.

One more cut. 

She’d normally take her time with electrics and triple check all the connections, but this time she had to trust she’d got it right. 

Lucy knew the antelophants had started running when the crowd’s pitch increased, hollering and screaming at her.

She began to feel the ground shake beneath her feet. 

With a final glance over everything, she pressed the casing over the unit, placed her hand on the switch, and pulled it up.

There was a satisfying ‘clunk’, and a static buzz instantly carried through the air. 

Lucy looked at the fence one more time.

Then she ran.

Notes:

Jacket potatoes (as we call them in the UK) with butter and salt were honestly the only thing that kept me going during early pregnancy.

As always, the usual disclaimer applies that I know nothing of building works, including irrigation systems and electric fences. Just in case that isn't glaringly obvious 🤣

Adding a note to say that I know I've taken massive liberties with the Sandrock calendar and timeline, in trying to adjust it for a standard year with 3 months to a season. I've put Andy's birthday somewhere around the middle of the autumn, instead of earlier on in the season ☺️

Chapter 25: A close shave (NSFW)

Summary:

Lucy runs for her life, then tries to recover from her ordeal. Our family spends their final few days in the village before heading back to Sandrock. Real life resumes.

Lucy didn’t look back. 

She didn’t want to see how close those sharp horns and tusks were to piercing her sides, or how close the huge feet were to crushing her. 

The thundering ground and the roaring crowd of people was enough.

She just ran, desperate to reach Logan and Andy, not seeing anything except those large gates and the people there that were shouting at her and holding out their arms as if they could pull her closer. 

She ran and didn’t stop until she was well inside, and until she was met by the immovable force of a firm chest as someone grabbed her and encased her with their arms, squeezing her tight. 

Logan, she thought, and she collapsed against him, her breathing ragged. 

He held her, his arms wrapped fiercely around her back, and she finally, at last, turned her head to look back. 

The sound of Logan’s thumping heartbeat filled one ear. 

The chaos around them filled the other.

Lucy’s chest was still heaving as she watched the antelophants draw up to the electric fence then halt abruptly, sliding on their feet, creating large gashes in the dirt where she'd been stood only moments before. 

They dithered, bellowing and calling to one another as if they sensed the electricity in the air. 

They didn’t like it.

Nor did they like the shouts of the villagers and the banging of pots and pans, and whistles and drums.

The noise overwhelmed them. 

The antelophants wavered, swaying, and then retreated, one by one, with a few final grunts and head tosses to express how thoroughly unimpressed they were.

Lucy felt a huge wave of relief wash over her. 

They’d done it, just in time. 

And then the exertion and shock caught up with her, and her legs began to shake. 

She tried to push Logan away, but he wouldn’t budge. Now he had ahold of her, he was reluctant to let her go, his own heart racing with a combination of fear and relief and anger. 

She shouted at him as she squirmed in his arms. “Logan, let go! I’m gonna—”

He loosened his grip, intending to grab her by the shoulders so he could get a good look at her, then shout at her for putting herself in such danger. 

But Lucy took advantage of his lighter grip and gave him a shove backwards. 

He frowned, confused and hurt. 

And then Lucy doubled over, and vomited on the grass. 

“Oh… Oh shoot," Logan said softly. Oh Luce.” He stood next to her and gently rubbed her back as she heaved. 

Lucy heard concerned voices exclaim and murmur around her, then heard smaller footsteps thump on the dirt. 

“Lucy! Ma!” 

She stood and wiped her mouth, her stomach empty and her eyes watering. 

But she turned and had her arms out for Andy before he reached her. 

She pulled him to her, and closed her eyes. “I’m sorry Andy. I’m so sorry I frightened you.” 

Andy wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and sobbed while she stroked his hair. “I’m okay kiddo,” she said. “I’m okay.” 

Lucy heard Logan say something quietly to someone else, heard Aurelie ask, “She is sick?”, then felt Logan’s hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, her eyes red and wet with tears. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, but he shook his head and gave her a weak smile. 

“You need to rest Darlin’. Come on.” 

Logan led them back through the village, his arm around Lucy's shoulder while Andy still clung to her. Rusty rushed out to greet them as soon as they opened the door, his bottom wiggly, oblivious to what'd happened, stopping only to relieve himself before he followed them back inside.

Lucy brushed her teeth and splashed her face with cold water, then sat on the bed with Andy and Rusty at her feet, and Logan in the chair next to them.

She was still feeling shaky, although some of the colour had returned to her cheeks.

“That was too close Luce,” Logan said quietly.

His jaw was clenched when she looked at him. He avoided her eyes, and focused instead on Andy and Rusty as they played.

Lucy knew Logan was upset and trying to keep a lid on it for Andy’s sake, and she hugged her arms around herself, her own face glum. 

There was a knock at the door and Logan rose to let Aurelie in. The other builder came bearing a bowl of soup for Lucy. 

Lucy took it gratefully and sipped the warm, savoury broth. 

“Are you hurt Lucy? Or ill?” Aurelie asked while she took her place in the chair Logan had occupied.

Lucy paused.

“Hey Andy, we need to take Rusty for a little walk, don’t yer reckon?” Logan said.

When they were both gone, Lucy confided in Aurelie. 

“I’m not ill,” she said, “I’m pregnant.” She reached out to grasp Aurelie’s hand as the other builder gasped. 

“Pregnant? But you, you pushed me to safety, why did you do that, when… when…” Aurelie looked visibly upset, and Lucy felt awful. 

“I’m sorry Aurelie.” 

“Don’t! You are sorry? I am sorry! If I had known…” 

“I know. But you didn’t. And I’m fine. We did it. We’re all okay.” 

Aurelie shook her head. “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“It’s all quite new. I’m still getting used to the idea myself.” She gave Aurelie’s hand a squeeze, and Aurelie returned the gesture. 

Then she nodded at Lucy. “Finish your soup,” she said.

_________________

Logan was quiet for the rest of the day and all through dinner, and still quiet when he slipped into bed next to Lucy later that evening. Andy and Rusty were passed out in their bed, cuddled up together, both snoring softly. 

Lucy lay in the dark, waiting for her eyes to adjust until she could make out Logan’s white hair and his eyes, wide awake too. 

“I’m sorry Lo,” she said quietly. 

“I know,” Logan said after a beat. 

“I just had to do what I thought was right in the moment.” 

Logan clasped her hand in his, holding them between them. 

“What’re you thinking my love?” she asked.

Logan sighed. “I dunno how I’m gonna cope with nine months of this Darlin’,” he said, trying to inject some humour into his voice. It still sounded flat. 

“I don’t plan on repeating today Lo.” 

“I know, but…there’s always gonna be somethin’, ain’t there? An’ I don’t just mean for you, before y’think I’m havin’ a go at you. For both of us. There always seems to be somethin’.” 

“We have dangerous jobs in a dangerous time.” 

“Hmm.” 

Lucy scooched forward, forcing her way into his arms and nuzzling into his chest. “I guess we’ll just have to make the most of it,” she said, her voice a little muffled.

Logan kissed her hair then rested his cheek on her head. “Yeah, we will Darlin’. Every second.” 

_________________

The next day, Lucy and Aurelie went to check the electric fence and sign off their work, now that they had the time and space to do so. Logan brought Andy and Rusty along too, and the boy and the puppy made a game of jumping over the gouges in the earth left by the antelophants’ large feet. 

Now that Lucy was safe and they’d all slept on it, Andy thought the whole thing had been a great adventure. He told them how he’d been right on the other side of the metal fence when the great beasts had come to a stop, and how he’d been able to look one of them right in the eye. 

“Its eyes were brown and this big!” he said, holding up his hands to demonstrate. “I ain’t ever seen a creature big as that before. Well, 'cept for Daisy.”

“Well, I’m glad y’got to see ‘em Andy,” Logan said, “Though I was hopin’ we’d have a more relaxin’ trip to watch ‘em this time.” 

“Why, what happened last time?” Andy asked, and Logan and Lucy looked at each other, then told Andy about their escape from the rockyenaroll.

Lucy had brought her camera along, and she got some snaps of the fence, and asked Logan to take one of her and Aurelie too. She took some photos of Andy and Rusty, and Logan, then of Andy with Luca and his other new friends as they wandered back through the streets. 

Then it was time for Logan to submit himself to Gabriel’s needle and get his tattoo, adding to the pattern that was already on one side of his chest, abs, and part of his back.

“Ain’t you gettin’ one Luce?” Andy asked as they sat and watched. 

“Not this time kiddo,” Lucy said. “Next time.” 

“We’ll come back?”

“Of course.” 

Andy winced as Gabriel’s started, and Logan tried to school his face so as not to let on how much it hurt. He failed miserably.

Lucy tried not to laugh as she watched them both. “You still want one Andy?” 

“Hmm, when I’m older I reckon,” Andy said, happy to put it off. 

It took a while, so Lucy and Andy left Logan to it and went for another walk around the village, taking more photos, getting some of Shona with Aurelie, and Juliette with her two daughters. 

By the time Logan walked through their cabin door, Lucy had left Andy to play and returned to begin packing their things before their journey home the next day. 

“How was it?” Lucy asked, grinning as Logan greeted her with a grimace. 

“Each time, I forget how much it fuckin’ hurts,” he said dryly. 

Lucy laughed. “Worth it though? Let’s see.” 

Logan turned his back to her and removed his shirt, and Lucy tilted her head to look at the new ink, the new lines a little more red than the older parts, but as intricate and beautiful as always.

“It looks wonderful Lo.” 

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. Really good.” 

“There’s somethin’ else too.” 

“There is?” 

Logan turned with a devilish grin on his lips. 

Lucy scanned his face for clues, then her eyes dropped lower.

She clapped a hand over her mouth. 

“You didn’t!” she said.

“Reckon I did.” 

Lucy burst into giggles behind her hand. “Logan!” 

“Don’t you like it?” 

“I love it. I’m just… I’m so surprised Lo. I didn’t think you’d ever get one.”

Lucy’s eyes flickered between Logan’s face, and the new piercing through one of his nipples. 

“What…why…what made you do it?” she asked, still stunned.

“Bit of a spur of the moment thing. I wanted to do it for you — and me, before you say I need to do these things for myself. You said y'need to take yours out. So, I took the hit for you,” he added with a wink. 

“Lo.” Lucy smiled at him.

“I got a bone to pick with you though Builder,” he said, stepping closer.

“You have?” 

“You remember that day at the Outpost?”

“Of course.”

“You told me then, that gettin’ a tattoo hurts more than gettin' a nipple piercin’.” 

Lucy nodded, her eyes wide. 

“You were lyin’.” 

Lucy’s hand flew to her mouth again. “Oh no. Really?”

“Really.” Logan was stood right in front of her now, his eyebrows raised, his expression stern. “Gabriel said he ain’t ever heard swearin’ like it Luce.”

Lucy giggled.

“I reckon half the neighbours heard me, thought I was possessed or somethin'. I reckon I might’ve even blacked out for a moment Luce.”

Lucy’s snigger turned into a proper laugh, and a smile broke across Logan’s face.  

“Oh Lo,” she said, but she couldn’t stop laughing. “I’m so sorry.” 

Logan grinned at her.

“How does it feel now?” she asked when she’d mostly composed herself. She placed her palms on his pecs, and gently stroked his skin. 

“Right now? Feels alright. But I don’t think you’ll be able to touch that nipple ever again.” 

Lucy threw her head back and laughed again. “Stop it Lo!” she said, wiping tears from her eyes. She cleared her throat and looked at the piercing. “It looks very hot,” she said, and she bit her lip as she met his eyes. “You look very hot.” 

Logan smirked at her. “Yeah?” 

“Yes.”

“It’s worth it then Darlin’, if you like it.”

“And you were very brave.” Lucy ran her hands down over his bare chest, careful not to knock his new piercing, and down to his abs. She found his belt buckle and began to undo it. “I think you deserve a reward,” she said, reaching her hands down into his underwear, “and a bit of pleasure, after all that pain.” 

Logan’s eyebrows scrunched together as Lucy wrapped her hand around his cock and began to fondle him. She felt him respond, growing hard and firm in her hand.

“Does that feel better Lo?” she murmured, watching his face.

“Mmm.”

She leant forward and pressed soft kisses along his jaw, the day’s stubble rough against her lips. Logan closed his eyes and his breathing deepened. She kissed his jaw under his ear, then ran her tongue over his earlobe before she gently sucked it. Logan let out another small moan. 

“Which position won’t hurt you Lo?” she whispered in his ear. “Because I want you inside me. Now.” 

Logan turned so that his lips found hers, and he clasped her jaw in his hands and kissed her firmly as she continued to stroke him. He slowly edged her backwards. “On your hands and knees Builder,” he murmured. 

Lucy let go of him to unbutton her shorts and slip her fingers into the band of her underwear, shimmying out of them before she turned and crawled onto the bed. She looked over one shoulder at Logan as he ran his hands over her ass, then gave her buttocks a firm squeeze, his fingers pressing into her soft flesh. 

He loved that view. 

He moved one hand to her pussy, slid a finger along her slickness, found her clit, and teased around it. He watched as Lucy closed her eyes and turned her face away, her back arching with the pleasure. 

Then, standing next to the bed, he replaced his finger with his cock. 

Lucy pressed her ass backwards, and Logan grinned. 

“You ready for me already Darlin’?” he asked.

“Yes,” she said, her voice a little breathy.

He continued to tease her with his cock, rubbing it against her clit, then close to her entrance, then back against her clit.

She whimpered. “Please.” 

“Please what Darlin’?” Logan asked. 

“Please, fu—” 

Her voice broke off as Logan slid inside, opening her up with his cock in one long, deep slide. 

“Oh.” Lucy closed her eyes, delighting in the stretch and the feel of him taking her. She always loved this position, with Logan in control of the speed and the depth. 

He started slow, a rocking of his hips as he watched his cock disappear inside her, becoming slick with her arousal. All the way in, then most of the way out. His back was still a little tender from the tattoo needle, his nipple throbbing from the piercing needle, but he didn’t care. 

All he cared about at that moment was Lucy and the way they fit together so well. How good she felt around his cock. How much he loved this, being with her, making love to her, filling her. 

As he began to thrust a little more, Lucy dropped onto her elbows and clasped the sheets with her fingers, her eyes closed and her face scrunched up with pleasure. 

She was lost in the moment, focused only on the feel of Logan’s cock inside her, his hands holding her hips, the sounds of their bodies slapping together, when she heard young voices and small feet run past outside. 

She tensed up, eyes suddenly open, alert. 

“Lo,” she said, then again when he didn’t stop, “Lo!”

He paused, reluctantly. “What’s wrong?” 

“Did you remember to lock the door?” 

He stayed still for a moment, then he slipped from her. He’d barely reached the door when they heard Andy’s voice just outside. In a desperate panic, they gathered up their discarded clothes and scrambled into the bathing area. 

They heard Andy open the door, then call to his friends from the threshold as Rusty clattered inside, his little feet skittering on the floorboards. 

Logan looked at Lucy and bit his lip as he fastened his pants, trying to hold in the laugh that threatened to bubble up. Lucy shook her head, her eyes wide, mortified at how close that’d been. 

Logan stifled his snigger, then went to meet Andy. 

_________________

That evening, Logan, Lucy and Andy joined their friends for a party to end their stay. Several neighbours joined them, bringing dishes of food to share, and Andy watched the grown-ups unwind as they enjoyed glasses of wine or bottles of beer. 

He’d grown used to these long days playing in the streets with friends, where their games carried on so late the sun was already setting, the sky turning dusky. He gazed up at the lanterns and the bunting that swayed gently in the warm breeze. He was excited to get home and tell Jazz about his adventure, and to introduce her to Rusty, but he was sad to be leaving. 

His melancholy didn’t last long though. He suddenly felt a wallop on the arm and Luca shouted, “You’re it!” before he ran away again. Andy gave chase, leading to squeals from the other children who’d joined the game. Lucy lifted her arm to move her glass of juice out the way as one of them ran past. She watched them with a smile, then continued her talk with Juliette and Aurelie. 

A little while later, Gabriel began to play his guitar and the adults, now merry, and lots of the children got up to sing and dance. Logan held his hand out to his wife, and they joined the celebrations, laughing and swaying together. 

Andy and a few of the other children sat on a bench, watching and eating more food. 

“Is that the builder lady who built the fence to protect us from the antelophants?” a little girl asked between bites of cake. 

“Yep,” Andy said proudly. 

“That’s Andy’s parents,” Luca said knowledgeably, leaning around Andy to tell the girl.

“It is?” she asked in awe.

“Uh-huh,” Andy said, watching them dance. “That’s my Ma and Pa.” 

_________________

Rambo and Merle lay on the ground while Lucy and Logan loaded up the wagon behind them. The goats were making the most of resting their legs before they needed to work — Rambo pulling the humans home, Merle walking alongside carrying a few more packs and emergency gear. 

Rusty clambered between the goats, sniffing their breath to work out what they’d been eating, climbing over them, yapping every now and then to try to get them to play. 

They stoically continued chewing the cud, tolerating the young pup. That was, until Rusty decided Rambo’s tail, as it flicked away flies, looked like a good chew toy. Rambo grumbled at the young dog in warning, then, when he didn’t take the hint, bellowed at him, before he grudgingly got to his feet.

“Y’grumpy old goat,” Logan said, giving Rambo a pat on his side. Rambo snorted and gave him a look that blatantly said, ‘Like you’d put up with it.’

Andy picked up Rusty and plopped him into the wagon, they crawled up behind him into the box seat, yawning loudly, tired from his late night. It would be a long journey back to Sandrock, but at least he’d be able to sleep today. He loved stopping over to camp on the way too. It felt like being on the run again, but better. Not scary. 

Lucy hugged Aurelie tightly before they left. “You will write to let me know how you and the baby are?” the other builder asked. 

“Of course. Please keep writing to me too. I always love to hear your news. And please, let me know when you can visit us?”

Aurelie nodded, excited. 

Lucy took her seat next to Logan and they waved at their friends as they left, turning the wagon onto the route out of the valley and towards the desert plains. 

Andy snuggled up next to Lucy almost immediately and went to sleep, which encouraged Rusty to do the same. 

“We’re returnin’ home with a bit more than we came with Luce,” Logan remarked as he stole a glance at them. 

“We are.” 

“I don’t just mean Rusty.” He looked at her, a pleased smile on his face. 

Lucy’s own smile widened. “You already had the baby before we got here Lo. You just didn’t know about it,” she said quietly. 

“I know. And now I do, I get to fuss about you this whole journey.” 

Lucy rolled her eyes and laughed. “I might just curl up and go to sleep like those two.” 

“Go for it.” 

_________________

As they drew towards Sandrock, the Outpost came into view and they waved to Elsie up in the tower keeping watch.

“It’s not long till our anniversary,” Lucy said with a smirk. “Our other one. A month or so.” 

“Hmm. Better make some plans,” Logan said with a wicked grin. Lucy beamed at him, her cheeks flushing with the promise. 

Part of her was worried she wouldn’t be up for much though.

Right now, she was exhausted and feeling grimy. 

The journey had been tough, with that nausea hitting late afternoon. She’d survived by eating the salty crackers and drinking the ginger tea Juliette had packed for her, and by sleeping as much as she could. Andy had asked to try the crackers, then screwed up his face when he realised how bland they were, happy to leave Lucy to it. Just another strange thing Lucy liked to eat, he thought, from her days in fancy restaurants. 

Lucy couldn’t wait to get home and have a long bath. Perhaps she’d visit Fang and see if he had any other suggestions for the nausea, although she thought perhaps she had it pretty good considering some of the stories Juliette had told her. Apart from that time after her run-in with the antelophants, she hadn’t actually been sick, though sometimes she wondered if being sick might give her some relief. 

They crossed the bridge and passed the street that led up to the square, pausing the wagon as Nia spotted them and waved.

She was walking with her brother.

“Oh good, he’s still here,” Logan mumbled sarcastically. 

Lucy huffed a laugh. “Not for long,” she said, smiling and waving at Nia as her friend drew nearer. “Play nice.” 

“Howdy gang!” Nia said when she reached them, then she gasped, her hands over her heart as she saw Rusty. “Who is that?” 

_________________

The three of them settled back into their usual routine with mixed feelings. Glad to be home, glad to get back to normal, but missing their friends in the village and the relaxed way of life there, antelophant attacks aside. 

Autumn was in full stride now, adding to that wistful air, as the season of change brought with it both the joy of harvests and the decline of long, hot sunny days. 

Andy was particularly grumpy about school, but Lucy explained his best changes of being able to travel and work in places like the village was by throwing himself into his learning and figuring out what he wanted to do. It didn’t really help him in the moment, although he grudgingly accepted the idea. He was very excited to go to school the day Lucy handed him some photos she’d developed though. He couldn’t wait to share them with Jane and his friends, for once eager to do a presentation.

Logan tried not to look at the first batch of commissions Lucy picked up, knowing he’d drive himself insane with worry and also make it seem like he didn’t trust her. He was pleasantly surprised, therefore, when she came home after a meeting with Wei and told Logan she’d confided in him about her pregnancy. 

“I know it’s still early days,” she said. “But I thought if he knows, he’ll help me pick the things I can manage.” 

She still didn’t relish the idea of having to change how she worked, but she was realising she had her limitations. And Logan was right, she did need to look after herself, as that was how she could look after their baby. 

With that knowledge in mind, Logan felt happier heading back out on his patrols and bounties just outside of town. 

He was less happy that Brandon was still hovering around. He found him outside their house one morning as he left to go to the Civil Corps to look at the bounty board. They greeted one another stiffly. 

“Mornin’,” Logan said, then waited for Brandon to explain why he was there. 

“Just dropping these off for Luce,” Brandon said, holding up a tub. Logan recognised it as the food supplements Rambo and Merle now took. 

“You can put ‘em in the stables,” Logan said gruffly.

“Is Luce not in?” 

“She is. She’s just finishin’ gettin’ dressed. You can put ‘em in the stables.” 

Brandon nodded and smiled that infuriating smile as he looked at his feet. Logan hated it. Hated that Brandon still knew how much he wound him up. 

“I told Luce I could give Rusty a check-up. He probably needs some shots.” 

Logan also hated how Brandon shortened Lucy’s name. It was too familiar. He had to remind himself Brandon had known Lucy longer. He’d been Lucy’s friend first, after all. 

“She expectin' you?” 

Brandon shrugged. “I just said I’d pop round sometime.” 

As if on cue, Lucy opened the door and stepped outside. “Oh, good morning,” she said. She stared between the two men and sighed. Yep, these two were definitely never going to be friends. 

“Are you here to see Rusty?” Lucy asked. “I’ll fetch him and bring him to the stables.”

Logan left them to it, resigned to the fact Brandon was there to do something for his family. 

He did make a show of kissing Lucy goodbye though as he left. Possibly a little more passionately than he normally would. 

Lucy blushed as he pulled back from their kiss, and she gave him a gentle push on the chest, like she knew what he was doing and wanted to reprimand him, but also wasn’t going to object to being kissed like that.

As Logan walked down the path, Brandon looked into the distance as though he wasn’t bothered by the display. Then he followed Lucy to the stables.

“I can send more of this from Highwind,” Brandon said as he stored the supplements on the shelf.

“Thank you. Can we set up a regular order or payment plan or something?” She handed Rusty to Brandon now his hands were free, and he stroked the puppy, smiling when he licked his face.

“Sure.” 

“When do you go?” 

“Couple of weeks. There looks to be a weather front coming in at the end of the season, so best if I’m on my way by then.” 

“Have you enjoyed your stay in Sandrock?” 

Brandon laughed. “Some of it. It’s been interesting, that’s for sure.” 

Lucy smiled as she folded one of the goat’s blankets. “I heard about you and Grace,” she said, and she looked at Brandon with a teasing grin. 

“Oh.” Brandon’s cheeks went pink. 

“Oh my goodness, Brandon.” Lucy turned to face him properly, one hand on her hip, the other on a stable door. “You’re blushing.” 

He scoffed. “No I’m not.” 

“You are!” Lucy said with glee. “Do you like her? She told me it was a one time thing.”

“It was. Definitely a one time thing.” 

“So why are you blushing?” 

Brandon shrugged and avoided her eyes, bending down so he could put Rusty down and reach into his bag for the things he needed.

Lucy suddenly felt awkward. It wasn’t like Brandon to duck away from a bit of gentle teasing. He could dish it out, but he could also take it. Usually. 

Grace had referred to her one night stand with Brandon as two people consoling each other. Lucy had brushed her off, thinking she was being hyperbolic. But perhaps, in Brandon’s case at least, it was true.

She knew once he returned to Highwind and got back to normal he was sure to move on. He was a pretty pragmatic guy, and she knew it wouldn’t be long before someone else captured his interest. She hoped that, once that had happened, they could rebuild some kind of relationship. One where neither of them was pining for the other. Where they were just old friends. 

Lucy drummed her fingers on the stable door. “I’ll go and make some tea,” she said.

_________________

The wind started to pick up as autumn neared its end, sending golden leaves swirling from the trees to form a crunchy bed on the ground. Unfortunately it also whipped up the animals and monsters, making them frisky and agitated, causing more work for Logan and Elsie, and making it a little more dangerous whenever Lucy had to go ruin-diving or gathering resources. 

Logan became particularly stressed about making sure any issues were dealt with quickly, especially in areas where he knew Lucy was likely to go. He felt the weight of responsibility in making sure the area around Sandrock was as safe as possible, to keep her as safe as possible. 

He headed out late one morning to take on a nest of tripions that’d been reported on the bounty board.

The reward on it was unusually high for a tripion nest. Tripions were normally pretty easy prey, and it also meant he’d be able to collect some heliconia nails for Lucy. She often sought them as an ingredient for her own recipes, or for Fang’s, so it was a way for him to reduce her workload too. 

The nest was reportedly near the base of the mountain pass just past Mount Rocksand, inside some cave ruins. The bounty didn't give much more information, only that some tourists had been spooked while spelunking, having caught sight of a few of the creatures, and had reported it, saying the creatures were 'unusually aggressive'. 

Logan tied Rambo up outside the tunnel and headed inside, daggers at the ready, smoke bombs in his pack.

Usually with a nest, once you knew where they were you could smoke them out then deal with them one by one. His first job was to find them, then he'd figure out the best plan of action.

Logan knew something was different, that something was wrong, when the buzz of electricity inside the cave system was too strong.

The tunnel was dark and Logan felt his way along, keen to not draw too much attention to himself by turning on his torch.

Every now and then the darkness would light up in front of him as an orb of energy flashed through the air. The tripions knew he was there, and they were already warning him off. 

As he felt the tunnel open up into a cavern, Logan finally felt for the torch at his hip and unclipped it, ready to turn it on and see what he was dealing with. 

He shone it into one corner, and was shocked when he saw several tripions scuttle out of the light.

He shone it to another corner and found more, then more — all over the floor, tucked into crevices, crawling along the walls, high up above him. 

His heart began to pound as he realised what he was dealing with.

A nest like no other, with dozens of tripions, all hatched, and soon ready to leave their cave for the desert sands.

He quietly clicked off his torch and stepped back, one footstep at a time, frightened now in case he spooked them.

There was no way he could take on that many on his own, not without some serious ammunition. 

Haru’s bombs, he thought. He needed Haru’s know-how. He turned and began to walk swiftly through the cave. 

Then he heard the noise he’d been dreading — the jagged, strangled trumpeting noise of a tripion going on the attack.

But more than one.

It was a horrific sound, like the warning cry of an army going into battle, followed by the scuttling of feet on rock. 

And these things were fast.

Logan didn't hesitate.

He ran, his feet pounding the floor, following the twists and turns of the tunnel, hoping he'd remembered the way out, knowing now that his life depended on him reaching the end of the cave and Rambo’s back.

He managed to duck as an electric orb lit up the ceiling above him, narrowly missing being caught in the blast.

If he was struck, if he was stunned, it'd all be over.

“Rambo!” Logan hollered as the mouth of the tunnel came into view.

Then he whistled as his Pa had taught him years ago, and shouted again.

“Rambo, I need you!” 

Notes:

We started the chapter with one of them running for their lives, and ended with the other. I'm sure it'll be fine...

I decided I couldn't finish the series without giving Logan a piercing. And what better piercing to give him, than the one that started this whole thing? 😅

Chapter 26: A check-up (NSFW)

Summary:

Logan makes it back to Sandrock, but he needs help. Lucy has a check-up at the Clinic.

Notes:

Additional trigger warning for this chapter:

Contains a description of a pregnancy ultrasound. If you’d rather not read it, skip the section bookended by =====

Logan’s lungs burned with effort as he ran, but he didn’t dare stop. The scrabbling, clacking feet of the tripions sounded all around him, echoing through the tunnel like the sound of deathly rain. 

He was trying to muster the air to holler for Rambo again, but before he could the goat appeared at the mouth of the cave, pawing at the dirt.

It was enough to give Logan a final push, to keep going.  

As he reached the goat, Logan threw himself up into the saddle. He grabbed the reins, pulling Rambo around and away, kicking his sides to get him to run.

But it was too late. 

It only took seconds for Rambo to become surrounded. 

The goat bleated in alarm and kicked out at the tripions, sending some flying through the air, stamping on others and crushing them with a sickening crunch. He bucked and tossed his head — anything to fling them away.

Logan felt Rambo jolt as his legs were stung, time and time again, and panic flooded his veins. They couldn’t stay where they were. The tripions just kept coming.

“Rambo! Jump! Run!” Logan shouted, tugging the reins, and Rambo reared up and leapt, bounding for safety, slowly at first as the tripions hung from his legs, taking more of the creatures down in the process.

When Rambo finally broke free he bolted, straight out into the open space of the desert, racing away from the danger of the cave and towards the safety of Sandrock. 

Logan looked back to make sure they weren’t being followed — that they weren’t bringing the swarm back to Sandrock with them. 

The sand in the distance was black, like an ominous shadow seeping from the dark cave. It was still crawling with creatures, which scuttled and shot their stingers in annoyance, and trampled the dead bodies of those Rambo had killed.

The shadow grew, but then halted, no longer spreading. They didn’t follow and Logan thanked the Light, and finally turned to face forward and see how far they were from town.  

Rambo ran, delivering Logan as far away from danger as possible, doing his duty as best he could. 

But as he reached the bridge over Shonash Canyon, he began to flag. 

He slowed, first to a trot, then to a walk, which gradually turned into a stagger. 

“Woah,” Logan said, from atop his back. “Rambo, you alright buddy?” 

Logan knew he must be hurt, knew Rambo had been stung numerous times. He jumped down from Rambo's back and took the reins, trying to keep the goat steady as he began to toss his head and pace on his feet, his eyes wide with shock and pain. 

Logan reached into his pocket and pulled out the antidote he carried. He prised Rambo’s mouth open and forced the bottle between the goat’s teeth so that he could pour the contents in his mouth. Then he pulled out another, and another, giving Rambo everything he had.

Still Rambo paced on his feet and shook his head, the agony clear on his face.

Logan grabbed the reins again and walked backwards, pulling Rambo forwards, edging them both across the bridge even as Rambo fought against him, delirious as he was with the pain.

Logan began to panic and looked over his shoulder, his eyes searching behind him for signs of Lucy, or Justice, or Elsie. Unsuur, or Cooper. 

Anybody.

Somebody. 

He needed help. 

_________________

Lucy steered Merle down the street by the Civil Corps, planning to head out into the desert to gather some more resources before that late afternoon nausea kicked in. It was a beautiful day, though windy, and the wispy clouds up high reminded her of the ones in Highwind. 

She blinked a few times as the wind blew sand from the desert into her face, and wondered about heading home to get some sand gear first. 

But then she saw something ahead that made her blink for another reason, as though she couldn’t believe what she was seeing and needed to clear her vision. 

Logan was on the ground, crouching next to Rambo, who was sprawled out next to the tracks at the end of the bridge.

Lucy’s stomach dropped and she tapped Merle’s sides with her heels, encouraging her into a trot to reach them. 

“What’s happened?” she asked as she jumped down and joined Logan on the ground.

His hands were shaking and he was running them over Rambo’s face like he didn’t know what to do. 

“Tripion nest,” he croaked, and Lucy’s heart broke at the worry she could hear in his voice. 

“I was…I was on Rambo’s back. They came at us all sides Luce, I ain’t ever seen so many. Rambo did so well, he kicked ‘em away, got us back, but he’s bin stung so many times Luce I…I don’t know what to do…I’ve given him antidote but it don’t seem to be workin’…” 

Lucy stared at Rambo, the horror of what was happening sinking in. 

The goat’s breathing was slow and laboured now, his eyes half closed, and she could see the welts on his legs from where he'd been attacked by stingers and pincers.

She ran her hand over Logan’s arm, trying to reassure him somehow, and she stroked Rambo’s leg, to let him know she was there. 

Behind her, Merle whimpered in a way Lucy had never heard before, distressed to see her mate so badly hurt. 

Lucy turned back to her own goat, an idea forming in her mind. 

Was there time? There had to be. The alternative was too horrible to think about.

“I’ll be back Lo,” she said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before she stood and jumped onto Merle’s back and turned her back towards town. She just hoped she’d be back soon enough. 

Logan heard Lucy disappear, Merle’s hoofbeats disappearing along the tracks. 

He continued to rub Rambo’s wiry fur, curling his fingers into the tufts, scratching his chin in the spot he liked. 

“Hang in there buddy,” Logan said. “Please. Please Rambo.” 

Logan’s eyesight grew blurry as his eyes filled with tears. “You’ve bin such a good friend Rambo, such a good boy. All that time, lookin’ out for me, like Pa knew you would. Always knew I could whistle for you and you’d come a’runnin’.”

Logan inhaled a shaky breath. “You did such a good job today boy. Saved my ass again. What’ll I do without you?” 

Rambo snorted weakly, his eyes struggling to stay open, and Logan dug his fingers further into his fur, desperately holding on.

He wasn’t sure how long he stayed like that, willing Rambo to fight, to stay alive, but at some point he became aware of the clatter of hooves behind him as Lucy returned.

Logan didn’t turn around.

He kept his eyes on his friend, determined to be with him till the very end. 

It took Logan a moment to realise Lucy wasn’t alone. 

Another horse pulled up, and the rider jumped down then grabbed a bag . 

Logan looked up numbly as Brandon and Lucy knelt at Rambo’s side. 

He saw Brandon press the end of a stethoscope to Rambo’s chest and listen, his face grave. Then Brandon pulled the scope down from his ears and reached into his bag to pull out a vial and a needle. 

Logan continued to stroke Rambo’s face, vaguely aware of what the others were doing. 

Logan heard Brandon give Lucy instructions as he inserted the needle into Rambo’s skin and pressed the plunger. He saw Lucy pulled something from Brandon’s bag and ask him a question. 

Then Logan felt Lucy place her hand on his arm to gently move him out of the way, so that she could put the device over Rambo’s nose and hold it there. 

Logan watched, dazed, as his wife worked with Brandon — as she carried out his instructions, as Brandon muttered words of encouragement to Rambo, gentle and kind, as he gave Rambo another shot, then massaged his chest firmly. 

Logan was half aware of the moment Brandon told Lucy to watch out, as Rambo began to come back to himself and the pain still coursing through his body caused him to kick out. Logan heard Lucy shout, then saw her move out the way, wincing a little. 

Logan watched Rambo’s eyes open wide and he recognised the fear in them. 

“You’re okay buddy,” he said, “You’re okay. I’m here. We’re here.”  

Rambo snorted and tried to sit up, but fell to one side again. 

“Woah, you’re okay buddy.” 

Logan looked at Brandon, looking to see if the other man was still concerned, and whether they needed to do something more. 

“It’s alright,” Brandon said, understanding the worry on Logan’s face. “Rambo’s panicking because he’s vulnerable. Animal extinct is to get up and get moving. He wants to get to safety now. But he’s alright. He’s out of the woods.” 

Logan nodded gratefully, then looked at Rambo as the goat toppled again. “Take yer time buddy,” he said. “Sit up slow. When you're ready we’ll take you home.” 

Eventually Rambo was able to lift his head, then push himself up, standing next to them on wobbly feet.

The three of them slowly led their steeds back along the track, walking at Rambo’s pace as the goat stopped and started, still unsteady.

When they reached their home, Logan took Rambo back to his stall and the goat butted Logan’s head and softly snorted in his ear, as if to say thank you. 

Logan wrapped his arms around Rambo’s neck, and stood with him for a moment, just feeling his warm animal body.

“I’ll come and check on him later tonight,” Brandon said, and Logan nodded but didn't move. 

Lucy saw Brandon to the gate and thanked him profusely for his help. She was so glad he was still around to help. 

When Brandon had gone, Lucy left Logan with Rambo for a moment and went inside, up to the bathroom. 

She closed the door behind her and locked it, before she moved to stand in front of the mirror. 

There, she lifted her top and stared at her abdomen, and the bruise forming where Rambo had kicked her.

_________________

“Logan?”

“Yes Darlin’?” 

Logan was sitting on a stool in Rambo’s stall, his eyes on his friend as he slept off his trauma. 

“I think… I think I need to go and see Fang.” 

Logan’s eyes flickered to Lucy. “Fang? You okay Darlin’?” 

She nodded, but she was wringing her hands. 

Logan stood and took her hands in his to steady them. “What’s up?” 

“I’m sure it’s nothing.” 

She had thought about just slipping away to the Clinic without telling Logan where she was going. He was already feeling awful about Rambo, and she knew he’d blame himself about Lucy getting caught up in it. 

But, they needed to be open with each other. It was the only way they were going to keep working through things like this.

Life was dangerous. They often got caught in the crossfire. And they had to help each other through it. 

She took a deep breath. “When I was helping earlier, Rambo caught me a little.” 

“Caught you?”

“Kicked me. By accident. Here.” Lucy put one of Logan’s hands on her stomach, and felt the dull ache of the bruise forming underneath. 

She saw Logan swallow, and saw the realisation cross his face. “He kicked yer stomach?” he said, his voice low.

Lucy nodded. “I can go on my own. I just think I need to get it check—”

“No Luce, you’re not goin’ on yer own.” 

Logan jumped straight into action, seeking out Elsie to sit with Rambo, giving her instructions to find Brandon if the goat’s condition deteriorated again. Then he took Lucy to the clinic, insisting they catch the yakmel cart to save her energy.

“What did you tell Elsie?” 

“Just that you need to see Fang cause Rambo kicked you while he was hurt. That’s reason enough.” 

================

Fang listened to Lucy’s story about what’d happened calmly and quietly, while Logan sat next to her holding her hand. 

“Please can you…lie on the bed. I will…examine you.” 

The sheets rustled beneath her as Lucy climbed onto the bed and reclined, and Fang adjusted the head of the bed to make sure she was comfortable.  

Logan watched from his chair next to her, half expecting to be asked to leave for the private exam, relieved when he wasn’t. 

He grimaced when Lucy lifted her top and they all looked at the bruise, now darker, on one side of her stomach. 

If Fang had any kind of opinion on her tattoos or belly button piercing, he didn’t show it. He gently pressed around the bruise, and Lucy winced a little. 

“I am sorry,” Fang said quietly, assessing her face before focusing on his hands again. “I am checking for…internal injury. Swelling and…pain…seems as expected.” He turned to write down some notes. “Given the…likely dates of pregnancy…I am not too worried. We will do a scan…just in case.”

“A scan?” Logan asked. “Does it hurt?”

Fang shook his head. “Not at all.” He turned to bring the monitor Lucy had built earlier in the year nearer the bed. 

Logan heard Lucy take a deep breath, and he reached across to take her hand again. 

Lucy knew how the scanner worked — she’d built the thing after all for Fang to use during Krystal’s pregnancy — but she hadn’t really thought about what it would be like to be the one it was used on. 

She watched Fang set the monitor up and turn it so it was facing him, then he unfurled the cord on the probe. 

“Conductive gel,” he said as he picked up a bottle and approached Lucy again, and she nodded. He’d explained it all to her before, back when she was making the machine. “It will…feel cold.” 

Lucy gasped as Fang applied a generous amount to her stomach. “Y’alright Luce?” Logan asked, as he watched her, concerned. 

She laughed nervously. “Yes. Just cold.” 

Fang applied the probe to her skin and flipped a switch on the monitor, then he watched the screen that Logan and Lucy couldn’t see, his face completely impassive and unreadable. 

Logan felt Lucy squeeze his hand as they waited, and he ran his thumb over her fingers. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but the anticipation was killing him. 

Fang moved the probe over Lucy’s stomach and at last seemed to settle on a spot. With his other hand, he flipped another switch on the machine, and a crackly noise filled the room.

At first it just sounded like white noise. Static. 

And then Logan heard the rhythm in it. 

Woosh-woosh, woosh-woosh.

Fast. Steady. 

He looked at Lucy’s face, and saw her lips part as she watched Fang, realisation hitting her too. 

“Baby’s heartbeat,” Fang confirmed, “is strong.” 

And then he turned the monitor to face them. Lucy and Logan gaped at the screen as Fang pointed to it. “This is…your uterus. This…is your baby. Head here. Body. Hand.” 

Logan’s jaw was on the floor. Hand? His baby’s hand? On that screen? He looked at Lucy and saw her own eyes wide with wonder.

“I think…baby is around…10 or 11 weeks.” 

“11 weeks?” Lucy whispered, and Fang nodded. “Can you tell when we conceived?” she asked quietly, curiosity winning out over any potential embarrassment about discussing her sex life with the doctor. 

“Conception date…roughly…nine weeks ago.” 

Lucy turned to Logan and he smiled at her, then laughed, a joyous sound that made Lucy’s smile bloom on her face. 

Nine weeks ago. 

The week of their wedding. Or thereabouts.

They both turned back to the screen, watching their baby, listening to its heartbeat. Logan still held one of Lucy’s hands tightly in his own and he ran his lips over her knuckles. 

“So…is everythin’ alright doc? Rambo didn’t hurt the baby?” Logan asked.

“Everything looks good.” Fang passed Logan the notes he’d written earlier. “Keep watch for…any of these. We will…repeat the scan…in a few weeks.” 

Then he gave them both one of his rare smiles. “Congratulations,” he said. 

“Thank you Fang,” Lucy said, before she turned to her husband and saw the relief on her face mirrored on his. 

Logan rose from his chair and kissed her forehead. 

================

Andy had arrived home from school by the time they got back, and he was in the stables with Elsie, fussing over Rambo while Rusty played in the straw next to Merle. Roach snorted from his stall at the end, as if he objected to all the noise.

“How’s Rambo?” Logan asked as he joined them. 

“He’s bin sleepin’ a lot but he seems alright. Luce okay?” Elsie asked.

“Yeah. Yeah she’s fine,” Logan said, really trying to smile normally and not with the idiotic grin that threatened to form on his face. Fang had given them both a picture from the scan, and Logan had taken it out to look at it several times already.

Elsie squinted at him a little, but then she stood and stretched. “I better get goin’. I’ll put in the report about the tripions for ya.” 

“Thanks Else. Think we better make a better plan of attack for that one. Safety in numbers n’ all that. And distance.” 

“I’ll head out to the Outpost in a bit,” she said, “and just keep a watch.” 

“They start headin’ to town, you send word right away. I don’t reckon they will, but good to keep an eye on it. For now, ask Justice to issue an order to keep people outa that area.”

Ideas were forming in Logan’s mind about bombs and traps. But all that could wait for another day, as long as they’d retreated back to their cave. 

Lucy offered to be the one to talk to Brandon when he came to check on Rambo, but Logan shook his head. He wanted Lucy to rest, and he reassured her he could be civil — nice even. 

He was already working in the stalls, getting everything sorted for the night, when Brandon arrived. 

They didn’t say much past their initial greeting. 

Brandon pulled on his latex gloves and got to work, crouching down in the straw to check Rambo over. He gave the goat another shot of something, then assessed any wounds left by the tripions, cleaning them thoroughly. 

When he’d seen to Merle, Logan pulled up a stool in Rambo’s stall and watched Brandon work. 

“He gonna be alright?” 

“Yes. He’ll be fine. I’ve just given him some more painkillers for tonight. The only thing you’ll need to do is make sure these wounds stay clean and let him rest for a few days. There shouldn’t be any lasting effects.”

Logan nodded as Brandon chucked another used bit of cotton wool into a bucket and took out a clean piece. He saturated it in some kind of liquid, then began cleaning another area.

“It’s bin kinda handy havin’ a vet around,” Logan said. 

Brandon smiled but didn’t say anything, just kept wiping Rambo’s skin. 

“I know Coop’s appreciated yer help too.” 

“Did Lucy put you up to this?” 

“Up to what?” 

Brandon’s lips quirked again. “Being pleasant.” 

Logan snorted a laugh. “No. I’ll let her know y’said that though.” He fidgeted, rubbing his hands together while he thought for a moment and Brandon silently worked. “Thank you. For today.” 

“Happy to help.” 

“I don’t know what I would’ve done… Rambo means a lot to me. He ain’t just an animal, or a pet.”

“No, I get that. Animals can mean a lot more to us. Be part of the family.” 

“You got any pets?” 

“Not at home. I have to work odd hours, and be on call to look after other peoples’ animals. It wouldn’t be fair to keep leaving them like that.” 

Brandon threw the final bit of cotton wool away, then sat back on his heels and removed his gloves. “There, all done.” He gave Rambo a scratch behind the ears, and the goat bleated softly. 

“He likes you,” Logan said.

“He’s a fine goat.” 

Brandon packed his things away. When he stood up he asked, “Do you think you and Luce will come and visit Highwind one day?”

“I expect so. I’d like to see where she grew up, an’ I know she’ll probably wanna see yer Ma and Pa. And you, I guess.” 

Brandon nodded, lingering for just a moment, but it seemed he decided against whatever he was going to say. Logan couldn’t tell if it would’ve been something sincere or another jibe. 

In the end, all Brandon said was, “Goodnight Logan,” before he turned and left.

_________________

“Strange to think this thing is in there,” Logan said, staring again at the scan photo, and then at Lucy’s stomach as they sat on the couch once Andy had gone to bed. 

“This thing?” she said with a laugh. 

“Yeah. This little alien,” he said with a grin. “Look at its little hand.”

“It’s a cute hand.” 

“It is. How’s the bruise feelin’?” 

“A little tender. I feel better now I know it’s nothing serious though.” 

Logan placed the photo on the table in front of them then sat back and looked at her. “What a day.” 

“Mmm.” Lucy raised her hand to caress Logan’s jaw, and he turned his head to kiss her palm. 

“I’m sorry you got hurt,” he murmured. 

“It wasn’t bad, in the end. And I’m not sorry we got to see our baby today.” She could sense Logan was about to launch into some self-flagellation about having put her in danger again, and she wanted to keep the mood happy. She was happy. 

“That’s true. Still, I—”

“Logan?” He paused and looked at her, his blue eyes wide. “You don’t have anything to feel guilty about,” she said. “Okay?”  

He nodded, reluctantly.

“If you want to feel better though…go and run me a bath.” 

Logan huffed a laugh. “Yes ma’am.” 

_________________

Brandon came to check on Rambo again the next day, before telling Lucy his train was booked. He’d be heading back to Highwind the following morning.

When Lucy told Logan, she also told him she wanted to go to the station to see Brandon off. 

She didn’t say, “If that’s okay?” but it was sort of implied. She didn’t really want to ask for permission, but part of her wondered if Logan would object. 

So, she was surprised when he said he’d join her.

“Oh. Sure, if you want to,” she said. 

Logan nodded. “I appreciate what he did for Rambo.” 

Lucy smiled.

“But I still wanna make sure he gets on that damn train,” he said with a wink that made Lucy laugh. 

When it was time to gather on the station platform, Nia was quite emotional saying goodbye to her brother. She'd grown used to having him around, as annoying as big brothers could be. Mi-an wrapped her arms around her wife as she tried not to sob. 

As Brandon turned to Lucy, he shot an uncomfortable glance at Logan next to her, like he was unsure whether to risk hugging her or not.

"It's been great to see you, short stuff. It's been an eventful few months..." he said with a chuckle, and she smiled at him warmly. "But you've achieved some pretty big things. I'm glad I got to see some of it." 

"Thanks Brandon," Lucy said. She pulled him into a quick friendly hug, deciding to breeze through any awkwardness and not let it be a big deal. 

Brandon released Lucy, and Logan could see he was trying to work out what to say to him next. Logan stuck out his hand, and gave him a simple, “Have a safe trip.” Brandon accepted it with a quick shake, before he smiled one more time at Lucy, and turned and boarded his train. 

Logan breathed a silent sigh of relief.

_________________

Autumn drew to a close, and the leaves on the ground began to lose their golden sheen, growing crispy and crunchy in the low sun. The wind changed direction, bringing with it the first chill of winter and scattering the dried leaves across the sands.

Logan spent his time fussing around Lucy, worrying about the bruise Rambo had left her with, constantly asking her for any signs on the list Fang had given him. 

Pain? “No.” 

Bleeding? “No.”

Nausea? “No more than normal,” she said, for the umpteenth time. 

Frustratingly for Lucy, Logan also kept refusing her advances. 

The first time was a few days after the tripion incident, when Lucy tried to drag Logan back to bed once Andy had left for school, suddenly feeling the urge to have her husband there and then. 

He told her that, much as he was tempted by the idea, she was still healing. She lifted her top and showed him the bruise, now more yellow and green than black and blue thanks to Fang’s healing ointment. But Logan didn’t believe her when she said it barely hurt anymore. 

Then, the following evening, when she tried to instigate more in bed, he told her she must be tired and needed her rest — oh, and how was the bruise? Again. 

And then she raised the idea of doing something at the Outpost for their ‘anniversary’. But Logan looked uncertain. 

“Look, Luce, you’ve bin through a lot, and you know I ain’t expectin’ anythin’. I understand if you’re sore, or not feelin’ well, or not up for it. Please don't do it just for me Love. We can just do somethin’ quiet at home. A meal or somethin’.”

But Lucy wasn’t feeling too sore. 

Or too nauseous, actually. 

Or too tired. 

All of a sudden, she was feeling pretty good. 

And she wanted Logan.

She wanted him a lot. 

She wondered how she could get him to understand that. Should she just come out and say it? Keep throwing herself at him? Or plan something romantic and try and seduce him? 

She sort of preferred the last option, as it had been a while since they’d done anything like that, what with Lucy’s pregnancy symptoms, and work, and running for their lives at various points, and caring for injured animals, and looking after their son. 

In the end, the issue resolved itself one evening while Andy had a sleepover at Jasmine’s. 

Lucy had just had a bath, and Logan sat on the edge of their bed, watching as she let her bathrobe slip from her shoulders. 

She took a moment to check herself over in the mirror, her hands over her stomach where the bruise had faded. 

She wasn’t showing yet, although she’d noticed some of her clothes were feeling tighter around the waist. And her bras definitely felt more than a bit snug. 

She paused when she noticed Logan’s reflection looking at her. His eyes were scanning her body, and it took him a moment to realise she’d caught him staring.

Logan’s cheeks went red. 

“Why’re you blushing Bandit?” Lucy asked as she turned around, tilting her head to one side, a small smirk on her lips.

“I ain’t blushin’,” Logan said, blushing even more. 

Lucy grinned. “You know you’re allowed to look at me Lo. I am your wife.” 

“I know, it’s just…” Logan trailed off and licked his lips. 

“What?” 

“It’s a cruel design.” 

“What is?” 

“That yer boobs hurt, when they look like that.” 

Lucy looked down. “Like what?” 

“They’re fuckin’ huge Luce.” 

Lucy laughed, her own cheeks reddening.

“You like them like this?” 

“They’re yer boobs Luce. I like ‘em anyhow. But not bein’ able to touch ‘em right now…it’s torture.” 

“It is?” 

Lucy cupped her breasts, feeling the weight of them. They were definitely bigger, and she knew she’d need to get some new bras soon. But the soreness — that had faded, for now at least. 

“They don’t actually feel too bad,” she said, giving them a little squeeze and risking a peek at Logan. 

He was watching her hands, mesmerised. 

She began to massage her breasts more firmly, first pressing her fingers into them, then lifting them up and together, pretending she was just assessing them, but really doing it for Logan's benefit. She loved the way he looked at her, his eyes tracking her every movement like he was waiting for the right moment to pounce on her.

“They may get bigger yet, apparently,” she said innocently.

“Bigger?” he asked distractedly. 

“Yes.” She was still playing with them, but now she watched Logan’s face. His eyes hadn’t left her boobs. “Maybe a little bigger while I’m pregnant, then again when my milk comes in.” 

Logan’s eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, like he himself was surprised by how much he liked that idea. 

Lucy smirked, then moved her hands closer to her nipples. She gently stroked them, pretending she was still testing for soreness. She’d removed her piercing now, but they didn’t hurt like they had done. 

“My nipples feel much better,” she said, gently tweaking them. “Do you think they’re bigger too?”

Logan’s eyes finally moved to her face, and he caught her wicked smile. 

He suddenly reached forward to grab her waist and pulled her to stand between his legs, making her let out a little yelp and a giggle of surprise. 

“You’re bein’ a tease Builder.” 

“A tease? I was just checking they didn’t still hurt,” she said, like butter wouldn’t melt. She placed her hands on Logan’s shoulders. “Do you want to check?”

Logan kept his gaze focused on her face as raised his hands to her breasts and cupped them, letting them fill his hands. Then he pushed them up and in, gently, slowly. Lucy sighed and ran her hands along the tops of his shoulders before she clasped them behind his neck. 

“Mmm, that feels nice,” she said, closing her eyes. 

Logan’s attention moved to his hands, and he watched them as he stroked and squeezed her boobs. 

He’d been watching her surreptitiously for days, weeks. Yes — to keep an eye on her, make sure she was okay. But secretly fascinated by the small changes in her body. And the not so small ones. 

He hadn’t wanted to put any pressure on her while she wasn’t feeling her best, but more than once after catching her changing he’d had to excuse himself and take a long shower, and picture her there with him.

So he didn’t rush, now he was finally able to touch her again, and he felt his own body respond to the sight and feel of her. 

Unable to hold off any longer, he let her breasts drop gently before he tugged her closer by her waist. 

Lucy’s eyes opened momentarily, then fluttered closed again when she felt Logan’s hot breath against one of her nipples. 

He started with a lick, feeling around and over her nipple, the nub firm against his tongue. 

Then his lips enveloped her, sucking her nipple into his mouth. He kept it gentle, to make sure she was really okay, and continued to fondle her other breast with his hand. 

He missed her piercing a little, missed the cool hardness of it, and the contrast with her soft pink skin. But the little sighs and moans she was making told him she was as sensitive as ever, if not more so. 

And the new changes in her, caused by the baby he’d put in her belly, more than made up for it. 

He took his time, enjoying one nipple before moving across to the other. Lucy gasped anew as he made contact, her hands now raking through his hair, pressing him to her. 

“Oh Logan," she whimpered, "I want you so much.” 

She felt him smile against her nipple — a wolfish grin as he kept on teasing her with his tongue.

So she didn’t wait. 

She pulled back and tugged on his hair, just enough to free up his mouth so that she could claim it with her own. She kissed him wildly, desperate for him. 

Then she reached down to his pyjama pants and tugged them, and he lifted his ass just enough to help her pull them off. His cock sprung back, hard and ready, and Lucy climbed onto his lap on the edge of the bed.  

Her lips were still forceful against his as she ran her hands all over his shoulders, his back — as far as she could reach — then up along his neck and his jaw, back into his hair, threading her fingers tightly through it. 

Logan took it, submitted to it, this beautiful wild thing in his lap, enjoying the way she clawed at him. 

Her breasts pressed against his chest and he felt the slipperiness between her legs as she ground down over his cock. But he lost track of where her hands were, her limbs, her mouth — only that they were all over him.

All of a sudden she lifted her ass, enough to line the tip of him with her pussy, then she lowered herself back down.

She took him, claimed him. One long slide down, taking him to the hilt. 

She lifted herself again, then with a groan and a clash of teeth and lips against his, she lowered. 

She rose and fell, over and over, panting and moaning, her mouth wide against his as she gasped, one hand holding his neck firmly at the base of his skull, the other still entwined in his hair at the back of his scalp. 

Their bodies grew slick where they joined, then over their hips and chests as beads of sweat formed on their skin. Lucy bent her mouth to his neck, licking and kissing him and breathing in the gorgeous scent of him — soap and sweat and sex.

Logan tried to hold on, he really did. 

He could feel her frantically chasing something, a release, and he wanted this moment, the animal way she needed him, to go on and on. 

But he was overwhelmed, and the more he tried to push his own climax away, the closer it seemed to pull, until he knew he’d reached the point of no return and could only enjoy the pleasure that burst through his groin and up into her, filling her in a rush of ecstasy. 

Logan let out a loud groan against her collarbone as he came and Lucy tipped her head back, her eyes closing as she felt Logan give in beneath her. She slowed, loosening her grip on him, and tried to catch her breath. 

“Oh, fuck. Lucy,” he mumbled against her skin.

Logan’s hands were on her back, palms spread to hold her steady on his lap, and he looked up, eyes seeking hers. She tipped her face back towards him and smiled — a lazy contented smile.  

“Luce, I’m sorry, I couldn’t—”

She silenced him with a kiss, hands holding his jaw. “It’s exactly what I wanted.” 

Logan looked at her for a moment, still stunned. Then, gathering control over his body again, he grabbed her by her hips and lifted her up, just enough so he could hold her and twist to deposit her flat on her back on the bed.

She let out a breathy, “Lo…” then moaned as he settled alongside her and found her clit with his fingers. He propped himself up on one arm and looked down, admiring her breasts and her stomach as she writhed on the bed, her hands clasping the sheet either side of her head. 

Logan leant forward to kiss down over her breasts, sucking and licking each nipple agonisingly slowly, in time with the slow circles of his fingers. 

Then he ran his fingers along her slit and felt the glossy wetness, and shifted to catch sight of his seed as it collected there. He pressed one finger inside her, then another, watching that white liquid on his fingers, pushing it in and around, turned on by the sight of it, yet knowing it could do nothing now she already carried his baby. 

His baby, inside her.

He kissed her stomach reverently, all across and below her belly button.  

Then further down, so that he could bend his head to her clit, and lap at her with his tongue.

Lucy arched her back as she came, hard and swift, her hips shaking as Logan held her there, his fingers still inside pressing up as his tongue pressed down. He continued to lick and suck, determined to keep her going, only shifting his tongue to run around her clit, instead of over it, giving her a minute to reset, before he narrowed in on his target again. 

Lucy’s hands moved from the sheet, now creased and crumpled, and grasped Logan’s hair, her hips bucking beneath him. She was so sensitive now and she was ready to beg him to stop, but before she could utter the words another orgasm began to crest and she was up and over it before she knew what had happened. 

She gasped and blinked the stars away from her eyes, and clamped her legs shut, forcing Logan away before he got any more ideas. As she draped an arm over her eyes, she heard him chuckle from his position near her pelvis. He kissed her stomach again, then shifted back up the bed to lie next to her and stroke her hair. 

She sighed, satiated and content. And exhausted.

Logan got up and brought Lucy her nightshirt, and encouraged her to clean up and dress before she fell asleep.

Finally ready, she snuggled into Logan's side. He wrapped his arms around her, kissed the top of her head, and breathed her in, already feeling himself starting to drift.

Lucy, curled up in his arms, had the energy to ask one more question, her voice low and sleepy. 

“Shall we plan a date at the Outpost?” 

Notes:

Only one, possibly two, chapters left to go, depending on how much...detail...I go into 😏

Chapter 27: A tryst (NSFW)

Summary:

Logan and Lucy celebrate a special anniversary.

Notes:

Alternative summary:

Logan and Lucy have a lot of sex. That's it. That's the chapter 🙃

It was a bitingly cold, dry day, although there was a rainstorm promised for later. Dark grey clouds already loomed in the distance. 

Apt, they both thought.

They shared secretive smiles as they got Andy ready for school, making sure he had everything he needed in his bag. Lucy pulled a rain poncho down over his head, then gave him a quick hug before he ran out the door, watching his feet kick up the sand and dirt as he left their gate.

The rest of the town looked quiet. 

Most people would stay indoors today, and anyone who saw Logan and Lucy head out on Merle would think they were mad, or that there was some serious issue out in the desert they needed to see to. 

As least they would be prepared for the icy rain this time, should it fall.

Logan joined Lucy at the door and placed a hand on her hip. 

Time to get ready.

_________________

Logan hugged Lucy back against him as they rode together, folding his cape around the both of them to keep her warm, while she kept ahold of the reins. 

Lucy didn’t feel cold though. The anticipation of the day ahead was already making her heart pace and her cheeks flush.  

Logan wasn't faring much better. The rocking of Lucy’s hips between his thighs was focusing all of his attention downwards, and he could already feel himself getting excited at the thought of what was to come. When he felt her squirm in front of him, her ass pressing back against the bulge in his pants, he placed his lips next to her ear, and very gently kissed along the edge.

Lucy’s eyes fluttered closed.

She could feel the heat of Logan’s hands, even through the leather she was wearing. When had he removed his gloves, she wondered?

She imagined his hands roaming, and the feel of his calloused fingertips and rough palms grazing her skin. 

It caused an ache to build between her thighs. The fabric of her pants, snug against her groin as she rode, only aggravated it, making her feel even more swollen and needy. And her breasts felt too confined, constricted by her bra, too tight now against her sensitive nipples. She was so desperate for that fabric to be replaced by Logan’s touch, she felt like she was on fire.

As if he knew, Logan slid one hand up and unzipped her jacket — Logan’s jacket, one she’d borrowed to keep warm — then wriggled his hand up under her woollen sweater, inside her shirt, inside her bra. He cupped her breast and rolled her nipple with his fingers. 

Lucy arched her back against him, enough to let him know she approved. 

So his other hand moved down and deftly popped the button on her pants, releasing some of that pressure before sliding inside, finding its way into her knickers. He pressed his palm against her pubic bone, and held it there. 

Logan looked down over Lucy's shoulder, trying to picture what it looked like under his cape. On the outside, the dark fabric — tugged tightly around them — wavered in the breeze. But underneath, under the leather and the wool and the cotton, the buttons and zips and buckles, there was hot sensitive skin, silky with lust, and curves, ripe for squeezing. He gently dragged his teeth against the shell of Lucy's ear, desperate to nip and claim, but biding his time. 

Lucy swallowed, her eyelids opening and closing in slow blinks. She was lost, now. All she wanted was Logan’s fingers on her clit. All of her attention was there, and he knew it was, and yet he kept his fingers just above it. 

Logan felt her squirm again.

“Do you want me to touch you Darlin’?” he mumbled into her ear, his fingers forming an upside down ‘v’ as he slid them either side of her clit. 

She leant back against him even more, head tilted into the crook of his neck. “Please,” he heard her moan, her voice almost lost on the wind. He imagined that whispered plea being carried into the canyon to reverberate and echo, so that everyone would know how much she wanted him.

“Right now? Out here?” he growled, his voice equally low. Still he teased her, running those fingers up and down, squeezing her clit gently between them. 

“Yes.” 

“Someone might see,” he said, knowing there was no-one else for miles.

“I don’t care,” she whimpered, and she wriggled her hips, trying to get him to touch her there, where it burned the brightest.

“Like this?” he finally asked, fingers lightly brushing her piercing, nudging it against her clit.

"Oh." Her back arched again.

“Or harder?”

“Harder,” she begged, one hand letting go of the reins and escaping from his cape to clasp the side of his jaw.

“D’you want me to make you come Builder? Out here? With just my cape coverin’ you?” 

He felt her nod, and he pressed harder, his fingers dragging tiny circles over her clit. 

Lucy moaned loudly, and Logan grinned, delighted. Light, let that echo through the canyon.

Their destination came into view, but he kept going, determined to finish Lucy out there.

It didn’t take long. She was so sensitive these days, all that blood circulating, rushing to her pelvis, making her sex swell and throb with need.

She scrunched her eyes closed and grasped at his collar as her climax began to build, a cry leaving her mouth as she sailed, high, before crashing over the edge in a shudder of moans.

She nuzzled against his jaw with her forehead as he withdrew his fingers.

Logan kissed her hair, took the reins from her, and steered them the last few metres to the Outpost. 

_________________

They settled Merle in the small stable, making sure she had enough water and hay, working silently with the occasional bashful glance at one another. 

Neither knew why they were feeling quite so shy. Not after what they’d just done. Not when they knew each other so intimately.

Perhaps it was the occasion, the thought of what they were here to celebrate. 

Two years. 

Two years since their first unexpected tryst at the Outpost. That awfully cold, wet day when they’d each been caught in the storm and taken shelter. Lucy had stood by the sink, covered in the bed sheet, while Logan had undressed behind her and slid into the bed. She’d settled down next to him, and they’d both fallen asleep.

And then, when they’d woken…well. One thing led to another. Which led to a casual ‘friends with benefits’ type situation, which led to a full blown relationship, and then a break-up, and then declarations of love. 

Adventurous trips together. 

Excitement at home. 

Separations, heartbreak, and reunions.

Helping each other heal.

And now, married, parents to Andy, and another one on the way.

Building a life together.

As Merle settled down in her straw, Logan took Lucy’s hand and led her up the steps, holding the door open for her before following her inside.

Logan locked the door behind them, and turned to face his wife. 

She stood in front of him, smiled, and gave him a small shy shrug. 

Logan, one hand still on the door handle, smiled back.

He took a couple steps forward and removed her scarf for her, and hung it up. Then he slowly removed her jacket, and hung that up too. 

Lucy returned the favour, placing his hat next to her scarf, then his cape, then his jacket. Slowly they undressed one another, placing their clothes on the hooks and hangers Lucy had installed since that first time. 

Everything, except Lucy’s bra. 

After Logan unclasped it and slid it forwards over her shoulders he paused for a moment, grinned, then draped it on the weapons rack.

Lucy giggled. Then she looked up, her eyes wide with wonder, as the pitter-patter of raindrops started to sound on the roof of the cabin. Gentle at first, then more forceful. 

The storm had arrived.

They stared at one another, until Lucy raised one of her hands towards his bare chest. 

She halted.

“Can I touch you?” she whispered, and Logan nodded. 

The moment Lucy’s hand touched his chest, Logan cupped her jaw and kissed her, his step forward making her stumble backwards. 

She ran her hands up his arms, over his biceps and shoulders, feverishly kissing him back as she dragged him to the bed. 

He sank into her as soon as she lay down beneath him, her body soft and welcoming, her curves a cushion for the firmness of his chest, her hands tenderly stroking him wherever she could reach.

Home.

Logan’s tongue explored her mouth as he rolled his hips. 

Deep kisses. 

Deep thrusts. 

Like he was dying of thirst, and she was the oasis.

Like he could claim her, again, and again, and again. The woman who’d softened his heart.

Lucy felt the muscles of his back and shoulders work under her palms and she whimpered, wondering when this would get old, wondering if she’d ever get bored of him.

If she wasn’t already pregnant, she’d be begging him to give her everything, to spill inside her, to plant his seed.

Logan broke the kiss to let her breathe but she lifted her head, following his lips, and gasped, “I love you…I love you…so much Lo.” 

“Oh, Luce…I love you too…Darlin’…you have no idea.”

Lucy’s head fell back on the pillow as she felt her second orgasm build. 

It began with a fluttering of pleasure somewhere in that space in the centre of her pelvis, deep within the softness of her, and it grew as she arched her back, her nipples brushing against his chest.

As Logan groaned and bucked, and she knew he was there too, letting go, filling her, the fluttering turned to pulsing spasms and shaking legs.

Pleasure that left her breathless and quivering beneath him, molten in his arms.

_________________

They slept a while, lulled into a stupor from their lovemaking and the rain that danced on the roof.

Logan woke first with a deep inhale, lifting his head as he remembered where they were. He looked at Lucy asleep next to him, the sheets and furs tangled around their legs leaving her chest exposed.

Once upon a time, he'd felt guilty for looking and he'd tried to cover her.

Now, she was his to adore.

He pressed a kiss to her shoulder, then down over her chest to the curve of her breast. 

Lucy gave a little contented moan and the corners of her mouth lifted, but she kept her eyes closed, still caught in that space between sleep and wakefulness.

“You hungry?” Logan asked quietly, and she nodded but curled into him, arms wrapping around him to keep him there.

Logan grinned. “Y’need to let me get up if you want somethin’ to eat Darlin’.” 

“Mm.” 

“We've got…chocolate cake,” he said, kissing her hair. “Strawberries. Cream.” 

Lucy sighed deeply, then her arms fell away. 

Logan chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes.” 

She’d sat up in bed by the time he brought the tray over, filled with two plates of decadent cake and a bowl of strawberries.

And two mugs of sparkling wine.

“Ain’t got any fancy glasses here,” he said with a boyish grin.

Logan set the tray on the bed and sat opposite her. He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. Her dark hair was tousled and wild. Untameable. 

Lucy smiled at him sleepily, then reached forwards to dance her fingers up the centre of his abs and over his pecs.

“How does it feel now?” she asked.

Logan peered down at his chest and the barbell piercing through his nipple. “Better. Doesn’t hurt.” 

Lucy traced her fingers around it. “It’ll take a long time to heal properly,” she said, remembering that from experience. “Shame. I’m looking forward to playing with it.” She gave him a mischievous grin. 

“All in good time Darlin’.”

Lucy looked at the spread before her, then picked up one of the plates and a forkful of the cake. “Oh, that’s good,” she said as she swallowed. She held the next forkful up to Logan, and he bent his head to take it, then nodded, chewing. 

“Owen knows what he’s doin’, hey.” 

“He’s pretty talented.” 

Logan picked up his own plate and they tucked in. 

“You cold?” he asked as they ate. 

She shook her head. The heater she’d installed was doing its job nicely. 

“Are you?” she asked, eyes scanning his body. 

It was quite the view, Logan sitting naked on the edge of the bed eating chocolate cake. His white hair was loose and long about his face, his skin still lightly golden from the summer and autumn sun. Red, inked lines covered one side of his torso, leading her eyes down to the dip between his stomach and his pelvis. His strong thighs. The white hairs over his pubic bone. His cock still frightfully impressive as it rested between his legs, soft and relaxed. For now.

What would Lucy have made of this, back then? Before that first time? When she’d had a secret crush on him but would never have admitted it. She wouldn’t have known where to look, that's for sure. It would’ve been like trying to stare at the sun. 

She tried to picture telling herself. Her face would've been stunned, probably panicky. ‘We have sex with him? But he’s so gorgeous. How on earth…’ 

Even now, it made Lucy’s heart skip and she fought the urge to fan her face with her hand. That she was allowed to look at him in all his glory like this, touch him, kiss him, have him kiss her, make love to her — it still made her giddy...

“Eyes up Builder,” Logan said, interrupting her spiralling thoughts, and her gaze snapped to his face. He smirked at her. “Do I look cold?” he asked, raising a quizzical brow. 

“No. You look incredible.” The words left her mouth before she thought too much about them, honest and true.

Logan huffed a laugh and focused on the last bit of his cake, a blush creeping onto his cheeks at her unexpected compliment.

Oh, and that, Lucy thought. Not only did he look like that, but he was shy about it too. If she didn’t know better, she’d think it was part of his play, acting coy, like he didn’t understand how beautiful he was. Perhaps if he’d been all bravado that first time he would’ve scared her off. But he hadn’t been. He’d been hesitant too, curious but careful, waiting for permission. 

And he'd told her once that he’d pictured that moment — finding her at the Outpost in a state of undress — before it happened. She couldn’t quite believe he’d fantasised about her as much as she had him.

Lucy set her plate down on the tray and lifted the whole thing off the bed and onto the side table, then she took Logan’s plate from him and put that down too. 

She kissed some crumbs from the corner of his mouth, caressed his lips with hers, then found his tongue, slowly savouring him. He tasted of rich, bitter-but-sweet chocolate. 

“You taste incredible too.” 

Logan licked his lips. “You do too.” 

His eyes flickered to something behind her, something that’d caught his eye. He reached across and picked up a strawberry, then held it up between them, offering it to her. 

When she took a bite Lucy kept her eyes locked on his, trying to make it sexy, but the juice ran down her chin and she giggled, embarrassed, and went to wipe it away. 

Logan grabbed her hand and leant forward, and used his tongue to follow the trail of juice from her jaw to her mouth. 

So she took another bite, purposefully messy. 

This time Logan waited, watching her lips shine with the sweet juices of the strawberry. Deep pink and glistening, reminding him of something else.

He gently rested his hand on her jaw and tilted her head to one side, letting the juice run down. The droplets travelled, following the curve of her neck down to the dip of her clavicle. There he caught them with his tongue, and followed them back up to her lips, making her sigh.

He could lick her all over. 

Had licked her all over, pretty much. That time after they reconnected after their break-up, their new confessions of love still fresh on their tongue. And again since then, several times.

When had he realised he wanted her like that? Like his life depended on it? 

They both knew there’d been an instant connection the very first moment they saw each other. Grace had told them she’d picked up on it straight away too, the moment Lucy was in the hideout. 

Was it then? When she sat across from him that first time, in that short skirt and tight t-shirt? Possibly. He'd certainly felt something strong enough to make him want to run in the opposite direction, fool that he was.

If he could go back and tell that Logan where they’d end up, would he act quicker, make a move sooner? 

Crawl across that table at the hideout to get to her? 

You’ll be allowed to kiss her one day, he’d tell himself, touch her, make love to her. But be warned, once you’ve started, you won’t be able to stop.

He must’ve zoned out for a second, because the next thing he knew, Lucy had moved away from him and was turning back to the tray. Logan expected her to pick up another strawberry, but this time she lifted the can of cream. She gave it a little shake, then removed the lid. 

His eyes widened as she squirted a little onto her clavicle, where the strawberry juice had been. He eyed it for a second, white cream on her skin reminding him of something else. Then he obeyed and licked it away. 

She squirted some on the other side, and he followed her lead, the cream cold and fresh, her warm skin underneath still salty with sweat from their sex a couple of hours ago. 

“Where next Bandit?” she asked.

Logan took the can from her and gazed into her eyes as he shook it. Then he looked down, and squirted a generous line of cream between her breasts, making her gasp. 

As he dipped his head to lick and suck, Lucy ran her hands through his hair, the act pushing her breasts together, making it even messier.

Giving him more to clean. 

“You’re so beautiful Luce,” he murmured, lips travelling over her curves. 

He gently pushed her to lie down, then added more cream — this time a trail from the top of one of her breasts all the way down to her nipple. 

Logan lost himself in his exploration, the cool creaminess against her skin the most delicious thing, licking and sucking it away to find her nipple. Lucy moaned, and Logan added more — to her other breast, her other nipple, between her breasts again, forcing them up and together then carving between them with his tongue. 

She was damp and sticky and eager for him to continue his game downwards, but she wanted to play too. She took the can from his hand and gave him a gentle push to get him to lay on his back. 

She started with his jaw, then his neck, then his chest, over his nipple without the piercing. She painted lines across his abs with the cream, and licked them all clean, her breasts getting covered in the process. 

Then, cream on his cock, now hard and beading at the tip. Logan grunted as she licked from the base of him all the way up, then sucked the cream from the swollen end of him. 

“Luce,” Logan groaned as she licked him like a popsicle. They were both covered with traces of cream now, but neither cared, their skin hot and sticky. 

Logan didn’t want her to stop, but he couldn’t wait to taste her, either. “Luce, come here,” he mumbled as she squirted more cream along his thick hard cock. 

She glanced at him as she cast the can of cream to one side, then she let him guide her so that she was positioned above his face. 

Logan waited until she took him into her mouth again, then he replicated her movements. A long suck on her clit as she sucked the tip of him. A long lick along her slick centre as she ran her tongue along his length. 

Lucy moaned around his cock as Logan began to eat her out in earnest.

Her hand joined her mouth, trying to match Logan’s pace as he flicked his tongue against her clit. She writhed above him and he clamped his arms around her hips and ass, holding her tight against his face. 

He could feel her juices all around his mouth and over his chin, sweet and glistening like the juice from the fruit, and he knew he was going to come.

That thought alone would’ve been enough to make him come. 

But with her hand and her mouth on him too, sucking at him like he was the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted… Logan couldn’t hold it any longer. 

He kept his tongue on her as he came but he moaned, becoming breathless as he felt Lucy swallow everything he had, white cream disappearing down her throat. 

Eventually she stopped and he released his hold on her ass, letting her raise herself up a little.

She looked over her shoulder at him, grinning smugly. “I won,” she said.

Logan could only stare at the ceiling, gasping and nodding.

She rolled from him, as if she was going to get up off the bed, but Logan grabbed her ankle, holding her in place next to him. Then he shifted up to kneel, then crawl over her.

“I ain’t done with you,” he said, claiming her mouth with a long kiss, pushing her back down onto the bed. 

She didn’t resist, simply ran her sticky hands all over him. 

For the second time that day, Logan found her clit with his fingers. But this time he didn’t tease. He was quick and firm, and it didn’t take long for Lucy’s grip on his arms to grow tight and her body to grow rigid, before the tension snapped and she came, shaking and softening in his arms once again. 

He wrapped her tightly, and held her until her breathing grew steady. 

_________________

They lay together for a little while, listening to the rain. But, as the remnants of cream dried, their skin became tight and uncomfortable.

Logan got up to run a bowl of warm soapy water and they stood next to the sink, wiping each other with a cloth, rinsing it out every now and then.

“I’m so glad it happened Luce, that first time here, at the Outpost,” Logan said quietly, wiping just below her collarbone. “And I’m so glad I had the nerves t'call on you again, that time at yer house. I’m so grateful Luce, for all of it.” 

Lucy smiled at him. "Me too Lo. You know, for the one who said they didn't want a relationship, you were kind of the driving force." 

"What do you mean?" 

"Well, like you said, you called on me again," she said, taking the cloth from him. "You asked for me to join you on the expedition, where you were a total sweetheart by the way."

"Hmm." Logan chuckled shyly. "And then we came home and I ran away like a coward when it got hard." 

"And then you came back." Lucy dabbed at his abs. "This time last year...you had the ring then?" 

"I did." 

"Did you think about proposing here?" 

Logan nodded. "Would you have said yes?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I knew I loved you, obviously, but I think I was still scared at that point. I'm glad it happened the way it did, in the end, when I could be so certain it was right. I've never been so certain about anything in my life."

Logan took the cloth from her, and dropped it in the sink. Then he tugged her closer by her waist and kissed her. 

He'd intended to keep it soft and sweet, their day at the Outpost coming to an end.

But Lucy opened her mouth a little more, caressed his tongue with her own, and leaned into him, her breasts squashing up against him. 

And then she sighed, a soft, "Mmm," against his mouth, and before he knew it his hands were running down to cup her ass, and his cock was standing to attention between them.

Lucy stepped back a little and looked down.

"Again Bandit?"

She looked delighted. 

Logan looked concerned. He was thinking his tank might be more than a little empty.

“Luce, I don’t reckon I can—” he began, but she grasped him in her hands.

His hands flew to the countertop either side of her as he tried to steady himself. 

“Feels like you can,” she teased, as he hardened fully and groaned. But then, more seriously, “But we can stop if you want to.” 

Logan’s eyes were closed as he leant into her touch, seemingly trying to decide what he wanted. 

He answered her with a kiss, and lifted her up.

Lucy curled her arms and legs around him as he pressed into her, taking her again, up against the sink.

Then she leant back. She kept one hand on his shoulder as he thrusted, and with the other tried to brace behind her, but her hand only found the bowl of water, and she jolted, almost slipping backwards.

She cried out, half in shock, half with laughter, and Logan lifted her up into his arms and carried her over to the table, his mind worrying about making sure she was comfortable whilst also being preoccupied with the insatiable need to be inside her. To fuck and claim and worship.

“Fuck, Lo,” she said, struggling to get a grip on his arms or chest, still slippery with water and soap, or the table that was rocking dangerously beneath her. 

He lifted her again, this time pressing her back against their clothes where they hung on the wall. Lucy wrapped her legs around his ass and she grabbed at the material either side of her, adjusting her grip as some fell to the floor. 

Logan rutted, sliding in and out of her, deep and hard.

Their bodies slapped together and it was almost too much, almost too overwhelming, but then Lucy felt that pulsing begin again deep in her core. 

Her cry was loud as her fourth orgasm ripped through her, making her cling to Logan again like she could climb him and hold herself steady.

Logan slowed, thrusting two, three more times, coming with several grunts, burying the two of them in against their coats. 

Logan's heart was pounding.

He held her tightly, breathing deeply, waiting until sense had returned, then he gently set her down.

He braced himself against the wall with one hand, his legs wobbly. Then, equally gently, he ran his other hand over her stomach. Still flat, no curve yet to suggest at what she was carrying. But he knew it was there, this precious new life they'd made.

He'd been letting her take the lead lately, anxious in case he took it too far, lost control in the moment.

Like he'd just done.

“You didn’t hurt me Lo," she said, anticipating his question. "You won’t hurt me, or the baby.” 

He nodded and pressed his forehead against hers. 

_________________

It was only when they left the cabin that they realised the rain had stopped. As Logan opened the door, the only sound they could hear was the drip of water from the gutter.

Heavy rainclouds in the distance still made the sky look dark. There was clear sky above them, but it too was turning a dusky blue in the late winter afternoon.

A few stars began to appear and they looked up at them as they walked down the steps, hand in hand, sharing one last smile before they collected Merle, and headed home to collect their son.

Notes:

Okay, maybe one more chapter to go 😇

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 6 of Friends with Benefits