Chapter Two
Hunter woke up the following morning sprawled across Logan’s chest. He was playing with the ends of her hair, but there was none of the usual kisses and caresses.
“Mornin’ Logan,” she murmured. His arm tightened round her waist, but he didn’t answer.
“You ok? You were awful quiet last night, too.”
Logan sighed, Hunter regularly looked at him like he hung the stars, how could he tell her he felt like he didn’t deserve her, didn’t deserve any of this, after all they’d been through.
“I’m fine, princess,” he lied. “You’ve got Guild stuff to do today, better get moving.”
As they all sat over breakfast, Owen handed Logan a key.
“Door key, make it easier for you comin’ and goin’.”
“Thanks, what about Hunter and Justice?”
“Already got ‘em,” Justice replied, as he grabbed his technomug and headed out to work.
“Of course they do,” grumbled Logan under his breath, “another thing I’m behind on.”
Logan sat in the corner of the saloon and nursed a sandbeer. He should be happy. He’d helped save the town, been exonerated, got the girl, hell got the guys, too. And yet, something just wasn’t right.
Hunter was off with Mi-an rebuilding the town. Haru had jumped at the chance to join them, not to mention he was cozied up with Elsie these days. Justice was busy doing Civil Corps stuff, and Owen was busy training up Grace’s replacement at the saloon.
And what’s left for me? Logan thought. All I know how to do is hunt and fight monsters. I’ve got nothing to offer the town, nothing to offer Hunter, Justice or Owen, no matter what they say.
Miz Mabel started to approach him, but the glower on his face stopped her in her tracks, and she scurried away.
Owen watched Logan and frowned. He’d been out of sorts for the last few days. Just as the four of them should have been coming together, Logan seemed to be pulling away from them. Checking Cora was okay, Owen headed over to talk to him.
“Oh, here he comes!” grumbled Logan, “the Big Man About Sandrock.”
“Logan, what has gotten into you?” Owen sat across from him and tried not to look as exasperated as he felt.
“Nothing, nothing at all.”
“Then what’s the problem? What’s up with you?”
“What am I even doing here, Owen? I mean, what have I got to offer? You, Hunter, any of you?”
“What have you got to offer… Logan you’re you, what else do we need?”
“Someone significant? Someone worth spending time with? Certainly not some layabout that can’t contribute anything!”
Owen opened his mouth to reply, just as Cora ran over in a panic about something behind the bar. By the time he’d calmed her down and sorted the mess, he looked up to see Logan storm out and slam the door behind him.
“What do you mean, he’s gone?” Hunter shouted. Owen took a step back; he’d never seen her so angry.
“He was moping in the bar, saying he had nothing to offer us. I tried to talk him out of it, but Cora needed help, and he just left.”
“So, Logan is pouring his heart out to you, you go off and leave him mid speech, and you wonder why he left?! You didn't think to go after him? Men! And I have three of you to deal with? Oh, Peach save me!”
Hunter headed for the door, as Justice walked in. “Justice, come on, I’ll explain on the way. Owen, just stay there. Cook up a storm and get ready to grovel or something.”
“Rambo’s still here,” Hunter remarked as she and Justice arrived at the cliff. They tied their horses next to him. “That’s a good sign at least.”
“So how do we get in here?” Justice asked. “I don’t fancy throwing myself off the cliff like you did!”
“It’s easy, there’s a ledge about 8 feet below the edge, and the entrance is hidden there.”
They lowered themselves down, and into the cave. Hunter avoided the elaborate traps that Andy had left, and headed down the back way, although she resolved that once they got things sorted out, she was going to bring Owen and Justice here just to watch them try and navigate the path.
When they arrived, Logan was busying himself packing up various weapons from around the room. Most worrying for Hunter was the fact that he had his bandit clothes back on, including his mask, his hat sitting on the chair.
“I might have known you’d show up,” Logan growled. “Can a man not run off in peace?”
“You’re not running off Logan,” Hunter said quietly.
“Wanna bet? What is there for me in Sandrock?”
“I’m going to pretend you didn’t just dismiss me, Justice and Owen right there,” Hunter replied, walking towards him. “Now, why do you think you’re running off?”
“What good is a monster hunter, when there’s no monsters?”
Hunter wrapped her arms round Logan’s waist and looked up at him.
“You stop that right now, mister, you hear me?”
“Hunter, think about it, princess. You’re rebuilding the town, Justice is protecting it, and Owen is keeping it fed and entertained. What is there for me? Darkness, you three are so tight with each other, I don’t even know where I fit in!”
“Light’s sake Logan, you got stuff like that on your mind, you tell us. Don’t lie to me and tell me you’re fine like you did this morning. As far as what there is for you, Mi-an and I have a proposal for you. Wasn’t quite how I planned to talk to you about it, but reckon you need to hear it. Now, do you want to stop acting like a stroppy teen and sit down so I can tell you about it?”
“Fine, but if I still don’t like it, will you let me go?”
“Nope, not giving up on you that easily, sorry.”
Logan grabbed the blanket off the old sofa, and led Hunter and Justice over to an opening in the cave that overlooked the canyon, and the three of them sat down. No matter what was going on, the view here never failed to calm him. Hunter settled herself on Logan’s lap, and Justice wrapped himself around Logan from behind.
“First of all, remember when the water tower was bombed? You came racing past my workshop on Rambo, like a panbat outta Darkness?” She traced patterns on his chest as she spoke.
“Yeah, what of it?” Of course Logan remembered that day; it was the first time he’d set eyes on Hunter, and he’d known even then she was something special.
“You likely don’t remember this bit,” she blushed, “but as you flew past, our eyes met for the briefest moment. You know how long those eyes have haunted me since? Every time we fought, I had to believe there was some good in you.”
“Pshaw, Owen’s got blue eyes too, sure it’s not his you’re seeing?”
Hunter let out an exasperated sigh, and turned so she was straddling Logan, cupping his jaw to make him look at her.
“Yes, Owen has ocean blue eyes, eyes that crinkle at the corners when he smiles. So what? He doesn’t have pale blue eyes that stare into the depths of my soul. Trust me when I say I know the difference between you. You’ve haunted my dreams pretty much as long as the others have, believe me.”
Logan sighed, “I’m an idiot, ain’t I? Y’all just seemed to have everything figured out between you, I almost felt like I was intrudin’.”
“Figured out?” Justice barked out a laugh, leaning his chin on Logan’s shoulder. “As friends, maybe, but that’s all. When it comes to whatever we have now, we’re all just as new to it as you are.”
“Besides, you’re not doin’ too badly with that,” Hunter said with a giggle, “your mornin’ rota works for me!”
Logan and Justice glanced at each other. Busted!
“Guys, it’s kinda obvious! You each get two days a week wake up time, then Sunday mornin’s just a big cuddle puddle!”
“So, I’m stickin’ round and we all need to talk to each other, is that what you’re sayin’, princess?”
“That’s about it. Now, wanna hear Mi-an’s and my idea?”
“Go on, what can a man of my skills offer the Commerce Guild?”
“So, you know we’re trying to change the way the Guild operates, at least in Sandrock, and make things fairer all round?”
Logan nodded, Hunter had explained that the three builders would be pooling resources and machines and splitting the pay.
“Well, there are still hazardous ruins out there that need builders and ruin divers to mine out the resources. Of the three of us, I’m the best placed to do them, but I can’t do it all myself. Mi-an’s going to have too much on her plate as Commissioner, and Haru’s going to be travelling back and forward to Atara over the next few years for training.
“So, we convinced the Guild reps to let us hire a specialist to work the ruins for us. Now, I’d happily give it straight to you, but they’ve said you'll need to be interviewed. They're here for another coupla days.”
“I’m happy with that, interview proves I’m worth it, and it means I can stay in town, stay with you guys and still hunt monsters?” Logan asked hopefully.
“That’s the idea. Depending on the ruins, you might need to go hunting or ruin diving with me or Justice. We might even be able to make it a coupla days’ trip if you like? You, me, out in the desert, nothin’ but the stars for company…”
Logan sighed, “must admit, that sounds like a good night, princess.”
“That mean you’re gonna stick around and take the job?”
“Might be worth a try.”
Hunter squealed and wrapped her arms round Logan’s neck. “Oh, thank the Light!”
She reached up and untied his mask, so she could cover his face in kisses, before covering his lips with hers. Logan took over, deepening the kiss, and slipping his tongue into her mouth, mimicking the unconscious grinding movements she was making against him.
Justice laced his fingers through theirs. The three of them exchanged lazy kisses, until Hunter didn’t know which way was up.
Eventually, Logan pulled back and looked outside. “Sun’s gettin’ real low. If we don’t head back to town now, it’s gonna get too dark to cross the Badlands. An’ much as I’d love to spend the night here with you both, I really need to sort things out with Owen.”
Reluctantly they left the cave, taking the weapons Logan had been packing, but leaving his hat on the chair.
Hunter walked into the house, Logan and Justice at her heels. Owen rushed out the kitchen when he heard them, his relief when he saw they'd brought Logan back was palpable.
The two men looked at each other warily for a moment, their last argument playing on their minds, before pulling each other into a bear hug.
Hunter wasn't sure which of them said it first, but there was a flurry of "I'm sorry"s between them, before Owen cupped Logan's face and kissed him.
"Bout time that pair got it together," Justice said, wrapping his arms round Hunter and pulling her against his chest.
"Yep. Walk over to the saloon with me? I'll leave a message for the Guild guys, set up a meeting for tomorrow afternoon, we can give that pair a little space to sort themselves out as well."
When they entered the saloon, Hunter was surprised to see Krystal behind the bar.
“I saw Owen and Logan’s bust up earlier,” she told them. “‘Course didn’t realise just how serious it was until Owen asked me to mind the bar tonight, reckoned he had a lot of grovellin’ to do.”
“That he does, Krystal,” Hunter replied.
“And look at you!” Krystal teased, “pullin’ the three hottest bachelors in Sandrock! None of them hold a candle to my Rocky, mind! Anyway, what can I getcha?” she asked.
Hans and Jon from the Commerce Guild were finishing up their dinner, and waved Hunter and Justice over to join them.
“So, Logan is interested in the specialist role we discussed,” Hunter told them, “but agrees that he should be interviewed. Doesn’t want to be seen as just being handed the role.”
“That’s fine, Miz Hunter,” Hans replied. “Although it is just a formality, you understand. If he’s half the man you and the town seem to think he is, I’d offer it on the spot.”
“He is, but he’d feel better knowing he earned the job. I’d also appreciate y’all not mentioning this conversation to him.”
“Miz Hunter!” Jon exclaimed, “We are the Commerce Guild. Discretion is key, I thought you would understand that by now!”
“I’m learning that, but between the builder I trained under in Highwind, and then Yan, I’m sure you can understand my caution.”
“Of course. Yan will be dealt with appropriately, we’ve already punched through his hat—he was quite beside himself at that—and we’ve retracted his licence. The government will deal with the other charges.” replied Jon.
“I do wish you would place a formal complaint about that ruffian from Highwind, though,” Hans added. “While I’m sure we could consult the records to identify him, without anything from you, there’s nothing we can do about him, other than keep a close eye on him.”
“That’s all I can ask of you. Besides, if it hadn’t been for him, I’da never moved to Sandrock. It worked out in the end!” Hunter said, smiling at Justice.
They settled on two o'clock for Logan’s interview, and the two Guild reps headed upstairs, while Hunter and Justice went back next door.
“Reckon it should be safe by now,” Justice muttered as he pushed the door open.
The house was quiet, other than low voices from the kitchen. Pushing the door open, Hunter and Justice found a very relaxed Owen and Logan sitting and chatting, wearing a lot less clothing than they had been earlier.
“All sorted guys?” Hunter asked.
Logan pulled Hunter into a hug.
“Yes, thank you for saving me from myself.”
“Logan, you’re a daft bugger, but you’re our daft bugger. Did you seriously think any of us would let you go?”
“Not really, even though part of me thought you should. But I’m glad you didn’t.”
“Dinner’s up,” Owen announced from behind them, “and you need to hear what Logan and I been talkin’ about.”
“Y’all found time to talk as well?” Justice asked. “I’m impressed.”
“You’re not jealous?” Logan asked, half teasing, half surprised.
“Nope, why would I be?” Justice walked up behind Logan and wrapped his arms round his waist, pressing a kiss at the base of Logan’s neck. Justice had learned early on that that was a sensitive spot and took advantage of that fact often.
Logan covered Justice’s arms with his own and leaned back into him. “I’m sorry for being an idiot,” he murmured.
“Forgiven. We’re all fairly strong personalities, doubt that’ll be our only blow up. Like we said, we just need to talk to each other a bit more.”
“Well, what we’ve been talkin’ bout might help.” Logan said.
They settled round the table, and Owen started talking about his and Logan’s idea as they ate.
“There’s four of us, we’ve all got our own places, which seems a bit daft since I don’t think any of us have spent a night anywhere but here in the last coupla weeks, but no one house really is big enough for all of us, all the time.
“So, what we reckoned was Heidi can probably add another floor on here and give it another couple of bedrooms. One master bedroom for the four of us, one spare room that we can use if one of us needs space, put them both on the top floor, keep the study as-is and what’s currently the bedroom, we can offer to adopt Andy proper, like.”
“He’s still in the church dorms,” Logan added, “with just Burgess for company. And yes, I feel like a bastard for almost abandoning him without warning, but that’s not what this is about. Haru and I always talked about trying to get the kid settled with a family, rather than runnin’ round the desert with a coupla good fer nothin’s.”
“You’re sayin’ we’re family?” Hunter smiled.
“That I am,” Logan replied. “As far as my house goes, it’ll take me a bit to sort out my pa’s old stuff, but if the town is going to improve as much as you reckon, I could probably rent the place out, make some gols.”
“Could probably sell my place,” Justice added. “Arvio’s been making noises about expansion, and I live under his storeroom, anyway. Be fun negotiating with the little weasel,” he grinned.
“Hunter?” Owen asked, “You’re being remarkably quiet, darlin’.”
“Just thinking, I don’t actually own my house, or my yard. It’s Guild property, but mine to use as long as my contract lasts. Yan charged me each time I expanded it, but turns out he shouldn’t’a done that. Hans and Jon have agreed to refund me what I paid, and allow us to expand the lot to the maximum.
“So, if I don’t need to live in it, we can turn it into a proper indoor workshop, move things like tailorin’ and jewellery makin’ indoors. Light, they told me about a builder who figured out how to make the heart knot from wire, rather than cord. I’m gonna get in touch, see if she’ll teach me.”
“So that’s us sorted then?” Logan asked. “Well, assumin’ I get that job!”
“There is one other thing,” Owen replied. “Might be a bit soon, but if we’re talkin’ about adoptin’ Andy, reckon we could speak to Burgess, see about making things official?”
“Official?” Hunter asked carefully. “What do you mean official, like?”
“Official as in letting the town know we belong to each other. Not sure we can all four of us marry, but we can sort something out.”
“Like I told you before, I’m not choosing one of you over the others, so you’ll need to get something figured out.”
“But you’re not totally against the idea?” Logan asked.
“Listen to you!” Hunter said, laughing. “Couple hours ago, you were ready to leave town, now you’re promising forever?”
“We’ll figure it out,” Owen reassured them.
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