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Realistic or Modern A Redo

Elizabeth thought she had done a good job raising Ben. She truly did. Playing both the mother and the father for so long, she hadn't thought about some of the things the dad really did. Perhaps this was one of them. Logan seemed to easily give a pep talk to Ben who watched with big eyes and listening ears. While she didn't like that Logan was putting his to sense in, she also was proud of him. Being able to play the father role so easily, like it came to him.

The words weren't perfect, but Ben apologized and they moved on. Ben was young, he was going to make mistakes. Everyone did, those who thought otherwise were lying through there teeth.

And she didn't like how he put his, 'I'll be your dad'. It could have some kind of consequences once the two of them got the balls to tell Ben who Logan really was. But...it was to late know. The look was only slightly dirty, she was still a little to proud of her little boy to be getting mad at Logan.

The ice cream was a hit, and while the teachers probably weren't to happy with the way the two of them handled things she said fuck them and went on with Logan. Ice cream sounded good to her with the weird day they had.

Finally, it was home time. It was a good feeling that much she agreed.

Logan's last words though sat deep in her stomach, she wasn't sure what to say to him.

'Will i be seeing more of you?"

Did he want to see more of her, or was it just Ben?

Why did it matter if it was just Ben? Did she want it to mean her as well?

Such thoughts plagued her throughout the work week.

Once Saturday rolled around Liz had actually forgotten that she had been roped into helping for the Zoo feild trip, but she had also forgotten that she had also roped Logan into it. It was normally a day of sleeping in, doing the weekly chores. But not today. Instead she had a group of hyper kids ready to take on the Zoo. The monkeys had nothing on the group they would be leading around that was for certain.

"You would think they would be sleeping..." Elizabeth admitted yawning but unlike Logan she had her coffee. SHe was moslty alert. She had to be, watching kids at a public place was no simple task after all.

Once the teacher left the kids and Elizabeth snickered, covering her mouth to hide her laugh at the little glare Logan had gotten. It almost felt like high school for a split second.

"Alright kids. What do we want to go see first?" She asked holding her phone, already on the camera feature she took a few pre shots one aimed at Logan's face capturing his tired look. "That should be your screensaver for work." she chimed.

"Can we go see the tigers first!" Ben said the loudest above the kids who had also started to shout ideas.

"Alright, we will do the mammals first." Elizabeth nodded her head in agreement. "After that we will go to the reptile and bird enclosure and see the fish after." They had all day, but had to meet at the little park in the Zoo for lunch before they would be back on the adventure once more.

"What animal do you like the most Logan?" Ben asked walking with Logan watching him with interested eyes.

"Are you and Ms. Elizabeth dating?" A girl spoke another nodded his head in agreement. Ah, kids and the inaporpriote questions.

"No, we are friends."

"With benefits? My sister has a few of those...not sure what it means though." Cecilia spoke chewing on her finger deep in thought.

"Wha? No, no. Nothing like that! Right Logan." Elizabeth stuttered watching him, with a begging look.

Don't you dare play along. She mouthed.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
Logan was used to one child. He was used to Ben and that was because he was his son. Other than that, he had absolutely no experience with children and seeing now that four lives are on his hands was nerve wrecking to say the least. He needed his caffeine and even at this moment, he was half awake at best. Logan never functioned well without a cup of coffee or two. “This is an ungodly hour,” he muttered in agreement. He had his own company and that meant Logan never had to wake up before ten in the morning. That was a secretary’s job.

Liz began to question the children on the animals and Logan picked that moment to yawned for her to capture his haggard face. “You choose this moment to take a picture of me?” he asked, more amuse than annoyed. “What’s that Liz? Are you finally finding me attractive? Wait, who am I kidding. That’s why we’re dating,” he winked. Even with half dead, leave it to Logan to be able to tease a woman.

The kids decided on the tigers. Well, just Ben but Logan didn’t really bother asking the others for their opinion and Elizabeth agreed that the mammals were the first animals on list. She seemed to have it all planned out thus Logan said nothing. He was only there to chaperone and to make sure not a single kid was stupid enough to put their hand in between the railings to keep the animals out. Or even worse, climb into the cage because kids were geniuses like that.

As they walked towards the animal, Logan held Ben’s hand before answering him. “Penguins? Anything but turtles,” he gave Elizabeth a wry smile, remembering their series of pranks in the beginning. How the hell did she figure out how he hated turtles? That was a mystery he hasn’t yet solved.

Out of nowhere, another girl chimed in with an unexpected question. “I’m sorry?” he asked, taken back but Elizabeth beat him to the punch. But he laughed out loud when the girl mentioned being friends with benefits. Elizabeth tried to get her on his side but instead he just used his arm to wrap around her shoulder pulling her close. “Yeah, we’re just friends. With minor benefits,” he winked. Make me, he mouthed back, not fazed at all by the situation. “But don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret.”

The little girl nodded. “Okay. Secret!” Just as they passed by the tigers, he could feel himself yawning more and more. His eyes closed several times and all he wanted to do was lay on a bench to catch up on some sleep.

“El,” Logan rested his right arm around her shoulder before using her head as a pillow against his. “I’m going to die. Please bury me when I do,” the male dramatically said as he leaned towards her. Ben, who was next to Logan, grinned brightly.

“Is this what benefits mean?” the little up piped up again. For someone who was suppose to be looking at the tigers, the children were all eyeing them with oogly eyes.

“Yes, she’s my pillow when I need her most,” he leaned against her even more. “Isn’t that right, El? My personal pillow,” Logan grinned widely as the kids squealed, covering their cheeks.

“No way!” Cecelia groaned.

“Ew gross!” Joana shook her head.

“Look the tiger is eating meat!” Ben called out.

All the kids turned back to the tigers and Logan snickered. “These kids are so amusing but I really need some coffee,” Logan said as he spotted a Starbucks right around the corner. “I’m going to something. You stay here with them. Want anything?”

A little girl then tugged his jeans. “I need to pee,” she said with a toothless smile.

He hesitated for a moment before nodding, “Okay, just stick by me then. I’ll be back with Joana in a few minutes,” Logan announced as he let go of Ben’s hand and took Joana’s instead. He closed the bathroom door as she wanted privacy and decided to get coffee then. His mind was distracted for a moment. Ordering a venti Americano, he waited to get his drink while keeping an eye on the bathroom. He didn’t notice that the little girl already slipped out, didn’t see him standing outside, and left the coffee shop to look for him. Once Logan got his coffee, he drank it as he waited for ten more minutes in confusion.

Finally he decided to knock and without an answer, he called out her name. “Joana?” Logan turned the doorknob and swung the door open, realizing that no one was inside. Panic surged within him as he ran outside calling her name. “Joana! Joana!”

The realization settled in that he lost a kid, Logan dashed back to where Elizabeth was with the other three. “Did you see Joana coming back? I took my eyes off her for a second and she just poofed!" he explained with urgency. "Fuck! God dammit!" the male shouted in frustration, running both of his hands through his hair as the other kids looked like they were about to cry.

"Jo is gone?" Cecelia whimpered. "Where did she go?" The little girl looked up at Elizabeth as if the female could answer all the questions in the world.

Sasil Sasil
 
Elizabeth goraned taking a step away from Logan, trying to get him off her to no avail. She should have known that she couldn't trust him in the fact that they where supposed to be just friends--just people who worked together and not like they had seen each other naked at some point in the history that was the two of them. He was going to play this 'friends with beneifts' card a lot. Highly inappropriote if she asked her for a bunch of kids but at least it wasn't the two of them that brought up the subject.

Nope, that was the sister or whatever. But still, she had hoped he would have been on her side at least this once.
that was to easy for him though, teasing and making her squirm. That was more fun, while she thought that shouldn't have been the case Elziabeth would have to accept her fate.

"Oh yeah. Cuddling. So fun." Elizabeth groaned before pushing him off her shoulder. "He's joking the two of us are just...friends." The grumble in her voice hardly was covered and Ben gave her a small smile--actually all the kids seemed to be more interested in the 'relationship' between the two of them then the tigers in the enclosure behind them.

Luckily for her and Logan Ben called out about the tigers eating and they got there attention back on the beasts.

Thank God for Ben, though in the back of her mind she hoped desperately that Ben wasn't thinking that he would have anew daddy. Putting a pin in the anger to yell at Logan about that later, but when there was no little ears listening.

"I don't need anything." Elizabeth sighed shaking her head to his comment about coffee. When Joanna called about peeing Elizabeth had to admit he was doing her a favor, they would have had to go all the way back to the beginning for the bathrooms. The Starbucks was a lot closer after all. "Alright, we will be by the tigers while we wait for you." she called back giving a small wave before putting her full attention onto the rest of the kids. She checked her clock, and the list she had made to keep track of the time they had for everything everyone wanted to do.

"Alright kids, why don't we take some pictures." Elizabeth spoke earning a giggle of yes' and no's. Mostly the hams of the group did little poses while she took pictures with the camera on her phone. They took a few photos then moved onto an enclosure that wasn't to far from the tigers. As they moved on, Elizabeth was started to get worried, it hardly took that long to get a drink didn't it? Unless it was really busy, which considering how early it really was, could be the case.

They waited a bit longer and as Elizabeth was getting more worried Logan appeared but no in the state that would have her relaxing. No, her heart jumped in her chest and she frantically looked down to his side trying to find the other little girl with dark hair. "Wait. Let me get this straight. You LOST her? How did you lose her, you were watching her the whole time right?" Elizabeth spoke a little out of anger.

"Logan, I know you aren't the best with kids but..I can't.." she ran a hand through her bangs taking a deep breath seeing the little eyes watching her closely. She had to keep her cool. "Don't worry, we will find her. She's just on an adventure." Elizabeth spoke looking to her Joanna's best friend who seemed to be about to burst into tears. "Tell me Cecilia, what is Jo's favorite animal?"

Cecilia took a breath. "She likes Kangaroos."

"Let's go there. It;s not far and if I was a kid I would go towards something I enjoyed if I was small. Alright everyone take a hand we move together." Elizabeth instructed shooting Logan another look as they hurried towards that direction. Ben lingered behind taking Logan's hand.

"Mommy isn't that mad...She's just worried. I ran from her when I was smaller." he spoke looking up to him. "Maybe you can be her pillow to make her feel better later!" he spoke indicating the conversation about being friends with benefits.
The group walked quickly to the kangaroos, Elizabeth frantically looking around for a little girl that looked like Jo. It wasn't long till the girl came to view.

"There you are! Joanna, come here please!" Elizabeth spoke as she knelt down. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah....Hi Mr. Logan! You found me and I found you."

"What is that supposed to mean." Elizabeth spoke looking to Logan then to the little girl once more.

"I told him I was coming here...I thought he said yes." Joanna spoke starting to feel the tension in the air.

"Joanna you had both of us very worried. You do not wonder off on your own. Something bad could have happened!" Liz spoke her expression that of a worried parent.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
Logan was taken aback when Elizabeth raised her voice at him and while he understood where she was coming from, it was still shocking. He took one step back with furrowed brows from confusion. “Why the fuck would I watch a little girl use the bathroom? I just told her to wait for me once she was done and when I got my drink, she was gone. Look I know I should have been in front of the bathroom but I figured girl would stay still. Why would she even leave?” he retorted, frowning. The situation was soon spiraling out of control with kids panicking and Logan suddenly regretted coming along at all. Why did he agree to this dumb trip to go with a bunch of crybabies to watch some caged animals? Logan could have been sleeping peacefully on his day off not having to worry about a thing but he wanted to show Elizabeth that he could help out. He was a different man but so far, he had only screwed up every time he tried to be a part of her life.

Logan was a man of his words and he wasn’t the type to back out. Well fuck that. If he stayed here any longer, he was going to blow but the moment Logan locked eyes with his little boy, the anger subsided slightly inside. He knew that look, the look of being afraid of having a broken family because if one silly argument. He had the same look in his eyes when he was a little boy and so he swallowed his pride.

Elizabeth did damage control, calming the children down and looking at Cecelia who was about to bawl any moment now. Logan took Ben’s hand who gave him a reassuring squeezed as they walked towards the Kangaroos.

"Mommy isn't that mad...She's just worried. I ran from her when I was smaller." he spoke looking up to him. "Maybe you can be her pillow to make her feel better later!" he spoke indicating the conversation about being friends with benefits.

Logan felt silly being comforted by a five years old but he smiled back. “I bet your mom would like that,” he said, trying to keep his voice even but even one would know he didn’t have a patience of a saint. It was running thin at best. Luckily before things got worse, they found Joanna who looked like she was enjoying watching the Kangaroos while everyone else was frantically looking for her. Elizabeth knelt down to check on the little girl who then looked at him with a smile on her face.

"Yeah....Hi Mr. Logan! You found me and I found you."

You found me?” Logan asked, his voice was dangerously low.

"I told him I was coming here...I thought he said yes."

While Elizabeth admonished Joanna as if a parent would, Logan was never the type to ease anyone’s feelings just because they were young. Discipline was strict in his household and excuses were never listened to especially a silly one such as thinking that she told him about the Kangaroo. He let go of Ben’s hand, kneeling down alongside with Liz.

“Joanna, look at me,” he snapped his fingers to get her attention. “You said you told me you were going to the Kangaroos?” he asked, tilting his head with possibly the coldest smile seen on mankind.

Her voice wavered as she replied, “Yeah…I-I said I wanted to see Kangaroos and I thought I told you.”

“And why would I, an adult, leave a child unaccompanied to see the Kangaroos? Do you take me for a fool, Joanna? You left the bathroom even though I told you specifically to wait for me there,” his pitch was getting eerily lower yet laced with anger. “Did I or did I NOT tell you to wait for me?”

“You did but-“

“That’s enough. That was especially stupid of you. You do not go anywhere unaccompanied by an adult, do I make myself clear? If this happens again, your trip to the zoo is over. I’ll call your parents and you can go home without your friends. Got. It?” he said bluntly and realizing that she was in trouble, Joanna started crying on the spot.

“Stop. Fucking. Crying. It’s not going to solve anything. Why do kids think they can cry their way out of trouble,” he looked at Elizabeth. “She just lied about going to the Kangaroo alone. El, you need to be stricter with kids or else they think they can cry and the world will succumb to their wishes. That’s not how reality works.”

While he was completely brutal with his words, Logan didn’t understand that children tend to make up stories when they think they were in trouble. It was their defense mechanism but he was taught differently. The business world was heartless and tears did not close business deals.

However his words only caused Joanna to cry even more and the girl sat on the floor, hiccuping with snot running down her nose.

That was it. He was sure of it now. He hated kids. All except for Ben.

Sasil Sasil
 
If Elizabeth thought things couldn't get any worse she was gravely mistaken. She had never thought that this was what was going to happen this day. A simple trip to the zoo, that was what this was supposed to be. Nothing short of simple, specially with an extra set of hands. Sue, Logan wasn't kept up to date with the ways of keeping kids under control. He had no kids other then Ben who he hardly knew but she thought, for some stupid reason, that he would be alright with this.

She was wrong.

The way he talked to Joanna was that of the way you talked to degrade an adult. To know that they where stupid, this wasn't how you talked to a kid. This wasn't it at all. She swallowed hard looking to Logan with a frown deepening on her face. Joanna started to cry harder then she had before.

"I know what I am doing Logan. You have to talk to kids with a stern but loving way. They are five years old, they don't understand reality. Do you really want to teach them all the horror that is in the world already?" Elizabeth spoke looking to him before bending down to Joanna once more. "Logan is right though, you are in trouble." she spoke earning another cry of the whole trip. "But do you understand why you are in trouble?" Elizabeth asked looking to Joanna who sniffled and nodded her head.

"I lied and ran away...I could have been taken." she sniffled ready to blow with more crying. Elizabeth took a handkerchief and whipped her nose sighing looking to the other kids.

"I hope everyone understands why we stay together." she spoke looking to the little faces who nodded enthusiastically. "Joanna I will be mentioning this to your parents. They have to know that you did not listen to the rules." After a few more minutes of crying and upset noises from Joanna before the kids seemed to settle down.

More or less.

While they seemed to be content watching the Kangaroos Elizabeth took Logan aside frowning at him. "What's wrong with you? Why are you acting like such an ass? To a five year old!" She asked trying to keep her voice low but probably was failing on some accounts.

Ben could hear it, he was watching the adults. Deep down, Ben knew well that something wasn't right. What was wrong? That he didn't know. He was five, like Elizabeth said before. He didn't understand the realities around him. But kids know feelings. They understand bad situations and tones of voices, expressions.

This was one of those times.

"I don't understand what has happened so quickly." Elizabeth sighed finally taking a breath looking at him closely. He obviously had a very different teaching of children. Not that he had ever taken the time to teach one, but if they had stayed together. Would this have been the life they would have had? That idea didn't sound like a good one. He was strict, a business man. One willing to lie and yell at people to get his way.

She had seen it first hand.

Working for Logan she saw stuff, but Elizabeth saw the good too. He was good with Ben. Why wasn't he good with other kids too? Probably because it wasn't his. She could get that, after all Elizabeth only came to this stupid thing so she could be with Ben.

That was it. No other reason.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
He should have known that they lived in different worlds with contrasting views on life. He should have known that she wouldn’t take his side especially not a guy who she doesn’t completely trust. He rolled his eyes the moment she squatted down to talk to Joanna, reassuring the little girl that there are no consequences in life. “And what makes you think she isn’t lying about understanding? If you have no consequences, there will be no reason to follow rules. If you didn’t get a traffic ticket, why would anyone follow the speed limit? But at the end of the day, it’s my fault?” he frowned, not understanding the situation. Joana lied about it and went off to do her own thing. Elizabeth got angry at him for losing her. And now she’s angry at him for trying to discipline a kid? Women were a walking fucking contradiction. The kids remained quiet while Logan was brimming with anger. He swallowed his pride and ego to maintain the status quo.

They were now attentive to the Kangaroos, forgetting about the whole fiasco that went down just earlier. Well, almost everyone forgot, everyone but Elizabeth. She gestured him to follow her and when they were out of earshot, she was grilling him about earlier and Logan was adamant that he was in the right. She was pissed, anyone could see that but Logan looked nonchalant even if he was almost pushed to the edge. He had to remain calm for this situation. But the more she said, the more provoked he got and finally, Logan just snapped.

“If you had gotten the time to hear me out instead of yelling at me, maybe you could have understood my side of the story. But when a little girl lies like that and you let them go with kind words? They’ll just lie again. What makes you think that she learned her lesson? Because she cried and nod? Anyone can cry and nod. You let her know that she can cry and nod and everything is forgiven then that’s all she’ll ever learn. I gave her an ultimatum and if she does it again, there is a punishment that goes along with it.”

Logan inhaled deeply, not wanting to go along with this charade anymore. “El, if you ever just stop thinking what kind of a man I was in the past and start realizing who I am now, maybe we wouldn’t be having this conversation. If you, just for a second, realize that I could have been sleeping on my bed, not caring about shit yet I am in front of you, trying to show that I care, at a fucking ungodly hour without coffee. I am not asking to be recognized or thanked. I was just trying to help and if I am such a screw up, then maybe I shouldn’t be here. I am not taking this shit from you.”

Maybe a better Logan who drank his coffee would have suppressed his anger and kept mummed but this Logan just wanted to get the fuck out of here. “Look. I’m going to go and cool off,” he rubbed his face realizing maybe he may have said too much. Baring out feelings wasn’t what Logan liked to do but she never seemed to understood what he was sacrificing. It was always what he did wrong. “Tell Ben I had an emergency situation at work. I’m going to head out.” With the last words, Logan brushed passed her, not looking back at his son as he went to his car and tried to regain his composure.

Sasil Sasil
 
Elizabeth tried her best to try calm her beating heart. It felt like a hammer in her chest while she talked with Logan, out of earshot from Ben and the other kids. She was watching them but more so on the man who seemed to be seething with anger at the way she dealt with the incident that was partly his fault. Not all his fault, she knew that but you couldn't yell at a child. You can yell at an adult. Even if, in the situation, it wasn't right for her to do such a thing.

Breath in. Breath out.

With her words out it was his turn to speak words out in anger. And he did. Elizabeth wasn't even sure how to react to his words. He was blaming her? How the hell was treating the girl like she made one mistake, one mistake that was solved pretty quickly not a bad thing. And there was a consequence. When the parents would be coming to pick them up she was going to have to tell them what happened, that was the responsible thing to do. The parents could deal with what happened as they felt was necessary.

"You have to show compassion along with tough love. You can't just yell and tell them the terrible truth like that. You have to be able to explain to them better. This isn't my child, if it was Ben I would be giving him a lot more of an earful. But everyone does things different and we have to respect that." Elizabeth countered to him, but was blindsided by his sudden words against her.

"I never said you where a screw up." Was all Elizabeth was able to say. It felt like he had slapped her across her face with his words, feeling hurt and confused. But perhaps that was what he was feeling. Though she was pretty sure he was just feeling pissed about the whole thing.

"Fine. Go, I'll tell Ben that. See you on Monday." Elizabeth snapped over looking at him leave for a moment over her shoulder.

'Run away. Just like you did before.' Elizabeth thought to herself repressing to say anything out loud. That would just feed the fire of anger that was boiling between the two. Perhaps she and him would never be anything but...co-workers.

The thought, her heart ached only slightly. The thought hurt.

"Alright kids lets get a move on. Mr. Logan had to go...He had a business meeting he couldn't get out of. He apologies Ben." Liz spoke looking to Ben who had a dissapointed look on his face he looked to the direction of Logan giving a sad wave before taking his moms hand letting the day go on without much of a hitch.


--9:45am Logan's Office Monday Morning--

It had been a long rest of the trip for Elizabeth at the Zoo, and the weekend proved to be even longer. While the rest of the trip at the Zoo seemed to go well, she couldn't get the big doofus out of her mind and they way the two of them spoke to each other. While she thought the two of them had been communicating alright, as best as two people who had seen each other naked and never saw each other till the day she through a milk jug in his face could be anyways. But Saturdays incident seemed to prove herself wrong and she hadn't talk to him since that morning and even know she hadn't talk to him.

She got his coffee left it on his counter, resisted the urge to get a turtle and put it on his desk to spite him and started on the work that she needed to get done.

They didn't exchange any type of words between the two of them when he arrived at his normal late time, and while the words where laced on Elizabeth's tongue she was unable to say anything. With a frustrated sigh she went to work tapping her keys louder then she had before, grumbling to herself for a good few hours before a sudden movement came from Ms. Pedigree beside her.

"that is quite enough. I won't have this." She stormed to Elizabeth's desk forcing her to stand to her feet. "Come along dear, we are not having this. You and Mr.Lablanc will be talking whatever this is out. I won't take no for an answer." Literally she opened the door to Logan's office and threw Elizabeth inside locking it, somehow, from her side.

'What the hell is her problem." Elizabeth spoke looking over to Logan clearing her throat. "I'm sorry to...disturb you. Ms. Pedigree seems to be in a foul mood. Apparently...we need to talk." she trailed off looking to the ground then up at him again. He seemed less then impressed about the whole situation as well.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
If there was one thing Logan hated the most, it was being wrong. The second on his list would be apologizing which goes hand in hand with the first. This has pose a dilemma for the male. He couldn’t help but feel guilty leaving Elizabeth alone with Ben and the other monsters kids. However, seething anger and profound irritation blinded the male to see reason. He didn’t like being misjudged and after everything he did, every time she said was like a slap in the face. She might have meant it as something minor, small, deeming it not important. Yet he took it to heart, and it screamed, ‘you’ll never be good enough for Ben.’

After that incident, he avoided her like the plague not to say she didn’t do the same. There were times he reconsidered, almost stepping out of his office to talk to her but then he was reminded of those words, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ Normally, it wouldn’t have fazed him, he would have shrugged and smirked at her. “You are,” the male would childishly reply but it irked him more than he realized that time. It said more than she meant, it reminded him of his faults and failure. Most of all, it rung disappointment and he could see it in her eyes. She was disenchanted, almost ‘repulsed’ by his actions. Her consequences were lacking, he wanted to argue. If the kids turned out the way they did, it meant the adults were not doing their job properly.

Sleeping proved to be difficult during times of disillusionment. He would ponder how to resolve it and then at the end, he would think, fuck it. I’m done. But he would be reeling with regrets. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so rough. I should have stayed. Then the next day, his cold demeanor would come back at full force and he pushed those thoughts aside. “It wasn’t my fault.” And he would recall their fight from the zoo, it seemed like she was condemning the way he taught or the way he worked. At night, he would think of various of ways to try to get back to her good graces and by the morning, he would be so frustrated by staying up all night, he would just grumble his entire day at work. They talked, sure, they had to keep it professional but every time she stepped in his room, it was as if the world had gone back to the ice age. A blizzard flew between them and it was hailing in his room. She kept things brief and his tone was brusque, and cold.

Luckily for Logan, coffee was always delivered on time and he didn’t have to get his own. With that, he was glad for her patience but then he remembered why they were having this problem in the first place. Today hasn’t been any different. The male would enter his company, passing by her desk without a glance or a word of hello. The office atmosphere was still and suffocating for other employees yet the male didn’t notice. He took his coffee, typing checking his emails and replying to urgent ones. He had a meeting afterwards where he took Mrs. Pedigree to come with him, not with any subtly in his case. The older women gave him a pointed look, seemingly annoyed but she followed along anyways. The meeting was successful as always with the male liking to divide personal and business mindsets. He was clear, audible, and a shark during meetings. Once the meeting was over, Mrs. Pedigree was released while Logan went back to office to get more paperwork. However, before lunch began, Elizabeth suddenly barged into his room and Logan frowned, looking up. “Did you need something?” he asked, almost adding, ‘you’re suppose to knock.’

However, Mrs. Pedigree gave him a sharp look before slamming the door. “She’s having menopause,” he joked, shrugging. She was nervous, he could tell and heck, this was nerve-wracking for him as well. Communication was his strong point even with females yet when it came to Elizabeth, words got stuck in his throat. He didn’t know what to say or where to start.

“If you asked me how I’m doing, I’d say I’m doing just fine,” he crossed his arms before looking down. But Logan faltered, his face glanced up looking at hers. He forced the truth out of his mouth with a sad sigh. “But I’d be lying because you’ve been on my mind.” Logan rubbed both of his hands on his face.

“Look El, I shouldn’t have…” he rubbed his neck. “I shouldn’t have left you there alone with those punks,” that was probably the closest to an apology Logan had ever done. “And I was probably a little bit too tough on Joanna but I still stand by my words. She needs to realize that she can’t cry her way out of problems.”

He took a deep breath. “But I shouldn’t have said all that,” he mumbled just as he checked his watch. “Look, it's almost lunch. Why don't we talk this over during a meal or something?”

Sasil Sasil
 
Elizabeth swallowed. Never had she been this nervous about standing in his office before. Well, when they first met again and she realized who he was after throwing that tantrum, that was a close second to this moment. She knew he was mad at her, and she was mad at them. They were not good at communicating, that was very clear from the way they acted at the very moment.

At his comment though she half chuckled shaking her head, staring at the ground a moment. "Don't let her hear you say that." she joked before the silence fell on the both of them once more. Swallowing again she watched the way he acted, he almost seemed to be sorry or want to say something but the both of them were to proud to say anything.

That was until he seemed to open his mouth and an apology fell from it. It was hard, she could tell just by the way he gritted his teeth admitting it. While she had not been working for him very long, Elizabeth knew very well that Logan didn't like to admit that he was wrong. He was never wrong, that was how he carried himself. And if he was? Well, he wouldn't say anything. But this time, he did.

"You've been on my mind too. I...Said to much. I was frusterated with you but also the kids for not listening." Elizabeth admitted shaking her head. "Joanna knew the rules and didn't listen." She spoke listening to him once more. SHe nodded in agreement. But at the suggestion of a meal she rose an eyebrow.

"You want too, eat a meal with me?" she asked tilting her head to the side. He seemed like the type of person to not want to eat with anyone and just eat alone from the busy of the people who always needed him, course she had been his gofer a few times. too. The ass, the days with the turtles.

"Alright sure. I could use some food." she turned to face the door. "If Ms. Pedigree allows us to leave the room anyways." Elizabeth chuckled under her bearth looking to the door before reaching out to turn the knob. It opened, to Elizabeths surprise, as a child she peeked her head out earnin ga bit of a smirk from the older women behind the computer desk.

"Go for lunch. I will finish the little work you have left before you go for lunch." The smug look still present on her lips. Elizabeth sighed turning to look at at Logan a moment.

"I think we have been played by the puppet master." She murmured under her breath.

"I am no puppet master, I think Logan is a little better at that. I do ask you bring me a latte when you come back. A shot of caramel too, if you please." It was an order, of some kind. A brave one considering the man walking behind Elizabeth was her boss but as the time that Elizabeth had been working for this company she had noticed that Ms. Pedigree was much more on top of things then she preteneded. Logan seemed to listen to her, at least more then the other staff.

Perhaps the women was a friend of his moms?

She hadn't asked and the question wasn't something she wanted to go and ask now.

"I have my wallet already so you can choose where we eat." Elizabeth finally sighed leaning over the desk to grab her wallet and phone shoving the phone in her bra just as she turned to look at Logan, her hands on her hips.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
“Yes?” Logan raised an eyebrow, before narrowing his eyes. “Do I not want to?” he asked instead, wondering what kind of response she wanted out of him. He almost smiled when she agreed, turning to the door and peeking her head out. “Did you think she was going to lock us in forever? She doesn’t have the key to my office. She just tricked you,” Logan laughed before standing up straight.

“I knew something was up when you came in here, not on your own accord.” They both walked out with Logan texting on his phone to let them know that he’ll be back for his meeting at 2 in the afternoon. His head turned towards Mrs. Pedigree and he heaved out a sigh. “Get your own coffee,” he muttered but they both knew who was going to be getting her coffee.

Elizabeth was.

Logan gestured Elizabeth to follow him. Wanting to go on a walk, he decided on a closer restaurant only a couple blocks down his building. As they took the elevator to the first floor, his eyes bore a hole to the steel double doors in front of him. The male seemed to be in deep thoughts that were soon interrupted by the opening of the doors. His eyes landed on Elizabeth, about to say something but instead, Logan walked out of company and turned left. He expected Elizabeth to follow and the walk was in silence as the male hated talking about feelings or business unless he was facing someone, sitting down much like a deal. Outside was too open for him and he needed somewhere more private. They passed several traffic lights before his steps halted in front of Sorrentino’s Pizzeria.

While it was a pizza restaurant, the inside proved to be fancy with chandeliers serving as a soft light illuminating the place dimly. He requested a table for two and they were tucked into a comfortable booth away from others. The menu was placed down and Logan ordered red wine and their homemade lasagna. He waited for Elizabeth to finish her order and watched the waiter leave before his attention was solely on her.

Blue interlocked with one another before a smile creep up to wash away the awkwardness. “Lighten up El, I’m not here to whisk you away for a kidnapping. I figured it’s comfortable enough to talk and we can eat away the any silences,” he shrugged, leaning against the soft cushion of the booth.

“I guess I’ll go first,” Logan said though he wasn’t really here to delve into feelings. He was just going straight for the jugular.

“I’ll be honest, we have different parenting styles or just styles in general. And it’s to be expected, we grew up in different worlds.”

He didn’t sugarcoat his words, his voice growing colder yet his eyes still maintained a glint of warmth. “I was harsh and it could have gone differently,” he admitted with a short sigh. “I was thinking of maybe finding a way to make it up to Ben. And maybe things can do differently.”

Logan cocked his head to the side, “Your thoughts?”

Sasil Sasil
 
A light smirk appeared on Mrs. Pedigree, her eyes leaving the screen of her computer only for a moment to give a small smile twoards the two. "Yes well, perhaps one of you could get me one. I like the way Elizabeth's makes her coffee then you do anyways." it was a joke, she knew who made the coffee all the time. For goodness sake it was mostly Elizabeth who did the work for Logan. He had asked before, and with the pranks? Well, she was just glad the two hadn't resorted back to those antics. If that had been the case she would have quit on the spot.

"Do enjoy your lunch."

With that spoken her attention was stolen from her job and she started to work on her assigments for the day. Elizabeth sighed following behind Logan as he was busy texting whatever message he needed to send. She would have checked her own phone but she had to admit it--no one would have gotten back to her. Only peopel she truly talked to where working and Ben was to young to have a phone. Nope, not the most popular Elizabeth was.

Silence wasn't something new to her either, the two hadn't talked since the incident at the zoo. Course this silence was a bit more uncomfortable then the others, this one was a looming silence. She knew they would, at some point, talk about what happened. Or they would apologise and throw the caution to the wind. Go back to just being the worker and the boss. He would leave the picture and Ben, as sad as he would be, would go back to not seeing his father. Not that he would ever know that little detail. But unlike Logan, Elizabeth liked to know what was going on in someones head. It was easier, hiding her feelings--throwing caution to the wind--that was how she ended up with a child in school at that very moment.

She sighed following Logan, once again to a fancy resturant. Sure it was pizza, but a place that sat you down to eat would always be fancy in her mind. Once they sat she frowned leaning against the table.

"You would be the one who is so quiet." she smirked looking down to the menu, swallowing at the prices. Well, she supposed she could treat herself. Looking to the waitress she got herself something that had chicken in it before getting a glass of white wine. If she was treating herself, she wanted some wine. With the women gone it was time for the talk to beging.

Well, she hadn't thought he would be the one to start the conversation. She thought for sure it would be her laying her feelings about the manner out on the table while he shrugged them off like men do. But that wasn't the case, it was a bit refreshing if she was able to admit it.

"Never thought you would kidnap me." Elizabeth said dryly before clearing her throat leaning back in her chair. She listened to him talk a bit, it was all a big surprise to her. "You don't say." Elizabeth laughed a bit shaking her head a bit before sighing again. "Very different worlds. I don't think you would believe how different." she admitted shaking her head, he wouldn't remember how different, he was drunk the night her heart was spilled to him, she had been too, but if he did remember--well perhaps he wouldn't have chosen those types of words at all.

No matter.

"Ben was very confused as to why you left so suddenly, he didn't buy the whole 'He had a buisness meeting he couldn't get out of' he knew we had fought. He is anything but dumb. But he had a good day after anyways." Elizabeth stopped talking as the drinks where brought to the table. Swirling her wine for a moment she quickly took a sip of it before looking to Logan again. "What did you have in mind to make it up to him? Mind you, if you want to do something make sure you can so you don't have to leave right away. I know you are a busy man Logan." Elizabeth spoke watching him closely. "He has been beginng to go to an aquirium for some time." she put the idea out there. "Or even if you just have the two of us for dinner."

Another shrug.

"Actually, your mother hasn't asked about the two of us has she. We did leave kind of random that one day with the Ben hitting someone at school." Why that popped into her mind she wasn't sure, but to late to take it back know. "Did she actually buy that the two of us where 'together'."

Polaris. Polaris.
 
How interesting is it that two strangers from different worlds collides head first? His blue hues wandered from the platinum locks to the grey irises and finally landed on her rosy lips. A smile crossed his face listening to her words, “Well, a kid from me can’t be dumb,” he grinned proudly. “C’mon, look he’s a Delgado. It’s in his genes to be handsome and witty,” he tried to lightened up the mood and he could feel her eye roll coming. Logan tapped his arms contemplatively, going through the schedules and what he had in mind. Where would a little boy like to go but not make his parents want to kill themselves at the same time? But Elizabeth was right. Logan got busier as the year went on and often, he had to leave in the middle of the day for unexpected business trips or deals. There was nothing he could do about it. Not even when he is his own boss. “Dinner sounds good. So does the aquarium.”

While Elizabeth was acting nonchalant about it, he knew she cared and honestly, he was grateful that she was letting him in, giving him the second chance. Before he was able to suggest his own ideas, Elizabeth brought up his mother and Logan immediately groaned, his hands coming up to his face with a grimace. “Just the mention of my mother is giving me a headache. If we’re discussing about her, I need more alcohol.”

He called the waiter over, ordering whiskey on the rocks before answering her. “I don’t know what she thinks. That woman is sneaky. She’s a fox dressed up as an old woman who looks caring but watch out for her. You never know what kind of cards she’ll play,” Logan warned. “She may be my mother but she’s a business woman first. That old weak woman countenance is a disguise. She'll tear you down when you least expect it.” While he had major respect for his mother, Logan is mostly wary around her. There's no thinking what she will do next. It's hard to read the underlying meaning behind the manipulating smile.

When their food arrived, he took a sip of his alcohol feeling the warmth snaking through his body. His eyes flickered back to his ex-lover? Ex-friend? He didn’t know how to label them but with a kid between them, Logan wanted to try harder. He wanted to be a better partner, a better father. Ultimately, whatever happens, he wanted her to know that he has her back from now on. She no longer has to be alone. “Liz, I know it’s hard being around me,” Logan admitted. “With everything I’ve done. And for that, I’m sorry. And thank you. Whatever chance you took on me means a lot.” He could feel a knot in his throat. Logan never liked admitting faults or feelings. Apologizing was difficult but with her, it didn't feel as if his actions were judged every minute. Every day.

"Whatever decisions you make, I'm with you. In front of Ben, we should at least be a unified front. A united force," he smiles softly.

Logan took small sips of his red wine, twirling the glass around and smelling the aroma. “As for making it up to Ben, I was thinking…camping?” he shrugged. Truth be told, Logan wasn’t too sure what camping entailed but it couldn’t be too hard. If he’s good at anything, it was rising up to the challenge. “I have a couple days off. No interruptions. Just you and me,” he teased. “Oh can’t forget Ben.”

He had to do research on camping tonight but the whole ordeal sounded fun. It would teach Ben how to be independent or even maybe how to catch a fish or two like in those movies. “Or we can go to an aquarium. Whatever you want to do with Liz. Just let me know, yeah?”

Sasil Sasil

(Sorry it's kind of short. >.< I was thinking maybe we can time skip to the camping trip lolol I got inspired by your trip or aquarium works too!)
 
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Elizabeth looked over the backpacks once more, before turning to her list on a clipboard. It had all the things they would need to go camping. The essentials, as she thought. While she hadn't gone camping with Ben before, she had gone with her father once or twice when she had been very small. That was when camping was a lot less stressful. Why do you think Elizabeth thought that? Well, that was easy. Elizabeth wasn't the adult on that trip. She was the child getting to enjoy the great outdoors for what they where.

The great outdoors. Sadly, now she had to worry about bears, mosquito, cougars, wolves--all the creatures that could hunt and kill them. Not to mention the evil desires you could catch. But that wasn't going to ruin the trip. She had come prepared. Packed what she could, and Logan had said he would handle the other stuff. That included the tents, sleeping bags pans and other things they might need. It was only a weekend after all. But it was better to be overly prepared then not prepared enough.

That was her motto anyways.

"Mum! Mum! I can't wait to go! Can we leave yet?" Ben said excitedly coming out of his room dressed in all the camping gear he had. A little backpack on his back, a fishing hat atop his head along with little lures dangling. Liza couldn't help but laugh at the cute sight. Taking her phone out she took a picture just in time for Dewey to jump and bark, causing Ben to laugh.

"Not yet, we have to wait for Logan to come and pick us up." She spoke smirking at the photo, placing her phone back into her pocket.

"Will he be here soon? I can't wait! I want to fish! Dewey is coming along to right? He has to help me catch all the fish. Do you think we will meet a deer? Or maybe a bear!?" Ben rambled petting the dog, his tail wagging back and forth with a great speeds.

"Course Dewey is coming. Wouldn't want him to be stuck here all alone would we? Besides he will keep the monsters away." Elizabeth grinned wiggling her fingers before picking up Ben in her arms tickling and growling. His shreiks of joy had her laughing.

"The monsters will get us!" He laughed.

"Oh yes, Dewey will protect us. Won't you boy?"

Dewey barked happily, circling the little family.

Seeing the excitement on Ben's face, well Elizabeth had a good feeling for this trip. While she was hesitant to take his offer, this seemed like a good trip. Something the two of them could bond over and enjoy. As long as everything went the way she hoped. He could follow through, she hoped so anyways.

"Come on, go and use the washroom once more before Logan gets here. That way we can leave. I'm not sure how far out this campsite is." Elizabeth spoke finally putting her son down. Hearing the doorbell she hurried to let Logan inside the house. Pushing her hair behind her ears she smiled a bit. "Hey, we are ready just told Ben to use the washroom once more so we don't have to stop." she spoke looking to him a moment.

"Ben is very excited about this trip." she admitted laughing a little, nervously.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
How long ago was it that he actually went on vacation with a significant other? Wait, shit, no she’s just…He wasn’t sure what she was at the moment. Logan was a minor — Scratch that. A major perfectionist. He wanted things to be perfectly well. He decided to drive a minivan this time with the car stocked with a tent (instructions that he probably never read in his life) and coolers full of pre-made food. There were buns, hot dogs, hamburger patties, cans of soda and bottle water, he probably packed enough for a group of twelve but he wanted to be overly prepared. Sleeping bags were rolled up neatly and one can’t forget the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers to make smores. He haphazardly made lasagna and while he knew it was not a camping dish, he wanted to impress Elizabeth. As of now, he was going to be lucky if his lasagna impressed Ben at all. It was rather burnt for something that was timed in the oven. At least he could look presentable…right?

He went through a couple of white shirts that somehow looked exactly the same and Logan sighed, deciding to go for grey. He wore his casual blue jeans that hung off his hips and figured a dress shirt to go camping was probably a terrible idea. He stared at the ensemble of cologne and rubbed his temples with his thumb. What the fuck was he doing? It’s a camping trip for fuck’s sake. Why was he deciding on which cologne would be the best? A soft sigh escaped his lips and Logan grabbed a black baseball cap. He took the duffel bag laying on his bed and headed downstairs. Driving to Elizabeth’s place was probably one of the most nerve wrecking silences he had in a long time. He could only thank god that she wasn’t living with her parents or else that would have been a different hurdle to jump over. When he arrived, he parked on the side before hopping off and rubbed his face with one hand.

“What’s so different about a camping trip alone with the two of you? Oh right and Ben.”

After a five minute internal battle, Logan rang the doorbell and presented the lopsided smile when she opened the door, tucking a loose curl behind her ears. “So I guess I’m not kicked out this time,” he teased. “And yeah, no problem. Just take your time.”

Play it cool, that’s what he’ll do. He could tell she was nervous. The slightly off pitch in her tone didn’t fly pass him. Trying to lighten up the mood, Logan flicked her nose gently. “Come on, it’s going to be fine. I promise I won’t lay my hands on you.” He leaned in, whispering in her ears. “At least not when Ben is around.”

Logan laughed, “I’m kidding El. Loosen up, it’s gonna be fine. I have enough food to feed a pack of wolves and even a taser in case we see a bear or something.”

When Ben was done, the little boy washed his hands before running out and jumping into Logan’s arms. “Logan! You’re here!”

“Hey champ, been a good boy for your mom?”

“I’m a super boy!”

Logan chuckled, pinching his cheeks. “Alright buddy, let’s go.” With Ben in his arms, Logan led the way to his car. He strapped Ben in before jumping onto the driver’s seat. Revving the car, he started driving to the nearest freeway to head to Lake Sequota. “So it’s only an hour drive away form here. Do you want to grab anything along the way?”

He handed her the coffee he got on the way to her place, “Here, for you. Extra sugar, the way you like it.” While he would be caught dead before he drank it, Logan ordered it with sugar since Liz had weird tastes in coffee.

The drive was mostly in silence with some small talk here and there but when they arrived, it was already twelve twenty six in the afternoon. He halted his car a couple feet away from the camping zone. “So, lasagna, hot dogs, or hamburgers for lunch?” Logan asked as he went to grab the coolers while Elizabeth took care of Ben.

“I want lasagna! And I want hot dog!”

“Hah, greedy aren’t you?” Logan chuckled, pulling out the new tent he bought from Target a few days ago. “I guess we can set up the tent first, Liz?” he asked, taking the materials out of the box. He gave her the instructions. “I’ll do the physical labor, you just tell me what I should do. Sounds like a plan?"

Sasil Sasil
 
Did he just flick her nose? Elizabeth frowned, ever so slightly before she smiled up at him. "Yeah I know it will be." Oh a flirt well, two could play at that game. With a sly smile she winked. "You say that now, but you think you could handle just one touch." Blindsiding him, his expression was worth every word before she laughed patting him on the shoulder. "Now who is kidding?' with one last laugh she nodded her head.

"No, I'm looking foreword to going out into the wilderness. It's a great way to clear ones head. Think about the important things." she admitted seeing Ben and Dewey following close behind him. They rushed into the van, with only a glance into the back she made a mental note that Logan had really outdone himself with the amount of items he packed.

"You weren't kidding when you said that you packed for 12 people." she admitted blinking before getting into the passenger seat. They wasted no time to get onto the main highway. Looking around the rode, rather busy but it was the weekend so she wasn't completely surprised about the amount of traffic on the road. "No we have everything and then some I think with the amount you packed." Elizabeth teased a bit looking at him from the corner of her eye.

Perhaps the weekend would be good. After all, it seemed like Logan was really trying to make up for everything. The trip would be fun she needed to get her own head out of her ass and try and trust him. Besides, she could enjoy the weekend as well.

With a little bit of chit chat between the two of them, mostly Ben talking to Dewey about the things they where going to do once at the campsite. Playing fetch, jumping into the river that was close by, going for hikes--Ben wanted to do them all. Elizabeth was more then welcome to the idea she wanted to do the same.

With the car parked they jumped out of the truck.

"We will set up the tent and then we will have lunch." Elizabeth nodded in agreement looking to Logan in agreement. "That sounds like another night if I recall it right." She smirked at him before bending over to look in the bag to get the instructions. She took a gander at them her eyes soaking them in. "Alright Logan lets get this rolling. Ben stay close if you are going to wander. Take Dewey on his leash." Elizabeth instructed earning a nod from Ben.

As he went rummaging in the van for the leash Elizabeth started to instruct Logan with the tent. It took longer to get together then she had thought it would. Logan tried his best at doing what she said but she seemed to be a little fast for him and had to go back, or help him get the poles into the ground or into there places.

About a half hour later they finally stood staring at the tent they had created together.

"That only took half an hour. Aren't we great providers." Elizabeth joked wiping the sweat from her brow, hearing Ben giggling from nearby. "If you get the food ready I'll get Ben. He must be starving know." Elizabeth patted him on he back. "I'll be right back."

Leaving his side she rushed towards the sound of Ben's voice, seeing him playing with Dewey running around with a stick in hand. He threw it as hard as he could the little dog rushing after it without thinking barking happily. "Come on Ben. Time to get some lunch." She called.

"Yay! Lunch! Dewey needs some water too. He's panting like this." He mimicked Dewey's panting before giggling as Elizabeth swooped him into her arms.

"You're a silly little guy. Come on, of course we will have to get some water for him. Food too." she smiled. They made it back to the campsite a Elizabeth's gut clenched. It seemed like Logan was on he phone. How he got cell service way the hell out here she wasn't sure.

"Everything alright?"

Polaris. Polaris.
 
They were going to set up the tent, that was the goal. Of course Logan knew how to set up a tent, he specially googled and memorized the directions the night before. He still had the flash cards stashed underneath his pillow. She looked so happy, he couldn’t let her down. Actually, he couldn’t let Ben down. He was probably his only male figure and ironically, also his father. Every time she gave him instruction, he would frown in confusion. “Wait, what? Hold up, let me read that.” And then the entire cycle begins all over again. Elizabeth would come around to help him but not without snickering. “Are you laughing at me?” he narrowed his eyes but it was obvious that he was laughing inside. “Cheeky.”

Half a fucking hour of hell later, there they were, standing in front of the makeshift tent they made and he felt like this was more of a work out than running on the treadmill. Logan was a business man, he sucked at building things from scratch or assembling parts together. But they did it and he didn’t even have time to celebrate his work with alcohol before his phone started ringing. It was his time with Elizabeth, he decided to ignore the first call. His people can take care of this on their own. Or so he thought. Just as he went back to the car to get the ice boxes, his phone rang again. This time, rather incessantly. An irritated sigh followed by a cold, “Hello. This is Logan speaking.”

“Mr. Delgado, the Mr. Hong and his investors wish to talk to you. They say it’s urgent and we have to hold a conference call in two hours.”

“Did they say what it was about?”

“No sir. It was rushed and they require your attention immediately. It’s imperative that you head back now to make it to the conference call.” Logan rubbed his jaw with his free hand, his voice growing chilled and angry.

“I got it. I’ll be there.” As always, business was first. He was in charge after all, he couldn’t leave his people hanging. When he hung up, the male contemplated how he was going to break the news. They just got here. He heard soft footsteps coming from behind him and a voice snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Everything alright?"

Logan turned around to face Ben who looked like today was Christmas and Elizabeth who couldn’t keep the worries off her face. He gave her a tight comforting smile. “Yeah,” the male choked out. “Just fine. Can I talk to you in private?”

Ben was instructed to walk Dewey for a little bit more and then lunch could be serve. When he was out of earshot, Logan took one of Elizabeth’s hand as a sign of comfort. “Hey, listen,” he began off slowly, trying to gauge her response. “There’s an emergency meeting. And I have to go back,” Logan gave her hand a tight squeeze. “But look, I’m going to be gone for a couple of hours. It’s just a conference. I’ll head back as soon as it’s done. Before the night fall. Give or take six hours from now. You guys won’t even know I’m gone.” His tone was pleading, pleading for her to say it’s okay. He tilted his head, “Come on El, smile for me. It won’t take long. I promise. I’m coming back for you and Ben. You know I wouldn’t leave you guys here.”

Logan pointed at Ben, “He’s so happy. I don’t want to make him disappointed by cutting this short. Give me some time. What do you say, El? Say yes?” His eyes were hopeful and when she gave him the hesitant nod, the male pulled her into a tight hug, as if she was his life line, with a soft sigh on top of her head. “I’m so sorry. I should have prepared better. This won’t happen again. I’ll be back, okay?” He squeezed his eyes closed. This better not fucking happen again.

He released her from his embrace, calling Ben over and telling him about a small emergency. “Hey champ, I’m going to be gone for a little while but I’ll be back. Just take care of your mom for me, yeah?” He leaned in as if they were sharing a deep dark secret. “She seems like someone who’s scared of the dark,” he winked.

“Aww. Logan, will you come back?”

“Of course buddy. I’ll miss you when I’m gone,” he ruffled Ben’s hair. “Be a good boy for me.”

Their goodbyes didn’t last long since it was a long drive back especially with traffic on the road. He had to stop by at his place to change into his tailored black suit and blue tie. Looking pristine as if he never stepped a foot outside his office, Logan drove to his company in a different car.

The entire meeting took longer than he expected with them having to talk about the plans for investing and why Logan’s company was a good choice. He had to sell it once more, confirming it with them, answering their concerns. They then moved onto business overseas and the potential for another headquarter in China. The talk went on for hours and it was already eight in the evening when it concluded and he was the only one left in his office. Logan sighed, realizing he never took any break to call Elizabeth or check in on her. Fuck. She was going to be so pissed. The male immediately called her number but it didn’t go through. He didn’t know how his calls went through earlier but not with her.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck. It was as if god was forsaking him or playing with his emotions, he couldn’t tell but he was worried out of his mind. He’d drive there now. He’ll get there by ten and they can still go camping. He only left one ice box with enough food for two or three meals. Logan rang the elevator door, walking in the moment, it opened and pressing the G button to go down the lobby. He watched painfully as the door closed ever so slowly and the elevator barely went a couple inches downwards before it just stopped.

Out of nowhere.

Completely.

And now Logan was batshit going crazy. Was he really fucking stuck in an elevator? When no one was around? Except one security guard? Fucking shit. Just my luck.

He immediately called Trevor who thankfully picked up on the first ring. “My man, I need your help. Can you go to our old camping spot and pick someone up for me?”

“Yeah, her name is Elizabeth and a little boy name Ben. Oh. And a dog.”

“Thanks dude. I owe you big time.”

He tried calling the security officer who didn’t pick up on the first try. Not the second try. And not even after the fifth call. “Fuck!” He slammed his fists against the elevator door.

“You just had to fucking suggest camping. Why didn’t you go to an aquarium instead? Fuck!” He hated breaking promises, it tears him up inside thinking about how scared Ben was alone with Elizabeth in the wilderness where they probably have never been before. He kicked the elevator door in anger only to shout out in pain.

“God dammit, ANYONE OUT THERE? Hello? Anyone?” Logan pounded his fists against the metal doors to get attention but nothing. Only his own echo repeatedly mocking him. "...Please, anyone? She's all alone out there," his voice cracked, his eyes stung from frustration, his hands clenched fiercely digging his nails into his skin. He knew no one could hear him and he wasn't thinking about how he could be stuck in a box overnight until someone finds him, running out of oxygen. Logan paced back and forth, wondering how he was going to reach Elizabeth. Anxiety pooled, churning in his gut as he tried to call Elizabeth. Come on, please, please, pick up.

But he knew better, luck has never been on Logan’s side when it came to love. Not a single ring went through.

Sasil Sasil
 
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Elizabeth knew things where going to well. the moment she was getting comfortable, excited even for the rest of the weekend with Logan. This happens. The moment she saw the expression on his face she knew he was leaving.

He tried to pull it off as nothing to major, taking her aside to talk in private while Ben went off to play in the tent close by. Another meeting, yeah she should have known that was the case. While Elizabeth knew being the boss of such a large and successful company was his first priority, Elizabeth had hoped that maybe Ben was his getting to be a higher on that list.

He seemed to beg though, he was trying. She knew he was. Everything that had happened before this he was trying.

Well, against her better judgement she nodded her head unable to find the right words that didn't sound to bitchy to say to him. The hug was a surprise though, she hadn't expected that at all. It was sincere, heart breaking even. A shaking breath was let out of her mouth and she nodded her head once more.

"Yeah okay. We will be here, leave some food for the two of us. You'll miss us playing in the water though." she spoke guilting him only slightly.

After that, he was gone. Short little good bye to Ben who seemed to be rather disappointing that Logan was gone but Elizabeth took that frown away at the promise of that lasagna that Logan had made. It took a bit but the meal that Logan had made tasted relatively good, at least for a meal he had burnt. With the dishes set aside for later Ben looked to Elizabeth with a slight frown while petting Dewey on the head.

"Logan will come back right?" he asked quietly.

"Of course. He promised, he wouldn't break that promise." Elizabeth ushered him looking to the time. It wasn't near 8 yet, he was stil in the meeting probably. But not even a call? She had hoped he would call or somehow let her know that everything was going to be alright. But nothing.

She sighed again running a hand threw her bangs before standing to her feet.

"Come on, lets go and try and fish in the river, I can show you how to make a little fishing rod out of just a stick." she grinned Ben perked up at that thought rushing off to try and catch a fish. Elizabeth just prayed that they wouldn't catch anything. she didn't know how she would gut the thing if Ben wanted to eat it then. She had no tools.

~~Few Hours later

Fishing went well, they caught a fish but at the suggestion of eating it Ben made a grimace and wanted no part in that. They threw the little fish back into the river and watched it swim off into the dark water. After fishing the two of them went for a little hike but by the time they got back it was rather late. If Elizabeth's phone was right it was well after 8 almost nine.

"He isn't come back is he." Ben spoke now as the two of them huddled around a small fire. Elizabeth rubbed his shoulder cursing in her mind Logan. Where the hell was he? Leaving the two of them in the middle of nowhere with no way to get home? Hell if the meeting ran late he could have told her. At least then she wouldn't be worried about getting home and about his safety.

Well, his safety wouldn't be safe when she saw her next. A few words where plaguing her mind and they where not for the ears of her small son.

"Oh I'm sure he is coming. He is a big business man after all. He probably just got tied up." Elizabeth tried to be positive but Ben wasn't having it.

"Why does he leave all the time?" Ben asked in a serious tone.

Elizabeth's heart sank.

"Well, adults have responsibilities that sometimes they can't get out of."

"You always are there. Even with work." Ben pointed out earning a small smile from his mother.

'I'm your mother. I will always be there for you no matter what."

"I guess that makes sense." Ben spoke cuddling closer to his mom as the evening wore on. They would have gotten into the tent but when they where about too a unfamiliar car drove up o the both of them. Elizabeth automatically figured it was someone who was going to try and kidnap them. That would just be the tip of ice cream cone.

"Are you Elizabeth and Ben. Oh and there is to be a dog too." A man spoke coming out of the car with a more kind smile then Elizabeth had first anticipated.

"And if we are?" Elizabeth spoke standing to her feet.

"I am Trevor, I know Mr. Delgado. Logan sent me to pick you up. He had a bit of work that lasted longer then he had anticipated. I am to bring you home." Trevor spoke looking to the two of them. Elizabeth relaxed before sighing.

"Ran late. Well, at least he didn't leave us to the bears." She muttered helping Trevor gather the things they had in the campsite. It took longer then participated and with the drive home it was well past Ben's bedtime.

"When you see your boss tell him I am going to be late for work tomorrow." She spoke getting out of her car with a very sound asleep child in her arms. She slammed the door and stormed into her house.

Trevor swallowed. "oh Logan you are in trouble with that one." He mumbled driving away from the little house.

Polaris. Polaris.
 

A man knows the feel when he’s in deep shit. It’s that feeling that crawls under the skin, reminding him every couple seconds that he probably should buy flowers. Grovel. Or just die. The third option seems to be the best one so far. He would have chosen the third option but he rather not die leaving his mother moan and groan about his bad eating habits and what nots. A deep sigh came from the man, laying down on the elevator, not wanting to call Elizabeth because quite honestly, Logan feared the worst. He imagined a screaming conversation.

“You fucker. You left me and Ben high and dry!” Sudden, her nails increased in length, attempting to claw out his face. His vision of Elizabeth faltered when Logan laughed humorlessly to himself. Right, of course. She wouldn’t really call him a fucker to his face. That’s not El. She would give him the stern glare, the crossed arms, the narrowed eyes, and the thinning lips. Her posture would scream danger and her words would intoxicate him. In the worst possible ways. God, he really didn’t want to face her tomorrow. Or technically today since he was still stuck in this god forsaken elevator. Logan picked up the phone the moment it rang, realizing that Trevor was on the line.

“Oh mannnnn,” Trevor sang over the phone. “You are so fucked dude. Good luck to you. I’ll be praying.”

“You little shit, is she okay though? Fuck. I messed up. That wasn’t part of the plan. I was going to head back. I’m still on this cursed elevator,” he gritted his teeth, gripping his phone as his free hand ran through his hair. He was so mad at himself. At that Chinese man that was going to make him bank. But most of all, he was furious at whoever made this elevator. “God damn, nothing never goes well. I’m feeling claustrophobic in here.”

“They’re still not there yet, man? Did you call them?”

“A million times. I’m gonna be alright. How’s Ben? You know, the little kid.”

“He looks disappointed when I wasn’t you. But he was sleeping just fine on the way back. Dude, she said she’s going to be late. Looks like you have some time to get on your knees.”

“I don’t even know where to start,” Logan groaned. “This day is just getting worse by the minute.”

“Alright bro. It’s gonna be okay. At least she’s still seeing you tomorrow. Look on the bright side.”

Logan rubbed the nape of his neck, massaging it as he realized how tomorrow was going to be the most nerve wrecking moments of his life. And he wasn’t sure how he was going to face Ben knowing that he let his little boy down. “Okay dude, I’m just gonna hang up. I don’t really want to talk anymore. I’ll catch you later,” he hung up the phone. With his knees propped up, hands resting on the kneecaps with his back against the wall, Logan started contemplating if he really should call her. Just to check up. To see if she’s okay.

Except her phone went to voicemail.

And now he was terrified. He wasn’t sure of what though. Was it because he broke a promise? Or he let Ben down? Logan was terrified because in his life, he never thought he was going to lose anyone. Hell, he never thought he would need anyone. But what if he loses her? What if he already lost her? A breath of fear escaped the male as he closed his eyes tight. Determination reached the innermost of his heart. Logan wasn’t going to lose her, because he was going to fight for her and make this right again.

———————————————

The next day has proven to be the most painful morning of all time. They finally rescued him, and he was able to sleep for three hours tops before work began at nine in the morning sharp. He stopped by the flower shop to buy the biggest bouquet of flower ever because he was hoping pretty colors would ease her daunting anger although truth be told, Logan wasn’t sure how swayed females are over things that would just die. Maybe a ring would have been better but that was commitment that he wasn’t sure he wanted to make just yet. Would jewelry be too much? Chocolate didn’t seem enough. Flowers was just right. God damn. He felt like Goldilocks trying to figure out what he wanted to buy to impress a woman. He reached his office and waited for the longest hour of his life. He barely slept. He barely ate. His heart was racing maniacally and he was sure he had high blood pressure from this. A knock almost caused the male to jump off his seat but instead, he coughed, looking calmed and neutral. Nothing gave away his thundering pulse. His hands hesitantly grabbed the bouquet of flower he placed on his desk. This has ought to work.

“Hey, come in.”

Sasil Sasil
 
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Elizabeth had forgotten how many times that Logan had called by the time she had gotten back into cell service. Loosing count at the third time she turned her phone completely off. She had a lot of work ahead of her that night, not to mention trying to make a little boy who was rather disappointing about the whole ordeal. That was the hardest part about the whole outing. Ben, and his disappointment.

Perhaps Elizabeth was to protecting, not allowing him to feel that one feeling. She tried so hard to make him happy whenever she was possible. That was what she wanted to do but perhaps that was just because of her own disappointments. Logan leaving her all alone, time and time again falling short of what he promised.

Perhaps it would be better all together if she just hadn't met him again or got the job. That would have made life so much easier.

"Mommy can I sleep with you in your bed tonight?" Ben spoke up coming from his bedroom a teddy bear in his arms as he looked with puffy sleepy cheeks. Elizabeth smiled sadly opening her arms with a welcoming sad smile as he came and got on her lap.

"Why not. We can have a sleepover in mommies bed. And guess what? Mommy is going to skip early morning work so we can go out for a nice breakfast tomorrow or make food here? What would you like?" she asked Ben tapped his chin in thought before a small grin appeared on his face.

"Can we make a big breakfast here. I wanna help make the pancakes!" he smiled excitedly.

"You got it little man. Come on, lets go into bed and I'll read you a few books." Taking his small body in her hands she threw him over her shoulder, his giggles filled the small house as they got to her bedroom. Dewey barked happily as he joined the two of them on the bed.

--The next morning

It was a long night but also a long morning. Elizabeth and Ben had decided to stay up later reading a book while he also wouldn't let her sleep. Breakfast had been good and a lot of fun for the both of them. Elizabeth contemplated not going into work at all. She wasn't supposed to work today anyways but since the whole thing she had been called in.

But she shouldn't have to work when she had a day off. That was just her bitchiness not wanting to see his face though. All night she had tired her best to think of a more adult way to talk about this issue. This was just that, an issue.

With the last swig of coffee she threw her cup of coffee into the garbage and headed up the stairs. Oddly, the elevator was out of order. She hadn't the time to think about it for to long before she got up to her floor. Seeing Ms.Pedigree sitting on her desk. Her eyes looked up over her glasses before she cleared her throat.

"Mr. Delgado would like to see you in his office." She spoke with a small smirk. "Be nice to him my dear, he's been pacing that room all morning."

"Be nice? Oh-Nothing is-" Elizabeth cleared her throat anxiously. Why would the older women even say something like that. It wasn't like the two of them were an item. Maybe a long time ago, but they only had sex. That's it. And while she was a little attracted to him again, it wouldn't happen. Not with how thing shad been going.

"Thanks. I will be out in a second." she sighed shaking her head slightly to the side before going into the room.

Her eyes instantly fell to the flowers that he had on his desk. A beautiful bundle with yellows, blues and pinks. It needed to be arranged a bit better, something that Elizabeth instantly saw from her years of working in a flower shop but it was a nice gesture she supposed on Logan's side. Still she was made.

"Good afternoon. Sorry, I would have been here early but Ben wanted to make breakfast with me." Elizabeth spoke watching him a moment before taking a shallow breath. "So, how did you meeting go? Hopefully well since I am less then impressed with you Logan." she said in a low whisper. "Did you get me flowers? Flowers aren't going to fix this. I'm sorry Logan but this-you cancelled on me and I was in the forest. Alone with Ben." she took a breath her arms over her chest, she knew there had to be another reason for all this.

"Please explain why you couldn't even call, let us know?" she bite her lip the look of hurt displayed on her face unable to disappear. That was just her face now, she wanted to act like adults but she was left alone again. Was this Logan now and forever more? Could he not change? Was she wasting her time?

Polaris. Polaris.
 
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Logan wasn’t an idiot, he could tell when a girl was fuming with fury. He could hear her wrath with every word spoken, enunciated rather hardly and even the shallow breath didn’t fall on deaf ears. He was a business man, he knew how to read facial expressions, even minor twitches wouldn’t go unnoticed. He tried for a half smile, lifting the flowers on the desk up and towards her with as much coolness as possible. This wasn’t a movie, he knew he wasn’t going to get away with just flowers and she wouldn’t melt into a puddle at his feet. “I did,” he nodded, putting the flowers down when she crossed her arms, a sign of rejection. Her body language was defensive and he didn’t blame her. His eyes roamed awkwardly, flickering from each corners of the room as if answers will spill out any moment now. “I know El, that wasn’t my intention. I swear to god,” he took a step closer to her. “I tried calling you to warn you but I couldn’t get through you so I had to send someone else to get you.”

He rubbed his neck before sliding a hand down his hair, breathing in sharply. He didn’t know where to start to not make it sound so ridiculous. “I went to my meeting,” Logan began, “it ended on time as expected. I was heading back to you and Ben, I wanted this trip to be special. I packed enough food to feed a soccer team for god’s sake,” his small laugh was low, he attempted to joke to see her reaction. Was he losing her? “And well…” he inhaled deeply before slowly exhaling out. “I got stuck in the elevator. It’s out of order right now,” he continued. “I panicked, I called you but I couldn’t get through. I was there for…hell I don’t even know. Five hours? They couldn’t get me out until the next day. God, I can’t imagine how scared you were.”

“Elizabeth Walsh,” his viridescent hues landed on the soft platinum blonde curls, “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have left. I should have taken you back with me. I’m sorry. Forgive me?” his eyes searched the floor, nervousness tingled throughout his skin before he found the courage to look up back at her with a lopsided smile. “Please?”

Logan wasn’t completely a player, he had his share of fun in the past but if anything, the male was more settled now than ever. But no matter how settled, old habits die hard and he did know how to soften rough edges. The male inched closer, his arms went around her shoulders, enveloping her close. Out of habit, to ease the anger, he kissed the top of her forehead, not even realizing the hidden meaning of his actions, the male rested his chin on top of her head.

“I won’t do it again. Let’s start over. I’ll separate business and us.” Wait…us? A moment of confusion and a spark of hesitation halted him in his words. He didn’t want to think too much about what he had say and so Logan moved on. “I bought tickets to the aquarium for next Sunday. I have a day off. Ben wanted to go before,” he hated using Ben every time to get Elizabeth to spend more time with him. But he wanted to see them both, the mother of his boy and his little champion. He squeezed her harder, not letting her struggle out of his embrace. “C’mon El, tell me yes. I’m not letting go until I hear a yes. We can stay in this room forever, you know? I have all day.” he joked, sounding completely nonchalant, but Logan wondered if she could feel it. His thundering pulse. The only thing giving away the lying facade of calmness seemingly as if he had the situation all under control.

Sasil Sasil
 
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The emotions whirled inside Elizabeth, everything from anger to desperate hurt. But it wasn’t a hurt for her, it was a hurt for her son who had been so disappointed that the camping trip had been cancelled. That Logan had bailed, that was what the little boy was going to start thinking. She knew, deep down, that she should just leave. Just throw the whole ordeal away. After all, it wasn’t like Ben knew who Logan was. He didn’t he likely, if this was any indication to what the future might hold, would ever know.

But like always; Logan surprised her.

He surprised her with his sudden embrace, sudden loss of words; and the quickening of his heart against her chest. Elizabeth struggled only for a moment instead she leaned in. Her anger was more for fear of being in the middle of the woods alone. Being left all over again, but this time not only alone she had a frightened boy with her.

Elizabeth had come to her terms inside, but he continued to talk and she felt her heart clench. Let’s start over. I’ll separate business and us.

What did that mean…? Did that mean what she thought she meant?

The thought had her swallowing hard but she pushed it aside. It was better to not think of. They would have to talk about that some other time. Right know; they had other things to deal with.

Logan just knew what to say to make her heart want to forgive him. Why didn’t she just ignore them, she was going to get hurt again. She knew she was going to. But...Ben deserved to know his father, at least just a little. This would be his last chance.

“Okay. We will go to the aquarium. But this time...we are taking my car. That way you can’t get dragged away.” Elizabeth said, it was slightly a joke but it was the truth. If he couldn’t drive away they wouldn’t be left alone. “I’ll pick you up in the morning, around 9 you can’t make fun of my old car either alright?”

~~That weekend~~

Elizabeth had hardly talked much to Logan from that day; at least for the week. THey where professional joked from time to time; perhaps it went back to normal. Elizabeth had started to second guess herself; was she really going to give him another chance? She wasn’t sure that was the best idea. But what was done was done and Ben was excited to see the fish at the Aquarium.

Honestly, Elizabeth was just as excited. She hadn’t been to one for many, many years. If she had been to one at all. Know that she stared at the traffic it had come to her realization that she had never seen one before.

“Will there be sharks!” Ben cried excited staring out the window. The traffic wasn’t to bad considering it was a Sunday morning.

Elizabeth smiled taking a sip of her coffee while peeking in her review mirror at her son. “I’m sure there will be. Is that what you really want to see?” she asked he grinned.

“Yes! Oh and stingrays. Can I touch a stingray?” he asked clapping his hands.

“I don’t know, it depends on the exhibits they have I suppose.” she shrugged her shoulders. Honestly she hoped they could. Along with other animals.

‘What are you excited about mommy?”

“I want to see Jellyfish, perhaps the otters.” Elizabeth turned remembering the way to Logan’s apartment complex.

“Jellyfish are weird. What do you think Logan will be excited to see?” Ben asked absentmindedly looking out the window trying to catch a glimpse of the man he had grown so attached too.

“I’m not sure. Maybe you should ask him.” Elizabeth said quietly. You are what he wants to see the most; she thought quietly parking in front of the building unsure if she was to wait or go in and get him. Taking her phone out she gave a quick text.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
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The rest of the week seemed to fly by as Logan would attend meetings, only passing by Elizabeth to assign work or say his hellos. They were acting as if nothing happened between them but he knew something changed, he wasn’t sure what it was, the male couldn’t pinpoint what he was feeling and for a businessman, that was frightening. Thus he did what he knew best, he delved into work, letting begone be begone. Soon, it was the day of the aquarium and if the male was being truthful, he didn’t like aquariums. There was something about looking at scaly turtles that just didn’t sit right with him. But for his son, he sucked it up and placed on the perfected smile. Today was going to be perfect. Logan decided to dress casually, dark denim jeans and a grey v neck. His hair was messily gelled back and he looked like the epitome of a male who just rolled out of bed. It wasn’t too far, he only did get up fifteen minutes ago.

He brought a hand up to cover a long yawn before his phone vibrated with a text. Looked like El was right on time but then again, when wasn’t she? With his wallet tucked safely in his butt pocket, Logan left his house and went straight into her car. “Hey, morning champ,” Logan smiled from the passenger seat. He twisted his torso back to give Ben a small fist pump. “You excited to see some glow in the dark jellyfishes?” he asked to which Ben nodded excitedly.

“Leg go!” Ben waved his arms both in the air excitedly. It brought a smile to his face before he turned to Elizabeth. “Morning, you look good today.” A compliment followed by a cough when it came out unexpectedly. “Anyways, Ben, should I be afraid of your mom’s driving?” he teased.

“Yes! Seat belt. I have my seat belt on too,” Ben joined in.

“Don’t worry Elizabeth, I have life insurance,” he smirked, “just remember, the yellow light means slow down, not speed up.” He, himself, of course probably drove more careless than she did but lightening up the atmosphere was his strong point. The drive to the aquarium was smooth, biting comments went back and forth but nothing Logan couldn’t handle. He enjoyed their bickering even if it was over absolutely nothing important.

Elizabeth eventually pulled to a stop, parking at the parking structure closest to the aquarium. Ben hopped out of the car with holding his mother’s hand while Logan pulled out his aquarium tickets. The three of them entered the massive place and they were first greeted by an overarching glass of ocean above them after a few steps inside. Ben pointed at everything, “Mommy, look it’s a shark!”

“Mommy, is that fish dead? It isn’t moving.”

“Wow there’s so many fishes.”

“Logan, Logan! Look it’s a stingray?” Ben pointed at the glass as if he could reach in and touch the animal.

“Yeah, I heard they’re delicacies in other places,” Logan nodded.

“What’s De la ca see?” Ben tilted his head.

“Well, it means they —“ he stopped when he noticed a mother closed her son’s ears. The woman was outright glaring at him. “Nothing Ben, come on, there’s more to see.” They walked passed from one section to another. There were kelp forests as the little boy stared in awe, Logan couldn’t help but reminded how those were use as decorations in some restaurants. This was possibly the reason why he never really enjoyed aquariums. He would rather eat the fish than stare at them longingly.

“Nemo! Mommy it’s Nemo!”

Logan was tempted to tell his boy about the real truth behind clownfishes but he held back, knowing full well Elizabeth wouldn’t approve of it. He almost blurted out that Nemo’s dad was suppose to turn into a female and continue the breeding process with his son. “Yeah buddy, little Dory is over there too.” Score one for Logan, he was able to keep his trap shut successfully.

“How do you like the aquarium?” he asked Elizabeth as he watched Ben placed both palms against the glass. He couldn’t believe he missed out on the first few years of the boy’s life. But soon, they were closing on the place that Logan wanted to avoid no matter what. He was going to fake being tired and wait for them outside. He hated touch pools. The moment they entered, Ben was dragging Elizabeth along with Logan grasping on his other hand. “Slow down Ben. I need —“

“Logan?”

He turned around at the call of his name. “Oh shit.”

“Hi! Wow, it’s been so long!”

“Hey Shelly,” the male nodded. It was like god was throwing obstacles at him at every turn. Thou shall not ever be in peace, Logan.

“Oh, are you with someone?”

“Yeah, I’m with…” A friend? A ex-fling? He didn’t know how to describe her. “a coworker.”

“Oh!” Shelly sighed in relief.

“So I’ll see you later, Shel,” Logan was ready to usher Elizabeth and Ben inside.

“Logan is mommy’s!” Ben shouted, a sudden need of being protective washed over the boy unexpectedly.

“Is he…your son?”

Jesus Christ.

“He’s Elizabeth’s son,” Logan dodged the question rather well. His heart rate quickened even if his stoic features did nothing to betray him. “We have to get going Shel, I’ll —“

“Here’s my number. We should meet up sometime.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he didn’t know why he turned her down. He wasn’t taken, he was single and any other time, before Elizabeth he would have taken her offer. But noticing that Ben little hands were shaking tightened his resolve. “I don’t really have time. Have a good day, Shel,” Logan gently pushed Elizabeth and Ben towards the touch pool and it was one nightmare after another.

“God,” he muttered under his breath as he walked the kids holding wiggling turtles in the air. Who the fuck wants to ever touch turtles?

Sasil Sasil
 
Elizabeth tried her best to withhold her annoyment at Logan as they drove towards the Aquarium, after all Ben was very excited about the outing. In honesty, she had been looking forward to it as well. It was going to be something they could do together, her and Ben, course Logan was there too but at least he seemed to be playing the good guy.

They shared words back and forth, much like they always had. It felt nice, she enjoyed the conversations the two of them had. It was something she honesty enjoyed even at work. But she was still mad at him, that still hadn’t gone away.

After all, he had forgotten them in the woods for hours. It had gotten dark, and with a little boy who felt like he had been abandoned again? That hadn’t been fun.

But this was the last chance. So far, he had been keeping his end of the deal up.

Once the car came to a stop in the parking lot of the Aquarium Ben could hardly hold in his excitement. He got out of his car seat and onto the pavement walking a bit ahead of the adults. Talking a hundred words a minute, asking questions and randomly spewing the information he knew about the creatures that they were about to see to both Logan and Elizabeth. A soft smile appeared on her lips nodding her head and listening to every word.

As they wondered the exhibits Elizabeth stayed quiet mostly watching her son’s enjoyment blossom more and more. Her attention stolen seeing the Stingrays. She smirked seeing them, that was something she would like to know more about. After all they were magnificent and graceful.

“I like Stingrays.” Elizabeth admitted hearing Ben grin before his attention was stolen by Logan as he made a comment he shouldn't have. She snorted nonetheless at the other mothers reaction. Wasn’t like people didn’t eat fish, it was normal. He caught himself and she gave him points for that and holding his mouth about the nemo comment.

Another point.

“It’s going well I think.” Elizabeth admitted looking to Logan as he joined standing beside her. “I haevn’t been back here for a few months...” her thoughts were stopped when a pretty women seemed to recognize Logan. Crossing her arms over her chest she watched the women, seeing all the indicators of flirting, needing to be noticed. Attraction; that was what the women was giving off.

It pissed off Elizabeth more then it should have, she tried to hide it but it seemed like she wasn’t the one she should have been worried about. Hearing her young son say this she looked to him surprsied. “Now sweetie I don’t think--”

She was cut off as she knelt to her son before he moved to stare the women down. Did he think..?

“Yeah, he’s just mine.” Elizabeth spoke up swallowing glaring at the back of Logans head. So he was going to go out for dinner? Probably end up back at his place in the bed--

What the hell was she thinking! Why did it matter if they did, it wasn’t like he belonged to her. They where nothing.

But a broken family, her thoughts reminded her.

Shit.

They moved towards the tide pools. Well, Logan brought this awkward situation onto them. “That a friend of yours?” Elizabeth said through slightly gritted teeth.

“Who was that…” Ben asked with a slight frown on his plump lips. He was clearly upset but like every child his thoughts were taken by the turtles that splashed in the pools, the starfish and other assortment of tropical marine life. “Oh! Look at all the turtles!” he beamed rushing to the pool leaning over to touched the head of the turtle.

“Be gentle with the animals Ben!” Elizabeth spoke looking to Logan before an evil thought crossed her thoughts. That squeamish expression; his fear of turtles. Taking his hand he dragged him to the tank.

“Well, isn’t he familiar. Snappy seems to be just as well as he was when I saw him last.” her mischievous smile towards Logan, wondering if he remembered the prank she pulled on him when she first started working for him. This had been the place she had gotten the turtles.

“Logan here! You can hold him! Don’t drop him!” he said holding the turtle up to his face. Elizabeth laughed his face seeming to go white. “Honey, let's leave poor Logan alone. He isn’t a turtle lover. Look, they have small stingrays you can touch. Why don’t we go that way.” she coaxed him hoping that it would get that look off Logan’s face.

“So. Are you...going to go on that date with...Shelley.” she laughed. “That fits this situation really well.” her joke, while being a bad one, still had her smiling. Part of her wondered why she was even asking him if he was going, it wasn’t her place. They were co-workers. That was what he said and she supposed that was all they where.

Yet; part of her wanted something...more.

Shit.

Polaris. Polaris.
 
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He wasn’t sure what surprised him more, the fact that Elizabeth was playing along with Ben, possibly to spare his feelings or that Ben was waving an ugly ass turtle at him. Probably the latter. He almost jumped back, his face grimaced with disgust, the subtle flash of emotion crossed his face before it returned back to its normal placid self. Ben was visibly upset earlier but the little boy was now mindlessly playing with the turtle as Elizabeth made remarks about snappy — why the fuck did she name the animal was beyond him. He finally found the mentality to answer her question from earlier. His concentration was momentarily lost by the site of creepy reptiles being hoisted up in the air by kids.

“I wouldn’t call her a friend,” he shook his head. “More like…former secretary. She got too personal so I offered her a nice offer and gave her a job elsewhere.” Shelly was a distraction in more than one way and Logan couldn’t have that happening in his office. Was this bothering Elizabeth? It couldn’t have, he never even slept with Shelly though he admitted, the temptation was there. The male wasn’t a saint after all.

“So tell me El, what made you go steal turtles from aquarium? You couldn’t buy one at a pet store?” he teased, ruffling her hair. “Relax, I never slept with the girl. I hardly know her.” Wait, why did he bothered reassuring her? He doubted she cared and so he was rather taken back by the surprised question and then she chuckled, resuming her facade? The male read her carefully, “Does it really?” he tilted his head.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, I don’t have any plans to go on a date with Shelly. Or any other woman,” he shrugged. “I barely have time for Ben, where am I going to find time or anyone else. Don’t worry, he’s my top priority,” Logan smiled, nudging her along. “Come on, stop spacing out, he’s already at another touch pool. Ben bounced back and forth from different places and Logan didn’t think it was that possible to have that much energy but the little boy proved him wrong. He paced over, catching up with Ben as he signaled Ben over with a crook of his index finger.

“Hey champ, come over here. See that, it’s a bat ray, pretty cool huh?”

“Wow! I wanna touch it! Will it hurt?”

“Sure buddy, come on, it won’t bite,” Logan lifted him up, bringing Ben closer to the bat ray. Ben giggled, sliding his fingers over it.

The marine animal swam over, closer to Ben as Logan placed him down. Taking out his phone he secretly took a picture of heartwarming scene. Ben has never looked happier.

“Come here El,” he reached out a hand towards her. “A photo to commemorate our first successful outing,” he joked.

One family picture down and lunch was due with the sound of Ben’s rumbling stomach. “Ha, go wash your hands and we can get a nice meal,” he said as Ben zoomed off to the nearest sink.

“So what do you want to eat for lunch? I think there’s a nice food court on the first floor,” he mentioned, “We can just chose there.” Once Ben was done washing his hands, the three of them left to the ground floor.

“Pizza! Pepperoni pizza!” Ben scanned, looking at other food options before pointing at all of them. The kid wanted each and every one. While Logan wanted to oblige, Elizabeth didn’t seem too convinced that Ben could eat twelve different plates of food. “Aw, come on El, he’s a growing boy.” Thus he settled on pizza and mac and cheese for Ben. He should be able to finish those two.

Logan opted for the angus beef burger with swiss cheese and garlic fries on the side. Once all the lunches were ordered, they sat down around a larger table, able to fit up to six people for the space. The waiter came to deliver their food and drinks and Logan grinned at how well this trip turned out so far. But he spoke too soon.

Shelly came back, noticing Logan and she pulled her boyfriend along, “Come on, let’s sit with them. The more the merrier,” she commented as she approached their table. “Logan, hi again! What a coincidence. Can we join you for lunch?”

But before the male was chewing on his food and thus she took his silence for yes. Goddamit!

“Thanks for having us.”

Ben looked to Elizabeth, huddling closer to her with a frown on his face. “I don’t want to eat anymore.”

“Oh, did you want to eat something else?” Shelly pushed her small container of tater tots at Ben. “Here, have some of this,” she smiled affectionately at him. He reached out with his chubby hands to grab one but his frown remained on his face.

“Shelly,” Logan nodded. “Who are you with today?”

“Oh just — a coworker. This is Gregory, we’ve met six months ago,” Shelly replied, cutting off her boyfriend’s words. He looked confused but shrugged, going with it. He is her coworker after all.

The awkward silence was real, Logan didn’t know what to say as he munched away at his burger. For some reason, he knew Elizabeth wasn’t enjoying this either.

“So Elizabeth, are you and Logan dating?”

That got him to choke, coughing haphazardly. “I’m okay, I’m okay,” Logan held up a hand when all eyes turned on him. “El and I aren’t a thing. We’re...We're...” He looked at her, not really sure what they were. "coworkers." This coworker excuse was becoming redundant for sure.

“Oh so I still have a chance!” she blurted out confusing everyone.

“What is a chance?” Ben asked, tugging on Elizabeth’s shirt as he chewed on his mac and cheese. “Mommy, why is she here?”

Good question kiddo.

Logan exchanged looks with Elizabeth, his head nudged to the side as if saying, Do something about her. She won’t leave. But El didn’t seem too pleased and he couldn’t figure out why.

“Shelly,” Logan didn’t know how to turn her down. “I —“

“Are you free next week, Gregory and I have tickets to this comedy show.”

“Why are you inviting him with us?” Gregory asked, slamming his cup of water on the table. “I’m your boyfriend, I’m not just a coworker.”

“Greg, we have an open relationship. We agreed on it remember?”

“Mommy, what is an open real shon ship?”

‘I’m sorry,’ Logan mouthed to Elizabeth who looked just as dumbfounded at the situation as he was.

“I thought we were going to turn this into a real relationship, Shelly. This is fucking ridiculous. Who do you think I am?” Gregory spatted out. “I’m not your toy.”

Cue. Soap opera drama as he ate his garlic fries.

“Stop making a scene Greg, you’re embarrassing me in front of Logan.”

“Who fucking cares about him? Who the fuck is he?”

He turned his attention to the guy started to feed Ben his garlic fries. “Why the fuck are you messing with someone else’s girl?”

“— What?” Logan raised an eyebrow. Before he could say anything, Gregory, in a fit of anger, swiped the table clean by swatting Ben’s mac and cheese onto the floor causing an eruption of tears from the kid.

“What is wrong with you Gregory? Settle down! You're causing trouble.”

Shelly was pushed aside while the matter escalated further and Logan stood up, getting irritated at how irrational this was becoming. This was his family outing, things were going so well. “What is your problem man?”

“You have a girl,” he pointed at El, “and you’re fucking with mine.”

“Rest assured, I am not fucking anyone,” Logan sneered. “Maybe if you were better at —“

“Enough! Please, stop it both of you. Stop fighting over me,” Shelly yelled out. “Please, I’m only one person.”

What the fucking hell. Logan was sure the girl was completely delusional. He gave Elizabeth a quick glance, shaking his head as if he was trying to convey that this wasn't his fault.

Sasil Sasil
 
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Elizabeth’s mind did a backflip. Former secretary? Had Elizabeth taken the job that she had been too good at? A distraction was the reasoning, but Elizabeth wasn’t buying that kind of argue. It was probably more that he wanted to sleep with her, perhaps they had and that was the main reason she had to leave.

That would be a distraction for sure.

That may have been an unfair thought though, after all this wasn’t high school. Perhaps it was just that and Elizabeth was reading to much into everything that Logan was saying. That had to be it.

“A little birdy told me that you hated turtles so this was the only possible place I could get a few without having to purchase them. I had a little help from a friend. It worked well, I think.” Elizabeth grinned laughing lightly as he ruffled her hair. She took a step back trying to fix the mop of hair he had decided to ruffle out of its former glory.

He didn’t sleep with her? He didn’t seem to be interested in the girl at all. Perhaps he had really changed, he kept talking like he had. But the untrusting bones in her body started to scream that he may be saying it know, but what about the future? He could say as much as he wanted the future seemed bleak to her.

“Well, I’m sure Ben will appreciate you putting him first in everything.” she cleared her throat unsure what else to say on the subject. After all, this wasn’t really what she was good at. He couldn’t possibly tell how relieved she was to hear that he would have more time for them.

That would just complicate things even more.

The day went by pretty quickly, Elizabeth watched as Logan seemed to be getting closer and closer to little Ben. After all, this seemed to be something was important to him. He even stole a picture, Logan may have thought that she hadn’t noticed him taking it but she did and her heart warmed at that photo even more so when he took one all together.

“Food? Alright let’s go get some food.” she agreed washing her hands before wiping the excess water on her pants. “Pizza? Didn’t you have pizza for super yesterday?” Elizabeth teased earning a shrug from her son who seemed to be happy to eat anything.

Once they arrived at the food court, filled with any type of dish you could think of. How did someone even decide? Well, that was an easy answer: you didn’t. That was what Ben seemed to think anyways. After all, he chose a number of different dishes, so many in fact Elizabeth decided that it would be better if she just ate whatever food the little boy with a large stomach didn’t eat.

After getting the food they took a seat to start eating, Logan’s meal smelt pretty good and Elizabeth made a mental note to give it a try the next time she was in the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, the calm moment that seemed like nothing could really destroy it Shell decided to turn her annoying blonde head.

“Great.” Elizabeth sighed as the women pushed herself to seat with them. Elizabeth had the unfortunate opportunity to be close to the very confused ‘boyfriend’ as Shelly tried to talk to Logan into going out with her. It caused Elizabeth’s blood to boil. Ben was confused, he seemed to think Elizabeth and Logan were dating, while even though that was wrong it didn’t mean that she wanted to cause her little boy any more pain.

“Ben, honey don’t worry about it.” Elizabeth said trying to get him to eat a little more but the argument between the adults started to get louder, and Elizabeth's blood began to boil. Here this woman was, trying to get with a man that didn’t want to be with her. Not to mention that she had a handsome man already sitting with her! How could you do that to a person!

Open relationship? That was it.

A slight growl left Elizabeth’s throat and she sighed, there was only one way to make this women go away. She could yell at her, she could just use her IQ it seemed like the women was lacking one, but there was a simpler one. Act like a couple, one with no open relationship. Would confuse Ben perhaps a bit, but he already seemed to think that was the case..

This could work right?

Sadly, Elizabeth had no chance to go with her plan before the scene got even uglier. Food fell on the floor, Ben started to cry and Elizabeth had it.

“Oh my God! Do you know what you sound like!? Like a little child. See my son, he’s crying because he doesn’t understand what's going on! And see here SHelly.” Elizabeth stood tall looking to the women, she seemed to be enjoying the attention not caring for disruption that she was causing. In fact, she seemed to enjoy it.

“They aren’t fighting for you. Well, Gregory seems to be fighting but honestly he should give it up if this is how you are going to act. Logan said he didn’t want anything. Can’t you take no for an answer?” Elizabeth frowned taking another breath there was a silence as Shelly seemed to be staring at Elizabeth with daggers in her eyes her fist clenched.

“You are just jealous because I could have a man fighting for me. Look at you, frumpy little thing with a kid?” she scoffed Elizabeth let out a soft chuckle rubbing her temples.

“I don’t care. I don’t want anyone to fight for me like that. I want something real, Ben is the best part of me.” Elizabeth kneeled wiping the tears from Ben’s eyes then took his hand.

“Come on Logan let’s get out of here.” she said standing to her feet moving to Logan’s side. “We need to get going if we want to catch the Dolphin show remember?” she tried to say urging them to leave the scene. If they were still hungry they could get some popcorn at the show, and at this point hse planned on getting it anyways.

“Wait, Logan you want too--”

“Shelly stop. Can’t you see?” Gregory sighed taking her hand. “Don’t go after another woman's man. In fact maybe you should go get a different guy. This...I wanted something more.” He said in rather sad tone.

Polaris. Polaris.
 

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