Disclaimer: Despite my delusions, I don't own them. Or the song (10 Years Today, by Bullet For My Valentine).
P.S: I tried to keep pairings to a bare minimum; I think you'll find the only pairings in the flash-backs.
Logan…
Crashing onto his comfy couch, Logan flicked on some music and closed his eyes. Today had been particularly draining; with the memories and the current work. But it had been worth it today, as it was most days. Logan had ended up in a career that he loved and was great at. It wasn't acting, and it'd never make him famous, but to some kids it made him a hero. Logan worked for Child Services, he helped children who suffered at the hands of those they should love most, find a safe home. Unlike some of his co-workers Logan understood the pain some of those kids were feeling, he recognised himself in so many of the children he helped, and by helping these children, they'd helped him. He'd finally found closure on his parents – on his fathers abuse, his mothers neglect, his mothers suicide. That's not saying that he didn't still hate his father more than anything, but he'd accepted things and moved on, mostly.
His kitten jumped onto the couch and slinked across to Logan's stomach. She circled twice before settling down and purring. "Hey Pandora." Logan said as he stroked her silky white fur. Pandora had been Logan's friend (he hated calling her his 'pet') for exactly a year now. She had one blue eye, one brown, snow white fur, with black feet, and was gorgeous. He'd seen her exactly a year ago, as he walked through the market with memories floating through his mind. As soon as his eyes settled on the odd kitten Logan's mind flashed.
Lily lay with her head in Logan's lap as Veronica and Duncan sat cuddled beside them. Lily was the first, as always, to interrupt the silence. "When I die, I think I'll be a cat. I'll be white with stunning blue eyes, and a rich owner, and all the other cats will be jealous. Because I'll have the long legs and shining fur. Princess, I'll be called Princess." Logan laughed at the typically 'Lily' comment, and Duncan rolled his eyes. But as usual, Veronica joined in the discussion.
"Why princess? It's so… blah."
"Blah?" Lily laughed. "Fine, what name do you think? Oh wise one." Veronica thought for a minute before smiling.
"Pandora."
"Pandora?" Lily tried it on her tongue and considered it.
"I think it's cute." Logan chimed in.
"I like it. I'll be Pandora, the most beautiful kitten in the world…."
No, Logan didn't believe that his beloved kitten was the re-incarnation of Lily, or anything like that. But he couldn't resist buying the demonic fur-ball, and now he was glad he hadn't.
Looking at the photo that sat at the end of the couch, facing him, Logan glanced to the phone. The photo was a personal favourite of Logan's, everyone was so in character (well for the people they once were). Lily was in the middle, naturally, with a bottle of Vodka in one hand, and an arm around Logan's neck. Beside Lily was Veronica laughing at the blonde surfer standing besides her. She had an arm wrapped around Dick's torso as he and Beav had a water-pistol stand off. Duncan was next to Logan, smiling and laughing like the rest, and he seemed so normal – they all did. No, empty smiles, fake laughter or broken hearts, just them; happy, together, young, and free.
Logan ordered pizza for dinner, again, and promised himself that tomorrow night he'd cook dinner, but he knew he wouldn't. The days had become too short, and his task-list too long. Besides, who did it hurt? He got fed, the pizza boy got paid; everyone wins! He walked to the kitchen and opened his sparsely stocked fridge, knowing full-well that he needed to go shopping soon. But there was something nice about going to a fridge, and finding it empty. Something even nicer about being able to walk from one end of his place to another in less than a minute. This place, this home, was unlike any he'd lived in before; it was small and cheap and homely. There were no expensive paintings on the walls, just trinkets, photos and other items with memories pinned to them.
Settling onto the couch with his pizza, a bottle of vodka, and Pandora, Logan began to watch 'Can't Hardly Wait'. It was his tradition, a tradition he knew Lily would enjoy…
… Ten years ago,
I got a call that nearly killed me,
Repeat yourself, my hands are shaking…
P.S. Please, please review!!