It wasn't often Goldberg was entrusted with important tasks.

So it came as a surprise when Charlie enlisted him to go buy Logan's birthday present. Although, given the way Charlie was looking at him, it seemed like he wasn't so sure about his decision.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine, Conway," Goldberg assured him.

"Where have I heard that before?" Charlie muttered. "You know what you're supposed to do, right?"

"Yes, Charlie," Goldberg rolled his eyes. "Come on, Conway. You told me exactly what you wanted me to do. Any idiot could do it."

"I know but my only option was you," Charlie said.

Goldberg huffed.

"Just remember, a small cat or dog."

"What about a hamster?" Goldberg said. "Or a guinea pig?" He'd always wanted a hamster as a kid, but his dad was highly allergic so he couldn't have one or any pet for that matter.

Charlie stared at Goldberg, annoyed. "Small. Cat. Or. Dog."

"Okay, okay," Goldberg muttered. "I got it."

Someone was testy today...

"I really don't think you do," Charlie rubbed his face.

He was kind of stressed, but he'd probably snap at anyone who said it.

This was Logan's first birthday after being adopted and really the only one in eleven-no twelve years- he would ever be celebrating. His biological parents, from what Goldberg had heard, had never done anything for him and didn't go out of their way to do it on his birthday. So of course, Charlie wanted it to be special.

Goldberg didn't blame him. Logan was such a sweet kid and deserved something nice.

Originally, Charlie had planned on going to the pet store himself to purchase Logan's pet, but he was busy with school-duties that left him without a chance to sneak away for a couple hours. Today was Logan's birthday so it put him in a bit of a bind. Right now, Logan was off at a friend's house and wouldn't be coming home until around dinner when Charlie would order pizza for him.

Logan had already been super appreciative of that, thanking Charlie profusely.

He was gonna go bananas when he got his present.

Since Charlie, nor their other Duck friends, could go buy it, that meant Goldberg was his only option.

"Try to be back here before he gets back."

"I will," Goldberg promised. "Don't worry. I got it all under control."

From the way Charlie was looking at him, it didn't look like he believed that.

Goldberg decided since it was a nice day out, he would skate over to the pet shop. He tied on his rollerblades and set off. He'd gotten pretty good at it and was able to keep himself in control.

Logan was a really nice kid. He got along well with everyone, though he was pretty shy. It took some time after the adoption before he would strike up a conversation with anyone without them having initiated it first. It was a stark contrast to how Charlie had been at that age.

He and Goldberg had bonded since Logan came to live with Charlie. He'd taken an interest in cooking so Goldberg showed him how to make some of his favorite recipes. The kid was a naturel in the kitchen in a way that made Goldberg want to hire him for his restaurant the moment he turned of age to start working.

It was really amazing to see Charlie step up as a dad, too. He'd not had a dad growing up so he was wanting to be what he never got to have.

Goldberg skated around the corner, giving passerby's a smile, nearly jumping out of his skin at one point when a tiny dog that he didn't realize was there barked at him. There was a reason why chihuahuas gave him the creeps. There was just something about them that didn't seem right.

Getting closer to the middle of town, he wondered what might be available. Charlie didn't give him any specific instructions beyond that small cat or dog. Well, and to get the necessary litter boxes or food or leashes.

It would have been easier knowing if Logan liked one more than the other, maybe had a favorite kind of dog or cat that he preferred. He would likely be thankful for whatever he got so Goldberg wasn't overly worried about that.

The party was going to be small. Nothing big. Nothing over the top. Some of the Ducks were coming-per Logan's request-as well his friends. Coach had married Charlie's mom three years ago; they were coming too.

Downtown Minneapolis was kinda busy. It was a Saturday afternoon, which was no surprise. He had to stop and take off his skates so as not to risk running into anyone. There was a stand propped up on the corner. An older lady sat behind it. Beside the stand was a cage full of pigs. Some were young and tiny, others were larger and obviously older.

"Hello Sonny," the lady said as he passed, causing him to pause. "Can I interest you in a pig?"

"Oh, no. I'm supposed to get a cat or a dog-"

"But listen here," she said, "these aren't ordinary pigs."

"They're not?" He frowned in confusion.

"Oh, no. These pigs are about as smart as monkeys are. Even got em' potty trained so you don't have to worry about cleaning up any messes."

"Really?" Goldberg was interested now. This would be even better. Less work for Charlie or Logan. Heck, Charlie would be thanking him! "How much?"

"Three hundred and fifty dollars."

Goldberg was taken back. "That much?"

The woman clicked her tongue. "As I told you, these aren't ordinary pigs. You gotta pay a pretty penny if you want them."

Goldberg contemplated on this. Sure, three hundred and fifty dollars was a bit more than he or Charlie anticipated on spending. But it wasn't like he was spending it on anything stupid.

"I'll take one."

/

"Charlie, I'm back," Goldberg called.

Charlie came into the hallway, relieved. "Thanks, Goldie. I owe you one. Sorry about earlier."

"No worries," Goldberg waved it off.

"So much was it?" Charlie asked.

"Three hundred and fifty dollars."

"For everything?" Charlie said, not exactly thrilled but not exploding either. "I guess that's not bad."

"Well-" Best to get it out in the open before Logan got back. "It's not exactly what you asked for."

Charlie paused, eyes narrowing. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Logan came bursting through the front door. That was not part of the plan. He wasn't supposed to be back for another few hours. "Why's there a pig in the front yard?"

Oh boy...

Goldberg was sheepish as Charlie's glare settled on him. "It's your present from Charlie," he said quickly. "He was going to get you a cat or a dog but then he saw the pig and thought it would be better."

Charlie's anger momentarily vanished as Logan shyly embraced him. "Thank you," he said, voice muffled. "I've never had a pet before."

"...No problem, Buddy."