Alliances
Logan waited quietly in the bay. The doctor had wrapped his ribs, confirming that they were bruised and not cracked. Logan adjusted the leather jacket, upturning the collar but halted when Harlock entered the bay. It seemed as if he belonged to the shadows, the light no longer seeking to touch his face.
The thought suddenly saddened Logan…
Harlock had dressed all in black, a wide sweeping hat atop his head that concealed his face beneath. He strode forward, the black cape flowing out behind him to reveal a tight leather outfit beneath. His saber and gun were still at his hips and gave him the flair of malice that made Logan swallow.
He was terrifying…
But magnificent…
He halted in front of Logan, bringing a brown cape out from behind him along with a hat similar to his own. He tossed it at Logan and Logan caught it against his chest, blinking in surprise.
"Here, put those on." He turned to the bay's entrance as it opened. The air flooded in, pushing his cape out and ruffling the tips of his hair. Logan obeyed, pulling the hat down low and draping the cape about his shoulders. As the doors opened they revealed Fortress SSX.
According to the other crew members, the mobile fortress had been adapted by Tochiro from an old supply base. A network of streets and docking bays lay before them, buildings rising up that perhaps stored, weapons, ammunition and other supplies. Other ships were docked in the many bays, repairs being made and their crews mulled about.
The sight reminded Logan of a market, only instead of simple civilians they were replaced with pirates that haggled and joked. The noise of the crowd was nearly deafening and Logan was slightly shocked at how many there were. He knew this was a place to rest and relax but that still didn't take away the size of the crowd that gathered there. The closest pirates halted, blinking rapidly and Logan inwardly snorted. If they hadn't recognized the Arcadia by now then they were dense.
Harlock strode forward and Logan followed. Harlock kept his face expressionless as they descended the platform. Silence greeted them and it seemed as if the crowd was afraid to breathe. The pirates parted easily and Logan could feel the respect pouring from them.
Well it wasn't every day that the infamous Captain Harlock made an appearance…
Logan didn't ask questions as they moved throughout the space station, keeping a suitable distance away from Harlock but not ever leaving his side. They halted outside of what looked like a bar and Harlock went in, Logan following. Inside there was a bar along one side with a few tables and chairs. Men milled about talking aimlessly and laughing loudly at crude jokes. They stopped, staring at him but there was one who didn't. A man, perhaps about the same age as Logan, chuckled. His face was hid by a wide sloping hat with a red cape attached to his shoulders while beneath it he wore starch white pants and a red, button up silk shirt. His knee high brown boots were resting easily on a chair and a Cosmo gun dangled from his hip. He clutched a cup of what smelled like ale in his fingers and he lifted it in the air.
"Ah, Captain Harlock," his voice seemed to fill the room, "welcome." He lifted his face and brown eyes met theirs. A smirk graced his handsome features and he tilted his head, looking Logan over. "I'm afraid I don't know who you are, but that doesn't really matter." He waved his hand and the men that were in the bar jumped, hastily moving towards the door to file past. "My men will keep watch for us. Now," he tilted back in his chair, still smirking, "what do you want?" His abrupt, harsh tone made Logan glance at Harlock but his face was expressionless. Instead of reply Harlock strode forward, taking the seat opposite the man and fixing him with a steady glare but the man didn't seem affected by it. In fact he returned it, but Logan saw how his jaw clenched, saw the spark of anger in his eyes.
"You haven't changed, have you Tadashi Daiba?" Harlock inquired and Logan watched the man's fingers tighten around the cup of his ale.
"So that's how you greet me after all these years?" His voice was low, angry, and Logan frowned. Unease prickled up his spine and he shifted, moving closer to stand behind Harlock. As he moved the man Harlock had called Tadashi looked up. He chuckled but his fingers tightened even more. "Is this your new lackey?" He hissed and his eyes flicked over Logan. "I heard about him, heard about what you did." He chuckled again. "Great job on that, showing everyone that the Earth was a total mess and ruining the thought of hope." His brown eyes were shooting daggers and he sucked in a harsh breath. "Whatever, I know that's not why you contacted me." His fiery eyes cooled. "Why did you?"
"Information." Harlock stated and Tadashi blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter. Logan narrowed his eye, disgust filling him with how disrespectful he was being towards Harlock.
"And what makes you think I'd give it to you?" Tadashi smirked. Logan felt the rage boil inside his chest. He wanted sink his fist into the man's face but halted at the bemused smirk on Harlock's lips.
"A number of reasons," he murmured, his tone bored as he tilted his head. "Still acting the child, Tadashi?" His question made Tadashi's face turn red with rage and his shoulders trembled with it. He stood, knocking back his chair and at the violent reaction Logan drew his Cosmo gun, centering it at Tadashi's chest. Tadashi halted, blinking in surprise and sputtering but a moment later his rage was back.
"You think you can take me?" He hissed and Logan's reply was clicking the hammer back.
"Enough, Logan." Harlock ordered and Logan glanced at him. He lowered the Cosmo gun but didn't take his eye off of Tadashi.
"Learn to keep your lackey in check," Tadashi grumbled and Logan clenched his jaw.
"Stop being petty and sit, Tadashi, before I lose my patience." Harlock's voice had turned to ice and Tadashi must have recognized the deadly tone and slowly lowered down into the chair. "I came here because I need information and you and I both know that I can easily find it elsewhere. I chose to contact you instead, now are you going to act like a man?" He leaned forward, "Or are you going to act like the child who always threw tantrums before he left my ship?" His emotionless words made Tadashi pause and think, even though he was still angry he must have sensed that Harlock was proving a point.
"Fine, what do you want to know?" Tadashi fixed Harlock with a hard stare but Harlock seemed pleased, leaning back in his chair.
"The Gaia Coalition has been making repairs to their ships." Tadashi nodded at Harlock's words.
"Yes, we've been raiding merchant ships carrying metal and men that were being sent to make the repairs," his brows furrowed. "So?" He questioned and Logan glanced down at Harlock. His face was pinched slightly but he continued on.
"These aren't ordinary repairs. They're reinforcing their battleships with Black Matter." His words made Tadashi's face pale slightly.
"So they're making more Deathshadow class ships?" He questioned.
"Not exactly," Harlock replied and Tadashi's frown deepened.
"But I thought only a person like Miime could control that crap, how are they able to do it?" Tadashi demanded and Harlock's chest lifted in a sigh.
"I wouldn't necessarily be here if I knew that, now would I?" Harlock smoothly pointed out and Tadashi stiffened, anger gracing his features once more. "Have the Gaia Coalition been making allies with anyone? Another race perhaps?" Harlock inquired and Tadashi shook his head.
"Not that I know of, but now that you mention it," he paused, mulling something over in his head, "We came across a ship, already ransacked. No one was aboard except for an old man." He took another drink from his cup, "Unfortunately, he died before he could tell us anything but he did say a name." Tadashi's eyes flicked up to Logan and Logan saw spite in them before he looked back at Harlock. "Something about Seawolves and the Noo I think." He took another drink, dropping the tankard of ale against the table but Harlock remained silent.
Logan had heard of the Seawolves. They were a gang of pirates, but pirates with no morals. They were known to butcher an entire ship just to do it. In his opinion, the Gaia Coalition's priority should have been them instead of Harlock.
But then again…
He wouldn't have met Harlock if that had happened…
Logan jolted, shaking his head to try and clear it of the absurd thought.
"The Noo," Harlock murmured and it seemed as if the temperature in the room dropped.
"Yep, never heard of them before." Tadashi leaned back in his chair, stretching his muscular body, "But whoever they are they mean business and lately we've had more problems with the Seawolves." Harlock nodded but said nothing more. Logan recognized the look of him thinking but at the silence that followed Logan could see Tadashi's features pinch in anger. "You gonna thank me for the information?" Tadashi growled and Logan's fingers clenched. Harlock simply slid his eye back up to Tadashi's face.
"I will when I have all of it." His emotionless words only seemed to provoke Tadashi's anger more. "You said more problems, what ships are they raiding?" Tadashi grunted and for a moment Logan was reminded of a small child pouting before Tadashi answered.
"Mostly merchant ships hired by the Gaia Coalition, though they've switched tactics, attacking more pirate ships. That's why there's so many here being repaired, including my own." He took a long drink. "Most of the crews are talking about how they have new weapons. Some type of bullet that shreds our armor. I got some information about a dealer and was about to head off." He quirked a brow at Harlock, "You gonna tag along?" Harlock smirked slightly, tilting his head.
"Is that your way of asking for my help?" Harlock inquired and Tadashi snorted.
"Weren't you the one to call me up first?" He snapped in return and a bemused smirk played across Harlock's lips.
"When will your ship be repaired?" Harlock leaned back in his chair, looking suddenly indignant and Tadashi gave another derisive snort.
"Should be three hours at the latest," he grumbled and fixed Logan with another hard stare. "Your lackey going to be tagging along?" Logan's jaw clenched at being called Harlock's lackey and he stiffened, his fingers twitching at his side.
"Logan is not my lackey," Harlock's voice was soft, deadly and drew Tadashi's attention, "You would do well to remember that, Tadashi," he stood smoothly, his black cape fluttering out to then overlay his lithe body. "Contact me when your ship is repaired." He turned, prepared to leave the bar when Tadashi's voice stopped him once more.
"Ya gonna thank me?" He demanded and Harlock paused, glancing over his shoulder and a heavy sigh left his lips.
"You really haven't changed," he murmured and Tadashi blinked in surprise but Harlock was already facing forward. "Thank you Tadashi." Even though he said the words it didn't sound like a thank you and Logan followed after him as they left. Logan noted the crash from inside and frowned but Harlock kept walking, Tadashi's crew parting for him.
They walked in silence but Logan noticed that they were heading away from the Arcadia. Curiosity gnawed at him but by the look that adorned Harlock's face he wasn't about to ask where they were going. Pirates mulled about, boasting stories or trading items back and forth. Logan couldn't help but note the joyous atmosphere. The people in front of him didn't have any worries, they were simply enjoying themselves.
Enjoying their freedom…
Logan glanced at the man who walked beside him and remembered those words he'd spoke to him back in the shuttle. It had felt such a long time ago, when perhaps it'd been only a week.
How time flew…
They kept walking, their footfalls blending into the roar of the crowds yet despite the activity that surrounded the space station; Logan saw how the people stared at Harlock. Whenever they approached conversation would dim, falling to hushed whispers and shifting feet.
Logan didn't blame them…
It was hard not to stare at the pirate who strode beside him. To these people Harlock was a legend, an icon that could never be tore down or defeated and Logan swallowed.
Would people ever look at him like that?
They rounded a corner, coming to a long stretch and Harlock paused. Logan did as well, remaining silent and Harlock lifted his head. He must have spied what he was looking for and started walking again. He halted in front of an old man dressed in ratty coveralls and who barely looked as if he could stand up. He leaned heavily on a crooked cane but when he lifted his head he revealed surprisingly bright blue eyes and smiled, fondness gracing his features.
"Ah, Captain Harlock." The man waved a hand, gesturing to the small warehouse beside him. It looked as if it'd been renovated to be both a house and a shop. "Come in come in," the man hobbled to the door, pressing a button to have it slide open. Logan followed quietly and once inside he was greeted with walls of wine. Harlock was standing beside the man as he lifted the cane he used to point at a selection. "There's what you're looking for." He gestured to a bottle covered in dust and Harlock reached up, sliding the wine bottle from its place.
"The cost," Harlock inquired as he surveyed the bottle and the old man smirked.
"Eh just the usual, no special fee for that one." Harlock glanced at the man but drew forth the required currency. The man tested the weight in the palm of his hand, smirking at Logan. "So ya got yourself a copy hmm?" He asked and Harlock looked back at him. Logan couldn't help but resist the urge to flush but he didn't say anything.
"Perhaps," Harlock returned his gaze back to the bottle, "you know, this is nearly as old as I am." Harlock lifted his eye to settle on the old man, a hint of a smirk playing about his lips and the old man chuckled.
"Ah, I know, figured you'd enjoy it more than I." He paused and leaned against the wall. "You know," he sighed, "you've stirred up quite the hornet's nest here. Not everyone's happy for what you did." The man's words made Harlock pause before he slowly nodded.
"I know." He turned towards the door and the old man snorted.
"Make sure Miime enjoys that too, ya hear?" He hollered and this time Harlock's face softened.
"I will," with that he left and Logan glanced at the man, wondering who he was but the man just gave him a two finger salute before hobbling towards what looked like a back room. Shaking his head Logan stepped back out onto the street, noting Harlock slipping the wine bottle into his cape before turning to face him.
"Who was that Captain?" Logan asked and Harlock fixed him with a steady stare.
"An old friend," a clatter off to their left brought his head around and Logan followed his gaze. Perhaps ten men were huddled in a group and normally Logan wouldn't have paid them any mind except their eyes were glowing with hate. He heard Harlock sigh, as if he were tired, before stepping closer to Logan.
He bent his head, whispering into Logan's ear, "There's an alley behind you," Logan stiffened, forcing himself to concentrate on Harlock's words and not how his lips nearly brushed his ear, "go slow, act like you didn't notice them." Harlock grasped his arm and Logan almost flinched but turned around. Together they walked, their bodies nearly touching and Logan felt his heartbeat pick up. He heard the men behind them but remained calm, spying the alley Harlock had mentioned. Together they ducked into the shadows, walking swiftly to turn another corner but Logan yelped when Harlock grasped his arm, pulling him into a crevice. It was narrow, both of them barely able to fit.
Barely an inch…
That was all that separated them…
Logan swallowed, his mind going blank. He was right there, so close that he could hear his steady breathing. Logan shifted, lifting his hands and placing them on Harlock's chest to push him away but froze when they heard the clatter of feet. Perhaps it was just instinct that Harlock leaned farther into him, his knee brushing against the inner part of his thigh. He sucked in a breath, his fingers tightening on Harlock's shirt.
His heartbeat…
He could feel it…
It beat so strong beneath his palms. Each beat sent tingles racing up his arms and into his chest and the distant footfalls were muffled in his ears. He was too focused on the man before him to pay attention to anything else. The crevice was concealed by an overhang, plunging them into a murky blackness so that he could only catch a hint of his lips. They were next to his temple, so close that if he tilted his head up he…
His head went blank and he gasped, drawing in a sharp breath and Harlock turned to look at him.
Shit…
One of Harlock's arms was down by his ribs, the other by his head so that Logan was effectively trapped between two walls of stone.
Logan preferred the wall of stone behind him…
The one in front of him remained still, his heartbeat still calm, strong and steady beneath his palms and Logan swallowed. The way Harlock's arms were left him no choice but to look at his face, into that orb filled with browns and golds that always left his knees weak.
Too close…
He was too close…
That was the only thought that echoed inside his head as Harlock hovered in front of him. He was burning up, his body starting to tremble and if Harlock didn't get away from him now he'd know.
He'd know that Logan wanted him…
Desired him…
Longed for him…
Harlock shifted but what shocked Logan the most was that he didn't lean away from him but towards him. The hand on the wall slid down, fingers trailing into his hair to glide down to his chin.
He stopped breathing…
He grasped his chin, pushing his body harder against Logan's and he flinched at the slight smart of pain from his ribs but it faded into the background as Harlock's face neared his own. His hat brushed Logan's, making him tilt his head while tipping Logan's face up as he did so.
He trembled…
"Bear with it," Harlock murmured and Logan's eye widened as he came within a breath of his lips.
That's when he saw them…
Out of the corner of his eye he saw the men. They were pacing up and down the alley, obviously looking for them but he stiffened, his fingers tightening on Harlock's chest. One of the men turned towards them and Logan closed his eye, tightening his hold on Harlock.
He knew what Harlock was doing now…
From their positions it looked as if they were two lovers, sharing a passionate kiss and due to the cover that partially concealed them the pirates wouldn't come looking. Sure enough Logan heard grumbled muttering and the retreat of feet. He remained where he was, not daring to move but he felt Harlock's breath on his lips. His fingers tightened even more, his whole body seemingly to twist into a knot.
Then he felt it…
The steady beat of Harlock's heart faltered…
Skipped…
Just kiss me already…
The thought made Logan quiver, knowing that all it would take for him would be to lean forward and their lips would clash but he didn't.
He couldn't…
"Logan," Harlock's voice made him open his eye, "you can let go now." He whispered and Logan jolted, realizing that his fingers had gripped Harlock's cape so tightly that it'd prevented him from moving.
"Ah, s-sorry." He stammered and released him. His heart was pounding in his ears and silence engulfed them. Logan looked away, pretending to search for the men when in all reality it was to hide his flushing cheeks.
"No, I apologize." Logan hesitantly looked back at Harlock who was still watching him with a steady gaze. "You were uncomfortable." He stated and Logan barely managed to clear his throat.
That didn't even begin to describe how he'd felt…
"I was surprised, Captain." He shifted, pressing himself harder against the steel wall, "That's all. After I realized what you were doing I understood." Logan went to step from the crevice when Harlock reached out and touched his arm.
"And what," he murmured, "did you think I was doing?" His softly spoken question clashed with his suddenly fiery eye and Logan swallowed.
"You…you were…" he stuttered and shook his head, stepping away from him and out into the alley but his foot caught on the overhang. He yelped, falling backwards but Harlock reached out, grasping his arm and pulling him up. They were in the alley now but Logan still couldn't breathe for Harlock had wrapped one arm around his waist, the other holding onto his wrist. Logan tipped his face up, prepared to push him away but paused, unable to move.
The air grew tense and Logan felt Harlock's body tighten against his and Logan couldn't decide on to either shout and scream in frustration or melt into a puddle at Harlock's feet. The latter didn't sound all that appeasing but by how weak he was growing that might just happen.
"You're not very coordinated, are you?" Harlock asked softly, a slight smirk playing about his lips and Logan narrowed his eye. Using the anger from being made fun of, he straightened, pushing Harlock away with his hand and yanked his hat down to hide his flaming cheeks.
"They've gone now, Captain." He cleared his throat, turning around but halted when he saw the smirking pirates at the end of the alley.
"I think not," Harlock murmured and his voice had dropped, becoming low and silky. "I had hoped to avoid fighting them, but it seems that we are left no choice." He turned to face them, his shoulder brushing Logan's but Logan didn't move.
What looked like the leader of the pirates stepped towards them. He was tall, lanky and had gold hoops dangling from his ears. He wore tight cargo pants with a black vest over a worn shirt. His eyes were black and beady, darting about even when they seemed to be fixed on them. Two Cosmo pistols were shoved into his pants, one slung over his chest and the men who flanked him were fairly similar.
"Coward," he spat and narrowed his eyes, "hiding from us." He gestured to his men and they began to surround them. Logan glanced about but Harlock remained staring at the man, his face emotionless. "Is that how the infamous Captain Harlock is? Running from his enemies? Hiding away after destroying the Earth?" The man's lip lifted in a sneer. "You bastard!" He hissed and drew his Cosmo gun, thumbing back the hammer. "We're gonna make you pay for it!" He growled and Logan tensed.
"You sure about this?" Harlock asked quietly, his voice sounding as if he were almost bored. The man blinked, his face contorting with rage and his hand shook with it.
"You're gonna die!" He shrieked and pulled the trigger. The sound of the shot woke Logan up and he lunged in the opposite direction just as he knew Harlock would. Sure enough as Logan attacked the men closest to him he saw Harlock already draw his saber. He whirled it in an arc, slashing out at the nearby pirates who didn't stand a chance. Logan, adept at hand to hand combat, quickly knocked the feet out from underneath one man, using his body and pivoting. The momentum brought him around and his boot connected with one of the pirate's sides. The man flew back, hitting another one of his comrades but Logan paid him no mind. He blocked a blow, locking his arm around the man and throwing him over his shoulder but as he did so the man's failing arm connected with his ribs. He gasped in pain, his body momentarily collapsing before he got his feet underneath him.
His breathing came in harsh gasps and he straightened, clenching his jaw and glaring at the men before him. He didn't dwell on the pain, leaping forward and driving his elbow into the gut of another man. He gasped, a shot firing off as he tried to draw his Cosmo Gun but Logan knocked him down. As he leapt at another man, he saw Harlock standing over the pirate leader, his saber pointed between the man's eyes.
He quickly dispatched him, kicking his knee out and punching him so that he crumpled to the ground. Logan wobbled, placing a hand over his ribs and wincing. They throbbed and it felt as if he couldn't breathe. When he turned, he caught Harlock watching him before his eye flicked back down to the cowering pirate at his feet.
"I did ask you if you were sure." Harlock's voice was calm and the pirate snarled.
"Damn you," he growled while wiggling underneath him, "damn you for what you did!" He shouted and Harlock sighed.
"Is that all?" He questioned; his voice deadly calm as he lifted the saber so that the tip pressed against the man's forehead. The pirate's face paled, his eyes going wide and sweat shined against his quivering upper lip.
"Someday someone will kill you and no one will remember who you were." He growled, "All they will remember is the pirate who destroyed the Earth and the hope for something better. That's all you'll be remembered for, nothing else. D'you hear me? Nothing else!" The man's words were followed by silence and Harlock stared at him for a long time, the hat shadowing the top half of his face. Before Logan could react Harlock brought his foot up and kicked the man's face, knocking him out cold. He turned, sheathing his saber but Logan couldn't see his face. He crossed to Logan, reaching up and lightly touching his arm.
"Are you alright?" He asked but Logan noted how dead his voice was.
"Yes, I'm fine Captain." The pain had stopped, leaving only a dull throb and Harlock must have sensed that he was lying but said nothing. Logan's eyes flicked down to Harlock's side and he gasped.
"You're hurt!" Logan reached forward, touching Harlock's side and running it over the man's torso. His hands came away wet and red and his heart sank but he paused when Harlock's chest rumbled. Logan's head snapped up and he froze as he watched Harlock.
He was laughing…
It was so low…
So rich…
It surrounded him; caressing his ears and making his senses tingle as Harlock's face suddenly changed. It no longer held sadness or grief; instead warmth and joy lit his features.
It was breathtaking…
Harlock reached up and lightly touched his wrists, pushing his hands away as he smiled at him.
"It was the wine," Harlock pulled aside his cape to reveal the shattered remains of the bottle. "It's too bad," his chest lifted in a sigh, "Miime would have enjoyed it." He murmured and Logan flushed, feeling suddenly embarrassed. He stepped back, clearing his throat and looking away.
"Apologies, Captain." He grumbled and Harlock chuckled once more. He strode past, heading back down the alley and Logan trailed after him.
"I'm touched by your concern, Logan." Harlock commented as they slipped back into the crowds. "It wasn't that long ago when you yourself would have happily pulled the trigger." Logan snorted at his words, tossing a glare at him.
"Not happily," he grumbled and he bit the inside of his cheek, mentally scolding himself but Harlock only smirked. They wove through the platforms, their destination the Arcadia which loomed in the distance. Logan noted the drastic differences between the Arcadia and the other ships. She seemed to tower over them, the aura surrounding her reeking of power and awe.
They neared the bay's entrance, Kei already overseeing the repairs. Though the Arcadia was quite capable of repairing herself due to the Black Matter, it seemed as though she was in the need of help. Not to mention they also needed supplies. They halted on the platform resting beside the Arcadia. Kei spotted them and she shouted something to a crew member before turning and ascending it. She paused, taking in their ruffled attire and Harlock's soaked side.
"Captain are you—" Kei started but Harlock smoothly interrupted her.
"It's wine." He stated and Kei blinked but she shook her head after a moment and passed him a digital clipboard.
"Here's the list of supplies," Harlock took it from her, running his eyes over the list before nodding and handing it back to her.
"Well done, Kei." Kei dipped her head in a thank you while lifting her eyes to the crowd that had gathered.
"Thank you sir," she snorted, "quite the crowd, huh?" She commented and Harlock only blinked, choosing to remain silent and Kei shrugged, turning her attention back to the Arcadia. "She should be ready to go in fifteen minutes. Did he agree, Captain?" Kei turned back around to face Harlock and Harlock dipped his head in a nod.
"He did, the Diablo will send a messenger when their repairs are made." He lifted his eye to the crowd, running over it before he stepped towards the bay's entrance, using the iron catwalk that connected the bay to their small platform. As he moved the roar of the crowd went silent and Logan paused, turning his head to watch them. It was almost in unison as the pirates below them lifted their fingers and saluted Harlock. They remained like that for a few moments, but the moments seemed to carry on into minutes as Harlock crossed the catwalk. The shadows of the Arcadia seemed to welcome him home as he disappeared into them and the silence was almost reverent. Slowly, the crowd started to move again and Logan caught Kei watching him.
"It's hard not to stare at him, isn't it?" She questioned and Logan swallowed. "Wherever he goes it's always like that," she shrugged her shoulders. "Oh well, here," she tossed him another clipboard, "go make sure that the ammunition I ordered is being loaded right. We're all pirates after all and I need someone down there I trust." Logan grunted, surveying the numbers and he lifted a brow. Kei must have seen his bemused smirk and she waved her hand. "Go on move it!" She shoved him playfully and he chuckled, turning and heading down the platform.
Coming down around to the side of the ship he paused, looking over the steel crates that were stacked there. Crew members were busy loading them onto lifts, moving them towards the loading bay's entrance. Spying what looked like the man to be in charge Logan crossed to him. The pirate who stood before him was massive, standing easily over six feet and built. His massive arms were crossed over a thick chest and one golden hoop dangled from his left ear. His skin was a dark tan, his eyes a surprisingly light brown with black hair that was pulled back with a red bandana. He wore leather pants, thick combat boots on his feet and a pale blue button up shirt. He eyed Logan warily but Logan wasn't affected as he crossed to him.
"You in charge?" He asked, noting how he had to tilt his head up to look the man in the face. The man grunted.
"Yeah," he narrowed his eyes, "You're not Captain Harlock. Who are you?" His blunt question made Logan pause before he answered.
"Logan. You?" The man's eyes narrowed, perhaps in recognition, Logan didn't know but he didn't care.
"Sinbad," he replied and at the name Logan couldn't help but smirk slightly. Sinbad's eyes narrowed further and he seemed to grow taller. "You think it's funny?" His voice was like iron but Logan only chuckled.
"Ironic." He replied and his answer made the man blink. He turned to face the cargo, his eye scanning the crates and men loading it. "I trust there won't be any problems?" He questioned while flicking his eye back to Sinbad. The man grunted, lowering his arms to rest them at his sides.
"You implying something, kid?" His voice was gruff and Logan slowly turned to face him.
He knew what was going on…
The man was testing him, seeing if he had a backbone or not and Logan straightened. The pirate opposite him was certainly imposing but Logan noted how he relied on his strength to intimidate people. He saw it by how he stood, how he held himself but he also wasn't stupid. The man's eyes were intelligent and he must have been if he was in charge of overseeing the cargo shipment for ammunition.
"Should I be implying something?" Logan tensed his muscles but made sure to remain calm on the outside. Sinbad snorted, taking a step closer to him.
"Watch your tongue, kid. I don't usually like to teach boys a lesson, but I can always make an exception." He growled and Logan lifted his chin.
He was no boy…
"I don't usually like reminding thugs of their place, either," Logan relaxed his shoulders, shifting his feet farther apart, "but I can always make an exception." He mimicked and Sinbad lifted his brows.
"You got guts, kid, but I don't like it when people make the wrong assumption about me." Logan saw him tense, "And I got a real nasty temper!" He hissed while bringing his fist up. Logan lurched to the side, grasping the man's wrist and pivoting. Sinbad tottered, surprised for a moment but he soon recovered but by that time Logan was already behind him. He brought his foot up, kicking him harshly in the back and Sinbad grunted. Turning around he chuckled, eyeing Logan as he lifted his fists. "Alright, you only get one of those." He took a step forward and Logan swallowed, knowing that he wouldn't be able to win a toe to toe match with this man but he remained firm.
Sinbad swung for his temple and Logan ducked, noticing that Sinbad brought the other up, prepared to sink it into Logan's chin but he blocked both, stepping in close and hitting him hard in his chest. Sinbad grunted but twisted, nailing Logan hard in the ribs. He gasped, a moment thanking his luck that it wasn't his bruised ones before stepping in close to inflict two quick jabs to the man's diaphragm. He heard the hitched breaths and brought his knee up, prepared to end the fight but his eye widened when Sinbad grasped his knee. He lifted him up as if he weighed nothing and Logan gritted his teeth. He leaned forward, wrapping his thighs around the man's head and throwing himself forward. He weighed just enough to knock Sinbad off balance and tucking in his body, they hit the floor. Twisting around, he locked the man's arm, planting his foot in Sinbad's side and pushing. Sinbad growled and Logan yelped in surprise when he brought himself up, twisting and using Logan's grip on his arm for his own advantage. Kneeing Logan harshly in the chest he brought his free arm around to connect with Logan's cheek.
Lights exploded behind his eye and he blinked, rapidly trying to get his bearings and saw a fuzzy fist being raised into the air. He grunted, arching his back but it was no use, the man outweighed him. He growled and as Sinbad brought his fist down Logan moved his head. He felt the steel below him tremble as Sinbad struck it and as Sinbad cried out in pain Logan locked his arms around Sinbad's head and kneed him.
Sinbad gasped, momentarily shocked but it soon turned to rage and he reared back, prepared to punch Logan again but Logan used the distance to his advantage. Planting both feet on Sinbad's chest he pushed, shoving the pirate off of him. A moment later he was on his feet, Sinbad soon following. His breathing was ragged and he noticed that Sinbad's was as well, though not nearly as rugged.
Crap…
That meant that Logan hadn't inflicted enough damage and he narrowed his eye, seeing that Sinbad had come to the same conclusion Logan had.
He was going to lose…
Sinbad smirked, obviously already knowing that as well and he lunged at Logan.
Like hell he was going to lose…
Instead of trying to dodge it Logan blocked it, wincing at the pain that lanced up his arm but Sinbad blinked, surprised that Logan had blocked his punch. Suddenly rage, hot and fiery filled him and he gritted his teeth. He wasn't going to be defeated again, he wasn't going to fail again and yelling he brought his clenched fist around. He felt the impact as he connected and Sinbad's head snapped around. He wobbled but Logan wasn't finished.
Not yet…
He lunged, bringing his elbow up and underneath his chin so that it snapped back and rearing back he sent his fist flying again. He struck him twice, the blows knocking the air from Sinbad's lungs and he shook his head but he was dazed.
Logan took advantage of it…
He kicked his legs out from underneath him and Sinbad hit the ground hard, a grunt leaving his lungs but Logan didn't attack him.
He didn't kick a man when he was down…
Sinbad's face was bloody and by how Logan's ached he knew that he'd been lucky. If Sinbad had struck him again he wouldn't have been able to do a thing. His chest rose and fell with labored breaths and Sinbad grunted, his eyes opening to glare up at Logan. They stared at each other for a long moment and Logan noted the silence. He looked around to see that a crowd had gathered to watch the fight and he gritted his teeth.
Rumbling laughter brought his attention back to Sinbad who surprisingly enough was smiling, though it looked rather gruesome on his battered face.
"My, my, kid." Sinbad sat up, wincing and placing a hand on his chest. "I think that's the first time anyone's ever licked me." Something shined in his eyes and Logan blinked.
It was respect…
"Can you stand?" Logan asked and offered his hand. Sinbad chuckled again but stood on his own, still keeping his hand on his chest.
"You certainly know how to handle yourself," Sinbad reached up and clasped him on the back. "Glad to know," he reached up and rubbed his jaw, "though I'm thinking that I might have wanted to find out another way." He grumbled and Logan frowned, confused.
"What?" He questioned and Sinbad smirked.
"I heard about you," he ran his eyes over him, "heard that Harlock had taken on another crew member. It's good to see he picked a good one." He flashed him white teeth and Logan grunted. "No hard feelings?" Sinbad asked while offering up his hand and though Logan found it strange, he also understood why this pirate had done what he'd done.
"No hard feelings," Logan answered as he reached out and clasped Sinbad's hand with his own. "Have you known Captain Harlock long?" Logan questioned; curiosity as to why Sinbad thought it necessary to test Logan's merit prickling at the back of his mind.
"Since I was a lad. He knew my father, the former man who oversaw stocking the ammunition for the Arcadia." He gestured to the now bustling men. "Don't worry about me trying to scam you," he voice turned serious, "I run a trustworthy business."
"So that was just a ploy?" Logan coyly asked, irritation nipping at the edges of his words. Sinbad smirked.
"Aye, and I was itching for a good fight." He winked and after a moment Logan decided that he liked this pirate.
Despite how his face ached…
"I'm glad I proved worthy," he muttered while lifting his hand and gingerly touching his face. Sinbad chuckled, clasping him on the shoulder once more.
"You're quick, I'll give you that and despite your size," he ran his eyes over Logan once more, "you pack quite the punch." He muttered and Logan couldn't help but feel contempt towards the compliment.
"Thank you, though I'll admit," he watched the loading for a moment before flicking his eye back up to Sinbad's face, "if you would have hit me again I doubt I would have been able to stand up." His honesty made the older pirate laugh. It was rich and booming and drew the attention of the men surrounding them before they went back to work.
"I'll make sure not to underestimate you again." He smirked and Logan nearly returned it but an angry voice interrupted it.
"Sinbad! Just what do you think you're doing?!" Kei's loud voice brought their attention around and the blonde strode towards them, her blue eyes flashing flames.
"Uh oh," Sinbad muttered and for a moment Logan thought he saw fear trace over the man's rugged features.
"You big ape!" Kei punched him on the arm, "I sent Logan down here to oversee the loading, not get beat up!" She hissed and Sinbad gave an apologetic smile.
"Ah you see—" Sinbad started but Logan interrupted him.
"I beat him up." His simple statement made Kei pause, blinking in surprise as she looked between them but a moment later her anger returned.
"Men," she muttered and stepping close jabbed Sinbad in the chest, "You should have known better, as should have you." Kei tossed her words at Logan before her attention was returned to Sinbad. "Look at you," she grumbled and for a moment she looked as if she was going to reach up and touch his cheek but Sinbad smiled.
"Is that concern I hear in your voice, Kei?" He murmured and Kei's eyes widened before they narrowed and she punched him. Sinbad stumbled back, holding his jaw and Logan blinked in surprise.
"Pity," Kei corrected and whirled. "You never change, Sinbad." She muttered while striding away and Sinbad chuckled.
"Neither do you, Kei." He whispered, his voice dropping low and Logan didn't miss Kei's flushing cheeks as she strode hotly away.
"We're leaving in twenty minutes! That better be loaded!" She shouted over her shoulder and Sinbad straightened, grinning.
"Good-bye to you too!" He called while waving and Kei snorted but kept walking.
"You know each other?" Logan asked as his eye followed after Kei's form. The aura that surrounded her was deadly, causing the men to quickly clear a path for her and Sinbad chuckled.
"Aye, since we were children." His gaze softened. "She's feisty, isn't she?" Sinbad commented and Logan lifted his brows.
"You could say that," he muttered and Sinbad chuckled again.
"Boss!" One of the men shouted and Sinbad lifted his head, turning his eyes in that direction. "All loaded and ready to go!" He confirmed and Sinbad nodded.
"Well," he lifted his hand and rubbed his jaw again, "that's all there is then." He smirked at Logan. "Drop by whenever you visit," he extended his hand again, "and this time we can avoid the fist fight." Logan snorted and clasped his hand, squeezing firmly.
"It was nice meeting you, Sinbad." Logan called over his shoulder as he turned to board and heard Sinbad's reply.
"You too, Logan. Make sure to keep an eye on Kei! She's strong, but she tends to get a little hot headed!" He shouted and Logan nodded, stepping onto the platform and heading back to the main bay. He stepped back into the galley of the Arcadia and for a moment it felt as if the ship were welcoming him home.
It was odd…
But he welcomed it…
VVVV
Harlock remained standing by the window, his arms at his sides. Tori remained on the back of his chair, fluttering his wings every few minutes but stayed silent.
He usually liked the silence…
But it now seemed that it gave him too much time to think…
Especially about someone in particular…
Harlock narrowed his eye, remembering the feeling of Logan's body pressed against his. He hadn't touched someone, really touched someone like he had Logan since his wife.
And his lips…
The way his heart had pounded against his…
He'd nearly lost control…
He reached up, pinching the bridge of his nose as he remembered the feeling of wanting Logan underneath him, of wanting to hear his breathless gasps as he touched him.
Damn it…
He gritted his teeth and his hand dropped to clench into a fist. What the hell was wrong with him? He wasn't like that and neither was Logan.
Wasn't he?
Then why when they'd been so close had he felt Logan tremble, had felt the need in his fingers as he clung to him? Was it from surprise or something else? He remembered his flustered face, the way he'd stammered and had refused to look at him, fleeing from the enclosed space to nearly fall flat on his face.
It had amused him…
But now it irritated him…
Was it because he was frightened of him? But that idea was preposterous, Logan wasn't frightened of anything.
Anything human anyway…
Harlock gritted his teeth and drew in a calming breath. He hadn't had anyone since Maya. There hadn't been any need to have anyone else but now…
His thoughts trailed off and he nearly flinched when someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," he called as Tori screeched, taking to the air to land on a perch in the corner. Kei stepped inside, looking ruffled Harlock noticed, and cleared her throat.
"The messenger's here." Kei informed and Harlock dipped his head in a nod. He turned around just as a man was escorted in. He ducked his head respectively to Harlock before passing him an enclosed envelope.
"Captain Tadashi sends his regards," the crew member stated but Harlock didn't reply, not finding it necessarily to and turned, opening the envelope as he did so. Coordinates were scribbled down on it and another interesting bit of information.
Tadashi was coming aboard…
Kei escorted the crew member out but waited, seeing if Harlock would tell her what was inside.
"Tadashi will be coming aboard," Harlock stated while dropping the letter on the table. "Once he is, set the ship for Triton." Kei nodded.
"Yes, Captain." He heard her pause and he looked back over his shoulder, waiting for her to continue and after a minute she did. "I just wanted to tell you that Sinbad gave Logan a welcoming gift." She murmured and rage filled Harlock's chest. He controlled it, cooling his features and calming his mind.
"He did, did he?" Harlock silently cursed. He should have known Sinbad would have done so and he knew all too well the size of the pirate. His chest lifted in a sigh. "I'll see him later, you may go." He heard the door and the faint retreat of Kei's footsteps. From his position he saw the space station before him and he remembered when he and Tochiro had first found it. It had been destroyed, forgotten and left to rot but Tochiro had forged something good out of it. Harlock couldn't help the faint smile as he remembered his friend's determination. Tori gave a faint caw, perhaps recognizing the fondness that graced his features and Harlock stared at the bird.
At first he had despised Logan but now it seemed as if he were warming up to him, often teasing him in his own way and Harlock smirked.
That boy…
"Captain, Tadashi is aboard." Kei's voice sounded over the intercom, interrupting Harlock's thoughts. He turned, Tori coming to land on his shoulder before he left his rooms. The Arcadia was coming to life, her engines humming as she prepared to depart. He made his way to the bridge, nodding his head once in a while to a crew member if he passed them. He entered the bridge, noting Kei at the controls and Miime beside his throne. Miime turned her gaze towards him as he strode forward, halting beside her. Tadashi was halfway between Kei and himself, his arms crossed and an amused smirk on his lips.
"She hasn't changed in all these years," he whispered while running his eyes over the bridge. "Oh, well I wouldn't have really expected her to." He turned to face Harlock as the thrusters burst to life. "Where's Yulian at?" He questioned and Kei was the one to answer him.
"Infirmary if you want to catch up." She tossed over her shoulder and Harlock noted her guarded tone. Tadashi must have noticed it as well and Harlock saw his jaw clench but he turned his head back around, ignoring her.
"Where's the lackey at?" His teasing words made Harlock's eye narrow but he didn't have to answer.
"Right here," Logan replied while stepping through the door. He'd changed into his simple leather jacket, the black turtleneck beneath but had left his gloves off. Harlock noted the bruises that lined his knuckles and how his bottom lip was swollen. His fingers tightened around his saber but Logan didn't glance at him, his eye fixed on Tadashi. Tadashi lifted a brow while running his eyes over him.
"Run into a wall did ya?" Tadashi mocked and Kei tossed a heated glare over her shoulder.
"He got them fighting Sinbad," she bit out and Tadashi jolted.
"Eh?" He stammered and she smirked.
"He looks better than you did, plus he actually beat Sinbad." She taunted and Tadashi's face filled with rage.
"Hey, I was only ten when I took him on!" He shouted and Kei snorted.
"Sinbad was only a year older," she pointed out but Tadashi snorted.
"Whatever," his eyes came back to Harlock's, "let's just get going." He growled and Harlock inwardly sighed. He'd hoped the angry boy who had left his ship had become a man but it looked as if that hadn't happened yet.
"Kei," he turned, sliding down onto his throne and Kei nodded.
"Yes, Captain." She hit the command and the Arcadia roared to life. The ghost ship lifted into the air, the dome opening as Fortress SSX released them. Stars and endless blackness greeted them and for a moment it felt as if he were being set free. She lurched forward, the engines catching and they sped out into space. "Where's your ship?" Kei casually asked as she plugged in the last few commands. Tadashi smirked, tilting the hat that adorned his head back.
"Still being repaired." He turned to face Harlock. "The deadline for catching the arms dealer was closing and she wasn't going to be ready in time. Not all of us are blessed with Black Matter that automatically restores damages." The barbed retort made Kei's fingers clench and she turned.
Knowing that there was going to be an argument Harlock smoothly stood. Tadashi glanced at him, his jaw clenching and Harlock eyed him.
"Follow me, Tadashi." He turned, prepared to leave the bridge but halted when he saw Logan. He paused, coming to stand before him and Logan shifted, his gaze darting away and Harlock clenched his jaw. "Come to my quarters in twenty minutes." He whispered and Logan jumped, his eye snapping to his but Harlock moved past him, Tadashi following. Tori screeched, leaping from his shoulder to bat at Tadashi's head. Tadashi swore, swinging at the bird but it chortled, landing on Logan's shoulder instead and Harlock noted the surprised look on Logan's face before he left.
They walked in silence but Harlock could feel the anger ebbing from Tadashi. As they made their way back to his quarters, Harlock noted how the crew greeted Tadashi. They wore painted smiles and false masks of affection and Harlock knew that Tadashi wasn't naïve, he recognized the looks. He felt Tadashi's anger grow but it couldn't be helped. Reaching his cabin he stepped inside, Tadashi following.
"Just like before," he murmured, looking about the room but he shook his head, crossing to the empty seat opposite Harlock's and plopped down into it. He looked around but didn't spy a bottle and he frowned. "No alcohol?" He chuckled, "I'm surprised." He leaned back in the chair, resting his feet on the table while plucking the hat from his head. Harlock didn't say anything, crossing to his chair and lowering down into it.
He eyed Tadashi, taking in how his face had aged. When he left he'd been young, perhaps seventeen and now he was in his twenties. A thin scar marked his chin and his hair was longer, coming down just below his shoulders. He kept it back with a simple leather tie and though he looked like a man, he was not.
He was still the same angry child who had lost his father…
"So why did you drag me here?" He asked and Harlock leaned back in his chair.
How wonderful this was going to be…
"I brought you here to tell you to behave, Tadashi." Harlock's voice was calm, but the icy tone showed how serious he was. "I won't tolerate your petty acts of violence anymore. If you feel like throwing a fit, go to your quarters and have it in there. I asked you if you were a man, or a boy," he paused, his eye narrowing, "and from what I've seen you're still that same boy." He saw the anger wash over Tadashi's face. "There are more important things to deal with then what happened between us." His tone had dropped, the lack of emotion somehow making the room colder. Tadashi's fingers curled around the armrests of his chair and he leaned forward, his eyes glittering.
"Like hell I am," he hissed and straightened in his chair, "As for what happened between us, it was bullshit to begin with." He stood, his hat clutched tightly in his fingers. "I knew when I boarded your ship I was only getting revenge out of the deal, but in some naïve, twisted way I saw you as my father." His lip curled. "You never saw me as anything more than another crew member. You never wanted the emotional baggage I had, but hell," he smirked, "who would want a boy who just watched his father be murdered?" His brown eyes glimmered with hate. "You might of, if you had a heart," his face turned to stone, "but you don't. You may have the organ that pumps the blood but that's all it does. It doesn't feel anything, it's just a dead lump inside your chest and I realized that a long time ago." He turned, heading for the door but halted at the threshold. "You're not capable of ever showing affection or love, you'd have to have a heart to do that. You'd have to be human in order to do that." With that he stepped through and was gone, leaving Harlock alone in the darkness.
So…
That was what he thought of him…
Harlock remained in his chair, staring at the shadows. He didn't have a heart, hmm? Didn't care about his crew or anyone else? Wasn't human? He didn't move, didn't feel like doing anything. He just simply wanted to sit there and not think but a few moments later there was a soft knock on the door. He didn't answer and the knock came again, louder.
"Captain?"
It was Logan's voice…
"Come in." He whispered and the door slid open. Logan stepped inside, his brow furrowing in confusion but Harlock watched him quietly. He'd changed into a simple button up shirt that was left untucked.
"You wanted to speak with me, sir?" He asked and Harlock stared at him for a long time. Logan returned his steady gaze this time and Harlock suddenly wanted to know something.
"Do you think I have a heart, Logan?" He murmured and Logan blinked in surprise.
"Sir?" He questioned and Harlock smirked, closing his eye and tilting his head back to rest it against the high backed chair.
"Do you think I have a heart?" He asked again, his voice barely above a whisper and he heard the sad, pathetic notes in it.
He didn't care…
He heard Logan cross the room, heard his soft breathing and inhaled the scent of soap but he didn't move, choosing to keep his eye closed.
"Why do you ask?" Logan questioned and Harlock's chest lifted in a tired sigh.
"It's nothing," he replied and opened his eye to look up at the ceiling before tilting his head and looking at Logan's face. His bottom lip was split slightly and Harlock's face twitched. He knew that Sinbad had meant nothing by it, simply testing Logan's strength, but it still enraged him that he had done that to Logan, but then again Logan had held his own against the giant pirate. "You did well today," he murmured softly and couldn't resist the urge to reach up and touch his cheek.
His skin was surprisingly soft…
Logan paused, but he didn't pull away as Harlock stared at him. He remembered Tadashi's words and dropped his hand. Turning he stood, moving towards the windows to watch the stars as they sailed past.
"Captain," Logan's voice was soft as he came to stand beside him and Harlock glanced at him, "are you alright?" He questioned and Harlock noted the genuine concern in his eye.
He was too open with his feelings…
Harlock inwardly smirked as he returned his eye to the sea of stars that lay before him.
"You never did answer my question." He pointed out. Logan turned, his shoulder brushing Harlock's and heat prickled along his skin.
Silence…
"You have a heart," Logan murmured softly, so softly Harlock wasn't even sure he'd heard it but he turned to watch Logan's face. His brown hair concealed the top half of his face as he continued. "You keep your emotions hidden away from everyone else, even Miime, but I see them. You pretend not to care for people, but when in reality," he lifted his chin, his hair sliding back to reveal his eye, "you care very deeply. So deeply that when someone close to you is hurt, you nearly shatter. That's why you keep them hidden away; you don't want people to see how much you care. They call you monstrous, call you cold and unfeeling but they don't understand." He paused, looking straight at him. "You once told me to find my own truth," he gave him a soft smile, "and I did, but did you?" He asked softly and Harlock felt as if someone had punched him. The light played over Logan's face, highlighting his cheekbones, the scar that somehow added beauty to his face and the slender slope of his lips. His eye fastened on them and he heard Logan's intake of breath. The sound gave him hope and his eye slowly slid back up to Logan's.
They met…
Held…
He reached up, his fingers brushing over his cheek as he stepped forward. As he did so the Arcadia jolted and he stumbled, his arm wrapping around Logan's waist to steady them. Logan sucked in a pained breath and Harlock blinked.
"Logan?" He pulled back but Logan shook his head.
"I'm alright," he whispered but Harlock saw how white his face was.
"It's your ribs, isn't it?" He sighed and turned. "Follow me." He stepped into the back room, his large bed spread out before them and he gestured with his head. "Lie down." He ordered and though he saw Logan hesitate he could also see the relief that washed over his face when he did. He crossed over to the wash basin and wetted a rag. Stepping back over, he pushed on Logan's shoulder. "Lie back." He murmured and Logan clenched his jaw, wincing from pain as he did so. Harlock felt his heart twist, his gut clenching at the sight of Logan in pain. "Don't move." Harlock whispered and he slowly began to unbutton his shirt. Logan snorted and turned his head away.
"You tend to do this a lot," he grumbled and Harlock smirked.
"I wouldn't have to if you took care of yourself," he retorted and Logan flashed him a glare and he couldn't help how his smile grew. He placed the cool rag against the angry bruises and Logan drew in a sharp hiss, his fingers tightening in the sheets and Harlock reached up, removing his glove to lay it against Logan's forehead. He wasn't running a fever and he sighed. "I can't leave you alone, can I?" He whispered and Logan clenched his jaw but Harlock smiled. Logan looked away, his brown hair falling down to cover his eyes but Harlock saw his fingers tighten even more in the sheets.
"Why do you do this?" He murmured and Harlock paused.
Why did he do this?
He stared at him, his eye taking in Logan's features. He caught the sight of Marinna's gift and his eye flicked down to it. His gut twisted and he clenched his jaw. He reached up and grasped his chin. Logan jolted, his eye widening in surprise as Harlock turned his face towards him. His thumb tenderly traced Logan's lower lip and he felt him tremble even as he saw his cheeks flush.
"H-Harlock?" Logan whispered and Harlock felt a hard tug inside his gut at the sound of his name falling from Logan's lips and he knew what he would do next.
"This is why." He murmured, tightening his grip on Logan's chin while tilting it up.
He lowered his head…
And kissed him…
VVVV
AUTHOR NOTE: Okay Chapter Five, I know the space station might not be exactly accurate but that's how I portrayed it and as for the ending I hope that the kiss wasn't too soon but I kind of felt like the tension was boiling over! Please review and tell me what you think!