You've chosen Patton! If this isn't the decision you wanted, feel free to return to Chapter 80!
__________

The story you are about to read was written by Rose, mind_writing

__________

No.

It couldn't possibly be Patton.

Logan was entirely sure of that. Though he'd heard of cases where the significant other seemed almost too upset to be realistic, Logan knew that Patton really was that emotional.

That was why, when Logan saw Patton being arrested on the local news, Logan knew the police had made a mistake. They had told him not to get involved in the case anymore as of recent, but just as he'd seen the shocking bit on the news—

"Hello, this is Cassie from Social Services, we were wondering if we could speak to you about the living situation of your niece."

And just like that, under the most quick and odd of circumstances, custody of Olivia was given to Logan.

Of course, it wasn't that easy. While Logan agreed, there was still a long process, so Olivia was to stay with Roman and Logan's parents for that time. They were grieved enough by the loss of their son and son-in-law, so spending time with their granddaughter really made them feel better.

At least that was someone.

———

Logan was making lunch—spaghetti—when his phone rang from the counter. He went over and saw it was Dan. Logan had taken all of the suspect's numbers that he hadn't already had, but he wasn't expecting Dan to call. Patton had been arrested what seemed like ages ago, and while Logan was still submerged in waist-deep denial, this news should be old to someone like Dan.

"Hello?" Logan questioned as he answered the phone.

"Hey," Dan answered. "So, Patton really did it?"

"I have my doubts," Logan replied honestly. "But I was advised to stay out of it, and, seeing as they had believed me to be a suspect, I decided to follow orders. I wanted to do something, but it's a bit late now; I don't even know what I would do."

Dan let out a shaky breath on the other line, remaining silent for a few moments. "Oh. Yeah, that makes sense. I was just wondering if you wanted some company? I know it's been years since we've talked, but I...don't know. I'm sorry, it was just a suggestion."

"It's fine, Dan. Just letting you know, I'm not really in the mood to talk about about the case." Logan said, his voice monotone as he leaned his phone on his shoulder, draining the noodles.

"Good," Dan sounded like he was smiling on the other like. "I wasn't planning on it. Where did you say your apartment was?"

———

Dan had gotten there soon after, and Logan made him a plate, forgetting the idea of leftovers. Logan had decided to eat at his dining room table, though he was used to eating in front of the TV alone.

Dan had complimented the food, then there was a long awkward silence as they both thought of something to say.

"So, what do you do for a living now?" Dan asked, twirling some noodles on his fork.

"I'm a private detective," Logan replied shortly. "Roman's case was the first I solved—or, at least, tried to. But, as I've said, I don't wish to talk about it."

Dan visibly winced at that, seeming fascinated by his drink. "Ah. Well, I'm a graphic designer, and a...singer in a band." He said that last part quietly, an embarrassed blush coming to his cheeks.

"Oh, interesting. I would love to hear your music sometime." Logan replied, his voice genuine as he smiled at Dan, most of the awkwardness gone.

"That's what I was going to tell you about..." Dan appeared more nervous by the minute, his face getting more red. "I, um, I actually made a suggestion, and the suggestion was taken...we made an album called Prince Rose. The picture used for the album is the Scarlet's sign all lit up at night. It was...it was made for Roman."

Logan was sure he stopped breathing for a moment, taking that in. He sighed as he remembered that throughout their childhood, Roman often said how much he loved roses. "You didn't...write a song about him, did you?"

Dan shook his head. "Well, sort of. One of my other friends wrote a song about their brother being an actor, but...I always think of Roman when I sing it. I thought, out of respect, I wouldn't write a song about him. He's so much more than a one-hit wonder..."

Logan nodded gratefully, his fork scraping against his plate lightly. "Well, I'm really thankful for the thought. I'm sure he would have loved that."

"I'm not so sure." Dan said, and Logan felt a flood of guilt when he remembered how they had a falling out in high school. The details weren't entirely clear to Logan, but he remembered Roman storming home one day, claiming that no one in that house would talk to Dan—"that freak"—ever again. They had been having a rough relationship, and that might have been the reason Logan saw Dan frequently going into the counselor's office.

"Why would you do that?" Logan asked. "If you don't mind me asking. You don't seem one to hold grudges, but I remember your relationship didn't end well."

Dan's eyes watered as he was lost in thought for a minute. "I guess...I guess I still believe he's a good person. Or...was a good person. Even if he—he didn't want me in his life..."

"Dan?" Logan asked, unsure of what he was asking for, putting his plate in the dishwasher. He turned, and Dan put his plate away as well.

Dan leaned against the counter, his bright doe eyes seeming to hold everything he could have ever felt. "I'm sorry. For everything...I just—I didn't get the chance to make things right with Roman, and now it's too late. I don't want to make the same mistake with you too..."

"Dan...there's no need to apologize, everyone feels bad after something like that, and I—" Logan was interrupted by Dan wrapping his arms around him, giving him a hug. They hadn't hugged in maybe ten years.

"I'm sorry," Dan apologized once again, burying his head in Logan's shoulder. "I know you don't like affection, and I usually don't either, I just..." he gave a muffled sigh. "I dunno...that wasn't the only thing I wanted to tell you."

Logan had tensed up, then relaxed a little, petting Dan's hair and wrapping an arm around his waist. "What was the other thing?"

Dan let go of Logan, looking a little guilty for his next statement. "Fifteen percent of the profit from the album goes to you, to help raise Olivia when you get full custody."

"I'm sorry, what?"

The End.
.
.
.
Would you like to try again?

Yes - Go to Chapter 1

No - Go to Chapter 2