Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

You hadn't ever been too keen on retail jobs. They paid the bills and were a good time filler, keeping you from sitting inside and letting your thoughts consume you, but it was hell to stand behind a register and get verbally abused all day. That was why you opted for this night shift at the local dog kennel instead. You had tried working the day shift- but you always ended up becoming the unpaid and unrecognized overachiever- begging everyone else to just do their jobs, and leaving you no time to do yours while you picked up their slack. The night shift was definitely more your speed, you could let your OCD run rampant, cleaning the lobby and kennels to your heart's content, plus you could work with the animals that were afraid of humans on a much more regular basis with a more controlled environment. And with all the extra down time, you were able to get some homework done- or even sharpen up your veterinary assistant skills even though you’d taken a step back from that position. 

The job itself was pretty easy. Being a kennel tech again was a breath of fresh air after working in the attached clinic on the other side of the building. Assisting the vets was great- and you did love it, or at least you tried to convince yourself you did as you finished your pre-vet degree- because said degree was royally kicking your ass, but switching back to the boarding and daycare was much more your speed right now. It really gave you the time you needed for your studies, especially now, since you were transferred to the night shift.

The day shift for kennel techs had more duties obviously- with the customers coming in, phones ringing, and emails to answer- but the night was pretty quiet. Your shift started at 7 PM when the day shift was finished and went until 3 AM. Your only duties were to clean all the dog kennels, let the dogs out once or twice in the night, check on the very few cats you had in the cat room, do any laundry or dishes from the animals, and spot-clean the boarding/daycare side of the building. You typically finished most of the duties before 10 and just acted busy for the cameras, or sat at the desk and worked on homework while intermittently switching the lobby monitor between the cameras in the kennels and cat room to make sure everyone was doing okay. 

You’d always had some amount of social anxiety for as long as you could remember, you could get through whatever you needed to get through, hell- being an assistant here and in veterinary ER, you’d seen your fair share of crises. You had even been the lead customer service rep for a while before switching shifts, and not having to socialize and play nice with angry customers and managers all day was certainly another bonus. That was until, a few carjackings happened within the area, and the big boss decided she wanted two staff members on the night shift for staff safety. 

You weren't too concerned about the issue, you'd always been pretty well prepared for anything -thanks paranoia and anxiety- but having someone there for emergencies probably wasn't the worst idea, you were just bummed to be losing your newfound you time. 

---

You showed up to your shift a few minutes early. Always leaving extra time in case the day shift had any important information to relay, like new dogs admitted for boarding, dogs that were sick, or dogs that didn't get along. You walked in just as they were packing up their things and getting ready to leave for the night, setting your drink on the front counter as you played on your phone while you waited. 

“Oh hey y/n, I hear that Logan took on the night shift with you tonight.” Liz mused with a smirk as she collected her things from the reception desk. Logan was known as the quiet worker… besides you that is.  You’d never really heard much of him aside from being told he was your shift lead. Back when you worked day shift and ran the dog playgroups, you’d have a shift with him every so often, but never really talked, nor was there really any reason to. You did remember that he’d always be the one making the wildest jokes that would have all the staff on the ground laughing, yourself included. Aside from the rare quips he had, he was the dark and brooding type. He was the kind of worker that just showed up- did his job- and left. He wasn't here to make friends, he was here for the paycheck and nothing more, and you respected that. 

“Oh, nice...” You muttered, anxious at both the news and the look on Liz's face. Despite no one really seeing him as such- as well as never exactly exuding leadership or authority,  Logan was technically still your boss. As nice as it was having someone easy going to talk to about work issues- the thought of working one-on-one with him bubbled up a bit of dread in your chest. He was a good worker, as far as you had seen, but what if he wasn't okay with how you ran the night shift? You were a hard worker that loved this job, and you always got everything done- and then some- but there really wasn’t much to fill the time with. Would he think you were lazy and micromanage you? Force you to find pointless tasks to do just to run out the clock? 

“Is he already here?” You questioned, hoping maybe Liz was mistaken and he wouldn't show. 

“Yeah, he's just hanging out in the breakroom.” She motioned behind her to the room directly behind the reception counter. You smiled and moved your things down to the lower section of the counter - a subconscious habit from the ‘rule’ whenever management was around. 

“Oh my god you know he doesn't give a shit-” She laughed and rolled her eyes before walking over to the time clock and punching out. 

“Habit I suppose.” You smiled again. “So, no news? Nothing I need to know?” 

“Nah, everyone is pretty quiet today, no fights, no naggy owners or customers. Everything should be good.” You gave her a simple nod before wishing her a safe drive home and clocking into your shift. You quickly got started on cleaning for the night, hoping to avoid as much contact as possible with Logan as you could. You weren't really sure where this anxiety was bubbling up from exactly, but it just felt better doing your own thing for now. 

 ---

Cleaning duties went by rather quickly, not many of the boarding dogs here were messy, and the day shift had gotten a lot of the lobby cleaned before leaving. You eventually moved on to preparing the dinners for the overnight dogs when you heard the kitchen door creak open. 

“Oy, I think I’m just gonna take the dogs out while you finish these up so we can be done sooner.” He popped his head in just a bit, his coat already on and a mass of dogs struggling to get through the doorway and his leg. 

“Sounds good to me, there's a lot of dogs though, you sure you don’t want me to just come out with you? So you don't have to do shifts? I’m almost done here anyway.”  

“Up to you.” He shrugged and let the door close as he ushered some dogs outside behind it. He was a man of many words for sure. Working with him wasn't going to be the most fun time you had ever had at work, though you were never one to complain about short and to-the-point conversations. It got things done, though thinking back to how much you and Liz would fuck around on day shifts, and how quickly and painlessly they would go by, made you nostalgic. You would spend most shifts making up ridiculous backstories for the dogs sometimes to pass time- saying what their lives would be like if they were humans. It didn’t seem like that kind of thing wouldn't go over well with Logan, he was funny- but you weren't sure how to really act with him. You’d never really had a “boss” be so close in age to you before. What was the level of professionalism he expected?

You finished the dinners and stacked them up according to the kennel numbering before grabbing your jacket and entering the kennels, letting the rest of the dogs outside. Logan was already scrubbing down the play equipment- a chore saved for warmer nights when things wouldn’t freeze over. You left him to it as you picked up after the animals and played with a few of your favorites. The naughty, antisocial dogs always had most of your affections, one trait you surprisingly did share with Logan. You both always fawned after one of the usual guests- Ryder. He was a rambunctious cattle dog and liked to show more aggressive, rough play behaviors- usually causing a small tousle with at least two or three other dogs. Nothing serious, but you and Logan would typically switch off playing with him, keeping his attention on you and not on other animals. It was rare that a man worked in the animal care industry, and even rarer that the dogs got along with him. You were the first to empathize with the distrust. Men were mean, abrasive- and in most of your experience, abusive… You never blamed the dogs for being aggressive toward your male coworkers, but watching Logan with them was different. He played rougher, sure, but only with dogs that enjoyed that… the others he was kind and gentle with. It was refreshing, to say the least.

“Sorry if I seem grumpy or quiet tonight. I stayed up too late drinking and I’m still pretty hungover.” He piped up after about 30 minutes outside. 

“Oh.” You laughed, not expecting him to speak at all. This was him grumpy ? Was he always hungover? “I get that, you’re okay…” you chuckled lightly, trying to make light of his quietness, “but isn't it almost 10:30? How hard did you party?” 

“Well, if you call drinking alone in my room partying, then- I guess pretty hard.” He laughed, one of the few times you had actually heard it. He twisted around one of the rings he always wore, before pulling out his vape and taking a hit where the cameras couldn't see (a common vice for most in the industry). Both seemed to be nervous habits of his. 

“God, it's like you're describing my plans for this weekend.” You smiled over at him before returning to the happy, nipping dog at your feet. “What was the poison?” 

“Red wine… it was just what I had lying around... you know?” He laughed and rose back up from the dog he was petting in the camera’s blind spot. “Don’t fucking make fun of me… but-” He unzipped his jacket and revealed a wine stained tee-shirt. 

“Oof bud- been there.” You laughed. “Did you think you were running late?”

“Yep, I woke up in a panic and didn't realize I was early until I was already here…” He chuckled. 

 ---

The rest of the night was pretty quiet. You took turns cleaning kennels with him, making it go pretty smoothly. Dinner time got the dogs settled in and finishing up cleaning in the rest of the building took hardly any time at all.  

“If you don't care I might try to catch a few minutes of sleep in the breakroom.” He looked beat to hell, leaning against the doorframe for support. His midnight curls did nothing to conceal the dark circles under his eyes, making it obvious that he needed it. You were relieved to take note of his relaxed attitude about working, maybe shifts with him wouldn't be that terrible. 

“Um, yeah no worries, I’ll keep an eye on cameras and laundry.” You smiled and waved him off in the direction of the breakroom. 

“Thanks, I owe you one.” He lifted a lazy corner of his lip and gave a friendly wink before retreating for some much-needed REM. 

It was odd having a boss that was so laid back. He literally never made use of his power unless it was schedule changes or letting dayshift -or himself- leave early. He was never lazy though, and he always made sure the work got done and the staff and animals were happy. He was honestly really good at his job. You’d seen him even stick his neck out for coworkers if they made a mistake and management was upset, or even stay late to pull the weight of someone that needed to leave early for whatever reason. He was just a good guy. So despite how nervous it made you to work with ‘the boss,’ it wasn't anywhere near as bad as it could be, and for that you were grateful.  

...

There were still a few hours of your shift left and not much to do. You tried to keep clear of Logan snoozing in the breakroom, so you opted to take one of your other favorite dogs to the garage for some training. 

He was a big malamute that would come in every now and again. Almost everyone hated working with him, even Logan. This dog hated everyone, but especially men, and because of his deeper-than-normal voice, Logan was usually the main target of this dog's hatred. You were the only one the dog ever tolerated. You tried to explain to everyone it was because you gave him a chance and worked with him to build trust- but they never seemed to care, writing it off as a strange “dog whisperer" talent.  

With that kind of treatment, you couldn't blame the dog. It was clear he'd been abused by not just men but any previous owner he had.  His current owners thankfully were kind, but you knew working with him one-on-one would only help his demeanor. You sat at the door leading back to the kennels with a handful of treats, knowing he'd want to go back to the safety of his kennel. Whenever he got close you rewarded him with soft kind praise and small treats. You’d eventually gotten him to lie right beside you to be hand-fed the treats when you felt your phone buzzing. 

Logan (Work):

Didn't want to disturb all the progress you somehow made with Mr. Monster in there… but it's almost 3

You gonna clock out or do you want to stay late?

You:

He’s not a monster… he’s just a babyy

But yeah, thanks I’m heading up now

---

“So… how’d you like the night shift?” You questioned as you made your way to the cars in the lot. 

“Aside from this hangover trying to send me to an early grave- it wasn’t the worst…” He chuckled. “It always that easy?” 

“I mean, most nights yeah- it just takes a while when you let dogs out in rotation by yourself.” You shrugged and tossed your bag into your car. 

“Well, I’m glad I can help make it easier then… you get home safe, y/n.” His smile was kind but tired as he gave you a small wave and hopped in his car.

Chapter Text

-Y/N POV-

The next few shifts with him were pretty uneventful. Logan sustained his normal, more closed off, demeanor- though it seemed he opened up a lot more when it was just the two of you and no other staff or customers. It was nice getting to know him on a level besides ‘young guy that happened to be in charge but never acted like it.’  

“I never really wanted this position, you know.” He muttered softly.

“What?” You hadn't expected him to change the subject so quickly. You’d finished early tonight, on account of the small number of animals that were boarding along with the cold weather outside preventing longer playgroups for them. You'd just been joking around about a crazy customer that kept calling after hours. 

“Shift lead. I know no one here really sees me as a boss, I like it and all but… for what they’re expecting of me, vs what theyre paying me… its fucking ridiculous.” He laughed and scrolled through his Twitter feed on the work computer. 

“Isn't that how they always get you?” You laughed lightly. Neither the company, nor the industry itself, were known for the competitive pay or the proper treatment of staff. 

“Pretty much. I was just too desperate for any type of raise since I just lost my- roommate or whatever.” He rolled his eyes. “Shits fuckin difficult.” 

“I’m sorry man, did you wanna talk about it?” You offered softly, unsure of how to react to him willingly telling you all this.

“No- no, just- I don't know. I just don't want you to see me as this, like, hard ass or something you know? I hear the conversations behind closed doors.” He laughed. “Ever since I got ‘ promoted ’ everyone hates working with me. They think that either I’m a rat, or that I didn't deserve the position… It doesn't bother me too much but, I don't know- if we're gonna be working together almost every night, I just hope you don’t see me that way I suppose. It would make things easier.” 

“I don’t. I mean- it is strange suddenly like- working one-on-one with just your shift lead, but I don't know, I guess you and I have the same kind of work ethic so it kind of works out.” You chuckled and shrugged. 

“True.” He gave you a tired smile before his eyes widened a bit. “Shit I never paid up on that IOU huh?” He pulled out his phone and leaned back in the reception chair next to you. “How does pizza sound?” He raised an eyebrow and smiled a crooked grin. 

“You don't have to do that.” You laughed. “I was pretty used to working these shifts solo, so having you to help just makes it easier, you napping on the job didn't affect me much.” You nudged his chair lightly with your shoe, pushing it slightly.

“Whatever, I always keep my word, so I’m getting us pizza, it sounds fire right now.” He rolled his eyes and pushed you back before turning his attention to his phone again. “Pepperoni sound good?”  

“Sounds good to me.” You shrugged and smiled at him. 

---

Once the end of your shift rolled around, he clocked both of you out before waiting at the door while you gathered up your things. He flashed you a tired smile when you finally headed over to the door.

“You didn’t need to wait for me… you’re exhausted you should've headed out.” You stated as you both made your way out after locking up.

“It’s fuckin dark out here though… I mean- wasn't management's whole point of having two of us work so that we’re safe?” He teased in a soft mocking tone while he walked you over to your car. “Can’t let those hooligans get to us underpaid staff.”

“Yeah I suppose so…” You laughed and stopped at your car door, unlocking it and tossing your bag in. “Well, thank you anyways- you get home safe.” 

“You too, y/n.” He smiled and gave you a nod before hopping into his own car. This was such a new side of him to you. Night shifts were actually becoming fun like day shifts with Liz were before switching over. It was nice that you actually got to talk and be friendly. You were actually starting to look forward to working the next shift with Logan. 

-Logan’s POV- 

He sat and let his car warm up, keeping an eye on you to ensure your car started and you could be on your way home. Once you’d left the lot he let out a huff of breath he hadn't realized he’d been holding. He hadn’t exactly meant to reveal so much about himself, it just seemed to slip out so easily. He took his phone and connected it to the stereo before putting on one of his playlists and starting his own drive home. 

He had to admit to himself, working the later shifts with you had been much nicer than the day shifts. He was finding himself looking forward to them, even the days he pulled a double. You were a dedicated worker, and it was obvious that you showed up for much more than a paycheck, you really did care about the work you put in and the animal’s happiness. He respected it, though he found it a bit funny; you seemed to be on the same page as him when it came to certain policies or disliking the culture within the field- yet you never cut corners when it came to the important tasks or taking care of the animals. He understood now why management had been so lackluster about choosing him as shift lead- you had obviously been their first choice, given the extensive experience and expertise you had in the field, but since you were only part-time- they couldn’t give you the title of lead. He wondered if they had even approached you about it or not. 

Not that any of it mattered at all to him, afterall he was keeping you at an arm's-length from him. He didn’t need anyone new in his life, and judging on how similar you were to him, you’d be fast friends for sure. He didn’t need to see the disappointment grow in your face as you slowly got to know him, and he didn’t need to watch another person walk out of his life- after all, you were smart, and funny… and kind, you would quickly grow wise to what a degenerate he truly was. 

Once he got home he grabbed a snack before quickly retreating to his room. He still wasn’t fully able to exist comfortably in the living room or kitchen, even his bedroom it was difficult. There were far too many memories of when he wasn’t living alone that taunted him out there. Everywhere he looked in his apartment he seemed to be bombarded with flashbacks of her and the life they’d had together before she inevitably broke him.  

He collapsed in bed and started up a game on his console to relax. Just as he finished up his first match, he heard his phone buzz at his side. He felt a similar buzz in his chest in the hope that it was you, but that didn’t last as the Google Photos notification appeared on his screen. His gaze hardened as he checked the date while the application loaded. Just as he suspected, an old anniversary date. He swiped the app closed before the photos of some long buried memory could load and force it all back to the surface. He tossed the phone away and started another match, a new frustrated indignation brewing in him and souring his abnormally good mood. He didn’t want to drink again- he couldn’t come into work and have you seeing him hungover again , but the urge was strong from the bottle beside him on the nightstand.  

It wasn't until a quarter till 4am that it buzzed again, he paused the game and was ready to shut off the device when your name appeared on the screen. He instantly clicked it and was greeted with your familiar friendly tone in your texts. 

Y/n:

You make it home safe?

Logan:

Yeah like thirty minutes ago. Do you really drive that slow, granny?

Y/n:

I live far away and it’s foggy on the highway… ac-tu-ally 

Logan:

Whatever you need to tell yourself to rationalize it 😂

Glad you’re home safe. Get some rest lol 

He couldn’t help the full laugh as you sent back an angry grandma gif in response, nor could he help the slight dread he felt afterward in response.

Chapter Text

Your second class wasn't supposed to start for another fifteen minutes, but you really didn't have the energy to get out of bed. You hated that you only had one day off work, sure your job was alright, but using your other day off as the day to schedule all your classes was really not the move, because now you didn't want to attend the lectures. The text that popped up on your phone didn't help focusing much either. Why was he texting you? Did he want you to come in on your day off?

Logan 🐺:

Hows school nerd?

“Weird” You said aloud, laughing to yourself as the small adrenaline rush of having to come in dissipated.

You:

Not exactly better than work, but not worse 

Logan 🐺:

I can always call you in for an ‘emergency’ haha

You:

No thanks! Lol

Next thing you knew your phone was flooding with sad cat memes about school. Your face quickly started to ache from laughing so much. 

Logan 🐺:

Don’t tell the boss im memeing on company time

You:

You are my boss stupid 

Logan 🐺:

Oh, yeah… guess I am ;) 

It was so bizarre seeing this side of him. In just a week he had gone from this “quiet shift lead that no one really wants to talk to” to “coworker that you look forward to working with everyday” to now, acquaintances? Friends? You didn't really know. It was hard for you to draw lines between stages of friendship at work. Maybe he was just being nice to make you feel more comfortable around him? 

Logan 🐺:

So… what class are you in right now?

You:

Just about to start music theory  

Logan 🐺:

RIP haha

Need any help studying? I’m pretty good with music  

You:

I might take you up on that actually lol 

I never have time for this class so now im nearly failing

Logan 🐺:

Bring your stuff next shift and we’ll work on it :)

You:

Thank youuuu :’)

You turned the screen off on your phone and tried your best to pay attention during your lecture, but you couldn't shake the nervous energy you had built up thinking about the next shift working with him. 

It didn't take long for the next workday to arrive. You had barely slept at all, staying up studying and trying to catch up in your other courses was beginning to take a toll on you. You arrived barely on time for your shift, quickly getting the usual updates from departing day staff before clocking in. You headed into the break room and set your things down before collapsing into the seat and catching your breath. You’d just barely remembered to grab your music theory notes and homework, collecting them in a rush and making you run just enough behind that you’d be late if you picked up food for the shift. At least you would be able to get some help from Logan tonight though and hopefully your next exam would go over better than the last. 

The day shift quickly finished up and clocked out. Logan seemed to be running a bit late, so once everyone else had clocked out and left you began the duties of the night. You were on your second rotation of letting dogs out when you heard his car pull up, so you didn't turn to look when you heard the backdoor open and a few more dogs run out. You continued playing with one of the more shy dogs that was boarding for the night and watched to make sure everyone was getting along.

“Hey there.” You felt a warm hand on your back, a sharp contrast with the bite in the cold fall air. You tried to ignore the nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach acting up. 

“Oh hey!” a slightly-too-loud laugh falling from your lips. 

“I stopped at Starbucks and got us some coffee.” An uneven smile painted his face, making him look almost comical with his cold bitten nose and pale skin, along with those signature dark circles under his eyes. 

“Oh wow, thank you! I was running late and wasn't able to stop for anything today.” You smiled and accepted the warm cup and took an eager sip, grateful to have some caffeine for the night. 

“Oh huh, perfect timing I guess? You're welcome.” He chuckled and offered a smile just as warm as the cup in your hands. “I can order some food or snacks later too.” He took a sip of his own cup and huffed, his breath forming a small cloud in front of him due to the freezing temperature. As much as you despised the cold and how it made your already poor circulation in your hands feel like pins and needles, you did really love the aesthetics of it: the clouds of breath, the way it made faces redden, the smell that was draped across everything the night before a big thunderstorm or heavy snowfall, the oversized hoodies and layered outfits that everyone seemed buried in, big boots with chunky socks- it was all very comforting in a way, it seemed to round out the edges in a very sharp world.

The night went by much the same as it began. There was a very comforting feeling about the weather and the mood that you were both in, even the dogs seemed very subdued. Time seemed to go by a bit slower, which you happily welcomed after weeks of vigorous study. 

Though time seemed to be lulling along peacefully, you got your nightly duties done in record time. You blamed the unusually well behaved dogs. It wasn't long before you were both sitting at the front desk again, joking around and playing some light music. He hesitantly showed you a few of his favorite bands. You assumed his apprehension was from fear of judgment. Lucky for him, you both enjoyed darker, more melancholy music. 

You both listened to his Spotify playlist while he helped you on your coursework. You bopped along to several songs you recognized as he read through your work. BONES, Xavier Wulf, and several other artists played softly through the speakers. 

“Mm, yeah not this one…” You sheepishly laughed as you clicked skip on Cholesterol , not needing to feel too melancholic tonight. He merely chuckled and nodded with firm agreement. You were surprised by his knowledge about music, he helped you get through the entirety of your homework, as well as explained a bunch of the questions you’d missed on the last exam you brought with you. 

“How do you know all this? I feel like you know more than my professor honestly…” You laughed as you finished up the last question and shut your notebook. He’d managed to explain everything all in a way that was actually making sense to you. He’d even related back to songs that played out softly on the speakers and used them as examples to the concepts. 

“I sincerely fucking doubt that…” He chuckled tiredly. “I just- know music I guess… I spend a lot of time with and around it, I uh-  I’ve even made a couple songs myself…” You smiled as you caught the red tint on his heated cheeks.

“Wait really?” You gave him a surprised look. 

“Yeah, I don’t know if they're any good, but I like making them.” He shrugged and passed you the keyboard and mouse to play music. 

“Can I hear one?” You pried, making him slump into his chair further and groan softly.  

“Ahh I don’t know, y/n…” He huffed and rolled his eyes playfully. “I haven't really shown anyone, but I guess if you promise to not make fun of me…” he turned slightly and narrowed his eyes at you, “...or tell anyone here -  maybe I’ll bring my computer next time or something…” 

“Hmm, we’ll see…” You squinted back, jokingly challenging him before laughing.

“I’ll write you up I swear to god y/n…” He joked back, laughing along with you. 

“OoOkay boss man…”

Chapter Text

-Y/N POV-

After spending all day in labs and lectures you really were not on your A game for tonight's shift. You felt completely fried- mentally and physically. Walking across campus to and from your science and math courses and arriving on time when you had barely a five minute window between them had been exhausting, and the content in the classes left you wondering if you even had brain cells left. 

If you had any energy left you would try to remember to not set your schedule this way for your last semester- though the way your feet dragged as you entered the building and clocked in had you realizing it was no use. 

“Damn- long day?” Liz chuckled from behind the reception counter. 

“So long…” Your voice sounded defeated as it left your mouth. 

“Well, good news- most everyone was picked up from boarding today- we did have one drop off though…” Her voice wavered in uncertainty as you joined her behind the counter. 

“Oh yeah? Who got dropped o-” 

“Just the coolest little dude ever…”

You turned to the comically deep voiced interrupter and watched as Logan walked in from the adjoining break room with a small black Shetland puppy cradled in his arms. 

“Oh my god!” You swooned over the dog and cautiously approached to pet him, earning a laugh from both Liz and your boss as the puppy struggled out of Logan’s hold and into yours. 

“Suppose that will make your night a bit better huh?” Liz laughed out as she gathered her things to leave. “Also… Ryder wasn't picked up from daycare today. I emailed his owners and they requested to leave him here tonight, they're aware of the charges but still need to be billed, I left it open on the computer for you guys.” 

“Is this the universe apologizing for my long day?” You laughed as the puppy licked incessantly at your face. 

“Guess so…” Liz smiled and shrugged as she headed out, wishing you an easy night. 

“So, if you had a rough day- I’m guessing you’ll want to finish up that invoice, since you’ve got some furry company…” Logan chuckled. “I suppose I can lend you my son and get started on dinners.” He rolled his eyes playfully. 

“Oh so he’s your son now? Have you let his owners know- should I send them a quick update email while I’m at it?” 

“Fuck off…” His laugh was much more sincere than you expected as he waved off your comment on his way to the back. You smiled to yourself and got settled at the computer to invoice Ryder’s owners and collect payment, keeping the small puppy in your lap as he absently chewed your hoodie strings. 

---

“Do you drink coffee or tea?” He broke the silence between you as the dogs started to settle down from playing outside. 

“Um, tea usually…” you laughed softly and gave him a questioning glance, “why do you ask?”

“I don’t know- thought I’d ask in case I stop and get us drinks again.” He shrugged as he grinned down at the puppy jumping at his ankles. He groaned dramatically as he sat on a rock and placed the small dog in his lap- chuckling as it immediately gnawed at his fingers. “Plus I don’t know much about you- and if we’re gonna work most nights together I should probably learn the basics.” 

“Fair point.” You smiled and sat beside an exhausted looking Ryder a few feet from him. “That coffee was really good, especially for how cold it was.” You chuckled. “I usually get iced chais, so that wouldn't have been as ideal. What about you?” 

“Well, glad I made that call then. Cause I get the same…” He chuckled. “I mean- usually I turn to- stronger drinks - but chai will suffice at work.”

“Yeah, we wouldn’t want any red wine stains on our clothes at work…” You teased as you pet the panting dog beside you.

“Of course not… totally unprofessional.” He laughed along and rolled his eyes. 

“Well, if we're getting to know each other- umm…” you paused as you thought of good questions (that were at least somewhat professionally appropriate) to ask of your boss. “What made you get into animal care?” 

“Hmm, well I’ve always wanted my own animal- but I’m not sure that my lifestyle or whatever would allow me to properly take care of one, or that I could handle it I guess… I started out just watching my friends' dogs or cats. Then I saw an opening here and figured it would be a nice place to work.” He shrugged and smiled before meeting your gaze. “What about you? I know you worked on the vet side for a while- and you were at an ER before this right?” 

“That's… super cute? Sorry just- picturing you- deep voice and intimidating nature… as a pet sitter, it's strange to think about.” You laughed at the thought. 

“I know… I don’t really look- or sound- the type huh?” He chuckled in agreement and you shook your head and smiled.

“But um- yeah I did. ER was really cool, I got to see a lot of interesting cases there… and working on the vet side here was nice since I still needed more experience for vet school, but both those jobs were really demanding, and I needed to cut back so I could focus more on finishing school- so this seemed perfect for me right now.” 

“I'm glad…” he smiled sweetly, “-you’re smart and deserve to take the time you need to get your school stuff sorted. Especially if you have such a good plan.” 

“I wouldn’t say it’s a good plan- I mean, who knows what I’ll really end up doing.” You scoffed softly. “I never really wanted to go to college or anything but my family pressured me into it, saying I could never make it as anything without it.” 

“Well that's just- not true…” He scoffed loudly.

“No?”

“Definitely not. I mean, I basically raised myself- I was never close with my family- so I don’t really understand that perspective, but school never worked for me. I ended up dropping out pretty early…” he shrugged and turned his attention back to the puppy, now falling asleep in his lap. “I mean, it’s difficult dropping out so young and being like ‘I'm gonna make something of myself someday, I’m gonna do something big-’ but it’s definitely doable.With or without schooling.” His voice softened slightly as he spoke. You couldn’t help but stare at him, almost in awe, at how much he revealed. 

“I’m sorry Logan. That sounds… awful- I’m sorry you went though that…” you paused, “-but thank you. I suppose you’re right, it is difficult for sure… making a name for yourself, or figuring out what to do in life. ” You weren't really sure how to respond to such a candid response. 

“Eh, that's how life goes right?” He chuckled awkwardly, carefully picking up the sleeping puppy as he rose to his feet. “Spose we should let these guys back in, everyone seems tuckered out.” 

“Yeah, suppose we should.” You carefully stood as well, hoping to not rile up the dogs again as you all made your way in for the night. 

-Logan’s POV-

He stayed quiet as the two of you cleaned around the building, silently admonishing himself for his loose lips earlier. He had no idea why he’d shared so much, why talking with you made it so easy to share what seemed like all the most negative things about him. Maybe he was compensating- getting it all out in the open about how he was toxic to befriend so you’d turn tail sooner rather than later. 

He couldn’t help the nagging feeling of relief though, having told you a bit about himself and getting such a kind response. You probably just felt awkward, or pitied him, after all. He shouldn’t make it a regular thing. 

Eventually when you both had finished cleaning, you settled in at the front desk again. He was grateful when you pulled out your notebook and binder from your bag, knowing you would need quiet to do your homework and he couldn’t run his mouth any longer. He did find it a bit funny when you asked if he minded, of course he didn’t care if you got some homework done, especially with the awkward tension in the air now. He put on some soft lofi for you and scrolled on his phone as you worked. Every few minutes or so he’d sneak a glance at your papers, instantly regretting it as he was greeted with complex molecules, chemistry equations, and the pervasive fact that you were far more intelligent than he ever considered himself.

You huffed loudly, breaking the silence as you pushed your papers away and leaned back in the chair. He turned to give you a questioning glance. 

“If you’re stuck on something- I hope you aren't going to ask me for help.” He chuckled. “Because if I lock eyes with your papers again my brain will melt.” 

“No, no…” He bit down on the inside of his cheek as you laughed. “I’m finished. It’s not all correct, but I’m done.” 

“Ah, well good… its aura is haunting the entire room.” He chuckled, cringing away as you put everything back in your bag. 

“Yeah, believe me I know.” You pursed your lips and leaned back again. “You can put on regular music again if you want… Unless you brought your laptop?” 

“Fuck, you remembered that I said that?” He groaned and hid his face in his hands. 

“Sure do, so when you bringin it?”

“Hmmm…” he paused, humming suspiciously. “I don’t know I feel like- if I had some dirt on you, I might be more motivated to remember to bring it…” He insinuated with poorly feigned innocence.

“Wow, blackmail- that's bold.” You giggled, he merely winked in response, a sly grin across his lips. “I guess I’ll have to think of some dirt on me then…” 

The rest of the night was fairly calm. He pulled up some games on the computer for you two to pass the time, and he continued to joke with you throughout the night until it was time to clock out. 

“See you Thursday I guess…” He dramatically huffed as he walked with you to your cars. 

“Are you pouting about the shifts you work alone now?” You laughed as you tossed your things into your car, he smiled and rolled his eyes. 

“Hey, my two to three shifts I have alone are boring now…” 

“Right, because you’re such a conversationalist…” 

“Fuck off…” he chuckled before pausing as he did the same, “drive safe, text me when you get home…” 

He again waited until you were safely out onto the road before pulling out and heading home himself. He took a longer route home this time, opting to stop and pick up some groceries on his way-  not because it would keep his mind off you or from overthinking everything he said, it was only because his fridge and pantry were barren. 

After arriving home and putting everything away, he couldn’t help but feel anxious as he saw you still hadn’t messaged him. He groaned and took a swig from a new bottle of wine he’d gotten and began typing. 

Logan 🐺:

Did you make it home ok?

You:  

Right, sorry… forgot lol yes I did

He chuckled and rolled his eyes.

You:  

Were you worried? lol

Logan 🐺:

Well yeah you didn’t text me 😤

Sorry I care if my friends get home safe… sheesh

You:  

Oh so were friends now? Lmao 

He laughed as he sent back a barrage of offended gifs and memes. He couldn’t really remember the last time he’d been so eager to continue a conversation. 

You:  

Don't be butthurt haha, I just only ever see you at work is all 

Logan 🐺:

Well you're so busy with school- otherwise we could hangout

You:  

Hey don't blame me- you make my work schedule, you know what days I’m off 🤷‍♀️

Logan 🐺:

Fine… fair point…

Sunday?

You:  

I’ll think about it…

He rolled his eyes and sent a few gifs of graves before tossing his phone aside and attempting to wipe the ridiculous smile off his face. He knew this was likely a mistake, but he didn’t really care right now, maybe it was time to make a new friend.