Archive of Our Own ^beta

Eyes closed, Logan basks in the sunrise on Nanny's front step.

""Hello, love.""

Logan opens his eyes, smiles faintly. "'ey, Nanny."

She nods toward his backpack. "You're headed straight out, then?"

"Yea."

Sits beside him. "You're welcome to stay here."

"I know."

"But you won't."

"No."

Twenty seconds of birdsong.

"It's supposed to rain the whole next week in Sydney."

"I'm not Jack," sighs Logan. "I won't catch my death if I get damp."

Nanny bumps his shoulder. "Do you have a waterproof coat?"

Rolls his eyes. "Yes, Nanny."

"Jumpers?"

"Yes, Nanny."

"Socks?"

"Yes, Nanny."

"Your shoes are in good shape?"

"Yes, Nanny."

"And you have a good backpack?"

"It's not falling apart?"

"Does it look like it will?"

Logan nudges it with a foot. "Zippers seem fine."

"Good."

Seven seconds of twittering.

"You going to tell Dad what I'm up to?"

"Not unless you want me to."

"Don't bother. Me disappearing'll make him too happy anyway."

Nanny sighs.

Logan scratches the back of his head.

"Jack will be in the city in a few days if you need a friend and you're always welcome here with me and can call any time."

"I know." Remembers, digs in his backpack, offers a mobile. "Here. It's got some minutes left and I won't need it."

"Are you s—"

"Those things're good as ankle bracelets for tracking someone and I don't want to be found. Not right away, at least."

Nanny nods, accepts, tucks the mobile in a pocket. "Logan ... you don't have to do this."

"Yea, I do." Deep breath. "My brain's—" Vague gesture near his head. "—better when I'm 'outside'. Less noisy. Trying to be normal, I'm all staticky. I can actually think straight on my own." Sighs. "First time ever, feels like."

"You've thought a lot about this."

Logan shrugs. "More than I thought about those uni classes, at least."

Nanny chuckles.

Logan smiles.

"Just ask and I'll do whatever I can to help you."

"Bail money?"

"You're planning on being nicked?"

Scoffs, "'course not, but it's probably inevitable." Ducks his head. "Promise I won't get you in trouble."

"You come to me whenever you need help, dear, and we'll deal with any trouble then."

"But—"

A confident glint in her eyes. "I can handle the police, love."

Logan snorts, then sighs. "I should be on my way." Pushes to his feet, stretches his arms over his head.

Nanny stands, grins. "The nanny manual requires I say 'be careful', so be careful."

"I'll do my best."

"That's all I ask."

Logan shoulders his backpack.

"May I hug you?" asks Nanny softly.

"Sure."

Nanny pulls Logan into a gentle hug.

He rests his head on her shoulder.

She squeezes.

And he squeezes back.

They separate, exchange smiles.

Logan bobs his head, strolls out the front gate, closes it quietly, and melts into the neighbourhood, then the city.