Chapter 8
They were being pulled away from their idyllic escape far too early, going back to their normal lives. Logan couldn't leave his employees to manage the cafe on their own for too long. He would easily admit that he was a bit too invested in that place, but then again it was all he had. Logan wasn't the kind to obsess over money, but because he was raising his daughter alone, he wanted to make sure she had everything she could ever want and more. If the cafe were to fail, they would be left with nothing, left literally to be on the streets.
It didn't particularly bother Tony. Naturally, he would have preferred to spend more time with Logan, but he also knew the importance work could take in one’s life. Logan's goals were entirely selfless, and there was nothing wrong with aspiring for success. His initial instinct was to offer help, as he had the means to do so. Tony really loved Laura, enough to want to ensure that her future was bright. This sentiment extended to all three children, and he would go out of his way to help them. He had learnt recently that money wasn’t the answer to everything. At the very least, it would steer relationships in the wrong direction. Tony didn't want something like that to happen here, especially with Logan.
As they walked back to the cafe, the townsfolk greeted them with warm smiles. They appeared to be genuinely pleased for them. Tony guessed that there was no way to keep anything hidden in a tiny community. Secrets were nearly impossible to keep. It was a refreshing change from his experiences in New York, where the press seemed to be omnipresent and intrusive. The so-called journalists often twisted facts to generate sensational stories in order to sell papers.
The remainder of the day flew by in a flash. Tony was happy, and things seemed to be better, problems being solved smoothly. The genius’ creativity thrived, and he successfully was able to make at least three improvements for various items. With these innovations, Stark Industries would be sure to be on top of its game for at least the next six months. Though Tony was no longer as physically present in the research and development department as he used to be, he would make certain that no one suffered as a result of his little heartbreak. Perhaps, he thought, it was time to seriously consider establishing a branch in this area, especially if he intends to stay for an extended period of time.
Logan apparently had to bring Miss Florence meals that night. It had never happened before, but Tony hadn't lived in that area for all that long. The genius was trying hard not to think about what it could mean. They had their first date in the morning, which had gone quite well, but there was no need to rush into conclusions. For now, he was just happy at the opportunity to spend more time with Logan. As they strolled back towards Miss Florence's house, Logan broke the silence.
"We didn't really have time to talk about our next date, if there is a next time of course.”
"I would like that." Tony responded almost hesitantly.
“Good,” Logan responded warmly. “I know I have an odd schedule, but after closing time would work better for me next time. I can arrange a babysitter or wait till Laura has one of their small get-togethers with the boys. I hear they're planning to construct something new.”
"They're thinking about making some kind of robot. They aren't entirely sure what it will look like yet." Tony answered.
The children's antics made both men laugh. Those three had been really lucky to have met and would certainly grow into remarkable people and lifelong friends. It reminded Tony of his own unwavering friendship with his Rhodey-bear. The genius could admit to his good fortune. Despite everything that had happened, Tony would always be thankful for the meeting with James Rhodes during his years in MIT.
“Can I ask you a question? I don't want to pry, so tell me to stop talking if you don't want to discuss it." Tony asked, serious once again.
"Sure, go ahead," Logan replied, a touch of caution evident in their tone.
"I was wondering, what happened to Laura's mother?"
Logan let out a sigh. Tony's insatiable curiosity would be his undoing. Tony should have given Logan more time before asking such personal questions. Logan had no obligation to explain himself or his past. If their relationship were to grow into something serious, the subject would certainly come up at one point or another. Tony just needed a little patience. The genius was thinking about retracting the question, but before he could say a word, Logan finally answered.
"Sarah's health had always been delicate," Logan began, losing himself in the memories. Even when we first met in school, she spent more time absent than in the classroom. Yet, despite that, she was constantly trying to make the best of the situation. She was usually energetic and cheerful. It was easy to forget she was sick. In fact, for quite some time, she was feeling fine and we thought that we had the rest of our lives ahead of us.”
Logan's tone wavered slightly, a mix of nostalgia and sorrow seeping into his words.
“We went to college together. We got married, moved into a new house. We were building a new life, with new jobs, the whole package. Of course, not everything was perfect. Nothing ever is. But it was good. And then, she became pregnant.”
Logan was immersed in his recollections as he looked ahead. His expression was serious rather than angry or sad. Tony could only hope that, while the other man did not particularly like being reminded of his history, he had somehow made peace with it. The genius knew a thing or two about the burden of the past. He would never wish that on anyone.
"It was during one of the initial appointments for the pregnancy that we discovered that her illness had returned." Logan was recounting, his voice tinged with sadness and acceptance. “The doctors informed us right away that the prescribed medication could be harmful to the baby. Without treatment, she had little chance to make it. Sarah didn't hesitate. She had a strong personality like that. To be honest, we argued about it back then. It was an impossible decision to make either way. But it's a strange feeling now, you know. Laura had grown into such a remarkable young woman, and I can’t picture my life without her.”
"Life is just so unfair." Tony said, gutted on Logan’s behalf.
"Sarah passed away just before Laura's first birthday," Logan said, his voice a whisper. “It was a lot longer than the doctors had given her at the beginning. I'm grateful they had that time together, even though Laura has no memory of her. Sometimes, we sit together and look at old photographs from that time. Laura knows the story."
Tony was at a loss for words. When he had asked the question, he had been picturing a difficult divorce. He regretted asking the question almost. Those were not pleasant memories. Logan seemed to be pretty bittersweet about it all. What else could he possibly be feeling? Tony was racking his mind for something to say that wouldn’t sound like bland platitudes. Feelings were definitely not something he was good at.
“I didn’t mean to ruin the mood.” Logan said gently.
“What? No!” Tony blurted out, his voice filled with surprise. “I’m the one who asked! I was just thinking about Laura. She's such an incredible and joyful girl, despite everything. You're doing a fantastic job!”
“Are you impressed?” Logan asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Very much so,"Tony admitted. "I wouldn't even know where to begin."
"Honestly, I knew next to nothing at first. I improvised half the time and relied on luck for the rest." Logan said jokingly.
Tony's smile widened, not because the other man was selling himself short, but because many resilient individuals were like that. They didn’t complain or dwell on the hard things in life. Instead, they just did the best they could whatever the circumstances were, hoping for the best even though they usually got the worst. Tony found himself growing even more fond of Logan, if such a thing was possible. He was falling for Logan. Deeply.
It would only be fair for Tony to tell a bit more about himself. An exchange of sorts. So, without explicitly mentioning their names, he revealed to Logan some details about his parents. His relationship with Steve felt so insignificant at that moment. Tony talked about Howard, how violent he could be, and how he was never content with anything his son accomplished. Maria, his mother, would occasionally display affection, but as Tony grew older, her presence became increasingly scarce.
The rare occasions they spent together were awkward at best, clouded by alcohol and intense arguments. Then, one day, while Tony was at school, they were killed in a vehicle accident. Despite their tumultuous relationship, the genius had mourned their loss deeply. He wasn't prepared, at that time, to face life without his parents. Perhaps this was an experience that nobody could ever truly be ready for.
"I'm not good with all those discussions about feelings," Tony admitted as his trip down memory lane came to a close.
"I believe you're doing better than you think," Logan reassured him.
"I really killed the mood."
Tony was avoiding looking at Logan's face, uncertain of what reaction he might receive. He had no idea what to expect. This was the first time he had shared that particular story with anyone. Not like that. Rhodey had only been present at the conclusion of those specific moments, and Pepper preferred to focus on the future rather than the past. Tony was starting to realise that while Steve was glad to talk about Brooklyn and his childhood there, he never asked questions in return. Then again, Rogers knew Tony's true identity, , and everyone on the planet knew who he was, and everyone on the planet knew Tony Stark's life. Or so they thought, anyway.
"Whether or not our relationship is meant to work out, I'd like to think we're friends first and foremost. And that’s what friends do.” Logan said.
"I suppose you're right."
"Because I really want us to work, I'm glad we were able to share those things. Life isn't always filled with rainbows and roses. I hope that regardless of what the future holds, we will still be able to share in this way."
They chatted a bit more in front of Miss Florence’s house, just to end their conversations on a more upbeat subject, or perhaps they just needed to stay together a bit longer. Logan handed Tony the food for the landlord, which was clearly cold by this point. Before parting ways, Logan planted a swift peck on Tony's lips. Both men wanted more, of course, but it would do for now. There was no rush or need for haste.
Miss Florence was comfortably sitting in her kitchen, unconcerned that her supper had taken so long to arrive. She had placed the order for both Tony and herself, and he couldn't help but suspect that it was her way of intertwining herself into his life. Frankly, he didn't mind if that was the case. The old lady was engrossed in reading the local newspaper, leaving on the side other magazines to which she was subscribed but never read.
They sat in comfortable silence, while the food was being reheated. Tony's mind was hardly focused on the art magazine he was supposed to read, but on Logan. He almost didn't see the photo. Steve had his picture taken at an event with his apparent new boyfriend, according to the caption. Tony recognized the man as Steve Rogers' oldest and closest friend from their days in Brooklyn. Steve was in a relationship with Bucky Barnes.
How long did the artist lie to Tony?