tough days

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The next morning, Logan woke to the sound of soft whining and the gentle weight of Zandee pawing at the blanket draped over him. He blinked sleepily, a small smile tugging at his lips as he reached out to pet her. Beside him, Lando was still fast asleep, his face peaceful, one arm thrown protectively over Logan's waist.

"Alright, Zandee, I'm up," Logan whispered, carefully slipping out of bed so he wouldn't disturb Lando. He scooped up the squirming puppy and padded toward the window, the morning light filtering through the curtains.

After a quick walk with Zandee and a stop at the coffee station in the room, Logan returned to find Lando awake, sitting cross-legged on the bed with his hair adorably mussed. "Morning," Lando greeted, his voice thick with sleep. His eyes immediately softened when he saw Zandee wagging her tail happily in Logan's arms.

"Morning," Logan replied, setting Zandee down on the bed, where she immediately climbed onto Lando's lap.

Just as Logan was about to settle next to them, a loud knock sounded at the door, followed by the unmistakable sound of Carlos' voice.

"Lando! Logan! Open up, we know you're in there!"

Logan froze mid-step, his eyes widening. Lando, on the other hand, groaned dramatically, running a hand down his face. "How did they figure it out already?"

Another knock, this time accompanied by Charles' quieter but persistent tone. "We're not leaving until you open the door!"

Lando exchanged a look with Logan, who shrugged helplessly. "Might as well let them in before they wake the whole floor," Logan said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

With a resigned sigh, Lando got up and opened the door, revealing a grinning Carlos, an eager-looking Charles, and a very smug Oscar.

"Well, well, look who's playing house," Carlos teased, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. "We had a bet going about whether you'd bring Logan and the puppy. Guess who won?"

"Don't tell me it was you," Lando muttered, already anticipating the teasing.

"It was me," Oscar interjected with a grin, holding up his phone. "And I was right. Not only did you bring Logan, but you brought the puppy too."

Charles, meanwhile, was already making a beeline for Zandee. "Oh, mon Dieu, she's so small!" he gushed, sitting cross-legged on the floor and letting the puppy sniff his hand. Zandee, curious and excited, immediately started wagging her tail.

Logan chuckled as he sat back on the bed, watching the scene unfold. "She's got a fan club already."

"She's adorable," Charles said, gently scratching Zandee behind the ears. "I'm demanding a playdate with Leo."

"Let's start with surviving this weekend first," Lando said dryly, though he couldn't hide the fond smile tugging at his lips.

Carlos plopped down on the armchair, stretching his legs out. "So, how are you doing, Logan? Really." His tone was softer, more sincere, and it caught Logan off guard.

Logan hesitated for a moment before answering, "I'm okay. It's... different being here, but it helps having Lando and Zandee."

"Good," Carlos said, nodding approvingly. "And you've got all of us too, you know. Even if we're loud and annoying."

Oscar smirked. "Mostly Carlos, though."

Carlos shot him a mock glare, which Logan couldn't help but laugh at. The warmth of their camaraderie eased some of the lingering tension in his chest.

As the morning wore on, the group stayed, filling the room with laughter and playful banter. Zandee quickly became the center of attention, darting between everyone as she soaked up the affection.

When it was finally time for them to leave, Charles knelt down one last time to kiss the top of Zandee's head. "Until next time, little one," he said fondly before standing and turning to Logan. "And you too. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything, okay?"

"I won't," Logan promised, his voice soft but genuine.

As the door closed behind their friends, Logan turned to Lando, who was already scooping up Zandee. "That wasn't so bad," Logan admitted, his lips quirking into a small smile.

"See?" Lando said, grinning. "Told you we'd make it through."

Logan stepped closer, wrapping his arms around Lando and leaning his head against his shoulder. "Thanks for sticking with me through all of this," he murmured.

Lando kissed the top of his head, holding him close. "Always."

----

Lando sighed as he stepped off the elevator, tugging at his collar to loosen it. The day had been relentless-meetings, debriefs, sponsor obligations. It was part of the job, but today had felt heavier than usual, like every second had dragged him further from the one place he really wanted to be.

Reaching the door to their hotel suite, he paused for a moment, running a hand through his hair and shaking off the stress that clung to him. He pushed the door open, and the sight before him immediately began to mend the frayed edges of his mood.

Logan was sprawled out on the couch, one arm draped lazily over the backrest as he scrolled through his phone. Zandee was curled up beside him, her little chest rising and falling with the rhythm of sleep. The room smelled faintly of coffee and something sweet-Logan must've ordered dessert from room service.

Logan looked up as the door clicked shut, a smile spreading across his face. "Hey, you're back."

Lando set his bag down by the door, his exhaustion melting away as Logan stood and crossed the room to meet him. Without a word, Logan wrapped his arms around Lando's shoulders, pulling him close.

Lando sighed into the embrace, burying his face in Logan's neck. "Long day," he murmured, his voice muffled.

"Looks like it," Logan replied, gently rubbing small circles on Lando's back. "You look like you've been through it."

Lando pulled back just enough to look at Logan, a tired but grateful smile playing on his lips. "I have. But this makes it better."

Before Logan could reply, Lando leaned in, capturing his lips in a deep, slow kiss. Logan responded instantly, his hands slipping into Lando's hair as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. The weight of the day seemed to evaporate, replaced by the warmth and familiarity of Logan's touch.

When they finally pulled apart, Lando rested his forehead against Logan's, their breaths mingling in the quiet room. "God, I needed that," Lando admitted, his voice low and sincere.

Logan grinned, his thumb brushing over Lando's cheek. "Good thing I'm here, then."

Lando chuckled softly, his hands sliding down to rest on Logan's waist. "You're better than therapy. You and Zandee."

As if on cue, Zandee stirred on the couch, stretching her tiny legs before hopping down and padding over to them. She let out a little yawn before nosing at Lando's ankle, her tail wagging.

"And speak of the devil," Lando said, crouching down to scoop her up. He cradled her against his chest, scratching behind her ears as she nuzzled into him.

Logan watched them with a fond smile, his heart swelling at the sight. "You look happier already."

"I am," Lando admitted, standing up and pulling Logan close with his free arm. "This is all I need. You, Zandee, and maybe a decent dinner."

Logan laughed, pressing a quick kiss to Lando's temple. "You're easy to please."

"Only when it comes to you," Lando quipped, his grin widening.

They spent the rest of the evening curled up together, Zandee happily snoozing between them. For Lando, the stress of the day felt like a distant memory, replaced by the comforting reality of being exactly where he belonged.

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