Deep blue

7

Regardless of California's all but obliterated state, there were places that served meals despite the destruction of ODIN, places that strive to maintain some since of normality in a wrecked world, Cortina's was that place. A car full of hungry guys was more than likely driving the oldest Ghost mad. Merrick and Elias took driver and shotgun, Elias tapping at the steering wheel the entire drive and speaking to everyone when they passed an outpost, or a refugee neighborhood or shelter.

Riley was riding with them, like they could leave the loyal dog behind now that his favorite human was back in the pack, he settled himself right between Keegan and Logan in the back row of the SUV, separating them, but maybe that was a good thing, it kept Logan from sneaking a wandering hand on Keegan's thigh or doing that cheesy yawn, arm over shoulder move he saw in movies when he was a teenager. Logan had never been in a relationship before, so Riley blocking Logan from doing something he might regret was for the best, most likely.

The road was bumpy, if it wasn't for Riley planted in the middle seat, they'd be bumping into each other like Kick and Hesh were, shoving off the other and shooting obscenities, acting more like riled up teenagers rather than two grown men. Hesh's usually serious and conservative image could falter every now and then. It was nice to see him relax, the reaction seemed to only be felt by Logan, their dad looked upset about something and Hesh was only pushing it.

"Will you boys quiet it down? The back seat isn't the place for a damn death match." Elias ordered over their loud shouts. It was effective, the two men snapped upright at command, Logan could see Merrick smirking in the rear view mirror.

While Keegan and Logan exchanged an amused glance, Riley turned to the older Sergeant and licked his face, a deep chuckle left Keegan's mouth, quieted when the German Shepherd laid down and rested his head on his lap. Logan felt a fond smile fall on his lips seeing Keegan pet between Riley's ears, he was too caught up in the adorable scene to notice Keegan's right hand sneak behind the dog's lazy form and grab Logan's hand, his thumb grazing over the younger man's knuckle, a private touch, intimate. It could hold him over till they could be alone, safe from their friends' eyes.

Logan almost nodded off himself, his head falling to the side, clumsily evading Keegan's shoulder. It was an awkward angle thanks to the large dog wedged there, his neck felt a prickle of pain, so he shook his head as if to rid the sleepy comfort he felt next to Keegan. It was deceitful, the situation, they weren't alone in the car, his brother, his dad, his friends, any of them could see if he went there and moved Riley out of the way, cuddle under Keegan's arm and allow himself to nap under the warmth of his embrace. He wanted to, his body ached for it, and Keegan's eyes told him he felt the same, his hand tightened around Logan's as his head fell back on the car's head rest, his gaze never leaving Logan.

For once, Logan couldn't wait for lunch to be over.