Moonlight - Logicality AU

Ch. 3

Logan's p.o.v.

I came home again this morning from my shift at McDonald's. My co-workers didn't even show up this time. They gave no warning and just left it all to me. In retrospect, they would've made me to all the work regardless, so I'm not quite sure why I'm complaining. 

I quietly opened the door to my apartment and saw that Roman wasn't laying on the bed. I began panicking and searched for him. Thankfully, he merely fell off the bed. I let out a sigh of relief and knelt down to pick him up. He was cuddling with his bear in his sleep, and I set him down on the bed. 

I saw him shaking as he curled up for warmth. Our heating stopped working, since I haven't been able to pay the bills on time, so it was extra cold this morning. I frowned and felt nothing but guilt as I took our only blanket and folded it a few times to provide extra warmth and laid it over him. I then climbed in bed beside him. He turned over in his sleep and hugged me with one arm. 

I smiled a bit and put my arm around him. The reality that he can never have a decent life pains me. Though he doesn't quite understand it yet, the world is exceptionally cruel. 

I shook my head and focused on sleeping. I only had two hours before I had to get back up again, so I couldn't waste it. I laid my head against the mattress and I felt myself slowly dozing off--

I sat upright quickly as I heard a loud knock at the door. I turned to make sure Roman didn't wake up. Luckily, he didn't, as he was a very heavy sleeper. I slowly got out of bed and crept over to the door. I looked through the small hole to make sure it wasn't him. Seeing that it wasn't, I opened the door. 

The landlord was standing in the doorway, his pet snake curled around his arm. "Mornin' Logan. How was work?" 

I shrugged. "Bland as always. Did you sleep alright, Janus?" 

Janus shook his head and sighed. "I kept having the same dream. It's so not getting on my nerves or anything." 

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that." 

Janus sighed pet his little snake, Sean. "I'll get over myself eventually. Though, I need to stop the small talk 'n cut to the chase." 

I sighed. I already knew what this conversation was going to be about. I nodded and let him continue with the elephant in the room. "Your rent is due. I've been lenient and even paid off a month for you, but I'm no charity. Ya need to pay by Friday or else I'll have no choice but to evict ya." 

I frowned, causing him to quickly continue. "Please don't take it personally. I see ya as a friend, truly I do. You're the only one in this buildin' who's not rude, insane, or a criminal. I understand you have it rough, but I have a business to run. People won't take me seriously if I give ya leeway. Ya understand, right?" 

I nodded. I understand where he's coming from, I just don't know if I can get the rent in time. I mean, as long as I don't spend any money on anything for the rest of the week, payday is on Thursday so that should cover it. 

"I understand completely." 

Janus smiled and shook my hand. "Thanks for not gettin' angry. Have a good mornin' and say hi to Roman for me!" He said as he walked off. I sighed and closed the door behind me. I walked back over to the bed and lied beside Roman. I tried falling asleep, but I stayed up thinking about the rent and everything until it was time to get Roman off to school. 

I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes. I gently shook Roman awake. "Good morning, oh wonderful prince. It is time to face another day with bravery and cunning." 

Roman opened his eyes slowly to look at me. I saw his face slowly turn into a smile as he sat up and gave me a hug. 

"Good morning, my trusted butler! Thomas and I would like some cheerios, please!"