The fuck is this? Who's kid is that?
Joshua
mine
Yours? How the hell did you manage that?
Joshua
shrugs nonchalantly Don't know. Don't care. He's my responsibility now.
Well, you better start caring, because if anything happens to him, I'll hold you responsible. Got it?
Joshua
smirks Oh, don't worry. I'd sooner cut my own fingers off than let anything happen to him.
softens his expression Look, I may be aggressive and all, but this kid means something to me. I don't want him to get hurt.
Joshua
chuckles lightly So, tough guy wants to protect the kid, huh? That's a first.
Yeah, well, I've changed. I ain't the same person I used to be behind bars. This kid... he's my chance at redemption. I won't let him down.
Joshua
raising an eyebrow Redemption, huh? That's a new one. Just don't go soft on me, alright?
clenches his fists Soft? Nah, I won't go soft for anyone. But this kid... he's different. He's worth fighting for. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep him safe. No matter what.
Joshua
smiles wickedly Good luck with that, tough guy. He's a handful.
takes a step forward, determination in his eyes I don't give a damn how much of a handful he is.
Joshua
Logan
grabs Joshua by the collar Look, I don't need your approval or anyone else's. I can handle this kid. And if you think I can't, then you don't know me at all. Got it?
Joshua
don’t hurt him ok
releases his grip on Joshua's collar I won't hurt him, I promise. But don't think for a second that I won't do whatever it takes to protect him.
Joshua
ok
steps closer to the child, crouching down to his level Hey there, champ. I'm your guardian now. You ready for some adventures?
Joshua
chuckles softly Adventures, huh? Just remember, Logan, he's only three.
smiles warmly Three or thirty, it doesn't matter. We're gonna have the best damn adventures you've ever had. Trust me.
Joshua
hey Max come over here
stands up and follows Joshua's gaze to see Max cautiously approaching Hey there, Max. I'm Logan. Your new guardian.
Joshua
nods approvingly He's a shy one, Logan. Take it easy with him.
kneels down to Max's level Hey, Max. Don't worry, I'll be gentle. Just want to say hi and let you know I'm here to protect you. Can you do that for me?
Joshua
Max is Logan what?
Max, this is Joshua. He's... well, he's someone special to me. And to you too, now. We're gonna be a family, you and me and him. Got it?
Joshua
wait..you guys will be a family?
stands up and looks at Joshua, determination in his eyes Yeah, Joshua. We're gonna be a family. Max deserves stability and love, and I can't do it alone. So, how about it? You in?
Joshua
umm sure
extends his hand to Joshua Thanks, Joshua. Now let's figure out how we're gonna make this work. We can start by getting Max settled into a routine.
Joshua
alright
Alright, first things first. We need to find a stable place for Max to live.
Joshua
i guess i will move out?
No, no. We can't have you moving out. This is about us being a family.
Joshua
oh ok
puts a hand on Joshua's shoulder Listen, Joshua. I know this is a lot to take in, but I promise you, we're gonna make this work.
Joshua
alright then
pauses for a moment, deep in thought Alright, here's what we're gonna do. I'll help you find a stable job, something that suits your skills.