Disclaimer: I don't own em..
Title: Someone to Watch Over
Spoilers: Pilot
A/N: Hey do you guys remember way back to the pilot? Max stayed away from Logan for almost three months after saving him in the hospital. I always wondered why Max stayed away so long and what was going on in their lives. Well, here it is.
Chapter 1: Welcome Home
Welcome Home Logan!!
Max was standing on the roof of the building across the street from Fogle Towers waiting for Logan's Aztec to pull up. She had raced over on her lunch break from Jam Pony. Logan was coming home today. She had snuck by the hospital earlier in the morning and conned it out of one of the nurses with some lame story about being his long lost cousin or secretary or something. Whatever. She had gone by everyday since the shooting but never went in to see him. She wasn't going to get too involved in his life. At least she wasn't going to let him know that. Who was this guy anyway? She barely knew him. Just a fool who got his ass shot off trying to save a world that didn't want saving. Still she just wanted to make sure he got home okay.
The Aztec pulled up in front of the building. Max recognized Logan's tousled hair through the passenger window. A big guy, Logan's therapist, climbed out of the driver's side and pulled a wheelchair from the trunk. He moved to the passenger side of vehicle and opened the door. Max could barely hear his muffled voice.
"Sorry Man, I know this is gonna hurt." He had Logan place his arms around his neck then carefully supported Logan's back and legs in his arms as he moved him from the car to the wheelchair. He was very strong but had a gentle touch. Still, Logan winced. Although Logan was silent Max could clearly see the pain etched into his pale face. The big man bent down and placed Logan's legs in the foot pedals then checked that he was seated as comfortably as possible. Logan had lost so much weight that he was almost lost in the baggy sweats he was wearing.
He looks so small and vulnerable, thought Max to herself. The cynicism in her face melted into compassion. "Logan, why did you have to get yourself into this mess?"
The therapist pushed Logan inside the building. His voice trailed off "You need two more weeks ... hospital...or at least rehab...no beds available." Typical post-pulse world thought Max. Even rich-boy Logan Cale can't find a rehab bed.
Max waited for them to ride the elevator up to Logan's apartment. It was pitch black in there. Max hadn't returned since the deal with Lauren Braganza. The penthouse was suddenly flooded with light as the two men entered. Max listened intently to their voices.
"Welcome home Logan" The therapist's voice broke the silence in the apartment. Max was keenly aware that there was no one else there to welcome Logan home.
"Welcome Home Mr. Hero! Saviour of the World!" Max mouthed sarcastically to herself. "Why is your therapist-for-hire the only one to welcome you home Logan? That's what you get for putting your ass on the line. They'll use you up, suck you dry then dump you. The world doesn't have any use for a broken hero." Then unintentionally her voice softened. "Where are your friends and family? Why are you going through this alone?"
"Thanks, Bling. Would you mind pushing me over to the window." Logan stared out the window almost directly at Max. His blue eyes which were usually alive with enthusiasm for life were darkened with pain. It seemed to Max that he was looking for something that he had lost, ready to spend hours in front of the window searching for that missing thing he didn't even know he needed. The weight of the world seemed to be weighing down on his frail body. Almost by reflex Max reached out her hand to comfort him across the chasm of the street that separated them.
"Max, what are you doing!" she berated herself. "Leave this guy alone!" But she already knew, even against her best judgement, that she was going to stay. Hey, even a hero could use another person pulling for him.
Bling's voice startled them both. "Okay, here's the plan. The next two weeks your job is to eat sleep and relax and give your body a chance to heal. Then we will go to work."
"Okay" Logan replied listlessly.
"Okay. Now first things first. What would you like for lunch?"
"I'm not really hungry..." Logan was still staring out the window.
"I didn't ask if you were hungry. I asked what you would like for lunch. And you will eat, hungry or not." Bling's voice took on a no-nonsense tone. He pulled Logan away from the window and wheeled him into the kitchen.
"This Bling guy's good." thought Max. He wasn't going to let Logan pull any crap. Yet, he had an understanding and compassion that Max was surprised to see.
Max looked at her watch. The lunch hour was long past. She could hear Normal yelling "Where the firetruck's Max?!" Yet she couldn't leave.
"Bling, could you help me find my journal? I really need to do some writing and clear my head. I think I left it in the bedroom. It's a brown leather covered notebook."
"Sure Man." Bling rolled Logan from the kitchen back to the window and went into the bedroom to retrieve the notebook. He returned shortly and handed the book and a pen to Logan.
"I'll be in the kitchen cleaning up if you need me." Bling left Logan to his thoughts.
Logan sat in front of the window for a long time. He would alternate staring out the window for minutes on end to pouring his emotions furiously onto the pages of his notebook.
Suddenly Logan's body stiffened dramatically. His notebook fell to the floor and his eyes darkened as a flood of pain washed over him. As he doubled over in agony Max could hear his breath come out in low moaning gasps.
Bling was there in an instant.
"Logan. You're having back spasms. We need to get you out of the chair and lying down to allow your back muscles to relax." Bling's calming voice somehow got Logan's attention.
"Please don't move me." Logan had a pleading look in his eyes. The pain was overwhelming him and he was terrified of being touched.
"Logan. Please look at me. I promise it will be better once we get you lying down." Bling's voice was gentle yet focused as he tried to reach Logan through the pain.
Logan looked into Bling's eyes with a desperate trust. He nodded his head then steeled himself for the inevitable shock of pain as Bling carefully picked him up and laid him on the couch. Max cringed as she heard another tortured moan come from Logan.
"We're almost there, Logan. Just keep breathing." Bling spoke softly as he propped Logan onto his side and supported him in position by placing cushions under his head and behind his legs. He gently rolled up Logan's sweatshirt and began to work on Logan's tortured back muscles. Max was shocked to see how thin Logan was. She could easily see the outline of his ribs even from across the road. It looked like Logan hadn't eaten in weeks. No wonder Bling was so determined earlier to have Logan eat.
Bling quietly went to work, patiently working on the muscles up and down Logan's spine. As he gently kneaded out the knots Max could hear Logan's breathing return to normal.
"Is it easing up?" Bling asked gently.
Logan nodded almost imperceptibly.
"I'll continue for a few more minutes then we will turn you onto your back."
"Okay." Came the muffled reply. It was the first word Logan was able to utter in almost an hour.
Bling then gently turned Logan onto his back. Max could see Logan cringe again as he was moved but he was able to relax once more as Bling propped him up with a couple of cushions.
"Logan, close your eyes if you can and try to get some rest. I'll be right here beside you." Bling's calming voice seemed to have a soothing effect on Logan. The look of trust was back in Logan's eyes as he looked up at Bling. He then closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall asleep as exhaustion overtook him.
Bling's kindness to Logan overwhelmed Max. She had never seen someone treat another person so gently before. At Manticore Max had been taught not to be surprised at what people could do to each other. But she had never been shown the good people were capable of. In these few moments Bling had taught Max a lesson she would never forget.
Bling was true to his word and stayed at Logan's side until he awoke a few hours later.
"How are you feeling?" The concern was obvious in Bling's voice.
"Better. Thanks." There was a calmness in Logan's voice that wasn't there before. "Could you help me sit up?"
Max could see that it hurt Logan to be moved once again, but he seemed to be calmed by Bling's presence. Bling stayed close to Logan for the remainder of the afternoon and evening making sure that he was comfortable. He would help Logan shift positions periodically when his muscles became fatigued. He retrieved Logan's journal and also brought him a book to read. He left Logan's side only long enough to prepare a simple meal then returned to keep him company. They didn't speak much but Bling was there in case Logan needed anything.
When Logan finally fell asleep for the night Max left for home. She slipped quietly in the door. She knew Kendra would drill her about where she was all day and night. What was she gonna tell her? I was hanging out on the roof across the street from Logan's. I watched him eat. I watched him sit on the couch and try to read. I watched as his therapist rearranged the furniture in the house to make room for his wheelchair. I watched him trying to write in his journal. I watched him doubled over in agony when a back spasm hit him. I watched him cringe in pain every time he needed to be moved. I watched him stare out the window for hours without saying a word. Yea right!
Max was on watch again the next day when the phone calls started coming in at Logan's. As Bling offered him the phone he would just shake his head no. Then Max understood why nobody had come by yesterday. He hadn't told anyone that he was going home. Now they had caught up with him but he didn't want to talk. A part of Max could understand him. She didn't know if it was right or wrong but she could relate to the need to fight battles alone, not to rely on anyone. And so she didn't venture any nearer to Logan than the roof across the street.
The next morning she went back before work, then again at lunch and again all evening until Logan went to bed. He became her focus, her obsession. To be there, to encourage any small change, any improvement. It was the same routine every day, eat, rest, read, write, stare out the window and eventually sleep. Sometimes Logan would allow Bling to help him into bed but more often than not he would fall asleep on the couch reading a book or in his chair writing in his journal and staring out the window until his exhausted body gave in to sleep. Bling would then gently pick him up and take him to bed. Then Max could go home.
After a few days Logan's health began to improve. With regular meals and rest and Bling's concerned care his body began to heal. The colour came back to his face and he no longer cringed in pain every time he had to be moved. But at the same time Max watched Logan's frustration grow as he realized he was still almost totally dependent on Bling physically. He barely had the strength to wheel himself across the room let alone get in and out of the chair, yet he pushed Bling to get started on his rehab program.
From her post on the roof Max watched the same scenario play out every night. As the rain began to fall around her the tension in Logan's penthouse grew.
"Look, Bling. I can't wait any longer. We need to start rehab tomorrow." Logan's intensity increased every day.
"No." Max couldn't believe how calm Bling could be.
"Why?"
Logan this isn't going to get you anywhere Max thought.
"How many days have you been home?" Bling would reply with the same question every day.
"Six." Yesterday it was five.
"Geez Logan, you're starting to sound like a broken record." Max tried to distance herself but the man's frustration was affecting her deeply.
"I said, you need to wait two weeks." Bling was matter of fact but he was always around to make sure that Logan did in fact rest.
"I can't wait two weeks! I can't wait another day! I need to do something now!" Logan was about to explode.
Bling got down on his knees in front of Logan's chair so he could look at him face to face. His eyes were full of compassion.
"I'm sorry Logan. I can't make this go any faster. You've just begun healing from the surgery. If we push it too fast you could end up tearing yourself up inside. I don't want you back in the hospital again."
Somehow Logan swallowed his anger and frustration and wheeled himself to the window to watch the rain.
The rainy nights were the worst. Logan would sit in front of that window as the rain poured tears down the panes. Tears that he wouldn't or couldn't shed. It seemed the only way he could endure the night was to focus on the rain. Somehow Bling seemed to understand and let him stay by the window. As the rain poured down upon her Max sat and watched and waited with him. When the morning dawned Logan was able to pull away and ask Bling to help him into bed so he could sleep a few hours. It was as if Logan lived for the dawn, for that symbol of hope. He had to see the new day before he could believe it and then he could rest.
Max climbed down off the roof to retrieve her bike. Might as well go in to work early. Normal will be so pleased. It's off to work we go... Max's feeble attempts at cynical humor sounded hollow to her. She knew that they would both face many more nights like the last one.
The next day Logan appeared calmer on the surface but in his eyes Max could see a determination that wasn't there before. He was going to do what he wanted to do when he wanted to do it. He was just biding his time until the opportunity came.
A few days later he got what he was looking for. For the first time Bling reluctantly left Logan alone to run to the store to pick up a few groceries. He figured Logan would be okay alone for a half hour or so but gave him his pager just in case.
Logan waited until he heard the elevator descending then he pushed himself toward the couch. Max could tell exactly what he was planning to do. He was going to get out of the chair by himself even if it killed him. And he was going to do it today.
Logan locked the wheels of his chair and with his hands picked up one lifeless leg then the other and placed them on the floor. He pushed himself forward to the edge of the chair then placed his hands on the couch. He took a deep breath and as he exhaled he swung his hips towards the couch. But he didn't have the strength to support his whole body weight. His arms gave out and he collapsed onto the floor.
Max couldn't believe this guy. It was obvious that he wasn't going to make it but still he had to be a Man and do it himself.
"That's it Logan Cale. Solitude or no solitude. I'm coming over!" She yelled at him as she started to take off in a fast run. "No wonder I'm here. You need someone to make sure you don't break your neck!"
To be continued...
Title: Someone to Watch Over
Spoilers: Pilot
A/N: Hey do you guys remember way back to the pilot? Max stayed away from Logan for almost three months after saving him in the hospital. I always wondered why Max stayed away so long and what was going on in their lives. Well, here it is.
Chapter 1: Welcome Home
Welcome Home Logan!!
Max was standing on the roof of the building across the street from Fogle Towers waiting for Logan's Aztec to pull up. She had raced over on her lunch break from Jam Pony. Logan was coming home today. She had snuck by the hospital earlier in the morning and conned it out of one of the nurses with some lame story about being his long lost cousin or secretary or something. Whatever. She had gone by everyday since the shooting but never went in to see him. She wasn't going to get too involved in his life. At least she wasn't going to let him know that. Who was this guy anyway? She barely knew him. Just a fool who got his ass shot off trying to save a world that didn't want saving. Still she just wanted to make sure he got home okay.
The Aztec pulled up in front of the building. Max recognized Logan's tousled hair through the passenger window. A big guy, Logan's therapist, climbed out of the driver's side and pulled a wheelchair from the trunk. He moved to the passenger side of vehicle and opened the door. Max could barely hear his muffled voice.
"Sorry Man, I know this is gonna hurt." He had Logan place his arms around his neck then carefully supported Logan's back and legs in his arms as he moved him from the car to the wheelchair. He was very strong but had a gentle touch. Still, Logan winced. Although Logan was silent Max could clearly see the pain etched into his pale face. The big man bent down and placed Logan's legs in the foot pedals then checked that he was seated as comfortably as possible. Logan had lost so much weight that he was almost lost in the baggy sweats he was wearing.
He looks so small and vulnerable, thought Max to herself. The cynicism in her face melted into compassion. "Logan, why did you have to get yourself into this mess?"
The therapist pushed Logan inside the building. His voice trailed off "You need two more weeks ... hospital...or at least rehab...no beds available." Typical post-pulse world thought Max. Even rich-boy Logan Cale can't find a rehab bed.
Max waited for them to ride the elevator up to Logan's apartment. It was pitch black in there. Max hadn't returned since the deal with Lauren Braganza. The penthouse was suddenly flooded with light as the two men entered. Max listened intently to their voices.
"Welcome home Logan" The therapist's voice broke the silence in the apartment. Max was keenly aware that there was no one else there to welcome Logan home.
"Welcome Home Mr. Hero! Saviour of the World!" Max mouthed sarcastically to herself. "Why is your therapist-for-hire the only one to welcome you home Logan? That's what you get for putting your ass on the line. They'll use you up, suck you dry then dump you. The world doesn't have any use for a broken hero." Then unintentionally her voice softened. "Where are your friends and family? Why are you going through this alone?"
"Thanks, Bling. Would you mind pushing me over to the window." Logan stared out the window almost directly at Max. His blue eyes which were usually alive with enthusiasm for life were darkened with pain. It seemed to Max that he was looking for something that he had lost, ready to spend hours in front of the window searching for that missing thing he didn't even know he needed. The weight of the world seemed to be weighing down on his frail body. Almost by reflex Max reached out her hand to comfort him across the chasm of the street that separated them.
"Max, what are you doing!" she berated herself. "Leave this guy alone!" But she already knew, even against her best judgement, that she was going to stay. Hey, even a hero could use another person pulling for him.
Bling's voice startled them both. "Okay, here's the plan. The next two weeks your job is to eat sleep and relax and give your body a chance to heal. Then we will go to work."
"Okay" Logan replied listlessly.
"Okay. Now first things first. What would you like for lunch?"
"I'm not really hungry..." Logan was still staring out the window.
"I didn't ask if you were hungry. I asked what you would like for lunch. And you will eat, hungry or not." Bling's voice took on a no-nonsense tone. He pulled Logan away from the window and wheeled him into the kitchen.
"This Bling guy's good." thought Max. He wasn't going to let Logan pull any crap. Yet, he had an understanding and compassion that Max was surprised to see.
Max looked at her watch. The lunch hour was long past. She could hear Normal yelling "Where the firetruck's Max?!" Yet she couldn't leave.
"Bling, could you help me find my journal? I really need to do some writing and clear my head. I think I left it in the bedroom. It's a brown leather covered notebook."
"Sure Man." Bling rolled Logan from the kitchen back to the window and went into the bedroom to retrieve the notebook. He returned shortly and handed the book and a pen to Logan.
"I'll be in the kitchen cleaning up if you need me." Bling left Logan to his thoughts.
Logan sat in front of the window for a long time. He would alternate staring out the window for minutes on end to pouring his emotions furiously onto the pages of his notebook.
Suddenly Logan's body stiffened dramatically. His notebook fell to the floor and his eyes darkened as a flood of pain washed over him. As he doubled over in agony Max could hear his breath come out in low moaning gasps.
Bling was there in an instant.
"Logan. You're having back spasms. We need to get you out of the chair and lying down to allow your back muscles to relax." Bling's calming voice somehow got Logan's attention.
"Please don't move me." Logan had a pleading look in his eyes. The pain was overwhelming him and he was terrified of being touched.
"Logan. Please look at me. I promise it will be better once we get you lying down." Bling's voice was gentle yet focused as he tried to reach Logan through the pain.
Logan looked into Bling's eyes with a desperate trust. He nodded his head then steeled himself for the inevitable shock of pain as Bling carefully picked him up and laid him on the couch. Max cringed as she heard another tortured moan come from Logan.
"We're almost there, Logan. Just keep breathing." Bling spoke softly as he propped Logan onto his side and supported him in position by placing cushions under his head and behind his legs. He gently rolled up Logan's sweatshirt and began to work on Logan's tortured back muscles. Max was shocked to see how thin Logan was. She could easily see the outline of his ribs even from across the road. It looked like Logan hadn't eaten in weeks. No wonder Bling was so determined earlier to have Logan eat.
Bling quietly went to work, patiently working on the muscles up and down Logan's spine. As he gently kneaded out the knots Max could hear Logan's breathing return to normal.
"Is it easing up?" Bling asked gently.
Logan nodded almost imperceptibly.
"I'll continue for a few more minutes then we will turn you onto your back."
"Okay." Came the muffled reply. It was the first word Logan was able to utter in almost an hour.
Bling then gently turned Logan onto his back. Max could see Logan cringe again as he was moved but he was able to relax once more as Bling propped him up with a couple of cushions.
"Logan, close your eyes if you can and try to get some rest. I'll be right here beside you." Bling's calming voice seemed to have a soothing effect on Logan. The look of trust was back in Logan's eyes as he looked up at Bling. He then closed his eyes and allowed himself to fall asleep as exhaustion overtook him.
Bling's kindness to Logan overwhelmed Max. She had never seen someone treat another person so gently before. At Manticore Max had been taught not to be surprised at what people could do to each other. But she had never been shown the good people were capable of. In these few moments Bling had taught Max a lesson she would never forget.
Bling was true to his word and stayed at Logan's side until he awoke a few hours later.
"How are you feeling?" The concern was obvious in Bling's voice.
"Better. Thanks." There was a calmness in Logan's voice that wasn't there before. "Could you help me sit up?"
Max could see that it hurt Logan to be moved once again, but he seemed to be calmed by Bling's presence. Bling stayed close to Logan for the remainder of the afternoon and evening making sure that he was comfortable. He would help Logan shift positions periodically when his muscles became fatigued. He retrieved Logan's journal and also brought him a book to read. He left Logan's side only long enough to prepare a simple meal then returned to keep him company. They didn't speak much but Bling was there in case Logan needed anything.
When Logan finally fell asleep for the night Max left for home. She slipped quietly in the door. She knew Kendra would drill her about where she was all day and night. What was she gonna tell her? I was hanging out on the roof across the street from Logan's. I watched him eat. I watched him sit on the couch and try to read. I watched as his therapist rearranged the furniture in the house to make room for his wheelchair. I watched him trying to write in his journal. I watched him doubled over in agony when a back spasm hit him. I watched him cringe in pain every time he needed to be moved. I watched him stare out the window for hours without saying a word. Yea right!
Max was on watch again the next day when the phone calls started coming in at Logan's. As Bling offered him the phone he would just shake his head no. Then Max understood why nobody had come by yesterday. He hadn't told anyone that he was going home. Now they had caught up with him but he didn't want to talk. A part of Max could understand him. She didn't know if it was right or wrong but she could relate to the need to fight battles alone, not to rely on anyone. And so she didn't venture any nearer to Logan than the roof across the street.
The next morning she went back before work, then again at lunch and again all evening until Logan went to bed. He became her focus, her obsession. To be there, to encourage any small change, any improvement. It was the same routine every day, eat, rest, read, write, stare out the window and eventually sleep. Sometimes Logan would allow Bling to help him into bed but more often than not he would fall asleep on the couch reading a book or in his chair writing in his journal and staring out the window until his exhausted body gave in to sleep. Bling would then gently pick him up and take him to bed. Then Max could go home.
After a few days Logan's health began to improve. With regular meals and rest and Bling's concerned care his body began to heal. The colour came back to his face and he no longer cringed in pain every time he had to be moved. But at the same time Max watched Logan's frustration grow as he realized he was still almost totally dependent on Bling physically. He barely had the strength to wheel himself across the room let alone get in and out of the chair, yet he pushed Bling to get started on his rehab program.
From her post on the roof Max watched the same scenario play out every night. As the rain began to fall around her the tension in Logan's penthouse grew.
"Look, Bling. I can't wait any longer. We need to start rehab tomorrow." Logan's intensity increased every day.
"No." Max couldn't believe how calm Bling could be.
"Why?"
Logan this isn't going to get you anywhere Max thought.
"How many days have you been home?" Bling would reply with the same question every day.
"Six." Yesterday it was five.
"Geez Logan, you're starting to sound like a broken record." Max tried to distance herself but the man's frustration was affecting her deeply.
"I said, you need to wait two weeks." Bling was matter of fact but he was always around to make sure that Logan did in fact rest.
"I can't wait two weeks! I can't wait another day! I need to do something now!" Logan was about to explode.
Bling got down on his knees in front of Logan's chair so he could look at him face to face. His eyes were full of compassion.
"I'm sorry Logan. I can't make this go any faster. You've just begun healing from the surgery. If we push it too fast you could end up tearing yourself up inside. I don't want you back in the hospital again."
Somehow Logan swallowed his anger and frustration and wheeled himself to the window to watch the rain.
The rainy nights were the worst. Logan would sit in front of that window as the rain poured tears down the panes. Tears that he wouldn't or couldn't shed. It seemed the only way he could endure the night was to focus on the rain. Somehow Bling seemed to understand and let him stay by the window. As the rain poured down upon her Max sat and watched and waited with him. When the morning dawned Logan was able to pull away and ask Bling to help him into bed so he could sleep a few hours. It was as if Logan lived for the dawn, for that symbol of hope. He had to see the new day before he could believe it and then he could rest.
Max climbed down off the roof to retrieve her bike. Might as well go in to work early. Normal will be so pleased. It's off to work we go... Max's feeble attempts at cynical humor sounded hollow to her. She knew that they would both face many more nights like the last one.
The next day Logan appeared calmer on the surface but in his eyes Max could see a determination that wasn't there before. He was going to do what he wanted to do when he wanted to do it. He was just biding his time until the opportunity came.
A few days later he got what he was looking for. For the first time Bling reluctantly left Logan alone to run to the store to pick up a few groceries. He figured Logan would be okay alone for a half hour or so but gave him his pager just in case.
Logan waited until he heard the elevator descending then he pushed himself toward the couch. Max could tell exactly what he was planning to do. He was going to get out of the chair by himself even if it killed him. And he was going to do it today.
Logan locked the wheels of his chair and with his hands picked up one lifeless leg then the other and placed them on the floor. He pushed himself forward to the edge of the chair then placed his hands on the couch. He took a deep breath and as he exhaled he swung his hips towards the couch. But he didn't have the strength to support his whole body weight. His arms gave out and he collapsed onto the floor.
Max couldn't believe this guy. It was obvious that he wasn't going to make it but still he had to be a Man and do it himself.
"That's it Logan Cale. Solitude or no solitude. I'm coming over!" She yelled at him as she started to take off in a fast run. "No wonder I'm here. You need someone to make sure you don't break your neck!"
To be continued...