A/n: Thanks for your reviews, everyone. I know this is appallingly short and pretty plotless; it's a filler before we get into the action scenes. Hopefully it won't take quite as long to update next time either.

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Chapter 35: Déjà Vu

The next time Max awoke, she was tightly wrapped in Logan's arms, her head resting on his chest. The previous day felt like the sweetest memory she'd ever have; she promised herself silently that she'd keep every detail locked away in her memory until the day she died.

After just holding one another while the tears flowed down both their cheeks, Max and Logan's emotions had overwhelmed them and they'd made passionate love right there on the couch, needing to affirm that they were alive, and together, and in love, no matter what might happen to them later. Afterwards, they'd shared a bath together, neither willing to lose contact with their beloved for a single precious second. Then had come a long, comfortable evening, spent like their evenings always used to be; Logan made dinner, they talked (carefully avoiding the subject of the following day), they played chess; but this time they shared frequent kisses and embraces, rarely not touching for any period of time. Eventually, Logan had taken Max's hand and led her to his bedroom. They'd shared a second incredible night together; made bittersweet by the fact both knew it could be their last.

This morning, Max knew that their time to just be happy was over. It was time to take down Manticore; and in so doing risk the one thing that made her freedom worthwhile.

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It didn't take long for Max and Logan to set up the anti trace equipment at the cabin. He gave her a short crash course and some written instructions on how to operate the software before they both knew it was time for him to leave. Max felt a terrible sense of déjà vu as she came to the driver's side window, a terrible cold fear gnawing at her heart.

"Never thought we could be unlucky enough to go through this again," he said wryly.

"They might have been able to stop me needing much sleep, but they sure as hell couldn't write nightmares out of my DNA," she replied softly.

Logan put his hand out of the window and cupped Max's cheek tenderly, stroking away the first tear to overflow with his thumb.

"I'm coming back, Max," he told her firmly. "And I'm bringing my son with me."

"But what if you don't? What if they find you…"

"They won't. I know what I'm doing, Max; we all do."

"I just can't shake this feeling I'm never going to see you again…"

"You will. I promised I wouldn't leave you all those months ago and I won't; not ever." Max just gazed into Logan's sincere blue eyes for an infinite moment.

"I believe you." Max leaned in through the window and kissed him, hard and urgent.

"I love you, Max," said Logan, as they broke apart.

"I love you, Logan." She brushed her lips against his one last time and then spoke the words both had known were coming.

"Just go," she whispered tearfully, withdrawing from the window.

Logan started the car and tore his eyes from hers. As he turned back to the road, he watched the rear view mirror to see the image of the woman he loved grow smaller with every inch of movement.

As he drove back to Sebastian's, Logan prayed that he'd be able to keep his promise.

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So? Any thoughts?