Backslide

With heavy steps, Max trudged back to the elevator. Logan was going to be pleased that Zack had left, she knew it. But, could she ever get past the fact of how much Zack really did care…and then snubbed her?

Don't be a fool, she told herself suddenly as the elevator hummed, traveling upwards. Zack's not one for sentimental value, and you know it, don't pretend you don't. With a, "ding", the elevator doors slid open, and Max walked out, ready to face Logan.

As always, his door was unlocked, and she hesitated before reaching for the knob. It's just Logan, she told herself, he's not going to hurt you. She briskly turned the knob and entered.

Logan was busy reading over files in the living room area. Looking up as she entered, he smiled. Then, seeing the absence of Zack and the look upon Max's face, he frowned. "Where's Zack?"

"Gone."

"Gone?" he repeated, wondering what would've made "Wonder Boy Zack" run off…again. "Why?" Logan asked her.

Max shrugged and sat down at the table across from him. "Honestly, I don't know. He just gave some reason and left. Simple as that."

Logan shoved the loose pieces of paper into a file and looked at Max more closely. "You going to be alright?"

She nodded. "It's not that big of deal, really it isn't."

"Then why are you so upset?"

Max looked shocked and turned away from his penetrating gaze. She could never tell Logan her true feelings for Zack, for that would be the end of their relationship completely. And, even though she wasn't sure what she felt for Logan, she couldn't risk losing whatever they had to begin with.

Turning back to Logan, Max smiled. "That time of the month," she lied through her teeth, for Max didn't have monthly problems. Fortunately, Logan, at this time, didn't know about her heat cycles.

"Oh," Logan replied and didn't question it any further. Female problems…not something he liked to get into.

Max rose to her feet and stared down at Logan. "I need to get going. Y'know…check in with Original Cindy and see if I still have my job," she said with a smile.

"True." She turned away from him and headed towards the door, ready to twist the knob and leave again. Yet, she couldn't leave just yet.

"Logan?"

"Hmmm?" he asked, looking up suddenly.

"I…I want to thank you."

"Thank me? For what?"

"For saving my ass when it needed to be saved."

He laughed. "No problem. Although, I haven't ever been thanked for something like that…still…" Logan laughed again. "You're welcome."

Laughing with him, Max closed the door behind her and headed back to her apartment. Logan, watching her leave, realized she was still wearing her burned Manticore uniform. Yet, that didn't make her any less beautiful to him. God, how he wanted her, but would never admit it. With Zack gone though, that put things into a whole new perspective.

The competition was gone and wasn't going to be back for awhile. This pleased Logan because Zack had also hurt Max slightly, therefore, pushing her closer to him, or so Logan believed. Perhaps, Logan thought to himself as he wheeled into the bedroom, perhaps life wouldn't be quite so difficult anymore.