Sleep
Logan tiredly rubbed his eyes. If he stayed awake one moment longer, he'd snap. Sitting in font of a computer for eleven hours wasn't all it's cracked up to be. Mustering any amount of energy and self-control he could, Logan wheeled himself slowly towards his bedroom.
For a frightening moment, his sleep deprived mind hought there was someone following him. But a swift glance behind him showed no one. The only one who'd be able to move that quietly and swiftly was Max and she had left hours ago. Shaking his head, he continued his arduous trip to bed.
After the large amount of work to get to his room, he decided to forgo changing clothes. He pulled himself onto his bed and placed his glasses on the night stand next to him. Turning out the light was the last thing he did before easily, more easily than usual, falling asleep.
No sooner was he asleep than he was awakened by a light pressure sinking in his bed. His exhausted ees opened to see a smiling Max.
Confusion crossed his features. "Max?" His speech was slured heavily.
She chuckled. "Hi."
Logan's mind refused to come out of it's sleepy fog. "What are you doing here?"
Max looked a little uncertain. "Um...I just wanted to see you. You always work too hard and you seemed kinda down before. I decided to suprise you."
A small smile touched his lips. "I'm glad to know you care." Bitting her lip, Max avoided his eyes for a moment. Logan's smile transformed into a frown. "What's wrong, Max?" He tried desperately to keep his weary eyes fcused.
"I..." Max started, then started over. "You mean a lot to me, Logan." She breathed in deeply before continuing and Logan wondered what she wanted to say. "I think I'm in love with you." Max breathed it more than said it.
He only laughed and gently took her hand in his own. "I was wondering when you'd come around." Logan surprised both himself and Max as he pulled her to him for a delicate kiss. The slight beard of Logan's tickled her face. That didn't stop either of them, nor did the fact that Zach had entered the room.
Roughly, Zach grabbed Max by the wrist and pulled her away.
"No time for that now, Maxie," his voice reeked of jealousy. "Lydecker's right next door and we have to get out of here." Pulling her too forcefully, Zach dragged her away.
"Logan!" came Max's terrified scream as she looked back at Logan. But to her own dissappointment, Logan had surrendered to his fatigue.
The door to Logan's appartment opened to show the one person Max would rather die than ever see again. Lydecker.
"Why you ever thought you could live a normal life, it's a shame. You will always belong to Manticore." Evil laughter drowned out Max's cries of protest as she was shoved into a military vehicle by her brother and her creator.
Max awoke breathing deeply. Her mind darted to her last memories of losing Logan and being captured by Lydecker, and Zach. For a brief instant she was filled with fear. But her fear quickly subsided when she saw the sleeping form next to her. She shifted closer to him and laid a hand on his chest feeling his strong heartbeat.
After a few moments, she was greeted by sparkling blue eyes. "Are you alright?" Logan asked, his voice deep and husky from sleep.
She smiled sweetly at him. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?"
Happiness showered his face. "As a matter of fact, you have."
Closing her eyes to breathe in the realiness of Logan's scent and his love, Max sighed. "Just wanted to make sure."
Max knew everything was alright and that the dream was far gone when Logan kissed her forehead. Max didn't belong to Manticore. She belonged to the, loving, far too caring, handsome man next to her. And that was all that mattered.