leave5

Thank you all again for the reviews! And for the sake of this part, let's disregard everything after Meow, okay?
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Zack felt frozen. Pregnant. A baby. A Logan's baby.
Max wiped her nose on her sleeve.
I don't know for sure. But it makes sense. I've been sleeping a lot, I got sick, and I'm late. she ventured.
Zack snapped out of his zoning. Late for what-? Oh.
He ducked his head and turned quickly. Max gave a little start-shake of her head. No, he didn't just blush.
Max stood. I need to tell Logan.
Zack faced her. What? Why?
She gave him a look. It's his baby, duh. He should know.

Max blinked. What did you just say?
Nothing good will come of it Max. He dumped you because he didn't want a Chimera girlfriend. Do you think he'll want a Chimera baby?
Max looked like she would cry, so Zack tried to recover.
Okay, maybe he would want his child. Still, what if he blew our cover so he could keep it? Forget Logan, is it even a good idea for you to go through with this?
Max screamed. What do you mean?
Zack went to her and stood close.
Look, Max. I'm not trying to be cruel. Think of all the problems we have. That the other X-5's have. Our siezures, Brin's aging, worst case, Ben's... Ben.
Max sat down and rested her head on her knees. Zack sat down beside her and put an arm around her back, awkwardly.
Max, Manticore may have been Hell behind a fence, but at least they could treat us. What if this has something new and untreatable? Do you want it to die painfully while you watch? Or worse, be sent to Manticore? You got out twice, Max, you willing to pull for a hat trick?
Max sat up.
I'll talk about it with Logan.

Seattle
Logan leaned against his window. He looked surprisingly clean. Maybe, on some level, he wanted to look good in case everything worked out so Max would come back and they would be okay together. Yeah, right. Like some force of unimaginable psychological power would just compell her to come tumbling back into his life.

The door slammed open, making Logan whirl around. Max strode in, Zack behind her.
Logan, study, now! she said.
Dumbly, he responded Max, we broke up, I'm not going to-
She shot him a venemous glare.
No, dumbass, I need to talk to you, so could you please get moving?
Even Zack looked unsettled, so Logan just followed her.
He shut the door behind them. What did you want to say?
I'm pregnant. If you can't figure it out from there, I worry for our kid.
Logan felt like someone had hit him with a baseball bat.
Oh my God. When did you get pregnant?
She glared again.
Well, first we made out, then opted for the bedroom, if you'd like more specifics...
Logan took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.
What I meant was how far along are you?
Max quieted visibly.
Has to be under a month. Maybe two, three weeks. I have plenty of time to get an abortion.
He looked up.
Is that what you want?
I don't know if I can support a kid, Logan. Not just money, I mean, I'd be a seriously screwed mother.
Logan put his glasses back on to look at her. Max looked so tired and young, weary, sitting there.
And I'm assuming you don't want it. One less killer in the world.
Max..., there are other reasons, too.
Spare me.
She walked over to the window so she wouldn't have to meet his eyes.
I could take the baby, if you don't want it. he offered.
I'd rather not. I guess I'll do okay.
I want to help. I'll help out with money, if you'll let me visit.
Max shook her head, but to clear it, not at him.
Zack wants to go to Europe.
A beat.
You'll go with him?
Maybe. This... my... our baby throws off everything.
She turned back to him.
Well, I just thought you should know- About how I want us to be parents, married, loving, a little crazy, but togther, always togther...
Send me an address when the baby is born. I want to visit, Max, I want to be involved.
Max just sent him a look. It said all the work she'd be doing, all the pain she'd be experiencing, and (underlying) how bad she wanted him to be there.

Zack was waiting outside.
So what'd you decide? he asked them. He looked over Max's shoulder at Logan. Logan just looked dazed, hurt, and sad.
Max met Zack's eyes.
I'm keeping it.
Zack showed the only affection he dared, an approving nod.
Max began to walk out the door.
Logan grabbed Zack before he could leave.
Hey. I don't like you, and you don't like me. But we both love her, so just... take care of her. And let me help in any way I can. She's not going to be able to travel after her second trimester, and she'll need ultrasounds and checkups. I can find a doctor, or atleast the equipment. So find a place to stay. Here. Logan tossed a cell phone into his hand.
It's a scrambled signal. Only I can access it, and it's programmed for voice recognition. Just say your name twice into it and only you can call. Give it to Max.
Zack nodded again, afraid to say anything. He started to walk.

He stopped.
It's not just money... Max is going to want someone to be with. And she won't feel well for a good couple of months. So... since I can't, try to love her.
Zack turned.
Why can't you love her?
Eventually, it would get her killed. I can't run with her when things threaten.. so it's not fair to her to risk herself like that. I just can't

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I am so seriously pissed at the ending of ...And Jesus Brought A Casserole. I liked the first one, but to kill of Zack! I smell writers desperate for a plot line, starting praying for a Season 3...