[10:45pm, 12/31/20]

Max rode down the narrow streets, heading for Crash. Riding her baby was always exiting, but when she had Logan right behind her, hands wrapped around her waist, it was downright heaven. She pulled into the Crash parking lot, and started to climb off.

Logan reluctantly released his grip on Max, and stepped off after her. "Remind me again why we couldn't take my car?"

Max smiled sweetly. "Well, that wouldn't have been half as fun."

"Oh that was fun? Why wasn't I informed?"

Max gently hit Logan's arm. "Admit it, you had fun."

Logan didn't grace Max with an answer. He just walked into Crash, Max by his side. When they got inside, Max immediately spotted Original Cindy, Herbal, Sketchy, and Alec near the back. She sped up, pulling Logan with her. When she reached them, she tapped Herbal on the shoulder.

"Herbal? What happen to you, boy? Why'd you leave Jam Pony?"

Herbal quickly hugged Max. "The lord did find me work elsewhere, and my woman and me moved out into secta three… It's good to see you, Max."

Max turned to find Logan already talking to Alec, second later Alec led Logan over to the pool table. Max smiled to herself, wondering who would win. Cindy watched the two boys with a smile as well, and waved Max over to sit by her.

"Hey, boo. Se you brought miracle-boy."

Max sighed, knowing it was a lost cause. "His name is Logan. Okay?"

Cindy smirked. "Whateva, boo. So, we gonna have some heavy kisses in a bit?"

Max was extremely confused. "Cindy, you know we're not like that. What the hell are you talking about?"

Cindy gave Max a look, telling Max that she was very dumb. "At midnight, boo. Y'all gonna take the excuse and run with it?"

"What the hell are you talking about, Cindy? I am completely lost!"

Suddenly it dawned on Original Cindy. Max didn't know the tradition. Oh, god. This could be fun. "Okay, Max. See, there's this tradition… at midnight, you yell 'Happy New Year' and kiss somebody. Generally someone you brought with you. Someone who you like… friend or otherwise." Cindy smiled at the shocked look on Max's face. Her eyes flew to Logan, standing at the pool table taking a shot. Which gave Max a very nice view of his butt. Cindy patted Max on the shoulder. "Have fun, boo. Original Cindy's gonna go find a lickity-chick of her own to kiss."

Max stared wordless after Cindy, and turned back to Logan. She watched him beat Alec at pool-- it was very close-- and then they walked over. Logan picked up the empty pitcher.

"I'm gonna go get a refill, kay?"

Max smiled at him. "Thanks, Logan."

As he walked away, Alec turned to her. "So, are you gonna kiss him at midnight?"

Max groaned and threw up her arms. "Did everyone know about this except me?"

Alec smiled and whacked her on the back. "Seems that way, don't it?"

Max buried her head in her arms. "Go away, Alec."

"See, now, what fun would that be? You know, it you don't want to kiss Logan, I'm always open to suggestion…"

"ALEC! Go away, now, before I hurt you." Max didn't move. To anyone else, it would look like she passed out.

Someone rubber her back. Max sat up suddenly, ready to kill whomever it was. She turned to see Logan's worried blue eyes and she bit her tongue.

"Max, are you alright?"

She sighed. "Yeah, Logan. I'm fine."

"You sure?"

He's really worried about me… That's so sweet, Max thought. "I'm positive, Logan. What time is it?"

Logan looked at his watch. "10:56."

"Mmm. Another hour, then."

"Tired?"

"Bored."

"Play you in pool?"

"Mr. Cale, looking to beat two of us in one day?"

"Always. Need a challenge, you know."

Max and Logan stood up, and walked over to the pool table.