Disclaimer: We don't own them. I need another drink.

A/N: FYI, this isn't set in any particular time. Logan can walk, Logan and Max are a couple, Jonas isn't dead yet.

A/N2: Please review!!! Or I'll cry.

This chapter is dedicated to Dan - yes, another real person. Though slightly less male than portrayed here (

"Dan? Who's Dan?" Max was puzzled. "Since when do unknown Cales invite us to drinks?"

Logan sighed. "He's a cousin of mine. I've been avoiding him for, oh, you know, 32 years or so. I think he wants to show off his new girlfriend."

"Why avoid him?" Max asked casually. //Man I hate the way his family treats him.//

"He and I have this thing. He thinks he's a stud. You know, gets all the girls. All the time." Logan was uncomfortable. // I can't believe my stupid cousin has had more girlfriends than me.//

Max groaned. "How typically male."

"Anyway," Logan smiled. "I don't mind going, At least I can show you off."

"I thought you did enough of that last night." Max smiled at Logan's pleading face "OK, OK I'll go." Max was regretting her decision already. "But I am not doing that silent 'men are way more important than me' thing."

Logan laughed. "God no. If you don't talk he'll talk."

Max laughed. "God forbid."

"Precisely."



**Flashback**

"Ring Ring"

"Lydecker here"

"I know about the project."

"What do you want?"

"I want in."

"How much?"

"A lot"

"No, how much money is it going to take to shut you up?"

"I don't want money. I want to be a soldier. An X-5."

"Where did you get this number?"

"I know you want her."

"You crazy bitch!"

"You'll be hearing from me."

**End Flashback**



Leah smiled as she dialled the familiar number.

"Hi Deck."

"You again?"

"I can deliver. Soon."

"Get me the girl and we'll talk."

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Leah growled. //No one hangs up on Leah Preston. God I hate that guy. Just wait till I'm an X-5. He'll get his.// She smiled at the thought.



Max walked nervously up to Logan's penthouse. //I don't know why I'm nervous. Come on Max, suck it up!!!//

Max had worked hard all day long, not even telling Normal where to go when he started bipping at her. She had actually been looking forward to this little drinks session, despite Logan's stories of his cousin's arrogance. However, after seeing the dress Logan had chosen for her, the usual pre Cale nervousness set in.

//Man, I hate his family. I always have to dress so unMax around them.//

Max sighed and knocked on Logan's door. Logan appeared, still slightly flushed from showering. "Hey Max." He said, grinning. "Why'd you knock? You have a key."

"I know." Max sighed. "Just practicing my manners for tonight. Plus, this dress conveniently has no pockets."

"Which is exactly why I spent over an hour looking for a matching bag." Max rolled her eyes and took the dainty silk bag Logan was presenting.

"Yeah. Right." Max pushed past Logan and walked to his fridge.

"Let me guess" Logan said playfully "Have I got anything to eat?"