DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of these characters; they are the brilliant creation and property of James Cameron, FOX etc. I do own Faith and some minor characters, but you know the rest. SPOILERS: Takes place after Freak Nation - the imaginary season 3.

Chapter Five:

"I'm cured?!", Max asked, delightedly, but with a cautious tone. "Looks that way. I'm gonna keep a close eye on it though, just in case Mantecore managed to build it so strong it can break through. But I have watched it the past few days and it looks like it's worked." Max squealed and draped Faith into a hug. Faith squeezed her back before pulling away, "So what are you waiting for, go see your man!' "Thanks. For everything." "Anytime." "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" "Nah..." "You sure?" "Tell you what, promise we'll always watch each other's backs. That's all I want." "Always."

"Hey...where have you been? You haven't stopped by in the last couple of days. I was getting kinda lonely, the only human in Terminal City and all..." Max was greeted as she entered Logan's apartment, "You're not the only human, what do you think I am?" "Non-transgenic then." "That's better." "So what have you been up to? Been with Alec?" "No. Faith." "Oh." Logan coughed slightly as Max observed him solicitously. "You okay?" "Fine, just a little strung out. Guess it's taking a tole constantly being surrounded by contaminated waste." "Might explain why I never see you outside of here. Maybe I should give you a transfusion, make you feel better." "Yeah and then that love bug will kick in and change what could have been a nice suggestion into a killer. Literally." Max smiled and stepped over to him. She placed her hand on his and met his steely eyes. Logan flinched and pulled his hand back, staring at it in horror, "Max? Why?" "Logan, it's okay, you're okay. The virus, it's gone." Logan stared at her in amazement before pulling her into a deep kiss. She returned it momentarily, before drawing away, "We have forever now, lets not blow this; we're not on borrowed time again." "This is...let me get a bottle of pre-pulse to celebrate...Max...I love you."

Alec stirred restlessly in is sleep; he wrinkled his nose as the sun beamed on his face, and he rolled onto his back. Slowly opening his eyes, he saw Faith leaning over him in little shorts and a singlet, "Feel like getting sweaty?", She asked him with an exaggerated wink. Alec's face lit up and her reached for her arm, pulling her onto him, "With you always. Thought you'd never asked. I've missed seeing you around." He bent in to kiss her, but she placed her fingers on his lips and pulled him up, "I actually had something else in mind. I was on my way to the training centre, thought I'd see if you felt like being my sparring partner." Alec groaned mentally and nodded, pulling on a tight singlet and then some baggy pants over his boxer shorts. He clamped on his socks and shoes and followed her out, watching Faith's ponytail swing from side to side as she descended the flights of stairs.