Set during FN and 'Skin game' so contains spoilers Very AU Zack makes an omission

Asha knew she would have to talk to him sooner or later, emphasis on later. She didn't want to get into a confrontation with him, but every time they spoke to one another they ended up in an argument. She couldn't not talk to him, not when he may be going into battle and very likely to die. Max studied Asha, they weren't best of friends, weren't going to have a slumber party but she respected her. Respected the fact that she was another one of Logan's do gooders and most importantly respected the place she had in Zack's life. Whether or not big brother acknowledged it. "Hey Asha, give these to Zack, tell him if he needs more he can see Logan" Max prompted as she walked up beside the freedom fighter. Asha nodded, looking down at the grenades and guns, hoping they wouldn't need to use them. But knowing in her heart they probably would. "Thanks Max" Asha muttered, surprising the X5, she turned, seeing Asha "Just talk to him" was the only thing Max would say. Maz began to walk away but Asha stopped her "I don't love Logan" Max paused but didn't look back, Asha continued speaking to her back. "It was a crush, and I'm sorry if I came between you two" Max's shoulder's tensed, and Asha waited, she needed to be clear with Max and Zack. "It's okay Asha. And thank you."

Zack didn't look up as Asha joined him at the makeshift table. The C.O was mapping out terminal city and beyond, trying to highlight anywhere where the ordinaries could attack. Asha dumped the equipment on the table, waiting for Zack to acknowledge her presence. Nothing. Asha sighed, not really surprised. She turned away, not wanting to come up against Zack's stony silence longer then she had to. He didn't love her, that was fine but he could at least be civil to each other. Asha picked up her knapsack, ready to call it a day, terminal city wasn't safe for her, and she, Logan, Sketchy and O.C were getting ready to move out and do damage control with the ordinaries. "I should go, don't want to get in the way" this time she let emotion bleed through "'Cause God forbid you led an ordinary help you on your godamned campaign" Still Zack said nothing, Asha grunted, he wanted to play it that way then fine, she was sick of doing everything in this relationship that wasn't a relationship. Asha got halfway to the door, that led through the secret tunnel that led back to Seattle, she was walking slowly she knew she should hurry it up, the longer she stayed the longer she would cling to something that obviously wasn't there. "You have to stay" the voice was emotionless but as Asha turned around she could see that Zack was holding the model of Seattle tightly in his left hand, the only evidence that he was upset. "I'll get in the way remember? You kept hammering it home." She gave a slight wave in Logan's direction. "Besides you've got Logan, whatever connections you need he'll hook you up." She was so sure what he would say, military orders that were apart of him, bred into him by Manticore and no matter what she said she couldn't persuade him that she didn't care. "That's not why I need you here" Asha wasn't moving from her place near the door, but Zack was coming closer. She folded her arms over her chest, meeting his stern gaze with her own. "Then why?" Zack shook his head, he suddenly looked confused, like he had days after the implant in his skull. "I'm not ready to let you go. I'm not ready to let you go yet" Asha said nothing

TBC