Disclaimer: See chpt 1.
A/N: Phew! This is the longest chapter of this story so far, and I must say
that a lot happens! I hope you guys like it. :)
A/N2: I have posted an update at the bottom of the page
Seattle 2021 Six's apartment 12:04 PM
As the world slowly comes into focus, I realise that the sun is up. Since when I have slept from 5pm until sunrise? I look out the window and realise that it's way past sunrise. Shit! I must've missed the rehearsal. Why in the hell didn't someone come and wake me up?
I walk out into the kitchen, my bare feet making almost no noise on the wooden floorboards. When I reach the kitchen, I see that someone has left a note on the counter.
Dear Six,
I came by this morning when you didn't turn up for rehearsal. You looked so peaceful sleeping - I didn't want to wake you up. Don't worry about the rehearsal, the guys got on OK without you. It's not like you need the practise anyway. I'll stop by later - maybe around 5 or so to see how you're doing. Don't think you can fool me girly, I know that everything is not right in your world. I'll see you tonight
-Meech
I sigh to myself when I finish reading the letter. Curse Meech for being able to tell when something's wrong. Now I need to think up a plausible excuse for Meech before this afternoon.
Seattle 2021 Jam pony messenger service 2:53 PM
"So boo, whatcha gonna get richboy for christmas?"
I sighed and rolled my eyes at Cindy's question. After all, Christmas is tomorrow. Why wouldn't I have gotten Logan a present yet? Because I'm stupid, that's why!
"I don't know OC." I answer her question as I sit down next to her locker. "I mean, geez. The man has everything. What the hell am I supposed to get him?"
OC grins at me as she slams her locker shut. "I don't know boo." She smirks at me. "There is one thing that Rich hasn't had yet" she finishes, raising her eyebrows.
"Cindy!" I gasp at her in surprise, promptly turning red at her suggestion.
"Well boo, come on. It's not like the man doesn't want you." She grins. "Or that you don't want him." She adds, under her breath, walking away.
"I heard that!" I yell after her.
Well, that certainly has left me with a lot to think about.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's apartment 8:03 PM
I watch as Max devours her dinner, grinning the entire time. I absolutely love cooking for Max, because I know she'll always love what I cook her. I can't help smiling at her obvious enjoyment when it comes to food.
I spent the entire week trying to work out what to get Max for Christmas - I mean, what do you get the person that you love most in the world for a Christmas present? Everything I thought of just didn't seem good enough. Plus, I don't really think Max would react well to jewellery, or flowers. In all actuality, I should probably get her a case of motor oil. I smile to myself. That would be the easy way out - getting her something that is reminiscent of our old relationship - the one where we're 'not like that'. I know that this present is important. I need to show Max that she's special to me, and not just in a friend way. But how do you show someone that you can't live without them? How do I tell Max that I can't imagine a day in my life without her? This is not gonna be easy.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's apartment 5:30 PM CHRISTMAS DAY
As I nervously knock on Logan's door, I have to wonder what the lovebirds got each other for Christmas. Logan seemed pretty tense when I rang him - maybe he didn't know what to get Max. In my opinion, he should have just chose something from the heart. That man loves Max too much - he couldn't screw up her present if he tried.
I shake myself out of my reverie when I hear a voice coming from inside the penthouse.
"Door's open!" It's Logan.
I shrug to myself and open the door. As I walk through the hallway, I am hit with colour - a Christmas tree full of decorations. I can't help being in awe. It's not like we ever had Christmas trees at Manticore, and when you're alone, you never really feel like celebrating Christmas. I can't wipe the grin off my face as I shrug my jacket off my shoulders, and head toward the kitchen.
I stand, propped up against the room partition and watch Logan cook. He really is an attractive guy, despite the fact that we're related and all. I mean, it's not like I'm attracted to him or anything.
He's obviously in deep concentration while he's cooking. There are ingredients scattered across the counter tops, and empty packets on the floor.
As I enter the kitchen, I cough loudly enough to alert Logan to my presence. He turns around quickly, smiling when he sees me.
"Hi Six" He grins.
"Hey Logan." I sigh in mock exasperation. "You are so messy!" I exclaim, smirking and bending down to pick up the rubbish off the floor.
Logan blushes. "Heh. Yeah, I kinda get really into my cooking, and forget about that whole cleaning thing."
"I totally understand." I smile, placing the rubbish in the bin. "When you're enjoying something, you just get into your own little zone."
Logan smiles. "Exactly!"
Seattle 2021 Logan's lounge room 6:43 PM
As I climb the stairs to Logan's apartment, I can hear laughter floating out from his kitchen. I smile to myself as I concentrate my hearing and realise that Six is helping Logan cook. I drop my bike in the exercise room and quietly pad into the kitchen.
I lean up against the room partition and watch Logan and Six cook. There is definitely a similarity in the way that they work - concentrating so hard that they wouldn't notice if the world ended around them. I resist the urge to stand and watch them all night, and make my presence known.
"Max!" Logan grins, walking over to kiss me hello. "How was your day?"
"It was OK." I answer, smiling.
"I can't believe you had to work on Christmas day." I'm met by those eyes when I raise my head to acknowledge this comment.
"Hi Six." I chuckle. "Yeah, Normal really has no mercy."
"Not to mention the anger issues." Six grins at me.
I just smile. Who woulda guessed being empathic would have such advantages?
As Logan and six continue cooking, I drift off into my own world. Logan and I decided not to give each other Christmas presents until tonight. I get the impression that he's nervous about something. God knows I am (And no, I will not be giving Logan the present that Cindy suggested I should.).
Before I can continue that thought, Cindy enters Logan's apartment with Joshua in tow. Alec follows close behind, his usual cocky swagger annoying the hell out of me.
"Hey guys!" I rush forward to hug Joshua and Cindy.
"Hey boo" Cindy smiles and heads into the kitchen - to harass Logan, no doubt. I shake my head, chuckling to myself.
"Hey little fella" Joshua looks more excited than anyone else about Christmas.
"Hey big fella." I smile at him. "C'mon, let's go look at the tree." I say, pulling Joshua by the hand over to the Christmas tree in Logan's Lounge room.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's kitchen 8:13 PM
"So yeah, the band should be here any minute." I smile to myself as I think about how much the guys are gonna love the dessert Logan has made for them.
"Cool." Logan looks like he's about to say something else, but my 4 band members coming into the kitchen to greet us cut him off. We head into the lounge room where we're gonna set up the band.
I don't exactly know what we're going to play tonight. I mean, I won't have a problem picking out emotions with this crowd, but I don't want to give anything away. I sigh to myself as I get my guitar out. Every time I look at my guitar, I remind myself to buy a new one. As much as I love the old thing, it's most certainly on it's last legs.
Oh well, not much I can do about it now, I think to myself as we finish setting up. Maybe I'll treat myself to a new guitar with my next pay check. Things will be tight for awhile, but I'm sure I can manage.
I look up as Logan and Max walk into the room carrying presents.
"Before we get to the entertainment, let's open some presents." Logan grins at Joshua's excitement.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's lounge room 8:30 PM
I can't believe the amount of presents everyone's received! Joshua now has enough art supplies to last him months, Logan has a few new pairs of boxer shorts (I could have killed Cindy for that one!) and a brand-spanking new mouse for his computer. How is it that guys always know what other guys will want - Logan looked really pleased when he open the mouse from Alec, and Alec seem pretty pleased with a new sector pass from Logan. Logan also got a book from Six - "The new innovations in code encryptions" - I'm going to assume that that makes sense to him! Cindy got a new manicure set (Thank God Logan knows people!).
Although Logan and I will exchange presents later, I actually got some new riding gloves (From Cindy), a painting (From Joshua), a necklace from Six, and some motor oil (From Alec).
The only person left to get presents is Six. She looks pretty uncomfortable when Logan pulls out a large gift-wrapped present for her.
"This is from Max and I" He says as he hands the gift to her. Before she can protest, she also receives some hair accessories from Cindy, and a abstract sculpture from Joshua.
"Thanks" Six blushed as she stared at her present from Logan and I. "You guys didn't have to." She trails off, looking lost.
Logan chucles. "It's OK, we wanted to."
"It's the least we could do after all you've done for us." I smile. "Open it."
"OK."
Six gasps as she lays eyes on her present.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's lounge room 8:36 PM
I cannot believe that Max and Logan bought me a new guitar! It's a beautiful one too. It's green, but not that annoying pea-green. It's a deep forest green. I also can't believe that they got me a guitar that is exactly what I wanted. To perform with an acoustic guitar, it needs a good amp pickup, and I prefer ones with a cut-in in the side. My new guitar has both of these features.
"Thankyou so much!" I grin at Max and Logan "It's exactly what I wanted."
Logan smiles. "Good. Now get up there and show us what you can do."
As the band and I prepare to perform, I am desperately trying to work out what to play. Suddenly, the perfect song strikes me. I tell the band, and we begin to play.
Now, don't just walk away Pretending everything's OK And you don't care about me
And I am giving up this game And leaving you with all the blame Cos I don't care
Would you look me in the eye And tell me that you're happy now? Would you tell it to my face? Have I been erased? Are you happy now? Are you happy now?
You took all there was today And left me with an empty plate And you don't care about me And I know it's just no use When all your lies become your truths And I don't care
Would you look me in the eye And tell me that you're happy now? Would you tell it to my face? Have I been erased? Are you happy now? Are you happy now?
Would you look me in the eye And tell me that you're happy now? Yeah
Come on tell it to my face Have I been erased, are you happy now?
Would you look me in the eye Would you look me in the eye I've had all that I can take I'm about to break Cos you're happy now Are you happy now?
Seattle, 2021 Logan's bedroom 11:34 PM
I stare at Logan as he unwraps his present from me. I can't help being nervous - what if he doesn't like it?
My fears are washed away when he lays eyes on the handcrafted leather- covered journal inside the wrapping paper. He looks really happy with it.
"Thankyou Max." He pulls me close and kisses me. "I love it."
"Good." I smile.
There is a small silence as Logan stands up off his bed and walks over to his dresser.
"I don't know how you're going to react to this." Logan pauses and sits back down onto his bed, now carrying a small box. It's too small to be a ring (Thank God - I don't think I could deal with that!).
He looks nervous as he hands me the box. I smile at him as I begin to unwrap it. Inside the wrapping paper there is a black velvet box. I open it slowly, not sure what to think about its contents.
Inside the box, there is a delicate chain. It's an anklet with a small love heart on it. I grin and look up at Logan. "Thank you."
He smiles back, and gestures toward the box. "There's more."
I raise an eyebrow and lift the silk that the anklet is laying on. Underneath it lays a key. I suddenly realise what this must mean, and I whip my head up to look at Logan.
"Max." He pauses nervously. "Would you like to move in with me?" He asks quietly.
I am dumbstruck. Why would Logan ask me to move in with him if he didn't want..
"Max. Don't even think it. I'm not asking you to move in with me because I want you to have sex with me." He smiles. "I just miss you when you're not with me."
I smile, reassured. "In that case Logan, yes, I'd love to move in with you."
Logan grins so widely, I'm pretty sure he's gonna pull something. "Thank God!" He lets out a sigh. "Thank God." He says again, kissing me.
"About that Logan." I pause, not sure how to continue.
"About what?" Logan asks absent-mindedly.
"The sex thing." Logan whips his head around. That sure got his attention!
"What about it?" Logan asks quietly.
"Well, if you want." I trail off.
"Are you sure?" Logan asks me. "Don't feel like you have to-"
I cut him off. "I want to Logan."
A/N: Alrighty, The NC-17 chapter is written, and is on my website. However, if you want to read it, you're gonna have to email me to get the URL, or post your email address in a review. This is not because of the age thing - I don't care how old people are. I just don't want people I know reading the NC-17 chapter, K? So, the email addy is slayme_6@hotmail.com. Just put "Story" in the subject line, or your email in a review, and I'll email you the URL ASAP. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Seattle 2021 Six's apartment 12:04 PM
As the world slowly comes into focus, I realise that the sun is up. Since when I have slept from 5pm until sunrise? I look out the window and realise that it's way past sunrise. Shit! I must've missed the rehearsal. Why in the hell didn't someone come and wake me up?
I walk out into the kitchen, my bare feet making almost no noise on the wooden floorboards. When I reach the kitchen, I see that someone has left a note on the counter.
Dear Six,
I came by this morning when you didn't turn up for rehearsal. You looked so peaceful sleeping - I didn't want to wake you up. Don't worry about the rehearsal, the guys got on OK without you. It's not like you need the practise anyway. I'll stop by later - maybe around 5 or so to see how you're doing. Don't think you can fool me girly, I know that everything is not right in your world. I'll see you tonight
-Meech
I sigh to myself when I finish reading the letter. Curse Meech for being able to tell when something's wrong. Now I need to think up a plausible excuse for Meech before this afternoon.
Seattle 2021 Jam pony messenger service 2:53 PM
"So boo, whatcha gonna get richboy for christmas?"
I sighed and rolled my eyes at Cindy's question. After all, Christmas is tomorrow. Why wouldn't I have gotten Logan a present yet? Because I'm stupid, that's why!
"I don't know OC." I answer her question as I sit down next to her locker. "I mean, geez. The man has everything. What the hell am I supposed to get him?"
OC grins at me as she slams her locker shut. "I don't know boo." She smirks at me. "There is one thing that Rich hasn't had yet" she finishes, raising her eyebrows.
"Cindy!" I gasp at her in surprise, promptly turning red at her suggestion.
"Well boo, come on. It's not like the man doesn't want you." She grins. "Or that you don't want him." She adds, under her breath, walking away.
"I heard that!" I yell after her.
Well, that certainly has left me with a lot to think about.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's apartment 8:03 PM
I watch as Max devours her dinner, grinning the entire time. I absolutely love cooking for Max, because I know she'll always love what I cook her. I can't help smiling at her obvious enjoyment when it comes to food.
I spent the entire week trying to work out what to get Max for Christmas - I mean, what do you get the person that you love most in the world for a Christmas present? Everything I thought of just didn't seem good enough. Plus, I don't really think Max would react well to jewellery, or flowers. In all actuality, I should probably get her a case of motor oil. I smile to myself. That would be the easy way out - getting her something that is reminiscent of our old relationship - the one where we're 'not like that'. I know that this present is important. I need to show Max that she's special to me, and not just in a friend way. But how do you show someone that you can't live without them? How do I tell Max that I can't imagine a day in my life without her? This is not gonna be easy.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's apartment 5:30 PM CHRISTMAS DAY
As I nervously knock on Logan's door, I have to wonder what the lovebirds got each other for Christmas. Logan seemed pretty tense when I rang him - maybe he didn't know what to get Max. In my opinion, he should have just chose something from the heart. That man loves Max too much - he couldn't screw up her present if he tried.
I shake myself out of my reverie when I hear a voice coming from inside the penthouse.
"Door's open!" It's Logan.
I shrug to myself and open the door. As I walk through the hallway, I am hit with colour - a Christmas tree full of decorations. I can't help being in awe. It's not like we ever had Christmas trees at Manticore, and when you're alone, you never really feel like celebrating Christmas. I can't wipe the grin off my face as I shrug my jacket off my shoulders, and head toward the kitchen.
I stand, propped up against the room partition and watch Logan cook. He really is an attractive guy, despite the fact that we're related and all. I mean, it's not like I'm attracted to him or anything.
He's obviously in deep concentration while he's cooking. There are ingredients scattered across the counter tops, and empty packets on the floor.
As I enter the kitchen, I cough loudly enough to alert Logan to my presence. He turns around quickly, smiling when he sees me.
"Hi Six" He grins.
"Hey Logan." I sigh in mock exasperation. "You are so messy!" I exclaim, smirking and bending down to pick up the rubbish off the floor.
Logan blushes. "Heh. Yeah, I kinda get really into my cooking, and forget about that whole cleaning thing."
"I totally understand." I smile, placing the rubbish in the bin. "When you're enjoying something, you just get into your own little zone."
Logan smiles. "Exactly!"
Seattle 2021 Logan's lounge room 6:43 PM
As I climb the stairs to Logan's apartment, I can hear laughter floating out from his kitchen. I smile to myself as I concentrate my hearing and realise that Six is helping Logan cook. I drop my bike in the exercise room and quietly pad into the kitchen.
I lean up against the room partition and watch Logan and Six cook. There is definitely a similarity in the way that they work - concentrating so hard that they wouldn't notice if the world ended around them. I resist the urge to stand and watch them all night, and make my presence known.
"Max!" Logan grins, walking over to kiss me hello. "How was your day?"
"It was OK." I answer, smiling.
"I can't believe you had to work on Christmas day." I'm met by those eyes when I raise my head to acknowledge this comment.
"Hi Six." I chuckle. "Yeah, Normal really has no mercy."
"Not to mention the anger issues." Six grins at me.
I just smile. Who woulda guessed being empathic would have such advantages?
As Logan and six continue cooking, I drift off into my own world. Logan and I decided not to give each other Christmas presents until tonight. I get the impression that he's nervous about something. God knows I am (And no, I will not be giving Logan the present that Cindy suggested I should.).
Before I can continue that thought, Cindy enters Logan's apartment with Joshua in tow. Alec follows close behind, his usual cocky swagger annoying the hell out of me.
"Hey guys!" I rush forward to hug Joshua and Cindy.
"Hey boo" Cindy smiles and heads into the kitchen - to harass Logan, no doubt. I shake my head, chuckling to myself.
"Hey little fella" Joshua looks more excited than anyone else about Christmas.
"Hey big fella." I smile at him. "C'mon, let's go look at the tree." I say, pulling Joshua by the hand over to the Christmas tree in Logan's Lounge room.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's kitchen 8:13 PM
"So yeah, the band should be here any minute." I smile to myself as I think about how much the guys are gonna love the dessert Logan has made for them.
"Cool." Logan looks like he's about to say something else, but my 4 band members coming into the kitchen to greet us cut him off. We head into the lounge room where we're gonna set up the band.
I don't exactly know what we're going to play tonight. I mean, I won't have a problem picking out emotions with this crowd, but I don't want to give anything away. I sigh to myself as I get my guitar out. Every time I look at my guitar, I remind myself to buy a new one. As much as I love the old thing, it's most certainly on it's last legs.
Oh well, not much I can do about it now, I think to myself as we finish setting up. Maybe I'll treat myself to a new guitar with my next pay check. Things will be tight for awhile, but I'm sure I can manage.
I look up as Logan and Max walk into the room carrying presents.
"Before we get to the entertainment, let's open some presents." Logan grins at Joshua's excitement.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's lounge room 8:30 PM
I can't believe the amount of presents everyone's received! Joshua now has enough art supplies to last him months, Logan has a few new pairs of boxer shorts (I could have killed Cindy for that one!) and a brand-spanking new mouse for his computer. How is it that guys always know what other guys will want - Logan looked really pleased when he open the mouse from Alec, and Alec seem pretty pleased with a new sector pass from Logan. Logan also got a book from Six - "The new innovations in code encryptions" - I'm going to assume that that makes sense to him! Cindy got a new manicure set (Thank God Logan knows people!).
Although Logan and I will exchange presents later, I actually got some new riding gloves (From Cindy), a painting (From Joshua), a necklace from Six, and some motor oil (From Alec).
The only person left to get presents is Six. She looks pretty uncomfortable when Logan pulls out a large gift-wrapped present for her.
"This is from Max and I" He says as he hands the gift to her. Before she can protest, she also receives some hair accessories from Cindy, and a abstract sculpture from Joshua.
"Thanks" Six blushed as she stared at her present from Logan and I. "You guys didn't have to." She trails off, looking lost.
Logan chucles. "It's OK, we wanted to."
"It's the least we could do after all you've done for us." I smile. "Open it."
"OK."
Six gasps as she lays eyes on her present.
Seattle, 2021 Logan's lounge room 8:36 PM
I cannot believe that Max and Logan bought me a new guitar! It's a beautiful one too. It's green, but not that annoying pea-green. It's a deep forest green. I also can't believe that they got me a guitar that is exactly what I wanted. To perform with an acoustic guitar, it needs a good amp pickup, and I prefer ones with a cut-in in the side. My new guitar has both of these features.
"Thankyou so much!" I grin at Max and Logan "It's exactly what I wanted."
Logan smiles. "Good. Now get up there and show us what you can do."
As the band and I prepare to perform, I am desperately trying to work out what to play. Suddenly, the perfect song strikes me. I tell the band, and we begin to play.
Now, don't just walk away Pretending everything's OK And you don't care about me
And I am giving up this game And leaving you with all the blame Cos I don't care
Would you look me in the eye And tell me that you're happy now? Would you tell it to my face? Have I been erased? Are you happy now? Are you happy now?
You took all there was today And left me with an empty plate And you don't care about me And I know it's just no use When all your lies become your truths And I don't care
Would you look me in the eye And tell me that you're happy now? Would you tell it to my face? Have I been erased? Are you happy now? Are you happy now?
Would you look me in the eye And tell me that you're happy now? Yeah
Come on tell it to my face Have I been erased, are you happy now?
Would you look me in the eye Would you look me in the eye I've had all that I can take I'm about to break Cos you're happy now Are you happy now?
Seattle, 2021 Logan's bedroom 11:34 PM
I stare at Logan as he unwraps his present from me. I can't help being nervous - what if he doesn't like it?
My fears are washed away when he lays eyes on the handcrafted leather- covered journal inside the wrapping paper. He looks really happy with it.
"Thankyou Max." He pulls me close and kisses me. "I love it."
"Good." I smile.
There is a small silence as Logan stands up off his bed and walks over to his dresser.
"I don't know how you're going to react to this." Logan pauses and sits back down onto his bed, now carrying a small box. It's too small to be a ring (Thank God - I don't think I could deal with that!).
He looks nervous as he hands me the box. I smile at him as I begin to unwrap it. Inside the wrapping paper there is a black velvet box. I open it slowly, not sure what to think about its contents.
Inside the box, there is a delicate chain. It's an anklet with a small love heart on it. I grin and look up at Logan. "Thank you."
He smiles back, and gestures toward the box. "There's more."
I raise an eyebrow and lift the silk that the anklet is laying on. Underneath it lays a key. I suddenly realise what this must mean, and I whip my head up to look at Logan.
"Max." He pauses nervously. "Would you like to move in with me?" He asks quietly.
I am dumbstruck. Why would Logan ask me to move in with him if he didn't want..
"Max. Don't even think it. I'm not asking you to move in with me because I want you to have sex with me." He smiles. "I just miss you when you're not with me."
I smile, reassured. "In that case Logan, yes, I'd love to move in with you."
Logan grins so widely, I'm pretty sure he's gonna pull something. "Thank God!" He lets out a sigh. "Thank God." He says again, kissing me.
"About that Logan." I pause, not sure how to continue.
"About what?" Logan asks absent-mindedly.
"The sex thing." Logan whips his head around. That sure got his attention!
"What about it?" Logan asks quietly.
"Well, if you want." I trail off.
"Are you sure?" Logan asks me. "Don't feel like you have to-"
I cut him off. "I want to Logan."
A/N: Alrighty, The NC-17 chapter is written, and is on my website. However, if you want to read it, you're gonna have to email me to get the URL, or post your email address in a review. This is not because of the age thing - I don't care how old people are. I just don't want people I know reading the NC-17 chapter, K? So, the email addy is slayme_6@hotmail.com. Just put "Story" in the subject line, or your email in a review, and I'll email you the URL ASAP. Sorry for the inconvenience.