Disclaimer: see Chapter 1
Chapter 2: Family Bonding
"How much farther till your Aunt Margo's house? I have been in this car way too long." I complained as I tried to shift to rub my cramped leg.
"Two more hours. If we could have found an excuse not to visit I would be a lot happier. There is a town coming up want me to stop so you can stretch?" Logan asked as he looked at my now large round stomach.
"Yes please do. From the way you react to the mention of your relatives I know I'm not going to like them, me being a cranky genetically engineered super soldier will not help matters." I smiled as I entertained the thought of beating Aunt Margo into the wall for mistreating Logan as a child.
he stopped the car outside a coffee shop in the small town. I was immediately out of the car and stretching. "As fun as seeing you beat Aunt Margo would be I think it is a good thing we decided to stop. Want some coffee?" Logan gestured to the door.
"Sure it will give me a boost of energy. These kids are doing a number on my genetically pumped body. I've never been this tired. I swear they're doing back flips all the time. If these kids are this active now imagine when they're toddlers. What are we going to name them? I don't think we ever decided." I started up the conversation following Logan into the cafe.
"Two coffees black. "Logan ordered before turning to me. "I dunno these twins will be a handful when they are Tots. Do you want to name them after Ben or Eva? It would put some of your past in them." I could see him thinking about when we found out we were having twins.
*********************** About a month after transgenic freedom********* Sam walked in the door to the medical faculty and smiled at me and Logan.
"You guys ready to find out if your having a boy or a girl?" He asked us.
We both nodded eagerly. Sam began setting up the equipment with the screen facing him. He began the sonogram and gasped lightly before he smiled. I didn't see the smile.
"What is it? Did my DNA turn it into a nomalie?" I clutched Logan's hand in fear.
"No its not that its just..." he turned the screen toward us, "I discovered why you are so big for only four months. Max its twins. A boy and a girl from the looks of it. Congrats." Sam continued smiling as he watched our reactions. Logan's face went from realization to shock to a grin so bright it could light all of Pulse stricken Seattle.
My first thought was that it wasn't a nomalie. That made me let out the breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. Then I realized that I was having two babies and I was proud and happy. Then I thought about it and realized that both were healthy. Thank God for little miracles. ********************End Flashback************************************** I was brought back to the present by the sound of Logan's voice. "You listening to me Max. I was warning you that Aunt Margo doesn't even know I'm married, as is the case for the rest of my family. It's just not something you break to Margo on the phone. I would have gotten roped into staying for two weeks instead of the one already forced on us. Just so you know I told Margo that you could only get one week off even though Normal would have given you till after the twins are born."
I smiled at the thought of Margo's finding out Logan was married and about to have twins. "Yeah its still freaking me out that Normal is being nice to me. He actually let me have a week off without complaining. He even gave OC time off last week to see her mom."
I think it has something to do with the fact that there are more people working there than ever with some of the other X5s working there and even some of the nomalie. "can you do me a favor when we're at Margo's? She'll probably be shocked when I tell her you're a transgenic that is if you want her to know." Logan gave me a questioning look.
"The rest of the world knows and it's good to not have secrets. Ten maybe she won't be stupid enough to call me any mean names that might piss the moody transgenic off." I smiled as his face lit up at the thought of me kicking his aunt's ass.
We drove for about another two hours till we pulled up to a large house. It wasn't quite a mansion but it was large. Logan stopped the car and slowly got out. A butler came out to help us with our bags. I started to protest but Logan put a hand on my arm.
"You don't need to strain yourself right now." He kissed me lightly before following the butler inside.
We walked in and I was shocked at how elegant the place looked. "If they weren't related I would be fencing half this stuff for OC." I whispered to Logan. An older woman who apparently knew Logan walked into the living room and spotted us.
"Logan dear how nice of you to finally visit. Who is this young lady? A friend of yours?"
"This is Max, my wife. Max, meet my aunt Margo. Aunt Margo before you start making assumptions about her you should know that she is head of the transgenic population." Logan took my hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"Well this is new. How long have you been married and not told us?" Margo said looking a little annoyed.
"Two years now. So how is everyone?" Logan shifted nervously.
"They all are doing good. The family business is booming. It's so nice to see your cousins transform Jonas' business. So tell me how did you meet." Margo shot me a glare when Logan was distracted by something. I don't think she likes me very much.
"I was looking for a job and I went to Logan's apartment to ask if he needed any services as I can clean and fix cars and so forth and so on and well I kept coming back." It's sort of the truth its better than 'I broke into his house to steal some things to fence on the black-market to pay for food, gas, housing, and my drugs. Then he caught me and asked me to help him with his top secret eyes only thing and bang we fell in love and here we are.' Margo looked at me suspiciously when I grinned at my thoughts picturing her reaction.
"Let me show you where you will be sleeping." Logan went to retrieve the bags from the hallway. Margo turned to me. "You threatened my nephew into this marriage didn't you because even he has more class than to marry a transgenic freak off the street. If you didn't why didn't he tell us about you before now?" she accused in her snobbiest tone.
"Possibly he didn't tell you because we've been a bit busy. We've known each other for four years now and have been a couple for three of those years.
I love him unlike you and I want him to be happy unlike you. We have been through way too much for you to hurt our marriage so why don't you shut your snobby ass up before I kick it pregnant or not." I told her off.
Logan returned and as she turned I distinctly heard her mutter 'tramp' under her breath. That's it I'm ticked. I knocked the old snob off her feet and into a wall. "What the hell did I just tell you about saying shit about me? I am not a tramp and if we are going to be here for this whole week of hell you are going to treat me with respect. I have super hearing so if I ever hear you dising me or Logan again I will kick your ass all the way to Seattle and Back. Got it? Same goes if I hear you dissin' my sibs as well."
Logan raised his eyebrows in shock but didn't try to interfere. Margo looked shocked at my strength in this state.
I let her down and we proceeded to our room. About half way up the stairs I froze. I felt dizzy from using so much energy and sat down quickly.
Logan must have noticed this because he dropped the bags and picked me up. He laid me on the bed of our room for the week and shot a glare at Margo as he passed to finish bringing the bags up.
**************************Logan's POV********************************** Whatever Margo said must have really upset Max. I've never seen her kick somebody's ass that quick when they weren't the enemy. Not even Alec. I returned to our rooms with the bags and found Max asleep on the bed. She must have way overexerted herself if she's sleeping.
I sat down next to her and stroked her hair. She looks even more like an angel when she sleeps. I stand up and glance at the clock. It was already 7:30. The trip had taken longer than expected with all the sector stops and border guards. Margo lived in North Dakota making it about a twelve hour drive. I drove most of the way as Max didn't know the way and was too big to fit behind the wheel.
Now that I think about it I need a nap myself. Tomorrow will be a really long day. We all are going to gather at some local park, which would be good as I can escape most of the snobby you aren't in the family business so you are worthless remarks. Don't get me wrong not everyone is like Margo there are some that are actually nice, they just live farther than Margo and I just can't find time to visit.
I laid down next to Max and fell asleep not to wake till morning.
****************************Max PoV******************************** I must have been tired, I think as I open my eyes to the sun shining through the window. I get up to find the shower having slept in my clothes and being in a car all of yesterday didn't help with the whole I'm not a bum off the street approach.
Logan is still asleep as I head down to breakfast in my stretchable jeans and black tank top. I mixed out Logan's credit card by special ordering my maternity clothes. I may be married and going to be the mother of two but I'd shoot myself before I walk around with flowers and lacey clothes on.
The butler guy was making breakfast when I walked into the kitchen. "Good morning, madam. Would you like some breakfast." the butler said.
"Thanks Jeeves. And by the way the name is Max. What's yours?" I ask as he sets a plate in front of me.
"George. And don't let her get to you she is quite picky about who gets money in the family. I don't get paid a lot but it's a job and in this messed up world I am lucky to have it."
"Don't worry after I have these kids she won't bother me. Right now I have to watch the active levels as I could hurt the kids but later I can take out a platoon of Navy seals and not be tired enough to sleep. So George is the whole family like Margo or is she special." I grinned at him as I ate.
"Some are some aren't. Depends on who you talk about."
Logan walked in. "How'd you sleep hon?" He asked kissing me good morning.
"What am I comparing it to? I usually don't sleep and when I do its usually because of a seizure. But good besides." I gestured at George. "George here was telling me about your family. What are we doing today anyway?"
"Morning George. We have to meet the whole big family. You'll know who everyone is by the end of the day. Luckily its at a nearby park so I can avoid those that don't like me." He smiled at me at that.
Margo came in and all conversation about the family stopped instead Logan turned to me asking again what we would name our kids. "How bout we name one after Zack." I laughed at his face.
"The guy completely hates me. He constantly tells you you need to move and that you shouldn't have kids and you want to name one of them after him." he looks at me like I'm nuts.
"I'm joking. He doesn't hate you that much. It mostly has to do with the fact that I'm his little sister and no man is good enough for me. I don't want to name one Ben brings back horrible memories as well as Eva but I want a unique name like we did at Manticore."
"We could always name them after Deck." I stared at him like he was an idiot.
"The man may be my father legally but I still don't like him that much. In fact I still sort of hate him for shooting Eva and what he did to Brin." I quickly pushed that idea away.
"We should really decide as the babies are due in three weeks."
"Yeah we'll have to think about it." I actually forgot Margo was in the room until-
"If it's a boy you should name it Jonas after your uncle Logan." Margo said out of nowhere. Logan was silent so I decided to answer for him.
"We are trying to avoid naming them after relatives because then when we talk about them we have to specify who we are talking about. The only reason we are willing to think about someone like Ben or Eva is because that would bring happy thoughts instead of my usual depressed ones. Eva died when I was eight and Ben died because..." I broke off at that. I took in a deep breath and continued. "Ben died because I snapped his neck. He was injured and didn't want to go back to Manticore so he asked me to kill him and I did and I won't name my child Ben because it is a tad bit painful."
Margo looked shocked to hear this. "You killed your own brother?" she looked appalled.
Logan was ticked. "Look she was honest with you at least. Unlike Max Jonas killed in cold blood. If you ever accuse my wife of being a murder or even hint that she is a freak that killed her brother out of cold blood I will never speak to you again. Max still wakes up with nightmares about him its not her fault she had no choice."
At the look on Margo's face he realized what he had said to her about Jonas. "Jonas did not kill anyone."
"he sent one of his hoverdrones to kill me!" Logan shouted. "The only reason I'm still alive is max took out the hoverdrone."
This apparently ticked Margo off. "Why you ungrateful little--" she stopped there when I stormed out of the house dragging Logan behind me.
We decided we would still go to the family reunion and headed toward the park that it would take place at.
A/N: Sorry it took so long to update but my computer is flippy. I had more than this but it deleted it so I guess that will be another chapter. Until I update again. Oh and for those of you who reviewed thinking that it might end cause I didn't put to be continued, I don't put that kind of stuff. If I don't put the End on a story it isn't over. Simple enough right? Well review.
"How much farther till your Aunt Margo's house? I have been in this car way too long." I complained as I tried to shift to rub my cramped leg.
"Two more hours. If we could have found an excuse not to visit I would be a lot happier. There is a town coming up want me to stop so you can stretch?" Logan asked as he looked at my now large round stomach.
"Yes please do. From the way you react to the mention of your relatives I know I'm not going to like them, me being a cranky genetically engineered super soldier will not help matters." I smiled as I entertained the thought of beating Aunt Margo into the wall for mistreating Logan as a child.
he stopped the car outside a coffee shop in the small town. I was immediately out of the car and stretching. "As fun as seeing you beat Aunt Margo would be I think it is a good thing we decided to stop. Want some coffee?" Logan gestured to the door.
"Sure it will give me a boost of energy. These kids are doing a number on my genetically pumped body. I've never been this tired. I swear they're doing back flips all the time. If these kids are this active now imagine when they're toddlers. What are we going to name them? I don't think we ever decided." I started up the conversation following Logan into the cafe.
"Two coffees black. "Logan ordered before turning to me. "I dunno these twins will be a handful when they are Tots. Do you want to name them after Ben or Eva? It would put some of your past in them." I could see him thinking about when we found out we were having twins.
*********************** About a month after transgenic freedom********* Sam walked in the door to the medical faculty and smiled at me and Logan.
"You guys ready to find out if your having a boy or a girl?" He asked us.
We both nodded eagerly. Sam began setting up the equipment with the screen facing him. He began the sonogram and gasped lightly before he smiled. I didn't see the smile.
"What is it? Did my DNA turn it into a nomalie?" I clutched Logan's hand in fear.
"No its not that its just..." he turned the screen toward us, "I discovered why you are so big for only four months. Max its twins. A boy and a girl from the looks of it. Congrats." Sam continued smiling as he watched our reactions. Logan's face went from realization to shock to a grin so bright it could light all of Pulse stricken Seattle.
My first thought was that it wasn't a nomalie. That made me let out the breath I hadn't realized I had been holding. Then I realized that I was having two babies and I was proud and happy. Then I thought about it and realized that both were healthy. Thank God for little miracles. ********************End Flashback************************************** I was brought back to the present by the sound of Logan's voice. "You listening to me Max. I was warning you that Aunt Margo doesn't even know I'm married, as is the case for the rest of my family. It's just not something you break to Margo on the phone. I would have gotten roped into staying for two weeks instead of the one already forced on us. Just so you know I told Margo that you could only get one week off even though Normal would have given you till after the twins are born."
I smiled at the thought of Margo's finding out Logan was married and about to have twins. "Yeah its still freaking me out that Normal is being nice to me. He actually let me have a week off without complaining. He even gave OC time off last week to see her mom."
I think it has something to do with the fact that there are more people working there than ever with some of the other X5s working there and even some of the nomalie. "can you do me a favor when we're at Margo's? She'll probably be shocked when I tell her you're a transgenic that is if you want her to know." Logan gave me a questioning look.
"The rest of the world knows and it's good to not have secrets. Ten maybe she won't be stupid enough to call me any mean names that might piss the moody transgenic off." I smiled as his face lit up at the thought of me kicking his aunt's ass.
We drove for about another two hours till we pulled up to a large house. It wasn't quite a mansion but it was large. Logan stopped the car and slowly got out. A butler came out to help us with our bags. I started to protest but Logan put a hand on my arm.
"You don't need to strain yourself right now." He kissed me lightly before following the butler inside.
We walked in and I was shocked at how elegant the place looked. "If they weren't related I would be fencing half this stuff for OC." I whispered to Logan. An older woman who apparently knew Logan walked into the living room and spotted us.
"Logan dear how nice of you to finally visit. Who is this young lady? A friend of yours?"
"This is Max, my wife. Max, meet my aunt Margo. Aunt Margo before you start making assumptions about her you should know that she is head of the transgenic population." Logan took my hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"Well this is new. How long have you been married and not told us?" Margo said looking a little annoyed.
"Two years now. So how is everyone?" Logan shifted nervously.
"They all are doing good. The family business is booming. It's so nice to see your cousins transform Jonas' business. So tell me how did you meet." Margo shot me a glare when Logan was distracted by something. I don't think she likes me very much.
"I was looking for a job and I went to Logan's apartment to ask if he needed any services as I can clean and fix cars and so forth and so on and well I kept coming back." It's sort of the truth its better than 'I broke into his house to steal some things to fence on the black-market to pay for food, gas, housing, and my drugs. Then he caught me and asked me to help him with his top secret eyes only thing and bang we fell in love and here we are.' Margo looked at me suspiciously when I grinned at my thoughts picturing her reaction.
"Let me show you where you will be sleeping." Logan went to retrieve the bags from the hallway. Margo turned to me. "You threatened my nephew into this marriage didn't you because even he has more class than to marry a transgenic freak off the street. If you didn't why didn't he tell us about you before now?" she accused in her snobbiest tone.
"Possibly he didn't tell you because we've been a bit busy. We've known each other for four years now and have been a couple for three of those years.
I love him unlike you and I want him to be happy unlike you. We have been through way too much for you to hurt our marriage so why don't you shut your snobby ass up before I kick it pregnant or not." I told her off.
Logan returned and as she turned I distinctly heard her mutter 'tramp' under her breath. That's it I'm ticked. I knocked the old snob off her feet and into a wall. "What the hell did I just tell you about saying shit about me? I am not a tramp and if we are going to be here for this whole week of hell you are going to treat me with respect. I have super hearing so if I ever hear you dising me or Logan again I will kick your ass all the way to Seattle and Back. Got it? Same goes if I hear you dissin' my sibs as well."
Logan raised his eyebrows in shock but didn't try to interfere. Margo looked shocked at my strength in this state.
I let her down and we proceeded to our room. About half way up the stairs I froze. I felt dizzy from using so much energy and sat down quickly.
Logan must have noticed this because he dropped the bags and picked me up. He laid me on the bed of our room for the week and shot a glare at Margo as he passed to finish bringing the bags up.
**************************Logan's POV********************************** Whatever Margo said must have really upset Max. I've never seen her kick somebody's ass that quick when they weren't the enemy. Not even Alec. I returned to our rooms with the bags and found Max asleep on the bed. She must have way overexerted herself if she's sleeping.
I sat down next to her and stroked her hair. She looks even more like an angel when she sleeps. I stand up and glance at the clock. It was already 7:30. The trip had taken longer than expected with all the sector stops and border guards. Margo lived in North Dakota making it about a twelve hour drive. I drove most of the way as Max didn't know the way and was too big to fit behind the wheel.
Now that I think about it I need a nap myself. Tomorrow will be a really long day. We all are going to gather at some local park, which would be good as I can escape most of the snobby you aren't in the family business so you are worthless remarks. Don't get me wrong not everyone is like Margo there are some that are actually nice, they just live farther than Margo and I just can't find time to visit.
I laid down next to Max and fell asleep not to wake till morning.
****************************Max PoV******************************** I must have been tired, I think as I open my eyes to the sun shining through the window. I get up to find the shower having slept in my clothes and being in a car all of yesterday didn't help with the whole I'm not a bum off the street approach.
Logan is still asleep as I head down to breakfast in my stretchable jeans and black tank top. I mixed out Logan's credit card by special ordering my maternity clothes. I may be married and going to be the mother of two but I'd shoot myself before I walk around with flowers and lacey clothes on.
The butler guy was making breakfast when I walked into the kitchen. "Good morning, madam. Would you like some breakfast." the butler said.
"Thanks Jeeves. And by the way the name is Max. What's yours?" I ask as he sets a plate in front of me.
"George. And don't let her get to you she is quite picky about who gets money in the family. I don't get paid a lot but it's a job and in this messed up world I am lucky to have it."
"Don't worry after I have these kids she won't bother me. Right now I have to watch the active levels as I could hurt the kids but later I can take out a platoon of Navy seals and not be tired enough to sleep. So George is the whole family like Margo or is she special." I grinned at him as I ate.
"Some are some aren't. Depends on who you talk about."
Logan walked in. "How'd you sleep hon?" He asked kissing me good morning.
"What am I comparing it to? I usually don't sleep and when I do its usually because of a seizure. But good besides." I gestured at George. "George here was telling me about your family. What are we doing today anyway?"
"Morning George. We have to meet the whole big family. You'll know who everyone is by the end of the day. Luckily its at a nearby park so I can avoid those that don't like me." He smiled at me at that.
Margo came in and all conversation about the family stopped instead Logan turned to me asking again what we would name our kids. "How bout we name one after Zack." I laughed at his face.
"The guy completely hates me. He constantly tells you you need to move and that you shouldn't have kids and you want to name one of them after him." he looks at me like I'm nuts.
"I'm joking. He doesn't hate you that much. It mostly has to do with the fact that I'm his little sister and no man is good enough for me. I don't want to name one Ben brings back horrible memories as well as Eva but I want a unique name like we did at Manticore."
"We could always name them after Deck." I stared at him like he was an idiot.
"The man may be my father legally but I still don't like him that much. In fact I still sort of hate him for shooting Eva and what he did to Brin." I quickly pushed that idea away.
"We should really decide as the babies are due in three weeks."
"Yeah we'll have to think about it." I actually forgot Margo was in the room until-
"If it's a boy you should name it Jonas after your uncle Logan." Margo said out of nowhere. Logan was silent so I decided to answer for him.
"We are trying to avoid naming them after relatives because then when we talk about them we have to specify who we are talking about. The only reason we are willing to think about someone like Ben or Eva is because that would bring happy thoughts instead of my usual depressed ones. Eva died when I was eight and Ben died because..." I broke off at that. I took in a deep breath and continued. "Ben died because I snapped his neck. He was injured and didn't want to go back to Manticore so he asked me to kill him and I did and I won't name my child Ben because it is a tad bit painful."
Margo looked shocked to hear this. "You killed your own brother?" she looked appalled.
Logan was ticked. "Look she was honest with you at least. Unlike Max Jonas killed in cold blood. If you ever accuse my wife of being a murder or even hint that she is a freak that killed her brother out of cold blood I will never speak to you again. Max still wakes up with nightmares about him its not her fault she had no choice."
At the look on Margo's face he realized what he had said to her about Jonas. "Jonas did not kill anyone."
"he sent one of his hoverdrones to kill me!" Logan shouted. "The only reason I'm still alive is max took out the hoverdrone."
This apparently ticked Margo off. "Why you ungrateful little--" she stopped there when I stormed out of the house dragging Logan behind me.
We decided we would still go to the family reunion and headed toward the park that it would take place at.
A/N: Sorry it took so long to update but my computer is flippy. I had more than this but it deleted it so I guess that will be another chapter. Until I update again. Oh and for those of you who reviewed thinking that it might end cause I didn't put to be continued, I don't put that kind of stuff. If I don't put the End on a story it isn't over. Simple enough right? Well review.