I've Got You'R' Back
Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
A/N: Thanks always to Kasman for the betas. Thanks again to those who have read and to those who have reviewed. Due to my moving house and in fact countries, I may not be able to post for awhile but I will try to do what I can. So please read and enjoy.
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Chapter 14 Family Bits.
--- --- --- --- ---
Terminal City, Max's room in the infirmary:
"Well, these are different, Max," Logan says, looking up from the cot he is sitting on at the vision of beauty standing in front of him, the top half of a cat suit down to her hips. Suddenly standing up, he sways and starts to fall forward his leg catching the cot and knocking it over with a clatter. As he falls, he tries to put out his arms but everything seems to be going dark. He hears a distant scream as everything finally goes black and he is caught by a pair of strong, young arms.
As Logan suddenly stands up, Max steps back startled, then he sways and starts to fall forward his left leg catching the cot and overturning it. Without thinking, Max steps forward, "Logan!" she screams and catches him, realizing that she may have just killed him.
Hearing the scream and the noise in the room, Original Cindy, being the closest, enters and taking in the scene before her, quickly shuts the door in the face of the medic, "One moment, doc, gotta straighten up." She then locks the door, leaving the medic pounding on it, demanding to be let in.
"Quick, boo, give him to me, get dressed and straighten the cot." Reaching out, she starts to take Logan's weight but Max doesn't move...
»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Logan has stood up on seeing Max and walks over to her.
"Max..."
"We gotta get you out of here. They're coming to get you."
Reaching out he kisses her, and she returns it passionately. After a minute, they draw apart and hold each other
"Who? What's going on? How did you—"
"I'll explain later. Come on."
"No, I have to finish my broadcast."
"Forget it. It's not important."
Suddenly, Logan collapses.
"What's wrong?"
Gasping, Logan looks up at Max, "I don't know. I—"
"Logan, what's happening?"
"You killed him, that's what's happening," Alec says standing there with a gun pointed at them. "Nice job, 452. Mission accomplished.
»»»»»»
Mission accomplished...mission accomplished - I let him get too close, he shouldn't have touched me. If I hadn't teased him he wouldn't have...I've killed you Logan...I've killed you...
"Max, dammit! Move! I can't hold him forever and you've got to get dressed now!" Original Cindy cries as she desperately tries to hold Logan up and break her friend out of her shock.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Max lunges at Alec but stops when he raises his gun.
"Whoa, whoa, hey. Hey, just following orders. Okay, now Renfro said if you want him to live, you gotta bring him back to Manticore and turn yourself in."
"There's a cure?"
»»»»»»
"Max?" a weak voice, asks in confusion.
Waking from her shock, Max sees Logan stirring in Original Cindy's straining arms. Quickly pulling up her under shirt and cat suit, Max straightens the cot and steadies it, as Original Cindy lowers Logan down with relief evident on her face.
"Boo, you really spaced there. I thought I'd lost the both of you...go open the door so our transgenic doc can check Logan...before she breaks it down. I'll watch him," She says kindly as she sees the look of worry and fear on her friend's face.
Max unlocks the door letting Mary, the medic, in. Mary gives her a withering look, which turns to concern when she sees Logan lying on the cot. "What happened?" she asks turning to Max with a look of displeasure tinged by jealousy on her face.
"He just collapsed...It could be the Manticore retrovirus, he needs a blood transfusion from a transgenic and his core temperature needs to be brought under control," Max says with terror evident in her voice.
Looking from Max to Logan, her features grave Mary's steps over to Logan.
"God, I'm so tired, never was a morning person especially after not getting enough sleep. Shouldn't have missed dinner as well," Logan mutters. Feeling a hand on his forehead and one holding his wrist as if checking his pulse he opens his eyes. "Hey, Mary, what're you checking? Why am I lying down?" he asks, confused, as he tries to sit up.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, Mary holds him down without effort, "You passed out in Max's room...you have been a naughty boy," she says, as only doctors or nurses can say.
"Mary, he needs..." Max pauses on seeing the medic shake her head, her hands still on Logan's forehead and shoulder.
"No, Max, Logan passed out from exhaustion and lack of nutrition. He needs somebody to make sure he takes care of himself," her tone suggesting that if Max can't handle it, she would gladly take on the chore.
"I'm fine," Logan says in indignation at the medic's words. He is both embarrassed at showing weakness and that this woman can so easily hold him down.
As realization that it is not the retrovirus but just Logan just being his obsessive self and forgetting to get enough rest or to eat, relief spreads through Max with a heavy dose of anger at his stupidity - and at her stupidity at no recognizing the signs. Mixed in there as well is jealousy that this woman is touching the man she loves...and worse, can at anytime.
"Is he going to be okay?" she asks, looking at Mary, her features under control, not showing any of the emotions boiling below the surface.
"With a few hours rest and some food, sure."
"He'll get it," Max says looking at Mary, then at Logan, a little of her emotions slipping into her voice.
"You stay here, boo. I'll get some food for the both of you and you can rest as well," Original Cindy says turning to head for the door.
"No, OC, I've got it...I'm fine." She stops Original Cindy with a raised hand. With one final look at Logan, she heads for the room door.
"Max, thanks for the gift, I really appreciate the surprise...and I'm sorry about this," Logan says allowing his true feelings for Max to leak into his voice, causing her to pause and turn to look at him.
A small smile lights up her face and sets her eyes a blaze with happiness, as her anger dissipates, "Well you deserve it...but we have to talk about this..."
"When you get back with the food, Max...promise," Logan says a note of pleading mixed with a look of resignation.
Max's smile suddenly widens in relief, "You, are so going to pay, Logan, for scaring me," and walks out the door before Logan can answer.
The smile vanishes from Max's face as she walks out the door. That was way too close. Two strikes and two misses now. How long before I finally accomplish the mission...no I'll not let that happen. I'm not letting Manticore and Renfro win. A look of cold resolve lights her eyes, as a fierce smile spreads over her full lips, puzzling and frightening to those in the reception area of the infirmary.
Mary looks at Max's retreating back and then at Original Cindy who is standing looking at her, a look that tells her she better not be anything but professional with Logan. You better not mess with my home girl or fool with her man, or OC will give you the smack down even if you are a super soldier.
--- --- --- --- ---
Outside the Infirmary:
Well, he liked my surprise. Then a look of fierce propriety crosses Max's face. Mary better not get too familiar with Logan or there's going to be a need for a medic. Pursing her lips, a thoughtful look appears in her eyes. Renfro said I couldn't get rid of this bitch unless I found Sandeman, but there was the antigen, there must be something out there...I hope Logan can figure these new runes because I'm getting real tired of this internal cryptic tattoo message dealio.
Looking over towards where the Command Center is located then back at the infirmary, indecision evident in her stance. Better go and get those clothes for OC and Logan, and make sure Mole's not about to lead the troops on an assault...but first some food for Logan and this girl, otherwise I'll be lying next to him. Max suddenly smiles at the thought. Well I came back from the dead so maybe that's possible too. Still smiling, she walks off towards the mess hall.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Infirmary Max's/Logan's room:
Logan is lying on the cot looking even more uncomfortable with Mary's ministrations and Original Cindy's watchful presence. Max is right, we have to talk. First she scares me nearly to death and then I go and keel over on her right after touching her. That was close, if I'd come in contact with her...nope don't think of that. When did I last eat, rest? Sure I got an hour or so before Max went after the disks, but with her outside, and the worry...It's hard to think. Forgot to tell Max that Alec's running things for the moment...hell, the disks - we've got to find out what's on them.
"I'm feeling fine...just tired and hungry. You can go, Mary, I'm not going anywhere."
"Logan, you passed out, That means low blood sugar on top of the exhaustion. Somebody has to watch you," she says, studiously trying to ignore Original Cindy's glare.
"I can watch Logan," Original Cindy states, realizing that her glare is having no effect. "I'm sure you must have some important medical supplies to check," Original Cindy adds a touch sarcastically.
Logan looks over at Original Cindy as Mary turns and opens her mouth to answer. "Honestly Mary, I'm not going anywhere. I'd like to rest until Max gets back with some food. Go on, Original Cindy can watch me."
Reluctantly leaving the room, Mary gives Original Cindy one last withering stare and shuts the door.
"Well, I just hope I don't need a band aid from her;" Original Cindy says with a shrug.
"OC, check she's gone. I've got to get out of here, get those disks from Max and back to the Command Center...we need to know what's on them" Logan says as he starts to get off the cot.
"No, you're not, Logan Cale. I promised Max I'd watch you...besides if I let you outta here and Max comes back with your food and you ain't here, I'll have two fine transgenic females pissed at me, and I got no time for that."
Laughing softly, then pausing in his attempt to sit up as a wave of nausea hits him, "Besides you would give me a smack if I tried anyway right," Logan says ruefully.
"Right. Now, lie down and rest, so when my boo comes back you two can have a nice breakfast and then go out and save the world together."
Logan's last conscious thought, as he drifts off, despite, his efforts to remain awake and the hunger pangs, is of Max's smile as he thanked her for the gift of DVD's. He begins to dream of travelling through time in his machine, his beautiful partner always by his side.
--- --- --- --- ---
Infirmary, Max's/Logan's Room:
"Hey, boo, he fell asleep soon after you left," Original Cindy whispers as Max walks through the door carrying a tray stacked with covered plates, coffee, and juice.
"Well, I was hoping to eat with him, but I guess you can have his share and I'll get some more for him later" she says wistfully looking down at the sleeping Logan.
Wonder what you're dreaming about, she thinks, as she sees the slight smile on his relaxed features
»»»»
Flashback Metro Medical Logan's Room:
Max is looking at Logan; his face relaxed in sleep, a slight smile on his face. Reaching over, Max lifts the cover off one of the dishes on the food tray. Taking up a fork she tastes the food and grimaces.
Well, a girl who's been on the run and just donated blood can't be choosy...probably save Logan's life again eating this, and besides he'll probably be asleep for awhile. I wonder what he's dreaming about?
»»»»»»»
I found out...or at least I think I did - it was the dance and that music 'Valse Triste.' I still dream it sometimes. Wish all my dreams were like that. Why didn't we admit what had happened...avoiding our moments of weakness I guess.
"It's okay, Max, you stay here. I'll pick up something—"
"Can't, got to make sure Mole's not planning to invade Seattle."
"It's covered, boo. Logan asked Alec to handle Mole until you were on you're feet."
"You know this how? "
"Gem. That's how I heard what had happened to you."
"Still, got to go and take charge—"
"No, you don't, Alec can handle it. Do you want Maaryy feeding Logan?" Original Cindy asks with a sly smirk.
Looking at Logan, they see that he has opened his eyes and is looking from Max to the food tray in her hands.
With a smile, Logan points to the tray in Max's hand, "Well, am I going to get some of that or do I have to do my fainting routine again,"
"Well, I brought it for you, so since you're awake why not," Max says, a smile lighting up her face. "Got to warn you though it's not much better than hospital food," she adds, shrugging her shoulders.
Grimacing Logan looks at the tray. "At the moment I'm not in a position to be choosy. Besides, the company will make up for the taste," he adds, looking up into Max's face, his gaze unwavering.
Trying to back out of the room as quietly as possible Original Cindy smiles to herself. Well they ain't got the virus bitch beat but that 'we're not like that' for shore is...and about time.
Looking at each other, Max and Logan are barely aware that Original Cindy has left the room. "There's no way I'm going to feed you so you better sit up...slowly so that you can do this yourself," Max says looking gravely at Logan.
"Well, I could always get Maaryy to feed me," Logan says teasingly.
"You do that, Logan Cale, and you can kiss my transgenic ass goodbye," Max replies in disgust, a tinge of her jealousy evident in her voice. Did I just say that, "I didn't mean it that way Logan," she adds suddenly embarrassed that she has let him see how she really feels.
Smiling reassuringly. "It's okay, Max, we've still got things we have to sort out...but first, I'm starving, and I would much prefer your transgenic company than anyone else's."
With a thoughtful look, and then a smile. "Okay, that's settled. Lets eat." Max sets the tray on the ground and sits down on the floor, her legs tucked to one side. Looking up at Logan, she sees his evident embarrassment that he has the cot and she is on the floor at his feet. "Hey, don't sweat it. I'm closer to the food down here," she says, reaching for a slightly burnt piece of toast.
"In that case, I'll join you, or else you'll get all the good bits," as he lowers himself to the floor, his legs bent opposite to hers to avoid touching. "Better put these on," picking up a new pair of surgical gloves which are lying on the tray, "Don't want any mishaps," he adds shaking his head at their predicament, and reaches over and takes up one of the plates of food.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Max and Logan are sitting on the floor
"Will you look at us?" Logan says
"Pathetic," Max replies
"Hopeless," he adds.
"Lucky we hooked up," Max says.
"Happy anniversary," Logan replies giving Max a kiss on the cheek, they look at each other and begin to kiss. After a minute, Logan pulls away.
"Maybe, uh...maybe we should wait. You know...'till you're yourself again."
Smiling at him, "This isn't Manticore. This is me," she says.
Leaning into each other, they kiss more deeply.
»»»»»»
Looking at each other suddenly, the memory of that moment is clear in each other's faces. Hastily they look away and reach for some food on the tray, their hands, brushing, together for a moment.
Looking at Logan's gloved hand as he drops the piece of toast he was about to put in his mouth. "I'm saying it again, we can't keep going on like this Logan. You're my friend and I care for you deeply but until this virus can be beat, what else is there for us? No matter how hard I try, Manticore keeps coming back to haunt me."
Looking up from his hand, Logan looks first at Max then out of the window. "You know, Max, when I was in the chair, I kept wondering why you stayed. I thought it might have been pity. I thought it might've been gratitude for help finding your family. I kept refusing to face the fact that you could like me for who I was...what I'd become. - that it didn't matter to you. Until that night when you admitted why you'd broken our anniversary date...I realized something: nobody's perfect and nobody can be - even genetically enhanced killing machines. I wasn't perfect and never would be. You accepted that, I accepted you. I know what you are Max and nothing will change that."
"I'm sorry, Logan. We nearly beat the odds. Time just ran out on us, I guess."
Turning from looking out the window, he looks into Max's grave brown eyes. "Time hasn't run out, Max. We have all the time in the world. We have beaten the odds – someone just upped the ante...we met, we became friends and maybe we could've been more...but things happen...We will beat this and we will save the day - that's what superheroes and their sidekicks do."
"You know, this food is pretty awful. You'll have to come up with one of your miracle meals when we get out of here," Max says, standing up in one fluid motion. "I better get back to the Command Center, and make sure Alec hasn't turned it into a gambling den to keep Mole in Terminal City, and you...get some rest...we'll deal with what's on the disks after that."
"But I don't need—"
Max interrupts him with a smirk on her face. "Don't want you missing something important."
A look of contrition passes over Logan's face, quickly replaced by a smirk of his own. "Yes, commander, you better get back to your office."
Hesitating, Max looks out of the window. "Oh, before I go...Zack?" she says standing with one hand on her hip the other by her side, as she looks back down at Logan sitting on the floor.
"Right, Zack...now?" Logan asks reluctantly.
"Yes, now, for my peace of mind," she states. Nothing in the look she gives him betrays the turmoil she feels about the moment she and Logan have just shared or about her fear that the nightmare the previous day may come true.
"Uh-huh...peace of mind." Logan repeats, as he slowly stands up and takes the cell phone out of his pocket and begins to dial Buddy's phone number, his gaze fixed on her.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Outside an all night diner near the Oregon-Washington border:
A man in a dark suit is standing on the steps, watching a young well-built blond man standing in the parking lot, seemingly in deep thought.
"Sir, we have confirmation. The alarm system at the Seattle Police HQ was hacked into, also a black clad woman was seen getting into a car leaving the area at around the same time."
"452!" the first man says the sneer on his face twisting in disgust.
"There is no evidence of that...sir."
Looking over at the other man the first looks at him closely. "Are you questioning my decisions, Otto."
With a gulp of fear at the expression on his bosses face, "No sir," the other man replies hastily then looks over at the man standing in the parking lot. "So he was the leader of the escape in '09."
"Yes, and he's going to get us 452, and then we'll be closer to our goal."
"Goal sir?"
"Nothing you have to worry about," he answers as he walks down the steps towards the man standing watching the passing vehicles on the road. And in the process, he'll make that bitch suffer by taking something precious from her, like she took my son.
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A/N: In the summary I said this story was going up to the last scene in Freak Nation. However I feel after reaching this far, one more day should be covered and that is the Flag Raising Day. This however was not that day and what comes after that is for another time. So please stick with me a little longer and I hope you continue to enjoy.
TBC I promise.
Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
A/N: Thanks always to Kasman for the betas. Thanks again to those who have read and to those who have reviewed. Due to my moving house and in fact countries, I may not be able to post for awhile but I will try to do what I can. So please read and enjoy.
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Chapter 14 Family Bits.
--- --- --- --- ---
Terminal City, Max's room in the infirmary:
"Well, these are different, Max," Logan says, looking up from the cot he is sitting on at the vision of beauty standing in front of him, the top half of a cat suit down to her hips. Suddenly standing up, he sways and starts to fall forward his leg catching the cot and knocking it over with a clatter. As he falls, he tries to put out his arms but everything seems to be going dark. He hears a distant scream as everything finally goes black and he is caught by a pair of strong, young arms.
As Logan suddenly stands up, Max steps back startled, then he sways and starts to fall forward his left leg catching the cot and overturning it. Without thinking, Max steps forward, "Logan!" she screams and catches him, realizing that she may have just killed him.
Hearing the scream and the noise in the room, Original Cindy, being the closest, enters and taking in the scene before her, quickly shuts the door in the face of the medic, "One moment, doc, gotta straighten up." She then locks the door, leaving the medic pounding on it, demanding to be let in.
"Quick, boo, give him to me, get dressed and straighten the cot." Reaching out, she starts to take Logan's weight but Max doesn't move...
»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Logan has stood up on seeing Max and walks over to her.
"Max..."
"We gotta get you out of here. They're coming to get you."
Reaching out he kisses her, and she returns it passionately. After a minute, they draw apart and hold each other
"Who? What's going on? How did you—"
"I'll explain later. Come on."
"No, I have to finish my broadcast."
"Forget it. It's not important."
Suddenly, Logan collapses.
"What's wrong?"
Gasping, Logan looks up at Max, "I don't know. I—"
"Logan, what's happening?"
"You killed him, that's what's happening," Alec says standing there with a gun pointed at them. "Nice job, 452. Mission accomplished.
»»»»»»
Mission accomplished...mission accomplished - I let him get too close, he shouldn't have touched me. If I hadn't teased him he wouldn't have...I've killed you Logan...I've killed you...
"Max, dammit! Move! I can't hold him forever and you've got to get dressed now!" Original Cindy cries as she desperately tries to hold Logan up and break her friend out of her shock.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Max lunges at Alec but stops when he raises his gun.
"Whoa, whoa, hey. Hey, just following orders. Okay, now Renfro said if you want him to live, you gotta bring him back to Manticore and turn yourself in."
"There's a cure?"
»»»»»»
"Max?" a weak voice, asks in confusion.
Waking from her shock, Max sees Logan stirring in Original Cindy's straining arms. Quickly pulling up her under shirt and cat suit, Max straightens the cot and steadies it, as Original Cindy lowers Logan down with relief evident on her face.
"Boo, you really spaced there. I thought I'd lost the both of you...go open the door so our transgenic doc can check Logan...before she breaks it down. I'll watch him," She says kindly as she sees the look of worry and fear on her friend's face.
Max unlocks the door letting Mary, the medic, in. Mary gives her a withering look, which turns to concern when she sees Logan lying on the cot. "What happened?" she asks turning to Max with a look of displeasure tinged by jealousy on her face.
"He just collapsed...It could be the Manticore retrovirus, he needs a blood transfusion from a transgenic and his core temperature needs to be brought under control," Max says with terror evident in her voice.
Looking from Max to Logan, her features grave Mary's steps over to Logan.
"God, I'm so tired, never was a morning person especially after not getting enough sleep. Shouldn't have missed dinner as well," Logan mutters. Feeling a hand on his forehead and one holding his wrist as if checking his pulse he opens his eyes. "Hey, Mary, what're you checking? Why am I lying down?" he asks, confused, as he tries to sit up.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, Mary holds him down without effort, "You passed out in Max's room...you have been a naughty boy," she says, as only doctors or nurses can say.
"Mary, he needs..." Max pauses on seeing the medic shake her head, her hands still on Logan's forehead and shoulder.
"No, Max, Logan passed out from exhaustion and lack of nutrition. He needs somebody to make sure he takes care of himself," her tone suggesting that if Max can't handle it, she would gladly take on the chore.
"I'm fine," Logan says in indignation at the medic's words. He is both embarrassed at showing weakness and that this woman can so easily hold him down.
As realization that it is not the retrovirus but just Logan just being his obsessive self and forgetting to get enough rest or to eat, relief spreads through Max with a heavy dose of anger at his stupidity - and at her stupidity at no recognizing the signs. Mixed in there as well is jealousy that this woman is touching the man she loves...and worse, can at anytime.
"Is he going to be okay?" she asks, looking at Mary, her features under control, not showing any of the emotions boiling below the surface.
"With a few hours rest and some food, sure."
"He'll get it," Max says looking at Mary, then at Logan, a little of her emotions slipping into her voice.
"You stay here, boo. I'll get some food for the both of you and you can rest as well," Original Cindy says turning to head for the door.
"No, OC, I've got it...I'm fine." She stops Original Cindy with a raised hand. With one final look at Logan, she heads for the room door.
"Max, thanks for the gift, I really appreciate the surprise...and I'm sorry about this," Logan says allowing his true feelings for Max to leak into his voice, causing her to pause and turn to look at him.
A small smile lights up her face and sets her eyes a blaze with happiness, as her anger dissipates, "Well you deserve it...but we have to talk about this..."
"When you get back with the food, Max...promise," Logan says a note of pleading mixed with a look of resignation.
Max's smile suddenly widens in relief, "You, are so going to pay, Logan, for scaring me," and walks out the door before Logan can answer.
The smile vanishes from Max's face as she walks out the door. That was way too close. Two strikes and two misses now. How long before I finally accomplish the mission...no I'll not let that happen. I'm not letting Manticore and Renfro win. A look of cold resolve lights her eyes, as a fierce smile spreads over her full lips, puzzling and frightening to those in the reception area of the infirmary.
Mary looks at Max's retreating back and then at Original Cindy who is standing looking at her, a look that tells her she better not be anything but professional with Logan. You better not mess with my home girl or fool with her man, or OC will give you the smack down even if you are a super soldier.
--- --- --- --- ---
Outside the Infirmary:
Well, he liked my surprise. Then a look of fierce propriety crosses Max's face. Mary better not get too familiar with Logan or there's going to be a need for a medic. Pursing her lips, a thoughtful look appears in her eyes. Renfro said I couldn't get rid of this bitch unless I found Sandeman, but there was the antigen, there must be something out there...I hope Logan can figure these new runes because I'm getting real tired of this internal cryptic tattoo message dealio.
Looking over towards where the Command Center is located then back at the infirmary, indecision evident in her stance. Better go and get those clothes for OC and Logan, and make sure Mole's not about to lead the troops on an assault...but first some food for Logan and this girl, otherwise I'll be lying next to him. Max suddenly smiles at the thought. Well I came back from the dead so maybe that's possible too. Still smiling, she walks off towards the mess hall.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Infirmary Max's/Logan's room:
Logan is lying on the cot looking even more uncomfortable with Mary's ministrations and Original Cindy's watchful presence. Max is right, we have to talk. First she scares me nearly to death and then I go and keel over on her right after touching her. That was close, if I'd come in contact with her...nope don't think of that. When did I last eat, rest? Sure I got an hour or so before Max went after the disks, but with her outside, and the worry...It's hard to think. Forgot to tell Max that Alec's running things for the moment...hell, the disks - we've got to find out what's on them.
"I'm feeling fine...just tired and hungry. You can go, Mary, I'm not going anywhere."
"Logan, you passed out, That means low blood sugar on top of the exhaustion. Somebody has to watch you," she says, studiously trying to ignore Original Cindy's glare.
"I can watch Logan," Original Cindy states, realizing that her glare is having no effect. "I'm sure you must have some important medical supplies to check," Original Cindy adds a touch sarcastically.
Logan looks over at Original Cindy as Mary turns and opens her mouth to answer. "Honestly Mary, I'm not going anywhere. I'd like to rest until Max gets back with some food. Go on, Original Cindy can watch me."
Reluctantly leaving the room, Mary gives Original Cindy one last withering stare and shuts the door.
"Well, I just hope I don't need a band aid from her;" Original Cindy says with a shrug.
"OC, check she's gone. I've got to get out of here, get those disks from Max and back to the Command Center...we need to know what's on them" Logan says as he starts to get off the cot.
"No, you're not, Logan Cale. I promised Max I'd watch you...besides if I let you outta here and Max comes back with your food and you ain't here, I'll have two fine transgenic females pissed at me, and I got no time for that."
Laughing softly, then pausing in his attempt to sit up as a wave of nausea hits him, "Besides you would give me a smack if I tried anyway right," Logan says ruefully.
"Right. Now, lie down and rest, so when my boo comes back you two can have a nice breakfast and then go out and save the world together."
Logan's last conscious thought, as he drifts off, despite, his efforts to remain awake and the hunger pangs, is of Max's smile as he thanked her for the gift of DVD's. He begins to dream of travelling through time in his machine, his beautiful partner always by his side.
--- --- --- --- ---
Infirmary, Max's/Logan's Room:
"Hey, boo, he fell asleep soon after you left," Original Cindy whispers as Max walks through the door carrying a tray stacked with covered plates, coffee, and juice.
"Well, I was hoping to eat with him, but I guess you can have his share and I'll get some more for him later" she says wistfully looking down at the sleeping Logan.
Wonder what you're dreaming about, she thinks, as she sees the slight smile on his relaxed features
»»»»
Flashback Metro Medical Logan's Room:
Max is looking at Logan; his face relaxed in sleep, a slight smile on his face. Reaching over, Max lifts the cover off one of the dishes on the food tray. Taking up a fork she tastes the food and grimaces.
Well, a girl who's been on the run and just donated blood can't be choosy...probably save Logan's life again eating this, and besides he'll probably be asleep for awhile. I wonder what he's dreaming about?
»»»»»»»
I found out...or at least I think I did - it was the dance and that music 'Valse Triste.' I still dream it sometimes. Wish all my dreams were like that. Why didn't we admit what had happened...avoiding our moments of weakness I guess.
"It's okay, Max, you stay here. I'll pick up something—"
"Can't, got to make sure Mole's not planning to invade Seattle."
"It's covered, boo. Logan asked Alec to handle Mole until you were on you're feet."
"You know this how? "
"Gem. That's how I heard what had happened to you."
"Still, got to go and take charge—"
"No, you don't, Alec can handle it. Do you want Maaryy feeding Logan?" Original Cindy asks with a sly smirk.
Looking at Logan, they see that he has opened his eyes and is looking from Max to the food tray in her hands.
With a smile, Logan points to the tray in Max's hand, "Well, am I going to get some of that or do I have to do my fainting routine again,"
"Well, I brought it for you, so since you're awake why not," Max says, a smile lighting up her face. "Got to warn you though it's not much better than hospital food," she adds, shrugging her shoulders.
Grimacing Logan looks at the tray. "At the moment I'm not in a position to be choosy. Besides, the company will make up for the taste," he adds, looking up into Max's face, his gaze unwavering.
Trying to back out of the room as quietly as possible Original Cindy smiles to herself. Well they ain't got the virus bitch beat but that 'we're not like that' for shore is...and about time.
Looking at each other, Max and Logan are barely aware that Original Cindy has left the room. "There's no way I'm going to feed you so you better sit up...slowly so that you can do this yourself," Max says looking gravely at Logan.
"Well, I could always get Maaryy to feed me," Logan says teasingly.
"You do that, Logan Cale, and you can kiss my transgenic ass goodbye," Max replies in disgust, a tinge of her jealousy evident in her voice. Did I just say that, "I didn't mean it that way Logan," she adds suddenly embarrassed that she has let him see how she really feels.
Smiling reassuringly. "It's okay, Max, we've still got things we have to sort out...but first, I'm starving, and I would much prefer your transgenic company than anyone else's."
With a thoughtful look, and then a smile. "Okay, that's settled. Lets eat." Max sets the tray on the ground and sits down on the floor, her legs tucked to one side. Looking up at Logan, she sees his evident embarrassment that he has the cot and she is on the floor at his feet. "Hey, don't sweat it. I'm closer to the food down here," she says, reaching for a slightly burnt piece of toast.
"In that case, I'll join you, or else you'll get all the good bits," as he lowers himself to the floor, his legs bent opposite to hers to avoid touching. "Better put these on," picking up a new pair of surgical gloves which are lying on the tray, "Don't want any mishaps," he adds shaking his head at their predicament, and reaches over and takes up one of the plates of food.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Max and Logan are sitting on the floor
"Will you look at us?" Logan says
"Pathetic," Max replies
"Hopeless," he adds.
"Lucky we hooked up," Max says.
"Happy anniversary," Logan replies giving Max a kiss on the cheek, they look at each other and begin to kiss. After a minute, Logan pulls away.
"Maybe, uh...maybe we should wait. You know...'till you're yourself again."
Smiling at him, "This isn't Manticore. This is me," she says.
Leaning into each other, they kiss more deeply.
»»»»»»
Looking at each other suddenly, the memory of that moment is clear in each other's faces. Hastily they look away and reach for some food on the tray, their hands, brushing, together for a moment.
Looking at Logan's gloved hand as he drops the piece of toast he was about to put in his mouth. "I'm saying it again, we can't keep going on like this Logan. You're my friend and I care for you deeply but until this virus can be beat, what else is there for us? No matter how hard I try, Manticore keeps coming back to haunt me."
Looking up from his hand, Logan looks first at Max then out of the window. "You know, Max, when I was in the chair, I kept wondering why you stayed. I thought it might have been pity. I thought it might've been gratitude for help finding your family. I kept refusing to face the fact that you could like me for who I was...what I'd become. - that it didn't matter to you. Until that night when you admitted why you'd broken our anniversary date...I realized something: nobody's perfect and nobody can be - even genetically enhanced killing machines. I wasn't perfect and never would be. You accepted that, I accepted you. I know what you are Max and nothing will change that."
"I'm sorry, Logan. We nearly beat the odds. Time just ran out on us, I guess."
Turning from looking out the window, he looks into Max's grave brown eyes. "Time hasn't run out, Max. We have all the time in the world. We have beaten the odds – someone just upped the ante...we met, we became friends and maybe we could've been more...but things happen...We will beat this and we will save the day - that's what superheroes and their sidekicks do."
"You know, this food is pretty awful. You'll have to come up with one of your miracle meals when we get out of here," Max says, standing up in one fluid motion. "I better get back to the Command Center, and make sure Alec hasn't turned it into a gambling den to keep Mole in Terminal City, and you...get some rest...we'll deal with what's on the disks after that."
"But I don't need—"
Max interrupts him with a smirk on her face. "Don't want you missing something important."
A look of contrition passes over Logan's face, quickly replaced by a smirk of his own. "Yes, commander, you better get back to your office."
Hesitating, Max looks out of the window. "Oh, before I go...Zack?" she says standing with one hand on her hip the other by her side, as she looks back down at Logan sitting on the floor.
"Right, Zack...now?" Logan asks reluctantly.
"Yes, now, for my peace of mind," she states. Nothing in the look she gives him betrays the turmoil she feels about the moment she and Logan have just shared or about her fear that the nightmare the previous day may come true.
"Uh-huh...peace of mind." Logan repeats, as he slowly stands up and takes the cell phone out of his pocket and begins to dial Buddy's phone number, his gaze fixed on her.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Outside an all night diner near the Oregon-Washington border:
A man in a dark suit is standing on the steps, watching a young well-built blond man standing in the parking lot, seemingly in deep thought.
"Sir, we have confirmation. The alarm system at the Seattle Police HQ was hacked into, also a black clad woman was seen getting into a car leaving the area at around the same time."
"452!" the first man says the sneer on his face twisting in disgust.
"There is no evidence of that...sir."
Looking over at the other man the first looks at him closely. "Are you questioning my decisions, Otto."
With a gulp of fear at the expression on his bosses face, "No sir," the other man replies hastily then looks over at the man standing in the parking lot. "So he was the leader of the escape in '09."
"Yes, and he's going to get us 452, and then we'll be closer to our goal."
"Goal sir?"
"Nothing you have to worry about," he answers as he walks down the steps towards the man standing watching the passing vehicles on the road. And in the process, he'll make that bitch suffer by taking something precious from her, like she took my son.
-------------------
A/N: In the summary I said this story was going up to the last scene in Freak Nation. However I feel after reaching this far, one more day should be covered and that is the Flag Raising Day. This however was not that day and what comes after that is for another time. So please stick with me a little longer and I hope you continue to enjoy.
TBC I promise.