Logan nodded. "Then let's begin, but first…" then he stood up.

Xander blinked. "Uh…"

Logan smiled. "What I'm using is the mechanical bottom half of an experimental form of power suit that the military gave up on. It had too many problems. That has been corrected since then."

"So why did you hide that?"

Logan shook his head. "I'm used to being secretive."

"Ah."

"It's also better to have some surprises around here."

Xander nodded. "That sounds very familiar."

- - - - - -

Max and her friends stood in the other room while Xander, Buffy, and Willow readied the spell. Max and Mole had just finished giving blood.

Logan looked at her with a speculative look. She noticed.

"What?"

He shook his head. "I'm just wondering if they can figure out something about the virus too."

Max sighed. "I don't know."

"We can ask."

Xander walked out at that point. "Ask what?"

Logan blinked. "How did it go?"

"It'll take a few more minutes. What did you want to ask?"

Logan glanced at Max again. She nodded slightly. He sighed. "The people that messed with the transgenics, wanted a way to keep her apart from me."

Xander stood with a blank look on his face. "How?"

Max spoke up. "A virus was put in me. It's tailored to kill Logan specifically if I ever touch him."

Xander smacked his head. "Figures I'd run into an Angel duplicate dilemma."

Max and everyone blinked and said "What?" collectively.

"Give me a minute to talk to Willow after this spell's done and I'll explain."

- - - - - - -

Xander walked back into the room.

Buffy looked up. "We're finished. There isn't a link."

He grinned. "That's a relief." Then he frowned.

Buffy sighed. "I hear a 'but' in there."

"A nasty virus was implanted in Max. It's just tailored to kill Logan if she touches any part of him not covered by something…"

Willow glared.

"Now, now, they shut down Manticore."

"FINE. But I can dream can't I?!"

"Just don't make any wishes."

Willow stood up and walked out. Xander and Buffy followed.

Everyone watched them as they came in. Cindy looked at Willow's angry expression.

"Girl? What's got you so angry?"

Xander shook his head. "She just got a major reason to want to rip Manticore apart, person by person."

Willow glanced at him. "I won't act on it though."

"Yes. We don't need Dark Willow."

"I have control."

"We know."

"Good!" Willow sighed. "Now then, what's this about a virus?"

Sketchy blinked. "Um…"

Willow waved her hand. "There isn't a link between transgenics and slayers." Then she stared at Logan. "I thought you're wheelchair bound."

"I am, technically. The mechanical legs are a gift from a man who used to be somewhat of a local eccentric superhero… long story."

"Ah. So?"

Logan glanced at Max. "Though both of us have a hard time admitting it, I think it's safe to say we're in love. Which makes it hard when we can't touch."

Willow stared at Xander. "It's an Angel look-a-like."

"That's what I said."

"Except there isn't any soul loss."

"Just a death."

Max blinked. "Could you clear that up a little?"

Xander waved it off. "It isn't applicable. The cure for that isn't even needed here." Then Xander looked at Willow. "Well?"

"I'll need to see any paperwork you have on it first."

"Research time again?"

"Yep."

"Donuts?"

Buffy rolled her eyes. "I'm sure Dawn can make some."

Xander rubbed his hands together. "Ah, sugary goodness."

Max and her friends just stared at them.