A/n: Sorry about the wait, guys, RL really doesn't understand the importance of fanfiction. Thanks for your reviews BTW.

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Chapter 23: Man of Letters

Logan transferred himself into his car and stowed his chair behind him, not really concentrating on the action. Max studied his features as he did, trying to gauge his mood.

Logan's skin was unnaturally pale, except for the dark circles under his eyes. He was obviously exhausted; it had been three days since the Maple issue had come up and she doubted he'd allowed himself to rest for longer than a few minutes since then. The near permanent frown on his features showed that he was consumed by some thought or memory that he couldn't escape.

Logan had always been a single minded person; he'd latch onto something and then worry at it until it gave way before him. Although he wasn't incapable of multi tasking; watching him absent mindedly throw together a culinary miracle while thinking about something completely different had proved that to her. In other circumstances, she would have found his preoccupation charming, almost amusing.

Now he was just sitting, gazing out through the windshield, key in the ignition. The clear blue eyes were fixed on a point farther away than the wall before them, the emotion in them unrecognisable.

"Logan?" She asked, wondering if he'd forgotten she existed entirely. "You ok?"

"Hmm?" He turned to focus on her face, the distance in his eyes evaporating. "Oh. Yeah, fine." At last, he started the engine, reversing out of the parking space and then heading towards his apartment.

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Logan pushed himself into the apartment and picked up on the sound of typing from his office. He looked back at Max, fear crossing his face that somehow Eyes Only had been found.

Max stalked forwards, getting a glimpse of the form sitting at the machine Logan usually monopolised.

"Bling! You almost got a Manticore ass kicking then," she said, relieved.

"Take it that means he's with you," Bling replied, after only a slight jump.

"'He' is right here," said Logan, wheeling his way in.

"Great. Then we can do your reps before I have to leave."

"Sorry, Bling, I've kinda got a lot to do…"

"Oh, no, Logan. You are not going to wriggle your way out of it. You skipped your session yesterday; no way am I letting you do it again."

"He's right, Logan," said Max, when he turned to her for backup. "This can wait a couple hours. I wanted to check in with Cindy anyway…"

"Why do I get the feeling I'm outnumbered?" Asked Logan, sounding exasperated.

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When Max returned, she found Bling packing up his bag.

"Hey," she said.

Bling held a finger to his lips. "Shh, not so loud. I just got Logan to sleep."

"You know how whack that sounds, right?" Max whispered theatrically.

"Not when I know he hasn't slept in his bed for four days," Bling replied. "He dropped off on the bench towards the end of the session. Had to carry him to his room."

Max peered into Logan's darkened bedroom, seeing his lean form stretched out on his back, breathing deeply. Even in the poor light, her Manticore night vision meant she could still see the crease etched deeply into his brow.

Bling was ready to go when she returned to the lit portion of the apartment, her own forehead showing her concern.

"Oh, before I forget, Max? Logan told me if he passed out before you got back I should give you this." He held out a large white envelope, obviously quite full.

"Thanks, Bling," she said. "For everything."

"No problem," Logan's trainer replied with a smile. "You gonna hang around?"

"Yeah. Wanna see if there's any leftovers in the fridge."

"Whatever you have to tell yourself, girl," he said. "See you around. Oh, and Max? Make sure he eats something when he wakes up."

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Bling left Max alone with her envelope. She made herself some hot coffee and a sandwich from the contents of the fridge before folding onto the comfortable couch to open it.

Several sheets of paper emerged, covered in Logan's strong, elegant handwriting. Max picked up the first sheet and began to read.

Max,

I'm really not sure I can do this face to face. In fact, I know I can't. If there's one person I can allow to know the truth it's you, but please don't think that's because I know about Manticore. It's because you're my friend and I trust you, more than anyone.

Anyway. This is, in true man of letters style, my way of telling you about myself; the parts that are too painful to say out loud. I know I should have told you earlier, but I really don't bring it up under any circumstances.

I won't be surprised if you don't want to hang around after you read this. And I won't hate you for it. But remember, if you ever need my help, I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere.

Logan.

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So? Any thoughts?