A/n: Massive thanks for your reviews, everyone. Sorry for the delay.

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Chapter 33: Home Truths

"You know the chair never mattered to me, right?" Max asked hesitantly. She could feel Logan's muscles tense before he responded, and knew she'd put her foot firmly in her mouth.

"I've been more honest with you over the past few hours than I ever have with anyone in my life, Max," he said tightly. "I'd really appreciate it if you could return the favour."

"Ok," Max replied, knowing only the truth would satisfy him. "It's always bothered me that I didn't protect you that day. That if I hadn't been so selfish you'd never have been hurt. Every time I saw you I felt guilty for doing this to you."

"It wasn't your fault, Max! Is this what you've been thinking, all this time?"

"Well... yeah. Haven't you?"

"Never. I had no right to ask you to risk your life that day. If there's anyone who deserves the blame it's me, for not planning well enough to keep Lauren and Sophie safe."

"You? Not Bruno, or Sonrisa?"

"I gave my word that I could protect them. I should have known better."

"You did everything you could, Logan. A hell of a lot more than anyone else was prepared to do."

"It wasn't good enough," he said heavily. "It never is; I never am..." the last words were almost whispered.

Max twisted her lithe form around so she was gazing into Logan's eyes. "You're the best person I've ever met, Logan Cale," she said. "You're intelligent, compassionate, courageous, selfless, purposeful... I have to pinch myself every day to make sure you're real. You're my knight in shining armour, my fairytale prince... my hero..."

"I'm no hero, Max," said Logan.

"You are to me," she said softly. "And to everyone else out there. Do you have any idea how many people idolise Eyes Only? Keep on the straight and narrow because they're inspired by your example? And they don't even know the obstacles you've had to overcome to do it. They don't know the man behind the mask like I do." Max raised a hand to cup Logan's cheek, feeling the coarse stubble tickle her palm.

Logan couldn't tear his eyes from Max's. The touch of her soft hand on his face was like a red hot brand on his skin. Like he'd be able to feel it there forever. And it was that which gave him the courage to lean forwards and kiss her.

Max responded eagerly, almost unable to believe this was happening. She moved her hand from his cheek to plunge it into the spiky hair, pressing her body against his. Soon, the couple were lost in bliss, oblivious to anything but each other.

Some time later, Logan stopped trailing fiery kisses along Max's neck, causing a moan of protest. "Max..." he whispered, shifting to meet her eyes. "Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure, Logan," she replied, seeing the insecurity in his beautiful eyes. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life." Logan opened his mouth again, his shame and humiliation clear to read. Max silenced him with a kiss.

"It's ok, Logan, I know your injury makes things... different," she told him. "But I've always been a big fan of making it up as I go along..."

A smile formed on Logan's features. "Well in that case... d'you want to move this somewhere more comfortable?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Max replied, sliding gracefully off his lap. Both of them immediately missed the warmth of the other. "I'm gonna go freshen up," said Max, throwing a seductive glance over her shoulder. "Meet you in the bedroom in five. Preferably without clothes." She headed for the bathroom, shaking what Manticore had given her.

Logan was left gaping after Max, before he remembered her invitation and reached for his chair for the fastest and clumsiest transfer he'd ever done. He wheeled himself into his room and tried to prepare it as best he could on his tight schedule.

Max gripped the edge of the sink with both hands. Oh, god, what am I getting myself into? I'm not even in heat!

This isn't just lust, Max, and you know it, said a little voice. It's love. You're in love with Logan Cale.

I know, she told herself. And I'm pretty sure he loves me too, but... what if this is a mistake? What if it all goes wrong? What if he gets hurt again because of me? What if he decides he'd rather have a nice normal girl instead of a Manticore made freak?

What if it does work out? Manticore's going down tomorrow; what if you can finally have the normal life you've always wanted? Isn't that worth the risk?

What if the plan goes wrong and Manticore kills Logan? I can't lose him, I just can't.

There's nothing you can do about that, Max. But if this is the only shot you have at being with Logan...

"Then I've got to take it," said Max aloud.

When Max stepped silently into Logan's bedroom, she caught her breath. There were about a dozen scented candles scattered around the room, filling it with the sweet aroma of vanilla. The blinds had been drawn, creating an intimate, romantic atmosphere, and there were fresh sheets on the bed.

Logan himself was sitting on top of them, dressed in only a t-shirt and boxers. He stared open mouthed at Max as she entered, wearing simple white bra and panties and nothing else.

Max joined Logan on the bed, and he raised his hands to run them through her dark curls, leaning in to kiss her. Max avoided the gesture, and met his confused, fearful eyes.

"I have to tell you something," she whispered. "I..." she swallowed. "I love you..." Logan blinked, reading the truth and fear from Max's brown eyes.

"I love you too, Max," he replied softly, voice choked with emotion. "I always have."

And finally, tenderly, their lips met.

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Yeah. Fluff. Review?