A/N: Here it is, as promised, the final chapter of Just Another 48 Hours.

Chapter 8: Out of the Darkness

May 6, 2021

"As dawn breaks on this, the third day of the siege at Terminal City, the situation is tense but unchanged. While several hundred transgenics remain barricaded inside the restricted areas, police and National Guard stand an uneasy watch at the perimeter, each side seemingly waiting to see what the other will do next…"

Max drew a deep breath as she began to climb the stairs to the roof. Logan was right behind her. She was glad for his support, and took comfort in his presence.

Josh and Alec were waiting for her up there, along with Mole and Gem. As long as they had each other, it would be all right. Max recalled saying that to her siblings over the phone. They would be together again soon.

No more running, no more hiding.

It wasn't going to be easy, but when had they ever counted on the easy way out?

"Ready?" Alec asked when she arrived.

Ready? Never. But that didn't stop her.

She still hadn't told Logan about Alec. Or that he had to leave. She wanted to be happy a little while longer with him. They both knew he, Sketchy and Cindy would have to leave soon. Sketchy had started coughing after he woke up, and they couldn't risk staying. They had overstayed their welcome.

Logan wasn't pleased to think about it, but he had decided not to fight her when she did tell him. He wanted to savor these last moments together. He hadn't left her side since they left the apartment. If he had his way, he wouldn't have to leave her ever again.

"Let's do this," Max said to Alec.

No one said anything as the pole was being hoisted up.

There were no words for it as the Seattle rain began to loom, ready to wash away the past.

Watching the flag rise, Max looked sideways from Logan to where Alec was standing. He turned to look at her at the same moment, and their eyes met to share a knowing look. This was their doing. He smiled and turned back to face the flag beating against the wind.

A smile couldn't help but forming on Max's face as she looked up at Josh's flag, flowing in the sky against the early morning fog. The sun hadn't come out yet, but as the day progressed it would find its way to them.

Logan hadn't noticed the exchange between Max and Alec. He was too busy trying to build up the courage to take Max's hand in his own. He was so proud of her. She was fighting for a cause so much greater than herself. What could be more admirable? Could he love her more?

Finally, he drew a breath in and took her hand into his. Even though they both had on gloves, he could still feel her hand there holding his.

"Now look what you've done," Logan said.

Closing Credits:

First, I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has been here. I hope you had as much fun reading this as I did writing it.

There is a sequel coming up called Wake Me Up When September Ends that continues where this story left off. And it is a Max and Alec kind of love story I promise, you just have to bear with me. It's going to be an angst filled one.

At the end of Season 2, Max and Alec were close to getting together, but I feel like they need a few more nudges in the right direction, which is going to be half the fun. Also, Max has to transition away from Logan because she did love him. I refuse to throw that away. Plus it makes the story more interesting.

That's about all I can reveal of my grand scheme – there is a method to my madness. I hope.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!