Disclaimer: Dark Angel and all original characters and original plotlines are not mine
Background: Story takes place right after final episode of DA, and all relationship statuses and most plotlines hold true
Chapter 1: Where Did That Come From?
He strummed his fingers loudly against the meeting table, a plank on cinder blocks that everyone had designated the meeting table owing to it's close vicinity to Max's office.
He sighed, shifting restlessly as he slouched even lower into the chair. Alec knew, even without looking up, that Max was craftily darting him poisonous glances between handing out orders for the latest recon mission for medical supplies and food and, most importantly, the coveted Tryptophan supplies.
Usually, he would have been inclined to look her straight in the eye and display his signature smirk, as part of his usual rebel persona. The constant verbal and physical struggle between the two was notoriously wonderful entertainment and gossip around TC.
But today, he felt strange. He felt particularly irritated and tired, for no particular reason, and the sighs he gave involuntarily were, for once, not staged for Max's irritation and his amusement.
He shifted his weight again, and a faint wave of buzzing and blindness struck him.
Whoa. Where did that come from? Suddenly, sounds reemerged from the buzzing background that he didn't realize he had blocked out, in particular a shrill, curt female voice.
"Alec!" Max snapped, taking the whole table by surprise, "Alec, I know this is not as stimulating as picking up broads, but could you please pay attention so you don't screw up and get your ass caught like every other time!"
Alec winced at the comment, not so much as what was said as the high pitch that sent another wave of buzzing and whiteness in his head. He was dimly aware that Mole, Luke and the others at the table were snickering slightly. Max was driven by the sudden onslaught of responsibility of TC to become increasing short-tempered and "bitchy," the preferred word, though fondly used.
Alec raised up his head and flashed a dazzling smile, completely by force of habit. He was glad he had their whole fight routine memorized, as he used his remaining focus to agonizingly peel himself out of his seat.
What's wrong with me? He forced his smile to stay steady on his face, and steadied himself on the back of the chair.
"I think I've got the mission schematics down Max. And speaking of broads, I actually have a date, so if you don't mind…" Alec managed, and he began walking out of the room as fast as he can without keeling over as the room spun around him.
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Max stood staring after him with her eyes opened wide in disbelief. The jackass! Where is he going? She could feel searing angering burning up inside her. Mentally, she pictured herself beating Alec to a pulp. She knew her face was turning red based on how people at both the table and scattered around the room were staring amusedly at her.
"Uh-hum" she cleared her throat loudly. And proceeded to stare down every curious glance in TC with little effort.
She started to look down at her meeting notes, and opened her mouth to start speaking again, when her head jerked up in reaction to a movement across the room that caught her eye.
It wasn't a dramatic movement, but something that sent a small chill of fear down her spine. She saw Alec's hand reach over and hold slightly to the door frame as if steadying himself. She blinked, watching him step outside.
Must just be just my eyes. Girl, what are you doing. This is Alec we are talking about. Mr. "I'm always all right" Max silently mimicked to herself and rolled her eyes.
She tore her eyes from the door. Luckily, no one at the table was ready for a second stare-down and kept their eyes averted, unaware of her sudden pause.
"Team one, will take scavenge the medical shipments set to arrive at Mercy Memorial at nine tonight. Team two…" Max heard her own voice drone on, but her mind kept on wandering to the grazing of Alec's hand on the frame. A detail insignificant to anyone else continued to replay compulsively in her mind.