They aren't mine, I just play with them occasionally.

"You know, we've been through a lot together…and most of it is your fault!"

"Gee, thanks Max, that makes me feel good," said Alec from the doorway.

"Just go away," said Max, trying once more to slam the door in his face.

Alec's hand flew out and stopped it. He jammed his foot into the crack to keep it open, "Come on Max, can't we talk about this."

"Sure, talk all you want." Max gave him a violent shove that sent him flying into the wall opposite her door. "Just do it out there." With that she slammed the door and slid the bolt home.

"Hey Boo. What was that all about? Your boy being an ass again?"

"Again? When is he not, and he's not my boy."

"Whatever."

Max rolled her eyes as Alec began to bang incessantly on the door. "Come on Max!"

"I'm going to take a long cold shower."

"Whoa wait a minute sugar, what about him."

"What about him? He'll leave when his fist gets sore."

Max through one last annoyed look at the door before heading to the bathroom.

Stupid insensitive jerk, she thought savagely as she turned on the water. Why, of all the cities in the world, did he have to walk into mine? He could have gone anywhere. He could have gone to Las Vegas and been a hustler, or a bouncer. Why did he have to come to Seattle to ruin my life?

Of course the answers to all of these questions were simple: because he was Alec and Alec seemed to take pleasure from other peoples misery.

Max turned off the water and got ready for bed. She was vaguely aware of Alec still pounding on the door as she drifted off to sleep.

-------------

Great, thought Max as she opened her door and almost tripped over the sleeping form of Alec. Just when I thought things could get no worse, now he's sleeping on my doorstep. My own personal stalker.

Lashing out Max gave him a not-so-gentle kick in the abdomen.

"Wakey wakey sunshine."

"Damn Max that was uncalled for."

"So was your sleeping outside my door. People might get the wrong idea."

Alec rubbed the spot where she had kicked him, "Max, this is serious we need to talk."

"No Alec I don't have time for your drama right now."

"Please Max, it's important." Alec followed Max down the stairs, "It's about Joshua."

"What?"

Alec nearly tripped over Max as she came to a sudden halt one stair below him.

"He had a…little...run in with White's people…"

"You didn't think to mention this last night?"

"I tried Max, you wouldn't listen."

"Sorry, I was still mad at you for almost getting me killed! What was I thinking? Where is he?"

"He's being detained at White's headquarters."

Max took off down the stairs.

"I'm coming with you."

"Oh no you are not."

"Yes I am. I know the layout of the place. You gonna need me."

"Fine, but when we get back I am so gonna kick your ass."

TBC...if you think I should