Using Zack's network they easily contacted the X-series, few of them were still in Seattle, let alone the factory anyway. The other ones spread the word rather quickly and Max received unexpectedly little opposition. In a way she was relieved, but it also proved that she was the only one to believe in the initial dream of finding a place for the mutants in the society. At noon, they were ready to launch the second phase of the plan.
After making sure that every human-like of the group was warned, they had to gather absolutely all the mutants in the factory, to then… But they had to wait before alarming them, the success would come from a perfect timing: enough time to gather them, to little for them to realize what was happening. So they were on their way to Alec's flat, to check on the intruder, arguing once more. Because of Alec's exes, once more. Out of the ten girls they met while touring the city this morning, four had slapped him for not calling back… He was trying to plead his case, denying knowing them, repeating they were mistaken him and one of the clones but, so far, he was having little success. She was mad at him and their quarrel was amusing the people nearby.
Max, I told you, I'm a victim in this story! He was slightly over-playing to focus her mind on something else than the coming night.
Oh yeah, that's right, you're just incredibly unlucky making choices. Poor Alec, I should pity you… Maybe it's the city's fault too? Have you ever thought about living in a bigger one? With fewer chances to run into somebody you've already fucked?
The world will always be too small my dear, you know, you won't get rid of me …
Is it what I said?
Is it what you want?
Why are you changing the subject?
Why don't you just answer?
To what?
They were now in front of his door, he searched for his key in his pocket but found the door unlocked. That was not normal; they would have to continue that conversation later. He entered first, on his guard and was surprised to find Asha waiting for him on the coach. From the look he got, he clearly understood she was not in her best mood.
Why didn't you answer your phone? I was looking for you. She said standing to face him.
I'm here, what do you want? My phone is set on silent.
Logan was looking for Max. He asked me to contact you to contact her… But I guess he got it wrong on our relation… Apparently both he and I have lost our morning worrying for you. From what I see you're fine. So I'd better leave you two alone. She concluded picking up her purse.
He didn't like the understatement she placed, nor her reaction, what was that scene for? He stopped her as she passed by him, taking her arm.
What's that scene for? I don't recall owing you anything…
I know it now. It's fine. You won't see me anymore. And by the way, she freed herself from his grip. The man I found in the bathroom is Nadia's boss. Or maybe you don't know her name…It's the blond girl you've been dating last week… Looks like you're late for some bills. He gives you three more days before coming back, accompanied this time, not that it will make a difference though... With that she left, trying not to show how hurt she was.
Max hadn't say a word over the last minutes: Logan has been looking for her… Through Asha. She had checked her pager, no message. Not surprising, he certainly was too busy accumulating the proofs of a governmental personality's corruption. As far as the blond was concerned, she had been blinded and thought she was going somewhere with Alec when it was crystal clear she was nothing to him. The realization had come the hard way but he hadn't lied. He startled her by talking with his careless tone.
And there falls my dissertation proving I'm not an asshole… He made himself comfortable on the coach and motioned for her to follow his example.
Smiling, she sat on the armchair.
It's the contrary… It proves what you said, he raised an eyebrow, curious. She's nothing to you; so, I guess you were sincere for the others too… You've never loved anyone like?
She left the sentence incomplete, waiting for his answer. He leaned closer and whispered:
I've never loved anyone like…
Her pager went on and she cursed in her breath while reading the message. Norman. She turned back to him but he has left in the kitchen to prepare something. She sing-sang after him "bip bip bip, packets are waiting! Bip bip bip".
Norman is wondering where we are… She leaned on the door-frame and watched him heating a pan.
Oh, I imagine that! But, he took two plates and glasses and sat them on the table, I haven't slept last night and I haven't eaten since the small breakfast we shared, so, he opened a drawer and looked for two forks and knives, he will wait the end of the break. He looked at her, Come on! Sit down. It's nearly ready.
She obeyed without questioning. At worst, they would say they had a small accident on their way, rode into a dog… Whatever…
He stirred for a few minutes in silence… The sound of the clock was covered by the sound of the vegetables frying. But they didn't need to hear it to measure the time, which was going fast… He served the meal directly in their plates and sat.
Thanks, she said mechanically and began playing with the food, moving it from right to left. She wasn't very hungry.
He watched her little game, searching desperately for something to say. Why did Logan have to be such a pitiful boyfriend? It was his job to be here for her when she wasn't well… He, Alec, was only his substitute, wasn't he? Where were the limits to his role? Hell, he just wasn't one for being nice… Or at least not with her. He was too afraid to screw up the little they had… Alec, stop dreaming and focus, what little you have? Be realist… She's in love with mister the cyber-savior and can't stand you. This "alliance" is purely conjectural. It will all be over tonight. He repeated that last sentence aloud, more for himself than for any kind of communication. She could have missed it in normal circumstances, but, in this silence, it resonated cruelly:
It will all be over tonight.
Yeah… in less than eight hours, mutants will go back to the mythology they never should have left…
Bravo Alec, that was the right thing to say! He cringed and grabbed her hand once more. She didn't escape the contact and looked at him with a weak smile.
Thanks for being here, Alec.
No problem. He was fighting his senses asking for more contact, his thumb that wanted to caress her skin… Take your hand off before you lose it Alec! He was now arguing with himself. Stop staring at her this way… His conscience could have won if she wasn't herself lost staring at him… Was she really?
They both quickly stepped back when the irritating pager went on again. They tacitly choose to ignore what had just happened. He stood to put the dishes in the sink while she read the message. He heard her sigh.
Logan. He wants me to stop at his flat before… She wouldn't be able to say that sentence ever. He understood anyway and nodded.
Where do you want to meet tonight?
She couldn't help and notice how his question sounded like a date and then, she realized its meaning.
You're staying here?
I'm not sure I'm part of Logan's invitation… And "bip bip bip! Packets are waiting! Bip bip bip". He finished imitating Norman and his watch.
She had to laugh at the scene. He smiled back at her, inwardly proud of making her laugh on such a hard day. She definitely didn't want to go and argue with Logan, not now. She had selfishly hoped that Alec would spend the day with her. But he was right; Logan would be pissed if she came with him. Moreover, it wasn't fair to place Alec between them two as the referee of their argument. And Norman was undoubtedly waiting for them to show up for work…
I don't care, she concluded aloud.
Sorry? He became serious, unsure how to understand her answer.
Forget about work, I'm sure Original Cindy has found us an excuse.
That's one point. He agreed before asking: Logan?
I don't want to fight.
So you're not going?
I am.
He gave her a puzzled look.
Will you accompany me and make sure the visit will be brief?
She wanted him for support in front of her boyfriend? Could it be that she was indirectly stating she didn't plan on reconciliation? He took a moment to consider the offer though he knew the answer from the start: whatever. He answered in his usual careless tone shrugging his shoulders:
Ok.
He came closer and wrapped an arm around her waist before she could protest:
You know I've never been able to refuse anything to a pretty girl… What do I win by rescuing you?
She immediately slapped him. It echoed loud in the silence, as a bomb disturbing the regular tic-tac of the clock. Why couldn't he just be nice full-time?
Forget it. I'll call you later… She vividly turned and left with long steps, her long and shiny dark hair flying in the movement.
He ran after her, taking his jacket on the couch. She silently thanked him.