Title: Ticking Away
Author: people-alwayz-leave
Rating: T (to be safe)
Pairings: Max/Ben, Max/Alec (not what you think)
Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with Dark Angel, which would explain why it ended in the second season and Alec and Max weren't ever officially together LOL.

SO HERE IT IS, AND HERE GOES

CHAPTER THREE: TAKE THAT MASK AND SHOVE IT

The clock on the table was ticking, siginaling the moments passing away. Her eyes immideately snapped open, her senses on full alert. Where the hell was she? And where the hell was her baby? She felt a presence beside her and turned on it quickly. "Max, it's me." He held up his hands defensively, as a means of peace. She sat up and started gathering all of her things.

"I have something to show you."

"Not interested, Logan."

"Oh, I think you will be." Was all he said as he moved in front of her.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then she nodded. "Come on." He led her into the living room where a man was sitting. Ther was something so familiar about him. "Max." The man knew her name? "Yeah?" Her tone was weary, her eyes guarded. "You can take that mask and shove it." She was momentarilly confused. "Oh come on little sister, Manticore masks don't fool me anymore than they fool you." Her eyes snapped up to his face. "Zack?!" Her smiled at her, tipping his head in acknowledgement. The tears filled her eyes again as she embraced him. She needed to tell him about Ben. But she just couldn't. Not just yet. She just wanted to be happy for a little while.

A/N: SORRY IT'S SO SHORT... I JUST FELT LIKE THIS WAS THE BEST PLACE TO END IT AND START WITH THE NEW CHAP