Disclaimer see first chapter.
Yay. Chapter 8!!! Sorry I haven't updated in a while, well longer than usual. Again I repeat action of shipperness sort is coming. I didn't want to rush into a kiss or a relationship.
Part 8
Spartacus patted Napoleon's nose before she left him to play with some curious transgenics. Still carrying the huge stack of pizza boxes she opened the back door to the kitchen and after a little struggle at getting her load through the door she walked to the light switches. She switched off the light and with the stealth of a transgenic slipped into the room that had already gone dark.
Spartacus wasn't stupid, she knew they could see well in the dark but for a second there was panic in the room.
Everyone within the room groaned as their eyes finally adjusted to the darkness. They could see but not well, the after images on their retinas obstructing their vision.
Spartacus dropped the boxes loudly on the table standing next to the pile, "Moses had never told the people of earth of the 11th commandment having dropped it at the peak along with the 12th 13th 14th and 15th. And so earth's population remained ignorant to the orders of indulgence from God's favorite right hand girl. Eventually it was revealed to the Etruscans, though still ignored by many, I will inform you now!" Spartacus seemed to be almost singing. Her voice lowered and it echoed in the large room giving an eerie effect, "Spartacus said; thou shalt eat PIZZA!"
Disbelieving groans echoed themselves around the room with a few chuckles and smiles as the lights turned back on courtesy of Kahlua.
Alec, Wesley, Rook, Zyme and Zane already had slices in their mouths. Messily they chewed with satisfied smiles giving no sign of slowing down. The girls watching them in half disgust, half amusement decided that should they not secure some for themselves it would most likely be gone.
Spartacus laughed at the disappointed puppy face she received from Alec when she picked up six boxes and tossed them to the girls.
********
Sandeman watched them from one end of the table already sated from the provided meal.
Alec and Zane were cracking jokes and playing with the toppings while Zyme sat scribbling something only he could understand on the bottom of a pizza box. Wesley was simply watching shaking his head at both guys.
The girls were more amused by their antics. Rook along with them watched in complete fascination and amusement as Zane timed Alec to see how many slices he could eat in 60 seconds and then tried to beat the score.
It was as if no one else was present. The two were so similar in their immaturity it was scary but then again nearly every transgenic if placed in a relaxing situation would be like that. The thing was that transgenics were rarely in a relaxing situation if ever.
"Perhaps we should leave you two alone since you seem to be getting along so well," Jondy suggested and all noise ceased in the room.
"Yeah I'm getting some weird vibes. Something you haven't told us?" Bintz added in much the same tone as Jondy had.
"Alec, Zane, why didn't you tell me? I. I. feel so. so. oh god," Max cried breaking down in front of them and burying her face in her hands. A few moments passed where the only thing heard was the sound of Max's sobs. She looked up then, an impossibly giant smile telling them that she'd been completely acting.
The two looked in complete seriousness at each other than back at the girls then in low warning voices they said in unison, "Don't even joke about something like that."
Max laughed along with everyone else but again she felt that small tinge of guilt again about to overwhelm her. She looked over to Zack who lay stretched on a bench wrapped in a blanket. His breathing had turned more erratic and she found herself rising out of her seat and with a salvaged pizza walking towards him.
In some remote part of her brain she could feel the eyes on her as she crouched beside him and brushed the hair off his forehead.
********
Max sat at his bedside. They'd run some tests on him and everything was fine. As Sandeman had said it had probably just been a traumatizing experience. Still there she sat unable to rid of the guilt that plagued her heart, no, his heart, in her chest.
He'd died for her. She'd fought them, she had, the best that she could, funny how now it seemed like it hadn't been enough. Like it had never been enough and she couldn't help but feel how maybe it never would.
There was no way that every transgenic within these fences would waltz out alive and well. She knew there'd be casualties, there always were but realizing that decisions she'll make could mean life or death was an entirely different situation.
He still hadn't woken up and now seemed to have entered a dream filled sleep. She knew he was remembering everything that had ever happened to him and all that he'd needed really was her to spark everything into action. Ironic that she had been the one to take those things away in the first place.
His hand felt comforting around her own and she could only hope, she brought a similar feeling to him.
Her eyes widened and for a second she thought she must have imagined the almost imperceptible squeeze she'd felt or maybe it was a reflex from his dream. But then she felt it again, stronger this time.
Her small hands ran over his brow as his eyes began to flutter and slowly almost painfully so they opened to her complete relief and excited fear.
They scanned her face slowly and then once again met her anxious eyes. His lips turned upwards subconsciously and one of his hand, the one not attached to the IV, reached out and cupped her cheek, "Maxie."
He sat up quickly and took her in his arms holding her close as he whispered in her ear, "I remember, I remember everything. I'm so sorry, I. I. was so confused, I know it was best when you sent me away."
She pulled back then and stared at him, with love yet surprise, "I should be the one apologizing. You have nothing to apologize for."
"Yes I do, I. I went after Logan, I didn't listen to you, I was so convinced that he was the bad guy. Whatever Manticore did to me. I should have realized that whatever they'd fed me was bullshit. I'm sorry Maxie. I'm so sorry."
He went to hug her again but she stopped him. Tears brimmed her eyes making them watery and shiny as she looked at him, "You remember that. What I did? Oh god Zack, I'm sorry, it was my fault, I should've tried harder to make you understand."
He put a finger to her lips to quiet her and he smiled, "It wasn't your fault. An angry, confused X5, not to mention commanding officer is not an easy thing to handle. You did what you thought was right. It must not have been easy, me. acting. that way to you, I. I don't know. You've always been my baby sister. Nothing will change that. Logan's a good guy." he said straining the last part a bit.
"Logan and I aren't gonna work out but. we'll see. If ever I'll find a good enough contestant I'll make sure to run him by you," she teased smiling when he grinned at her.
"Good cause I'll always be your big brother Maxie," he replied hugging her to him for a second time.
"Get some sleep. I'll come pick you up and settled in to your new crib tomorrow morning," she smiled and after giving him a quick kiss on the forehead left the infirmary.
********
Jondy and Zane watched Alec pace back and forth, back and forth and again back and forth. Methodically he went left until he reached one side of the room; a 180( turn right then back to the other side where the door to the small private room was.
He'd glance inside a new spark of hope each time only to be crushed when each time he'd see her still sitting beside the other man, holding his hand. Angry he'd turn and pace back down to the other side of the room and again the cycle began.
Though troubled, confused, angry and jealous he kept his footsteps light to not disturb and so far away in thought he did not hear them call his name right away.
"Alec. Alec. Alec!" Jondy said finally receiving his attention.
The other X5 looked at her. He looked so lost, so abandoned that she couldn't help the shiver his haunted look gave her.
"Max isn't going to come out until at least some of her guilt is washed away and she's a little more at peace. This means that she'll be inside at least until he's awake. Go to bed Alec, you need the sleep," she said in the voice of a worried sister.
He looked at her then cast a long glance at the door, as he seemed to weigh his options. He let out a tired and exasperated sigh and nodded his head in anguish, "Yeah. I think I'll try and sleep for a little while."
Jondy watched him leave with his hands deep in his pockets and though his posture was still straight and he carried himself the way all of them did you could see the fatigue in his shoulders. The tension and tumult he carried as his figure disappeared behind the heavy metal door shone bright as day.
The seconds ticked by seeming like hours until Zane opened his mouth to speak but he never managed to get the words out as the door opened and Max came out. A small sad yet hopeful smile played on her lips and with a quick nod of acknowledgement she left through the same door that Alec had gone through mere moments before. They'd both missed each other by seconds.
*********
Max climbed with agility on the outside of the tallest building in Terminal City. The cold wind chilled her skin and ruffled her hair clearing her head. She found it oddly relaxing using the pent-up energy she'd accumulated. Lone transgenics on sentry duty and those nocturnal that loitered around watched her with curiosity and pondered their 'leader'.
It was no Space needle but it would have to do.
Determination and deep thought marred her features as she scampered up. A hand grabbed the top ledge and for a moment she looked back down at the path she had taken before a familiar voice startled her, "I come here to be alone."
At any other time she would have rolled her eyes at the line she herself had spoken to him but in that moment she was more preoccupied in trying to keep her balance. His hands shot out and grabbed her shoulders lifting her with ease and setting her down in front of him, "I thought you had feline DNA."
She looked up at him not daring to utter a word and break the fragile moment in which they resided in. His hands were still on her but had fluttered down to her hips while hers in kind rested on his chest. She found herself trying to remember how she had gotten into this position.
Her mind was blank and she moistened her lips releasing a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. Her warm breath contrasting with the chilled night air broke him out of their reverie releasing her and she in turn.
He sat down on the ledge looking out at Seattle avoiding catching her eye too afraid to be read like a book. She followed suit flopping down next to him, so close their thighs brushed. He smothered the urge to jump at the electric shot that ran through him and finally his eyes went to her face.
She sensed his gaze and turned meeting it, She'd never expected his face to be so close. Their noses inches apart it was Alec who moistened his lips this time. Max suppressed a groan as she watched his tongue shoot out to soften his parched lips instead coming out as a whimper.
He turned away from her even as he asked himself why, but he knew why. He couldn't take advantage of her state; she was probably confused and lonely and she was lashing out seeking comfort. He wouldn't let himself be her mistake.
"So how're you holding up? With everything going on I'm surprised you've managed to keep your head screwed on," he smirked nudging her with his hip.
She grinned and shrugged innocently, "Yeah well I've got help. You, Joshua, my brother and sister and everyone else not to mention Mole is so understanding, he makes me feel all warm inside and I get butterflies whenever he hands me things and our fingers brush. I'm so happy to have you and be able to tell you all these things."
Alec looked at her with an expression of complete horror and disbelief and Max couldn't stop herself from laughing. She rolled backwards in hysterics every so often calming enough to look at him and setting off once again with one glance at his face.
"You so should have seen your face! It was a perfect Kodak moment! Oh my god I can't breathe," she cried out among fits of laughter once again standing as she dusted off her clothes.
Once composed she met his eyes and her own widened at the vengeful spark she saw within them. Slowly she started to back away, "It was a joke Alec, you know ha ha?" her face fell and she was off.
Alec's face split into an impossibly evil grin and he took after her like a dart. She was fast but he was keeping up with her just fine. Transgenics watched them as Max laughing sprinted and jumped and climbed trying to get away from an already gaining Alec.
Okay I will make you guys a deal. I got this idea off a fellow writer 5-6 reviews and I'll post the next chapter. More if you want, don't let me hold you back. Please even if it's just to scream at me. Thanks you've all been great.
Yay. Chapter 8!!! Sorry I haven't updated in a while, well longer than usual. Again I repeat action of shipperness sort is coming. I didn't want to rush into a kiss or a relationship.
Part 8
Spartacus patted Napoleon's nose before she left him to play with some curious transgenics. Still carrying the huge stack of pizza boxes she opened the back door to the kitchen and after a little struggle at getting her load through the door she walked to the light switches. She switched off the light and with the stealth of a transgenic slipped into the room that had already gone dark.
Spartacus wasn't stupid, she knew they could see well in the dark but for a second there was panic in the room.
Everyone within the room groaned as their eyes finally adjusted to the darkness. They could see but not well, the after images on their retinas obstructing their vision.
Spartacus dropped the boxes loudly on the table standing next to the pile, "Moses had never told the people of earth of the 11th commandment having dropped it at the peak along with the 12th 13th 14th and 15th. And so earth's population remained ignorant to the orders of indulgence from God's favorite right hand girl. Eventually it was revealed to the Etruscans, though still ignored by many, I will inform you now!" Spartacus seemed to be almost singing. Her voice lowered and it echoed in the large room giving an eerie effect, "Spartacus said; thou shalt eat PIZZA!"
Disbelieving groans echoed themselves around the room with a few chuckles and smiles as the lights turned back on courtesy of Kahlua.
Alec, Wesley, Rook, Zyme and Zane already had slices in their mouths. Messily they chewed with satisfied smiles giving no sign of slowing down. The girls watching them in half disgust, half amusement decided that should they not secure some for themselves it would most likely be gone.
Spartacus laughed at the disappointed puppy face she received from Alec when she picked up six boxes and tossed them to the girls.
********
Sandeman watched them from one end of the table already sated from the provided meal.
Alec and Zane were cracking jokes and playing with the toppings while Zyme sat scribbling something only he could understand on the bottom of a pizza box. Wesley was simply watching shaking his head at both guys.
The girls were more amused by their antics. Rook along with them watched in complete fascination and amusement as Zane timed Alec to see how many slices he could eat in 60 seconds and then tried to beat the score.
It was as if no one else was present. The two were so similar in their immaturity it was scary but then again nearly every transgenic if placed in a relaxing situation would be like that. The thing was that transgenics were rarely in a relaxing situation if ever.
"Perhaps we should leave you two alone since you seem to be getting along so well," Jondy suggested and all noise ceased in the room.
"Yeah I'm getting some weird vibes. Something you haven't told us?" Bintz added in much the same tone as Jondy had.
"Alec, Zane, why didn't you tell me? I. I. feel so. so. oh god," Max cried breaking down in front of them and burying her face in her hands. A few moments passed where the only thing heard was the sound of Max's sobs. She looked up then, an impossibly giant smile telling them that she'd been completely acting.
The two looked in complete seriousness at each other than back at the girls then in low warning voices they said in unison, "Don't even joke about something like that."
Max laughed along with everyone else but again she felt that small tinge of guilt again about to overwhelm her. She looked over to Zack who lay stretched on a bench wrapped in a blanket. His breathing had turned more erratic and she found herself rising out of her seat and with a salvaged pizza walking towards him.
In some remote part of her brain she could feel the eyes on her as she crouched beside him and brushed the hair off his forehead.
********
Max sat at his bedside. They'd run some tests on him and everything was fine. As Sandeman had said it had probably just been a traumatizing experience. Still there she sat unable to rid of the guilt that plagued her heart, no, his heart, in her chest.
He'd died for her. She'd fought them, she had, the best that she could, funny how now it seemed like it hadn't been enough. Like it had never been enough and she couldn't help but feel how maybe it never would.
There was no way that every transgenic within these fences would waltz out alive and well. She knew there'd be casualties, there always were but realizing that decisions she'll make could mean life or death was an entirely different situation.
He still hadn't woken up and now seemed to have entered a dream filled sleep. She knew he was remembering everything that had ever happened to him and all that he'd needed really was her to spark everything into action. Ironic that she had been the one to take those things away in the first place.
His hand felt comforting around her own and she could only hope, she brought a similar feeling to him.
Her eyes widened and for a second she thought she must have imagined the almost imperceptible squeeze she'd felt or maybe it was a reflex from his dream. But then she felt it again, stronger this time.
Her small hands ran over his brow as his eyes began to flutter and slowly almost painfully so they opened to her complete relief and excited fear.
They scanned her face slowly and then once again met her anxious eyes. His lips turned upwards subconsciously and one of his hand, the one not attached to the IV, reached out and cupped her cheek, "Maxie."
He sat up quickly and took her in his arms holding her close as he whispered in her ear, "I remember, I remember everything. I'm so sorry, I. I. was so confused, I know it was best when you sent me away."
She pulled back then and stared at him, with love yet surprise, "I should be the one apologizing. You have nothing to apologize for."
"Yes I do, I. I went after Logan, I didn't listen to you, I was so convinced that he was the bad guy. Whatever Manticore did to me. I should have realized that whatever they'd fed me was bullshit. I'm sorry Maxie. I'm so sorry."
He went to hug her again but she stopped him. Tears brimmed her eyes making them watery and shiny as she looked at him, "You remember that. What I did? Oh god Zack, I'm sorry, it was my fault, I should've tried harder to make you understand."
He put a finger to her lips to quiet her and he smiled, "It wasn't your fault. An angry, confused X5, not to mention commanding officer is not an easy thing to handle. You did what you thought was right. It must not have been easy, me. acting. that way to you, I. I don't know. You've always been my baby sister. Nothing will change that. Logan's a good guy." he said straining the last part a bit.
"Logan and I aren't gonna work out but. we'll see. If ever I'll find a good enough contestant I'll make sure to run him by you," she teased smiling when he grinned at her.
"Good cause I'll always be your big brother Maxie," he replied hugging her to him for a second time.
"Get some sleep. I'll come pick you up and settled in to your new crib tomorrow morning," she smiled and after giving him a quick kiss on the forehead left the infirmary.
********
Jondy and Zane watched Alec pace back and forth, back and forth and again back and forth. Methodically he went left until he reached one side of the room; a 180( turn right then back to the other side where the door to the small private room was.
He'd glance inside a new spark of hope each time only to be crushed when each time he'd see her still sitting beside the other man, holding his hand. Angry he'd turn and pace back down to the other side of the room and again the cycle began.
Though troubled, confused, angry and jealous he kept his footsteps light to not disturb and so far away in thought he did not hear them call his name right away.
"Alec. Alec. Alec!" Jondy said finally receiving his attention.
The other X5 looked at her. He looked so lost, so abandoned that she couldn't help the shiver his haunted look gave her.
"Max isn't going to come out until at least some of her guilt is washed away and she's a little more at peace. This means that she'll be inside at least until he's awake. Go to bed Alec, you need the sleep," she said in the voice of a worried sister.
He looked at her then cast a long glance at the door, as he seemed to weigh his options. He let out a tired and exasperated sigh and nodded his head in anguish, "Yeah. I think I'll try and sleep for a little while."
Jondy watched him leave with his hands deep in his pockets and though his posture was still straight and he carried himself the way all of them did you could see the fatigue in his shoulders. The tension and tumult he carried as his figure disappeared behind the heavy metal door shone bright as day.
The seconds ticked by seeming like hours until Zane opened his mouth to speak but he never managed to get the words out as the door opened and Max came out. A small sad yet hopeful smile played on her lips and with a quick nod of acknowledgement she left through the same door that Alec had gone through mere moments before. They'd both missed each other by seconds.
*********
Max climbed with agility on the outside of the tallest building in Terminal City. The cold wind chilled her skin and ruffled her hair clearing her head. She found it oddly relaxing using the pent-up energy she'd accumulated. Lone transgenics on sentry duty and those nocturnal that loitered around watched her with curiosity and pondered their 'leader'.
It was no Space needle but it would have to do.
Determination and deep thought marred her features as she scampered up. A hand grabbed the top ledge and for a moment she looked back down at the path she had taken before a familiar voice startled her, "I come here to be alone."
At any other time she would have rolled her eyes at the line she herself had spoken to him but in that moment she was more preoccupied in trying to keep her balance. His hands shot out and grabbed her shoulders lifting her with ease and setting her down in front of him, "I thought you had feline DNA."
She looked up at him not daring to utter a word and break the fragile moment in which they resided in. His hands were still on her but had fluttered down to her hips while hers in kind rested on his chest. She found herself trying to remember how she had gotten into this position.
Her mind was blank and she moistened her lips releasing a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. Her warm breath contrasting with the chilled night air broke him out of their reverie releasing her and she in turn.
He sat down on the ledge looking out at Seattle avoiding catching her eye too afraid to be read like a book. She followed suit flopping down next to him, so close their thighs brushed. He smothered the urge to jump at the electric shot that ran through him and finally his eyes went to her face.
She sensed his gaze and turned meeting it, She'd never expected his face to be so close. Their noses inches apart it was Alec who moistened his lips this time. Max suppressed a groan as she watched his tongue shoot out to soften his parched lips instead coming out as a whimper.
He turned away from her even as he asked himself why, but he knew why. He couldn't take advantage of her state; she was probably confused and lonely and she was lashing out seeking comfort. He wouldn't let himself be her mistake.
"So how're you holding up? With everything going on I'm surprised you've managed to keep your head screwed on," he smirked nudging her with his hip.
She grinned and shrugged innocently, "Yeah well I've got help. You, Joshua, my brother and sister and everyone else not to mention Mole is so understanding, he makes me feel all warm inside and I get butterflies whenever he hands me things and our fingers brush. I'm so happy to have you and be able to tell you all these things."
Alec looked at her with an expression of complete horror and disbelief and Max couldn't stop herself from laughing. She rolled backwards in hysterics every so often calming enough to look at him and setting off once again with one glance at his face.
"You so should have seen your face! It was a perfect Kodak moment! Oh my god I can't breathe," she cried out among fits of laughter once again standing as she dusted off her clothes.
Once composed she met his eyes and her own widened at the vengeful spark she saw within them. Slowly she started to back away, "It was a joke Alec, you know ha ha?" her face fell and she was off.
Alec's face split into an impossibly evil grin and he took after her like a dart. She was fast but he was keeping up with her just fine. Transgenics watched them as Max laughing sprinted and jumped and climbed trying to get away from an already gaining Alec.
Okay I will make you guys a deal. I got this idea off a fellow writer 5-6 reviews and I'll post the next chapter. More if you want, don't let me hold you back. Please even if it's just to scream at me. Thanks you've all been great.