Title: Separated
Disclaimer: I don't own any Dark Angel characters…unfortunately.
Rating: PG (beware, there are two naughty words in here…you've been warned! *snicker*)
Summary: Set after Hello, Goodbye. My version of life after Max and Logan split.
A/N: OK, here's the deal. I was completely ecstatic to find I had already received four reviews within three hours of posting, but when I checked again the next day, I had ZERO new reviews! I was devastated! So if there's anyone reading this fan fic and not dropping a line, please do! I need to know there are people reading this if I'm to continue – otherwise, what's the point? Also, I haven't decided whether this is a M/A or M/L fic, so please R/R and help me out! Now onto the story…
Dedication: To four reviewers – ME, Quarks, Choco and Bonita – who reviewed my work within three hours of posting. You put me on a major high when I read them! My head also grew a bit big…;). Thanks guys – I checked out your stories (well, those who have them) and you're all very talented!
****
"Max."
Max stood deadly still, rooted to the spot, her brown eyes wide with disbelief. The key she'd used to let herself in was clutched tightly in a white-knuckled fist.
"Max, please, just listen-" Logan began.
His words were cut off.
"No, you listen to me," Max spat bitterly. "I came over because I was worried to death about you. I thought something had happened to you. Just because we're not…we're not together doesn't mean I don't care about you as a friend. And after all this time, it turns out you were just…" She paused, shooting a glance in Asha's direction. "You were just busy."
"Max, wait," Logan pleaded.
Max shook her head and abruptly turned on her heel. Seconds later, both Asha and Logan jumped in their seats as the front door slammed.
"I'm so sorry, Logan. I didn't mean to…" Asha trailed off.
Logan sat himself down on his couch and cradled his head between his hands. He waved weakly at her.
"No, it wasn't your fault."
"I think I better be leaving," Asha said gently.
"Perhaps that would be best," he agreed with a sigh of defeat.
Asha let herself out quietly. As soon as he heard the door click shut behind her, he let himself shed the tears he'd been keeping in, unaware that Asha could still hear him through the door. Almost automatically, he stood up and made his way to a certain cabinet in his kitchen…
~*~*~*~
Max rode as fast as her bike would allow her. As she pedaled, one thought ran through her mind.
Asha and Logan. Logan and Asha. AshaLogan. LoganAsha.
She skidded to a stop at Jam Pony Xpress, nearly knocking over a worker entering the building.
"Max, Max, Max," came a familiar voice. "You really should be more careful. I could have been severely injured."
"Bite me, Alec," Max snapped. "I'm not in the mood for you today."
Alec didn't even appear fazed. He gave his trademark smirk and made himself comfortable leaning against the wall, right in front of Max.
"Get out of my way, Alec, or else you will be severely injured," Max bit off.
"Me-ow! Max, we really need you to learn how to get that temper under control."
Max punched him on his shoulder and smiled sweetly.
"Kicking your ass has been recommended as a very effective treatment."
Alec held up his hands in mock surrender and moved out of her way.
"If there's one thing I learnt at Manticore, it's never get in the way of a psychotic female X5." He chuckled as Max slapped him again. "So what gives, Max? You were just doing a really good impression of Logan. All closed up and no emotion."
Max's mood plummeted again. For a while, she'd forgotten about that morning's events.
"It's none of your business," she said, pushing past him roughly and entering the building.
He trailed after her, smirk set firmly in place.
"Aw, come on Max. We've been through so much together. Burning down buildings, taking care of a half-human, half-dog-"
"Injecting certain people with viruses targeted at a certain someone?"
Alec tilted his head to the side, contemplating her words.
"Yeah, that too." He studied her closely, staring so hard that Max was beginning to feel uncomfortable. "That's it isn't it? Something Logan related is the reason behind this über bitchiness."
Max sighed.
"Fine. I'll tell you. I caught Asha and Logan kissing this morning." She swallowed a lump that had suddenly formed in her throat.
Alec's smirk was replaced by a sympathetic smile.
"I'm sorry, Max. But what you did to him was pretty harsh. He's just learnt to move on."
Max shook her head, running a hand through her hair.
"You're meant to be making me feel better."
Alec patted her shoulder supportively.
"I'm thinking you're not as over him as you think."
Max sighed again.
"I don't know what to think. I mean-" She was interrupted by a familiar cry.
"Bip, bip, bip, people! I'm not paying you to stand around talking all day." He spotted Max, and his eyes took on a evil glint. "You, missy, get delivering!" He threw a package and Max caught it easily. She read the address and gave a groan.
"What?" Alec asked.
"Sector 10 – right on the outskirts of town," she grumbled. She stuck her tongue out at Normal. "He probably saved this one specially for me."
Normal's head popped back up from the papers he was reading.
"That's right, missy, so get going!" he barked. Max rolled her eyes at Alec and exited the building. Alec strolled over to Normal.
"Got any packages for me, Normal?"
Normal smiled at his number one golden boy, pushing his Pepsi-frame glasses up his nose.
"Sure, take your pick," Normal said, motioning towards the large pile of brown and white boxes.
Alec rummaged through the packages, and an idea popped into his head as he spotted one for Sector 6.
"I'll take this one, man," he said, slapping Normal on the shoulder.
Normal frowned.
"You sure? It's pretty far out." He took a parcel of the top of the pile. "Why don't you take this package? It's only a few streets down. I'll get one of the lazy ones to do that one," he said, gesturing towards the package in Alec's hand. Alec could already see Normal scanning the room, and saw his eyes settle on the unfortunate Sketchy.
"Nah, I'll deliver this one," he said, waving it in a goodbye. He turned around.
Normal shrugged.
"Have it your way," he mumbled. He returned to dispatching as Alec sauntered out the door.
~*~*~*~
Alec sighed as he rode his bike. The package had been for some crazy old lady with millions of cats, one of which had left a big, deep scratch down the side of his leg. Still, he was glad he'd come out this way. He cared about Max, more than he would ever let on, and he wanted her to be happy, even if he… He reprimanded himself. This wasn't the time. In fact, there would probably never be a time or place for those types of thoughts.
He pulled his bike to a stop in front of a familiar looking building and hopped off the seat. He took the stairs up to the highest apartment, the penthouse, and knocked steadily three times on the door.
"Hey, Logan, it's Alec. I've come to talk to you about Max."
Alec heard scuffling inside and waited patiently, leaning against the wall. He straightened himself as he heard the unlocking of several chains and locks from the inside. Finally the door opened.
"Hey, bud-" he began. A lump in his throat cut him short. He was staring straight into the long empty barrel of a gun, held by an equally cold and emotionless looking Logan Cale. The strong smell of alcohol hit Alec's nostrils.
"Bastard."
A shot rang out, echoing loud and clear in the empty hallway.
A/N2: R/R for me people please! Otherwise I might be too depressed to write anymore and you'll all be left wondering what happened to Alec…*evil laugh*. So please please please R/R! And remember to give me your opinion about whether this should be a M/A or a M/L.