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*The Longest Day*
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Spoilers: This is the fourth story in my series – if you haven't read any of my work before, you'd be best off going back to read and understand. The first story was Shattered Trusts and Whispered Confessions. The second is Remembering to Forget and the third, which I only just finished, is Events That Lead To Greatness. This series is set after Hello Goodbye but does reveal spoilers from the rest of the season, as I incorporate it into the story.
Disclaimer: Ideas are mine based on the brilliant work of the Dark Angel team – so don't sue me! I wish I owned Alec, but I don't. So I have to settle for writing fiction about him.
Authors Note: Just a general shout out thanks to all the great readers who have been reviewing my work and totally keeping me motivated. If it weren't for you guys I wouldn't be writing this stuff. I am trying out a new style of writing in this one; let me know what you guys think.
When it says someone's name over the top, it means that the chapter is in their point of view. It wont be like that for the entire story, just when necessary for what I am doing. Have fun and remember to review!
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CHAPTER TWO: Maximum Annoyance
ALEC
Washington DC; Alec's Apartment; January 1st 2023
0900 hours and counting...
I opened my eyes to an annoyingly familiar and definitely unwelcome pounding in my head.
"Great, another migraine."
Hopefully this one wouldn't lead to another seizure. Since I nearly drowned those few months back, when my heart had actually stopped momentarily, these headaches had come – and stayed.
I raised my head slowly, wincing as the pain shot through me faster than a bullet – and believe me I knew what that was like. Man, these headaches were worse than the before mentioned serotonin induced seizures. Why the hell is my body such a complex and frustrating screw-up?
What time was it anyway?
I glanced out the window at the sun; I guess it's only like 9 or around that. Time was back at Manticore I could tell it to the exact minute just looking at the position of the sun. Guess I've lost my touch. Well, at least I managed to get a few hours sleep.
In reflection, I guess life had sorted itself out for me. I am earning a good living as a bouncer for an extremely popular, yet very exclusive club. They hadn't wanted to hire me initially – probably because I don't look scary. But then a waitress there recognised me as Monty Cora, the guy who whaled on her ex-boyfriend's ass in the ring back in Seattle – and that set the wheels into motion.
It's an honest job, kind of satisfying to be handling life all on my own and being straight too – no more living the life of crime. But the satisfaction is no comparison to the rush of adrenaline I used to get when I pulled a job. Or when I was just around Max.
I missed her like anything. Even after all these months I did. But I knew that going back to her was just a dream, she would never take me back – she didn't feel the same way I did, the way I do. And I want someone who wants me too.
Life here in DC in actually pretty peaceful, rumour has it pre-pulse, this place was hectic, crazy. But now, it's a good place to be f you don't want to be found. And I don't. I haven't come across any worries really here, no transgenics, no familiars, and no exposure.
But in the day, it really gets to me.
The tranquillity, the peace – it only reminds me how alone I am here, that I've got no one.
I hate thoughts like that.
Rolling over, I clicked on the TV, staring blankly at an infomercial as I tried to fall asleep again.
What day is it anyway?
That's right, New Years Day – how could I have forgot?
2023, that's crazy.
The first day of the New Year...
Happy Birthday Maxie.
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I can't fall asleep.
How annoying.
My attention directs back to the TV and I bolt into an upright sitting position. There's a news report on Terminal City and for crying out loud, I know I said screw exposure – but this is just plain reckless and stupid. Max just rode through a bloody burning cross. Yeah I know, if it weren't for my enhanced sight, I wouldn't have been able to tell it was her. But I did and now I was officially worried.
"Great."
I know that old saying is you should never go home by some famous dead writer, but I have a gut feeling screaming at me too. Dammit, I was just settling in here too.
Happy-freaking-birthday Max!
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It didn't take me long to pack, I was never one for folding clothes. Now the television, that was going to be a problem – I wanted it coming with me, I'd grown rather attached to it. Huge, digital, surround sound – all the qualities I dreamed about, the kind that sent a cold shiver of excitement down my back. When I watched it, it was like I became catatonic – so lost and completely involved, oblivious to the whole world.
Fond memories.
So a final adios to this place, guess I'll have to leave the TV behind with my new life. I couldn't possibly carry it on the back of my bike. Well that sucks.
I stood in the doorway of my apartment, my home and it suddenly dawned on me I wasn't ready to leave - I didn't want to leave.
Damn her.
When I left I thought she could handle it. I guess not.
I could be angry with her – that and the fact that she didn't respond when I told her I loved her. And that she didn't even see if I was okay at the bloody water plant. One minute I'm drowning and the next I wake up with a lungful of water and my heart only just beating. And I'm by myself. It's nice to know you're important to those around you.
At least going back I can see my friends, it almost feels unfair that she got to stay there when I was the one who saved the world more or less. I didn't like thinking of myself as a hero, but hey – I had scars on my wrists to say otherwise and being an X5, they hadn't healed yet, it didn't seem like they would for a while. I think I lost too much blood.
"Max."
Three little letters that make up a word that isn't just a name, but a description. Maximum anger, max is selfishness, Max equals beauty. Well that didn't really make sense when I thought about it, but it did in passing. Yes, I knew it - I still loved her. But it didn't make a difference, it was over and that was something I couldn't do again, couldn't put myself through.
I slammed the door shut on my way out and pulled on my sunglasses.
I had a feeling this was going to be a long day.
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