Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. Dark Angel is own by James Cameron, Charles Eglee and Fox. So please don't sue me it's all in fun.
Friends Both True and False Chapter 4
Alec grabbed hold of Max engulfing her in his arms kissing her deeply as he opened the door to what he now called home. After getting through the door he lifted her off her feet and began his search for something soft.
"Hello."
The two broke away from each other startled to find Syl staring at them.
"Alec I really need to talk to you." Syl pleaded.
Alec let out a long sigh running his fingers through his hair. "Can it wait till later?" He asked hopefully. He had waited so long to be with Max. This really wasn't fair.
"Syl is something wrong?" Max asked moving towards her sister only to find that she took 2 steps away from her.
"Syl?" She questioned again not knowing what was going on in her sister's head.
"It's nothing Max. I just need to speak with Alec in Private." Syl gave an urgent look at Alec.
Max was about to insist she include her in the little talk when Alec's phone rang. Alec dug the phone out of his jacket pocket.
"Yeah? What now? All right I'll send her over but try to speed it along if you can. I'm just kidding." Alec shut his phone off and mumbled. "I can't believe this." Speaking loader now he turned to Max. "They need you at the infirmary. Jessie's in labor and asking for you. Dom fainted."
"You're kidding?" Max couldn't believe that an X5 soldier could faint at the birth of his child.
"No, I wish I were." He gave her an annoyed look.
"All right I better get over there. I'll be back when I can." She gave him one last look of longing and was out the door.
"Max hold up." Alec called after her.
Turning around to face him she soon found his lips on hers. It lasted only for a moment before he reluctantly pulled away.
"Don't forget about me. I'll see what's up with Syl too."
She nodded not trusting her voice. Someone was working against them. This baby better come out fast.
Alec returned to his room. Now he had to figure out what was up with Syl before Max returned.
"So Syl what's up?" He asked falling into his easy cahir.
"Well actually I want to know what's going on with you and Max. Call me crazy but I thought there was maybe something starting between the two of us."
Alec Looked into Syl's eyes and saw the confusion in them before she turned away. The poor girl had been though so much. It only made sense that she would cling to something anything to feel safe and alive again. Getting up from his seat he walked over to where she was standing. Placing a hand under her chin he willed her to look at him.
"Syl is that really what you think? Do you think something romantic is happening between us?"
"I… Well I'm not really sure. It's just that ever since I've been apart from Krit I've never felt as safe as I have with you. I never thought I would feel safe again after Devon. You make me feel safe."
"I'm glad Syl. I'm glad you feel safe again and I'm glad I'm part of it, but I don't think that means you love me."
Looking into Alec's eyes she could see everything clearly and what she saw made a smile finally cross her lips.
"You're right. I don't love you at least, not that way. I still love Krit and I know that he's out there somewhere." Alec dropped his hands from her face as she continued. "No with you what I have is another brother. I hope its okay with you if I think of you as my brother."
"I would be honored if you did. I already think of you as a little sister. The funny thing is I always laughed at Max when she called all of you her siblings, but since you came here I can understand why she feels so close to all of you. Thank you for including me." He hugged her then making sure she knew that everything between them was okay. She pulled away and looked him up and down carefully.
"Okay now that we have that settled I still want to know what's going on between you and Max. She is my little sister after all and it's my responsibility to look after her. So what are your intentions?" She pointed a finger at his chest.
He couldn't help but laugh at her change of moods. She was so like Max. Taking a deep breath he decided to be as truthful as he could not wanting to ruin the bond that had merged between them.
"Syl, I'm going to be completely honest with you. I'm in love with her. It's always been her. Sure it seemed like she hated me for awhile and maybe that's what made it so easy to love her. Unrequited love has its draw backs, but in this case it was probably for the best. I wasn't ready for anything real when I first met her. I was just trying to get by. You know figure out where I fit in outside of the structured world of Manticore. I soon discovered that where I fit was by Max's side weather as a friend, partner in crime or whatever else she needed me for. It wasn't what I truly wanted, but I was happy with whatever she was willing to give. All I wanted was for her to be happy and safe and if I could help her I would. When I heard her confess her love I thought I was dreaming. Never did I believe she would ever feel anything more than friendship for me. Now all I want is for her to get her ass back here so I can show her how much she means to me."
"Will you promise to take care of her? Syl's face had again taken on a hint of sadness. "Promise to love her, the way Krit loved me."
"The way he loves you Syl. I'm sure he'll show up soon. If I got separated from Max I wouldn't let anything get in my way of finding her." He tried to get the smile back on her face and he was fairly sure he had succeeded when several shots were heard.
Alec flew out the door after grabbing the nearest gun with Syl close behind.
"What the hell is going on?' Alec screamed at a group of X6's who were headed for the gates.
"Someone's shooting at us sir." One of them responded never breaking from his run.
"No Shit. Where is it coming from? He didn't have to wait long. More shots flew over his head and he dove behind a dilapidated car. Grabbing his phone he began giving out orders.
"Dix I want the best snipers positioned on the roofs. We have to get these guys. I'm pinned down at the moment. Any idea who's doing this." Alec took a few shots hoping to get lucky.
"We've just received a coded message." Dix replied.
"Unclear we're working on it."
"Fine what does it say?" Alec was totally frustrated. He was stuck until they got at least one of the snipers.
"Do you really want to know." Dix asked
"Dix." Alec's patience was going quickly.
"Alright it says. Prepared to get rocked."
"Oh that's informative. What the hell does that mean?"
Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse an explosion rocked the city. He was on the phone again before he could blink.
"Dix what the hell was that?' Alec could barely hear over all the commotion.
"Another transmission just came in. You're not going to like it.
Five transgenics went out to play.
An explosion went off to ruin the day.
Four more explosions to go off today.
How many transgenics will make it through the day?
"Great a real comedian. Send out any with experience. We need to find them before any more damage is done."
"Roger that Alec I'm on it." Dix clicked off.
Alec now turned his attention to Syl.
Syl I need you to get to the kids. They're comfortable with you. Sweep the building for explosives then keep them there. It'll be safer if they stay put."
Syl nodded then asked. "What about Max?"
"Hopefully she'll stay put in the infirmary until we get the snipers and locate the other explosives." Even as the words were leaving his mouth he knew how unlikely that was. She would want to know what was going on same as him and would probably beat him to HQ.
"Be careful Alec and remember to take care of my sister." She gave him a serious look.
"Always." He said with a typical smirk before running in the opposite direction of her.
Alec ran through the chaotic streets trying to get the HQ so he could get a handle on things. Before he reached his destination he saw Max coming out of the infirmary.
"Max, go back now."
Of course she didn't listen. Then right before his eyes his worst nightmare came to life. Scanning the area around her he spotted another bomb. It was to close to where she was headed and he knew she didn't see it.
"Max Bomb!"
It was too late. As soon as the bomb went off everything seemed to move in slow motion. Max went soaring through the air landing in a heap. Her body was ever so still. This couldn't be happening. It was as if he was watching what happened to Rachael happen all over again.
"Nooo!" Alec's scream echoed through Terminal City. When he was finally able to reach her through the debris, the sight that lay before him made his heart stop. He couldn't think. There was so much blood and she was so still. Damn why wasn't she moving. Kneeling down next to her he brushed the hair that now lay over her face. He caressed her face moving his hand to her neck to check for a pulse. Still there.
"Why don't you ever listen? You can't leave me now. I'm not going to let you. I still haven't shown you how much I love you." Scooping her up, he cradled her in his arms careful not to jostle her.
Several X's caught sight of them and flanked them for protection the rest of the way to the infirmary. They were asking him questions, but Alec heard nothing he couldn't deal with what was happening around them, all that mattered was Max.
When he reached the infirmary he was greeted by Andy who already had her hands filled with injuries. "What do you have?" She motioned for Alec to lay Max on the bed while she washed her hand in preparation.
"She was knocked unconscious by an explosion. Andy you have to save her she has to be all right?"
Andy spared only a moment. "I'll do all I can for her Alec but for now I need you to get out of the way and let me do my job."
Feeling completely useless Alec turned to an impatient Mole.
"Alec what do you want us to do? There's still a situation out there."
Alec couldn't think for a moment, but realized he had responsibilities.
"Did we get all the explosives?" Alec asked knowing that was the biggest problem.
"Yeah Dix believes we got them all. We also were able to get 3 of the 5 snipers. They're dead. We have no idea who they are or who sent them. They're not local law and they're not just vigilantes either. Dix is looking into it."
"How many injured?" Alec asked looking again at Max's still form being worked on by Andy.
"Four dead, not sure about injuries yet." Mole replied.
"All right send out hourly patrols and secure all entry locations. Also if possible double the guard duty. We have no idea what we're dealing with here. Take a head count. We need to know who is accounted for."
Mole nodded. "Are you coming to command?" He knew the answer but he had to ask anyway.
Alec shook his head. "No. Take over for me. I need to be here."
"She'll be all right." Mole tried to sound reassuring, but coming from him it was strange.
"Yeah." Alec was no longer paying attention to his green friend all eyes were on his new found love.
Hours later Alec was still leaning against the wall unaware of all the activity around him. He focused only on Max.
"Alec?" Andy practically had to yell at him to get any kind of response.
When he turned to face her she was surprised to see the tears welling in his eyes.
"I've done everything I can. It's up to her now. She needs to wake up. She's stable for now." His face bore all his emotions and she had to force herself to continue. "Alec the injury is serious even for an X5. I want you to be prepared for what could happen."
"No." He stated simply.
"Alec the fact that she is an X5 is the only reason she's still alive. You should get some rest I'll let you know if there are any changes."
"I said no. She's going to be fine. She's going to wake up and I'm not going to leave her. No one can convince me differently now get out of my way so I can be with her." She brushed past her not waiting for her to respond to what he said. What she thought didn't matter. All that mattered was Max. The thought of losing her as he did Rachael was not an option.
Pulling a chair close to her bed he placed her cold hand in his warm shaky ones.
"Hey Maxie. It's me Alec. I know you can hear me. I'm not going anywhere until you wake up." He leaned down and kissed her bandaged head. Tears slipped down his face. "I won't loose you Max. I won't"
Three Days Later
Her head was killing her and she wasn't at all sure if opening her eyes was a good idea. Slowly she let the bright light filter in and tried to get her bearings. That's when she saw him asleep in the chair next to her, his hand clasped in hers. She moved it slightly and his head snapped up.
"Alec." Her voice was hoarse from non-use, but he heard her.
"Max." A smile lit his tired face.
"Hey what's happened?"
He leaned in and kissed her. "I almost lost you. You've been out for three days."
"Three Days. Oh my God. Was anyone else hurt?" She scanned the room only to find she was in one of the smaller rooms.
"Don't worry about that right now. Everything is being handled. Max.." He started then stopped he didn't know what to say as he looked into her tired brown eyes. Things were not looking good and there was the chance that she might not wake up. Just like Rachael.
"When you get out of here I'm going to baby you so be prepared. I shall be your servant."
"Really." She said eyebrows raised. "I can't wait." The thought of him obeying her every command put a smile on her face.
"What are you thinking?' He couldn't help but ask she had the silliest expression on her face.
"You'll have to wait and see. I have more patience than you." She was smiling now and it did his heart good.
"Yeah you do." He laughed thinking of all the things he broke and the people he lashed out at when he thought he may be losing her. Being in love was harder than he thought. Perhaps he wasn't ready for all that it entailed, but maybe no one ever was.
"Alec, what is it?" Max's frail face now showed worry.
"It's nothing. Just get better I don't like seeing you like this."
Before Max got a chance to respond Syl, Joshua and Andy came rushing in.
"Max you're awake." Syl yelled.
Andy took the vitals.
"Little fella okay now?" Joshua asked. He had stayed outside of the room keeping track of both Max and Alec clearly worried about the two of them.
"Everything looks good. I say one more night and she'll be ready to leave the infirmary." Andy spoke up for the first time.
"I feel fine. I'm ready to leave now." Max pleaded. She hated being stuck in a hospital bed.
"No, I'd consider it but Alec is in no condition to watch over you and that's exactly what he'd want to do. Now that you're awake I want him to take the opportunity to go home and get some real rest." Andy was extremely concerned for both of them. If Max didn't make it she was sure that Alec wouldn't be able to recover from the loss.
Max looked at Alec hard. He looked like crap. Major stubble on his face and he cold barely keep his eyes open.
Alec said nothing as he had no intention of leaving Max until she could go home with him.
"Alec you need some rest go home. I'm going to be fine Andy said so." Max insisted giving him the best smile she could muster with her headache.
"No. I'll rest here with you."
"Alec you're being impossible."
He merely shrugged his shoulders.
Andy decided to force the issue. "You know Alec I could have you forcible removed."
Alec looked from Max to Andy and his face turned from worried to angry. He got right in Andy's face. "I wouldn't advice that."
"Oh no pretty boy. This is my infirmary and you're going to do what I say." Andy stood on her tip toes to be eye to eye with him.
"All right could you all leave us alone? Let him stay if he wants. I'm feeling a little tired." Max interjected trying to defuse the situation.
Everyone turned concerned eyes on her but it was Alec who pushed them all aside and grabbed her hand.
"Okay you two rest. If you need me I'll be in the next room." Andy said closing the door behind her.
"Hey are you really alright?" He reached over and gently touched her cheek and when he connected with her skin she closed her eyes and relished the warm feel of his skin and the sensation that it brought her.
"Yeah, I'm fine just wanted them to leave us alone. Is that alright?'
Alec couldn't help the grin that lit his face.
"I'd be even better if you climbed in here with me and kept me warm. It's kind of cold in here."
Slowly he moved onto the bed easing her gently into his arms. Safe she was safe and alive and in his arms for now and forever. He would never let anything happen to her again.
"I love you Alec." She whispered before falling into a restful sleep.
"I love you to." He kissed her bandaged forehead and his breathing soon took on the same rhythm as hers.
The next morning Max was still entangled in his arms when he woke. He stayed as still as he could not wanting the moment to end. Slowly she stirred in his arms and he nuzzled her neck.
"Morning Sleepy head. How are you feeling?"
"I feel great. I want to get out of here. Check the damage. Get back to work."
Alec frowned and sat up. "Take it easy Max. There's no hurry everyone is working together to fix the damage. Why don't I take you home and you can rest today. I'll get you anything you want to eat and tomorrow you go back to being the boss."
"Alec you're being silly. All overprotective, but I guess another day won't matter. Although I'm concerned about who did all this. Do you have any ideas?"
Alec ran his hand though his hair.
"Actually when I take you back to you're room I have to go to HQ. I'm really outa the loop myself." He turned away from her so she couldn't see his face. "I couldn't leave you."
"I wouldn't have left you either, but I'm fine now. Alec I'm sorry I scared you." She placed a hand on his bare back. Wanting to know it was okay. Everything was going to be okay.
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her gently.
"No more worries. Let me get Andy so you can get the all clear to get out of here." She watched him leave and couldn't help but smile. She had fallen badly. This was what true love should be like.
After Max stumbled trying to get out of bed Alec decided it would be better if he stayed with her all day. He was true to his word and waited on her all day. He prepared her a bath and while she was soaking he had arranged for an amazing meal to be brought to her room. She was in heaven. No one had ever gone to so much trouble for her and not want anything in return. Logan would make her dinner but it was usually in return for a job she had done. Alec was doing this for her comfort and she was loving it and him for it. After dinner she decided she was feeling much better and wanted one more thing from Alec.
"So now that you have me home all alone. What do you say you show me just how much you love me?" Max said suggestively.
"You don't have to ask me twice." He came to her and gently touched the bandage that still remained on her wounded head.
"Please I'm fine." She pleaded.
He kissed her gently on the bandage then pulled her body closer and delved into her wanting mouth. Pleasure ran up Max's body with the anticipation of what was to come. Alec worked her mouth in a way no other man had. The feeling was unbelievable. He broke away to give her a quick once over.
Opening her eyes she saw his concern.
"Alec, don't stop. Don't ever stop again." The desire was evident and he knew he could never deny her anything.
"Your wish is my command." He smiled wickedly leaning her down onto the bed.
"Alec I guess you really do love me." Max smiled into his chest. He had loved her numerous times throughout the night. Making her feel things she never thought possible.
"Maxie you have no idea." He said nuzzling her neck wanting her yet again.
"Really so why don't you tell me?" She knew when she realized she love him, but how long had he been hiding his feelings.
"Tell you what?" He was only half listening as he was to intent to devour her neck.
"You know tell me when you realized you wanted this wanted me." She pulled away slightly so she could get a good look at his face. "Well."
"Well to be honest I'm not really sure when I fell in love with you. I've wanted you since I walked into your cell at Manticore. You know your hot right who wouldn't want you." That remark was rewarded with a punch to the shoulder. "What you do that for you did ask?" He said rubbing his shoulder.
"I didn't ask you when you wanted to sleep with me I asked when you knew you loved me." Looking quite irritated now Max pulled a little further away.
"I'm being honest here Max I don't know when it actually happened. I fought the feeling for so long. I never wanted to fall in love again after Rachael. That's why I was always with so many different women I didn't want any attachments. The only problem with not wanting to fall in love is that love is something you just can't control. It just kind of happened. I never really meant to hang around Seattle, but I just couldn't quite let go. Every time I saw you the feeling got stronger. I wanted to be with you near you and if I could only be your friend or punching buddy I convinced myself that would be enough. And it always was, never did I believe you would love me but now that you do I promise I will love and protect you for always."
Turning now to look into her face he was surprised to see that tears now stained her cheeks. Reaching over he pulled her back into his arms and enfolded her into his arms. He showered her face with kisses and looked into her loving eyes.
"Always Max I will love you for always."
Opening his sleepy eyes he found Max still sound asleep sprawled over his chest. This is what he wanted everyday of his life. Waking daily next to the woman he loved and who loved him in return. The only problem was keeping her safe. She was so reckless. He sighed at the thought.
"What's wrong?" The sleepy voice next to him asked.
Leaning down he kissed her forehead.
"Nothing go back to sleep."
She shook her head. "No I'm good. I want to get back to work."
She felt him take a deep breath.
"Alright spit it out." She was sitting up now gaze completely centered on his eyes. Now that she took the time to really look at them she discovered how easy they were to read and she had every intention of using this new tool.
"It's nothing." Climbing out of bed he pulled his pants on. Slender arms wrapped around his waist and her cheek rested on his back causing hin to cease any further movements.
"Alec, please tell me what's wrong." She was getting upset now and her voice was starting to show that. The last thing he wanted was for her to get upset now after just getting out of the hospital.
"Max, I don't think you'll understand. Something I have to work out."
He tried to move away from her hold but she refused to release him.
"Alec, I'm not fragile you can talk to me. I'll understand."
He rounded on her now. "That's just it you are fragile. You can die. I don't want you in dangerous situations. I want you safe. Watching you unconscious for 3 days, afraid you would never again open those beautiful eyes was almost more than I could take." Gently he cupped her face and rubbed his thumb against her cheek.
"I love you so much. I have to keep you safe." Turning her away he grabbed a shirt and his jacket as she continued to stare.
"Alec, I…" She realized she didn't really understand or know what to say. She was a genetically enhanced super soldier. Danger had always been a part of her life. She had just come to accept it.
"No don't even try. You can't understand and in some ways I don't even understand. I have to work though this." Reaching the door he stopped and said. "Take your time. I'll meet you at HQ."
Max sat back on the bed. Their relationship was new. How could she help him understand or maybe he was right maybe this was something he would have to just accept. Thinking about it she couldn't help but smile. Perhaps she should be angry at him but she just couldn't be. He truly loved her and it showed in his actions as much as in his words.
Dressing quickly she headed towards HQ. Once they figured out who attacked them and they dealt with them things would get back to normal.
Entering HQ she couldn't believe the activity. Everyone was engrossed in something. Alec was no where to be seen. He must be in his office.
"Max, it's so good to see you up and about. We were really worried about you. Are you up to being here already?" Dix greeted her with a warm smile.
"Of course. What's going on?" She asked returning the smile.
"We're getting closer to finding out who arranged the attack." He replied.
"Good. Let me know when you find out. Where's Alec?" She asked scanning the room again.
"He's in his office going through all the information."
Max didn't bother to knock and he didn't have to look up to know it was her.
"Alec." She said but he still didn't look up.
She came around the desk and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Alec, let me see what we've got." In a quick and unexpected move Alec placed the papers down on the desk and pulled Max onto his lap. Kissing her surprised face.
"I'm sorry." He whispered holding onto her tightly.
"I know. Together we can work it out. Everything will be okay." She said holding on to him.
"Yeah everything will be okay." He kissed her sweetly never wanting to let her go again.
TBC
Note: Okay I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did writing it. Please let me know what you think.
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