Friends Both True and False Chapter 7
"Don't you dare die Alec don't you dare. If you do I'll .." She couldn't finish the sentence. She couldn't even breathe. The tears streamed down her face. Feeling Syl's hand on her shoulder, Max looked up into her big sisters face. Syl also had tears streaming down her face. If she hadn't gotten caught Alec wouldn't have gotten hurt trying to get her back.
"We have to have faith Max. He could still be okay. He's an X5 and he finally found his reason for living I don't think he'll let go that easily." Syl tried to sound reassuring but she wasn't sure. It all sounded pretty hopeless. The bullet missed all major organs but he lost so much blood Andy wasn't sure he would be able to pull through.
"Syl I want to be alone with him please." Max said turning away from her sister. If Alec was leaving her she wanted to spend every last second telling him how much she loved him.
Syl hesitated. She never saw anyone like this before the tuff Max was gone. This Max was vulnerable so much so that it was frightening.
"Please Syl." Max pleaded never taking her eyes away from Alec's helpless body.
"All right Max but I'll be in the hall if you need me." She said quietly slipping out the door.
"Okay Alec now that I have your full attention I'm going to tell you exactly what I want. First of all I want you to wake up and give me that smile that makes me realize everything will always be okay as long as I'm with you. Second I want you to help me find a way for us to live happily ever after. I want a fairy tale. And finally and most importantly I want you to tell me you love me and will never leave me alone. Because if you leave me I really don't know if I'll have the strength to go on. Sure I'll go through all the motions day to day but it won't mean anything unless you're here to make me smile so please Alec please, be alright." She wanted a response from him anything to let her know she would soon have her Alec back smirking at her. It was too soon. Andy had just finished the operation when she demanded to be with him. Andy wasn't about to fight with her and she knew it. Andy informed her that the next few hours were critical. If he didn't wake by morning then they needed to get ready for the worst. Max wasn't even ready to consider that.
"I can see you're not going to make things easy on me but I guess you never have. That's part of the reason I love you so much. You make life interesting and fun. It's time to wake up now so this time I want you to listen to me and do just that wake up." She sqeezed his hand tightly but got no response. The tears came again and she rested her head on their joined hands.
The sunlight lit her face and Max slowly opened her eyes. Maybe it was all just a nightmare and when she was fully awake things would be as they should be. No such luck. Alec was still lying on the hospital bed, unmoving and attached to all sorts of beeping equipment.
"This isn't happening. Alec please don't leave me. I love you so much." She didn't know what else to say.
She felt a gently touch on her cheek and quickly looked down at Alec. His eyes were open.
"Are these tears for me? I never thought anyone would cry for me." He rubbed his thumb over her cheek.
"You big jerk. You scared the hell out of me." Max said before she threw herself on top of him and cried.
"It's okay Maxie. I'm going to be okay. I'm not going anywhere." He whispered into her ear.
Andy came into the room but Alec waved her out. Now was not the time. Max was what was important. He had to reassure her. He knew exactly what she was feeling. He had been through it not so long ago.
She soon calmed.
"I have to get Andy. She'll want to check you." Max pushed away from him reluctantly.
Looking at him before she left the room she almost went back to him.
"I'm really not going anywhere Max. I promise."
"You better keep that promise or you'll be sorry." She said trying to look serious.
"Promises, Promises." He said smiling.
"Well I don't know how you did it but everything looks good. You gave us a real scare though. Don't do it again." Andy said finishing his exam.
"You make it sound like I did it on purpose." Alec said sounding shocked.
Andy raised an eyebrow. "I know you like all this extra attention you're not fooling anyone."
"So when do I get out of here." Alec said completely sitting up on the bed. "I feel great."
"Are you kidding? I said everything looks good. That doesn't mean you can get up and go home. You need to be observed for a day or two. You just lie back down and get comfortable." Andy said trying to push him back down.
"Oh no. No offense but I don't like the atmosphere here. I want my own bed." He said with a puppy dog pout.
"You heard the doctor Alec you need to stay here. No more arguments." Max said sternly.
Alec however had other ideas. He threw the sheets off and went to get up.
"Oh no you don't." Max said and straddled his body. "You're not going anywhere."
Alec wrapped his arms around her and pulled her down. "Why would I want to leave now. I've got you right where I want you. Stay here with me Max."
Max wanted to be annoyed but she couldn't be. Alec had the most adorable expression on his face and most importantly he was going to be okay. She would deny him nothing.
"Of course I'm staying with you. I have to make sure you stay out of trouble and out of the way of bullets." She said making herself more comfortable on the bed. There was no place she would rather be. If was so good to feel his warm body next to her and hear the steady beat of his heart.
"I feel 100% better now Maxie. I love you." Alec said into her neck.
"Hey don't even think about it buddy. You need to fully recover I want you at your best. After already having it I won't settle for less."
Alec pouted. "I'm hurt Max that you could ever think I wouldn't give you my best."
"You're not fooling me." She kissed him sweetly and settled in again to go to sleep. "Rest Alec for me."
The concern on her face had him giving in. They could wait though it was hard when she was so close to him. Pulling her head down to rest on his shoulder they drifted off into sleep happy to be home safe and together.
Max awoke feeling like she had been run over by a truck. Looking around she slowly got her bearings and realized she was alone in the bed. Alec was no where in site. Jumping immediately to her feet she ran out of the room.
"Alec!" She yelled while running down the hallway. Turning the corner she saw him casually talking to Dom. They turned and looked at her simultaneously. Both confused by her obvious panic. Not bothering to calm herself she ran into the arms that slowly opened to greet her.
"Hey Maxie what's this all about?" Alec asked holding her trembling body in his arms.
"I woke up and you were gone. I thought you really were."
Alec motioned for Dom to disappear and he steered Max back towards his room. Sitting on the bed and bringing her onto his lap he waited till she calmed.
"I guess you know how I felt when I thought I was going to loose you." He said into her hair.
"I guess I do. When I was waiting for you to wake up, the realization hit me that you could really die and I would be alone. I would never again feel the way I feel when I'm with you. The thought was terrifying. I honestly don't know what I'd do with out your smiling face. I love you so much, Alec." Max said looking deeply into his eyes.
"You know Max I don't want to be away from you any more than you want to be away from me. This is just something we have to come to terms with. We're not immortal. The only thing we can do is take as many precautions as we can to stay safe and happy. I'm working on something right now that could actually resolve much of our problems here in TC." He said looking like the cat that swallowed the canary.
"What are you talking about?" Max asked truly curious as to what he was up to.
"Well my love I want to see if I can make it happen first before I tell you so you'll just have to be patient."
The smirk that lit his face made Max laugh. It was good to have him back.
"Just don't make me wait to long." She said smiling and got up from the bed only to find herself dizzy.
Alec stood immediately and steadied her. "What the hell Max? What's wrong?" He pulled her closer and eased her back on the bed. "I'm the one who's suppose to be recovering. Do you have an injury you're not telling me about?"
She shook her head. "No I think I just need to eat. I've been so concerned about you I haven't been taking care of myself." She tried to sound convincing but knew that wasn't the case. She had gone days without eating and never had this problem. She'd have to let Andy check her out later but for now she didn't want Alec to worry.
"Alright, I'll go get you something to eat and after that I'm going to have them bring another bed in here so you can get a goodnight sleep. Don't even try to argue Andy's still pissed I'm up and about but she won't let me leave the infirmary and after what you just did I'm not letting you out of my site. Got it."
He used such an authoritative voice that Max knew she wasn't going to be allowed to argue.
"All right Alec but I'm not a child." She said trying not to sound completely annoyed.
"What did you say?" His look was one of concern with a little bit of anger.
"Nothing forget it." She said closing her eyes as she leaned against the pillow. It really did feel good to rest. So much had happened in the last week. Before she fell asleep she felt a light kiss upon her lips.
"It's only because I love you."
She couldn't help but smile and she did drift off to sleep. Wondering when she became the patient.
When she awoke later she was not alone as she had been before. This time she found another bed pushed up against hers and Alec's arm held tightly around her. She sighed in contentment as she snuggled closer towards him. The movement woke him and she was greeted by his deep morning voice.
"Morning beautiful. How are you feeling?"
"Better. Having you here with me always makes everything better."
He kissed her deeply. "You can say that again."
"I should go clean up. I really need a shower. You get some more rest and I'll be back in a bit."
Alec frowned but before he could argue.
"I'm fine Alec really. I just needed sleep. I'll be back in a few." She kissed him quickly.
"You better." He said rolling over and sprawling out on the two beds. "I hate sleeping alone.'
She smiled and headed out. She again felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, but was able to steady herself on the doorframe. She needed a shower but after that she was going to have Andy check her. Something was wrong and she didn't know what but for some reason she rubbed her hand over her belly and headed off to find out.
Later she headed once again for Alec's room. Andy wasn't sure what was wrong with her so she ran some tests but she wouldn't have the results until the morning. So for now she wouldn't worry.
When she entered she was surprised to see Dom and Alec go over paperwork. One thing Alec hated was paperwork. He was more of an action oriented guy. Give him something to do and he would do it but tell him to right up reports of any kind and he whined like a 3 year old. She was greeted her with a wide smile and Dom immediately stopped talking and gathered the papers and headed out the door.
"What was that all about?" Max asked as she kissed him sweetly.
Welcoming her eagerly he pulled her closer avoiding the question. He was feeling better and wasn't quite ready to get into what he was talking about with Dom. Instead he would much rather prove to her how much better he was feeling.
Max pulled away from his kiss and looked him directly in the eyes. "Alec, are you going to answer my question?"
"Later Max right now I really just want to make love to you so completely that you'll forget about all our worries. Please I need you Max and I think you need me to." He didn't wait for an answer he leaned her onto the bed and kissed her with such passion Max couldn't remember what she had asked him. He continued to love her till they both cuddled close and fell into the most blissful of sleeps.
"Hey you two sleepy heads I need to check Alec out and Max I have those test result from yesterday." Alec snapped awake at the mention of Max's test.
"What tests? Max you didn't say anything about Andy running tests on you." Alec asked looking over Max's perfect body looking for an injury.
"You didn't give me a chance as I recall and I'm sure it's nothing anyway right Andy." Max turned to the doctor who was looking extremely amused by the whole affair.
"Well I wouldn't say that exactly but there is no reason to be alarmed. She'll be fine." Andy said still smirking.
Alec was now standing completely naked in the room facing down Andy. "You better spill it now. What's wrong with her?" He demanded.
"Alec don't you think you should put something on?" Max asked from behind him as she put on her clothes from the day before.
"Yeah whatever.' He said grabbing his pants and thrusting them on. "Okay I'm decent now tell me what the tests said."
"I think it would be best if I told Max in private first." Andy said motioning for Max to follow her out of the room.
"Like hell. If it has to do with Max it has to do with me." Alec now stood between them and the door.
"Who do you think you are Alec? I'm in charge around her not you and this is a personal mater that Max has the right to hear in private." Andy said crossing her arms in defiance.
"It's okay Andy I'll end up telling him eventually." Max said diffusing the situation.
"Have it your way. The only thing wrong with you is that you're pregnant. "I need to give you a more complete exam but I'm sure everything will be fine."
"I'm pregnant. Oh God. I can't believe this. How did this happen?" Max said sitting back on the bed.
"I'll be happy to show you how we did it." Alec said with the biggest smile she had ever seen. "I'm going to be a dad."
"Yeah and I'm going to be a mother." Tears streamed down her face before she could stop them. She never believed that one day she would have a true family but now it looks like she was going to have one. The only concern she had was if she could handle it. Alec quickly came and held her close.
"Yeah you're going to be the most beautiful mother in the world and I'm going to be the best dad I can be. That's a promise." He held her close and tried to reassure the worries he knew she was feeling.
"I'll leave the two of you alone to discuss things. If you need me I'll be down the hall." Andy said slipping out of the room.
"Alec, how can we take care of a small baby? We can't even take care of ourselves. I mean it's not like we live in a great place and have a wonderful life to offer a child. I don't know if I can handle this." Max said cuddling closer to his chest seeking comfort that only he could give.
"You don't have to handle this on your own. I'm here and together we will build a safe place for our children to grow up. No worries, unless you don't want a baby." Alec asked searching her face for the answer.
"Of course I want to have a baby. I would love it. It's just after what just happened I'm afraid for it's safety. How will we make it safe Alec?" She asked.
"I'm working on a way Max. Give me a few more days and I'll tell you what I've figured out. Right now it's really preliminary and I need to check on a few more things. I promise you that I'll do my best to make all your dreams come true." Alec said seriously smoothing her hair away from her tear stained face.
Max started to giggle. "Do you have any idea how sappy you sound? I never thought that you would be the kind of guy to calm all my worries and make me feel loved. What happened to your tough guy routine?"
Alec started to laugh too. "Yeah well as soon as you told me you loved me I didn't feel the need to keep my wall up anymore. I love you Max and if sometimes I sound sappy then that's just the way you make me feel and I can't help myself." She was right he sounded like some love sick guy and he was.
"Don't stop Alec I like it. You always seem to know what to say to make me feel better. Thank you."
"That I can promise Max. I will never stop telling you how important you are to me and our baby will know the same kind of love. Believe in me Max I know I can make things better for us." Alec's face was serious and showed Max all the love he had for her.
"Alright Alec just don't make me wait to long for your surprise. It's making me nervous." Max shivered when she said it.
"I promise as soon as I'm sure I'll run it by you before any finial decisions are made. Deal." He said giving her his hand to shake.
"Deal." She said bypassing his hand for his warm lips instead.
A Few Days Later
"Alec, where are you taking me?" Max asked for the millionth time since he told her they were leaving TC to discuss their future.
"You'll have to wait till we get there. Now come on the others are waiting." Alec said with a smirk. He couldn't wait to see what she thought of what he came up with. He hoped she would go for it but Max didn't always react the way he expected her to.
They arrived at a small airport on the outskirts of Seattle and Max was getting a little annoyed with the looks that were passing between Alec and Krit.
"I'm not sure about this. Are we going far? I have a lot of work to do at TC. I thought we would only be gone a couple of hours." Max asked as Alec steered her toward the boarding ramp of a luxury jet.
"Relax Max. I have everything covered. We'll be back after dinner. Jess and Eric will take care of any major problems should they arise and Mole and Dix have everything else covered." Alec said.
"Oh that's reassuring." Max rolled her eyes and made her way onto the plane with Syl and Krit laughing behind her.
"Max Alec's right let's all just enjoy the rest of the day. I think the two of you are going to love it." Krit said as he made himself comfortable for take off.
"You two are starting to get on my nerves too. I don't like surprises." Syl said sulking in her seat.
"Come on Syl. I promise it's a great surprise." Krit said leaning in and kissing her deeply causing Syls cheeks to turn a flushed red.
Krit smiled. He loved that he still had that kind of effect on her. She was so important to him. All that mattered was her happiness. If she was happy he would be as well.
"Okay everyone strap in I'm going to prep for take-off." Alec said. After kissing Max's cheek he headed into the cock-pit.
"You're flying the plane?" Max was shocked. She knew Alec had a lot of training back at Manitcore but she had no idea he could fly.
"Yeah. You want to sit up front with me. It's a beautiful day." He said easily.
Max followed and strapped herself into the co-pilots seat. "Okay flyboy let's see what you can do."
"Anything you say baby." Alec finished checking his gages and asked for clearance from the tower. The take off was smooth.
"Well you got us into the air alright but I think the real trick is landing isn't it?" Max said amazed at how at ease Alec was flying.
"This was one thing I loved about Manticore. They taught me to fly and until recently I hadn't been able to utilize that talent. I love it up here. I feel so free. Nothing but me a beautiful lady and the clouds. I think I've died and gone to heaven.
"Don't phrase it like that." Max said quickly. His statement had her reliving his close encounter with death. It was something she didn't like to think off. "I know what you mean though it is an amazing feeling. How far are we going?"
"Patience Maxie. Patience." Alec said returning his focus back to flying.
A Short Time Later
"California. Well at least it's warm. Where to now fly boy?" Max asked turning towards Alec.
"I have a car waiting over there let's start there." He said taking her arm.
When he said car Max had no idea that he was referring to a limo. She was about to ask another question but Alec leaned in and kissed her.
"When we get to our finial destination I'll tell you everything." With that he settled her next to him and he made sure she had a good view.
"We're in wine country. It's beautiful." The car turned into a large winery. It seemed they were finally getting there. "Do you know who owns this place? Just look at that house. It's amazing." Max asked Alec hoping they were close enough to their destination that she should be getting some answers.
"Yeah Max I know the owner." Alec replied.
"Well who is it?" She was annoyed now.
"Me Max I own the winery and vineyard. Actually I own 100 acres in the surrounding area." He braced himself for her reaction.
"How could you possibly own all this? Well I'm waiting." Max crossed her harms and started tapping her foot.
"Max I inherited it."
"Inherited it! From who? Alec you're a genetically engineered super soldier, you don't have a rich Aunt Sally that could have left you a penny much less an estate such as this. This was unbelievable."
"Actually Max I was as surprised as you. Back at Manticore before I was cleared for solo missions I was in a unit that went on quite a few rescue missions. Our identity was kept a secret but I guess this guy had some pictures and when he died a few months ago it was discovered that he left all his money to the men who saved his life. Well those men were me and Biggs. The man's attorney has been going crazy looking for us. He caught a glimpse of me from the TV after all the familiar trouble. I refused to see him when he first contacted me but after what recently happened I figured I'd hear what he had to say. Well he reminded me of the guy and I do remember him. He was a little odd. Anyway the guy had no family and left everything to Biggs and I and since Biggs is gone it's all mine." Alec motioned with his hands to everything that surrounded them.
"Are you sure?" Max still couldn't believe it.
"Yeah I checked it all out. It's all for real. I'm rich or I should say we're rich. There's more to the story though and I want to talk to you about it alone so come with me upstairs so we can be more comfortable." He motioned for Syl and Krit to stay and guided Max up the long stairway.
They went down a long hallway until they came to two large doors that Alec pushed open to reveal the most incredible suite Max could have ever imagined.
"I've been over the whole place and this is the best set of rooms. I thought it would be perfect for us and the new baby. That is if you want to stay here." Alec sat down on the bed and motioned for her to join him.
She willing joined him. "Alec this is all just so unbelievable. I don't know how we could leave everyone in TC. We have so many responsibilities."
"There's plenty of room for everyone in TC to move here if they choose to. I plan on adding several more buildings on the property to accommodate everyone. We can make the vineyard and winery our source of income I've crunched the numbers and it should work out perfectly. Of course if they don't want to come we'll find away to support both locations." Alec smiled he was ready for any question she threw at him. He had spent the last few weeks researching everything.
"Well that sounds good but what about security here. This is such an open area. How can we protect ourselves?" Max was concerned most of all for everyone's safety.
"Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I've contacted a few higher ups in the army and I've made some deals. Well I should say their contingent on your approval. You see I think it may be in the best interest for us to work with the military of the country in which we live in. I believe this deal is a fair one and one beneficial to all."
"You've lost your mind Alec. How could you even think of making a deal with the military after all we've gone through?" Max stood and walked to the balcony. She needed to get some fresh air.
"Max we were created to be soldiers. Weather you like to admit it or not it's in our blood. Will you agree to listen with an open mind? I think you'll find that it's not so bad."
Max nodded.
"We would be contracted by them to train their soldiers. We would not be their assassins or any other black ops solider unless we wish to. The way they figure it we were trained to be the best and there is no one better to train their men. Some of the guys are itchy Max they may want a career in the military and this would give them the opportunity. In return for this service we would have access to information and resources to protect our people. We could call on them for aid at a moments notice. We wouldn't have to live in fear we could be safe again in our home. I've checked and rechecked everything. I feel confident that this is our best option for a peaceful happy life. It's as close to a fairy tale as I can come to. Of course it's all up to you." Alec placed his arms around her from behind and waited for her response.
'It's all so much to think about. I trust you Alec. It's just that moving away from Seattle is such a big step. Though I suppose there really isn't anything here worth staying for anymore. As long as you're with me." Max turned and saw the smile emerge on Alec's face.
"There's no need to worry about that Maxie. I'll always be with you." Alec squeezed her tightly.
"I'll check everything over just for my own sanity and then I say lets move into this paradise and start our new life. Oh one more thing. Have you discussed this with Joshua?" Max asked hoping their good friend would move here with them.
"Yeah he said he needed to keep an eye on the both of us so he'll be coming. He was excited about having so many new things to paint." Alec answered reassuring her finial worry.
"I still can't believe this. Alec you're amazing." Max said.
Alec turned her in his arms to kiss her when Syl's scream echoed through the hall.
"Oh my God that was Syl." Max blurred for the door.
"That must be my last surprise." Alec laughed following after her.
When Max found Syl she was surprised to find her smiling and laughing with Krit and two others who had their backs to her.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"Is that you Max?" A thin strawberry blond asked her.
"Jondy?" She questioned. It had to be her.
The girl nodded and Max flew into her sisters arms.
"Hey, what about me?" The guy next to her asked.
"Zane?" Max hugged him tightly. The tears began to fall. Her family was all here.
"That's right baby sister. We've missed you. When Alec tracked us down and told us about a big surprise for you we couldn't wait to see you. It was all we could do to wait till Alec said the timing was perfect. I basically had to tie Jondy down." He laughed.
"Very funny Zane you were just as excited as me and you no it." Jondy hit her brother in the arm.
"That hurts you know." Zane said rubbing his arm.
Alec couldn't help but smile in satisfaction as he witnessed the site before him. Max was reunited with her family, pregnant with his child and smiling from ear to ear. He wasn't sure how he was able to pull all this together but he wished this moment would never end.
"Alec, how did you ever do all this? I love you so much." Max jumped up into his arms and wrapped her legs around him. She proceeded to kiss him with so much force that he had to brace himself against the wall.
"I love you to Max and I want to make sure you stay this happy for the rest of our lives." Alec said then leaned in to continue the kiss.
"You don't need to worry about that Alec. You've already given me the fairy tale I always dreamed of." Having said that she kissed him and allowed herself to be swept away into a story book life that got better with each passing day.
THE END
Authors note: Okay I'm sorry I made you wait so long for this chapter. What can I say it's been a busy month. Anyway I hope you like the ending. I know I could probably continue this story forever but I like this ending. Let me know what you think. You never know I could do a sequel someday. Oh one more thing I know this chapter was sappy but what can I say other than I like sap.