Disclaimer: I don't think the characters are mine but the universe is!
Authors Note: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! (Cowers under desk) I know it has been unpardonably long since I updated but I started my Masters at Uni and have since been drowning in work. I know it's terrible of me since I swore to myself ( and a few others) that I would actually finish this story so I will be so good about updating from here on in.
Again – Sorry!
Warning – Frank mentions of sex and related issues ahead! Bail now if you ignored rating!
EDGE OF LOVE
Chapter 7 – Sweet Sleep
Alec looked up from the television to check his watch for what seemed like the hundredth time that evening. "How long does it take to eat pasta anyway?" He mumbled to himself, annoyed at the niggling feeling inside of him that he refused to acknowledge. The television was muted and only a soft flickering light illuminated the living room.
Max had been out to dinner with Logan and although Alec knew it wasn't his place to worry about her, he did. After the night at the restaurant Max had returned home with Alec, turning down Logan's invitation to go back to his place. Whether it had been their conversation or simply cold feet, Alec didn't know but he was grateful for it.
Now however as he tried to convince himself he wasn't waiting up for Max to get home, Alec tried to shove down the rising fear and jealousy that threatened. Somehow, Alec wasn't sure exactly how or when, but Max and Alec had developed a closeness that Alec was extremely protective of. Perhaps it had been the fights, the confessions, the holding… Alec's mind drifted slightly at the remembrance of how Max had felt in his arms, her skin touching his…
Blinking sharply Alec shook his head as though to physically dislodge his thoughts. Max was his friend and he valued what they had now far too much to risk losing it because he couldn't keep his hormones under control.
The sound of the key in the lock snatched Alec's attention and he sat up on the sofa to see Max quietly creeping in to the darkened apartment.
"Late night?" Alec asked his voice sharper than he had intended.
Max yelped and dropped her purse on the floor. "Shit Alec, you scared the crap out of me." She reached to switch on the light and picked up her fallen purse. "Why are you sitting in the dark anyway, I thought you would be asleep by now, considering the test tomorrow." Max side stepped the question as she came over to where Alec was sitting.
Alec's eyes narrowed as he noted the flush on Max's face and the way she was avoiding his gaze. "Max?" He didn't know how he could make her whole name sound like a single question but it was.
Hesitatingly Max rose her face and looked at Alec properly. Alec felt like he had been punched in the gut. It was there, all over her face. His throat closed up and he had to look away.
"Alec?" Max's voice sounded suddenly so small and hesitant. So unlike how she usually sounded. Alec forced down the swirl of emotions that were battering him from the inside and turned to look back at his room mate.
She looked so young standing there, so vulnerable. Alec knew part of this was just an illusion from the shadowed room and the wine she had no doubt drunk but… It would be so easy for Logan to hurt her. Alec realised. So easy to break her heart.
"Are you –" Alec cleared his throat and tried again. "Are you okay?" He didn't know why he was torturing himself but he cared too much about her to let this build a wall between them.
Max blushed as she realised what Alec could see clearly in her eyes and she slowly sank down in the seat next to him. "Yeah. I'm fine Alec." Max's lips twitched in a small smile despite herself.
"You sure?" Alec asked again, looking carefully at her. "It was alright…?" I cant do this – what the hell am I asking her about this for anyway?! He thought desperately his mouth on a roll speaking without his disconnected brain.
Max couldn't believe Alec was asking her about this. While her first instinct was to tell Alec to mind his own goddamn business, Max really didn't have many friends to talk to about something so personal. No crass comments had come forth and when she looked at his wide hazel eyes all she could see was sincerity and concern.
Fidgeting slightly she nodded, a small embarrassed laugh escaping her. "Yeah, I mean… no galaxies exploding but it was all kinda new, you know?"
Alec managed to nod. Ass couldn't even wait for her. He thought despite himself. "You were careful?" He asked.
Max leapt to her feet. "Whoa! Way over the line Alec! Beside what do you think, because I was a virgin, I'm stupid?" She demanded. Alec groaned and collapsed back against the cushions both relived that Max's inner bitch had broken the tension and mad at himself for setting her off.
"Alec!" Max yelled when he didn't respond. "Is that what you thought? Cause you know why I waited? It was because I grew up without parents, because some teenage girl decided to get laid before she knew what she was doing." Alec's eyes flashed open at Max's sudden revelation.
"That's right. I grew up in foster homes and orphanages, seeing girls like me get themselves in trouble cause of sex and men and I wanted to wait till I knew what and more importantly who I was doing!"
Alec stood up and reached a hand out to Max. "Max-" He tried to calm her but she slapped his hand off her arm. "Max calm down..." Alec couldn't believe what he had just heard. Maybe it was because he assumed because she was a virgin that she had led a rather sheltered life. From the sounds of it he couldn't have been more wrong.
"I'm sorry." Alec said, finally calming her. "I didn't know. And as for what I said…" Alec couldn't help but duck his head slightly in embarrassment. "Hey I'm new to the whole girl buddy thing okay? Guys don't really talk about sex other than to slap each other on the back and compare stats."
Max stared at him for a moment, the fire in her eyes dimming slowly as her anger left her. "I – I'm sorry." She sighed heavily, "I guess I'm just feeling a little raw emotionally right now."
Alec closed his eyes briefly at the pain that flooded him. Logan was a player, Alec was sure about it and he didn't want to know how it would effect Max when she found out. "Hey." He whispered softly, not knowing what else to do. "C'mere." Gently he pulled Max into his arms and held her.
Surprisingly Max found she like being in Alec's embrace. It gave her a level of security she hadn't felt in a long time. I trust him. Max realised. Her heart leapt in her chest. She liked Logan a lot but growing up the way she had hadn't left a lot of room in her life for trust.
The first niggle of doubt crept into Max's mind at what she had done. Had she waited so long, only to make a mistake? No. Max decided. Logan was a decent guy, she just needed to give them time and everything would work out alright.
As Alec held Max in his arms he felt time slip away from them. How long had it been since he had a friend like Max? Alec's hand swept lazily up and down her back in a soothing manner and Max felt her eyes drift closed at the warmth she felt.
"Max?" The question came quietly.
"Hmm?" She responded drowsily.
"What kind of bra are you wearing?"
Max slapped Alec's arm sharply even as Alec chuckled at the perturbed expression on her face.
"Shut up Alec. Don't make me mad enough to move, I'm too tired."
His face going back to a serious expression, Alec nodded and leaned down to rest his cheek against the silky top of her dark hair.
"Just rest, I'll carry you to bed when you're asleep." He whispered gently. Max smiled against his chest as she allowed herself to relax again.
Alec smiled down at the woman against his body. Logan may have had sex with her but it was his arms she was resting in now.
TBC.
A/N: Please take pity on me and review, I'll update again soon, promise!