A/N- still sick so short notes. Wanted to post on Tuesday like promised but I came home from work and fell asleep all afternoon. Then tried to post on Wednesday and ff.net was down- not my fault but sorry anyway.. Enjoy.
BTW- I'm English, my spelling is English.
This takes place before and during the fight in MAH 21
Chapter 21b- Mutually dependent.
Zan wasn't as proficient at mischief as Pix or Dek were, or even Aiden. But that didn't mean that he had no imagination and in his self imposed quest to help Max and, by proxy, Alec, he had devised a very simple, foolproof plan.
What Alec needed was to be in a situation where Max couldn't avoid him. What Max needed was to be in a situation where she felt comfortable and where she could have some control and be able to take her needed angst out on Alec.
To that end he had arrived very early for his Training session with Trainer Green and approached him.
"Sir, permission to speak, Sir?"
Trainer Green looked at one of his best students in surprise, "Yes 219?"
"Recent events may have been beyond your notice but our two C.Os--"
"I am well aware of the tension between 452 and 494. I am hoping to speak to 452, who, incidentally, has just arrived back from her assignment along with 677. It's not healthy. All of the Trainers are aware of the feud. What of it?"
Zan straightened. "Well, Sir, 452 has some anger management towards 494 to work through and I was wondering if perhaps you could pair them together for sparring?"
Trainer Green's lips twitched, "Is that safe?"
"For us or the facility?"
"I was thinking the décor actually," Green thought about the newly refurbished Gym.
Zan nodded. "So, perhaps an outside session," a thought occurred to him. "Do you have the very first Training session notes we ever did as Special Ops?"
"On file."
"Maybe a review lesson? Pair us up the way we were in that first lesson? That way they can't say it is constructed or premeditated. It'll seem natural."
Green regarded Zan, "That's do-able. Sneaky 219, very sneaky."
Zan preened, "Thank you, Sir."
"Kindly inform the team that we'll take our lesson outside."
"Sir, yes, Sir!"
---
Pix had seen a grey van pull up a few moments ago, which meant that someone was back from assignment, and was wondering who it was. He hoped it was Max; he could do with someone to talk to about this.
"Hey man!" He turned to see Dek grinning widely at him and felt an answering smile tug at his own lips.
"Hey Dek, how'd it go?"
"Perfect!" Dek flicked his hair out of his face. "Drew was… just--"
"That good, huh?" Pix interrupted with a raised eyebrow.
"Man, I bow before your talents." Dek clapped him on the back. "The gym set up was textbook, the music perfect and she kisses like--"
"Whoa, too much information," Pix laughed, "at least in the open air."
"Plus she'd kill me," Dek agreed.
"And you wouldn't have it any other way," Pix finished and Dek nodded proudly.
"That's my girl."
Pix sighed. "You and Alec both have serious issues. I'd suggest Psy-Ops."
"Yeah and like Chance doesn't give you hell!" Dek teased but his grin faded as Pix's face dropped.
"Pix?"
"Chance is like--"
"Biggs!"
Pix frowned, "No she's so not like that."
Dek swallowed and pointed over Pix's shoulder.
"Uh no, Biggs incoming and I think he's bringing a little temper tantrum with him."
Pix turned to see Biggs stalking across the yard with a face like thunder.
"Ah, this'll be fun."
"Want me to stick around?" Dek asked tensing but Pix shrugged.
"Stick around, but don't interfere."
"You got it," Dek nodded, looking around to make sure that there were no guards or Trainers around before patting Pix's shoulder. "I'll give us privacy."
Dek motioned to Flex who was in one corner with Skye, chatting away and made a few hand signals.
Flex nodded in understanding and, after a few words to Skye, they both stood up and walked over to the Trainer that was monitoring the yard, pulling him away.
"Pix!" Biggs yelled. "You arrogant little--"
"Problem Biggs?" Pix asked coolly, folding his arms over his chest.
Biggs grabbed Pix's shirt.
"What the hell did you do to my sister?"
"I'm missing the part where that is any of your business!" Pix grinned.
"Son of a…" Biggs swung at Pix, catching him a blow on the jaw.
"That's it!" Pix had had enough of Biggs heavy handedness and he leaned forward and rammed his shoulder into the man's solar plexus and flipped him over his hip.
"Chance is old enough to decide stuff for herself, she doesn't need you interfering in her life!"
"It's you that's interfering!" Biggs shot his legs out, knocking Pix flying.
"I didn't interfere with her; I never touched her," Pix paused thinking back, "well actually--"
"I knew it!" Biggs rolled over and slammed a fist into Pix's face, narrowly missing him as Pix dodged, flipping to his feet.
"Stop it!" Chance had arrived, panting as she had searched for her brother only to find him rolling around the floor with Pix. "Get the hell off him, Biggs!"
"This asshole messed with you during your Heat!"
"I didn't!"
"He didn't!"
They insisted at the same time but Biggs wasn't hearing it.
"Then what the hell have you been so depressed about?"
"Wait, you thought what?" Pix challenged. "That I would screw her and dump her?"
"Just like you, leaving things!"
"Since when?" Pix asked incredulously, "I have never left a job undone!"
"You're calling my sister a job now?"
Dek rolled his eyes, "Oh for the love of Manticore!"
"Don't put words in my mouth!" Pix hissed.
"It was me," Chance said quietly trying to avoid Pix's eyes. "I- I c-came on to Pix, h-he t-t-t-turned me down."
"A likely story!" Biggs spat. "Dammit now you have Chance lying to me!"
"Hello, what planet are you on?" Chance demanded. "I am able to speak for myself you know!"
Pix watched as she faced off against Biggs and felt a slam of pride for his girl until her words registered.
"Wait, Chance, honey, I wasn't turning you down," he caught her eye. "You weren't in your right mind, you were in Heat. When we do get together, I want you to make the choice, not your pheromones."
Chance blushed in pleasure. "Oh!"
"What the hell do you mean, when?" Biggs punched Pix in the stomach. "You are never going to touch her again! No-good, arrogant Romeo!"
Pix wasn't expecting the rain of blows that Biggs aimed at his back and so he shielded his head whilst waiting for his opportunity to strike, when something unexpected happened.
Chance jumped on Biggs back, her fists hammering into his sides and feet kicking wildly as she tried to pull him off Pix.
"Ow, Chance, quit it!" Biggs yelled as she pulled his hair.
"Off!" she screamed. "He didn't do anything!"
"Why the hell not!"
"Because I LOVE HER!" Pix shouted.
It was so sudden and unexpected that there was silence in the yard. Biggs stepped back, dropping his fists.
"Huh?"
Chance hung from Biggs neck and peered over his shoulder, her eyes wide and mouth open.
"What?"
"I love Chance," Pix said plainly. "I would never do anything to hurt her, and if I took advantage of her whilst she was in Heat then that would hurt her. I want her," he turned his gaze to stare directly into her eyes, "I want you to want me for me, not because you are in Heat."
Chance slithered down Biggs' back to land on her feet. "I walked across half of Manticore to get to you. I wanted you."
Pix blinked. "Really?"
"I love you and wanted to show you, with all I had."
"You do." He held out his hand and with a beaming grin Chance took it and crept into his arms, her mouth rising to find his in a heart stopping kiss.
"Huh?"
Biggs stared.
Dek clapped him on the back as the dark haired man stared in shock at the two kissing transgenics. "Now that is beautiful!"
"Huh!"
Dek laughed, "Come on, we have a Training lesson to get to."
----
Carrot agreed to tell the rest of the Transgenics from the group about the change in venue and was halfway through the group when he stopped dead in the middle of the courtyard.
Pix and Chance were engaged in major lip-lock right there in the middle of the yard.
He wanted to laugh even as his throat tightened.
"Hmm, looks like fun!" someone purred in his ear and his heart stopped in his chest. "Possibly a little too public for me."
Carrot spun to see Tara standing by him with a shy smile.
"Tara?"
"You were expecting someone el--" she was cut off as he threw his arms around her
and crushed her to his body, inhaling deeply of her so familiar scent.
Tara smiled in relief against his shoulder as she felt her body contour to his and the warmth spread between them filling her with the sense of rightness and home that she had come to expect. She was so caught up in the sensation that she didn't realise that he had been mumbling something for the past few minutes. She listened hard and felt her grin broaden as the words became clearer.
"IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou, god, you came back, I love you, missed you so much."
Tara chuckled and pulled back. "I missed you too."
He held her face in his hands and peered into her eyes. "Are you okay?"
"Fine." She nodded to reassure him. "Max said that you had it rough."
"Without you," he laughed shortly, "but it's okay now."
"Carrot, I--"
Her reply was caught off by his mouth, crushing down hard on hers. His arms pulled her deeper into his body, trying to get her as close as possible. His tongue asked for entrance and she eagerly gave him permission. They both moaned at the feel of tasting each other and his fingers reached up to touch her hair, pausing when, instead of long silky waves, he found it in a tight bun at the nape of her neck.
He pulled away and looked at her properly for the first time. Her luscious hair was scraped back, horn-rimmed glasses hung around her neck on a string and she wore make-up that was not flattering to her skin tone at all.
Carrot blinked.
"Uh, Tara, what's with the geek look?"
Tara burst out laughing and hugged him tighter. "I'll tell you later."
----
Max waved at Coco from the other side of the courtyard and smiled widely, still entranced at the thought of the girl breaking the arm of a man who groped her-- her target as well!
"Hey Max, when, d'you get back?" Dek sidled over and grinned.
"Just now," Max nudged him.
"Oh so you missed the Grease moment?"
Max laughed, "The what now?"
Dek fluttered his eyes, "Ooh look everybody, Rizzo and Knickie made up, all the gang's together!"
Max watched as Pix and Chance strolled over, their hands brushing each others as they kept shooting shy glances to the other. They stood by Techie and Feen who were laughing together. She nodded at Carrot who beamed at her with his arm firmly around Tara's waist and Dek winked at Drew who blushed.
"Isn't this the part where someone says de-wop, bop a lu-bop?"
"Dek," Max said seriously, "I have an M16 in my locker. If you start singing, I will shoot you."
Dek laughed and walked over to Drew humming under his breath. Max rolled her eyes and glanced over the group. It did seem like they were all together again, except…
Max caught Alec's eye and faltered, dropping her own gaze.
"Okay, Special Ops trains alone today, we are having a review, so Unit 8, you are on the grey court with Trainer Kivali."
Unit 8 saluted and followed the other Trainer to a separate part of the facility.
"Ok, so we'll start with basic drills. Formation one through six. Start. One hyah!"
"Hyah!"
Fifteen pairs of shoes stomped the ground as they ran through the first rotation in perfect sync.
Trainer Green watched them and marveled at how far they had come in the last few years that he had the privilege of working with them. They had gone from fifteen separate personalities from three facilities to one single merged familial unit that worked seamlessly.
At least when all was well, he thought as he saw 494 shoot another glance at 452.
"Ok guys, it's been a while since we had a free fight," Trainer Green said with a grin and quick glance at 219. Taking the hint the Unit formed a circle around the training mat making it into a sort of ring.
"So how about we get 810 and 521 to go for it."
Sunny looked over and smiled at Flex. He nodded and stepped into the ring.
"Oh, brings back memories!" he teased as they fought.
Sunny dodged a blow and giggled. "I was so damn nervous; you were so much bigger than I was!"
"You were quicker and meaner. Plus I was distracted."
Sunny frowned as she kicked him. "Why was that?"
"In the gym, you were standing with your back to the large bay windows that we had then."
The windows had since been destroyed by too many Heat episodes.
"I remember."
Flex grinned, "Your shirt was almost see-through!"
Sunny gasped in amused indignation and punched him in the solar plexus.
"Letch!"
"Enough!" Trainer Green called out and Sunny bowed low, trying not to laugh.
"I'll get you for that!" she hissed playfully as they made their way back to their positions.
"Look forward to it!" Flex grinned back at her.
Green grinned, "Ok, so if we are following tradition I guess that means 452 and 494 go next."
Silence fell in the ring as all eyes went from an ashen faced Max to a determined Alec.
Pix laughed nervously, "Uh Sir, maybe that's not the best--" he was cut off by Alec's sharp "Shut up."
"Shutting up."
Pix stepped back and waited, like the others, with bated breath as Max and Alec stared at each other.
Special Ops glanced fearfully at one another, picking up the scary undercurrents of tension.
Alec stepped into the ring.
"Well Maxie, it looks like you finally can't avoid me," he said perkily.
Her eyes narrowed with anger. "Don't push me."
"Oh she speaks!" he said sarcastically waving his arms.
"She's going to kill him." Drew inclined her head and Dek bit his lip.
"It's a possibility."
Max and Alec circled each other on the mat, eyes fixed as they waited.
"Don't wait for me, Max. I've been making the first move for the past few weeks, it's your turn."
"Shut up," she spat and punched out at his chest.
Alec danced back in glee.
"Sloppy Maxie. Haven't we been paying attention in class?" he taunted and Carrot winced.
"He's nuts."
Max swept her feet at his legs only to have him jump over them.
"Probably coming up with more ways to avoid me."
"Is he enjoying the sound of his own voice?" Coco asked idly as Max kicked him again. "I'd kick his ass to shut him up."
Zan winced as they traded more blows with insults. "Maybe this wasn't the best of ideas, I think they're too stubborn."
"Look on the bright side," Emma said, "They'll have to spend a lot of time together in Med Bay."
"Ouch!" Zan said as Max punched Alec twice in the chest and once in the kidneys making Alec gasp. "Together, but unconscious!"
Emma flinched as Alec tripped Max and slammed an elbow into her back.
"Uh, 219, should I put a stop to this?" Trainer Green edged over and whispered.
"No, it's… uh… tension release," Zan said doubtfully.
"Uh, huh," Green nodded as Alec smacked Max in the jaw making her reel backwards.
"Come on, Max, hit me properly," Alec sassed.
"I'm beginning to doubt Alec's sanity," B.J. said conversationally to Flex.
"Can't you shut up for five minutes, dumbass?"
"I would but you suffer from too much silence as it is, Ice Princess. I talk because you don't, is that a problem, Maxie?"
"Oh yeah," Flex agreed. "One consult short of a psych evaluation."
B.J. looked at him oddly. "That was profound for you."
"Skye's a bad influence." Flex nodded. They watched as Max and Alec continued their vicious assault.
"Uh, that can't be healthy!" Chance said as she watched Alec and Max fight. She had originally turned to see if Pix was watching her but her attention was soon caught by the action taking place on the mat.
"What's that?" Feen followed her glance to see Max executing a perfect back flip to manoeuvre around Alec and land behind him. She lashed out at his legs and floored him. She smirked down at him and he flipped to his feet quickly.
"Girls, am I taking your valuable time?" Trainer Kivali asked.
"Sorry, Sir!" Feen said, not taking her eyes off the fight.
Chance winced and hissed as Max kicked Alec's knee, the crack almost audible.
"What the hell?" Kivali said stunned, as he too watched the action. "What is Green thinking?"
"Maybe he's letting them work through their— OW! -- issues!" Feen interjected at a particularly nasty left hook.
"Maybe I should let them get on with it." Kivali couldn't tear his eyes away and didn't notice as the rest of the group stopped to stare.
"This can't be good," Pix said, as he glanced around the yard to find that all activity had stopped and everyone was staring at Max and Alec. Even the Trainers seemed to think it best of they stayed out of it.
"Nah," Dek agreed and paused, "Twenty on Max to win."
"I'm not betting against her!" Drew said with a roll of her eyes.
"I'll take Alec for twenty," Aiden said.
"Men!" Emma rolled her eyes.
"Yeah!" Coco agreed, "I'd go at least forty."
Alec seemed to have had enough as he brought the back of his hand to touch the blood running down his face from Max's last blow and he stopped holding his arms wide.
"Well, come on then. Work your frustrations out on me, Max. I'm giving you a free shot. Hit me, kick my ass, come on!"
"New development!" Mets whispered to Anna who nodded.
"… Talk to me!" Alec yelled.
"God, can't you let it go!" Max shrieked at him, her fists in balls at her side.
"No! Come on!"
"Fine!"
Max kicked Alec's chest and Special Ops stared in horror as they heard a crack from his ribs.
"That was for your initial greeting, to welcome the '09er."
Before he could defend himself Max smacked him again.
"That was for the whole smart ass comments thing the next day. My family didn't purposely leave me behind!"
"That wasn't my inte--"
She cut him off with an upper cut and a jab.
Zan wondered if she was going to list every single one of Alec's screw-ups, and if they'd be allowed to break for dinner. But at least she was talking to him. That was good, right?
Right?
"That was for making me lose my brother. Twice." She knocked him back into the ring of Transgenics and Techie, who had come to ask if Trainer Kivali needed to intervene, was sent sprawling as Alec fell on top of him.
Alec barely gave his cushion a glance as he sprang to his feet after Max and kicked her in the jaw.
"It was that or Psy-Ops, baby," he said.
"No problem, my pleasure really!" Techie grimaced as he staggered to his feet.
B.J. picked him up and dusted him off. "Sorry Pal, tell your Trainer it's best to stay out of it."
"Yeah, I get that," Techie said wryly. He turned to walk away and half turned, "By the way, Feen has fifty on Alec to win."
"See, girls know how to do it!" Coco high-fived Drew.
"Got it all out yet, Maxie?"
"Damn that boy is stubborn!" Carrot said in half admiration, half pity.
"Stop calling me that!" Max shouted. "We are not friends, we are not pals and you are not my family so stop it!"
Suddenly it wasn't funny. Special Ops stopped teasing and laughing and edged closer together for comfort.
Zan winced; this wasn't what he had wanted. He had hoped that by getting the two of them together then they would talk this through, but that wasn't happening. It seemed like there was nothing that could pierce this and they'd have division forever.
It was a painful realisation and one that Alec seemed to have realised as he sagged.
"Why Max, what did I do? I said I'm sorry for everything. What did I do?"
"Shut up, Alec."
"What did I DO?" he yelled and Emma turned her head into Zan's chest for comfort. He held her loosely, his eyes intent on the scene.
"You pulled a gun on me!" she screamed back and silence fell all around as heavy as thunder. "Dammit Alec, I trusted you, with everything, and you pulled a gun on me!"
"Guns?" Pix looked over at Carrot, a flash of understanding covering his face.
X5- 431- Eva, Max had called her. Lydecker had shot her with a gun and then he had shot Max herself.
Zan stiffened as he glared at Alec. Okay he didn't mention that.
Alec froze. "Maxie."
Max seemed flustered and her whole body trembled before she straightened and brought her foot back and then slammed it forward to connect with Alec's groin.
"Ow!"
"Urgh."
"Ouch."
"God!"
"Eee!"
Four hundred males hissed and bent in sympathy as Alec dropped to his knees cradling his groin, tears in his eyes.
"Below the belt!" moaned B.J. as he covered his own trousers.
"Oh… that… hurts," hissed Flex, his eyes watering.
Dek moved closer to Drew and placed an arm around her waist.
"Shit," Drew said succinctly as she watched Max stiffen and shake.
As Max turned on her heel and stalked away, Drew made to go after her but Dek held on tight to her waist, preventing her from going to her friend.
"No, don't."
Drew gaped, "But Max needs--"
"Alec," Dek finished quietly, "She needs Alec."
"She's hurting!" Drew protested.
"I know," Dek pulled her close and trained his eyes on the figure of Max as she walked away, each step a struggle.
Alec was rushed by several of his friends who tried to help him stand.
"God, Alec."
"Sir, are you okay?"
"Damn, that was hard."
"Do you need to go to Med Bay?"
"Not now!" Alec bit out and pushed them away, tears springing to his eyes as with sheer force of will he stood.
He staggered a few steps and edged as quickly as he could after the retreating beauty.
"Was that part of your plan?" Trainer Green asked Zan who shrugged, his arm tightening on Emma.
"Not exactly, but it might just work."
Feen walked over to them and leaned on Pix's arm, he glanced down at the redhead in surprise.
"Will they be okay?" She asked hesitantly, her usual bravado gone.
Pix looked over her head to see Unit 8 coming towards them en masse, their attention caught as Max turned back to Alec, but their hearts tugging them to their family.
"I hope so, Feen, I hope so."
Techie came up behind her and tugged her away, giving Pix a grateful look for comforting his girl.
"Hey now, it'll be fine," he soothed.
"And you know this how?" she demanded, fire returning to her eyes as she rounded on the quiet male.
Techie flinched away from her anger but stood his ground. She wasn't mad at him, she was mad at the situation and she needed him. He wasn't a mouse, he was a soldier.
"Because if they don't sort things out right now, we are going to handcuff them together until they do."
Feen's lips twitched at his calm answer.
"That's one we haven't tried," Pix agreed, his hand going into his pocket for his book. He flipped it open to the back pages scanning entries, holding it higher as Feen tried to see inside.
She pouted at his being so tall and Pix just grinned.
"Can anyone hear what's going on?" Skye asked as she tugged Flex over.
"Nah, wind direction is all wrong," Aiden mused.
"Lip reading?" Steve added hopefully.
"Steve!" Skye pretended to be shocked. "That would be an invasion of privacy!"
"So why didn't you think of it?" Flex asked, only to be slapped in the shoulder. "I was only asking!"
Steve rolled his eyes, "I swear you're like a married couple!"
"Yeah, and I still get the couch," Flex added morosely.
Pix was shaken from his reading when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder.
It was Biggs.
"Hey?" The dark haired man began. "Look, I was out of line. Sorry."
Pix's jaw dropped and he searched the sky.
B.J. frowned. "What are you looking for?"
"Flying pigs," Pix mused, "or signs of the apocalypse."
"Ha ha," Biggs said flatly. "Chance means the world to me, okay? You hurt her and I will personally rip off both your legs and beat you to death with the soggy ends."
There was silence.
"Well that was nicely graphic," Dek bit back a grin.
"I think I speak for everyone when I say… ewww!" Emma glared at Biggs.
"Just so we're clear!" Biggs said and patted Pix on the back companionably.
"Sure!" Pix tried to smile, his hand clenched around the black book.
"It's nice to be back," Tara whispered to Carrot who couldn't smother his laughter.
"Now I know you fit in!" He swept her under his arm and kissed her hair.
Chance edged over to the group and hugged Pix.
"Does this mean that we have big brother's blessing?" he asked hesitantly.
"Maybe, but I don't need it!" Chance said firmly as she looked up into his eyes. "You are my choice and he has no say in that."
Pix's eyes lit up and he tucked his book away before pulling her close and breathing in her scent.
"That's my girl."
Sunny walked up to Biggs, "That was very mature of you, I'm impressed." She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Ooh, Biggs is blushing!" Chance giggled into Pix's ear as she watched Sunny kiss his cheek.
"I think Biggs-y has a crush!" B.J. laughed.
Pix's eyes danced in mischief, "Interesting development!"
"Methinks, mischief in the making?" Dek asked and Aiden nodded.
"Oh definitely, they won't know what hit them!"
Drew looked on intrigued, "The four of you are as bad as each other!"
Dek snaked an arm around her waist, "Oh, are you complaining?"
Drew tried to hide her blush at his warm skin against hers and his whispering in her ear. She failed.
"Hey, when did you two happen?" Zan asked amused as he looked between the two. They were a good couple, they had always been best friends and Dek was the only one who really knew how to handle the little psychopath that was Drew.
"Good question," Mets said, his eyes locked on Drew's.
"Question for later!" Coco said as she pointed to where Max and Alec were still talking.
Max's fists were tight and she abruptly turned on her heel and took a step away.
"You go get the handcuffs!" Pix said to Techie who nodded.
Alec suddenly bent double and CeCe took a step forward to go to him when Max spun around.
"Wait CeCe!" Steve grabbed her hand and pulled her back against his side. "Just wait."
They all watched with bated breath as Max looked down at Alec. Alec straightened and his shoulders twitched to show that he was still in pain and standing was tricky.
Max took a step toward him.
"Go on!" Pix whispered.
"Please!" Drew grasped Dek's hand and held tight.
"We all need you!" Feen whispered, quietly urging them together.
"Please," Chance mouthed.
Max took another step, and another until they were face to face gazing into each other eyes.
"Call me voyeuristic, but is a kiss too much to hope for?" Flex hissed into Skye's ear who smirked and slapped at him.
"Shh."
Max rose up on tiptoes and placed her arms around Alec in a gentle hug.
As Alec placed his own arms around Max and his body lost all tension the only sound was of four hundred transgenics exhaling.
"Yes!" Sunny clapped her hands startling all of her friends who jumped at the unexpected sound.
"Shit Sunny, give me a heart attack!" B.J. complained.
"Great idea!" Anna said, shooting him a glance to show that she was teasing. B.J took the look in and nodded.
One of the X8s had taken Sunny's idea and started to clap too and one by one the whole yard applauded their leaders reuniting.
Max and Alec half turned and their eyes narrowed, even as their lips twitched.
"Eyes Front!" they yelled simultaneously and the applause abruptly stopped as people went back to their lessons.
"Well that was touching!" Aiden pretended to wipe away a tear.
"My heart burns!" B.J. agreed and smirked at Aiden, his bottom lips trembling as he affected an upper crust accent. "It made me think of my own transgressions. Aiden, I wanted to tell you of my gratitude for your actions yesterday, but you forgot to pick up your towel from my bunk!"
"My dear B.J. how could I have been so cruel, so remiss!" Aiden clapped his back, "Forgive me!"
"Nothing to forgive my dear!"
As the rest of the transgenics laughed at their display, Emma placed her hands on her hips.
"I knew there was something between the two of you!"
"Only undying devotion!" B.J. draped his arm over Aiden's shoulder in camaraderie.
"At least that's our story!" Aiden winked at Emma who blushed.
"Well, now that the soap is over for the day, we have about ten minutes of training left before lunch, care to join me?" Trainer Green spoke up.
Zan turned, "Sir, will 494 and 452 get into trouble for their affectionate display?"
Trainer Green took in the various teens in front of him surreptitiously untangling themselves.
921 dragging arms away from the field med 677. Shy 886 with fiery 555, 148 moving away from 219 with a blush. 511 with her arms around 418- the practical joker and whoa! 766 with his arms bravely around the ever tempestuous 633.
It seemed that more was going on than Renfro knew.
"No," he decided. "That wouldn't be advisable. I'll talk to the other Trainers at lunch to keep this under wraps."
"Thank you, sir!" Zan smiled, relieved.
"Now back to Training!" Green barked and they all jumped, hurrying back to positions.
Sunny paused, "Is there a toiletry shortage?"
Biggs frowned. "No, why?"
Sunny wrinkled her nose. "Why did he say the soap was over for the day?"
Biggs shrugged. "I rarely think about the personal hygiene of our Trainers."
Pix laughed, "And if Trainer McCarthy was anything to go by, neither do they!"
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Choasti- Thanks pet, glad that you liked that although the image of Biggs as John Wayne has scarred me for life.
Geminangel- That they do, Dek and Drew are wonderful.
Aleclovemax- I will update my site soon with pictures, don't worry and I'm glad that you like them.
Ronda the immortal waitress- The Fayth cult? LOL, I like it. More about Coco in the next chapter as per your request!
Sassycanuck- feeling a bit better thanks, not 100% yet. Did you prefer Drew and Mets?
Restive Nature- Aw bless ya, that is so sweet for you to say- especially since you know that I love your stories too. Biggs really needs a girl to obsess over and I have just the female for him! I feel so great that this fic gave you a better understanding of him- thank you.
Jade- K- LOL, love ya too! Now go have a cup of tea and calm down.
Talichernin- Hehe, I must admit to never having read a M/L story, too involved in Alec methinks.
Arwen-amy- That they are, just gotta pair up those that need it now. it'll be fun!
Jynx- I get the feeling- I hate work. Max wasnta slut she was a professional but hey whatever works for ya! As for Joshua- see Moving Ahead part 22.
Dee- won't have to wait long now pet, enjoy!
Mely- I have no idea who Dean- Rory and Jess are so yeah you are the only one that noticed that! LOL. Root for Pix, I was!! You want more Zan? Hmm, well I won't make any promises.
Jade-jynx- you really hate Cliffhangers? Oh you are going to curse my name soon.
Nora- He's male, they rarely listen to their sisters. Aw did Dek make your heart do that thump thing too? Ain't he a sweetheart! Max and Alec together soon- of course.
Natasgi- I did put chapter timeline at the top to reduce confusion! Yeah I am spoiling you, hopefully so that I don't get lynched at the end.
Fangedangel- M/A overload- has such a nice ring to it doesn't it? LOL, I take it that you are interested then! Yeah it will be the second season and Logan will have to have a cameo if only just to annoy him.
Miasalter- hey there! Chance feels sorry for her brother but she grew a backbone here pretty sharpish which was great. As for the 09ers they'll make a splash but I wont let them hurt my Alec again.
Sigma1- LOL, feel free to yell at the comp- I know I do and I write the damn thing!
Lynn- 50670- Dek doesn't want Mets! At least I don't think so- I could be wrong. LOL. I get what you mean but I have plans for Mets so don't worry about that.
Poo- everyone loves Dek, the guy plain rocks. How was this for Pix/Chanceness?
Keekee- Max kidnapped? Oh she'd so kick ass. Wait and see what I have planned for them.
Kat461 – hippopotamuses can have grace- didn't you see Fantasia? The tutu's were disturbing but hey… I also live a sheltered life.
Moonlite star- Thanks pet, more soon.
Quinn- good point, he needs to realize that not all guys are like that. it's a great song isn't it? Sarah is my fave singer ever, more on Anna and BJ in the next chapter. Aww I get flowers! You rock, that was so sweet! I'm blushing now.
Ladeia3- hey there, thanks for the kudos and I am pleased that you still like the story. I wish the show had carried on but not with Max/Logan ness as that ruined it for me-0h there was no chemistry!
Ganko- Thanks pet, Dek and Drew really are getting to be a fave of mine too; they are just so adorable together. I'm feeling a bit better today although I look like death warmed up still- no joke actually. As for having Mets in the picture- well I do have plans for the guy so I wont drop him off totally but yeah he no longer factors in on D/D. how was this for more of Chance's backbone?
Lyndsey I have your full permission to do to Mets what I want? Oh the possibilities!!! I could… ahem, mind OUT of the gutter Fayth! No its not wrong to be jealous of a fictional character, I hate Max for having Alec and I am so jealous of Drew for having Dek! Its so so so not fair! But since it is my story and they do work well together I really should jus5t shut up about it!