Disclaimer: It's not mine. I wish, but it isn't.
Summary: Alec's interest on another girl drives Max crazy. Can she accept the reason for her jealousy?.
A/N: Wow, so many reviews. Thanks people, I loved them all. It's good to know you are enjoying my story. Please, keep them coming, they make me happy. And Lakergirl, I so agree with you about Alec. As for how much will she have to work for him, you'll have to read and see.
CHAPTER 2: WHO IS SHE?
Saturday morning/ Alec's apartment/ TC
He woke up early but stayed in bed for hours, just thinking while staring at the ceiling. He recalled yesterday's events on his memory. He was happy, the lousy week was quickly improving and he had Danielle to thank for that. It was good to have her back.
FLASHBACK
Saturday 2:00 am/ Alec's apartment/ TC
".... so then she goes and says that it was good I liked it because her next choice was Dick"
Danielle started laughing hard. "Well, I think it suits you, and not in a bad way. After all, that smart aleck attitude of yours came in handy several times in the past."
"Yes. Like in New Zealand. I remember certain old guy who wanted more of you that what you were willing to give him. That is until your handsome." (A huge smirk appeared on his face) "...´boyfriend` set him straight."
"I could handle him on my own, thank you very much. All you did was get on my way."
"I'm sure you could, but not without blowing your cover and the mission with it."
"Ok. What about the blonde woman in Madrid. What was her name?. Maria Elisa or something like that..."
"María Elena. And what about her?"
"What about her?. Oh, nothing. Except for the fact that while you were playing around with her, our target was escaping with a 150 thousand dollars. If I hadn't intervene and drag you out of there to capture him, Renfro would have had your balls on a plate for dinner. So much for your charismatic personality."
"Hey, my charms work to my benefit every time". Again a huge smirk on his face, although he did add as an afterthought : "Almost.". "And about Renfro, I don't think that was the use she wanted to give to that particular part of my anatomy". A chill traveled down his spine at the truth behind his words.
"Thanks for the visual". She shivered slightly.
"Although she did almost had my neck for dinner after my last solo mission". A deep sadness clouded his features. His eyes showed a mixture of regret, and deep lost. Not only the lost of the girl he loved, but the lost of a huge part of himself.
"Berrisford. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. Renfro send me on a long term solo mission before you finished your debriefing. I guess she didn't want anyone interfering with her torture. I should have find a way to let you know you could count on me. Make you think about anything but what they were doing to you. A note, a post card. Maybe a balloon. Yeah, that's it. I would pay to see Renfro holding a red balloon with an inscription of `Get well` on it and wondering what went wrong."
That earned her a small smile from him. "I can imagine her face". Then he was sad again and trying to hold in the tears. "And don't worry about it, I knew there was nothing you could do. You had your assignment."
"I'm here now if you need me."
That did it. He finally broke and shared his pain with another person. He cried and told her about everything. Including his latest visit to the mansion and the last goodbye to his first love.
"She really loved you. She was waiting for you to say goodbye. There is no other explanation. Why would she hold on for all this time to let go after your visit?. She was waiting for you to apologize and to show her that the man she fall in love with really existed."
"But he didn't. Simon was just an act."
"She didn't fall in love with Simon. She fall in love with the person in front of her. You don't realize it, but you have a lot to offer. Alec, you have a huge heart. You care about people, even if you don't show it. And you are always there when someone needs you. You have always been like that, since you were a boy. That's the reason people like you so much and are driven to you. That and your good looks of course". Now the huge smirk was on her face and he laughed at that.
"I knew you wanted me"
"Of course I want you, Alec. Who doesn't?".
"Well. Max seems pretty interested in bruising this gorgeous body of mine all the time."
"Is she insane?. It will be a huge lost for the female population."
Now they were both laughing. It seemed just like old times.
"So, what's the deal with her?"
"What do you mean?"
"You and Max. What's up with you two?"
Confusion clouded his features. "You mean Max and I like in a couple?". After she nodded, the confusion in his face was replaced by an incredulous look on his eyes. "You are joking, right?."
"No, I am not. I've seen the way you two look at each other. You know how good I am at reading people and let me tell you, you two are no challenge. It is written all over your faces."
"Apparently you are not that good. There is nothing going on between her and me. In fact, she doesn't like me very much. Something about me constantly ruining her life. I can assure you she has no feelings for me. At least no good feeling that is."
"Say what you want but the way she stared at me tonight at crash, it was way too territorial for a person that wants you out of her life."
"I tell you, there is nothing. Can we change the subject."
"Why, are you nervous?. The great 494, every girls dream, eternal tomcat, is afraid of acknowledging that he has finally been caught?"
"That is never going to happen. Unless... Would you be willing to take me off the market?" . His smirk just getting bigger and wider by the minute.
"You wish"
"In fact, yes I do."
They continued teasing and laughing for hours after that, until she decided she needed some sleep before her morning duties.
"... Whatever those duties may be. I still have to talk to Mole about it."
"Nonsense, you are in the HQ with Biggs and me. You thought you could get away from us that easy?"
"I still need something to do while you guys are at Jam Pony"
"Why don't you come with us?. I have some influence with the boss, I can get you in in no time."
"Don't worry about it. I came here to help in TC and that's what I'm going to do. I'm staying here."
"Ok, whatever you want. See you later D."
"You can bet on it."
END FLASHBACK
He was still in bed when he heard someone messing with his lock. In a mere second he was up, gun in hand, heading for the door. A reflex when you think about it. There was no real threat, he was still in TC. But before he could reach it, the door was open and facing him was the image of Danielle.
"Hey!. I thought you would like to spar with me, just like old times. Biggs told me yesterday you guys have a training place. He said you couldn't call it a gym yet."
"Far from it. Give me two minutes to get dress and then I'll willingly kick your ass."
"Whatever you need to tell yourself."
--------------------------------------------------------------
At the same time/ On the streets of TC
Max was walking through TC with no real destination in mind, speaking to herself.
"That idiot. Who does he think he is?. He just ignored us and all for that ´look at me` excuse of an X5. Arrggg!. Why is this bothering me so much?. This is Alec... It´s just because I don't like being ignored, that's all there is to it. The nerve of this guy. And when they danced together.. It seemed like she was in heat or something. I mean, get a room for crying out loud..."
Her reverie was cut short when she saw Biggs walking away from the mess hall. She was finally going to find out who this girl was or there would be blood to pay, Biggs' blood.
"Biggs!, Biggs!". That got his attention. He stopped walking away and waited for Max to reach him.
"Max, where were you?. You girls left too early yesterday. Did you have an EO mission or something?."
´I'm amazed they even noticed we were gone, not that they ever realized we were even there on the first place´. But what she truly said was: "Or something."
"Too bad. You missed one hell of a night. I swear that girl is just great. Alec bet she wouldn't do it, but I knew better. He challenged her to get up on the table and sing for the crowd while .."
"Yeah, yeah, sorry I missed it. Things to do, people to see". She cut his story short. She wasn't interested in knowing how amazing she was or how fun it was to be around her. She wanted to know who she was and, for some reason, what was up with her and Alec?. Not that she will accept why that particular question was bugging her as it was. Not ever. "So, who is she anyway?."
"We told you yesterday. We worked together on some missions. Her and Alec mostly, but I went along for the ride on some occasions."
"That's not what I meant. Who is she, what is she like?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"I just do. I'll be working with her and I need to know if I can trust her."
"You never asked for information on the others when they arrived".
"I ask now". The look on her eyes and the hand on her hips told him this wasn't a good moment to mess with Max. So although he knew there was more to her curiosity that met the eye, he decided not to explore it further.
"Ok, ok. No need to get all violent on me. What can I tell you about her?. She is easy going, crazy as hell - in the good not psychotic way -, a good friend. Brave, proud, good at what she does. Most of the time she is like a female Alec, but she is also a good soldier. I mean, when the mission needs to be accomplished she is everything Manticore wanted, but when the mission is over she is just the girl you want around to forget what you did and just enjoy life. Enjoy you made it through the day. I don't know how to describe her, she is who she is and screw whoever doesn't like her."
The description unsettled Max a lot. Something about the female Alec part was really annoying her. Of course she just assumed it was because one Alec in her life was more than enough, two could become a real nightmare. But no matter how much she tried to suppress this little part of her that was driving her to act like this, she couldn't help but continue her interrogation. "And her and Alec, what is going on there?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, is there something between the two of them?. They seemed pretty comfortable with each other yesterday."
"Why?. Are you jealous?". He had meant it as a joke but when he saw her blush he realized he was on the right track.
"That's ridiculous. Of course not. I'm in love with Logan, remember. And even if I wasn't, Alec would be the last person on this Earth I would fall for". She denied it of course, but he knew better. It was more like she was trying to convince herself of her own words. Oh My God. This was the news of the century, Max interested in Alec. He couldn't help but grin. The next couple of weeks would be a blast, at least for him who would be watching.
"Ok, as you wish. But I can't answer you that question. I don't think even they know what they mean to each other. Sometimes they are best friends, sometimes they are brother and sister and others they are like a couple or something. It depends on the occasion. You have to understand, in Manticore nothing is clear. Although we have incredibly high IQs, when it comes to the heart we are like twelve year olds. But I don't think they ever slept together if that's what you are afraid of."
"Why would I?. I couldn't care less if they sleep together or not". However, the relief she felt was telling her otherwise. That made her incredibly angry at herself, which meant she had to shout to someone to feel better. Alec wasn't around so the second best choice was Biggs. "You know what, shut up. You are wasting my time. I have better things to do than staying here talking to you. And you should be going through some lay outs for our next heist right about now. Go to work. You are just like him, give you a second and you'll find away of escaping your duties. I swear, I don't know how you survived all this time in Manticore. You are incapable of following the simplest order". And with that she walked away from Biggs, talking to herself again of how irresponsible this two friends were.
Biggs stared at her retreating back. ´Oh yes, you have it bad`. And with that he turned around and jogged to the HQ.
TBC
Summary: Alec's interest on another girl drives Max crazy. Can she accept the reason for her jealousy?.
A/N: Wow, so many reviews. Thanks people, I loved them all. It's good to know you are enjoying my story. Please, keep them coming, they make me happy. And Lakergirl, I so agree with you about Alec. As for how much will she have to work for him, you'll have to read and see.
CHAPTER 2: WHO IS SHE?
Saturday morning/ Alec's apartment/ TC
He woke up early but stayed in bed for hours, just thinking while staring at the ceiling. He recalled yesterday's events on his memory. He was happy, the lousy week was quickly improving and he had Danielle to thank for that. It was good to have her back.
FLASHBACK
Saturday 2:00 am/ Alec's apartment/ TC
".... so then she goes and says that it was good I liked it because her next choice was Dick"
Danielle started laughing hard. "Well, I think it suits you, and not in a bad way. After all, that smart aleck attitude of yours came in handy several times in the past."
"Yes. Like in New Zealand. I remember certain old guy who wanted more of you that what you were willing to give him. That is until your handsome." (A huge smirk appeared on his face) "...´boyfriend` set him straight."
"I could handle him on my own, thank you very much. All you did was get on my way."
"I'm sure you could, but not without blowing your cover and the mission with it."
"Ok. What about the blonde woman in Madrid. What was her name?. Maria Elisa or something like that..."
"María Elena. And what about her?"
"What about her?. Oh, nothing. Except for the fact that while you were playing around with her, our target was escaping with a 150 thousand dollars. If I hadn't intervene and drag you out of there to capture him, Renfro would have had your balls on a plate for dinner. So much for your charismatic personality."
"Hey, my charms work to my benefit every time". Again a huge smirk on his face, although he did add as an afterthought : "Almost.". "And about Renfro, I don't think that was the use she wanted to give to that particular part of my anatomy". A chill traveled down his spine at the truth behind his words.
"Thanks for the visual". She shivered slightly.
"Although she did almost had my neck for dinner after my last solo mission". A deep sadness clouded his features. His eyes showed a mixture of regret, and deep lost. Not only the lost of the girl he loved, but the lost of a huge part of himself.
"Berrisford. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. Renfro send me on a long term solo mission before you finished your debriefing. I guess she didn't want anyone interfering with her torture. I should have find a way to let you know you could count on me. Make you think about anything but what they were doing to you. A note, a post card. Maybe a balloon. Yeah, that's it. I would pay to see Renfro holding a red balloon with an inscription of `Get well` on it and wondering what went wrong."
That earned her a small smile from him. "I can imagine her face". Then he was sad again and trying to hold in the tears. "And don't worry about it, I knew there was nothing you could do. You had your assignment."
"I'm here now if you need me."
That did it. He finally broke and shared his pain with another person. He cried and told her about everything. Including his latest visit to the mansion and the last goodbye to his first love.
"She really loved you. She was waiting for you to say goodbye. There is no other explanation. Why would she hold on for all this time to let go after your visit?. She was waiting for you to apologize and to show her that the man she fall in love with really existed."
"But he didn't. Simon was just an act."
"She didn't fall in love with Simon. She fall in love with the person in front of her. You don't realize it, but you have a lot to offer. Alec, you have a huge heart. You care about people, even if you don't show it. And you are always there when someone needs you. You have always been like that, since you were a boy. That's the reason people like you so much and are driven to you. That and your good looks of course". Now the huge smirk was on her face and he laughed at that.
"I knew you wanted me"
"Of course I want you, Alec. Who doesn't?".
"Well. Max seems pretty interested in bruising this gorgeous body of mine all the time."
"Is she insane?. It will be a huge lost for the female population."
Now they were both laughing. It seemed just like old times.
"So, what's the deal with her?"
"What do you mean?"
"You and Max. What's up with you two?"
Confusion clouded his features. "You mean Max and I like in a couple?". After she nodded, the confusion in his face was replaced by an incredulous look on his eyes. "You are joking, right?."
"No, I am not. I've seen the way you two look at each other. You know how good I am at reading people and let me tell you, you two are no challenge. It is written all over your faces."
"Apparently you are not that good. There is nothing going on between her and me. In fact, she doesn't like me very much. Something about me constantly ruining her life. I can assure you she has no feelings for me. At least no good feeling that is."
"Say what you want but the way she stared at me tonight at crash, it was way too territorial for a person that wants you out of her life."
"I tell you, there is nothing. Can we change the subject."
"Why, are you nervous?. The great 494, every girls dream, eternal tomcat, is afraid of acknowledging that he has finally been caught?"
"That is never going to happen. Unless... Would you be willing to take me off the market?" . His smirk just getting bigger and wider by the minute.
"You wish"
"In fact, yes I do."
They continued teasing and laughing for hours after that, until she decided she needed some sleep before her morning duties.
"... Whatever those duties may be. I still have to talk to Mole about it."
"Nonsense, you are in the HQ with Biggs and me. You thought you could get away from us that easy?"
"I still need something to do while you guys are at Jam Pony"
"Why don't you come with us?. I have some influence with the boss, I can get you in in no time."
"Don't worry about it. I came here to help in TC and that's what I'm going to do. I'm staying here."
"Ok, whatever you want. See you later D."
"You can bet on it."
END FLASHBACK
He was still in bed when he heard someone messing with his lock. In a mere second he was up, gun in hand, heading for the door. A reflex when you think about it. There was no real threat, he was still in TC. But before he could reach it, the door was open and facing him was the image of Danielle.
"Hey!. I thought you would like to spar with me, just like old times. Biggs told me yesterday you guys have a training place. He said you couldn't call it a gym yet."
"Far from it. Give me two minutes to get dress and then I'll willingly kick your ass."
"Whatever you need to tell yourself."
--------------------------------------------------------------
At the same time/ On the streets of TC
Max was walking through TC with no real destination in mind, speaking to herself.
"That idiot. Who does he think he is?. He just ignored us and all for that ´look at me` excuse of an X5. Arrggg!. Why is this bothering me so much?. This is Alec... It´s just because I don't like being ignored, that's all there is to it. The nerve of this guy. And when they danced together.. It seemed like she was in heat or something. I mean, get a room for crying out loud..."
Her reverie was cut short when she saw Biggs walking away from the mess hall. She was finally going to find out who this girl was or there would be blood to pay, Biggs' blood.
"Biggs!, Biggs!". That got his attention. He stopped walking away and waited for Max to reach him.
"Max, where were you?. You girls left too early yesterday. Did you have an EO mission or something?."
´I'm amazed they even noticed we were gone, not that they ever realized we were even there on the first place´. But what she truly said was: "Or something."
"Too bad. You missed one hell of a night. I swear that girl is just great. Alec bet she wouldn't do it, but I knew better. He challenged her to get up on the table and sing for the crowd while .."
"Yeah, yeah, sorry I missed it. Things to do, people to see". She cut his story short. She wasn't interested in knowing how amazing she was or how fun it was to be around her. She wanted to know who she was and, for some reason, what was up with her and Alec?. Not that she will accept why that particular question was bugging her as it was. Not ever. "So, who is she anyway?."
"We told you yesterday. We worked together on some missions. Her and Alec mostly, but I went along for the ride on some occasions."
"That's not what I meant. Who is she, what is she like?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"I just do. I'll be working with her and I need to know if I can trust her."
"You never asked for information on the others when they arrived".
"I ask now". The look on her eyes and the hand on her hips told him this wasn't a good moment to mess with Max. So although he knew there was more to her curiosity that met the eye, he decided not to explore it further.
"Ok, ok. No need to get all violent on me. What can I tell you about her?. She is easy going, crazy as hell - in the good not psychotic way -, a good friend. Brave, proud, good at what she does. Most of the time she is like a female Alec, but she is also a good soldier. I mean, when the mission needs to be accomplished she is everything Manticore wanted, but when the mission is over she is just the girl you want around to forget what you did and just enjoy life. Enjoy you made it through the day. I don't know how to describe her, she is who she is and screw whoever doesn't like her."
The description unsettled Max a lot. Something about the female Alec part was really annoying her. Of course she just assumed it was because one Alec in her life was more than enough, two could become a real nightmare. But no matter how much she tried to suppress this little part of her that was driving her to act like this, she couldn't help but continue her interrogation. "And her and Alec, what is going on there?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, is there something between the two of them?. They seemed pretty comfortable with each other yesterday."
"Why?. Are you jealous?". He had meant it as a joke but when he saw her blush he realized he was on the right track.
"That's ridiculous. Of course not. I'm in love with Logan, remember. And even if I wasn't, Alec would be the last person on this Earth I would fall for". She denied it of course, but he knew better. It was more like she was trying to convince herself of her own words. Oh My God. This was the news of the century, Max interested in Alec. He couldn't help but grin. The next couple of weeks would be a blast, at least for him who would be watching.
"Ok, as you wish. But I can't answer you that question. I don't think even they know what they mean to each other. Sometimes they are best friends, sometimes they are brother and sister and others they are like a couple or something. It depends on the occasion. You have to understand, in Manticore nothing is clear. Although we have incredibly high IQs, when it comes to the heart we are like twelve year olds. But I don't think they ever slept together if that's what you are afraid of."
"Why would I?. I couldn't care less if they sleep together or not". However, the relief she felt was telling her otherwise. That made her incredibly angry at herself, which meant she had to shout to someone to feel better. Alec wasn't around so the second best choice was Biggs. "You know what, shut up. You are wasting my time. I have better things to do than staying here talking to you. And you should be going through some lay outs for our next heist right about now. Go to work. You are just like him, give you a second and you'll find away of escaping your duties. I swear, I don't know how you survived all this time in Manticore. You are incapable of following the simplest order". And with that she walked away from Biggs, talking to herself again of how irresponsible this two friends were.
Biggs stared at her retreating back. ´Oh yes, you have it bad`. And with that he turned around and jogged to the HQ.
TBC