Disclaimer: It's not mine.
Summary: Alec's interest on another girl drives Max crazy. Can she accept the reason for her jealousy?.
A/N: Her is the next chapter. Enjoy!
Kim: I mixed your suggestion with something I had already planned. I hope you like the results. I think is going to be fun, you'll have to read and judge. Thanks for your suggestion and I'm glad you are having a good time with the story.
RG07: Don't worry about it, it's going to be M/A in the end. I just don't want Max to have Alec too easy. But I'm getting to the M/A, some action coming soon.
Rose: Yeah, the games begin. Your review was an inspiration for this chapter's title. Now lay back and enjoy the game.
Secretly Beautiful: So many questions, but you'll have to keep on reading for the answers. Yeah, I'm a mean person and I'm not giving you any hints. But what I AM going to do is assure you that your reviews are great and they put a smile on my face every time I read one. Thanks for reassuring me about the story and please keep them coming.
Lakergirl: I'm glad you liked the chapter. I also like the bond between them And don't worry, Max is going to have it tough.
CHAPTER 4: THE GAMES BEGIN
Danielle was getting ready for Crash in her apartment in TC. It had been a long week, a weird week. She had spent every second of her time working in absolutely irrelevant little jobs to keep TC running. Ok, they weren't irrelevant but they were definitely NOT her favorites activities. She wanted some action, to go away in heists or to rescue some transgenics from the ´evil` familiars. To be useful in which she was destined to be useful, trained to be useful. But no, Mole had a million duties that had to be done. From organizing sleeping arrangements, to designing emergency evacuation plans, internal security strategy, everything in which her skills could help. Except direct battle. She had arrived to TC with the promise to help with anything they needed so she couldn't deny to do those things, she had to keep her word. Even if it meant that here she was after a week, bored to death and hoping that a visit to Crash could make everything better.
To top it all, she hadn't seen Alec or Biggs for the past six days. Biggs was on a mission out of town getting some intel on familiar activities in the west. Some of the new arrivals had heard rumors of transgenics captured there. Biggs was making sure the rumors were true and not an ambush organized to capture the leader of Freak Nation and messiah, Max. Apparently, they didn't like her very much. In the mean time, Alec was working extra hours to cover for Biggs's trip, the only way Normal had accepted to avoid firing Biggs. As it was, he didn't care about family emergencies, not when it meant one of his messengers had to be gone all week. So, Biggs's job was secured but she hadn't seen Alec since Sunday. Whenever he wasn't in Jam Pony, Max had him going on heists and special missions. And she always went with him. God forbid another transgenic could partner up with him and have some fun out of TC. It all came down to one thing, she had serious trusting issues. Either that or she was afraid someone could steal her man. Ok, so Alec had told her there was nothing going on between Max and him, but she wasn't convinced. Max's behavior around her told her otherwise. Since she arrived last Friday, Max had been avoiding her. The only moments they shared together, some meetings concerning the functioning of the city. Plus, she always found something she needed Alec and just Alec to do whenever Danielle and him had something planned. It was funny to watch really. Maybe Alec was too naïve to tell, but she was sure Max had feelings for him.
The knock on the door came loud and clear, taking her out of her reverie. She went to open the door and was surprised to see Biggs on the other side. A big smile on his mouth and dress to kill. Ready to party all night. She gave him a quick hug.
"I didn't know you were here. When did you arrived?"
"A few hours ago. I did my debriefing already so now I'm ready to go to Crash. You want to come with me?"
"Yeah, of course. I'm almost ready. Just wait a second and I'll get my jacket". He entered the apartment and closed the door while she headed for her room. "So, what did you find out?".
"Ambush, as expected."
"This people are far too stupid to inherit the Earth. For that alone we should win this war. They thought we would just burst in without investigating first?. It's like they forget all about our high IQ´s and special training. And we are supposed to be the inferior race?". She was now out of her room with a black leather jacket in her hands and heading for the door. She was wearing a gray colored jean and dark green tank top. She had no make up on and her hair was up on a tight pony tail. Her outfit was simple but she worked it just fine. In fact, she was breath taking. It earned her a whistle of appreciation from Biggs. Once outside, they carried on with their previous conversation while heading to the bar.
"There are no captured transgenics, but we will have to keep an eye on the west. There is too much movement there, something is going on. Max said she is going to contact some X6´s in the area and have them take a look. There is no immediate threat but we can't deny reality. A war is coming and we have to be prepared."
"I know what you mean. I think it's going to be bigger than expected. Seattle might be the center of it all, but the worst thing we can do is neglect the other cities, even the other countries. They had centuries of planning, they can be positioned wherever they want."
"Yes. But we don't have enough people to fight them all. Even more if you consider we still have the norms against us."
"Don't worry. When they find out about familiars and their threat, they are going to take sides, and it will be ours. We are after all the only ones who can help them. They created us for this same thing, to protect them and their country. Even if it's just because we come in handy, they will take our side."
"We'll see. But let's forget about all that for tonight. We will have more than enough time in the days to come to analyze this. Today only music, alcohol and chicks. Oh, sorry, men for you. I'm just too used to partying with Alec"
She laughed. Biggs's face was completely red, it was so funny. "Oh, come on, don't play the ashamed card with me. I had to hear you guys brag about your girls for hours back at Manticore, how is it different now?"
Biggs recovered quickly, his grin in place. "Oh, yeah, I forgot. So let me tell you about the girl I met two days ago".
"Weren't you on a mission or something, what do you mean you met a girl?. You went partying instead of doing your job?". Her mocking expression was completely lost to Biggs who started franticly looking for an explanation.
"Ehh. no, no. I mean, she was....... she was..information. Yeah, that's it. She was giving me information."
"Yeah, right". She started laughing again. She loved making Biggs sweat.
------------------------------------------------------------------
When they arrived at Crash the others were nowhere to be found. They sat on a table near the bar and ordered a couple of beers to get into the right mood.
"So who is coming, anyway?". She enjoyed spending time with Biggs, but after her boring week, she was expecting more people. After all, the more the better.
"Alec and Max. For what I heard, Sketch had the flue and OC had a honey she had to take care of. I swear, if that girl decided to enjoy the Y- chromosome's company, I would be ready to take care of HER."
"Get over it Biggs. She told you ten million times already, she ain't interested". She chuckled after seeing the disappointed look on Biggs's face.
"So anyway, the rest of TC didn't want to put themselves in unnecessary danger so they ain't coming. They just don't understand that fun is totally worth a close encounter with White or any other". His grin replaced his disappointed look in a second. He was all for having fun. And right there in Crash he had everything he needed to have a good time. Friends, drinks and quite a lot of opportunities to get laid. "So yeah, just you, me, Alec and Max."
"I don't know about that."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't think they are coming. I'm sure she finds an emergency just in time to get both of them out of today's plans. Not like she hasn't tried that one before."
"Well, can you blame her?". The words were out of his mouth before he could think about it. He slapped himself mentally, no one was supposed to find out, even less her.
"What did you say?. Why can't I blame her?"
"Mmmm.. Nothing. I was just making conversation"
She looked at him intensely. He seemed nervous. After a couple of seconds she grinned. "So you know."
"I know what."
"You know. Max has feelings for Alec and she is crazy jealous of my friendship with him"
"How did you guess?. I thought I was the only one who knew."
"Oh come on, It's so obvious is pathetic. The way she looks at me, the way she avoids me, the way she looks at Alec. Even the fact that she always finds a way of keeping him away from me. She is so childish about it. It's like she is a teenager with a crush and doesn't know what to do about it. The question is how do YOU know about it?."
"Like you said, it's pretty obvious. She was asking all this questions about you and your relationship with Alec. She tried to hide it, but I knew better."
"Oh, you are so intelligent, Biggsy". She messed up his hair with her hand like you would do to a little child who has just done something good. A frown appeared on his features but it soon disappeared and he started laughing. He couldn't stay mad at her. It was just like old times, sharing jokes and messing around.
After laughing for a while she spoke again. "So. what are we gonna do about it."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean what are we gonna do about it?"
"I'm not following"
"Well, we both know Alec feels the same way about her and that neither of them are going to take the first step."
"Alec?"
"Yeah, Alec. Don't tell me you haven't noticed"
"Well, I know their fights are more foreplay than anything, but love... I think you are going overboard."
"I never talked about love. But I think they are getting there."
"I don't know. And why are you telling me this?. You of all people. I thought Alec and you had something going on there."
"What?. No, we are like brother and sister. We don't have that kind of relationship. I don't care what he told you about the kiss, there's nothing there."
"Wow, wow. Wait. What kiss?"
"It's nothing". But again, Biggs knew better. Even more after he watched her face turn slightly pink. He had never seen her blush before. "Anyway, are you going to help me or not".
"What if Alec wants someone else?. And what do you mean ´am I going to help you`?"
"First of all, we won't force him to be with her if he doesn't want to. We will just be making him realize what he is hiding even from himself. That he likes Max like something more than a friend". She could see he was close to agreeing with her, getting closer by the second. But he had a last argument before he gave in.
"I don't think Alec will have any problem in telling her if he did felt something for her. He said it a million times, if he wants something or someone, he goes and takes it. Life is too short to wait and being afraid."
She had her own powerful argument to throw back at him. "He might say so, but one thing is to say it and another is to act on it. That's a whole other story. And after Rachel, his heart is extra protected. He doesn't want to be hurt that way ever again. He is hiding and he is afraid."
"Ok. Maybe you are right. But still, what do I have to do with anything?"
"You are going to help me". Her grin was the biggest and widest he had ever seen. Still, there was a problem with her smirk.
"Oh, no. I know that look. That can only mean trouble. I'm not doing anything. Every time you get that look on your face I end up hurt or shot."
"Don't be such a baby and hear me out. There is no risk whatsoever. And the bullet wound on your butt had nothing to do with me."
"Of course it was your fault, it was your gun!". His voice was a little too loud and some heads turned their way. He sent them his best innocent look and after everyone continued with what they were doing, he turned his attention back to her.
"If you had stayed still like I told you so...". She left it hanging there. "Anyway. As I was saying, I need your help. I'm going to turn the heat on and make Max even more jealous than she is now. When she can't take it anymore, she will be force to make her move. But I need Alec to realize he has feelings for her before she does that. He has to realize his true feelings. Therefore, you have to look interested in Max so Alec feels some jealousy of his own."
"I knew it. I'm getting shot with this. Alec is going to kill me."
"No he is not."
"I'm his best friend and I'm taking his girl, you do the math?"
"You are not taking his girl, you are just interested in her. You just have to be near her a lot, I'll do the rest. I promise I won't let him hurt you."
"Ok. I'm doing this for him because he is my best friend. But if he kills me, I'm taking you with me."
"Stop crying you big baby and get your act together. They are coming this way."
Alec and Max had just appeared in the doorframe at Crash and were heading their way.
Summary: Alec's interest on another girl drives Max crazy. Can she accept the reason for her jealousy?.
A/N: Her is the next chapter. Enjoy!
Kim: I mixed your suggestion with something I had already planned. I hope you like the results. I think is going to be fun, you'll have to read and judge. Thanks for your suggestion and I'm glad you are having a good time with the story.
RG07: Don't worry about it, it's going to be M/A in the end. I just don't want Max to have Alec too easy. But I'm getting to the M/A, some action coming soon.
Rose: Yeah, the games begin. Your review was an inspiration for this chapter's title. Now lay back and enjoy the game.
Secretly Beautiful: So many questions, but you'll have to keep on reading for the answers. Yeah, I'm a mean person and I'm not giving you any hints. But what I AM going to do is assure you that your reviews are great and they put a smile on my face every time I read one. Thanks for reassuring me about the story and please keep them coming.
Lakergirl: I'm glad you liked the chapter. I also like the bond between them And don't worry, Max is going to have it tough.
CHAPTER 4: THE GAMES BEGIN
Danielle was getting ready for Crash in her apartment in TC. It had been a long week, a weird week. She had spent every second of her time working in absolutely irrelevant little jobs to keep TC running. Ok, they weren't irrelevant but they were definitely NOT her favorites activities. She wanted some action, to go away in heists or to rescue some transgenics from the ´evil` familiars. To be useful in which she was destined to be useful, trained to be useful. But no, Mole had a million duties that had to be done. From organizing sleeping arrangements, to designing emergency evacuation plans, internal security strategy, everything in which her skills could help. Except direct battle. She had arrived to TC with the promise to help with anything they needed so she couldn't deny to do those things, she had to keep her word. Even if it meant that here she was after a week, bored to death and hoping that a visit to Crash could make everything better.
To top it all, she hadn't seen Alec or Biggs for the past six days. Biggs was on a mission out of town getting some intel on familiar activities in the west. Some of the new arrivals had heard rumors of transgenics captured there. Biggs was making sure the rumors were true and not an ambush organized to capture the leader of Freak Nation and messiah, Max. Apparently, they didn't like her very much. In the mean time, Alec was working extra hours to cover for Biggs's trip, the only way Normal had accepted to avoid firing Biggs. As it was, he didn't care about family emergencies, not when it meant one of his messengers had to be gone all week. So, Biggs's job was secured but she hadn't seen Alec since Sunday. Whenever he wasn't in Jam Pony, Max had him going on heists and special missions. And she always went with him. God forbid another transgenic could partner up with him and have some fun out of TC. It all came down to one thing, she had serious trusting issues. Either that or she was afraid someone could steal her man. Ok, so Alec had told her there was nothing going on between Max and him, but she wasn't convinced. Max's behavior around her told her otherwise. Since she arrived last Friday, Max had been avoiding her. The only moments they shared together, some meetings concerning the functioning of the city. Plus, she always found something she needed Alec and just Alec to do whenever Danielle and him had something planned. It was funny to watch really. Maybe Alec was too naïve to tell, but she was sure Max had feelings for him.
The knock on the door came loud and clear, taking her out of her reverie. She went to open the door and was surprised to see Biggs on the other side. A big smile on his mouth and dress to kill. Ready to party all night. She gave him a quick hug.
"I didn't know you were here. When did you arrived?"
"A few hours ago. I did my debriefing already so now I'm ready to go to Crash. You want to come with me?"
"Yeah, of course. I'm almost ready. Just wait a second and I'll get my jacket". He entered the apartment and closed the door while she headed for her room. "So, what did you find out?".
"Ambush, as expected."
"This people are far too stupid to inherit the Earth. For that alone we should win this war. They thought we would just burst in without investigating first?. It's like they forget all about our high IQ´s and special training. And we are supposed to be the inferior race?". She was now out of her room with a black leather jacket in her hands and heading for the door. She was wearing a gray colored jean and dark green tank top. She had no make up on and her hair was up on a tight pony tail. Her outfit was simple but she worked it just fine. In fact, she was breath taking. It earned her a whistle of appreciation from Biggs. Once outside, they carried on with their previous conversation while heading to the bar.
"There are no captured transgenics, but we will have to keep an eye on the west. There is too much movement there, something is going on. Max said she is going to contact some X6´s in the area and have them take a look. There is no immediate threat but we can't deny reality. A war is coming and we have to be prepared."
"I know what you mean. I think it's going to be bigger than expected. Seattle might be the center of it all, but the worst thing we can do is neglect the other cities, even the other countries. They had centuries of planning, they can be positioned wherever they want."
"Yes. But we don't have enough people to fight them all. Even more if you consider we still have the norms against us."
"Don't worry. When they find out about familiars and their threat, they are going to take sides, and it will be ours. We are after all the only ones who can help them. They created us for this same thing, to protect them and their country. Even if it's just because we come in handy, they will take our side."
"We'll see. But let's forget about all that for tonight. We will have more than enough time in the days to come to analyze this. Today only music, alcohol and chicks. Oh, sorry, men for you. I'm just too used to partying with Alec"
She laughed. Biggs's face was completely red, it was so funny. "Oh, come on, don't play the ashamed card with me. I had to hear you guys brag about your girls for hours back at Manticore, how is it different now?"
Biggs recovered quickly, his grin in place. "Oh, yeah, I forgot. So let me tell you about the girl I met two days ago".
"Weren't you on a mission or something, what do you mean you met a girl?. You went partying instead of doing your job?". Her mocking expression was completely lost to Biggs who started franticly looking for an explanation.
"Ehh. no, no. I mean, she was....... she was..information. Yeah, that's it. She was giving me information."
"Yeah, right". She started laughing again. She loved making Biggs sweat.
------------------------------------------------------------------
When they arrived at Crash the others were nowhere to be found. They sat on a table near the bar and ordered a couple of beers to get into the right mood.
"So who is coming, anyway?". She enjoyed spending time with Biggs, but after her boring week, she was expecting more people. After all, the more the better.
"Alec and Max. For what I heard, Sketch had the flue and OC had a honey she had to take care of. I swear, if that girl decided to enjoy the Y- chromosome's company, I would be ready to take care of HER."
"Get over it Biggs. She told you ten million times already, she ain't interested". She chuckled after seeing the disappointed look on Biggs's face.
"So anyway, the rest of TC didn't want to put themselves in unnecessary danger so they ain't coming. They just don't understand that fun is totally worth a close encounter with White or any other". His grin replaced his disappointed look in a second. He was all for having fun. And right there in Crash he had everything he needed to have a good time. Friends, drinks and quite a lot of opportunities to get laid. "So yeah, just you, me, Alec and Max."
"I don't know about that."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't think they are coming. I'm sure she finds an emergency just in time to get both of them out of today's plans. Not like she hasn't tried that one before."
"Well, can you blame her?". The words were out of his mouth before he could think about it. He slapped himself mentally, no one was supposed to find out, even less her.
"What did you say?. Why can't I blame her?"
"Mmmm.. Nothing. I was just making conversation"
She looked at him intensely. He seemed nervous. After a couple of seconds she grinned. "So you know."
"I know what."
"You know. Max has feelings for Alec and she is crazy jealous of my friendship with him"
"How did you guess?. I thought I was the only one who knew."
"Oh come on, It's so obvious is pathetic. The way she looks at me, the way she avoids me, the way she looks at Alec. Even the fact that she always finds a way of keeping him away from me. She is so childish about it. It's like she is a teenager with a crush and doesn't know what to do about it. The question is how do YOU know about it?."
"Like you said, it's pretty obvious. She was asking all this questions about you and your relationship with Alec. She tried to hide it, but I knew better."
"Oh, you are so intelligent, Biggsy". She messed up his hair with her hand like you would do to a little child who has just done something good. A frown appeared on his features but it soon disappeared and he started laughing. He couldn't stay mad at her. It was just like old times, sharing jokes and messing around.
After laughing for a while she spoke again. "So. what are we gonna do about it."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean what are we gonna do about it?"
"I'm not following"
"Well, we both know Alec feels the same way about her and that neither of them are going to take the first step."
"Alec?"
"Yeah, Alec. Don't tell me you haven't noticed"
"Well, I know their fights are more foreplay than anything, but love... I think you are going overboard."
"I never talked about love. But I think they are getting there."
"I don't know. And why are you telling me this?. You of all people. I thought Alec and you had something going on there."
"What?. No, we are like brother and sister. We don't have that kind of relationship. I don't care what he told you about the kiss, there's nothing there."
"Wow, wow. Wait. What kiss?"
"It's nothing". But again, Biggs knew better. Even more after he watched her face turn slightly pink. He had never seen her blush before. "Anyway, are you going to help me or not".
"What if Alec wants someone else?. And what do you mean ´am I going to help you`?"
"First of all, we won't force him to be with her if he doesn't want to. We will just be making him realize what he is hiding even from himself. That he likes Max like something more than a friend". She could see he was close to agreeing with her, getting closer by the second. But he had a last argument before he gave in.
"I don't think Alec will have any problem in telling her if he did felt something for her. He said it a million times, if he wants something or someone, he goes and takes it. Life is too short to wait and being afraid."
She had her own powerful argument to throw back at him. "He might say so, but one thing is to say it and another is to act on it. That's a whole other story. And after Rachel, his heart is extra protected. He doesn't want to be hurt that way ever again. He is hiding and he is afraid."
"Ok. Maybe you are right. But still, what do I have to do with anything?"
"You are going to help me". Her grin was the biggest and widest he had ever seen. Still, there was a problem with her smirk.
"Oh, no. I know that look. That can only mean trouble. I'm not doing anything. Every time you get that look on your face I end up hurt or shot."
"Don't be such a baby and hear me out. There is no risk whatsoever. And the bullet wound on your butt had nothing to do with me."
"Of course it was your fault, it was your gun!". His voice was a little too loud and some heads turned their way. He sent them his best innocent look and after everyone continued with what they were doing, he turned his attention back to her.
"If you had stayed still like I told you so...". She left it hanging there. "Anyway. As I was saying, I need your help. I'm going to turn the heat on and make Max even more jealous than she is now. When she can't take it anymore, she will be force to make her move. But I need Alec to realize he has feelings for her before she does that. He has to realize his true feelings. Therefore, you have to look interested in Max so Alec feels some jealousy of his own."
"I knew it. I'm getting shot with this. Alec is going to kill me."
"No he is not."
"I'm his best friend and I'm taking his girl, you do the math?"
"You are not taking his girl, you are just interested in her. You just have to be near her a lot, I'll do the rest. I promise I won't let him hurt you."
"Ok. I'm doing this for him because he is my best friend. But if he kills me, I'm taking you with me."
"Stop crying you big baby and get your act together. They are coming this way."
Alec and Max had just appeared in the doorframe at Crash and were heading their way.