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: I'm very, very, very sorry for the delay, but now I'm back. I'll do everything I can to try an update sooner next time.
Natasqui: Here is some more. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Ting: Always. You know they fight and fight, but in the end they can't deny it, they care about each other.
Ange: I hope you are still alive. Didn't mean to keep you waiting this long, but I couldn't help it. The world itself seems to have something against me writing. Every time I sat at my computer, something always came up.
SGOU: You are right, Alec still thinks Biggs likes Max. What will happen? Well, one of my earlier reviewers was right when she said........ I'm not telling, sorry. But I promise you, it's going to be fun to read. At least, I'll try to make it so.
Rose: Brilliant? You do wonders for my self esteem, girl. Thanks. By the way, I'm using this opportunity to do a little begging. You left me no choice, you completely disappeared on me. Please, write some more and send me something, I need to know what happens to Jewel and Lane, to Zack and Sibyl. Please, I'm on my knees right now.
Megan: Pro writer? No, I'm not. But I'm honored you would think that. And I can't tell you how glad I am my fic is having such strong impact on you. I try my best. I just hope you keep enjoying it.
Cezar: No, I am not dead. Sorry I kept you waiting for this long, but now I'm back. I thought you had given up on the story, that my little drama was too much for your liking. Glad to know you are still hanging in there and glad to know your friend liked the story too.
Maganda 2588: A month? Didn't realized it'd been so long. Sorry, a lot of things got in the way. But I promise next update will be ready way sooner. Thanks for reviewing.
CHAPTER 11: HOPE AND HERO
Alec had spent his night analyzing what had happened the day before. He had fought with Max over last night's mission from hell. She was so pissed at him. He still hadn't seen her this morning, but he knew it. Not that he was going to apologize or anything, but it bothered him. He saw the hurt look on Max's eyes when he went away without supporting her, without even giving her a comforting word or pissing her off to keep her from thinking. But there was nothing he could do; she had to understand that the world outside is not all about roses and white picket fences, that the world outside is harsh. Even more now, now that the world itself is against them. But she keeps her morals, she keeps believing that there's something better out there. That's the reason she escaped from Manticore all those years ago, that's the reason she keeps fighting now. It's called hope, such a foreign word to him, to every transgenic. Yet she believes, she keeps hope alive. Hope in people, hope in being able to change, hope in being capable of leaving Manticore behind. It was such a joke, he would laugh at it if it didn't feel so damn right. Yeah, maybe Danielle was right, maybe Max was having an effect on him, and a one damn good one from the looks of it. He was happier than he'd ever been before. Of course, he was free and all, but there was something else. Max and her take on the world were changing him. Oh, how did he hate her. He hated both of them, really. Danielle, for being right, for being able to read him like that. And Max for being her, for making him give a shit about the world. For making him give a shit about her. ´I hate this! I'm not supposed to feel this way. I'm supposed to hide my heart behind this very useful smart aleck smirk. I am an expert on denial. I mean, we all are, but I'm the best at it. What happened to me? What did Max do to me?
He reached the infirmary the same moment he realized there was still another problem he had to consider here, like his denial and Max's obsession with kicking his butt wasn't enough. Biggs, his best friend, his pal, his buddy was interested in his girl too. ´Wow, don't call her your girl, it sounds so weird. Ok, but that doesn't change anything, Biggs feels something for Max, Danielle told me that much. Maybe she was wrong? Yeah, like she was wrong about me? Get real. His inner struggle was cut short when he saw the two people causing his distress right in front of him, deep in conversation. He caught something about Max getting some chocolate cookies for him. Chocolate! She never did something so big for anyone, not even OC. She would kill anyone who would come near her cookies. He knew it, he almost died when he tried. And not even in the agonizing state he was left for daring touch the cookies, did he earn the right to eat one. But now she was giving them to Biggs, unbelievable. Wait, had he heard correctly? Biggs was asking her to kiss his wounds better. That little rat, that was HIS line. He had to put an end to this, the sooner the better.
"Hey man! Look what I got for you. You are going to love me for this."
Alec appeared by the door holding a huge TV on his arms and the ever present smirk on his lips. Max stood up from her chair and still looking at Biggs, she spoke.
"I'll leave you two love birds alone. See you later, Biggs." And with that she turned around and stormed out without even looking at the X5 of hazel eyes. Alec's smirk faded for a second but was back on in no time, as he headed for his best friend's bed.
"Wow! What did you do to her? That was one cold Max leaving this room. I mean, she is usually rude to you, but it's something she enjoys. She usually stays around to kick your ass. You must have screwed things up pretty bad now."
Alec frowned at the truth in his friend's words. Yeah, Max was definitely pissed right now. She wasn't threatening him or kicking him, not even yelling at him. She was ignoring him. That was worse than anything else. That meant he would have to work a lot to earn her trust and friendship again. This meant she was truly hurt. But his frown quickly turned into a decisive look, when he came to a realization. ´Like hell! I'm tired of apologizing to her, I'm tired of doing all the work to earn her good mood. I acted according to what I think is right, according to my beliefs. If she can't handle that the world doesn't revolve around her, then too bad. I might have feelings for her, apparently strong ones, but I'm not her puppy dog. I'm done being her punching bag.
"Long story, she'll get over it."
"Whatever man, but I don't think it's going to be that easy."
"Not my problem. So, how are you?"
Biggs knew his friend well. Well enough to know he was lying, but also well enough to know when to stop asking. If Alec didn't want to tell him, then there was nothing he could do to get the information out of him. And that threatening look Alec was giving him was a good proof that he was right. Further involvement would end up with a further injured Biggs, and that was not a good thing. ´Probably better to observe and drive my own conclusions. That, and asking Danielle.´ Of course she would know what happened, she was there and she always knew everything. Ok, so no 411 on last night's events yet, but that didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun with what he did know. Alec and Max might be angry with each other, even more than normal, but they still love each other. That means it's time for a little fun. ´Hey! Don't blame me. Being stuck in the infirmary can be pretty boring, I can't just ignore this opportunity.
"Better. I woke up to the visit of a beautiful girl and she even brought me cookies."
Alec cringed. How was he supposed to keep his mind off Max, when this guy kept bringing her up? Not only that, but he was the guy interested in her, his best friend. And to make things even worse, she is treating him NICE. She treated him like shit till yesterday, and now she was bringing him gifts. Biggs was second in her shit list, SECOND. Second after him, of course. That made him smile for a second. It was good to be the first in Max's life, even in this kind of list. He quickly realized what he was doing and the smile disappeared from his face, replaced by his all too famous smirk. The ´I don't care about her, the world loves me smirk.
Biggs knew that smirk. His words had reached their target; Alec was jealous. ´Danielle, you are a genius! Now it was Biggs's turn to smile like an idiot. Of course if someone asked him, it had to do with the fact that he enjoyed winning and he was having fun with this game. This had nothing to do with the girl on his mind. ´Hey! I'm an X5, denial comes with the territory, it's in the blood.
"I tell you, if I'd known getting shot would mean this much attention, I would've seriously considered it sooner. Did you see the change in Max's attitude, man? All kind and sweet. I mean, I could hardly recognize her."
"Yeah. Just don't expect it to last, we both know Max's volatile personality."
"You are right. Too bad, I guess I will have to enjoy it while it lasts."
Biggs's grin turned huge, while assuming a mischievous side to it. ´Maybe getting shot wasn't that bad, this is so funny.
"You do that. I guess it will be fun for me to watch you die by her hand. She will probably come up with a very creative torture before finishing you off."
Alec's words had the wished effect, Biggs grew silent. Alec had a point. Not that Biggs would try to really come on to her, this was just a game to make Alec jealous; but the truth behind Alec's words pictured a too apocalyptic scene to ignore. Yes, Max was a dangerous girl to be interested in. ´Poor Alec, he is in too deep now.
"Hey! She seems to be worth the trouble. Don't you agree, Alec?"
´Ok, that's it. I can't take this anymore, I need to go punch something.
"Speaking of, Max is going to kill me if I don't get some work done before leaving for Jam Pony. Here is your TV, see you later."
"Bye, man."
Alec walked to the door but turned around before leaving the place.
"I'm glad you are ok"
And then he walked away.
---------------------------------------------------
It was late in the afternoon when Danielle finally arrived to visit Biggs at the infirmary. Biggs had almost given up hope, when he finally saw those beautiful green eyes entering the place.
"I thought you'd forgotten about me. Is this the way you thank me? Leaving me all alone for the entire day?"
"Thank you for what?" She spoke while sitting very comfortable in a bed next to his friend, a curious look on her features. She knew how Biggs's mind worked all too well, he could come up with basically every possible crazy thing this world had to offer, even a few impossible.
"Saving your life, that's what. I pushed you inside the sewers just in time to take the bullet destined for you. That makes me a hero, your hero in fact. I want you to show me how thankful you are about it."
Danielle started laughing hard. This made Biggs frown, what did she have to laugh about? He was serious. After a whole thirty seconds, Danielle managed to regain enough control of her body to speak.
"Trust me, you don't want to find out how creative I can be coming up with a way to thank you, it's bad for your health. Besides, I thought heroes did their good deeds just for the satisfaction of doing the right thing, not because of the reward. You are a really lousy hero."
"Very funny. I risk my life for you and all I get are recriminations. Typical."
"Oh. Stop being such a baby."
"Whatever. The truth is you tortured me all day. I spend my whole day trying to come up with a reason why Max is treating Alec the way she is doing, and you never came to visit me and give me the scoop about it. Have you no respect for gossip?"
"Oh, poor boy. I was busy, you know. People do work around here, even if you don't. I had a few leads concerning the familiars and I had to take care of it. Don't want you running into one anytime soon and getting shot again. You tend to be a bit clumsy like that."
"Didn't know you cared, I'm touched."
"Well, someone has to take care of you."
"Don't know about taking care, but there is something you can do for me." He sent her a suggestive look while speaking. ´Hey, you don't spend that much time around Alec without catching one or two bad habits. It's not my fault.
"I don't think you can handle me, Biggsy."
"Try me."
"In your dreams."
"You have no idea."
"Ok, this is fun and all, but I don't have all day. You want to know what happened or not?"
"Shoot."
................................................................
"Wow!" That's all that escaped Biggs's mouth when she finished telling the story.
"That's all! I tell you Alec finally accepted he likes Max and all you can think of saying is wow? Come on."
"It's a bit overwhelming. I mean, it's great, but are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. And what do you mean overwhelming? You knew this would happen, you worked for this to happen."
"I know, it's just............ ok, one thing is to know something and another is to actually see it come true. Besides, they are still mad at each other so I don't think we've succeeded yet."
"That's just a matter of time. Max will come around sooner or later. All we have to accomplish right now is convincing Alec to tell Max the truth. When he finally does, how would Max be able to resist him? I mean, that guy is hot."
"Hey!"
"You are handsome too, don't get jealous. You know I love you both."
"Better. Ok, so it is a good plan, it might work. But I still think getting Alec to talk won't be easy."
"Well, you better come up with a good idea then, that's your job."
"Wait a minute, what do you mean it's my job?"
"It's your job. I already got him to admit the truth and that was the hard part, now it's your turn. I can't do all the work, you know? Plus, I won't be in town for a whole week, I'm going away on a mission down south tomorrow morning."
"Hey, this isn't easier, it's harder. He admitted it to you, to himself, not to Max. Max is a whole other story. Right now, none of them are keen on talking to each other about anything and you want me to get them talking about their feelings? Honestly, their feelings? Get real."
"Stop complaining. I'm going away, whether you like it or not, so their future is in your hands. Do something nice for your friends."
"Fine, but I swear I'm gonna get you for this."
"Great. So I'll see you in a week, ok?"
"Ok."
She stood up and kissed him on his forehead, near his wound. Then, she headed for the door, but right before reaching it she spoke to him again without turning around, not facing him.
"Thanks for saving my life, hero."
He smiled. Before he could come up with an answer she was gone.
Biggs was left there; going through everything she had told him. One thing kept bugging him though, the conversation between her and Alec. He wasn't sure if he should be happy that Danielle and Alec had decided they weren't right for each other, or worried because she felt so deep for Alec she had let him go. He knew he shouldn't feel this way, but he just couldn't help it. That girl could most definitely drive him crazy.
Summary: Alec's interest on another girl drives Max crazy. Can she accept the reason for her jealousy?.
A/N: I'm very, very, very sorry for the delay, but now I'm back. I'll do everything I can to try an update sooner next time.
Natasqui: Here is some more. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Ting: Always. You know they fight and fight, but in the end they can't deny it, they care about each other.
Ange: I hope you are still alive. Didn't mean to keep you waiting this long, but I couldn't help it. The world itself seems to have something against me writing. Every time I sat at my computer, something always came up.
SGOU: You are right, Alec still thinks Biggs likes Max. What will happen? Well, one of my earlier reviewers was right when she said........ I'm not telling, sorry. But I promise you, it's going to be fun to read. At least, I'll try to make it so.
Rose: Brilliant? You do wonders for my self esteem, girl. Thanks. By the way, I'm using this opportunity to do a little begging. You left me no choice, you completely disappeared on me. Please, write some more and send me something, I need to know what happens to Jewel and Lane, to Zack and Sibyl. Please, I'm on my knees right now.
Megan: Pro writer? No, I'm not. But I'm honored you would think that. And I can't tell you how glad I am my fic is having such strong impact on you. I try my best. I just hope you keep enjoying it.
Cezar: No, I am not dead. Sorry I kept you waiting for this long, but now I'm back. I thought you had given up on the story, that my little drama was too much for your liking. Glad to know you are still hanging in there and glad to know your friend liked the story too.
Maganda 2588: A month? Didn't realized it'd been so long. Sorry, a lot of things got in the way. But I promise next update will be ready way sooner. Thanks for reviewing.
CHAPTER 11: HOPE AND HERO
Alec had spent his night analyzing what had happened the day before. He had fought with Max over last night's mission from hell. She was so pissed at him. He still hadn't seen her this morning, but he knew it. Not that he was going to apologize or anything, but it bothered him. He saw the hurt look on Max's eyes when he went away without supporting her, without even giving her a comforting word or pissing her off to keep her from thinking. But there was nothing he could do; she had to understand that the world outside is not all about roses and white picket fences, that the world outside is harsh. Even more now, now that the world itself is against them. But she keeps her morals, she keeps believing that there's something better out there. That's the reason she escaped from Manticore all those years ago, that's the reason she keeps fighting now. It's called hope, such a foreign word to him, to every transgenic. Yet she believes, she keeps hope alive. Hope in people, hope in being able to change, hope in being capable of leaving Manticore behind. It was such a joke, he would laugh at it if it didn't feel so damn right. Yeah, maybe Danielle was right, maybe Max was having an effect on him, and a one damn good one from the looks of it. He was happier than he'd ever been before. Of course, he was free and all, but there was something else. Max and her take on the world were changing him. Oh, how did he hate her. He hated both of them, really. Danielle, for being right, for being able to read him like that. And Max for being her, for making him give a shit about the world. For making him give a shit about her. ´I hate this! I'm not supposed to feel this way. I'm supposed to hide my heart behind this very useful smart aleck smirk. I am an expert on denial. I mean, we all are, but I'm the best at it. What happened to me? What did Max do to me?
He reached the infirmary the same moment he realized there was still another problem he had to consider here, like his denial and Max's obsession with kicking his butt wasn't enough. Biggs, his best friend, his pal, his buddy was interested in his girl too. ´Wow, don't call her your girl, it sounds so weird. Ok, but that doesn't change anything, Biggs feels something for Max, Danielle told me that much. Maybe she was wrong? Yeah, like she was wrong about me? Get real. His inner struggle was cut short when he saw the two people causing his distress right in front of him, deep in conversation. He caught something about Max getting some chocolate cookies for him. Chocolate! She never did something so big for anyone, not even OC. She would kill anyone who would come near her cookies. He knew it, he almost died when he tried. And not even in the agonizing state he was left for daring touch the cookies, did he earn the right to eat one. But now she was giving them to Biggs, unbelievable. Wait, had he heard correctly? Biggs was asking her to kiss his wounds better. That little rat, that was HIS line. He had to put an end to this, the sooner the better.
"Hey man! Look what I got for you. You are going to love me for this."
Alec appeared by the door holding a huge TV on his arms and the ever present smirk on his lips. Max stood up from her chair and still looking at Biggs, she spoke.
"I'll leave you two love birds alone. See you later, Biggs." And with that she turned around and stormed out without even looking at the X5 of hazel eyes. Alec's smirk faded for a second but was back on in no time, as he headed for his best friend's bed.
"Wow! What did you do to her? That was one cold Max leaving this room. I mean, she is usually rude to you, but it's something she enjoys. She usually stays around to kick your ass. You must have screwed things up pretty bad now."
Alec frowned at the truth in his friend's words. Yeah, Max was definitely pissed right now. She wasn't threatening him or kicking him, not even yelling at him. She was ignoring him. That was worse than anything else. That meant he would have to work a lot to earn her trust and friendship again. This meant she was truly hurt. But his frown quickly turned into a decisive look, when he came to a realization. ´Like hell! I'm tired of apologizing to her, I'm tired of doing all the work to earn her good mood. I acted according to what I think is right, according to my beliefs. If she can't handle that the world doesn't revolve around her, then too bad. I might have feelings for her, apparently strong ones, but I'm not her puppy dog. I'm done being her punching bag.
"Long story, she'll get over it."
"Whatever man, but I don't think it's going to be that easy."
"Not my problem. So, how are you?"
Biggs knew his friend well. Well enough to know he was lying, but also well enough to know when to stop asking. If Alec didn't want to tell him, then there was nothing he could do to get the information out of him. And that threatening look Alec was giving him was a good proof that he was right. Further involvement would end up with a further injured Biggs, and that was not a good thing. ´Probably better to observe and drive my own conclusions. That, and asking Danielle.´ Of course she would know what happened, she was there and she always knew everything. Ok, so no 411 on last night's events yet, but that didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun with what he did know. Alec and Max might be angry with each other, even more than normal, but they still love each other. That means it's time for a little fun. ´Hey! Don't blame me. Being stuck in the infirmary can be pretty boring, I can't just ignore this opportunity.
"Better. I woke up to the visit of a beautiful girl and she even brought me cookies."
Alec cringed. How was he supposed to keep his mind off Max, when this guy kept bringing her up? Not only that, but he was the guy interested in her, his best friend. And to make things even worse, she is treating him NICE. She treated him like shit till yesterday, and now she was bringing him gifts. Biggs was second in her shit list, SECOND. Second after him, of course. That made him smile for a second. It was good to be the first in Max's life, even in this kind of list. He quickly realized what he was doing and the smile disappeared from his face, replaced by his all too famous smirk. The ´I don't care about her, the world loves me smirk.
Biggs knew that smirk. His words had reached their target; Alec was jealous. ´Danielle, you are a genius! Now it was Biggs's turn to smile like an idiot. Of course if someone asked him, it had to do with the fact that he enjoyed winning and he was having fun with this game. This had nothing to do with the girl on his mind. ´Hey! I'm an X5, denial comes with the territory, it's in the blood.
"I tell you, if I'd known getting shot would mean this much attention, I would've seriously considered it sooner. Did you see the change in Max's attitude, man? All kind and sweet. I mean, I could hardly recognize her."
"Yeah. Just don't expect it to last, we both know Max's volatile personality."
"You are right. Too bad, I guess I will have to enjoy it while it lasts."
Biggs's grin turned huge, while assuming a mischievous side to it. ´Maybe getting shot wasn't that bad, this is so funny.
"You do that. I guess it will be fun for me to watch you die by her hand. She will probably come up with a very creative torture before finishing you off."
Alec's words had the wished effect, Biggs grew silent. Alec had a point. Not that Biggs would try to really come on to her, this was just a game to make Alec jealous; but the truth behind Alec's words pictured a too apocalyptic scene to ignore. Yes, Max was a dangerous girl to be interested in. ´Poor Alec, he is in too deep now.
"Hey! She seems to be worth the trouble. Don't you agree, Alec?"
´Ok, that's it. I can't take this anymore, I need to go punch something.
"Speaking of, Max is going to kill me if I don't get some work done before leaving for Jam Pony. Here is your TV, see you later."
"Bye, man."
Alec walked to the door but turned around before leaving the place.
"I'm glad you are ok"
And then he walked away.
---------------------------------------------------
It was late in the afternoon when Danielle finally arrived to visit Biggs at the infirmary. Biggs had almost given up hope, when he finally saw those beautiful green eyes entering the place.
"I thought you'd forgotten about me. Is this the way you thank me? Leaving me all alone for the entire day?"
"Thank you for what?" She spoke while sitting very comfortable in a bed next to his friend, a curious look on her features. She knew how Biggs's mind worked all too well, he could come up with basically every possible crazy thing this world had to offer, even a few impossible.
"Saving your life, that's what. I pushed you inside the sewers just in time to take the bullet destined for you. That makes me a hero, your hero in fact. I want you to show me how thankful you are about it."
Danielle started laughing hard. This made Biggs frown, what did she have to laugh about? He was serious. After a whole thirty seconds, Danielle managed to regain enough control of her body to speak.
"Trust me, you don't want to find out how creative I can be coming up with a way to thank you, it's bad for your health. Besides, I thought heroes did their good deeds just for the satisfaction of doing the right thing, not because of the reward. You are a really lousy hero."
"Very funny. I risk my life for you and all I get are recriminations. Typical."
"Oh. Stop being such a baby."
"Whatever. The truth is you tortured me all day. I spend my whole day trying to come up with a reason why Max is treating Alec the way she is doing, and you never came to visit me and give me the scoop about it. Have you no respect for gossip?"
"Oh, poor boy. I was busy, you know. People do work around here, even if you don't. I had a few leads concerning the familiars and I had to take care of it. Don't want you running into one anytime soon and getting shot again. You tend to be a bit clumsy like that."
"Didn't know you cared, I'm touched."
"Well, someone has to take care of you."
"Don't know about taking care, but there is something you can do for me." He sent her a suggestive look while speaking. ´Hey, you don't spend that much time around Alec without catching one or two bad habits. It's not my fault.
"I don't think you can handle me, Biggsy."
"Try me."
"In your dreams."
"You have no idea."
"Ok, this is fun and all, but I don't have all day. You want to know what happened or not?"
"Shoot."
................................................................
"Wow!" That's all that escaped Biggs's mouth when she finished telling the story.
"That's all! I tell you Alec finally accepted he likes Max and all you can think of saying is wow? Come on."
"It's a bit overwhelming. I mean, it's great, but are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure. And what do you mean overwhelming? You knew this would happen, you worked for this to happen."
"I know, it's just............ ok, one thing is to know something and another is to actually see it come true. Besides, they are still mad at each other so I don't think we've succeeded yet."
"That's just a matter of time. Max will come around sooner or later. All we have to accomplish right now is convincing Alec to tell Max the truth. When he finally does, how would Max be able to resist him? I mean, that guy is hot."
"Hey!"
"You are handsome too, don't get jealous. You know I love you both."
"Better. Ok, so it is a good plan, it might work. But I still think getting Alec to talk won't be easy."
"Well, you better come up with a good idea then, that's your job."
"Wait a minute, what do you mean it's my job?"
"It's your job. I already got him to admit the truth and that was the hard part, now it's your turn. I can't do all the work, you know? Plus, I won't be in town for a whole week, I'm going away on a mission down south tomorrow morning."
"Hey, this isn't easier, it's harder. He admitted it to you, to himself, not to Max. Max is a whole other story. Right now, none of them are keen on talking to each other about anything and you want me to get them talking about their feelings? Honestly, their feelings? Get real."
"Stop complaining. I'm going away, whether you like it or not, so their future is in your hands. Do something nice for your friends."
"Fine, but I swear I'm gonna get you for this."
"Great. So I'll see you in a week, ok?"
"Ok."
She stood up and kissed him on his forehead, near his wound. Then, she headed for the door, but right before reaching it she spoke to him again without turning around, not facing him.
"Thanks for saving my life, hero."
He smiled. Before he could come up with an answer she was gone.
Biggs was left there; going through everything she had told him. One thing kept bugging him though, the conversation between her and Alec. He wasn't sure if he should be happy that Danielle and Alec had decided they weren't right for each other, or worried because she felt so deep for Alec she had let him go. He knew he shouldn't feel this way, but he just couldn't help it. That girl could most definitely drive him crazy.