The sky was a clouded dark angry grey overcastting the night sky, intervals of thunder could be heard rumbling shattering the silence with its quick booming and streaks of lightning momentarily shed some light to the lone lithe figure sitting alone atop the abandoned remains of the Space Needle.
The turmoil and deep thinking she was doing could clearly be seen within the depths of her beautiful chocolate coloured eyes, she sat there overlooking the city in which she chose to commit herself to all those years ago. The post-pulse city, which offered so little yet was her world, her heart and home; her home because she had grudgingly made roots here with a minimum wage job and an annoying boss who wouldn't quit with his yapping or degrading comments, a crappy apartment that graced her with hot water only after slaving away an extra 4 hours to get it prepared on a stove. Her excruciating emotional high and low 'not like that' relationship with Logan, and her heart which sealed and pinned her here was her first true friendship with her loving soul sistah Original Cindy; an ordinary. The first norm she trusted to an extent for awhile. Her 'Boo'.
Max sighed as she thought of Original Cindy and their argument this morning. Their first true fight in all the years they've known eachother.
Flashback
Max walked into her apartment at 7 am drenched and tired after her latest Eye's Only mission the night before. She was irritated and had small cuts on her right hand after punching out a window in order to escape from the unsuspected security team that had been alerted after she set off a back up silent alarm which coincidently just got installed. She cursed herself for not checking up on the Intel herself for this mission, if she had been in that room a few more seconds she would have had a lot more than cuts on her body. She cursed her body for being over used and the sloppy B&E job she did tonight. She guessed this is how ordinaries felt when they had fatigue.
Frowning she trudged through the living room not really expecting OC to be home so she didn't bother being quiet. As she reached the bath room, OC's door opened to reveal a dishelved looking OC. Taken aback she smiled slightly at her sistah boo and continued on to the bathroom only to be stopped again by a small sleepy voice asking where she had been.
Max flippantly replied EO mission and closed the door behind her. She started removing her clothing on the way to the shower groaning slightly at her tired muscles. They didn't have hot water set up but at this very moment Max could care less, she was dirty and tired and she had to go to work this morning.
Usually because of her shark DNA she could keep going for days without sleep, but even she had her limits. Doing a mission for five nights in a row with no sleep sorta left a girl wishin she could just crawl into bed and sleep for a week, but duty called and she could never say no to Logan so she bared it and pushed her tired feelings aside. But at this very moment she was struggling in vain to do that, her eyes drooped over her brown eyes. She stepped under the freezing water cascading down and sighed, she didn't mind the cold water it had no affect on her engineered body. The numbing feeling it was causing brought a calm and peacefulness she was happy to welcome. She picked up the washcloth and applied a small amount of her favorite scented soap and rubbed it in causing it to start lathering. Delicately running the wash cloth over her arms and legs massaging the vanilla scented soap in, she sighed in ecstasy at having some of her bunched up muscles relaxing at her self ministration. She eased it over her body firmly making sure she got all the dirt and sweat off her body, rubbing it slightly softer when she reached her full breasts and closed her eyes before moaning at the trembles it caused rippling through her body she continued lower and in a circular motion rubbed the cloth over her stomach elated at how the cloth felt to her hypersensitive skin and the feelings it left within her. She guessed the reaction to such innocent touching would be caused from not getting any, but at the moment she let herself explore and drown in her touch.
Washing away the soap on her now silky smooth skin and breathing slightly quicker she jumped at the chance for her hands to do something and berated her mind for having dirty thoughts. Placing a swab of her post-pulse shampoo in her hand she started to rub it in thoroughly and once again relaxed slightly, reveling in the effect of her head massage. She started humming to pass the time and felt slightly better and cleansed after her cold shower. Smiling slightly she continued to finish her bathroom tasks with washing her face and brushing her teeth.
After her shower and bathroom ritual was done, still humming a tune long forgotten she placed the towel on her head and put on her fluffy white robe that OC had given her last Christmas and trudged to her room. Max was startled to find her girl in question sitting on her bed. For a moment Max just stood there wandering 'what the hell?' before her instincts distinctly told her that something was wrong with her friend. Rushing over to OC and kneeling in front of her Max quietly asked cautiously 'OC? What's wrong? Did something happen last night?'
Shaking her head OC raised her head to look Max steadily in the eyes and asked 'Did you get any sleep last night?'
Max was puzzled but shook her head no before grabbing one of OC's hands and continued to look at her in confusion and slight worry.
"Why not?"
With a sigh Max shrugged and averted her eyes from OC's penetrating glare.
"I know you worry Boo and I know I should have probably called again but-"
"Yes! You should have! That's the fifth time now Max!"
Startled, Max withdrew from Original Cindy in shock before stuttering.
"OC I'm sorry it's just-" she began saying automatically assuming that's what OC wanted feeling slightly ashamed.
"Jeez Max don't apologize! I don't need to hear that! How many missions is it now? How many times has Wonder boy sent your ass on a suicide mission! I know you can handle yourself just fine but you aint superwoman Max! you need rest just like any other person, but apparently yo boy doesn't seem to remember that there are more things in life that are more valuable than his fuckin save the world bullshit! Like my girl! Do you know I waited by the phone last night" Max flinched at that but let OC continue knowing that its futile trying to butt in. "I don't like worrying if your safe Max but it comes with the territory, not to mention the fact you disappeared for 3 months in the middle of the night unexpectedly, and me hearing from Logan..." she said his name as if it were a swear word. "that you died" she lowered her voice on the last bit. "So I have a firm excuse for my paranoia don't you think?" the sarcasm was dripping with the last comment. "Boo! I aint jokin around wit you! Set that man straight and tell him you aint made to be his pet transgenic before I set a smackdown on his scrawny ass!"
It was no surprise to Max of this conversation and the bitterness OC showed towards Logan; she was actually quite use to it. She knew she worried OC with her absence but she never really knew to this extent. Of course with the toil of sleep deprivation and the emotional overload of this conversation weighing down on her, Max snapped, she just couldn't handle it. Plus she was never one for emotional confrontations. Its not that she didn't considerate OC's protectiveness of her it was just that it was just like her to hide her gratification behind anger. Anger came easier to the X-5, she didn't know how else to handle a situation that touched her on such a deep level than striking back negatively. It was just the way she was and how she could deal. Look at how she treated Alec.
OC witnessed right before her eyes the warring emotions going on insider her friend before that pesky emotional wall of hers stood up. Max turned herself slightly away from OC before erupting. "I aint Logan's pet transgenic and hearing you mention that even though you know how he truly feels about me is just spiteful! I understand that you dislike him OC but you have no right saying such things! I make my own decisions and I choose to help him out. I'm truly sorry I kept you up and worried last night but u need to step off OC!" she took a deep breath "Like you said I can handle myself just fine, I've been doing that most of my life anyway." pausing a moment then continued "I don't need you to lecture me! I've got everything under control"
OC snorted and Max glared at her. "Yeah you so in control you can barely keep your eyes open at work! Don't think I don't know bout your near accidents boo, look I know you and him got this quid pro quo dealio but if I hear that beeper of yours set off today imma chuck it at the nearest wall and watch it in sadistic satisfaction break!"
Exasperated and feeling a slight headache coming on Max sighed and told OC in barely restrained calmness "I'm getting a headache OC I can't deal with this right now"
OC ignored her. "Yeah well you're goin to dredge up some more of that transgenic power of yours and deal! I'm being serious Max! If he beeps you and asks you to go on another bullshit suicide mission that is in no way related to you imma break more than his legs!"
Max did a double take, the shock that crossed over her face was quickly replaced by burning rage. "That was uncalled for" she said in a voice devoid of emotion.
"Oh it will be called for if he tries to stick you wit his assignments of world fucking peace! Look around you Max its not just you he's putting in danger now, you're the leader of a nation. Other transgenic's are depending on you, and yet even after your heart felt words of togetherness and transgenic pride, your doing a 180 and totally contradicting yo'self! Can't you see yo boy aint the only one trying to live in a demented fairytale world of selfishness and the delusion of a 'perfect love' conquering all?" OC emphasized that bit with finger gestures aggressively to get her point across more. "Your right there with him, and I'm starting to think that Logan has changed you for worse not the better which you deceive yourself into believing" OC sighed, continuing in a slightly less harsh tone. "Max he isn't the epitome of all good, the boy has as much faults as anyone else, your just blind to them cant you see that?!" OC asked desperately "I aint letting you overwork yo'self to death aswell as let you convince yo'self that you aint good enough for him coz you aint as human as he, or wants you to be"
Max had listened while changing behind her fold out screens and was now currently on her way to her bedroom door, walking past OC as collected and calm as her transgenic self could allow her to be, she briskly made her way there. She was about to open the door when she turned and faced a fuming yet sad Original Cindy. Hiding the pain she was going through at having to fight with her best friend she looked her straight in the eye hiding all traces of emotion and replied harshly" Then I'm glad it aint upto you"
With that she turned the knob and slammed the door on a now crying Cindy. The second distinct slamming of doors soon followed and echoed in the now silent apartment except for the small gasping sobs that escaped OC's mouth.
End Flashback
Through out the whole day Max had been in a sour mood and it showed through the extra aggressive glares she sent at people who dared cross her path. As she entered Jam Pony people made a path for her scattering quickly in the opposite direction. They avoided her like the plague as it was obvious from the hostility that radiated from her she wasn't in a sociable mood. Even Normal kept away from her and didn't dare say anything more than necessary for fear she'll castrate him with just her glare alone.
Max avoided OC all day aswell and it was soon known immediately throughout the small business of their current state of separation. The Jam Pony crew just weren't used to the known duo being apart. It wasn't every day that you saw Max or OC not chillin with eachother during their 'break' times or hearing one or the other saying or screaming out 'Boo!' it was just common and natural, but neither had even said a word to eachother yet alone anyone else. It sorta left the Jam Pony employee's unsettled and uncomfortable like they didn't know what to do. Max was off being the tough girl with her hostility level shooting through the roof, while OC was drawn and didn't have the usual friendly and welcoming persona.
Of course the cocky transgenic was aware of this as he stood and observed from the sidelines. Alec could tell that Original Cindy had shed tears recently and was hurting because he saw it in her movements and the way she carried herself, but what confirmed it for Alec was what he saw in her eyes. OC's eyes always sparkled with mischief and indifference screaming out 'don't fuck around wit me! I'll lay a smack down on ya ass' but now all he saw reflecting in her now dull brown eyes was this heartbreakingly sad look.
Max on the other hand was harder to read, but he was bred and taught at a tender age the skills in breaking people down. Max was always one to hide behind her mask, the devoid of emotions one, in other words her soldier face. She perfected it much more so than Alec, although problem with Max's is that once it was down there was a free for all book reading. Her eyes shone through every little thing she was feeling and told a story one was compelled to know, but whoever saw it had to be quick because she was a stubborn chicka that refused to be open about how she felt. The ever tough girl persona that she kept up was her defense mechanism that allowed her to push away any unwanted connections. She stole glances at OC when she thought no-one was watching her, and that's when you understood a piece of her, because as much as she distanced herself off, the people that have already claimed residence in her heart were her weakness. She would die for anyone of them, hell she would die for anyone, with her save the world shit that she gets off of her 'not like that' boyfriend, but he knew no-one could touch or hurt her friends if she had anything to do with it. She doesn't realize it but she is so respected for her loyalty and her passion for life.
Alec always saw and noticed that Max tried to hide that side of herself away probably thinking it shameful, another of her Manticore breeding traits shining through. He understood where she came from, he was always taught that emotions were a weakness and ended up in a sure failure. Don't get me wrong, its not like she's an emotionless bitch, she just holds back a lot is all. Although none of that could hide the fact that she has a heart of gold, he was one of many people who agreed with that. Things like her maternal relationship with Josh and Ray were testimony to that, also her self sacrificing ways in situations where the knowledge that even though it would benefit her more if she did the wrong thing tended to always choose the right when a person she cared about was concerned.
Right now though his Max was hurting and he couldn't stand that. Hell Alec looks out for her even when she doesn't know about it. He had come to terms with his feelings for her awhile ago. He didn't know if he was in love but he knew he couldn't live without her and couldn't stand to see her in any pain, he'd move heaven and earth if he could to keep her happy, and right now watching her from afar he noticed the hurt and turmoil within her soul. He always believed that the eyes were the windows to the soul and he knew that Max, once she let her guard down had the most expressive and clear windows.
Sighing he made his way over to the lockers which she was now discreetly trying to look at OC without looking obvious about it.
"Hey Maxie" he said cheerily with his trademark smirk in place, hiding the humor he felt at her complete obviousness. c'mon Max use some of that Manticore training
Max glanced at him and hung her head before replying. "Leave me alone Alec, I'm not in the mood" reaching into her locker and stalling for time so it looked like she was doing something she again discreetly looked to where OC was standing talking with Sketchy about something, or at least listening to Sketchy.
Not one to be persuaded from his task he pushed on "Max, Max, Max" he tsked while waving a perfectly well looked after finger at her "don't you know that I could always help you out there in that department?" his body was leant up against the locker next to hers with his arms crossed in front of him, he simply exuded confidence.
At Max's confused look he stood up straight and continued in a tone as if it were obvious. "Getting you in the mood" with that he wriggled his eyebrows and with his shit eating grin in place tensed awaiting the oncoming slap. He wasn't disappointed. But it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be, as he opened his eyes he could tell she was slightly smiling.
"Is that a smile?"
Max snorted which added to her unladylike ways at the moment. "As if" but she was grateful for the small distraction Alec brought her.
"Ah did you know that lying is bad for the pores? Would be a shame for you to damage that perfect face of yours SHIT! Stop talking you ass! hell! I'm surprised that you still look that beautiful with all the lying you do" mentally cussing himself out Alec stood and watched the shock pass over her face. Making sure he didn't let on to how nervous he was feeling now.
Deciding to ignore his comments about her face condition she turned to him and said instead in a haughty mock stuck up voice and flipping her hair as she closed her locker "I never lie, that's more your trip, so that leaves to question why your face is still so pretty"
He smirked "so the truth comes out...hmmm always knew you thought I was gorgeous" Alec chuckled whole heartily and slung an arm around her and gently squeezing her to his side. Max just smiled and allowed the feelings of safety wash over her and leant into his warmth some more. She was stunned at her easy going mood towards her fellow transgenic, the way it was so easy for her to make barbs at him without the usual sting added. Alec suddenly turned and sat on the bench which left her standing in front of him, all traces of their friendly banter gone and what was left was the serious look in his eyes. Oh-oh, what now? Max thought with dread welling up inside of her.
Sighing and holding onto her hands which he didn't know was for the pleasure of the contact ignited within him or for fear she might run away. "Max, I know there's something up with you and OC-" at that Max tried to pull her hand away and withdrew inside herself, emotional walls back up. "don't escape! Just hear me out...please" he requested softly which got her to stop trying to escape his death grip on her hands. As soon as she relaxed and gave off the indication that she was willing to listen he softened his hold on her enough so it wasn't hurting her but still firm so he could be secure she'd hear him out fully. "just talk to her Max, whatever it is that you guys argued about it aint worth it, trust me, everyone around the both of you can see that its killing you both at how your not talking to eachother. Just talk it out with her and come to a compromise or whatever that suites your situation. I hate having to see you trudge around here head held high as if your alright when it's obvious to me anyway that your not."
Max just stared down at the man before her with amazement, awhile ago she was coming up with ways to kill him in new and creative ways. That all changed the night she revealed her secret about Ben and her subtle way of explaining why she had treated Alec so badly. They started their tentative relationship that night and now he was her family, and more importantly her friend. He gazed at her with evident concern and continued "so whatever it is Maxie just make up with her, she's important to you and I know you know that the fight isn't worth it otherwise you wouldn't be in this much pain"
Max tried to butt in but Alec shook his head to silence her "I know you can't go to her now because your stubborn as hell, but just think about it okay?" with that he stood up and looked her in the eyes steadily while Max reluctantly nodded her head. With a small smile Alec enveloped her in a hug and kissed her forehead and whispered "thata girl" in her ear and strode off leaving Max to stare after him in wonderment and contemplation.
After work instead of heading to Crash Max decided she needed to think over some stuff and headed for the Space Needle.
And that's where she still sat with all the jumbling thoughts whizzing throughout her head. Her beeper had gone off throughout the day and she remembered the first time it set off. She was standing at her locker and OC had picked that moment to head her way to talk to one of the newer messengers. As she had walked by, her beeper went off and Max saw the indifferent look on her face change quickly to restrained rage and caused OC to falter in her stride before she composed herself and continued walking. Max had half expected for OC to make good on her promise about taking the beeper off her and destroying it on the nearest wall. But they hadn't even looked eachother in the eye or breathed in each others direction let alone physically be placed near eachother.
She felt guilty about not hitting Logan back but she had ignored her beeper for two reasons one being that she wasn't in the mood and two because of the situation which caused her mood. Sighing at the small vibration at her hip she stood and headed down to her Baby.
As she rode her Ninja pushing the speed as far as transgenically possible she reached her destination in less time than she wanted and dismounted. Sighing with frustration she headed inside the building and slowly made her way up.
As she stood outside the door and gathered herself up she lightly knocked and waited for the occupant to answer. Max stood there anxiously waiting till finally someone inside called out and asked who it was. Max replied with a non-chalant tone that it was her and slowly the door opened to reveal a rather tear streaked OC on the otherside. They stood there for a few awkward moments before Max hung her head unable to hide away the pain she had been carrying all day and whispered "I'm sorry OC" the unshed tears finally making their way down her face. She was caught off guard at the sudden weight she felt being thrusted at her body. Original Cindy had thrown herself in Max's arms as small sob bubbled from her mouth.
"Me too Boo, Me too"
They stood there wrapped in each other's arms crying until Max disentangled herself and stepped back but held onto OC's hands so she could lead her to the living room couch. Closing the front door and still sniffling they both reached the couch and sat side by side and simultaneously reached out for a tissue. They chuckled slightly and were glad that the awkward tension was broken. Facing eachother they both spoke.
"OC-"
"Max-"
Again slightly chuckling they both said at the same time for the other to go, than OC thinking otherwise told Max she would go first. Nodding her head Max sat patiently to listen attentively to the opinions and thoughts of her best friend already content because they had made up and were speaking. She internally wanted to chuckle at her instinct to purr. Laying her head down on OC's lap she listened as OC soothingly rubbed and stroked her forehead and hair.
"Boo, this morning was seriously whack, I aint going to go into detail and shit about it but I want you to know that I'm sorry I reacted the way I did" she held her hand up at Max "just let me speak, no interruptions k?" Satisfied with her companions nod she continued. "It aint no secret how I feel about roller boy, but I do understand that you gots feelings for him and I as a bestfriend should respect that, I will agree to disagree with yours and his situation but with a catch" OC paused there to gauge her reaction. At Max's imploring gaze she decided it was safe to put her ideas forward. "Okay I know you is all for girl power and independency because you can kick the shit outta men twice your size without breaking a sweat but I need to know that your safe at all times, just bare wit me Boo I love ya girl, but you is so unpredictable and trouble goes hand in hand wit you, know what I'm saying? Anyways you're my family Max, you's all I got in this world and when I thought you-" OC's voice broke "I just want you to come back safely without scratches on that fine body of yours. Logan he puts you at risk; now we can agree to disagree on that aswell but fact is he does, and he does so at unnecessary costs. He is taking advantage of you, but at least if he is, could ya take someone along with you? You have a nation of transgenics that respect and love you and in a heart beat if you asked, would watch your back no questions asked" OC looked down at her girl, but she was happy to see that Max was listening attentively still "But me, I only know one transgenic that I would feel comfortable wit you and I know you would too. Don't think I don't know how you refuse to take on anymore friendships, I mean you make friends sure but you hold back, don't shake ya head Max, anyway to compromise with our dealio here, I want you doing your save the bullshit world missions with Alec. I know he would never let ya get hurt and would look out for you at all costs, plus I noticed you and him are a lot closer and comfortable, we'll talk about that another time though" OC said giving Max a 'your going to tell me everything and how' look. "so what ya think boo? We gots a deal or what?"
Sitting up from her spot on OC's lap she thought about all the things Cindy just said, she was touched with the comment about her being family because now that she thought about it Max felt the exact same way about her, and although a few months ago she would flat out refuse she now wanted to jump at the idea of Alec being her backup, she was actually trying to think of a way to ask him without sounding weak and now with OC's plan she had the perfect excuse, not that she needed one she was pretty confident that if she asked him he'd say yes, he's so trust worthy now and Max could only shake her head at herself for ever thinking him a screw up, problem was though its just the her sounding weak that disturbed her. She smiled at Cindy and took one of her hands.
"Alright Boo if that's what it takes to keep ya calm and less paranoid sure whatever" Max began with a nonchalant voice then switched her tone to a more serious one "you is my girl Cindy and I love you like a sister, it hurts to argue with you, which is something because I don't like having emotional ties as you said, but the ones I have now, they mean the world to me. So if working with pretty boy will ease you, I'm all for it. On that note before you interrogate me all I gotta say is that me and him talked a few months ago one night while you was out and from then on we've, well I have been able to tolerate him" Max paused "He aint so bad" she shrugged then hurried speaking again "So anyway at work today I fully think I made Normal piss his pants..."
OC studied Max as she was recounting her day with her and noticed when she was speaking about Alec a sparkle in her eye that she had not seen before, she couldn't place it but she was determined to know why and how because she liked seeing it there. well I'll be damned I think my girl has fallen and doesn't know it OC chuckled and decided to let Max find out at her own pace in the meantime though... "So I guess I owe Alec a beer huh? What you think boo?"
OC looked at her confused and Max sat back on the couch and huffed like a spoilt little girl who didn't get her way "were you even listening?" Max whined.
OC chuckled and patted Max on the leg "Max sugah stop pouting, and yes I was listening, I think we both gotta buy pretty boy a drink for knockin some sense into you" in a joking tone she went on "I mean its about time you understood you cant live without some OC lovin, even for a couple hours, I'm addictive!" She said contritely.
Laughing out loud Max hugged OC and with a tone full of humor yet seriousness said "No doubt Boo, I'll make sure never to forget again"
The rest of the night they spent on the couch making fun of Normal and his retardedness; content to be in each others presence after this morning. From down the hall till the wee hours of the night you could hear their cheery voices and elated laughter.
Later that day Max woke to the sound of blaring cars honking and angry voices shouting from below her open window. Sitting up startled she quickly went on the alert and scanned the room for immediate danger before closing her eyes and tapping into her other senses. All she could hear was the steady breathing of OC in the next room.
Sighing and shaking her head she laid back down and smiled slightly as she stretched out her muscles in a cat like gesture and arched her back. Once again relaxing she crossed her arms under her head and contemplated what she should do for the rest of the day. She glanced at her night stand and groaned as the bright red numbers flashed that the time was 1:43 in the afternoon.
Slowly getting up she wasn't at all surprised she slept that long I guess my cat nap was long overdue making her way quietly across the hall to the bathroom she shut the door and eased her clothing off then turned the water on. Stepping under the cascading water she froze as the water hit her. FUCK! she mentally cursed the freezing water before letting her body adjust to the temperature. Guess the cat in her doesn't mind water but having a fuckin cold shower every day was just too much! She was glad that she had her session of REM, she felt some what refreshed and cleansed, not to mention she was ten times beta in the mood department because she made up with OC last night. Smiling and humming a tune she washed her body quickly not needing nor wanting to stay under the spray for longer than necessary.
Finishing up in the bathroom she once again vowed to pull a job so she could purchase a hot water system. She'll get Alec to help out, she smirked at the thought of him not really having a choice, and decided that she would stop by his first then head over to Logan's. Check up on him and see if he didn't burst a vein in an attempt to reach her yesterday, she also noted that she should probably check in at HQ and see 'what's the what' at TC. Finally ending the day at Crash for more R&R. Satisfied with her plan she took out her favorite black top and black hip hugger pants then went to her drawer and took out her matching set of black lingerie. Smiling and surprised at her light mood she went to put them on telling herself that she needed to get a broader variety in colour's for her wardrobe. Walking past the mirror she caught something out the corner of her eye.
"Oh fuck! You can't be serious" she groaned aloud exasperated. But there it was staring at her as serious as it comes. Man I thought the ruins bullshit was over! she pouted and headed towards OC's room.
"Boo" she whispered as she lightly shook OC awake.
Groggily opening her eyes she was met with a pouting yet scared Max. "huh? Max?" trying to sit up and rubbing the sleep away she again attempted at speech. "what's wrong boo?" she croaked out.
Instead of replying Max lifted up her shirt. That got OC awake "what the? Max boo if you is in heat you know we cant cross that line, I mean you is fine but-"
"OC!" Max cut her off slightly irritated. Turning slightly she revealed a little symbol emblazed against her caramel skin just above her left shoulder blade. She gave OC a pointed look and smiled slightly at her shame face friend.
Putting her manicured hand up to her mouth she shrugged and said in a sorry filled voice "Opps, my bad" smiling at Max's smirking face she slowly touched the symbol and was amazed that it seemed like apart of her skin, which she supposed it was, but she'll never get over the freakiness of it. "Boo you needs to be getting your transgenic ass over to TC so Dix can record this." Still slightly disoriented she attempted stretching in her sitting position.
Nodding, Max turned back to her friend and lowered her shirt back over her stomach. "It's freaky OC, it's like one minute my body is symbol free then the next I'm a human scroll" Sighing she got up and headed for the door. "I'll see you at Crash Boo, gotta blaze"
Then she was gone. Shaking her head at Max, worry washed over her, she thought about her girl's situation. Cindy knew Max was slightly scared about these ruins popping up, mainly because the last translation dubbed her as the sole carrier and savior of the world. I mean that's freaky shit right there and then. Max wasn't used to looking after a nation let alone bearing the responsibility of the world. But OC had all the faith that Max could handle whatever was coming her way. Rollin over and grinning she thought of a certain X-5 that would make sure her Boo was aiight. Alec was as obvious as day. He loved Max and there aint no denying that, she saw it in the way he looked at her and simply how he seemed less edgy with her around so he could see her, or the fact the constant smile that adorned his face when Max wasn't in bitch mode. Laughing and rolling out of bed she wondered how long it'll be before Max wakes up and sees what's right in front of her. Logan could jump off a cliff for all she cared; she knew he wasn't good for Max; it was now up to Max to realize that.
Gracefully dismounting her baby she strolled into the apartment building and started climbing the stairs. As soon as she reached his door she took out her set of keys and opened it, not really caring if she didn't knock she knew he knew she was there.
"Alec you here?" she called out while making her way to the fridge. She paused before opening the fridge and closed her eyes. She focused on all the immediate sounds; the buzz of the fridge, the drip-drip from the tap, the slight rustle from the rodents scattering around the rooms and finally the deep breathing coming from his room. With a slight smile she opened the fridge and helped herself to a glass of milk before heading to his slightly opened door intending to wake his lazy ass up. As she nudged the door open she was floored, he wasn't wearing anything except a pair of silk boxers, and the sheets had apparently fallen off his body during his slumber causing it to bunch at his feet. Working her eyes slowly up from his muscular legs and over the black silk of his boxers, Max watched the steady rise and fall of his chest before gazing at his peaceful face. He looked almost innocent and boyish when asleep, none of his usual witty and arrogant persona to be seen.
Slowly creeping closer to his bed she sat next to him and lightly brushed away a strand of hair that was covering his forehead. Smiling softly at her once pain in the ass male companion, she made a move to wake him up, but before she touched him she once again halted her movements and let her gaze travel over the expanse of skin. She was going to milk this opportunity for all its worth, she'll never admit to being attracted to Alec but she was human, and a girl with half a brain knew that Alec had everything going for him. She could see his smooth tanned skin glisten with slight sweat from the heat circling around the room momentarily deciding to just sit there to watch as a bead of sweat made its way down from his toned chest to his stomach and traveling down the center contour of his six-pack, then slowly dipping into his belly button. Feeling suddenly hot herself she snapped herself out of it and placed her hand softly on his shoulder to shake him, but as soon as her hand made firm contact she gasped as the strong hand grabbed her wrist, then in a blur of movement and not knowing or preventing what happened next she was on her back on the bed with an alert and slightly confused X-5 straddling her.
"Max?" Alec croaked out as he gazed down at her confused but not easing off his position. He had both her wrists in his grasp above her head and he had immobilized the use of her legs by trapping them with his own in a position he learnt early on in his Manticore training. Breathing hard from the rush of adrenalin she momentarily felt when he put her in this position she gazed up at his confused expression and expected to be let up any moment now. Alec looked down at her beneath him and closed his eyes willing his torturous body to be good, starting his mantra he kept his eyes closed as his heavy breathing steadied. Lydecker, Mole in underwear, Kissing Normal He repeated 4 more times before he was confident enough to open his eyes. Of course as soon as he did Max chose that moment to wriggle around "Max" He groaned out between clenched teeth "stop that!"
"Let me up Alec this isn't funny!" she glared at him; she understood that she probably caught him unaware and that his Manticore training just kicked in but she just didn't understand how he could have been caught off guard. Usually an X-5 notices when there's someone close by, and yet he slept on, he didn't sense her at all. From the moment she stepped into his apartment, he should have been alerted, she didn't know if she should feel comforted that his subconscious recognized and trusted her or that maybe he let his training slip and he needed to tune into them again.
But she could see from how she couldn't move from this position under his body that his skills were fine. She started squirming impatiently under him and was about to lay into him again but before she could she gasped and her eyes went wide when she felt something poking into her inside thigh. With a strength she didn't know she had and a move she never knew she was capable of, she twisted her right shoulder and using the moment of Alec's off balance she pushed her hip into him before following through with her legs tossing him away from her as quick as transgenically possible. She watched in amazement as she threw him across the room. Shocked momentarily as time seemed to slow down around them she stared at the heap of Alec's limbs across from her. Then rushing over to him she knelt beside him.
"Shit Alec are you okay?" Looking down at him she could see the bewilderment shinning in his eyes.
"What the...How did you? Max?" he stuttered out amazed at what she did. He then shook his head and stood up offering his hand to her she took it and stood also, looking at her he saw the concern in her eyes. "Hey I'm alright" he gently told her while rubbing his lower back "just surprised and a little freaked" Turning away from her "Man what ya eat this morning? Spinach?" pausing to study her critically "Max how did you do that? That's one of the moves that was taught to us back at Manticore as virtually impossible to get out of, not that it's important or anything"
"Hey, little solider made an appearance and I didn't want to play" smirking and hopefully turning the conversation off her revved up actions she looked pointedly at his crotch.
"Hey!" Alec cried indignant while covering his area with both his hands, he looked at her with amusement "there aint nothing little bout my soldier" leering at her he continued "you probably freaked so much because you were surprised at his enormous size when he stood at attention" smiling cockily he walked passed her into the kitchen.
"Pfft" was all Max could say and with a roll of her eyes she followed him out.
Shrugging he realized she didn't want to reproach the topic of her over super humanness. Quickly trying to ease her he asked "So what are you doing here?" he picked up a plain white shirt hanging on the back of the couch and sniffed at it, tilting his head he deemed the clothing wearable and put it on. Turning back to Max she just shrugged.
"There's gotta be an explanation as to why I'm blessed with your precious presence Maxie" looking in the fridge he grabbed at the milk. Sculling down the contents he looked at her out of the corner of his eye. Finishing off the carton he put it down and giving a loud satisfied burp he chucked it into the bin, basketball style then turned back with a cocky smile at Max. "Well?" lifting up one eyebrow at her.
She looked at him with a disgusted face "Yuck! You're such a pig!" she moved over to him grabbing a serviette from the counter and roughly wiped away his milk moustache.
Mock pouting he lowered his head and in a little boys voice said he was sorry.
Throwing up her hands and hitting him on the back of the head she got down to business.
"Another ruin appeared on my back and we need to get to TC so I can show Dix, also I need to ask you something from OC"
His interest perked, with one hand rubbing the back of his head he nodded at her to continue. He sat on the stool by the counter and indicated for her to do the same.
"Well okay, you know how OC and I had a small fight yesterday-"
Snorting then quickly gazing at her and tensing, he sighed with relief when all he got was a glare. "Please continue" he said gallantly.
With mock appreciation she said thanks.
"Anyway, OC and I had this disagreement with how I handle the EO missions I get sent on" Looking at him she noticed how his demeanor changed to a more serious one after the mention of Eyes Only. Nodding at her again to continue she cleared her throat and averted her gaze " so she sorta wants me to ask a fellow X-5 to tag along on them, seeing as she knows I just wont stop doing them" looking at him quickly she noticed a small grin forming across his face. Ass she mentally cussed him out he's enjoying this
"So umm since I'm not really all that tight with a lot of X-5's I sorta wanted to ask you if-"
Standing up and effectively cutting off her sentence he looked at her and clasped his hands grinning cockily at her "Maxie of coarse ill do it, ill be glad to be you're body guard watching your back" he leered at her 'back' "looking out for you" his gaze then went to her front and then moved up to her own evil smirking face. Confused momentarily and loosing his track of speech he just looked at her.
"If you had let me finish you ass" she stressed the last word "I was going to ask if you could get someone you trust and assign them to me" Getting off the stool and laughing slightly at his dumbfounded expression she walked closer to him and whispered in his ear teasingly "I mean like I said I don't know many X-5's" Alec gulped at the sudden hot air hitting his sensitive ears. "and they seem to know you so what ya think? Can ya handle that? I mean not too much responsibility for my 'second' right?" pausing and circling him while lightly trailing her fingers across his chest and shoulders then returning back to his ear. "Close your mouth Alec, you don't want to catch flies" she giggled then quickly walked away from him to sit on the couch.
Time had seriously stood still. His whole body was still buzzing from her touch. He stood there frozen, surprised at her playful and bold actions, he glanced at her from where he stood and smiled at the genuinely happy yet amused face smiling back at him from his couch.
"Bitch" he responded in a joking tone while claiming a seat next to her. Laughing herself she leaned back in the seat and raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at him. "Okay okay" he held up his hands in front of him tapping the air "so you got me, I jumped in a little to quickly assuming and shooting my mouth off like I always do" at her pointed look he continued " so I should have waited till you asked me, point taken, but it was just you proving something right? I mean I am the tag along right? Max?"
Giggling she stood up and instead told him to get dressed so they could head over to TC.
Pouting and being shoved by a smiling Max he tried in vain to stop being dragged to his room "Ma-ax" he whined "it was just one of your fucked up jokes right?" closing the door to his room with Alec's incessant whining still going on she shook her head and smiled waiting for him in the living room.
After a few minutes of waiting she was starting to get impatient. Tapping her foot she called out "C'mon Alec we can't waste anymore time!"
Still all she could hear coming from the room was wild fumbling. Cautiously going up to the door she knocked lightly and turned the knob.
"Alec? What are you-"
Before she could finish Alec had closed the door on her from the inside.
"I'll be out in a sec Maxie" he said in a rushed tone.
"Huh? What the hell are you doing in there?" she suspiciously asked.
Before she could once again try to get in his room he opened the door and stepped out.
He was wearing his usual outfit; black pants and form hugging black shirt with his accustomed leather jacket. She looked at him curiously and tried to understand why he took so long, and why there was something different about him; like he was on edge. Shaking it off she grabbed at his arm and forcefully dragged him from the apartment.
He let her take lead, mainly coz that's what he was used to but also coz he was slightly nervous. As soon as they reached her Ninja and Max had climbed on, he cleared his throat and shifted his feet from side to side. Max looked at him expectantly waiting for him to get on his own bike, but she noticed that he wanted to say something.
"What?" she snapped impatiently.
"umm I... I have something for you" he said struggling to remain non-chalant.
Again raising an eyebrow at him, noticing his usual cocky aura faltering she sat on her baby patiently waiting for him to continue.
Looking at her momentarily before gazing back at his feet he reached inside his jacket and produced a long velvet box. Holding it out in front of him not making eye contact with her he waited until she took it.
"It's a gift" he said almost shyly daring a small glance at her. Seeing the shock there instead of his feared rejection and disgust he gathered enough courage and opened it to her eyes. He heard the small intake of breath and locked gazes with her. He saw her surprise yet awed expression and felt his self confidence build up. He took a step toward her and thrust the immaculate diamond bracelet at her and saw her shaky hand take it from him.
She looked up at him and saw the nervousness leave his body to be replaced by happiness. He smiled down at her and gently took her wrist in his then slowly placed the delicate jewelry on her wrist.
Not understanding why he was giving her such a beautiful gift she tried to form words but was still speechless. Looking at her right wrist and seeing the pink diamond incrusted bracelet sitting there she was incapable of speaking.
Clearing his voice once again he gently started speaking "I wanted to get you this, when I saw it in a store you were the first person I thought of, it just screamed out your name and I imagined it on you, I never thought it would be that perfect on you" Max could do nothing but nod her head in agreement as her gaze switched from the bracelet to the man in front of her. "I didn't steal it" he rushed on and almost proudly he said "I bought it with the money I stashed away from working at Jam Pony and my winnings from being Monty Cora"
Confused to no end she shook her head and regained the power of speech. "But why? I didn't do anything-"
He cut her off "you set me free" he said softly not looking at her, then tapping into his courage he steadily looked her in the eyes and said "you gave me a name, that alone is enough Max. You also gave me a second chance to prove to you that I'm not just a screw up" looking away he quietly said the last part "you became my family"
Tears glistening in her eyes at the sudden happiness and compassion she felt wash over her, Max got off her bike and wrapped her arms around the embarrassed man in front of her, turning her head slightly to the side speaking softly in his ear.
"I love it Alec it's beautiful, it's perfect and so are you" pulling back slightly she looked at him and gave him a chaste kiss across his check brushing slightly against his mouth. "But now I feel sorta retarded that I don't have anything for you"
"Oh no no no....I didn't give you this so I could get something in return I-"
"I know that, it's just now that I have something from you I want to give you something from me" Looking at him and making sure he didn't avert his eyes "don't argue with me Alec"
Smiling happily and thinking Alec 1; Logan 0 he wrapped his arms tighter around her. "Yes ma'am" he mocked in her ear. Chuckling he released her and got on his bike. As he revved up his lime Ninja he turned to Max and saw her do the same before screeching off and shouting back at her.
"Last X-5 there is a rotten smelly egg fart"
"Hey! You cheat!" laughing and giving into his childishness, she pursued.
