Disclaimer: Dark Angel and its characters obviously do not belong to me. I am writing this purely for non-profit entertainment. No infringement intended, so don't sue me!
A/N: I was ecstatic -:whoops of joy:- at the numbers of reviews I got for the last chapter. You guys are the best! Thank you! And to commemorate the moment, I have decided to make this chapter a wee bit longer (and it's not just the reply to your reviews!)
Kungfuchick – I think it's a bit off because it was too much, too rushed. I can't tell you the answers to your questions yet -:grins:-, but you will find out yourself sometime! Thanks for reviewing.
Calistra – Possibly having everything upside down was the reason it seemed weird, but it maybe because it's too rushed -:sighs:-. Thanks for reviewing.
W1cked angel – Thanks for your review. Hehe! Glad you approved of Logan's death! One thing out of the way, at least! I hope this chapter does not exhibit the weirdness of the previous one -:fingers crossed:-
Angelofdarkness78 – lol! I can see that you are overjoyed at his death. Yup, Max would be furious when she finds out. Read your MA fic, as usual, it's fantastic! Thanks for reviewing.
NoAngell – Haha! I like your take on the reason the last chapter seemed weird! Could be that, too! Thanks for your review.
Ro (anon) – Thanks for reviewing. Glad you liked the chapter. You'll see what is in 494's head in this chapter. As for Max finding out…-:shudders:-
Ashley (anon) – Thanks for your review. Erm, sorry, can't have him alive in this story. Already too many things in the way of Max and Alec getting together!
Random Rose (anon) - -:laughs:- I can see that you are a great fan of Logan's. Thanks for reviewing. Hope you like this chapter.
Pookie vampires – I think it's off because it was too sudden too, altogether too rushed. 494 is going nuts with all those conflict in him -:grins wickedly:- I love all your reviews, nonsensical or not! So much that at the end of this story, you would find them posted on my site! Lol! I am a HP fan, but not of the books, just the DM/HrG fanfics. I love them. Haven't read any of the books. Are they any good?
X5898 – Longest review I've ever received! -:grins:- Wow! I was so happy! Thanks sweetie! Yeah, I really backed 494 (and myself!) into a corner on this one! Overzealous plotting, that's what I call it. But I still have a PLAN, which I hope will work -:mutters:- I hope! As for Devour, you can download it, so you don't have to wait. Email me if you need help findingit -:winks:- Story not that great but Jensen is!
HoneyX5-452 – Glad you approved of Logan's death! Lol! Thanks for reviewing.
L80bug – Thanks for your review. So many questions! I have the answers but it's no more fun for you if I tell -:grins:- So read on!
CrimsonReality – Thanks for your review.
Gamegirl452 – Thanks for reviewing.lol! I could see your barely concealed joy at Logan's death. Funny, practically all of us MA fans are quite cheerful at his demise!
Iridescent Twilight – The Ben and Alec in my mind are actually very similar, just that one was lost. And yes, she IS going to kill him. Hehe! JK! I am currently trying to find a way out of the mess 494 made. I hope Max would eventually forgive him! Thanks for reviewing
Kris (anon) – Thanks for your review.
Acb (anon) – Glad to see you! Yup, you are right, possibilities are endless and I am going to take advantage of that. The worst is not over yet, you'll see -:grins:- Thanks for reviewing.
Lotamoxie – Erm, hun? Thanks for reviewing, but I don't get it! -:scratches head:-
Sarah (anon) – Oh, Max is definitely going to be furious! Thanks for your review.
Alana84 – It's really terrible for me to say this but I am glad you thought it was Ben initially -:grins:-! I tried so hard to make it seem like him! Lol! Read on and tell me what you think. Thanks for reviewing.
Flephanie – Yes! Really! This time it's for real (unlike my other story!). Logan need to be out of the picture for the plot to work. Thanks for your review.
Angel of Darkness231 – Thanks for reviewing. Actually this time Logan did not get a chance to be a pain before he exited the story, so I guess you could pity him if you want! Lol!
Athena80 – He will get his name in a couple more chapters (I hope!), I almost typed Alec a few times already! Thanks for reviewing.
Mari (anon) – Suspense is good! Hope you like this chapter. Thanks for your review.
Aotearoa Hiphop Grl – Took me forever to type your name! -:grins:- Glad you like this story and the way Logan died, lol! Thanks for your review, hope you enjoy this chapter.
GuestTypePerson – Me? Sneaky? Or course not ;p… I should have guessed that you would pick up on the 'back-up' plan. Can't tell you yet, it'll be revealed in another 2 chapters, I hope. What IS a sucker? I love the antics of your book-carts, lol! Thanks for reviewing.
Read on and enjoy!
Deception - Chapter 5
(by elle6778)
Still in Harbour Lights Hospital
Max stood beside 494 next to Logan's bed. She was staring unseeingly at his lifeless body, numb with shock. Dr Shankar was saying something. Max could see the movement of her lips but she did not register the words. It happened so suddenly that she could barely process the information in her mind. Logan was dead. She felt strangely removed from the whole thing; she barely felt it when transgenic beside her wrapped a consoling arm around her.
"Max? MAX!" Dr Shankar said loudly, waving a hand in front of Max. She eyed Max with concern.
Max snapped out of her stupor. Blinking at the doctor, she managed to just say, "Huh?"
"I was just saying that you should go home. There's nothing much you could do here now," the doctor said gently, "I'll take care of his body,"
Max took a moment to digest the doctor's words before she nodded absently.
As they were about to leave, Dr Shankar gestured 494 closer to her. As she watched Max walk away, obviously still in a daze, she said softly to him, "Could you keep an eye on her? I have seen this quite often; she is in shock, but she should recover in time. Keep me updated, okay. Here's my private number. It's the least I could do for Logan's friend,"
"Sure," 494 said, his eyes following Max's retreating figure, "I better go with her now. Thanks for everything," he said, feeling like such a farce as the words escaped his lips. This would not have happened if he has chosen another route. But he knew that it had to be done.
He left the doctor's side and raced after Max.
"Hey," he said as he caught up with her. Laying a hand on her shoulders, he asked, "So, what's the plan now?"
She looked up at him, eyes clouded with pain and confusion. Ignoring his question, she choked, "Why? Is it really just me? One after another, my friends, by siblings; they all die because of me. I even killed you. Renfro was right. I AM poison," her voice caught in her throat as she struggled to maintain her rapidly dissolving composure.
He grabbed her shoulders and forced her to face him. Face grim, he said, "Max, it is not your fault. Not. Your. Fault! You get me?"
Max sniffed, but she did not answer.
494 knew that she was not convinced. "Logan caught a virus. How could that be your fault?" he asked, cursing at how smooth the lie seemed to slip from his tongue. One lie after another; he was disgusted at himself.
"I don't know, Ben. I keep having this feeling that this happened because of me," Max wailed.
"Stop it, Max. That's enough! You are stronger than this. Pull yourself together," he said sternly, hoping to snap her out of it. He shook her lightly.
It seemed to have the desired effect as she finally straightened her back and blinked her tears away.
It was a long while before she spoke, "Okay," she said simply, turning her damp eyes to look at him, "Thanks for that,"
He just nodded, glad that she seemed a bit better, "So, where are we going now?" he asked, giving her a small smile.
"Home," she said, smiling back.
Her eyes were finally exhibiting some signs of life, 494 noted with relief as he nodded.
Renfro's Office
The man in the lab coat stood facing Renfro as he presented her with the results of 452's DNA analysis. "I've never seen anything like it. Just to be sure, I'll run another series as soon as 494 gets her back here,"
Renfro regarded him thoughtfully as she asked, "Does anyone else know about this?"
"No, ma'am,"
"Let's keep it that way," Renfro said, pulling out a gun from under her desk and proceeded to shoot him.
Without a second glance at the body lying on the floor in her office, she picked up the phone and dialed. Smiling, she spoke into the phone in French, "It's Renfro. I think I've found what we've been looking for. No, no one at Manticore knows. Yes...I'll bring her to you," And she hung up.
The DNA analysis on 452 meant that Renfro needed her alive. She was too valuable to lose. If she had been able to get her hands on her analysis earlier, she would never have let them escape. Renfro knew that she had to get 452 back before it was too late. If she knew earlier that 452 was the one they were looking for, she would not have injected her with the retrovirus. It was too risky. Renfro wished that she never thought up that back-up plan either. Eyes Only and the rest of the escapees were not as critical.
452 was important.
Max's Apartment
Original Cindy was in the kitchen, making coffee when the noise from the door attracted her attention. Wondering who could it be at this time in the morning, she stepped away from the kitchen and went towards the door.
Her eyes grew wide as she saw the last person she ever expected to see again. Her lips stretched into large smile of pure joy as she rushed the few metres which separated them to envelop Max in a hug.
When she finally released her hold and pushed Max at arms length, Original stared at her as if to reassure herself that Max was really there; and that it was not just a mirage, "Max! How? I thought…" Original Cindy started, but found herself at a loss for words.
Max laughed, "I can't believe I would actually see the day when Original Cindy got rendered speechless," she teased her afro headed friend, pulling her back into a hug again. "I miss you, boo," she whispered softly, choking as tears gathering in her eyes.
Hearing the catch in Max's voice, Original Cindy turned her around. Seeing the expression on Max's face, she asked, "What's eating you, boo?" Her brow furrowed in concern.
At a soft shuffling sound, she suddenly noticed that Max was not alone. She flicked a quick sideways glance at the silent guy beside Max, "And who's the pretty boy?" She cast her sharp eyes up and down his body.
"Oh, this is my br…" she faltered for a split second, then continued, "…friend, Ben. Ben, this is Original Cindy, my flatmate and my best mate," she introduced. She found it hard to call him her brother after what they shared back in her cell. A quick glance at him told her that he noticed her hesitation.
494 gave Original Cindy a charming smile, "Hi. My pleasure to meet such a lovely lady. I'm sure we will get to know each other better," he said, eyes twinkling.
Original Cindy raised a suspicious eyebrow, and promptly retorted, "Nice to meet you too. And for the record, Original Cindy don't swing that way," She gave him a meaningful look.
"Huh?" Her answer stumped 494 for a moment before the light blinked on, "Oh! THAT way!" he said, chuckling, "Our loss then. But if you ever change your mind…" he left it hanging.
"Yeah, I know. If I ever change my mind, I'll go get myself a puppy. At least they are cute for awhile before they become full blown dogs," Original Cindy drawled, rolling her eyes. She could tell that this boy would be trouble.
Max laughed at their antics, but it was shallow and it did not reach her eyes. Unsurprisingly, Original Cindy noticed.
"So, boo, what's with the long face," she asked gently.
"You better sit down," 494 advised.
Original Cindy frowned. What was it that could be that bad? She wondered to herself. Nevertheless, she pulled Max along with her to the couch and sat down, motioning for him to follow them.
Seated, Max grasped Original Cindy hands, took a deep breath and told her about escaping Manticore and Logan.
The next morning, Original Cindy woke up to find Max already in the kitchen, making coffee.
"Good morning, boo,"
Max replied rather listlessly, "Good morning,"
Original Cindy gave her friend a critical once over, noting the shadows under Max's eyes and the sadness within. She did not know what she could do to help her friend, so she decided to be as normal as she could. Maybe then Max would slowly get back into things and hopefully revert back to herself soon. Picking up the coffee-pot, she poured herself a cup and said, "Original Cindy just passed your boy on her way out from the showers. Now, even I have to say that he is a fine specimen, for a man,"
"He's not my boy, OC," Max said, as her traitorous mind reminded her of how adorable he looked asleep on the couch this morning.
"He's not here, so you can tell me, you know. Did anything happen between you two? You know…" she let the sentence trail off suggestively to see what Max made of it.
Max took the bait, "What! Of course not. We are…friends," Max protested. Then, deciding to tell Original Cindy the truth, she sighed and backtracked, "Actually, we grew up together in Manticore. We were like siblings,"
The expression on Original Cindy's face became thoughtful as she mulled over Max's words. She noticed that Max had said it in the past tense, "Original Cindy has seen the look he has in his eyes when he looks at her boo. And I have to tell you, that ain't a brotherly look he's giving you,"
Max sighed, "I know. But…" She faltered, not knowing how to continue. How could she explain to Cindy that she felt as if she still owed Logan some loyalty? Also, Ben was supposed to be her brother. But she could not help feeling attracted to him. She felt so confused.
Original Cindy laid a hand on Max's shoulder, "Is it because of Logan?"
Max nodded mutely. She should have known that Cindy would pick that up; she was usually quite perceptive. She was glad to see the look of understanding in her friend's eyes.
"I know you love Logan and all, but he's not here now. And you got to move on sometime," her friend advised softly.
"It is too soon. It doesn't feel right," Max said, trying to justify herself.
"It ain't doing you any good to sit around and mope, boo. You need to snap out of this funk," Original Cindy insisted.
Max was about to reassure her friend of her well-being when she heard the door to the bathroom open. She caught Ben's movement out of the corner of her eyes. She quickly looked back down as she realised that he was topless. The sight of his bare chest disconcerted her. She felt herself flush warmly, "So, what are you going to do with yourself while I am at work?" she asked, keeping her eyes glued to her bowl.
"You know, hang around," he answered, grabbing his top from the back of the chair, pulling it over his head.
"Why don't you come along with us? We might be able to talk Normal into hiring you," Original Cindy suggested.
"Well, I suppose I could do with the cash…" he said thoughtfully.
Max looked at him now that his shirt in back in place, "Erm, Ben, I wouldn't keep my hopes up about that. The pay is quite minimal. Barely enough to survive on," Max said with a resigned expression on her face.
"You seemed to have done well then, what with a bike and everything," 494 said, his scanning the apartment and rested briefly on Max's bike. Yesterday, he thought she was going to rip his head off when he committed the unforgivable sin of straddling her baby. He did not even want to think of what she would do to him if she found out how he had deceived her all this time.
"I have supplementary income," Max said with a grin, her first genuine smile in 24 hours.
Grinning back, he snorted, "You have been stealing, you mean," he teased. He was glad that Max seemed to sound like herself again.
"What makes you think that? I am just relieving some people of their unwanted possessions. No crime in that. Right, boo?" Max said. She turned to Original Cindy for support.
Original Cindy raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow and gestured vaguely with her hands but refrained from answering.
"See, even OC does not agree with you," 494 said, smirking.
"I don't see it as stealing. I only take from those who can afford it," Max explained with exaggerated patience.
"Whatever you need to tell yourself, Max. I am not fooled, though," he drawled.
"Erm…guys…" Original Cindy tried to interrupt, as her eyes caught the time. It would probably be easier for them to get Normal, their slave-driver of a boss, to hire Max and her boy if they were not late.
Max threw her hands up in exasperation and said, "Why am I justifying myself to you anyway? It's not as if you don't know what it is like out here,"
"Actually, I don't," 494 let slip before he could stop himself. He forced himself to keep his face impassive as he waited apprehensively to see if Max spotted his slip up.
She did not disappoint. Max gave him a questioning look, "What do you mean, you don't?" Max asked. Ben had been out as long as she had. Surely in that time, he had done some breaking and entering. Especially considering what else he did. Killing was much worse!
"GUYS!" Original Cindy snapped impatiently, tired of being ignored.
The two transgenics finally turned to face her, blinking innocently.
"We are late. Stop yapping and let's go. Normal will have our ass,"
"Always the ass," 494 muttered as all three of them left the apartment.
That was a close call, he thought. He was glad that Original Cindy interrupted as she did.
Jampony
Fortunately for them, Normal seemed to have taken a shine to 494. He hired him on the spot as Max and Original Cindy looked on disbelievingly. As for Max, he lectured her until she finally pulled up her top to show him her heart transplant scar, amongst other things, halting Normal's tirade. He finally acquiesced, hiring her back while warning her that it was the last chance he would give her.
The day passed quickly for 494 as he learnt the tricks of the trade by following someone called Sketchy around on his deliveries. This was the first time he had ever interacted with an Ordinary male without any pretence. Well, not exactly no pretence; he still had to answer to the name Ben, he thought wryly. But at least he could be himself. He was surprised that he could actually get along so effortlessly with Sketchy; whose amusing antics kept the day lively for both of them.
As his listened with half an ear to Sketchy's non-stop yammers, his mind went back to the problem that he was currently facing. He knew that he managed to get himself in a tight bind this time, and worse, he did not know how to get out of it.
494 knew that he could not keep on pretending indefinitely. He played with the idea of telling Max the truth. The painful fact was if he did that, she would definitely kill him. Maybe not literally, but she would never forgive him. Knowing her, she would not even want to listen to his reasons, let alone understand his point of view. Half the time, he did not even understand why he was doing this.
Alternatively, he could attempt to carry on the farce. The problem was that the whole thing was eating him inside out. Not to mention his jab needed renewal before the end of the week. Otherwise his cover would be blown. And when it did, Max would definitely catch him.
There was also the issue with Manticore. Renfro would not expect to hear from him just yet. But in a few days, she would probably be suspicious if he did not report in. However, the absence of the Eyes-Only broadcasts would hint to her that the subject was successfully terminated. 494 had no doubt that Renfro expected him to return with Max in tow soon after that. And what would Manticore's reaction be if he continued to be absent?
Max would never agree to go back to Manticore with him. Anyway that would have defeated the purpose of what he did with Logan and the virus. He preferred to leave Max out here and return back to Manticore by himself. He would be subjected to more Psy-Ops sessions, but he had been in so many already, what was one more, right? He tried not to cringe at the thought.
He supposed that the only real option for him was to tell Max that Manticore was after them and that they needed to run. This would be the truth once Manticore realised that he had no intention of bringing Max back, or returning himself. He just needed to sort out something to replace the jab. And a way to persuade Max to leave her life and start over with someone who has done nothing but lie to her since they first met. Then, maybe he would be able to find the guts to tell her the truth.
He snapped out of his thoughts when Sketchy's voice suddenly penetrated his mind.
"Man! Have you heard a word I said?" Sketchy complained beside him, giving him an offended look.
494 gave him a cocky grin and answered, "Of course, buddy! That girl is not worth your time. You gotta go for a better one next time. And I know exactly how you can do it," He proceeded to impart his so-called tips to Sketchy, who listened avidly, impressed.
Before he knew it, the workday was over. The Jampony messengers made plans to meet up at a place called Crash that night. Sketchy assured him that Max and Original Cindy would be there.
Crash
Max tapped her fingers on the table impatiently as she waited for Ben to turn up. She had been feeling unsettled the whole day since Ben walked out of Jampony behind Sketchy. She had proceeded to do her deliveries in an automated mode, her mind far away. Thoughts of Manticore, Ben and Logan.
Funnily enough, Ben was foremost in her mind. She thought about the first time he came to her cell, the time they spent talking, the kiss they shared and how he was there for her when Logan died. She felt guilty that she did not take Logan's death that badly. She was feeling more guilty than actually devastated, like the whole thing was somehow her fault. But Ben was right, it was not her fault. She knew that she has to learn to accept that.
Where was he? Max thought as she scanned the room again, looking for the hazel eyed transgenic.
Original Cindy rested her chin on her hands; her eyes following Max's agitated movements.
"Hey, chill, boo! Your twitches are giving me a headache here," she finally complained, "Your boy will be here soon; Sketchy won't let him miss this,"
"That's what I am worried about. Ben with Sketchy. Who knows what trouble they got themselves into," Max grumbled, her eyes flicking once again towards the entrance.
What caught her eyes, however, wasn't Ben. It was a guy dressed in a sleeveless cropped top; his taut biceps on display. Max's eyes followed his movement across the room, his jeans stretched nicely across his taut ass. Max felt a heat rush as her eyes dilated slightly.
Heat rush? Oh god, I am in HEAT, the thought suddenly entered her mind, as her eyes opened wide in panic. I need to get out of here before I attack someone, she thought frantically.
She stumbled off her chair. Barely registering Original Cindy's look of surprised, she said, "I gotta blaze, see you later," and dashed off, leaving her friend gaping at her swift departure.
Original Cindy went back to her drink, muttering something about fickle friends under her breath.
Ten minutes later, 494 and Sketchy finally walked into Crash, laughing. The minute they spotted Original Cindy, they started walking towards her table.
"Hey, OC!" Sketchy greeted with his usual grin. He sat down beside his friend and pulled the pitcher of beer towards him.
"It's about time both of you got here. What took you so long?" Original Cindy grumbled, her afro bobbing up and down as she shook her head in reproach. Her eyes followed her boo's new boy as he took the seat next to Sketchy.
"We got caught up discussing some stuff," 494 said absently. Glancing around the room and not finding what he was looking for, he turned to Original Cindy and asked, "So, where's Max?"
Original Cindy rolled her eyes, "Both of you should get a room. Max just left. She was looking for you earlier,"
494 raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Left? Why?"
"Who knows? She does that once in a while," Original Cindy replied, not too bothered as Max had done that countless times before. That girl has a hell of a case of mood swing sometimes, she thought.
Worried, 494 got up abruptly, "I'll go find her. Make sure she's alright," he said, already starting to walk away.
"You do that, pretty boy," Original Cindy said to his retreating back.
She exchange a look with Sketchy
"Guess it's just two of us tonight, huh?" Sketchy said, wiggling his brows.
Original Cindy buried her face in her hands, "Someone please save me!"
Fogle Towers
494 had gone back to Max's apartment to find it empty. Then he had figured that he should try the only place he knew; Logan's penthouse. Max had probably gone there to mourn, he thought as the feeling of guilt assaulted him again. He clamped it down and entered the lift which would bring him upstairs to his destination.
The lift door slid open smoothly, allowing him to step out onto the lobby to the penthouse. Quietly, he pushed the door open and went in.
Max was sitting on the couch holding a glass of water. Her eyes flew up to meet his as he stepped into the room and she let go of the glass she was holding. It fell with a thud on the carpet; its contents forming a wet patch. Sudden warning bells rang in his head as the hair at the back of his neck stood up at the way Max was looking at him.
He knew that look. He had seen it countless of times in Manticore.
Max was in heat.
And they were all alone.
"Max…" he whispered, "Please don't do this. You'll regret it in the morning," he pleaded, hoping that Max would understand. He knew that it would be futile, but he had to try.
A smile graced her features as she eyed him hungrily. "Why would I regret it, Ben?" she took a step towards him. Followed by another step.
And another.
494 felt his mind reel as her pheromones reached him. Forcing himself to speak, he said harshly, "Come on, Max. Snap out of it! It me, Ben. Your brother!"
Max just chuckled knowingly, "You know fully well that we had stopped treating each other as siblings long ago. It's not going to work. I know you want me,"
"I might want you," he admitted, "But this is not a good time. You are not thinking clearly. When we do it, I want both of us to have a clear head," he said with an edge of desperation in his voice. He clenched his hands to stop them from reaching out to her.
"I don't mind, really," she said, now only inches away from him.
He stood rooted to the spot as their eyes clashed. Both pairs of eyes dilated with desire.
Assaulted by her pheromones, he did not react when Max suddenly grabbed the front of his shirt and slammed him against the wall. Her mouth instantly latched on to his hungrily. He could not help himself from responding.
He groaned as Max started rubbing against him insistently. At the rate she was going, he did not know how long he could hold out. A small part of his mind which still retained its sanity told him that this was a very bad idea. He wanted to make love to her without pretence. Not when she thought he was his dead twin brother. The thought sobered him up slightly. Somehow, he found the will to pull away.
Max whined in protest at the loss of contact, but 494 continued to back away from her.
"Max, stop it NOW!" he rasped, stepping back.
His action seemed to encourage her even more as she grinned and advanced towards him. He occurred to him that it must be due to the predatorial instinct it brought out in her; the chase was part of the foreplay. His pupils dilated as her approach brought a fresh waft of pheromones to him.
The last of his resolve wavered and he gave in to the temptation. They met in a rush of heated touches and caresses.
The whole thing felt surreal to him; there he was, making love to Max as he had always wanted to do ever since he got to know her in her cell, and there she was, screaming his dead twin's name. It was bordering on sick, but he could not help how good he felt physically as she thrashed beneath him.
At the height of her passion, shescreamed, "BEN!"
As 494 followed close behind, his face contorted as if in pain with the intensity of his feelings, a voice screamed in his head, 'I AM NOT BEN!'
A small gasp from Max snapped him out of his sated daze.
He tensed as it suddenly occurred to him.
SHIT! Did I say that out loud?
t.b.c
A/N: Yay! I finally managed to get a cliffhanger in this story! So do you like this chapter? Please leave me your thoughts -:Grins:-
