Disclaimer: The TV show Dark Angel, all of the characters that appeared on it (Max, Zack, Logan, etc.), and everything else that has to do with the show belongs to their respective owners, not to me. No money is being made off of this fic. I only own the original characters (Becky/X6-405, etc.).
Notes: Maybe something vaguely spoiler-ish for the pilot.
"Your boy's out of town, Becky's out of town for at least a few weeks," Original Cindy said as she put her stuff away in her locker. "It's gonna seem like it's dull as hell around here for you."
"Maybe," Max said. She heard loud laughter and glanced over to where Sketchy and some of the others were laughing at a rude joke that Alec had just told. "Maybe not."
"It's never dull with Sketchy around," Original Cindy admitted. "Gotta admit that much."
"Not to mention the King of the Smart Asses over there," Max said. She shook her head. "It's amazing how two people who are genetically identical can be so damn different. Ben was such a sweet guy, at least he was when we were kids and I want to believe that he remained that way deep down despite everything, and Alec can be the most irritating guy on the planet. Not that Ben was a complete saint when we were kids, especially when he and Zack were around each other, but..."
"It could be worse," Original Cindy reminded her.
"I guess so," Max said.
"Max! Cindy! You've got to hear this story of Alec's," Sketchy said, grinning.
"Maybe another time," Max said.
"You fools gonna be at Crash tonight?" Cindy asked.
"Of course," Sketchy said. "Where else would we be?"
"I hear there's this new club down on Fifth Street..." Alec began to say.
Max rolled her eyes. "That's a strip club, you moron."
"And how would you know, Max?" Alec said. He smirked.
"Because you were talking your head off about it about a week-and-a-half ago," Max pointed out. "Do you remember that, or did the hit upside the head that Becky gave you wipe your memory of that moment in time?"
"Too bad Becky screwed up her shoulder pulling that stunt on her motorcycle," Sketchy said.
Original Cindy rolled her eyes. "For the last time, fool, she's underage and she won't be eighteen until the end of October. Even then, you wouldn't have a chance."
"Why? Does she have a boyfriend?" Sketchy asked.
"Not yet," Max said. "But she's got a very protective older brother and if he finds out that you've got the hots for her, he's gonna start with...hmmm, what body parts would he remove first?"
Sketchy got a little pale while Original Cindy and Alec both tried not to laugh. "Oh, um, I didn't know Becky had a brother. How did you know?"
"Becky and I went to the same elementary school, remember?" Max reminded him.
"Why haven't we met Becky's brother yet?" Alec said, grinning.
Max glared at him. "Because he's busy at his own job, Alec. There are other occupations besides bike messenger. Not many, but there are."
"Okay, okay, let's just chill," Original Cindy said. "The last we want is for Normal to come in to try to break up a fight."
"That'd be amusing," Alec remarked.
"Packages need to be delivered," Normal reminded them. "That's why I'm paying you people."
"Relax, we'll get to 'em in a minute," Original Cindy said.
"That's what they say all the time," Normal muttered.
"Speaking of boyfriends," Sketchy said. "How about you, Max? Dating again?"
Original Cindy smacked him again. "Fool, it's only been a week-and-a-half since her ex-boyfriend committed suicide."
"How about you, Alec?" Max asked. "You dating yet?"
Alec shook his head and Max could have sworn she saw a look of pain in his eyes for a second. "Nope. I'm a strapping young man and this city is full of beautiful women. Why should I be dating just one?"
"My thoughts exactly," Sketchy said.
"Let me guess: is that what you said to Natalie when you broke up with her last year?" Max said.
"Natalie and I broke up because we felt that our lives were going in different directions," Sketchy said.
"Yep, that's what you said," Max said.
"It was not," Sketchy said. "She wanted to have kids the second we got married and I am so far from an immediate desire for children that it's nowhere close to funny. I just happened to come to the same conclusion that Alec just mentioned after Natalie and I split."
"Excuse me?" Normal said. "Remember the packages? I've got a hot run to sector seven. Several packages so two of you can go on this run."
"Do we each get paid for one run or do we have to split it?" Alec asked.
"Depends on how quickly you slackers get the run done," Normal replied.
"I'll go," Alec said.
"Max, why don't you go with him," Normal said.
"Why me?" Max muttered.
"Cheer up, boo," Original Cindy said.
"I will," Max said.
"If you get through this run without giving him a black eye or split lip, the first round at Crash tonight is on me," Original Cindy said.
Max grinned. "You're on. And if you lose, the first round is on Alec."
"Hey!" Alec said.
"You're definitely on," Original Cindy said. "I'll see you guys later."
"Same here," Max said. She grabbed her bike and one of the packages from Normal. "You coming, Alec?"
"I am," Alec said. He took the other package and they went out.
"All you have to do is keep your mouth shut and you won't be paying for the first round tonight," Max pointed out as they rode.
"I know," Alec said.
"Then why the long face?" Max said. "You out of money or something?"
"Yeah, though I suppose I could hit that museum if I needed the cash," Alec said.
Max laughed. "The early bird gets the worm, Alec. Becky and I hit that place the day before she hit the road."
"Damn," Alec said.
"Hey, all we have to do is to not kill each other and then you won't have to worry about it," Max said.
"True," Alec said. He gave her a cheeky grin. "Hey, maybe you'll finally realize that I'm not such a bad guy after all."
Max sighed. "Don't push your luck."
TBC