Author- Northernmoon

Rating – PG-13 for now

Pairings- M/A

Disclaimer- none of these characters belong to me, don't sue!

Summary- Alec sees a new side of Max

A/N- This is really AU and my first story so be kind if you can, but I'd like any feedback your willing to give. Assume that this is after A and M have a heart to heart about Ben but doesn't include any of the other drama after that.

Also note that Alec and Max are the pairing but they aren't going to "hook up" just yet!

Chapter 2 – Reflections

As Alec and Biggs rode out together, Alec's mind wandered to the walking contradiction that was Max.

Since she had opened up to him about his twin he felt like he had new insight into their relationship.

'Uh…friendship? Ok, more like felt that they had a shot at an actual friendship period.' He thought wryly.

While it really bothered him that Max had a whole series of associations with his face that had nothing to do with him, he had learned the hard way that he had no control over anything to do with 493. No point worrying over something he couldn't change.

He frowned though as he thought about an armful of hurting Max. Miraculously he seemed able to handle her crap a lot of the time but he never wanted to see her in pain like that again.

Biggs noted his friend's expression and continued on beside him in silence.

Alec felt an elbow in his ribcage as they stopped for a delivery and noticed two very attractive blonds smiling at him. His whole manner relaxed unknowingly and a charming smile lit his face. The women giggled and met his appraising glance as they passed.

He turned and met Biggs' smile with one of his own.

In the knowing way of old friends, they both said quietly "Blonde, Built and…"

"Beautiful," Biggs finished at the same time that Alec blurted out "Uncomplicated."

Biggs raised an eyebrow at his friend who had avoided his gaze and moved forward to meet the ladies in question.

As Max rode she was distracted by the peculiar lack of angst she had been feeling lately. Not that life still didn't suck, but just when she thought she would be miserable perpetually it seemed like maybe she was getting just the smallest bit of her groove back.

She sighed as she waited at the checkpoint. 'I don't feel so alone' she realized. There were dozens of her extended family hiding out at TC and she could see them every night. They weren't her brothers and sisters, 'but cousins are cool too' she thought.

It also amazed her to even consider it, but the truth was that she was actually starting to take comfort from the continuous presence of her resident pain in the ass. Alec made her laugh as often now as making her angry.

She almost laughed out loud at herself but it was true and it was nice to know that there was another place in her heart that had slightly softened.

'Good to know it's still possible, ' she thought mocking herself.

Max shook her head with a small smile as she walked back into Jam Pony and saw Original Cindy waiting by the entrance.

"Hey boo, now that is something, three days in a row now!"

Max greeted her best friend with a curious "Huh?"

"Your face girl, its cracked or something. Right around your mouth. Curiously upturned at the corners as a matter of fact."

Max pouted prettily and lightly pushed her "Hey! I smile."

Emotion suddenly overcame OC's face as she impulsively pulled Max into a big hug and whispered, "Not often enough boo," into her ear.

Max's startled face and awkward back patting let her friend know that it was time to let her go.

OC pulled back with her hands still on Max's shoulders. The women looked at each other and smiled, although Max's was a bit confused.

Just then, Normal Bip bipped at them for their next delivery. "Let's go Missy misses, I don't pay you to flirt on my time, save it until you get home."

They looked at each other in amusement as they walked out.

"As if," Max snarked "you're so totally not even my type!"

"Please girl, I am so totally even everybody's type!"

"Careful," Max laughed, "you're starting to sound like Alec."

Her friend looked at her speculatively just as Sketchy came up and put his arm around her.

"Hey OC, let me ride with Max." Sketchy gave her a sad imitation of Alec's puppy dog face.

She looked at him suspiciously, "Now why would I do that fool?"

"Well you see," Sketchy started, "I have this delivery in Sector 7 to this club called 'Stockings'."

OC's eyes lit up as she grabbed the package then looked back at Sketchy with even more suspicion.

She slowly leaned into him and poked her finger into his chest.

"Why would you pass on a delivery to me for the hottest lesbian club in town?" Her hand reached up to check his forehead.

With a sad attempt at an innocent expression, he shakily put his arm around OC and said "Hey, can't I do something for my home girl?"

Her gaze softened slightly as she conceded, "Aiight, I'll take it. Later boo. I won't be back for lunch so I'll see you tonight at Crash"

Max watched her as she rode off with Colette and turned back in time to see the relief on Sketchy's face.

"Ready to bounce?"

After 2 deliveries, Max suggested that they stop and grab something for lunch.

She stopped her bike to stare at him when he blurted out in panic "We can't! I have a surprise for you at work!"

A curious smile lit her face, "What kind of surprise?"

Sketchy relaxed and said "I had a delivery at the harbor market yesterday. Instead of a tip they gave me something else." He looked at her expectantly.

"What's your favorite thing Max?"

Max scratched her head, "That's pretty broad Sketch."

"Ok what's your favorite thing of the harbor market produce variety?"

Sketchy felt a stab of guilt as her whole face lit up.

When they reached the yard Max dropped her bike and ran inside pulling him along behind her towards his locker.

A/N Thanks to everyone for those reviews…its very encouraging as a first timer.

Also please do let me know if I do cross the line and make Alec too gushy…so not what I want to do. Please note though I'm trying to salvage the Max from season 1 into season 2. Let me know if you think it works.

The next chapter is lunch time and I promise all will be revealed about Max's surprise.(I'm not trying to be evil, it just worked out that way…)