Disclaimer: i dont own the Dark Angel characters

Chapter 12: A Simple Discovery

Alec sighed out of boredom as he stared around the quaint little store. He pulled a random can of beans off a shelf, pretending to shop while hoping someone was around that he might be able to talk to.

Of course Max would give herself the easier task!, he thought, slightly annoyed. It would be so simple to randomly talk to locals at a bar, but here, he would look suspicious. Why would a visitor hit up the supermarket to meet people?

Alec felt lucky to have been trained in being comfortable with people. Maybe he would manage to find success here, even though he was sure Max would do better given her situation.

Luckily for Alec, or maybe not, he didn't have to initiate conversation. An elderly woman tapped him on the shoulder, interrupting his thoughts, but maybe not so good for him, she noticed he was new. "'been lookin at that can a' beans for quite a while now, boy!" she said kindly, but with slight suspicion.

Alec smiled warmly, "What can I say? I'm not really the best at getting groceries!"

The woman laughed slightly. "The wife not feelin' well today?" She asked nosily.

Alec wanted to turn the questioning onto her. "Not married," he admitted. She didn't ask, but he knew she wanted an explanation. "Yet. My fiancee, she's around looking at the town. We were checking out property around here. She's crazy about the idea, but I really don't care either way, as long as I'm with her. So, I figured I'd let her go and explore, and I'd do the shopping. We just got into town, but we don't know much about it, just that it looks nice."

The woman nodded, taken by the thought of young love. She didn't seem interested in talking about the town. "Weddin' happenin' soon?"

Alec wanted to keep the topic on the town. "Once we find a good place to stay, which might happen soon. She really likes the looks so far. Maybe you could help us, though. Everyone's pretty quiet around here. Is it just me, or are people not friendly here?"

The woman became rigid at his questions. She definitely didn't want to talk about her quiet townsfolk. "We're a friendly folk here," she disagreed, "But we don't like too many questions."

Alec would have frowned at her rejection of his questioning if he wasn't trying to appear normal and not raise further questions of her own. He smiled, accepting how she felt, but still trying to gain something out of this conversation.

"Right," he agreed, attempting a different approach. "Especially considering what just happened."

The woman stood cold at his statement. Her soft eyes grew wide, and her gentle face froze. She swallowed and took a second to recover from her shock. "Well, yes, of course," she mumbled, not sure what else to say- he had caught her by surprise.

"Plus, by now, you're probably sick of strangers in town."

"Oh, yes," she agreed, finally opening up, "People from the 'government'" She said the word with sarcastic emphasis. She shook her head, "They should just leave us alone. We already are dealing with a lot, you know."

"Oh, I know!" Alec said, agreeing with her, welcoming her to continue.

"I mean, it's not everyday that one of our city's greatest men dies!" Her deep blue eyes became slightly watery. She paused, trying to regain her composure, before continuing. "He had 2 kids, 2 little boys. Those poor children!" She gasped slightly before shedding a few tears.

Alec became very gentle, and wiped away her tears with his own hand, careful not to touch her too much so that she still felt comfortable. "I'm so sorry," he offered sincerely. He was trying to comfort her.

Her deep blue eyes smiled brightly into his comforting hazel ones. She laughed slightly at herself. "It's all right, dear! We're gonna be just fine! Those government people are gone, and we are gonna be fine!"

Alec swallowed down the urge to glare. It wasn't the woman, it was what she'd just told him. Manticore had been to this little town. It angered Alec slightly to know that they had disrupted this poor, kind woman. If they were gone, there wasn't much hope that any clues were left.

Alec felt he'd found out enough, he didn't want to press the heartbroken woman any further. She seemed to be in enough pain already, and he didn't want to contribute to that. "Well, I'm sorry I've bothered you, Ma'am."

"You've been no bother," she insisted. "You seem like a nice young man. Your wife is a lucky lady!"

Alec was amused at what she'd said. He was sure Max didn't feel so lucky to be miles from home with him for company.

"And not to worry!" she continued, to Alec's surprise, "We certainly won't have another construction accident like that again!"

Alec was struck by what she'd just said. He wanted to ask more, he hadn't been expecting to find out anything else. But if he asked her anything more, she would surely start to get suspicious.

Alec suddenly noticed the time. He was due to meet Max in 5 minutes!

"Thanks so much for talking to me," Alec said, attempting to excuse himself, "It's been a great pleasure meeting you. I can't wait to tell my fiancee that I met someone friendly today! She'll be very pleased. I really must go, though. She's actually expecting me in about 5 minutes!"

The woman nodded, "Well, good luck with the wedding. Better tell her that she ought to do the shopping! You won't get much done if you keep talkin' to old ladies!"

Alec appreciated her kindness and sense of humor, "Thanks for the advice! Good luck to you, as well, and have a great day!"

As soon as the door shut behind Alec, he rushed over to the diner. He looked at his watch. Shit, he thought. He was going to be a few minutes late.

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Max returned Joey's kiss hungrily. She pulled at him, wanting him to come closer, while herself backing away, hoping to get to a place that might be more appropriate, or at least, less inappropriate.

Max felt his soft lips take hers. She didn't like it, it could be better. She wanted more force, more passion, more desire. She shoved her tongue at his, showing him to pick it up a notch. Thankfully, he responded, and she finally found satisfaction. She really shouldn't have to work this hard for something like this!

Max welcomed his hand as it reached underneath her shirt, beginning to rise. She closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

"Max!" she heard Alec's voice. Yes, she thought, with her eyes closed, Alec. She felt a stronger desire come over. Say it again, she thought, wanting to hear Alec say her name over and over.

"Max!" she heard again, much to her pleasure.

Then she realized. She opened her eyes. The voice wasn't desire, and it wasn't coming from the man she was busy making out with. She pulled away, and turned to see Alec staring at her.

Joey looked out of breath, and took a moment to recover from her intense kiss. "Madison!" he said finally in appreciation. He was speechless otherwise.

Max faced Alec, ignoring Joey. She held her lips shut, not sure what to say. Could she really explain this like it was part of her cover? She could still taste Joey on her lips, but it didn't taste wonderful like before. It tasted like guilt.

Alec turned to Joey since Max wasn't offering an explanation. "And who the hell are you?"

Joey looked at his watch and gasped, not answering Alec's question, though it had drawn him back to reality. "I'm gonna be late! Madison! That was amazing! You are amazing! We'll finish this later!"

He turned and ran out of the bar.

Alec stared at Max in disbelief. He waited for her to say something.

"What, he was hot!" Max lied innocently, trying to suppress her guilty feelings. She knew he wouldn't buy it, but she didn't know what else to say. She was also trying to rationalize her actions with herself. It was harmless, really. She'd done far worse. If this was the worst thing she would do while in her current state, it was a good day.

Alec opened his lips slightly, about to react, when he suddenly retracted. His shocked face changed to an emotionless Manticore mask. He walked slowly to the door, and held it open for her, escorting her out.

She stared at him for a moment, hesitating to move, wondering where his accusations were.

"Come on, Maxie," he said, "We're supposed to be at the diner, and I'm hungry."

a/n: thanks so much for reading, reviews are welcome