Disclaimer: I don't own Dark Angel or any characters featured in either of the seasons.

A.N: Thanks for the reviews! I'm really enjoying reading what readers think is going to happen! Thanks again!

With Ben In Between

"Max-"

"What do you want Alec?" Max asked with little emotion.

"About before-"

"What about it? Want to continue? If so I don't have any patience," when alec didn't respond Max made a move to walk past him. Alec grabbed her upper arm lightly, but firm enough to make her pause and look at him.

"I wanted to say I'm sorry, about what I said. I was out of line…" Sighing and running his hand through his hair Alec looked at the ground. "I never thought of you as a slut or anything like that." When Max didn't say anything, Alec smiled sadly, "I guess congratulations is order for you and Cale." Again Max didn't say anything, "um…I guess that's all I wanted to say, I'm sorry." Letting go of her arm, he let it fall limply to his side and moved his eyes to her stomach before turning to walk away. Walking slower than normal, Alec waited for Max to say something. When it became clear she wasn't he speed up his pace and headed outside of Crash.

Max let Alec walk away and tried to regain some composure. She knew he was hoping she would say something, but when she realized she couldn't think of anything to say she remained silent and without reaction to anything he said. When he apologized she knew he meant it completly, he wasn't the type to say 'sorry' without meaning it. Even though she knew this she let him walk away, it was her turn to send him away.

The cool air outside did little to cool the heat that was inside of him, he felt like he was suffocating and burning from the inside out. He felt on edge and irritated. Closing his eyes tightly and shaking his head a few times he tried to rid himself of this feeling, but he couldn't; it was embedded in him. What brought him out of his thoughts was the sound of an argument to the left of him. From when he could make out, it sounded like a lovers tiff. Realizing he needed to meet Vanessa, he walked towards the argument and his car where Vanessa was likely waiting, impatiently.

"I'm with her now! it's over!" He stated for the 5th time.

"Just like that? What about before? you were still more than happy to come to my bed while she was playing house with you!" She retaliated harshly, advancing into his personal bubble. Taking a step back he regained his composure.

"It's over," he stated pompously and would've continued if he hadn't watched as her facial expression change from anger to surprise. Her eyesight directed away from his face to over his shoulder. Turning to see what she was staring at he was greeted with Alec standing there with a raised eyebrow. Wonderful.

When Alec reached the alley that lead to the parking lot he was surprised to discover whom the lover's tiff was between. "Well, this was unexpected," he commented when the two turned to him. Asha didn't say anything, just stared over Logan's shoulder, while Logan resembled a fish breathing under water. "Please don't stop on my account, I'm just going to my car." Alec started to walk towards the duo to pass them when he stopped in front of the other man, "treat her right or I'll kill you." He said in a soft but hard, low voice. When he said it, he looked Logan straight in the eye and made sure the man knew that he meant every word. "I ever hear otherwise I will find you, don't ever think otherwise." With that Alec nodded and smiled at Asha and continued on his way to find Vanessa.

Three days later Alec and Vanessa made their way through the bustling airport. They were leaving Seattle, Alec leaving behind some much more. "I'll go check us in," Vanessa offered as she pulled their i.d's and tickets from her oversized tote bag. Nodding he took her suitcase and went to find a place to sit while he waited for her.

Pulling out his cell Alec began to turn it off when something stopped him. It was his old cell phone, the one he had when he had lived in Seattle. He hadn't even realized he had brought it with him on the trip. Seeing the phone he remembered all the messages left by Max, and then the conversation he had with Biggs.

"I miss her. I miss her, I love her, and I hate her at the same time. Is that possible?"

"Apparently so because you're feeling it right now."

"Have you seen her?".

"Uh, yeah I saw her this morning. She delivered a package to the base."

"What did she say? Did she ask about me? How'd she look? Is she ok

"Whoa, one question at a time. We ran into each other in the hall and talked for a few minutes. She said she had been trying to get a hold of you. Man you didn't tell her you were leaving. That's low."

Pulling out his correct phone, Alec dialed a familiar number and prayed there would be an answer. "Hey you've reached Cindy and Max. Leave a message and we'll hit ya back!" Max and Cindy's voice filtered through the speaker.

"Hey…It's Alec, just calling to say bye. I'm…flying out today, back to base. Thought I'd say goodbye this time… O.C. miss you and Max…I am sorry about everything I said. Good luck and congratulations. Bye." Hanging up his phone he stared at the phone for a few moments. His thoughts didn't go very far or deep though, Vanessa arrived with their confirmation papers and ready to head to their gate.

"Ready?" Alec looked up and smiled. Nodding his head and he stood up and walked with her. Few steps in, Vanessa laced her fingers with his and gave him a big smile; A smile that reminded him of someone who had just won the lottery.