Progress



Ok, let’s see. This is my very first fic, so please be nice. I’ve never written, and I only did this thanks to the encouragement I got from you all at NWP. I’d especially like to thank Jewel for helping me come up with some of the ideas, and Petal for doing the beta work. Now on with the story…




Friday Night before Halloween at Crash… Max’s POV

There I was, sitting at Crash after work hanging out with my friends. Alec, of course, was playing pool with Sketchy. No doubt who would win there. Sometimes, I wish he’d stop scamming our friends, but I really couldn't say much, because then I’d be a hypocrite. I had done it in the past, just like him. Turning away, I noticed OC was giving me a strange look.

“What?!” I asked.

“It’s nothing Boo” said OC with a sly look.

I know she’s starting to suspect something, but I really don’t know what to say. Hell, I’m not even sure what’s going on. How can I tell her?

“So Max, you going to the dance with your boy?”

I was shocked. But I tried to hide my reaction as much as I could. “First off, what dance? And second, he’s not my boy,” I replied, trying my best not to show what I was thinking.

“Here,” she said to me, handing me a flyer. It said: Halloween Dance at Crash. Free for all those who wear a costume. Prize for Best Costume. Come one, come all.

“I don’t know OC…” I said hesitantly. I really wanted to go, but it would be complicated, with the situation and all. “We’ll see OC, we’ll see.”

“Sure, whatever you say Boo,” replied OC with a tone that said, you’ll be there, I know you will.

A couple of beers later, I glanced at the clock. “OC, I’m going to go now, I need some time. I’ll see ya later, ok?”

“Sure boo, bye.”

I got up and left Crash, heading to the nearest payphone. I dialed a number that I knew by heart.

“Hello?” asked the receiver.

“The usual place in 20 minutes,” then I hung up, got on my baby and left.



20 Minutes later… Alec’s POV

“Come on Max, what is it? I was winning!” I whined as I walked over to where Max was sitting atop of the Space Needle.

“Alec, you always win. That’s not even an issue,” said Max.

 

For once, she didn’t hit me. But then she just stared out across the city. There was this far away look in her eyes, like something was wrong. Something was on her mind.

“Max, tell me what’s wrong.” I knew I probably shouldn’t ask. It would definitely lead to problems. But I didn’t want her to be unhappy.

“Nothing is really wrong. It’s just OC and I were talking, and she wanted to know if you and I were going to the dance at Crash for Halloween. She said something about you being ‘my’ boy. I was just wondering whether us hiding this is right.”

“Max, there is no right or wrong to this. You know that either way, I’ll always support your decision.” Oh boy. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. Would it matter that I hold my stance and asked that we be brought out into the light? Or would she ignore me?

“Hmm… ok. So, do you want to go to the dance?” asked Max quickly changing the subject. She sounded a little hopeful, and a little scared; like I would say ‘no’ or something. Yeah, like I could ever say ‘no’ to her.

“Of course I want to go, but I only want to go with you. I don’t want to go alone,” I replied truthfully. The fact of the matter being, I couldn’t, wouldn’t go, if it meant that I had to see her in the arms of another. It would hurt too much.

Max didn’t respond. I thought, for once, the bitchy girl that always had a comeback was speechless. Because neither of us ended up saying anything, we just went home. I know she’s not ready yet.



That night afterwards… Max’s POV…

‘I wish he’d make the decision for me, but I know he won’t. He’d never make it for me because it’s my decision. It has to be my step, not his. He’s the one that’s ready. I’m the one who’s note. But, maybe it is time…’ I thought while in bed staring at the ceiling.

It’s the right thing to do. But then… no, I can’t think about
Logan. There’s no future for us there, no matter what past we had. After everything that was said and done, it’s really over. Everything changed that one night, and maybe it was supposed to be like this, just maybe…

I guess all I have to do now is figure out what to wear for the dance. Oh man! I didn’t give Alec a reply earlier. That’s so not good. I hope he doesn’t take it the wrong way. Shit! He might, damn it, he will. Fuck! Hmm… oh well, I guess I can’t do anything about it now. I’ll just have to make it up to him later.



Monday at Jam Pony… Max’s POV

“Damn it!” I said as I felt my pager going off. I automatically knew it was
Logan. I so didn’t want to go there, but I knew I had no choice. I sighed. This whole Eyes Only thing has got to end soon. There was no way I could keep helping him while being with Alec.

“Max, what’s wrong?” Alec asks me.

“It’s nothing. It’s just
Logan. I’ll pop by his place then I’ll meet you guys at Crash. Ok?”

“Sure Max,” replied Alec. I know he’s uncomfortable with this. I see it in his eyes. But right now, I can’t have him there. It’s just not going to work yet. I needed to deal with this alone. If Alec was there, there’d be too many problems. I know that he wants to kill
Logan for all that he’s done. But still… With that, he leaves with the rest of the gang. I really should’ve said something… but I don’t know what.



At
Logan’s… Logan’s POV

Logan, what do you want?” asked Max sounding rather annoyed, as she walked through the door.

She sounds like I interrupted something important. But nothing could be more important than me, right? She’s so beautiful, even when she’s angry. God, why isn’t she here with me? Soon…

“Max, I’ve got some news. I may have found a doctor that can cure the virus.”

“Fine Logan,” said Max sounding rather uninterested.

Why doesn’t she look happy about this? I mean, we can finally be together. Who wouldn’t want to be with me? I mean seriously, I’m good looking, fun to be around and smart. So, why does she look as though she wants to be somewhere else? Is there someone else? I mean, she won’t even look me in the eye. She’s just staring into space.

“Max, is something wrong?” I asked.

Logan, nothing is wrong. I’m just tired. Is there anything else that you wanted to say, since you paged?!” said Max with some irritation. She sounds like she’s irritated, at someone or something. Must be Alec… I could never do anything wrong. It has to be Alec, that screw up. She looks like she’s ready to bolt.

“Yeah, once last thing, are you going to the Halloween dance at Crash?” I asked with some hope. Please say you’re going. Oh, I could just picture us now. We could go as my favorite movie characters, Jack and Rose from Titanic. You would look so stunning in that final dress she wore, with the ‘heart of the ocean’ around your neck. And I could dress just like Jack when they were reunited after death.

“Maybe
Logan. I don’t know. Maybe…” she said with some avoidance. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll go now.” She walked out the door. Well, she did say maybe.



Wednesday… OC’s POV

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” I said with some annoyance, to the person rapidly knocking at my door. Who the hell could it be so early in the day? For once I get the morning off, and I have to answer to this shit. God damn it!

“Delivery for Max Guevara,” said the delivery guy. I swear if I wasn’t into the honeys, I would definitely consider him. “Please sign here.” After that, I smiled, closed the door and decided to check out the contents. Just to make sure it’s nothing bad for my boo. I took one look at the sender and cringed. Damn, it’s that idiot Logan. What the hell could he be sending Max? Wait, there’s a card, let’s see what it says.

Dear Max,

Included with the card is a package containing your costume for the Halloween Dance at Crash. I hope you’ll be my partner and wear this dress. Please meet me at 7:30pm by the bar.

Yours Truly, Logan

Damn that man is an idiot. Everyone knows that Max is his no more. She’s Alec’s, even if they won’t admit it. Hmm… maybe OC can fix this slight problem. I grabbed the phone and made a call.

“Alec?” I asked. Please be him.

“Yeah OC, what’s up?”

“Boo, you better get to my place ASAP, especially if you know what’s good for you,” I said rather quickly. I didn’t want anyone else to know what was happening.

“OC, is something wrong?” I could tell that Alec was worried. Probably worried that something had happened to Max.

“Nothing is wrong per se, and unless you want to lose Max, you better be at my place soon.” Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. No, it couldn’t be. He couldn’t have gotten here so quickly. Then again, if he thought something was wrong with Max…

Alec’s POV

Shit! I hope nothing is wrong with Max. “OC, what the hell was all the rush for?” I asked sounding rather annoyed, and scared. Please let Max be okay.

“Boo, nothing is wrong with Max. I know what’cha thinking. But something is going to be wrong with you, if you don’t come in and listen to what I say,” said OC with some annoyance of her own.

I wondered what could possibly be wrong. So I followed her in and sat down on the coach. I noticed a package sitting on the table. Hmm… wonder who that’s for.

“Boo, I know there’s something going on between you and my Max,” said OC with a note of assurance.

I stuttered, not sure of how to response. Max and I hadn’t said much to anyone, and we pretended to just be friends, nothing more. I was utterly confused.

“Boo, I know you’re shocked. But don’t be, I mean, I always figured you two would be together.”

I was still speechless. I didn’t know what to say.

“Ok, I think we better leave the subject for now. As to why I called ya, it’s cause of that package sitting in front of you. It’s from
Logan to Max,” said OC. She looked rather annoyed by it all.

Shit! What could that idiot have sent Max? I wanted to open it so badly, but I know I shouldn’t. What to do?

“Don’t look so down boy. Just look at the card; I know you dying to see what’s inside,” OC said with a hint of humour.

She’s incredible. I don’t know how she does it, but she always knows what’s going on.

I looked at the card, and was quite shocked to see what it said. Can
Logan be anymore delusional? Max already broke up with him. And now he’s inviting her to the dance? I was quite perplexed. Who does the man think he is?! I sighed. But then again, it’s not like she’s going with me.

“Alec, don’t look so down. I know she’s going to go with you and not Logie-boy. I’ve seen the way she’s been acting, and I know something’s up. So don’t worry about it.” OC looked at me with a smile on her face, and I knew she was right. “So boy, what are we going to do about this?”

Suddenly, I had an idea. I smiled wickedly… Logan’s going to be in for it this time.

“Boy, what are you thinking of doing?” asked OC in a very curious manner.

I know that she doesn’t like Logan very much after that last incident with Max and Logan, but I didn’t think she might actually be happy with what I was about to do.

“OC, I think it’s best you don’t know. It’s ok for Max to be mad at me, but I don’t think you’d ever want to get on her bad side,” I said. I can handle Max, but I didn’t want OC to get in trouble for what I was about to do. “Just leave it to me; I’ll dispose of this rather nice package. Thanks for the heads up OC. You’re a life saver.” With that, I gave her a quick peck on the cheek, picked up the package and left.



Thursday after work… Alec’s POV

Finally, work is over. I can now relax. Shit! Who the hell am I kidding? I don’t need to be at home. I’m just here because I can’t stand to be around Max and not ‘be’ with her. I opened the door and walked into my ever lonely apartment. Suddenly I noticed that something’s different. Someone had been here. Scanning my apartment I saw a card sitting on my coffee table. I slowly walked over and read it.

Alec,

I’m sorry for not saying anything that night. I hope you’ll still go to the dance with me. Meet me Friday after work, and I’ll give you your costume then. Don’t give me that look; I get to pick your costume. Remember that bet we had last month? The one where you had to go without making a wise crack for 24 hours? You lost, and you said I could have you do anything I want. Well, I’m calling for it now.

See you Friday,

Max

Relief flood through me as I realized it was just Max. Well, at least we’re making progress. But damn, she gets to pick the costume? This will not be good at all. She’s going to torture me. Fuck! Why did I have to lose that bet? Bet? What bet? I had totally forgotten about the whole thing, and now she decides to call on it. Damn it! I seriously hope she doesn’t dress me in tights. I sighed… this will be bad.



Friday (Halloween) at Max’s… Alec’s POV

“Max, where is my costume? Or better yet, what is my costume?” I asked sounding rather scared and annoyed. I have no idea what she’ll dress me as. I know it won’t be something really bad, considering I’m going with her, but still…. Please no tights or anything like that.

“Don’t worry Alec, it’s nothing bad,” replied Max with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Ok, now I’m really scared. It’s never good when she has that look; that wicked look of hers. When it’s like this, it’s best to say nothing, so that’s what I did. I didn’t say a single thing, and I just waited.

“Alec, your costume is waiting in OC’s room. She said you could use it to get changed.”

“Ok, Max.
But it better not be something bad,” I said with a tad bit of bravado. Damn she has that look again; that glint in her eye. Oh man, I’m sure to be in for it… tights. Yuck! “So what are you dressed as?” I asked, since turnabout is fair play.

“You’ll see,” said Max. Damn, she has that look again.  

Oh boy… this is not good at all.

I went into OC’s room, and saw a box sitting there. I wasn’t sure whether or not I should open this, but curiosity got the better of me. I was after all part cat. Inside was an outfit that looked like a loincloth. What the hell?! There was just that small scarp of cloth and nothing else. Where was the shirt?

“MAX!” I screamed, rather annoyed and angry.

“What?” she asked, sticking her head out of her room. It was apparent that she was changing and that she had nothing on right now. I groaned. Oh god, all the mental images of a naked Max was flooding my brain.

Shaking those thoughts away, I asked “What the hell am I supposed to be?” I held up that scrap of fabric for emphasis.

She grinned at me and said in a factual tone “Tarzan of course.”

I nearly toppled over at her response. Tarzan? Oh god. It’s not exactly the costume I thought she’d get me. But then again, I had absolutely no clue what she’d get me. Tarzan?! I’m going to freeze my ass off because of that stupid bet. Damn it; if I’m going as Tarzan, she’d better be Jane. Misery loves company they say.

“Tarzan? Max, I never would’ve thought you’d get me something like this,” I replied in the wise ass tone that I always have. “If you wanted to see me half naked, you could’ve just said so. You really didn’t need to use the bet for this.” I looked at her for a response, but she just smiled, turned around and went back into her room to get changed. Oh well… I guess I can’t do anything about it now.



That evening at Crash (
7:00pm)… Alec’s POV

Damn it! I’m freezing my butt off here, and Max is nice and warm. Yes, she’s still in her Jane outfit, but a figure skater’s Jane outfit, meaning that all the spots which are supposed to be skin, aren’t. There’s skin toned fabric there. But me, well, I’m freezing in that Tarzan outfit she got me. I swear it’s just a ploy for her to get me half naked, and torture me at the same time.

We had just walked in to Crash, and as usual, our entrance stirred things up quite a bit. I guess us being us is normally enough. But today, with us dressed like this, there were whistles from the guys, which just made me hold Max more tightly, and drools from the female population, which I noticed made Max hold on to me. Yes! I guess things have changed. We walked over to where OC and Sketchy were. Hmm… it seems that they have dates. That’s good.

“Hey guys,” I said with warm greetings. “Who are these lovely people with you?”

“Boo, this is my honey Janice,” replied OC, dressed as Cleopatra, with a dazzling smile on her face as she introduced her date, who was dressed as Anthony. I’ve never seen her quite so happy. I’m glad she’s found someone.

“Alec, this is Stacy,” said Sketchy, dressed as a vampire, with a little uncertainty as he introduced his date, dressed as an Arabian Princess. Hmm… I seem to recognize her, but I don’t know from where. I couldn’t place her. I wonder why the uncertainty though. I’ll have to ask Sketch about that later.

Pulling out a chair for Max, and one for myself, I sat down and poured myself a beer. I looked at my surroundings and was surprised to see how much Crash had changed for the party. All the tables were moved to the sides of the establishment. There were jack-o-lantern lights hanging all over the place along with black and orange streamers and balloons. There were even carved pumpkins lying around here and there. And in the middle of Crash was a very large dance floor. Couples were already dancing to the music being played by the DJ at the end of the hall. Sort of snapping out of my trance, I noticed Sketchy trying to get my attention.

“What’s up Sketch?” I asked.

“Pool, Alec, that’s what’s up,” he replied with a smart aleck comeback of his own.

Huh, I must be rubbing off on him. I immediately got up and headed for the pool table. Then I noticed OC giving me a watch signal. I looked at my watch and noticed it was almost 7:30. Ah… the festivities should begin soon, I chuckled mentally. OC noticed my look, and I noticed she had one of her own. I gave Max a quick peck on the cheek and then followed Sketchy to the table.

Max’s POV

“What?!”
I asked, looking at OC, noticing the look she was giving me.

“Nothing Boo,” she said. “I’m just glad you and your boy got things sorted out. So is it official now?” she asked pointing to her cheek with a look of great curiosity.

I blushed. “Yes, I believe so. Well, it’s always been official, just not for the public to know. But I’m ready now. So yeah…” I stuttered. I never thought I’d have to announce it to all, but then again, I never imagined I’d be ready for this either.

Suddenly, I felt someone place their ‘gloved’ hand on my shoulder. I turned around and saw
Logan, dressed as, -- what, I don’t know.

Logan,” I said, with some hesitation. I looked around, a part of me hoping that Alec would notice and comeback, and a part of me hoping he’d stay away. I didn’t want to ruin this day for Alec or for myself.

“OC, would you give us a minute?” asked
Logan, with a condescending tone.

I can’t believe he’d speak to my friends like that.

“Fine,” replied OC with a tone of her own as she got up with Janice and left.

I can’t exactly place what that tone is, but I knew it’s not a good one.

Logan, what do you want?” I asked with a hint of annoyance. I was not pleased with how he was treating my friends. Besides, it was my night to have fun, I really didn’t need this.

“Max, how come you’re not wearing the dress I sent you? The one that matches mine?” he said, his tone sounding interrogating.

“I didn’t get it. Besides, we’re not here together, so why should I dress to match you?” I questioned in the same manner. Fuck! We were not together anymore, why did he think that I’d go to this dance with him? Hell, originally, I wasn’t even sure I was coming at all. How could he just assume that I’d come here with him? He looks a little hurt by my reply though, but oh well.

“Never mind then. Max, I told you I’d get the cure, and I did,” he said with a hint of pleasure as he held up a small vial of green liquid. “The doctor said this should do it. Then we can touch again without me dying. We can be together.”

Oh god, I thought. The day has finally arrived. Damn it! Why did it have to be tonight of all nights? I wanted this night to be special, just me and Alec and my friends, enjoying a rather weird holiday together. Why did he have to be here?

“Ok
Logan. I’ll take the cure. But that doesn’t change anything about us. We’re not together,” I said in a determined tone. I knew that after all that has happened, I couldn’t go back to the way things were. Logan isn’t the one. He thinks too highly of himself. I could no longer relate to him, like the way I related to Alec. I know that we are of the past. I know that it’s over.

“But Max, without the virus, we can be together. I won’t die when you touch me, and everything can be alright. You can leave Alec,” he pleaded.

But I noticed the way he looked when he mentioned Alec. I know he doesn’t like him. But I never thought that he’d look down at Alec. He was after all a transgenic like myself.

“I can forgive you for what you did with Alec. I just want us to be together.”

“What?!” I cried, shocked beyond belief. “You forgive me?” I was fuming now. Him forgive me for what I did? “
Logan, there is nothing to forgive. I was with Alec after I broke up with you, not before, not during. AFTER! I was completely faithful when I was with you. I can’t say the same thing about you though, now can I?!” Breath, calm down Max, I thought to myself as I had just exploded.

“Remember Asha??” I asked in a rather calm voice. I was so pissed, I found myself reverting back to 452 – the soldier.

Logan looked like he was going to cry. I bet he’s never been interrogated, or even yelled at before. And then suddenly I was calm. He’s probably never seen such mood swings before either.

“Max, I can’t go back and change the past, but please, give us a chance,” he pleaded.

He tried very hard to get the ‘puppy-eyes’ look, but it didn’t work. It never works on him. It somehow doesn’t quite match.

“No
Logan, I can’t give that chance, because there’s no ‘us’ anymore. I’ve moved on,” I said with even harder determination hoping that it would go through his thick skull.

As if he’d sense the change in my mood, Alec suddenly appeared and wrapped his arms around me. Then again, he’d probably just heard my outburst. I looked up at him and gave him a quick kiss, grateful for his presence.

“Max, are you alright?” Alec asked worriedly while looking into my eyes.

I could tell that he was not pleased with the situation mainly because it displeased me so. He didn’t really care about Logan.

“I’m fine Alec,
Logan just came by to drop off the cure,” I replied sounding as nonchalant as possible. I noticed the change in Alec. His features were more a mask now, trying to hide what he was feeling. His body and arms went rigid, even though he was still holding me. I could feel the stiffness in him. I think he’s afraid he’ll lose me. Then I looked into his eyes, trying to tell him that nothing would change; that he and I would still be together, but still, his features were a mask.

“Alec, why don’t you go finish your game with Sketch, okay? I’ll be right there,” I requested. I know I shouldn’t push him away, but I didn’t want him here right at the moment. I wanted to end this past ‘thing’ with
Logan once and for all. This had to be a part of my life that I had to end on my own. I wanted to be fair to Alec, and this was the only way I knew how. This chapter had to be closed.

“Ok Max,” he said, and very hesitantly he walked away. He turned back suddenly and said “If you need me, just yell.” And with that he continued on his way. I tore my eyes away from his retreating form, before directing my gaze on
Logan once more.

Logan, just give me the cure now! As you can see, I’m with Alec, and it’s what I want. I’ll take the cure so I won’t accidentally kill you but that will be the end of it,” I said masking my features just like Alec. If Manticore had ever taught me anything useful, it was how to hide our emotions.

Reluctantly,
Logan handed over the vial. I took it without blinking, and then that was it.

“It’ll take a few hours before it works,” said
Logan.

I could tell he was still hoping that I would take him back. But there was no way that would ever happen. I couldn’t forgive him for what he did with Asha, nor could I be with him any longer. We were different people now. Things had changed. I had changed.

“Fine
Logan, I guess I’ll go enjoy the party then. I hope you enjoy it too.” I got up and just as I was about to leave, I noticed something, or someone, I should say. Asha had walked into Crash, in the outfit that matched Logan. There was no way that this was a coincidence. I turned around, and said to Logan “You wanted to get back together?! Yet here is your other half now.” I pointed to Asha so Logan could see, because I could tell he didn’t understand what was going on. He paled, and stuttered. “Good bye Logan, I had hoped we’d be friends, but now, I know that we can never be friends.” With that I turned around and walked towards Alec where he was waiting for me.



Alec’s POV…

I knew that it would be bad when I found out
Logan was coming to the dance. I knew I’d be hurt, but I didn’t think I would feel like this. The uncertainty of Max’s decision was killing me. Would she go with Logan, or would she come back to me? One thing was for certain, I knew that if she left me for Logan, I would leave Seattle. I just couldn’t bear seeing her with someone else, especially a ‘human’, someone who isn’t our kind, and would never understand her, or us.

Then, I saw Max get up and turn towards me. I hoped she’s doing what I thought she was about to do. Please, tell me she’s coming back to me. Then I saw her head turn and I followed her gaze and saw Asha. Yes! It seems my little plan worked.
Logan’s in for it this time. I saw Max turning around and yelling at him some more. With the enhanced hearing, I could even hear what was being said. I chuckled. I knew it was over between them. I give a sigh of relief as I saw my goddess walking towards me with a smile on her face, as if something just dawned on her and that all was right.



Sketchy’s POV…

“So Max, is everything alright?” I asked tentatively. I knew that Logan and Max had a past; one that was actually of the present not so long ago. I know that I should tread lightly on this territory, especially now, since Alec was here. And it looked as though Alec and Max are together.

“I’m fine Sketch, thanks for asking,” replied Max, in a tone more of relief than anything.

I see her walking up to Alec and giving him a kiss, and I know that the two of them are together now. I’m really happy for them. Alec definitely deserves to have a girl of his own, and if Max was the one of his choice, then I’d be more than happy to support him. Besides, she’s the hottest girl in Seattle. It was only right that she got the best guy present too. And thank god. Maybe with Alec off the market, I can get myself a decent girl.

“So Sketch, who’s the girl you’re with?” asked Max with a great deal of curiosity. “You sounded like you weren’t sure if ‘Stacy’ was her real name or something.”

“I don’t know her real name,” I admitted. “It’s a blind date. She seems like a really nice person though, and I think I could really get to like her,” I told Max. I know that I could confide in the two of them, and still be me. They truly were great friends. “But I do find out her true self at the end of the night… so it’s all good.” They all chuckled at my last comment. I’m so glad we’re all here relaxing for a night, a night without
Normal.

“Hey guys” greeted
Normal dressed as a Roman Gladiator. Shit! It’s like speak of the devil, only worse, considering I was only thinking it.

“Hi, Normal” we all said.

Then, we all noticed the look that Normal was giving Alec, who was dressed like Tarzan. We all smirked and giggled. Alec went really pale and Max just grinned. I didn’t know what’s going on through Max’s and Alec’s head at that exact moment, but I wish I did, it would be funny.



Alec’s POV…

Oh no. Please don’t look at me like that. I’m not a piece of meat
Normal. Ewww!!! Thanks Max for getting me in this slight predicament. I can’t wait to go home and shower. I feel so dirty.



Max’s POV…

Well, I never expected
Normal to show up. Oops, Alec can’t be feeling good right now. I guess I’ll have to make it up to him. Damn it… why did Normal have to show? Oh well, fun for all; well, except Alec.

“Alec,” I asked, “you wanna dance?”

“Sure Max,” he replied rather quickly, grabbed my hand and moved us on to the dance floor. I chucked in my mind. I knew that he was uncomfortable around
Normal, I just never realized how much. I guess the outfit didn’t help.



Alec’s POV…

I can’t believe she’s finally in my arms, and here to stay. As we were dancing, my mind drifted to all the things that had happened since we’d met. There were a lot of bumps along the way, but I knew from the moment I saw her back at good olManticore, she was the one. I hoped she felt the same way. I think she does, which is good enough for now. I guess I really couldn’t have expected her to change overnight. Alec, remember, small steps, and eventually, you will be the victor, I told myself.

Suddenly, we were both jarred out of our musings. The Crash owner, Trevor, was standing atop of a makeshift stage with a mic.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please?” asks Trevor.

I wonder what’s going on.

“It’s time to announce our winner for the ‘Best Costume’. I see that we have various varieties including members from the jungle, tragic lovers, queens and princesses. So… without further delay, our winner of the ‘Best Costume’ with a $100 prize is… Queen Cleopatra.”

Everyone cheered, us included of course, since OC had won the prize. She definitely was the most beautiful person there tonight, well with the exception of Max of course. But OC definitely deserved to win. I knew she’d put a lot of effort into her costume. And from the look on her face, I’d say she’s happy, really happy.

After claiming her prize, the dance continued with more joyous laughter and of course, more alcohol.



Saturday Morning… Max’s POV

I realized that last night, my life changed forever. I had finally accepted who I truly was, X5-452, Max, a genetically enhanced soldier, a person. I knew that I could never be ‘normal’, something that I had longed for my entire life. I knew who I was and that it could never be changed. It occurred to me that the change in my attitude had come with the acceptance of Alec in my life. And it had come with the acceptance that ‘normal’ was overrated.

Now, that I lay here next to Alec, I knew I had made the right decision. Being with him made me see things that I thought I’d never see; things that people always said I was blind to. I smiled. Life is better now, not perfect, but better.



Alec’s POV

I sensed that she was awake. I knew that a lot was on her mind, so I knew better than to disturb her. I couldn’t believe how things turned out. She’s here now, in my arms, as if all was right in the world, as if this was how it was meant to be. I know that I love her, and I know that she’s the one I want by my side for the rest of my life, but I also know she’s not ready for words like that. So I’ll be content with the knowledge that she’s here with me now.

Suddenly, as if sensing I was awake, she turned to me, and looked at me, really looked at me. And I smiled.

“Good morning” I said, while pulling her closer to me.

We had done nothing the night before but just talked. But still, it felt amazing to have her next to me.

“Good morning,” she replied, smiling as well, showing me that this was what she wanted. I saw this light in her eye, as if she just realized something. “By the way, how did Asha end up with the costume
Logan sent me?” she asked.

It looked as though she knew that I had a hand in it. But I said nothing, and I revealed nothing through my looks. Years of Manticore experience had taught me how to mask my emotions.

“Alec, don’t hide it… I know you did something.”

Damn, I could never hide from her. I don’t know why that is, but she could always see right through me.

Flashback

Back at Alec’s…

Hmm, what shall I do with it? I know I should send it to Asha, but how? Hmm, got it…

Dear Asha,

Please meet me at Crash for their Halloween Dance at 8:00pm. I’d like to discuss something with you. Included is a costume, I hope you’ll wear it.

Sincerely,

Logan

Ahh, perfect. It even looks like that idiot’s handwriting. Now all I have to do is rewrap this and take it over to Asha’s. Hehehe, Logan will be so screwed. Serves him right.

End of Flashback


“Um… well, I got here one morning, to drop off a surprise for you, when I found a package sitting at your door. Me, being well, me, I checked to see what it was, and I didn’t like it. I thought Asha might, so I sent it over to her.” I said looking a little ashamed. I had done it to keep him away from Max. Hmm, I thought a brief synopsis would do. I didn’t want to get OC in trouble. I hoped Max bought this.

“Alec,” she said sternly, “there isn’t anything else, is there?”

Oh boy, she suspects something. Ok calm down Alec, just act normally.

“No Max, there’s nothing else” I replied as best I could, trying to keep a straight face. I really wanted to gloat, but I knew it was not a smart thing to do.

“Ok Alec, I’ll believe you… for now,” she replied with a look on her face.

I think she knew there was something else; but, if she didn’t want to get into it, fine by me.

The phone rang, jarring us out of our silence together.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Boo, tell me you guys are coming in to work now. Coz if you remember correctly, we all have to WORK today. So get a move on” cried OC.

Damn, I’d totally forgotten about it.
Normal had given us Friday afternoon off so we could get ready for the dance. But in return, we had to work Saturday. Fuck. And I had been hoping for a day alone with Max. Oh well, guess that’ll have to wait.

“Max,” I said to her, sounding rather annoyed. “We gotta get to work, remember?” She didn’t look happy about this, but then again, neither did
I.

“Oh shit!” she replied.

She’s so cute when she’s late. She jumped out of bed and headed straight for the shower.

“Hey, leave some hot water for me” I hollered after her.



Saturday Morning at Jam Pony…
Normal’s POV

My, my, they’re late again. What a shock?! My Golden Boy has fallen into the clutches of Missy Miss, and now he’s adopted her punctuality too. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Why did he have to choose her? Why couldn’t he have chosen me?

“You’re late, again” I said to the couple. Ugh, just thinking of them as a couple made me sick.

“Uh huh
Normal, whatever,” replied Missy Miss with a look of distaste.

 

I still don’t understand how my boy can find her attractive. I watch as the two of them walked up to those ingrates that they called friends. Sometimes I envy them. They’re together, like a family, something that I don’t seem to have; at least, not anymore. I can over hear what they were saying, and envied them even more for being able to share.

“So Sketch, how did your date turn out?” asked Alec. He looked curious, but as thought he knew something that no one else did.

“It was great Alec. She was such a sweetie. We spent all night talking, and we decided to see each other some more.” Calvin, it seems, has also fallen into the female trap. But he looks happy.

“So, who was she?” asked Max, who was standing there in Alec’s arms.

 

Missy Miss looked like she’d changed some. Maybe Golden Boy had some influence on her too. I smirked thinking that someone finally has control over Missy Miss.

“Um…” Sketchy stutters… “It was Gem.”

 

They all looked shocked at the revelation. I too was a little shocked that Calvin and Gem would have feelings for each other. Then as if coming out of a trance, they all congratulated him.

I really do envy them, for being such a tight-knit group. I envy them for being part of something that I can never have. Oh well… I guess maybe one day, my time will come.

Bip, bip, bip,” I hollered. “Everyone, back to work. What is this, a place for socializing, I think not. BACK TO WORK!”

THE END!


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