Title: The Laws of Attraction

Author: human28

Spoilers: Post-Freak Nation.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Summary: Max and Alec are obliged to share an apartment. Although both claim that they are not attracted to one another, will they be after sharing the same living space?

The Laws of Attraction

Chapter One: Of Phone Calls and Liquor

…

Freak Nation had been finally able to settle themselves quite comfortable within the decrepit walls of Terminal City. The government still wanted them dead, and so did a million other people, but so far they were staying clear of Transgenic Central, leaving the transgenics to live in peace. Or at least trying to live in peace…

"Max, another group of transgenics just arrived earlier." Luke informed her. "They need a place to stay ASAP."

Max furrowed her brow in concern. More and more transgenics seemed to be joining their already large family every single day. Not that she wasn't happy – she always welcomed new faces with open arms, but they were running short on the basic necessities. Like food, water, and shelter. "How many are there?"

"Four." Luke replied. We've already found rooms for two of them. We just need another one for the other pair."

She sighed helplessly. "I don't know where to put them anymore. There just isn't any available space left."

Alec chose this moment to join their conversation. "Problems?"

"Yes." Max answered. "We're out of living space. You have a solution to that, smart-ass?"

"Simple." Alec said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You move out of your apartment."

"That's just absolutely perfect," she snapped, her patience waning. "I'll just go and live in the streets. Become a beggar. Maybe join the circus. You are so incredibly smart Alec. Why didn't I think of that?" Sarcasm was written all over her words.

Alec rolled his eyes. "You exaggerate too much Maxie. You should consider using your head once in a while."

"Look whose talking dumbass." She shot back.

"Tsk, tsk, Maxie. Your constant use of the word 'ass' is giving the impression of a possible fixation with mine." He drawled lazily.

Max was positively fuming now. Luke had retreated a few seconds earlier, not wanting to be caught in the middle of another verbal spar between the Commanding Officer and her Second-in-Command.

"Alec." She stated as calmly as she could manage. "One more smart remark and I swear I will kick your -- " Alec smirked. "Balls."

His smirk vanished. "You're right. What I've been meaning to say earlier, had you not interrupted with that interesting piece of information about wanting to join the circus, is that you move out of your apartment and share another with someone else. A lot of the transgenics are currently living alone."

Luke, after making sure that their expressions were completely civil, rejoined their conversation. "That's actually a great idea Alec." The transhuman said with a smile.

"Thank you Luke," he said, shooting Max a look. "At least someone appreciates my ideas."

Max had grown thoughtful. "You know what, you're right. I don't mind sharing with someone. Just as long as its someone decent."

"Hey I have an idea!" Luke said eagerly. They turned to look at him expectantly. "Why don't the two of you share an apartment? Being the two top leaders of TC, that would just be perfect!"

The two X5s exchanged horrified glances. The two of them? Living together?

"Oh hell no!"

"I'd rather die."

Luke shrugged. "Just a suggestion." It was then that two unfamiliar faces approached them. One was a female X6, no older than sixteen, and with her, a little boy. Luke smiled warmly at them. "Hi Lianne." He bent over and ruffled the little boy's short brown hair. "Hey Troy. How you doing?"

Troy looked up at them questioningly. "Do you have a place for me and my Mommy to stay in now? I'm really tired and sleepy." He yawned.

Lianne smiled resignedly. "Its been a long drive from Vancouver. And we'd been pursued by a couple of cops too. It's a miracle that we've reached Terminal City. All thanks to our genes I guess."

Max and Alec exchanged another glance. There was no way they can deny this young mother a place to stay. They were obviously exhausted and obviously required some much-needed rest.

Max smiled at her. "Yeah, we do."

Alec smiled too. But in his head…I am in deep shit.

…

"So she's moving in with you?" James, or X5-478, his former Unit-mate at Manticore and current best friend, laughed. They were presently sitting in one of the makeshift bars that had been created inside Terminal City. It wasn't much, but it did the job of filling their stomachs with smuggled liquor, even if it didn't have much of an effect on their genetically-enhanced bodies.

"Unfortunately so," Alec said with a grimace. He downed his glass of whiskey in one gulp, slamming the now empty glass on the surface of the bar as he felt the heat seep through his throat and continue on to his stomach.

James cocked an eyebrow. "Unfortunately so? Are you kidding me man? I'd kill to live with someone like Max. I mean, she's hot as hell." He smirked. "In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd end up screwing her."

Alec choked on his second glass of whiskey. "James, you are insane."

"I think not my friend. After all, you did say that you were breeding partners, am I right?"

"Well yeah. But its not like I'm attracted to her or anything." Alec said defensively. "And neither is she attracted to me. So wipe that annoying smirk off your face."

"We'll see bro, we'll see."

…

"It's going to be hell living with him, Cindy." Max moaned into her cellphone. She could hear Original Cindy chuckling at the other end of the phone line. She didn't see what was so funny about her having to share a freaking apartment with the freaking smart-ass.

"Can you please explain to Original Cindy exactly why it would be hell? Because the last time I checked, you two were friends."

"We are friends. Its just that I don't think I would be able to stand seeing him 24/7. Okay, so I won't be seeing him 24/7. But I'll be seeing more of him than usual. And his smart remarks. And his complete messiness. Not that I'm not messy. But you get my point, don't you girl?"

"Seeing more of him than usual?" More laughter. "You've got that right, boo. Truly more." Even more laughter.

"If your talking about sheer nudity OC, I don't give a shit about that. It's not like I haven't seen naked men before." She said rolling her eyes. "And I thought you didn't swing that way."

"I don't. But I do recognize a fine specimen when I see one."

Max sighed. "Whatever. I've go to go OC. I've got a lot of packing to do. Love you."

"You too boo. Say hi to Alec for me, will ya?"

"Yeah, sure. Bye Cindy."

…

A/N: Please review. They would be greatly appreciated.