Disclaimer: still don't own anything… of any major importance at least

A/N: ok, here's the final chapter, just like I promised. Please don't lynch me or anything, I know it's kinda abrupt and all, but I wrote this in about three hours all up, and it wasn't meant to be anything special. Anyway, hope you enjoy

Chapter three:

After Cindy's surprise visit, Alec hadn't been late to work again. In fact, he'd been early every shift, staying late too. He'd become the perfect employee. And when he wasn't working, he was hanging out with Biggs. OC and Sketchy had noted his absence from Crash, but OC thought it was enough for him to be around Max all day, as long as he wasn't home at night moping, she didn't care where he went.

And so each night she kept a watchful eye on Max. She noticed the way she'd start the evening at the bar, or the pool table, flirting with different guys, but she'd end each night sitting at the table, staring between the bar and the door. OC hadn't said anything, but she knew what was going on. Max had pushed Alec away in a moment of panic, and now that he wasn't around much, she was missing him. But she'd done all she could, now it was up to Max. She was just gonna sit back, relax and enjoy the show. She just hoped the show wouldn't take too long.

Max sat at the table staring at the door. Where is he? She thought. It wasn't like she was waiting for him or anything, but he hadn't been at Crash for over two weeks, since that night. Not like she'd noticed or anything, but it was strange. She sat there for another few minutes, before she finally stood up. She grabbed her jacket off the back of the chair, and swung her arm into the sleeve as she walked away from the table. She paused as an after thought and turned back to look at OC.

'I'm gonna head out, go for a ride, clear my head.' But she didn't get too far, as a song came over the PA. It wasn't one she'd heard before, but as the lyrics started, she slowed down until she was standing still. As she stood there listening, realisation suddenly flooded her. When the song ended, she started to head for the exit, then changed her mind and walked to the bar.

Alec was sitting in his apartment, having left the bar after Biggs had picked up a girl. He was sitting on his couch, without a bottle of vodka this time, when he heard the knock. He looked at his watch, and frowned when he saw the time. Who the hell would come looking for me at 1am? Except Max, but since she's not talking to me any more… He decided to ignore it. There was a brief moment of silence, then the knocking sounded again, louder this time. He got up to yell at whoever it was, but his hand froze two inches from the door when the person spoke.

'Alec, I know you're in there. I can here you. And I understand why you don't want to let me in, just… Just listen to this, ok? And then you can decide whether or not you still want to leave me out here.' He heard her moving around, a small click, and then a song started to play.

I didn't mean it when I said I didn't love you so

I should have held on tight I never shoulda let you go

I didn't know nothing I was stupid, I was foolish

I was lying to myself

Alec felt his heart tighten at the words, and he moved closer to the door.

I could not fathom that I would ever be without your love

Never imagined I'd be sitting here beside myself

'Cause I didn't know you, 'cause I didn't know me

But I thought I knew everything

I never felt

The feeling that I'm feeling now that I don't hear your voice

Or have your touch and kiss your lips 'cause I don't have a choice

Oh, what I wouldn't give to have you lying by my side

Right here, 'cause baby

He didn't understand, why was she? Why was she doing this now? And did she mean it?

When you left I lost a part of me

It's still so hard to believe

Come back baby, please

'Cause we belong together

Who else am I gon' lean on when times get rough

Who's gonna talk to me on the phone 'till the sun comes up

Who's gonna take your place there ain't nobody better

Oh, baby baby, we belong together

Max could hear Alec moving closer to the door, and she moved closer too. But she didn't say anything, couldn't say anything until the song was done. Then it was up to him.

I can't sleep at night when you are on my mind

Bobby Womack's on the radio saying to me:

"If you think you're lonely now"

Wait a minute this is too deep (too deep)

I gotta change the station so I turn the dial

Trying to catch a break and then I hear Babyface

I only think of you and it's breaking my heart

I'm trying to keep it together but I'm falling apart

I'm feeling all out of my element

I'm throwing things, crying

Trying to figure out where the hell I went wrong

The pain reflected in this song it ain't even half of what I'm feeling inside

I need you, need you back in my life, baby

(We belong together)

When you left I lost a part of me

It's still so hard to believe

Come back baby, please

'Cause we belong together

Who else am I gon' lean on when times get rough

Who's gonna talk to me on the phone 'til the sun comes up

Who's gonna take your place there ain't nobody better

Oh, baby baby, we belong together, baby!

Max stilled completely; she knew the song was about to end, and then her future was in his hands. The final chorus started, and she held her breath.

When you left I lost a part of me

It's still so hard to believe

Come back baby, please

'Cause we belong together

Who I'm gonna lean on when times get rough

Who's gonna talk to me 'til the sun comes up

Who's gonna take your place there ain't nobody better

Oh, baby baby, we belong together

The last notes of the song played, and then there was silence. Max waited, one second, two, nothing. As the silence stretched out, Max felt her heart began to shatter, and she fought to keep a sob from coming out of her. She slid down the door, curling into herself, as if she was trying to keep herself together. Suddenly the door disappeared from behind her and she tipped backwards, landing on Alec's feet. She looked up at him in surprise, as he started to speak.

'Max… why are you sitting on the floor?' Max stared at him, then she started to laugh, softly at first, and then it became hysterical. 'Uh, Max are you ok?' Her only response was to laugh harder, and very soon one of Alec's neighbours stuck their head out their door and glared at them. He gave him a quick smile before he bent down and scooped Max up, nudging the CD player inside his door with his foot. He kicked the door shut, then carried Max to the couch and put her down. He knelt in front of her, so his eyes were level with hers. 'Max, why are you laughing?'

'Because… You tried to talk to me, to fix things and I brushed you off. More, I was the world's biggest bitch to you… and then you stopped being there… and it took me nearly three weeks to figure out why I missed you… and then I came here to tell you… and you didn't say anything… don't you think that's funny?' She looked at him, her eyes wide in question, as she started to calm down.

'No, not so much funny. Max, did you mean it?' She swallowed, and looked down, but he put a hand under her chin and gently brought her head back up so she was forced to look at him. 'No, no more hiding. Just answer the question.' She nodded, and sucked in her breath before beginning.

'I meant it Alec. I heard that song tonight at Crash, and it just suddenly hit me; why I'd been such a bitch to you, why I'd missed you, why I looked for you every night at Crash for the last two weeks. I didn't mean any of the things I said that night, Alec. I was just afraid of what I was feeling, so I took it out on you. I know I shouldn't have, but I did. I'm so sorry.' His lips curved into a slow, sincere smile and she couldn't help but return it with her own hopeful one.

'I know Max. So where does this put us?' He watched as she closed her eyes, as if trying to decide something in a small space of time. She opened her eyes, a determined look in her eyes.

'I love you.' Those three words made his smile widen, and his heart leap. He stood up, scooping Max into his arms at the same time.

'I love you too, Maxie.' He said as he brought his lips down to hers.

A/N: there, hope that satisfied you. Feel free to review, or check out my other story I just can't do it. I think the writing for that is much better.