Just Another Day

"Now Dads, it is important that you show your babies that you aren't just there to drool on," holding a squirming eleventh month old in his hands Alec rolled his eyes at the woman pacing amongst the various couples sitting on the multicolored padded floor. The woman was wearing patched overalls and had beads in her hair nothing screamed professional board certified pediatrician in Alec's opinion. Leaning back against a padded column Alec debated letting the now chattering kid in his arms loose but he didn't think that would go over well with the other parents. He barely held back the snort when she began to demonstrate the proper way to hold a new born with a baby doll, "Now some of you are first time fathers and are probably scared. I am telling you its all right to be scared. Don't worry…"

"How long do we have to stay here," Alec shrugged at the question, his face turning down as he felt the dark haired little girl in his arms begin to play with the fingers holding her in place. The dark haired man next to him was struggling to keep a hold of a rather rambunctious red head, "This is the last time I let Gem talk me into babysitting."

"Come on Biggs it's not that bad," Alec whispered prying his finger out of the almost toothless mouth, "Trade?"

Biggs looked from the grinning toddler in his hands to the frowning one in Alec's, "I think I'll stick to this one."

"Wimp," Alec broke his hold on the little girl long enough to shove the shoulder next to him. That small amount of time was all it took for the opportunistic diapered bundle of energy to take off on chubby legs. Alec's eyes rounded as he watched the pint sized terror blur away from him across the room on all fours, "Shit."

Biggs laughed barely holding onto his own bundle as Alec took off as quick as he could without arousing attention after the little girl. Her giggling almost drowned out the doctor's lecture to a man who was holding his son improperly out but Alec's only concern was that soon someone would notice the bouncing curls of his charge before he could grab her. If news got around that he couldn't keep a hold of the little cherub and that news reached the right ears he wouldn't hear the end of it for weeks. Lucky for him though most the men in the room were occupied with their own problems and trying to decipher the meaning behind the hippy teaching the class. He stumbled over a diaper bag just as his fingers closed on the back of the runaways dress. Letting go before he could take the kid down with him he caught himself on the back of a chair.

"Good job," Biggs called out having stood up so that he could get an unobstructed view of Alec's chase, holding a happily munching Eve on his hip he sent Alec a thumbs up.

Alec tossed a finger up at him before doing an about face to try and pick up the little girl again. Her hair held out of her face with a drooping bow she gave him a toothy smile that displayed her dimples to full advantage before bee lining for the slide on the far side of the room. Letting out a frustrated sigh Alec took off after her, skirting around a drooling blob trying to roll over on his stomach while his dad coached him and another man debating whether to change his crying kid's diaper. Her bottom already making contact with the top of the slide by the time Alec reached her. Giving a sigh of relief he grinned at her and waited at the bottom for her to come down from the three foot tall contraption.

"Mr. McDowell is there a problem," Alec turned to the hippy doctor. Fighting the urge to tell her exactly what he thought of her, "No, she just wanted to play is all."

"Hudson is a very rambunctious little girl isn't she," her hair floating around her in a frizzy cloud the doctor gave him a sympathetic look, "She is very quick too."

"Nothing I can't handle," Alec remarked his smirk firmly in place as he turned back to the now empty slide, "Where'd she go?"

"Over there buddy," Biggs called out Eve now on his shoulders holding on to her hair with one hand while she ate her cookie with another. Alec followed the direction of his gaze to the pintsized jungle gym. Growling under his breath he stalked across the room to the little girl climbing up the interior, Biggs called out over the nonexistent crowd, "Great job so far. Can see why she trusts you so much."

"Biggs, do me a favor," Alec muttered knowing the other man could hear him perfectly well, "Go jump off a building."

His friends laughter adding to his humiliation and now very aware of the stares the other men were giving him Alec was ready to tear the toy apart to get the little girl out. Forcing a smile he sank down to his haunches, "Come on Hudson. Do you want me to get into trouble with your mommy?"

He got a dimple grin in return that made his eyes narrow, "How about you come out and we will go play with the paints at the studio?"

"Jos," Hudson giggled bouncing on the bar she was sitting on, "Jos. Jos."

"Yeah we'll go play with Josh all you want," Alec held his hand out to the two foot tall hazel eyed beauty. She jumped down not even stumbling a bit as she climbed out of the maze and forgoing his hand to hold her arms up to be picked up. Taking her with him as he straightened Alec couldn't help the grin that broke out on his face when she snuggled closer and gave him a kiss on his cheek, "That's my girl."

Biggs joined him at the door, "Can we finally blow this off?"

"God yes," Alec mumbled grabbing the monogrammed book bag that followed his bundle around, "How about some pizza for lunch?"

"Leaving so soon gentlemen," Biggs gave him a glare before putting a polite smile on his face as he reached up to pull Eve off his shoulders.

"We just remembered we promised that we would stop by a friends house for lunch," Alec offered with a consoling smile, "We would love to stay longer but-."

"But we did promise," Biggs finished with a shrug as Eve grabbed at his ear trying to pull his head down to whisper in his ear. Listening to the quiet request of the two year old Biggs grimaced, "Where's the bathroom?"

Alec grinned as the doctor pointed, "Down the hall to the right. I do hope you will come back to our little group again. It is nice to see such attentive Dads."

Biggs gave him a sympathetic look before sauntering off. Alec moved Hudson to block the appraising look the woman was giving him, "Well that is what we strive for. I'm just going to get going now."

"Do remember next week we are going to begin the water trust portion," her eyes gleaming she leered at his lean frame, "Swim trunks are required."

Hudson grew impatient with his lack of movement, tugging roughly on his hair she squirmed, "Jos now!"

"Sure thing Princess," Alec gave the doctor a wave as he practically ran a hole through the wall in his hurry to get away. Finding Biggs outside standing next to the car, "Never pegged you for a coward."

"The kid had to pee," Biggs grinned putting Eve in her booster seat while Alec plopped Hudson into her own. Making sure the child lock was on Alec started the car while Biggs climbed in, "What did the old bat want?"

"To remind me that next week was swimming lessons," Alec grimaced, "No way in hell am I going to be around Doctor touchy feely in nothing but a pair of swim trunks."

"Scared you might like it," Biggs cuffed him on the shoulder, "Or scared someone might not like it?"

"Keep your mouth closed if you know what is good for you," Alec bit out pulling the car into the crowded parking garage. Hudson was already unbuckled and attempting to crawl out the open window by the time Alec got out of the car. Resisting the urge to bark at her and laugh at the same time Alec pulled her free of the window, "Come on monkey girl."

"Ma," Hudson asked her face crinkling up in question.

Alec rolled his eyes, "Just once could you want to spend the day with me?"

"No," Hudson's quick response was echoed by a giggle from Eve. Giving her friend a grin, Hudson gave Alec a smacking kiss on the cheek to lessen the blow, "Ma, please."

"Whatever," Alec grumbled, "Next time though we are going to do something I want."

"She's got you wrapped around her little finger," Biggs remarked as he and Eve turned to go down the road to her house, "Take a rain check on the pizza?"

"Sure," Alec called over his shoulder marching into the renovated warehouse that had once been the ramshackle headquarters of the rebellious transgenics. Decorated with Joshua's art the gleaming steel and open brickwork of the transformed space invited the former soldiers to come and socialize while offering a place to display their work to the visiting tourists. Terminal City had become the highest grossing tourist spot of Seattle in only a few short years, something that had surprised the transgenics more than their eventual acceptance into society. The offices located on the second floor were open on one side so that the occupants could always have a view of the comings and going, a concept that made them seem friendly to public but was really a clever ploy by Mole so that he would always have an eye on the door. Balancing Hudson on his hip Alec gave the mingling tourists and transgenics a smile before taking the stairs up to the offices two at a time.

"Alec, wait a second," Dix called out his short stride no match for Alec's, "Have you seen the latest news report? You and Max made the front page again."

"Fascinating," an automatic response to a standard remark, "Anything on that building over on Cedar?"

"The team is still waiting on the equipment to rip out the asbestos," Dix offered a granola bar to Hudson, "How was the kiddy jamboree? I thought Max said it wasn't supposed to be over with for another hour."

"We split early," Alec took the bar from the transhuman biting off a piece before offering the rest to the little girl, "Speaking of the wicked witch, where is Max?"

"She's in the conference room with Logan," Dix smiled at Hudson who gave him a small grin back around her mouth full. Alec though wasn't paying attention instead he was off to the conference room.

Pushing the doors open Alec narrowed his eyes at the man and woman with their heads dangerously close together over a spread out map. Hudson gave his face a firm pat as he tensed making his attention switch to the brunette in his arms instead of the one across the room that had failed to even notice his entrance, "What monkey?"

She offered him her barely eaten bar, "Want?"

"You've really got to move on from these one word sentences," Alec said taking a bite of the bar, "Starting to sound like Mole."

"Alec," Max looked up startled then glanced at the clock on the wall behind her to make sure she wasn't seeing things, "You weren't supposed to be back for another hour. Is something wrong?"

Walking around the table Alec glared at Logan who had failed to back away from the smiling woman. Max walked around to meet him holding her arms out to the little girl, "Come here Hudson."

Hudson gave Max a smile but clung to Alec like a leech, "No, I stay."

"A full sentence I'm impressed," Alec murmured while his chest puffed out with pride. Turning his head he gave Hudson a peck on the cheek, "What you two working on?"

Max dropped her hands with a frown, harrumphing she turned back to the table cocking her hip to the side she glared at the paper instead of the little girl, "Going over the plans for the peace park in the lot that Mole cleared."

"You mean the lot that use to be a building that Mole blew up because he was bored," Alec corrected walking around he politely almost shoved Logan away from the table so that he could look without feeling crowded. Hudson's little face scrunching up next to his as they both studied the plans, "Who drew these up?"

"Umm, that kid that always hangs out with Dalton and Jazz," Max sank into a high backed leather chair, "The one with the Mohawk."

"Uncas," Alec supplied easily, "Really got to get on top the ball with the names their Maxie. The kid is good; I like this idea of a junkyard being made into a flower garden."

"The concept is still rough," Logan pointed out pulling out another set of plans, "These ones, a local landscaping architect drew up. A more traditional idea, something the public could easily identify with."

Alec took one look at the boring walkways of the standard roses and the ornamental gazing pond complete with a trickling waterfall. Making a face with Hudson acting as his cover he tried not to laugh when the girl mimicked him perfectly in full view of Logan and Max. Max gave her a wink while Logan stiffened, "Like I said the idea needs work."

Hudson gave Logan a sympathetic look before turning her attention to Max, "Jos?"

"And we are back to one word again," Alec grumbled tickling the little girl in the side as he straightened up, "Come on kid, we'll go find him."

Max stood up prepared to follow him when Logan cleared his throat and waylaid her. Alec fought back the growl that rumbled in his chest. Dropping the back pack in his office he bounced Hudson higher in his arms as they walked down the stairs into the studio that Joshua had set up on the first floor at the far end of headquarters. Not many people realized that the tarps set up as makeshift walls in which to give his artwork a blank backdrop were in fact the walls to his studio. Walking around the corner Alec dropped Hudson to her feet watching as she bounded over to the silent giant standing back pondering a half covered canvas.

"Heya big guy," Alec called out just as Hudson came abreast of the dog man.

"Alec look good in tux in paper," Joshua said not turning around. Smiling kind eyes turned to look at the approaching transgenic before turning his attention to the little girl at his feet, "Hello there tiny fella', want to help Joshua finish portrait."

Hudson turned wide eyes to the canvas, a smile breaking out on her face, "Family."

"Exactly," Joshua grinned dipping a brush into a pot of yellow paint, "Here you try."

"Whoa there big guy," snatching an already stained shirt off the back of a chair Alec knelt down to pull it over Hudson's head covering her outfit completely. Rolling the arms of the shirt up so that they at least uncovered her hands Alec cocked his head to the side studying the globs of paint that were nothing more than streaks of color on the canvas to him, "How can you tell what it is?"

Hudson gave a long suffering sigh taking the paint brush from Joshua she stood on her tiptoes to reach the canvas. Frustrated she turned to Alec, "Up."

"Demanding little monkey," Alec grumbled picking her up while Joshua grabbed a chair for her to stand in. Setting her on her feet letting her go wild with the brush moving back he nudged Joshua, "She's something else isn't she?"

"I was wondering where you had gotten to," Alec and Joshua turned from watching Hudson splatter paint across the canvas to see Max walking towards them her expression curious. Hair curling in waves around her face she gave them a soft smile as she approached, "What are you working on sweetie?"

Hudson gave her a dimpled smile, "Family picture."

"Really?" Max cocked her head to the side looking at the streaks of paint with the same doubt that Alec had given it. Turning to the two men she gave them a baffled look, "Am I missing something?"

Alec snickered into his hand while Joshua stepped forward to point at the painting, "Show them Hudson."

"Mama," Hudson pointed to a dark blue blur, her small hand darted to a reddish brown streak, "Daddy."

Both patches of color were split by the yellow that Hudson had been adding, Alec stepped forward to point out the yellow, "And is this Hudson?"

The little girl gave him a grin, "Right."

Max snorted, "A regular little Picasso."

The look Josh gave her was enough to make her duck her head in shame. Pushing a wild strand of hair out of her face Max bent and gave Hudson a peck on the cheek. Straightening the little girl's bow she gave Alec a pointed look, "So why are you guys back so early?"

Alec shrugged, "The class was boring. Me and Hudson were going stir crazy isn't that right, monkey girl?"

"Wanted to paint," Hudson added another dab of yellow to the canvas before turning to Josh, "Green now."

"It's hard to believe she's going to be two soon," Max muttered moving to stand back with Alec while the two artists worked. Shoving her hands into her pockets she gave him a thorough inspection that made Alec's skin crawl, "The doctor try to maul you again?"

His cheeks reddened only enough to confirm her question and Alec tried to cover his embarrassment with bravado, "Well this just proves that every woman wants me. Don't you feel behind the times?"

Max's eyes narrowed, "I think you shouldn't push your luck."

"I didn't provoke her, ask Biggs," Alec held his hands up in a sign of innocence, "And can you really blame her?"

"You were there with a toddler," Max bit out, "That is a clear sign to anyone that you are off limits. The nerve of that woman-."

"Look," Hudson broke in grabbing Max's hand and pulling her towards the finished canvas, "Finished."

"It's beautiful," Max picked the girl up settling her on her hip. Hudson tucked her head under Max's chin while Max whispered words of praise into the little girl's ear. It was startling how such an everyday picture could make Alec's heart stutter painfully in his chest.

"I've got to go see to some things," Alec said giving Hudson a wink he started towards out of the airy studio, "See you guys at dinner."

The echoing goodbyes became lost in the hubbub of the comings and goings outside the small sanctuary. Grabbing a cup of black coffee from the small service counter Alec waved absentmindedly to the people who called his name and started up the stairs. Walking into his open ended office he sank down behind his uncluttered desk with a sigh of relief. Fingers flipping through the reports that had been left in his inbox Alec began delegating the tasks to the necessary people he pulled the picture frame on the edge of the desk closer to him. Fingers tracing over the smiling faces he felt his lips tug at the edges.

"Alec you have a press conference in twenty," Luke's voice broke through crackling and only slightly distorted by the intercom. Hand slapping down on the black box Alec confirmed he would be ready. Standing up he took a sip of his coffee before yanking his pullover sweater off as he crossed the room to the adjoining bathroom. Pulling the suit hanging on the hook of his bathroom door off he stripped down to his boxers. Putting the custom made suit on was more akin to putting on his old uniform for Manticore than he liked. Fingers quickly knotting a perfect Windsor tie he stepped out of the bathroom and into his shoes.

A low whistle had his head snapping up, the blonde leaning against his doorway gave him an appreciative once over, "You clean up nice McDowell."

Alec straightened his collar before shrugging into his coat, "The press conference is down stairs in the pit Stacy."

"I know," stepping forward on ridiculously high and painful looking shoes. Her straight blonde hair trailing out behind her she gave him a put upon pout, "I was wondering if you were as reformed as they say? I remember you being quite the giving source before."

Alec stepped around her quickly, "Things change Stacy."

"Come on Tomcat," Stacy whined her hands catching on his sleeve, "You telling me that you are happy being domesticated?"

Green eyes locked on her red tipped fingers, but before he could say anything a cold voice cut in, "Am I interrupting?"

Alec gave Logan a look of gratitude that he never thought he would give the older man in his life, "Not at all. We were just discussing the new housing development for the lower squadron."

Blue eyes narrowing behind wire frames gave no doubt that Alec's quick cover was not believed. Groaning Alec disengaged the blonde's hands from his body and quickly walked out the office after Logan, "So what can I do for you buddy?"

"We were planning a party for Hudson's birthday," Logan's tone was still disapproving but Alec ignored it focusing instead on the topic.

"We?" Alec turned to look at the shorter man, sighing at how that sounded he shook his head, "Never mind. What do you need from me?"

"Someone has to help with the entertainment," looking down at a list in his hand, "You were the obvious go to about that. Max thought you would have some ideas."

"I think I can scrounge up some things," coming down to the bottom level he smiled a the reporters waiting in what was once the communications pit. Turning to Logan his smile dropped just a fraction, "What are you doing?"

"The food," his quick response suggested he already had a gourmet menu lined up that Alec knew no one under the age of eighteen would appreciate to the ordinary's standards.

Alec though just nodded and gave him a pat on the back before walking off to take his spot at the podium for the press conference. His green eyes quickly surveying the room Alec almost groaned as he watched Stacy lounging at the back of the pit. Holding his hands up to settle the crowd, "Good afternoon everyone. I have to say this is quite a turn out for such a little topic."

The crowd laughed at his joke, and Alec smiled at them. Practically oozing charm he settled into the well used role of easy going smart aleck. Answering questions for ten minutes Alec gave a sigh of relief upon seeing Max and Hudson coming down the stairs. Max in an inviting cream colored sweater and khakis while Hudson sported a new red bow and white cotton dress. Holding his hand out he helped Max up onto the moderately raised stage, "Ladies you look lovely."

Hudson smiled holding her arms out to Alec she gave him a hug as he picked her up. Max's hands fluttering at her back to straighten the little girls dress, she spoke to the crowd with a smile, "Sorry we're late. We were having a time picking an outfit."

Long gone was the bad ass Max who sported black leather and biker gloves. It was hard to believe the woman standing next to him was even the same creature. Her tiny frame was curved and soft in all the right places, hugged by the soft sweater and just tight enough pants. Alec knew she might look soft but she was still the same Maxie underneath it all. The last two years had only allowed another Max to come forward and Alec had to admit he liked this one a little bit more, she tended to hit him in the head less. Giving Hudson a grin he turned to the crowd, "I think that perhaps you guys should get your cameras, she's being shy today and I don't think Hudson here will sit still much longer."

The flashing of cameras and the trio's forced smiling took up another ten minutes before Alec called the conference to an end, "Sorry folks that's going to have to do it for today. We have to get this little one some dinner."

A chorus of just one more question or just one more picture made Alec tighten his hold protectively on Hudson, "Sorry guys. Maybe next time."

"If there is a next time," Max whispered through her smiling lips as she let Alec steer her away from the reporters and to the door. Turning to an approaching Dix who was bringing Hudson's bag as well as her own purse, "Thanks Dix. Remember to get me a copy of the best pictures, oh and I will be by tomorrow to look over those reports on the expansion proposal."

"Sure thing," Dix gave Hudson a high five, "Don't forget Alec, I also play the accordion. I would be up for doing a gig."

Alec nodded his expression caught between amusement and seriousness, "I will keep that in mind."

Walking out into the dimming sunlight Alec frowned at the moisture in the air, "Feels like it is going to rain again. Did you get that hole in the roof looked at like I asked you to?"

"Dalton finished patching it up this morning," her expression darkening the second they were away from the pressing crowd. Alec frowned but chose to ignore her foul mood.

Hudson let out a yawn before going limp in his arms, eyebrow raising he looked down and sighed, "She's asleep."

Max turned to look at the curl covered face, "She had a long day. And no nap."

The last part was more of an accusation than an observation making Alec's neck hair rise, "How is it that Logan was coming to ask me about getting entertainment for a birthday party that was never even confirmed to be occurring."

She had the decency to look sheepish Alec would give her that but when her chin went up. Alec knew Max was about to give him hell. Reaching the renovated office building that now served as apartments Alec stepped into the elevator. A quick jab of the button by Max and they were secluded on their way up.

"Maybe if you would sit still long enough to discuss things you wouldn't get information second hand from Logan," Max bit out looking at her nails instead of at him.

Making sure to keep his posture and tone relaxed so as not to wake Hudson, Alec retorted, "And maybe if he wasn't flaunting that cure in my face every five seconds I would stick around long enough to talk."

"It's not like that," her whisper was almost to low for him to even hear but he did. Leaning his shoulder against the wall of the elevator he waited for her to continue. Looking up at him with searching eyes she did, "He asked me to marry him."

"You are already married," Alec snarled just keeping his voice low enough that all Hudson did was turn her head to a more comfortable position. The doors opened into a homey looking apartment, a perk of being one of the commanders. A penthouse apartment that covered the entire top floor of the converted building had been his home for more than a year and a half. Toys strewn across the hardwood floor Alec made a note to clean up after his fight with Max. Walking into the equally cluttered bedroom Alec twisted his body to put Hudson into the bottom bunk of the bed. Why they had bunk beds was beyond him, but the little girl liked playing cave in bottom one so he had gone with the flow and shut his mouth while he put them together. Taking Hudson's shoes off he gave her a kiss on the cheek before pulling away and tiptoeing out the bedroom.

Alec pulled his coat and tie off listening to Max in the bedroom waiting for him to come in. Toeing his shoes off in the already shoe strewn hallway he stood barefoot in the doorway looking at his wife of two years. She was sitting hugging her knees on the large bed her chin resting on her knees as she watched him. Un-tucking his dress shirt he ran a tired hand through his hair, "I have to go back to the warehouse, talk to Ryder about that shipment."

"Can we talk first," not moving from her position she looked up at him with large eyes. Alec could feel his body responding to her vulnerability but instead of crossing to her he went to the closet to change. She followed him, "Alec, please. We got into this without thinking it through. It was a mistake why don't you admit it?"

"Funny how now it's a mistake the second the cure takes," dropping his slacks he pulled on an old pair of jeans and stuffed his feet into boots. Straightening he gave her a cold look, "You and Logan can finally get horizontal and what Max? What about Hudson? What about us?"

"You didn't want any of this," Max gasped at her own words, and seeing the hurt look in his eyes confirmed that she had overstepped herself. Trying to rectify her blunder she stepped back to let him by, "He loves Hudson and isn't fighting any of your rights. You are her father and he knows that. I am just trying to give you the out that you wanted."

"Funny, you seem to have forgotten about asking me what I wanted," he whispered, "You came to me when you were in heat and I gave you what you wanted."

Dropping his shirt on the ground he pushed his body against hers crowding her back into the closet wall. Max shivered but made no move to stop him. His head dipping so that he could nose her hair he caged her smaller form with his arms on either side of her body, "When you got pregnant, you wanted a family so that the press would lay off you. I gave it to you. For two years I gave you exactly what you wanted, I was there for everything. The first time you threw up with morning sickness, I held your hair. The first kick I felt. Everytime you woke up craving Mongolian Beef, I was the one that got it for you."

One of his hands dropping to run teasing fingers along her breast he breathed in the soft smell that was her own unique scent. Something that had been driving him wild since he had first walked into her cell at Manticore. Tongue darting out he gave her neck a slow careful lick, "I held your hand when you went into labor. I was the one the doctors handed Hudson to after cleaning her up. You wanted this Max, a family and I gave it to you."

"Alec," Max whispered her body arching into his barely there touch.

His blood pumping Alec pulled back, "Ask me Maxie. Ask me."

Her eyes snapped to his, licking her lips she leaned towards him her hands coming up to run up his bare chest. His eyes closed at her touch his chest heaving as she skimmed her fingers down to the low slung pant line, "Max."

"What do you want Alec," it was clear and bold after his breathless whisper and Alec's stomach tightened in response.

Looking into clear brown eyes set in an expressive face he felt everything stop. Drawing his hand up he cupped her cheek in his palm, running a thumb across her plump lips, "You. I want you. I always have."

If he hadn't been looking directly at her he would have not believed that he saw the tear running down her cheek. But he did, and his body reacted instinctively. Lips crashing against her he pulled her roughly against him. It wasn't a sweet kiss like what he had been teasing at earlier and Alec couldn't bring himself to regret it though. His fingers tingling as he touched her, molding her body to his will. Forcing himself back he tore her sweater off so that he could feel the soft skin that had tempted him far to long. Her body had gone through changes due to her pregnancy but the appeal of the caramel skin was still there and Alec could feel himself throbbing in need. Crushing his mouth against hers again he began running his fingers along the residual marks her pregnancy had made he smirked against her lips at the feel of her purring at his touch. Dropping to his knees he stared up at her, her lips swollen and red from his kisses and eyes hooded she was the personification of passion. Raining kisses on her stomach Alec nipped the tiny marks Hudson had left on her body, Max's fingers tangled in his hair as she arched her body against his hot mouth.

"Hold on to me," Alec ordered dragging his mouth away from her as his hands ripped her pants down. Her fingers digging into his shoulders and back Alec groaned as she pushed her body against his. Eyes locking as he entered her hard and sure. His green eyes darkening as he watched her eyelids droop with pleasure, "Look at me Maxie."

"Alec," it was a plea, low and seductive and Alec couldn't resist. Bracing her back against the wall Alec set a fast rhythm that was almost bruising. Max arched against him, a low moan coming from her throat every time he hit a particularly pleasant spot.

Alec's mouth bit at the juncture of her neck and shoulder as he felt himself getting close, teeth closing on the soft tissue he felt Max spin out of control. Her body clenching around him sent him over the edge. His heart pounding in his throat Alec could barely keep his knees locked to keep from collapsing. Pulling his head back he stared at the mark he had only made once before and with the same girl. Letting a hand trail up he delicately traced his fingers over the darkening bruise, Max's body trembled at the touch making him grin despite himself.

"Mommy," Hudson's clear bell like voice called out from her bedroom, "Daddy?"

Alec dropped Max's legs carefully making sure she could stand on her own two feet before he moved away from her. Gently he pulled her pants up over her hips his hands trailing possessively over her hips and thighs. Leaning down gave her a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth before turning to pull his pants up as he walked to the door.

"Hey there Princess," Alec gave Hudson a grin as he picked her up and put her on his hip, "Did you have a nice catnap?"

"Yep," Hudson cuddled against him, her eyes closing for a moment before pulling away, "You smell like Mommy."

"That's because Daddy was giving me a hug," Max said as she emerged slightly rumpled but clothed from the closet. Her cheeks flushed as Alec gave her a perusing look, "Daddy and Mommy want to know what you want for your birthday?"

Hudson tapped her finger against her lip giving her mother and father a thoughtful look that made Alec's heart clinch as the look made her look so like her mother. Smiling widely at the two she leaned against her father's bare shoulder, "A baby brother."

A.N.: HA! See I am not abandoning all my writing! And I have to say that the little girl in this is totally inspired by one of the kids I babysit, she is the cutest little girl I have ever seen. I hope to fiinish up the rest of this soon, seeing as my senior paper is as pressing as it was last semester. Well love to everyone.