I disclaim

Max and OC walked over to Alec and Sketchy who were too busy debating over how bad the other was going to whip their ass at pool, to notice either of the ladies. Of course it was no contest, with Alec's DNA there was no way he could lose to Sketchy. Max sent Alec a glare, and he knew she didn't approve.

"So how about we all rendevous at Crash tonight?" Sketchy suggested.

"Ya, I'm into that," Original Cindy told them. "How 'bout you Boo, feeling up to it?"

"Yeah, I'll meet you guys later. I was just going to stop by and check on Joshua."

"Great, I'll go with you." Alec smiled.

"Why, what do you have him doing for you now?"

"Max, I hurt," he said, mockingly, grabbing his chest as if he had been stabbed there. "Joshua isn't doing anything for me. He may slobber a lot, and doesn't have the best hygiene, but what can I say, I like the guy."

"So you have no ulterior motives?"

"Why must you always think the worst of me?"

"Because you're usually up to no good and then some."

"She's got ya there," OC agreed.

Alec came behind Max and OC putting his arms around their shoulders. "Ladies, ladies, how can I prove there's more to me than this extremely charming, sexy, brilliant, handsome, funny, in demand, oh and did I mention good-looking, guy?"

"A few times," Max said, rolling her eyes, "but you left out, egotistical, manipulative and narcissistic." She laughed, throwing his arm off of her shoulder.

"Must you constantly beat up my self esteem like that?"

"It's my job," she wailed and continued to laugh.

"And you're damn good at it!" He scoffed.

"See ya in a while guys. Let's go, Casanova."

Alec let a light smile pass his lips as he followed her out the door, headed towards Joshua's house.

They had been quiet, but then Alec made a comment catching them both off guard. "I'll have you know, I'm a real catch."

"Sure ya are." She smiled. Walking up the stairs to Joshua's.

"Seriously, I'm strong, admittedly attractive, I can carry on a conversation. Why wouldn't someone want me?" He asked, almost concerned and insecure?

"Alec, I was only kidding. You're right, any woman would be lucky to have you in their life."

"Any woman?" Alec questioned, hope and his future riding on her answer.

" Shh...The door's been broken," Max whispered.

"Joshua probably did it himself, you know how careless he can be."

"Let's hope that's all it is," Max told him as she walked past the doorframe. The house was a complete mess, even more so than usual. Joshua's paintings were overturned and damaged. "Joshua wouldn't have done this, something's up. Joshua?"

"Joshua?" Alec called, cautiously stepping over the damaged prints. "Joshua?"

"Alec.." Max called from another room. "Look!"

"What is it?"

"Blood."

TBC