[He doesn't know what to do, really. He's making it up as he goes, trying not to further piss Max off while also trying to defend himself and fight for the odd friendship the both of them have managed to develop since fleeing Manticore. He doesn't want to push too far; he doesn't want to simply roll over and profusely apologize for shit they've worked through before this.

The key is in finding the middle ground, and, honestly, even now? That's never exactly been one of Alec's strongest traits.

He arches an eyebrow at her observation.]

Don't sound so disappointed, Max. I'm not trying to screw you over here, even if you don't trust me.

[Alec rubs his hand over his face. God, but this is going to be a long conversation, he expects. And they should really find someplace else to have said conversation.]

Is there somewhere around here we can go where we can talk? I'd rather not have this conversation while freezing my ass off.