Internet Infatuation - M/M - Teen - Part 4 posted 7/12/06

[PMP]

Disclaimer: I own nothing related to Roswell, and I'm only borrowing the characters for a little while.

Brief Summary: Maria, desperate to find a good looking guy, joins an online dating service. The romance that develops isn't what she expected.

Other info: This fic is M/M and is rated TEEN, for now. If the rating changes I will let you all know ahead of time.

Special thanks to ~Amara~ for the banner~



Part 1

Last night I decided that I’m going to try one of those online dating services. You know, those websites where you can post a short bio about yourself and answer all these seemingly pointless questions about your favorite color and your most embarrassing childhood memory.

I know, I know. Be careful. There are creepy people out there.

And that had me swearing off these dating services for a long time. I mean, I really didn’t want to open my door someday to find a 50 year old guy straight out of prison there to pick me up for our date.

But I’m getting desperate here people. There are no good looking guys here. I’d even have settled for average looks and a great personality, but somehow, even great personalities are lacking. That’s what I get for living in a small town, I suppose.

Anyway, last night I decided I’d try a few of these online dating services. And so what am I currently doing?

Trying to find my credit card.

Duh.

This shit’s not free.

Oh and did I mention that as I search frantically (currently I’m lying on the floor, my head under my bed, digging through really old, really dirty socks) my best friend Liz is sitting on my bed and going on and on about how I shouldn’t do this.

“I mean, think about it, Maria. Anyone could say they’re a hot six foot tall football player. But what if it’s like, a woman or something, looking for a lesbian lover? I mean, nothing against lesbians, but I just know it’s not your thing. Or like, what if it’s this snaggle-toothed nerd who is like 30 and still lives with his parents and works at a burger joint? Can you say ‘loser’?”

Yes. Bless the girl, her silly self has been going on like this for a solid half an hour. You’d think I’d be getting annoyed, but to be honest, I realize that she’s got nothing on me as far as rambling. I can out-ramble anyone. I’m like the goddess of rambling. So I’ll just let her talk until she runs out of things to say.

Suddenly my computer blinged at me (I don’t know how else to describe that sound a computer makes when you get an instant message) and Liz fell silent.

I scuttled out from under the bed, shuddering in horror when I spotted a dirty sock clinging to my hair. Brushing it off, I scrambled to my computer, wondering who was instant messaging me. Usually Liz is the only person I talk to online, and considering she was sitting a few feet away from me, it obviously wasn’t her.

Ha, and some people say I’m not logical.

Glancing at the screen I see:

godlyguerin: hey doofus, what’s up?

“Why is Michael Guerin talking to you?” asked Liz, scrunching up her nose. “I thought you two had a fight?”

“We did,” I replied, seating myself in front of the computer. “I apologized though. I guess he’s forgiven me.”

“He should say so then.”

“That’s not how Michael works, Liz. You know that. We’ve known him since we were in kindergarten. Have you ever known him to apologize or forgive someone?”

“No. But I’m just saying...he should,” she mumbled, flipping through a magazine.

I turned back to my computer and typed to Michael.

MariaWhammy: nothing much. looking for my credit card, hanging w/ Liz. y?
godlyguerin: wanted to see if you wanted to hang out
godlyguerin: why are you looking for your card?
MariaWhammy: can i get a rain-check on that?
MariaWhammy: no reason, i just misplaced it

I can’t tell Michael I am looking for my credit card so I can sign up for online dating services. I mean, he’d tease me mercilessly, tell everyone, and never let me live it down.

Oh yeah, the boy is not finding out about this online thing. Ever.

godlyguerin: ok. i’ll talk to you at school tomorrow then
MariaWhammy: ok. good night.

Turning back towards Liz I spot my credit card on my night stand, very close to her elbow. “Liz ” I screech. “My credit card was sitting next to you the whole time? ”

Liz looks up at me and then glances around until her eyes fall on the credit card. “Oh,” she says simply. “Oops.”

“Don’t ‘oops’ me, you knew it was there ” I chastise her, yanking up the card.

“Yeah,” she admits. “But I still just don’t think this online dating service thing is the greatest idea...”

“Well I disagree and I’m doing it, Liz, no matter what you say. Now are you going to help me write my personality profile thingamabob or not?”

“Yes,” she says, after just a second. She doesn’t sound happy, but I can tell by looking at her that she’s intrigued by the dating service. She’s just too proud to go back on what she’s been saying all along, and so she keeps acting disinterested and unimpressed with the whole idea. But I see the look in her eyes, and I can tell - Liz is totally into this whole online dating thing.

Hey, maybe I can get her to sign up too.....oh what am I saying.......it's Liz. Pigs will fly over the moon before she signs up for an online dating service. But helping ME to sign up....oh, she'll at least do that.


To be continued...

[jbangelo]

Cute start! Looking forward to seeing where you take this.

Btw, I'm going to move this to the AU forum.

[PMP]

Thanks for the feedback, jbangelo, and for moving this to where it belongs. (Sorry about that...)


Part 2

Two hours and a million giggles later, Liz and I have finished creating my online dating profiles and I’ve taken a dozen personality surveys. My eyes hurt from staring at the computer screen, so I decide to log off for a while.

“Hey, why don’t we get the group together for a night out?” I ask Liz.

Liz smiles and nods. “Sounds good. I’ve been trying to think of an excuse to see Max all weekend.”

Laughing, I throw a pillow at her. “You’ve got it so bad, chica. When will you just get up the courage to ask him out? You’ve only been crushing on him for what...your entire life?”

Liz blushes and shakes her head, watching as I start rummaging through my closet for something to wear tonight.

“No way, Maria. He only sees me as a friend, and I don’t want to ruin that, knowing he doesn’t feel the same way.”
“Liz, believe me, he likes you. Stop saying he doesn’t. You need to just grab the bull by the horns and ask him out already. Do it tonight.”

Liz simply shakes her head as she picks up my phone from the table beside my bed and dials. I continue to rummage through my mountains of clothes as Liz calls everyone in our group and invites them over to the Crashdown for food and dancing after business hours.

Our group is huge, so it takes a while. But even after Liz has called Alex, Kyle, Tess, Michael, Isabel, and Max...I’m still digging through my clothes.

Liz excuses herself and leaves to change her own clothes. I assure her I won’t be late to the get together at the Crashdown. After another hour I’m dressed and finishing my hair and makeup when my phone rings. Grabbing it off the bed where Liz left it I answer.

“Maria here. What’s up?”

“Hey, Maria...it’s Michael. My bike died and I was wondering if I could bum a ride off you to get to the Crashdown tonight.”

Rolling my eyes I reply, “Yeah, no problem. I’ll be over in 30. Be ready.”

Tossing the phone back on my bed, I grumble to myself, “Stupid boy is always asking me for favors.”

In fact, that was part of the reason behind the fight we’d had the week before. He kept asking me to drive him to school, to help him with his homework, to talk Jeff Parker into getting him a day off from working the grills at the Crashdown. And the list goes on. I got sick of his begging and finally told him off. For a few days we didn’t speak to each other, but then, for some reason even I don’t know of, I apologized to him for freaking out. But honestly, the boy should have apologized to me. I mean...hello...

I quickly finish my hair and makeup, grab my cell phone and keys, and head out the door with a bounce in my step. I’m feeling good about the whole online dating thing and I’m excited to hang out with my good friends tonight. And Michael’s dependence on my giving nature is not going to ruin my mood. I won’t let it.

-----

I get to Michael’s in record time. I’m really early, but I don’t especially feel like waiting ten minutes for Michael. He’s a guy, anyway. It’s not like he’s in there fixing his makeup. I’m sure he’s ready to go.

I honk the horn of my Jetta a few times. Staring at the house, I see a curtain move. Hank’s face appears for half a second and then the curtain moves back into place.

Ugh. I hate that man with a passion. He’s such an ass. Not to mention the worst foster father in the entire universe.

A few seconds later the front door opens and Michael steps out, frowning. I can tell by that frown that he’s pissed off at Hank. His foster father probably told him he can’t go out tonight. Not that Michael ever listens to Hank.

Michael charges into my Jetta, forcefully pulling his seatbelt over his shoulder. “Let’s get out of here before Hank decides to come out here and get physical.” This is all Michael says. I know how Hank can be, and I know that Michael isn’t joking; if I’m not out of the driveway in another ten seconds, my Jetta risks getting hit by a large baseball bat held by a very drunk foster father.

Michael and I don’t talk all the way to the Crashdown. Him because he’s just not a talkative person and I know he’s upset by whatever argument went down with Hank earlier, and myself because I just never know what to say in situations like this. Besides the fact that it’s a difficult situation to begin with, there’s also the fact that it’s Michael, someone who isn’t comfortable discussing his personal problems or opening up about how something hurts him. If I said something we’d just fight.

And I don’t feel like arguing with this dunce tonight. No offense to Michael, it’s just...out of all my friends, he’s the one who always gets on my last nerve. I want to have a good night tonight. No arguments. We just managed to get over our last fight.

I swear, for two friends who can’t stand each other half the time, Michael and I sure do act like an old married couple the other half of the time.

Ha ha ha. As if Michael would ever get married.

When we finally get to the Crashdown I pull in behind Max’s Jeep and put the car into park. Michael’s out of the car and heading towards the door of the Crashdown before I can blink.

Damn, the boy’s speedy.

I hurry to walk in with him, noting that everyone else has already arrived. Kyle and Tess are laughing and dancing, while Alex and Isabel are sitting in a booth, sharing a root beer float and staring dreamily into each other’s eyes.

Ugh, gag me. They’re so perfect, they make me sick.

Wait, what am I saying? That’s the kind of relationship I want.

I guess I’m just jealous. Stupid......friends.......that I’m jealous of.

I’m bad at insincere insults.

Anyway, Max and Liz are sitting at the counter, talking. Max is looking at Liz with this special light in his eyes. Everyone knows he likes her. Everyone except Liz. She won’t listen to me, even though I tell her everyday that Max has feelings for her.

While Max sits there staring longingly into Liz’s eyes, she’s blushing and looking down at her hands, a small smile on her face.

The girl’s got it bad.

I just wish she’d see that Max has it bad for her too. I’ll have to work on getting them together.

Matchmaker Maria is my name, love is my game.

Ok, I know. My motto needs work. A lot of work.

But back to what’s going on. Michael’s at the jukebox, changing the music, much to the disdain of Kyle and Tess, who are demanding to know how they’re supposed to slow dance to Metallica’s ‘Enter Sandman’. Michael just shrugs and heads to the counter to get himself a Cherry Coke.

Smiling and shaking my head at the grumbling of Tess and Kyle, I walk up to Max and Liz. Sitting on the other side of Max I say, “Hey girlfriend, what’s up?”

“Nothing,” says Liz.

“I was talking to Max,” I joke, flashing a smile.

Max laughs and turns to face me. “I’m good,” he replies. “Liz was telling me something interesting about you signing up for some online da-”

“No, no, no, no! Shhhh!” I glance up quickly to see if Michael overheard, but he doesn’t appear to be listening to us. He’s heading towards the swinging door, so I assume he’s going to fire up the grill and get some burgers going for us.

“Max, you can’t tell anyone,” I hiss. “Especially not Michael. If he finds out, I’ll never hear the end of it. Promise me you won’t tell.”

Max, still smiling, nods his head. “I won’t tell, Maria.”

“Thanks.” I sigh in relief, and then look at Liz. “And as for you, chica...don’t tell anyone else, got it?”

“Ok,” says Liz, quietly. “I’m sorry Maria. Don’t be mad at me for telling Max. He just asked what I did today and I told him I was at your house and it...just came out.”

The poor girl looks like she’s going to cry.

“Oh chica,” I say, hopping off my stool and going around to her side. “I’m not mad at you.” I wrap my arm around her and pull her into a hug. “You know I can’t be mad at you.”

“Hey!”

I glance up at Michael, who’s leaning through the window from the kitchen.

“Who wants a burger?” he asks, looking bored.

Everyone begins yelling out their orders to Michael at the same time, who somehow manages to get them all straight. I swear, the boy has a memory that’s out of this world.

I spend the rest of that night talking to Max and Liz, teasing Alex and Isabel for being so infatuated with each other, and dancing with Tess and Kyle to Michael’s outrageous music choices.

The food was good and the friends were better.

Ok, forget that last part. I sounded like a cheesy after school program. In any case, you get the point: I had a great time.

And now I’m going home. I dropped off Michael, who assured me that by this time Hank would be passed out and wouldn’t bother him, a few minutes ago at his house.

I plan on checking my email as soon as I get home.

I’m anxious to see if anyone’s interested in my online profiles.

I’m on the dating market, baby.

Maria’s going to get herself a man.

Hopefully.


To be continued...

[jbangelo]

Good update. Wonder how Maria will far in the online dating world. Something tells me it may not live up to her expectations.

[PMP]

Thanks again for the feedback jbangelo!

Part 3

Not a single response has come in. I’ve refreshed my email inbox a dozen times and...there’s just nothing there.

Ok, kids, this isn’t a big deal. I mean, it’s only been a few hours. I can’t expect miracles from this online dating stuff.

At least, not right away.

Switching off my computer, I head into the bathroom to get ready for bed. As I wash my face and brush my teeth I can’t help thinking about tonight. I really do want to find something as sweet and special as what Alex and Isabel have.

My mom tells me all the time that I’ll find it, someday. She’s a big believer in soul mates and she insists that everyone, myself included, has a soul mate.

Maybe I have one. Maybe I don’t.

I just know that for once, I want to be in love.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. I’m only 18, I just graduated from high school....so what’s the rush? Now’s the time in my life when I should get to know a lot of guys, and just have fun hanging out with people.

Maybe it sounds stupid, but that’s not enough for me. I’ve never been one of those ‘I need a man to live!’ type of girls. And I never will be.

Cause that’s a bunch of bullshit.

But I do want a boyfriend, for the cuddling and kissing and just......the emotional connection.

Oh, I don’t even know how to explain it, even to myself!

I throw my toothbrush back in the toothbrush holder and head back to my bedroom. I slip into bed and glance at my black computer screen.

Hopefully this online thing works out and doesn’t backfire on me.

-----

The next day I walk into the backroom of the Crashdown, ready to start my grueling shift serving the starving masses of Roswell. I’m greeted with the sight of Michael flipping burgers while Alex and Max lean casually against nearby walls, the three of them having a hushed conversation.

Glancing up quickly, all three guys fall into silence.

“Ok, guys, I know you’re all awed by my beauty, but don’t let that be an excuse to not talk to me,” I joke, tossing my purse into my locker and taking out my ugly (but comfortable) work shoes.

Michael just keeps on flipping burgers, while Alex and Max share a guilty look and then look anywhere but at me.

“What?” I ask. “Do I have a huge zit or something?”

“No,” Alex finally says. “It was just...we...um,” he cleared his throat. “We were having a guy talk.”

“Oh god,” is all I can think to say. I mean....really, a ‘guy talk’? That could be anything, and most of them....nothing I want to know about. I mean, it could be about which girl looks better than some other girl, the latest porno flick, or it could be something really immature...like who can or can’t burp the alphabet.

Yeah. Leave me out of that conversation. Please.

I pull my hair back into a messy bun and grab my pad of paper and a pencil. “Well guys, keep the guy talk back here, and feel free to never include me in the conversations,” I throw out over my shoulder as I head out the swinging door into the dining room of the Crashdown.

Crap.

It’s a madhouse.

Every booth and table is filled, as are all the bar stools. Liz looks to be the only other waitress on duty. There’s a huge soda spill behind the counter. All the containers for bussing tables are full of dirty dishes and food, and I notice that the counter between the dining room and the kitchen, where Michael is working, is half full of orders waiting to get to their respective tables.

It’s going to be a long day.

Welcome to my wonderful summer job.

-----

A few hours later, when I can finally take a break, Michael approaches me. I’m sitting in a corner booth, chowing down on a Galaxy Sub and a Blood of Alien Smoothie.

“Hey,” he greets me, sliding into the other side of the booth.

“Shouldn’t you be working the grill?” I ask, throwing him a questioning look.

“Jose’s here. I’m done for the day.”

“Lucky you,” I grumble. “I have four more hours to go. And all the day camps haven’t let out yet. You know that when they do, we’ll be overrun with ten year old brats looking to give me a hard time.”

At this, Michael smirks.

Jerk.

See, there are two big day camps here in Roswell for the kids. And they both let out at 3pm, at which time half the kids come into the Crashdown for something cool to drink. And there’s one group of boys, about four of them, all about ten or eleven years old, who have decided I’m the hottest thing ever, and they take every chance they can get to look down my shirt or even try to pinch my butt.

Yeah, that kid had something special on his burger that day.

Hey, he deserved it.

“You’ll make it through the day,” Michael assures me. “I mean, I can’t guarantee you won’t be groped by a pervy little kid, but hey, that comes with the job, right?”

“Ha ha, Michael.”

“Anyway, I’m having everyone over to my place tonight. I managed to get a case of beer, and Hank’s out of town for a few days. I don’t know why, but who really cares? The guys already said they’re coming for sure, and so did Isabel and Tess. Are you in?”

“I don’t know,” I answer, swallowing the last bite of my Galaxy Sub. “I’m pretty tired, and I have to work the breakfast shift here tomorrow. So I can’t be hungover.”

“Ok, well, if you want to just stop in, that’s cool too,” Michael said, standing up and stretching. “Let Liz know about it, ok? Tell her everyone else is getting to my place around 8pm.”

“Will do,” I say, giving Michael a cheesy salute, causing him to smirk.

“Thanks. Good luck with the pervy preteens.”

“Shut up, Michael.”


To be continued...

[jbangelo]

I just know that for once, I want to be in love.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. I’m only 18, I just graduated from high school....so what’s the rush? Now’s the time in my life when I should get to know a lot of guys, and just have fun hanging out with people.

Maybe it sounds stupid, but that’s not enough for me. I’ve never been one of those ‘I need a man to live!’ type of girls. And I never will be.

Cause that’s a bunch of bullshit.

But I do want a boyfriend, for the cuddling and kissing and just......the emotional connection.

Oh, I don’t even know how to explain it, even to myself!

I know exactly how Maria feels! Good update! :D

[Island Breeze]

godlyguerin and MariaWhammy! Great chapters! I agree with Jenny. I can understand Maria's feelings exactly!

[PMP]

Thanks for the feedback. And be patient with me, I know it's not very Candy-ish yet, but it will be!



Part 4

Finally my shift ends, after one too many run-ins with my favorite little pervy preteens.

I debate whether or not to head over to Michael’s house later. But for now I need a shower. I smell like a deep-fryer.

Taking my Jetta as fast as I dare to push it, I get home in record time. I take a quick shower and then, after toweling off and wrapping my hair in a huge fluffy towel, I plop myself into my desk chair and flip on my computer.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is again time for me to check on my online dating prospects.

Wish me luck.

I log into my email and see that I’ve received a few emails. One is a stupid chain letter from my mom, one is a reminder from Liz that I’m taking her shift on Friday so she can go to the dentist, and the last...is an email from a guy.

Excitedly I read through the email and then fumble to find my phone. I speed dial Liz and tap my nails impatiently on the desk until she answers.

“Hey ” I greet her. “Everyone’s going to Michael’s later, around-”

“Yeah, Max told me,” Liz interrupts.

“Cool. So anyway...I got my first email from a guy ”

“What does it say?” Liz asks, sounding almost as excited as me.

What a turn around! Just yesterday she thought this online thing was a bunch of crap. I’ve been best friends with the girl for a very long time, but sometimes, she really surprises me.

“Oh, it wouldn’t interest you,” I say, smiling to myself as I hear her grunt in indignation.

“Maria Deluca, you read me that email right now, before I-”

“Ok, ok, I’ll read it,” I give in, laughing. “It says -

Dear ‘Rambunctious in Roswell’ -

You sound like a fun, sweet girl, and if you’re up for it, I’d love to meet with you. I was thinking a day in the park and then a picnic? Let me know if that’s ok and we’ll work out some details.

- An admirer

-and before you say anything, I’m going to meet with him. No, you can’t talk me out of it-”

On the other end of the phone Liz sighs. “Ok, Maria. I can’t tell you what to do, but just let me say one thing. Just...a suggestion.”

Now it’s my turn to sigh. “Go ahead,” I reply, uncertain of what’s to come.

“I think someone needs to go with you. To scope this guy out...see if he seems ok. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the first guy interested in you is automatically some kind of stalker. But Maria, I once saw this story, on Dateline, about this girl-”

“Are you done?” I interrupt impatiently.

“Yes,” comes back her weak reply.

“I don’t need anyone going on my dates with me, hun. I appreciate the thought, I really do, but it’s not going to happen.”

“I guess I knew you’d say no,” admits Liz. “I still felt obligated, as a best friend, to point out...this isn’t exactly the safest thing in the world that you’re doing, Maria.”

The girl has a point. A really good point.

“Well, I’ll make sure to meet him in a really public part of the park. And if he seems at all creepy at any point, I’ll um...I’ll call you, and the code word will be...um, asparagus.”

“Asparagus?” Liz asks. I know from her tone of voice that she is making a ‘what-the-fuck?’ face.

“Yes. If I call you and at any time say the word asparagus, come get me.”

“All right, Maria. So I take it you’ve emailed this guy back?”

“Not yet. But I’m about to,” I answer.

“Ok. So, will you be at Michael’s tonight?” she asks.

“I guess. I have nothing else to do.”

“Ok, see you later girl ”

“See ya, chica ”

I hang up my phone and crack my knuckles. It’s time to write an email...

-----

After writing a response to my admirer, I spend a little time looking through the online profiles of some guys who live relatively close to Roswell.

I can’t find a single guy I’d be interested in.

Giving up for the moment (after all, I should be content with the fact that I have a date in the works), I quickly braid my hair and throw on some lip gloss.

The drive to Michael’s is slow because a few streets are blocked off due to a big car accident. By the time I pull up to Michael’s house, it appears, by the cars parked in the driveway and along the curb, that everyone else has already arrived.

I let myself in the front door and...well, it’s really hard not to laugh right now.

I’m greeted with the sight of a very drunk Kyle standing on the coffee table and stripping, while everyone else stands around hooting and hollering, throwing whistles towards Kyle.

Everyone except Tess, that is. She’s grabbing Kyle’s arm, trying to get him off the table. “Come on, Kyle,” she urges. “Everyone doesn’t need to see your-”

“Woo hoo!” Kyle yells, flicking open the button on his jeans with one finger. “I love being naked!”

Oh yes.

This party is going to be interesting.

[Island Breeze]

Funny part! Kyle drunk could be a real

[jbangelo]

: Drunk Kyle! Nice part. Can't wait to see how Maria's "date" goes.