Fan Fic and More

Name: Peachykin
Title: The Memory of Her
Pairing: Mi/L
Rating: Adult
Disclaimer: I do not own Roswell, that belongs to Katims... unfortunately.
Summary: First few chapters are Michael and Liz POV, but switches to third person. What happens when Michael and Liz finally reveal their love?

~*~

Light creeps through the thin curtains in my apartment. I can sense the emptiness in my bed where Liz had been sleeping. Even before I open my eyes I know she’s gone. She must have left before dawn.

I roll over and bury my face in the worn out pillow where she’d rested her head, hoping it still has her scent on it. Undeniable comfort consumes me as the unmistakable scent of Liz, lavender and vanilla, wafts through my nose filling my lungs and my heart. The feeling fades as I miss the body that carried that scent.

This how it has to be. Neither of us like sneaking around, but too many people depend on us. We have to play our roles or this whole thing, Royal Four, future of our planets, friendships, will fall apart. We love our friends, Max and Maria, but not like we love each other.

So this is the dance we do. Some nights, after her parents go to sleep, she creeps out her window and comes to me. Some nights I come to her. And for a few brief hours we spend time together in truth and not the lie we put on for the others.

If you had told me two years ago that me, Stonewall Guerin, be in love with Liz Parker I would have told you screw off. But something happened after I stole her journal. I only wanted to see what she’d written about us, to make sure she wouldn’t get us in trouble. What I didn’t count on was seeing the real Liz. The concern she had not just for herself or Max, but all of us. Me.

I’d always envied Max for a lot of things, but never more than after I read what she wrote about him. Somehow, I knew in that moment that things would never be the same. That I would never be the same. Because I started to love Liz Parker. The words she wrote broke something inside me. I never believed humans were capable of the kind of compassion that she has for us. What did I know from love, except violence and abandonment?

I didn’t tell her how I felt. Hell, when do I ever tell anyone how I feel? But I couldn’t help but sense that she knew. Stolen glances that lasted a little too long. A brush of the hand that seemed innocent enough to the naked eye, but sent electricity though my body.
Then one night it happened. Something in her eyes told me I wasn’t alone in my torment. The way she stood there twisting her finger and biting her lip. Waiting. Begging me with those dark brown eyes, to do something. I don’t think I’ve moved across a room so fast in life.

I think she tried to say my name, but I didn’t give her a chance. Silence had been our refuge and I didn’t want it shattered. Everything that had gone unspoken in the over the months were finally said in that kiss. She was scared. Of me. Of the way I made her feel. Never a thought of Max or Maria. All I could feel was her. I knew by the way she was holding onto me that she felt me too.

Ever since then Liz and I have been together, in secret. We know we should tell everyone, but the time never seems right and our world feels so fragile, but never our love. That is stronger than anything I’ve ever known.

***

I’m not sure how she does it, but Liz seems to know me, no matter how many walls I put up. She always seems to know what I’m thinking.

I tend to put up this gruff exterior to keep from getting hurt. Over the years it worked it’s way inside and I wasn’t pretending anymore. I was angry. Angry at the people who left us here. Angry at Max and Isabel for having the family I never got. Just angry. And I found that when I’m with her, I’m not so angry. She calms me and helps me find my balance.

She’s never put any high expectations on me or demanded anything from our relationship. She told me once she was just happy to “be”. I still don’t know what she means, but she smiles when she says it, so it has to be a good thing.

Lately things have been rough. Alex was killed, by some unknown alien. Max got Tess pregnant and the baby is dying. And yesterday Liz, Maria, and I found everything we need to know to get home. We have to leave. I knew this day might happen; I just didn’t count on it coming so soon.

I haven’t told Liz about Max’s son or that we’re leaving yet. I was going to last night, but I couldn’t. I wanted to see her smile one more time. I wanted to feel her body beneath mine and know I was the one giving her that smile. That, if only for a moment I brought happiness into her life. I told myself I’d tell her this morning, but she’s already gone. Back to reality. Back to Max. And I go back to Maria.

Liz is going to find out we’re leaving soon enough. I want to be the one tell her, but I have a bad feeling it’s going to Max. I want to tell her I don’t want to leave her. If I had a choice I’d stay, but I don’t. There’s no other way home and whoever I was... am, is important to my planet.

I want to tell her I won’t forget her. I don’t want to forget her, but everything is so unknown. Damn Max. I was supposed to be the screw up not him.

I don’t want to leave my bed but I’m meeting Max, Isabel and Tess at the granolith to activate the damn thing. I’ll stay for a few more minutes. A few more minutes with the memory of her and how we were.

~*~
TBC...


Chapter 2 (Liz POV)


They are leaving. Michael is leaving. I can’t bear to say the words out loud. That makes it real. Why did I have to hear it from Max? Why didn’t Michael tell me last night?

Oh God! Last night was our last night together. No wonder he seemed so different last night. Michael’s always been passionate. “Intense.” is what Maria calls him. I never really saw him that way. But last night that was the only word to describe him. Intense. The way he made love to me, touched my face, and whispered my name over and over, as if saying my name was something sacred and holy.

~~~~*~~~~~

I was just getting into bed, exhausted from my trip to Las Cruces with Michael and Maria. We never had time to decide whose place we were going to be at that night because Maria was never more than an inch away from Michael. So I resigned myself to sleeping alone.

I took one last look outside my window, hoping maybe I’d see Michael climbing over the ledge. Instead I saw snow. Had to be Isabel. I lay back on my pillow, trying not to think about what finding the translation to the Destiny Book, would mean and the price Alex paid to get it. Michael, Max, Tess and Isabel had found their way home. Would Michael leave me? If not now, when?

My thoughts were broken by a gentle tapping on the window. I turned and saw Michael staring down at me. He looked different, almost scared. I swung my legs over the bed and quickly let him in.

“Michael. I thought you were with Max and...” I started.

“And Isabel,” he interrupted, his voice shaking. “Yeah, but now I need you to come with me.”

“But we could stay here. My parents are asleep.” I said confused.

“Liz. Please. I just need you to come with me. No questions.” he said urgently.

I opened my mouth to speak again, but something in his eyes begged me to just trust him, which I always did. I nodded my head and grabbed my sweatshirt from my desk chair. He was outside the window by the time I’d slipped on my shoes. He extended his hand to help me out. The snow was still falling.

I followed him down the fire escape and onto his bike. I pressed my body into his back and held him around his chest as we wound through the streets. He kept his hand on my thigh the whole time gently rubbing it with his thumb, as if making sure I was still with him.

We finally pulled up to his apartment and I handed him my helmet and waited for him to open the door. He held it open as I walked in. The air almost crackled. It was so tense. Something loomed. There was something he wasn’t telling me.

I turned to ask him what was wrong, but I was met by his predatory gaze. It was the same look he gave me the first night we kissed. We never said anything that night either and I had a feeling tonight would be the same.

Before I could even form another thought I was wrapped in his arms and his lips were devouring mine. I’d never felt him this way, primal, hungered, almost starving... intense. He didn’t just want me, he needed me. He need me to not to question his actions just to feel what he was feeling. He needed me to give into the hunger he felt and I was more than willing to give him that.

His hands tangled in my hair as his kisses grew more desperate. My lungs burned with need for air. I pulled my mouth from his and gasped. We were both panting heavily and I took a moment to search his eyes for any answers. They were dark with desire and I knew any questions I had would have to wait.

He took one of his large hands out of my hair and caressed my cheek gently. I always thought he could hold the whole world in those hands, or at least my world. He brushed his thumb over my parted and passion bruised lips. I could see him fighting back the tears that had welled in his eyes. I never minded if he cried, but I knew it embarrassed him. I rescued him by taking his thumb into my mouth and sucked gently, rolling my tongue over it causing him to moan low in his throat and close his eyes. Such a simple gesture made intensely erotic in that moment.

His tears seemed to disappear and he brought my face back to his for another bruising kiss. He gently urged me with his body to back up towards the bedroom. For every step I took back he took one forward, never letting our bodies be even a centimeter apart. I pushed his coat off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor. He did the same with my sweatshirt and it fell on top of his jacket. The two articles of clothing lay tangled on the floor, mirroring the state of their owners so many times before.

Michael’s hands were all over my body as we made our seemingly endless journey to the bed. His hands gripped my waist and moved beneath my tank top resting on my back. I started unbuttoning the top of his shirt feeling the frustration of not being close enough to his skin. In my impatience I ripped the shirt open sending buttons flying all over the room. I tore the offending garment from his body. I think it landed on a lamp, I didn’t care. I made a mental note to buy him a new shirt the next day.

I attached my mouth to his chest biting slightly and licking every exposed area I could find. Not realizing where we were Michael’s knees seem to buckle as he ran into the bed. We both gasped at the loss of each other’s touch. As he sat on the bed he reached his arms out and pulled me to him, settling me, standing, between his legs. I lifted my arms slightly allowing him to lift my tank top over my head. He rested his head for a moment between my breasts, his soft hair tickling my chest. I watched him close his eyes as he listened to my heart beating, as though he were memorizing it. I could feel his warm breath dancing over my nipple hardening it immediately and sending an undeniable ache to my lower body. I wanted to feel his mouth on me, but this was his show so I remained still.

As if reading my mind, I felt his lips close over my nipple. I let out a moan, not even attempting to stifle it. I wanted him to know he affected me as much I seemed to affect him. He responded by sucking harder and pulling me closer. I threw my head back as he switched to the other side making sure each breast got equal attention.

I became fully aware of him as his too tight pants revealed his straining erection to me. I attempted to relieve him of that strain, but he shook his head only saying. “Not yet.” I ached to know what exquisite torture he had in store for me.

His hands moved down to the waistband of my pajama bottoms. He deftly untied the string holding them up and slipped them off my hips gathering at my feet. I saw a smile cross his face for the first time as he saw I had no underwear on underneath. “That’s my girl.” he whispered.

He stood up from the bed to tower over me. I took the opportunity to apply some torture of my own caressing his erection through his jeans. He hissed and took my hand in his own bringing it up to his face and kissing my palm.

He gently lifted me onto the bed and his body hovered over mine. I could see his muscles straining under the weight of his formidable body. He leaned in for another kiss, his tongue teasing mine. He made his way down my body leaving no curve or plane untouched by his mouth. I nearly cried out when he kissed my inner thigh his breath flowing over my extremely sensitive core.

I could barely see the ceiling my vision was so blurred with lust and I let out a cry as I felt his tongue slowly, torturously glide over my folds, never touching exactly where I wanted him to most. My whole body reacted to his ministrations. I had no control over my hips, but he steadied them with his strong hand.

When I thought I could take no more I whispered his name desperate plea for release. “Michael... Please.”

That was enough for him as he locked his mouth onto my bundle of nerves sending shockwaves through my body. I grabbed the headboard and arched my back as my orgasm crashed through my body. I screamed what can only be described as an unintelligible language as I rocked against his mouth.

I released the headboard when I felt him leave me and he stretched out next to my still shaking body. I looked over at him with hooded eyes and grinned. He grinned back, but it was only for a second. Another look of worry crossed his beautiful face. I hated seeing him like that, especially after what he had just done to me.

He avoided my gaze for a moment by putting his hand over his eyes and sighing deeply. That was my chance to catch him off guard. I slid down his body and before he could protest I unbuttoned his jeans and slipped them off his hips. A wicked grin took over my face as I realized he wasn’t wearing any boxers and I came face to face with his gorgeous member. “That’s my boy.” I said huskily.

“Liz... you don’t have too. I want this to be about you.” he protested.

His plea was lost on me as I gently gripped the base of his shaft and ran my tongue up to the head. I heard his breath hitch and his body tensed and I took that as my cue to continue. I took the head into my mouth sucking gently then rolling my tongue over it as I had done earlier with his thumb.

“Liz...” he panted as though he forgot to breathe.

I never thought of my name as a sexual word, but the way he said it sent that familiar curl of heat to my core. I took him fully into my mouth and bobbed my head a few times. I lightly scraped his head with my teeth eliciting a groan from deep in is throat. I looked up at him his hand still covering his eyes and biting his lip trying to remain in control.

I felt his hands reach for my face as I took him deeply one more time. He lifted my head forcing me to release him from my mouth. His eyes were black with desire and he growled my name sitting up. He gripped my shoulder and rolled me over. Our bodies lying sideways on his bed, my hair cascading over the edge. This time he didn’t hover over me as he kissed me. I felt the comfort of his weight resting on me. I could feel his erection resting at my entrance.

He looked into my eyes and slid inside me, not gently, but not rough either. We both let out moans as he filled my body. This was always my favorite part of making love to Michael. Sure, the orgasms were mind blowing, interstellar, but it was the always the first moment our bodies were joined that always took my breath away.

He thrust in and out of me slowly at first building our speed as our control slipped away from us. He never said anything, but my name. I could tell, by the volume at which he spoke, how close he was and he wouldn’t last that much longer.

He never closed his eyes; he kept them locked with mine. I smiled for a moment, happy that I would be the only one to see him like that. Vulnerable. Out of control. In love. For some reason that smile seemed to be is undoing. I felt him throb inside me and the he yelled my name. That was enough to send me into my second orgasm. I cried his name over and over until our bodies, slick with our sweat, came to a rest.

In my haze I swore I could hear car alarms going off, and the street seemed darker as though the lights had gone out. Only the sounds of our breathing filled the air.

I wrapped my arms around Michael and stroked his back. He brought up his head and nuzzled my neck. I felt tears fall on my collarbone. He was crying. Sobs began to rack is body as I held him, confused. We’d made love so many times before and he never cried. Why was this so different? Was it because of the bomb that nearly killed me today? Was I closer to death than I had realized?

Finally wanting answers I lifted his face to mine, “What’s wrong, Michael?”

He couldn’t, or wouldn’t, answer me. The tears kept coming and he seemed muted by a lump in his throat that no amount of swallowing could get rid of.

He slipped out of my body and rolled off. Ashamed I’d seen him cry. I moved to lay against the pillow and brought him with me resting his head on my chest and griping my waist. I stroked his hair trying as best to soothe whatever pain seemed to grip his heart.

“I love you.” I whispered.

“I love you too.” he finally replied.

We sat like that for what seemed like hours. I was about to press him about hat made him so upset, but I felt his breath grow even and realized he’d fallen asleep, his arms still wrapped around me tightly as though I might float away. His steady heartbeat lulled me to into slumber.

When I woke he was still sleeping, one arm was draped across my waist still anchoring me to him. I had to go home. I would have stayed longer if I’d only known. Just to hear him tell me he was going leaving. But it was almost dawn and I had to get home. I didn’t want to wake him. Now I wish I had.

He looked so peaceful sleeping there. The rise and fall of his chest was so even and his heartbeat was steady and strong. Even the harsh look on his face normally carries was gone. Moments of peace seem few and far between for all of us, but especially for Michael. Sometimes I think I’m the only one who really understands that or appreciates that despite his pain he’s always pushing it away to protect the others.

Now I know why he was so intense last night. He was memorizing my body to take with him on his journey. Every swell, every plane etched into his memory. If I’d known I would have done the same. To think of all that time I wasted hunting down Leanna with Max, when I could’ve been saying goodbye to Michael. The man I truly love.

Instead, I’m lying in my bed. Alone. Waiting for the familiar sound of his Dr. Marten’s on my balcony. Knowing they will never come. He’s saying goodbye to Maria. I can’t even think about what that means.

Michael’s so damn noble, sometimes. If the others only knew what he’s sacrificed for them. His happiness. With me. Everyone thinks of Michael as the loose canon. If anything he’s the most stable one of the us. I wanted to tell everyone about us when we first got together, but he said we have our roles to play. We had to keep everyone in balance. If we revealed our true feelings for each other’s it would destroy all of that. I knew he was right, but at this moment it seems like it was a stupid sacrifice. Right now I don’t care who it hurts. I just want Michael.

I should have known something was wrong this morning when he and Max came to the Crashdown. I saw it in his eyes. It was the same look he had when we first found out Alex had been killed. Scared and sad. But Max needed to talk to me and I foolishly went with him. That was the last time I saw Michael. With that look in his eyes. That’s the memory I’ll have to hold.

It was all for nothing. Leanna didn’t kill Alex. The killer is still out there and he’s... they... are just leaving us. They’re going to get on their spaceship an hop off this little rock. How can they leave knowing we’re still in danger? How can Michael leave me?

In an effort to keep my mind off of what he’s doing with Maria I try to think of the good times we had. Tears burn my eyes as I remember our firsts. The first time I knew he trusted me not only with his secret, but with his heart. The first time he looked at me with love in his eyes. The first time he kissed me. The first time he pulled me into the Eraser Room for a heavy make-out session.

The first time we made love, he was so nervous. So was I. He was shaking and I kissed him. He stilled and told me he loved me. He’s the only one who truly knew what was in my heart. He’ll be the only one.

There are so many things I want to say to Michael. How much I’ll miss stealing glances at him during work. How much I’ll miss hearing his unmistakable footsteps on my balcony. Or the way he scratches his right eyebrow when he’s concentrating on something. Even the way his stubborn sense of duty aggravated me. I just hope he knows how much I’ll miss him. How much I love him.

My thoughts keep drifting back to his apartment. Our apartment. That was our place to “be”. Now he was sharing it with her. Her head could be lying on the pillow Michael bought for me when I complained his were too lumpy. Her heart is beating next to his. Maria who he loves, but like Max said tonight, “Not like he loves me.”

I feel restless and nauseous. I have to get out of here. I keep seeing Michael with Maria. The man I love sharing our bed with my best friend. Its pain I’ve never known existed.

I grab my jacket and step out of the window. Where am I going? Where can I go? Who can help me keep my mind off of Michael and Maria?

“Sean.” I say out loud.

Please forgive me Michael.

~*~
TBC...


Chapter 3 (Michael)



It’s almost dawn again as Isabel, Max, Tess and I walk through the desert to the granolith. None of us has said anything since we left Valenti and hour ago. Normally I’d welcome the silence. It drowns out the noise in my head. Now it’s too quiet, leaving me alone with my memories of Liz.

If I could just hear her laugh one more time or even say my name. My last night on Earth was supposed to be with her not Maria. It should’ve been with Liz. I’m not a bastard. Or at least I try not to be. I love Maria. Just not like I love Liz. I don’t think I’ll love anyone like I love Liz. That’s why when it came down to it tonight, I couldn’t sleep with Maria, but I couldn’t break her heart either. She believed me when I said that I couldn’t let our first time be our only time, because I was leaving. Part of me bought into it too. Truth was I’d already spent my last night with Liz and I didn’t want to ruin that by having sex with Maria. See, I told you. At least I try not to be a bastard.

So I did what I thought Maria would most appreciate. I showed her my life, I owed her that much. It took everything I had to put her image in the center of my universe, instead of Liz. For once in my life I wanted to leave someone happy, because I knew Liz wasn’t.

Tess and Isabel’s muffled sobs bring me out of my thoughts momentarily, as we walk in darkness. This was supposed to be the best day of my life, or at the very least the happiest. Going home.

Somehow, now, it seems all wrong. Forced. I feel as though I’m being ripped away from my life here instead of being allowed to let go. How could I ever let go of Liz?

I see Max holding onto Tess and I want to take him aside and ask him how Liz was? How did she take the news? Does she hate him for what he’s done? Does she hate me? Maybe someday, if this little trip doesn’t kill us, I’ll ask him. For now I’ll play my part, stoic and silent.

My thoughts drift again as I gaze at the fading stars. a smile creeps over my face as I remember a day last year with Liz. She told me once it was the best day she’d ever had. I teased her and said “In Roswell, that’s not saying much.” But now that I think about it, she was right.

~*~

It had been shaping up to be the worst day of my life. My damn alarm clock never went off. I knew I was going to miss the bus, but I just got my motorcycle. No problem. Then I looked outside and it was pouring down rain. Just great.

I picked up the phone to call Max for a ride, but there was no dial tone. Forgot to pay the phone company again. Perfect. Really getting those emancipation things down aren’t you, Guerin?
So I rode to work in the rain and was late. Mr. Parker was pissed. He didn’t yell at me. He didn’t have to. The look on his face was enough. Jose started flipping me crap the second I put my apron on. I tried to ignore him, but a guy can only take so much.

Of course we got busy as hell. Apparently the entire population of Roswell had forgotten how to cook and landed right smack dab at the Crashdown’s doorstep. I couldn’t keep up and got the orders all wrong.

To top it all off Liz wasn’t there. She was out with good old Max. Every mother’s dream and a royal pain in my ass.

I finally got a break after the lunch rush had quieted. I went into the alley and looked skyward. The sun had broken through the clouds and the rain had stopped. I slid down the wall and sat on a dry patch of ground with my head in my hands.

After a few minutes I was startled when I felt someone’s fingers running through my hair.

“What the...” I said jerking my head away.

“Calm down, Michael. It’s just me.” Liz said smiling, “You’re hair’s getting long. You won’t be able to do spikes much longer.”

“Everyone needs change.” I said standing up. “What are you doing here? I thought you were spending the day with Superboy.”

It came out gruffer than I had intended. Her smile disappeared and she seemed concerned. Yeah, this was a great day.

“We came in for lunch.” she said biting her lip. “You okay?”

“Me? I’m perfect. Let’s see... I woke up late. Had to drive here on my motorcycle in the rain. Jose won’t let up. I can’t seem to fill a stupid order and my girlfriend is spending the day making goo-goo eyes at my best friend. I’m fuckin’ perfect.” I said sarcastically.

Concern turned to anger on her face. “Hey! You know it wasn’t my bright idea to keep us a secret pal! That’s on you!” she said folding her arms across her chest.

That’s one thing I have always loved about Liz. She gave as good as she got. She never took crap from anyone and never backed down. Especially from me.

“I just came back here to let you know,” she continued, “that every moment I spend with Max I’m thinking about you... You big jerk. But hey, I’ll just go.”

She turned her back to me and headed for the door. I was going let her go. Just add it to my list of shitty things happening that day, but I couldn’t. I could deal with all the other crap life had to throw at me, but having the one person who I care about most in this world pissed at me was too much.

“Wait Liz.” I said. She stopped, “I’ve just had a really bad day. Okay?”

“Is that an apology?” she asked as a smile teased the corners of her mouth.

“Best you’re gonna get from me.” I said smirking. Hey, since when have you known me to apologize for anything? I have a reputation you know.

The hand that was holding the doorknob fell and Liz walked towards me. She brought her hand up to my face and looked up at me with her soft brown eyes.

“You’re gonna have to do better than that, Guerin. Good looks and a tight t-shirt will only go so far with this chick.” she said with a wicked smile and went back inside the café. Great! Now Liz was mad at me. My day was complete.

A few minutes later, even more frustrated than when I first came outside, I went back in and started flipping burgers. Occasionally I’d glance up from my task and watch Max with Liz. He’d touch her hand or brush some hair from her face and I’d cringe hoping no one would notice.

Why did I have to be so protective of Max? I mean the guy is like a brother to me, but we all have to go through some heartache. Lord knows I’d been through enough in my lifetime. I wanted Liz all to myself, but Max was always stronger with her by his side. We needed him strong. Why did I have to love this girl so much? Oh, I remember. I’m an idiot. A big happy, crazy, in love, alien idiot.

After another torturous thirty minutes I watched Max and Liz leave and get into the Jeep. Then I saw Liz get out and walk back into the café. She picked up a spare order pad and started scribbling down something. She tore off the piece of paper and stuck it in the order wheel.

“Order in.” she said winking at me.

She ran back out to Max and they took off to who knows where. I grabbed the paper from the wheel and read it:

<i>“Meet me in the alley after closing.
There’s someplace special I want to take you.
I love you

P.S. His touch is nothing like yours.” </i>

I smiled and destroyed the note. No evidence.

~*~
I waited in the alley, on my motorcycle, after I closed the café. I saw her bedroom light go off and soon she was climbing down the fire escape wearing a backpack.

“Took you long enough.” I said trying not to sound too happy to see her. Truth is, I always was.

“It’s nice to see you too.” she said as she climbed on behind me.

“Where are we going?” I asked.

“Frazier Woods.” she said wrapping her arms around me.

“Frazier Woods? What so special about...?” I started to say.

“Would you shut up for once and just trust me?” she interrupted frustration lacing her words.

I relented, “Yes ‘mam.” I said saluting.

I started up the bike and headed out to Liz’s requested destination. We didn’t speak the whole time. I was enjoying the silence and reveling in the feeling of her body pressed to my back.

When we finally arrived at Frazier Woods I hid my bike behind a bush while Liz dug a flashlight out of her backpack. She didn’t need it. The moon was full and the light seemed to hit everything. Especially her. She caught me staring.

“What?” she asked.

“Nothing.” I said looking around avoiding her eyes, “Just waiting for you to hurry up.”

“Geez Michael! What bug flew up you ass today?” she asked.

“A really big one.” I replied gruffly. Yeah an Evanus Maximus. “You ready?”

She nodded and took my hand leading me to wherever it was she deemed “special”.

“Will you tell me where we’re going already?” I asked impatiently.

She put her index finger to her lips. “Shh. Patience Spaceboy.” she said.

“You know... I really wish people would stop calling me that.” I growled.

Ten minutes later we stopped at a huge boulder. Nothing special about the place. Trees, dirt and a stupid rock.

“Great! A rock. Now my life is complete.”

Liz ignored my comment, took off her backpack and removed two blankets from its contents. She placed them one on the ground and sat on it.

“Sit. Please?” she said asked the empty space next to her.

I sighed and obeying her command. Never could resist that woman.

“Now will you tell me what’s so special about this place?” I asked her.

“Lay down.” she whispered.

Now that was an order I couldn’t get wrong. Laying down next my girlfriend after a really horrible day. She rested her head on my arm and stared into the night sky.

I followed her gaze and saw that the tree canopy opened up to the stars. Nothing to special there. I’ve seen the stars a million times, looking for home.

“Liz...” I said.

“Just keep watching, Michael.” she said.

Then I saw a streak across the night sky. Then another and another.

“Hey!” I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

“It’s a meteor shower.” she said. I could hear the giddiness in her voice. My little scientist.

“I’ve never seen one of those.” I told her.

“I know.” she replied, “Alex said this would be the best place to see it.”

“Alex?” I said panicking, “Y...You didn’t tell him about...”
She shook her head. “No. He mentioned it to me a couple days ago. He asked Isabel to go with him, but she turned him down...”

“Again.” we both said laughing.

We kept watching the stars fall from the sky and burn across Earth’s atmosphere. All I could hear was Liz breathing. If I really focused I could hear her heart beating. I felt like a jerk for being so mean to her earlier. I broke the silence.

“Poor bastard never knew what hit him.” I said still watching the sky.

“True. But Alex will be okay. Plus he’s persistent. It’s only a matter of time before Isabel caves.” she said giggling.

“I meant me.” I said looking over at her.

Her smile disappeared as her eyes met mine. She didn’t say anything. She just kept staring at me with those eyes men seemed to get lost in. I seemed to be no exception.

She rolled onto her side and her face hovered above mine. That wicked smile I’d seen earlier was back, “Now that’s an apology.” she said.

Before I could defend my manly honor she kissed me. Warm, delicate lips I’d been aching to kiss all day. I ran my hands through her soft, dark hair and she deepened the kiss. Who cared about male or alien pride when I had Liz Parker making a meal out of my mouth? Who cared about a crappy day when it ended like this. All was right with the world in this little bubble she and I had created.

I rolled us over until she was beneath me. I always felt like I was going to break her with all my weight on top of her, but she never complained. There also seemed to be something different in her eyes. Something that wasn’t there before. I saw the reflection of the shooting stars dance in them, but there was something beyond that. Something I’d never seen before, but I knew I liked it.

I pressed my lips to hers again and she moved her body even closer to mine. As I moved my mouth down her neck I heard her whisper my name.

“Michael?”

“Yeah?” was my reply, barely letting my lips leave her golden skin.

“Michael.” she said a little more urgently.
I felt her hands lift my head up and brought me to her face. Her eyes were burning now. Desire seemed to fill them.

“What’s wrong?” I asked wanting only to devour her lips.

“I’m ready.” she said without hesitation.

“What?” I said a little stunned.

I mean, I knew exactly what she meant, but I couldn’t believe she was saying the words. We’d both been ready for a long time; she was just the first to say it.

Now, we had shared some hot and heavy make out sessions before, in just about every place imaginable, but it never went any further than that. We were left thoroughly frustrated and could corner the market on cold showers, but we didn’t want to risk the consequences. I didn’t want to hurt her.

“I said, ‘I’m ready,’ Michael.” she repeated making sure I knew she was completely serious. There was no fear in her eyes, but I knew there was plenty in mine.

“We can’t, Liz.” I said trying to sound as reasonable as possible, when truth was that my whole body ached to be inside her, “What if something happened to you?”

“Then I’ll die happy.” she said with a smile.

“Not funny, Liz,” trying my damndest not to crack a smile, but failed miserably.

Her face grew serious again and she touched my cheek softly with her fingers. I saw tears fill her eyes.

“Michael. All I know is that I love you and this feels right.” she said, her voice finally wavering slightly.

I didn’t know what to tell her. My resolve was crumbling with each passing second. I knew what she said was true, but I was still scared. Yes I, Michael “Nothing Scares Me” Guerin was terrified.

I brought my now trembling hand to her face to wipe away the tears that stained her cheeks.

“You’re shaking.” she said with a gentle smile.

She kissed my forehead and I felt a rush of emotion. Not flashes. Something deeper than that. She poured everything she felt about me in that simple kiss.

My hands stopped shaking and a calm came over me. I wasn’t scared anymore. For the first time in my life I knew what it felt like to be unconditionally loved.

That night we made love for the first time. It wasn’t perfect like you see in those chick movies, but it was as close as you could get.

The feel of her body beneath me. Her back arched and head thrown back in ecstasy. If it was cold out we didn’t know it. I loved how when she called my name she did so at the top of her lungs, letting the world know, or at least the various woodland creatures, that I was the one giving her that pleasure.

That was the night I became a man. Not because, I had sex, but because I made love to Liz Parker. I made her happy. And for once in my short existence, I didn’t feel like a screw-up.

Afterwards we huddled our naked bodies together and stared back up at the raining stars.

“Just think Michael,” she said quietly. “Somewhere up there is your home.”

I couldn’t help but think what she had just said sounded wrong. Why? She was right. Somewhere in that endless array of celestials was my home planet.

“Yeah,” was all I could say.

She must’ve seen the perplexed look on my face. She pressed her body closer to mine, a sensation that would come to mean many things to me. Exhilaration. Comfort. Ecstasy.

“Don’t worry, Michael.” she whispered, “Someday you’ll find home.”

~*~

Now, as the four of us walk through the desert, I look to the pre-dawn sky and remember the best day of my life.

“Thank you.” I say out loud hoping in someway Liz can hear me.

“What?” Max asks me.

“Nothing.” I answer.

~*~

TBC...

Chapter 4 (Liz)


As Sean maneuvered us to the fold out couch that was his bed, I threw my jacket off and heard it softly thump on the floor. I jump slightly remembering the previous night with Michael and how his coat made that same sound on his floor. I chastised myself for thinking of Michael again. I was there to forget him, so why did he keep entering my mind.

I continued kissing Sean fiercely, nothing gentle about it. I felt his weight as he lay on top of me. It was foreign and awkward. My body was so used to Michael’s; it was as if it was rejecting Sean’s touch. Had Michael become so much a part of me? Who was I kidding? Of course he had.

My frustration was building as every time I closed my eyes I’d see Michael, but feel Sean touching me. It was all wrong. It wasn’t Sean’s fault. He didn’t know my body like Michael did.

I wondered if Michael was feeling the same way about Maria. If her skin felt like mine. If she had a spot on her body that drove her crazy when touched. Would Michael find it?

I fought back an angry growl and rolled over so I was on top of Sean, desperately trying to feel something for him or from him. Damn Max Evans. None of this would be happening if he had just been more careful. Did he know what this was doing to all of us? What his one selfish act was taking away me? I thought Michael loved me enough to stay. Am I selfish because I didn’t want him to go?

A sob escaped my mouth in between kisses with Sean. I couldn’t breathe. Grief was consuming me. I pushed myself away from him fighting for air.

“What’s wrong?” he panted, “Are you all right?”

I sucked air into my lungs trying not to fall apart. I shook my head emphatically. “No... No. Everything is not all right, Sean.” I was suffocating without Michael.

He looked at me, not scared, but confused, even a little worried. I owed him at least a small explanation.

“Mic..” No Liz not Michael. He’s not the one who made this happen. You know who you’re really angry at.

“Max Evans broke my heart.” I finally said. Like a tidal wave hitting me my tears began to flow and I couldn’t stop.

I was always grateful to Max for saving my life, but now I was wishing he never had. Ever since that day Max Evans has done nothing but hurt me. If he’d let me die I would never have found true love with Michael. I would never know what it was like to love and to be loved in return. I would never have known what it was like to be touched by a man so deeply it made my soul shiver.
You’d think I’d be grateful for having experienced all of those things, but at that moment it just hurt too much. Reality was just too real, too raw, and too painful. I knew what I was losing and I just wanted to curl up and die.

Sean wrapped me up in his arms and just let me cry. Occasionally he’d stroke my hair or kiss my forehead to comfort me and in some ways it did. While they weren’t Michael’s arms wrapped around me, for that brief time I could at least pretend.

****************
So I couldn’t go through with it. As angry as I was at the world, as hurt as I was about Michael, I couldn’t drown my sorrows in another man. It would have cheapened the love I had for Michael. He was not replaceable. Ever.

Sean left me after about an hour ago, said something about taking a walk. I must have gotten him pretty riled up and I couldn’t blame him for leaving me alone. I wanted to tell him the whole story, but I knew he already felt like a pawn, no sense in me confirming it for him.

The water in the kitchen is running. Amy must be fixing some tea. I see Maria slipping in the back door. Her face, like mine, stained with tears.

She parts the beaded curtain and lets out a loud sigh and flops beside me. She smells like Michael’s apartment, but oddly enough, not like Michael. I continue to stare at the ceiling trying not to cry again.

“I can’t believe this is happening” she says her voice shaking with sadness.

I want to ask her so badly what her last night with Michael was like. Did he cry when he made love to her? Did he accidentally call my name? But all I can manage to say is, “I know.”

“I can’t believe it. His last night on Earth...All these games we’ve been playing and... he’s leaving here a virgin.” Maria said almost exasperated.

My heart jumps. “What?” I ask too relieved to care, “You mean.. you two didn’t...?”

“Have hot alien sex? No.” Maria answers, “He said he didn’t want him leaving to be the reason we did it. Part of me agrees with him, Liz, but there was part of me that just feels incomplete.”

“I’m sorry.” I say, but I think I don’t delude myself into believing I’m sorry.

I know I should feel guilty for being happy, but I just can’t bring myself to feel that. I want to comfort Maria, but inside I’m practically doing cartwheels. Thank God I didn’t sleep with Sean. Michael is going to leave this earth only having known my body. I should have had more faith in him.

“Damn Max Evans!” Maria say through her teeth. She looks over at me. “Sorry, I know you love him, but...”

“Don’t be Maria. I’m not feeling so great about Max right now either.” I say reassuring her.

The room falls silent. My elation begins to fade as the fact that they are still leaving sinks in. Michael may not have slept with Maria, but I’ll never see him again. I think Maria is feeling the same thing. I’ve never hated Maria for loving Michael. I was just jealous she got to show it so openly. Tonight we were both losing him.

The silence we were reveling in is shattered when we hear a faint tapping noise, like fingernails on the counter. Rhythmic. The same pattern over and over. Then Amy begins shouting.

“Larek his name was Larek! Not Brody!”

Maria and I look over at each other with wide eyes. There’s no way Amy should remember Brody was Larek, unless... Tess’ mindwarp was fading. We grab each others hands and make our way into the kitchen to check on Amy.

She’s pacing the room looking around as though she’s forgotten something that’s on the tip of her tongue. If she only knew the magnitude of her discovery.

“....and he’s got a gun! He pointing a gun at my daughter!” she continues.

Maria and I exchange worried glances again as Amy make her way to the stove to check on her water wracking her brain for more information.

“M... Mom?” Maria says tentatively.

As if snapping out of a daze Amy looks over at us. “Maria? Maria! What are you doing up? And Liz... Liz it’s nearly three-o-clock in the morning.” Amy says.

“Mom, are you okay?” Maria asks.

“I’m fine I just couldn’t sleep.” she answers. Then her nails begin their rhythm on the stove top. I’d heard that rhythm before. But where?

Maria begins talking to her mother trying to make sure she’s feeling okay as I try to put the pieces together.

Then it hits me. Kyle at the Crashdown this morning. He couldn’t stop that tapping. No. Go back further Parker. You’ve heard it before that. Think! Alex. He tapped his bass the same way before he died. What’s the connection?

“It’s Tess.” I say out loud.

“What?” Maria asks searching my eyes for an answer.


“It’s Tess. She’s connected somehow! We don’t have time! Let’s go Maria!” I say urgently tugging on my friends arm.

“Wait! Where are we going?” she asks fishing in her purse for her keys.

“We have to get to Kyle’s!” I say pulling her along.

I knew if Tess was connected in some way it could only end up bad. I had to get to Kyle’s and make sure. Please let me get there in time.

~*~
TBC...


Chapter 5 (Michael)

Only a few more minutes and we leave the only home we’ve ever known. The sun is blaring down on us. When did that happen? I must have been so wrapped up in my thoughts of Liz that I missed my last sunrise here. Would the sun feel the same on Antar? I can’t imagine it would. Nothing will feel the same without Liz.

Max lifts his hand to the rock and the cave door opens. We all step inside and gaze in wonder at the lights reflecting off the alien metal. Dammit. This feels so wrong. It’s too soon. There wasn’t enough time.

I look over at Tess who seems to be getting more and more nervous the closer we come to leaving. Always being suspicious I have to wonder if she’s hiding something or if she’s just scared about our impending voyage.

I look over to Isabel. She’s scared. Just as scared as I am. She’s leaving something behind too. Family. She doesn’t want to leave either, but Max is her brother and she’ll always follow him. I don’t think either of us are hiding the doubt and reluctance on our faces.

Tess winces in pain again and Max holds onto her. I hear him whisper something to her, trying to soothe her and their child.

“Don’t worry. We’ll be home soon.” he says.

Liz’s words echo through my head: “Don’t worry, Michael. Someday you’ll find home.”

Then like a bolt of lightening it hit me.
Liz. Is. Home.
She’s the one who keeps me grounded. She broke down my walls and kept them down. She’s the one who holds my heart. She has all the answers I’ll ever need. She’s the one who loves me no matter how much of a screw up I am. I never just want Liz, I need her.

How can I leave now when I’ve finally found where I belonged? How can I stay and forsake the only family I’ve ever known?

And what about the others? We never found who killed Alex. They are still out there. Liz, Kyle, Valenti and Maria will have to face whoever it is alone. Are they strong enough? I always promised to protect them, especially Liz.

My mind was racing. Wherever we’re going I knew could never live, truly live, without Liz or without knowing what happened to her. Would she get over me? Would she find love again? Would she have children and someday tell them about me? Then I realize, these are things I don’t want answers to, because that would mean I was gone. Now is the time to do something bold. Go after what I want. Why can’t I speak up? Have I been so terrified to have something good in my life, that when it counts the most, I can’t do it?

I see Max’s hand raise up to start the launch sequence. It’s now or never Guerin, time to start living.

“Max... I can’t go.” I say trying to sound determined. I hear my voice echo off the walls. I really said it. The last wall in my heart broken down, again, by Liz’s love. Max brings his hand down and looks over at me.

I hear Isabel take in a sharp breath. She wasn’t expecting that. I don’t think Tess was either. I thought I saw her jump. I see the question in all their eyes. Me, the one who has been determined since day one to get of this rock, always running, is staying.

“Ever since we came out of the pods I’ve been on some quest to find out where I belong. I finally found home (Liz). The weird thing is... it’s here, it’s on earth.” The words seem easier now. I’m not asking for permission, I’m demanding.

I wait for Max to object. Get mad, forbid me... something. But he doesn’t. A smile crosses his face. “You of all people.” He advances towards me and we embrace, “Take care of yourself, Michael. I love you.”

Would he be saying this if he knew the real reason why I couldn’t leave?

“You’re a great brother.” I say. He has been. He and Isabel were my only family for as long as I can remember. Now it’s time to start a new one.

“Take care of the others.” he says. His final order, request, to me. I nod. It was an easy order to take. I’ve always protected them that would never change.

Max turns his gaze over to Isabel. “I would understand...”

She shakes her head, “What you said before, you’re my home too.”

I could only hope I’d hear those words from Liz.

I turn to Isabel and hug her fiercely. My sister. My pseudo-mother. My friend. I will miss her.

“Well whoever is coming, we have to go. Now.” Tess says urgently. She seems highly agitated, but I dismiss it as I make my way to the exit. All I want to do now is run to Liz, take her home, and make love to her for days.

I place my hand on a stone and it opens once again. I step outside the light almost blinding me. But not before I see her. Liz. She’s here.

“Tess killed Alex!” Maria yells.

It was only then I noticed her and Kyle. Wait did she just say... Tess killed Alex? I look into Liz’s eyes.

“What?” is all I can say before we turn back in to stop the others.

~~~*~~~

Liz

Dammit! Can’t this thing go faster? Of course not it’s the Jetta. We have to get to them. They have to know Tess killed Alex and she may not be done. What if this was a set up? What if Tess was working with Kivar? Michael will die. They will all die.

I wanted to be wrong about Tess. I actually felt sorry for her. She came to a place where she was never made to feel welcome. She was raised by an alien, not a human. She never knew what it was like to have a true friend, maybe because we never gave her a chance.

But the time for pity was over the second Kyle got his memories back. She used Alex until there was nothing left. He begged her to stop and she didn’t. In trying to cover up what she’d done she killed him. He died alone, my best friend died alone, scared, pleading for his life and none of us knew. We couldn’t help, but maybe we could now. Alex’s will not have died in vain.

And Kyle, she made him a part of it. I look back at him. It’s as though he’s in shock. His memories of that night assaulted his mind and he looked lost, confused and angry. This girl he’d accepted into his life when no one else would, made him part of the murder of a boy who had become a friend. His entire world was crumbling around him.

“Why did I ignore my gut? I knew there was something wrong with that girl from day one! If I get my hands on her and I’m gonna...” Maria starts.

“Stand in line.” I growl.

We see the mile post and skid off the road towards the rock. A dust cloud forms behind the Jetta as we race through the desert. So far so good. It looks like nothing has happened yet.

Maria slams on the brakes and slides to a stop. The three of us run out of the car and up the rock face trying to find an opening. I see a spot that looks familiar, but its covered. Solid. How do we get in?

It can’t end like this! We’ve come so close. Tess has taken too much away from me, she can’t take my friends and my lover. I never got to tell Michael how much loved him. How everything we risked, the secrets and even the lies, was worth it, because we had each other.

I start banging on the rock screaming until my throat is raw. My fists grow bloody as a pound the rock harder. Michael has to hear me. Somehow he has to. Kyle and Maria yell as well, but no one can hear us.

After a few minutes I stop pounding when I feel the pain and realize, “We’re too late.”
Kyle and Maria stop yelling. None of us know what to say. We failed them. I failed Michael.

Just as I move to head back down the rock Maria stops me. “Liz!”

The rock was moving and someone was coming out. It’s Michael. He stayed. His eyes meet mine instantly. I want to run into his arms and hold him close, but Maria yells.

“Tess killed Alex!”

Michael’s eyes flick up to mine asking for confirmation, “What?”

He reaches for me and I step inside first, he follows closely behind me. I feel his hand on my back reassuring me he won’t let anything happen. I just revel in the feel of his touch again.

I run into the granolith seeing Max raise his hand to activate it. “Max! Stop! Tess killed Alex!”

~~~*~~~
Michael

As we stepped into the opening I put my hands on Liz’s back. I just wanted to touch her again, but I also wanted her to know I wasn’t going anywhere without her.

We run into the granolith and I stand by her side as she yells at Max to stop. Max brings his hand down upon hearing that Tess had killed Alex.

“She mindwarped Alex and sent him to Las Cruces to decode the book, but he broke out of the mindwarp and she killed him.” she explained. I could hear the fear in her voice. Tess had killed Alex, what was to stop her from killing Liz. I’ll tell you what. Me. Unconsciously I take Liz’s hand in mine and move slightly in front of her. My body is tense, ready at a moments notice to defend her. To die for her.

Max looks doubtful, slowly approaching her. He did the same thing I did, he’s searching her eyes for the truth. How could he doubt Liz? Was he so blinded by Tess that he forgot that Liz has always fought for us? She’d never lie to us, not when it really counted. Even her lies, our lies, were made to protect everyone.

“It’s true,” Kyle said confirming Liz’s statement, “I was there. I witnessed it.” He advanced on Tess.

Max stood in front of Tess, guarding her. I didn’t envy his position. The woman carrying his child had killed his friend. In order to protect his son, he had to protect his enemy, “Why didn’t you ever say anything?” he asked Kyle, grasping at straws.
“Because she mindwarped me too!” Kyle said angrily, “You lived in my home!” he spat at Tess,”You were like my sister!”

I felt Liz squeezing my hand. I rubbed the back of hers with my thumb. I felt the scrapes on he knuckles. She must have been pounding on that rock trying to get our attention. I’ve never been good at healing, but I focus my energy and heal her cuts. It’s a small gesture, but one I could easily do for her. She looks up at me for a moment as if to say “thank you”, but we see Max turn to Tess.

I saw how tense his body was. I knew that tension. It was rage overtaking the confusion.

“How long?” he asked me. His voice was cold and level. His stare fixed firmly on Tess.

I glanced up at the clock, “About three minutes.” I answered.

His gaze never left Tess, “Everyone out.” he ordered.

Not a good idea. We don’t have time for this. “Maxwell...”

“Now!” he bellowed.

There was no arguing with him. The others turned away and began to head out. It was only then, after once final squeeze that I let go of Liz’s hand.

Whatever Max had to say to Tess had better be quick. Not much time before this baby blows.

We all stand outside the chamber waiting for Max to come out. Nobody can say anything. We’re all still in shock. Maria clings to me like glue. I want to reach out to Liz, but now is not the time. I try to tell with my eyes how sorry I am. That it’s her I want to hold. I want to tell her I didn’t sleep with Maria. I couldn’t. I wanted to tell her that should have been the one to break the news about our leaving. Somehow, I know, she knows this.

Suddenly the ground starts to shake and rocks begin to fly. The ship is getting ready to launch. I hear Isabel scream, “Max!” as he emerges from the chamber.

He grabs Liz’s arm and we all take off down the rock face away from danger. We can barely keep our footing as the ground rattles violently beneath our feet. I keep a steady grip on Maria making sure she doesn’t fall, but I keep my eye on Liz. For once Max, please protect her.

We reach the desert floor as the explosion become more violent. I cover Maria to protect her from any flying debris. Max holds Liz to him doing the same. God, if I could trade places.

The ship shoots from the rock with one last thunderous explosion. There goes Tess and our only way home. Whether we like or not we are here to stay. Forever. Question is how do I want to start this new chapter of my life?

I see Max take Liz’s face in his hands, “I’ve been wrong about a lot of things. But I was right about one thing: To get you into my life, to be around you, to love you.”

For the first time during this whole ordeal I agree with Max. Then one thing I ever did right was loving Liz Parker. He just got to say it first.

I feel Maria pulling at my face, “You opened the door and you came out...why? You stayed for me.”

I couldn’t speak, the words stuck in my throat. How could I break this girls heart? How could I tell her I didn’t stay for her? I stayed for Liz.

The six of us stand together trying to take in what’s happened. How our lives have changed in this moment. We’ve been given a second chance at our lives.

Max wants to save his son, and I know he’ll want to do it with Liz by his side. I think what that means. Another year of lying to our friends, sneaking around, midnight rendezvous to make love. Another year of Max stroking Liz’s hair while I watched from a distance. Another year of knowing that while she’s with him, she’s thinking of me.

We start to walk towards the Jetta to make our way back to Roswell. Max holds tightly to Liz and Maria grips my hand tightly. Liz looks over her shoulder at me, asking me with tears in her eyes what we should do.

I’ve asked a lot of Liz, hiding how we feel from everyone, but that’s all changed. I’m here permanently and it’s time to stake my claim. Time to stop protecting everyone else and start living for me.

I stop walking just standing still. Maria jerks a little when she feels me stop. “Michael? What’s wrong?” she asks.

Everyone turns around to look at me. Liz’s eyes widen. She knows what I’m about to do and nods her head slightly.

“I can’t do this anymore.” I finally say.

“Can’t do what, Michael?” Max asks.

“I can’t lie anymore.” I say. I see Liz take a deep breath of anticipation.

“Lie about what, Michael? You’re scaring me.” Maria says.

I take a moment to check Liz’s eyes again. Once I say this there is no going back. Hearts will be broken and lives forever changed. I had to be sure she was ready for this.

Everything in the dark deep pools of Liz’s eyes told me she was. She had been ready since the moment we kissed, she was just waiting for me to wake up and realize it.

Silence hung in the air as the others waited for my answer.

“I stayed for Liz... I love her.”
~*~
TBC!

Chapter 6

<i>Liz </i>

Everything was happening so fast. The final explosion that sent Tess hurtling into space left an almost deafening silence in its wake.

I wanted to turn my head to make sure Michael was okay, but I felt Max’s hands grab my face. Please Max, not now. Not after everything that’s happened. I can’t take another declaration of your love. I don’t want it.

“...To have you in my life, to be around you, to love you.” Too late.

He crushes me to his body covering my ears. I can hear Maria saying something to Michael, but I can only make out the last part.

“...You stayed for me.”

Silence. He didn’t answer her and in that silence I knew that Michael had stayed for me, he just couldn’t say it.

Max makes his pledge to save his son, a task I know he’ll want me to tag along on. Sometimes I never knew if we were in a relationship or if Max just enjoyed playing the Hardy Boys with me.

As we begin walking toward the car, it finally hit me. They are here to stay. What does this mean for Michael and I? Do we continue hiding or will we finally be able to be honest with everyone. I pray that it’s the latter. Sooner or later Maria won’t take “no” for an answer with Michael and I can’t go back to Max. He got another girl pregnant while still professing his love to me. Even if I did love him, I could never go back.

My eyes well with tears at the prospect of continuing with the lie. I want to scream at the top of my lungs that I, Liz Parker, love Michael Guerin, but I can’t make that decision on my own.
I look over my shoulder at Michael, as Max pulls me even closer into his arms, asking him what we should do. I see him thinking about it. I know Michael is strong, but I think even he would break under the pressure of having to go through this again. I turn my head forward. Maybe we just need to talk about it when we get some time alone.

“Michael? What’s wrong?” I hear Maria say. Kyle, Isabel, Max and I all turn around to see what Maria’s talking about.

I meet Michael’s gaze instantly and I know what he’s going to do. Butterflies jump in my stomach. I should be scared, but I’m not. I’m thrilled. I can see he’s asking my permission. I want to yell “Yes!”, but instead I just nod slightly. Seems I told the wrong alien to wake up, because that’s exactly what Michael was doing.


“I can’t do this anymore.” Michael says calmly.

“Can’t do what, Michael?” Max queries. I can’t hide the giant breath I take. The air is almost crackling.

“I can’t lie anymore.” he answers, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Lie about what, Michael? You’re scaring me.” Maria says. I’m sorry Ria.

Last chance to back out Michael. Once you say it, everything changes. I can stop this if you want all you have to do is say the word. We’ll figure it out, we’ll make it.

“I stayed for Liz... I love her.” he finally says unapologetically.

He said it! He really said it! I have never heard more beautiful words in my life. While everyone else stands in stunned silence, I let out the breath I’ve been holding with a great sob and clamp my hand over my mouth to stifle it. The weight of the past year and a half lifting off of me.
Maria drops his hand immediately as if he’s on fire. She doesn’t try to deny it. Could she have had some hint after last night? Maybe she knew she never had all of him.

“This is a joke?” Max asks him.

Michael doesn’t move. He keeps his eyes firmly locked with mine. Max looks down at me, waiting for me to deny it or tell him it’s only one way.

“No.” I say, “It’s not. I love him too.”

I release myself from Max’s arm and started to walk toward Michael. I wanted to run into his arms, but I wanted to at least try and be civilized about it. Max grabs my wrist and jerks me back. Pain and anger consume his eyes again.

“Let me go, Max.” I say quietly. “Please.”

Like that day in the hallway, Max realizes his grip on me, and it dawns on him that he’s hurting me. His grip on me relaxes and I slide out of his hand. The intoxication of finally being free consumes me and civility flew out the window as I race into Michael’s arms.

He crushes my body to him, tangling his hands in my hair. I place my head on his chest. I can hear his heart racing. He’s scared, exhilarated, relieved. Everything I’m feeling.

I look up at him, “I’m sorry, I should have told you that night I was leaving, I just didn’t know how...” he says, his eyes widened “...and I didn’t sleep with...”

I shake my head, “I know, Michael. It doesn’t matter. You stayed.” I said.

I couldn’t stand it any longer I pulled his head down. I had to feel his lips on mine, in our first truly open and honest kiss.

“This is not happening!” Maria yelled, forcing us to break our kiss. Time to face the music.

“It is Maria,” I said, “I’m sorry this hurts you, but...”

“Shut up.” she growled, “Just shut up. Liz. I can’t believe you’d do this to me.” Tears were streaming down her face. Michael tightens his arms around my waist, knowing how much this is killing me to be hurting my best friend.

“How long has this been going on?” Max asks. He must notice how comfortable Michael and I are with each other’s bodies.

“For a while,” Michael answers vaguely. “We didn’t want to hurt anyone. We didn’t want to break up the group.”

“What and now is a good time?” Maria screams.

I want to comfort her, tell her how sorry I am. In all of this she is the one true victim. I never thought I would choose a man over my best friend, but then again I never knew love like I had with Michael existed.

“Everything has changed,” I explain. “You guys are here for good, and I can’t lie anymore. I can’t pretend to not love Michael.”

“Tell me how long!” Max demanded once again. I opened my mouth to answers, but someone else interrupted.

“At least since October.” Kyle said. He knew?

“How did you...” I start to say. I look up at Michael and he shrugged his shoulders equally as confused.

“Hey, I would have been completely happy to remain in the dark,” Kyle said with his hands up, “but that night you asked me to help Max fall out of love with you, I needed more answers than what you gave me. So I came back later that night to talk to you.”

“Oh my God.” I gasped, realizing what he’d seen.

“Yeah, no kidding.” Kyle said, “Imagine my surprise when I saw Guerin here, climbing up the fire escape. I asked myself, ‘Since when does Michael care about Liz?’.

When I was sure you two were inside, I climbed up and hid on the balcony, hoping for an answer. I saw you’d been crying and Michael was hugging you. Then he was kissing you and then, well you know what happened next.”

“Oh...” I said slightly embarrassed.

“Don’t worry Liz,” he reassured me, “I didn’t see everything, just enough to get the idea. I was going to tell you I knew and ask you why you didn’t just tell Max about you two, but with all you’d been dealing with, I didn’t want to contribute to it.”

“Why did you never say anything?” Max growled at Kyle.

“Because, if you remember pal, I loved Liz before either of you and even through her tears I could see Michael made her happy. She never had that look with you Max. If we’re laying it all out here, you were usually the one causing the tears. Suddenly I saw the old Liz, before you healed her. The light was back in her eyes, and Michael was the one that put it there. Who was I to take that away from her? Besides, I figured they had a pretty damn good reason to keep it a secret. Now, I know.”

I could tell Max was wracking his brain, even with the proof in front of his eyes and what Kyle had admitted; he still looked as though he was in denial. He wanted to blame anyone but himself for what was happening. His eyes settled on Michael.

“Michael. How could you do this to me? You know how much I love her? You’re my brother. How can you take her away from me?” I see the tears in his eyes, he is hurt, but after everything he’s done, I can’t find the compassion to care. If he needs the truth so badly I can’t spare his feelings.


“Max,” I say evenly “I haven’t been yours to take away for a long time, and I think somewhere, deep inside, you know that’s true.”

“No Liz, it’s not true. Look, I know I did some horrible things to you and I even understand why you might go to Michael, but we can put those things behind us... we can start over.”


~~~*~~~


<i>Michael</i>

I know Liz loves me, but there’s that insecure kid in me that tightens up with doubt when I hear Max asking for another chance. What’s to stop them? He could be her happily ever after. I look down nervously at Liz. She’s shaking her head.

“That could never happen Max. I love Michael too much. You are in love with the idea of us and that’s just not enough. I’m grateful to you for saving my life, but we can’t build a relationship on hero worship. ”

Like so many times before Max, shakes off her words. If it doesn’t fit the world he’s built around him he ignores it. If I didn’t know Max so well, I’d feel more guilt than I do.

“She’s right, Max”

I look around to hear who said that. I know it wasn’t Liz and Maria is too busy trying to soak everything in to speak. It was Isabel.

“What are you talking about, Is?” Max asks her. “Don’t tell me you knew too?”

She shakes her head. “No, I didn’t know, but Liz is right. You’ve always put Liz on this impossible pedestal. No human, or alien could ever be all the things you wanted her to be. You expected too much.”

Max looked shell shocked, and as long as I’m being honest I am too. Of all people, I expected Isabel to side with Max. Isabel must have sensed her brother’s shock.

“Look Max, Michael is my brother too and I love him. I’m not saying that he and Liz hiding was right, but I understand. You only see what you want to see, Max. You always have. And it blinds you to the world around you. I hate that it hurts you, and I will be here to help you get through this, but you brought this on yourself. You pushed too hard.”

I smile slightly at Is. I see shades of the girl who defended me against Hank a year ago. I see understanding and acceptance where I never thought to find it. I was grateful, and yes even a little humbled.

“This is just great!” Maria finally says. I shift my attention to her, while still holding onto Liz, “I pour my heart and soul into you and it was all for nothing.” She gasps for a moment, “Oh my God! Last night? You wouldn’t sleep with me last night, because... oh God I’m going to be ill.”

I look down at Liz. She gives me a gentle push to leave her and talk to Maria. I kiss her forehead and leave her embrace.

I put my hand on Maria’s shoulder and she turns around, the pain in her eyes is killing me. I never wanted this, but I had to be honest with her.

“Why did you let me keep after you? Why didn’t you just tell me there was someone else?” she asked.

I almost laugh, but catch myself, “You and me both know it wouldn’t have been that simple. If I recall right, I did tell you ‘No’ quite a few times, but Maria Deluca doesn’t exactly take no for an answer.

As for telling you about someone else, I know exactly what you would have done. You would have tried to find out who it was and I didn’t want you to find out that way. I’m not sure if there was ever a good way for you to find out, but now you do.
Maria, I think you and I both know that eventually we would never work. I’m not everything you want me to be and in the end I’d hold you back. You’ve got this amazing talent as a musician that you haven’t even done anything about since Alex died. You owe it to yourself to find out and I deserve someone who accepts me for me, not some idyllic dream of who you want me to be. I have that someone. Liz.”

For a moment I hold out hope that what I’m saying to Maria is making some sort of sense of her. That she recognizes the truth in my words. But that hope is short lived as I see her look over at Liz. That Deluca rage firmly set.

“I will never forgive you for this, Liz. Never!” she says through her teeth.

Pain washes over Liz. She knew losing Maria would be hard, but no matter how much she prepared herself for this moment her heart was breaking.

“You can’t put this all on Liz, Maria. She wanted to tell you, I’m the one that told her we had to keep us a secret. I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought I was protecting everyone.” I say in one last attempt to save the friendship I know Liz cherishes so much, but Maria shakes her head.

I make my way back to Liz and wrap my arms around her now sobbing frame. I make a vow to myself. Liz was willing to give up her best friend for me, and I was going to make sure I earned that sacrifice everyday.

No one knows what to say now. Liz and I are out in the open and there’s nothing anyone can say to change that. Within the span of an hour, lives have changed, hearts have been broken and new beginnings have started. Maria finally breaks the silence.

“Max, Isabel and Kyle, if guys want a ride home I’m leaving. I can’t stay here anymore,” She turns and glares at Liz and I, “You two can find your own way home.”

The four of them head to Maria’s car. Max is leaning against Isabel. She turns her head to acknowledge me. Max needs her now, but I know I haven’t lost her. She’ll always be my sister.

I don’t delude myself. I know this is a pain only time can heal. Liz may find friendship again with Maria someday, but for now we have to be happy with each other and hope the rest falls into place. We made our bed and now we had to sleep in it, but I’m not scared. For the first time in my life I’m not running away when things get tough and things couldn’t get much tougher than this. It’s think it’s easy because I know I’m not alone. I’ll have Liz. We’ve been through too much to give up now.

As we watch them the four of them drive away Liz looks up at me. I can’t hide my smile, “It’s okay...” I tell her, wiping her tears away, “I’ve already found home.”
~~~*~~~
TBC...

<i>Liz</I>

“You two can find your own way home.” Maria saysS venom dripping from her voice. It stings, because I’m the reason for that venom. I earned it. In her eyes took away the one man in her life that she ever loved. First her father leaves her, now Michael. I didn’t blame her for hating me.

Michael and I watch them walk away and tears fall down my cheeks. I just lost my best friend. I bury my face in Michael’s chest glad I’ve got him, because I know when the full weight of this hits me, I’ll need him.

Sensing my grief Michael lifts my chin to face him, smiles and wipes away my tears, “Its okay... I’ve already found home.”

I can’t help but smile. Michael has never been one to tell a person how he feels. Usually his actions speak loudly enough for him. So I’ve learned when he uses words, and especially these words, you take them for all they’re worth.

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him down for another kiss. I never thought I’d be able to do that again and I wanted to make sure I never took his kisses for granted. As I felt those warm soft lips made on mine pangs guilt that I ever suspected he might sleep with Maria creep in on me. I was just never sure how far he would go with the lie. I should have known better.

He breaks the kiss abruptly and confusion consumes his face, “You had a busy night. Max <i>and</i> Sean” he says, raising one eyebrow.

I’d almost completely forgotten about Sean with everything that had happened. Michael must have seen us. I knew Max kissing me wouldn’t bother him as much, he would have even expected it, but Sean was another story. Panic races through me. How could I explain about Sean? Does he hate me for it? Does he feel betrayed? Does it make him regret staying, when I so willingly ran to another man for comfort?

“Oh God.” I gasp, “Sean... um... well the thing is... I thought you were, you know, with Maria and I couldn’t get the two of you out of my head. I was angry... I’m sorry... It didn’t mean... I know I shouldn’t have.... It’s no excuse... I’m so sorry...”

Michael shut me up with a searing kiss that threatened to take my last breath from me. When he pulled away I could only stare at him dazed. I don’t see anger in his eyes, which is a little surprising, given his often jealous nature. Maybe sharing me with Max for the past year and a half has taught him patience. Hey I said, “Maybe”.

“I know you didn’t, and it doesn’t matter. I probably pushed you to it. Besides, I should have told you about us leaving. Let’s call it even. Okay?” he said, a smirk teasing the corners of his mouth. That’s my Michael.

I pause for a moment and return his smirk, “Hmmm... You, not telling me you’re leaving forever to go back to your war ridden planet, with Max’s child, <i> or</i> me making out with Sean? I’d have to say the scale is still a little heavy on your side, Guerin.”

Michael let out a small laugh, but I knew I had him beat. Of course I’d never remind him of that balance again, but it was fun just this once. I suppose humor would seem out of place at a time like this, but considering all we’ve been through, humor keeps us sane. It also let’s us know that we’ll be weather this. We’re still Michael and Liz. We just aren’t a secret anymore. We have to get back to whatever normal is for us.

“So, what now?” I ask him. I realize it’s a broad question given what had just happened, but I needed to know, from him, where to go.

He looked around the quiet desert, searching for something then sighed, “Well, since we lost our ride, we walk.”

I let out a groan realizing the distance we’ll have to cover in the New Mexico desert just before summer. Does the term hellishly hot sound about right?

“Couldn’t wait ‘til we were back in <i>Roswell</i> to profess your undying love for me, Michael?” I tease, squeezing his waist.

Michael shook his head, took my hand and started walking, “Come on, Parker, the faster we get home the less I have to hear you whining. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing plenty of that soon enough.”

~~~*~~~~
<i>Michael</i>

As Liz and I walked through the desert, she told me about how she figured out Tess had killed Alex, the tapping and Kyle’s flashback. I always knew Liz Parker was smart, I just never realized how many times those smarts had saved my alien ass.

“Well aren’t you’re just a regular Nancy Drew,” I kidded her as we walked hand in hand.

She rolled her eyes, “Please. I will be perfectly content to not figure out another alien mystery for a long time.”

“I think you and I both know the odds of that happening are slim to none,” I said honestly.

The truth was, now with Tess gone and her deception revealed, we had more questions than we did before. How could we take anything she said at face value anymore? She was working with our enemy, everything was tainted.

Liz let out a sigh, “Yes, but let me just dream for a little while.”

I hoped I could give her that dream. I hoped things would calm down for a while, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen. Between revealing our relationship and Max’s new quest to save his son I saw more danger ahead.

The heat of the day is quickly rising and neither of us is dressed for a day in the sun. I take off my shirt, leaving my black tank top on, and tuck into the back of my pants. I hear Liz let out a little giggle.

“Careful Michael, you might actually get a tan on that pasty white skin of yours.” she said.

Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes, “Keep it up Liz. If I get us a ride I may just leave you behind.” It was an empty threat; one Liz was quick to call me on

“You wouldn’t leave Earth without me, Spaceman. I hardly think you’re gonna leave me in the desert to fend for myself.” she replies in mock smugness.

I could argue with her, but I had no grounds. I knew she was right. I’d never do anything without her again. As we reach the highway, I look over at her and notice her smile is gone and she has the patented Parker analyzing face on.

“Are we going to be okay, Michael?” she asks stopping in front of me.

“Well, it’s a little late to be worrying about that Liz,” I answer her in my trademark, no bullshit way. “What’s done is done and we can’t change it. Maybe someday everyone will find a way to put this behind us and be a dysfunctional family again.”

Liz shakes her head, “That’s not what I meant. I hope your right, I don’t want to lose Maria forever, but I meant you and me. Are <b>we</b> going to be okay?”

I was really confused now. I just gave up my only chance to go to Antar and she wanted to know if we were going to “be okay”. She must have read the confusion on my face and began to explain.

“Ever since you and I started, well dating’s not the right word.” I watched her search her brain for a better term. “Ever since we became<i> involved</i>, we’ve held our relationship in secret. We don’t know what it’s like to live out the open, loving each other. I guess I’m afraid that we became so accustomed to hiding, that now that we’re out we won’t know how to act or ‘be’. What if...”

I couldn’t let her go on. I put my index finger up to her lips and she stops talking, “You worry too much,” I tell her.

“Force of habit,” she replied sarcastically, but she had a point. Time for a new tactic.

I scratch my eyebrow unconsciously trying to think of a way to ease her fears, “Let me put it another way. Do you love me?”

“You know I do,” she answers almost looking shocked that I’d even asked such a question.

“And you know I love you. So we’ve got nothing to worry about,” I tell her.

I know it’s not much, but this me we’re talking about. And sometimes things are just that simple. Two people, with enough love for two worlds. It seems to be enough for her too because she’s smiling again. I take her hand and we keep walking.

~*~

Liz and I have been walking for two hours now and I’ve never felt so tired, yet happy, in my life. I look over at Liz whose tries unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

“When’s the last time you got any sleep?” I ask her letting out a yawn of my own.

She looks down at her feet avoiding my eyes and it occurs to me that she hasn’t slept since she left me in bed yesterday morning. Neither had I. The memories of the hours before that, crying in her arms after we’d made love, for I thought would be the last time, came flooding back.

“Liz, I’m sorry... to act like I did. I just...” but this time she interrupted me.

“I’m not going to lie to you, Michael. I wish you had told me, but I think in your own, unique, way, you were trying to. I wouldn’t take that night back for anything.”

God I loved this woman. She’d been dragged through hell not just by Max, but by me too and she still managed to keep a perspective on everything.

“Keep doing that.” I tell her pulling her to my side as we walk.

“What?” she asked.

“Reminding me why I stayed,” I answer kissing the top of her head.

She doesn’t say anything; she just wraps one of her slender arms around my waist and leans into me.

After a few more minutes of silence she yawns again, “I don’t know what I want to do first whenever we get home. Shower or sleep.”

My brain starts running again. Okay not my brain, but can you blame me? I’m seventeen and Liz Parker’s boyfriend.

“Are your parents home?” I ask trying to sound innocent.

Liz let out a laugh, “Are they ever home?”

“Then I say you’re coming home with me and we are most definitely showering first. As for sleep... eventually.” I say waggling my eyebrows. Nope, no mistake where my mind is.

Liz stops walking to face me, “I like the way you think Guerin. I knew there was a reason I liked having you around.”

“My deviant tendencies?” I ask in mock indignation.

“Most definitely.” she says mischief gleaming in her eyes.

I let out a growl and kiss her fiercely. I feel her hands slip under the front of my shirt and she lightly trails her fingers over my chest giving me much welcomed goose bumps in the New Mexico heat.

I kiss down her neck tasting the saltiness of her sweat mixed with the sweetness of that vanilla lotion she uses that drives me crazy. If we keep this up we won’t make it to a nearby bush let alone my apartment.

I pull her closer to me and place one of my hands on her make lifting it slightly, aching to touch her all over. I find her mouth again and drink in those lips that have the cause of my undoing so many times.

“You know,” I say in between kisses, “I’m not normally into public displays of affection.”

“I know,” Liz pants.

“I make exceptions for near death experiences,” I say claiming her mouth again.

“Okay.” she says, I’m not even sure if she hears what I’m saying and frankly, I’m not even sure what I’m saying. Her mouth leaves mine to do unspeakable things to my neck.

“I just don’t want you to...oh... think this is going...damn Liz... to be a regular thing. PDA’s”

“Noted.” she answers. But who am I kidding; now that everything is out I’d kiss her in the fifty yard line of the high school stadium during the opening kick-off of the homecoming game.

Note to self, file that one away for future fantasy material.

Liz and I are so wrapped up in each other we fail to see the car coming down the road slowing to a stop next to us. It isn’t until we hear the person clear their throat that we stop our highway make out session.

“I heard you two have been busy. Hop in; I’ll give a ride home.”

~~~*~~~
TBC...


Chapter 8

<i>“I heard you two have been busy” Jim Valenti said to Michael and Liz, “Hop in. I’ll give you a ride home.”</i>

While surprised to see him, they weren’t about to pass up a ride back to Roswell. Michael opened the door and Liz slid into the middle next to Jim. Once Liz was situated Michael sat beside her draping his arm over her shoulders. Liz leaned into him resting her head on his shoulder.

“How much did Kyle tell you?” Liz asked Jim as he started driving.

He sighed, “Well, he told me about Tess. I... just can’t seem to fathom how she... or why she did it... she was becoming like a daughter...I trusted her.”

“We all did.” Michael growled, chastising himself for letting his guard down so easily with Tess. He, like everyone else, wanted to believe that none them were capable of what she’d done.

“Kyle was pretty shaken up when he got home. Told me Michael, Isabel and Max didn’t leave. Then he told me about how you and Michael have been hiding your relationship. That he knew in October and that you finally came clean today. Said that they had left you two in the desert. He was going to come get you himself, but I didn’t want him driving.” he explained.

Both Michael and Liz, weary from their morning journey, simply nodded their heads in agreement with what Kyle had told his father.

“Is Kyle okay?” Liz asked with genuine concern. She knew no matter how bad she was feeling, Kyle had to be devastated. He had unknowingly help Tess get rid of the body of the boy, Alex, whom he had come to consider a friend.

“It’ll take some time. Those are some pretty raw memories from what I could gather. We’ll get through it. Can I count on you two?” Jim replied.

Michael and Liz both looked at him in shocked that he might want their help. Michael especially. He’d heard what Valenti had said to Max when he’d helped them get rid of the Jeep. He figured Jim would be on Max’s side.

“Yeah, um, sure. “Michael said, “But I didn’t think you’d want our help. I mean, I know you like Max and...”

Valenti held up his hand to stop Michael from talking. This kid had a way of constantly putting himself down and he wasn’t going to let him do it this time.

“Look, I’m not saying I agree with what you two did. Secrets and lies are never a good thing and someone always winds up getting hurt. But I know you two pretty well, and I while I sure as hell had no idea about what was going on, I think your hearts were in the right place. And if Kyle was willing to keep your secret too, it must have been important.

I told Max it has been an honor to know him, because I meant it. He saved Kyle’s life when I was out to expose all of you and while he’s made some poor decisions, I think he’s generally a good kid. I didn’t say anything to you last night, Michael because I figured you knew how I felt and I know you hate that mushy crap.”

Michael cracked a smile at the accuracy of Jim’s last statement. But while smiling he secretly wanted to hear what Jim thought about him, but was too afraid to ask. Liz knew Michael’s pride all too well and asked for him.

“You know Mr. Valenti, sometimes Michael needs to hear how people feel, whether he likes it or not,” she said. Michael gave her a warning glance as if annoyed that she said anything, but the gentle rubbing of his thumb on her shoulder told her otherwise.

Jim nodded and thought for a moment. He wanted to tell Michael what he thought about him, without causing the boy any embarrassment.

“Believe it or not, Michael you and I are a lot alike. We’re both protectors, well at least I was until a couple months ago. We always make sure everyone is safe and nobody gets hurt We both know the risks to our ‘jobs’ and we take them on without a second thought. You’ve had a rough life, tougher the Max and Isabel.”

Michael’s face reddened and he looked out the window. He never liked discussing how he was raised or the abuse he suffered. Jim saw his discomfort.

“I don’t just mean Hank. Max and Isabel always had each other and you were always on the outside. Sure it was the three of you, but the Evans found the Max and Isabel. You got out of a bad situation with Hank, asked for help when it was the most difficult. You got a place of your own and had to fend for yourself. Not many people can do that as adults. You were only sixteen.

Then you find out you were this great soldier in another life, second to Max. While I admit I like Max, I’ve never liked the way he treated you. Like you were second. It takes great restraint to take that, Michael and not say anything. But you were always protecting him. You let him play the role he needed to. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I respect you.”

Michael turned away from the window to look at Jim. This man who he’d looked up to for the past year, respected him. If he didn’t have such a strong sense of pride in him he would have burst into tears right there.

“Uh... thanks, Mr. Valenti.” he finally managed to say.

Liz knew that meant what Jim had said meant the world to Michael. She remember how upset Michael was the few months earlier when Jim had lost his job trying to help the group with Laurie Dupree and the gandarium scare.

There was a measured silence as they drove on. Jim had so many questions he wanted answered, but didn’t want to overwhelm Michael or Liz. They’d been through enough already and had much more ahead of them.

He looked over at the two of them and couldn’t get over how comfortable they were with each other. Whatever he had witnessed of Michael and Liz consisted of arguments or little contact at all. He couldn’t help but admire how they’d pulled off the deception for such a long time. He also admired that they had been able to stay together through all of it. He knew marriages that couldn’t hold up under that sort of pressure, yet these two <i>kid</i>s, with an endless amount of love in their eyes, made those people look like fools.

“I have a lot of questions, nothing that can’t wait, “ Jim said “But there is one thing I’d like to know. I think you can answer this best, Liz.”

“I’ll try.” she said quietly.

“Kyle said he’s known since October about you and Michael, but I remember around that time hearing rumors that you and Kyle had... um...”

“Slept together?” she finished.

Jim nodded, “Yeah. What really happened? Kyle said you never slept together, that you were trying to make Max leave you alone, but he thought there was more to it and that’s how he found out about you and Michael.”

Liz didn’t need to look at Michael for confirmation; she knew he would agree it was time to finally tell someone what had happened. She proceeded to tell Jim all about Future Max and what he had told her. That in his time he and Liz were married. That Michael and Isabel were dead and the whole world was going to come to an end because Tess left.

“You knew about this Michael?” Jim said shocked. Michael nodded and thought back to that night while Liz continued to explain everything to Jim.

~*~

October 2000


Michael walking through the park, trying to clear his head. Between finding out Courtney was a Skin and Maria’s latest tirade he needed some air. He rubbed his sore jaw, chuckling to himself. Alex really was a good friend.

Up ahead he saw Max sitting on a park bench. He was going to stop and tell him about Courtney, when he saw Tess approach him. Max’s face wore that look of pain that he knew only one person could deliver, Liz. Had he finally realized that she didn’t want him, at least not romantically? Would it only be a matter of time before he and Liz could be together in the open?

He had to know what had happened so he had hidden within earshot of the two. Then he heard overheard Max telling Tess that he had found Liz in bed with Kyle. Kyle? What the fuck was going on? Liz wouldn’t do that! She was supposed to love him, Michael! Max had to be wrong. Sure she and Kyle had a past, but sleep with him.

Not caring what else Max had to say, Michael ran, cursing that he couldn’t make his legs go any faster as he ran to the Crashdown. Street lights exploded and car alarms whined as he passed them. His powers were no longer under his control, tightly bonded to his emotional state. It couldn’t be true. If it was what would he do without her?

He skidded to a halt in the alley before practically flying up the fire escape. His breathing was so hard he couldn’t hear her crying until he reaches the ledge of her balcony.

Seeing Liz in tears broke Michael’s heart, but for a moment seemed to confirm what he had feared. Hearing his labored breathing Liz looked up to sees anguish and anger etched into his beautiful face.

“Tell me it’s not true, Liz” he growls, “Tell me you didn’t sleep with Kyle.”

“How...” she began to say her body still shaking with her sobs. How could he know already?

“It doesn’t matter how.... so... It is true? God Liz! Why?” he asked, his own tears threatening to spill over.

“No Michael! It’s not true. I didn’t sleep with Kyle. I could never let anyone touch me like you do.” she explained.

Michael felt as though a ten ton block had been lifted off his chest. He took Liz’s trembling hand and helped her stand up leading her into her bedroom. She needed a few minutes to calm down so she could tell him what had happened.

They sat on her bed as she tried to collect herself; Michael rubbed her back and held her hand trying to soothe her. What could cause her so much pain? Finally the not knowing threatened to make his head explode. He needed the truth.

“I heard Max talking to Tess... I couldn’t believe it... What the hell is going on?” he asked her taking her face in his hands.

“Max... Max from the fourteen years in the future came back to make sure I fell out of love with him. Somehow, he and I wound up getting married. Tess left and without her the three of you weren’t strong enough to fight what was coming. Michael you died in Max’s arms ten minutes before he came to me. Everyone was dead... I couldn’t let that happen.”

Michael held her closer trying to absorb what she’d just told him. He didn’t doubt the truth of it. He knew Liz would always tell him the truth. He also knew why she picked Kyle. If Max had found her in bed with himself the group would be torn apart like they’d always feared. She had a history with Kyle so; Max would expect that she found comfort in his arms. In the world Max Evans knew, Liz Parker and Michael Guerin were oil and water.

He kept thinking about her words, what Future Max had told her, and his heart felt constricted.

“Wait.” he said his voice tinged with panic, “He said, you and he... were married? Which means somehow... someway...” he couldn’t say it.

Liz nodded, “Somehow you and I lost our way. I don’t know how it happened Michael. I don’t think even Future Max knew about us. I don’t want you to die Michael and I sure as hell don’t want to find out what life without loving you is like.”

God, what she had been through that night. The pain of seeing a future where she and Michael weren’t together must have been too much to bear.

“I’m sorry Liz. I’m sorry you had to go through that alone.” Michael said standing up. He began pacing. He was angry at Max, Future Max, for coming back and scaring her. He was also grateful to the son-of-a-bitch for coming back and stopping what his future held for them.

Liz stood up and blocked Michael, halting his pacing. Michael looked down at her in awe. How could such a little person hold so much strength and so much of his heart? He almost lost her that night and he wasn’t ever going to let that happen again.

Michael brought Liz into his arms hugging her until she wasn’t sure where she stopped and he began. He brought his mouth down to hers and gave her a gentle kiss that, as it always did with them, quickly turned deeper and hungrier. He was grateful that his were the only lips she ever wanted to taste.

He pulled away from her for a moment caressing her jaw line with his thumb, “Thank you.” he said.

Liz shook her head, “Don’t thank me Michael, just promise that future will never happen.”

It wasn’t a promise he was sure he could make at the time. There were so many unknowns and a chance at going home.

“I’ll try.” he told her, hoping it would be enough.

Liz brought his face back down for another kiss, she wanted more than “I’ll try”, but she knew it was all Michael could give.

~*~

Michael was snapped out of his thoughts as they reached the sign announcing their arrival into Roswell. He looked over at Liz who was practically drifting off to sleep on his shoulder. Jim stared at the road ahead absorbing the information the two had just revealed to him.
Michael kissed the top of Liz’s head and she glanced up at him. He bent down and kissed her softly and his next words were met with a knowing, although sleepy, grin.

“I promise.”

~~~*~~~
TBC....


Chapter 9

Liz fell asleep nestled in the crook of Michael’s arm as they drove into Roswell. Among the many thoughts racing through his head, Michael had a sudden fear involving Jim. He wasn’t the only man involved with a Deluca woman.

“Uh... Mr. Valenti, I, um, appreciate your support for Liz and I, but are you sure you want to? I mean Amy is bound to be pissed off. I wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to...you know... keep your distance from us and, well... stay alive.”

Jim chuckled, “You let me worry about Amy, Michael. If anything I can try and calm her down or at least run interference. In the last two years of knowing you, I’ve faced dangers I’d never thought possible. I think I can handle a little Deluca rage.”

Michael felt bad for Jim realizing he’d never been through a full on Deluca tantrum, “Yeah... good luck with that, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’ve seen what that woman can do with a newspaper.”

Jim laughed again, but suddenly felt as though the fear of God had been placed in him as he made his way to Michael’s apartment.

Valenti looked down at a sleeping Liz and back up at a nearly passed out Michael. The sacrifices they must have made. He knew that on the surface all people would see is that No Good Michael Guerin boy had gone off and corrupted Little Lizzie Parker or that Liz was just going through a wild streak, rebelling with the bad boy. He knew even the members of their group wouldn’t see the truth behind it all. One thing he did know is that he would do what he could to protect them, understand them, and help them.

Michael woke when felt the truck come to slow to a stop realizing they were in front of his apartment. He gently nudged Liz awake and opened the door, sliding out. Liz paused for a moment before joining Michael. She leaned up and gave Jim a peck on the cheek.

“Thanks Mr. Valenti. For the ride and for not judging.” she said quietly, “We’ll check on Kyle later. If that’s okay?”

Jim just nodded and Liz took Michael’s hand exiting the vehicle. He whispered in her ear and she made her way to the apartment. Michael stuck head in the window and extended his hand.

“Thanks.” he said. Valenti shook the boy, young man’s, hand nodding. He wondered what Michael was feeling. He’d just given up everything, his planet , his friends, and possibly his family. He had to know one more thing.

Michael started to walk away when Valenti called out to him, “Michael? Was it worth it?”

Michael looked over at Liz who was waiting for him by the door of his place. Her hair was mussed and she had bags under her eyes from stress and lack of sleep, but the way they new day sun was hitting her, he’d thought he’d never seen anything so beautiful in his whole life.
He smiled back at Valenti, “For her? Yes sir.”

Valenti knew what Michael’s answer would be. He just needed to hear him say it. He winked at Michael and pulled away towards home to help mend his son’s broken heart and to do a little repair work on his own.

~*~

“What did he want?” Liz asked as Michael unlocked the door.

“Just wanted to know if it was all worth it?” he answered. He placed his had on the small of her back encouraging her forward.

“And?” she asked stepping inside.

Michael shrugged, “Yeah, I told him you were such a tiger in the sack that I just had to stay on the planet. I mean, I don’t even know if I have the right equipment for alien chicks.”

Liz gasped and smacked his arm, “Michael! You are such a pig. Just for that I’ve got first dibs on the shower.”

Michael pouted, “I thought we were gonna share?”

“That’ll teach you to open your mouth, Guerin.” Liz said playfully. She stripped her shirt off and threw in Michael’s face, turning towards the linen closet to retrieve a towel.

“Hey! You’ve never complained about my mouth before,” he said with mock indignation, “In fact usually you say, “Oh Michael...yes, yes, yes.... oh God yes!”

Liz blushed fiercely and was caught between embarrassment and annoyance. She grumbled unable to think of a witty comeback and shut herself in the bathroom.

Michael laughed heartily, finally getting one up on his girlfriend. The feeling was fleeting as he heard the water in the shower turn on. It was only then he realized things weren’t exactly working out the way he’d planned. He was supposed to in there washing the dust off Liz’s... arms... neck... stomach... Instead he was standing in the middle of his apartment, sweaty, dirty, and holding Liz’s tank top instead of holding her.

“She might have a point this mouth of mine,” he muttered to himself rolling his eyes.

He knew he needed to grovel a bit if he was ever going to hear Liz calling his name again. Now was not the time for stubborn pride. He tossed his shirt and tank top aside and made his way to bathroom door.

~*~

Liz stepped into the shower letting the hot water wash away the dirt and stress from the day. She was still miffed at Michael for his last comment even if it was fairly accurate.

She tipped her head back and the water cascaded over her long, dark locks. She grabbed the lavender shampoo; Michael let her keep there, and poured it into the palm of her hand. As she lathered it into her hair, she couldn’t help but be amazed at how long they’d been able to keep their secret. If anyone had bothered to look a little closer the signs were everywhere.

The shampoo in his shower. The bottle of vanilla lotion, that seemed to bring out the animal in Michael, kept in his bedside table drawer. Even the vanilla ice cream in his freezer. But she guessed if you weren’t looking for clues you would never find them.

Liz was too lost in her thoughts to notice the door to the bathroom opening or Michael sneaking in. Only when she felt cold air from the curtain being pulled away, did she notice his hulking, and completely naked form.

He watched the water flow in rivulets over Liz’s shoulders, down her smooth back, and just over the swell of her well toned bottom. Liz wet. Reason number fifty he chose to stay on Earth.

“I, am an ass.” he finally said as she turned around to face him.

She knew the second she looked at him she couldn’t stay mad at him. Those caramel colored eyes were always her weakness. She could read everything in them. He was sorry. He was in love. He was hers.

“Yes, you are, but seeing as you’ve changed the entire fabric of our lives with your announcement today, I’ll let it slip.” she said letting him off a hook he was never really on, “Besides, it’s not like you were completely incorrect. I can be a little...”

“Vocal?” Michael finished for her, inching his way closer. Liz stayed still, hypnotized by those eyes like the day they first kissed.

“W-Well,” she stuttered trying to keep her composure, “I was going to say... enthusiastic.”

“Feeling... enthusiastic?” he asked raising one eyebrow now a breath away from her lips.

“You’re filthy,” Liz whispered.

“Yet another quality of mine you adore?” he teased moving in for a kiss.

“No,” Liz said smiling and pulling away, “I mean your filthy. Dirty. Unclean.” She laughed and grabbed the showerhead aiming directly at his face, thoroughly soaking him.

Michael couldn’t help but laugh too. He moved the showerhead and rinsed himself off.
“Fine, are you satisfied now?” he asked exasperated.

“Not even close,” Liz said, a huskiness overtaking her voice.

Michael read the lust in her eyes and growled. Wasting no time pulled her body flush to him and claimed her mouth with his own. Water slid over their bodies as their hands slipped over planes and curves. Michael moved his mouth down to her neck to suck on her pulse point, knowing how much it turned her on. Liz let out a small moan, but quickly clamped her mouth shut remembering Mr. Guerin’s earlier remarks. Determined to get back at him Liz pulled away ever so slightly leaving him a little confused and extremely aroused. If he wanted enthusiastic, he was going to get it.

“What’s wrong?” he asked barely able to breathe.

“I told you I wasn’t satisfied. You’re still dirty.” she remarked playfully.

She grabbed a washcloth and his oh so manly smelling body wash. That had been a deal breaker. Shampoo was one thing, but there was no way he was allowing some girly smelling soap and one of those puffy things near his cave.

After working up a good lather she began cleaning Michael starting at his face and working her way torturously down. She made sure every inch of him was clean, his chest, back, arms, legs and finally saved the best for last.

She stood behind him and snaked her arms around his waist washcloth inching it’s way down his stomach. She felt him suck in a breath as she enveloped his, by now obvious arousal, in the warm cloth. She slowly, achingly stroked him while placing open mouth kisses on his well muscled back.

The washcloth was a pale substitute for the warm walls inside of Liz, but the way she was stroking him was having the same effect. Soon enough Michael had to brace his hands on the walls as his legs threatened to buckle beneath him. His breathing grew ragged, his control slipping.

Liz knew he was close. Months of making love to this man had given her a keen sense of his body. Before he knew what was happening she snuck around to the front of him and replaced the washcloth with her mouth.

“Shit Liz!” Michael cried out at the feel of her hot mouth on his throbbing erection. Her pace mirrored that of her hand only moments before. Any semblance of control was lost in that instant and he gave in willingly to her ministrations.

Still unsure of his legs he kept one hand on the wall while he rest the other on her head gently encouraging her on, unable to keep the moans from escaping his throat.
She knew, when his breathing had become uneven and his hips rocked almost wildly, that he was teetering on the brink. She took his length one last time and ever so lightly hummed. Michael shouted her name as he felt the vibration bring his release, spilling himself into her mouth as she eagerly swallowed.

Michael tried to regain his balance as she stood up and met his eyes with a wicked grin.

“Now who’s enthusiastic?” she asked place a light kiss on his lips.

Michael smirked, “God woman, you undo me.”

Liz turned off the water and they both dried off retiring to the bedroom, for what Liz thought would be a few hours of blissful sleep. What she forgot is: a)Michael was always quick to recover b) he always gave as good as he got and c)nobody gets the best of Michael Guerin, especially Liz Parker.

She pulled the sheets back on the bed and dropped her towel climbing into bed. She heard Michael open a drawer and assumed he was getting out a pair of boxers. When she felt the other side of the bed give into Michael’s weight she turned to face him and was greeted by a man with a wry grin, still wearing a towel, and holding her bottle of lotion in his hands.

“Forgetting something Parker?” he asked.

“I’m a dead woman.” Liz giggled.

Michael nodded and opened the bottle squeezing some of the lotion into his hand. He moved it through his fingers for a moment warming it through. He wanted Liz to burn for him as badly as he did for her.

He started at her collarbone moving in gentle circles out towards her shoulders. She held perfectly still as his moved down her arms. She was determined to not let him have any satisfaction in her coming undone. But Michael was a soldier and always had a strategy. Liz never stood a chance.

He positioned himself between her legs as he rubbed more of the vanilla scent, that intoxicated him so, over her stomach making his way up to her soft breasts. He saw her biting her lip as her drew closer to her already hardening nipples.

His let his fingertips dance around them lightly seeing in her eyes how badly she wanted him to touch them. Finally he rubbed them lightly finally eliciting a deep sigh from her. She fought the urge to arch her back into his hand, but gave in as he lightly pinched them between his fingers.

Now the vanilla lotion on it’s own was never enough to unnerve Michael. Only when it came into contact with Liz’s skin did it have a primal effect on him. He’d spent the last few minutes applying the lotion to her and by now the unmistakable scent of Liz was permeating the room. While Michael had a strategy in mind he was quickly losing site of it, drowning in the perfume of this woman. A fact made abundantly clear by the tenting of his loose towel.

He took his fingers away from Liz’s breasts and she practically screamed at the loss of contact. He closed the lid on the lotion and set on the bedside table, his final destination in sight. He trailed his hand up the inside of her legs lightly rubbing the remaining lotion on his hand, to the soft delicate skin of her inner thighs.

Unable to stand his teasing any long Liz reached out and brought his head to her breast begging wordlessly for him to devour her. Michael obliged taking her breast into his mouth sucking gently at first. His hands still rubbed the inside of her thighs brushing her folds ever so lightly, never giving her what she really needed.

Liz’s body was no longer hers to control as she squirmed under his touch, asking without words to touch her where she needed most. Suddenly she felt Michael’s thumb on her clit as he sucked harder on her breast.

“Michael!” she gasped, her entire body arching into him.

That was all he needed to hear. He never thought he would hear his name on his lips again and he forgot about his stupid battle for control with her.

He threw the towel aside and sat perched at her entrance, sliding in easily and letting out an unabashed moan.

“I never thought I’d get to do this again,” he whispered kissing her before he began to move inside her.

Liz had a million words running through her head that she wanted to say to him, but they didn’t seem to do justice to how she was feeling. The look in his eyes as their bodies joined again was the same as the one she’s seen only two nights earlier. Except this time instead of pain and loss she saw eternity.

She met him in a kiss as he brought their hands together and clasped over her head. Every thrust brought more pleasure and she was sure she was going to die with the need for release.

Michael knew it was cliché`, but he felt that Liz Parker was made for him. The way their bodies fit together was too perfect. The way her walls fit around him, contracting drawing him deeper into pleasure.

He felt her hands squeeze his tighter and saw her eyes began to close knowing her release was upon her. He sped up his movements, while still being as gentle as he could. With one last thrust he felt her clamp down on him and she cried out his name.

“M-i-i-i-cheal!”

“Oh Christ... L-i-I-z-z-z!”

Michael gently removed himself from her and rested his head on her chest, listening to her frantic heartbeat come down.

The steady thumping began to lull him to sleep when he heard her sniffling. He looked up and saw tears streaming down her cheeks.

Michael brought his hand up to he face trying to wipe the tears away that were merely replaced with new ones.

“Liz? Baby? Are you okay? D-did I hurt you?” he asked concerned searching her eyes for answers.

Liz shook her head, “No, no... It was wonderful,” she said sobs escaping her lips.

“Then what’s wrong?”

“I-I just realized how close I came to losing you forever.” she managed to get out before finally letting all the day’s stress come flowing out of her. “I lost some of the most important people in my life today. If I’d lost you I don’t know...”

Michael took her in his arms and brought the sheets around them. He let her cry against him as he stroked her wet hair, drying it with his powers so he could feel the silken locks flow through his fingers.

When he felt her sobs ease he lifted her chin with his fingertip, “Now you know I’m not one for a lot of mushy words so listen up. I wouldn’t be alive right now if I didn’t love you so much. You were the only thing that got me off that ship. If I didn’t have you, Max, Isabel and I would probably be dead right now. I may not show it often enough, but I am grateful that you are in my life. You are the one thing in my screwed up existence that I ever got right. I don’t think I knew how to live before I loved you. I am not going anywhere Parker, you got me?”

Liz smiled and nodded, laying her head on his chest letting his steady heartbeat bring her into sleep.

~~~*~~~~
TBC....

Chapter 10

Liz and Michael slept through most of the day. Staying up for more than twenty-four hours, not to mention almost being killed tends to wear a person out.

Normally Michael was a light sleeper, wide awake at the slightest hint of movement, but with the exhaustion of the morning he was almost dead to the world. So he never heard the snick of the lock to his front door being opened.

The figure made its way through the apartment as quietly as if knowing the sensitivity Michael had to any strange noise. They looked around and saw Liz’s tank top on the floor along with Michael clothes and made their way to the bedroom to look in on the sleeping lovers.

Lucky enough for the intruder the door to the bedroom lay wide open so they didn’t have to worry about the squeaky doorknob. Their breath hitched as they caught their first glimpse of Michael and Liz naked in the bed together.

As always, Michael held Liz’s body possessively to his. Even in slumber he never let go of her, never stopped protecting her. Her head lay on his chest and her arm draped over his waist, she protecting him as much as he was her.

The uninvited guest stood in the doorway raking their eyes over their sleeping forms, both wrapped in a sheet. One of Michael’s legs stuck out straight. His waist was covered by the sheet, but it was clear he was wearing nothing underneath.

Liz had one exposed leg over the covers in between Michael’s legs. Eyes combed over her nude hip following the line up her back. The sheets were bunch up around her chest hiding her breasts from the stranger’s gaze. They were so caught up in watching they forgot the creaky floorboard on the threshold on Michael’s bedroom.

Liz moved ever so slightly at the sound, causing the figure to panic a little Not wanting to move and make the noise again they stayed still, taking the couple in with their eyes. Michael’s arm tightened around Liz’s waist instinctively and she let out a sigh of contentment.

The intruder watched as, eyes still closed, a smile crept over Liz’s face and the hand that had been wrapped around his waist was sliding down under the sheet. Not wanting to be caught, the person slowly started to back out of the room.

“Leaving so soon, Max?” Michael said opening his eyes and looking at his friend standing in the doorway, “Why not stay for whole show?”

Max froze in place. While Liz’s eyes flew open. She clutched the sheet, covering her body, and sat up quickly. Max was still in the same clothes he was wearing that morning. His eyes looked puffy and tired. They could both tell he hadn’t slept. They might have even felt sorry for him if he hadn’t snuck in to spy on them.

“What the hell are you doing here Max?” Liz yelled furiously.

Max was at a loss for words, he was sure they were both sound asleep. Michael sat up shielding Liz’s body with his own. “She asked you a question, Max.”

“I-I-I just had to see if it was true or if this was another lie... like with Kyle. I mean, Tess is already gone Liz. Whatever my future self told you... we can change... it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to be with Michael to save the world. ” Max said trying to reason with her.

“Yes I do. Michael is my world!” Liz growled. Her anger was palpable, Michael could feel it coming off her in waves. He’d never seen her that angry before, but his heart soared as he heard Liz call him her world.

“But Liz...”

“Get out, Max!’ God! Why is it so hard for you to believe that I don’t love you? I never did.” she said. Michael felt her energy building and knew if Max didn’t get out soon something bad was going to happen.

”That’s not true Liz and you know it!” Max argued. It couldn’t be true. He saved her life. He saw into her soul. She loved him. She had to. How could he be so wrong?

Michael turned away from Max and placed a hand on Liz’s cheek. He moved her face to his making her look into his eyes. He could feel her shaking with rage.

“Calm down. I’ll handle this.” he said in a soothing voice. She nodded her consent and Michael turned back to Max.

“Look Max, now isn’t the best time for this okay. We all need time to cool off, then we’ll talk and you can profess you undying devotion to my girlfriend.”

“Michael Guerin, the voice of reason? That’s a switch.” Max said sarcastically.

“Keep it up Maxwell and you’ll see how unreasonable I can get.” Michael responded his own rage threatening to spill over. “Leave. Now. Or I may just forget what Liz taught me about being a polite host.”

Max glared at the couple one last time, tuned away and made a hasty exit. Michael and Liz heard breaking glass as Max slammed the door on his way out.

“Well, that was fun.” Michael said falling back on to his pillow.

Liz was still sitting up, shaking with anger. How dare Max barge in on she and Michael like that? How could he still be denying something that was over before it ever really began? How could he not see how much she loved Michael?
“Hey... Liz... Hey...” Michael said sitting back up, rubbing her back gently. “He’s gone... it’s over.”

Liz snapped out of her trance and looked at Michael, “You and I both know Max, Michael. It’s not over.”

Michael couldn’t argue with her. He knew she was right; Max Evans was about many things when it came to Liz and one of those things was a pit-bull. Once he held on he’d never let go. But Max always underestimated Michael and this was no exception. Michael would fight until his last breath for this woman, even if it meant fighting his brother.

~*~

After the ordeal with Max, Michael and Liz knew they wouldn’t be getting anymore sleep. Besides Michael had a broken front door window to fix and the grumbling in their bellies reminded them they hadn’t eaten in a while.

Michael threw on a pair of jeans and headed out to the living room, leaving Liz digging through his closet for something to wear.

“When’s the last time you did laundry?” Liz called out, as she came upon nothing but a pile of Michael’s dirty clothes.

“Uh, Liz, I was leaving the planet... it wasn’t exactly on my ‘to do’ list.” he replied fishing a two sodas out of the fridge before venturing over to the broken glass. He chuckled as he heard a muffled growl come from his bedroom.

A minute later, Liz came out padding out in her bare feet wearing only one of Michael’s t-shirts. On him it was a little baggy; on her it practically swallowed her lithe form. It was at times like these when he realized how tiny Liz really was and how amazing it was that they ever fit together. Paul Bunyan and Tinkerbell came to mind.

Liz started to walk forward towards the kitchen when Michael held his hand up, “Just stay there a sec. I need to fix the window and there still glass on the floor. You’ll cut up you feet.”

That was only part of the reason. It was also an excuse to look at the two great loves of his life: Liz Parker wearing his Metallica t-shirt. He smiled for a moment, then swiped his hand from the floor to the window mending the broken shards to a single sheet of clear glass.

“Safe?” she asked.

“From the glass? Yeah. From me? Not a chance.” he said advancing on her.

Liz held her hands up to keep him back and scurried around him into the kitchen where he quickly trapped her against the refrigerator. Not that she really wanted to put up much of a fight, not when Michael had that devious look in his eyes.

“Now, Miss Parker, I believe you were going to do something nasty with those hands of yours before His Highness interrupted.” Michael pointed out.

“Why whatever are you talking about Mr. Guerin?” Liz asked batting her eyes feigning innocence.

“Can’t put one over on me, Liz. I know all your tricks.” Michael whispered in her ear, wrapping one of his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.

“If you say so.” she relented, leaning up to capture his mouth in a kiss.

As Michael’s tongue teased the corners Liz’s mouth she reached behind her grabbing one of the ice cold soda’s he had taken out of the fridge minutes earlier. Before he knew what was happening Michael felt the cold can on his neck. He jumped back from her yelping. Liz practically sank to the floor in a fit of laughter as she watched Michael rub the warmth back into his neck.

“You still have a lot to learn about me, Grasshopper.” Liz said barely able to speak.

“Apparently.” Michael said mildly annoyed. But seeing Liz laughing again quickly erased that. Max had really shaken her up , he wasn’t sure if she would be okay anytime soon.

Liz saw that glint back in Michael’s eye and she knew she was in for it. After that morning’s earlier tryst she remembered that nobody got Michael Guerin without paying a price.
She saw him take a step towards her again and she began to back away. Soon they were at a full run around the apartment. Over the coffee table, around the couch and in front of the television. If Michael was going to get her, she wanted him to work for it.

He finally caught her by the table in the kitchen causing her to let out a squeal as he lifted her off the ground. He quieted her with a searing kiss and she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist feeling how hard he was for her. Their breathing was already heavy from their jaunt around the apartment and didn’t threaten to slow down anytime soon.

Michael set Liz down on the edge of the table when her realized dishes from the previous night’s dinner with Maria were in their way. Without a thought he brushed the items off the surface, sending them crashing to the floor.

Liz scooted back pulling Michael by the belt loops towards her. He gently pushed her down making his way to lay on top of her, unsure that the table would hold there weight, but not really caring either. His mouth attacked her as she wrapped her legs once again around his waist, tangling her hands into his dark blonde locks, moaning at the feel of his open mouth on her neck.

They were broken from their passionate embrace by the loud crash of Michael’s front door being broken down.
~~~*~~~
TBC...


Chapter 11

Michael’s front door came open with a loud crash. He barely had time to get off of Liz, and stand defend them holding his hand up, ready to blast whomever walked through the door.

“Michael? Liz?” Kyle yelled as he ran in the door. He caught Michael out of the corner of his eye with his hand up and starting to glow. “Shit! Whoa man! It’s just me!”

Michael brought his hand down, “Dammit Valenti!”

“I’m sorry, I was coming over here to talk to you guys when I heard Liz screaming,” Kyle said quickly when his eyes fell on Liz who was still perched on the table eyes wide wearing only a black Metallica t-shirt, “And then I heard an crash...” his gaze then fell to the mess of plates broken on the floor. “... I thought you were in trouble...” his eyes met Michael’s intensely annoyed glare, “... and I’m beginning to think I shoulda called first.”

“Ya think?” Michael asked dryly.

Kyle averted his eyes from the couple as Liz hopped down and stood by Michael. “You know I have this nasty habit of catching you two... uh, doing whatever it is you two are... were doing... So...I’m just gonna go now, we can talk later. Sorry about your door, man”

Kyle started to leave when Liz called out to him, “No Kyle! Stay. It’s okay.”

Kyle stopped and looked up at Michael who nodded his head in agreement. Sure the guy had seriously interrupted his groove, but it was nothing that couldn’t wait.

“Besides, I need someone to hold the door still while I fix it.” Michael added. “Poor thing’s been through a lot to day.” Kyle gave him a puzzled look and Michael told him he’d explain later.

Liz walked over to Kyle and invited him in. She’d completely forgotten her state of undress.

“Uh, Liz... I realize I’m not the only one you’ve shared a bed with...” Kyle began when he heard Michael growl at the memory that, although nothing ever happened and it was for the good of Earth, Liz had been had been naked in a bed with Kyle before. Kyle quickly moved away from that subject, “Um, could you... uh... put something ...more on?”

Liz blushed and nodded running into Michael’s bedroom and fished out an old pair of sweats she’d left there. She tossed Michael a t-shirt and he and Kyle set about fixing Michael’s front door.

“Hey man, I am really sorry.” Kyle whispered to Michael nodding in the direction of Liz who was getting another soda out for Kyle.

“You have no idea.” Michael whispered back with a smirk.

“I’m gonna order a pizza. Kyle, you’re staying for dinner. You almost finished?” Liz asked from the living room.
“Keep your panties on, Parker.” Michael yelled back swiping his hand once more over the door mending the splintered wood and bent hinges.

“Not wearing any, Guerin. “ Liz sang.

Kyle coughed, “Did <i>not</i> need to know that!”

Michael just laughed and he and Kyle made their way into the living room where Liz sat on the couch with the phone in her hand ordering an extra large pizza for the three of them. Michael took his place next to Liz after she hung up the phone while Kyle settled into the armchair cracking open his soda.

Kyle watched the couple for a moment while Liz handed Michael his soda and the Tabasco that always accompanied alien beverages. He noticed Michael didn’t even ask for it, she’d just handed it to him. He’d forgotten that they had been together longer than anyone really knew and were completely in tune with each others habits and quirks. It was oddly comforting to see them finally working together as a couple, doing things normal couples do. Well as normal as a former alien warrior and teenage girl can be.

“It’s going to take some getting used to, seeing you two like this.” Kyle remarked.

Liz nodded understanding then frowned a little. She realized that if Kyle, who’d known about she and Michael for months, was having trouble adjusting it would probably take the others a lot longer. Hell, it would probably take the entire town a while to adjust.

Sensing Liz’s slight depression Kyle was quick to follow up, “But I’m just glad it’s finally out and you’re happy.”

His words achieved their desire effect when Liz’s frown returned to a smile. She leaned back against Michael and sipped her soda.

“What did you mean about the door being through a lot today?” Kyle asked changing the subject, then another thought entered his head, “...and if it had anything to do with some weird human/alien sex thing, remember, I don’t want to know.”

Michael and Liz laughed; glad to see that while Kyle was still reeling on the inside from Tess’ betrayal, some semblance of their wisecracking friend remained.

“No.” Michael answered scratching his eyebrow. “The door had an unfortunate run in with Max Evans.”

Kyle’s widened and he practically choked on his cola, “Evans was here? When? What did he say?”
“He was here about a half hour ago.” Liz answered, anger rising in her remembering waking up and finding Max spying on her and Michael. “He didn’t say much. I don’t think he was planning on us catching him watching us sleep.”

Michael heard the venom in her voice and rubbed her shoulder trying to calm her. Kyle could tell this agitated Liz more than it did Michael, leading him to the conclusion that Max had pulled another “we belong together” speech.

“Needless to say he was pretty pissed off when he left.” Michael finished for Liz who was too angry to speak, “Slammed the door and broke the glass out of the window.”

Kyle nodded knowingly, tempted to coin a phrase by Buddha, but decide against it.

“H-How are you?” Liz asked him regaining her composure remembering why Kyle was probably there in the first place.

“I’m not gonna lie, pretty fucking shitty.” Kyle answered, “It doesn’t seem real ya know. I have a hard time deciding what upsets me more, what Tess did to all of us... or what she made me do with Alex’s bod...Liz, you have to know how sorry I am... if I’d known... I would never have... I just wasn’t strong enough.

Liz heard his voice shaking realizing the memories of that night were still very fresh in his mind. He was also apologizing to her. He thought it was his fault about Alex and not knowing what Tess was up to. He blamed himself.

“Oh God, Kyle! No! What happened to Alex was <i>not</i> your fault. There was no way you could have known.” she said reaching out and squeezing his hand.

“Yeah man,” Michael added, “None of us did. She was mind warping him for a long time. She was really powerful. You can’t blame yourself.”

“But I knew something wasn’t right. At Alex’s wake when Liz told us she thought Alex was murdered. I knew... Dammit she was right there in the room!”

“Kyle, if you’re ever going to get past this you have to stop blaming yourself.” Liz said calmly, but sadness crept into her voice “If anything it’s my fault Alex dead.”

Michael and Kyle both looked at her wide eyed. Liz Parker heaping the weight of the world on her shoulders once again.

“How can you think that?” Michael asked her.

“Future Max... if I hadn’t help him Alex might still be... I didn’t know... how could I make that kind of choice?” Liz began weeping.

Kyle got up from the chair and sat next to Liz embracing her. Michael didn’t feel jealous or possessive. He knew it was what Liz needed and Kyle had proven to be a trustworthy ally over the last year.

“Stop it already will ya Liz. You know I hate it when girls cry.” Kyle said as Liz continued to sob against his shoulder “Dad told me about what happened that night I found you and Michael. You had to do it. There’s no way you could have known Alex was going to die.”

Liz sniffled and looked up at her friend, “Fine, I’ll stop crying if you admit it was not your fault. The only people to blame here is Tess and Nascedo.”

Kyle reluctantly agreed if only to stop Liz crying. They both knew it was a wound they’d both feel for a long time. Not easily healed in one day.

Michael remained quiet letting the two friends comfort each other and relieve some necessary guilt. He wasn’t about to spill his own guilty feelings over what had happened to Alex, at least not yet. Everyone thought he was so stoic during that time, that because he’d never been really close with Alex, his death didn’t affect him as much. It couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Not even Liz knew how he broke down in his apartment and destroyed a fair amount of his belongings unable to express his grief. He was supposed to protect everyone; that was his job. Even though at the time he didn’t know Alex had been murdered he still felt guilty. Alex had helped them even before he’d known they were aliens. He was Liz’s best friend and he couldn’t protect him.

Liz had been so busy shutting down and investigating Alex’s death that she never knew how much Michael was hurting inside. It killed him that she had pushed him away and told him to go to Maria, that she needed him more. It killed him, because he knew that’s what he did to people, even Liz sometimes, and never realized how badly it felt to be on the receiving end. He understood it and gave Liz her space, but he knew how much she was hurting inside. Alex had grown up with Liz, they had been inseparable and in one agonizing instant he’d been ripped out of her life

That pain and guilt Michael had pushed aside began building again when he realized Liz had been right, that Alex had been murdered and by one of their own. But true to Stonewall Guerin form he pushed those feelings down, telling himself he had to be strong for Liz and now for Kyle. He could fall apart later when no one was watching.

A knocking at his door gave Michael relief out of his thoughts. He got up off the couch and answered the door taking the pizza and handing the delivery guy a twenty telling him to keep the change.

He set the pizza on the counter and fetched some paper plates. As he took out the slices he watched Kyle and Liz. He had his arm around her and gave her a chaste kiss the crown of her head.

He couldn’t help but wonder what it was about Liz that made men want to take care of her for the rest of their lives? Was it because she was so small or that she seemed so fragile? Few men knew how truly strong she was. That was one of the things Michael loved about her. Nobody knew how many times she’d been strong for him. They leaned on each other and found a balance.

He cleared his throat and walked into the living room handing Kyle and Liz their pizza. Kyle returned to the armchair as they began eating.

“So have you seen anyone else? Isabel?” Kyle asked, “Maria?” he said almost in a whisper.

Liz shook her head, “Isabel seems okay with us, but I just wouldn’t know what to say to Maria. We really hurt her.”

Kyle nodded, “Not to sound like a bastard here, but Michael was right back at the cliffs. Maria did bring some of this on herself. She pursued Michael almost as rabidly as Max went after you Liz. Michael couldn’t have brushed her off without making her suspicious. She would have found out eventually. I’m sorry she’s hurt, but I think she’ll be okay in the long run.”

“I hope you’re right. I think I’m just going to let her come to me. “Liz said, “Let her get out what she needs to. I can take it. I deserve some of it., but I know things will never be the same.”

“That’s an understatement.” Michael added knowing he too would probably have to face Maria again soon.

The three of them continued eating talking about everything and nothing and for once, in what seemed like ages, felt normal. They didn’t know it at the time, but they were forming a bond that would last them a lifetime and would redefine the dynamics of the group that had become such an integral part of their lives.

Around 7:00 Kyle decided to leave. He wanted to get back home and spend some time with his dad, the only other person, besides Michael and Liz, he felt he could trust and would understand him.

“When do you’re parents get home?” he asked Liz as the approached the beaten, but repaired, door.

“Later tonight. They’re coming in from Sante Fe.” she answered.

“You need a lift home?” he asked.

Liz looked up at Michael, “No, I think I’ll have Michael take me home. We’ll wait for my parents to come home and we’ll tell them about us... together.”

Kyle nodded, “Good luck.”

Liz gave him a hug thanking him for his support when she knew he didn’t have to give it.
Kyle smiled, “You know Max saved my life too. If he ever gets over you I don’t think I could handle the ‘soulmate’ deal.”

Michael let out a laugh while Liz lightly punched Kyle’s arm. He shook Michael’s hand one last time and left still chuckling to himself.

Michael put away the pizza as Liz got dressed. They had to break the news to Liz’s parents so they needed to get her home. Michael wouldn’t admit it, but he’d never been so nervous in his life.

~~~*~~~
TBC!


Chapter 12

Michael and Liz walked into the darkened Crashdown Café. Liz called out to her parents only to be greeted with silence.

“Must not be back yet.” Michael said.

Liz shrugged, “You stay here I’m gonna go change.”

“I can help you with that, you know.” Michael said that deviant glint back in his eye.

Liz waved him off, “No way, Michael. You seem to excel at the undressing part. That’s not exactly the first impression I want my parents to have when they find out about us.”

“You owe me.” Michael grumbled as she pushed her way through the back room and up the stairs to her bedroom.

Alone in the silence gave Michael time to contemplate his impending conversation with the Parker’s. It made him realize that he had it a little too good with Liz when they were a secret. He never had to worry about her father watching his back. Never had the talk about his intentions towards their daughter. Never had to worry about keeping her out past curfew.

He wondered often wondered what Mr. Parker’s reaction to dating the local juvenile delinquent would be. Michael always got the impression that Jeff Parker was never really fond of Max, who on the surface was picture perfect. Good family. Good grades. Polite. Michael was none of those things.

The more Michael thought about it the more nervous he got. What if Mr. Parker hated the idea of him dating Liz so much that he fired him? At that thought Michael grabbed the days newspaper, found the want ads and a highlighting pen.

That’s the scene that greeted Liz when she came down the stairs. Michael sitting at the counter highlighting jobs ads. She looked over his shoulder and brushed her lips on the back of his neck. “What are you doing?” she asked taking seat next to him.

“It’s called being prepared.” he said not looking up from his task, “I have to be prepared to seek other employment if your parents hate the idea of us being together.”

Liz shook her head, “Michael, you have to have more faith in people. My dad likes you. He appreciates how you’ve managed to make a life for yourself out of really tough circumstances.”

“I didn’t ask for pity, Liz.” Michael growled.

Liz tipped Michael’s face to hers, “It’s not pity. It’s a compliment.”

“We’ll see.” Michael said focusing back on the paper.

As much as Liz loved Michael she hated the way he was always putting himself down. She knew she made some difference, but there were wounds she knew might never heal within Michael, scarred over from years of abuse and neglect. Always made to feel second.

Still hungry, Liz went behind the counter and fished out some ice cream and two bowls. She continued to let Michael read through the paper realizing he’d already made his mind up about what her parents would think of him.

She quietly placed the bowl of pistachio and Tabasco in front of him and sat quietly eating her vanilla and pineapple. She knew from over a year and a half of experience there was no talking to Michael when he was like this.
He told her once, <i>“ If you set your expectations of people low, you won’t feel as disappointed when they let you down.”</i>

“Find anything good?” she asked as she fed him a bite of ice cream.

He wouldn’t admit it, but just her letting him stew actually helped, not to mention the ice cream. Maria would drive him crazy trying to get him to talk when there were just some things he needed to work out on his own. “There’s a night watchman’s job open at Meta-Chem. If your dad doesn’t completely hate me, it might be a good second job.”

“School, two jobs <i>and</i> a girlfriend? I don’t know Michael, sounds like a lot of pressure.” Liz reasoned.

Michael sighed, “Yeah. Guess I’ll have to get rid of the girlfriend. Priorities, you know.” he said winking at her. He leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss, letting her know <i>she</i> was the last thing in the world he’d even consider getting rid of.

Liz was about to make a snappy comeback when she saw her parents watching them through the break room door.

“Showtime, Michael.” she whispered nudging him. Michael followed her gaze to Jeff and Nancy, suddenly barely able to swallow the ice cream in his mouth.

~*~

Jeff and Nancy Parker parked their car on the side of the building they’d owned for more years than they could count. The only place there daughter knew as home. They hated leaving Liz when they attended the often tedious entrepreneur conventions, but their daughter was extremely understanding and they always trusted her.

Weary from the endless pitches and fake smiles the Parkers just wanted to get inside, hug their daughter, and go to bed.

Nancy went ahead of Jeff, who was grabbing their luggage. When he came struggling in with the numerous bags her saw his wife at the break room door looking out into the diner.
“Uh, Nance... a little...”

He was quickly shushed by his wife and she beckoned him to the small diamond shaped window.

‘What is it?” he whispered.

“Look.” she said pointing out at the two teenagers in sitting at the counter. It was Liz and Michael.

He understood Liz being there, it was her home, but Michael? The café had been closed that day, he had no reason to be there. To his knowledge Michael and Liz never really hung out together unless with Max or Maria.

He watched the two interact and saw closeness he’d never noticed before. Maybe he was blind to it because he never really wanted to think of his little girl loving anyone, but him. Or maybe it was because he was usually worrying about Max Evans following her everywhere.

He saw Liz feed Michael some ice cream, not exactly what people who barely talked to each other did. Was it possible Liz was dating Michael and if so when did it happen? He’d always thought that Michael was attached to Maria, or at least Maria seemed to think they were.

“Are they...but I thought he and Mar..?” he began, but Nancy shushed him again and they listened in on the Michael and Liz’s conversation.

They heard Liz say that Jeff liked Michael. He appreciated that he had made a life for himself through tough circumstances. Which was true. Since hiring Michael he’d come to depend on him more than most of his employees, sometimes even more than his daughter.

Jeff let out a little laugh remembering that it had been Liz who had lobbied him to give Michael a chance. All he’d ever known about Michael was what he heard around town. Most people thought he was as bad as Hank, but Jeff never believed that. He knew Hank Guerin and had always been amazed that the state let him take care of a child.

He saw Michael get agitated by Liz’s statement, not wanting pity. He was stubborn, but Jeff understood that. Michael never wanted anything handed to him. Everything he had in life he earned and one thing Michael didn’t know he had earned was Jeff’s respect.

He heard Liz ask if he’d found anything good. Good? Was he thinking about quitting? Was he not happy at the Crashdown? Did they not pay him enough? Was Maria going to be a problem?

He heard Michael say something about Meta-Chem and taking a second job if he(Jeff) didn’t hate him. Hate Michael? Had he ever given that impression or had Michael’s years with Hank given him such a low opinion of himself.
Jeff had been so wrapped in his thoughts he only heard the last part of Michael’s response to Liz. Something about getting rid of his girlfriend. Then he leaned in and gave Liz a soft kiss, confirming what he and Nancy had suspected. Michael Guerin was dating their daughter. Question now was how long? They seemed too comfortable with each other to have only just started.

Before they could duck out of the way they were caught by Liz’s glance. She whispered something to Michael and he turned around. The poor boy looked like a deer caught in headlights.

~*~

Michael shifted uncomfortably in his seat when he saw the Parkers through the window. All his fears seemed to come to the surface. This was his moment of truth. He knew he was good enough for Liz; it had taken him a long time to believe that. His only worry now was if Nancy and Jeff thought so?

Liz got up from her seat and hugged her mother then her father. Michael stood up nervously to greet them.

“Hey, Mr. Parker. Mrs. Parker.” Michael finally said his voice cracking. His voice cracking? That hadn’t happened since the sixth grade when puberty reared its ugly head.

“Michael. Nice to see you. Have a good weekend?” Jeff said to an obviously nervous Michael.

“It wasn’t boring.” Michael said exchanging a look with Liz. Oh, if they only knew.

There was an awkward silence as no one knew what to say. How do you tell your parents you’re in love with one of the cooks and have been seeing him for over a year? Making sure to leave out all the parts about him being an alien and your lover?

“So I’m guessing you have something to tell us, Liz.” Nancy said eyeing her daughter who had by now wrapped her small hand in Michael’s.

“First. I have a question.” Jeff said just as Liz was about to speak, “Are you pregnant?”

Michael’s eyes about came out of their sockets and Liz’s jaw dropped. Nancy smacked her husband’s arm. Jeff knew it was an unfair question, but he’d already been a little shocked by Liz and Michael being together in the first place. He wanted to be at least a little prepared.

“What?” Liz finally said, “God Dad! No!”

“I’m sorry Michael. We know you’re a good kid it’s just Jeff is an insufferable ass.” Nancy chided. Michael couldn’t help, but smirk at that and it seemed to lighten the mood.

“Look, Mom, Dad... I’m just going to come out and say it... Michael and I are dating; we have been for a while. The reason we’ve never said anything is because...”
“You didn’t want hurt your friends.” Jeff finished for her. Liz gave her father a puzzled look. “Hey, I’m not completely oblivious. I know that Maria seems pretty attached to Michael, Max won’t leave alone and I know how important your friends are to you. Both of you.”

Liz and Michael both nodded. Michael sucked up his courage and spoke, “I’m not very good at this stuff, the parent thing, so I‘ll just say this: I love Liz. I’ll try my best not to hurt her. We’ve been though a lot together and I know I’m not what you may have pictured... but...I need her.”

Nancy saw Liz squeeze Michael’s hand, and knew her daughter felt the same way about this tall, brooding boy standing before them. She began to see the effect Liz had on Michael, he used to seem so angry and tense, always on edge. But now he seemed softer, more relaxed. Well, relaxed wasn’t the right term for the situation, but he seemed less angry. She knew that was Liz’s influence.

Jeff’s heart constricted. His little girl was in love. Not only that but she seemed to be loved back with an equal amount of fervor. He knew Michael had a hard time expressing himself and here he was telling his girlfriends parents he needed her in his life. That took a lot of guts.

“I trust you Michael. Just take care of her.” Jeff finally said extending his hand to the boy who held his daughter’s heart.

“I will.” Michael replied a bit stunned at the ease with which Mr. Parker had accepted him as Liz’s boyfriend. He shook Jeff’s hand then took Liz’s again.

“Well, we’re pretty beat, so we’ll just head upstairs. Elizabeth, we can talk later. Jeff?” Nancy said giving the couple time alone to talk about what had just happened or more what didn’t happen.

“Yeah,” he said letting out a fake yawn, ‘We’ll see you upstairs, honey.”

“Okay. Thanks Daddy.” Liz said in an almost childlike voice.

Jeff smiled. Liz hadn’t called him “Daddy” since she was a little girl. This really must have meant a lot to her.

Jeff and Nancy started to walk away when Jeff stopped, “Oh Michael could you come by a little earlier tomorrow. I wanna talk about giving you some more responsibilities around here. Wouldn’t want you to have to give up your girlfriend” he said with a wink.

“Um... Yes sir.” Michael answered. He couldn’t believe what had happened. Not only had Jeff Parker given him his trust with his only daughter, but it sounded like he was getting a promotion.

Michael and Liz waited until Jeff and Nancy had disappeared upstairs before either of them said anything.

“What the hell was that?” Michael said feeling as though he hadn’t taken a breath in hours.
Liz grinned, “See what happens when you have a little faith in people?”

“No. I’m beginning to see the advantages of sleeping with the boss’s daughter,” Michael kidded.

Liz threw her hands in the air and started to walk away but Michael pulled her back to him, kissing her with all he had. For so long he’d gone without knowing what it was like to be accepted or even trusted and the feeling was euphoric.

He wanted to hold onto that moment forever. He knew they still had other people to deal with who wouldn’t be so understanding and accepting. But for this one moment in time he was someone to be proud of and for once he felt worthy of it.

~~~*~~~
TBC...

Chapter 13

After Leaving Liz back at the Crashdown, Michael went for a ride on his bike. He needed some time be alone and reflect about what had happened that day. In some ways it was the best day of his life. He would finally get to be with Liz out in the open. Her parents approved him, even trusted him there most precious possession, their daughter. Him, the trailer trash, foster kid.

He was getting a promotion, which meant more money, something he could always use more of. He would be eighteen soon and all the perks of being emancipated would soon disappear. His rent would go up and people would start expecting more of him.

It had also been one of the worst days of his life. He had dramatically altered the lives of everyone involved. Relationships would never be the same. Maria, whom he loved as a friend would probably never speak to him or Liz again. As irritating as she was sometimes, Michael knew Maria cared about him and that wasn’t something he had a lot of growing up. Her broken heart would be his one big regret in this whole thing. He knew Liz felt the same way.

Isabel. She had surprised him with the things she’d said at the cliffs. He’d expected her to blow up, chastise him, or chew him out, but she didn’t. It seemed as though she understood, or was at least trying to. Maybe it was still too early to tell. Maybe if she had more time to think, more time with Max to see how badly he was hurting, then she might turn her back on him.

Finally Max. His king. His brother. His friend. Even though Michael always knew Liz never loved Max, he knew Max was completely in love with Liz. It was a love that got twisted over time. Now Max treated Liz like everyone else, as a possession. Something to be owned and something to obey. Max had changed so much in the past year. And if Michael was being honest with himself he had to admit it was scaring him a little. Love had turned to obsession and it was starting to get ugly.

He always knew Max was intensely infatuated with Liz. He could hardly blame the guy, but the tenacity at which he went after her in the past year, was something he’d never seen before. That afternoon, sneaking into the apartment to spy on them? That wasn’t the Max Evans he knew. Maybe the stress of everything finally broke him and he was trying to cling to the one thing he believed he loved the most, Liz.

Before he knew it Michael was back at his apartment. Fatigue was setting in. Even though he and Liz had gotten some sleep that afternoon, it wasn’t nearly enough after surviving an alien double cross, and “meeting” Liz’s parents.

He was going to miss Liz not sleeping next to him, but he knew you couldn’t always get what you want. Although that day seemed to be better than most.

He opened his door and set his helmet on the kitchen counter. He was shuffling towards the bedroom when he heard someone from the living room clear their throat.

~*~

Michael practically jumped out of his boots, when the mystery guest stood up. He recognized her statuesque frame immediately.

“Jesus Isabel! What is it with people breaking into my apartment today?” he said more than annoyed.

“What are you talking about?” Isabel asked in confusion.

Michael waved her off, “Later. What are you doing here? I thought you’d be with Max.”

He couldn’t help but wonder where she was when Max had broken into his apartment earlier that day.

“I finally got him to lie down and rest when he got back home. He took off when I dozed off earlier today. I don’t know where he’d been, but he looked worse when he got home and hour ago.”

“So why are you here?” Michael asked again deliberately changing the subject. He didn’t want Isabel to worry if she didn’t have to. The fear that Max was cracking up was something he wanted to keep to himself for now. He hoped he was wrong.

“I wanted to see if you... and Liz were okay. How did you get home?” she asked biting her lip. She wasn’t sure if Michael was angry with her for leaving him in the desert with Liz. She had felt so torn, but knew Max needed her more at that moment.

“Liz and I had to walk for a couple hours. Mr. Valenti came by and picked us up along the highway. Why?”

“I would have come to get you, but Max, you know... and the Jeep well that’s history... and...”

“Is. You’re rambling. Liz and I are fine,” he reassured her, “Thanks though.”

Isabel nodded and looked around the room. She was avoiding Michael’s eyes. He could tell she had something to say. “What is it, Is?”

“Michael, why didn’t you tell me? About you and Liz?” she finally blurted out, sounding hurt.

Michael sighed and motioned for Isabel to sit back down on the couch, slumping next to her.

“I didn’t want you to have to choose sides, Is, and to be honest I didn’t think you’d understand. I mean, Max is your brother, why would you not stick by him? Christ! I hate this emotional stuff. The truth is I couldn’t take it if you hated me. You are the only family I’ve got. I knew you’d probably side with Max. He’s your blood. So it was easier to lie.”

“You are my brother too Michael! I don’t care what that damn book says. We grew up together. You should have told me! You should have told everyone!” she said, Michael heard the iciness in her voice. Maybe she had changed her mind.

“How could I, Is? Max was following Liz around like a lost puppy dog professing his love for her at every damn moment. He seemed to feed off of her. He seemed stronger with her. We needed Max strong. Remember all those flashes she got from him? She never got those with me!”

Michael paused for a moment and put his head in his hands. Isabel could tell Liz getting those flashes from Max hurt him deeply. She wondered if it had ever caused problems for them. She knew how Michael could be when he felt hurt by someone. Liz had to have been strong to weather everything with him.

“What do you think would’ve happened if I had told him?” he continued. “You saw what happened today. Everything is a mess, but it’s a mess I’m willing to deal with.”

“So why today? Why tell today? You could have gone on lying. We’d all eventually go our separate ways. You and Liz could have made it look like...”

“No! We couldn’t! I couldn’t! I couldn’t stand another year of watching Max pine after Liz. I could not go another year without people knowing how much I love her.

What changed? Everything! We are here to stay, Is. Unless there is another ship out there with the coordinates for Antar conveniently programmed into its controls, Earth is home. It’s time I made it my home and that starts with being honest about Liz.

Ever since Liz and I got together I’ve asked her to keep us a secret. I thought I was protecting everyone. Now I have nothing to protect and I’m tired of feeling ashamed for being with her when I’m not.”

Isabel was silent. She’d never seen Michael so... in love. She never saw that gleam in his eye with Maria. Michael was never one to express himself. Words were always hard, so she knew everything he’d told her was true. Michael Guerin loved Liz Parker. Wholly and completely.

Michael was right, she thought, Max would have never understood. He would never have accepted it. He would have blamed Michael and their tight knit family would have fallen apart. It was happening now, but somehow it didn’t seem as devastating. They could never go back to Antar, so they would never get to fulfill their roles.

“Are you happy?” she asked him.

“With Liz? Yes. With everything that’s happened? No. Time will have to tell. I want you to be happy for me, Is, but I’ll understand if you aren’t or can’t.” he said leaning back on the couch and looking up at the ceiling.

Michael heard Isabel stifle a giggle. He took his focus of the ceiling and looked over at her, “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing, it’s just you never do things the easy way, do you? I mean of all the people in the world, you had to fall in love with Liz Parker. The one person my brother thinks the sun rises and sets around.”

Michael smiled, Isabel had a point, “It’s not like I planned it. I fought it for a long time, believe me.”

“What changed?” Isabel queried.

“The more I fought it, the deeper I got. I can’t explain it, Is. I didn’t just want to be with her... I needed to.”

Isabel pondered this for a moment. Michael Guerin admitting he needed someone. That something was beyond his control and he liked it, scratch that, loved it. Michael was happy and if Liz was the one making him smile there was no way Isabel was going to deny him.

“Well, I’m not going to stand in your way. In fact I may not be around much. Max needs me right now, but I wanted you to know that I’m not abandoning you. Like I said, you’re my brother too. I won’t choose between you.”

Michael simply nodded, “Thanks, Is. I didn’t want to lose you.”

Another awkward silence passed and Michael was feeling the wear of being so openly emotional. His mind wasn’t used to sharing so much.

They talked a little while longer. Michael told her about Kyle and his grand entrance that afternoon. Isabel laughed, really laughed, for the first time since Alex died. It felt good, freeing.

It was getting late and Isabel stood to leave, “I better get home, take care of Max.”

Michael walked her to the door. He saw that her face was etched with worry when she said Max’s name. He knew if Isabel was going to be his ally he had to tell her everything he knew. She could keep and eye on him. Make sure he was stable.

“Is… Max was here today.”

“What?” she gasped, the look of concern replaced with shock, “Why didn’t you tell me? What happened?”

“I didn’t want you to get upset, but I think Max is... I don’t know... I think he’s breaking down. He snuck in here and watched Liz and I sleeping. When we caught him he kept telling Liz they could start over,” he explained.
Isabel still stood in shock, she knew Max was upset, but this was so unlike him, “Is.. Liz okay?”

Michael flashed back to the memory of that afternoon. Liz clutching the sheet to her body, shaking, not with fear, but anger. He had to calm her down. The irony was lost on him at the time, usually it was the other way around.

“Um, yeah. She was pissed, like I’ve never seen, Is. I wouldn’t have told you, but I’m worried. Max is my friend and I hate seeing him like that. I just thought you could keep a better eye out for him than I can.”

A thought flashed through Isabel’s head. Not one she would have ever entertained in her wildest imagination, but the days events had taught her otherwise. “Do you think he’s dangerous? Not to me, but to you or Liz?”

Michael wanted to deny it. Max dangerous? But his shift had Michael nervous. He could take care of himself, but his concern was more for Liz. So he answered Isabel as honestly as he could. “I don’t know.”

“I can’t believe we’re even thinking this, Michael,” she whispered. Her thoughts bounced around her head. Max’s disheveled appearance when he came home suddenly made sense.

“I’m probably just being paranoid, it’s what I do. But just to be on the safe side...” Michael said scratching his eyebrow, a dead giveaway to Isabel, that Michael was more concerned than he was letting on.

“Of course,” Isabel answered quickly and she walked out into the hallway. Michael was about to shut the door when she stopped, “I’m glad you’re happy Michael. Liz is lucky to have you. Don’t let her forget that.”

Michael smiled. “I won’t, Is.”

Michael stripped down and got into bed with a million thoughts running through his mind. It would have been enough to drive a sane man crazy, but one thought lulled him to sleep. Liz.

~~~*~~~
TBC...


Chapter 14

The next day Michael went into the Crashdown a half hour before his shift started, to talk to Jeff about his “new responsibilities” and what was expected of him. He greeted Liz with a small peck on the lips, as Jeff was watching from the office’s open door. Truth be told Michael was in such a good mood he wanted to attack Liz right there and commits various acts of sin against the employee lockers, but the watchful eye of a parent kind of ruined that possibility.

Michael saw Jeff was busy on the phone so he hung back to talk to Liz for a few minutes, while she was on her break. She poured him some coffee and he told her about the talk he had with Isabel, careful to leave out their conversation about Max, knowing it would agitate Liz.

“Wow.” Liz said a little stunned, “I thought she’d hate me. I mean she was never really happy about Max’s infatuation with me.”

Michael saw Liz bristle, and stumble over Max’s name. She was still angry about the previous day, and he knew if he dug deeper about a lot more things than that.

“She just wants me to be happy, you too Liz. She meant what she said at the cliffs. She thinks he put way too much pressure on you. I was a little surprised too, but if she’s willing to support us I’m not turning it away.” Michael explained.

Liz nodded in agreement, “Did she say anything else?”

Michael smirked, “She just wanted me to remind you how lucky you are to have me.”

Liz rolled her eyes, “Great! So she gave you her support and a generous ego stroking. Like you needed it. Now you’re going to be impossible aren’t you?”

“Hey, don’t get pissy just because she happened to be telling the truth, Parker.” he joked. “I am a hell of a catch. I’m human with benefits. Nifty powers a healthy ‘appetite’, and...”

“...and a mullet any hockey player would be jealous of.” Liz added with a great laugh. She knew how sensitive Michael was about his hair. It was his Achilles heel.

Michael’s jaw dropped, “You had to go after the hair. That was low, Liz. And it’s not a mullet... I’m growing it out.”

“Well it’s doing a really great impression of one,” she said still laughing.

“Keep laughing. If you aren’t careful I might just sneak into your room tonight and give you a technicolor hairdo, no amount of washing will get out.”

Liz stopped laughing immediately, but maintained a dangerous grin on her beautiful face. She sidled up to Michael and whispered low in his ear. “If you sneak into my room tonight, I guarantee your ego won’t be the only thing stroked.”
Michael choked on his coffee and Liz jumped out of the way as he sputtered it everywhere. He growled at her and was about to make a comment, when he felt Jeff’s hand slap his back.

“You okay Michael?”

“Y-Yeah, Mr. Parker,” Michael stuttered, he bore his eyes into Liz, “I, uh, just had something go down the wrong <i>pipe</i>. I’m fine.”

Liz grinned again, but when Jeff turned to look at his daughter she plastered a look of doe-eyed innocence on her face, “Who was on the phone, Dad?”

“Well, that was Maria.” Jeff answered with a sigh.

Michael’s steady hungry gaze on Liz disappeared at the mention of Maria’s name. Liz’s face saddened as well.

“Not surprisingly, she called to quit. Said she was going to go with Amy on the road this summer. Felt like she could make more money, but I think we all know why.”

“I’m sorry, Dad.” Liz said unable to look in his eyes. She knew it was a possibility the Maria would quit. She could hardly blame her. Liz knew the pain of watching someone everyday you couldn’t have. She knew Maria wouldn’t be able to work with the two people she loved the most in world, who’d also caused her the most heartache.

“It’s okay, sweetie. I’ll miss having Maria around, but I think with what’s happened it may be for the best. She needs to get away for a while. Might do her and you two some good.”

Liz nodded and looked back up at Michael. His face registered sadness, not so much for himself, but for her.

“She‘s coming in at lunch to pick up her paycheck. She asked if you could take your lunch break with her, Liz. I told her you would,” Jeff added.

“S-she wants to talk to me? I mean, yeah, that’s um, fine.” Liz said, unsure of how to feel about an impending talk with Hurricane Deluca.

Jeff knew better than to press Liz about her feelings. She needed time to think and an awkward pause had come over the room so he turned his attention back to Michael.

“Let’s go to my office, Michael.”

“Yeah, uh, yes sir. Right behind you.”

Michael studied Liz’s face. He read so many emotions on it. Fear, sadness, trepidation, etc. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, oblivious to the world around her.

“Liz?” he said softly. She blinked and set her eyes on his. He wanted to tell her everything was going to be okay, that a talk with Maria might help, but Michael had never been one to be optimistic about much. He knew Maria a little too well. This would not be a talk about acceptance and forgiveness.

“I’m fine, Michael. I’ll be okay. Go on.” she told him.

Michael checked her eyes one last time. He knew she wasn’t “okay”. No matter how much you kid yourself, there’s no good way to prepare yourself for losing your best friend. He kissed her forehead and walked into Jeff’s office, shutting the door behind him.

If Liz’s thoughts weren’t so preoccupied she might have taken the moment to well up with pride as she watched the man she loved take one more step towards building a life with her. The other man she loved most in her life, her father, helping him along.

~*~

The hours seem to tick by slowly. Every minute, every second Liz seemed to be on edge. Each time the door opened she took a tremulous breath expecting to see Maria walking in hatred burning in her eyes. Each time she let the breath out feeling dizzy and lightheaded.

Michael watched her carefully from his station in the kitchen. He knew from the many flashes he’d received from her, that Maria and Alex were an integral part of who Liz was. Now Alex was dead, and her friendship with Maria dangling on a precipice. He knew she was strong, but was this too much?

Finally, after watching her lean on the counter for support after yet another stranger walked in, did Michael do anything. He glanced over at Jeff who’d been keeping a close watch on his daughter as well.

Michael ripped off his apron and went out to the dining room. He stopped and whispered something to Janine, another waitress. She nodded agreeing to take Liz’s tables for a few minutes.

When Liz finally felt stable enough to push off the counter she felt Michael’s strong arms wrap around her shoulders, “Come on... let’s get you some air.”

She nodded and let herself lean into Michael, making his strength her own. She hadn’t even talked to Maria yet and she was already weak. She barely felt her feet touch the floor with each step as Michael took her past the break room and into the alley.

Liz tried to take a deep breath but the stifling heat of the day crept into her lungs offering no relief. There was something more to this than anxiety over Maria. She felt out of control, spiraling into nothing. All she could hear was the sound of her own blood rushing in her ears.

“..LIZ!”

She suddenly realized Michael was shouting her name and shaking her shoulders. The concern she’d seen in his eyes when he first took out of the dining room was replaced with fear. But in looking into those light brown eyes she found calm. Her breathing evened and she felt steadier.

“W-What? Michael, I’m fine, I-I just forgot to eat breakfast...” she lied. She placed her hands on Michael’s forearms, “...and I’m just freaking a little about what Maria is going to say.”

Michael was worried. Everything she said made sense, but he couldn’t get over the feeling that there was something more. He thought he’d lost her there for a minute. He kept calling her name, but she just stared into space as if nothing else around her existed.

“Liz, I don’t like this. Maybe you should cancel with Maria. Go lie down,” he said still checking her over.

“I can’t put off the inevitable Michael. It’s just a panic attack. I’ve been a little stressed lately if you hadn’t noticed. Best friend dying, boyfriend leaving the planet... I’m fine.”

Michael sighed only partially relieved by her words. He knew this woman body and soul and something just wasn’t right.

“You’d tell me if something was up, right?” he asked.

“Of course,” she replied, she convinced herself that was the truth. She didn’t want him to worry if it was nothing. No, she was a good scientist, she needed some concrete proof.

After a few minutes passed wrapped in the comfort of Michael’s embrace, they made their way back inside. He stopped her before she went back out, leaned down and brushed her lips gently with his own.

“I love you,” he whispered against her lips.

Trying to ease his fears, Liz made and attempt at humor, “You just want your... ego...stroked later.” she whispered back.

Michael smiled against her lips and kissed her harder, mindful that Mr. Parker was only a few feet away pretending not to watch them out of the corner of his eye.

Michael let Liz go and she pushed her way back out to the dining area. The smile she was wearing quickly disappeared when she saw Maria standing at the counter looking directly at her.

~*~

Maria had been dreading this too. Her whole world had been rocked. The man she thought she was in love with loved someone else. Not just someone else, her best friend. Michael loved Liz. She could barely wrap her head around that and it hadn’t stopped bringing her tears.

She parked the Jetta down the street and made her way to the Crashdown steeling herself for whatever was going to happen. She didn’t want to quit her job. She loved it at the Crashdown, because everything she loved, or thought she did, was there. Her best friend and her boyfriend... <b>ex</b>-boyfriend.

When her mother suggested that she come along with her to the craft shows over the summer, it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. She didn’t think she could stomach watching Michael and Liz groping each other all summer, hating Liz for holding his heart. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was hate Liz.

Michael was a whole different story. He’d been so attentive lately, especially when Alex died. She wondered how much of it was an act. She wondered if he and Liz laughed at her. She wanted to believe he was capable of it, even if she knew he wasn’t.

She took a deep breath before opening the doors to the café. She didn’t know what she was going to say to Liz, only that it wouldn’t be kind and it wouldn’t be easy.

Maria scanned the room and saw no sign of Liz. Probably up in her room fucking Michael. Was he even on the schedule? How convenient they could schedule their secret meetings. She shuddered at the thought.

She made her way towards the back. She could at least pick up her check while she was waiting for Liz. The she saw them through the break room door. Michael was looking into Liz’s eyes, she saw worry etched in his face. Liz looked pale and unsteady. The she saw Michael lean down and give Liz a kiss. She watched his mouth, remembering how his lips used to feel. She could clearly read the “I love you” that came from them. Her heart felt like it was on fire.

Maria had come in willing herself to believe that what was happening between Michael and Liz was purely sexual. Empty. Liz’s way of getting back at Max for all the pain he’d caused her. She wasn’t prepared to see the love that Michael so obviously held for Liz. She realized she’d never really seen him look at her that way. It hurt like nothing else.

She was so busy staring at Michael she missed what Liz said, because the next thing she knew they were both smiling and he was kissing Liz harder. He let Liz go and she made her way out, unknowingly, to her.

~*~

There Maria stood. Liz couldn’t read the expression on her face. Normally she was an open book. She wondered how much she’d seen. One thing she and Michael had talked about was not to be openly affectionate for a while, until people could get used to them being together. It was something they could easily do, considering that was what they had been doing for over a year.
“Oh... Maria. Hi.” she said, her voice barely audible. “Did you want to talk here or...?”

“Let’s go.” Maria said coldly. Her stare moved over to Michael who was watching them closely.

Michael watched as Liz and Maria left the café. He wanted to make sure Liz didn’t have another “panic attack”. If she did he wanted to be right there. But he watched her straighten herself and walk away giving him one last reassuring look before they left.

~*~

Maria and Liz silently made their way to the park, Maria thought it appropriate that they talk there. It was where she and Liz had first met all those years ago. Seemed fitting to be the place where their friendship now ended.

“Dad said you were going with your mom this summer?” Liz said, trying to break the uncomfortable silence.

“Yeah. I can’t stay here and watch you... I can’t stay here.”

Liz nodded her understanding. It was how she felt when she found out about Max, Tess, Isabel and Michael’s so called “destiny”. She had to get away from the pain of everything.

“It’ll be good to get out of Roswell, see things beyond this dinky town. Away from all the alien crap.” Maria continued, “Guess I was never cut out for that.”

“That’s not true, Maria.” Liz protested, “You helped them so many times...”

“Yeah well so did Alex and look where it got him.” Maria said through her teeth, “I thought if I had Michael I could make through all this, but I never really had Michael did I, Liz?”

It was question that already had an answer. Liz felt if she confirmed it Maria would feel the knife going further in her back. It was then that Liz realized she would just have bear what Maria had to say. Maria didn’t want to talk <i>with</i> her, she wanted to talk <i>at</i> her

“What happened to ‘The Code’, Liz? Thou shalt not steal your best friend’s man.” Maria said her blood beginning to boil.

“Some things go beyond ‘The Code’ Maria. I love him.” Liz said quietly.

Maria let out a sarcastic laugh, “Well if that’s what you need to tell yourself, you go right ahead. You knew how much I loved him... why Liz? You could have told me...”

Tears began to spill from Maria’s eyes as she stared at Liz, whose lips were beginning to tremble, “Michael tried to get you back off Maria... you wouldn’t listen. Besides, if I had told you, would have reacted any different than you are right now? We both know you’d be just as hurt.” Liz reasoned unable to stop her tears from falling.

“What about when Alex died? What was that? He was there for <b>me</b>. Not you!” Maria spat.

Alex was a big sore spot for Liz. Maria knew she blamed herself for his death, but Liz’s precious feelings weren’t Maria’s first concern at the moment. Only her own broken heart.

“I told Michael to go to you! I knew how devastated you were! I pushed him away when Alex died, because I didn’t know how to deal with it! You needed his strength, maybe more than I did. That’s why!” Liz didn’t mean to sound so angry, but she’d brought up Alex and all bets were off.

“God! Everything was a fucking lie! Michael. You. None of it was real!” Maria screamed, standing up and turning her back on Liz.

Liz’s shoulders shook with her sobs, “Maria, I am so sorry we hurt you. I’ve already lost Alex...please... I don’t want to lose you too.”

“Well, you should’ve thought about that before Liz! I <i>want</i> to hate you so much right now for what you two did!”

Liz looked up at Maria upon hearing this, “But you don’t do you? Why?”

Maria turned back around to face her. Her face was red and tearstained, “Because he loves <i>you</i>, Liz! I saw it when you were in the break room. He never looked at me like that. He never kissed me like that. I hate it that he loves you and not me, but I can’t hate you.”

Her voice had calmed and she held her arms around her body as if her heart were going to burst through her chest if she removed them. Liz stood up and walked to her. She put a hand tentatively on Maria’s shoulder. She was prepared for her to flinch away, but she didn’t.

“Look I know you’ll never forgive me for what Michael and I did. Lying to you and everyone else was wrong. We know that. We just didn’t think we had a choice. I want us to still be friends Maria, but I know that’s impossible. We hurt you. I hurt you.”

Maria was quiet for a moment. This wasn’t working like she thought it would. She’d yelled at Liz. Made her feel terrible and yet she, Maria, didn’t feel better.

“I have this hole in my heart, Liz. It’s a hole only my best friend can fill. I’m not saying that it’ll happen overnight, but maybe someday I’ll be able to forgive you. We’ve been friends too long to say anything is ‘impossible’.”

And there it was. Hope. In the last place Liz expected to find it. Maria didn’t hate her. It would take a long time, but someday they could be friends again. It would never be the same or as innocent, but they would eventually find their way back.

That’s how they left things that day. With a comma not a period. Maria would spend the summer traveling with her mom, but would think about coming back when things had cooled off. When she’d be able to look at Liz and Michael and not feel anger or betrayal. In the end what saved their friendship was the common thought that Maria needed Liz as much as Liz needed her.

It was a small comfort to Liz as she watched Maria drive away. They had a long way to go and today was just the first step.

~~~*~~~
TBC...


Chapter 15

Michael had anxiously been waiting for Liz and Maria to return from their talk. He wanted to make sure Liz was okay. Despite her attempts to assuage his fears, Michael was still worried about her. The blanks stare in her eyes, the dizzy spell, and her unresponsiveness still vivid in his mind. For a brief moment in time Liz Parker had vanished.

An hour after she left Liz came back in the café, alone. She appeared as though she had a little more color in her cheeks, but upon closer inspection Michael realized it was tears that had stained her cheeks red. Underneath, Liz was still bordering on pale and she was looking, well, like someone who’d just lost her best friend.

Liz wordlessly passed the through the dining area, into the break room and settled herself on the stairs leading up to the apartment. She held her head in her hands and tried to let everything Maria had said to her sink in. This was a guilt she knew she needed to feel; no matter how badly it pained her.

She felt Michael’s familiar presence towering over her, and then gently kneeling to her level. She was always amazed at how just sharing space with him calmed her. Michael, the fiery, take no shit, passionate, angry alien, gave her endless peace.

“Guess I don’t have to ask how it went,” he said breaking the silence. Liz kept her head in her hands nodding. She fought back tears, knowing if she started she wouldn’t be able to stop.

Michael knew Liz was starting to shut down. She did that with Alex. He didn’t like it, but there was no way to prevent it. He knew Liz would want to get through her shift, and then break down later. He knew he’d be there. Placing a strong hand on her knee, he let her know he wouldn’t go anywhere until she told him to.

Jeff watched his daughter from the office. She looked tired and so sad. A far cry from the girl who had seemed so happy the night before at his acceptance of her boyfriend. She looked shattered. No mystery as to why. Maria.

He watched as Michael lent her his support, but didn’t crowd her. No doubt the reaction of a boy, a man, who’d seen Liz through more than a few rough times. Michael was a stark contrast to Max, who seemed to be glued to Liz almost to the point of suffocation. Maybe it was unfair to compare the two boys, but it was oddly satisfying. After two years of watching the complicated dance between Max and Liz, Jeff couldn’t help but appreciate the simplicity that seemed to be Michael and Liz. Two kids hopelessly in love, taking life as it came.

Steeling herself, Liz raised her head to look at Michael. She didn’t want to cry anymore. The last two days had been an emotional roller coaster. Anger, sadness, betrayal, and bliss. Anyone would understand if she cracked under the pressure, but she wasn’t just anyone. She was tired of leaning on Michael so much, he could take it willingly, but she didn’t want to worry him.

When Liz stared into his eyes she saw the sorrow she was feeling reflected. Maria had been his friend too. He knew he wronged her and whatever punishment she’d doled out to Liz, would more than likely be his as well. As sad as Liz was, when she looked at Michael she couldn’t help, but be happy. Was it possible to feel perfect misery and perfect joy all in the same moment?

Michael lifted his hand from her knee and caressed her cheek with his hand, “We’ll talk about it later.”

“Thanks.” Liz answered. She didn’t know how to put everything into words right then and she appreciated that Michael knew that, “I should get back to work.”

Michael nodded and stood up offering his hand. Liz accepted and pulled herself up. Dizziness set in again and she gripped Michael’s hand to steady herself, hoping he hadn’t noticed. She’d forgotten how keenly observant Michael always was, especially when it came to her.

“Liz?” he said, he lilt of worry back in his voice.

She shook her head to clear out the fog that seemed to have come over her, “I’m fine. Just stood up too fast. Could you make me a Will Smith Burger? I just need to eat something.”

“Yeah... No problem.” Michael said skeptically. He kept a firm grip on her hand, ever wary of her seemingly delicate condition.

Liz gave him a small smile hoping it would wipe away the furrowed brow that now hid his beautiful amber eyes from the world. No such luck. Nothing was ever that easy with Michael.

Liz took a precarious step down when suddenly the room seemed to tilt on some unseen axis, then everything went black. Michael rushed forward and caught her in his arms. His heart lurched when he held her limp body against him her neck lolled from side to side. He placed a steady arm under it, fear griping his body as he held the woman he loved in his arms, unconscious and unresponsive.

“Liz!” he said loudly, trying to get her to wake up, “Liz!” He his heart now threatened to thump out of his chest. What was wrong with her? Please let her be okay.

Jeff ran out of the office upon seeing his daughter faint and was at Michael’s side in an instant. “What happened?” he asked urgently.

Michael shook his head, “I don’t know. She just stood up and fainted.”

Liz began to stir in Michael’s arms and Jeff yelled at one of the waitress to bring them some water.

“Liz, sweetie,” Jeff said quietly, stroking his daughter’s hair, “Wake up.”

Liz heard her father’s voice, but couldn’t seem to open her eyes. She felt as though she was in some sort of abyss, with the echoes of her loved ones haunting her, torturing her with their closeness, yet out of reach. One voice seemed closer, it didn’t echo. It was Michael. He was calling her name, asking, pleading with her to open her eyes.

The blackness ceased and the echoes stopped when Liz fluttered her eyes open. She saw Michael looking down at her first, and then felt his warmth all around her. What had happened? She heard her father mumble something to Michael and saw him nod in agreement.

“You fainted, sweetie. Michael’s going to take you upstairs to you room. I’ll get someone to cover your shift.”

“W-what? No Dad. Maria just quit. We don’t have anyone to cov...” Liz protested trying to sit up, but her body felt like lead.

“Forget about it Elizabeth Parker. You’re going upstairs to lie down. Michael, I’ll cover the kitchen, you just stay with her until her mother gets back from the bank.”

“Yes sir.” Michael said standing up.

Liz relented and brought heavy arms around Michael’s neck as he climbed the stairs. She heard him whispering something over and over again as if praying. Willing her to be better. She strained her ears to hear.

“Not now, I need you. Not now. I need you. Not now. I need you...”

“I’m here. “ Liz whispered in his ear. She felt Michael’s grip on her tighten and felt his jaw clench against her cheek upon her words. She was still with him; he wasn’t going to lose her. Not now. Not at the beginning of their lives.

Unconsciousness threatened to overtake her again, but with her head resting on Michael’s shoulder, she was able to breathe in his scent. The soap he’d used in the shower mixed with the detergent he used to wash his clothes. The sweat mixed with the shampoo he used in his hair. It all kept her on the same plane with Michael.

Vaguely aware of her surroundings she felt Michael push her bedroom door open and he gingerly set her on the bed. He lifted the ridiculous antennae off her head and tossed them aside.

Liz stared up at him lovingly. Michael was in full Protector Mode. Checking her over for any visible injuries. Putting pillow under her head. Feeling her forehead for any rise in temperature. If she wasn’t so frightened as to what had happened,she might also have found it cute.

Michael unbuttoned the top of her uniform innocently to give her more room to breathe. He saw Liz smile, “He said ‘stay with me’ Michael, not take advantage of me.”

“Not funny, Liz,” he grumbled. How could she joke at a time like this? “What the hell happened back there? First the alley, now this?”
Liz wanted to tell him it was nothing to worry about, but she could already tell it would have no effect on him. “I don’t know, Michael. Maybe it’s just all the stress catching up with me.”

“Yeah... maybe, but until we get this figured out I want you to rest.” he ordered.

“Now you sound like Dad.” Liz said rolling her eyes.

“I’m serious, Liz. If you’re sick we need...” he began but was interrupted by Nancy rushing into the room.

“Oh God baby! What happened?” she said breathlessly, practically knocking Michael to the floor to get to Liz.

“I’m fine Mom. I just fainted. Stop worrying.” The last comment seemed to be more directed at Michael than Nancy, but he just shook his head at her.

“I’m calling Dr. Wong right away.” Nancy said leaving the room before Liz could protest.

“Stop her, Michael!” she said insistently.

“No way.” Michael refused, “I’m with your mom on this one. Hate me all you like, but...”

Liz smiled as Michael rambled on about her safety. So protective. So stubborn. So Michael. All the things that drove her crazy, made her love him all the more.

“Michael!” Liz said sternly, the lowered her voice to a whisper finally vocalizing her fear, “What if its alien related?”

Michael’s eyes widened, she had a point. Why had he not thought about that possibility? Had seeing her so weak and helpless pushed all reasonable logic out his supposedly “advanced” mind? Was he becoming too human already?

Nancy came back into the room with the phone in her hand, “Dr. Wong can’t fit you in until tomorrow. Do you need to go to the hospital?”

“No Mom!” Liz practically screamed. Michael put his hand up telling her to calm down. Nancy had her back to him so she didn’t see the gesture. Liz had to think fast, “”I-I saw Maria today and we talked. It was really, um emotionally draining. A-and you know me... I usually skip breakfast... I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

Nancy looked her daughter over, taking a frustrating breath, “Okay, but if you feel this way tomorrow Elizabeth Parker you are going to se Dr. Wong. Deal?”

“Deal.” Liz said emphatically, but she wasn’t looking at her mother she was looking at Michael.
Nancy saw the exchanged glances and turned to Michael, “I’ll keep an eye on her, Michael. You finish you shift and come up for dinner later.”

Michael wanted to argue. He wanted to stay by Liz, especially if it was alien related, but he knew better than to argue with a girl’s mother. A lesson he learned all to well from Amy Deluca. He nodded his acquiescence and leaned down, giving Liz a kiss on the forehead.

Nancy ushered him out of Liz’s room to the top of the stairs leading back down to the café stopping him before he descended.

“Michael, is there something you two aren’t telling us?” her breath hitched for a moment, “I-Is Liz pregnant?”

“No, ‘mam!” Michael said quickly, “It’s probably what she said, you know... stress. With Alex... and now Maria... it’s been hard for her.”

Nancy let out large breath, not that she was happy her daughter was sick... but at this point it was better than pregnant. She softened a moment to soothe the boy who cared so deeply for her daughter.

“Thanks for taking care of her, Michael.”

He nodded and headed down the stairs. All the while thoughts and fears bombarded his alien mind. They had been so careful, hadn’t they? What if Liz was pregnant?

Did Liz even suspect that she might be pregnant? Is that what she meant by “alien related”? Perfect time to be vague, Liz.

He tried to remember what he’d seen Tess do. What symptoms Max said she had. Would it be the same? Max and Tess were both aliens, whereas as Liz was human, altered, but human. There was the dizzy spells as far as he knew, but were there symptoms Liz wasn’t telling him about?

Would the baby be safe? Max’s son couldn’t stand Earth’s atmosphere, what about his son... or daughter? Would Liz be safe? Tess seemed to be in so much pain? How much of that was real?

Michael thought to his own childhood. How could he be a father when he never knew what one was? Would he be able to connect with his child in the womb like Max did with his son? If alien pregnancies lasted only a month how long would an human/alien pregnancy last? Three months? Six?

Michael felt his own world spinning out of control, just when it was starting to come into focus. He leaned against the wall for support, resting his head against the cool bricks. He hadn’t noticed that he’d broken out in a sweat and his breathing seemed labored. He suddenly felt like the room was to small and the walls were closing in on him. He was scared, not for himself, but for Liz. What if it could kill her? Couldn’t go one fucking day without screwing up could you?


As the questions raced through his mind a glass jar of peanuts from one of the upper shelves started trembling on it own. First lightly rattling, then within seconds it was shaking violently. Finally, the pressure had become so intense it burst, seemingly of it’s own free will. Michael jumped, his thoughts interrupted, seeing the mess his unchecked emotions had caused.

“Get a hold of yourself, Guerin.” he whispered, trying to keep himself calm before he blew up the entire café, “Think like Liz. You need proof... Tonight after dinner. Try to connect, see if anything happens.

“Yeah... that’ll work. God... A baby? ”

~~~*~~~
TBC...