Author: Lori R         9/03
Email: Gussywussy55@yahoo.com
Title:  'It's Just A Game'
Rating: NC 17.......please do not read if you are under the legal age!
Category: Cliffie
Feedback: It helps.
Summery: A game gets physical and surprising.


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"If  Kyle doesn't get here in the next few minutes we're leaving without him," said Michael, as he and his friends grew impatient waiting for the late comer.
"Michael, we still have at least 30 minutes before the movie starts. We have plenty time," placated Max, from where he sat by Liz on Michael's couch.
Michael shook his head as Maria patted his arm. "Hang in there, Space Boy. The movie isn't going to start without us."
Liz looked at her watch. "Kyle said he had to close the shop and go home to clean up and  he would  be here by 6:30.  It's only 6:25 now. He'll make it."
Michael sat tapping his foot impatiently at the bar.  "Yeah, well he better be. I don't want to miss the beginning."
Maria smothered a grin as she leaned over and rested her chin on his shoulder. "You mean you don't want to miss getting your Coke,  Milk Duds and Red Hots  before the movie starts don't you?"
Michael glared at her as the others smiled. 
Michael had a ritual when they went to the movies. Coke with Red Hots added and then  Milk Duds to munch on. He couldn't enjoy a movie out if he didn't have those 3 things.
"Hey, Isabel has to have her Goobers so I'm not the only one!" said Michael defensively.
"Goobers are an essential part of the movie watching experience," stated  Isabel, from the kitchen where she leaned on the bar. She looked down and her brows rose neatly in curiosity. Picking up the object of interest she said, "Michael, do I dare ask about these?" 
Michael craned his head backwards at an angle at her. "Ask about what?"
Isabel rolled something in her hand. "These. Please tell me you haven't used them."  She tossed a pair of dice down on the bar and then eyed Michael with an arched brow.
Maria's eyes widened and she grabbed them up. "MICHAEL! I can't believe you left those lying around!"
Michael sighed and shrugged.  "I thought you had them. What's the big deal anyway?"
"Oh right! Like I'd take these home for my Mother to find!" Maria exclaimed, as she slapped Michael's shoulder.
Michael winced and bit his tongue to keep from yelling at Maria.
Liz came over to Maria and took the dice from her. Her eyes widened. "Where did you get these? And tell me you haven't used them!"
Michael snorted earning another smack.  
"OW! Would you stop hitting me!" he ordered as he rubbed his shoulder.

Kyle came bursting in the door at that moment.
"I'm here! I'm here! We can go now!!" he said as he clapped his hands together.
Isabel took the dice from where Liz had put them back on the counter. "You didn't answer my question. Have you two really used these?"
Everyone looked between  Michael and Maria.
"What are we talking about?" asked Kyle. Something was going on and he was confused.
Isabel held up the dice.
Kyle stepped up and he began to laugh when he saw what she held. "I really can't see Guerin playing with those."
Michael stood up and crossed his arms as he glared at Kyle. "And why not?"
Kyle shrugged. "Doesn't seem like your thing."
Max came over to see the dice too. "Where'd you guys get these?" he asked as he read the dice with a grin.
Maria rolled her eyes. "We found them on line. It was a joke. You know, a dare. I never really thought he'd order them."
"But you haven't used them....right?" asked Liz, taking up Isabel's question. She and Maria had made a pact. Virgins. 
"Noooo, we haven't used them," said Maria a bit dejectedly. "Not really," she added quietly.
Liz's eyes widened. "Maria!"
Isabel smothered a grin.
Michael frowned in irriation. "We only got to do the 'kiss lips' one when her Mom called here looking for her."
Liz stared open mouth at Maria who shrugged in defeat. "Weeell. And don't tell me you wouldn't have done it too if Max had ordered them."
Liz bit her lip. She knew Maria was right.
"Well I say we break those babies in!" said Kyle, grinning and rubbing his hands together.
"What? Kyle, you can't be serious," said Liz.
Kyle grabbed the dice up and began pushing back the coffee table. "Why not? We have some red...huh...and green blooded males, hot babes, and dice that will make things interesting. You know this will be a lot better than the movie." He looked around the room at their doubting faces. "Come on! You know I'm right!"
Max and Michael exchanged looks.
"You can't really expect us to go through with this! said Liz. 
At Max's innocent look her eyes widened. "Max!"  Her insides were tied up in knots half in anticipation of what might happen shortly.
"Michael?"
Michael looked at Maria. "I think Kyle's right." He looked at Kyle. "Give me a hand moving that chair back."
"MICHAEL!"
"Michael, we have to consider Liz and Maria's feelings," said Max.
Isabel arched an eye in Max's direction. "And what about my feelings?"
Max blinked. "You're not playing."
Isabel stood up straight at his words. "Who said?"
"You're not playing," repeated Michael, walking past her to get some drinks. 
Isabel's jaw dropped and her feathers were ruffled at their words.
Michael stopped by her side on the way back to the living area and said, "You should go home." He winked at her then proceded on.
Kyle watched Isabel cross her arms defiantly. He walked over and put his arm around her shoulders as he whispered, "Everyone is playing this game so don't worry."
Isabel cooled down a bit. "I..I wasn 't worried. No one is making me go home."
Kyle winked at her and patted her arm. "That's what I like to hear." He then went to find some paper.
Maria looked at Liz. "Well?"
Liz chewed her lip in indecision. Finally she nodded. "Okay."
But she felt this was a bad idea and that most if not all of them would regret this night.

"Okay, I um...I guess we should sit boy girl/boy girl," said Max, sitting down on the floor.
Everyone except Kyle nervously looked at one another then sat down in a circle. Max, Liz, Kyle, Maria, Michael, Isabel.
"Isabel...."
"I'm playing Max so just leave it alone," said Isabel.
Max and Michael scowled.
 "Okay, in the middle of the circle are some pieces of paper with everyones names on them. When you roll the dice  you have to choose a slip of paper from either the boy or girl pile and do what the dice says to do to the person whose name is on the paper," instructed Kyle. "I also think we should set a time limit. What ever you roll you have to do for... one minute. Everyone understand?"
Heads nodded.
"I can't believe we're doing this," said Liz, under her breath.
Max gave her a reassuring look.
"Who rolls first?" asked Maria.
"I will," said Kyle, grabbing up the dice. He shook them in his hand then blew on them and tossed them down.  "Touch toes." He made a face. "Not exactly what I was hoping for, but we have to start somewhere."  He pulled a piece of paper off the stack and  looked at Liz. He waved the slip of paper at her. "Guess who?"
Liz looked at Max. He wasn't thrilled that Liz was chosen first and that Kyle was the one who she was paired with, but he said nothing. They had committed to playing the game and the roll was innocent. Touching toes meant nothing.
Liz removed her shoes and socks.  She sat with her legs stretched out and Kyle took one foot into his hands and gently began to massage her toes.
Liz's head fell back. "Oh my gosh! Kyle, you have fantastic hands."
Kyle grinned. "Yeah, that's what all the girls say."
"You wish," muttered Michael.
"Jealous, Guerin?" goaded Kyle.
"Mmmmm...Kyle that feels sooo good," moaned Liz.
"I think she's getting off just with her feet," muttered Isabel.
Max threw her a look meant to hush her up.
Isabel rolled her eyes.
"Time!" called Max. He didn't want to see Kyle rubbing Liz's toes anymore. 
"See that wasn't so bad," said Michael, as he looked at Maria.
Maria shrugged. "No, I guess not. Well not if you don't count the orgasmic pleasure it can give."
"Okay, Liz. You toss now." 
Liz picked up the dice as if they might bite her. She wasn't sure about this game though the foot rub by  Kyle had been fine. She carefully rolled the dice. "Massage body." She glanced around at Max, Kyle, and Michael before swallowing and slowly drawing a paper from the pile.
 She looked at Max and smiled. "It's you."
"Let me see that paper!" said Maria., grabbing it up. She looked at the slip then rolled her eyes as she tossed it down. "It figures."
Max smiled back at Liz. "I'm ready."
"Sans clothes, Evans is what I'm thinking," said Kyle. Everyone looked at him. "Hey, I don't want to see him, but the game is all about being bad so there should be some taking off of some clothing." When the others continued to stare at him, Kyle said, "Hey! I don't mean take off the underwear! Ewww!" He shivered at the thought of seeing anyone except the girls naked.
Max stripped down to his boxers. "Back or front?" Then he blushed as Liz smiled up at him with a wicked smile. "I'll lay on my stomach."   
"Chicken," Liz teased, as she straddled his backside and began to massage his shoulders and neck. Slowly and sensuously she moved her hands across his back and upper arms, her body rocking on his buttocks. She slid to the floor beside his legs and lightly massaged his waist then the backs of his rock hard thighs.
Just as Max got comfortable he jumped and gasped.  Liz had slid her hands inside his boxer legs to his upper inner thighs just as  Kyle called time. 
Max sat up and quickly crossed his legs to hide what was growing hard inside his boxers as a result of Liz's touch. He looked over at her and both blushed. He smiled self consciously. "That was ...huh....nice."
"Yeah, yeah! That was sweet. Toss 'um, Evans," ordered Kyle. "Let's get this game moving!"
Maria gave Liz a look that said she couldn't believe what Liz had just done. Liz gave her an innocent look and looked away.
Max picked up the dice and rolled them between his palms before letting them fall to the floor. 
He made a quirky face. "Blow lips." He pulled a paper slip. "Maria." He looked at Liz's best friend. 
Liz's eyes flew to Maria. Her friend was wetting her lips. Maria met Liz's eyes then looked at Michael and shrugged.  Michael frowned. She looked back to Max. He wasn't moving. Sensing Max's problem Maria crawled over to him and sat cross legged.
Max glanced over at Liz. Her eyes were wide and she looked upset yet resigned. Max nervously licked his lips then leaned forward and gently began to blow on Maria's lips.
Maria closed her eyes as his soft breath fell on her lips. She shivered at how good it felt. No wonder Liz got all gooey about Max! All he was doing was blowing on her lips and she was melting. When Kyle called time she was so aroused she ached. She opened her eyes and looked into Max's before she made her way slowly back to her spot. She glanced at Liz then Michael. Neither looked happy and she understood why. 
"Maria."
Maria looked at Kyle then the dice on the floor. Did she want to do this anymore? She hesitated before she picked them up and stared at them. What were they all doing? They were playing a dangerous game that could very likely ruin relationships. 
"Maria?"
Maria looked at her best friend. 
"It's okay, Maria. We all agreed. It's okay."
Maria nodded then glanced at Michael before rolling the dice.
"Um, kiss lips." She picked up a paper. "Michael." The relief in her voice was evident to everyone.
Michael leaned over and slid a hand behind her head before bringing his lips down on Maria's. They kissed, but for the first time neither felt any passion. They deepened the kiss, yet still they felt nothing.  It was a long minute and when it was over both pulled back and stared at the other.  The relief both had felt earlier was gone. Now it was replaced with regret.
Maria touched her lips. She had been kissing Michael, yet she had been thinking of Max. She wanted him to kiss her.  Kiss her the way he kissed Liz. Had Michael been able to tell that the kiss meant nothing to her?

Michael discretely wiped his lips as he looked at Maria. He'd felt nothing. It had been impersonal and like no kiss they had ever shared. What the hell had happened? His eyes followed Maria's where they rested on Max.  His eyes widened. She wanted Max. Then he realized that something inside was secretly glad and he didn't understand why.
"Guerin, get your head out of your space ship and roll!"
Michael glared at Kyle then picked up the dice and tossed them.
"Touch boobs." He smirked at Kyle. "Guess it's my lucky night, Valenti."   He grinned as he reached without thought for a slip of paper and read it. The grin slid from his face as he stared at the paper in his hand. The  momentary satisfaction at cheating Kyle out of a good grope of female flesh suddenly gone.  "Isabel."

Isabel's breath caught in her throat as her insides began to do flip flops.
"Now it's getting interesting," said Kyle, grinning and nodding his head.
Maria's eyes narrowed as she watched Michael and Isabel. 
Michael met Isabel's eyes. Both swallowed nervously. 
"We don't have to if you don't want to," he told her. The truth was he was scared she would say no and he didn't know why it bothered him.
Isabel shook her head, but everyone could tell she was unsettled though she tried not be.
Max sat up straight, the game suddenly not appealing anymore.  He had actually forgotten Isabel was in the game though she had been sitting right there beside him. He hadn't thought of the possibility that her name would be chosen and what she might have to do or have done to her. Now  her name had been drawn and it was by none other than Michael! He didn't need to see nor want to see Michael groping Isabel.
"I think the game has gone far enough," he told the group.
"Hey! They committed to the game like the rest of us and now they play! Top off, Isabel," said Kyle.
Max started to reach for Kyle when Michael intervened. "I'm about tired of your mouth, Valenti! You shut it up or I'll shut it for you!"
Isabel reached out to him.  "Michael! It's okay." She looked at Max too. "He's right. We agreed to play." She began to unbutton her shirt with shaking fingers. She peeled it off and looked at Michael then quickly away as she reached behind her to unhook her bra.
"Don't!" ordered Max. Everyones eyes moved to Max. "If you're going to do this then leave it on."
Isabel looked up at Max then back at Michael. "That's not how the game is played," she said quietly.
Michael swallowed at the sight of Isabel in her bra. His hands grew clammy and he wiped them on his pants. "You can leave it on. I won't force the issue."
He moved closer to her and ran a hand lightly over her shoulder and down to her upper chest.
"Okay?" he asked her. He could feel her heart beating out of control beneath his hand.
Isabel nodded her head slightly. Michael licked his lips nervously as he hesitated then moved his hand over the cup of her bra. He closed his eyes then looked off as his fingers lightly touched her skin. It was like a river of warmth had just coursed through his body. His hand moved up and a finger slid under her bra strap before moving the thin material down her arm. Michael's breathing increased and he again licked his lips as he moved his hand inside her bra. He heard Isabel's breath catch as he cupped the full warmth he discovered there.  Her skin was so soft, yet firm. The nipple was pebbled and hard under his touch. He rolled it between his fingers and heard the softest of moans. No one else heard it was so soft, but it was unmistakable to him considering their close proximity. He glanced at Isabel. Her eyes were shut and her lips parted in a ragged sigh as he molded his hand to her breast. His own breath quickened as his hand filled with her flesh. Michael switched sides giving the other breast the attention it craved, his body reacting powerfully to her's. Isabel's breathing grew more harsh and Michael felt his body tighten uncomfortabley.
Maria watched as Michael's features softened and his breathing hardened. She sat up straighter. He was enjoying this. No, he was lost in what he was doing.
For the couple involved in the game everyone else was forgotten.  Michael's forehead met Isabel's as he  pushed the bra down exposing one of Isabel's breast. She gasped softly as the air hit the erect nipple. 
Isabel held onto his arm. "Michael," she breathed softly, as her breast swelled in his hand.
Michael rubbed the pad of his thumb over the hard pebble and as his hand gently kneeded the mound that ached for his touch. 
When Isabel's breast was exposed to the group, Max's eyes bulged then narrowed and his lips formed a thin line before he quickly looked away. 
"Time!"
Michael's hand didn't move from  Isabel's bared breast as he willed her to look up at him. 
Isabel slowly opened her eyes and stared at Michael.
Desire. He saw desire. And if he wasn't wrong it matched his own. What the hell was going on?
"TIME!"
Michael jolted back to reality as Max's voice penetrated his mind. He realized his hand still cupped Isabel's breast and he withdrew it selfconsciously. Isabel blinked in confusion as she slowly adjusted her bra and put her shirt back on. A warm flush enveloped her body. Neither could face the other. Their feelings were whirrling in confusion as each tried to make sense out of what had happened.
Michael glanced around the circle. The anger that was reflected on Max's face was what he expected. He was going to have hell to pay he was sure.  His gaze moved on to Maria and what he saw on her face was plain acceptance. They were over and all that was left was regret.
An uncomfortable silence filled the air.
"Anyone else need a cold shower after that?" asked Kyle quietly.
Max and Michael shot him  warning glances. He held up his hands. He turned to Isabel.
" That was um.....Okaaaaaay!  Isabel! Your turn!"
"The games over. We're not playing anymore," said Max as he stood up.
"No."
Max looked down at Isabel. 
"Iz!"
"We play the game until everyone has had a turn," she told him. She was embarrassed by how completely she had lost herself in Michael's touch. The fact that the others had witnessed it, especially Max, had her nerves falling apart piece by piece.  
"Sit down, Max," said Isabel. 
"Iz...."
"Sit down," she said quietly.
Max saw the determination in her eyes and knew he had lost the arguement. He sat down.
 Isabel  picked up the dice and quickly threw them down to cover her flustered state.  She stared at the words. "Kiss body," she said quietly. She looked at the paper slips. Slowly she withdrew one.  If it was Michael she didn't know what she would do.  And what if it was Max?!  She almost breathed a sigh of relief when she read the name on the slip. "K-Kyle."
Kyle looked at Max and Michael. Max looked ready to pounce on him after what had happened between Isabel and Michael. And Michael looked near to seething as well. Was that jealousy he was reading?
"Okay, we'll make this easy," said Kyle stripping off his shirt.
"Keep the pants on, Valenti!" warned Michael.
Kyle didn't like being threatened and defiantly unsnapped his pants and slid them down revealing boxers. Michael started to rise.
"Play the game, Michael. It's what we all agreed to," said Maria, in a quietly. 
Michael looked her way. She was right. He didn't like it, but they had all agreed. What had started out as fun had fast become serious.  He sat back down resigned as well.
Isabel avoided looking at Michael and Max as she moved towards Kyle. "Lay down."
Kyle lay down and Isabel licked her lips as she bent over him. Pulling back her hair she began to apply light kisses to Kyle's lips. They were softer than she imagined they would be. She continued down his neck and over to his right shoulder, followed by his chest.
He shivered. 
Isabel pulled up and looked at him.
"Sorry," he told her. It had been a natural response he couldn't control.
Isabel nodded nervously as she licked her lips and bent over him again. She pressed her lips against his skin creating a trail of burning kisses down to Kyle's belly. She paused unsure. Her eyes, shielded by her curtain of hair, looked lower. Now what?
Michael's fingers curled until the nails bit into his hands as he jealously watched Isabel kiss Kyle's body.
"Sweet Buddha," sighed Kyle.
"That's it! Get your lips off of him, Isabel!"
Isabel looked up almost in relief.
"Michael, they're playing the game. What's wrong with you?" asked Maria.
Michael blinked. What 'was' wrong with him? "Um, minute's up."
"I agree. This is way out of hand," said Max, glancing at Isabel. He'd seen more than he had ever intended to see. What had they all been thinking to play a game like this?
Kyle slowly sat up and cleared his throat.  Isabel's lips had set a fire going in him and he was struggling to put it out. "We're back where we started. Anyone care to go again?"
"No. I'm tired. Everyone out," said Michael, standing up.
"But it's only 10 o'clock. You can't be that tired," said Maria. Her eyes fell on Liz and Max. Suddenly she didn't want to play anymore either. The chances of her getting Max again were slim and none and she couldn't watch him with Liz anymore tonight. She was coveting her best friends boyfriend and it made her feel sick. "On second thought, calling it a night sounds good. I'm going home." 
"Maria! Wait!" Liz caught up with Maria. "Do you want Max and I to drive you home?"
Maria gave her a tight smile. "No, I think I'll walk." That's all she needed, Max and Liz all lovey dovey in the front seat with her in the back watching. She looked at  Michael. He hadn't even offered to take her home.   And what was sad, yet almost a relief was that she wasn't as upset by his lack of concern for her as she should have been.
"I'll take you home, Maria," offered Kyle.
Kyle. Maria looked at him thoughtfully. 
Kyle finished putting on his shoes and pulled his shirt out over his pants to hide his reaction to Isabel's lips on his body. "Well?"
"Sounds good. Thanks," she smiled at him greatfully. 
"Guerin! Care if I take her home?" Something told  him that the tall alien wouldn't mind at all, but you never knew.
Michael waved them off his mind on other things.
Maria knew for sure then that it was over between them. There was no doubt in her mind that his mind was on Isabel. But truth be told her mind was on someone else too.
"Come on, Kyle," she told him as she took his arm.
"Night," they called as they left.
"We're off too," said Max. "Isabel, lets go."
"I'll walk." 
Max's brows rose. "No you won't."
"Yes, I am," she told him a bit more firmly.
"No you won't," he told her again. "You don't know who is out there." After what had happened tonight he felt even more protective of her.
"I can take care of myself, Max."
"Isabel...."
"It's not up to you to tell me what to do, Max. Now take Liz and go," said Isabel, dismissively.
Liz pulled on his arm. Max looked down at her. "Max, she can take care of herself."
"I'll take care of her," said Michael, finally looking at Isabel. She met his gaze and blushed before looking away.  None of this was missed by Max.
"That's what I'm afraid of," he said, glaring at Michael.
"MAX!" Isabel was furious, but really more embarrassed at his insinuation. 
"Are you insinuating that I would do something to Isabel?"  asked Michael, clearly angered at the suggestion.
At Max's silent glare Michael said angrily, "I wouldn't do that!"
"That's not what I saw earlier," reminded Max tightly. "You were enjoying the game a bit too much when it came to Isabel."
"It was a game. Nothing more. You saw what you wanted to see," replied Michael, but he couldn't deny what Max accused him of. He had enjoyed playing the game with Isabel and that disturbed him.
Isabel's brows knitted together neatly as she frowned.
"Max." He looked down at Liz. "What are you doing? Michael would never hurt Isabel. You know that."
Max sighed. He studied Michael then finally nodded. "Don't make me regret trusting you, Michael.  Just take her straight home."
He took Liz by the arm and led her out the door.

"Why did you do that? You two seem to think I can't take care of myself," said Isabel angrily to cover her hurt and embarrassement. Apparently Michael's touching her had only effected her and not him.  Why this disturbed her she wasn't sure.
Michael rubbed the back of his neck. He didn't know how to act around Isabel now. Hell, he'd not only seen her bared breast, he'd felt it's warm softness fill his hand. Heard her sigh at his touch.  He shivered at the memory. To stand here now making small talk like nothing had ever happened was difficult.  Finally he said, "I know  you can take care of yourself. I just thought you wanted to get rid of Max. I was trying to help."
Isabel bit her lip as she felt her anger cease. He was trying to help and she had jumped down his throat because she couldn't deal with her feelings of what had happened between them earlier.  "Thanks."
Michael nodded. 
"Um, I'm going to go now," said Isabel, looking away uncomfortabley as she started towards the door.
Michael's eyes widened. "Why?" At her look he crossed then uncrossed his arms before shoving his hands in his pockets.  "It's still early."
"You said you were tired," reminded Isabel. 
Michael scratched his ear. "Yeah, well...I just said that."
Isabel blinked. "Why?" They were acting like strangers around one another. Was this the way it was going to be between them from now on?

Michael scratched his brow and glanced out the window.  Why? "Because......the game was over," he told her with a scowl, as he crossed his arms again, a move not lost on Isabel. He was being defensive.
"Oh," Isabel said softly. This was so uncomfortable and it upset her. Michael was her friend and she didn't want to lose him. If she stayed their relationship would change. If she left would things between them be like they used to be before they had fallen victims to the game? She didn't know what to do. Stay or go. Her instincts told her to go, but her emotions told her to stay.   She started for the door again. "Good night, Michael."
"Wait!"
Isabel looked back at Michael.
"Is this the way it's going to be now?" he asked, as he put his hands on his hips. "Things between us in the game heated up and now we can't even look at one another?"
Isabel shook her head and sighed as she turned to fully face him. "I don't know. I hope not." Then his words registered with her and it made her flush. She nervously fingered her necklace as she rocked on her feet.  "You thought things heated up between us?"
Michael stood up straighter.  "Are you saying they didn't? I felt your body respond, Isabel. I heard your ..."
"Michael....." Isabel blushed hotly and looked away.
Michael moved closer to her. "Tell me I'm wrong." His voice was husky with desire, yet demanding.
Isabel shook her head as she moved away from him. 
"Tell me!" he said, his hand grasping her arm to turn her towards him. "Tell me I'm wrong!"
Isabel looked up into his eyes. "Michael..." She pleaded silently with him, but he wouldn't release her.
"Tell me. Tell me I'm wrong." It was said quietly this time though his breathing was harsh. His grip relaxed on her tender flesh when he saw her wince. He winced as well at hurting her.
Isabel shook her head as she looked at him with resignation. "I can't."
Michael let go of her arm as he nodded. "So what do we do about it?"
"Do?"
"Well yeah. We both felt it."
Isabel moved back a step. "We do nothing! We ignore it! We..."
Michael pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Isabel gave a half hearted fight then ceased as images came flying at her wrapped up with long buried emotions from another time.  Her mouth opened under his seeking one and he kissed her slow and deep. When he finally let her go she stood there gasping. What was happening to them?
Michael's eyes stayed on  Isabel as he slowly wiped his mouth. "Well?" He didn't know what to make of the images he had just seen. All he knew was that they were from another time and place. Another life.
He was  brought back to the present when Isabel dropped her purse and leaned in to him as she kissed him back, her tounge seeking entrance to his mouth.
Momentarily startled, Michael quickly recovered and pulled her tightly to his body, feeling her soft one mold to his as he kissed her hungrily. His hands ran along her back until they lowered to cup her bottom and caressed it.
Isabel couldn't think rationally anymore. Somewhere in her mind she knew that they shouldn't be doing this. There would be consequences later,  but right now she didn't care.  She reached between them and began to pull at the buttons on his shirt. She gave a small cry of frustration that they wouldn't release.  Michael gripped the material in both hands and pulled, buttons flying from their threads. He stripped the material from his body and shivered when Isabel caressed his arms and upper chest  lightly with her hands. 
He reached for her top and pulled it off, tossing it aside and eagerly reached for her bra.
When her breasts were freed Michael touched them reverently. 
"You're so beautiful. Better than a memory," he breathed against her mouth as he kissed her again, his hunger urging him to seek more of what she had to offer.
Isabel's head fell back as he nibbled his way down her neck to her upper chest then finally to what he sought. Michael's mouth closed over a hardened nipple and sucked. 
Isabel winced then savored the pain of Michael teasing her nipple. She pushed more of her breast at him and he suckled it willingly.
"Mooore....please!" moaned Isabel, her hands searching for the buttons on his pants. She fiddled with them before finally opening them and reached  inside. He sucked in his breath as Isabel grasped him. "Geeeeeze!"
Isabel pulled back alarmed. "I-I'm sorry!"
He shook his head jerkily. "No!  It...just... don't stop." He reached for her hand.
Isabel smiled as she slid her hand back inside. He was hard and throbbing. Her fingers explored the length of him, and  she was impressed. She had never been with a man in this life, but she knew instinctively how he would feel inside her. Past life memory? Isabel wasn't sure.  She only knew she had to have this man. It had to be Michael. She wasn't meant for anyone else.
"Michael..." 
Michael's eyes widened as he heard a distinctive moan. He looked into her eyes and saw a need that matched his own. He lowered his mouth to her's and kissed her deeply before stripping her of clothing she wouldn't need. His hands wandered her body, the fullness of her breasts contrasted with the narrowness of her waist and flatness of her belly. He let his hands move over her silky skin until one came to rest on her neatly trimmed mound. His hand slid lower and he was surprised to find Isabel slick as he caressed her. He moved a finger slowly inside. In her aroused state Isabel shuddered and clung to him. 
"Awwwwwmmmmm."
Michael began to move his fingers in and out, teasing Isabel's hard nub as he slowly worked her into a heat.
Isabel rocked Michael's hand, her body moving on its own volition as he stimulated her to a frenzy.
"Mmmmiiiiichaelllllll," whimpered Isabel. She bit her lip and drew blood as she tried to find relief with Michael's help. "Plllleeeeeaaaaassssseeee!"
Michael withdrew  his hand and picked up Isabel's shaking body and carried her to his bed. 
He covered her body with his own, settling between her open thighs. 
Looking down into her eyes. "Isabel?"
She nodded, unable to speak. 
Their eyes stayed locked as Michael slid inside, pushing past her barrier until he was encased fully inside of her. He heard her soft in take of breath and saw her eyes grow wide as she stiffened then relaxed, but she never cried out. Instead she locked her legs around him, drawing him deeper inside. 
Their bodies moved together as if remembering that they had been one before. The familiarity of lovers knowing instinctively what would satisfy the other.
Michael moved in Isabel's welcoming body over and over, driving deeper each time until they both gasped and let the molten fire consume them as they came together. When it was over he lay there covering her body with his own, both feeling something they weren't sure of.
"Are you okay?" he quietly asked her, as he moved to her side and covered them both with the sheet.
Isabel  nodded, now unable to look at him.  
"Talk to me."
"I don't know what to say," she admitted quietly.  "I felt like we had done....you know...before."
"Up there," agreed Michael, pointing up.
"Yeah," Isabel said softly. How could that be?
"Yeah, I know. Was it.....bad?" asked Michael. He hoped not.
Isabel felt warm at his question. "No," she smiled lazily.  "No...it was....far from bad." Then as an after thought, "Was it bad for you?"
"No. No, it was good. Real good."
"Good," Isabel replied as she clutched the sheet tightly in her hands. Reality was returning to mix with the new feelings they had.
The silence grew again until Isabel asked, "Michael, what have we done?"
He turned to look at her. She was worrying her upper lip between her teeth like she did when she was nervous. "We stopped fighting what we were sent here for."
She turned her head until they were eye to eye. "What does that mean? That we've accepted it?"
Michael looked back up at the ceiling. "I don't know," he admitted. 
"I need to go home," said Isabel pulling the blanket off the bed with her as she stood up.
"Isabel..."
"I need to go home."
Michael sat up. "It's weird again isn't it? Between us."
"Yes..no...I don't know. I just need to go home."
Michael pulled the sheet around him and stood up. "I'll drive you."
"Michael...."
"I'm taking you home, Isabel." His tone suggested that to argue with him would be a mistake.
Isabel nodded. "Fine."

Isabel held on to Michael's waist as he drove the motorcycle through the quiet streets of Roswell. 
They had made love. To call it 'just sex' was incorrect. They had connected to their past lives and she knew that though no words of love were spoken, Michael did love her in his own way just as she did him. That the love was deeper now was confusing to her.
Michael could feel Isabel's body against his own and it triggered memories of making love to her earlier. How could a game get out of hand like that and lead him to make love with his best friend? Admit it Guerin, it was more than a game to you. The two of them had been destined to be together from the start and now they were one step closer to that reality. Was he sorry? No. Was she? Hell if he knew. 
Michael pulled the bike into the Evans driveway and killed the motor. He took the helmut Isabel held out to him as she got off the back of his bike.
"Thanks."
Michael nodded. 
"Goodnight, Michael." Isabel didn't know what else to say or do. How did one handle these kinds of situations? Did she kiss him? Shake hands? She did neither. This wasn't the usual kind of situation.
"Night."
Isabel walked up to the front door and was just about to put her key in the lock when she felt Michael's hand on her shoulder. She turned and he took her face in his hands and kissed her softly. 
Isabel felt light headed as she savored the unexpected kiss. 
Michael released her. "Goodnight, Isabel," he said quietly. Then he walked away.
She stood there with her fingers on her lips watching him as he got on his bike and started it up. He looked back and saw her watching him. He smiled and nodded his head before driving away.
Isabel stood there more confused than ever. What had started as a game had turned into feelings and more for her friend.

*************************


The next day..........

Isabel and Michael had passed an entire day without crossing paths. She stayed locked inside the confines of her room and refused to talk to Max. 
Michael went to work and silently filled orders. He knew Maria had talked with Liz  about what had happened between them and both girls were staying out of his way which was fine by him. It left him more time to sort out had happened last night with Isabel.
Isabel.
He couldn't really remember their life before, but if the flashes were any indication they had loved one another deeply. In fact they were similar to the ones they had before with the dreams only these were on Antar and not at the rocks. 
But what did it all mean?
"Damn it!" he groused as the grill flamed up and began to burn the meat there.  Tossing the ruined meat away he put on fresh.  He tried harder to focus on his job and less on Isabel and how he had felt when they had made love. 
But that was a task that proved too hard to handle.


Else where..........

Isabel lay on her bed clutching her pillow to her body and thinking once again about Michael.
Not that she had stopped. She had spent the rest of the night and all today thinking about him. Then her mind would begin to roam to how it felt to have him touch her....be inside of her. She grew weak with need. Not just any need. She needed Michael.
A knock on the door startled her out of her revere.
"Isabel! Open up or I'm coming in on my own!"
Isabel sighed as she again ignored Max. She was still upset with the way he had acted towards Michael last night.
She heard a click and sat up as Max opened her door and came inside.
"Get out, Max."
"No. You've stayed couped up in here all day. I want to know what's wrong? Did something happen after I left last night?"
Isabel clinched her hands into her pillow. "No, nothing happened."
Max frowned. He didn't believe her for a second. "Are you sure that something didn't happen between you and Michael?"
Isabel got up and stood face to face with Max. "It's a female thing. Now please leave my room."
Max held up his hands as he backed to the door. "Fine." He opened the door and said, "Mom and Dad are going out and left money for us. I'm heading to The Crashdown. What do you want......"
Isabel ran to the bathroom yelling, "I'm starving! I'll be ready in 15 minutes!"
Max stood there with a blank look on his face before shaking his head. "Yeah, right." 

15 minutes later they were on their way.
Max couldn't recall Isabel ever having been on time for anything except school.
They arrived at The Crashdown just as most of the crowd in the evening shift were leaving. Max and Isabel settled into a booth.
"Hey," Liz smiled, as she came over and kissed Max. 
"Hey," he replied. "Want to go out later?"
"I get off in 30 minutes. I'll need to change."
"Fine. I guess Isabel and I can eat while I wait," he smiled back at her.
Isabel looked towards the kitchen. She could see Michael working. He looked up and caught sight of Isabel. He smiled then looked away. She grew warm and tingley as she looked away too. A knot of desire formed deep down inside and she knew there was only way for it to be released. 
"I'm not all that hungry," she told Max and Liz as they asked what she wanted to order.
"But I thought you said you were starving?" said Max, eyeing her. "Are you feeling okay? You look all ...flushed. Is it that female thing?"
Isabel blushed. "I'm fine. Just not as hungry as I thought."
Liz hit Max on the arm. "Max! Leave her alone! Tell you what, Maria's already gone, but I'll get Maggie to cover for me and we'll go early."
"Sounds great," said Max grinning. "I'll go get the car and meet you out front."
Liz kissed him. "I'll be down in a few minutes." She headed off to tell Maggie of her plans.
"Can you make it home okay?" asked Max. He glanced at the order window and saw Michael at the grill.
 "Does it matter?" 
"Isabel."
"Yes, I can get home okay. I'm not helpless you know. Go."
Max wasn't sure what was up with Isabel, but he did know she was lying to him.  "I'll catch you at home."
As soon as Max was out the door Michael headed for the table. 
"Hey." He sat down across from Isabel, placing a cherry coke in front of her.
"Hey," she replied with a soft smile.  "Thanks."
Michael nodded. "You okay?"
Isabel looked up briefly and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"Things okay between us?" 
Isabel looked him in the eye. "Yes." There was a huskiness to her voice that he picked up on.
"My shifts over."
Isabel felt her desire roar a bit higher. "Really." She began to rock a  little in her seat.
"Yeah. Want to do something?" Michael asked as his eyes narrowed on her.
Isabel took a sip of coke. "Yeah."
"Cool. Come on." Michael led her through the kitchen and out the back to the alley where his bike was parked. He reached for his helmut to hand to her when he she turned him to face her and she kissed him hungrily.
Michael dropped the helmut and pushed Isabel up against the brick wall. His hunger for her was causing the blood to rush below and feed a growing ache.
"Michael," whispered Isabel against his neck, as Michael's hands began to search beneath her shirt.
He fondled her breast inside of her bra as he sought out her mouth. Isabel's hands were moving down the front of Michael's jeans as he raised her leg to his waist and they began to rub against one another.

Max pulled the car to the end of the alley to wait for Liz. He looked at his watch then around the street before his eyes wandered to the alley. His knuckles went white and his eyes saw red as he recognized the couple groping one another in the alley. He jumped out of his car and ran down the alley, pulling Michael off of  Isabel and slamming his fist into the other's jaw. 
"Damn you! I trusted you!" yelled Max, as he rushed Michael.
"MAX! Stop it!" screamed Isabel, as she pulled at him. 
Michael hit Max back, his fist connecting with Max's own jaw knocking him back.
Liz came running up. "What happened?! Max! Stop!" But one look at Isabel said it all.
Liz ran up to Max and threw herself in front of him. "Max! Stop!"
Isabel ran to Michael and wiped at the blood on his lip.
Max eyed them both. "I trusted you with her!"
"It just happened! We didn't plan it!" said Michael spitting out blood.
Max looked at Isabel. "I don't understand. You said nothing happened. You lied to me!"
Isabel was crying with hurt and anger. "I lied because I was afraid something like this would happen! Michael and I don't know why something has happened between us, but it's not a terrible thing, Max! It's not!"
"We don't have to follow the destinies they set out for us, Isabel!" Max yelled back.
"Maybe you don't, but Michael and I seem to be drawn to it," said Isabel. 
"It's wrong!" argued Max.
"Why?!" cried Isabel. "Because then it would mean that Tess was right about everything? That you were never meant to be with your precious Liz?" She looked at Liz with apologies. 
"That's not fair!" yelled Max.
"It's because he thinks I'm not good enough for you even though we were together on Antar," said Michael.
"Michael, that's not it!" said Isabel, but Max didn't deny it. She looked at Max. "Max, tell him he's wrong."
Max stood silently looking between the two. 
"Oh my gawd," whispered Isabel. "It's true?"
"It's not that Michael isn't good enough. I'm just afraid of what will happen if you follow this course. Have you even considered 'why' they pushed our destinies?" asked Max. When Michael and Isabel just stared at him he said, "To procreate. They need us to create an heir for the thrown of Antar. They can't get me so they are focusing on you."
"Second best. Is that what you are saying, Max?"
Everyone looked at Michael. 
"Well let me tell you something, Maxwell. We are all the royal ones. The three of us. That means me too. No matter who we are with our children will be heirs. They may want an heir for Antar from one of us now, but what they didn't count on was Isabel and I acting on emotions as well as desires. You remember emotions don't you? Oh that's right! You seem to think they don't apply to anyone but you."
"Lust isn't the desire to act on, Michael! So help you if Isabel turns out to be pregnant..."
"Don't threaten me, Maxwell! You have a son out there somewhere that you gave up because you lusted after Tess, so don't lecture us.  I'm through talking about what Isabel and I did or didn't do.  It's no ones business, but ours," said Michael. He wanted to smash Max's face again for his words. What he happened between him and Isabel wasn't cheap like Max was making it sound.
"STOP IT!"
All eyes turned to Isabel. "I can't deal with this." She looked at Max. "How dare you tell me what I can and can't do. You decided you no longer wanted to be King. That's fine. But even if you were it's my life. Not yours!"
She turned to Michael. "I don't know why I feel the way I do about you, but I do. Why you make me feel all warm inside. Having a baby...." She looked away panicked. "We got so caught up in feelings.....we didn't think!"  
"Isabel..."
She ran down the alley and got in Max's car and drove off.
Max watched Isabel drive off then he looked at Michael. He read devestation there. They truely  felt more than physical need though he didn't doubt there was plenty of that. He felt terrible. All he had been trying to do was protect Isabel.
Michael picked up his helmut and without a word or look at Max, he put it on and drove off.
Max looked at Liz. 
"Come inside, Max. We'll get you some ice," she said quietly as she kissed his cheek. 
Both knew Max could heal his own wounds, but neither mentioned it.
She took his hand and led him inside.


*******************************


The next day............


Isabel hadn't slept all night long. She had worried whether she could be pregnant and what she would do if she was.And Michael. She wondered what he would do if she was.
 She heard Max come in and stop outside her door, but he wisely left her alone. 


Michael lay staring at the ceiling just as he had all night. 
Isabel had really been upset and he didn't blame her. They were fools. Neither had thought about what might result because of their actions. But to be honest, they had been so consumed that the consequences never had time to enter their minds. Okay, so if she was pregnant there was nothing to be done about it. And if she wasn't....well then either they never touched one another again or they would use lots of  protection.  He personally voted on the last because no matter how he tried to deny it, he had strong feelings for Isabel that could only be called love. Well he had heard it said that  love could happen over night and now he was a believer.  Who would have thought that Isabel would be the one he finally fell for.


Isabel heard the knock on the window and knew it could only be one person.
Michael came threw the window and sat on the edge of her bed by her head.
"You okay?" he asked as he kissed the top of her head.
She nodded then shook her head in the negative. 
Michael gathered her into his arms. He understood perfectly.
"I brought something." He pulled a sack from his pocket.
Isabel looked inside and her tummy began to do flip flops. 
"We have to know," he told her as he gently rubbed the back of her neck. "Tess knew right off so why not you?"
"And if the answer is something we aren't ready for?" she asked as her shaking hands closed the sack.
"Then we deal," Michael told her. He stood up and held out his hand to her. "Come on."
Isabel looked up into his eyes and saw reassurement as he helped her to her feet.  
"However it comes out is the way it's meant to be, Isabel."
She nodded and made her way to the bathroom and closed the door. 
Isabel stared at the sack before finally taking out the box inside. She read the directions and then looked in the mirror. "This is it." She took the test.

Michael paced Isabel's room wondering what was taking so long. 
He sat down at her dressing table and picked up a magazine. He flipped the pages and an article on different types of birth control fell open. Great! Just what he wanted to see right at this moment in time. He flipped the  magazine shut and began to pace again. The door behind him opened and he turned around.
She had been crying. His insides turned to jelly and his chest ached as he watched her walk over to him. 
He pushed her hair back out of her face and wiped at her tears before kissing her and pulling her into his arms. 
"Okay..it's okay. We'll figure something out." What, he wasn't sure, but they would.
"I'm not pregnant," she whispered against his neck.
Michael pulled back to look into her eyes. "What?"
"I'm not pregnant."
He could tell that her tears were more than relief. There was something else.
"Are you upset or just relieved?"
"Yes." She cried into his neck again.
Michael rocked her in his arms, his emotions matching hers. He wasn't sure how he had wanted the test to come out either.
"It wasn't time, Isabel."
"I know," she nodded as she clung to him.

Max stood at the partially open door listening.  He sighed a silent breath of relief at finding out Isabel wasn't pregnant. But for some reason he didn't understand a part of him was sad too, and he didn't know why. But listening to Isabel and Michael he understood that they belonged together just as destiny had planned and he wouldn't interfere again. He made his way back to his bedroom and closed the door.

"What now?" asked Isabel wiping her eyes.
"What do you mean?" asked Michael as he handed her a tissue.
"Us."
"I think I've found who I was meant to be with," he told her as he kissed her again. "I just was too stubborn to see it."
She smiled at him. "Me too."
"And I'm buying a case of condoms."
Isabel blushed. "Michael!
"We're not going through this again until we're ready," he told her seriously.
"And what about games? Are you still for playing games?" asked Isabel.
"Only with you." And he kissed her thinking of what games they could play.

~End~