Chapter 31
The next morning Liz woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs. She looked at her clock. {10:00? Why didn�t my alarm go off? And who�s cooking?}
Her questions were answered when Michael walked in holding a tray that was practically overflowing. �Michael, what�s this?�
�Breakfast in bed darling.� He accentuated darling, drawing it out and making it sound more like �dawling.�
He placed the tray on her lap as she sat up. On it there was a plate with bacon, eggs (a cheese omelet, her favorite), and toast with strawberry jam. There was a glass of orange juice and a cup of tea. There was also a single white rose laying on top of the morning paper. Actually, it was just the science section.
�Michael.�
�I know that cheese omelets are your favorite and that you try not to drink coffee cause it makes you nervous. I know that you like white roses, and that the science section is the only one you read.�
�How?�
�I pay attention.�
�Michael, this is so sweet. Thank you.� She pulled him down for a quick kiss.
�Now eat up. I�m gonna go clean and grab my books.�
She smiled. {What a sweetie!}
He exited and she quickly dug in. A little while later Michael came back in with his books. Liz was already done.
�Wow, someone was hungry.�
�Last time I ate was my break last night. Since someone let me sleep in my schedule�s all off. Besides, you make one mean omelet.�
�Hey, I was just being nice.� He bent down and took the tray. �Be right back.�
While he was gone she got up and changed. He knocked this time before entering. �Are you decent?�
{Like I would really mind if she wasn�t.}
�Yeah, come on in.� He walked in and looked at her face. �I like seeing you early in the morning, right after you wake up. You�ve got this flush to your cheeks, it�s cute.�
�Well, I�m not usually woken up by my... by you.�
�You can call me your boyfriend if you want.�
�If I do I�ll slip up around someone. We�ll tell everyone before we leave for New York. That way they have a couple of days to deal with it all.�
�Whatever you want babe.�
She smiled at his term of endearment. �So, how much work do you have?�
�A lot. I never realized how much you guys do in school.�
�Why do you think I�m always so tired?�
�Did you read anymore last night?�
�Yeah. I�m about halfway done. Your notes really helped.�
�I�ve read it a couple of times. It�s not Ulysses, but it�s alright.�
{He is so intelligent.} �You should let people see how smart you are.�
�That�s reserved for you.�
She smiled. �So, we should get to work.�
Michael laid down on Liz�s bed and motioned for her to follow. He sat up so that his upper body was against the wall while his lower half was extended. She laid between his legs and leaned her head on his thigh.
�You�re so tiny.�
�And you�re so big.�
She started to read while he did his makeup work. After a few hours they stopped for lunch and then resumed their studies. By the time 5:00 rolled around they were both long done. Liz had even managed to finish an essay that wasn�t due for a week.
Michael went to get dinner while Liz jumped in the shower. Just as she was washing her shampoo out she heard a familiar booming voice.
�Honey, I�m home!� {I�ve always wanted to say that. I feel like Darren on Bewitched.}
�I�ll be out in a bit. I�m just taking a quick shower,� she screamed over the water.
�Take your time.� {Liz in a shower. Mmm....} He licked his lips just thinking about it. He forced the thought out of his mind. He went to the cabinets to find some cups and plates. He set the table and got drinks. �Now, where is the Tabasco?�
�Right here.� Liz had finished her shower and walked into the kitchen clad only in a towel.
�Wow.� She pushed the Tabasco into his hand. �Uh thanks.�
�I�m gonna get changed. Be back in a minute.�
�You don�t have to change, you can stay like that.�
�I�m sure you�d like that,� she shouted just before shutting her door.
�Yes I would,� he mumbled while finishing setting up dinner.
After dinner they hung out a little longer. They watched some B horror film from the �50s. Michael enjoyed himself because Liz cringed and buried herself into his chest every time something even remotely scary happened. When the movie was done Michael gave Liz a chaste kiss and told her that he had to leave.
�Please stay Michael.�
�Liz, I don�t think I should.�
�Please. I promise I�ll be good. You made me watch that movie, and now you�re leaving me alone in this empty house?�
�The movie was not scary.�
�I�m a chicken, you know that. Please, we�ll just go to sleep and you can leave in the morning before Ria picks me up.�
�Do you promise to stay on your side of the bed? To not tease me or try anything?�
�I promise to only snuggle.� She made a cute little puppy done face.
�Fine.�
�Yay!�
�How could I resist you?�
�You need to go home to get pajamas or something?�
�I just sleep in my boxers. But if it bothers you I�ll go home and get some sweats.�
�No, it�s fine. I�ll go change.�
�You tired?�
�Kinda. Can we just snuggle for a while?�
�Of course baby.�
She turned around to go change. �Now get going!� He gave her a quick swat to her behind.
�Feisty aren�t we?�
She changed into a tank top and a pair of pink silk shorts. When she walked out Michael was sitting on the corner of her bed fully dressed. �Why didn�t you change?�
�Maybe this isn�t a good idea.� He went to stand up.
Liz pounced and straddled him. �No way. You�re not leaving.�
She ground her core against him. She could feel him start to harden. Her gyrations elicited a moan deep in his throat. She hopped up. �Now get naked.�
{She said she�d behave.}
�Do you want me to leave?�
�What do you mean?� {Down boy, you can�t sleep next to her all night if you�re pitching a tent.}
�If you feel weird undressing in front of me then I�ll leave.�
�No, it�s fine Liz, I swear.�
He took off his shoes and socks and stood up. He went to unbutton his pants and she advanced.
�Let me help you.� She place her small hand on top of his and moved his away. She began to unbutton then unzip them.
When she was done she placed her hands on his hips and went to pull them down.
�Wait,� he stopped her.
�What�s the matter?�
�I didn�t want to scare you.�
�Why would you scare me?�
He looked at her intently hoping she�d understand. A wave of recognition washed over her face. �OH!! I�m sorry I teased you.�
�I�ll just sleep in my pants.�
�No, you�re not gonna rub against me all night with jeans when my legs aren�t covered.� She bent down and began to pull them down carefully, making sure not to pull his boxers at the same time.
He looked down at her and saw the love in her eyes. {This is like a dream.}
She got his jeans to his ankles and pushed him back on the bed so that she could pull them off all the way.
{This is not happening, I�ve gotta be dreaming. I am not on Liz�s bed in only a shirt and boxers.}
She folded his pants and placed them on her desk chair. She pushed his arms up and moved to pull his shirt off. When she felt his hesitation she spoke. �Calm down. I just want to feel your skin around me.�
When she pulled his shirt off she gasped.
�What?�
�Nnnothing.� {I�m studdering. Damn. Where has he been hiding that chest, and those arms? Maria never mentioned that.}
{She looks surprised. Maria must never have told her I work out.}
He placed his hand on her face and pulled her in for what was supposed to be only a peck. Liz hadn�t realized how turned on she was until she felt Michael�s lips press against her own. She loved everything about him. His mind, his body, his scent, but most of all, his taste. She never wanted to go a day without that taste. She deepened the kiss and pulled him flush to her.
She felt his arousal pressing against her stomach. His hands started to roam. First her shoulders, then her lower back. He tried to pull her as close to him as possible. He gave her ass a little squeeze causing her to moan his name.
{I�ll never get sick of hearing that.}
Liz couldn�t take it anymore. She moved up quickly and Michael pulled her along. She wrapped her legs around him catching him off guard. He lost his balance and they toppled onto the bed. Their kiss never broke.
Soon Liz was on top of him kissing his neck. Michael�s hands roamed again. He cupped one of her breast, checking her eyes first for permission.
�So perfect.� He leaned forward and placed light kisses on her collarbone. He placed his hands under her shirt and rubbed the smooth tan skin of her stomach. She leaned into his touch, urging him on. He pulled her shirt off in one fluid movement.
She was topless in front of a man. Not just any man, Michael. She should have been embarrassed, but when she looked in his eyes she saw so much love and admiration.
�Liz, you�re perfect.� He cupped one of her breasts again. �Do you see how we fit together? Like we were made for each other.�
She crushed her lips to his again and using all of her force flipped them so that she was on the bottom.
�I�m gonna squish you.�
�No, stay. I like the feel of your weight on me.�
�But-�
�I like the feel of him on me too.�
He leaned in and captured one of her nipples into his mouth. He gently twirled his tongue experimentally as Liz arched her body off the bed.
�Michael.� It was guttural, hoarse with desire.
{I must be doing something right.}
�Do you like that Liz?� He flicked his tongue at the nipple again and gently bit down.
�Ohh...� She was almost thrusting herself against him. He felt her hips grinding against his thigh and knew what this meant.
�Liz?�
�Michael, please.�
That was all he needed. He placed his hands on either side of her shorts and pulled them off. Her arousal was evident through her soaked panties. He kissed up her thighs and around her stomach before he removed her underwear.
He caught the first glimpse of her dark curls and knew he was in heaven. He was the first man to see Liz like this, and he would be the only one if he had any say in it. He knew she was highly aroused, but also nervous.
A man had never been near her before in this way, and even though she had masturbated this was clearly not the same. She felt Michael�s fingers gently caress her curls, venturing lower each time.
He carefully pushed her hips open a bit more so he would have access to her dripping core. He lowered his fingers and slicked them across her wet folds.
The first touch was electric. Liz shuddered in delight knowing that Michael was the only person who could touch her this way.
He felt her desire and it aroused him even more to know that he had caused it. He slowly moved into her with one finger.
The feel of his rough, calloused finger within her caused a tremor in Liz. She leaned into his touch more, trying to get as much of him as possible. �You like that baby?�
She bit her lip and shook her head. �More Michael, please.�
�You don�t have to beg baby.� He pulled his finger out, but quickly reentered it along with a second.
To have him pumping inside of her, even if it was his fingers, was the best feeling Liz had ever experienced. She felt complete.
She was practically humping his hand by this point, so Michael sped up. He leaned down at the same time and finding her nub flicked his tongue over it.
One touch was all it took to send Liz over the edge. She shuddered and quaked, and arched off the bed. Michael continued to pump in and out of her until her tremors subsided and her breathing stilled. When he knew she had fallen asleep he went to the bathroom to clean up.
Only when he came back in did he notice the look on contentment on her face. {Who cares if I�m gonna hurt in the morning? That look on her face was worth it.}
He laid down and spooned against her. He shut off the light on the night table and pulled the blanket up so it covered her. He wrapped his arm around her midsection and kissed her shoulder.
�I love you,� he whispered. He knew she couldn�t hear him, but it didn�t matter. That was how he felt, and at that moment life was perfect. He snuggled closer and fell asleep thinking of how lucky he was to have her.
Chapter 32
When Liz woke up she realized how comfortable and warm she was. Suddenly the past night�s events came flooding back to her. She looked under the blanket and found that if she was in fact still naked and that sometime during the night Michael�s hand had drifted up to cup her breast. His other hand was still spread across her stomach. {I could get used to this.}
She clasped his hand and brought it to her mouth to kiss his palm. He began to stir under her actions. She suddenly realized how aroused he was. She turned around to face him. �Oh Michael, I�m so sorry.�
�Good morning to you too.� He gave her a light kiss. �Now, why are you sorry?�
�Well, last night, I fell asleep before I could do anything to you, didn�t I?�
He shook his head. �But it doesn�t matter. Just to see that look on your face.�
She blushed and buried her head in his chest.
�I�m gonna go jump in the shower. Why don�t you get dressed. I gotta leave before Maria gets here.�
�We have about an hour. Take your time. I�ll go clean quickly and then make breakfast.� She kissed him and got up. She walked across the room to her dresser as he just stared. She grabbed a black lace thong and matching bra and moved towards the bathroom.
�There�s no way that I�m gonna be able to focus at all today knowing you�ve got those on under your clothes.�
She walked into the bathroom and emerged a few minutes later in her underwear. She grabbed a cropped sweater and a pair of black hip huggers and went back into her bathroom. She finished dressing and was about to take her pill when she felt Michael�s arms wrap around her. She leaned back into him when he kissed her neck.
�You.� She pointed to his face meeting his eyes in the mirror. �Get in the shower.�
�Fine.� He turned her around. �Get.� He smacked her ass and she giggled.
�Okay, okay.� She walked out and shut the door.
When she got in the kitchen she heard the water running. She remembered she still needed to take her pill. {He won�t mind it if I go in the bathroom when he�s in the shower. So what if the shower curtain is clear. Besides, it�s my turn to see him naked.}
She walked down the hall and into her room. She paused when she heard sounds coming from inside. She carefully opened the door a crack. Just enough so that she could see him, but little enough so that he couldn�t see her. Her heart literally skipped a beat. The sounds that she had heard were actually moans. Michael was masturbating in her shower.
She licked her lips as she watched his wet hand slick over his engorged member. {He�s huge.}
She realized that he probably wouldn�t be too happy if he caught her, so she went to shut the door when she heard her name escape his lips.
�Liz.�
{Oh crap, he knows I�m here.} But then she looked at his face and realized that his eyes were closed. {Nope, he�s just getting into it.}
She smile at the thought that it was her name that came out. He seemed used to saying it in ecstasy. {Maybe it�s not the first time?}
She felt herself getting aroused and she quickly shut the door before she got any ideas. She went to the kitchen and made them breakfast. A few minutes later Michael came in fully dressed.
�Mmmm.... smells good.� He kiss the top of her head.
�Thanks. I just gotta go to the bathroom. I�ll just be a second.�
�Hurry back!�
She quickly took her pill and threw her hair up into a ponytail. When she went back into the kitchen she found that Michael had set the table and made her tea. They sat down and ate in relative silence. They spent most of their breakfast staring at each other. When they were done Liz looked at the clock.
�If you�re gonna go home and change and make it to school on time you have to leave now.�
�Okay, I get the point. I know you want to get rid of me.�
�Yeah. It was fun while it lasted, but I decided that I�m just not attracted to you at all.�
�Oh. I understand.� She was trying not to laugh. She failed miserably. �If I don�t arouse you then there�s really no point.�
He grabbed her and kissed her forcefully. She opened her mouth allowing him entrance. She let his tongue gently graze against her own. He slowly pulled back.
�You�re right. I�m not attracted to you either.�
She gave him a playful smack. �Now go. I�ll see you soon.�
�Yep. Bye.� He kissed her cheek and left.
She quickly cleaned up and grabbed her backpack. She heard a beep. {Maria.}
She locked the door and ran to the car.
�Chica, I�ve been beeping for like five minutes. We�re gonna be late.�
�Sorry, I got distracted.� She put on her seat belt and they drove to school.
Chapter 33
Michael walked into school and felt eyes on him. Truth be told all eyes were on him. Michael Guerin, in school? On time? But he felt one pair above all others. One that was not staring out of surprise or confusion.
He looked across the hall and made eye contact with Liz. She was standing at her locker with Maria, Alex, and Isabel. They looked just as surprised as everyone else. He walked over and pulled Liz into a hug, kissing the top of her head.
If there was anyone who hadn�t been staring at that point they definitely were now. Michael Guerin hugging Liz Parker? Since when did we enter an alternate universe?
All Isabel and Alex could do was smile.
�Hey Michael, since when are you into PDA?�
�MARIA!� Now Liz was blushing.
�No Liz, it�s okay. Maria, I�m allowed to give Liz a hug to say �good morning� aren�t I?�
Maria was speechless for the first time in her life. �Uh yeah Michael. No problem.�
Alex and Isabel could not stop laughing. Isabel saw the look on Maria�s face and decided to give her a reprieve. �Maria, we�re gonna be late to English.�
�Yeah.� She looked at Michael and Liz again. �See you guys at lunch.�
�Bye,� Liz responded.
Michael simply nodded his head.
Maria smiled. {Now there�s the Michael Guerin I�m used to.}
After they left Michael leaned against the lockers. Liz realized that he seemed a little overwhelmed, and definitely not comfortable with hiding their whatever it was.
�Michael, let them think whatever they want. Now come on, we have Chem first.�
He stood up straight and moved to walk away.
�Forgetting something?�
He turned back around. �What?�
He looked down. {Backpack: check. Books: check. Clothing: check. Nope, not missing anything.} He shrugged his shoulders.
�ME! Dumbass!�
�Ohh... sorry.�
She walked to him and draped his arm around her shoulder. �Now walk me to class.�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rest of the day was pretty much the same. Students staring at them like hell had frozen over and they hadn�t been told. Teachers were not only surprised to see Michael in their classes, but with homework and sitting next to Liz Parker, teacher�s pet.
At lunch Max and Maria were speaking to each other in hushed whispers and laughing every once in a while. Alex and Isabel knew what was up so they just acted normal. And Kyle, poor Kyle, was still completely confused.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next week started out the same way. Eventually the teachers and students just accepted this new development. The teachers were especially elated to see how well Michael was doing in all of their classes.
Soon enough it was Thanksgiving. Maria and Amy ate over the Valentis. Kyle and Maria spent most of the night trying not to stare at their parents. It seemed like they just couldn�t stop flirting. They were either feeding each other, or making comments about inside jokes, or touching each other�s hands. Kyle could barely keep his food down.
The Evans� were happy because both of their children were actually there. They were joined by Alex since his parents had gone to his uncle�s. Diane was especially delighted because she saw how Alex made Isabel feel. She had always been popular, but she never dated much. Somehow this boy managed to open her up and make her feel. {Now if only Max could find someone.}
The Parkers knew that Michael had no one to spend the day with and since he was already practically part of the family they invited him over. At first he went to decline but Liz stepped in and told them that he�d be happy to come.
After Thanksgiving the preparations for the trip were kicked into high gear. On top of the trip there were presents to buy for the holidays, midterms to study for and the skins to worry about. It had been quiet lately but they knew that if anything that meant to stay on highest alert.
Even though they had seen the skins explode in front of their eyes they had a feeling that it wouldn�t be the last they saw of Nicholas at least.
Isabel was almost done figuring out how much was going to be needed for the trip. Max and Maria were being very secretive about the hotel. They would only give her the price and the address. She knew that they were up to something but she didn�t have the time to get it out of them.
Liz and Michael had bought their tickets and began to go over possible courses of action. Where to find Ava, what to say to her, how they�d assimilate her if she decided to come, and what they�d do if she decided not to were all things they had to plan for.
The Parkers hadn�t been on another trip since the middle of November, so Michael and Liz hadn�t had almost any alone time. Whenever they went to Liz�s house her mom insisted the door to her room stayed open. They tried to be alone at Michael�s, but inevitably someone (usually Max) would show up before they could do anything.
Suddenly it was December 21st and everyone became antzy. Liz and Michael still had to pack. To make matters worse Liz�s mom had gotten the flu. If she didn�t get better than everything would be more complicated to say the least.
Everyone was gathered in the Parker�s living room trying to talk low so not to wake Mrs. Parker when she walked into the room.
�I�m just going to get some tea.�
She leaned a little then fainted.
Max jumped up and grabbed her before she fell. He put his hand on her forehead and she opened her eyes. �Max? I must�ve fainted. I�ve been so dizzy.�
�You have a fever. You should go back to bed.� He removed his hand from her forehead.
�Dad?� Mr. Parker walked in.
�Yeah?�
�Take mom to bed, she needs some sleep.�
�She fainted?�
�Yeah, how�d you know?�
�She did it earlier today when you were in school. Come on Nancy.� He took her from Max�s arms. �Thanks Max.�
�Sure Mr. Parker.�
Liz�s parents walked back to their room. Liz looked worry. Michael put his arm on her shoulder and kissed her forehead.
�Don�t worry, she�ll be fine.�
�Max, what did you do?�
�Just healed her a smidge.�
�Max!�
�Not all the way. She�ll be fine by tomorrow. She just needs to sleep it off.�
�Thanks. We should probably call it a night. Tomorrow�s our last day of school.�
�Yeah.� Isabel stood and pulled Alex up with her. �I�ll bring you home Alex. Come on Max.�
�Actually, Maria was gonna bring me home.�
�You sure? Maria?�
�Yeah, we needed to talk about something.�
�Okay. Kyle, you coming?�
�No. I think I�ll walk. It�s a nice night. Nothing like the desert in winter.�
�Okay...� {He�s gotten weird.} �See you tomorrow Michael.� She gave him a little wink and mouthed �you�re welcome.�
Everyone left and Liz looked at Michael. �What was that?�
�She knew we needed some alone time.� He kissed her gently. �Think about it, in a couple of days we�re gonna be alone.�
�I know, it seems like forever. Listen, Alex and Isabel already know about us. I�m sure Max and Maria know something is up. That just leaves Kyle.�
�The poor boy has been so confused lately.�
�I feel kinda bad. But anyway, I�m gonna tell Maria on the way to the airport. Our flight is early so you�ll probably be passed out in the back seat of the Jetta-�
�HEY!�
�What? You know you�re not a morning person.�
�When you�re there I am.� He pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. He gently ran his tongue over her bottom lip and sucked it lightly.
�Now don�t start that! I�ll have Maria talk to Max and Kyle, I�m sure they�ll just be happy to know what�s up.�
�Yeah. Listen babe, you know I�d love to stay here all night, but it�s kind of late and we have school tomorrow.�
�Fine. I�ll walk you to the door.�
They walked hand in hand downstairs. They embraced and kissed quickly.
�See you tomorrow.�
�Yep. Dumbass.�
�Bitch.�
�See you.�
�Bye.� He kissed her hand and walked away.
December 21st
I�m Liz Parker and I�m tired of hiding. I decided that whatever happens in New York doesn�t matter. I�m telling Michael I love him before we leave. I only hope he feels the same way.
Chapter 34
The last day of school went by fast. Everyone exchanged gifts after school at the Crashdown, except Michael and Liz. Michael was spending Christmas Eve with the Parkers and then coming over for dinner on Christmas Day, so they had other opportunities.
The Valentis were going over to the Delucas this time. Kyle had already started called Maria �sis,� much to Maria�s torment.
Isabel was spending Christmas Eve at the Whitmans and then the Whitmans were going to the Evans for Christmas Day. She was nervous because not only was this the first time their parents would meet, but her dad could be a real asshole if he didn�t like you. Alex was worried too. He loved his parents, but they could be really embarrassing. His dad was constantly cracking jokes that no one found funny.
Michael still hadn�t gotten Liz a present. He honestly had no clue what to get a woman. {Especially a woman who you are secretly dating and who you�ve been in love with since you were children.}
He had asked Isabel for help but all she said was that he should get her jewelry. {Jewelry? Who does she think I am? I have no clue what to get her.}
Liz had already gotten him what she thought was the perfect gift.
::FLASHBACK::
She mentioned to her mom that Michael loved Ulysses, but she was still surprised when her mom came in with the mail one day and handed her a UPS package. She opened it and found a leather-bound first edition signed copy.
She looked at her mom and could only ask �How?�
�It was in Claudia�s collection. You know how she loved books. When you mentioned Ulysses it triggered my memory. All of her valuables were in her safety deposit boxes at her bank. I made a few phone calls and �voila!�"
�I don�t know what to say. Thank you. He�ll love it.�
�He�s the only one who could really appreciate it anyway.�
::END FLASHBACK::
She had also gotten him the latest Ani cd, knowing he didn�t have it yet. The gifts were personal. They showed how she knew him. Sure, the book was very valuable and wouldn�t be a normal gift for someone you�d only been close with for two months, but Michael was different. {I love him.}
Michael walked over to Liz and told her that he had to go, but that he would stop by later so that they could exchange gifts. He left and rode to the art district of Roswell. It consisted of a small modern art gallery, a supply store, and a rock gallery/jewelry store. Not very much, but after all, this was Roswell.
He went into the supply store and got what he needed. He went to get back on his bike when something caught his eye. In the window at the jewelry store he saw a silver and turquoise necklace. It had a center stone that was triangular with a few additional stones on either side. It was on a beautifully crafted silver chain. He knew instantly that Liz would love it. Twenty minutes later he was at his apartment $100 poorer and ready to complete her gift.
He had decided that along with the necklace he was going to draw a portrait of her. Even though her face littered every page of every sketchbook he had, this one would be special. This one he would actually give her. It would be the first time she had seen his art and he wanted it to be perfect. He spent a few hours sketching her in every pose he could imagine. Finally, on his last page, he found the perfect memory. He finished and grabbed his coat. {The Parkers should be done with dinner. I�ll just drive slowly in case.}
He made his way to the Crashdown, careful not to disturb the sketches in his lap. He had decided to bring the entire book so she could see how he really felt. He got to the restaurant and knocked on the back door. He heard walking and Mr. Parker�s voice.
�Just a sec.� He opened the door and smiled. �Michael. Hey, come in.�
�Liz and I were gonna exchange gifts.�
�Yeah. She�s up on the roof. She told me to tell you to come right up. And Nancy isn�t here, she went to the store, so you can have some privacy.�
�Thanks Jeff.�
He walked up the stairs and down the hall to Liz�s room. He knocked on the door and heard Liz say �come in.�
�Hey Liz.�
�Michael.� She ran over and hugged him. He snaked his arms around her waist and gave her a passionate kiss. When he pulled back he saw that she was flushed. �What was that for?�
�Early Christmas present.�
�Oh. Does that mean there�s more where that came from?�
�Definitely. But now, we have to do the material gifts.�
�I want to go first.� She ran out onto her roof. �Come on out.�
He stepped on the roof and was amazed by what he saw. There was a table set up with flowers and twinkling lights everywhere. He turned around when he heard music. Liz had brought out a stereo and placed it next to a bag he could only assume contained his present. He noticed a red glowing heart behind her on the brick. {That�s the heart Max made for her.}
He put his head down not wanting to see it.
Liz realized what he saw and quickly corrected it. �No Michael, let me move. You didn�t see it.�
He looked up and was surprised to see instead of L.P. + M.E. it read L.P. + M.G. �How?�
�Isabel did it before she left. She said it was her present to us.�
�Sounds like her.� Michael was relieved. The smile had returned to his face.
�So, presents.� Liz grabbed the bag and ushered for Michael to sit. She placed her hand in and pulled out a small package. �There�s another one, but open this first.�
�It�s � To the Teeth�. Thanks. I haven�t had the time to get it.�
�I know. But that was the small gift. This is the real one.� She handed him the bag.
�Heavy. Did you give me a dictionary, Parker?�
�Funny. Open it.�
He pulled the paper and saw the engraved words Ulysses and below it James Joyce. �Oh my God Liz, it�s great.� He jumped up and hugged her. �Thank you.�
�There�s more.�
�Huh?�
She grabbed the book and opened it. �First edition. Signed.�
Michael was almost tearing up. No one had ever given him a more thoughtful gift. He pulled her into a tight embrace and felt her arms wrap around him. �Thank you,� he whispered in her ear. �So much. You don�t know what this means to me.�
�Michael, I know. That�s why I got it for you. But you should really thank my mom.�
�What do you mean?� He pulled away and faced her.
�I mentioned it to her that you liked Ulysses. My Grandma Claudia collected all sorts of things. When she died she left pretty much everything to me. This was in her collection.�
�Liz, I can�t take this.�
�Listen, I have more than enough to remember her by. Besides, this way it�s like you have a little piece of her. You never did get the chance to meet her. She would�ve loved you.�
Now Michael was blushing. �Thank you.�
�You already said that. Several times in fact.�
�No, for everything. For being you and for allowing me to get to know you.� He reached up and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. �And to see you. All of you.�
�I want you to see me. I don�t want any secrets between us. I want us to always be honest.�
�Me too. I�m gonna try something. Do you trust me?�
She shook her head. �Of course.�
He placed his hands on either side of her face. �Now look at my eyes and relax.�
He sent her flashes. Of everything he was, had been, and wanted to be.
::FLASH::
Michael emerging from the pods and walking out of the chamber. He didn�t know where he was and he was scared.
::FLASH::
Seeing Isabel and Max and wanting to go to them but seeing the headlights and not knowing what was going on.
::FLASH::
The social services office. There were people asking him questions but he didn�t understand them. Being scared and missing Max and Isabel.
::FLASH::
His first home. He got frustrated and a table levitated. Being called possessed and the devil. He was confused. All he wanted was love.
::FLASH::
Being placed with Hank. Being woken up the first day of school by an already drunk Hank telling him that he was a waste and would never be worth anything.
::FLASH::
Seeing Isabel and Max at school. Knowing it was them. All of them hugging and communicating without words. Feeling whole.
::FLASH::
Seeing Liz on the playground. Even as a little girl she was pretty. Knowing there was something special about her.
::FLASH::
His first class without Max and Is. Liz was in it. She introduced herself. She wasn�t scared of him. She wanted to be his friend. But she was different than he was so he was scared.
::FLASH::
Going with Max and Isabel to the Crashdown just so that Max could stare at her. Michael being jealous because he liked her too, but she would never like him back.
::FLASH::
The day of the shooting. Not wanting Max to heal her. HE wanted to do it. He wish more than anything that he could heal her.
::FLASH::
Maria flirting with him. He went with her because Liz and Max were obviously falling in love.
::FLASH::
Liz showing up at his door to tell him about Future Max. Being surprised that she trusted him and risked her happiness for him.
::FLASH::
Walking into her room and seeing her naked. Thinking she was even more beautiful and perfect than he could ever imagine.
::FLASH::
Finding out she liked him back. Thinking he could never be good enough for her. He would just hurt her.
::FLASH::
Their first kiss. Like heaven. Feeling at home for the first time ever.
::FLASH::
Mr. Parker saying he thought of him as family. He never had a family and here these wonderful people were accepting a screw-up like him.
::FLASH::
Liz telling him that he was intelligent and meaning it. Wanting to be better for her.
::FLASH::
The feel of his fingers in her. Her face when she climaxed. She was an angel. His angel.
::FLASH::
Liz, just her face. And in his eyes she was perfect. She was all he had ever wanted and more. He would never hurt her. �I LOVE YOU.�
::END FLASH::
He pulled away and saw tears in her eyes. �Liz.�
She could only look at him. He was perfect. �I love you too Michael.�
He hugged her close. �I meant it Liz, I love you. I�ve loved you since the first time I saw you.� He kissed away her tears. �Now for your presents.�
�That was the best present I could ever get. Your love.�
�Even so.� He smiled. �I freaked out about what to get you so why don�t you just look at them first then we�ll uh �love each other� some more.�
�Promise?�
�Of course.�
He grabbed the jewelry box out of his coat pocket. �Gift #1.�
She opened it. �Michael, I love it. It�s so beautiful. Can you put it on me?�
�Sure.�
She pulled her hair up and he put it on her. He gave her a little kiss on the back of her neck. When he was done she turned around. �How do I look?�
�Gorgeous, like always.� Now Liz was blushing. �And gift #2.�
He grabbed the sketchbook. �This is only a taste. There�s about ten more of these at my place.�
She opened it and saw herself staring back. She was at work and was talking to some children trying to take their orders. �Michael.�
�I have a lot of free time. The last one�s my favorite.�
She flipped through the book. It was filled with her doing every activity imaginable. In class, with Maria and Alex, laughing at something, with her parents, crying the night Future Max came. But Michael was right about the last one, it was her favorite too. It was of her asleep the night he had slept over. She looked so peaceful and happy when she was asleep, she looked free.
She jumped into his arms almost knocking him over. �I (kiss) love (kiss) it (kiss) so (kiss) much (kiss). Thank you Michael.�
He leaned down to kiss her when there was a knock on the door to her room. Mrs. Parker walked in without announcing herself. �Liz? You out there?�
�Yeah Mom. Michael and I were just exchanging gifts.�
�Thanks Mrs. P for the book, I love it.�
�You�re welcome Michael. You�re the only one who could appreciate and truly enjoy it.�
�Mom, look what Michael gave me.� She jumped through her window and showed her mom the necklace. Michael followed.
�Liz, it�s beautiful. It must have cost you a fortune Michael.�
�She�s worth it.� Liz smiled at him. So did Nancy.
{He makes her so happy.}
�Well, I don�t want to be rude or anything, but we�ve gotta get up early to get to the store and buy the food and it�s getting kinda late.�
�Okay Mom, we�ll be out in a minute.�
She smiled and left, shutting the door behind her.
Michael turned Liz around and looked deep into her eyes. He leaned his forehead against hers. �I love you Liz.�
�I love you too Michael.�
They kissed passionately allowing their tongues to duel for dominance. Afterwards Michael went and got his book and cd. Giving Liz one more kiss and uttering �I love you� against her lips he made his way out of her room.
�Night Jeff, Mrs. P. See you on Christmas Eve.�
�Goodnight Michael.�
He walked to his bike and drove home.
�He makes her so happy,� Jeff said.
�I think he�s the one,� Nancy stated smiling.
Jeff nodded in agreement. �I think so too.�
**They mean as in 'the one who'll she spend the rest of her life with.' I didn't want to just leave that because it almost sounds like the Parkers know about him being an alien or something.**
Chapter 35
When Michael arrived at the Parkers on Christmas Eve he suddenly remembered that he had been so worried about Liz�s present that he had forgotten to get her parents anything.
Liz told him not to worry. She had bought presents and signed them from Michael and Liz. He let out a sigh of relief just as Mrs. Parker walked in.
�Michael, Merry Christmas.� She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
�You too Mrs. P.�
�And thank you for the gifts. Jeff and I loved them.�
�Liz picked �em out. You should thank her.�
�Jeff! Michael�s here.�
Mr. Parker walked into the living room and over to where everyone was. �Michael.� He shook his hand. �I�m so happy you came.�
Michael blushed brightly. He wasn�t used to all of this attention. Positive attention.
�Well, why don�t we go have dinner. These two have been in the kitchen all day.�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After dinner everyone went back into the living room to relax.
�Michael, Nancy and I have been mulling this over for a while, and we finally decided that now is the perfect time.�
�We want to tell you tonight because, well, it�s our Christmas present to you.�
Michael looked at Liz who just shrugged. She didn�t even know what was going on.
�You know that Nancy and I usually go away at least once a month to seminars and conventions.�
�And sometimes we�re away for a week, possibly more.�
�We were planning on waiting till after you graduated, but we�re going to be away a lot more than we thought in the next couple of months. So, what we were thinking is that after we come back from Taos that you could begin your training.�
�Training?�
�To be a manager,� Nancy stated. �It would mean more hours, but when we�re away you and Liz could run the place. It would also mean a raise. That is, if you want it.�
�Of course. I mean, yes. I didn�t plan on leaving Roswell, so at least this way I know what I�ll be doing.� He stood up and went to shake Mr. Parker�s hand. Jeff stood and met him halfway. �Thank you.�
�You�re welcome. We�re proud of you. The past year you�ve really proven yourself. You�ve turned into a great man. We couldn�t be more happy with you, or more pleased with Liz�s choice.� He looked at his daughter during the part of his statement.
Nancy stood up and walked over to Michael. She placed her hand on his shoulder. �As far as I�m concerned you�re part of the family. I know you don�t have one, so I want you to think of us as your family. We�ll be here whenever you need us.�
Michael�s eyes were beginning to tear up. Liz was still sitting on the couch mesmerized. When had her life become utterly perfect? {Oh yeah, the second I let Michael in it.}
Michael enveloped Mrs. Parker in a tight hug. �You don�t know how much this means to me. For the first time ever I have people accepting me for who I am. Not wanting to change me.�
Nancy pulled back and placed her hands on his face. �Michael, this is your home now. I know how strongly you and Liz feel about each other. You have made her so happy. Since the moment she was born I�ve wanted nothing but the best for her. You�ve made all of my dreams for her come true. If you ever need anything all you have to do is ask.�
�Thank you. I honestly just don�t know what to say. I never thought I was worth anyone�s time. The past couple of months my entire life has changed. There�s suddenly people caring about me, telling me that I�m worth something. It�s overwhelming.� Liz stood up and walked to Michael.
She pulled him into a hug. She mouthed �thank you� over his shoulder to her parents. They smiled and turned to leave. Mr. Parker whispered something in Nancy�s ear that caused her to smile and nod.
�And Michael.� He popped his head up. �There�s a spare room next to Liz�s. Why don�t you spend the night?�
�Okay.�
�We�re going to go clean up. See you in the morning.� Jeff kissed Liz�s forehead and patted Michael�s shoulder.
� �Night daddy. Goodnight mom.�
�I�ll make a big breakfast in the morning. That way Michael can eat before he goes home to change.� She smiled at Michael and followed Jeff to the kitchen.
Michael looked at Liz. �I love you.�
�I love you too. And apparently so do my parents.�
�Did you know about this?�
�I didn�t even know about the promotion.�
�How did I get so lucky? I have you and now on top of that your parents consider me family.�
�After you left last night I heard my parents talking.�
�About me?�
Liz nodded. �They think you�re �the one.� �
�The one? As in the �love of your life, married with kids� one?�
�Uh huh. Does that scare you?�
�Why would it? I�ve thought you were �the one� since we were eight.�
She gave him a kiss. �I didn�t say I thought you were the one.� His face sunk. �I think you�re the only one. And you will be the only one for me. If I have any say in it that is.�
He crushed her to his chest. �Don�t scare me like that.�
�Sorry.� She looked into his eyes. �I mean it. You�re stuck with us. Us Parkers aren�t quitters. We fight for what we want.�
�I�ll keep that in mind.�
�Let�s go to my room.�
�Liz.�
�I want to stargaze with you. Look for your home.�
�Well, in that case, go to the bathroom and look in the mirror.�
�Michael.�
�I�m serious Liz, you�re my home. You, your parents, our friends, that is home. Antar is where I�m from. I can never go back there. But even if I could I wouldn�t. I wouldn�t leave you.�
Liz�s eyes filled with tears. �I love you.�
�I love you too.�
�Maybe we should just go to sleep. We�re leaving in a couple of days and mom still thinks I�m going to Boston.�
�Well, in that case, sweet dreams.� He gave her a gentle kiss. �See you in the morning.�
She smiled and walked into her room. {How could my dreams be and sweeter than reality?}
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next few days went by incredibly fast. The Parkers left, but not before Michael got a stern talk about protecting Liz with his life by Jeff.
Their flight left Albuquerque at eleven a.m. so Maria told Liz she�d pick her up at six thirty. Michael left Liz to sleep and returned home. {Gotta pack.}
Chapter 36-40
Chapter 36
Sunrise came too quickly. Liz had been so nervous that she had forgotten to pack. {What�s the point? They�ll just lose my luggage anyway.}
She packed one bag with clothes that were nice yet she wouldn�t mind not seeing again. Every time she flew the airline managed to lose her bag. She used her backpack as a carry on and put all of the important stuff in it. A few days worth of underwear, her keys, her phone, a little money in case, her journal, and her �medicine.� She had gotten on the pill when Max and her got �close� and decided to stay on it to always be prepared for whatever, or whomever, came up.
When she finished packing she looked at the clock. She had enough time to take a quick shower.
About ten minutes into her shower she heard the apartment door open. Figuring it was Maria she screamed. �You�re early. I�m in the shower, I�ll be out in a second. Can you get my pills out of my bag for me and a glass of water please? If I don�t take it now I�ll miss today.�
She finished her shower and turned the water off. She got out and dried up. She put on her underwear, grabbed her brush and opened the door. She was brushing her hair and walking into her room when she saw Michael standing there with her pills in one hand and a glass of water in the other. Liz jumped out of surprise.
�Sorry. You want me to turn around?�
�It�s okay, you�ve seen me wearing less than this.� She blushed at the memory. �I just jumped because I thought you were Maria.�
�Oh. She�s out in the car half asleep. She decided to pick me up extra early just to be mean. She said I should come in and help you with your bags, you know, �be a gentleman� and all of that.�
�Sounds like Ria.�
�Umm... do you want to take this or should I put it somewhere?�
With all of the excitement Liz had forgotten that Michael had her pills in his hand. �Oh, I�ll take them.�
�I didn�t know you were on the pill.�
�When Max and I started going out I figured it�d be a good idea. In case, you know, to be safe.� {Why is this so awkward?}
�Yeah, I understand.� {Since when are things weird with Liz? We�re in love.} �Well, I�ll just take your bags to the car.�
�There�s only one, I can-�
They both grabbed for the bag at the same time and their hands touched.
::FLASH::
A room with a king size bed. The door read �The Honeymoon Suite�.
::FLASH::
Michael coming out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and nothing else.
::FLASH::
Michael and Liz dancing seductively in a club.
::END FLASHES::
Liz pulled her hand back. {What the hell was that?}
{Did that come from her or me? And why were we in �The Honeymoon Suite�? What was with the dancing? I hate to dance.}
�Umm... I�ll grab the bag and take it to the car. You get dressed and bring your backpack. Maria�ll be wondering what�s taking us so long.� He had to get out of this room.
�I�ll be down in a minute.� {What was with that flash? I thought Michael hated to dance. And what was with �The Honeymoon Suite�?}
She got dressed and threw her pills in her backpack after taking today�s dose. She grabbed her bag and coat and made her way downstairs. She went out the back and locked the door. Maria was standing by the car with her �Girl we need to talk� look on her face. Michael had already fallen asleep.
�Spaceboy practically passed out. He�s not exactly a morning person. He did however mutter something about a flash when I asked him what took so long. Care to elaborate?�
Liz knew that Maria would not let up, but if they didn�t leave soon they�d miss the flight. �I�ll tell you if we leave right now. We�re gonna miss the flight.�
�Deal.�
They jumped in the car and Maria sped out of the alley, down the main street and out of Roswell.
�Oh, I almost forgot.� She pulled out an envelope and handed it to Liz.
�What�s this?�
�Spending money.�
�There�s got to be over-�
�$3,000.�
�$3,000! Oh my God Maria.�
�What can I say? Max was very vocal about making sure you guys didn�t run out of money.�
�That sounds like Max: always be prepared.�
�Hey, it�s better than Michael �I�ll cross that bridge when I come to it� Guerin.�
�Maria, would you ever be interested in Max? You know in a �boyfriend-girlfriend� way?�
Maria�s eyes practically popped out of her head. �Was that the flash? Oh, Michael said you wouldn�t be mind, that liar. You saw Max and I kissing. I swear, that was the first time. We were under the mistletoe and it just happened.�
�Maria, calm down. That wasn�t the flash. I only asked because I had to tell you something and I wanted to ask you that first.�
�Oh.� She let out a deep breath. �So what was the flash? Whatever it was had to be pretty hot.�
�Why do you say that?�
�The look on Michael�s face when he came out.�
�It was me and Michael in New York.�
�And?�
�I have to tell you something first.�
�You�re killing me here. Just spill.�
�Michael and I have been seeing each other for almost two months and we wanted to tell you before we left. We figured you could tell Max and Kyle before we came back. Alex and Is already know.�
�That�s it?�
�Huh?�
�Uh Max and I kinda figured that. You guys can�t hide from your best friends. Kyle, he�s just oblivious to anything that isn�t a fat man or a hot chick. Wait, why did that sound so wrong?�
�You guys knew?�
�Yeah. So what was the flash?�
�Well, there was the hotel room: one king bed, the door read �The Honeymoon Suite�. Then he came out of the bathroom with only a towel on.�
�He�s been working out.�
�Yeah, I know! Then we were in some sort of a club and I had on this outfit that I would never wear. Michael was wearing this really hot-�
�And?�
�And we were dancing really seductively.�
�Wait a minute. You got Michael to dance? He hates to dance.�
�I thought so. But he seemed pretty into it. And good too. That boy can move his hips.� She got a wistful look on her face.
�Okay, snap out of it. You�re still on the pill right?�
�Yeah, why?�
�Wanna make sure you�re gonna be safe, that�s all.�
�Maria!�
�What?� She smiled. �Do your parents know?�
�Yeah. They totally love him. They told him he�s part of the family.�
�Wow. Just- wow.�
�Maria, we�re in love.�
Maria swerved a little. �Did he say that?�
�Yeah.�
�Well, it�s about time somebody broke him down.�
�Oh, and my parents are gonna train him to be a manager after they come back. They told him that he can stay in the spare room whenever he wants. Actually, they pretty much gave it to him. I think we�re gonna redecorate it together. That way when they�re away he can just stay.�
�Wow.� {I�m actually at a loss for words.}
�Oh, and the best part.�
�There�s more?�
�I heard them talking and they said that they think he�s �the one.� "
�Wow.�
�Say something.�
�I�m just so surprised and happy and-� She started to sniffle and fan her eyes. �Oh, I�m gonna cry.�
�Maria.� She rubbed her back.
�I�m so happy! For all of us.�
�Who woulda thunk?�
�I know.�
They both started to laugh. Maria dried her eyes and turned on the radio. They started to sing along. As they belted out the words to �Just a Girl� by No Doubt Michael woke up.
�What the hell is going on?�
�We�re singing dumbass. Liz told me about the flash, way to go stud! Now pipe down before I have Liz spank you.�
�Maria!�
�Wait, you might like that.�
�Are we there yet?�
�Just a little longer.�
Chapter 37
When they got to the airport Maria popped the trunk and Michael grabbed the two bags. Liz grabbed her backpack and took out the confirmation number for the tickets. Maria hugged her and told her to be safe in everything and everyone she did. Then she laughed and gave Michael a hug.
She whispered something in his ear and got in the car. She drove off and waved out the window.
�What was that about Michael?�
�Nothing.� {What did she mean by �be gentle�?} �Let�s go check in.�
~~~~~~~ An hour later they were on the plane and settling into their seats. Liz looked over at Michael and realized he seemed nervous. She grabbed his hand and he flashed her a look.
�What�s that for?� He motioned to their entwined hands with his eyes.
�Well, it�s your first flight and you look nervous.�
He leaned in and lowered his voice. �I�m from outer space, it�s not technically my first flight.�
�Fine. Your first conscious flight.�
�Fair enough. But I�m not nervous.�
�Then why are you sweating so much?�
�It�s hot in here. We do live in New Mexico you know.�
�Yeah. Well, I don�t really like to fly. I mean, once we�re in the air I�m fine. It�s the takeoffs and landings that bother me.�
�Ohh... little Lizzie�s afraid of flying. That�s so adorable.� He pinched her cheek like she was a five year old.
�Cut that out. And don�t call me Lizzie. No one but my dad�s called me that since 4th grade.�
�Well then, what should I call you?� He had a very suggestive tone.
�Whatever you want to.� She rubbed her fingers against his and flashed him a coy smile.
�Be careful what you say. One of these days someone might take advantage of you.�
�Maybe I want someone to take advantage of me.� She took her free hand and started to twirl it in circles around his chest.
�What are you doing?�
She pulled away and looked into his eyes. �Leaving Lizzie behind. For good.�
She leaned in to kiss him when.....
�Welcome to Flight 341 nonstop from Albuquerque to New York City. Our total flight time today should be approximately...�
Liz had been so wrapped up that she hadn�t realized they had taken off. {Couldn�t they have waited ten seconds?}
�I know.�
�What?�
�I said, I know. We haven�t even kissed since last night. Ten seconds would have been nice.�
�You heard me?�
�Yeah. Why?�
{I thought it.}
Michael�s eyes bugged out.
{You can hear me?}
He shook his head.
{Wonder if it works both ways.}
{Kiss me. Kiss me. Kiss me.}
Liz leaned in and kissed him.
{Guess so.} Michael thought.
Liz pulled back. �This is kinda weird.�
�I know.� {Damn she looks good.}
{I heard that.}
�We have to figure this out.�
He went to grab her hand when he was assaulted by images.
::FLASH::
The two of them laying down in bed together.
::FLASH::
At the club dancing. Every guy was watching her, but she only had eyes for him.
::FLASH::
The two of them walking back to the hotel. She grabbed his arm and pulled him into an alley.
::END FLASHES::
{Had a flash?}
{You too?}
{Yeah. Michael, I love you.}
�I love you too.�
She leaned into him. �Let�s try to get some sleep. I didn�t get to nap on the way here like someone I know.�
He kissed the top of her head. {Don�t start. Just sleep.}
{I think I like this mindtalking thing.}
{Mindtalking?}
{Yeah.} She yawned in her thought.
{Baby, sleep.}
{You too.}
He leaned his head on hers. They both drifted off.
~~~~~~~
Liz woke up a couple of hours later. Michael and her had shifted positions. His head now was leaning on the window and her arm that had been wrapped around him was now completely numb.
She used her other hand and tried to pry it out of his death grip. As soon as she touched him she was hit with more flashes.
::FLASH::
Liz pulling Michael against her in an alley.
::FLASH::
Their lips meeting.
::FLASH::
Waking up alone in their bed and being worried.
::FLASH::
Michael walking out of the bathroom in a towel and planting a soft kiss on her forehead.
::END FLASHES::
{What is with these flashes? When Michael showed me himself he must have opened up a connection.}
She sat there just staring at him. {He looks so peaceful when he sleeps.}
An hour passed and Michael was still sleeping. {He must have not slept last night.}
�This is your captain speaking. We are now beginning our descent into the city. The local temperature is...�
A slight bout of turbulence shook Michael awake.
Another jolt. Liz grabbed Michael�s hand holding on for dear life. He wrapped his other arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him.
{Just some air pockets baby. No need to worry.}
She tightened her grip and looked into his eyes.
::FLASH::
The two of them kissing feverishly. Nothing was too close. It felt like they were flying.
::END FLASH::
{These flashes are getting pretty intense.}
{I know. Does it scare you?}
�No.� She smiled. �They�re from you. How could that be scary?�
{From me? I think they�re from you.}
{Me?} She pointed to herself. {I�m not the alien here.}
�Maybe we bring them out of each other.�
�Maybe.� {Maybe Ava�ll have some answers.}
{Maybe.}
Chapter 38
After the plane finished taxiing Liz grabbed her carry on and they made their way off the plane, through the terminal to the baggage claim.
�Michael, what�s your bag look like again?�
{Nevermind. Grabbed it already.}
Liz looked over at Michael who was holding a bag smaller than her carry on.
�You�re a light packer.�
{I watch the Weather Channel.}
{You�re getting good at this mindtalking thing.}
Michael turned to look at the claim belt. It was filled but no new bags were coming out.
�We must�ve missed your bag. Let�s walk around and try to find it.�
{Don�t bother. It�s not there.} �We should report it lost and get to the hotel.�
�You sure? It might be on the end of the belt.�
�They always lose my luggage. There was nothing I really liked in there.�
�I�d still feel better if I checked.� {Go fill out the report and I�ll look.}
�Meet you in 15 minutes by the cabs?�
{Okay.} She gave him a kiss and walked away.
~~~~~~~
Just like Liz said her bag wasn�t there. The airline assured her that they would find it. {Right. I�m never gonna see it again.}
They arrived at the hotel Max and Maria had booked for them. It was gorgeous. Liz couldn�t imagine how much it cost.
They went to check in. Apparently the reservation had been made under �Mr. and Mrs. Guerin.� {Real funny Maria.}
�That�s us.� {Liz, relax.} He rubbed her shoulder. She seemed nervous.
�I just need a photo i.d. from one of you and we�ll be set.�
Michael got out his license since he really was Mr. Guerin. He ran his hand over it and turned his age to 21 when the man behind the counter wasn�t looking.
�Everything seems to be in order. Here�s your key. Room 900: The Honeymoon Suite.�
Michael and Liz stood there as all color drained from their faces.
�The Honeymoon Suite?� Michael dared to speak.
�Yes sir. Your friends said that this was your honeymoon. Congratulations. We just need your deposit and then you two lovebirds can be alone.�
�Only the deposit?�
�Your friends paid for the rest. They said to tell you it was their present.�
{This just gets better. Michael, pay him so we can go.}
He gave the man the money and tried to seem like a honeymooner. {Liz, how do honeymooners act?}
{Like two lovesick teenagers.}
{That shouldn�t be hard.}
Liz gave him a little smile.
�Jason will show you to your room.�
�Thank you.� Even though she was nervous Liz still tried to be polite.
They followed Jason into the elevator.
{I�m gonna kill them when we get home.}
{Them?}
{Michael, you heard him, he said friends. Plural. You know Max is in on this too.}
{Maybe we should just enjoy ourselves.} He smiled and gave Liz a little wink. He slid his arm around her waist. {Just play along.} He kissed her on the cheek.
�Jason, do you get many honeymooners here?�
�Yes ma�am. The floor you�re on has only three rooms, all honeymoon suites. I�ve got to be honest though, the two of you definitely seem to be one of the happiest couples I�ve ever seen and I�ve worked here for six years.�
Liz couldn�t help but giggle.
�We were together for three years when I decided to pop the question.�
�It was very romantic.�
�I waited until the 4th of July because she loves fireworks. I had them spell out �Marry me Liz.� She started to cry. It was great.�
Liz smiled. �That�s my husband, so considerate and loving. I don�t deserve him.�
He tightened his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
The elevator stopped. �The Honeymoon Suite.�
Jason took their bags and placed them by their door. Michael tipped him and waited for the elevator doors to shut before turning around.
Liz looked nervous again. �Baby, try to relax and enjoy yourself.� He walked towards her. �We have almost a week alone. When was the last time you were away from Roswell that long?�
�You�re right.�
{You know I love to hear that.}
{Yeah, well, don�t get used to it.}
She took a deep breath and put the key in the door. When the door opened they saw that it was definitely the room from the flash.
Straight ahead on a lift was a King bed. It had black satin sheets and a red down comforter. There was a huge window with a view of the New York skyline and remote-powered blinds. On the left was a white leather couch and a big-screen T.V. On the right there was a door to the bathroom and a table with a mirror above it. On the table was a basket filled with all sorts of sexual gag gifts. There was edible underwear, chocolate body paint and flavored body oil among other things.
Attached to the basket was a note. Liz walked over to it and read the note out loud to Michael.
�To Liz and Michael- You two deserve some happiness. We think you�ll find it with each other. Love- Max and Maria.�
�Well Liz, that clears things up. You were right, Max was in on it.�
Chapter 39
Ten minutes later Michael was trying to pull himself away from Liz. Pretty much since the second they found the basket Liz had latched onto Michael and there was no sign of her backing off.
Her lips were roaming all over his body and he had to admit it felt great.
{I know.}
Liz�s voice in his head snapped him out of his trance and gave him the much-needed clarity to pull away.
�What?� Liz sat there stunned.
�I really want to kiss you right now, but I�m afraid that with how I feel at this moment if I start I won�t be able to stop.�
�But-�
�Shh.� He put his finger to her lips and pulled it along to the corner of her mouth, eliciting a slight shudder. �No matter how great that may sound right now we have more important things to worry about.�
�Like what?� Liz made a small pout.
�God that�s sexy.� Michael�s eyes bugged out. He had accidentally spoken his thoughts.
Liz just smiled. {I would have heard you either way.}
�But seriously. You don�t even have any clothes. Take some of the money and go shopping. When you come back we�ll get some dinner and go to the subway tunnels.�
�The subway tunnels?�
�That�s the last place we knew of that Ava, Rath, and Lonnie were staying. Even though Ava ditched them maybe she kept living there. That is where they were born. Hatched. Emerged. Whatever. Anyway, even if she�s not there maybe she left some sort of clue as to where she is.�
�Fine.� She got up from the bed. �I�ll be back in about two hours.�
�Two hours?�
�I have money, no parents, and I�m in New York. I�m buying whatever I want.�
�Fine. But remember, it has to fit in your bag.�
�I could always buy another bag.� She laughed and stood up. �Bye Michael.�
She got on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. He hugged her and let her go quickly.
�Enough of that. You�re too tempting. Now go.�
�Bye.�
She left and Michael laid down. �She�ll be the death of me yet.�
~~~~~~~
In a cab outside the hotel...
�Is there a Todd Oldham store around here?� She had been lucky enough to get a female cab driver who wasn�t much older than she was.
�Yeah. But let me guess, you want something flirtatious and kinda sexy but not over the top, probably for a guy?�
�Good guess. I don�t normally dress that way, but he makes me want to.�
�Don�t worry about that high-priced designer label shit, I�ll show you where the good stuff is.�
Soon after Liz arrived at a shop that looked like it housed the perfect combination of what she normally wore and what she would never have the guts to wear. She thanked and paid the driver and entered the shop.
~~~~~~~
Michael decided to unpack and jump in the shower, but first he called Max.
�Hey Michael, having fun?� He heard laughing in the background.
�Is that Maria?�
�Yeah, she wants to talk to you. Hold on a sec.�
{She�s at his house? They got close fast. What am I saying? I�m in the Honeymoon Suite with Liz.}
�Hey Spaceboy. Is Liz asleep next to you?�
�Very funny. She�s out shopping, the airline lost her luggage.�
�Sounds like Liz. And if I know her she�s buying that outfit from your flash.�
Michael got hard just thinking about it. �Yeah, well, I gotta go. Tell everyone we�re fine. We�ll call you when we find Ava.�
�Okay. Go take a cold shower. And remember to be safe.�
�Goodbye Maria.�
�Goodbye stud.�
Michael hung up the phone and went into the bathroom. {How did she know I was gonna take a cold shower?}
~~~~~~~
Back at the shop.....
Liz was having fun picking out outfits she thought Michael would enjoy. The first thing she had picked out was a light purple silk dress with a slit on the side for New Year�s Eve. She picked out a pair of straight-leg black pants with a jean material tube top. She also found a pair of black leather pants with a turquoise muscle tank. The shirt had some sort of black meshy material that formed a deep v in the front. She saw a lacy pink peasant top and paired it with a pair of jeans that had studs down the sides.
Remembering she was in New York in the Winter she bought three more pairs of jeans (distressed hip huggers), a cropped sweatshirt and matching baby tee, and two sweaters.
The last outfit was her favorite. It was also the one from the flash. It was a red and black print lace-up corset and matching lace-up hip hugger pants. It showed off practically her entire well-toned stomach. She would never have worn anything like that in Roswell.
To accompany the outfits she bought a black leather cowboy hat {I am from the Southwest!}, a pair of knee-high black leather boots, and a pair of ankle-length brown suede boots. She also picked out some cute underwear, a strapless bra, some socks, and fishnet stockings.
She thought she was finished when she remembered that the flash wasn�t complete. She grabbed some sparkly hair gel, some Hard Candy makeup, and a crimping iron. The woman at the counter suggested some toiletries that she used whenever she went out clubbing. Remembering that she had forgotten to pack hers in her carry-on Liz agreed.
While she was paying she asked the woman about places to party. She explained the type of person she was looking for. The cashier suggested a club called �Deluxe.� She said it was where most of the under 21 crowd hung out. She wrote down the address and the name of the owner, her friend, in case there was any trouble. Liz thanked her and left.
She got halfway back to the hotel when she realized she had forgotten to buy pyjamas. She stopped at Victoria�s Secret and bought four pairs: one flannel, one sensible cotton pant twin set, one blue satin, and one satin negligee type thing with matching underwear. They all however were just for show. Maybe she�d borrow one of Michael�s Metallica shirts, or maybe she�d wear nothing at all.
Chapter 40
Michael turned off the water in the shower. {Shit. I left my clothes outside.}
He walked into the room and saw Liz putting away some of the clothes she had bought.
�Oh, sorry.� He was only wearing a very skimpy towel.
�It�s okay.�
�What�s with the clothes?�
�What do you mean?�
�Let�s say some of them are different then what you usually wear.� {Different? Good one Michael. The words would be sexy and incredibly hot.}
{That was the point.} �I decided I wanted a change. The flashes helped.�
�The flashes? Yeah, they seem to be happening.�
�Even more are about to come true.�
�Huh?� {What do you mean?}
�I asked the woman at the store where I could find people like Ava and it seems there�s a certain club.�
�Club?� {Oh no, the dance.}
{Oh yes.} �It�s called Deluxe. She knew the owner so we�ll have no problem getting in.�
�Liz, the flashes are coming true.� He sounded almost worried.
�I know. Is that a problem?� {What�s the matter?}
�Sorry, I don�t know what�s wrong with me.�
�It�s okay. Why don�t you go to that restaurant across the street and get some takeout. I�ll take a shower and get dressed. We should go to the club as soon as possible.�
�Sure. What do you want?�
�I�m really hungry. I�m craving meat.�
{Meat?}
�Yes, meat. And you can take that any way you want to.� She pulled her shirt up over her head, threw it on the ground and looked over her shoulder to see Michael standing there stunned. She giggled and went into the bathroom. She shut the door right after unhooking her bra, but before he saw anything.
{Great, now I need another shower.}
{That was the idea.}
Michael grabbed some money and went across the street. Dinner was going to take 45 minutes so he walked around the block. He found a casual men�s shop and figured he should get something to wear tonight because he definitely didn�t own the outfit he was wearing in the flash.
He walked in and knew what to buy. He bought a black turtleneck sweater that he had to admit showed off his arms. He had been working out lately so that if anything happened he�d be at top physical level. The pants were another story. Never in his life would he wear leather pants, but that�s what the flash had him wearing so.....
~~~~~~~
Liz was freaking out. {Calm down, it�s just Michael. Just Michael? Who am I kidding?}
She put on her makeup and started on her hair. She dried and crimped it then added some glitter. {Almost there, now the outfit.}
She put on the new black satin and lace thong then the fishnet stockings. She felt odd. Not like her. She loved it.
She decided not to wear a bra because the corset was going to be more than enough support. She pulled on the pants and laced up the sides. She sat down and put the boots on.
After she zipped them she realized she couldn�t put the corset on by herself. She heard the door open to her room. {What the hell?}
�Hey Michael, I need your help.�
{My help? Oh dear God.} �Just a second.�
She opened the door. She was standing there holding up the front of the corset. She turned around. Her back was completely exposed. �Could you lace me? Please?�
�Sure, no problem.� He started to lace her up. He got halfway up her back and she stopped him.
�Hold on.� She bent forward causing her ass to back into his ever-growing erection. �I need to adjust.� She placed her hands under her breasts and pulled them up. �You have to do the rest in this position.�
�Why?� His voice squeaked a little.
Liz knew the effect she was having on him. �That�s the way corsets work. You don�t have to, the maid could help. Or maybe Jason would like to...�
�No, no. It�s fine.� {No one touches you but me.}
After a moment he backed away. �Done.�
�Thanks.� Liz stood up. She suddenly had quite apparent breasts. �What do you think?�
She did a little twirl which caused Michael to look her up and down. The pants and corset were allowing her navel and a few inches above and below it to be exposed. Michael thought about the view. {I never knew she could fill out an outfit like that.} �Nice.�
�Nice? That�s it?� She made a little pout. {I heard you, remember?}
�Honestly?� She nodded. �There are too many words in my head to pick just one.�
�Say a couple.�
�Damn, wow, Jesus Christ.�
She laughed. �That good?�
�Yeah, you could say that. Now leave, I have to change.�
�Change?�
�I did a little shopping myself.�
Liz remembered the flash from the club and Michael�s outfit. �Ohh.....�
�Go eat.�
�Okay, don�t take too long.�
She started to walk into their room.
�Liz.� She turned. �You look beautiful.�
She blushed. �Thanks.�
She walked out and shut the door behind her.
He looked around the bathroom. His gel and deodorant were there, he just wasn�t sure where. (Author�s Note: Purely for my benefit only pretend Michael had season 1�s spikes. The mullet wasn�t exactly sexy.)
He looked on the side of the sink. {Liz is messy!}
There were a few empty packages with labels on them. Stockings and underwear. {Fishnets and a thong? Liz is a bad girl tonight.}
He finally found what he was looking for. 20 minutes later he was ready. He looked at himself in the full-length mirror on the back of the door. {Pretty good. These pants are tight. Well, maybe she�ll like them.}
He opened the door and walked out.
Liz couldn�t believe her eyes. {He looks so hot.}
He did a little twirl to mock Liz. {Those pants really show off his ass.}
Judging by the look on her face and her thoughts Michael figured Liz liked what she saw.
�That good huh?� He casually sat down and started to eat.
It took Liz a couple of minutes to snap out of it. {Liz, relax. If the flashes are true then you�ll definitely get yours tonight.}
{Planning something?} He smiled and went back to eating.
They ate relatively quickly and when they were done Michael cleaned up. Liz spritzed on some perfume and grabbed her coat. Realizing she didn�t have any pockets in her pants she put some money in her cleavage, which Michael loved.
They were about to leave when Liz remembered she had forgotten something. �Call the elevator, I�ll be right there.�
She grabbed some Binaca and the room key. Using a small change purse she shoved it in her boot. She grabbed the leather cowboy hat and walked out.
�Cute. Nice touch Liz.�
She smiled and got into the elevator.
