Title: DS Challenge Episode 104 Missing
Author: Ash
Summary: A short ficlet that takes off after Michael returns Liz's journal.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em. Wish I did!

"Thank you for giving me one more reason to envy Max Evans" Michael walked away from Liz Parker and out of the Crash Down cafe. It felt good to know that he, Max and Isabel were not in danger due to Liz's propensity to write all in her journal.

And he'd meant what he'd said. As much as he cared for Max, it hurt to know that the guy really had it all. Love, family, devotion...Michael didn't even know what it felt like to have one of those options.

And after reading Liz's journal, Michael wondered what it would feel like to have someone look at him in the same light. To want to completely merge who they were with who he was so that there was never a doubt of who you belonged to. Who you wanted. Who you needed. Who you desired.

Scoffing he put his hands in his pockets and continued walking to Max's house. Like that would ever happen to him. He was Michael Unwanted Guerin and would always stay that way. A girl would have to be out of this world and out of her mind to want him.

"Michael!"

Caught off guard, he turned towards the sound of the voice and sighed as he realized it was Maria Deluca. Another wonderful addition to their ever growing grooup.

"What?" He snapped hoping she'd make it quick so he could go catch the end of dinner at the Evans.

Her eyes widened a bit and he smiled that he was still able to cause fear in her. They'd need it to keep her mouth shut. Than her eyes sharpened and she jumped out of her Jetta, with a determined trot.

Standing toe to toe. she pointed a finger into his chest before getting started, "Listen here buddy, I'm not some sully little school girl who goes gaga over cute jerks. I've been calling your name for some time now while you've totally ignored me. Now obviously all that means to me is that you were damaged in the unfortunately crash landing of your ship because I don't think anyone in this universe or the next could be that big of a jerk."

Michael's mind was still in the process of absorbing her rambled rant to respond.

"I saw you give Liz back her journal"

"So?" he managed.

"So? So!"

Michael could feel another rant come so he quickly explained, "I needed to know what was in there for protective measures. I have no interest in the emotions, wishes or dreams of Liz. I just wanted to make sure she wasn't being careless with out future"

He watched as she thought over his response, and wondered how a human being could be so open with her every thought. He could see her question the validity of his statement when she scrunched her nose and mouth. Than her expression smoothed out after she accepted it. He could even pin point the second she realized what she was going to say and interrupted her before she started talking again. Who knew when she might stop?

"It's okay, I understand that it was wrong and I wont do it again"

He walked away from Maria, wondering again if he'd ever meet a girl to love who would love him back.

And thinking about how weird that Deluca chick was.

The End