Chapter 12: Boy's Will Be Boy's

The airport at Santa Fe, while not as busy as Ohare International, was full of people rushing about. Tourist season was in full bloom in New Mexico, many of whom would probably be making their way to Roswell for the Crash celebration. Many of these travelers were geeked out in alien attire, completely unaware of the alien altered human that walked among them. This was the site that greeted Kyle as he exited his flight.

The second he enters the terminal, he is surrounded by kids asking for his autograph. Usually this would be a dream come true for him, but Kyle needed a break from the spotlight. Even though he was only a back up quarter back on the Chicago Bears, he was still very popular. Especially with the ladies, they loved this sexy QB. What confused Kyle though, was how these people knew he was coming here; he didn't even tell his agent where he was going. Only people he told were his dad and Alex.

Kyle's thoughts stopped abruptly, "Alex, that son of a bitch!" They loved to play pranks on each other and he could only guess that Alex figured he would tell as many people as he could that Kyle Valenti would be there. Searching the crowd, while signing papers, he scanned for the diabolical computer genius. Spotting the tall and bearded smiling idiot leaning up against a support column, Kyle quickly apologies to the fans he couldn't sign autographs for and made his way to Alex, who was now laughing out loud.

"Very clever Whitman, very clever. You know this means war," Kyle grumbles with a fake anger.

Alex laughs again, "Hey this was payback for that prank you played on me in St. Louis. Remember giving me those fake box seat tickets to your game last year?"

This time Kyle was the one to laugh, "Buddha always says the path to healthy life is full of jocularity." Alex groans, "Please, no Buddha. Not this trip." They both smile and do a frat boy chest bump then just a regular hug. "It's been a while Alex," Kyle laughs happily.

Alex smiles, "Yeah it has, but we need to stop this display of unmanly affection before people begin to think that the Chicago Bears QB is not only a Buddhist, but also a fairy."

Kyle slaps Alex upside the head and both men begin to walk towards the exit.

They both exit the airport and walk into the parking lot. "So how's business Alex? Make a solid bill last year or did you settle for a measly half a bill?"

Alex just rolls his eyes, "Yeah Yeah, Mr. Nine Mill to sit on my ass and watch Grossman get all the glory a year."

Kyle makes a fake hurt look, "Ouch, are we on the rag today Ally."

Alex just grumbles as they stop in front of his very luxurious BMW. "Just shut up and get in the car Buddha boy."

A few minutes later Alex's maneuvers his BMW onto the freeway towards Roswell. The car is state of the art inside and out. Kyle notes all the things Alex added to the car. Computer Guided Auto control, radar jamming, tracking, an armrest fridge full of soda and water, and a state of the art computer that Kyle had no idea what it was.

He looks over at Alex, "Jesus, got a James Bond complex do we?"

Alex smirks as he drives. "Nah, couldn't pull off the suave British accent. Just a few gizmos' I decided would spice her up a bit. Of course don't tell the government, this isn't exactly legal."

Kyle laughs as Alex reaches over to the computer and press a few buttons. The computer turns on and a very familiar female voice fills the car, "Greetings Alex."

Kyle looks over at Alex in shock, "You used Isabel's voice for the computer? Oh that's sad man, even for you."

Alex ignores his comments and types. Once he finishes he presses enter. "Destination confirmed, enjoy your ride Alex."

Alex releases the steering wheel as the car begins to control itself. All this just left Kyle dazed and confused. "I bet that's the only time you've heard that from Is huh?"

Alex glares at him but turns back to the computer. Kyle smirks at him, "Autopilot Alex? A super computer with a super sexy Isabel voice? My we've been busy haven't we Dr. Quest? I take it someone hasn't been gettin' any?"

Alex laughs and looks at him. "Jealous?"

Kyle glares at Alex, he had to admit, it was freaking cool. "Fuck yeah I am. When you gonna hook me up?"

Alex laughs, at least Kyle was being honest. "Well I've had a lot of free time to work in my private lab, so I've been able to cook up some interesting gadgets. In fact, I've discovered a formula that will allow me to create a Virtual Reality system. With a little help from Serena of course, but let's just say the government has become very interested in my work."

Kyle just shakes his head at Alex. He was a genius. "So you've basically found a way to create a holodeck like in Star Tre. . .ah shit!" Kyle winces and looks down at his hands. His secret was out, now Alex knew he watched Star Trek.

Alex burst out laughing, "You watch Star Trek? This is so perfect. I smell black mail a brewin. You gonna be my biotch!" Both men start laughing.

God this felt good. Laughing with Alex, Kyle hated to admit it, but he and Alex had become the best of friends over the years. They called each other all the time, but they hadn't had time to just hang out. Now, though it felt like the gang was back together again, minus Depuka. It was amazing how far they had come.

Maria was a huge diva in the music world and was only becoming bigger. Alex created his own computer industry, Whitman Technologies, and Kyle was a back up QB for the Chicago Bears. They all found their dreams, except for one. Poor Liz just didn't get the luck they all had.

Kyle looks at Alex with a sly smile, "So how is Serena? She. . .good?" He insinuates more by raising an eyebrow. Once again Alex scowls at him. "We aren't like that, just partners," Alex says while getting comfortable in his chair.

Kyle stares at Alex, "Don't tell me you've been working with that hottie for this long and still don't see she wants you? I thought you were a genius and could figure anything out. . . dumbass."

Alex sighs, "I've thought about. I really have, but I don't think I could ever love her like I do Is and that wouldn't be fair to Rena. So it's better this way." Kyle laughs, "Right, you sit waiting for your love to return from her planet millions of miles away while both you and Serena continue to not get any."

"Kyle?" Alex asks causing Kyle to stare at him. "Yeah?"

Alex looks at him and smiles seductively at him, "I've been thinking. All this talk about getting some and Star Trek is getting me all hot and bothered. You've got the figure of a woman. . ." Kyle glares at him and socks him in the arm. "Oh yeah Buddha boy, hit me harder!" Kyle not being able to fight it anymore begins to laugh.

Both men's laughter is interrupted by Kyle's cell phone. Reaching in his pocket he removes his phone only to have it swiped by Alex.

Alex quickly answers the phone. "Buddha here," Alex says. Kyle flips him off. "Oh hey Mr. Valenti."

Alex's face drops, "You ok Mr. Valenti. . .Yeah. . .Yeah he's right here."

Alex covers up the receiver, "Something's wrong dude, he wants to talk to you." Worry begins to wash over Kyle.

Kyle quickly grabs the phone, "Dad, what's wrong?" A few seconds pass as Kyle's face goes white. "Jesus, will be there as soon as we can. Please, do everything you can." Kyle hangs up the phone. Alex looks at Kyle, "What is it? What's happened?"

Kyle looks at him, tears on the brink of his eyes. His voice cracks as he speaks, "It's Liz."