Title: Living With My Best Friend's Rival

Summary: Let's say that Valenti and Amy DeLuca had wed at the end of Season One and bought a house together. This means Kyle and Maria are step bros and sis. So when Nasedo dies, Tess does move in with the Valenti's but this time the DeLucas are there too. Let's say that Nasedo died in an accident instead of a Skin.

All is in Maria's POV.

Author's Note: sorry I changed it so much! I also apologise if sum1 has took this idea, I haven't managed 2 scroll through all stories yet! So beep me, if my story relates 2 yours a bit! Sorry!

SPECIAL NOTE: OHMIGOD I AM SO HAPPY AND SAD AT THE SAME TIME!!!! I finally have Season Three and I finally watched it! YAY! I'm just so happy that I finally watched the whole season and so sad how there life ended! It's just so SAD!!! They deserve happiness and shouldn't have to RUN! That is why I'm going to make my story HAPPY! I know, I know, they're not real people but it's just still sad. Aww! Yes, people, I have my motivation back! xDxDxDxD

Feedback to Reviews: yippess! REVIEWS!! XD XD XD

lilfarie: haha. thank u, miss farie. here's the next ch. hope i still cover all the criteria i did for the previous ch.

PixieDreamer21: thank you, thank you. i know, LoL. i made maria super go. and yeah…i thought it was quite romantic too…and um, you mention an after party? o.O i'm a bit lost with that. sorry! i am like, really slow.

Chaziod: thank you, thank you. i swear this was the quickest i could update. i know, quite long. :bad tiff:

Keirah: thank you, thank you. i suppose i can be creative, LoL. and yes, i can deal with the little review numbers. :sobs: LoL, i just like feeling loved. haha

I THANK YOU ALL DEARLY WITH LOVE. Note: i went to look at my chapters and there's like a 3 at the end. no, i am NOT loopy (well not that loopy). it's that love symbol, you know the one with the insert sign thing? sorry, i'm probably making no sense. but yeah, it didn't come up but every 3 you see at the end of a feedback, it means LOVE! cuz i love you guys.

ANOTER LITTLE NOTE FROM ME

here is part 2 and final chap of michael's birthday. to be honest, i think it's kinda lame. i think i'm like kinda rusty since i have written for awhile.

the following chapter, is the finale.

and…it's MY FORMAL TONIGHT!!! - sorry had to add that in. a little excited.

advanced apology: if there's errors, it's cuz i'm in a rush. sorry!

Chapter Twenty-Four:: Michael's Birthday, Part 2

"Michael!" I gasped as he started trailing fiery kisses down my neck.

Instead of me ravishing him, he was ravishing me. Not that I minded but I feared that I was getting side-tracked and would spend over-time with him when he had to meet Max and Isabel later.

But do I really have to let him go? He was so warm and muscular…and he smelt delicious. And tasted like yumness. And his hands felt like they were crawling everywhere sending me delightful shivers. His hair was so soft under my fingertips and his lips were soft too…

I didn't want to leave.

"Maria, you're beautiful." Michael's hot breath tickled my ear before he sealed my lips with his.

You're beautiful too, I thought dreamily as I fought a heated battle with his mouth.

After a couple of seconds, I pulled back as I needed to gulp in much needed oxygen.

"Why did you stop?" Michael sulked breathlessly as he played with one of my hair strands.

"Breathing!" I panted which wasn't helped as Michael slowly, lazily trailed a finger up my leg.

Okay, I think it was time to slow down. Yes, sure it was his birthday, and yes I love and trust him immensely, but taking me in the Eraser Room? Nu-uh.

"Michael," I breathed as I caught his finger. I raised his naughty fingers and lightly kissed them.

"You okay?"

Michael's eyes were no longer full of lust but full of worry. I could easily tell he would put me in front of him as I would for him.

"Yeah," I laughed and hugged him tight. I could also feed a little intruder prodding my midsection…

I blushed and slowly released him. I didn't want him to feel embarrassed.

"You sure?" Michael frowned. He didn't seem to be disturbed that I felt something.

"Yes," I teased holding his large, warm hands. Might as well still flirt a little. "It's just I have a time limit."

Michael groaned and rested his forehead against mine. I felt that way too.

"I know, I just wish it wasn't true," Michael grumbled as he released me. I immediately felt cold.

"Now where was that clue?" he muttered as he looked around, scratching his ear in the process.

"Thanks for treating my present with such care," I said sarcastically as I helped him search for the clue.

"Well, I'll never treat you like that," he teased back. He quickly pecked my forehead.

"Ooh, I found it," I said excitedly as I saw the baby-blue post-it on the ground.

"It's slightly creased," Michael said apologetically as he picked it up.

"Oh well, I bet your big foot stepped on it when you eagerly pushed me against the wall," I whispered seductively into his ear.

Michael groaned again and in the process, nearly scrunched up the little post-it.

"It's too small in here for hot talk," he grumbled. I smiled and poked my tongue at him.

Michael rolled his eyes before reading out the next clue.

"I was made with tender care

The only tool was your hand

Maria keeps me in her locker

To remind her of her and…

You."

"I wonder what that is…" I pondered playfully.

"How did you know I made it with 'tender' care? I am good at lying, you know," he smirked. "I'd do anything to please you."

"You used your forbidden powers?" I gasped in shock.

I really did believe the napkin-holder was hand-made. I believed that he took the time to construct something so beautiful. And all this time…he used his powers.

"Hey," Michael called softly, cradling my face in his hand. "The napkin-holder was hand-made. I still have scars on my hand from when I cut myself in the process."

I felt a wave of relief rush through me. Okay. He did make it. It was something important to him too.

"You had me there, Space Boy," I fake-growled.

"It's my forte," he grinned.

"You cut yourself?" I asked softly, raising his hands to my lips. I saw the little, red marks and felt a pang of guilt. "Why don't you get Max to heal it?"

"Nah," Michael said. "Reminds me of everything you and I go through."

Tears filled my eyes. The first time I saw Michael Guerin (sometime in Third Grade), I never believed he would be romantic. Okay, so he was probably just nine then (lol), but even when we entered high school, I still didn't believe he could be romantic.

Boy, was I wrong.

"You're so sweet," I cooed.

"To you, who wouldn't be?" he teased then he got out the camera. Oh, yeah, I forgot about the scrapbook thing.

"Should we kiss?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around him.

"What else is the Eraser Room for?" he smirked as he planted a big, wet one on me. Even though my eyes were closed, I saw the flash of the camera.

"We look hot," Michael commented as he glued the photo on.

I didn't respond to that comment. Even in the dark, I could see a heated romance in the photo. But it just looked weird seeing yourself kissing someone in a photo. Seriously.

He then wrote with the marker: Eraser Room, No Trace of an Innocent Maria

I gaped and whacked him on the arm.

"Who ever said I was innocent in the first place?" I said.

"I like you naughty," Michael grinned. He looped an arm around my neck as he lead me out of the Eraser Room.

As we walked to my locker, I realised I was extremely happy. I was so glad that Michael was enjoying his present. I was glad I put all this time and love into it. XD

"I was meant to ask, how did you end up renting the school on the weekend," Michael said breaking the peaceful silence.

"I'm such an innocent girl," I said widening my eyes to make it look cute and innocent. "Teachers adore me. They love me. They do as I command."

"Are you serious?" Michael asked.

"Why is it so hard to believe?" I asked with equal shock.

"It's just…I've seen you when you're not innocent," Michael said as he nodded his head in the direction of the Eraser Room.

I laughed and said, "Let's keep it that way."

We stopped at our locker and Michael opened it instead of me. He never knew my locker combo. He just used his celestial powers.

"Looking good," he commented as he plucked the riddle off. He then got out the camera.

"I think you should be in the picture," I said wrestling the camera off him.

"Na ah," Michael said wrestling back. It was like so easy for him to take it off me as I am so weak. "I ain't photo friendly.

I pouted.

"Fine, birthday boy. Be the photographer."

He patted my head (I personally hate this gesture, it makes me feel like a dog), and took a picture.

He then scrawled: The Napkin Holder – The 'Correct' Way to Say Thank-You

"Remember that next time," I said reading from his shoulder.

"I'll never forget," he said solemnly. Then he read out the next riddle:

"You are not only Maria's saviour

As Amy Valenti (nee DeLuca) realised

A tough wrestling match that includes you

Is enough to make anyone terrified"

"Hmm…" Michael said with a smile. "Luckily, this is like a timeline. And luckily that I can decipher codes easily. I know what this is about. Your mum thinking I was Eddie. But where do I go?"

"Where the event was held," I answered.

"Ahh…the UFO Centre. Maybe I'll say hi to Max if he's working," Michael said leading me out of the school. I locked the main gates after as I was entrusted with the key.

"I doubt it, he's probably preparing your present," I said bluntly.

"I feel so loved," Michael said sarcastically. "I laughed silently when you put nee Deluca."

I laughed out loud.

"Yeah, I'm still getting used to that," I replied.

We chatted happily, playfully and flirtingly on our way to the UFO Centre. I was at ease. I was in love.

We entered the UFO Centre and Max's boss gave us a curt hello. I remember he still held a grudge against Michael for when he printed out stuff about the dome. Sad. Why couldn't he move on.

At the arena ring, Michael pulled off the next riddle and took a quick photo. He then wrote: The Infamous Fight – Mud wasn't on my mind.

"Huh?" I said as I read his writing. "What do you mean?"

Michael sighed but didn't look annoyed. He looked sort of amused and embarrassed.

"Remember how you were kissing me thanks and then I said I was thinking of mud?" he asked.

"Yeah," I replied. "I felt like a tool for bothering to try."

"Well…I wasn't thinking of mud. I was thinking of you. And how delicious you are…but at the time we were off. So I just said mud, to piss you off," Michael grinned.

"Shifty," I replied. I gave him a quick but passionate kiss. He was so adorable! And he got more romantic with each passing minute. It's like there was a DECENT reason for the times he acted like a total ass.

"Now, now," grumbled Max's grumpy boss. "You came for what you wanted. You can get out now."

I widened my eyes at Michael and dragged him out of the building. As I passed the boss, I muttered, "Thanks."

When we were outside, I burst into a fit of giggles.

"Someone wasn't happy!" I laughed.

"Yeah," Michael agreed. "I don't know how Max can work with him."

"Yeah, I know," I replied.

Michael read out the next riddle:

"I am used to keep you warm

But I cannot protect you from rain

Maria's been looking after me every night

But it's time I return to where I should remain"

"This one's slightly ambiguous," Michael commented, scratching his chin. "I can only guess by remembering the next major event in our relationship. And that's…that's the night I…cried."

My heart went out to him. He didn't look sad but sort of embarrassed. But I remembered that night when I took him in. My heart was breaking so slowly, that it was painful. I could never stand it when guys cried. And I never thought that Michael would cry…

"That's right," I whispered. "You left something of yours at my place that night. I've kept it ever since."

"What was it?" Michael asked. His eyebrows furrowed together and he looked so cute.

"Your…jumper," I said avoiding eye contact. I was such a sad case. Not returning it until now. "I'm still sorry for the way my mum chased you out."

"Nah, that's cool," Michael chuckled. "Okay, let's go to your house so I can see what my jumper now looks like."

I nodded and we were once again in my Jetta heading to my new hone. Whoa, this little car went through a lot today. Like a roadtrip. And the best part? Michael's with me.

I took Michael to my room, possibly for the first time, and there laid his jumper folded neatly on the bed. A riddle was placed on top.

"Oh, yeah, I remember this," Michael said as he examined his jumper. "I thought I blew it up when I was in a rage."

"I just wanted to keep it…cuz I wanted to be reminded of you always," I said feebly.

Michael didn't reply but took a picture. I went over to him and watched him write: Yankee's Jumper – Now Owned By Maria

"What?!" I exclaimed when I read it. "No, no, it's yours! You used to like it! You wore it like all the time!"

"So? I lived without it for like half a year. Keep it. My present to you," Michael said fiercely.

"You sure?" I enquired.

Michael nodded.

"Thanks," I said gratefully. "It makes me feel special that, you know, you came to…me."

"That's because you are special," Michael replied. I swear he can melt me like butter sometimes.

"So are you, Space Boy," I said.

"I know," Michael said regaining his normal ego boost. "Let me see where our relationship then takes us."

He picked up the note, with tender care I noticed, and read it aloud.

"I am what you call home
If you're not in Maria's arms
But sometimes I see you in both
Raising all the fire alarms"

"Holy smoke! You have a camera on us?" Michael practically squawked.

"No!" I exclaimed incredulously. "I am speaking of a non-living thing and pretending it has eyes."

"I see," Michael said gathering himself. He did sort of just lose his cool just then. "Then what is it?"

I gaped at him.

"Where's the brains of my boy?" I asked lightly prodding his head.

"It's filled with too much lust. Help me on this one," Michael smirked back.

"Fine," I grinned. "Here's another clue. Where do we make out most of the time?"

I watched as understanding dawned on his face. I also watched as he slapped his forehead. He must be spending a lot of time with me if he's picking up my traits.

"How stupid! My apartment!" he exclaimed. Colour was rising on his cheeks. "Don't worry, Earth Girl, your brains will make me intelligent."

"Earth Girl?" I repeated.

Michael shrugged and grinned.

"You should get a nickname too. I mean, you call me Space Boy."

"Earth Girl?" I pondered. I couldn't help myself. I burst out laughing. "You make it sound like I'm an environmental freak or something. Like I embrace nature."

"You do though," he pointed out.

I paused and thought about. I guess I did. Like I would blow a fuse if I caught someone littering. Or even as little as stepping on a delicate flower.

"Spot on," I said looping my arm through his. "You know me better than anyone else."

"Ditto," replied the guy who spoke little words.

We hopped back into our Jetta and drove back to Michael's apartment.

"Right back where we started," I commented as he unlocked the door.

"Yep," he replied. "Now, do I have to raid my entire apartment just to find one clue?"

"Nope," I replied. "Think now, Space Boy. Where do we normally make-out?"

I watched as Michael glanced at the couch. Sure enough, there was another neatly folded paper.

"I didn't notice you put this in this morning," Michael frowned.

"Well observed," I said. "I didn't put the next riddle here. I ensured someone broke into your apartment."

"Thanks," he said.

"No problem."

"Well…cheese time!" Michael grinned. He gently removed the paper and stood in front of the couch. "You going to pose, princess."

It wasn't a question, it was an order.

"I'm sorry, bub, but I'm not going to pose," I said, shaking my head.

"Why?" Michael asked making a lost puppy-dog face. Too bad it wouldn't work. This time.

"I'll so feel like a Playgirl or something," I remarked.

Michael laughed. It felt like Michael had laughed more today then he ever did his entire life. My heart felt golden since I was the cause of most of his laughter and I was there to witness them.

"You don't have to look seductive," he grinned.

"What am I suppose to look like on the make-out couch?" I asked.

"Yourself."

"Yeah, Michael. You'll label this pic as 'Steamy' or something and there I am giggling my head off in the picture. It just doesn't gel."

"Fine," Michael sighed. "You win."

"I always do."

"You think that," he said as he took the picture. He labelled it as: My Two Homes – The Homey Couch, When Maria is Here

"Aww…" I whispered as I read his words.

"Aww," Michael imitated. He made his voice high like a girl's and let me tell you, that was not attractive. It also ruined the mood.

He then unfolded the next riddle and in the process a silver ring fell out. I softly picked it up because all the emotions I felt when I bought the ring came flooding back: love, belonging, fear (would Michael like it?), understanding…

Michael only briefly noticed the ring because he was scanning the paper. In a low, slightly hoarse voice he read:

"Maria is glad to see
You cracked every single riddle
She hopes you remember all the moments
That she will always cradle
The scrapbook is now filled
But it will never be complete
Every moment you two share
Shall be recorded nice and neat"

At the bottom on the note there was 'Michael + Maria Forever' inside a pretty love heart.

"You seemed disappointed," I whispered gingerly rubbing his back. "What's wrong?"

Michael turned and faced me and his eyes pierced into my soul.

"I didn't want this to end," he confessed.

"It's not even close to finish," I smiled. "I may not be gifted with alien genes but I can see that our future is going to be so full that a hundred scrapbooks won't hold it all in."

"I know that," Michael said taking me into his arms. "I just didn't want this adventure to end. I've had so much fun."

"Me too," I whispered back.

I let him hold me for a few seconds; savouring his warmth and strength. This wasn't passionate love at the moment but tender love. Another love that sometimes I missed.

I then slowly pulled back. Michael gave me a quizzed look. I gently took one of his large hands in mine and placed the cool, silver ring n his hand. It was engraved with: M.G + M.D

"Happy birthday, Michael Guerin," I whispered.

"Thank-you," he whispered back. His eyes were then scorching as if wanting something, knowing something…

My heart stopped. I couldn't breathe. I could barely think. This was the moment. This was the moment I first dreamed of when Michael kissed me. I was scared, but I knew what I was feeling was real. That was enough to pull me through.

"I love you."

There I said it. For the first time although I knew I loved him a very long time ago. And my whole heart lifted and it felt like gold birds were chirping around my head. I was in love. And I was happy.

Michael's eyes shimmered and I was sure it wasn't just the low light in his apartment that had this effect.

"I love you, too."

I smiled through the happy tears that surrounded my eyes and hugged him tight. We were in love. We were happy.