"So your place or mine?" Michael said, placing a kiss on the side of Alex's head.
They have been cuddling for the last 10 minutes and Michael relished in their closeness.
"Neither" came the firm reply.
Oh no. Michael knew it wouldn't last. But he thought it would last longer than this.
"Oh, okay I understand. "Turning his face Michael tried to cover up his watering eyes.
"Hey, no looking away remember?" Alex said, grabbing his face and turning it back towards him."I want us to last this time. We usually burn brightly and then flicker out. I don't want that to happen this time. I want to build a steady bonfire that's going to last us forever. I want forever with you."
Was this some crazy dreamscape? It was getting too perfect. Alex had been open today, willing to share his past and his feelings. Michael was afraid to hope that this would last. Being with Alex forever was his deepest desire.
"I want forever too," he said, letting hope creep into heart.
"Good then we have to change old patterns. We can't just fall into bed together again." Seeing the smile slip off Michael's face he pivoted. "Okay maybe falling into bed wouldn't be so bad, I quite enjoy waking up to you. But only to sleep. We are more than sex. I want to spend more time on those other parts and make sure they're just as strong as the physical side."
Michael really wanted to believe him. He wanted the full relationship, but could he trust Alex? He would have to test him before handing him his heart on a platter again.
"How about we go in for one more drink with everyone else and then get out of here." Alex usually balked at the thought of other people finding out about them. Granted all of their friends knew their history but it was a small test.
"Sure," he said with a knowing smile. Grabbing Michael's hand he led them back towards the Wild Pony.
"Do you have any plans for tomorrow night? Outside of unexpected alien craziness?"
"Nope, just the usual tinkering in the bunker. Why?"
"How about dinner? Would you like to go out to dinner with me Michael?" Alex had stopped and was now staring into Michael's eyes.
"Sure I'll meet you at the crash down after work."
With a light chuckle Alex replied "No, I mean go out to a fancy restaurant and get all spiffy. I want to show off the hottest guy in Roswell" he said, brushing Michael's curls back and placing the hat he had grabbed off the table onto his head.
Alex wanted people to know about them. He wasn't going to be ashamed of Michael and pretend like they weren't together. He was willing to be seen with Michael like he was with Forrest. Maybe things would be better this time.
Clearing his throat Michael replayed "I would love to go to dinner with you Alex".
Getting his answer Alex leaned in to give Michael a soft kiss before turning around again and leading them back to their friends.