Author: Sarah Y.
Title: The Return
Disclaimer: I don't own Roswell or any of the characters.
Rating: PG-13
Category: Michael and Maria
NOTE: AU, Michael and the other alien's left the planet. Alex is still alive. Tess was never pregnant. Michael and Maria still slept together before he left earth. Everything else is pretty much the same.
Summary: Michael, Tess, Max, and Isabel come back to earth after being away for two years.
*******Part 10*******
"Maria how can you say I made things better?"
Maria let go of Michael's hand and gently cupped his face with her hands being careful not to touch the cut on his lip. "Michael, you came back to me. I never thought I'd see you again. Michael I waited for you. I knew that you wouldn't come back but I wished you would. Then after two years I finally gave up hope and then here you are. Michael, please don't leave me again. I need you."
Michael took Maria's hands off of his face and then grabbed her into a hug crushing their bodies together. Maria let out a sigh.
"Are you alright?" Michael asked afraid that he had hurt her.
"Better than alright. Don't let me go."
"Never again."
They stood there awhile until Maria led Michael to the bed. She instructed him to lie down and then left the room. She finally came back with some peroxide, bandages, washcloths, and antibiotic ointment.
"Here let me clean that cut up." She then proceeded to wash his face off with the washcloth. He flinched but soon relaxed when she kissed his face right below the cut.
"Do you think you can get Max to heal this tomorrow, it's a bad cut?"
"Yes."
"Michael I know I promised to drive you home but it's late and I was hoping would you please stay with me?"
Michael nodded his head. Michael lay down on the bed and pulled her to him. He then wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Is this alright?" Michael asked unsure after everything that had happened.
"Yes Michael. It's all I've ever wanted since you left."
Maria started yawning. She had never felt this safe and protected since the day Michael left earth.
"Michael I want you to know that there's never been anyone else. I mean besides the rape. I've never even wanted or considered anyone else."
Michael couldn't believe what was happening. His Maria still wanted him. Maria was concerned by the hesitation in his voice but her fears were quickly laid to rest when he spoke up.
"Neither have I. Now go to sleep."
"Oh my god!"
Maria's frantic screaming awakened Michael.
"Michael wake up! I need your help!"
Michael opened his eyes to see a very panicked Maria holding Dakota.
"What is it?"
"Michael I would never ask you anything like this, but Alex left early, I overslept because I didn't set the alarm because how did I know you would be over and Alex was supposed to watch Dakota and I'm running late for class, I have this huge English test and I'll flunk the class if I don't take the test so will you do it, Please?"
"Maria stop rambling and tell me what you need?"
"I need you to watch Dakota, It will only be for an hour, two at most, here's his diaper bag. You'll be fine I've got to go."
Maria shoved Dakota into Michael's arms before he could respond. "You'll be fine."
"Maria!" Michael screamed watching Maria walk out the door.
********Part 11*******
Michael rubbed his eyes open trying to wake himself fully. He looked down at the child placed in his arms. He couldn't believe Maria just left like that. He had never taken care of a child before. He didn't have a clue how too. Hank didn't exactly set a perfect example on how to take care of a child.
Michael grabbed the phone next to the bed and dialed Isabel's number.
"Izzy!"
"Michael? Do you know what time it is?"
"Look Isabel it's an emergency. I'm over at Maria and Alex's get over here right away."
Before she could ask what was wrong Michael hung up the phone.
Michael looked down at Dakota. Michael thought he was kind of cute. He had blond hair and emerald green eyes just like his mom. Michael grinned at the child. He got this overwhelming urge to hug him. To Michael's shock the small child went willing into his arms. It was then he discovered Dakota was stinky. Michael had no choice but to change his diaper. Michael didn't even want to think of the ways Maria would torture him if Dakota got a diaper rash thanks to him. He opened up the Blue's Clue bag Maria had given to him and pulled out a diaper.
"Dakota do you know where the washcloths are? Why am I asking you, you can't talk can you?" Michael went through all the rooms and couldn't find a washcloth. He then saw the sink and thought it was his only option. He sat Dakota down on the kitchen counter and removed his diaper. Michael flinched. "Why couldn't I have the power to remove smell?"
After Michael removed the diaper he stood Dakota up in the sink. He then turned the nosel attachment to the faucet on and started spraying water on Dakota's bottom. The water squirted everywhere and Dakota started crying.
"Please don't cry. Look I'm trying here. I just have to wash the poo off your bottom. I'm almost finished." When Michael finally got all the poopy off Dakota, he laid him on top of a towel he found near the sink drying him off. Dakota finally stopped crying. He then grabbed the diaper. Michael studied it trying to figure out how this thing went on. He wished he would have paid more attention to how the diaper looked while it was on him before he took the dirty one off. Michael unfolded the clean diaper. He couldn't figure out how to make the diaper stay on. Michael stood there thinking for a while and then he opened up the kitchen draws. He found a roll of duct tape. "This should work."
Michael started unrolling the tape and wrapped it around the diaper. He worked on it for several minutes to make sure it wouldn't fall off. Michael steeped back to admire his work. The entire diaper was covered in gray duct tape.
"We'll this should stay on now."
Michael looked at the dirty diaper that was still lying on the counter. He needed to dispose of it but he couldn't find a trash bag. He decided to put it in the garbage dispose. After all it was garbage. Michael stuck the poopy diaper in the disposal and turned it on. Shreds of the diaper and the poo went flying everywhere. Dakota started laughing.
"It's not funny."
Michael concentrated and used his powers to fix the garbage disposal. He then grabbed the towel used to dry Dakota and cleaned the kitchen up.
Michael's stomach started growling. "I'm hungry how about you Dakota?"
"Dakota shook his head yes." Michael placed him on the floor and started looking through the refrigerator.
Spaghetti was the only thing Michael could find in the refrigerator. Michael used his powers to heat it up and then made a plate for Dakota and himself. Michael was displeased to see there wasn't any Tabasco sauce in the house. Michael placed Dakota in the high chair he found in the corner. Michael then made a bottle for Dakota full of Sprite. Michael placed a fork in front of the tot. To his distain the child started eating with his fingers and had the spaghetti sauce all over his face and body. "It looks like you'll need another bath after I'm done eating." Michael started eating his spaghetti when he felt a big thump hit his head. He looked up to see Dakota had thrown spaghetti ball at his head.
"Michael! Michael! What's the emergency?" Isabel said running into the kitchen. Max was with her. Isabel started rolling on the floor laughing at the sight in front of her. Dakota, Michael, and the floor were covered in spaghetti. "Is that duct tape on the diaper?" Isabel said trying to control her laughter but failing miserably.
"I'm so glad this amuses you. It's the only way I could get the diaper to stay on. And what is Max doing here?"
"Isabel said there was a big emergency."
"Maria left me in charge of babysitting Dakota. And I figured Isabel being a woman would know what to do."
Isabel finally got off the floor and stopped laughing. "Michael that's a sexiest remark. But seeing as you badly need help I'm willing to let it go."
Isabel helped Dakota out of the high chair and took Dakota into the bathroom. I'll clean him up Michael. As Isabel walked into the bathroom Michael could hear her laughing the whole way.
"Stop laughing!" Michael shouted.
Michael wiped his face clean and started cleaning up the kitchen.
"About last night Michael," Max started.
"I know it was stupid and I never should have done it. Max, I know so don't say anything. Look can you just fix the cut."
Max used his powers to heal Michael. The men could hear crying coming from the bathroom. Isabel came out with Dakota wrapped in a towel. He's all clean now but I can't get him to stop crying. Max tried for several minutes but the toddler just screamed louder. Michael walked over to Dakota and picked him up from Max's arms. Dakota instantly stopped crying.
"We should go Max. It seems like Michael has everything under control," Isabel whispered.
Michael lay down on the couch and held Dakota against his chest. The tot snuggled up against Michael and fell asleep listening to Michael's heartbeat. Michael took his hand and felt Dakota's little toes and hands. While Michael was touching his little hands Dakota grasped onto Michael's hand and held it tight. Michael snuggled into the couch and feel asleep with Dakota in his arms.
Maria walked into the living room ready to apologize profusely for having to leave so suddenly. Maria heart swelled to see such a beautiful sight of the two people she loved most in the world snuggled up next to each other. Maria covered them with a blanket found on a nearby chair and kissed the top of Dakota's head. Michael slowly awakened.
"Hey."
"So how did everything go?"
"No problem at all."
*******Part 12*******
"I'll take Dakota. I'm sorry that I ran out on you like that. It's just I would have flunked the class if I didn't get to the test on time."
Maria took Dakota from Michael arms. Michael didn't want to admit it but he missed the warmth of having a child in his arms. Dakota must have missed Michael to because he started fussing.
"I'll be right back Michael."
Maria took Dakota in his room and laid him in the crib after calming him down. She gathered up his blankets and tucked him in. After making sure Dakota was asleep she went back into the living room.
"Uh I better go." Michael then turned and walked out the door.
Maria was afraid that she had really messed up and he would never want to see her again. She didn't hear again from Michael for three days.
_____________
Alex heard the phone ringing and he ran to pick it up.
"Hello."
"Is Maria there?"
"Maria! She's coming."
"Who is it Alex?"
"I think it's Michael."
"Michael?"
"Yes, uh can you come over to my place?"
"I guess so I'll just get Alex to baby-sit."
"No actually I was thinking you could bring him along."
"Okay. I'll be there in a half an hour."
"What was that about?" Alex asked Maria.
"I don't know, but he wants me to bring Dakota over."
Maria wasn't sure what to make of this. She packed up Dakota and his diaper bag. She drove to Michael wondering the whole way there what he wanted.
She finally pulled up into the driveway and made her way to the door. Before she could knock Michael came out of the door.
"Hey."
"So what did you want?"
"Come with me."
Michael led Maria to the front of the apartment complex. He walked up to Dodge Neon and started to open the door.
"Since when do you have a car?"
"I kind of traded in my motorcycle and decided to buy a car."
"Why? You loved that motorcycle."
"I kind of figured if we would be spending time together that I needed a car so we could take Dakota along with us."
Maria then noticed the car seat in back of the car.
"Michael that is so sweet."
"We'll are you going to get in?"
"You mean this isn't the surprise?"
"No I actually wanted to take you two somewhere. I mean if you don't have anything better to do."
"No. We'd love to come."
Maria strapped Dakota in the child seat and then sat up in front.
"So where are we going?"
"You'll see."
After an hour...
"Are we there yet?"
"Almost."
After about 5 more minutes of driving Michael pulled up into a parking lot. Maria, Dakota, and Michael got out of the car. Across the street Maria could see a carnival complete with games, foods, and rides.
"I'm sorry it was a dumb idea. I'll take you back."
"No. Michael this is wonderful. But you have to promise not to cheat at the games, you know with your powers."
"Whatever. Where do you want to go first?"
Maria pointed to a booth. "How about we get some food first. I'm starving."
Dakota ate a hot dog, and then Michael started feeding him cotton candy when Maria wasn't looking.
"Michael why is my child covered with blue slobber? What did you feed him?"
"Just some cotton candy. I can't help it if your child is a mess."
Maria just laughed at the sight and wiped Dakota's mouth off.
"How about we try for some games? Dakota doesn't have any stuffed animals. But remember what I said no Samantha Jeanie tricks."
Michael just rolled his eyes.
After about an hour of trying to win prizes Michael was getting frustrated and embarrassed. They finally arrived at a basketball game.
"Finally my kind of game. I was just getting warmed up." Michael threw the ball and it landed in the hoop. He did it five times and was finally rewarded with a gigantic Spiderman doll.
"Do you think this is big enough for him?"
"It's huge! Uh, you didn't use any of your funny stuff did you?"
"Let's go." Michael said rolling his eyes again. "I'm actually good at Basketball."
"Michael do you think you could take Dakota on the merry-go-round? I'm tired and I'll just hold this oversized Superman.
"Sure."
The truth was Maria just loved watching Dakota and Michael together. She was so happy they seemed to get along so well.
Maria watched as Michael sat Dakota on the carousel horse and then hopped onto it himself. Michael wrapped his arms protectively around Dakota so he wouldn't fall. Maria couldn't stop smiling.
The ride ended and Michael helped Dakota off the horse.
"Are you ready to go?" Michael said handing Dakota back to Maria.
"Yes it's almost his bedtime."
Michael drove Maria and Dakota back home. When Michael stopped the car Maria turned to Michael and grabbed his hand.
"Thank you Michael. That was one of the best nights of my life."
Michael just smirked. Then Maria did something he didn't expect at all. She grabbed him by the shirt and passionately kissed him. Michael let out a groan. They finally pulled apart when they heard the sound of little Dakota clapping. Michael laughed.
"I better get him to bed. Thanks again."
Maria stepped out of the car and took Dakota out of his car seat. Michael stayed until he saw Maria get safely into the house and waved goodbye as he drove off.
*******Part 13*******
Maria and Liz were in the Crashdown cleaning off tables after hours.
"Liz I never thought after all these years we'd still be working at the Crashdown."
"I just can't seem to escape the family business. Besides it helps me pay for college. Medical school isn't exactly cheap. So Maria how are things going between you and Michael?"
"Liz he's been so sweet to me. You should she him with Dakota. Dakota just loves Michael. Do you know Michael traded in his motorcycle so we could take Dakota with us wherever we go?"
"Michael sure has changed since he met you."
"I know. But Liz, Michael rarely ever touches me. I'm afraid he just thinks of me as a friend now. I mean when he first came back he acted like he wanted to take things from where we left off and get back together. But I think he's changed his mind. I was afraid when I told him about the rape he wouldn't feel the same about me and he doesn't," Maria explained sadly.
"Have you talked to him? Maybe he thinks you're not ready. Or maybe he thinks you don't want him anymore."
"Liz I kissed him! He should know how I feel."
"I guess maybe he just needs time."
"I don't know Liz. I can't stand the thought of him not wanting me. He's the only person I've ever loved and will ever love. If I can't have him I'll just be alone."
Liz walked up to Maria and hugged her. She used her fingers to brush away a tear that had fallen from Maria's eye.
"You never told me but what has your mother said about Michael's return?" Liz asked stepping back from Maria.
"She wasn't happy about it at first. She kept telling me that he would leave me again and I shouldn't let Dakota get attached to him. After a while she stopped complaining about him after I made it clear that I wasn't going to hear her badmouthing Michael. Well enough of my problems Liz. How are you and Max doing?"
"It's been strange. I mean before they left Max thought I slept with Kyle and I saw Max kiss Tess at the prom."
"Yes, but Tess and Max aren't together. He doesn't love her."
"I never stopped loving him, but it's been a long time and I don't know if he still feels the same."
"I think it's time you told Max the truth about you and Kyle."
"Maybe."
"God we're pathetic aren't we?" Maria laughed.
"Relationships are hard enough but it's almost impossible when the other person is an alien from another planet."
"At least Alex is with Isabel."
"I'm happy for him too, but in all honesty out of all of us I never expected them to be the ones that would reunite," Liz said.
"Me either. Well I'll see you tomorrow Liz. I better get home and rescue Alex from his baby-sitting duties. He's been so great. I don't know what I would have done without him."
"Alex is the best. Well I'll see you later. Give a kiss to Dakota for me."
"I will. Bye."
TBC...
Title: The Return
Disclaimer: I don't own Roswell or any of the characters.
Rating: PG-13
Category: Michael and Maria
NOTE: AU, Michael and the other alien's left the planet. Alex is still alive. Tess was never pregnant. Michael and Maria still slept together before he left earth. Everything else is pretty much the same.
Summary: Michael, Tess, Max, and Isabel come back to earth after being away for two years.
*******Part 10*******
"Maria how can you say I made things better?"
Maria let go of Michael's hand and gently cupped his face with her hands being careful not to touch the cut on his lip. "Michael, you came back to me. I never thought I'd see you again. Michael I waited for you. I knew that you wouldn't come back but I wished you would. Then after two years I finally gave up hope and then here you are. Michael, please don't leave me again. I need you."
Michael took Maria's hands off of his face and then grabbed her into a hug crushing their bodies together. Maria let out a sigh.
"Are you alright?" Michael asked afraid that he had hurt her.
"Better than alright. Don't let me go."
"Never again."
They stood there awhile until Maria led Michael to the bed. She instructed him to lie down and then left the room. She finally came back with some peroxide, bandages, washcloths, and antibiotic ointment.
"Here let me clean that cut up." She then proceeded to wash his face off with the washcloth. He flinched but soon relaxed when she kissed his face right below the cut.
"Do you think you can get Max to heal this tomorrow, it's a bad cut?"
"Yes."
"Michael I know I promised to drive you home but it's late and I was hoping would you please stay with me?"
Michael nodded his head. Michael lay down on the bed and pulled her to him. He then wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Is this alright?" Michael asked unsure after everything that had happened.
"Yes Michael. It's all I've ever wanted since you left."
Maria started yawning. She had never felt this safe and protected since the day Michael left earth.
"Michael I want you to know that there's never been anyone else. I mean besides the rape. I've never even wanted or considered anyone else."
Michael couldn't believe what was happening. His Maria still wanted him. Maria was concerned by the hesitation in his voice but her fears were quickly laid to rest when he spoke up.
"Neither have I. Now go to sleep."
"Oh my god!"
Maria's frantic screaming awakened Michael.
"Michael wake up! I need your help!"
Michael opened his eyes to see a very panicked Maria holding Dakota.
"What is it?"
"Michael I would never ask you anything like this, but Alex left early, I overslept because I didn't set the alarm because how did I know you would be over and Alex was supposed to watch Dakota and I'm running late for class, I have this huge English test and I'll flunk the class if I don't take the test so will you do it, Please?"
"Maria stop rambling and tell me what you need?"
"I need you to watch Dakota, It will only be for an hour, two at most, here's his diaper bag. You'll be fine I've got to go."
Maria shoved Dakota into Michael's arms before he could respond. "You'll be fine."
"Maria!" Michael screamed watching Maria walk out the door.
********Part 11*******
Michael rubbed his eyes open trying to wake himself fully. He looked down at the child placed in his arms. He couldn't believe Maria just left like that. He had never taken care of a child before. He didn't have a clue how too. Hank didn't exactly set a perfect example on how to take care of a child.
Michael grabbed the phone next to the bed and dialed Isabel's number.
"Izzy!"
"Michael? Do you know what time it is?"
"Look Isabel it's an emergency. I'm over at Maria and Alex's get over here right away."
Before she could ask what was wrong Michael hung up the phone.
Michael looked down at Dakota. Michael thought he was kind of cute. He had blond hair and emerald green eyes just like his mom. Michael grinned at the child. He got this overwhelming urge to hug him. To Michael's shock the small child went willing into his arms. It was then he discovered Dakota was stinky. Michael had no choice but to change his diaper. Michael didn't even want to think of the ways Maria would torture him if Dakota got a diaper rash thanks to him. He opened up the Blue's Clue bag Maria had given to him and pulled out a diaper.
"Dakota do you know where the washcloths are? Why am I asking you, you can't talk can you?" Michael went through all the rooms and couldn't find a washcloth. He then saw the sink and thought it was his only option. He sat Dakota down on the kitchen counter and removed his diaper. Michael flinched. "Why couldn't I have the power to remove smell?"
After Michael removed the diaper he stood Dakota up in the sink. He then turned the nosel attachment to the faucet on and started spraying water on Dakota's bottom. The water squirted everywhere and Dakota started crying.
"Please don't cry. Look I'm trying here. I just have to wash the poo off your bottom. I'm almost finished." When Michael finally got all the poopy off Dakota, he laid him on top of a towel he found near the sink drying him off. Dakota finally stopped crying. He then grabbed the diaper. Michael studied it trying to figure out how this thing went on. He wished he would have paid more attention to how the diaper looked while it was on him before he took the dirty one off. Michael unfolded the clean diaper. He couldn't figure out how to make the diaper stay on. Michael stood there thinking for a while and then he opened up the kitchen draws. He found a roll of duct tape. "This should work."
Michael started unrolling the tape and wrapped it around the diaper. He worked on it for several minutes to make sure it wouldn't fall off. Michael steeped back to admire his work. The entire diaper was covered in gray duct tape.
"We'll this should stay on now."
Michael looked at the dirty diaper that was still lying on the counter. He needed to dispose of it but he couldn't find a trash bag. He decided to put it in the garbage dispose. After all it was garbage. Michael stuck the poopy diaper in the disposal and turned it on. Shreds of the diaper and the poo went flying everywhere. Dakota started laughing.
"It's not funny."
Michael concentrated and used his powers to fix the garbage disposal. He then grabbed the towel used to dry Dakota and cleaned the kitchen up.
Michael's stomach started growling. "I'm hungry how about you Dakota?"
"Dakota shook his head yes." Michael placed him on the floor and started looking through the refrigerator.
Spaghetti was the only thing Michael could find in the refrigerator. Michael used his powers to heat it up and then made a plate for Dakota and himself. Michael was displeased to see there wasn't any Tabasco sauce in the house. Michael placed Dakota in the high chair he found in the corner. Michael then made a bottle for Dakota full of Sprite. Michael placed a fork in front of the tot. To his distain the child started eating with his fingers and had the spaghetti sauce all over his face and body. "It looks like you'll need another bath after I'm done eating." Michael started eating his spaghetti when he felt a big thump hit his head. He looked up to see Dakota had thrown spaghetti ball at his head.
"Michael! Michael! What's the emergency?" Isabel said running into the kitchen. Max was with her. Isabel started rolling on the floor laughing at the sight in front of her. Dakota, Michael, and the floor were covered in spaghetti. "Is that duct tape on the diaper?" Isabel said trying to control her laughter but failing miserably.
"I'm so glad this amuses you. It's the only way I could get the diaper to stay on. And what is Max doing here?"
"Isabel said there was a big emergency."
"Maria left me in charge of babysitting Dakota. And I figured Isabel being a woman would know what to do."
Isabel finally got off the floor and stopped laughing. "Michael that's a sexiest remark. But seeing as you badly need help I'm willing to let it go."
Isabel helped Dakota out of the high chair and took Dakota into the bathroom. I'll clean him up Michael. As Isabel walked into the bathroom Michael could hear her laughing the whole way.
"Stop laughing!" Michael shouted.
Michael wiped his face clean and started cleaning up the kitchen.
"About last night Michael," Max started.
"I know it was stupid and I never should have done it. Max, I know so don't say anything. Look can you just fix the cut."
Max used his powers to heal Michael. The men could hear crying coming from the bathroom. Isabel came out with Dakota wrapped in a towel. He's all clean now but I can't get him to stop crying. Max tried for several minutes but the toddler just screamed louder. Michael walked over to Dakota and picked him up from Max's arms. Dakota instantly stopped crying.
"We should go Max. It seems like Michael has everything under control," Isabel whispered.
Michael lay down on the couch and held Dakota against his chest. The tot snuggled up against Michael and fell asleep listening to Michael's heartbeat. Michael took his hand and felt Dakota's little toes and hands. While Michael was touching his little hands Dakota grasped onto Michael's hand and held it tight. Michael snuggled into the couch and feel asleep with Dakota in his arms.
Maria walked into the living room ready to apologize profusely for having to leave so suddenly. Maria heart swelled to see such a beautiful sight of the two people she loved most in the world snuggled up next to each other. Maria covered them with a blanket found on a nearby chair and kissed the top of Dakota's head. Michael slowly awakened.
"Hey."
"So how did everything go?"
"No problem at all."
*******Part 12*******
"I'll take Dakota. I'm sorry that I ran out on you like that. It's just I would have flunked the class if I didn't get to the test on time."
Maria took Dakota from Michael arms. Michael didn't want to admit it but he missed the warmth of having a child in his arms. Dakota must have missed Michael to because he started fussing.
"I'll be right back Michael."
Maria took Dakota in his room and laid him in the crib after calming him down. She gathered up his blankets and tucked him in. After making sure Dakota was asleep she went back into the living room.
"Uh I better go." Michael then turned and walked out the door.
Maria was afraid that she had really messed up and he would never want to see her again. She didn't hear again from Michael for three days.
_____________
Alex heard the phone ringing and he ran to pick it up.
"Hello."
"Is Maria there?"
"Maria! She's coming."
"Who is it Alex?"
"I think it's Michael."
"Michael?"
"Yes, uh can you come over to my place?"
"I guess so I'll just get Alex to baby-sit."
"No actually I was thinking you could bring him along."
"Okay. I'll be there in a half an hour."
"What was that about?" Alex asked Maria.
"I don't know, but he wants me to bring Dakota over."
Maria wasn't sure what to make of this. She packed up Dakota and his diaper bag. She drove to Michael wondering the whole way there what he wanted.
She finally pulled up into the driveway and made her way to the door. Before she could knock Michael came out of the door.
"Hey."
"So what did you want?"
"Come with me."
Michael led Maria to the front of the apartment complex. He walked up to Dodge Neon and started to open the door.
"Since when do you have a car?"
"I kind of traded in my motorcycle and decided to buy a car."
"Why? You loved that motorcycle."
"I kind of figured if we would be spending time together that I needed a car so we could take Dakota along with us."
Maria then noticed the car seat in back of the car.
"Michael that is so sweet."
"We'll are you going to get in?"
"You mean this isn't the surprise?"
"No I actually wanted to take you two somewhere. I mean if you don't have anything better to do."
"No. We'd love to come."
Maria strapped Dakota in the child seat and then sat up in front.
"So where are we going?"
"You'll see."
After an hour...
"Are we there yet?"
"Almost."
After about 5 more minutes of driving Michael pulled up into a parking lot. Maria, Dakota, and Michael got out of the car. Across the street Maria could see a carnival complete with games, foods, and rides.
"I'm sorry it was a dumb idea. I'll take you back."
"No. Michael this is wonderful. But you have to promise not to cheat at the games, you know with your powers."
"Whatever. Where do you want to go first?"
Maria pointed to a booth. "How about we get some food first. I'm starving."
Dakota ate a hot dog, and then Michael started feeding him cotton candy when Maria wasn't looking.
"Michael why is my child covered with blue slobber? What did you feed him?"
"Just some cotton candy. I can't help it if your child is a mess."
Maria just laughed at the sight and wiped Dakota's mouth off.
"How about we try for some games? Dakota doesn't have any stuffed animals. But remember what I said no Samantha Jeanie tricks."
Michael just rolled his eyes.
After about an hour of trying to win prizes Michael was getting frustrated and embarrassed. They finally arrived at a basketball game.
"Finally my kind of game. I was just getting warmed up." Michael threw the ball and it landed in the hoop. He did it five times and was finally rewarded with a gigantic Spiderman doll.
"Do you think this is big enough for him?"
"It's huge! Uh, you didn't use any of your funny stuff did you?"
"Let's go." Michael said rolling his eyes again. "I'm actually good at Basketball."
"Michael do you think you could take Dakota on the merry-go-round? I'm tired and I'll just hold this oversized Superman.
"Sure."
The truth was Maria just loved watching Dakota and Michael together. She was so happy they seemed to get along so well.
Maria watched as Michael sat Dakota on the carousel horse and then hopped onto it himself. Michael wrapped his arms protectively around Dakota so he wouldn't fall. Maria couldn't stop smiling.
The ride ended and Michael helped Dakota off the horse.
"Are you ready to go?" Michael said handing Dakota back to Maria.
"Yes it's almost his bedtime."
Michael drove Maria and Dakota back home. When Michael stopped the car Maria turned to Michael and grabbed his hand.
"Thank you Michael. That was one of the best nights of my life."
Michael just smirked. Then Maria did something he didn't expect at all. She grabbed him by the shirt and passionately kissed him. Michael let out a groan. They finally pulled apart when they heard the sound of little Dakota clapping. Michael laughed.
"I better get him to bed. Thanks again."
Maria stepped out of the car and took Dakota out of his car seat. Michael stayed until he saw Maria get safely into the house and waved goodbye as he drove off.
*******Part 13*******
Maria and Liz were in the Crashdown cleaning off tables after hours.
"Liz I never thought after all these years we'd still be working at the Crashdown."
"I just can't seem to escape the family business. Besides it helps me pay for college. Medical school isn't exactly cheap. So Maria how are things going between you and Michael?"
"Liz he's been so sweet to me. You should she him with Dakota. Dakota just loves Michael. Do you know Michael traded in his motorcycle so we could take Dakota with us wherever we go?"
"Michael sure has changed since he met you."
"I know. But Liz, Michael rarely ever touches me. I'm afraid he just thinks of me as a friend now. I mean when he first came back he acted like he wanted to take things from where we left off and get back together. But I think he's changed his mind. I was afraid when I told him about the rape he wouldn't feel the same about me and he doesn't," Maria explained sadly.
"Have you talked to him? Maybe he thinks you're not ready. Or maybe he thinks you don't want him anymore."
"Liz I kissed him! He should know how I feel."
"I guess maybe he just needs time."
"I don't know Liz. I can't stand the thought of him not wanting me. He's the only person I've ever loved and will ever love. If I can't have him I'll just be alone."
Liz walked up to Maria and hugged her. She used her fingers to brush away a tear that had fallen from Maria's eye.
"You never told me but what has your mother said about Michael's return?" Liz asked stepping back from Maria.
"She wasn't happy about it at first. She kept telling me that he would leave me again and I shouldn't let Dakota get attached to him. After a while she stopped complaining about him after I made it clear that I wasn't going to hear her badmouthing Michael. Well enough of my problems Liz. How are you and Max doing?"
"It's been strange. I mean before they left Max thought I slept with Kyle and I saw Max kiss Tess at the prom."
"Yes, but Tess and Max aren't together. He doesn't love her."
"I never stopped loving him, but it's been a long time and I don't know if he still feels the same."
"I think it's time you told Max the truth about you and Kyle."
"Maybe."
"God we're pathetic aren't we?" Maria laughed.
"Relationships are hard enough but it's almost impossible when the other person is an alien from another planet."
"At least Alex is with Isabel."
"I'm happy for him too, but in all honesty out of all of us I never expected them to be the ones that would reunite," Liz said.
"Me either. Well I'll see you tomorrow Liz. I better get home and rescue Alex from his baby-sitting duties. He's been so great. I don't know what I would have done without him."
"Alex is the best. Well I'll see you later. Give a kiss to Dakota for me."
"I will. Bye."
TBC...