Note: This section was changed slightly. I'm into the whole 'process' part of story telling what can I say? Also under pressure to actually finish things so um… enjoy.
Dedication: for abby (TruKandyGirl), thanks for your support for me, and other hard working fic writers & readers *cough*jazpa*cough*
PART 6Watching Michael scan the growing crowd for that 'Maria Girl' Max grinned to himself. Just from knowing that he was in control of his emotions more than Michael made him proud. Max felt for the first time in his life as powerful as his bigger, but just as old, brother.
Max had been tortured daily with Liz, knowing he could never date her. The alien siblings had decided the day before they entered Roswell, on their 13th birthday that the *secret* would stay a secret. How ironic was that? Because the first place the 'new family' had went to was the Crashdown and a cute little thirteen year old girl came to take their order. Her maturity and big brown eyes that had looked at the new comers curiously had amazed Max.
Max thought he could picture exactly how Michael would have reacted if the situation had been reversed. First Michael would be like Max, driven insane that he couldn't 'progress' in *anything* with Maria. But unlike Max, Michael would not have been able to handle it, Michael would crack, just thinking of Michael's behaviour in just the past couple of days seemed to confirm this response for Max. In the day Michael would tell himself that it was better this way, safer… but at night he would remind himself that he loves danger.
Michael would never have been able to handle Maria not knowing Max reasoned. It just wasn't really in his character 'not to act'. Maria being out of Michael's reach would have been unacceptable to him. Looking over at Michael Max knew that when it came down to it Michael would never allow anything he wanted to be out of his reach for too long. This, Max knew, came from Michael being so popular and always getting what he wanted. Max was regretful of this though, hoping this 'Maria girl' would give his assuming-brother a bit of a fight, so Michael would realise that there are things, human *things*, worth fighting for. Michael also would have the benefit of being solid, Max couldn't picture Michael pining away after a *target*. Maybe their control would have been the same Max thought then, it would just take different forms.
Max had a sudden burst of anger. Michael would have dated Maria anyway, he would have pursued her, Michael always got what he wanted! Then when he couldn't stand it any longer he would 'accidentally' tell her the secret right before he told her that he loved her. Michael would have been a hypocrite, Max could see it now, Michael had been gearing up for it the day after meeting the new girl and that was even before they knew the secret!
Looking at Michael again in a fit of anger Max cooled, reflection and confusion replaced the anger. 'What ifs' wouldn't do, how could he be sure on what-might-have-happened? All Max knew right now was that he was for once the cool, calm and collected one and Michael was feeling the ever-growing twinge of what he had felt for the past four years.
Michael looked over at Max and smiled, a real smile, a happy-to-be-here smile and Max realised that this little incident didn't distance them, it made them closer, able to relate to each other better. They were both confused, excited and most of all content.
*~*~*
Isabel couldn't believe it; she had just done the 'group bathroom' thing and had actually wanted to do it. Isabel had went with her new friends, laughed as she and Maria had helped Liz fix her dress as Maria made are-you-sure-Max-didn't-have-anything-to-do-with-your-strap-breaking? Jokes and she had giggled honestly at Liz's blush and denial.
Isabel's smile was momentarily rubbed off her face as they left the bathroom - Courtney would be here. She hadn't run into her yet - but she would. Not because Courtney cared about seeing her, but because she did care about Michael, so she'd be on the hunt tonight in some slutty clothes and would rapidly find them.
Courtney couldn't destroy this new bond, of that Isabel was pretty confident, for once their secret would help by being glue and re-enforce a friendship. Isabel also knew, and this better then the previous knowledge, that Courtney could be a nuisance and would go out of her way to gain Michael's attention and probably try to di it by pointing out all the things which made Maria *less* in Courtney's narrow view.
The trip over had been quite, apart from Michael swerving when Maria had nervously rubbed her thighs together and Alex had yelped when he did so, making the two girls turn into 'laughing hyenas' as Michael put it; While the embarrassed boys both hoped that the cause of their behaviour wasn't found out. So apart from that noise the trip over had been quite but comfortable and Isabel had never thought a trip to a party could have been so enjoyable and unpretentious.
Alex had seen that the conversation had flown, and he had done it with no arrogance or pretensions. Even though they had spoke of Roswell, school and music, quite mundane topics… Isabel had known that she and her brother had never been so well entertained and happy while deep in conversation with two humans. There had been mild flirting, but it was guarded, making it not the usual overbearing thing Isabel usually had to endure. Isabel had even witnessed two things never seen before, Michael actually going out of his way to enter a conversation, and while there flirt!
It was like they were trying to get to know each other privately. At first Isabel was jealous and annoyed, because it left her and Alex out, then she thought about how Michael had never been so sweet, caring about someone, she had never seen him so tender, so *wanting* to be private. The bits of conversation Isabel had caught were sort of flirty-teasing and Isabel had smiled at herself, the comfort of it all. Michael had never actively flirted; he was usually sometimes so aloof and cool that silly girls (namely Courtney) interpreted that as flirting. If Courtney had been in Maria's seat she would have probably brought a wedding dress by now.
Isabel remembered then that Maria didn't know Michael, his past-non-Maria-there behaviour and she worried the girl would just interpret him as sleazy-aren't-I-popular behaviour. No… Michael had still been guarded, and Maria had been too… Isabel didn't think it had been wise to dwell on their relationship further, it would be detrimental to her health.
Now as Isabel made her way over to the three not-so-patiently-waiting boys she looked steadily at Alex feeling Maria by her side. She then realised why she had been jealous, not because they had been secluding her, but because she couldn't communicate so easily with Alex. All her 'popular social skills' weren't working in the real world and from now on Isabel more than anything else wanted to have real happiness.
'Her home planet' the concept scared her, she didn't want to leave earth, it was the only home she had ever known, everything she loved was here, parents, brothers, new good friends… Isabel wanted to know the truth about her origins but that was really only because she wanted to know the truth about herself and that was the bravest thing she could think of doing.
*~*~*
Alex remembered pulling into the lot. The four had got out quickly; excitedly nervous was the best way to describe them. Michael had been anxious, Alex had thought that due to the fact Maria's dress was not only tight but rather short. Alex himself had been excited but tense because he was actually arriving with Isabel Evan's and her brother. Maria and Isabel were similar – both excited but unsure about how to act.
Alex had never dreamt he would *ever* be *anywhere* out of school with Isabel and Michael, sure he had sometimes pretended last year that when Isabel had come to the Crashdown it was code for 'I like you Alex' and Michael and Max had secretively admired him but… blushing Alex walked to stand next to his new friend.
"You alright?" Alex asked one uneasy blonde.
He had caught Maria glance at Michael before replying. "Yeah…fine, you?"
Alex had glanced at Isabel then and replied with a squeak. "I'm good."
The group had walked slowly to the door and Alex had had this secret suspicion that in that short moment Michael had checked himself when about to take Maria's hand in his.
Looking now at Isabel as the girls made their way back Alex grinned to himself, he was more then good.
*~*~*
Michael caught a glimpse of blonde hair and his fingertips heated. They had come together and Michael had reasoned to himself that meant they should stay together the entire time.
Michael's mind was in turmoil, he wondered if this was a 'first date' or if he should officially ask her out, but then that date would be the first, so can he still ask her to dance or even attempt to kiss her. Kissing Maria…
They had taken too long, Michael had been worried, but then very embarrassed when he had asked Max the time and he had replied with not the time but with a smiling "Michael, they've been gone 5 minutes."
However now that Michael could see the three girls making their way back he was less annoyed that Max hadn't let them all go and while the girls were inside they would have been just outside protecting, *waiting* outside the door.
Michael had been bothered by how many males had looked at Maria, *them* and this old problem was beginning to slam back into his head now that Maria, *they*, were in public view again. Michael snarled low in his throat as predatory males started circling the girls.
A few boys caught a glimpse of what the girls were walking towards and backed off at the sight of the Evan brothers. While employed glaring at the boys Michael caught sight of the most annoying hunter in Roswell, currently making her way over to him. Michael inwardly groaned and he could tell Max and Alex were equaling tensing aswell.
Courtney was coming from the opposite side to the three girls and had decided over night to try a different tack then scorn - falsity and manipulation.
*~*~*
Arriving at the party Liz had been happy to discover that the others were already there. Liz felt on entering, and she felt for sure that Maria and Alex must have felt it as well, the intense stares and glares she was receiving from arriving with one of the Evans'. The eyes denoted amazement and reassessing. Walking back to the boys with Maria and Isabel, the Ice Princess, Liz's awareness of her company and the surrounding crowd was once again magnified.
Greeting the others Liz noticed how protective Michael was towards Maria, but she figured that to be a result of the ongoing stares the girl was getting from the males at the party, and assumed Michael 'Mr. Popular' Evans, was just asserting his authority. The stares directed towards Maria included one female however, who hadn't taken her eyes off the new girl since she had entered. It wasn't with admiring eyes though; her gaze was full of scorn and hatred – Courtney Banks.
*~*~*
"Hey." Max said as the three girls joined the boys. Looking at his feet he grinned, so much for not being a goof…
The group stood in happy silence, this grouping felt good, it felt comfortable. However, the hidden pressures, concealed obstacles surrounding the group were still there. Liz and Alex were more then aware of the social structure they were being incorporated into by arriving with the Evans'.
"Hey Mickey!" Courtney. Isabel inwardly groaned. Michael could take care of himself, and it wasn't like Maria was easily threatened, but the situation would be uncomfortable.
"Hello Courtney." Michael replied calmly moving unconsciously closer to Maria who looked for a second like she was going to lean into him, though upon remembering herself she didn't, much to Michael's disappointment and Courtney's notice.
"So…" Courtney began looking directly at Isabel. "Who are you going to dance with?"
Isabel's face flushed and she glanced quickly at Alex who was looking awkwardly at the ground. He knew her situation, Isabel's social framework bounded in restrictions and she smiled at his unjust compassion towards it.
Liz however was glancing at Alex looking disappointed and saddened while Maria looked at him with confusion and naiveté. This hurt Isabel, to think that the girls where dismayed by her actions and Liz even seemed not really surprised by it. "No one's asked me yet…"
"Asked you?" Courtney laughed. Obviously the concept of somebody actually *not wanting* to dance with Isabel wasn't something Courtney had grasp.
Liz didn't really think it was an essential concept for Courtney and Isabel though, they were the two most popular girls in school, Isabel probably the more so. Poor Alex… "Alex, can you help me find where the drinks are?" Liz asked receiving a thankful smile from the boy.
"Sure…" Alex replied glancing at Isabel.
Liz and Alex moved off and the entire grouping, but one, was really sorry they had left. "So Isabel, who's your fancy?" Courtney pressed.
"You can't see him anymore…" Isabel sighed glancing at Maria who was looking at her quizzically.
"Oh well it's great you've got someone on your scope." Courtney beamed.
"Yeah I think so…" Isabel smiled at Maria who grinned back.
Missing the exchange Courtney stared directly at Michael. "Are we going to dance now or what?" Courtney was getting sick of Michael's games. She understood guys liked to be the 'prey' some of the times, but this was getting ridiculous. She was sure Michael *wanted* her, what guy wouldn't?
"'Or what' Courtney – "
"Of course you're tired from the game…" Courtney interrupted unnerved, scared of the rejection she had felt coming.
Michael heard Maria almost inaudibly voice her concern about Michael getting hit so much and it brought Michael's attention to a topic normally ignored by him.
The aliens had been able to pick up the sentence and all glowed for different reasons at it being said. Michael obviously wanted to encourage Maria and maybe in doing so became more comfortable with her maybe wanting to…
Courtney moved closer to Michael suddenly making Maria move more to the side and she then tried her usual tactic - flirting (to the point of embarrassment according to Isabel). "Well come to me later if you what some exercise."
With Maria moving to the side, to stop from getting trampled by Courtney, she was more open to the circling males' stares and Michael noticed the predatory boys moving closer to her, scanning her legs and breast. Moving once again closer to Maria making Courtney this time step back marked Michael's annoyance.
Michael gave the males a warning glance, which pretty clearly said 'back off!' Part of his annoyance had been the missed opportunity to have maybe been given praise by Maria and the other parts broke down into even parts of - protection, assurance, lust and many other confusing emotions Michael had never felt before.
Max thought Liz could handle herself, but he hadn't really made sure that she knew he was at this party with her. He had tired to get confirmation in the car, and to a certain degree he thought he had, but this little Maria induced problem for Michael had his mind in turmoil.
When Michael and Max had left the oval after chatting with the girls they had assumed the girls realised that they were *going* to the party with them. However now Max realised and he knew the realisation was hitting Michael to. That it was an arrogant assumption; the two know the secret about the aliens origins not what's in their hearts.
Max was pretty sure Liz knew he liked her a lot, of what Maria knew he was less sure off. Maria seemed to be holding something back, just like Michael. Max could see they were both interested in each other, but he could also see a type of reserve, a unsure diffidence of maybe past problems with Maria, and a type of hesitant formality in Michael's case of not knowing what to do in this completely new situation. Michael wanted to do this right, take time etc... but Michael was naturally impatient and impulsive.
Isabel smiled as she saw Maria blush as she felt Michael come behind her again, this time gently pressing into her. Isabel then beamed as Courtney stepped back more. The girls attentions to Michael were by no means over, Courtney was a fighter, but this little response that had occurred unsettle her into actually thinking she wasn't 'all that'. It also was a huge step for Michael in human relations. Actually it was a huge step for Michael in relationships period.
"I'm gonna go get a drink…" Courtney said hoping in vain that Michael would do a complete one eighty and go get her one. "I'll talk to you later Mickey, Izzy, Max…" Ignoring Maria she stomped off to the delight of all.
Maria was lost in Michael's firm body. Unreasonably she wondered if Liz would approve, if Michael was like this with everyone, if… she didn't know Roswell and she worried a bit what people would think what… it didn't matter Maria thought, be in the moment, all good things would end soon enough, they always do. It wasn't 'sexually aggressive' contact, more a 'gentle possessive' touch. Leaning back into him a little Maria felt his hands move to her hips, gently touching his lips to her ear.
Max envied Michael's self-assurance and faith in his actions. Michael was in the most intimate embrace he had ever been in, with someone he *actually* liked. Max's expression grew wistful when he noticed the tenderness wash over his brothers face. How could he ever think that Michael was going to let uncertainty stop him for long and be reserved!
Michael prayed what he was doing was okay. Maria wasn't protesting, and Maria had proven to everyone she was more than capable of creating a scene if she wanted, so he figured if he ignored his urge to encase her in a crushing hug it would be okay.
This was okay Michael reasoned - they were blurring the *friends* line, something Michael was eager to do and hoped she was *just* as willing. *Friends*… the thought of Alex touching her like this chilled his spine and to cool off he glared at the boys circling the group again. She had leaned back slightly so they barely touched, while his courage was at its highest Michael leaned in, concentrating on the feel of her body.
Isabel saw the display and had the advantage of being in a position to see both reactions. She thought Michael would look up at her to seek reassurance in what he was doing, but her brother seemed not to need too. Maria had leaned back and Michael was obviously lost in thought.
Max watched as Michael lowed his mouth to the rapidly breathing Maria and raised an eyebrow as Michael whispered something in her ear making the girl's breathing catch and her nod slowly turning to face him, still remarkably close.
Isabel was annoyed that she hadn't heard what he had said but was really happy that Michael didn't display his regret as much as the boy obviously felt when Maria moved slightly out of his reach. They were flirting openly and yet Isabel noticed still the lingering shyness on both sides.
Looking up at Max and Isabel Michael nodded. "We're gonna get a drink…" Reaching for Maria's hand Michael gave her every opportunity to not receive it. Grasping her hand Michael waited a moment; to again check that what he was doing was okay and that she didn't want to take it away. She didn't remove her hand though and blushingly received his.
It was a huge step for both; the three aliens and the human-girl felt that a progression of some sort was being made. Maria was careful not to wish too soon, going overboard with hope that the strange yet wonderful sensations she was feeling were equally effecting Michael. The girl was still in doubt that the boy was even feeling any such vibes.
Smiling shyly for the first time in his life Michael lead Maria over to the drink table at the far side of the room. Glances of envy were directed at the pair and as many girls envied Maria as boys were jealous of Michael.
"Hey Michael!" Maria looked up to see Kyle with his arm around a short blonde girl making his way over to them.
"How's it going?" Michael replied.
"Great man, the party is rocking!"
"Due to your wonderful public relations agent," The blonde grinned nudging him in the belly. "I'm Tess." The girl smiled at Maria. "Excuse my boyfriend, he flunked the introductory PR unit." She laughed.
Maria had to take her hand from Michael's to shake the girl's hand and the action had mixed emotions attached to it. "Maria. I think I might have gotten a B in that class."
"I didn't flunk." Kyle said proudly. "I got a C…" He joked.
"Well I got a A+." Michael grinned searching for Maria's hand again, something Kyle and Tess noticed this time when he finally clasped it again.
"Teachers pet." Maria grinned, happy to have her hand back in his, feeling better with his strange but lovely-dream-like vibes shooting down her body again.
Tess smiled. She liked this girl; she was fresh and confident without any arrogance. "So… you two come together?" Kyle grinned at his girlfriend's question, that's his Tess, no beating around the bush.
"Yeah." Michael smirked; catching Kyle's amused eye Michael went slightly red. Both boys had noticed Maria had gone silent. Letting go of her hand Michael self-consciously stuttered, explaining by hand movements. "I mean, I drove… we um…"
"Yeah… we came together." Maria smirked taking his hand, the shock of Michael's quick reply not heating her heart so much anymore. He wanted to be with her. Her, the new poor girl with Michael Evans, the cool rich alien.
Kyle never thought he would see the day Michael Evans was so continually unnerved by a girl. Kyle was speechless, and very bloody impressed.
"It was a brutal game yesterday." Tess smiled at Michael. "Looked like they singled you out."
"Well that's great, you watched *Evans* here instead of your *boyfriend* the entire game." Kyle pouted, at which Tess moved in to rest her chin on his shoulder.
"Poor jealous baby." She smiled kissing his check. "You know the other team would have never touched you unless they wanted their eyes scratched out."
"Now that's brutal." Michael smiled stroking his thumb along the juncture between thumb and forefinger on Maria's hand.
"Us women are." Tess winked at Maria.
"You're right though sugar…" Kyle grinned, turning his attention then to Michael. "You looked like you got hit a lot man."
"I'm okay." Michael replied, hoping Maria would mention the game again, which might signal that she was feeling 'similar' vibes to the ones he was feeling…
"You got hit so much though…" Maria said taking her hand from his and resting it on his check, stroking slowly down his face.
"I'm fine." Michael whispered resting a hand on hers to still it, while clasping it to his cheek.
Shuddering Maria whispered. "I was um a little worried." She then smiled moving closer to him and pressing her body against the length of his, enabling him to feel every inch of her through her thin dress.
"A little?" He smiled pressing more firmly against her, remembering her shouting out 'foul' when he had been hit hard, daring her too back away from his lower bodily signals
"Maybe…" She replied teasingly. "…A tiny bit." The girl added rubbing her pelvis into his, daring him back to move away.
Michael's focus was intently on the girl. "Do you wanna dance?"
"You dance?" Maria smirked beautifully, her eyes dancing already with amusement.
"When I have too." Michael said, his reply entrenched with double meaning. Leading her to the dance floor he was pleased he hadn't had to change the music with his alien powers. As soon as they stepped onto the floor a sensual melody washed the room.
Moving forward Michael at last enclosed Maria in his arms. Her small hands slowly moving up his arms to rest one on each shoulder as she drew him forward. Michael's hands which were at the small of her back were moved so one rested on her hip while the other moved to cup her shoulder blade, pressing the girl into his chest.
Swaying Michael's lips moved to rest against her ear as he felt her forehead rest under his chin. Swirling cool colours filled his mind and Michael sighed - He was returning to reality, back to *just* holding Maria's hand and listening to Kyle's constant voice.
"I wouldn't have been okay. Evans you're as solid as a rock, those hit's were vicious." Kyle smiled at the oblivious boy who was concentrating heavily on the soft strokes he was giving Maria's finger. "Well um… you two have fun tonight." Kyle grinned noticing a similar look of daydreaming on Maria's face. "Don't do anything Tess and I'd do." He added dodging a slap by Tess as he dragged her away.
Michael's touch had Maria lost in a fantasy that involved brushing up against Michael on the dance floor. Kyle and Tess' departure had awoken her to say 'bye' and finally concentrate once again on the Michael of authenticity. She stared at him and he stared back, with a look of pure want which made her breath catch.
"We've been looking for you guys…" Max said, the others materialising before the two in an instant.
Maria looked to the ground, her face flushed, this was happening to excitedly fast.
Tbc…