Disclaimer: I don't own anything Roswell, except for a few episodes that I've taped from TV. Please don't sue!

Summary: When Maria DeLuca and Michael Guerin find each other, will they hit it off? And will they be able to overcome the one thing that he can't change?

Includes: All Roswell characters are included in this story: Alex, Isabel, Max, Michael, Liz, and Maria. Maybe others too, but I'm not sure as of yet. It's mostly a M/M fiction, but it will contains others as well.

Authors Note: Sorry it took me so long to get this update out, but I could never get an ending to the chapter that seemed right. It still doesn't, but I think I've made you all wait long enough. I hope you enjoy it. Keep sending feedback!

Unbroken

Chapter 12

Michael's eyes scanned the small café, obviously looking for Maria. All he really wanted was just to catch a glimpse of her, but he also hoped he wouldn't. Michael had called Max and Isabel to the café for different reasons; reasons that Maria didn't need to hear. Reasons that, if things went okay with the meeting, she'd find out about soon.

"So, Michael, what's up? Why are we here?" Isabel asked, placing a hand on his in order to draw his attention back to her and her brother. With the way Michael's head was darting around the café, Isabel knew he was searching for Maria and she hated that she was having to stand in the way. But he had worried her on the phone and her curiosity was getting the best of her. Michael wouldn't have confronted them so willingly unless it was important.

"Before I start, I want to ask you both to not interrupt. Let me finish before speaking. Please." Michael waited for both Isabel and Max to nod before continuing. "I want to tell Maria about us." he blurted out quickly and saw that he had caught Isabel and Max off guard. They clearly weren't expecting him to say that, but he could understand why. Michael had always been the one that was the most adamant about keeping their alien status from the rest of the world. He was never happy about Liz and Alex finding out who they were.

Max opened his mouth to speak, but Michael hurriedly cut him off. He didn't want to give Max the chance to refuse before explaining himself fully. "I remember you telling me that we should wait and get to know her, and that's what I've done. I've gotten to know her and I think she deserves to know. I don't like keeping this from her. I don't like keeping anything from her."

"Michael, I understand what you are saying, but I've been thinking about all of this too. I don't think telling her is a good idea. Too many people know already. It wouldn't be safe for us if we let Maria in too. Please understand, Michael."

Michael grew angry. "Understand what? That Alex and Liz are the only exceptions? I've never felt like this about any girl before Maria and I want her to know everything about me. She isn't just some fling, Max. She's more than that and I can't stand not telling her. If anyone came for us, she'd be in danger and not even know it! I wasn't asking your permission, Max. I'm going to tell her. She deserves to know the truth about me." Michael was now more determined than ever. He wasn't about to take no for an answer.

"Mich--"

"He's right, Max." Isabel interrupted, ignoring the stern look that she was now receiving from her brother. Max cared about their safety. She couldn't fault him for that, but Maria needed to know. Michael had made some valid points. "Maria is one of us now. She will be involved in everything that comes our way and she is going to need that warning. This isn't just about our safety anymore, Max. It's about everyone's: Alex, Liz, … and Maria."

Max furrowed his brow in concentration, his mind still holding doubt. Telling Maria could mean exposing them all. Was he ready to do that? Michael and Isabel had both insisted that she needed to know and deep down, he fully realized that they were right. She did need to know. He wouldn't want anyone to be dragged into their problems oblivious to what got them into that position in the first place.

Michael looked away from Max to see Maria exiting the back room. Their eyes met and a slight smile began to build on his lips. She began toward him, but he halted her with his hand. He didn't need her to interrupt them, not until they were completely finished talking and Max had agreed to let him tell her. She nodded and placed herself behind the counter, knowing that he'd come to her when he was done. "So what do you say, Max? Are you going to back me when I tell her?"

Max shook his head slowly, a smile surfacing. "Tell her, Michael. What I said a while back, I meant it. You do deserve to be happy and Maria needs to know what she's getting herself into."

"Thanks, Maxwell. I appreciate this." He stood, waving to his friends as he left them. He kept his gaze focused on Maria as he neared her, slowly sitting on a stool that surrounded the diner counter. "Maria," she jumped when she heard him and he smiled. "can I see you tonight?"

She turned to face him, his eyes captivating her. Her feelings for Michael had grown so quickly. It scared her a little, but she wasn't going to let that keep her away from him. He always had away of making things better with her and she liked that feeling. "Of course you can." she beamed. "My place or yours?"

"Mine. I want to do something special for you tonight. I have something I want to tell you." he slowly leaned over to counter to leave a soft kiss on her lips, licking his own when they parted. She smiled at him and he melted. As corny as it may sound, Michael couldn't understand how he could have lived his whole life without Maria in it. "So I'll see you tonight? Seven o'clock. Don't be late." he turned swiftly, without giving her a chance to reply and headed for the door. He had so many things to do before tonight. Everything had to be perfect.