After calling Jim over to talk about their plans, the group brought forward their ideas.
Before they could, Jim gave them an update about Metachem. "I've had a call from Monk- he's ok. He's home now. Also the building didn't burn down, so all the security staff, including Michael, Monk, Steve and myself still have a job, just we're all on an extra long leave.". Michael and Liz sighed in relief. "That's good news. Thanks for telling us Valenti.". It was Michael who spoke for both of them, Liz was too busy closing her eyes in relief, her head in her hands. "Oh thank God for that!" she sighed in complete relief.
Isabel knew she and Max were missing something. She was in full ice princess mode when asking "What happened at Metachem?". Jim Valenti sighed, waving his hand at Liz and Michael "It was their shared vision that started the change in events. By getting Maria, you, Max and Jesse out of Roswell for long enough, it prevented Max from dying in a way, you from getting shot and nearly dying- Liz from the sound of it nearly took that shot for you and Maria from being hurt while visiting Liz had Liz been at the academy. Liz would have been in harms way at the academy too. Michael wouldn't have been in danger I don't think. Jesse would have found out. Does that cover everything?", turning to Liz and Michael to confirm what he'd said. They nodded.
"Well Jesse knows now anyway" it was Ava speaking, taking a break from Zan, who was sleeping. Liz nodded, thinking as she spoke "I suspected that would still happen. Events once changed happen in different ways like a ripple effect. We have all experienced similiar events based on the original ones, just modified instead. That's what happened at Metachem for me and Jim and Monk with Michael too.". Maria was nodding, wide eyed as their time in Vegas hit her with Michael's dream and Max's vision in sudden understanding, it was no wonder Liz had struggled in Vegas.
Michael knew then Maria knew the secret. Max wanted to know what had happened in the new events at Metachem but first, how could he die in a way? Liz had been following his thoughts. "You would have been forced to heal someone and it took all your life force to do it. Your essence would be pulled into the other persons body and your body died. You'd have ended up stuck in the persons head and as you would have been linked to me, accidentally drove the person crazy. I would have been at the academy with Maria- the person you would have been in would have followed me- having wanted no witnesses- and would have attacked Maria before chasing and attacking me, ultimately throwing me throw a window 6 floors up. I would have been just saved by you from dying through your powers being released as a net and you and the person you would have been in would have died. Somehow, it's me that brings you back to life and you claim the persons body. Michael would have probably inherited your seal as a guess. Does that help?". Max's jaw dropped at that, as did everyone else's.
Liz went on "Isabel would have been shot outside Metachem, Michael and Jesse with her, Jim would have been captured too. They were after the healer, after Max or me. Kyle would have been unharmed. By changing things, I was the one shot at twice, only my shoulder got hit, not my side. A guard went through a window and not me, it was 6 floors up. Monk instead of dying, lives and as a third person was with Michael and Jim in Metachem, he gave them a warning and I set a fire as a distraction. The couple responsible for all this is gone. They died, preventing the rest from happening. You all know the rest from there.". Everyone but Michael blinked, processing what she's said. Kyle whistled.
Michael scowled at her "You missed a bit. You know the bits where you nearly died and aimed fire balls at the guards and blew up the car from the inside out", Liz glared back at him. Kyle interrupted them "What about Sean? He was there too.". Liz blinked at him, "Huh? I wasn't imagining that?". Kyle shook his head. Michael swore. They had a problem. Luckily he hadn't seen much- they should be ok he hoped. Maria couldn't believe it. Liz had done what? "You nearly died! Fire balls? Blew up a car? What the hell were you thinking?!".
Liz shrugged. "I wasn't, I was acting on instinct and I'd seen red. I lost control. I saw the couple who would have started every event I just said and after knowing how much danger we would have all been in, I acted in self defence. I didn't meant to kill the two guards, I did mean to blow up the car with the couple in it. I didn't want to die. Kill or be killed.".
Everyone but Michael's jaws dropped at her words. Max's eyes flashed at her. She put up her hand to shut him up. Max looked at both her and Michael. They had both known that night he'd left and backed each other up. He was mad. "You both knew this would happen. Why did you not tell me? I AM KING!". Michael scoffed at that, his amber eyes flashing dangerously at Max's words "It might just have something to do with the fact you didn't exactly trust Liz alone with me that night, even though she was ill. If you have been told that our powers had connected that night and we had joint visions, separate and together and you could die, you would have gone mad at us, probably claiming that we had betrayed you when NOTHING had happened between us otherwise!".
"How could you say that? I saw how close you two were. Liz had just told me she wanted to deal with this alone and yet, there she was, close to you after shooing me away", his voice full of hurt at her actions. Ava was surprised by Max's attitude- he had been so loving towards her. Liz just looked away, hurt by Max's lack of trust in her. Michael was furious at his king, Liz had been innocently there with him and had just been healed.
Holding her hand in support, he spoke for her "I had just balanced her out and was checking she was ok. One more minute and I would have been to see you to let you know, as per your request. I was following your orders. It was you that misread things, not us!" He kept his temper in check, his body tense.
"Max, I have always been loyal to you and the group. I've always been loyal to Maria too and I would never do what you just suggested I would do to her or you!" her voice cracking under her tears, "I didn't even know Michael felt anything for me until he showed me he did after I had left you.". Maria was by her friends side, glaring at Max, who realised just how in the wrong he really was. Ava had left in disgust at Max's attitude to attend to Zan. Isabel, Jesse and the Valenti's were speechless.
Speaking up in her friends defence, a pissed off Maria firmly stated to a stunned Max "Neither of them even knew of their feelings for each other. They are both so loyal to everyone else, including me -she smiled at them both- that if they did know, neither of them would have ever acted on it." Shrugging, she added "That's why space boy waited until they were both single to act, he didn't even know himself how he felt until the situation presented itself, am I right?" she looked at Michael, as she asked, who nodded uncomfortably.
Then Maria grinned "I knew though. It was hard to miss, only neither of you realised it. Remember in Las Cruces? It was Liz's attention Michael got first, it was Liz that Michael tried to stop in the computer lab and it was definitely Liz in a stare down with Michael when she refused too. There was definitely something there that day. Both of you were to a certain extent, very much in sync with each other naturally. That was something Michael and I never quite managed but with Liz, you did Michael. I was never upset because I knew that nothing would happen.".
Both of them were stunned by her observations. She was right and they had completely missed it. Kyle then spoke "I always knew that Liz saw Michael first and Max second, she just stepped back out of respect to Maria and Max and Michael most of all. That is what I told Michael in school during lunch that day. Before that, he didn't have a clue.".
Isabel asked Michael "When did you realise you liked Liz?", surprised at his reply of "I don't know. It was a random thought that made me realise it in the first place with no idea of her feelings back to me other than friendship.".
Max had been quietly listening, realising just how wrong he was. Neither of them had known at the time he had accused her in his thoughts. 'How had she even known what he was thinking?'. Liz sighed "You were broadcasting your thoughts pretty loudly, they were hard to miss. I reacted to them. Having connected my powers to Michael's boosted my signal.". Shrugging, she looked at Max's face. He didn't know what to say. He left to find Ava.
It was Jim who brought them back to the matter at hand. "Who has already graduated?" he asked, seeing Maria's hand go up "Max has too" Liz spoke up. He nodded. That left Kyle, Michael and Liz. This should be easy. They should be able to get their diplomas now as they had already done their exams. Max walked back in with Ava, Zan in her arms. Liz looked away, her mind full of bad memories. Michael noticed the difference and put his mental shield over the memories. Liz leaned against him 'Thank you', he nodded his 'You're welcome'. "What can we do?" Max has taken charge. Jim replied "They can get their diplomas now, it should be ok. Now, how are you going to celebrate and why the need to graduate early?".
Isabel smiled "I'm planning the party of course and for the early graduating, we have a FBI are in town, have been for a while now but we aren't a threat yet. The theory goes that potentially when at graduation, the FBI try to kill 4 of us- Max, Michael, Liz and me- after something happens and we become a threat. As things have changed and now there is no proof, we aren't sure how safe it will be, so are graduating early to be safe.".
Jim nodded at that. "It makes sense, ok you can get the diplomas for Kyle, Liz and Michael today and have the party tonight. Does everyone agree?" They all nodded. That settled it.
Later that day after picking up their diplomas, the three of them walked into the Crash Down. Liz's dad had been surprised but pleased that Liz wanted to graduate early to get her chance in Harvard faster. He agreed to a party that night. Sean walked in when they were sat as a group discussing the details. "Liz" he called out, she looked up in his direction and back to Michael's direction. They needed to know what he'd seen. Liz was to find out.
Liz left the table and went to Sean "Can we talk?" he nodded at her question, following her to the back room. Liz faced him "What did you see at Metachem?". He blinked "I didn't see anything apart from a building on fire, some strange people, guards and for some reason the former sheriff and Michael Guerin with a third person. Why Kyle was there I don't know and a car set on fire. That was all. Are you in trouble". She shook her head no. "I need you to forget what you saw that night. Ok? ". "Ok" he agreed. "So you and Guerin, is it official?" biting her lip, she nodded.
He gave her a box. "Happy graduation. Maria invited me to the party celebrating tonight. I hope you like it. My heart will always be yours, even in friendship." She opened the box and inside was a silver charm bracelet with a scientific microscope charm on it. She noticed him hand her a card. She smiled "I love it. I'm glad we can still be friends.". She kissed his cheek and opened the card. She hugged him "Thank you.". She allowed him to put it on her, the charm sparkling. "You can add to it and make it a friendship bracelet. I'm going to miss you around here. I hope Guerin looks after you and if anything changes, I'll be here always for you.". They smiled at each other before going back out to the rest of the group. 'We're safe' she broadcast in general, feeling everyone relax. It was then Michael noticed the bracelet and quirked his eyebrow at her 'It's a graduation present of a friendship bracelet, relax' he did, just slightly.
He was aware of the star diamond pendant in his pocket and his fingers itched to remove the charm bracelet. She was his 'Little Miss Scientist' not Sean's. It was his nickname for her after all. He made up his mind. He had engraved the back of the star with 'Mine' with his symbol again to get his point across. He trusted her, it was others he was wary of. This way he could protect her and give her comfort while letting her stand in her own right in her own defence. Sean was saying that he was going to the party and asked how he could help. Isabel was delighted. He was put into planning immediately. Michael stood up and brought Liz to him, giving Sean his seat. His eyes dark, he asked her to go over some work stuff with him.
She stepped in the back, his arm around her to lead her through before he spun her around to face him, looking at her bracelet. "It's a nice gift, shame that mine to you outshines it.". Jealously tinged his voice. She reassured him "There's no need to be jealous, I am already wearing your name Michael", she kissed his cheek and he closed his eyes at her touch. "I know, I can't help it. Here's mine. You are a star Liz and it was time you wore something to show it. It will go with the make over you have planned. You really should get Isabel to help you with that..." he was cut off her kissing him, speechless as he kissed her back, trying to take control, only for her to pull back to look at him, box open in her hand. "I love it, thank you, nice additions on the back. Is there something different with this chain than the other one, it feels more liquid than solid to me.".
He smirked at her, his eyes showing his amusement "Yes, it's from a piece of Antarian metal that was given to me once. And no, you can't experiment on it. Just please wear it!". She looked away, blushing that he'd known what she was thinking, her mind working in over time, without their connection turned on in their minds. He knew her too well. At his raised eyebrow, she nodded. She had an idea. She carefully took the other chain off, slid off the 'P' and carefully slid it on next to the star. Cupping her hand over it, she linked the two symbols together with her power, making the diamond shine bright and the backs glow greeny blue briefly, recognising the symbol for what it was for- her own safety and protection. Finished, she nodded in satisfaction at her work.
Michael had been scratching his eyebrow in confusion at what she was doing until she used her power and it clicked. 'She was linking the two to boost her signal. If she was ever in danger again of any kind, this would let him know exactly where she was and if she was ok. Now he needed one of his own to complete the set and completely connect the power between them. They would both be safer this way.'. He smirked at that. Her way of letting him keep an eye on her without treading on her toes. She smiled at him, following his reasoning. They grinned at each other 'I'm glad you approve, now you can put it on me.'. He stepped forward and slid it around her neck, sealed the ends together.
Stepping back, he checked out his handiwork, "perfect, however one thing doesn't fit right..'', lifting up the 'L' under his finger with a knowing look in his eye. She shrugged, "does it really matter, I'm with YOU. Now, what business did you need to talk about?", his eyebrow quirked, answering "Ours. Now it's sorted, you'll get the card later. Come on before the party Nazi has anymore ideas for us.". They walked out together, Liz saying "At least that's that sorted." He just shook his head, jeeze, she never stopped thinking! Then he grinned. He knew he could stop her thinking straight.
Isabel pounced on them. "Right, I have a list for you too. Sit down and start reading.". It was an order. Sighing, they gave each other matching looks and did as they were told. Isabel noticed the diamond. She was impressed. "Nice diamond you gave her Michael and you didn't need my help once. You're improving. I definitely approve.". She smiled and walked to someone else. Michael was blushing.
The party plans were in full swing. Liz was getting ready. Maria was getting sorted and meeting up with Billy, so Liz was alone getting ready when Michael climbed up her ladder, landing softly on her balcony. He smiled, watching her add her finishing touches.
The diamond shone perfectly on her. Sitting on her now open window ledge, he coughed. She shrieked in surprise, glaring at him for scaring her. "Why can't you just knock?" sighing as she corrected her mascara with a wave of her hand. Deciding she done, she added her perfume and was done.
She was wearing her grandmother Claudia's diamond earrings to do with the star pendant. Hearing his "hear hum" in background, she put her on shoes and shawl. With her bag on the bed, called out to him "like you need an invite.". His eyebrows rose and he stepped in, coming up behind her, kissing her neck softly. "I do since you agreed to date me, now let me have a look at your outfit properly. For someone who is innocent in one way, you are a definite tease in another.". Stepping back, he spun her around. His jaw dropped. She smirked. "Wow.". He whistled in appreciation. She was in her black prom dress. She approved back. He was sexy as hell in his plain black shirt and suit, no tie of course. She stepped away and he tugged her back, losing himself in her. Raising his head, his breath catching and hers had vanished under his spectacular kiss.
"Come on, the others will be waiting", breathing unsteadily. He pulled out her card. She took it with a smile. Reading it, she beamed at him, getting his present. "Here, I hope you like it. I liked the card, thank you.". Taking it from her, he opened it to find a new metallica tshirt and cd of their music he didn't own yet. It was the original demo tape! He loved it. He opened the card, reading her now recognisable writing. She'd given him a diary entry from the night they had first meet in the alley way. 'Where had this been?'.
She looked away, blushing. He reread it. 'Wait, what was that. She had thought him to a be a tall, handsome stranger in the night, who she wouldn't have minded too much sweeping her over his shoulder and testing out the cliche of the mix of bad boy and very good girl. It was a shame about Max and she would probably never have the chance to find out. Oh well, a girl can most definitely dream it had ended. Raising both eyebrows in complete surprise at her words, she looked away.
"I rewrote it. I started to write and realised my imagination definitely knew the words x- rated. The dreams I had that night were intense to say the least. You have a certain charm when added to an element of danger and the flash of your amber eyes makes you dangerously irrestible at all the wrong times. Granted I stood up to you but equally granted was the fact I could have been whisked off my feet and kissed senseless and I wouldn't have protested against you once. What can I say it's a cliche for a reason.". He honestly had no clue what to say. He wasn't the only one with x- rated dreams that night then, all of them with a certain fiery spitfire in the starring role.
Damn, they had missed the boat with each other at the start. He was speechless. She went to leave and he whisked her back, kissing her with the same intensity he'd felt that night, felt in Las Cruces, felt ever since he'd meet her. In his mind, she was up against that wall from that night, being ravaged by him and there was most definitely no sign of any protest. The cliche was definitely true. He knew he now had the proof of that in his arms and so did she.
It was time to join the others downstairs. He knew that but still he couldn't stop. It was too intense. Both were too caught up in the memory of that night and the mix of raw emotions. Shakily she pulled back, stunned by the rip tide of emotions going through her, the memory of him ravaging her up against the wall in his mind had spurred her on. Breathing hard, she needed to repair the damage done to her make up. His head was spinning. He felt her move away to correct any damage to her outfit. He had lost control. That heat had always been there with the same intensity. It made sense now why they collided. They had been on a collision course since they meet.
She had sorted herself out by now, sorting out him too. He meet her eyes, stunned. She blushed, looking away to get her bag. Picking it up, she asked if he was ready to go. He nodded, leading her out of the room. The party was in full swing as they arrived, Billy was there dancing with Maria, Max with Ava and Isabel with Jesse. Kyle was watching with a camera. Her parents- her mum approved too- pushing them both into the group for a photo Maria's mum was organising. Photo after photo was taken until everyone was finally happy. Then came the speeches and toasts, Liz being elected the main speaker. She took the role with aplomb. Finally came cutting the cake and the dancing.
Liz noticed a woman outside and slipped out. The woman was in trouble. Noticing the knife attack, she hid and knocked the guy out with her power, making a pipe fall down on his head, returning quietly to the party. The last piece of the puzzle had slid quietly into place- the woman had been the witness for the FBI to pin point them. It wouldn't happen now. She wasn't seen and it had looked like a freak accident. Normal.
Sean asked her for a dance. She accepted. "You will visit me if I get into Harvard right?" grinning, he nodded "Of course.". He kissed her cheek, "Good bye Parker", they shared a smile and he gently kissed her softly good bye on the lips, then hugging her. Neither of them had seen Michael watching them or the look of betrayal on his face. He left for the granolith to think. Liz has stepped away from Sean "Good bye DeLuca, it's been a wild ride.". At his last smile, she left. Michael was gone. She found Maria "Where is Michael?" Maria looked at her, she didn't know. "He saw you and Sean, not realising it was a good bye. He'll be at the granolith. Go and get him.". She hugged Maria "thanks" and left. Maria just sighed at them.