Title: Revelations (part 6)
Author: Angela Rae
Category: Max/Liz, Michael/Maria, Isabel/Alex, Kyle/Tess (M) (AR)
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these fabulous characters, more's the pity. They are the exclusive property of 20th Century Fox Television, Regency Television, Jason Katims, Melinda Metz and Laura J. Burns. To quote some of my favorite fan fiction authors, I'm just borrowing – I'll return them as I found them. Cross my heart!
A/N: Rated M for safety reasons… this fic is set at the end of "Destiny", ep 1:22, which makes it AR.
I can't believe so many of you guys are "Favoriting" and "Story Alerting" this fic! So cool! Thank you!
And, as always, a HUGE "Thank you" to Tay for being such a great beta. The Pod Squad and I are lucky to have you!
Michael Guerin sighed as he watched the first streaks of morning light bathe the room in a warm glow. Light glanced off the curtain of shiny stones and through glittering beads to make little dancing rainbows on the far wall. Candles of different shapes and colors gleamed mutely in the tawny light. Their flames had long since extinguished but a heady citrus aroma still lingered in the air.
Michael wondered briefly what the scent was supposed to be for. But when he turned and looked at the girl lying by his side he made no move to wake her and ask.
His head leaned back against the headboard as he studied her in silence. Inside, he struggled with the complex feelings her presence stirred in him. Her face was kissed by the dawn's early glow, revealing delicate skin and the faint shadows that had formed beneath her eyes.
Michael reached over to smooth a golden strand of her hair behind her small ear. His fingers lingered for a moment to trace the delicate line of her cheek, before drawing away.
His thoughts drifted back to the night before.
[Six Hours Earlier]
When he climbed out Max's bedroom window he struggled not to go to her. But the more he tried to turn his thoughts to anything else, the more stubbornly his mind had returned again and again to the girl who haunted his dreams awake and asleep. As he walked through the night back to his apartment, he felt almost compelled to take the route past her house.
She was asleep when he slipped into her room. Aromatic candles burned on the dresser and nightstand, throwing her petite form into pale relief. He stood still as she shifted restlessly, thrusting one arm out and turning her face into the other's palm. Her legs kicked out at some unseen threat, further twisting the tangled sheets, and she whimpered softly in her dreams.
Alarmed, Michael stepped toward the bed and took hold of the hand she'd thrown away. The connection flared with a startling intensity, and wrenched Michael out of himself and onto her dream-plane.
Maria was running. Pain, hollow and aching, lodged deep within her as she burst out of the Crashdown and onto an empty street. Panic washed through her and tears blurred her vision, but she continued to sprint down the road. The scene changed to one of the desert – on the hill, by the pod chamber.
Michael saw an image of himself appear in front of her.
"I love you," he heard himself say, his dream-face solemn, "Goodbye, Maria."
He saw himself disappear into the chamber, a stone wall appearing to block the entrance.
"No!" Maria screamed, her fists pounding on the rock. "Michael!"
Michael was thrown from the dream. He blinked as he stared down in shock at her fragile outline. He noticed, as if for the first time, the faint purple bruises beneath the sweep of her lashes. Then he realized he caused this and his heart filled with pain and guilt; the determination to shelter and protect her was instinctive. He carefully eased onto the bed. Keeping her hand firmly tucked in his own, Michael concentrated on the connection between them.
He couldn't stand her hurting like that and began to unconsciously communicate some of that feeling, his love and desire, to her restive mind. Her emotional response was immediate. Hurt and mistrust flowed back down the link.
Michael smiled grimly and focused only on thoughts of love and reassurance. Slowly, Maria's body relaxed as her heart accepted what her mind could not. Relief swept through Michael and he felt her slip into a deep, dreamless sleep.
He slowly untangled the blankets she'd kicked to the bottom of the bed, and he tenderly pulled them up her body to cover her. As he lay down again beside her, he froze when she shifted in her sleep to curl up against him. She rested her head on his chest, just over his heart, and sighed before going lax again in his arms.
A strange feeling of peace unfurled itself within his soul. He struggled to push away the knowledge that he would have to leave her before she woke. He'd already accepted that it was too dangerous for her to be with him. He knew he could never endure it if anything were to happen to her.
The knowledge that he was doing the right thing, keeping her safe from him, as well as his enemies, was the only thing that made the emptiness within him bearable when he wasn't with her. The only thing that made it all worthwhile.
He closed his eyes as he distanced himself from those thoughts.
Michael sighed and concentrated instead on the feeling of Maria in his arms. He turned his face into her hair and cradled the hand that curled, trustingly, on his chest with his own. He inhaled her scent, imprinting it in his memory, along with a thousand other little things that were so uniquely Maria, to remember when he was far from Earth.
Michael tightened his grip on her for long moments before he let his muscles go slack. He opened his eyes, turned his cheek into her hair, and stared out the window. Awake and fully alert, Michael watched over Maria as she'd slept and waited for the dawn.
[Six Hours Later]
Now in the morning light, Michael stood up from the bed and took one last look at her sleeping form. Unable to resist, he slowly uncurled his fingers into her golden hair and ran his thumb over her lips in a soft caress.
When he pulled away, her face turned into his palm, unconsciously seeking something he couldn't give. Pain, bright and unconcealed, flashed in his eyes before he withdrew. Slipping out the window, he walked away.
(***)
Maria woke in a rush.
Michael, she thought. Happiness surged through her as she opened her eyes. Swiftly, they roamed the room, expecting to find him standing over her; his spiky hair flattened on one side from sleep, his mouth quirked in that special half-assed grin, his eyes glowing with the look that was for her and her alone…
Maria's gaze filled with confusion and disbelief when she realized he wasn't there. The measure of peace that had been gained in the night slipped away, leaving behind only the black void she struggled against daily which threatened to swallow her whole as the terrible heartache crashed through her.
She squeezed her eyes shut and turned her face into the pillow beside her.
His scent washed over her.
He was here. I know he was here, was all she could think. Her fingers clenched into the fabric convulsively as her body shuddered, racked by heaving sobs. Her knees curled up to rest on her chest and she hugged the pillow to her.
Michael…
(***)
"BEEP, BEEP, BEEP… Good morning, Roswell! It's another beautiful, sunny…"
The D.J.'s annoyingly cheerful voice was cut off abruptly when Isabel reached over and slapped the big, black button on the alarm clock resting on her nightstand. One eye opened reluctantly, looking out through thick, flaxen strands as she scanned the merrily blinking, red digits. 6:35.
Oh, God, she thought, blinking the sleep away, I am not a morning person.
She groaned softly and pulled herself out of bed, running her fingers through her hair to dislodge what was left of the French braid that had been struggling vainly to contain the wild strands. Golden wisps gently framed her sleep-flushed face.
Alex and she had stayed in the quarry throughout most of the night, talking and watching the stars move across the night sky. They'd finally decided that they should head home when they'd realized it was only a few hours until dawn and they were going to need at least some sleep before the day began.
The reluctance Alex had shown when he'd relinquished his hold on her had kindled incredible sensations that Isabel was still relishing. And their parting kiss had re-ignited the blaze of emotion she knew would always be between them.
More memories of the night rushed over her and she smiled, opening her closet door. She reviewed the available selection.
Now, what would Alex most appreciate? Something red, I think…
Her grin became impish as she reached into her extensive wardrobe.
(***)
Max smiled softly as he stepped out of the shower and wrapped his hips in a thick, blue towel. His mind kept going back to scenes from last night and this morning with Liz. His eyes glowed with happiness while he rubbed the moisture from his dark hair, remembering the sexily mused way she had looked when he had kissed her good morning.
Never had he seen a more appealing sight in his life. All he'd wanted in that moment was to slide back under the covers with her and never leave her bed. His smile widened as he walked back into him room and shut the door. He couldn't wait to see her again. A pair of patterned boxers, blue jeans and a t-shirt came out of his dresser.
He tossed the towel onto the chair by the desk and quickly got dressed before he walked back out into the hallway. He paused briefly at Isabel's door and rapped loudly.
"We pull out in twenty minutes, Iz!"
"Alright!" came the muffled response before she swung open the door. Her eyes flashed happily and she gave him an impulsive kiss on the cheek.
"I'll just take a quick shower and then I'll be right down," she said before she dashed off down the hall.
Max grinned after her for a moment before heading for the kitchen.
Diane Evans was eating the last of her whole wheat toast at the table.
"Morning, Mom!"
She looked up, her mouth full, and smiled as she waved and gestured for him to join her. He walked over to the cupboard and pulled down a bowl and cereal, then stopped to check the clock.
School officially started at eight ten, but the gang usually gathered at Liz's locker around eight to check in with each other before splitting up for the day's classes. Max tried to control the hum of anticipation rippling over his skin at the thought of seeing Liz again, and he reached into the refrigerator to pull out the milk carton. Pouring it over his cereal, he quickly put the milk away, added a dash of Tabasco, then moved to sit down at the table.
Mrs. Evans quirked a curious eyebrow as she watched her son rapidly consume the bowl's contents with a single-minded determination.
"What's the rush, honey?" she asked, amused.
Max's expression was a little strange when he mumbled, "Iz and I want to get to school a little early, Mom. You know, get a head start and all."
"Ready!" Isabel announced, making her grand entrance and startling the two at the table. It was an accepted fact in the Evans' household that Isabel was never ready on time. They watched her in stunned silence as she hurried over to the fridge and pulled out a peach and two single-packs of strawberry yogurt. She paused briefly for a spoon.
"Come on, Max! Let's go!" Her expression was filled with excited impatience.
Max grinned as he took one last bite of his cereal before depositing the empty bowl in the dishwasher. Diane watched in surprise as they hurried out the door, each calling, "Bye, Mom!" hurriedly over their shoulders.
She wondered briefly what that was all about, but supposed she should be grateful they seemed to be taking an interest in school again. She glanced at the clock and her eyes widened.
If I don't get going I'll be the one who's late, she thought as she quickly grabbed her briefcase and dashed out the door behind her children.
(***)
Alex answered his front door almost as soon as Isabel laid her finger to the bell. His eyes widened in true appreciation as he took in the stunning vision standing on his doorstep.
Her gorgeous figure was wrapped in a slim, red demi-dress that tied up around her throat to leave the long sweep of her back exposed and draped down in soft folds that ended mid-thigh.
Isabel leaned in for her 'hello' kiss, and said, "I thought you'd like it."
He was completely serious when he took her hand and said, "You take my breath away."
Isabel smiled brilliantly at the complement.
"That was the idea," she teased and tugged on his hand, pulling him out into the sunlight. His fingers closed more securely on hers as they walked to the Jeep where Max anxiously waited until they got in.
"Hey, Alex," he greeted the other boy with a quick, friendly smile before he hastily pulled away from the curb, heading straight to the Crashdown to pick up Liz.
(***)
Liz Parker sighed as she opened her locker after fourth period and reached in blindly to pull out her Trig textbook. They had a really big final tomorrow and she'd decided to do a little cramming in the quad at lunch before her next class, but somehow she didn't think she was get much done. Images of how sexy Max had looked when he had met up with her that morning flashed through her mind's eye.
A melting sensation gathered in the pit of her stomach, curling out until her whole body filled with a blissful glow. She gave a slight start as someone bumped into her, jarring her from the memories. She turned to see Kyle Valenti standing beside her.
"Liz," he said quickly, "I'm sorry about that." His familiar smile was present but she could tell he felt more than a little uncomfortable.
"It's alright, Kyle," she said, smiling. Then she reached out and touched his shoulder. "Are you okay?"
The genuine concern in her eyes eased some of his discomfort a little and his grin became a little more real.
"Yeah," he said, jokingly. "You know it takes more than a near death experience to slow me down."
Liz laughed.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later then," he said.
"Yeah, Kyle. See you later," she replied.
She watched for a moment as he melted back into the rush of students and began to navigate his way down the hall. She hoped he was really okay with the eye-opener he'd had when Max had saved his life, healing the stray bullet that had hit him during the showdown with Pierce. Her thoughts drifted for a moment as she wondered.
Then she turned her attention to the book in her hands. A rueful grin touched her features, embarrassed to see she held the wrong textbook.
You have to get a grip on yourself, chica! You're in love with the most amazing guy on the planet but it's not going to work if you get completely distracted every time you even think of Max Evans.
Liz shook her head and reached in again to switch books. Then she closed the locker door to lean against it, facing down the main hall, as she prepared to wait for the rest of the gang to arrive. Everyone usually met up at her locker before they made for their usual table in the quad.
Suddenly, large hands slipped into her pockets from the rear, flexing as they pulled her back flush against the hard body behind her.
Liz inhaled sharply when their latent connection flared into vivid life. A fierce sense of gladness and love rushed toward her as she met, and matched, its force until it pooled between them to break in concentrated waves. She turned into strong arms and his hands slid out of her pockets, coming to rest at the small of her back.
She whispered his name.
Max's lips met hers in a soft kiss, suppressed desire flaring between them, as his hands began to massage the base of her spine in short, light strokes. The kiss inevitably deepened and the world fell away. Liz's mouth parted in a soft gasp as Max's tongue traced her lower lip and then swept inside to caress her own. He groaned harshly and Liz leaned forward to mold her body more closely to his.
She slid her hands from their perch on his shoulders up around his neck to settle at his nape. Her fingertips began to sift through the short, soft strands of his hair. She started to purr deep in the back of her throat, arching into the solid hands at the small of her back.
The sound of a throat being cleared loudly broke through the spell Max and Liz had woven around each other, penetrating the haze of desire clouding their minds.
"Not that the student body isn't thoroughly enjoying this display of affection, but if you two get any hotter I'm going to start charging for tickets," Alex said.
Isabel's muted laughter followed his dryly delivered statement.
Max felt a blush creep up his neck as they loosened their embrace and Liz buried her face against his chest for a moment. He wondered fleetingly if her face was half as bright as his was right now. If the feelings he was getting from the link were any indication, he decided it was a good bet.
Max smiled reassuringly when Liz raised her head to look up into his eyes, her cheeks were flushed prettily but her eyes were serious. The look communicated what she didn't say. She was just now realizing how fully they were linked. It was like they couldn't control themselves when they touched each other without some seriously concentrated willpower.
In that moment, they couldn't even stand to be separated by mere inches of air; choosing instead to stay connected, Max took ahold of Liz's hand as she pressed her body up against his side. It was a relief to feel the strength of the connection between them. It felt like they were each half of a complete whole in the other's presence.
Max nodded to Liz, indicating they would talk about it later. She squeezed his hand and sent him a quick pulse of comfort and support to show she understood. Then she turned her attention to Alex and Isabel as she, too, smiled.
Max looked up to see Alex and Isabel as they stood off to the side and tried so hard to contain their cheesy grins. Alex's arms were wrapped around Isabel's waist and she had leaned back into his chest. Liz rolled her eyes at the other couple and Alex just winked back.
"Hey, have you guys noticed we've got some absentees here?" Isabel asked suddenly, looking around.
"Yeah. Maria.," Liz said, "You know, I haven't seen her all day, you guys."
The group looked at Alex, he shook his head slightly. He hadn't seen her either.
"What about Michael?" Alex asked, squeezing Isabel's hand.
"I saw him earlier," Max said quickly, "He said he was going to work on one of his sketches."
Alex looked at Max and asked, "How's he doing?"
Isabel and Max exchanged a significant look, before Max said, "You know Michael. It's hard to tell sometimes."
The words were non-committal but Alex and Liz both read between the lines. Michael wasn't any happier about the breakup than Maria was.
"What about Maria?" Isabel's eyes were filled with poorly veiled concern, as she changed the topic to the other half of the couple they all viewed as part of their 'family'.
Now it was Liz and Alex's turn to exchange a look. They both just shook their heads.
Max's hand tightened around Liz's , their fingers intertwined in mutual support, as they all thought of the friends they knew were hurting so deeply.
"They have to do this on their own," Max said, softly. "We can't interfere."
The other's nodded, knowing he was right, but obviously not happy about it.
They all looked up when the doors to the school opened suddenly to admit a lone figure who strode purposefully up to the group by the lockers.
It was Maria; but the girl walking toward them wasn't the sweet, irrepressible spirit they knew her to be. Dark bruises showed beneath eyes that were red with recent tears. Her skin was so pale it was almost translucent. Her hands clenched at her side in tight fists, as though holding onto the very edges of her self-control.
Her whole appearance showed clear signs of strain and exhaustion… everything except her expression. Her face was a mask of barely suppressed wrath. She looked like an avenging goddess.
"Where is Michael?" Her voice was low and dangerous.
"He's in the Art Room," Max said instantly, as the others stayed silent.
Maria nodded once in acknowledgement before marching off down the hall. Students parted like the Red Sea as she walked past, her look promising agonizing retribution to anyone who stood in her way.
Alex was the first to crack a grin when she disappeared around the corner.
"Oh, wow," Isabel whispered. Her smile dawned like the sun and Max and Liz started to grin too.
She looked to Liz for confirmation of her suspicions. When Liz just nodded, her grin widening smugly, Isabel started to laugh.
"Well, we might as well get something to eat while we wait," Liz said as she started to lead Max in the direction of the quad. He pulled the textbooks out of her other hand to carry them for her as he let her pull him forward.
Alex and Isabel were quick to follow. Whatever happened, Isabel was sure Maria and Michael needed time to resolve their issues alone.
Still… she thought drolly, I would definitely pay to see the look on Michael's face when she gets ahold of him!
TBC…
A/N: R&R is always appreciated. So, press the little blue button… :)