(repost of Peachykins Finding Ulysses. Apologies for formatting issues )

Liz smiled for him, but Michael saw the doubt in her eyes and feared for her. He knew if she waited too long she'd lose whatever was left of her in Max's dreams and that would be the worst crime in the world.

"You better go, Michael." She whispered, a sob catching in her throat.Michael wrapped his arms around the tiny woman only the second time he'd ever done so. He didn't want this to be goodbye. He didn't want to lose their friendship and the undercurrent of love he knew would grow stronger if he stayed.

Uncharacteristic tears fell down Michael's face as he held Liz's sobbing frame, but he didn't feel the need to wipe them away. He wanted her to see that this wasn't easy for him. Leaving her was the hardest thing he'd ever have to do. Because no matter how stifled and confined he felt living in the confines of their group, in those two months after Maria had left and until that moment, he'd begun to feel he'd found a home, in Liz."Thank you." Michael said, holding her face in his large hands. Liz knew he was thanking her for her friendship and understanding, and for letting him go even if now he wasn't sure.

Michael wasn't sure what possessed him, but the knowledge that he may never see her again seemed to force his next action. He leaned down, brushing his mouth over Liz's. He'd only meant it to be a light kiss, just to know, for once, what her lips felt and tasted like. But Liz wrapped her arms around his neck and he felt himself pulling her closer to his body deepening the kiss. Their tongues stroked the other and a soft moan escaped her throat as he held the back of her head, threading his fingers through her long dark locks.

Air was the devil, as it caused them to part, panting, their breaths clouding in the frigid air and dissipating a moment later. Liz rested her head on his shoulder and he rubbed her back absently. A moment later Michael tipped her head back up to his own."Just needed to see what that would feel like." He told her with a smirk, belying the now stronger pull he felt to stay, just for her. The kiss had been that powerful.

"Thanks." She returned his smile, because she had wanted the same thing, "See, I told you, you're the brave one." He chuckled softly kissing her forehead lightly.Liz looked at the Nova then back at Michael, her eyes welling with tears again, "You really need to go Michael, before you wake anyone up."

"I know." He said mournfully, taking a step back, releasing Liz from his arms. He winced as she brought her arms back around her body to try and replace the warmth his body had given her. This couldn't be goodbye. She'd come to mean too much to him. He needed to leave her with an option, or at the very least a sense of hope.

He pulled on her arms, taking her hands in his own, "Should you uncover your strength one day, Liz… look for me. Promise me.""Michael…" Liz protested, sure she would never find what he saw in her."Promise. Me." He said insistently.Liz softened and smiled, "I promise, Michael." she relented, "But how will I know where you are?"

Michael taxed his mind for a moment, then a grin spread over his face as he remembered a particularly spirited discussion they'd once had about the greatest novel ever written. Neither of them convinced the other in the end, but it had been a kick-start to their new friendship.

"Find Ulysses." He whispered.When Liz smiled Michael knew he'd gotten through to her. He only hoped someday she'd realize her own bravery. He gently dropped her hands, and before he could change his mind about leaving, he ran to the Nova. He started the engine catching a glimpse of her as he shut the door. Pulling out of the driveway he'd been tempted to take one last look at her through the rear view mirror, but she'd made him promise not to look back.

~*~

Sweet was wiping down tables and putting chairs up while Michael turned away from the bar bringing his attention to the till. It had been a good night and he'd be up at least another hour doing the books. He heard the door to the bar open, assuming Sweet hadn't locked it yet."Oh I'm sorry Miss, but the bar is closed for the night." The old man said in a kind voice. Michael smiled at his friend's demeanor; he really lived up to his nickname.

"Even for a Shirley Temple?" the familiar female voice asked.Michael's heart leapt into his throat and his eyes widened. His eyes shot up to the mirrored wall of the bar and saw her standing there. But it couldn't be her. She wasn't real. It had to be a trick of the eyes. He was tired and seeing things.

"Michael?" she said. Apparently he was hearing them too.Michael closed his eyes turning around, sure she'd be gone when he opened them, but she was really there. Still small and weary, but beautiful. He looked behind her to see if her husband was close by and found no one."Liz?" He finally rasped, "What are you...? How did you…"

Liz smiled, "I found Ulysses