Something More (AU, Mi/L, K/Ma) 1-11A ~interlude~ (1/18) M

[tiredmuse]

Title: Something More
Author: tiredmuse/muse
Pairing(s): Mi/L and K/Ma, for now
Rating: MATURE
Disclaimer: Roswell or anything affiliated with it doesn’t belong to me.
Feedback: Oh Buddha yes. Anything is welcome.
Summary: Polar AU. Liz and Maria spend their last summer together before starting their lives as adults at the Lake. No aliens.
A/N: Please forgive my sad lack of knowledge of US geography, any screwups about wildlife, roads or places are my own. The places depicted in this fic are not real (as far as I know ) but are based a little on my own vacationing experiences.

Thanks to michaelandliz4ever for all your help and encouragement in writing this. I love your advice, hun! Thanks to Dropchica for making such a pretty banner for this. You guys rock .

Hope you enjoy!







Best Polar Fanfiction Runner up Rounds 9 & 10




Chapter 1

Liz Parker woke somewhere along the stretch of road between New Mexico and Colorado known as 1-67. Disoriented and stiff from sleeping in the car, she blearily took in her surroundings.

Her best friend since forever, Maria Deluca was at the wheel of Liz’s new (but gently used) 1994 Honda Civic, a graduation present from her parents. Maria’s pale green eyes were covered by her black Gucci knock-off sunglasses, her long dirty blonde hair loosely bound into a simple twist.

They two young women had taken turns driving through the night, refusing to rest at a roadside hotel. The promise of their destination was too alluring to even consider stopping. And as Maria had so succinctly put it “The rooms in those cheap motels are like the porno version of Aladdin.” Liz hadn’t minded, she been away from the lake and the cottage for far too long.

The hot sun poured down through the windshield. Liz noted that her shoulders had darkened slightly already. She couldn’t wait to spend the next few weeks lounging on the dock, soaking in the sun until her skin was golden. Yawning she stretched and reached to lift her long dark tresses off of her sweaty neck.

“Welcome back to the land of the living sunshine!” Maria chirped at Liz, unbelievably perky due to, judging by the pile of empty paper cups, her third coffee.

Liz yawned in reply. “Please Chica,” Maria said scrunching up her pixie nose, “Get some mouthwash or something. You could so use some.”

Sticking out her tongue was the best retort Liz could muster. “Where are we?” she asked her voice husky from sleep.

“As far as I know, since my trusty navigator has been asleep for the past few hours, we are only an hour or so away from the lake and Grandma Claudia’s cottage.”

“Sorry Maria, I was really tired after my last driving shift. And I did let you sleep for nearly five hours before you took over.” She pointed out.

“I know, I know.” Maria grumbled half-heartedly. “It’s just so hot already and the air-conditioning is a no show.”

Liz fiddled with the a/c controls, banging on the dashboard a few times for good measure. The air conditioning sputtered to life, the vents blowing warm air.

“Why your parents didn’t buy you a new car with a reliable cooling system and decent stereo is beyond me.” Keeping one hand on the wheel Maria fanned her self with other.

“You know that my parents can’t afford Harvard and a brand new car, even with my scholarship.” Liz replied calmly, used to Maria’s good natured whining.

Maria sighed and glanced at Liz quickly, pushing her glasses on top of her head. “I can’t believe that this is our last summer together, Lizzie. Soon you’re going to be studying to become a famous molecular biologist while I make it big as a singer in New York City.”

Removing a sweaty hand from the wheel of the car, she grasped Liz’s in hers, squeezing tightly. “It’s just hard to believe that in less than two months we’ll be living apart from each other, for the first time ever.”

Liz smiled as tears threatened to fill her chocolate eyes. Not wanting to start their vacation together on a sad note, she said “No matter what Maria, you’ll always be my friend. Even when you’re CD’s don’t sell anymore, and you’ve been in rehab for drug addiction or you’re on your third husband, I’ll still love you.”

Maria tried her best to look offended as the car filled with her laughter. “As long as I don’t get fat or a boob job, that’s okay. And you know me well enough to know that the only thing I sniff is cypress oil.”

Liz laughed along with her trying to imagine her friend older and overweight with Pamela Anderson (or was it Lee now, Liz could never keep up with celebrity gossip like Maria) breasts. Giggling she got out her journal as Maria fiddled with the radio, finally settling on a station that played 80’s music.

Liz stroked the worn leather cover of her most prized possession; her journal. She had been writing in these “memory books” as her father affectionately called them for years. This particular one had been with her through most of her high school days. There were only a few more pages left before she ended this chapter of her life, and began a new one. Just thinking about Harvard had her stomach turning knots and butterflies flitting around. She was so incredibly nervous and excited at the same time. It was a new beginning for Liz; time to start her life as an adult.

Liz smiled warmly at Maria, who was busy singing along with Boy George to “Karma Chameleon” at the top of her lungs. Liz was so happy that Maria had agreed to spend the summer with her at the cottage her Grandma Claudia had left her when she died. It had taken some convincing though. Maria at first hadn’t looked forward to living in a two bedroom cottage with no television and no towns nearby with populations over 1200. But Liz had quietly persuaded her with talk of the boys on the lake, and the parties that the cottagers had, as well as the dance at the end of the summer at the Peachtree Lodge.

Her parents were at first reluctant, it was after all the last summer they would have with their ‘baby girl’ before she went off to school. But Liz’s mother, recognizing the determined look on her daughters face, had given in quickly and helped to sway her husband.

Maria had given up on “Karma Chameleon” and was now doing her best breathless Marilyn Monroe impression to the Divinyls “I Touch Myself”. Liz just snorted and picked up her pen.

Dear Diary,

I still can’t quite believe that in less than two months, I’ll be going to Harvard! This has been my dream for so many years and it’s finally coming true.

Not with out a little pain though. I guess it’s true when they say that anything worth having isn’t free. My two best friends Alex and Maria will be miles away following their own dreams. At least Maria is with me right now, I know we'll have so much fun this summer.

Poor Alex, he wanted to come with us so badly, but he had a wonderful opportunity to do an internship with some other students at the Las Cruces University. He’s a genius with computers and I know he’ll be happy once he gets his hands on the school’s supercomputer.

This summer at Grandma Claudia’s cottage is going to be amazing, I just know it. As Maria would say, I’m getting ‘vibes’ about it. I hope that we’ll meet some people, maybe even some cute guys.

I wouldn’t mind a summer romance… Things have been pretty quiet for me on the romance front. I’ve never had a real relationship, and I don’t want to go to school as little Lizzie Parker, super nerd. Never really had a boyfriend, never fallen in love.

I hope I’ll meet someone this summer who can help me change that.

“We’re here!” Maria’s voice shook Liz out of her reverie. Liz’s face broke out into a deep grin as she took in her surroundings. The deep blue of the Aurora Lake, peppered with boats, the pretty cottages and cabins that perched along its shores. Liz inhaled deeply, the water’s scent making her feel instantly like she was coming home. The desert has never held its sway over her like this body of water could.

She closed the journal and tucked it away and enjoyed the remainder of the drive to the cottage.

[tiredmuse]

Thanks for the feedback guys! And Applejacks, you have read it before over at the PA. I've never posted it here, and I thought it would be nice to bring it over.

Hope you enjoy the new part!

Chapter 2

After settling into their rooms and unpacking their food and other supplies, Maria was eager to begin exploring. There wasn’t much to see in the cottage; it was small but not cramped, filled with various trinkets and pieces gathered by Grandma Claudia throughout her travels. The second hand couch was covered by a beautiful and bright-coloured blanket woven in some exotic place.

On the dark-stained coffee table that Liz’s father found at a yard sale for a few dollars sat a bowl full of pottery shards from different digs his mother had led.

No art covered the rustic walls of the cottage, just the odd framed photo of Liz and her family at different times in her life when they visited the lake. There was Liz on the dock with the setting sun in the background at a solemn eleven. A younger Liz was grinning gleefully as she held up the first fish she’d ever caught, her father smiling proudly in the background. Liz chuckled softly to herself as she remembered how she had burst into tears at the thought of eating the ‘fishie’ for dinner. Her Dad had swiftly thrown the fish back in the water and Liz’s tears had quickly dried as she watched her fish swim to freedom.

This place was like a second home for Liz though it had been so long since she’d sat under its walls. The Crashdown took up so much of her parent’s time and Liz herself had been so busy with school, friends and waitressing the past years. After Grandma Claudia had died on her last visit with her family, Liz couldn’t bring herself to visit. Guilt, perhaps, at not coming to the cottage more frequently kept her away as well as grief. She had spent so many wonderful summers here. It was hard to look around and not feel her Grandmother’s presence in every corner. But time had helped to heal her a little and Liz knew that she was going to have the summer of her life.

“Lizzie! This place is so pretty!” Maria squealed. “I can’t believe that I never came with you to stay before. Come on, let’s go change into our bathing suits and sun ourselves by the water. I’m sure we’ll have all the hotties drooling over us in no time.”

Laughing, Liz let Maria drag her to their suitcases. After quickly changing the girls grabbed some towels and headed for the dock.

<center>***</center>

A few hundred feet, a sparse wall of evergreens and a universe away, Michael Guerin struggled with all the backpacks, fishing tackle and bags of groceries that had been stuffed into his brother Kyle’s Mustang. Swearing under his breath, he yanked one final time at a stubborn cooler wedged into the corner of the car’s trunk. Victorious, he dropped Kyle’s beer supply to ground unceremoniously and kicked the back tire.

“Dude, watch the car! While it may not be your precious bike, let’s not forget how important this vehicle is to me.”

Michael just shrugged. “Learn to pack.” Turning back to car he continued his work in silence stopping only when he heard Kyle’s sigh.

“Don’t even start. I didn’t want to come here. I’ve got better things to do than spend my summer male bonding in the woods.”

“Like what, sit at home and watch crappy daytime soaps and moan about life and how much it sucks? Oh no wait – that would be Dad.” Kyle angrily replied.

“Well maybe he could’ve used us to help out at home until he got another job. It’s not like you don’t eat your weight in groceries daily.” Michael retorted.

The two stood face to face, Michael scowling and Kyle’s boy next door features marred by a glare. Just as quickly as Kyle’s temper started, it faded away. Of the pair, he couldn’t keep angry for long periods of time. On a path to enlightenment you learned to pick and choose your battles. And as much as the long haired, moody brother of his could irritate him, this was the last time they would have together before Kyle was off to school with his football scholarship. It was also the last time he had to convince Michael about art school.

“Look man,” Kyle started in an even tone, “Dad will be fine. He’s a big boy and contrary to popular belief can take care of himself. I know he’s having a hard time but the Pity Party should have ended long ago.” Michael’s scowl just deepened.

Turing away he sighed again and focused on the small house in front of them. “Don’t you get that this is it? In two months I’m gone. Buddha knows where you’ll be.” Scuffing his shoes in the dirt, he looked anywhere but Michael’s face. “I just wanted to spend this time hanging out with my brother, you know?”

Uncomfortable silence followed. He could almost hear Michael rubbing his eyebrow.

“Fine. But the first mention of singing songs around the campfire, or sharing any fond Boy Scout memories with me and the locals will be finding body parts years from now.”

“That’s fine with me tall, dark and homely.”

Both confident that any outbreak of emotions had been covered up with some manly banter they loaded up with gear and headed into the cottage.

[tiredmuse]

LovinGuerin2much and Blink1lit thanks very much for the feedback, I hope you enjoy the new part.

Chapter 3

Liz sighed in deep contentment. This was the life. Lazily she relaxed in the cloth hammock recliner on the dock. As lazy afternoons went, this just didn’t get any better.

Maria lay sprawled beside Liz; her arms stretched over head, her trim body barely covered in her deep blue bikini. Liz tugged at her own modest red one piece, hoping she looked as nice. So many guys had gone by them on their boats, calling out hellos or the odd whistle. Maria usually returned her opinions just as Liz usually blushed and laughed a little.

“So chica, any deep dark secrets you want to share?” Maria asked after a lull in oglers. “Like about what really happened with Todd Hamilton at Pam Troy’s party in ninth grade?”

“Maria!” Laughing, Liz turned and playfully swatted her friend. “You know that nothing happened.”

“Not for lack of trying on his part. Todd was so into you, and majorly cute! Remember him on the track team? Mmmm, he had such a nice butt.”

“He was nice.” Liz closed her eyes and let the sun wash over her. The air was full of the familiar scents she associated with the Lake, the coconut of the sunscreen, the barbecues roasting delicious food, the clean and earthy scent of the woods.

“He was nice? That’s pretty much the tagline you’ve given for every one of the few guys that you dated.” Maria propped herself up one arm and focused on her friends face. “These amazing guys all like you and you date them for like two seconds. As soon as things start to heat up a little bit, you dump them.”

Liz opened one eye. “Maria you’re being delusional again.”

“If we haven’t been friends since like birth I might have found some offense in that. But everything I said is true. The part I never got either was how you stayed friends with all of them.” Talking to herself now, she laid back into her deck chair and rambled on. “Well except for Scott McCollough, he had that sort of dazed look in his eyes and followed you around like a trained poodle for awhile, until Vicki Del”

“Maria!” Liz interrupted.

“What?”

“Arrghhhh!!!”

Liz stood over Maria with an empty bottle of water in her hand and a mischievous glint in her eyes.


<center>**** </center>

After dropping his one bag of clothes into his small, Spartan room, Michael had taken off for a walk around the Valenti cottage. He needed some time to clear his head. He wished for his bike for a moment, the off road trails here were great for a hard, adrenalin-pumping ride. He’d noticed that some of the cottagers had four-wheelers, maybe he could rent one from the Peachtree Lodge.

Michael wandered around the property, grateful for the solitude. A loner by nature, he liked to spend time on his own. He had a handful of friends he cared for besides his adopted family that consisted of Jim and Kyle. While guilt ate at him a little for abandoning the only man in his life that had ever given a damn about him, he knew deep down that Kyle was right. Whatever fallout Jim was dealing with now after losing his job and his father six months earlier, he needed to handle on his own. Kyle and Michael had tried to get their Dad out of his listlessness, but nothing had worked. He just needed some time to work through his problems.

And while he’d never admit it, he was looking forward to spending time with Kyle. He was really going to miss the little midget when he went to school, though no amount of torture would actually get him to say that. Max and Isabel had promised to spend a few weeks with them, though Izzy had agreed only after she could bring her best friend Tess Harding. Michael snorted to himself, when he pictured Isabel at the lake trying to do some of the activities that Kyle and Max had in mind. Fishing, hiking, cliff jumping. She’d probably even whine about roasting marshmallows, too many calories or some other girly complaint.

The sounds of laughter and high-pitched shrieking grabbed his attention. Someone with a very powerful set of lungs was screeching at someone named Liz. Curious, Michael brushed passed the trees that acted as a boundary between his cottage and his neighbors. The ground was steeper here, and sloped down into the water’s edge. A rough wooden staircase with tough birch banisters was built right into the earth. Surrounding it was flowers and plants of all varieties growing haphazardly in all directions.

His eyes landed on two young women who were horsing around on the dock. The one in the deep red swim suit caught his eye. Her long chestnut hair flew around her face as her very damp friend chased her threatening all manners of indignities. She was petite with gorgeous legs that the high cut of her bathing suit showed off. The dark red spandex complemented her olive colouring that the sun was turning golden.

Michael’s mouth curved in a smile of pure male appreciation. The smile quickly vanished and his eyes narrowed as he watched the girl trip over one of the chairs and together they both tumbled into the lake. Michael started walking towards the dock, his pace increasing as the girl didn’t surface. He broke into a run as he heard her friend frantically calling her name.

[tiredmuse]

LovinGuerin2much: I have this mad love for the clifhanger, lol.
Thanks for feedbacking and I hope you like the new part.

Chapter 4

Liz pawed hysterically under the water, its blue depths and the weight of the deck chair keeping her from reaching the surface. She kicked her legs frantically, fully aware that she could only hold her breath for so long. Liz knew exactly how deep the water was here, she had swam the shores of this Lake so much that only her panic prevented her from freeing herself and bursting through the water’s crest to safety. The cloth and wooden frame of the chair began to weigh down on her small body. Her kicks became slower, her actions more muddled. Her lungs screamed for air that she could not provide.

At the dock Michael paused in his run to remove his shirt and shoes. “Next door – now!” he barked at the shook girl beside him. “Get my brother Kyle!” he ordered before diving in.

Maria ran from the dock pausing only to give one last scared glance to the rippled waters that held her friend in its clutches. Not caring who this mysterious saviour was she hurtled her body through the trees ignoring all the branches that marked her flesh. The only thought that passed through her terrified mind was Liz. She had to help save Liz.

She reached the door of the neighbour’s cottage and pounded on its door. Not waiting for an answer, she opened it and let it slam behind her. “Kyle, Oh my God Kyle!” she called as she raced into the kitchen.

“What the hell?” called the surprised young man clad only in a pair of green swim trunks. “Who the hell are you?” he asked, his face a mask of disbelief. Buddha be praised, he thought as he regarded the beautiful creature, standing in his kitchen in a very small and very wet bikini.

Maria reached over and grabbed his arm, tugging his body to the door. “Please my friend, she’s drowning, he asked to get you!”

Kyle then noticed the tears on her face, the red welts on her arms and the way her eyes begged at him to come to her aide. Without responding, he slipped on his shoes and followed her quickly out of the cottage.

Michael swam and dived under the water, searching for the dark haired girl. The murky waters of the lake blinded his vision somewhat, but the bright orange tone of the chair provided him with a clear path. He reached Liz and quickly untangled her from underneath the chair. He broke the surface of the Aurora Lake with her lifeless in his arms. Her skin was a frightful looking blue, and her hair hung limply around her pale face. No air passed through her lungs.

Gasping in his own breath, he swam hard for the dock grasping the wooden ladder in one hand, her still body cradled in his free arm. Hauling her on top of the wooden planks, he shoved his soaked hair out of his eyes and tried desperately to remember how to do mouth-to-mouth.

Fuck! He thought as he laid her body gently down. Why didn’t I pay more attention in my swimming lessons!

Pinching her nose, he pushed her head back slightly and opened her mouth. His lips touched hers in a mockery of a kiss as he expelled a long gasping breath into her cold lips.

“Breathe, dammit!”

He began pumping his fists on her chest praying that he was doing this right, and not hurting her in his attempt to save her.

“Dear Buddha Michael, what happened?” Kyle’s concerned voice asked as Maria clutched his arm standing at his side, both short of air from their run.

“What do you think micro-machine, she wanted to be a mermaid? She needs help here!” Michael’s harsh words covered his fear that he hadn’t reacted fast enough and he wouldn’t be able to save her.

“Oh God, Liz!” Maria moaned at her friend as she hovered over them, shaking even with the hot sun on her back.

Kyle sat down quickly and began administering the proper technique. He pushed on Liz’s unmoving chest counting before each press of his hands. “Breathe!” he ordered at Michael, who willingly gave the breath he had.

The seconds seemed endless as the two men worked on Liz, Michael cradling her head in his hands and breathing life into her as Kyle used his hands to expel the water from her aqua logged lungs.

Maria watched in scared silence and prayed for a moment, hoping that someone was watching over them right now. Liz couldn’t die, not now and not here. This was supposed to be the summer of their lives, one to tell their grandchildren about.

Oh Lizzie, please be alright! Maria pleaded in her head, not wanting to consider the alternative. She couldn’t imagine life without her best friend, couldn’t begin to dream of the possibility that Liz wouldn’t recover. Tears formed in her vibrant green eyes and she rubbed furiously at them. She couldn’t break down, not now when Liz needed her.

“Come on Liz, please breathe!” she cried her voice breaking with pain.

Michael’s eyes met his brothers and he noticed the fearful look in them. Kyle was scared that she wouldn’t start to breathe on her own. Michael returned that look with one of fierce denial. “Don’t even think it!” he shot out before bending over Liz’s unresponsive mouth.

Then suddenly, Liz’s small form bucked and her head flopped to the side as she spewed out the water clogging her body. Gasping and coughing, she weakly opened her eyes to see Maria’s relieved face, a strange guy with his hands on her chest and the most amazing pair of brown eyes she’d ever seen.

[tiredmuse]

LovinGuerin2much: Thanks for the kind words and the bumps! I hope I didn't make you wait too long and that you enjoy this new part.

Happy New Year!!

~muse


Chapter 5

Liz coughed more, her chest and throat burning. She tried to sit up and immediately was held back down again.

“Hey, easy there.” said the strange guy still holding on to her. “It’s okay. Just lie still for a sec.”

“Oh God Liz!” Maria exclaimed sinking to her knees beside Liz on the dock. She grabbed her small hand and cradled it in her own. “You’re okay! I was so worried. Were you scared? God I’m stupid of course you were scared, you almost drowned. How do you feel? Do you want anything?” In typical Deluca fashion Maria rambled on, only to stop as Liz tried to speak.

“Maria?” Liz said, her voice hoarse from coughing.

“Yes?”

“Why is he touching my breasts?”

Instantly, as if her body was on fire Kyle ripped his hands off Liz. “No, I swear, not copping a feel, here. I was a lifeguard the past few summers. My brother and I, you weren’t breathing and…” Flustered he stood up quickly and sat in a chair a few feet away. “I’ll just be over here now.”

“You.” Michael nodded at Maria, “Get that towel from over there. Now.” He pointed behind him, not noticing the way Maria’s face clouded at his order.

“Who are …” Liz tried to finish her question but began coughing again her throat too raw and sore for speech. She began to shiver and shake a little. Michael grabbed the towel from Maria’s outstretched arm and without a thank you he wrapped it up around Liz. Michael bundled the small girl up tight and held her close.

“I’m Michael and that’s Kyle.” Michael stood and lifted Liz in his arms. “It’s okay.” He added as she weakly tried to stop him from carrying her. “You need to warm up and lay down.” Liz relaxed a little, completely exhausted from her ordeal. Kyle and Maria followed Michael up the earthen steps.

Inside, Michael lay Liz down on the couch, and covered her with the woven afghan. He chose the chair nearest to her and sat down, planning on keeping an eye on her for awhile.

Liz was nearly asleep. Her eyes fluttered softly giving Michael glimpses of their beautiful, dark hue. Liz possessed a kind of classic and serene beauty that instantly attracted Michael. She was so tiny in comparison to his tall frame. She felt like air as he carried her into the cottage. She smelled of the lake and some sort of shampoo or conditioner. Lavender maybe, or some other herbal scent that tightened his stomach as she lay curled up in the crook of his shoulder.

“Maria?” Liz called softly.

Maria quickly sat down on the floor beside her. “What is it chica?”

Liz opened her eyes and smiled. “Not the best way to start the summer of our lives huh?” Maria laughed, her spirits instantly lifted. If Liz was trying to make her smile than she was going to be fine. Her eyes closed again, and the sound of her deep, even breathing filled the cottage. To Maria, it was the most wonderful sound in the world.

Kyle came over to the couch and placed his hands on Liz’s head, the girl completely unaware, lost in dreams. “She doesn’t have any bumps or cuts so she didn’t hit her head.” He then noticed the angry marks that marred her arms “She’ll probably have some bruises from her fight with the deck chair.”

He turned to Maria to suggest making some tea for Liz when she woke, but before he could open his mouth, tears started to fall down her cheeks. Kyle left Liz and walked over to her and began rubbing his hands down her arms. The girl was so cold, still only wearing her little bikini. Kyle hated to see a girl cry. “She’s okay now Maria, everything’s alright.”

Her crying turned to sobbing and she latched onto Kyle throwing her arms around his neck. Trapped now, he looked to Michael for help. Smirking, he shook his head and tried to hold back his laughter at the panicked expression on Kyle’s face.

“Sorry, I caught this one.” He said to Kyle as he pulled his chair closer to where Liz lay. Gently he brushed her damp hair off her face and pulled the blanket up to her chin, tucking her arms under.

“Definitely not throwing you back.” He murmured to himself sitting back in the chair, his eyes never leaving her face.

[tiredmuse]

LovinGuerin2much: LOL, thanks for the feedback ! And Roswell_Rawker welcome to the story.

Hope everyone enjoys the new part.


Chapter 6

It was dark and cold and she couldn’t see. Her body was pinned under the chair and she couldn’t free herself. She thrashed wildly so scared and running out of air…

“No!” Liz sat up on the couch, tangled in her blanket. Her heart pounding she looked around relieved to see that she was safe in the cottage. And beside her was the sexiest guy she’d ever laid eyes on.

“Its okay.” he said as he sat holding her arms that she had been swinging around moments before. His hair was a light brown, and fell to just above his shoulders, the ends curling under just a little. His mouth was full and set in a straight line, and she wondered wildly for a moment how it would look when he smiled. But it was his eyes that drew her full attention. They were a darkened honey colour, a shade that made her strangely enough, think of a crayon she had as a child. Burnt Sienna was the name of the tint, and somehow it applied to those amazing eyes. His gaze was powerful, strong and direct, but she sensed something deeper, something more; a hidden passion in behind the calm expression he was giving her.

“I’m Michael, remember? I carried you in here from the dock.” Liz nodded and tried to think of something meaningful say to someone who saved your life. Looking Michael straight in the eyes, she uttered “Thank you, for what you did.” Her grave expression and the warmth in her eyes told Michael she meant every word she spoke. He gave her a slight smile in response, nothing more than the small curving of his lips that made Liz stare. Embarrassed at her behaviour, she looked down at the small space between them.

And then she noticed that Michael was clad only in a pair of gray cargo shorts.

She quickly sat up straighter and he released his firm, but gentle hold on her body. She tugged the blanket closer to herself as she remembered precisely what little she was wearing. Her cheeks began to burn as she took in his naked chest and the closeness of his shirtless body to hers.

Michael couldn’t help but smirk inwardly a little at her obvious discomfort with his state of dress. “I lost my shirt before I went in to get you from the lake. Kyle and your friend went to get me some clothes. They’ll be back soon.”

He backed up off the couch and sat back in the chair where he’d spent the past two hours watching over her.

“How do you feel?”

“My throat...” Liz began before breaking off and coughing. “It’s just sore.”

Michael went into adjoined kitchen and started searching for some tea bags. He filled the kettle on the stove with water and rummaged up a mug for her.

“Honey alright for your tea?” he called with his back to her. “It will help your throat.”

“It’s fine thank you… I am just gonna go and get some, ahh, dry clothes on.” Quickly before Michael could react she jumped up and ran for her bedroom. But not fast enough. Michael chuckled to himself as he got in a great view of Liz from behind, just before she slammed the door shut.


<center>***</center>



Maria and Liz stood on the porch of the cottage’s entrance and waved to Michael and Kyle’s retreating forms, quickly swallowed by the cover of night.

As soon as they were out of range of sight and sound Liz turned to her friend and let out a huge sigh. “Maria, I am so embarrassed!”

“Liz,” Maria replied placing her arm around her best friends shoulder “You’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about. Heck, if I knew that nearly drowning could find me a guy, I would’ve pretended to have a leg cramp in the Rec Center’s pool ages ago.”

“Maria, I looked like a fool! I know how to swim. I’m not helpless! That stupid chair…”

Inside now, she picked up the dishes from the impromptu dinner she and Maria and thrown together for Michael and Kyle. Well, she had tried to cook. But Michael had growled out a warning and put her back on the couch, under orders to rest. Maria had agreed with him, she wanted to make sure that Liz was completely fine and Kyle had shared an eye roll with her at Michael’s over-protectiveness.

Smiling over how much she enjoyed both their company, Maria’s words sunk in. “What do you mean, ‘find me a guy’? Michael doesn’t like me, he was just being nice.”

“For someone who’s going to Harvard and has the IQ of like a million, you can be really slow sometimes, Chica.”

At Liz’s flabbergasted look, Maria just smiled smugly, like the cat with the proverbial canary. “Michael’s into you. Not that I really understand why you want him back, aside from the whole rescuer/rescuee syndrome. You know, having feelings for someone because they saved your life? I mean that was completely amazing of him, and I will totally love him forever for that. But he needs to cut his hair. And bathe. Well, both actually. Now Kyle, he”

“MARIA!” Normally she could handle Maria’s longwinded tendencies, but not when she was in the middle of revealing so-called feelings of one Michael Guerin.

“I’m sorry okay! It’s been, like such a stressful day. You almost died Lizzie! What would I have done without you?” Maria’s voice wavered and Liz knew that they would both cry in a moment if she didn’t do something.

She grabbed Maria in a fierce embrace. “We are going to live to be little old ladies living side by side, with nine cats between us. Every morning we’ll get up and complain about the weather, the news and teenagers as we sit in our rockers. All the neighborhood kids will think we’re nuts and egg our houses at Halloween.”

“You’re stuck with me Maria, just like I’m stuck with finding tiger balm in my purse or getting dragged to see the latest Josh Hartnett movie.”

Maria giggled and wiped at her eyes. “I’m sorry, no more breakdowns today.” She yawned and looked at the clock. “It’s late and I am beyond exhausted.”

Liz suddenly felt how tired her body was, even after the rest she’d gotten earlier. “So am I. Let’s sleep in a little, okay?”

“Sure,” Maria agreed, “but not too late. The boys are taking us out tomorrow in their boat.” At Liz’s blank look she added “And for a picnic lunch on one of the islands.”

“’Night Liz!” She called, her perky nature restored.

“’Night Maria.” Liz replied still a little stunned.

Well, at least the boat will have life jackets she thought as she turned out the light and crawled into bed.

[tiredmuse]

LovinGuerin2much: I love Michael too with long hair, he's definately sexier with the long hair. Thanks for the feedback, and I hope the wait wasn't too long.

Roswell_Rawker: Thanks for the thumbs up ! Michael and Liz are my favourite characters so I promise that I will do my best to stick to the essence of the characters. Now if Michael was my own personal horn dog, that'd be a different story, hehe.

Polar Thestral: B, my dear, thanks so much for the kind words!! I really try to make it light and funny (hey - its fluff ) so I am glad you are enjoying. And don't worry, if Michael is too much of a Tarzan, Liz will set him straight.

Hope you all enjoy the new part and thanks for reading!

Chapter 7

A light mist of water washed over Liz’s face as the speedboat made its way through the nautical traffic and islands of the Lake. Liz gulped and gripped her seat, thankful for the comforting if not a little constricting feel of the bright orange life jacket she was currently strapped into. She closed her eyes and tried to enjoy the trip. It was harder than it looked, with Kyle’s kamikaze steering techniques. They’d already nearly plowed into a pleasure boat full of senior citizens.

Maria’s laugh echoed over the roar of the motor. Liz wished she could be as free-spirited sometimes. Or maybe the word she was searching for was suicidal. Anyone that actually enjoyed the self-proclaimed Captain Kyle’s brand of torture had to be a little crazy.

Kyle turned back around from the wheel to look at Liz. “Isn’t this great!” he yelled back at her. Liz’s already pale face whitened considerably as he took his eyes off of the stretch of water in front of him.

“Would you just get us there already! And watch what you’re doing, for chrissakes!” Michael bellowed back.

Refusing to let the two spoil his mood, Kyle only increased the speed and took a hard right sending waves crashing towards a middle-aged man fishing in his canoe. “You have a great day too!” he called out as the man shook his fist angrily, his boat rocking back and forth dangerously close to capsizing.

Liz moaned in fear and grabbed for Michael’s hand beside her, not noticing the look of surprise on his face, which he swiftly turned into a blank mask. He squeezed her hand back and watched her trying to hold in his laughter at the pained expression gracing her features.

“Just tell me when we get there, okay?” Liz said before clamping her eyes shut “I’m going to keep my eyes closed until then.”


<center>***</center>


The island, like the majority of those that populated the lake, was small and uninhabited my man or mammal. Trees grew tall and strong, unencumbered by logging. The shore was mainly rocky but on the one side suitable for landing, Kyle tied the boat to the posts provided for that purpose. He graciously offered his hand to Maria and helped her off the water craft. Liz had already bolted for the safety of terra firma and was helping Michael unfold the blanket serving as their table.

The four sat together underneath the tall birch and oak trees that offered some much needed shade on the already hot early afternoon. Maria dug into the coolers that the boys had brought along, unabashedly hungry. “Mmm, who made all this amazing food!” Turning to Kyle she playfully poked him in the stomach. “I can’t believe that this was something that you’d do, Kyle. Somehow, you don’t strike me as the cooking type.”

“I could pretend to be upset by your obvious mocking of my gender. But it’s true, I can’t cook to save my ass.” He reached in and grabbed himself a portion of potato salad. In between chews he added “Except for the barbeque. I can grill any dead animal you want and have your stomach weeping in thanks.” He laughed at the way Maria frowned at his use of words. Nodding toward Michael he went on “This was all Mikey’s doing.”

Surprised, Liz turned to the boy at her side. “Really, you made all this?”

He just gave her a cocky grin at her disbelief. “I’m also toilet-trained and can tie my shoelaces. Who’d have thought it possible?”

Liz just raised an eyebrow in response. “Well it seems you’re full of surprises, Michael. I’d have never figured you to be a renaissance man.”

Michael’s lips gave a lazy, purely sexual smile that had Liz’s pulse rate rising and her body going warm all over. “Maybe later on I can show you all the things I’m good at.”

Liz focused on the food in front of her, and tried to fight the blush she knew was coming. There was no way she could answer that without feeling a little stupid.

Michael frowned for a moment, wondering where his flirting was coming from. Sure, Liz was great in all ways possible, but he rarely reacted to a girl, any girl this way. The few times he’d gotten mixed up with someone of the opposite sex had been short, casual relationships. No feelings, no talking about feelings and sure as hell no flirting. What the hell was getting into him??

It was just some hormones and a little leftover protectiveness. Had to be. She was just so delicate looking, and that hair… Long enough that he imagined what it would be like to fist his hands into the silken looking strands and pull her close. Feel that firm body of hers, with its subtle curves on his. Truly taste her lips, and feel their texture, the softness of them again…

“Hey Michael! Hello??”

Shaking his head, he grunted in reply.

Kyle stopped waving his hands in front of his brother’s face. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Just fine, man. Pass me a Snapple.”

Kyle just shrugged and handed over the bottle. Something was going on with Michael and he had a pretty good idea that it involved Ms. Parker. Ever since he’d rescued her from near drowning, he’d been acting awfully strange around this girl. Carrying her, making this big picnic, watching her like a hawk when she was in the boat beside him… this was strange behaviour for Michael. For as long as Kyle had known Michael, since the day that his father had brought home that sullen and scared boy with his haunted eyes and bruises, Kyle had never seen him react so quickly to another person before. Even Max and Isabel, friends that Michael saw now as family, were kept at a distance at first. Kyle leaned back and propped his paper plate overburdened with food on his knee and grinned to himself. Michael wouldn’t know what hit him.


<center>***</center>


“So what’s Roswell like? Are there aliens? What about Spaceships? Are people taken by aliens on spaceships to perform dreaded anal probes?”

Laughing, Maria playfully punched Kyle in the arm. “No we just get tourist losers like you who come in year after year with conspiracy theories about government cover-ups and way too many episodes of the X-files on tape.”

“Any of those losers ever interest you? ‘Cause I can do a mean Mulder impression to get your attention.” Kyle gave Maria his most charming good ol’ boy smile. “And I look damn good in a suit.”

“Please. Don’t flatter yourself.” Maria rolled her eyes. “Besides, David Duchovny is so old and gross.”

“So what does Maria look for in a guy? Does he have to have a nice car, dark-haired or whatever?”

“He’d need a giant bottle of aspirin, since you never seem to stop talking.” Michael interrupted from behind Kyle and Maria, who had gone for a walk after lunch. “Liz and I packed up everything. Let’s go.” He turned and sprinted back towards Liz, ignoring the steam rising from Maria’s ears.

“Arrgghhh!!”

Kyle stifled his laughter and put his arm around a very ticked off Maria. “Well, I guess it’s safe to say that the complete opposite of Michael is a start, huh?”

“God, how can two brothers be so different from each other?” Maria ranted. “He’s so rude! Grunting is not a valid way to contribute to polite conversation. And that hair!”

Looking Kyle in the eye she asked “Tell me you found him on your doorstep. Or that Gypsies traded him for something of value. Or that you really wanted a trained monkey for a pet and for years you couldn’t tell the difference and by then it was too late.”

Kyle drew back from Maria. “Look, Michael can be a little rough around the edges.” He told her stiffly. “And maybe he goes all Simon Cowell sometimes; but he’s my brother.”

Maria’s face softened. “I know. And I am grateful to him, to both of you for saving Lizzie. But that boy needs a serious attitude adjustment.”

Suddenly, she grinned wickedly at Kyle. “But if he doesn’t lay off with the insults, I have no problem getting all medieval on his butt.” Hooking her arm through his, she sauntered towards where Michael was waiting with Liz.

“Why does that not reassure me?” Kyle mumbled as she pulled him along.


<center>***</center>


The day passed by quickly. Maria and Kyle had gone swimming at the bit of sandy beach area along the edge of the Aurora Lake on the boy’s property. Liz had took one look at the calm water and declined, so Michael had kept her company while she read, he idly sketching. After promising to get together the next day, the Maria and Liz returned to their cottage.

Later on that evening Kyle and Michael sat outside by the water, not really talking – just enjoying the sounds of the summer evening. Kyle relaxed, beer in hand and poked at the bonfire with a stick. He eyed his brother for a moment.

“Sooo?”

“What?” was the curt reply.

“What’s going on with you and Liz?”

Michael raised an eyebrow. “How many beers have you had today?”

“I just opened this. You like her, don’t you?” Kyle pressed.

Michael shrugged and tried to look nonchalant. “She’s cool. Smart, easy on the eyes, talks half as much as her friend. What do you see in her anyway?”

“Maria’s really nice and fun and anyway, don’t change the subject. This is about you, not me. Do you like her?”

When Michael gave no answer, Kyle had his. Michael Guerin was falling for Liz Parker. Kyle grinned and ran over and gave him a bone crunching hug. “Jesus, get off of me!” Pushing Kyle away Michael looked around frantically, hoping no one witnessed his sibling mauling him.

“I’m just so happy!” Kyle dramatically pretended to wipe away a tear. “You’ve never really been into a girl like this before.” His face sobered. “You know, for awhile Dad and I thought you were gay.”

“What?! What the hell did you think that for?”

Laughing at Michael’s stunned look, Kyle went on. “Well, you never brought home any girlfriends, and the only woman in your life ever has been Isabel, which you insanely think of only as a sister.”

He shrugged than leaned over and patted Michael on the back. “Glad to know we were wrong.”

“What I wanna know is why couldn’t I have gotten someone decent for a brother?” Michael rubbed his eyebrow and stalked off into the cabin, calling over his shoulder “You’d think when the adoption fairy was looking over her list, she wouldn’t have stuck me with some delusional midget.”

“I love you too man.” Kyle cheerfully called back.

TBC...

[tiredmuse]

AppleJacks: Thanks for coming back to the story ! I really appreciate the feedback. And as for Max... well you never know.

LovinGuerin2much: Thanks so much! I love writing Michael and Kyle. I loved how they got along in season 3. And go ahead and stalk all you want. It's always nice to see that someone likes this.

Roswell_Rawker: Thanks for the feedback! LOL, the Titanic thing I can totally picture, except Michael just stops sketching and jumps on Liz.

A/N: Just to let you guys know, this is the last new part that I have written. I'm really stuck on the next one, and it is very slowly coming along. BuI I promise is WILL be updated at some point, it just may take me while.

Hope you all enjoy the new part!


Chapter 8

The sun broke from below the horizon to begin its constant path upon the unwavering sky. Shades of orange, crimson, violet and azure shimmered together like a mad painter’s palate. Michael stood on the small deck behind his adopted father’s cabin and observed Ra’s daily rise. The artist in him appreciated the way nature made every morning different, exquisite and original in its simple glory. A new day, and a new start. The lonely and small boy that still resided deep inside, nestled in between his cynical outlook and his inner and extremely hidden belief in the purity of all things beautiful, reveled in the bleeding colours. His fingers itched momentarily for his paints; this was a stunning sight before his jaded eyes. It reminded him of Liz briefly, the brightness and honesty of the day’s sunrise mingled with the picture of her face in his mind’s eye.

He scowled into his coffee. He, of all people, knew better than this. She was something that his simple life didn’t require right now, he knew better than to want or to need. Even after all the time spent with his ‘family’ he knew that no one thing lasted forever. His future wasn’t etched in steel. Like the poem said, nothing gold can stay.

He sipped the strong, bitter brew in contemplation. Kyle was still lost in slumber; nothing short of Armageddon would awake his vertically challenged sibling before at least 8:00 a.m. He could have used the pipsqueak’s advice right about now. While Michael didn’t have his life planned out in seven easy steps, but he hadn’t accounted for Liz Parker to fit into the equation.

She was something that he had never experienced before. And damned if he knew what the hell to do about her.


<center>****</center>


Liz awoke to the cheerful sound of birds chirping outside her window. The hot, stale air of the night had gradually drifted into a bearable light breeze that tickled the plain, white drapes covering her window. Drawing herself up to a sitting position, she rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms above her. She then strained her ears for any movement from Maria in the bedroom next to hers. Satisfied with the faint and gentle snoring she threw on a pair of read cotton drawstring shorts that clashed with her pink tank top and went into the kitchen.

Liz yawned and quickly measured out some grinds and water, then clicked down the scarlet button. As soon as the smell of fresh coffee reached her nose, she brightened immediately, the fog lifting from her sleepy head. As much as she loved and appreciated her best friend, Liz loved and savored her early mornings by herself. Each day brought a new promise of things to be discovered and enjoyed. For a brief moment each morning, she liked to see that vow on her own.

She poured herself a cup, mixing in large amounts of sugar and milk, than blew gently on the steaming liquid before sampling. Satisfied with the results, she gently eased open the door, careful not to make any noise to wake Maria (who was a bitter chica in the morning if she was woken before getting her required eight hours) and walked down to the dock.

Liz stood and sipped her java and sighed at the sight before her. She had no real artistic talent, but she could still appreciate nature’s gifts. This morning’s sunrise was one of them.

Liz began to lower herself into the orange cloth recliner than stopped abruptly. She gauged the distance from the chair on the dock into the water. She pulled the chair back a few feet, than murmured, “Let’s try this again shall we? You promise to stay on dry land and I promise I won’t let Kyle burn you at the bonfire tomorrow night.”

Liz caught herself and giggled. If only Maria could see her talking to the deck chair, she’d never live it down. She settled herself gingerly into the seat and glanced to the cluster of pines that grew between her cottage and the place where Michael slept every night.

Possibly nude.

In the very cabin right next store to where she laid down (fully clothed in the appropriate sleepwear) each evening.

He seemed like the type that would forsake his wardrobe if it was hot enough. Liz imagined the strong body she had seen briefly and closed her eyes in contemplation. His naturally toned chest and his broad shoulders sprang instantly to mind. Liz idly ran her fingers over her collarbone, imagining what Michael’s hands would feel like upon her body. His fingers were long and his palms wide. His long hair would brush the sides of her face as he closed in for a kiss…

“So Liz, got an itch that only a certain cro-magnum man can scratch?”

Liz yelped in fright and threw her hands out sending hot liquid everywhere. She attempted to get out of the recliner and tangled her foot around the wooden frame which pulled her to the ground the moment she tried to stand.

Maria surveyed the damage. Liz was facedown in the dirt, her body again caught in the mercy of the dreaded chair. Her empty coffee mug lay still beside her and she had luckily avoided being burned. Alex used to joke that while Liz was pretty much useless in most of gym class, she definitely didn’t throw like a girl.

“Jeez, girlfriend. You might want to rethink your caffeine intake. I’ve got a great herbal lemon ginseng blend that you should try.”

Her cheeks bright red from being caught daydreaming about Michael, Liz mustered what dignity she had and disengaged herself from the nefarious clutches of the chair. Standing, she heaved it into the fire pit a few feet away.

“Kyle can burn you down to ash for all I care!” she flustered than marched up the stairs and inside the cottage.

Maria sighed and shook her head. “She meets one guy and all of a sudden she’s the Spazzy Queen of Looney Land. I need to find myself a saner best friend.”


<center>****</center>


As Liz watched the crackle and snap of the fire, her face gave a small secret smile that Michael found intriguing and a little sexy. She was seated directly across from him and he couldn’t help but stare at her now and then out of the corner of his eye.

The cool night air was tempered by the bonfire Kyle had started earlier. Michael was entirely grateful to his brother for suggesting this idea since the heat of the fire left Liz still wearing an impossibly short pair of jean cutoffs with a red tank top that revealed so much of her tanned skin. The firelight made her long limbs seem to glow under the dark sky.

Maria and Kyle huddled together side by side, speaking in low tones. Her blonde head was nestled lightly on his shoulder and Kyle had his hand on her knee. He stoked the fire with the long stick in his free hand and gently placed a kiss on Maria’s forehead.

Michael wasn’t surprised. The two had been as thick as thieves since they’d met and they shared the same sense of humor. And his brother didn’t seem to mind her penchant for constantly opening her mouth.

Maria stood up and pulled Kyle to his feet beside her. “We’re going for a walk.” She announced raising her flashlight in the air. “Don’t wait up!”

As they left the bonfire she giggled over her shoulder “And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

Michael snorted. “I take it there isn’t much she wouldn’t do.”

Liz gave him a wry smile. “Not really. Maria talks differently, but she’s pretty tame; a giant marshmallow underneath Teflon.” She stopped, in thought. “That made absolutely no sense, didn’t it?”

He laughed gently for a moment, than went back to watching the fire. Liz watched him and fiddled with the chain around her neck. She wished madly for a sign that he was as interested in her as she was him. He lifted his head up and met her stare, his honey-touched eyes gleaming in the firelight. They seemed to burn just as intensely as the fire between them, and Liz swallowed and rubbed her shoulders, as goose bumps instantly rippled across her skin.

Micheal got up and walked over to Liz. He offered his hand and pulled her swiftly to her feet, pressing her against him. “Where are we going?” Liz asked nervously, inwardly groaning at the stammer in her voice.

Michael pushed her hair back from her heated face. “You’re shivering, Parker. We’re heading back to your place to get you some warmer clothes.”

He kept a firm grip on her hand and pulled her along up the steps in dark.

Inside, Liz changed quickly hurriedly pulling a sweatshirt over her tank top, wishing that she had brought along something a little sexier than her old, worn in Harvard sweater, a gift from her father after a business trip. She unbuttoned her shorts and let them fall to the floor as she hopped out of them and over to her bed where her favourite pair of jeans lay. She grabbed her brush and pulled it through her hair as she searched frantically for her vanilla lip gloss.

She flung open her door and tried to walk naturally to where Michael stood looking at the pictures hanging on the wall. His back was to her, as he studied the framed photo of a younger Liz on the dock. She stood, unsmiling with her large brown eyes that seemed to fill up the entire picture. Feeling her presence he half-turned. “Looks like you’ve always been serious.”

“Good old, reliable Liz.” She replied half-heartedly. For once she wanted to appear mysterious and intriguing, not the same old perfect Parker the kids called her back home.

Understanding the look on her face Michael cupped her face in his hand, his calloused palms gently rubbing the curve of her cheek. “Nothing wrong with serious, Liz. It’s the quiet, intense ones you have to look out for.”

As he leaned in closer, whatever response she could have given was stopped with the press of his warm mouth to hers. Michael ran his free hand up her back and pulled her closer to him as he deepened the kiss. Liz closed her eyes and lost herself in the feel of his hand on her face, then tangled in her hair. She moaned against his lips and put her arms around his neck, needing to feel and to taste him as deeply as he drank in her.

“Ahem.”

Liz and Michael pulled apart and found Kyle and Maria grinning at them crazily. Liz tucked her hair behind her ear and tried to form a coherent sentence.

“We were just, um, we were ah…”

“Save it sweetie – you are so busted!” Maria gleefully exclaimed.

“Could you not have knocked?” Michael growled at Kyle, who just shrugged. “Just wanted to make sure that Dad and I really were wrong. Seeing is believing, if you know what I mean.”

At Liz’s confused look Michael just shook his head. “Don’t ask. He’s off his medication and I have to get him back to the third floor tonight, or else the doctors might revoke his outpatient status.”

“Hey!” Kyle interrupted angrily.

“Shut it short and stocky.” Michael rubbed his eyebrow in frustration and looked at Liz. “Can I see you tomorrow? We could go on a boat ride, far, far away from my loser brother.”

Laughing Liz nodded her head in agreement, than stopped as she remembered something. “Oh – I can’t. Alex is coming up for the weekend tomorrow.”

“And Isabel, Max and Tess are visiting us for the weekend.” Kyle reminded him.

“Why don’t we all have a barbecue tomorrow? You boys bring the food and we’ll bring ourselves.” Maria suggested.

“Cool. We should head out.” Kyle kissed Maria’s cheek and elbowed his brother. “You know that the Camping Nazi will be here before breakfast and have eight million jobs for us to do before she deems it inhabitable for humans.”

“But it’s a guy’s cabin, a manly guy’s cabin.” Michael protested.

“This is Isabel we’re talking about, man.” Smiling at Maria he went on “Bring yourselves and Alex over, say about three o’clock? That leaves us plenty of time to cook and for Michael to get some quality brooding time in.”

At Michael’s darkening face Kyle laughed and ran for the door. “See you Liz! Tell Alex to bring her guitar over. I can’t wait to hear Maria sing.”

“I sure will.” Liz answered sweetly as she gave Maria a questioning look.

Maria just avoided her gaze and mumbled something about making sure the bonfire was out before dashing outside.

“So,” Liz began as she moved closer to Michael, “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“If you’re lucky Parker.” He smirked at her, than pulled her close again. He kissed her lightly, a small teasing brush of his lips that left her wanting more. Running his thumb across her bottom lip he whispered “G’ night” and let himself out.

Liz stood still, completely stunned. She reached up and traced her finger across her lips and smiled to herself, dizzy with newfound anticipation.

“So, ape man can kiss, huh chica?” Maria asked having returned from her hiding spot outside.

“Hmm… Oh Maria! Yes, he can.” Liz smiled dreamily. Her focus sharpened and she narrowed her eyes at her friend. “Maria?” she questioned, crossing her arms.

“Mm-hmm” she answered not meeting her eyes.

“Why did you tell Kyle that Alex is a girl?”

“I didn’t exactly tell him that Alex is a girl. He just sort of assumed that because of all the stories about us having sleepovers and late night ice cream and movie marathons and how Alex and I write music together.”

“And when were you planning on telling him otherwise?” Liz asked.

“Well, I think he’ll figure it out for himself. Unless we can convince Alex to let us play dress up again.”

“We were seven Maria. And we still had to sit on him to get the lipstick on.”

Maria shrugged. “Either way, it’ll definitely keep Kyle on his toes. I can’t wait to see the look on Buddha Boy’s face when Alex shows up.”


TBC...

[tiredmuse]

Okay guys, here it is, LONG overdue!

Big thanks to Applejacks, gnrkrystle, Darknhauntinglove, Hawk, SciChenn and natchr1129 for all your kind words and bumps, this keeps me going.

And to LovinGuerin2much and Roswell_Rawker thanks much for your continued interest. You two always make me smile.

On with the show.

Chapter 9

Michael and Liz sat side by side; their shoulders brushing gently from the rhythm of the softly swaying dock. The lake was quiet now, no boats, sea-doos or canoes carving their journeys upon its waves. There was just the silver glow from the moon shining on the water, the echoes of vacationers as they gathered around campfires talking and laughing and the lights that twinkled from the cottages that dotted the landscape.

The wood felt dry and warm, still retaining a little heat from the hot sun earlier that day. The water lapped tenderly, like the caress of a lover, softly against the weathered boards. Liz enjoyed the soothing rocking motions and dangled her bare feet into the cool, dark abyss. She delighted in the sensations the cold wetness left upon her fevered skin; sitting this close to Michael Guerin made her body react in ways she’d never experienced before.

Liz could feel Michael’s gaze as he studied her profile in the moonlight. She felt her face burn under his intense scrutiny and was grateful for the cover of darkness that obscured her pink-stained cheeks.

“I hope you don’t mind me sitting here with you.” Liz offered quietly. She had seen him slip away earlier from the campfire when Maria was playing her guitar and singing in between Kyle’s ghost stories.

“It’s cool.” He replied a little gruffly, not willing yet to show anything in his voice that he was pleased for her company. Liz had a way of tempering the whirlwind of emotions that had accompanied him since he was a small boy. She made him feel at ease, wholly comfortable in his own skin and strangely enough, happy. He knew she was kind, loyal and patient; a good person all
around. She’d have to be to have been friends with Deluca for so long.

Liz savored the quiet moment between them. Truth be told, she had followed Michael down to the dock partly out of intrigue and partly to escape the unyieldingly quiet stare of Max Evans.

On any other day Liz would’ve been flattered and excited that a boy as cute and as sweet as Max, would appear to be interested in her. But that was before she had met Michael Guerin and before she had seen his whiskey-coloured eyes. On any other hot summer night, Max Evan’s soulful amber-hued orbs would have entranced her and caused her to give soft smiles while the fire’s flickering lights danced upon her face. But Michael’s eyes burned and held secrets, which she couldn’t hope to unravel in a hundred nights upon the water. His stare shook her very core.

He reached for her hand in the dark; his large, long fingers squeezing gently. Liz leaned into him and held back a sigh. She’d never felt more alive in her entire life. And she was still trying to figure out how she’d got here. No one back home in Roswell would believe that this incredibly hot, wonderfully intense guy was interested in her - Liz Parker.

Michael let go of her hand to run his hand up her arm and trail his nimble fingers softly over her neck. Liz moaned and leaned her head back giving Michael the perfect opportunity to attach his hot mouth to that spot right below her jaw line. He nipped teasingly and worked his way up, kissing and sucking on her smooth, supple skin, stopping at her ear.

“I’m worried about you Parker.” he whispered, his voice low and very sexy.

“Wha?” was the most intelligent thing she could say after being kissed like that. Breathing heavily she focused on his face, butterflies dancing in her stomach at the look in his eyes.

“You haven’t been in the water since the accident.”

Liz avoided his gaze and shook her head. Michael rubbed her back soothingly, trying to think of how to broach the subject in his mind.

“Are you scared, Liz?”

When she didn’t speak, he slipped his hand underneath her shirt and continued rubbing her back, hoping to distract her a little from any frightened thoughts she still had.

“It’s just that, I’m a little cautious. It was a really traumatic experience and maybe I should take things slow.”

“Do you trust me?” he asked, surprising her.

She touched his face. “You saved my life Michael. Of course I trust you.”

Michael stood quickly and pulled Liz to her feet. He lowered his head and kissed her deeply, his lips hungrily caressing hers. He pulled back just as quickly and left her breathless, clinging to him. His hand rubbed slow, seductive circles on her flat stomach and he bent in close once more.

This time he teasingly gave a whisper of a kiss before moving his mouth to her earlobe. “How do you feel about skinny-dipping, Parker?”

At Liz’s choked replay he grinned. “I guarantee you’ll be over your fear in no time.”

<center>*~*~*</center>

Earlier that day…

They day had begun rather innocently enough. Liz woke early, unable to sleep. Excited over what had happened the night before, and eager to see Michael and meet his friends had made sleep just a passing thought.

She reached for her journal and tapped the pen thoughtfully against her lips.

Dear Diary,

It’s amazing how so much can change in such a short time. Life can surprise you that way. Meeting Michael Guerin was the last thing that I thought would actually happen while Maria and I are here at Aurora Lake.

We’ve only been here a couple of weeks and it feels like I’ve known him forever. Not that I know everything about him – he’s still a mystery on so many levels. I still haven’t really been given an explanation as to why he and his brother Kyle have different last names. Michael’s not one for a lot of small talk.

And yet he’s familiar almost. I feel safe and comfortable around him – like I can be myself and he won’t laugh at me or shake his head in disbelief at the things I do or say.

And Maria and Kyle, those two are something else entirely. They’re crazy about each other, but Maria has to pull this little prank with Alex. But I think that Kyle seems like the type to take it in stride. At least I hope so; this could all backfire in Maria’s face if she’s not careful.

Today Michael and Kyle’s friends are visiting their cabin for the weekend. There’s Max and Isabel Evans, who have known both boys since they were little and Tess Harding, who lives next door to Michael and Kyle. She’s also Isabel’s best friend. I’m a little nervous about meeting all of them.

It doesn’t help that Maria has this scheme in play involving Alex and a role reversal of his gender. I’m still wondering about how that came into action.

I’m just glad that Kyle burned that chair, the last thing I want to do is make a fool of myself in front of these people.

All in all, it’s going to be an interesting day.

Maria and Liz had spent the morning tidying up the cottage and making it guy proof for Alex’s arrival. All offensive feminine products were banished to the bathroom’s vanity and all lacy undergarments stuffed into bags. Liz had also insisted that Maria make Alex’s favourite potato salad as peace offering for the drama that was sure to follow after his introduction to Kyle. She hoped that appeasing his stomach might help a little.

“So Maria, what the heck are you going to say to Kyle when he meets Alex?” Unable to keep silent any longer, Liz had to know what her best friend had in mind.

“Don’t you worry, chica. Kyle appreciates how outrageous I can be. It’s part of the patented Deluca charm.” Maria grinned at her.

“Or he’s going to think you’re a lunatic.” Liz replied.

“Well, either way, I definitely liven up any party. Or barbecue.”

The sound of a car honking interrupted the girl’s giggling.

“Alex!” Liz and Maria exclaimed together before rushing outside. The moment the lanky, dark-haired boy stepped from his car he was engulfed in a bone-crushing embrace.

“How are my lovely ladies doing? Did you miss me?”

“Of course we missed you, Alex!” Liz said as she stepped back from her embrace. Alex was such a comfort to both of them. She took in his tall, gangly form and his brown hair that still had the same haircut since grade school and immediately felt more at ease. It would be easier to meet Michael’s friends having her touchstone with her. He grinned down at them and gestured to the cottage.

“Why don’t you tell me everything’s that’s happened.” He grabbed his guitar case and hefted his lone bag over his shoulder and followed them towards the door of the cottage.

“So Alex,” Maria began innocently “When packing for this excursion of marshmallow roasting and wilderness bonding, did you happen to pack those items of necessity? Like your fishing rod, or bathing suit… or a wig?”

Alex gave her a questioning look. “Why exactly would I need a wig Maria?” Suspicion filled his blue eyes. “What’s going on?”

“Why don’t we fill you in over some orange soda.” Liz interjected smoothly.

Alex just shook his head. “God Maria, I’ve only been here five minutes! What have you got me into?”

<center>*~*~*</center>

Meanwhile, over at the boy’s cabin, Isabel Evans stepped of the jeep that she and her brother shared and wrinkled her nose at the sight before her. It was certainly… rustic for lack of a better word. She lowered her black Chanel sunglasses and sighed. Turning her attention to her best friend Tess Harding she remarked “Well, it could be worse. We might have been stuck in a tent for the next week surrounded by Kyle’s snoring.” She gave her friend a mischievous smile. “Though, I think that you’d know more about the Valenti bedroom secrets than I would.”

“You know me Isabel, I never kiss and tell.” Tess shook her platinum curls at her friend.

“Well I wouldn’t call it just kissing Tess. More like a little bit of the down and dirty.”

Tess laughed and playfully swatted her friend. “Enough with the interrogation about my former flames! Let’s go help Max carry in your 8 million bags of clothes and check out Kyle’s Mecca for the summer.” She gestured to where Max Evans stood impatiently surrounded by Izzy’s five bags stuffed with clothes, makeup and any other items she couldn’t live without for the next few days.

The inside wasn’t much better in Isabel’s mind. There was a cramped kitchen area with an ancient stove and fridge in that lovely off yellow colour that reminded her of bad dijon mustard. The table was a dark wood like material that had three wobbly chairs surrounding it. From the way they were crafted Isabel guessed that Kyle had failed his shop class or maybe Jim had tried to teach his sons the fine art of woodworking.

And that couch. Max was so sleeping there for the week. It looked about as comfortable as sandpaper and the pattern was equally uninviting.

Recognizing the feral gleam in Isabel’s eye, Michael started his protesting. “I know what you’re thinking Iz, and the answer is a huge no. The cabin stays, as is. There will be no remodeling or painting or any furniture moving of any kind.”

“Hello to you too Michael.” The icy tone in her voice made Michael squirm inwardly. While he’d rather suffer torture than admit it out aloud, Isabel Evans possessed powers he couldn’t even begin to comprehend. She could reduce the bravest of men to cowering, insipid morons with a single glare. And she had that infamous look trained on him right now.

But just as quickly, the Ice Queen attitude evaporated. Laughing, she grabbed Michael and pulled him in close.

“Oh come here, you lug! I missed you!” Clutching him tight, she enjoyed the rare moment to catch her ‘brother’ off guard. Michael allowed the hug to linger a second more than he normally could stand. Isabel reached up and brushed his long hair back from his face.

“I promise that I will not re-decorate any part of this lovely cabin you call home. But I absolutely refuse to sleep on that couch.” She paused than gave her most winning smile, rows of even, prefect white teeth gleaming in a way that reminded Michael of the great white sharks on the discovery channel. “So where are you sleeping?”

<center>~* end part *~</center>

I know that it's a little short, but I promise a longer next part

[tiredmuse]

Dear wonderful, amazing, loyal readers who keep coming back and leaving such nice feedback even though it's been soooo long since I last updated.

Alas, real life has reached up and bit me in the ass. I am currently working two jobs and just have been swamped. But I haven't forgotten Something More, I promise. While I currently haven't written anything new in what seems like ages, this story is just too important to me to let go.

There will be more. The kicker is that I am not sure when, exactly.

But I did recently write a sequal to one of my first polar fics and I haven't posted it here, so I will drop by and put it up for you guys. I know it isn't a new part, but I hope it helps to tide you over.

So thanks very much for all your pm's and bumps. And hopefully you'll all still be around to read the new part, when I get it finished.

Thanks,
~muse