My Heart is Staying Here (CC, Mature) Pt 30 - 11/29/06[WIP]

[McGees]

26
Thursday, 1:03 pm

"So," Maria began, glancing around the kitchen table at her silent counterparts as they finished eating lunch, "I hate to rain on this here parade, but it's Thursday afternoon." No reply from Max, Isabel, Kyle, or Liz. "Which means the madre will be returning to this here casa in less than 24 hours," she reiterated. "

"We can be out by this afternoon," Max offered, glancing up from the bottle he was feeding Zan.

"That soon?" Isabel asked in surprise. "Do you even know where you're going to go?" She didn't wait for an answer. "Stay with Jesse and I," she continued, as if it were the most brilliant plan she had ever come up with.

Max averted his eyes back to his son. "You know I can't do that, Iz," he answered quietly.

The others all saw the look that crossed Isabel's face. Liz quickly got up and began clearing their plates.

"Apparently she didn't, Mr. President," Kyle informed him as her cool gaze intensified.

"And why can't you do that?" Isabel demanded. "Max, it's safer there than-"

"It's not fair to Jesse," Max pointed out. "He's dealt with enough lately, Iz, the last thing he needs is his brother-in-law invading his space. I don't want him to have to get involved."

"He's been involved, Max," Isabel reminded tersely.

Maria cleared her throat. "Okay, so then I assume the winning location must be Michael's?" she surmised, not really surprised at all in spite of Max and Michael's recent falling-outs.

Max gave a short nod, and Maria glanced up at Liz who was nodding as well. Apparently they'd already talked this one over, and this fact didn't escape Isabel, either.

"That's ridiculous, Max," Isabel proclaimed. "Isn't it ridiculous, Kyle?"

Kyle nearly choked on his soda. "I think I'd like to stay out of this one, thanks," he suggested. He cleared his throat upon receiving a look of his own from Isabel. "But, you know, my dad wouldn't mind if you crashed at our place."

Isabel turned back to Max. "So have you discussed this decision with the host with the most?" she snapped.

"Yes, Michael knows," Max answered, glancing up and meeting Liz's eyes. "We decided it's the best option right now. One of us will be there at all times, and that's the most important thing. Zan needs constant protection." He swallowed hard, gazing down at his son as the child drained his bottle contentedly.

His hands were tied; Max wasn't thrilled about the idea of going back to Michael's, particularly after the events that had unfolded since last night, but what choice did he have? Would it be too obvious if he left Roswell now? He still didn't have anywhere to go, and for all he knew they were better off here anyway. The fact was…he wasn't sure he could care for Zan on his own. He knew next to nothing about taking care of another person, raising one. All he had picked up so far had come from trial and error. And Zan deserved more than that, especially when everything else was so uncertain.

He glanced up after a long moment and met Isabel's eyes. She did nothing to hide her disdain at the idea of Max returning to Michael's apartment with Zan, but Isabel's disapproval wouldn't keep him from going. "I don't know how permanent it will be, Iz," he sighed. "It's the only option."

Isabel sniffed a little, getting to her feet. "I have class in an hour," she said coolly. "I shouldn't miss another one."

"Isabel."

She turned around at the sound of Max's voice. "What?" she asked quietly.

"I'll call you later, okay?"

Nodding a little, Isabel turned again and disappeared into the living room, where she promptly ran into Michael. "Nothing new?"

"Nah." Michael raked his hand through his shaggy hair and glanced back at the television. "It probably won't be mentioned til the news tonight."

"Hopefully not." Isabel paused. "I'm heading home to clean up before class," she continued. "I'll leave me phone on, okay, so if anything happens and you need me…" She trailed off with a sigh. "Clean up your damn apartment, will you? I don't want my nephew living in filth."

"He told you."

"Yes, Michael, and I think it's a bad idea," she announced.

"Yeah, well, it wasn't mine."

"Why'd you agree to it?" she demanded.

Michael shrugged. "Where else is he supposed to go?" he pointed out. "Maxwell's been living with me for months. I don't mind the kid. And besides, it's not a permanent arrangement."

Isabel sighed in frustration. "He's going to need one eventually!"

"You're right, Isabel, and you know what? It's Max's decision, not ours." Isabel opened her mouth to respond, but Michael barreled on. "It's not a decision he's making as king. It's a decision he's making as a father."

Isabel had the grace to pause and ponder this for several moments. "Whatever," she finally huffed. "I have class. I'll see you later."

Michael watched as she flounced out the door. "Classy indeed," he muttered.

"So." Maria cleared her throat as she appeared from the kitchen. "I hear Max and the baby are staying with you."

"That's the rumor." God, not Maria too.

"I'm glad you'll have someone at the apartment with you," she said quietly.

"Yeah, well. The kid's good company."

Maria stepped a little closer and took a seat on the couch. "Listen. I know you and Max aren't on the best of terms right now, but…it's really good of you to let him stay."

Michael shrugged noncommittally. "Whatever." He paused, deciding to change the subject. "So I bet you're glad to get all our asses out of your house."

It was Maria's turn to shrug. "It wasn't that bad," she said slowly. "I mean, if my mom's gonna be gone, I'm glad to have someone else here. Especially right now."

"It was cool of you to let us stay." Michael's voice lost a bit of its gruff edge. "And, y'know, for letting me share your bed last night."

You can share my bed any time, Michael Guerin. The thought hit Maria without warning, and she immediately felt her face flood with color. "Um, no problem," she managed.

*****

Thursday, 4:07 pm

"Is that everything?"

Liz straightened from where she was settling Zan's car seat in the back of the Jetta. "Just a few bottles drying by the sink."

"I'll go get them," Max said, shifting Zan on his hip.

"No, that's okay. I got it. I'll let Maria know we're ready."

Max couldn't help staring after Liz as she bounded up the driveway in her Crashdown uniform, her perky ponytail swishing against her back. He glanced down, noting in amusement that Zan's big blue eyes were drawn to her, too.

"She's pretty, huh?" Max chuckled as he leaned down to settle his son into his car seat. "I guess that's it. We're on our way to Uncle Michael's." He fastened the straps and the buckle and smiled as Zan blew content bubbles. "You're a trouper, buddy," he sighed. "Soon we'll have a place to stay for good, I promise. I'm gonna keep working on it, okay?"

Zan gurgled in response, giving his father a big, slobbery grin.

Max's smile grew, knowing Zan had no idea what he was talking about. But the simple fact that his son was so calm, so trusting that Max would make everything okay made his heart swell.

And his stomach turn. Because while he was going to work on it, he was no closer to an answer than he was days ago.

"Max?"

He straightened quickly, nearly smacking his head against the doorframe, at the sound of his name. "Mom."

"Hi, honey. I was on my way home from the office and I just thought…" She offered him a smile before enveloping him in a quick hug and then held him out at arm's length. "Max…you look exhausted," she sighed.

"I'm told a baby can do that to you," Max answered wryly.

"Has he been sleeping?" Diane asked in concern, leaning into the car to coo at her grandson.

"Yeah, he sleeps just fine. He eats a few times during the night, but…" Max trailed off. Heck, Zan hadn't been keeping him awake at all. Not directly, anyway. Besides, he'd been spoiled by all the help he was getting from Liz. Without her…

"You're heading over to Michael's?" Diane was inferring as she straightened to face Max again.

Isabel. Max sighed, rocking back and forth a little on his heels. "Yeah. Liz is just grabbing a couple things inside," he offered, hands deeply imbedded in his pockets.

"I see." There was a long pause. "Max, honey," she began a little hesitantly. "You could come home."

"I am," Max answered without thinking.

The hurt etched deeply across Diane's face. "I meant…your old home."

"Sorry," he mumbled, taking keen notice of the pain in his mother's voice. "It's just…it's been eight months, so…"

"I understand," Diane answered sadly. "Max, really. Your dad and I…we'd love for you and Zan to stay with us. Indefinitely, if need be. We don't want to be so cut off from you, honey. You don't have to hide anything anymore. We want - we want to learn more about you. And our grandson."

Max swallowed. "That means a lot, Mom. It really does, I just don't know if-"

"Maria will be out in a second and we can get going." The kitchen door swung open and Liz appeared, holding up a handful of baby bottles. "Oh. Hi, Mrs. Evans," she greeted, barely masking her surprise.

"Liz, hello," Diane smiled tightly, noting the look of relief on her son's face. "I was actually just inviting Max over for dinner. You're more than welcome too if-"

"I appreciate it, but I have to work tonight," Liz explained, gesturing at her uniform. "Closing shift."

Diane nodded. "Another time, then," she suggested, turning to Max. "Six o'clock, Max. Do you think you'll be able to make it?"

Max considered this. Dinner at his parents' hadn't been the greatest of events lately, but…she looked so hopeful. "Yeah, Mom," he answered finally. "I'll be there."

*****

"Buck up, Max." Maria glanced over at Max in the driver's seat as he pulled into a spot in front of the Crashdown. "I know Michael's isn't the most glamorous of hostels, but I'm sure it could be worse."

The look Liz gave her friend from the backseat went unnoticed as Maria climbed out of the Jetta and bounded up the curb toward the Crashdown doors. "Ten o'clock, my friend," she called. "Don't forget."

Liz sighed, getting out of the car and pausing by the door when Max stood as well. "It's just dinner, Max," she reminded gently, leaning against the door frame.

"It was 'just dinner' last week, too," Max reminded. "Look at everything that's happened since then."

"Max." Liz couldn't help the smile that played across her lips at his dour tone. "I don't think there's anything else your parents could surprise you with. They know all your secrets." Her attempt at light humor fell flat against Max's drawn expression.

"Listen," she tried again. "They're not out to attack you, Max. You saw how happy your mom was when you agreed to go tonight. I think they just want to spend some time with you and their grandson. You know?" Her smiled widened a little when Max shrugged. Now he was just being stubborn. "Will you do something for me, Max?" she continued. "Will you call me tonight and let me know how it went?"

She was interrupted by a squeal from the backseat, where Zan was apparently feeling left out. "And I can say goodnight to you, Mister," she added, leaning back into the car to press a quick kiss to the top of his head.

Max watched, his heart swelling with love. As Liz turned back to him, he pulled her into a tight embrace and sighed.

"Hmm?" Liz snuggled into the warmth of his arms before pulling back to look at him.

He swallowed convulsively as he stared down into her expectant brown eyes. "Nothing," he answered quietly. "I - I just…I'm not sure what I'd do without you."

Liz smiled sweetly, leaning up on her tiptoes to give him a sound kiss on the lips. "Me either," she shot back.

[McGees]

27
Thursday, 6:06 pm

The very first thing Max noticed as he pulled up in front of his parents' house was Jesse and Isabel's car. He cursed under his breath and then glanced in the rearview mirror at his son. "Sorry, buddy," he mumbled.

He gave the street a quick once over as he climbed out of the car to retrieve Zan. It was empty except for a group of kids down the block playing roller hockey. Nevertheless, he lifted Zan's carrier close against his chest for the short trek to the front door.

Max let himself inside and was cornered almost immediately by Diane. "Honey, you came," she sighed, the happy surprise evident on her face as she stooped to get a better look at Zan. "Can I?" she asked, glancing back up at Max.

As he nodded his acquiescence Diane eagerly unfastened her grandson and lifted him into her arms. "Hello, handsome," she cooed, kissing the baby's round cheeks.

"Max, you made it." Phillip appeared in the front hall, clapping a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Yeah…" Max shrugged a little, unsure of what to say in response to his parents' surprise. He had told his mother he would come, after all. Of course, at that point Isabel's attendance had gone conveniently unmentioned. He wondered where she was lurking…

"Come here to Grandpa," Phillip's voice broke through Max's thoughts as he reached for a gurgling Zan. There was no question about it, Zan ate up every bit of attention bestowed upon him. Max couldn't help but smile, and his grin broadened as he watched his son grab at Phillip's nose.

"Dinner's almost ready, honey," Diane was continuing as she ushered Max toward the kitchen. "Jesse had some things to take care of at the office so it's just the four of us. Won't that be nice?"

Max nodded dutifully, eyes peeled for his meddling sister. He needn't have looked far; there she stood at the kitchen counter, chopping green peppers for the salad.

"Hey Max," she greeted casually. "Where's Zan?"

"With Dad," he answered tightly. "Isabel, can I speak to you for a minute?"

"Speak," she replied, casting a glance at their oblivious mother as she puttered around in the wine cabinet.

"How about out back," he suggested pointedly.

With a dramatic sigh, Isabel set the knife on the chopping block. "I'll finish up in a minute, Mom."

"Oh honey, don't worry about it." Diane turned with a bottle of Merlot. "You two wash up and then have a seat at the table."

The moment Max had closed the french doors leading to the back patio, Isabel planted her hands on her hips. "What are you looking at me like that for?"

Max glared at his sister. She was already on the defense.

"I guess I'm trying to figure out why you can't seem to respect my decisions," he returned.

Isabel rolled her eyes expansively. "Is this about Michael again?"

"What do you think?" he demanded. "I made a decision to stay at Michael's and you're doing whatever you can to undermind me. Zan is my child, Isabel. He's my responsibility."

"Then why don't you act responsible?" Isabel hissed. "Accepting a little help doesn't make you weak, Max, or a bad father. It just means doing what's best for your son!"

Max's eyes flashed. "How would you know what's best for my son?"

"I could ask you the same thing!" The words were out of her mouth before she realized what she was saying, and Isabel's face bloomed with color. "I - I didn't mean it like…that," she whispered.

But Max just shook his head, his look of anger replaced suddenly with one of defeat.

The patio door swung open then as Phillip poked his head out. "Let's eat!" He paused, taking note of the expressions on his children's faces. "Is everything okay?"

"Fine." Max turned from Isabel without another word and headed into the house.

*****

Dinner was slightly less strained than anyone had expected. Zan kept them entertained with a live show of babbling and blowing bubbles before dozing off in his carrier at the dining room table.

But the silence as everyone finished their roast and potatoes grew more and more apparent until Phillip finally cleared his throat.

"So…Max," he began. "Do you have everything you need at Michael's? A place for Zan to sleep?"

"Yeah, Dad. I took everything over this afternoon," he answered quickly before pausing to think over the question more thoroughly. The basket had served quite nicely as a bed these past several days, but how long could that last? Zan would only grown more active, and that small basket wouldn't be able to contain him much longer.

But…where in Michael's apartment was there space for a crib? He could feel his stomach begin to tighten, and it wasn't in response to his mother's cooking.

Max could suddenly feel a gaze burning into him. He glanced up to see Isabel, her eyes penetrating. The look wasn't accusatory, though, or even "I told you so." It was sympathetic. And that almost irritated him more. He didn't want her sympathy. He could handle this.

"Well…who wants pie?" Diane broke the silence this time, rising from the table and collecting the dinner plates.

"You made pie, too?" Idabel spoke up, surprised.

"The Crashdown may have helped," she admitted, oblivious to the relieved looks on her family's faces. "I picked up an Area 51 Apple on the way home." She paused momentarily, glancing at her son and daughter. "Does…does that make you uncomfortable?" she asked quietly. "You know…the names and the jokes…"

Isabel and Max shared another glance, this one softer.

"No, Mom," Isabel assured. "I mean, we grew up in Roswell. You kind of get used to the alien preoccupation."

Diane smiled a little. "Yes, I guess you would."

A short while later as they cleared the dessert plates from the table for their mother, Max was unable to ignore his sister's gaze any longer.

"What?" he demanded finally, averting his eyes as he deposited the dishes into the sink. He didn't have the energy to get into it with Isabel again tonight.

"Take a walk with me."

Now Max glanced up at her. "Zan's going to wake up soon. He'll need to eat-"

"Mom will feed him. He'll be fine," she informed him as she wrapped the leftover pie in Saran wrap.

He sighed a little. "As long as we aren't gone long."

Within minutes Max found himself sauntering along the sidewalk with Isabel at his side. Before he could open his mouth to ask her the reason behind their trek, Isabel spoke up.

"Michael thinks I'm being overbearing."

Max's eyes snapped up to meet hers. He couldn't disagree, but this wasn't exactly what he'd expected to hear.

"He thinks I need to take a step back," she said quietly, arms wrapped around herself against the cool desert evening.

Max leaned a little closer to his sister as the continued along the darkened street. "And what do you think?" he asked.

"I think he's probably right," she admitted finally, wrinkling her nose a little. She didn’t like saying it. "I've probably overstepped my boundaries…"

He checked the urge to snort his agreement and decided to make his own confession as well. "What you said on the deck tonight," Max began quietly. "About not knowing what's best for Zan -"

"Max, I was frustrated. I didn't mean it, it just kind of - came out that way," Isabel insisted, grabbing his arm.

"But that's the problem, Iz," he sighed. "It bothered me so much because I wonder if it might be true."

Isabel swallowed, guiding her brother into the small park they had approached. She glanced up in surprise at Max's soft chuckle. "What?"

"Familiar, isn't it?" he asked, nodding at their surroundings. It had been almost exactly a year since they stood in the darkened park. It was ironic. A year had passed and Max felt no more sure now about his son's well-being than he did then.

Maybe - maybe he just wasn't cut out to be a father.

"Don't," Isabel warned, watching the emotions flicker across her brother's shadowed face.

"Standing out here with you," Max continued thoughtfully, sinking down onto a bench. "It was the first time any of it seemed real." He gazed up at his sister, a smile ghosting his lips. "'You're having a son,'" he repeated, his voice distant. "I hadn't thought of it that way. I couldn't. All I could think of was how I'd messed up…I'd screwed up everything and now this innocent child was suffering because of it." Max exhaled, scrubbing his hands over his face. "I knew it was my duty to protect him, but…it wasn't until that moment that it registered. It wasn't because I was a king. It was because he was my son and I…I loved him. I love him."

Isabel swallowed hard, watching her brother's jaw work spasmodically. "I know you do, Max," she whispered.

"It hurts," he continued quietly. "It - it actually hurts to love him so much. I look at him sometimes and it…it's almost suffocating. It's intense, and it - it makes me realize that I would do anything to keep him safe."

Now Isabel could only nod, unable to respond to the raw conviction in his voice. She knew he would do anything for her…and for Liz. God, for Liz. But this love, the love he had for Zan…she knew, instinctively, that it was something different. She ached, suddenly, to know what it felt like.

"I don't know if I'm doing what's best for him," Max continued, his voice heartbreakingly candid. "Sometimes I feel like I don't know anything, and I just - I'm just doing the best that I can."

"I know you are." Isabel nodded, blinking back her sudden tears. "I want to help you, Max, and it's not because I think you're doing anything wrong. I see how much you love that little boy, how fiercely you need to protect him. And I - we all want you to know you're not alone. But I - I guess sometimes it doesn't always come out the right way."

Another smile flickered across Max's face as he reached over and laced his fingers through his sister's. "No. Not always."

*****

7:56 pm

"Liz."

She whipped around, startled by the hand suddenly grasping her arm. "Maria, you scared me!" she yelped, wiping up the mess she'd made at the soda fountain.

"Did you see who just walked in?" Maria continued, her voice low.

"Not exactly, I'm trying to get drinks for table four," Liz reminded wryly as she made a second attempt with the Sprite.

"Over in the booth," her friend hissed, jerking her head in that direction. "Wait, wait, don't stare!" Maria tightened her grip on Liz's arm as she turned to see whatever it was Maria was acting so strangely about.

The moment she caught sight of the uniforms, Liz's heart sank. "What are they doing here?" she demanded, knowing the worry in her eyes matched Maria's.

"Beats the hell out of me," Maria mumbled. "What could they possibly want here?"

"Food, maybe?" Liz sighed, willing herself calm. "Maria, we cannot freak out about this, do you understand? Everybody comes to the Crashdown. I'm sure it's nothing."

"Nothing except for the fact that those guys are responsible for the murder of the very same woman who was investigating the crash! The very same murder Michael witnessed!"

Liz nearly clapped her hand over Maria's mouth before she could continue. "Shh!" she hissed. "Michael's not even here tonight," she reminded.

Maria considered this. "Maybe they're just scoping the place out," she suggested before giving her head a firm shake. "I have got to stop doing this."

"You do," Liz confirmed with a smile. "I'm going to finish getting these sodas and then I'm going over there to take their orders. Food orders," she specified, eyebrows furrowing. "Will you be okay?"

"Of course I'll be okay," Maria sniffed.

"Good. Because I think your table over there is starting to get impatient." Liz nodded toward a couple staring at them - more specifically at the tray of food Maria was balancing in one hand.

"I'm on it." Maria headed back onto the floor as Liz finished filling the drink order. As she emerged from behind the counter she forced herself to take a deep breath. Focus, Parker.

Once she'd deposited the drinks to the waiting patrons, she steeled herself and made her way to the back booth where three members of the base had settled themselves.

"Hi. My name is Liz and I'll be your waitress tonight," she announced cheerfully, fumbling in her apron pocket for the ordering pad. "Can I start you off with something to drink?"

The oldest of the three glanced up from his menu. "I think I'd like the Blood of Alien smoothie," he informed her before giving the other two officers a wink. "Sounds mighty tasty, doesn't it, boys?"

The two younger men chuckled appropriately before deciding on the same thing.

Liz smiled, trying valiantly to hide her discomfort. "Um, I'll get right on those," she mumbled before turning and walking quickly toward the kitchen. She recognized the oldest man as one of the generals from the press conference that morning. Officer…Burns, was it?

"Lizzie!"

Nearly dropping her ordering pad as she pushed through the swinging door toward the kitchen, Liz relaxed when she saw her father setting a large box on the floor of the back room, returning from his afternoon trip to Hondo for supplies. "Dad. Hi," she managed.

"How's my girl?" he asked, enveloping her in a quick hug. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages!"

"It was yesterday, Dad," she reminded with a smile.

"I know, I know," he sighed. "It's been so quiet without you home these past few days. Kind of a preview for when you're off at college. I'm not sure I like it," he winked.

"Dad." Liz rolled her eyes.

Jeff grinned, tugging gently on her ponytail. "How much longer is this sleepover at Maria's going to last? I thought Ms. DeLuca came home at the end of the week."

Liz nodded. "Tomorrow," she confirmed. "Thanks for letting me stay there, Dad. Maria's really appreciated the company."

"She could have stayed with us," Jeff pointed out. "Your mom and I wouldn't have minded."

"I - I know, Dad. Thanks." Liz cleared her throat. "I really gotta get these smooties in," she continued, waving her ordering pad around. "There's a table of guys from the base out there."

Jeff raised an eyebrow. "Huh."

"Huh what?"

"They've been frequenting this place a little more often than usual is all," Jeff shrugged. "They probably think we're ridiculous, all the alien stuff." He chuckled, giving Liz another wink. "They don't know the half of it!"

Liz swallowed as her father headed back out to the truck. She certainly hoped they didn't.

[McGees]

Hello stranger indeed.

It seems I've found my way back. I MISSED writing and all of you too! I'm bound and determined to finish both My Heart is Staying Here and Wherever You Will Go - look for an update on that one over the weekend. I've started another AU story that I'm hoping to get in postable condition before too long as well.

To the people that have sent PMs over the past year, thanks so much for your kind words. I hope to make this worth sticking around!


Part 28
Thursday, 8:51pm

Brother and sister lost track of time in the shadowy park, simply chatting and enjoying one another’s company – something they hadn’t done in a while. They kept the conversation light, constantly aware that out in public, even at night in this deserted park, anyone could be listening.

By the time they made their way back to their parents’ house, Max knew he had long since missed Zan’s feeding. He was lucky, he reminded himself again, that he had so many people to love and support him. He could only hope that it would be enough against those who wanted to destroy him.

As Isabel headed to the kitchen to collect her things, Max wandered into the living room. His mother sat in a recliner, Zan passed out in her arms.

”Did he eat?” Max asked quietly, taking a seat on the couch.

“Like a pro,” Diane chuckled, rubbing the baby’s back. “He’s such a good baby, Max. So expressive. I’ve never seen a baby smile as much as he does.”

Max managed a sheepish smile of his own. “I don’t think he gets that from me,” he admitted.

Diane reached over to pat her son’s knee. “You know what that means, don’t you? That he’s been well taken care of.”

He considered this for a moment. He supposed he couldn’t take much credit for that either. Six days of involvement in his son’s entire life didn’t make him much of a father. Perhaps Tess had done something right.

“Max, you’re doing just fine,” Diane continued. “It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been at it, being a parent isn’t easy.”

“Especially when your kids tell you they’re aliens from another planet.”

Now Diane swatted him. “It was definitely unexpected. But that’s part of it, Max. You can’t prepare yourself for everything.”

Max knew that much was true. He couldn’t even prepare a place for himself and his son to stay.

Isabel appeared in the doorway. “Goodnight,” she said softly. “I should get back, Jesse will be home soon. Thanks for the leftovers.”

“Goodnight, sweetheart,” Diane answered. “Call me tomorrow, will you?”

Isabel nodded. “Max, are you going back to Michael’s?”

“Later. I have to pick up Maria at the Crashdown so she can drive me over there.”

As Isabel closed the front door behind her, Diane turned back to Max. “Why don’t you and Zan stay here tonight?” she suggested. “I – I know you’ve got your reservations about it, but he’s already sound asleep. You’ve got plenty of diapers and formula and you’ve still got things in your bedroom…”

Max realized he was too tired to argue. Why bother? If they could hunt him down at his parents’ house they could certainly hunt him down at Michael’s.

“If you’re sure you don’t mind.”

Diane’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Max,” she said quietly. “I – I put fresh sheets on your bed and there’s an extra toothbrush in the bathroom.”

She knew she would win, Max realized with a brief smile. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I’m happy you’re staying,” Diane said haltingly. “Even if it’s just for a night.” With a deep breath, Diane got to her feet. “I’m going to put him down in your room.”

Max nodded. “Do you mind keeping an eye on him while I bring Maria’s car back to the Crashdown?”

“No problem, sweetie.” She leaned over to kiss the top of his head. “I’ll see you when you get home.” Diane cleared her throat. “When you get back,” she corrected.

He knew he would be early, but Max grabbed his keys and headed out to the Jetta. The Crashdown would be closed by now, and maybe he’d get a chance to talk to Liz a little while she cleaned up.

The back door was open, and Max let himself into the locker room.

“Hey.” Liz pushed through the swinging door with an armload of plates, surprised. “I didn’t expect to see you until ten.”

Max shrugged. “My mom is watching Zan, so I just figured…”

Liz leaned up to peck his cheek. “Dinner went well?”

He shrugged again. “Yeah, it was fine.”

“Convincing,” Liz giggled. “Let me drop these off and then we can talk.”

Max nodded, watching as she headed for the kitchen, and then made his way through the swinging door. To his relief, Jeff was nowhere in sight and Maria appeared to be the only other closing waitress.

“It’s not ten o’clock, is it?” Maria demanded hopefully from her station behind the counter.

”Sorry,” Max smiled. He placed his hand on the plastic surface and dissolved the sticky soda puddles Maria was scrubbing at.

“I wish you worked here,” Maria sighed. “Michael, he probably would have melted the counter.”

Max’s grin widened. “But he grills a mean burger.”

“So are you staying with your parents?” Liz appeared from the back, a jug of salt and pepper in each hand.

His smile faded. “Tonight,” he admitted.

“Good.” Liz nodded. “I’m sure it made your mom really happy.”

“It was her idea.”

“I figured.” Liz gave him a playful hip check as she passed.

Max followed her dutifully as she stopped at the front booth to refill the condiments. “You’re in a good mood tonight.”

“Mm-hmm.” Liz couldn’t quite make eye contact with him and instead focused on the grains of salt filling the shaker. She’d decided she didn’t have much of a choice. She couldn’t let Max worry about the generals coming by the Crashdown that evening. Nothing had come of it, but she knew that if Max was aware it would set off more alarms. “I’m excited about prom on Saturday,” she said instead.

“Prom,” Max repeated. He’d completely forgotten about prom. “Uh…yeah, me too.”

Liz glanced up skeptically. “You forgot about prom, didn’t you.” She didn’t give him the chance to answer. “I don’t blame you. I’d forgotten too until I went upstairs tonight and saw my dress.”

Max had heard…rumors about that dress. Maria had been with her when she picked it out and assured Max he would “pass the hell out” when he saw Liz in it. He didn’t know much except that it was red. “Knock you on your ass” red, Maria called it.

He reached forward and touched Liz’s arm, halting her movement. “I’m excited,” he repeated. “It’s something to look forward to. I could use that right now.”

Still looking doubtful, Liz sighed. “I would understand.”

“There’s nothing to understand except that you and I are going to have a great time with Maria and Kyle.”

“No you’re not,” Maria called from across the restaurant. “Kyle dumped me.”

“Kyle dumped you?” Liz repeated, unable to hide her amusement.

”Apparently when everything went down last weekend with Tess, Kyle had to miss out on his meeting with an admissions counselor up in Albuquerque,” Maria informed her, tossing the rag onto the counter. “So he has to go Saturday and he won’t be back in time.”

Liz sighed. “Max, this is silly. What’s the point if it’s just us?”

Max leaned a little closer, his breath tickling her ear. “I was hoping it would be just us most of the night anyway,” he admitted.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the thrill that ran through her. It really was silly, but Liz wanted so badly to erase the memory of last year’s prom from her mind. This year would be better. It had to be.

“So are we done here?” Maria was asking as she reappeared from the back.

“Yeah, go ahead.” Liz twisted the top on a pepper shaker. “I’m just going to finish these up.”

”I’ll wait for you,” Max answered quickly.

“Does Spaceboy know you and the kid won’t be joining him tonight?” Maria asked, sauntering over to them as she untied her apron.

“Oh. No.” Max paused. “I’ll call him.”

Maria waved him off. “Nah. I was thinking of stopping over there anyway. You know…see how he’s doing. And stuff. I’ll let him know.”

Max nodded. “Thanks, Maria. And thanks for letting me borrow your car all week.”

“No worries. I’ll take a free tank of gas any day. Liz, are you going to give him a ride home?”

Liz looked up at Max and grinned. “We’ll see.”

*****

Maria peered through the window into the darkened kitchen. She knew Michael was home, his bike was parked right where it always was.

As she squinted through the smudged glass she saw a shard of light from the bedroom. She rapped on the door once, but there was no movement from inside. Maria tried again, louder this time. Still nothing. After a few moments, she tried the knob. To her surprise, it turned and the door swung open.

”Idiot,” she muttered under her breath. Why in the world would Michael leave his kitchen door unlocked, especially now? Why not just send out an open invitation to the base?

A block of ice suddenly formed in the pit of Maria’s stomach. “Michael?” she called tentatively.

No answer.

“Damn you, Guerin,” she hissed, creeping through the kitchen into the shadowy living room. There was no sign of anything awry, but there was no sign of Michael either.

Maria considered calling for him again but decided against it. Even though at this point she would have already made herself known to an intruder. Dammit.

She peered around the corner into the bedroom, her heart thudding. The light was on and she could hear the faint sound of Radiohead coming from the stereo. No Michael.

With a deep breath, Maria turned back toward the living room.

“Fuck!”

Maria spun around again with a yelp at the sound of Michael’s curse. There stood Michael…a wet, very naked Michael.

*****

“How do you feel about staying there?” Liz asked, taking a sip of the soda in front of her.

Max shrugged, stirring the straw in his Cherry Coke. He couldn’t give an honest answer to that question, not yet. “I guess it’s not really any more dangerous than Michael’s, huh?”

It was Liz’s turn to shrug as she swung her legs on the stool at the Crashdown counter. “I think you don’t have to have an answer yet,” she said finally, her voice thoughtful. “I think you’ll know when you have it.”

He glanced up at her, his lips curving up into a smile. “How come you’re so smart.”

Liz fiddled with her straw. “It’s not being smart, Max. It’s having a feeling.”

“I wish I could have that feeling,” Max muttered. “I keep thinking I’ll know, but the more time passes the more confused I get. It’s time I can’t afford, Liz.”

She didn’t know what to say. There wasn’t anything she could say to make things better. It wasn’t a feeling she liked to have.

So instead, Liz leaned over and rested her head on Max’s shoulder. And somehow, for the moment, it was enough.

*****

“Jesus, Maria,” Michael hissed, grabbing a sofa cushion to cover himself with. “You scared the hell out of me.”

“Me?” Maria sputtered, clutching the doorframe. “I wasn’t exactly expecting to see you…like that…”

“I was taking a shower,” Michael shot back. “In my apartment. What are you doing here? How did you get in?” He knew she didn’t have a key. She made quite the show of throwing it at him more than a month ago.

Maria glared at him. “You left your kitchen door unlocked, genius.”

“I did? Huh.” Michael glanced toward the kitchen and shrugged before padding into his bedroom. Awarding Maria with an eyeful of his ass in the process.

She swallowed, leaning against the wall. After a long moment she spoke up again. “Max and the baby are staying with his parents tonight. I just…wanted to let you know.”

“I’ve got a phone, Blondie,” Michael pointed out, emerging from his bedroom in a pair of sweats. He pulled an old t-shirt over his head and glanced down at her. “Did he send you over here to check on me?”

“No,” Maria shot back. “I was on my way home and I thought I would stop by and say hi.”

Michael flopped down on the couch. “Hi.”

Maria bit back the urge to scream. No doubt he was back to his old self. She took a deep breath and crossed the living room, gingerly sitting beside him.

He cast a quick glance at her before flipping on the television.

“Hockey?” Maria sighed. “It’s May. Didn’t the ice melt already?”

“There’s always hockey in Canada,” he informed her. “And that’s why I will never have basic cable.”

Maria rolled her eyes and slumped against the back of the sofa. “Have you eaten?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh.” Maria paused. “Are you watching the baby tomorrow?”

“I guess.”

“Oh.” Tapping her fingers on the arm of the sofa, Maria slid her eyes over to Michael. He was already engrossed in the game. “Michael?”

“What.”

“Are you okay?”

Michael heaved a deep sigh. “I’d be better if you weren’t breathing down my neck.”

Maria recoiled a bit, stung. “Sorry,” she muttered. “I just…I didn’t know if you’d want to be alone tonight. I mean…I don’t.”

He was silent for so long Maria was sure he’d tuned her out all together. After a long time, she saw his shoulders droop. “Do you want to stay?” he asked finally.

“You don’t mind?” Her voice was cautious.

“No.”

Maria exhaled. “Thanks.”

”Can I watch the game now?”

She smiled a little, in spite of herself. Without a word, Maria curled her legs up beneath herself and drifted off to the sound of hockey sticks slapping the ice.

[McGees]

Hi again! Thanks so much for the feedback and the warm "welcome."

Mareli, I missed you too! I hope to make the endings worth all that paper, lol.

Thanks, Begonia!

Aww, I appreciate it Tequathisy!

Somewhere87, welcome! It's always so exciting to see new readers, especially after all this time.

Nibbles2, there's a wee bit of candy in this part too.

Itzstacie, thanks! We'll see about Diane...

Thanks, Dreamerfiend!

BehrObsession, you're right...but you know how Max is...

Smac, thank YOU for still reading after all this time!

That's so sweet, Sylvia37. Thank you for reading!

Thanks, Alien614. I can't wait to see that movie, btw...

Awww, Tiger, thanks. It's good to see your pixels!

Becca, you crack me up. As always girl, thank you for the bumps! *hugs*


29
Friday, 6:41 am

Michael awoke to a soft, warm body pressed against his own. He gazed down, squinting through sleep heavy eyes. Maria.

What had he done?

He peered under the blanket tossed over them. Sure enough. Naked. Both of them.

Michael sighed. He hadn’t even taken her to his bedroom like a proper gentleman.

Who was he kidding.

Maria began to stir, shifting into the crevice between Michael and the sofa. “Morning,” she mumbled, offering him a sleepy smile.

“Hey,” he answered gruffly, his fingers tangling through her rumpled hair.

“So…” Maria hedged, acutely aware of the way their bodies pressed together. “Last night was…pretty great.”

“Yeah.” Michael cleared his throat. “So listen, I should probably get you home. School…and stuff.”

Maria pouted. “I’d rather stay here. With you.”

Michael swallowed. “Uh…yeah. Okay.” He jumped as Maria’s fingers slowly made their way under the blanket. “Definitely…okay.”

*****

Friday, 12:15 pm

“Hey you.”

Max stepped aside, surprised, and let Liz inside. “What are you doing here?” he asked, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

“I could ask you the same thing.” She stood on tiptoe to give him a proper greeting. “I went looking for you over at Michael’s.”

“Yeah, well.” Max shrugged sheepishly. “Zan slept in and I just kind of decided...“

Liz smiled. “It’s not so bad here, huh?”

Max shook his head, leading Liz down the hall to the kitchen, where Zan sat on the counter in his carrier.

“Hi sweetheart,” Liz greeted, cupping his round cheek in her hand.

Zan gurgled happily, waving his arms and making both Liz and Max grin.

“So you never did answer my question,” Max continued, reaching into the refrigerator and retrieving two sodas.

”What?”

”To what do I owe this surprise visit?

Liz popped the tab on her soda. “I was lonely,” she admitted. “Everybody ditched today.”

Max arched an eyebrow.

“You’re here, Kyle is in Albuquerque, and Maria’s at Michael’s.”

“Michael’s?” Max repeated. “What for?”

Liz rolled her eyes. “What do you think.”

Max nearly choked on a swig of soda. “Seriously?”

“Apparently. I think I might have…interrupted something when I stopped by.”

“Wow.” Max leaned against the counter thoughtfully. “That’s an unexpected development.”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. They always seemed to thrive on makeup sex.”

“That’s some makeup sex,” Max muttered.

Liz peered up at him with a coy smile. “So I decided to leave them to it and come visit you.”

Max pushed away from the counter and sidled over to her. “I’m glad you did,” he smiled, sliding his arms around her and casting a quick glance at Zan. “I mean…we both are.”

“Good,” she said, her smile widening as he dipped down to capture her lips in a sweet kiss that quickly grew more insistent.

“Max, are you still-“ Diana paused as she walked through the back door. “I – sorry.”

“Mom.” Max pulled away from Liz, flustered. “Hey.”

Diane gave him a look. “Hi.” She nodded at Liz. “Hi, Liz, how are you?”

“Good, Mrs. Evans. Thanks.” Liz smiled, flushing a bit as she ran a hand through her long hair.

Reaching into the carrier, Diane lifted Zan into her arms and kissed his forehead. “I just thought I’d stop home on my lunch break and see if you were still here,” she said, settling Zan on her hip. “And – here you are.”

Max cleared his throat. “I was just about to make something for Liz and I,” he said, moving purposefully toward the freezer. “How does…frozen pizza sound?”

Liz nodded quickly. “Sounds good.”

“There’s plenty, Mom, do you want some?” Max asked, tearing away the cellophane.

“Sure, that would be…” Diane trailed off, her eyes widening in surprise when Max placed his glowing hand over the top of the frozen pizza. “Interesting.”

Max shrugged, ducking his head a little. “It’s quicker this way,” he explained. “And it still tastes pretty good.”

Diane shook her head in amazement as the cheese began to brown and steam began to rise from surface. “I’ll…just get some plates.”

*****

6:01 pm

“So you can’t watch Zan.”

“I can’t.”

“But not because you’re taking Maria to the prom.”

Michael nodded. “Affirmative.”

Max gave his friend a strange look. “Why not just suck it up and take her?”

“She doesn’t want me to,” Michael defended. “And also because I won’t give any of those pricks at West Roswell High the satisfaction of seeing me there ever again. And three,” Michael leaned closer, “Because I think she wants to skip right to the after prom party. If you know what I mean.”

Max rolled his eyes at Michael’s smugness. He wandered out of the kitchen with a sigh. That was it. No prom for him and Liz. There was a dinner for the partners at his dad’s firm tomorrow night, which counted his parents and Isabel and Jesse out. This whole babysitting thing was certainly something he’d been taking for granted. Casting a glance at Zan dozing in his carrier, his gaze shifted through the window in the swinging door. Liz bustled about taking orders for the Friday evening crowd.

She glanced up, catching Max’s eye through the window and flashed him a smile. He offered one back when the door to the Crashdown opened and his stomach turned to ice.

Liz immediately saw his face change and she whirled around at the sound of the bells tinkling above the door.

Agent Burns.

She spun back to face Max, but he was gone. Liz watched as Megan led the man and his two comrades to a booth at the back of the restaurant, relieved that they wouldn’t be sitting in her section. She caught Maria’s eye as her friend took drink orders from a nearby table, and they exchanged an anxious look. Taking a deep breath, Liz checked on a table of patrons and casually wandered to the back of the restaurant.

Much to her relief, the three men took no notice to her as they looked over their menus. Surprising, she noted bitterly, considering how often they’d been making appearances there lately. Liz stepped into the back room, careful to close the door behind her, and saw Max standing near the back door with Zan.

“Liz? What are they doing here?” he eyes flashed with fear.

“Ordering food, I guess,” Liz sighed. “I think it’s okay, they didn’t pay any attention to me or Maria.”

“Michael saw them too,” Max continued, glancing at his friend in the kitchen. Michael continued to flip burgers, but the way his brows furrowed and the looks he kept shooting into the restaurant gave away his discomfort.

Liz turned back to Max. “Do you want to take my mom’s car?” she asked. “I’ve got the keys in my locker-“

“Isabel should be on her way,” Max told her. “She’s picking me up after class, so…we’ll just lie low.” He nodded toward his son in the carrier just as the baby began to shift and stretch.

Without warning, Zan let out a plaintive wail. Max’s eyes widened, quick to set the carrier down to retrieve his son and quiet his cries.

“Lizzie?”

At that moment, Jeff appeared in the swinging doorway, holding it open as he braced a tub of dirty dishes. “What are you doing, Liz, you’ve got tables waiting.”

Liz whirled around. “Dad!”

“Here, take these into the kitchen for me, Megan needs help at the register.”

She bolted to him, the door wide open as the baby continued to scream.

Max attempted to stuff a bottle into his mouth, but Zan wasn’t interested. He spit it out and continued to wail.

Liz ushered her father back out into the restaurant and yanked the door shut, her eyes wide. “I’m sorry,” she gasped, dumping the tub onto the couch. “What’s the matter, Zan?” she soothed, watching at Max’s failed attempts to quiet him. He even fished around in his pocket for a pacifier, although in the past Zan seemed to have little interest in it. The baby accepted it momentarily before spitting it out onto the floor.

Out in the restaurant, one of the officers flagged down a waitress. “Can you tell me where the restroom is?” he asked.

“Sure, right behind you,” the waitress nodded before bustling to the soda machine.

“Go on,” Burns urged.

The officer got to his feet, glanced around, and pushed through the swinging door to the back room.

Liz whirled around with a yelp, slamming the back door.

“Sorry,” the officer shrugged. “I thought she said the bathrooms were back there.”

Leaning against the door and sucking in a deep breath, Liz shook her head. “No. No, it’s outside there. On the left.”

The officer nodded, turned to go, and suddenly bent over. Liz’s heart sank as he straightened and held out the pacifier.

”You dropped this.”

Max could hear Liz’s voice, faint through the heavy door as he crouched outside and attempted to muffle his son’s whimpers. He held the baby close and prayed that Isabel-

”Max?”

He jumped at the sound of his sister’s voice, startling Zan as his cries intensified.

“What are you doing out here?” Isabel demanded. “What’s wrong with Zan?”

Max shook his head, grabbing the baby carrier in his free hand and urging Isabel toward her car in the alley. “We have to get him out of here.”

*****

6:55 pm

Liz slowly returned her cell phone to her locker, closing the door and leaning heavily against it.

”What’s up, Petunia?” Maria paused beside her best friend, concerned.

“I tried to convince Max that the officer didn’t see them. Or hear them.”

Maria nodded. “Even if they did hear him it doesn’t mean anything.”

She sighed. That’s what she wanted to believe. She knew Max did too, though he was having a harder time convincing himself of it. “He’s really freaked out, Maria,” Liz continued softly.

Weaving an arm around Liz, Maria gave her a quick squeeze. “They’re getting ready to pay. They’ll be out of here in no time.”

“But what about the next time they come back?” Liz muttered. Max had come by to visit her and she knew this scare would prevent that from happening again. She couldn’t help the resentment bubbling up inside, especially now that Max admitted there could be no prom for them. Liz hated herself for feeling that way – she told Max it wasn’t a big deal, especially on top of everything else. But the truth was, she knew they both needed a night away. Even if it was just for a few hours, she desperately wanted him to herself. It wouldn’t happen tomorrow. Part of her wondered if it could ever happen again.

*****

7:43 pm

Philip answered the front door, surprised to see Michael on the porch.

”Mr. Evans,” he nodded.

”Michael, come in,” Philip gestured into the front hall. He’d known Michael for years, almost as long as they’d had Isabel and Max, but he felt he could count on one hand the number of times they’d shared more than a handful of words.

“Is Max here?”

In spite of knowing their secret, Philip didn’t see that changing any time soon. “He is. Bedroom.”

Michael nodded again. “Thanks.” With that, he disappeared down the hall.

The door was ajar and Michael let himself in. “Hey.”

Max glanced over from where he lay on the bed, holding a gurgling Zan up over his head. “Michael.” He sat up, cradling the baby against his chest.

“You talked to Liz.”

“She called me,” he nodded. “I can’t believe I was so careless.”

Michael pulled up his desk chair, swinging one leg over the seat and sinking down. “It was a pacifier, Maxwell.”

With a sigh, Max got to his feet and began pacing the floor as his son gnawed urgently on his finger. “It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t really even matter if the guy knows who it belonged to.” He paused, glancing up at his friend. “The point is that they could show up anywhere. Any time. I won’t always be able to hide him, Michael.”

After an appropriate pause, Michael eyed his friend. “So don’t.”

Max rolled his eyes. “Right. That’s a great idea, why didn’t I think of it before.”

“I’m serious, Max. This is – it’s the reality in Roswell. I know you. You’re never going to get over the fear that they’ll identify him. It won’t matter how much time passes. You’re going to hole up in your room with him and you’ll both be miserable. It isn’t worth being afraid.”

“So what do you suggest, Michael, that I just get rid-“

“No,” Michael interrupted Max’s angry outburst. “I’m suggesting that you and I, we take the kid somewhere else. Just like we planned to that first night. We’ll be able to get out with no problem now and we drive.”

Max scrubbed his free hand over his face. “I don’t know.”

“What else can you do?” he demanded. “You can either live in fear and force him to live in fear too, or you can get the hell out of here and find something better.”

Michael’s words struck a harsh blow. Max glanced down at his son, gumming contentedly on his hand, and felt his heart sink. It would be incredibly selfish to keep him hidden here in Roswell. He could try to protect him, but he could never give him a normal life. With a shuddering sigh, Max shifted his gaze back to Michael. “You’re right,” he said finally. “He deserves better than that.”

And so did Michael, Max realized. He understood Michael’s inherent need to be second in command, but this wasn’t something Max could ask of him. Somehow, Michael had managed to keep himself out of trouble. He shouldn’t have to be held accountable for Max’s responsibilities. “We’ll be okay,” he managed. “Stay here.”

But Michael shook his head vehemently. “You’re not doing this alone,” he informed Max. “We’re not arguing about this. Once you get settled we can talk about it, but for now…I’m coming with you.”

Max felt his eyes moisten at his friend’s fierce show of loyalty. “Isabel’s going to kill us,” he chuckled half-heartedly.

”It doesn’t have to be forever,” Michael reminded. “Besides, she can visit. Liz can visit. Maria can visit. God knows Maria will visit.”

Liz. Max fought to maintain his resolve. It won’t be forever, he told himself. She’ll understand.

Would she? Would he, if the situation were reversed? He’d found himself wondering that more than once the past few days, whether he could be as good to Liz as she’d been to him.

*****

10:38 pm

“Max, what are you doing here?” Liz poked her head out her bedroom window. “Where’s Zan?”

“With my parents. He’s asleep,” Max answered, stooping over to climb through the window. “I – I had to get out for a little while.”

“Okay.” Liz nodded in understanding. She studied him, the way his jaw worked when he was deep in thought. “What’s going on, Max?” she asked gently.

He sank heavily onto the edge of her bed, scrubbing his face with the heel of his hand. “I – I don’t know.”

Liz joined him on the bed, sitting cross-legged beside him. “Did something happen with your parents?” she asked, reaching out to touch his forearm. “Hey. Look at me.”

Max glanced up at her with red-rimmed eyes. “I don’t think I can do this,” he whispered hoarsely.

She swallowed. “What? Talk to me?”

“No, not that.” Max shook his head, a flicker of a smile curving his lips.

“What’s going on?” Liz repeated. She grabbed his hand, folded it between both of her small ones.

He took a deep, shuddering breath, and Liz could feel the tension deep in his bones as he clenched his hand in hers. “I’m sorry I can’t take you to prom,” he said finally. It was true; he was sorry about it even if it wasn’t his main reason for coming.

Liz exhaled, wondering why he was so torn up about something as silly as prom. “Who cares?” she asked bluntly.

“I do,” he answered, tilting his face to look at her. “After what happened last year, I wanted to make this special for you. For us.”

“Max.” Liz gave him a sad smile and shook her head. “I don’t care about prom. What I care about is you.”

“But how can you not care?” he protested. “I’ve heard you and Maria talking about it. I know you were excited. I – I know this was a memory you wanted.”

“It’s okay,” Liz said quietly.

But it wasn’t. Max knew that. He was so torn; he wanted to give Liz all the attention, all the reassurance in the world that he wouldn’t let her hurt anymore. But he was afraid that he was inadvertently making it so.

The past several days he’d been unable to devote much time to Liz, to their healing relationship. He was so consumed with caring for his son, over what he would do next, agonizing over how he could ever keep Zan safe. He only wanted to protect her, keep her from worrying about the same things that haunted his mind. But it was destroying him.

“God, Liz,” he choked out, burying his face in her shoulder. “I don’t know what to do.”

Liz’s heart broke at Max’s plaintive confession. She knew this had nothing to do with prom. She was silent for a long moment, holding him close and stroking her fingers through his hair. “Are you going to leave Roswell with him?” she asked finally.

“I think I have to,” he whispered, the realization dawning on him. “They’re too close. I can’t let him…” He trailed off with a deep, shuddering sigh. He would do whatever it took to keep those monsters from his son.

His human son.

Liz felt Max’s sharp intake of breath, felt him stiffen in her arms. “What, Max. What is it?”

“It’s me,” he managed, his voice hushed. “Zan is human. And I’m not. Without me…he’s safe.” Max’s words were hushed, each one squeezing his heart like a vice. “God, why didn’t I see…I thought…I thought I was protecting him, and all I’m doing…is putting him in danger.”

“Max, no- “ Liz began, her eyes filled with tears.

“If he’s away from me, they won’t know he’s my son. They won’t have any reason to suspect…to hurt him.” Max’s eyes glimmered with tears, the reality of his words like a jolt of electricity to his brain. “I won’t let them hurt him.”

“You’re serious,” Liz spoke softly, carefully, her dark eyes taking his captive.

His nod was slow, definite. For the first time in days, he knew he’d made the right decision.

[McGees]

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday! And if you're not in the states...well, I hope you enjoyed a piece of pie anyway. New part, and I'm disclaiming that part of the text comes from a scene in Four Aliens and a Baby. Perhaps you'll recognize it. *wink*


30
Saturday, 3:21 am

Liz awoke with a sigh, snuggling against the warm body spooned behind her. She’d grown so accustomed to sleeping beside Max the past week that it seemed natural to find him there. But in her bed? She shifted a little, glancing at the clock beside her.

Shit. “Max,” she murmured, turning and squeezing his arm. “Max, wake up.”

“Hmmm.” Max’s eyes fluttered open, and he squinted at Liz in confusion.

“We fell asleep,” she said, smoothing the rumpled hair off his forehead. “It’s after three.”

His eyes widened and he bolted upright. “Are you – damn it,” he cursed, rubbing his hands over his eyes. How could he have been so careless.

“You were exhausted, Max,” Liz sighed, watching as he scrambled to his feet. “Zan is fine, your mom would have called if-“

“I left my phone at home,” Max muttered, searching momentarily for his shoes before realizing he’d never taken them off. “I wasn’t thinking about it and I just…” He trailed off, glancing at Liz as she surreptitiously hid a yawn behind her hand. “I’ll call you in the morning. Later, I mean.”

Liz nodded, slumping back against her pillows as she watched Max climb through the window the same way he’d entered. He looked, as usual, like the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. But this time, she knew it was different. Because the fact was, the life of one little boy did.

Max jiggled his key in the back door, praying all would be well when he got inside. He was met with silence, but not an empty kitchen.

His mother sat at the table in her bathrobe, and she stared at Max evenly as he slowly approached her.

”Mom, I-“

“Where have you been?”

”I fell asleep,” Max sighed. “Where’s Zan, is he-“

“He’s sleeping, finally,” she said. “He was up the past couple hours fussing. I think he’s teething.”

Max slumped against the counter, pressing a hand to his temple. “I should check on him,” he said.

“In just a minute.” Diane watched as he paused mid-stride and turned to look at her fully. “Where were you?”

“I fell asleep,” Max repeated. “At Liz’s.” He watched a shadow cross his mother’s face, even in the dark kitchen. “I didn’t mean to,” he sighed again, knowing how pathetic he sounded.

“That’s not the point, Max.” It was her turn to sigh at the tone her voice had adopted. “I know you’re more responsible than this. You have to be.”

Max swallowed, renewed guilt washing over him. “I know,” he whispered.

“You have a baby, Max,” she continued. “You can’t just come and go like you used to. We love having you both here, you know that. But this sort of thing can’t happen. I couldn’t reach you all night. I had a feeling you were with Liz, but it’s…it’s unacceptable, Max.”

He nodded silently. “I – I know,” Max managed finally. “I’m sorry.” The sound of Zan’s whimpers cut through the uncomfortable silence. “I’ve got him,” he spoke up quickly. “Go to bed, Mom.”

As Max followed his mother down the hall, he didn’t think it would be possible to feel any lower than he did at that moment.

*****

6:35 am

”Don’t you think you should get some sleep?” Philip padded into the kitchen in his robe, offering his son a smile as he stood at the counter clutching a mug of coffee.

”Didn’t I tell you?” Max glanced up, his eyes bleary. “Aliens don’t need sleep.”

“You don’t have to watch him every second,” his father noted, reaching for the coffee pot.

“It’s hard to tear myself away.”

“I know how you feel.” Philip turned, glancing first at his grandchild and then at his son. “That’s how I felt when we first adopted you and Isabel.”

Max shifted his eyes toward his father.

“The love you feel for him, Max? That’s how your mother and I feel about you. No matter what.”

“They’re out there, Dad.” Max gazed out the window, the early morning sunshine a stark contrast to how he felt inside. “I know it. I can feel it. They’re coming for him.”

Philip shook his head. “No one’s coming for him, Max. Your son is safe here. It’s been over for days.”

“It’ll never be over.” Max shifted his gaze back to Philip.

“Max.”

“I’ve been living with this a lot longer than you have.” His eyes darted to his father, realizing it would be difficult for him to fully understand the magnitude of the situation. “It’s a constant battle.”

Philip sighed. “And your mother and I have been a part of that battle, haven’t we.”

Max glanced up, appreciative that his father understood that much.

“Well, I’m sorry. But we can help you fight them now,” he continued earnestly.

Realizing that his father truly believed it, Max felt his heart constrict. “We have been fighting them. And if it’s not these guys it’ll be someone else.” He paused, his gaze drifting back out the kitchen window. “I just want my son to live a normal life. Away from all of this.”

“He will live a normal life, Max. He will.”

Bracing his hands on the counter in front of him, Max paused for a long moment. “Not if I’m a part of it.”

Confusion crossed Philip’s face. “What are you saying?” he asked, even as the realization began to dawn.

Max’s turned to gaze to his father, his eyes shimmering with tears. “He’s human. He deserves to live a normal human life.” He paused again, struggling to gather his composure. “Look, all I’ve wanted for the past year, more than anything else in my life, was to find him.” It was true. Max wasn’t sure how to make his father understand how true that fact was, given that he’d only been aware of his grandson’s existence for a week. “And now that I finally have, I – I think that I’m going to have to give him up.”

“Max.”

He continued quickly, before his father could protest. “I’m a wanted man.” He swallowed hard. “And so are you.”

A new look crossed Philip’s face as he considered this. He’d never thought of it that way, but it was obvious Max had.

“God, maybe if things were different.” Max turned from the counter and gazed over at his son, kicking contentedly in his basket. “Maybe in the future there will be a way.” He paused before Zan, blissfully unaware of his father’s turmoil, and reached in to tickle his fingers over the baby’s round belly. “But right now I have to ensure Zan’s safety. And the only way to do that is to get him away from me. From us.” Max swallowed again, the words spoken aloud sounding so much harsher. “Can you help me?”

Philip stared at his son, incredulous at what he was suggesting. “Are you sure about this?”

Max nodded, silent.

Shaking his head a little, Philip slowly approached Max and Zan at the counter. “I – I have an old law school buddy who handles things like this,” he began slowly. “He’s in New York, though.”

Trailing his fingers over the infant’s warm little body, Max considered this. “The further away the better,” he said finally, his voice filled with determined resolve. “The less I know about where Zan’s going to end up the safer he’ll be. Just – promise me. You’ll put him with a good family.” Max tore his eyes away from his son for a moment to lock gazes with his father. “I want him to have parents that…were just like you and Mom.”

Philip’s eyes glazed over with emotion at his son’s request.

“Can you make sure he gets that?” Max turned back to Zan, feeling the lump in his throat grow to nearly unbearable proportions.

Philip nodded. “Yeah,” he managed softly. “I can do that.”

“What are you talking about?”

Max and Philip whipped around to see Diane standing in the kitchen doorway, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“Mom…” Max began, his voice hoarse. He knew instantly that she’d been standing there far longer than she let on.

“Tell me that’s not what I just heard,” she continued, pulling her bathrobe tighter as she darted accusing eyes between her husband and son. “Tell me.”

“Diane, don’t do this,” Philip said heavily, his voice resigned.

“Don’t do this?” Diane repeated incredulously, moving fully into the kitchen. “Max wants to give this baby up for adoption and you’re going to do it? Just like that?”

Max’s heart thudded sickeningly in his chest. “Mom, please,” he whispered. He could hardly stand to look into her eyes as she approached him.

”Did Liz put you up to this?” she asked boldly.

Now Max’s eyes widened in shock. “What?” he breathed. “How – how could you even think that?”

“What am I supposed to think?” she demanded angrily. “You’ve been spending all your time with her lately. Do you think she likes knowing that you had a child with someone else? That she has to share you with this baby?”

Max was too caught off guard to speak for a moment. “Y-you don’t know what you’re talking about,” he managed finally. “Mom, this has nothing to do with Liz.”

“Then why?” Diane’s eyes had filled with tears as she gazed down at her grandson. Zan peered up at them, serious now.

Swallowing hard, Max shook his head. “I – I can’t do this now,” he whispered, reaching into the basket and lifting Zan into his arms. The baby sensed his despair and clung to him, frightened. Max pressed his face against the child’s soft cheek, feeling the tears that he’d been trying so hard not to shed begin to leak from his eyes.

“Max.” Philip replaced a comforting hand on his back.

Max shook his head again, turning away and making his way blindly from the room. Zan started to whimper, spurred by his father, and Max felt himself quaking with the force of his emotions. He leaned heavily against the wall in the hallway, and as the sound of Zan’s cries intensified, Max felt his control shatter. He began to weep. Deep, heartbroken sobs wracked his body as he sank to the floor and held his son close. For the first time since the ordeal began, he allowed himself to cry.

*****

11:18 am

“What are you doing here?”

Maria glanced up in surprise at Michael’s question as he emerged from the Crashdown kitchen. “I’m picking up my check and meeting Liz,” she shot back. “Nice to see you too.”

Michael rolled his eyes at his question. That wasn’t what he meant, really. What he meant was didn’t she have the day off? Weren’t they supposed to meet up later? Wasn’t he supposed to get some-

“When do you get off?” Maria was asking.

”Huh?”

Maria smirked, noting the way his cheeks flushed beneath the bandana wrapped around his forehead. “When should I expect to see you?”

Michael cleared his throat. “How about six?”

She nodded, nibbling on her lower lip. “That works. My mom is home now, so…you better make it snappy.”

Liz descended the stairs from the Parker’s apartment then, slinging her purse over her shoulder. “Ready?” she asked. “I so need this manicure.”

Michael glanced from Liz to Maria and sighed. “We’re going to prom, aren’t we.”

It was Maria’s turn to roll her eyes. “Hell no. But neither of us wanted to give up our appointments. So we’ll have sexy nails and no place to go. It’s cool.”

He eyed her suspiciously, and Maria laughed. “Seriously, Michael. Do you think I’d rather spend the evening with you stepping on my feet or doing the horizontal mambo?”

“Oh my god,” Liz groaned. "I liked you better before you made up."

******

12:03 pm

Isabel gaped at her brother in shock, tears blurring her vision as he pressed his lips to the baby’s forehead.

”I wish there was another way,” he said quietly. “There isn’t.”

She swallowed around the lump in her throat, reaching out to stroke her finger over Zan’s hand. He gripped it tight, happily pulling it into his mouth to chew on.

“Max,” she sighed. “After all of this. After all of it, don’t you-“

“No.” Max silenced her, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment. “It isn’t fair to Zan. He didn’t ask for any of this.”

Isabel searched her brother’s face, trying to find the right words. “But…is this fair to Zan either?” she asked quietly. “I – I know he has human blood, Max. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be different in other ways.” She paused. “We know what it was like to grow up different. To feel so alone because of it. Max, I just-“

“Stop,” he pleaded, passing the baby to his sister and pushing himself up from their parents’ kitchen table. “I can’t do this. I can’t play these what-ifs. The only thing I know is that his life is at stake as long as I’m a part of it.” He stared imploringly down at his sister. “That’s enough for me to know I’m doing the right thing.”

“You’re not going to change your mind, are you,” she whispered, smoothing her free hand over her nephew’s cheek.

Max shook his head, sliding the morning paper across the table to his sister.

“What’s…” Isabel trailed off, scanning the headline. Reporter Murdered: Fiance Vows to Find Killer.

She shook her head, glancing up at her brother. “Well yeah, Max, we already knew that,” she muttered. “What fiancé wouldn’t say the same thing?”

“You didn’t read the article,” Max told her, turning and continuing to pace the kitchen.

Isabel scanned it briefly, bouncing Zan in her lap. “So they’re focusing on finding her killer,” she shrugged after a moment. “Either somebody will manage to bust the officers or they’ll offer another explanation. It doesn’t have anything to do with us.”

“Either way it’s bad for us,” Max argued tiredly. “It means the base is trying to shift the public’s attention from the explosion-“

“Which they’ve been trying to do all along,” Isabel interrupted.

“Which means,” Max continued, glaring at her, “that they’re still investigating. Or it could mean they’ll catch Michael on a surveillance camera. It could mean a dozen different things. Do you honestly think they’ll nail the officers?”

Isabel sighed, her head spinning. “I don’t know,” she said finally. “I don’t know what to think anymore.”

“Do you see what I mean?” he demanded brokenly, turning back to her and slumping into a chair. “Do you see what I’ve been doing every second for the past week? I’m over thinking everything because I can’t afford not to.”

She was silent, guilt washing over her as she realized she was grateful she wasn’t in her brother’s place. Isabel passed Zan back to Max when the baby began to fuss, and she could feel her heart breaking a little as father murmured comfortingly to son.

*****

6:10 pm

Liz watched glumly from her balcony as the street below filled with teenagers dressed for prom. She was glad her father still granted her the night off, even though she technically didn’t need it. The idea of waiting tables amongst her peers milling about taking pictures – just as she had done last year – was too much.

Her cell phone beeped on the window sill. It was a text message from Max.

7:30 is perfect. Will I see you then?

Liz managed a smile, wondering why he’d been so particular about the time earlier today. His parents wouldn’t be at their dinner until 7, he’d explained. She teased him, asking if she was being snuck over and would she have to hide in the coat closet if his parents came home early?

Max didn’t seem to find it as funny as she had. Oh well. She couldn’t really blame him. In fact, she was a little surprised he was in the mood for company at all tonight.

I’ll be there, she sent back, returning the phone to the sill and wandering to her lounge chair. Part of her had an urge to write, but her mind was so jumbled she didn’t know where to start. That hasn’t stopped you before, Parker, she thought to herself with a wry chuckle. After a moment, she reached over and loosened a particularly weathered brick from the wall.

It’s May 18th. I’m Liz Parker, and I’m stuck at home on prom night. Okay, that’s not completely true. But I certainly won’t be cutting any rugs tonight. It’s appropriate, somehow. All of this high school stuff has become so…juvenile. Maybe it always was. Since the day Max told me who he really was – no, since the day he showed me – I left my childhood behind. It was a big leap, from child to adult, and it happened with the pull of a trigger. Isn’t that how things always start, though? It’s a domino effect. Just like prom last year. One trigger – a dance with Max – and all the other events of the past year fell into place…

******

7:32 pm

Liz bounded onto the Evans’ front porch, pausing just as she reached out to press the doorbell. A note had been taped to the door.

She peeled it off, reading Max’s blocky print. “I’m in back,” it said. Liz’s brow furrowed momentarily. What was he doing in the back yard? Another thought struck her. What if it was some kind of trap? The handwriting certainly looked like Max’s, but…

Liz shook her head. She really needed to stop assuming everyone was after them. Of course, wasn’t that the reason Max was giving Zan up?

Folding the note, Liz followed the brick walk around to the side of the house. The back gate was open, and Liz passed through after a quick glance over her shoulder. She turned again and froze, a gasp leaping from her throat.