Addiction (Mx/M) Adult Complete 3/12

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Thu May 11, 2006 1:44 pm

A/N: HEY! Sorry it's been a little while everyone...I've got a lot going on. Not only did i turn my friend into a Roswell fan, but she in turn turned me into a Buffy fan. So i've been watching Buffy non-stop. I'm all done with the show now and i LOVE it. There will definatly be a x-over story in my future. Also, it's axam week at good old Hollins University, so i'm DOUBLEY busy. But i PROMISE i'll be back in action as soon as i get back home. I'm staying the summer here in Roanoke, in an excluded APT. So i'll get alot of writting done. No worries. Thank you for being so patient with me!

Krystle

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Mon May 29, 2006 10:01 am

A/N: Sorry for the wait, i hope you like the update!

Chapter 11

The next day, the gang was driving deep into the heart of America. Michael was behind the wheel and ISabel was on watch. Maria, Kyle, Liz, and Max were in the back, Liz keeping her distance from the rest. None of them were talking to her, and none of them had revealed that they knew she could mindwarp. They were all just waiting for her to slip up.

The sun was jsut starting to set and Max held Maria in his arms as she watched the scenery pass by the back window of the van. *It's so beautiful* she thought to herself.

*I know.* Max sent back to her. *I wish it could be like this always.*

Maria turned to him and smiled. He smiled back at her and kissed her nose.

"Get a room," Liz shot back from the corner of the van. Maria glared and ignored her once friend only turning back to Max and kissing him on the mouth, deeper.

"Hey, guys, what about Wendy's?" Michael yelled from the drivers seat when he saw the exit for food.

"Sounds good to me," Maria said.

"Yeah, that's fine." Kyle said. Liz didn't say anything and Michael knew that MAx would go wherever Maria wanted and isabel was the one who suggested Wendy's. Michael nodded nad turned off the interstate to a small podunk town in Middle America.

"I'm starving!" Maria said leaning on Max. "I feel like i'm never full." she sighed.

"Well, we are almost there," Max said.

Maria grinned and looked up at him. "Will you still love me when i'm fat?" she whispered into his ear.

"Always," he said just as they approached the resturant. He helped her out of the van and everyone made thier way into the resturant. Maria immediatly excused herself to go to the bathroom.

Inside, she lifted up her shirt to look at the ever-present handprint of her son, growing inside her. SHe smiled and placed her hand over his on her stomach. She felt her stomach expand under her fingers and was awed at the sensation. *MAX* she called out to him in her mind.

Max heard her cry, and without a second thought got up from the table and ran to the bathroom. "What's wrong?" he cried as he entered the bathroom. Maria giggled at his paniced face and he was confused.

"Nothing's wrong. Well, i mena i dont think so," Maria explained. She lifted her shirt higher for Max to see. His eyes grew wide as he saw her stomach had grown in literally minutes. Just in the car you woulnd't have known she was pregnant, and now there was a small bump where thier child was growing.

"I don't know what happened. I jsut formed a connection with him and he started growing." she said, taking his hand in hers. She placed it over her stomach and immediatly they were both connected to thier son again. Max noticed he was bigger, and he also got more flashes. Flashes that explained the phenomina.

When they broke the connection, Max smiled and looked at Maria. "Wow," he said in awe.

"Do you know what is happening?" Maria asked.

Max nodded. "You remember when Tess got pregnant?" he asked.

Maria's face immediatly fell. "How can i forget?" she asked sadly. MAx internally kicked himself, but continued.

"Alien pregnancies only take a month or so, since our baby is part alien and part human, it is growing at an accelerated rate. Probably a 4 month jestation period. The baby grows in surges. He will get big quickly and then stop growing until and continue that until he has reached maturity." Max said.

"Is that going to hurt me?" Maria asked, wondering if her body could take the fast growth later in the pregnancy.

Max hadn't thought of that. His brow furrowed at the thought. "I'm not sure. I should research it. In the meantime, if you you feel anything off, anything at all, tell me." he said kissing her lightly on the lips.

"I will," she promised. Then they made thier way back out of the bathroom. BUt before they could get far, a thought hit Maria. "Wait," she said stopping dead in her tracks. "Liz has been pregnant for at least 2 months. Why havn't we seen a change in her?"

Max's eyes went wide. Maria was right. Liz had been pregnant for about 2 months and she hadn't gone up so much as a pants size. "I dont know, but i'll get to the bottom of this," he vowed. Maria nodded and they non-chalantly made thier way back to the table.

***********

Back on the road, Maria took a long hard look at Liz when the girl was busy looking out the window. She couldn’t figure out why she hadn’t noticed it before. Nothing about Liz had changed since she told the group she was pregnant. Well, nothing but how annoying she was.

Before they left the restaurant, Max took everyone but Liz and Maria aside and told them his theory. He didn’t want to say that Liz wasn’t pregnant, never had been pregnant, but the more he thought about it, the more likely that was. And if that was the case, If she had mind-warped him and made him believe she was pregnant, no one would be able to help her.

The plan was to confront her tonight at the motel. She wouldn’t be able to hold up a mindwarp against all of them for long, and she knew that. They would all confront her, and she would either lie and try a mindwarp, or come clean, but either way, they were prepared for her.

Max wasn’t sure what he wanted. As much as he really disliked Liz at this moment, he had already begun to love their child. It was his. If he was told it no longer existed, or that it never did, that would hurt. On the other hand, it would cut his ties with Liz for good, and allow him and Maria to move on without having to deal with all of that drama. As selfish as it was, he didn’t want to have any ties to Liz, and truth be told it would be hard not to show favoritism to Maria’s child.

It was all just so fucked up. He held Maria tighter and tried not to think about it until they stopped at a motel about 4 hours from then.

***********

As Michael pulled into a seedy motel Maria yawned and stretched. Finally, they were there. Now, all she had to do was confront the girl who used to be he best friend and the night was over. At least now she didn’t feel guilty.

Kyle helped her out of the van and then walked around to the driver’s side door. When Michael got out of the car he pecked him on the lips, loving the fact that they could be open about their relationship. “You ready for this?” Kyle asked.

“Liz fucked, not only with Maria, but now Max. It is on,” he said letting his arm drape over Kyle’s shoulders as he shut the door and they made their way to the group. Max was getting the room and Maria, Isabel, and Liz were just standing there silently.

“You know, Maria, I’ve got a shirt you can wear until we can get you some bigger clothes,” Isabel said pointing at Maria’s now tight shirt. Maria smiled and nodded. This was all a part of the grand plan.

When Max came back outside, he handed Isabel and Liz separate keys, not wanting to make his sister spend the night with the crazy woman. Michael and Kyle got a key, and he kept one for him and Maria. “Alright, group meeting in 40 minutes in Isabel’s room,” he said.

Everyone nodded but Liz, “What is this about?” she asked, huffily.

“Nothin, we just need to talk about some things, get a plan on where we are going next.” Max said. Maria was proud of him. IT sounded so natural. Liz just nodded and walked back to her room.

Everyone looked at each other after she left and nodded before heading to their own rooms. Maria followed Max into their room and plopped down hard on the bed. “I’m tired,” she sighed dramatically.

“Well, we got up early today, and the baby did his a growth spurt.” Max said rubbing her back. “How about we just relax here until the meeting and then get a goodnight’s sleep.” He felt a little bad now. He had been keeping her up later, needing her.

*Max, don’t be ridiculous. If I wasn’t tired your clothes would be off right now,* she reminded him. He chuckled lightly and pulled her into his arms as he lay on the bed.

Meanwhile in Kyle and Michael’s Room…

The minute they got into the room, Kyle pressed Michael against the door and kissed him hard. “Mmmm, I missed you.” He said between kisses down his lover’s neck.

“Baby, I was just in the front seat.” Michael chuckled lightly, but he also knew the feeling. He had been itching to touch Kyle all day. Ever since they took the plunge and made love to each other, he couldn’t stop touching Kyle. He wanted him all the time.

Kyle growled in response and threw Michael on the bed, he climbed up next to him and kissed him again. “Mmmm,” Michael groaned, not wanting this to end, but knowing that he couldn’t love Kyle properly in 40 minutes. “We have to put this off,” he said halting Kyle’s minstrations.

Kyle actually pouted at the loss of contact. Michael reached up and bit Kyle’s protruding lip playfully. Kyle chuckled and kissed him lightly. “You’re right. Right now we need to focus on Liz.” He said.

“Crazy bitch,” Michael sighed under his breath.

“Yeah, but we will get to the bottom of this. No one is going to hurt Maria any more.” Kyle vowed.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 2:27 pm

Chapter 12

40 Minutes later, on the dot, Kyle, Michael, Isabel, Maria and Max stepped gathered in Isabel’s room. Maria was still tired, and laying on Isabel’s bed, her head in Max’s lap. Michael stood, arms across his chest at the door. Kyle and Isabel took the two chairs in the room. “Where the hell is she?” Michael asked frustrated.

“Chill, Michael,” Maria giggled, with the little energy she had left. “She’s a minute late.”

Before Michael could retort, there was a light knock on the door. Michael opened it, and Liz walked in. “Ok, what’s up?” she asked standing on the other side of the room. Her manner and stance were defiant and angry. The whole room could feel vibes of disgust coming off of her.

Maria didn’t even want to look at her. She couldn’t believe her once best friend, the honor-roll student that wanted to be the head of Molecular Biology at Harvard, had sunk so low to fake a pregnancy to keep a guy. It was sick.

“Hello?” Liz said waving her hands in the hair, agitated when no one said anything.

“We’re here to talk about you, Liz.” Max finally said, still running his fingers though Maria’s hair.

“Wh…what are you talking about?” Liz asked, bit in her voice.

“The baby,” Michael said, wanting to get to the point. “We want to talk about he baby.”

“The baby is fine.” Liz said protectively rubbing her hand over her stomach.

Maria finally sat up on the bed and let Max pull her into his arms. “Why can’t I see the blue handprint on your stomach?” Max asked, his tone even.

“Max, what are you talking about? You saw it.” Liz said with a huff, obviously annoyed with their line of questioning.

“Once, Liz. I saw it once. I see the handprint on Maria all the time.” Max said. He didn’t want to come out and say that he didn’t believe Liz was pregnant, but the more he watched her, the more he could see she was hiding something.

“Well, that could be because the two of you have been fucking morning to night,” Liz huffed crossing her arms over her chest.

“Look, attacking us, isn’t answering the question,” Max said. Everyone else was trying to stay out of the argument as much as possible. This was between Max and Liz.

“You want to see it?” Liz asked unbuttoning her shirt. She revealed her stomach, and sure enough there was a tiny blue handprint there. “See,” she said self-satisfied. “God, Max, I can’t believe you would deny your own son just so you can move on with someone else, guilt free.” She huffed.

Maria was about to tell Liz where to go, but Max squeezed her hand and shook his head. He wasn’t done with his interrogation. “Ok, Liz, I’ve got another question for you. Why hadn’t the baby grown?” he asked, knowing he held the upper hand.

Liz flinched just slightly. It was only noticeable if you were paying close attention to her, but she did seem to lose her cool, for just a second. She rebuttoned her shirt, and looked defiantly at Max. “I’m only 2 months pregnant, Max.” she said.

Maria took that opportunity to stand up, making her growing belly apparent. “Maria’s 2 weeks pregnant, and she’s already showing,” Max said calmly.

“Well, I can’t attest to Maria’s diet, but I guess she is just eating more,” Liz said crossing her arms protectively over he chest.

Maria’s eyes darkened with anger, but Kyle pulled her back before she had and chance to charge at Liz. “Stop LYING!” Maria yelled at Liz. “We know about you. We know that you can mindwarp. I know you made me see my mother die. We are onto you. There is no use lying.” She said giving up her fight a little as Kyle let her go.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Liz said, still playing dumb.

“Then how about you let all of us make a connection to the baby at the same time.” Max said, seriously. “If this baby is real, than we will all be able to connect at the same time.” He knew the Liz would never have the power to mindwarp a connection with 5 people.

“Who do you think you are. I’m not letting all of you connect with my baby.” Liz said, knowing she was losing her battle.

“It’s my baby too, Liz. And this is how we are going to solve this. We all make a connection.” He said, as his final word.

Before Liz could say anything the five of them gathered around her and placed their hand on he stomach. The concentrated hard and with Max’s help began to open up a connection. And just as they feared, there was no baby. Nothing was there. They broke the connection and looked at Liz, disappointed. As much as they figured this was the case, it was different to know it to be true.

“Can I have a minute with Liz?” Max asked, not taking his eyes off of her. Everyone nodded and vacated the room.

“This is hard on him,” Isabel said wrapping her arm around Maria.

“I know,” she said with a smile. “I think I’m actually going to go to bed though. Will you let Max know I’m in the room.”

“Ok, sleep tight,” Isabel said. Michael and Kyle hugged her and she headed back to the room.

********

Maria was awoken 2 hours later, to Max fumbling around the room. “Baby?” she asked, her voice still heavy with sleep.

“I didn’t mean to wake you up,” Max whispered, pulling off his jeans and sliding into bed behind Maria.

“Oh it’s ok,” Maria said awake now. “You get to talk to Liz?” she asked, already knowing the answer, but truth be told, she kind of wanted to know what they talked about.

“Yeah.” Max sighed. “Well, as you know she isn’t pregnant. I tried to get her to explain to me why she lied. I mean, I think I know. I was pulling away from her. You know that. I loved you, and it was too hard for me to love you and pretend that I loved her all at the same time. She thought she could keep me around if she were pregnant.” Max said.

“So what happens now, Max?” Maria asked looking up at him.

“I don’t know, baby. I mean, she is still part of the group, but obviously it isn’t the same, and I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive her.” Max said. “If there is anything I can’t take, it would be fabricating a pregnancy. She knows the issues I have with giving Zan up for adoption.” Max said, tears stinging his eyes.

“Oh baby,” Maria said pulling him into her. “I know this is hard. And as easy as this makes our lives together, I somehow wish she was pregnant. It’s like two children have been taken from you.”

At that, Max let go of his last strands of self control and burst into open sobs. Maria held him as he cried, knowing that this was what he needed and understanding his pain.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:39 pm

A/N: Sorry for the delay! There have been so many things going on…writer’s block, internet malfunction, and busy summer stuff…but I’m back and I hope you like it! Let me know!

Chapter 13

The next couple of days passed slowly for the group. The tension between the rest of the group and Liz was so strong, it was near the point of suffocation. Plus, there was the fact that they kept moving and moving with no known destination. The FBI didn’t seem to be on their tail, so the purpose of just driving around America was becoming harder and harder to see.

*Max, do you think we should settle down somewhere?* Maria asked, in her head, as she and Max had a private conversation some days later.

*Maybe we should have a group meeting,* Max answered. *We can see where everyone stands on the subject. It seems that the FBI have either lost us or given up.*

*Yeah. I know I could stand sticking in one place for a while. Being on the road and pregnant at the same time isn’t as fun as you might think.* Maria chuckled. She placed her hand over the little hump of her stomach and smiled as she felt the baby move.

“Are you ok?” Max asked her aloud.

“Oh yeah, just a little nauseated.” Maria assured him. She was getting pretty used to the pregnancy, and now when she felt sick, she could usually keep it under control.

“Ok, well we will stop for Dinner soon, we can have a group meeting then too.” Max assured her before turning back to the road. Maria nodded and snuggled further down in her seat.

“I think I might need you to work your alien magic,” Maria said, quietly. The baby was moving around a lot, so it was probably time for another growth spurt.

“Ok, baby.” Max said with a smile, heading down the road to the next exit with food.

********

After Max fixed up Maria and the baby, they made their way to the table where everyone was waiting for them. “Ok, so I’ve got something I want to talk to you guys about,” Max said sliding into the booth next to Isabel.

“What’s up, Maxwell,” Michael asked as he put down his menu.

“Well, I was thinking,” Max started, after they had all ordered their food. “Driving around, with no plan or reason is really just as irresponsible as staying in Roswell. Besides, we haven’t run into the FBI once since being on the road. So I was thinking…maybe now would be a good time to settle down.”

The group all looked at him wide-eyed, except for Maria, who had known what Max was thinking all along. “You think it would be ok?” Kyle asked, trying not to sound as excited as he actually was.

“I don’t see why not,” Max said. “If we pick a city that is large enough to get lost in, but smaller than LA, Chicago, and NYC, because that is where they will expect us to go, we should be able to work a little magic and get a few apartments together.” He, as well as the group, got more and more excited the more they thought of it. No one liked being on the road, and Liz would even have to admit that Max’s idea was brilliant. Of course, she would never have told him that.

“Well, where do you think we should go?” Michael asked.

“Why don’t we meet up tonight at the hotel and work out some ideas,” Maria said, rubbing her now, more rounded tummy. “We can pick up some maps and decided together.” She figured that was the best way to get anything done, and the rest of the group seemed to agree because when the food came, they all silently gave in.

When they were done, Max picked up some maps at the counter and the group headed back to the car, Michael and Kyle taking their turns in the front of the van.

Maria and Max sat next to each other in the back, and Isabel and Liz laid down in front of them. Liz seemed to be letting Isabel in little by little, but she never really talked. Her body language showed that Isabel was the only one aloud to be close to her though. Maria could understand. Somewhere, deep down, she wanted her friend back. The one that had always been by her side. The one that shared the biggest secret of her life with her. But Maria also wasn’t holding her breath. She wasn’t going to make things harder on Liz, but she wasn’t going to trust her either.

Hours passed, and somewhere around 10:00 at night, Max shook Maria awake. “Common, it’s time to get up,” he chuckled lightly as Maria sat up slowly and wiped the drool off her face. She looked down at Max’s lap and saw a wet spot on him where she had drooled on him.

“Hey, be nice,” Maria said with a fake pout. “I was tired,” she laughed before following Max out of the van. Everyone else had already managed to get out without waking her. “So, our room?” she asked Max, he nodded and the gang followed them to the room that would be Max and Maria’s for the night.

“Alright. So, we are in Virginia right now,” Max said as everyone took seats around the room. “So I think we should head to the mid-west to settle down, because we are a little too close to DC.”

“That’s a good idea, Max,” Isabel said, wondering where he had in mind to stay.

“I got some maps at the truck stop. Here’s Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.” Max said setting the maps on the bed.

“So what are the eligible cities in those states?” Kyle asked picking up a few of the maps next to him.

“The best choices are Indianapolis, IN; Milwaukee, WI; Madison, WI, Cleveland, OH; and Detroit, MI.” Max said. He frankly didn’t car what the group chose.

“Hmmm,” Isabel said tapping a delicate finger against his chin. “Well, any of them seem fine to me.” She said.

“I don’t care much.” Michael added. “Which one in the biggest city?”

“Detroit is the biggest and Madison in the smallest, but the thing about Madison is that with the University there, we could blend in with the co-eds.” Max answered.

“I don’t really care either. All of those sound fine, but I think Detroit might be big enough to be a target.” Kyle said, looking at the map of Michigan.

“Milwaukee, is close enough to Chicago that I doubt they would expect us there,” Liz said quietly. It was the first words they’d heard from her in days.

“That’s a good point,” Max said. “So, wanna vote?” he said looking at the room. He wanted everyone to have their say.

“All in favor of moving to Milwaukee?” Maria asked, raising her own hand. Everyone’s hands went up and the decision was made.

“Alright, Milwaukee it is.” Max said, picking up the map of Wisconsin. “It should only take us one day to get there, so we will get another hotel room tomorrow night in Milwaukee, then we can look for apartments and jobs the next day.”

Everyone seemed to breath a sigh of relief as they went to their own rooms. They had a plan now. A weight was lifted. They could go back to some semblance of a normal life. They could get jobs, blend in, and more than that, Maria and Max could have their baby in a home, not on the road.

Maria couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she got ready for bed. “What are you so smiley about?” Max asked, pulling her into his arms as they got under the covers.

“Well, besides the morning sickness, the back ache and the fact that I am getting fatter and fatter by the day, I haven’t been this happy in a very long time.” Maria said snuggling into Max’s warmth. “We are finally settling down, and if only we could re-bond the rift between us and Liz, things would be as perfect as they can be for, you know a Alien King and his family.” Maria chuckled.

“Yeah,” Max said. “Liz is a long shot, but you know, maybe with time.” He wasn’t promising anything. Liz had hurt him, and he had hurt here. There was a lot of bad blood there, and he thought there might be some things that just couldn’t be forgiven and forgotten.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:46 pm

Chapter 14

“Wow, Milwaukee is great,” Isabel said, her voice full of excitement for the first time in a very long time. She, Maria, and Liz sat down at a small coffee shop in the city. It was a few days later and they had been in Milwaukee for 3 days now. Michael, Max, and Kyle were scouting out apartments while the girls offered to get some emergency things if they did happen to be able to move in that day.

“I know,” Maria returned the enthusiasm. “And the shopping doesn’t suck,” she laughed looking at their purchases. They had done a good job of staying on task, but both Isabel and Maria had splurged a little on personal items.

Liz, on the other hand, remained silent most of the day, adding input here and there, but rarely. Maria bit her lip, thinking about how she could make Liz feel part of the group again. Sure, she was mad at her, and sure, Liz was not making it easy to like her, but she still was part of the group, and she did used to me Maria’s friend.

“You sure you don’t want anything?” Maria asked after she and Isabel ordered coffee and Liz ordered nothing.

“No, I’m fine,” Liz said in a cold, small voice.

“Oh, come on,” Isabel said rolling her eyes, “She’ll have a Café Au’Lait.” Isabel ordered for her, knowing Liz wanted a coffee but was too stubborn to order it.

“Thanks,” Liz bit out quietly, almost so no one could hear her.

***********

An hour later the guys met them at the café with smiles on their faces. “Good news, I presume?” Maria said, sipping her decaf latte.

“Three apartments,” Kyle said, an almost good grin on his face.

“How much?” Maria asked, hopping it wasn’t much.

“Don’t worry about it,” Max said sitting next to her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

“How much, Max?” Maria said in her ‘I-mean-business’ tone.

“350 a month, for ours and Michael and Kyle’s and 400 a month for Isabel and Liz’s.” Max said, “It’s really not that bad. We put down first and last months rent with the money we had, and we will get jobs. It will be ok.” Max assured everyone.

“Ok,” Maria said, trusting her lover.

“So, when can we move in?” Isabel asked, wanting to get settled as soon as possible. She didn’t know what it was going to be like living alone with Liz, but she wanted to start the transition immediately.

“Tomorrow,” Michael said, lacing his fingers with Kyle’s. “We signed the lease and the apartments are ours tomorrow.”

“YAY!” Maria exclaimed throwing her arms around Max and kissing him on the cheek. Smiles were exchanged around the table. Even the ends of Liz’s lips turned up softly. Finally, they were going to have a home again.

***********

The next day, the gang did a little bit of shopping before moving in. Mostly because they didn’t have anything to actually move in. They all bought beds, and some furniture to go in their apartments. They used alien altered money, otherwise they would have been flat broke. But at the end of the day, after everything that was moved in, each apartment was homey and comfortable.

All that was left was the decorating, and Isabel promised she would help everyone out in decorating their apartments throughout the coming week.

“Baby, please sit down,” Max said once he and Maria were finished packing and everyone left for their own apartments.

“I’m fine,” she laughed lightly as she put away the last of the groceries she had bought.

“But you helped move in all day, even after I told you to rest.” Max said, seriously. “You’ve got to relax. You need to rest for the baby,” he patted the seat next to him on the couch.

Maria smiled warmly at him, walked over, and sat down next to him. “Awww, is my boo boo worried about me and the baby?” she asked, giggling and snuggling into Max.

He melded his body to hers and kissed the top of her head. “You know I am.”

“Awww, I think its cute,” Maria said, then she looked up at him and said, “Daddy.”

Max’s eyes glazed over with unshed tears that the term and he brought his hand around to feel her swollen tummy. He felt the baby move, and smiled. “Mmmm, I love this,” he said.

“Me too, baby.” Maria said, “We are a family. Living in our home.”

“Mmmm,” Max moaned as he snuggled into Maria.

In Michael and Kyle’s Apartment…

“God I want you,” Michael growled as they entered their now furbished apartment.

Kyle nearly giggled as Michael chased him to their bedroom. They both collapsed on the bed, Michael on top of Kyle. “Mmmm, you smell good,” Kyle breathed between kisses.

Michael laughed out loud. “I’m sweaty.” He said.

”I like you all sweaty,” Kyle groaned, half from the wonderful things Michael was doing with his hands and half in embarrassment for sounding like such a girl. He was supposed to be a manly man. An alpha male. But somehow, when Michael was around he turned into a giggling school girl. He just wanted him.

Michael had removed all of his clothes and had nearly rid Kyle of his when Kyle took his face in his hands. “What’s the rush?” he asked. “We’ve got all the time in the world now.”

“I know,’ Michael said, breathlessly. “I just need you. Kyle…” he started, then he looked down, almost out of shame

“Michael,” Kyle said lifting his lovers chin to look at him. “You can tell me anything. What is it, baby.”

“I want you to fuck me,” Michael said looking Kyle square in the eye.

Kyle smiled and kissed Michael lightly on the lips, “If that is what you want, I will give you anything.”

Soon, Michael was stretched out on his back, Kyle in between his legs. He gently eased his way into his lover, remembering how gently Michael had always been with him. They made love to each other for ours, exploring each other’s bodies in the comfort of their own home. Things were going to be ok.

In Liz and Isabel’s Apartment…

“Do you want anything to eat?’ Isabel asked Liz, trying to make conversation with her roommate.

“No, I’m ok,” Liz said quietly tucking her feet underneath her on the new couch.

“Common, Liz. I’m not the enemy,” Isabel said, frustrated. “Just let me be your friend.”

Liz didn’t say anything, but she didn’t get mad, and when Isabel made her a sandwich, she didn’t turn it down. It was going to be a slow process, but Isabel was going to do her damnedest to get the old Lizzy Parker back.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 10:20 pm

Chapter 15

“Where do you think you are going?” Max asked Maria as he tied his shoes a few mornings later. Maria was fully dressed and ready to go. The thing was, he was job hunting, and she wasn’t coming. She needed to rest.

“We are going job hunting, silly,” Maria said as she flopped down on the couch next to him.

“Oh no you aren’t,” Max said, sternly turning to Maria.

“Baby, I know that you think I’m made of glass now that I’ve been pregnant all of what, 3 weeks, but I’m not. Besides, we have bills to pay, and I need to help out with them while I can. When the baby comes I’m going to have to be home a lot more.” Maria reasoned, already knowing that Max was going to fight her on this.

“But, you know as well as I do that this pregnancy is going to be hard on you. I mean, you are having an alien baby. Anything could happen. At least if you are home you are safe and by a phone.” Max said, his resolve waning.

Maria grinned at him. “There are phones at wherever I get a job, you know.”

Max rolled his eyes at her and tackled down on the couch, so he was hovering over her, his breath tickling her lips. “Don’t sass me, woman,” he said, a playful grin playing across his lips.

“Well, Mr. Man, Don’t make me have to smack you around.” Maria said, pulling his face down hard against hers, kissing him as hard as she could in the position she was in.

“Mmmm, ok, fine,” Max said, kissing Maria’s neck as he gave into her. “But you are quitting the minute that you start to feel too tired.” Max said, compromising.

“MUAH!” Maria said smacking a big kiss on Max’s cheek. “Love you, baby.” She said, moving up off the couch, Max following behind.

“And no jobs on your feet!” Max followed up. Maria rolled her eyes and nodded her head. Well, at least that excluded waitressing.

“Ok, master,” Maria said with a roll her eyes as they walked out the door.

Max rushed her from behind and attacked her ear, squeezing her tight. “That’s what I like to hear,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. He could swear he had never been as happy in his life as he was at that moment. “Mmm, ok, lets go.” He said, taking her hand and leading her out to the sidewalk.

A few doors over Michael and Kyle began their day as well, though between the kissing, touching and hour long shower, they were taking a little bit longer. “So, how about I hit the garage a few blocks down, and you look into some restaurants.” Kyle suggested, opening a pack of pop-tarts as they made their way out the door.

Michael just nodded, and followed him. He was a good cook, and Kyle could work a car like no one else he knew. This was just temporary, and maybe he could find a job cooking in a nice place. Things were going to work out.

Isabel and Liz had left at least an hour before everyone else. They were both early rises, and wanted to get used to their surroundings. At first, Liz planned to go out to look for a job on her own. She wanted to get away from Isabel. She was so nice, and was not being a bitch even though Liz might have deserved it. But in the end, Isabel had her way, as she usually does and they headed out together.

“So where to first?” Isabel asked. “Looking for waitressing…or something else?”

Liz shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know. Probably. It’s what I’m good at.” She answered, in one of the longest sentences she had uttered since the Max and Maria fiasco.

Isabel nodded and smiled, leading the way down into town, which was only a few blocks away.

********

“Whew,” Maria said, 4 hours later as she walked into the apartment and flopped down on the couch.

“You ok?” Max asked, worry creeping into his voice.

Maria chuckled at him. “Yes, baby. I’m ok,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I’ve been walking for 4 hours. I’m tired.” She said. Max’s face softened and he grinned at her.

“Ok, then get in bed, and I’ll bring you your lunch.” He smiled.

“I think I could get used to this treatment,” Maria laughed as she went into the bedroom.

“Guess that means I can keep you pregnant,” Max said, under his breath, but Maria heard him and walked back out into the living room.

“That’s what you think!” she screeched, her voice full of laughter. “No more babies until we can afford a house and aren’t on the run!” she said.

“Okay, okay,” Max replied. Truth be told, he would make a thousand babies with Maria if he could, but he knew what she was saying. Right now was not the time to start a big family. They had basic needs for the first one that they would have to deal with first.

Maria kissed him loudly on the cheek and then went back into the bedroom, stripping off her clothes and getting under the covers. “Mmmm,” she moaned to herself, getting comfortable.

It had been a long day, but at least they had both come out with a job. She was going to be the secretary of “Beck’s Muffler,” which was only two blocks down the street. Plus, she’d get to set all day, and the owner of the garage really liked her. He was totally okay with her taking time off for the baby and then coming back.

Max got a job as a tech in a vet’s office. Maria was surprised he was able to get the job, and so quickly since he hadn’t been to college, but the vet was very impressed with him, and really seemed to want to hire Max immediately. Especially after Maria mentioned she was pregnant.

Later that night they would tell everyone the good news, but right now, she just wanted to eat her lunch and sleep. Hopefully Max would join her. “Here you go baby,” Max said, holding a tray with two sandwiches on it. Speak of the devil.

“Awww, thank you.” Maria said, eying the Turkey sandwich Max had made for her. She turned up her nose slightly as the thought of turkey seemed to make her want to retch.

“Something wrong, baby?’ Max asked, concerned.

“Jr. can’t do turkey right now,” she said.

“Oh, baby, I’m sorry.” Max said, moving the tray away from her. “ I didn’t even think to ask.”

“No. It’s ok. Is there any chance we have any pickles?” Maria asked, her eyes lighting up. Max nodded at her. “Ok, can I have a Peanut butter and pickle sandwich?” Maria asked, her best puppy dog face out in full force.

Max chuckled and nodded. “Yep, I can do that.” He said taking the tray with him as he walked back out to the kitchen.

“Oh! Don’t forget the Tobasco!” Maria yelled after him. Max turned around to look at her and they shared an knowing look at her tummy.

********

That night everyone got together at Michael and Kyle’s apartment for dinner. “So, anyone have any luck with jobs?” Isabel asked, taking a bit out of her chicken.

Everyone started talking at once, except of course Liz, who didn’t say anything. Max laughed and said, “I take it job hunting went well.”

“Well, I got a job as a assistant mechanic at Beck’s Muffler,” Kyle said.

“OMG!” Maria shrieked with excitement. “I’m going to be the new secretary there!” That was just too weird. They never even crossed paths all day.

“Are you kidding me?” Kyle said, a grin breaking out across his face.

“Good, then you can keep an eye on her,” Max said, more than ecstatic that Maria wouldn’t be alone at work all day. Maria rolled her eyes and shoved her lover lightly. “Well, I got a job at a vet’s office.” Max said, after he kissed Maria on the cheek. It still felt weird showing PDA in front of Liz, but she was going to have to get used to it.

“I’ll be the new assistant chef at Tokana Grill.” Michael said, pretty proud of himself. Kyle patted him on the back and smiled at him with pride. He had gotten the job after cooking three dishes that the head chef absolutely loved. He nearly pissed his pants to get Michael to join the crew. Things were looking up for Michael Guerin.

“So what about you two?” Kyle asked Isabel and Liz, as he nearly licked his plate.

“Waitressing,” Isabel said, rolling her eyes, “It’s temporary. VERY temporary.” She said with a light.

“Me too,” Liz said quietly. “It’s a nice restaurant though, so we should bring in a lot of tips.” She wasn’t too upset about waitressing. She’d pretty much decided to give up on everything she had once dreamed about.

“Wow, so we all god jobs in one day,” Maria said, impressed. She helped Isabel and Liz pick up the dishes. “Ok, we cooked, you clean.” Maria said with a giggled as she dropped the dishes into the sink.

“Alright,” Michael said, in an unusually chipper mood. Didn’t seem like there was anything that could bring him down at that point.

Maria made her way over to Max, who hadn’t gotten up yet. “Baby, you think you could help me in the bathroom for a minute?” she whispered in his ear.

Max perked up and said, “Well, of course, but don’t you think we could wait to get back to the room for that?”

Maria stuck her tongue out at him. “Not for that you perv.” She said, pulling him out of the chair. “It’s your son!” she laughed. Max nodded and followed her into the bathroom down the hall. Once inside, he pushed her up against the wall and kissed her hard.

“Mmm baby.” He moaned against her skin. “When you talk about our baby, I can’t help but be completely turned on by you,” he said, his voice near a growl.

“Mmmm, well maybe you can take care of that when we get home, but right now, I need you to connect to the baby so that he can grow, and I can stop wanting to vomit.” Maria giggled. Max smiled and her and kissed the corner of her mouth.

“Ok,” he said pulling way slightly to open her shirt, as it hung off her shoulders, he touched his hand to the baby’s handprint and the connection was immediate. They had learned to pulled Maria into the connection a while ago, and now she was immediately connecting with Max.

Max made room for the baby to grow as it did almost immediately. Maria stomach stretched, and she looked as if she was at least 4 months along now. Max broke the connection and looked into Maria’s eyes. “He is so beautiful,” he said, tears coming to his eyes. It didn’t matter how many times he connected, he was still amazed that he was going to be a daddy.

“I know,” Maria said as she pushed his face against her and kissed him hard. “Mmm, common, let’s go. I’m getting kinda tired anyway,” she said with a wink. Max followed her out the door, and after they said goodbye to their friends, they hurried to their apartment where they made love until the sun came up.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:26 pm

A/N: Sorry the update isn’t very long…I’ll try to update this story very soon…I’ve been having quite a bit of inspiration lately! Thanks everyone for sticking with me!

Chapter 16

A few weeks passed, and everyone had sort of settled into a groove. Maria and Kyle worked it out so that they worked the same hours. Michael loved his job at the restaurant. Max felt right at home in the vet’s office. And, Isabel and Liz actually enjoyed waitressing. They were making a great deal of money and loved their coworkers. They hadn’t really gotten close to anyone, since they were still incognito, but as far as coworkers went, Liz and Isabel were assimilating well.

Maria was not looking about 6 months pregnant, and everyone was beginning to think this was only going to be a 2 month pregnancy. The owner of the shop laughed and said that his wife once had a pregnancy where she was almost flat stomached until the 7th month, then ballooned up to full size in two months, so no one was asking any questions. Maria just told everyone she was 8 months pregnant, the timing should work out close enough.

The group ate dinner every night they could together, but with them all working different shifts, sometimes it got hard. Liz and Isabel were getting closer, despite Liz’s best efforts. Internally, Liz was crying to be a part of the group again, but being around the happy couple was still hard for her.

She had come to terms with the fact that she didn’t want to be with Max anymore, what she was having a hard time with was admitting she was wrong, and that she had given up everything for a guy who didn’t stay true to her. But she missed Maria, but how could she forgive? Wouldn’t that be giving in?

Besides, she wouldn’t know where to begin with explaining her behavior when the shit hit the fan. She had faked a pregnancy and tried to drive Maria and Max apart. No, that situation was going to take time, but she was warming up to Michael and Kyle, little by little. Michael was still pretty cold to her, but Kyle seemed to be trying.

Maria and Max were spending most of their time relaxing when they weren’t at work. Maria’s body was starting to get tired from the pregnancy, but she wasn’t going to say anything to Max, since he was worried enough about her most of the time anyway.

Kyle and Michael could barely keep their hands off of each other most of the time then they were alone, and even had to fight the urge when they were with the group. It seemed so weird, since both of them had never had any gay tenancies before, and now they were like two horny adolescents all the time. They were just glad they had found each other. It wasn’t about gender; it was about the love that they had for one another.

Today, Maria and Max both had the day off. It was Tuesday, but the way their schedules worked, neither of them had to go in until tomorrow. Kyle was off too, but Michael, Isabel, and Liz were all at work. The three of them were sprawled out on Max and Maria’s couch, watching TV.

“You know, we are the most boring 19 year olds on the face of the planet,” Maria said with a slight chuckle. “I mean, on our day off we are sitting on the couch watching Jerry Springer!”

“Hey, I’m tired. I put in 40 hours a week at the shop…” Kyle began, then, his eyes growing wide, he said, “Oh my God! I’ve become my father!”

Max and Maria laughed. “Well, I think we’ve seen enough action for 2 lifetimes in the last 4 years.” Max said pulling Maria closer to him. “I think relaxed laziness is a welcomed alternative.”

“Yeah, that’s for sure,” she replied.

It was silent between the three for a few minutes before Maria spoke again, “Do you think Liz will ever forgive us?” she asked. The question had been plaguing her for a while. Sure she was made a Liz for what she did, but she missed her friend. She loved Isabel, but Liz had been there for 19 years of her life.

“Forgive us?!” Max asked, “Don’t you think we should be the ones forgiving her?!”

“Baby, what we did was wrong. Say what you want. I love you, and I’m glad we were together, and I don’t regret it, but we skirted around behind her back. I was her best friend and I slept with her husband. And you cheated on your wife. We were in the wrong. She was too, there is no getting past that, but I just want it to be behind us now.” Maria said, looking into Max’s eyes.

“I think she wants to forgive you guys,” Kyle said. “I mean, she misses you too. But, it’s hard for her, you know.” He offered his advice.

“Yeah, I get that.” Maria said, “And Max, you don’t help much. You make her feel like we don’t want her to talk to us ever again.”

Max looked at Maria angrily. “Well, maybe I don’t. I love you, and I don’t want her to meddle in between us again. She almost made me lose you. What if I don’t want to forgive her?” he asked, his voice straining.

Maria got up off the couch and huffed into the kitchen. “If you aren’t even going to try, what is the point, Max. She’d probably be happier elsewhere. Maybe we should just let her go. Do what she wants. Because you aren’t going to forgive her, she can stay here and be on the outside, or leave and live her dreams she gave up so long ago.” Maria said, slamming her tea mug down on the counter.

“Oh, and that’s MY fault!” Max shot back, as he got off the couch as well.

“Guys, chill out,” Kyle said, stepping between them. “Arguing about this isn’t going to help.”

“Maybe we should argue,” Maria said, her voice haughty. “All we do is talk around things, afraid we might fight, afraid we might get mad at each other. Maybe we need to fight!” she nearly yelled.

“You are absolutely crazy. And keep your voice down,” Max boomed.

“Oh no. Don’t you tell me what to do, Max Evans. I just want you to listen to me!” Maria shot back. Max moved closer to her, but Kyle pushed him back.

“Wait a minute guys.” Kyle said, “What is going on here? Maria just wants her friend back, Max. Can you blame her?”

Max huffed, “Why doesn’t anyone take MY side for once?” Max asked, frustrated.

“It’s not about sides man. Why are you so upset?” Kyle asked.

All of a sudden Maria burst into tears, her body shaking. Max’s anger immediately left his body as he went to her, wrapping his arms around her. She wept into his chest. “I’m sorry,” Maria cried. “I don’t…I’m just hormonal. And I miss Lizzy. And I miss my mom. And I’m tired.” She cried.

Kyle watched flabbergasted as the two went from ready to kill each other to a loving couple. It must be true what they say about there being a thin line between love and hate.

“Shhh, baby. It’s ok.” Max said. ‘I’m sorry I overreacted.” He smoothed down her hair as he rocked her in his arms. “I’d like to forgive Liz too, but its just harder for me, ok?” Max said. “Don’t worry about it. Things will work out.”

“I hope so,” Maria said looking up at Max and then Kyle. Her face was red and wet with tears, but she still looked beautiful. Both of them could see that.

“Common,” Max said leading her back to the couch. “Let’s watch some Oprah.” He laughed. She smiled and wiped her face, and they all went back to watching TV as if nothing happened.

Kyle just shook his head. Wow, talk about pregnancy hormones.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Mon Jan 29, 2007 10:28 pm

Chapter 17

“Well, Hello Maria!” Larry, the head mechanic at Beck’s Muffler greeted her a few mornings later.

“Hi, Larry.” She said with a smile as she continued to file papers.

She actually liked her job. Sure, it wasn’t her dream job, but all the guys at the shop were great, and she had fun doing her job. It almost kept her mind off the searing pain in her lower back and her swollen feet.

As much as she was glad to be a mother, Maria was seriously hating being pregnant. She was just glad that the baby would be coming out soon. She didn’t know how women did this for 9 months. Among other things, the short pregnancy was a perk of being with an alien.

Kyle sat down next to her desk and pulled out his lunch. “So, how has your day been?” he asked, taking a big bite out of his turkey sandwich.

“Good. I’m almost done with all the credit reports.” She said, decided to take her lunch break as well. “I’ll probably be done early today.”

“Yeah, Larry has me cleaning out an engine today, and when I’m done with that, I’m done for the day. It’s been pretty slow in here.” Kyle commented.

“Sounds like we can leave early then!” Maria said, excitedly. “Sorry, I’m just tired.” She said, chuckling at herself.

“Well, do you want to go home, because, I’m sure Mr. Beck would let you go home. I can get you a cab.” Kyle said, not wanting Maria to strain herself. The 2 block walk to and from work was enough, and Max would kill him if anything happened to Maria, besides his own guilt.

“No, MAX!” Maria said with a chuckle. “I’m very pregnant Kyle. I’m supposed to be tired. I’m fine.”

“Ok, ok,” Kyle said, raising his hands in capitulation. “I was just checking.” He laughed.

“Ok, now eat your sandwich.” Maria said.

“Oh, you are going to make a great mother!” Kyle said, and Maria slapped his arm, sticking her tongue out at him.

*************

A week later, Maria woke up and felt horrible. “Baby, I think I need to call in sick,” she said, rising slowly and going to the bathroom. She felt like she was going to throw up, which she hadn’t been doing for the past few weeks.

Max walked into the bathroom behind her and watched her leaning over the toilet. He was worried. She looked really sick. “Maybe I should stay home too.” Max said.

“No, you need to go to work.” Maria said, looking up at him. “Isn’t someone off work today?”

Max didn’t honestly know. But she was right, he really couldn’t take time off work in case he might have to when the baby was born. “Ummm, I can go find out.” He said, “I’ll be right back.”

First he stopped at Kyle and Michael’s door. Both of them were working, and both offered to stay with Maria. Max told them not to worry about it and to go to work, and Kyle promised to tell Mr. Beck that Maria was sick.

Next he went to Isabel and Liz’s apartment. Before he could knock, Isabel nearly ran him over, coming out the door. “Max!” she said, placing her hand over her chest as she was caught off guard. “What are you doing here?”

“Umm, Maria’s sick. Are you out to work?” Max asked, hoping she didn’t have to work today.

“Yeah,” Isabel answered, “Is Maria ok?”

“I think so,” Max said, “I just kinda wanted someone to stay with her.” He said.

“Well, I know you don’t want to hear it, but Liz is off today,” Isabel said, hoping this would be a chance for them to actually talk. She knew Liz was crying out to be a part of the group again.

Max sighed and ran his hands through his hair. What choice did he have? She was his only option, and Maria was more important than his pride so he nodded and went into the apartment as Isabel headed out to work. “LIZ!” he called out.

Liz nearly fell off the couch when she head Max’s voice calling her name. “Max?” she asked, getting up from the couch and turning to see him standing in her living room. “Umm, Isabel just left.” She said, quietly.

“I know, I ran into her,” Max said, wishing this moment could be a little less awkward. “I was actually looking for you.” He said.

Liz perked up a little. “What did you need?” she asked.

“Maria is sick this morning, and I would rather not leave her alone. But I really need to go to work.” Max said, playing with the rim of his back pockets.

“Is she ok?” Liz asked, hoping Maria was not really sick.

“I think so,” Max said, “But she doesn’t feel well. I think she is nauseated.” Max said, just wanting to get the hell out of the apartment.

“Ok, well I don’t have to work today, so I’ll stay with her.” Liz said, placing a smile on her face.

“Really, thank you,” Max said, smiling. Even though it was a sort of fake smile, he really was relieved that Liz wasn’t going to make an issue out of this.

“No problem, Max.” Liz said. She wanted to say more, but the words just didn’t come. She followed him back to the apartment, and waited on the couch until Max left for work, then she made her way into the bedroom, and through to the bathroom, where a crying Maria was hunched over the toilet.

“Oh, Maria,” Liz cried, coming to her friends side, “Are you ok?”

“Liz?” Maria asked, in disbelief as she turned to face Liz, tears streaming down her face.

“Yeah, I’m off today,” Liz said, “I’m going to stay with you.”

“Really?” Maria asked, her lips turning into a genuine smile. “Thank you.”

Liz just smiled and helped her up for the floor, moving her into the bedroom where they both sat on the bed. “What’s wrong, Maria?” Liz asked, looking at her friend with concern. She didn’t look very good. She was pale, and she had been hunched over the toilet, but as far as Liz could see, she hadn’t thrown up.

“My whole body aches. I feel like throwing up, but I can’t. My head is killing me.” Maria said.

“You hungry?” Liz asked.

“Starving.” Maria said.

“What are you in the mood for?” Liz asked

“Chunky Munky.” Maria said, her eyes glittering. “With Tabasco!” she said, even more excitedly. “I can get it.” She began to get up, but Liz stopped her.

“No, I’ll get it.” Liz said, “Why don’t you go in a sit on the couch and find something to watch on TV.”

“Ok,” Maria said, getting up and following Liz into the main room.

She sat down on the couch and turned the TV to soap operas. Liz made quick work of getting Maria’s ice cream ready and made a bowl for herself, Tabasco free. She came into the living room, handed Maria her bowl and sat down next to her.

“Thank you,” Maria said, stuffing her face.

When they were done with their ice cream, an awkward silence fell over them. Liz had so much to say, but she didn’t know where to start, and Maria didn’t know what to say to the woman who hated her.

“So Maria…” Liz started, knowing it was now or never and she was never going to get an opportunity like this again. “I think we should talk.”

“I think you’re right,” Maria said, turning toward her friend on the couch. “I’m so so so so so sorry about how things went down with me and Max and you.” Maria said, tears coming to her eyes.

“No, Maria. Can I talk first?” Liz asked. If she didn’t get everything out the way she wanted, she would forget what she wanted to say. Maria nodded, and Liz continued. “I need to apologize too.” She said, “What I did before I even found out about the two of you was wrong. I shouldn’t have faked a pregnancy. Max had been moving further away from me for months, and I though it was the only way to keep him.” Liz explained.

She sighed, and then looked up at Maria again, “When I found out about you two, it hurt. You were my best friend, and you’d been sleeping with my husband, who I thought was my soul mate, but more than that you were in love with him, and he loved you right back. He didn’t love me. And I think that was my problem.” Liz said. Maria just continued to listen to her.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think,” Liz said, “And I realized, I’m not in love with Max. I havn’t been for a while. But I’d given up so much for him, that I felt the need to keep him with me. He was all I had to show for those dreams that I lost. And when I found out that he no longer loved me, but lover you instead, it hurt.”

“Lizzy, I’m sorry.” Maria said pulling Liz into her for a hug. She couldn’t help herself, and while Liz felt uncomfortable, she gave into the hug, but pulled back quickly.

“Look, Maria. I’m still hurt, and I know you are sorry, but it doesn’t make it all better, just like I know that what I did to Max will not be cured with an ‘I’m sorry,’ But I do want to try.” Liz said, smiling as she tried to hold back her tears. “I want my friend back.”

“Me too, Lizzy. I really do.” Maria returned, he tears showing obviously on her face. “Thank you for trying.”

“No problem,” Liz said, wiping her eyes. “So, you think we can be friends again? It won’t be the same, but I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” Maria said, hugging her friend again. “Let’s do it.” She hugged Liz again, who gave into the hug this time. “You know, Max is going to be harder to convince,” Maria said, “That is if you want to repair things with him. He was really upset when he found out you weren’t pregnant.” Maria didn’t want to bring it up, but she also didn’t want to think that Max was anywhere near ready to forgive Liz.

“I know, Maria. And eventually I’d like to be at least civil with Max, but I understand why he’s mad. What I did was wrong. Way wrong.” Liz admitted.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:15 pm

Chapter 18

Max came home that night, as soon as he got off work. When he walked in the door he smelled Italian food, and heard the sound of Maria’s laugh wafting through the apartment. He smiled, as he always did when he heard that sound.

“I see you are feeling better,” he said entering the kitchen where he saw Maria and Liz preparing dinner.

“Yeah, I’m feeling better.” Maria said. “Still not 100%, but better.” She said, wrapping her arm around Max’s waist.

Liz watched the two, and for the first time didn’t feel jealous. Sure, it was weird, but she was actually happy for Maria. But it was awkward. She and Max were not exactly on the best terms, and she felt like she was intruding. “Ok, well I’m going to go back to my apartment and get ready for dinner,” she said.

“Ok, bring Isabel when you come back,” Maria said, with a smile as Liz left.

Max turned to Maria after Liz left. “So, looks like things were not that bad.”

“Actually, things are so much better,” Maria gushed. “We talked, and we are going to try to start over,” she went on.

“That’s good baby,” Max said, just wanting Maria to be happy.

“She really wants you to forgive her,” Maria said, resting her hand on Max’s chest.

“Jury’s still out on that one,” Max said, just wanting to let it go. He really didn’t want to get into a fight with Maria right now.

Maria, in turn, let it go. “Ok, but just think about it,” she said, leaving it at that.

Max just smiled and wrapped his arms around Maria. “I love you,” he said.

“I love you too, baby,” Maria said kissing his cheek.

**********

The next day, Maria went back to work. Max was a little leery, but he decided to let it go. If anything happened she could call and Kyle could take her home.

The day at work was going by fine until Maria felt a sharp pain in her lower back. She took a few deep breaths, and after a few minutes the feeling subsided. “Whew,” she said with a sigh of relief. Must have just sat down wrong, she thought.

But then a few minutes later it came back, along with a strong feeling in indigestion. Oh god! This couldn’t be happening.

She slowly got up and went into the garage, the smell of oil and grease hitting her nose. She searched the room for Kyle. Finally, she spotted him on the other end of the garage. Clutching her stomach, she started to walk toward him, but Mr. Beck intercepted her.

“How are you doing today, Maria?” his cheery voice asked.

“Ummm, ok,” Maria said, distracted. “I think I’m…I think I might be in labor,” she blurted out as pain washed over her again.

Mr. Beck’s eyes went wide, then he immediately turned to Kyle’s direction. “VALENTI! GET OVER HERE!” he called. Kyle’s head shot up and he ran to his boss, hoping he wasn’t in trouble, but when he say Maria standing there clutching her stomach, he kenw exactly what was wrong.

“I think I’m in labor,” she repeated so Kyle could hear.

“Oh ummm,” he said, not knowing what to do. Max, they needed Max.

“Take her home, you idiot,” Mr. Beck said, a laugh in his voice.

“Yeah,” Kyle muttered, taking Maria into his arms.

“Here, take my car,” Mr. Beck said, handing Kyle his keys, “And call me when the baby’s born,” he said.

Maria and Kyle both smiled in gratitude, before walking slowly to the car. “Are you ok, Maria,” Kyle asked, nervously, as Maria grimaced, strapping herself in.

“Yeah, just get me home.” She said, pulling out her cell phone, dialing Max’s number. “Common, common, pick up,” she said, as the phone rang and rang.

“Get him?” Kyle asked, stupidly.

“No,” she said, getting more and more panicked.

“Well, just calm down. First we need to get you home.” Kyle said, just as they pulled up to the apartment building. He helped her up the stairs and inside.

When she got settled in the bed, Kyle said, “Want me to go find him?”

“NO!” Maria cried. “Don’t leave me!”

Kyle smiled and sat next to her on the bed. “I won’t.” he promised. “Let’s just keep trying to call him and everyone else.”

He picked up the phone and made calls to everyone in the group, but no one picked up. He left urgent messages with all of them, but if he couldn’t leave he didn’t know what to do but keep calling.

“Mmm,” Maria moaned as another contraction hit her. “What am I going to do?” she asked Kyle. “Max is the only one who knows how to do this!”

“I know, Maria,” Kyle said, moving her hair off her face. “We’ll get a hold of him.” He said, picking up the phone again. He went through the group one more time and finally someone answered.

“Hello?” Liz’s voice said over the phone. “Sorry I haven’t called back, I just got your missed call. What’s up?” she asked.

“Maria is in labor!” Kyle said, thankful that someone answered. I need you to get Max and get here right away!”

Liz could hear the panic in Kyle’s voice and asked, “Is she ok?”

“I think so,” Kyle said, smiling at Maria. “Just hurry.”

“Ok, I’m on my way,” Liz said, already pulling on her coat. She grabbed Isabel on her way out and caught her up on what was happening.

“They are getting Max,” Kyle said. Maria breathed a sigh of relief.

“Ok, I…I can do this.” She said. “Right?”

“You’re going to be fine, Maria.” Kyle smiled, kissing her on the cheek.

“But I mean, I can be a mother, right. Even though I’m too young, and we are on the run, and the FBI wants Max dead?” she said, starting to really worry.

“Don’t you think about that, Maria.” Kyle said. “You are going to be a great mother, and the FBI aren’t getting near you, the baby, or Max. I promise.” Kyle said.

“You’re the best,” Maria said, her eyes starting to close. She was tired. She just needed a little rest.

She woke again, suddenly as another contraction hit. They were coming faster, and Max still wasn’t there. “Where is he?” she asked.

And as if the gods were listening, the apartment door swung open and a panicked Max ran into the bed room, Liz and Isabel behind him. “Baby, are you ok?’ he asked. “I knew you shouldn’t have gone to work today.” He said.

“I’m fine, Max.’ Maria said, grimacing, “but the contractions are coming 45 seconds apart.” She said.

“Ok,” he said, looking around the room to get his bearings. “Alright, I need…” he started as he moved out of he room, getting all the items he would need for the labor. He hurried back into the room to see Kyle, Liz and Isabel gathered around Maria trying their best to keep her comfortable.

“Ok, I need some room,” Max said, flustered as her got Maria ready to deliver. The three of them left the room, closing the door behind them to allow Maria and Max to have some privacy, and Kyle continued to call Michael, knowing he wouldn’t want to miss the birth.

Finally, he got through and Michael nearly ran out of the restaurant to get back home. When he walked in, out of breath, he looked to as if to ask what he missed. “They are still in there. I don’t think the baby’s been born yet,” Kyle answered, pulling Michael down next to him on the couch.

They sat their in relative silence, just waiting for Max to tell them what was going on. “I hope everything is ok,” Isabel said, biting her nail.

“Maria’s going to be fine,” Michael said, quickly. “She’s strong.”

Everyone nodded in unison. They were all worried and excited. None of them could tell whether they were more worried or more excited.

Finally, after about an hour, Max came into the living room, holding his son and grinning like an idiot. “They are both great,” He said, but I’m going to get them cleaned up, then you can come in, ok.” He said.

The group breathed a sigh of relief, getting up and hugging each other.

*********

Everyone gathered around Maria on the bed as she held her new son. “Wow, you look damn good for a woman who just gave birth,” Isabel complemented with a smile as the little baby played with her finger.

Maria just smiled. She was tired, but she did want to share this moment with her friends.

Liz stayed pretty quiet, not really knowing what to say, but one thing was for sure, she was truly happy for Maria and Max.

Michael, Kyle, and Max fussed over her, making her laugh and say, “Guys, women get birth all the time. I’m fine.” They just rolled they eyes and smiled at her.

“So, what’s the little guys name?” Kyle finally asked. M

Maria and Max smiled before looking at each other, “We decided to name him, James Maxwell DeLuca-Evans,” Maria finally said.

“James,” Kyle repeated with a smile.

“We named him after Sheriff Valenti,” Max explained.

“That’s so awesome.” Kyle smiled brightly.

“Mmm,” Maria said, her eyes starting to close involuntarily.

“I think we all better let her sleep.” Isabel said, quietly.

They all nodded and went back to their respective apartments, except Liz, who hung back a minute. “Max, can we talk?” she asked, looking down at the floor, biting her bottom lip.

TBC…

gnrkrystle · Post by **gnrkrystle** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:13 pm

A/N: Thanks for everyone who kept up with this story, It’s a sappy ending, but hey, I thought the group needed a little sap …I’ll have another one up before you know it

Chapter 19

Max lead Liz over to the couch and sat down facing her. He took a deep breath, already knowing was Liz wanted to talk to him about. “Shoot,” he said, trying to cut the tension.

“Ok, Max.” Liz said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. It was an act he knew well. She always did it when she was nervous or had something important on her mind. “I just want to say I’m really, really sorry for everything,” she said, her lip quivering, as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. The whole day had been emotional, and this conversation had been a long time coming.

“Liz…” Max started, looking at her.

“No, can I please finish,” Liz said, “And then you can say anything you want,” she said, hopefully.

Max nodded at her and she continued. “It was 100% wrong of me to pretend to be pregnant,” she said, wiping a few tears from her eyes. “I did it because I didn’t want to lose you, but there is no excuse. I realize now that it wasn’t even really about you. I’d fallen out of love with you some time ago. I held on to you, through Tess and through everything because I’d given up so much in being with you, that I didn’t want to let go of that.” Liz said. “And I’m not saying that to be self-pitying. I’ve just figured out why I did what I did.”

“What about Tess?” Max asked, his jaw tightening.

“I never talked to Tess. She’s dead. I think I just talked to her in my dreams because I knew what I was doing was just like what she did.” Liz explained.

Max nodded, understanding the logic. “Look Liz,” Max started. “I don’t think I would have ever been ready to forgive you until just a few minutes ago.” He said. “But seeing my son born, I’ve just realized that, being mad at you, and losing a child that didn’t even exist really doesn’t matter anymore. I’ve got everything I’ve ever wanted.” Max explained, “So, I’m willing to forgive, but I wont ever forget.” Max said.

“And I don’t expect you to,” Liz quickly said, “But if we could just…”

“Start over?” Max asked.

“Yeah,” Liz sighed.

“Yeah.” Max answered. “Let’s start over.” He smiled slightly.

Liz beamed at him. “Thank you Max.” she said.

**********

And things moved forward for everyone after that. They never saw signs of the FBI following them, and they started to settle in, in Milwaukee. Liz finally got back to school, going to a community college in the city and paying her own way through.

Michael worked his way up in the restaurant, becoming head chef. Kyle soon took over Beck’s muffler when Mr. Beck retired, and the two of them adopted twin girls, under false names of course.

Isabel started dating a guy named Matt, where she ended up working, buying clothes for Macy’s, but after Jesse, she was never really able to get intimately close to anyone again. But she had her friends, and they really were enough for her. She still held out hope that she would call up Jesse again one day and they would be together again.

Maria and Max eventually got married, again under different names, and had a whole brood of children. Max went to veterinary school, and Maria began writing children’s books.

They all remained close, and no matter how much their lives changed, they were always neighbors. They were each other’s homes and none of them could foresee a life with any member of the ‘I-know-an-Alien’ Club gone.

Now, they are just living day to day, enjoying life. But they never forget where they came from, or how much their lives had changed since the day Liz was shot in the Crashdown so many years ago.

The End.