Roswell Fanatics

Chapter Thirty C

Liz: (whispers) Max?

Max: Liz?

Liz: Would... Is it bad that I don’t want to stop here?

Max: (inhales sharply) Liz?

Liz: It’s just... I... We never should have stopped that night in the desert. Things would have turned out so different.

Max: We didn’t have any protection that night. You don’t know what might have happened.

Liz: Do, umm... Do you have any now?

Max: (barely audible) Yeah.

Liz: Oh.

Max: I... It’s not... I’ve had it for a while... After that night, I, umm... I didn’t want to be unprepared... I didn’t want to hurt you...

Liz: And you have it here, with you?

Max: Liz, what’s this all about?

Liz: Will you show me? I’ve never seen one before.

Max: A condom?

Liz: Nope.

Max: Oh. Uh, okay... Let me just find my pants.

She watched him walk away, intently studying the contours of his naked body. She was even more impressed with the front view as he returned to her bed.

Max: (coughs) Uh... Here it is.

Liz: (studies it) There’s no directions.

Max: Well, umm, it’s not that complicated...

Liz: You’ve used one before?

Max: I... I tried one on. I got a three-pack. The directions were in the box. I just... I wanted to make sure...

Liz: Oh.

She studied the small square intently, reading its repeated words of caution. Liz didn’t feel like being cautious, though. Not tonight. Not with the lust coursing through her, or the naked man sitting beside her.

Liz: Max?

Max: Yeah?

Liz: Would you... What would you think... do... if I... if I said I wanted to make love with you tonight?

Max’s eyes widened, first with surprise and then with desire. He tried to hide it from her, but realized the futility when he remembered she could clearly see his cock.

Max: I... Umm...

Liz: It’s okay if you don’t want to, I -

Max: NO! No, I want to. God, do I want to. I just... I don’t want to rush you into anything you’re not ready for. I don’t want you to look back and see it as a mistake.

Liz: I... I guess I didn’t realize it until just now, but... I am ready, Max.

Max: You’re not going to make this easy on me, are you?

Liz: I won’t force you to be with me.

Max: Liz! That’s not... I... Oh, hell -

He cupped the sides of her face, quickly leaning in to kiss her. His kisses were passionate, tinged with desperation and unfulfilled desires. Their every thought, every movement became caught up in a haze of lust.

Max found himself lying between Liz’s spread legs. Her hips raised towards his, an invitation into her writhing body. Max met her movements with thrusts of his own, his body aching for consummation. Her fingers dug into his back when the pleasure became too much, his tanned skin her only physical link to reality.

Their connection intensified, and they were inundated with steamy scenes from their pasts as well as their fantasies. Their souls teasingly brushed against each other, intertwining the essence of Max and Liz, in the same way that their bodies were trying to merge. The beauty she had once associated with their connection retreated to the background, projecting instead carnal images into their awareness, one more force pushing them to commit to a union of mind, heart, soul, and body.

Liz could feel what Max was feeling. She also felt all of the excitement and desire that he had ever experienced surrounding her. Images from Max’s fantasies played before her: Max ripping off her Crashdown uniform in the middle of the café, Liz straddling him in the middle of Biology, the way she had looked up at him the first time she gave him a blow job in Michael’s apartment.

Max was not left out. He could taste her exhilaration in the air, her love for him surrounded his being. Her erotic memories flashed before him: Max sliding into her pussy against the shower wall in the girl’s locker room, Liz grinding against him in the back seat of the Jeep, Max’s cock plunging into her in the middle of the desert.

Their motions were just short of frenzied. The longer their bodies were separated, the more intense their ardor grew. Max nipped and sucked at her neck and breasts, while Liz kissed and licked at his fingers when his body wasn’t within her reach. She felt Max’s cock insistently rubbing at her, mostly thrusting against her abdomen but occasionally slipping to brush against her waiting pussy. She let out a groan, reaching for something just outside of her grasp.

Liz: Max... I want you in me...

He barely paused in his thrusting to rip her panties from her body. They both gasped at the direct contact. Max reached between them to guide his cock into her, sliding around in the surrounding slickness before pressing into her. Their kisses stopped as both concentrated on finalizing their commitment. Max squeezed his eyes shut, desperately trying to keep himself from ramming into her in one quick thrust. Liz’s eyes popped open as she felt her body parting for him.

Liz’s legs continued to widen as Max settled more firmly between them. He rocked into her, entering her at a maddeningly slow pace. At her whimper, he stopped all movement, fearful that he had hurt her.

Liz: Max... Please... I-I need you in me. All of you.

He nodded and placed a tender kiss on her parted lips. Max rested his forehead against hers, searching in her eyes for any sign of discomfort. He pushed forward until he felt some resistance and saw her wince.

Liz: Max, please finish. I love you...

Max: I... I love you, too. But... this is gonna hurt you...

Liz: Just a little and only this once, okay? Please, Max. Now!

He pulled his hips back so that he was almost out of her before surging forward and burying the entirety of his length in her warm, tight pussy. He let out a groan at the feeling. Liz was surrounding every fiber of his being. So focused on keeping still, he didn’t hear her quiet whimpers. When the sound registered, he looked down to find that a few tears had leaked from her eyes.

Max: Liz? Are you okay?

Liz: I-I will be. Could you... Maybe you should just pull out for right now.

Max began to withdraw from her, but that only made her cry more. He looked down at her tear-streaked face, unsure what to do and feeling like a complete ass. Tears began to form in his own eyes. He wiped at her wet eyes before swiping a hand across his own.

Max: Liz? What do you want me to do?

Liz: It just... it stings. A lot. I think... maybe... Just... don’t move. Okay?

Max: Do you want me to try to heal it?

Liz: (sniffles) I... I thought I’d say no to that, but... Yes. Please, Max.

Max: I’m gonna have to move a little, okay? But look in my eyes. Stay with me.

He removed his hand from her face and lifted his lower body to sneak his hand in between them. Liz bit on her lip to suppress a cry at the movement. Their connection had been wavering, so it took a moment for Max to get in and find the source of her pain. Once he did, he was quick to heal the torn tissue.

Max: I... (whispers) I’m so sorry.

Liz: Thank you.

Max: No, I should have known right away -

Liz: Don’t ruin this with guilt, okay? It hurt, but you fixed it. And... Max, you’re inside of me!

Max: So you’re okay?

Liz: Better than okay. So... where were we?

She lifted her hips against his, urging him to complete their bonding. He raised his eyes to look at her one last time before kissing her soundly. His hips started to slowly move back and forth, testing her body’s reaction as well as his own control. Liz raised her lips to his and wrapped her arms around his neck.

As their pace increased, their insecurities began to melt. Max took in the beauty that lay before him, marveling that they were finally there. Liz reached behind her head to adjust her pillow, and they heard a crinkling noise. Curious, she patted around on the bedspread until her hand came in contact with the object. She held it up for inspection.

Max: Oh, shit.

Liz: You... you’ve gotta stop. We have to... you need to have that on!

Max: O-okay. I...

He stopped his movement and caught his breath before pulling out of her body. He fumbled with the wrapper, finally ripping it open and hastily pushing the condom down the length of his cock.

Liz grabbed onto his sheathed erection and guided it back to her waiting pussy. He surged forward, burying himself in her. He held her close to his chest as he thrust into her, getting nearer and nearer to completion.

Max: I... I’m not gonna last much longer...

Liz: Mmm... Okay.

Max: I-I’m sorry... I want you to cum, too...

Liz: Later. This feels really good.

As if to prove her point, Liz began pushing her hips up higher and higher. She wrapped a leg around one of Max’s, which slightly changed the way he penetrated her. Liz let out a moan at the new feeling, and Max let out his own shortly thereafter as he began to cum. He thrust into her a few more times before collapsing on top of her.

After a few deep breaths, he picked up his head and saw her smiling down at him.

Liz: (whispers) Thank you.

Max: Thank you... And... I’m sorry about...

Liz: Shh. I know. It’s okay, Max. We’ll talk about it later. Rest now. I’m sleepy.

He began to pull away from her, belatedly realizing that he was dead weight lying on top of her small body. Liz stopped him and urged him to stay where he was.

Liz: It... you feel really good like this.

Max: Promise you’ll tell me if that changes?

Liz: I promise. I love you.

Max: I love you, too.

They never noticed that, while they clung to each other, glowing streaks trailed their fingers. When Max softened and fell out of her, iridescent fluid streaked with blood pooled beneath their sleeping bodies.

Chapter Thirty One

Liz shook her head in an attempt to clear it. She lifted it up and took in her surroundings. She was slumped over her lab table, her head resting lazily on her folded arms. What the fuck? She let out a sigh and silently chastised herself. Did you actually expect it to be real this time? She dropped her head back to her arms and shook her head against them, letting out a quiet groan.

Max: (whispers harshly) Liz!

Liz couldn’t be sure what was happening around her. She was unable to guess with any degree of certainty the hour, the day, the month. Well, at least I know it’s 2000... She looked around again, taking in the features of the classroom and its occupants. Yep. It’s the year 2000. Woo hoo.

She was startled from her brief moment of victorious revelry when she felt a warm hand lightly shaking her shoulder. Startled by the touch, she bolted into an upright position and immediately whipped her head around to face her assailant.

Liz: Oh.

Max: Are you okay?

Liz: Hmm?

Max: You were asleep.

Liz: No, I wasn’t.

Max: You have drool on your arm.

Liz: (looks down) Oh, that is so disgusting.

Max placed his hand over hers, intending to dissolve the offending fluid.

Mr. Powers: Ms. Parker, Mr. Evans? Is there a problem in your corner of teen angst?

Max: Uh... No, sir.

Mr. Powers: In that case, you two can see me after class so we can discuss our upcoming after school activities.

The class naturally laughed when the two honor students were punished. Max’s face turned an unflattering shade of pink, while Liz buried her face in her hands. Could this day get any worse?

Her head tilted to the side as she distinctly heard voices floating toward her. I just had to ask, didn’t I? She wasn’t sure why, but Liz could suddenly hear with startling clarity the whispers of the kids in the classroom. Great. More freaking changes. She leaned her head on her arm and pretended to take notes.

Keri Collins: Do you think they’re together again?

Marcy Peterson: Well, Pam told me that Vicki Delaney overheard Tess talking with Max’s sister Isabel in the bathroom last week, and she said that they were talking about how pathetic it was that Liz just wouldn’t let go of him.

Keri: Well, it’s not like he’s with Tess. She’s just a jealous bitch if you ask me.

Marcy: I didn’t, but you’re right. Her and Isabel... (shudders) I’d hate to be Max if those two are ganging up on him. Not that I’d mind being with him... But, anyhow, didn’t you hear that she slept with Kyle?

Keri: Kyle Valenti? And Liz Parker? No. I don’t believe it.

Marcy: Well, they used to date.

Keri: Yeah, but that was like so two forevers ago.

Marcy: Maybe they were drunk.

Keri: Maybe... Anyhow, did you talk your mom into letting you go out with us this weekend?

Liz’s attention drifted away to another conversation when she again heard her name.

Alex: What’s up with Liz and Max?

Maria: I don’t know. I don’t think that either of them really know.

Alex: You don’t think they’ll start glowing again, do you?

Maria: I don’t know. Listen, something really weird is going on with Liz, and I promised that I wouldn’t tell anyone what she told me, but... Try to keep an eye out for her.

Alex: Is she okay?

Maria: I really don’t know...

Liz closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. This is perfectly normal. Lots of people can hear conversations from across the room. She sat up a little straighter when she felt something poking against her elbow. It was a note from Max.

Liz,

I’m really worried about you. I’m calling a meeting tonight at Michael’s at 8. Can you make it?

Max

She let out a long-suffering sigh. Why does he have to care so damn much? She hastily scribbled a reply.

Max,

I’m working with Maria until 9. We’ll drive over when my shift ends. I’M FINE.

Liz

Max shook his head after reading her note, but he didn’t make an issue of it. Good. God, I just wish everyone would leave me alone! She straightened as she heard another pair of voices. Liz slowly scanned the room before she realized that they were coming from outside the classroom. The voices sounded familiar, but Liz couldn’t quite place who it was that was speaking.

Voice 1: You think any of ‘em know?

Voice 2: Would it matter if they did? Things can be... changed pretty damn easy.

Voice 1: Just don’t fuck it up.

Voice 2: Remember who you’re talking to or you’ll regret it.

Voice 1: You got nothin’.

Voice 2: Don’t try me.

There was a pause in the conversation, and Liz started to focus back on the chalkboard. The voices resumed a few moments later.

Voice 2: We’ve got to get you in again soon.

Voice 1: Won’t be long ‘til he’s beggin’ us to.

Voice 2: Be careful! She’s too important to lose.

Voice 1: That just kills you, don’t it?

Voice 2: Shut the fuck up! I’m in charge here!

Voice 1: I know a guy or two that says different.

Voice 2: You’re replaceable. Don’t forget it.

Liz could tell that the conversation had ended and that one of the speakers had walked away.

Voice 1: So are you, bitch. You’ll get yours.

A chill ran down Liz’s spine at the menacing tone of the voice. Neither voice had been particularly cheerful, but there had been absolute venom in the speaker’s last words. I wonder what that’s all about? What good is a bionic ear if I can’t figure out who’s talking? Her brow wrinkled in thought. I’d hate to be a part of whatever those two are into. It sounds pretty dangerous. She snorted to herself. Like anyone walking these halls has any idea what danger really is. It’s probably just some cheerleaders running for Winter Carnival Queen, anyway. Typical high school drama.

When Liz felt a tingling at the back of her eyes, she tilted her head back and willed the tears to stay put. I don’t think I’d be able to stop if I start crying now. She struggled to focus on the remaining minutes of the lecture and at the very least succeeded in not nodding off again.

The bell finally rang, and Liz slowly climbed down off of her stool and began putting away her things. As she headed for the door, she was stopped by a hand on her arm. Liz swung around to find Max’s hand gently grasping her wrist.

Max: Umm, Liz... We have to stay. Remember?

Liz: Huh? (pauses) Oh, uh, yeah. Right.

Max: Did you forget?

Liz: I guess it kinda slipped my mind.

Max: Okay. Well, let’s get this over with.

They approached Mr. Powers’ desk, and Max never let go of Liz’s wrist. A tingle ran through her body at his gentle touch, increasing in its intensity when his hand slipped down to slide his fingers between hers. Their teacher started talking to them, but Liz’s focus was divided between the heat surging through her body and . How am I supposed to get anything done when he’s touching me like this? How can he pay attention? Doesn’t he feel this?

Liz looked up at Max when she felt him shake her arm.

Mr. Powers: Is that satisfactory, Ms. Parker?

Liz: (hesitates) Uh. Yeah. Sure. Sorry about that, Mr. P.

Mr. Powers: Let’s not make a habit of this.

Liz: Right. Well, I’ll see you later.

She slipped her hand out of Max’s firm hold and scurried out into the busy hallway. Liz let out an audible groan when she saw that Maria and Alex were waiting for her at her locker. Shit. They’re blocking my lunch. With a sigh of resignation, she headed toward her friends.

Liz: Hey, guys.

Chapter Thirty Two

Maria: So, Liz, babe, what’s up with you and girlfriend?

Liz: (sighs) Maria, I’m not in the mood for this right now.

Maria: As if that’s going to stop me.

Alex: You know she’s right. Remember that time in seventh grade when she heard that Harry Melendez had the hots for her and she wanted to find out for sure if it was true, and so then she followed him home from school -

Maria: Three miles in heels!

Alex: - for two and a half blocks before he noticed her and -

Liz: Maria, will you please remind your dear friend Alex that he is not actually here today? Maybe if you let him know that he’s not even in North America at this moment, he will stop following me around and trying to get me to talk to him when he’s not really even here. Can you do that for me?

With that, Liz gave Alex a knowing glare and forced her way between him and Maria to get into her locker. Lunch bag in hand, she took off down the hall.

Alex: Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?

Maria: Is it true? Are you really not here?

Alex: Maria DeLuca! I’m talking to you right now! Wouldn’t you know if I wasn’t really here?

Maria: I don’t know...

Alex: What the fuck is going on around here?

Maria: I’m not sure. Listen, has anyone else talked to you today? Besides me or Liz?

Alex: I do have other friends, you know!

Maria: (pats his head) Sure you do, Alex. But that’s not my point. Think about it, okay? Has anyone else talked to you today?

Alex: Well, my mom asked me if I wanted ham and cheese or money for lunch this morning, and then in -

Maria: Your mom still makes your lunch?!

Alex: Doesn’t yours?

Maria: Well, yeah, but...

Alex: But what?

Maria: But I’m a girl!

Alex: And girls are incapable of making lunches? Because if that’s the case, I think you’re seriously implying something nasty about my dear old mom.

Maria: Oh, forget it. I need to find Max. Or Michael. If you see either of them, let them know that I’m looking for them? I mean, if you’re really here...

Maria headed off in the direction they had last seen Liz walk, leaving Alex behind to ponder his own existence.

Alex: Either something is seriously wrong here, or they are pulling one hell of a prank on me. (looks down) Well, I’m not naked, so this can’t be a nightmare. Hmm, maybe it’s an erotic dream. If I’m not really here, or if this is a dream, I should just pull Isabel into the Eraser Room... Unless this is an erotic nightmare. Then, I’ll find my naked self locked in the Eraser Room with who I think is Isabel, and maybe she’s secretly a man... or a shape-shifter... or I’ll have performance anxiety... Wait. That doesn’t make sense. If I’m not really here, shouldn’t I know it? And if this is a dream, shouldn’t I be too wrapped up in my pursuit of getting laid to recognize that something isn’t right? Damnit, DeLuca!

Alex headed down the hallway that both Liz and Maria had recently traveled. Halfway down the hall, he realized that neither girl was in sight. He went into the nearest restroom, where he found Max washing his hands.

Alex: Hi, Max.

Max: Hey.

Alex: Maria’s looking for you.

Max: (frowns) Why’s that?

Alex: Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but something’s going on with Liz.

Max: (looks down) Yeah, I know.

Alex: Okay, so you know. What do you intend to do about it?

Max: Look, I’m having a meeting tonight at Michael’s. Liz said she and Maria get off at nine, so just try to get there any time before then. Okay?

Alex: They don’t usually work on Thursdays...

Max: I’m just telling you what she told me.

Alex: Okay. Well, anyway, do you know what’s going on with her?

Max: I don’t know. I feel like I don’t even know her anymore, Alex. She doesn’t want my help. (mumbles) She doesn’t want me...

Alex: What the hell is that supposed to mean? Are you fucking blind?

Max: If I were blind, I wouldn’t have seen what I did, and I’d be a much happier person.

Alex: What did you see?

Max: Never mind. It’s... It doesn’t matter anymore. (clears throat) Anyhow, you’ll be there tonight?

Alex: Yeah.

Max: Well, I guess I’ll see you then.

Alex: Sure...

Max walked toward the door, but Alex stopped him.

Alex: Hey, have you seen Isabel today?

Max: Not since this morning in the Jeep. Why?

Alex: (blushes) I, uh... No reason.

Max: Right. Well, on that note...

Alex: See ya.

Meanwhile...

Maria pushed her way through the crowded corridor in hot pursuit of Liz. Would she go in there? That is so messed up... but so is Liz, I guess. With a resigned sigh, Maria threw open the door to the Music Room. Maria found her distressed friend curled up in a metal chair in front of the room’s large window.

Maria: Joining the band or just reliving the past?

Liz: Huh?

Maria: What’s going on, Liz?

Liz: Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Maria: Nuh-uh. Not gonna cut it.

Liz: (closes eyes and lets out long breath) I’m not in the mood for this, Maria. I came in here to be alone. Do you mind?

Maria: Yeah. I do.

Liz: Please, Maria. I just... I can’t keep doing this.

Maria: What do you mean?

Liz: If this didn’t continue to happen, you’d know what I was talking about.

Maria: Do you mean the thing where you’re hiding whatever the hell it is that’s going on with you, or the thing where you destroyed your life just cause Romeo asked you to?

Liz: (shocked whisper) You remember?

Maria: Of course, I remember. What kind of friend forgets something this monumental?

Liz jumped out of her chair and threw her arms around her confused friend. The tears she’d been fighting all day erupted and Liz sobbed into Maria’s shoulder. Maria dropped her bag and embraced Liz in her arms. She stroked her hair and waited her out.

Maria: Shhh... It’s okay. It’ll be okay.

Liz pulled back upon hearing her reassurances, very aware of how unlikely it was that anything would be okay. She rubbed the tears from her eyes and let out a broken chuckle.

Liz: (sniffs) No. No, it’s not, but...

Maria: But?

Liz: I can’t tell you how much you remembering helps. You’re the only one who seems to remember. Besides me, I mean.

Maria: Who’s forgetting?

Liz: (sighs) Well, I’m still not sure that I’ve ever actually told Max anything...

She began to pace, prompting Maria to make herself as comfortable as she could be in a metal folding chair. Maria watched her friend and fought the urge to take notes.

Liz: I mean, it just may be that I’m imagining it all. That’s possible, right?

Maria: (warily) I guess...

Liz: Okay, let’s start at the beginning and work from there.

Maria: (groans) Like, from the shooting? (grumbles) Maybe I should take notes...

Liz: Okay, well, how about just since Max left for New York? So, from a week ago. That’s not so bad...

Maria: Except Max left on Monday last week.

Liz: Riiight... Which makes it a week today.

Maria: (hesitantly) Liz, sweetie? Umm, it’s Thursday.

Liz: That’s not funny, Maria. You know good and well that it’s Monday.
Maria: Liz...

Liz: I mean, how can I be missing three whole fucking days? It’s bad enough when I think I’ve spaced out for three hours, but three days? That’s seventy two hours that I have no memory of. Please, Maria, tell me you’re joking.

Maria: I really wish I was.

Liz’s pacing was bordering on sprinting. Her hands were buried in her hair, pulling on it, as if the pain would help her keep hold on to that one last shred of sanity. She removed her hands and fisted them at her sides, wincing as her nails dug into the soft skin of her palm. Liz looked up when she heard Maria let out a shocked gasp.

Liz: Oh, God, what now?

Maria: (points) L-Liz?

Liz: (irritated) WHAT?!

Maria: Your hands...

Liz looked down at her clenched hands and was shocked to see green streaks of electricity running through them. She looked up to Maria’s bewildered face with her own look of surprise. Maria stood there staring at her for a few moments before she managed to close her mouth.

Maria: Does... does that hurt?

Liz: Now that you... (inhales sharply) mention it... (takes another deep breath) just... give me...

Maria: LIZ!

Maria rushed forward as she watched Liz sway on her feet, but she didn’t get to her in time to prevent Liz’s body from crumpling to the ground. She lay Liz’s unconscious body out straight on the floor and placed her head in her lap. Maria stroked her hair and vocally listed her options.

Maria: Shit! You can’t do this to me, Liz. I don’t know what to do. You gotta help me out here. Should I leave you to find someone, or should I wait for you to wake up? Ohhh... Why didn’t I take that first aid course? Stupid fucking babysitter’s club fascists making you pay god-damned weekly dues. Damnit, Liz, wake up! What do I do??

Maria’s choice was taken from her as the door was flung open and Michael rushed into the room with Max on his heels.

Maria: Oh, thank God!

Chapter Thirty Three

Max dropped to his knees at Liz’s side and scooped her into his arms. He held her close to him and pressed gentle kisses on her forehead while whispering words of reassurance.

Maria: How’d you know to be here?

Michael: I don’t know. Max and I were sitting in class, waiting for you and Liz to show up by the way, when all of a sudden Max bolts out of his seat.

Maria: How come you were the first in the room?

Michael: (frowns) I don’t know. (looks at Max and Liz) Maxwell! What’s going on? Is she all right?

Maria: All right?! Are you stupid? Look at her! She’s passing out left and right, she can’t tell the difference between a daydream and reality, and she’s suddenly got green bolts of alien juice running up and down her arms. (mockingly) Is she all right?

Michael: How the fuck am I supposed to know what’s going on?

Maria: Just look in front of your ugly face!

Max: Enough! (stands) Michael, go start the Jeep. Maria, can you cover for us?

Michael nodded and quickly strode out of the room.

Maria: Wait just a minute. If you think I’m not going with you -

Max: I don’t have time for this, Maria! There’s still three periods left. One of us needs to be here, and I need it to be you.

Maria: Fine. But we are having some words when this is settled.

Max. Right. We’ll be at Michael’s. Tell everyone to meet there right after school. Okay?

Maria: (sighs) Okay. (pauses) Take care of her.

Max: (smiles tightly) Always.

Max climbed into the backseat of the Jeep, clutching Liz to his chest. Michael caught his gaze in the rearview mirror.

Michael: Where to, good sir?

Max: (sighs) Your place.

Michael: (scowls) Not the pod chamber?

Max: Not yet. Let’s... That’ll be a last resort.

Michael: Okay.

Max: She’s burning up. Do you have ice and towels?

Michael: Yeah. I got some towels, and we can make ice if I don’t have any.

Max: Right. I guess I’m not thinking straight.

Michael: Under the circumstances...

Max: Yeah.

Liz didn’t wake up on the short drive to Michael’s apartment. She lay in Max’s arms on the couch while Michael changed his bed sheets and brought a bowl of cold water and some wash cloths to his night stand.

Michael: It’s all set.

Max: (sincerely) Thank you, Michael.

Michael: (looks away) Whatever.


Max lay Liz down on Michael’s clean bed and brushed the hair off of her face. He frowned as he realized just how hot Liz had become. He grabbed a wash cloth off of the night stand and dipped it into the freezing water. He had just placed the cold compress on her forehead when Liz took in a sharp breath and sat up straight.

Liz: Max! Max, what’s on me? What’s on my head? Oh, God, and my back!?

Max: Liz, it’s just a face cloth. And your clothes are on your back.

Liz: No, no, Max, there’s something - Oh, God! I’m on fire! I’m on fire, Max! F-fire! Ahh! I’m on fire! I’m on fire!

Max: Liz! LIZ! You’re not on fire!

Liz: Max! I am! I’m on fire! I’m on fire! Put it out! God, it hurts! Please, Max, put it out! I’m on fire!

Liz rolled around on the bed, as if trying to smother the flames in the sheets. Michael ran into the room upon hearing the commotion.

Michael: What the hell?

Max: I don’t know. She thinks she’s burning.

Liz: Ahh! I’m on fire, Max!

When her rolling didn’t seem to put out the flames, Liz scrambled to pull off her shirt. Michael turned to leave the room, closing the door behind him.

Michael: Good luck with that. I’m going back to school.

Max ignored him and returned his gaze to a still writhing Liz. Her shirt and bra were off, and her hands were tugging at the zipper of her jeans. He reached for her hands, but quickly released them when he noticed the streaks of electricity that appeared with his touch.

Liz: Ohh, it burns! Max! Help me! It’s so hot. Why’s it so hot? And so bright?

Max could only sit by and watch her, hoping that her pain would end quickly. His touch seemed to hurt her more. He turned to the night stand and threw the wet rag into the bowl. When his gaze returned to Liz, she was naked in the middle of the bed. Max averted his gaze, but not before he got a good view of her unclothed body.

Liz: (shivers) I’m so cold! Max, I - I’m so cold. Help me! Warm me up! I’m so cold, Max!

Max: O-okay.

Liz: Shhh. Don’t yell! I’m cold, not deaf. Hurry, Max!

Max gathered the sheets and blanket and tucked them around Liz’s trembling body.

Max: (whispers) Is that better?

Liz: No. No, no, no. It itches! Get it off me! Something’s crawling on me! Ahh! Get it off!

She twisted and turned until her body was tangled up in the linens. Liz continued to shiver, despite the layers and her frantic movements. Max sat for a moment, stunned, when Liz’s body floated up a foot above the bed, only reacting when he noticed that flames had erupted in the sheets. He rushed forward to smother the flames and then tore the sheets from her body. Her body dropped back to the bed, and Liz curled up into a tight ball as tears rolled down her cheeks. Her cries had quieted down to nearly inaudible whispers.

Liz: I’m s-so c-c-cold, M-Max. H-Hold m-me?

Max slowly crawled into bed next to her and tentatively reached his arms out to her. She stiffened as her arms came in contact with his t-shirt.

Liz: P-Please. T-T-Take it o-off.

He tore the shirt over his head and pulled her into his arms. Liz rested her head against his warm, naked chest and let out a contented sigh.

Max: (whispers) Any better?

Liz: A little.

Max: Still cold?

Liz: My legs...

Max: Oh.

He pulled her lower body up against his, desperately trying to control his body’s response to having a naked woman... a naked Liz in his arms. It didn’t matter anyway, because she jerked away from his body with a hiss when her legs came in contact with the rough denim of his jeans.

Liz: It hurts!

Max: What do you want me to do?

Liz: (pauses) Take them off?

Max: Uh... right... okay.

Max avoided her eyes as he removed his shoes and pants. Once that was done, he reached for her again, but was stopped by a hand pressing against his chest.

Liz: No. Too rough...

Max: Liz??

Liz: Take it all off. Please!

He licked his lips and agonized internally. She’s in pain. I’m only doing this to warm her up. God, but I can’t hide this from her. She’s in pain, and I’ve got a hard-on! Max looked into her tear-filled eyes and knew that he didn’t have a choice. He kicked off his socks and lifted his body to take off his boxers. When her hand reached for his naked hip, Max grabbed it in his own and brought it to his lips. He placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand and then focused his gaze on her fingers.

Max: Liz... (gulps) I... You... M-My body...

Liz: What is it?

Max: I can’t control it. (sighs) I-I’ve got... and you’re... naked...

Liz: Hurry, Max! (shivers) I’m so cold!

Max: O-Okay.

He slowly rolled his body toward hers, giving her plenty of warning as to his physical state. As Liz’s body curled into his, the swollen head of his cock rubbed against the soft skin of her stomach. They both froze at the contact. Max closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. Liz bit her lip and looked up to his face. Seeing that his eyes were closed, she chanced a peek at the hardness poking into her.

Max: I’m sorry.

Fearing that he’d frightened or disgusted her, Max started to roll back away from her. Liz stopped his movement by grabbing his ass and pulling his lower body toward hers.

Max: Liz?

Liz: It’s okay. J-Just hold m-me.

Max pulled her into his chest and wrapped his arms around her thin, shivering body. He squeezed his eyes shut as Liz adjusted her body against his to find a comfortable position. His arms tightened around her, trying to stop her wiggling. Max loosened them, though, when he heard her whimper.

Max: You okay?

Liz: The sheets...

Max: Oh, umm...

Liz: Can you lay on your back?

He looked into her eyes and nodded. I’m not going to survive this... Max turned onto his back, and Liz crawled on top of him. Her head rested against his heart. One hand was buried in his hair, while the other was innocently brushing against his chest. Her legs lined up above his. Liz squirmed around a bit until she found physical relief and let out a happy little sigh. Max busied his hands in soothing her. He stroked her hair and her back, eventually lulling her into a sound sleep

There was no sleep for Max, however. He lay beneath her warm body and stared blankly at the water stains decorating the ceiling. Just like with the clouds. He desperately fought his body for control, but there seemed to be no way to talk down his dick. That looks like a dying cactus. This is good, this is good. It’s definitely keeping my mind off of the way her nipples are burning into my chest. Or the way her... Focus! That over there... That looks like a mountain valley. Or the valley between Liz’s breasts. Oh, God, it looks like her thighs spread open...

With a low groan, Max closed his eyes tightly and worked on relaxing his mind. It took a while, but he eventually fell into a fitful sleep.

Tikidoll wrote:
[You] HAVE TO EITHER BE A HIGHLY TALENTED WRITER OR BE SLIGHTLY DEMENTED

*Can't I be both?
-Jen*

Again, any familiar dialogue most likely doesn't belong to me.

So, I'm supposed to be researching for two twenty page term papers, or at least studying for the huge test I have tomorrow, but... Well, lucky you, I'm a procrastinator. Enjoy.


Chapter Thirty Four

While they slept, Max’s hands continued to travel up and down Liz’s body, trails of light following in the wake of his fingertips. Her face became buried in his neck, and their legs intertwined.

Liz, Maria, and Kyle are in the Jetta, driving to the billboard on the outskirts of town.

Maria: If we get out of this...

Kyle: When we get out of this...

Liz: No! I can't leave it like this!

Maria: Excuse me?

Liz: Max. No, I walked out on him without explaining what happened between you and me.

Maria: Huh?

Liz: I didn't even say good-bye!

Kyle: Look, you've got a job to do. Max has got a job to do. When everybody's done with their job, you can make nice.

Liz: He'll never know!

Kyle: He's Max. He'll always know. Right?

Liz disappears.

*~*

She was floating. She didn’t know where she was or what she was surrounded by, but Liz knew for sure that she was floating.

Liz opened her mouth to speak, but no words would come. She shook her head, pushing away the feelings of comfort and love, trying to remember where she was or how she got there. A cursory examination revealed that she was naked, but she was mildly surprised to find that this fact did not disturb her. She felt at ease, a contentment she was sure that she’d never before felt in her life.

She took in her surroundings. She was suspended in something. It wasn’t solid, nor liquid, nor gas.

*Plasma!*

Her shouted solution made no noise, but her open mouth did not encounter any taste or substance. Everywhere she looked, there was a whitish-pink substance. An unnatural glow came from a source she couldn’t find, casting a strange glow around her body. Liz looked at her arm and discovered that she could make out her bone structure through her skin. It was similar to an x-ray, except there was color and a definite outline to her body.

*Like when you put a flashlight under your hand in the dark.*

Liz knew that her words had no sound, but she still struggled to voice her thoughts. It was becoming more and more difficult to focus. Her mind felt fuzzy. She felt lethargic and was encompassed by a blanket of warmth. Liz realized that she wasn’t breathing, but she was not desperate for air. Somehow, her body was being supported in this strange environment.

Having lost her train of thought, Liz realized just what a small space she was in. She felt cramped and pushed her body against the elastic boundary surrounding her. Her legs kicked out and her arms stretched the material as far as she could, but the material returned to its original shape no matter how long or how hard she pushed against it. She closed her eyes, knowing that all she could do was wait.

*~*

Voice: ... a deal...

Voice: ... running... time...

Voice: Call... help...

Voice: ... passed out...

Voice: Help...

*~*

His peaceful existence was coming to an end. Max could feel the pressure surrounding his body, urging him to push forward, to break through his surroundings. He fought it. He didn’t want to leave this place. It was warm and comforting and safe. Max was afraid to go beyond the only boundaries he’d ever known.

But his body... or his surroundings were failing. His eyes widened as he realized that something was wrong. His mouth opened and closed, and a strange noise came out. His hands came up to his throat and pressed against it, instinctively knowing that it was something he could take care of.

Only he couldn’t. Not right now. His normally bright surroundings were becoming dark. He began to panic and pushed outward with all of his might. A small hand pushed its way through a viscous membrane and encountered... nothing.

His other hand tore through the weakened material. He pulled at it, finally ripping a large enough hole to poke his head into the unknown. Curious, he forced his body out, followed by a torrent of jelly-like substance. His mouth opened and closed again, until finally something in his middle clenched painfully, forcing him to cough. The viscous fluid he’d lived in flowed out of his nose and mouth, until he was finally able to take in his first breath of air.

It burned as it traveled into his body, but it kept the darkness away. Max wiped away the slime from his eyes and the rest of his face. It was covering the entirety of his body. His hands rubbed against each other and sloughed off the sticky substance. His clean hands began to pick at the remaining goo, but he stopped as he saw motion out of the corner of his eye.

Slowly, he headed toward the movement. A slime-covered hand pushed its way out of what he now saw was a large sac. He reached for the hand and pulled, tugging until a girl emerged from within. Max recognized her, though at the time he had no concept of who it was.

*Isabel*

He helped to rid her of the material coating her face, patting her back as she forced the goo out of her mouth and nose.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him after her. Together, they climbed down a few large stairs until they’d reached the dirt floor. The girl pulled him toward the exit, but he stopped her. He turned back and saw a foot break out of a pod on the bottom row.

*Michael*

They rushed over to it and watched as a boy violently erupted from the glowing sac. They tried to help him, but he pulled away from them. He huddled in a corner, where strange noises came from him. They started toward him again, but before they could make it to him, his body was wracked with a series of harsh coughs, until the goo came spewing from his orifices. He wiped at his face and looked to the two children before him.

The girl offered out her hand, and he reluctantly took it. She led them toward the exit but was halted by the first boy. He pointed to the other pod, in which another form was floating. The three made eye contact, their only means of communication, before heading for the door.

*~*

Voice: Help... lost...

Voice: Today... now...

Voice: ... don’t... Max!?

*~*

Liz was jarred out of her slumber when her ass landed on the hot pavement.

Liz: Where am I?

She looked around and realized that she was sitting in the middle of the right lane of the highway that led out of Roswell. Not in the Jetta and certainly not encased in pinkish plasma. Liz slowly rose to her feet and dusted herself off. A quick survey of the land revealed that she was absolutely alone in the middle of nowhere. With a sigh, she started walking back to town.

Liz: Well, either Maria and Kyle will be driving by here soon, or it was just another dream. Either way, my ass hurts and my feet are on fire...

*~*

Chapter Thirty Five

When Liz next opened her eyes, all thoughts of fire and ice were gone. She was pinned to a bed by none other than Max Evans. A very naked Max Evans lay on top of an equally naked Liz Parker.

Tears started to fall from her eyes, and she wasn’t quite able to stifle the sob that had been building in her chest. Max’s head picked up from between her breasts and looked into her crying eyes.

Max: Liz? What is it?

Liz: I usually remember.

Max: Remember what?

Liz: When we make love, I remember, but you don’t.

Max: (blushes) Uhh, Liz...

Liz: But now I’m not even remembering that part. And if you’re not, either, then, really, what the hell’s the point, you know?

Max: Liz, we didn’t make love.

Liz: That’s what you always say!

Max: If I’d ever been lucky enough to be with you that way, I’m pretty damn sure I’d remember it.

Liz: (quietly) You’d think so...

Max: What’s this all about, Liz?

Liz: (sighs) Max, you’re a smart guy, okay? Now, I’m naked. You’re naked. You’re laying on top of me and there’s definitely something sticky... (grimaces) between us.

Max: (frowns) I don’t feel like I just lost my virginity.

Liz: Neither do I.

Max reared back at her statement. He looked between their bodies, as if he could tell just by looking at her naked body whether Liz was a virgin or not. His eyebrows drew together as he thought about their situation. Silent tears continued to course down Liz’s cheeks.

Max: I think we both know that you’re not a virgin. (angrily) Think real hard, Liz. September... Kyle... Remember?

Liz: (sighs) God, Max, it’s the only thing I think about.

Max: I’m glad to hear you had such a good time.

Liz: Damnit, Max! I didn’t fuck Kyle Valenti!

Max: Oh, I’m sorry. Did you and the ex make love?

Liz: Max! I. Never. Had. Sex. With. Kyle.

Max: So, you are a virgin?

She turned her head to the side, unable to withstand his penetrating gaze any longer.

Liz: (mumbles) I don’t know.

Max: That’s rich. You don’t know. Well, I know I am!

Liz: No, you don’t.

Max: Liz, this isn’t funny. I think something’s really wrong with you.

Liz: No shit.

She started to inch her way into an upright position, wanting to distance herself from Max and also to find something to cover herself. Liz stopped abruptly at Max’s groan.

Max: (hisses) Liz!

Liz: I... What?

Max: I...

When he didn’t answer her, Liz continued her earlier movement. It was then that she felt Max’s stiff cock fall between her slightly spread thighs.

Liz: Oh.

Max: Help me out here, Liz. I-I don’t know what to do anymore. You’re telling me that... we’ve been lovers for...

Liz: Since September.

Max: For over two months, but I don’t remember?

Liz: I... I’m not sure.

With a defeated sigh, Max lowered his upper body until his forehead rested against hers. Her arms automatically came up to surround him. Max closed his eyes as he fought the urge to bury himself inside of her body.

Max: You’re confusing the hell out of me here.

Liz: Welcome to my world.

Max: What do you want me to do?

He opened his eyes and looked into her uncertain gaze. She bit her lip as her hands traveled down his torso and came to a stop on his hips. Liz moved her own hips suggestively against his.

Liz: If... if none of my dreams or whatever were true, then I’m a virgin. A-And, if I’m not, it means that we have been making love since September.

Max: So...

Liz: So... i-if... If we make love right now, we’ll know for sure.

Max: I can’t make love to you just to prove you’re a virgin.

Liz: Then do it ‘cause you love me. And... because I love you, too.

She held his gaze, knowing how difficult this was for him.

Max: I... I must be some kind of stupid. I mean, I’m a horny sixteen year old in bed with the love of my life... and she’s asking me to be with her... but... God, Liz! This... something about this doesn’t feel right.

Liz: (licks lips) Maybe... Maybe you’re thinking too much.

Max: Maybe...

He pressed his lips to her forehead, letting them linger there for a moment before moving on to place gentle kisses on her eyelids, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, her chin. Finally, he lightly touched his lips to hers. Liz’s mouth eagerly responded to his, sucking and nibbling his plump lips while he did the same to her own.

Her hands returned to his head, and she buried them in his thick hair. Max had one hand bracing the small of her back, while the other traveled to her head to run through her soft tresses.

Their kisses were languid, the hesitant touches of two young lovers. They slowly reacquainted with each other, although it wasn’t clear if it had been only hours or over two months since their last moment of passion. Max was certain that he hadn’t had this pleasure since the day he’d surprised her with a kiss in Whitaker’s office back in September. Liz was certain of nothing, but she hoped that today’s activities would answer some questions.

Liz’s body was warming considerably, though not with the intensity it had endured earlier in the day. Her hands began to wander over his toned body, and the hand Max had wedged between her body and the bed slowly crept its way toward her breast. As his hand closed over her, Liz arched up into his grasp, silently urging him to do so much more.

He was going far too slow for her liking. Liz impatiently began thrusting her hips up towards his, moaning whenever his cock came in contact with the wet skin between her thighs. Max pulled back from her hungry mouth and kissed his way to her ear.

Max: Liz... There’s no rush.

Liz: I... I know. I just... want you... so bad.

Max groaned at her words, their impact just as much of a turn on as the feel of her thighs wrapping around his legs. He slipped a hand between their writhing bodies and centered his cock over her waiting body. He lay back over her, thrusting against but not in her. Liz let out a loud cry every time the head of his cock came in contact with her pulsing clit. Suddenly, Max stopped his motion.

Liz: Nooo! Max, what -

Max: I need to get my wallet.

Liz: Why?

Max: I’ve got a condom in there.

Liz: Oh. Wait, Max, you don’t need it.

Max: A-Are you on the Pill?

Liz: No. No, I, umm... Look, it’s a long story, but it’s just not possible for us to make a baby. Ever.

Max: Oh. (tears up) But... Why would you want...

Liz: Shh. Max, it’s not something we can change.

Max: I just... I always hoped...

Liz: I know, I know. (pauses) But, that doesn’t have to stop us.

Max: Y-You still want to?

Liz: God, yes!

Max: (sniffs) Okay.

Liz: Okay?

Max: (chuckles) Yeah. Okay.

She pulled his face back to hers and fused her lips to his. Liz thrust her tongue into his mouth and matched it to the rhythm of her gyrating hips. Max stilled her lower body and pressed the head of his leaking cock against her slick pussy. She moaned into his mouth as he pushed slowly, carefully, into her body. Her hands grabbed the cheeks of his ass, urging him forward.

Just then, the door to Michael’s bedroom flew open.

Okay, I'm probably going to flunk out of college and end up living in a van down by the river, but here's your next part. Enjoy!

BehrLuver04 wrote:

maybe I missed something, but why can't Max and Liz have children and Liz isn't dreaming this time, right? You know about the whole 'sex' thing, right?

What is this 'sex' of which you speak? I'm twenty four, and I've taken a lifelong vow of chastity. (j/k It just seems that way lately...) I pretty much don't answer anyone's questions unless they're standing on a ledge, so, I don't know what to tell you... Umm, I think this next part probably won't help you at all... Maybe not even the ten after this one. But it's going somewhere, honest!

-Jen

Chapter Thirty Six

Alex Whitman stood in the doorway, staring at the scene before him. His mouth was agape, and he couldn’t tear himself away from the free live porn in front of him. As if suddenly realizing that he actually knew the couple on the bed, he let out a disgusted groan and rubbed his face.

Alex: Oh, God, my eyes!

Max and Liz looked over to the doorway, where their friend continued to gawk. Max reached out an arm to force the door closed, but he was stopped when her fingers dug harshly into his ass. He focused his gaze on her face.

Max: What are you doing? Alex is right there! Damnit! Alex, get the fuck out!

Liz: Shh. Calm down, Max. Don’t worry - he’s not really there.

Max: Liz, yes, he is.

Liz: No, he isn’t! Forget about him and finish what you started.

Max: I’m telling you, he’s right there!

While they were arguing, Alex came to his senses and slowly backed out of the room, quietly shutting the door behind him.

Alex: Well, that was traumatic.

Kyle: What was?

Alex: When’d you get here?

Kyle: Just a second ago. What’s going on? What’s the trauma?

Alex: Well... First, I’ve had two people accuse me of being non-existent today, and second...

Kyle: Yeah?

Alex: Well, unless I’m seeing things now, too, Max and Liz are having sex in Michael’s bed.

Kyle: Way to go, Evans! (pause) Hey, who’s seeing things?

Alex: Liz is insisting that I’m not really here, and Maria is starting to question me, too. And, I guess Liz is going through some freaky alien shit. (sighs) That’s about all I know.

Both boys made uneasy eye contact when they heard Max yelling Liz’s name. They looked away from each other, searching for a distraction. Kyle grabbed the remote control and plopped down on Michael’s ratty couch. He turned the television on and immediately turned the volume up. Alex raised an eyebrow, but then shrugged and sat beside him.

Kyle: So...

Alex: Just get it over with and ask me.

Kyle: (grins) Are you really here?

Just then, an irate Maria threw open the apartment door, tossing her coat and bag onto the floor as she hastily made her way to Michael’s bedroom. Tess and Isabel shuffled in behind her, with Michael bringing up the rear. On her way to the door, Maria blurted out a question she didn’t expect or even really need answered.

Maria: Are they in there?!

Michael: Yeah. Oh, shit, wait.

Alex: Maria! NO!

Kyle: They’re more in and out... (lowers voice) and in and out and in and -

Alex: Not now, Kyle.

Michael: Wait, are they...? In my bed?

Kyle: Ask Alex. He’s the voyeur.

Alex: What the fuck?

As the boys got caught up in their petty squabbling, they forgot that they were trying to prevent anyone from walking in on Max and Liz.

Maria: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! My eyes!

Michael: I just cleaned those fucking sheets!

Maria: What do you mean, you cleaned them? I cleaned them, Spaceboy. Remember, back before you started slipping your tongue down the throats of hos?

Kyle: (whistles) Everybody, shut up!

Tess: What’s everyone yelling about?

Maria: What part of shut up didn’t you understand? (snorts) Higher life form, my ass!

The four who knew what was going on nodded at each other, but no one was willing to step forward and explain the situation. Finally, Maria gave in and started to talk.

Maria: Well, you see, it all started in September of 1999, back before the ho brigade came to town. You might know them, Tess...

Tess: Whatever, DeLuca.

Maria: Wow, snappy comeback. I’m impressed. Do you think it’s the bleach, or are you just naturally dumb?

Suddenly, a shriek came from the bedroom doorway, shortly followed by loud peals of laughter and an unattractive snort. They heard a male voice shout at her to close the door. It swung shut, and the room was silent but for the unladylike chortles and Kyle’s snickering.

Alex: Uhh, Is?

Isabel: I... it’s just... and the sickness of it...

Tess: What the fuck is going on in here?

At that moment, the bedroom door squeaked open, preventing any hope of a quiet exit. Max stood in the doorway with messy hair and wearing only his jeans.

Maria: Oh, my God! Is that a hickey?

Max looked down at his chest, and he couldn’t hold back the small smile that came to his face when he saw Liz’s mark. When he raised his head, he noticed that everyone was standing around, eerily silent and staring at him. He scratched the back of his head as his face turned pink and made his way to a seat at the counter.

Tess: (impatiently) What’s going on, Max? Why don’t you have a shirt on? Where’s Liz? Isn’t she the whole reason for this meeting?

Max sighed and glanced around the room.

Maria: Seriously, how fucking slow are you? He’s half naked - and looking pretty good there, girlfriend (winks) - he’s got a giant hickey on his chest, and right this moment, Liz is no doubt recovering in Michael’s bed. What do you think is going on, genius?

Tess: I was under the impression that Liz only spread her legs for Kyle.

Kyle: What? Hey!

Maria: You know, just ‘cause you’d open up for anything that walked by with a dick -

Tess: Shut up!

Maria: Are you trying to tell me that you’re a virgin? (snorts) Ha!

Max: Okay! Enough! Everyone just calm down and take a seat. I’m gonna go get Liz. Did anyone call the Sheriff?

Kyle: I’m on it.

Max: Thanks.

He rapped lightly on the door and poked his head inside. Liz was sitting on the edge of the bed wearing the shirt he’d worn to school. Max grinned at the sight, enjoying the implications.

Max: Liz? Everyone’s just about here.

Liz: Oh. Who isn’t?

Max: We’re just waiting for the Sheriff.

Liz: And Alex obviously isn’t coming.

Max made his way to the bed and took a seat beside her. He lightly held her hands in his own and squeezed them gently. She looked up with an unreadable expression.

Max: Liz... Why do you keep saying that Alex isn’t here?

Liz: (exasperated) Because he’s in Sweden, Max!

Max: No. He’s really out there...

Liz: But... he’s not supposed to come back until after New Year’s... Oh, God, please don’t tell me it’s after New Year’s!

Max: Liz... Liz! It’s not. It’s Thursday, December 1.

Liz: (sniffles) In the year 2000?

Max: Umm, yeah.

Liz: Oh. Umm, okay. (pauses) Max?

Max: Hmm?

Liz: I don’t want to go out there.

Max: We have to leave this room eventually.

Liz: But... but we still don’t know if I’m...

Max: I know we don’t, but... Something’s wrong with you, Liz, and... Whatever it is, it isn’t human. I don’t want to see you get hurt by this.

Liz: (frowns) Too late.

Max: (nods toward door) Come on.

Liz: Oh, God, Max, they saw us naked! NAKED!

Max: Well, really, it was only Alex... and Maria... and Isabel...

Liz: Anyone else?

Max: Umm, Michael may have seen some of you earlier.

Liz: Great. Just freakin’ great.

Liz stood up and began pacing a narrow line from the bed to the door. Ripped clothes and burned sheets littered the floor.

Max: Let’s just get it over with.

Liz: Max, I don’t even have any underwear!

Max: (chokes) Uhh...

Liz: Although, I may as well just go on out there and parade around naked, ‘cause just about everyone out there’s seen me naked, anyway.

Max: I thought you said you and Kyle -

Liz: Fine. Kyle and Tess haven’t seen me naked.

Max: Are you sure?

Liz: I think I’d know! Wait, what do you mean, ‘am I sure’?

Max: Well, umm... It’s just that... that time when, uh, I got drunk with Kyle?

Liz: Yeah, I remember.

Max: Umm, see, he wanted to know how far we got.

Liz: How far what? Where?

Max: And, uh, Kyle... he said...

Liz: Just spit it out!

Max: He said second base, and I said I saw your soul and then -

Liz: That fucking liar.

Max: What?

Liz: The only time Kyle ever touched my boob was in gym class in eighth grade.

Max: Huh?

Liz: We were playing basketball, and we got into a jump, and... I don’t know, but his hand brushed against my boob, and he got all flushed and kept apologizing, and then he ran off and wouldn’t look me in the eye for weeks.

Max: Oh.

Liz: Yeah, ‘oh’.

Their strange conversation was halted by a knock at the door.

Michael: Hey, you comin’ out or what?

Max: Just give us a minute. We’ll be right out.

Michael: If you’re not out in three minutes, I’m coming in.

Max turned to address Liz, but stopped short when he saw that she was bent over the side of the bed, trying to retrieve some of her shredded clothes. His shirt - her only clothing - had ridden up as she stretched, and Max couldn’t look away from her glistening pussy.

Max: (groans) Fucking hell!

Chapter Thirty Seven

Liz looked back at him with a confused expression on her face.

Liz: What is it, Max?

Max: Umm... (clears throat) N-Nothing. It’s nothing. I, uh... We need to get out there.

Liz: Yeah, and I’m not going without some clothes. Can you fix these?

She held out to him a torn pair of silky lilac panties and a pair of jeans peppered with scorch marks. He took the clothing from her and stared at the items. Max was pulled from his reverie as something soft landed on his head. He pulled it off, discovering that it was his shirt. The shirt that Liz had been wearing. Holy fuck, she’s naked! Max tried his best not to get a peek at her nudity, but his eyes raised without his consent. She was frowning as she attempted to close her pink button-down shirt, which had been thrown on over a purple bra.

He looked away, wanting to give her some privacy and not prove that he was a sex-driven maniac, but his disobedient hand had brought her underwear up to his face. A quick peek revealed that she was busy, so Max deeply inhaled the scent lingering in her panties. Liz looked up at him, intending to ask him to fix her busted buttons. His cheeks pinkened, and he quickly dropped everything he held onto the bed.

Liz: So, are you going to fix those for me, or just sniff them all day?

Max: I... Uh, I can explain...

Liz: (smiles) I think I get it, okay? So, uh, please patch those up before someone else comes charging in here.

Max: Right. Right, I’ll just...

Liz: Yeah. You do that.

Max reassembled the pieces of string that had been passing as underwear and then ran his palm over her burned jeans. His hand trembled as he passed them over to her, but she just watched him in silent amusement.

Liz sat on the edge of the bed and slowly pulled on her panties and then her underwear, thrusting her hips up into the air to get them in place. I may as well have some fun while it lasts, right? She stood up then and walked over to where Max was standing. Her fingers lightly trailed down his heaving chest, only to stop when she reached his belt buckle. Liz smiled to herself when he inhaled sharply at her touch. She wedged a small, fisted hand into one of Max’s front pockets, lingering long enough to rub up against his cock through the material. She looked up at him and fluttered her eyelashes, very aware that she was walking a thin line.

Liz: Maaax?

Max: Umm, yeah?

Liz: Fix my shirt for me?

Max: O-okay. Uh... Where’s the buttons?

Liz: (smiles playfully) I hid them.

Max: (confused) You did?

Liz: Yup.

Max: Umm, okay?

Liz: You’re just going to have to guess.

Max: We don’t really have time for a game of hide and seek right now, Liz.

Liz: I guess we don’t, but it’s not like it matters.

Max: What do you mean?

Liz: Just go with me here. No one’s gonna remember what happens here today, anyhow. We might as well have some fun.

Max: As much as I’d like to believe that, we’ve got serious things to discuss with everyone.

Liz: (pouts) Aww, come on, Max... Let’s go out and have some fun!

Max: Have you been drinking?

Liz: I thought you didn’t remember what happened that night?

Max: (pauses) Well, uh, a while after... when we were getting all of those flashes?

Liz: Yeah, I remember. (crosses arms over chest) Your point?

Max: Well, uh, it... It kinda came back to me then. At least... through your eyes. And... that must’ve triggered my own memories...

Liz: Okay. Why didn’t you ever tell me about it?

Max: Well, I guess... Everything just happened so fast, you know? I mean, one minute we were lying on the floor of the Eraser Room with, uh...

Liz: Our hands in each other’s pants?

Max: Uh, yeah. Anyhow, it was then that I saw it, and then... the door opened... And I kinda forgot about it.

Liz: Or maybe you made yourself forget.

Max: Huh?

Liz: (sighs) It’s what you do, Max. You always try to protect everyone else, and you never think of yourself. God, I still wonder who the real Max Evans is...

Max: I -

They were interrupted by a bang at the door. The wall seemed to jump with the impact.

Michael: This is your last warning. Valenti’s here. Get your asses out here now!

Max and Liz heard an argument start in the other room. They both released heavy sighs as they realized that their private time was over. Liz fished around in Max’s pocket until she retrieved all of the missing buttons. Max raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t say anything. Liz shrugged her shoulders and handed them to him. He made quick work of reattaching her buttons and then helped her to close the shirt. She grabbed his t-shirt off the bed and pulled it down over his head.

Max: Well, let’s get this over with.

He reached out for her hand. Liz placed her hand in his but tugged on it as he started to walk forward. Max turned around with a questioning glance.

Liz: Could... Umm, I know we haven’t solved anything, really, but... Could I just have one more kiss? Please?

Max walked two steps forward until he stood directly in front of her. He tenderly grasped her face in his hands and slowly brought his lips to hers. Their mouths and tongues continued to caress each other gently, passionately. They only pulled apart when their sweet moment was stopped by the sharp, piercing yell that came from the other room. Hand in hand, they walked into the chaos of the outside world.

Okay, so I'm having the mother of shitty days. I guess that's good for you guys, as it got another chapter out of me. Ahh, so cathartic...


Chapter Thirty Eight

Max and Liz stepped out of the bedroom and into a three-ring alien circus. Maria and Tess were in a heated argument. Maria was being held back by Michael, but between her anger with him for his indiscretion with Courtney and her intense feelings towards Tess, she would not be restrained for long. Kyle and the Sheriff were trying in vain to distract Tess from the confrontation. Alex stood between the two groups, extending his arms out in an effort to maintain peace. Isabel sat alone on an arm chair, her gaze fixed on the ceiling while she twirled a lock of hair around her finger.

Michael: Fuck, Maria! You bit me!

Max: Okay. Okay! Tess, you go sit on the couch. Maria, sit on a stool. Everyone else take a seat and shut up.

He held up his hand when the group started to protest.

Max: Do it or get out of here. You know where the door is.

Max leveled them with a ferocious glare. There was grumbling among the teens, but they eventually got situated in the tension-filled room. Max walked over to Liz, who was still standing just outside the doorway, and took her hand in his. He squeezed it gently and cleared his throat.

Max: I don’t know what’s going on in here, and I don’t really want to know. Right now, there are far more important things to discuss. For the past few weeks -

Liz: Months, Max...

Max: Right, uh, for the past few months, there’s been some strange stuff going on with Liz. I don’t know all of it, but she’s going to explain what she can, and then we’re gonna find a way to help her. Any questions?

Tess: Yeah, are you fucking her?

In the blink of an eye, Max was standing next to Tess at the end of the couch. His hand firmly grasped her shoulder. She looked up at his touch and gasped when she saw the anger so visible on his face.

Max: Number one, that’s none of your business. Number two, I don’t ever want to hear you talking like that about Liz again -

Liz: Max! No!

Maria: (snorts) Well, you should’ve heard her earlier, she was -

Max: Enough! We have a serious problem here, and your petty squabbles need to be put aside for one god damned minute so I can tell you what the problem is. The next person that opens his or her mouth had better be offering a solution, or I’m kicking you out of the apartment.

He looked at Michael, whose mouth was starting to open.

Max: I don’t care if it’s your apartment. You want a leader? Well, here I am. Deal with it.

He turned his attention back to Liz, who was staring at her bare feet. Max walked back over to her and put an arm around her waist.

Max: (softly) Liz?

Liz: (sighs) I... Umm, this is really hard for me... a-and it’s kinda crazy, so... you probably won’t believe me. But, uh, something’s really wrong with... well, me.

Tess and Isabel rolled their eyes at each other but kept silent. The rest of the room was focused on Liz and what she was saying.

Liz: Well, I guess it all started in September... Umm, Max came to see me, but, uh, it wasn’t my... our Max. Uh, I mean, it was, but it wasn’t.

She looked up then, noticing that everyone but Maria was wearing a look of confusion.

Liz: (sighs) Okay. Umm, the granilith, it’s... really powerful, and... Well, I don’t know what else it can do, but... it can be manipulated... into a time machine.

She wrung her hands around each other, keeping her focus on her twisting fingers. Nervous, unsure glances were shared around the room without Liz’s knowledge. Isabel twirled a finger next to her head and mouthed ‘Cuckoo’ at Tess. Max noticed and scowled at her. She shrugged and went back to playing with her hair.

Liz: And Max... see, he, uh... he came back in time through it... from fourteen years in the future. A-And, uh, he said... the world was gonna end, but I could stop it from happening. Like, now, not fourteen years from now. Umm... everyone was dead... except me and Max, I guess... (frowns) I don’t know for sure, but I definitely know that Michael and Isabel were dead...

Michael’s head picked up immediately and his eyes raised in a mixture of disbelief and consternation. Isabel was impassive, and she resumed her ceiling-viewing.

Liz: And... and I helped him... ‘Cause it was still my Max, you know? So... we changed the future, but... I don’t know what’s gonna happen now... And... Well, he told me a little about his life... his time line, I guess... And, uh... ever since he left... nothing makes sense any more.

When she didn’t continue, it was the Sheriff who broke the awkward silence.

Sheriff Valenti: What did you do to change the future, Liz?

Liz looked up into his concerned gaze and opened her mouth to respond. I can’t... I can’t do this! Oh, God, I’ve gotta get out of here. Her eyes flitted around the room, never stopping on any one thing or person. Finally, she released a deep breath and turned her attention back to her toes.

Liz: I... (sighs) It doesn’t matter. It’s done.

Maria: Liz! Tell them!

Michael: You knew?

Maria: Yeah, I did. You got a problem with that?

Michael: I got a problem with that, and I got a problem with you.

Max: STOP! All of you, shut up! Now!

Liz: Look... Can we just... We need to move on...

Alex: Okay... So, what doesn’t make sense to you?

Her head jerked up and Liz stared at Alex. He shrunk back into his seat at the wild look in her eyes.

Liz: Can’t you see? That’s the fucking problem! You’re not here, Alex, and I don’t know if I should even bother answering you, ‘cause I’m not sure that anyone else can see or hear you right now. Because, if they don’t, then I’m just talking to thin air again... And if they do, then I’m just as crazy, ‘cause you are here, but I’m saying that you’re not.

She began pacing behind the couch, biting her bottom lip while she tightly clenched and unclenched her fists.

Liz: And so I keep waking up... or not... I mean, I might be dreaming, or just in a daze... or I don’t know what, but when I do... it’s always me and Max... together.

Kyle snickered and Tess narrowed her eyes in anger. She jumped up from her seat and ran over to Max, pointing her finger at him and scowling.

Tess: I knew it! You are fucking her! God, you’re pathetic! We’re all fucked! Completely fucked! You’re ignoring your duties to fuck the town’s newest whore?! You -

Her angry words were stopped as she was blasted through the air. Tess let out a cry as she was forced into Michael’s bedroom, where she landed hard on her ass. Everyone in the group had an opened mouth or widened eyes as they watched the scene play out. Tess stayed on the floor, too shocked to move.

Liz: Get up, bitch!

This got Tess’ attention, and she started to gather her powers for retaliation. While she waited, Tess couldn’t resist the temptation to say all the things she’d wanted to say earlier.

Tess: You stupid whore! What the fuck do you think you’re doing? Is Max as good a fuck as Kyle? Hey, Alex, Michael... Sheriff... grab a ticket. Liz is gonna be the gang’s cum buck -

Liz's outstretched hand crackled with green sparks. Without warning, Liz blasted Tess again, knocking her back into the bed as the stunned group watched for a moment in disbelief.

Liz: I'll kill you!!

Well, lookie here, Jen had herself another shitty day. Enjoy.


Chapter Thirty Nine

The stunned silence that had overtaken the group came abruptly to a halt. Maria let out a shriek, though no one was able to determine if it was out of fear or delight. Max ran to Liz’s side, catching her just as she blacked out. Michael, Kyle, and the Sheriff ran into the bedroom to check on Tess. Alex was busy trying to calm Maria down, and Isabel remained seated.

Max: Michael, is she okay?

Michael: She’s still breathing.

Max: Is there anything I need to heal?

Michael: Nah. Let her sting for a bit. After what she said...

Max: Right.

Michael. Go on. Get her out of here before Tess wakes up.

Max gathered Liz into his arms and headed for the door, but he was stopped by Maria.

Maria: Where are you taking her?

Max: (sighs) I... Home.

Maria: The Crash?

Max: No, there’s too many people to sneak her in like this. Is, you coming?

She barely looked up from the fingernails she’d been examining to answer him.

Isabel: Nah. I’ll stay and check on Tess.

Max: Okay. Call if you need a ride.

Alex: I’ll give you a ride... I mean... umm... If you want...

Isabel: (sighs) Fine. Whatever.

Maria swung the door open, and Max carried Liz out to the Jeep. He reclined the passenger seat and gently placed her on it, securely buckling her in. Max shivered as a flash of recognition passed through him, but he brushed it off to focus on Liz. He ran around to the driver side and hurried to get her to his house.

Meanwhile...

Tess had been placed on Michael’s possibly-soiled bed, and the Sheriff sat on the edge of the mattress. Everyone else had made their way back into the living room.

Kyle: What kind of kinky shit were they doing in here?

Alex: It looked normal to me.

Isabel: And what would you know of it?

Alex: (blushes) Well, I -

Maria: Jesus! Why are you being such a bitch?

Isabel only bothered to cast an annoyed glare in Maria’s direction, which riled her up even more. Kyle shrugged his shoulders and headed for the bathroom.

Maria: Is it an alien thing? I mean, fuck, the only decent one out of all of you is Max. If you were as charming in your last life as you are in this one, well, I think we can all see why they killed you.

Alex: Maria, that’s not really neccess -

Isabel and Maria: Shut up, Alex!

Isabel: In case you’ve forgotten, I can kill you with a flick of the hand.

Michael: Isabel! What the fuck?!

Maria: Don’t you even think about defending me, Michael Guerin!

Isabel: Oh, for Christ’s sake, it was a joke!

There was a moment of tense silence in the room, but that was quickly ended by the sound of a toilet flushing as Kyle reentered the living room.

Kyle: So... Anyone else want to try at stand-up? I know I’ve got a few limericks I keep around for special occasions...

No one responded to his attempt to lighten things in the room. The silence lapsed into a few tension-filled minutes, which were finally ended when they heard an ear-piercing yell come from the bedroom.

Maria: Oh, too bad, the bitch isn’t dead.

Alex: Maria, will you just stop? (sighs) Let’s get out of here.

Maria crossed her arms over her chest in defiance, but she quickly realized that she was only going to get more upset if she hung around.

Maria: Fine. Let’s go. See you later, assholes!

With that, she stormed out of the apartment, Alex following shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile...

Max carried Liz in through the front door of his house, not bothering to hide her presence from his parents. In the hallway, he was stopped by his mother.

Mrs. Evans: Max, honey, is that you?

Max: Yeah, Mom.

Mrs. Evans: Oh. Max, who is that? Is that the Parker girl? What’s wrong with her?

Max: Can you give me a minute to put her down?

Mrs. Evans: She looks dreadful. Why is she here? Does she need to go to the hospital? Max?

He headed for his bedroom with his mother on his heels. After laying Liz comfortably on his bed and making sure her body was lightly covered with a blanket, he turned to face his mother. He put a finger to his lips and made a ‘shh’ noise as he exited the room. His mother nodded and closed the door behind them as they walked toward the kitchen together.

Mrs. Evans: What’s going on, Max?

Max: I... She... Liz hasn’t been feeling too well lately, and... We were together this afternoon -

Mrs. Evans: I didn’t know you were dating again.

Max: (sighs) We’re... not. Not really. That’s... That’s not important right now. I don’t think that there’s anything wrong that she needs to see a doctor about, but she doesn’t want her parents to freak out. So I brought her here to rest for a while. Is that okay?

Mrs. Evans: I really think I ought to give the Parkers a call...

Max: Please, Mom. Just... Can you wait at least until she wakes up?

Mrs. Evans saw the thinly veiled desperation in her son’s eyes and relented with a sigh.

Mrs. Evans: Fine, Max. Why don’t you go sit with her? I’ll call you when dinner’s ready.

Max: Thanks, Mom.

Mrs. Evans: If she’s not awake by then...

Max: (nods) Right. I know.

Max returned to his bedroom to find Liz curled up into a ball on his bed. He slipped behind her and lightly ran his hand over her back in a soothing motion. She let out a small sigh and turned to face him. Max smiled at her action and pulled her into his chest, hugging her tight. Then he closed his eyes, reveling in the feeling of having Liz in his arms. It wasn’t long before he fell asleep, as well.