Roswell Fanatics

~Liz~

Max looks a little surprised perhaps, and I can’t say I blame him really… I guess I took myself by surprise somewhat even… It hadn’t been planned, but somehow, it just seemed right…

Of course if he doesn’t want to… I chew my lip nervously, waiting for his response, wondering if I’ve taken it too fast and just put my foot in it…

“Sure…”

When his response comes, I have to think twice, wondering if I’m imagining it… His further words assure me I’m not though, and I allow myself a small smile. “Great…”

At the beginning of the evening I wouldn’t have thought about this… I knew without a doubt that I wasn’t ready for anything remotely intimate… I needed lots of people around, so that even though we were out together, and we were away from the others, we weren’t actually ‘alone’…

The conversation we had outside, followed by the ones while we were playing, have gone some way to help though, and I feel a whole lot more comfortable now than I have at any time this evening…

I’m not saying that I’m ready to give him an answer yet, or anything like that…it’s way to early to be thinking about that. Right now, I need to just concentrate on keeping this normal, and basic…

Going back to my apartment with him, minus the others, is a step, but it’s just one small step in a whole path I need to walk… One at a time though…one at a time…

I look up at him as I feel his firm but gentle hand on my shoulder, and I smile. We walk across the lot to the pizza place, and I give another smile as Max mentions my favourite toppings. “Yeah…it’s handy…” I respond lightly, drifting into a reasonably comfortable silence as we push open the door and step inside.

There’s not much of a queue, and it isn’t long after we reach the front before the food’s ready and we’re good to go. I carry the boxes, since Max is going to be driving, and as he opens the door to the jeep for me, I smile. “Thanks…” Climbing in, I sit back and buckle up.

The journey back to my apartment again passes in silence, much like the journey to the bowling alley… The difference is that it’s a comfortable silence this time, and it seems to take no time at all before we’re parking up again in on of the spaces outside my building and getting out of the car. We head over to the entrance and I use my key to let us in, doing the same two floors up when we stop in front of my apartment this time. I push open the door, and motion to Max as I put on the light. “Please, sit down, do you want a drink…?” I ask as I move to grab some plates for our food.

OOC: hope you're okay with this Isabelle, tell me if you want me to change it

JP between Storm and I for Isabel and Alex (written in 3rd person)

Having fallen into a comfortable silence as he drove, Alex looked over at his girlfriend smiling as he turned off the road and drove a little further, stopping as the ground became much more rocky and difficult to negociate in the car. The sun had set a little while after they set off, and now the only light, as he turned off his headlights, was the moon and the stars.

Looking round, he couldn't help thinking it was almost like another world... He wondered for a moment what Antar would look like if they ever went there, but it was only a moment... That night, he wass determined to enjoy the simple things... Like spending some quality time with the woman he loved...

Cutting the engine, he stopped and parked, climbing out and then grabbing the two blankets from the back of the car where they had put them. Coming round then to open the door for Isabel, he smiled and held out one hand to help her out if she wanted. It had been a long time since they had done anything like this...

Isabel had remained rather silent on the drive, enjoying the knowledge that they were going to have time to themselves. No distractions and without worry. She loved Alex more then anything or anyone. Michael and her brother didn't count in those thoughts since both were family to her and she would always love them. But, to her Alex was her true match in every way.

As she watched them turn toward their destination she smiled, thinking of how perfect the night should be. As they stopped, she watched as Alex climbed out and grabbed the blankets. Normally, she did things on her own but she knew Alex enjoyed having the chance to be the gentleman, so when he came around she welcomed his opening the door for her and holding out a hand to assist her out.

Putting her hand in his, she smiled as she stepped from the car and once they were away from the door she reached over to close it. "This is going to be a fantastic spot." She comments softly, keeping hold of his hand as they strode away. "I'm glad that I had tonight off work and that I have tomorrow off as well." She added, feeling that depending on how things went, they might still be out come morning.

Alex gave an amused smile as she added the last, understanding perfectly the unsaid meaning... "Not as glad as me...we really haven't been able to spend enough time together recently..." He commented, leaning over and catching her lips with his, kissing her gently but firmly. To some that might sound strange, given that they lived, and even slept, together, but it just wasn't the same when the others were there... Especially not with Michael recently... He had been terrible in his tactless comments about Liz and Max, refusing to give them the time they needed, and it seemed like every minute spent at home was spent trying to keep the peace at the moment...

Isabel smiled as he spoke and when his lips found hers, she was quick to respond, enjoying the sensations. This night was going to be fantastic and she was going to enjoy every moment of it. Drawing back from the kiss after a moment she gave him a mischievous smile. "Come on, Alex. We need to get settled and all because I still have my surprise for you." She grinned as she ran her hand softly down over his chest before turning to walk, her other hand still in his. "The night is beautiful and I want to enjoy every aspect of it with you." She told him as she walked, turning to face him. When they reached a particularly nice little clearing with a small river that seemed to trace through it, she nodded. "Perfect."

He looked back at her, his eyes questioning her words. "Surprise...I think I like the sound of that..." He responded softly, pulling her into his arms as they stopped and wrapping his arms around her, kissing the back of her neck and running his hand behind her back. "Not as perfect as you..." He replied, hardly taking notice of the surroundings for the moment, concentrating on only one thing, the fact that Isabel was there with him. "I love you Isabel Evans...I love you..."

She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck and tilting her head to the side as his lips touched her neck. Isabel sighed happily, listening to Alex's words and looked into his eyes as she responded with sincerity, "I love you Alexander Whitman. Always." With a mischievious grin, she stepped back and removed her jacket. When it slipped to the ground she stood before him in one of her short dresses, but she undid the straps to reveal that there was something sleak underneath.

With a smile, she reached for one of the blankets that was still held in Alex's hand and made a teasing show of spreading the blanket, not worried about the views she gave him depending upon which way she was facing. It was rather certain that her movements revealed the silky silver panties she was wearing, just as other movements revealed a matching item beneath her dress. She'd never dressed in such a way before, usually just sticking to clandestine underclothing.

Alex's eyes widened as he gained a view of her undergarments. This he hadn't been expecting... He watched her in silence as she reached for, and laid out one of the blankets... "You look amazing..." He breathed softly, forcing himself to wait until she was done before pulling her back into his arms, unwilling to wait any longer.

He pushed a lock of hair back from her face, and then cupped her chin in one hand before dipping his head to brush his lips against hers again. This was the most amazing evening he could imagine... It had been so long since they had just been able to be together like this... No Michael, no Max... No alien world to save and no Queen to find... Just him and her...perfect...

Isabel enjoyed the compliment, but she enjoyed the expression on his face even more. When she was pulled back into his arms, she smiled even as he kissed her again. She ran her hands down along his shoulders and back, letting her fingertips slowly trail over the fabric before she reached the bottom and slipped her hands underneath. The feel of his skin beneath her hands and the thoughts of things to come elicited a small moan.

She nibbled his lips gently before drawing back only slightly, "Do I take it the food can wait?" She questioned teasingly. She personally wasn't very hungry for food at the moment. There were other things she wanted, other things she desired and she was perfectly willing to take those things very slowly or even heatedly, however Alex seemed to want. She enjoyed both and she didn't plan for the night to end anytime soon.

He raised his eyebrow on one side. "well if you continue like that...." A shiver ran down his spine as her fingers left a trail of burning skin behind. Pulling back, he returned her teasing now as he moved back slightly, just out of range, and pressed his finger against her lips. "You are wonderful..." He murmured before trailing his finger down to the edge of her dress and sneaking it underneath, running it along the edge of her breast.

Isabel moaned softly, closing her eyes as she arched her back. She loved how easy going things were with Alex, how relaxed she could be and how much she enjoyed the simplest of touches. She got a soft smile on her lips as she opened her eyes and looked at him with desire obvious, "Tease." She joked as she stood and let her gaze move over him. She reached up, taking hold of the straps of her dress and letting them slowly slip down over her skin, the dress sliding only slightly lower since it was set in such a way that it hugged her form but with slight movement could slip over her. "I love you and I have missed these times with you." She tells him softly. Letting him decide how quickly or slowly he wanted to take things.

*Max*

The pizza smells great as I carry it up to the apartment, waiting while Liz unlocks the door. As we walk in, she again offers beverages. That was pretty much were we left off here before we went out and I have to smile as I set the box down on the counter, opening the lid.

"That'll be great," I tell her. I don't need to tell her that I'd like a cherry coke. It's pretty much the only soda she's got. That and Snapple. Our fridge at the townhouse looks about the same.

She turns to get the soda after putting down a couple plates. I slide a slice of pizza onto each one and carry it to the small table along with a couple napkins. Doesn't take much to get ready. "You wanna watch a DVD later or something?" I ask.

I don't want to push an intense conversation although coming here to the apartment would make it a little easier for that sort of personal talk and it was her idea. Still, I'm letting her set the pace here.

~Liz~

I smile and nod, not bothering to ask what he wants, as I move towards the fridge to grab two cans. I think I’m pretty okay with what he liked when it comes to that… Exactly what I do… I smile and shake my head, finding that amusing somehow – which is definitely an improvement from creepy…

As I close the fridge, the cans in my hand, I’m a little surprised to see Max carrying the plates over to the table. Somehow it looks so homely…and it causes a feeling I can’t quite understand…

I push those back though, ignoring them for the moment as I concentrate on what he is asking. A DVD, nice and normal, something simple…you would think… Of course there would be one problem there…the fact that I don’t have a DVD player…

I just can’t afford stuff like that, to say nothing of the cost of DVDs to play… I shift awkwardly onto my other foot. “Uh…well I don’t exactly have a DVD player…” I admit softly. “B-but there is an old VCR…I’ve got a few of tapes, I don’t know if there’s anything you’d be interested in…”

In truth, my selection leaves a lot to be desired… Mainly they’re videos I’ve picked up cheap second hand…and most of them are not exactly modern…

I try to shrug it off, telling myself it doesn’t matter, but still there’s this feeling… I walk over to the table and set both cans down, each with a glass from the cupboard, taking a seat and opening one for myself which I pour into a glass. “S-sorry…I guess my apartment’s not exactly filled with fun stuff to do…” I comment a little sadly, looking down into my drink and avoiding his eyes.

OOC: the Max parts are written by Isabelle, and the Liz by me

*Max*

As Liz explains that she doesn't have a DVD player nor any DVDs, I'm suddenly ashamed of myself. I'm sure she's feeling self-concioius and embarrassed at not having what most people would. I should have paid attention earlier to what she had or didn't have. I should never have put her in this position....

Of course, every other time i've been in this apartment, we've had things to discuss -- business about where she was from and what was expected. We'd never really just 'hung out' here. At least, not until tonight. If I'd been thinking, I should have suggested renting a movie before we came back here. That would have sorted this out earlier. We could still have gotten a DVD even, using our powers to make it play...

But it was too late now. I'd gone and made her embarrassed and that's the last thing I want.

"I'm sure whatever you have is fine," I tell her and it's the truth. Noting that she does have a radio before I speak, I suggest, "Or we can even just turn on the radio, if you prefer. Or just talk."

I move over and sit beside Liz, putting a hand on her shoulder as I pick up a drink. "A movie isn't important."

~Liz~

Max is being really nice, saying that the movie idea isn't that important, and making other suggestions, but I can't help thinking that it's just showing how much I don't have...

My apartment is nice, but it's not lavish, and apart from a TV and radio, the old VCR I mentioned is about the only thing I have... Well...maybe I exaggerate a little... I do have one other thing, one thing that's very important to me at least... My computer...

It was a gift from Jim, and one that I tried desperately to refuse... It was too much, I told him...

Despite my objections though, he refused to take it back, saying that it would be useful for school...

He was right of course, and I've lost count of just how many times it really did come in... Needless to say that it's not top of the range, but it has the programmes I need, and that's the important thing...

As much as it's great though, right now, the computer really isn't going to help and I look up at Max hesitantly. I know that he says he's not bothered about it, but I don't know... Maybe he's saying that just to make me feel better...?

I swallow nervously and chew on my lip, wondering what to say. The idea about talking sounds great, but the topics which would come to mind aren't exactly ideal... I'm still not quite ready to deal with the underlying issues, and neither do I think that trying to talk about Kyle would be such a good idea...

It's a little sad to think that a few moments earlier I was feeling comfortable enough to ask him in, and that now I'm back to being completely tongue-tied... I give a slight nod. "S-sure...I guess we can talk..." I respond, hating how shaky my voice sounds once more...

*Max*

I recognise the tension in Liz's posture and the tentative tone in her voice. I realize that it's too late. She's already been deeply affected by my minor slip. Or at least, it seemed minor to me. Obviously it's far from that for Liz.

"We can eat, first," I suggest, although talking while eating it is pretty much automatic. Hopefully a simple topic of conversation can be arrived at -- even if it's discussing the ingredients on the Tabasco Sauce.

Releasing her shoulder, I push a plate of pizza towards Liz. I pick up a slice from my own plate and savor a bite from the tip. I see Liz doing the same, although with less apparent enjoyment than what I'm fiegning.

"Nice, eh?" I ask. Maybe I should say something more about the pizza. Comment about the many types of cheese? No, that would be rediculous. "Tell me about your favorite childhood memory," I suggest..

~Liz~

As Max asks me about childhood memories, I don't really know how to respond. Maybe he's expecting something about santa, or a birthday... In truth though, I haven't had all that many things I want to remember...

Not that my life has been terrible... Kyle has definitely been one bright spot... But taken as a whole, it certainly could have been a whole lot better...

I guess my best memory was moving into this place, but since that's less than a year ago, I don't suppose that it's really a 'childhood' memory.

Then there's the time that I spent at the Valenti's while looking for my apartment and finalising my emancipation. Again though, I was already fifteen, and not exactly a child...

I chew my lip as I think for a moment. I know that Max probably wasn't meaning this as a trick question or anything like that, but when it comes down to it, it's not as simple as it sounds...

More and more memories run through my head, and I realise that there is one constant in all of them... Kyle... I'm hesitant to mention him to Max, not really sure how he would take me talking about him, but when I'm completely honest, Kyle has been a huge part of my life ever since that day I told him about my powers...

He's been there for me, and I havn't ever had to hide... I look up at Max hesitantly, wondering whether to voice my feelings or just make up something in its place...

The desire to make him understand how great a friend Kyle has been, along with the want to tell him the truth, wins out though... I take a breath, lifting my drink to my lips for a sip to wet my dry lips before speaking. "H-honestly...?" I look at him a moment before continuing. "My favourite memory has to be the day I told Kyle about myself..." I admit softly. "I was so scared about what he was going to say, but when it came to it, he told me it didn't make a difference, and from that moment on, I didn't have to hide myself from him... I had one person who I didn't have to pretend to..." I trail off awkwardly, lapsing into silence. I'm not really sure what else I can say, and I just sit there...waiting...

*Max*

I listen to Liz's explainatioon, hearing the tentative tone as she begins and I'm sure I've spoiled things again. Still, as she continues, I can almost see her relax as the warm memories come to her mind, easing her discomfort just a bit. That's what I was hoping for.

In the end, her favorite memory is about Kyle and about her secret. Our secret. She identifies this as her favorite memory because it turned out well, but it's clear it could easily have been her worst nightmare if he'd reacted differently. I know she must have been completely terrified at the time.

"I'm glad," I tell her. "I'm glad he was here for you and you didn't have to be completely alone." She was alone. There was nobody to tell her the truth except Nacedo and he wouldn't do it, for reasons we'll never know. But in Kyle, at least she had someone in whom she could share her fears and uncertainties. Someone to listen and try to help her sort it all out.

"How old were you?" I ask, trying to expand on this happy memory.

~Liz~

I'm quite surprrised how well Max seems to take my admission, knowing that sometimes my talking about him seems to make the others uncomfortable.. I can understand that of course, but I rreally can't help it... Kyle has been a huge part of my life, he's been there for me through so much, and it's only natural that I want to talk about him I guess.

"I guess I was about nine..." I begin to elaborate in response to his question, deciding to explain a little of how it happened. I'm not saying that it was planned, and I'm certainly not going to claim that it wasn't scary, but in the end at least it turned out well... The years which followed, I don't know what I would have done without Kyle...he's been my one constant, and one of the main reasons I wanted to stay in Roswell. "I had been staying with this couple who had two other foster kids...boys, who were older than me." I take a breath, remembering...

It was never meant to be a permanent thing, but the boys seemed threatened by me somehow...like the couple looking after us were going to choose me over them... That was never going to happen of course, they were in a permanant situation, while I was just temporary, but it didn''t matter to the boys. They made my life hell, and seemed to enjoy every minute of it... Of course indirectly, I do have one thing to thank them for I guess...

"I had been doing some work at one of the benches. I didn't actually have a proper room, and it was a bit noisy in the house, so I thought getting stuff done when I could at school was a good idea... Of course my foster-brothers decided that this was yet another opportunity to assert their dislike of me, and they came up while I was busy and grabbed my paper. I told them to give it back, and they did, but it was in two pieces by then..." I look down, fiddling with my hands as my mind goes over that day. "I didn''t realise that Kyle was around, and I was upset about my work..." I shake my head over, knowing that he's probably not going to much like the next part. "I guess I should have been more careful, but I was young, and I didn't really think that much about it... I fixed the damage..."

My words hang in the air at the moment and I know that I probably sound really immature and irresponsible. I have always been careful, but I have to admit I've become more so as I've got older, and I can't deny that when I was younger, there were times when I was upset, and maybe did something without thinking too much about it. I guess as I've got older I've come to understand a little more about my powers and how to control them.

"Kyle came over to me, and he offered to help me stick it back together...before I had a chance to do something about my own 'mending', he took it from me, and from the look on his face, he knew full well it had been torn a moment before..." I shake my head again and sigh. "I was so scared about telling him, but I just didn't see any other option. I told him what I could, tried to explain, and in the end, I guess it was enough for him. He told me that I was still his friend, and that it didn't change anything. We've pretty much been best friends ever since, and I know I would never go back and change it given that I know how it turns out..." Smiling at him, I shrug. "Maybe that sounds stupid, like I was irresponsible and silly, but it happened, and out of it came a trust, and friendship that has supported me through so much..."

*Max*

I listen in silence as Liz describes what happened to her. At first, I'm filled with sympathy as she describes her foster situation. It's difficult to hear about these tough times, knowing that Nacedo was watching it all and doing nothing and the three of us were living relatively normal lives. Still, I know it was much harder for her to live it. I try to imagine myself in her place, but I know I could never really understand what it was like.

When she describes the torn schoolwork and her mending, I pinch my lips together to avoid speaking. I can see the danger right away -- using her powers in a public place like a school yard -- but I know she was young and she had no guidance. Michael, Isabel and I had also made mistakes occassionally but none that ever drew any unusual attention. Maybe we were just lucky. It could have happened to any of us.

She goes on, describing how Kyle had come to help her. It's clear that he was a good friend even when he didn't know and now he'd seen something incredible. As Liz says, it all worked out well in the end, but it could have so easily been a disaster. If Kyle hadn't been the kind of friend that he is ...

"You must have been so scared," I say, trying to imagine it. "You're so lucky he was such a good friend."

~Liz~

I can see that Max isn't too happy about what I did, and I can totally understand that, but the fact is that I was much younger then, and I can't change what's already done. I know now that I should have been much more careful, but at the time, I was young, inexperienced, and I made a mistake...

I know that I risked a lot, and it could have ended really badly, but you know what, it didn't... I had a great friend in Kyle, and telling him the truth about my powers didn't change that. We have been there for each other through so much, and I'm so grateful to have found someone like him. He's not a boyfriend, as I have told Max and even Michael... I won't pretend that he's not important to me though, because he is. He's been there every time I have been struggling, every time things have been rough. Not only that of course, he's been there day-to-day too, and that's just as important. He has been more of a friend than anyone else in my life.

I think Max at least is beginning to realise just what Kyle means to me though.

At his answer, I nod slightly. "Yeah...I it was... I didn't know what to expect, what was going to happen... I knew what I hoped for, but hopes and expectations are two completely different things..." I sigh softly. "I wanted so much to believe that I could trust him, and that this was going to work out, but I was really scared too... I hadn't meant for this to happen, and I was terrified of the consequences..."

I shrug and smile, running a hand through my hair and pushing it back from my face before looking back to him. I've suddenly realised just how much I've been talking about myself, both before and now, and maybe it's time for Max to take a turn. "So anyway, as it came out, it was all okay...as you say, I guess I was lucky..." I trial off, letting the words hang in the air before continuing now, focusing the conversation on him this time. "What about you...what's your favourite childhood memory...?"

*Max*

I lean back at Liz's question, running a hand through my hair. I knew the question would be turned back on me and I should have had an answer prepared, but I didn't. So much of my life had been spent preparing for our future on Antar, and waiting for Liz. Certainly one of my brightest memories was discovering with Alex that our latest suspect, Liz Parker, was almost definately the girl we'd been seekng, and then standing at her door, watching her face as she answered it. But this was clearly not a childhood memory. It had occurred only a few weeks before and I don't think Liz wants to hear about that just now, anyway...

"I'm not sure," I say. "Most of my favorite memories were when we could forget what was expected of our futures and Isabel, Michael and I could just be ourselves. A class trip to the Aquarium, dressing up for Halloween.... The simple things. I remember one time when Isabel and Michael and I had a huge snowball fight in the yard with the kids from the house next-door. Or another when I found just the right toy for Isabel's birthday -- her smile was the most amazing thing...."

~Liz~

I don't know what I was expecting when I asked Max the question, but I guess what he says makes perfect sense... My favourite memories were pretty much where I was just one of the kids, one of a group, a normal girl... Not the girl who had been abandoned and left for dead by her parents and found out in the desert...

I smile as I listen to Max as he recounts his tale, and I giggle a little as he mentions the snowball fight. I think I'm beginning to relax around him a bit more again, and it's good to learn about what he used to be like. I have missed so much of all three of them, and getting to know them from the beginning is important. Normally you just get to know a person from the point you meet them, but there's so much more to this, and I think it needs more depth...

As we've been talking, we have of course been eating too, and I notice that we both seem to have just about finished. I stand up, collecting the two plates and motioning to the glasses of soda. "Do you want another coke?" I ask Max as I head into the kitchen area and put the plates down in the sink before opening the fridge and reaching for another can for myself.

I wait a moment, and on receiving an answer in the affirmative, I grab a second and then close the door, heading back to Max and setting both down.

"So, what movie do you want to see...?" I ask Max, looking back as I crouch down to peer at the small collection I have. "There's Kindergarten Cop, The Blue Streak, Bend it Like Beckam, some James Bond movies..." I reel off some of the slightly less embaressing titles that a twenty year old guy might actually be remotely interested in. I do have some others, like Parent Trap, and Cats and Dogs, but I think that the ones I've mentioned are most likely to be suitable. "Sorry...I know the selection isn't great..." I add somewhat awkwardly, chewing on the inside of my lower lip as I wait for a response.


*Max*

"They're fine," I tell Liz. Afterall, I didn't come here for the movies. I came to get to know Liz. And truthfully, knowing a little about what movies she likes, even if they are limited by what she can find second-hand, is a part of that. Glancing at the titles, I pick an easy one. One that won't require any deep thinking or a lot of snuggling. Not that I don't want to be snuggling with Liz, but I get the impression that she's still not ready for that. And truthfully, I don't know what I feel about it, either.

"Kindergarden Cop sounds fun," I say, picking it up and putting it in the VCR. One thing about videos, you never have to maneuver through a menu to make them play. Turn the machine on, and there you go.

I sit down on the small sofa again, next to Liz. She's so close and I can't help but feel sorry for her. Not just for the difficulities in her life so far, her lack of friends or even a family who would really care for her. But also for this, for being asked to think about marrying and leaving her world with no real warning or prreparation. It seems so wrong.

As the movie begins, I put an arm around her shoulders, hoping to show my support and sympathy. I feel her stiffen for a moment and am about to move away when I hear her softly say, 'No.'

She stays close, touching my hand but not snuggling any closer. I'm happy with that. It's all I want, just for her to be comfortable around me. It's enough for now....

Less than two hours later, the credits are rolling across the screen and it's nearly eleven o'clock. There's no school tomorrow, but I know Liz is working in the Crashdown and probably still has homework to do, too.

"I guess you should be getting some rest," I say, not yet getting up from the sofa. "I hope I haven't kept you up too late."

~Liz~

I can't quite believe that it's been over two hours since we got back from the bowling. At first every minute seemed like an age, but now the credits of the film are scrolling down the screen and it doesn't seem more than ten minutes since we started watching.

As Max mentions the time, I look up at the clock and am surprised to note that it's actually nearly eleven. I shake my head quickly to reassure him. "Oh no, of course not. I really enjoyed tonight..." I tell him softly with a smilee. I don't know what I was expecting, but I do know that this was better, and that this was probably as much as I could manage.

When he put his arm around me at the beginning of the movie, I wondered if Max was thinking about something more, and that made me nervous, but he made no firther attempt to move closer, so that was okay.

I might not have leant into his arms as I would have done with Kyle, but then again with Kyle it's something completely different. He's my best friend, and something like a brother. eing close to him holds no suggestion of anything like that. It just feels nice to know that he's there.

Of course I know this hadn't been a date on the scale that would satisfy Michael, but then as Max and I keep saying, we're doing this for ourselves, not him. We're trying hard not to think about 'duty' and such stuff at the moment, focusing on the things that are normal rather than these other, albeit pressing matters.

"I hope that the movie was okay for you..." I comment, maaking some simple small-talk as I get up and see him to the door. Maybe he's hoping for me to ask him to stay a little longer, buthe's right about the time, I have a shift at the Crashdown tomorrow, and I need to be up at a reasonable time therefore I need to get to bed.

In fact, I don't think I'm going to be calling Kyle as planned either. I'll talk to him eventually, and I think Max knows that. I hope it won't bother him, but Kyle is about the only one I can really talk to about this and I'm sure that I'm going to need that. I think I will leave it until tomorrow though, and just concentrate on getting some sleep tonight.

We stop at the door as I reach for my key, and it's then that I realise we#re at an important point in the evening. Considering that this was supposed to be a 'date', there's one thing that should probably happen...but I'm not really sure how to approach it, nor how I really feel about it.

I've been getting to know Max and the others of course, but I still feel that the age difference is a huge thing. Max asked me earlier tonight if I would have said yes had he been at school, my age, and asked me to go out with him. I would, he's smart, fun and great to talk to, as well as being extremely handsome of course. That's all theoretical though...if he were my age, and he's not... He's a lovely man, who I know I want to have as a friend, but anything more I'm still a little uncertain about so the 'kiss' part of the end of the evening I'm really not sure about.

What would I do if he tried to kiss me on the lips...? That is a traditional spot for a kiss of course. A cheek is more for a friend, or even a relative.

I look down nervously, wetting my dry lips with my tongue. "S-0...I-I guess this is goondnight..." I comment lamely, feeling like a complete and utter idiot right at this moment in time as I wait to see what happens next.

*Max*

"I hope that the movie was okay for you..." Liz says, walking me to the door. I'm not surprised although I am a bit disappointed. I was rather enjoying her company and I would love to stay a bit longer, even 'though I know it's not a good idea for her.

"The movie was great. It was nice to relax and not have to think too much," I say with a smile in my voice. Just being with her was fine. It felt ... comfortable, and that's a very good thing. I was so afraid this would turn out to be awkward. It seems the brief confession in the car at the bowling alley really helped let down the barriers. Not that we've become instant lovers or anything, but I like the feeling.

We've been 'friends' but even that had a forced quality to it -- trying to figure it out. Now, well, now it feels more real.

She stops at the door and looks up at me. Once again, I'm struck by how pretty she is, and how very young. I'm also filled with calm happiness and I smile widely looking back at her. I really do like her. If it weren't for this 'arrangement' our parents made and the age difference between us, I think this could really work well. But with those two things lurking in the background, it'll never be that easy.

She looks away, licking her lips, making her look even more cute and nervous. "S-0...I-I guess this is goondnight..." she says.

"Yeah," I say, realizing exactly why she looks nervous as the feeling floods through me, too. "Maybe we can do something-else tomorrow night?" I ask, hopefully. She's not opening the place up but she does have an earlish shift tomorrow. so maybe she'd be done in time for something ... if she doesn't have too much homework.

~Liz~

“Yeah,” Max agrees although he does seem to have something else on his mind. It’s almost as though he’s hesitating about saying something…

“Maybe we can do something-else tomorrow night…?”

As the question comes, I understand, and immediately I feel my stomach drop. In truth, I really would like to be saying yes, but it’s really not practical. I shake my head reluctantly. “I’m sorry Max… I have to work tomorrow, and then I still have a ton of work to do…” I hesitate a moment, wondering whether to just leave it at that or to volunteer the last. There’s nothing wrong with what I’m about to say though, and by hiding it, it sounds more suspect than just saying it, that’s for sure. “Kyle’s actually supposed to be coming over after work…to study…”

Maybe it’s not the best timing, but it’s something that we do regularly, and have done since I moved into my apartment. Kyle usually comes over at least once every fortnight either on a Friday night, Saturday or Sunday. I usually cook dinner, nothing very fancy, usually just burgers and chips or something like that. Something that we can eat while working and talking considering that is the main purpose of the night. It’s a nice evening, nothing special, but it’s both enjoyable and useful – a lot of work being done. It’s not something that I want to have to give up right now and I don’t see why I should.

I look down awkwardly, hoping that Max isn’t going to make something major out of this. If he found out and I had lied, or rather omitted to tell him, I wouldn’t blame him for being angry, but I’m telling the truth. Whether he and the others like it or not, I do have a life, and I’m going to continue living it. I can’t put everything on hold for them… “I am sorry Max…just, I guess it’s not such a good time…”

Things have been going so well, I’m just hoping that this isn’t going to ruin everything…

*Max*

I nod at Liz's answer, not letting any hint of a frown show. I wish I could spend more time with her, but I know she has a lot of demands on her time. Between school and the job, she's got a lot to do. Another problem with her being 16 and me being older. If we were both 16, we'd have school together. If we were both 20, she wouldn't have to worry about school...

“Kyle’s actually supposed to be coming over after work…to study…” she says.

Kyle. I know he's just a friend, but I can't help but be jealous of the time she's going to be spending with him. I guess that precludes my half-formed thoughts about helping her study. I know by now she doesn't really need help, but it would be nice to spend the time with her. I've heard her mention these study nights with Kyle before and I know it's something she likes to do...

"All right. Some other time, then," I say, hoping she doesn't catch the disappointment in my voice. I don't want to be pressuring her, it's just so hard to find time to see her. Unless I can do that, there's no way I can know if this is going to work at all. Even if it doesn't, the time is important to teach her things that Nacedo never did.

I pause then, unsure of how to continue. We're standing in her doorway, no more than six inches from each other. My hands are holding each of hers and I swing my arms slightly. It's so nice just being here together but I know I have to leave. I bring one hand up to her cheek, running one finger down her jaw from her ear to her chin.

"I had a nice time tonight. You get some rest now and I'll call you tomorrow," I promise. I lean in just a little and place a light kiss on her forehead. "Bye, Liz."

~Liz~

“All right. Some other time then…”

I’m relieved that Max seems agreeable to my response, but I can’t help thinking that there’s something else in the background… What is that…? Disappointment…? I shake my head mentally, dismissing it as a figment of my imagination and nod slightly. I don’t really have to say yes, we both know that’s going to happen. We’ve agreed to give this a go, and that means we have to spend time togther.

Not that that’s a hardship… He’s a nice guy, and I genuinely enjoyed myself tonight. I’m glad that I suggested coming back here instead of staying out though, I think this was what we needed more than a night in the busy pizza place.

The problem as always though, is finding the time. As has just been demonstrated, our time schedules aren’t exactly overflowing with openings… I have my school, my work, and then my homework on top of that of course. I’m rarely at a loose end, and very few of these things can I just decide to give up. I need to work to pay for my apartment, and homework is all part of school. If he were the same age as me, that last wouldn’t be a problem of course, it would be an ideal way to spend time, just as Kyle and I do, but he’s not…

If this is going to have any chance at all of working, we’re going to have to find time, but that’s not going to be easy as is becoming clear. I’d like to be able to give a suggestion now, but honestly, I don’t know when I’m going to be free… I’m working Sunday, and then next week I have a load of work for school… It could be as long as next Friday until I really have an opening…and that’s assuming I’m not rostered for that evening at the Crashdown…

I sigh and shake my head, apologising again as I look back up at Max. I feel him swinging his, and consequently my arms, back and forth, and I smile slightly. Then, he raises one hand running a finger down my jaw to my chin. I shiver slightly, and swallow.

For a moment there, I forgot why we were standing here… Now though, I’m reminded of it, the ‘kiss’ question… It’s the end of a date, and that usually means a kiss… I don’t know what to expect from him though…

I swallow nervously, wondering if I should say anything, but Max beats me to it.

"I had a nice time tonight. You get some rest now and I'll call you tomorrow,"

He tells me as he leans in. I hold my breath, preparing myself for the not entirely unpleasant prospect of a proper kiss, but it doesn’t come… His lips press gently against my forehead, and he pulls back. "Bye, Liz."

I return his smile, and nod. “Okay…bye…” I open the door, and wait as he steps out. “Night Max…and…thanks…” I tell him softly, waiting until he’s gone and then locking the door behind him.