Title: August Heat Part One – Interlude #7

Author: Dontia

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Spoilers: I’m so beyond the "reality" of the show. Some of you think that’s a good thing.

Rating: R

Summary: Temperatures rise during the hottest summer month.

Notes: Sequel to "Paternity – Interlude #6". Season Two doesn’t exist except for brief glimpses here and there.

Feedback: It’s the circle of life. I love to write, you love to read. Tell me you love reading, I’ll continue to love writing.

Dedication: To everyone who waited patiently for this. Heck, to those who enjoy this series so much you’re impatient and let me know it.

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

Tess opens her apartment door and immediately notes her friend’s miserable expression. "What happened?"

"It’s really over with Kyle," says Isabel, sitting on the sofa. "I’m not HUMAN enough for him."

"How’d you come to that conclusion?"

"I saw him kissing Liz."

"Liz Parker?"

"I thought I was imagining things because they were on the other side of the park. So I got closer and…it was definitely them."

"So much for her eternal love for Max," mutters Tess, sitting next to Isabel. "What do you wanna do?"

"Rip her hair out and make her eat it."

"Well, that’s vicious. Anything I won’t be blamed for?"

"No. Ugh! Men are jerks."

"Tell me about it."

"Michael still unwilling?"

"It’s not that he’s unwilling, he just won’t and his reasons are getting lamer. Like yesterday when we were kissing. I thought I had him until he pulled away and said we couldn’t because we told everyone’s parents we weren’t."

"So?"

"Even though we were telling the truth at the time, if we start having sex it’ll make it seem like we were lying to ‘em."

"Okay, that’s just stupid."

"I show him every way I know that I love him and don’t wanna be with Max. I’m tired of having to prove myself."

They sit in silence, contemplating their situations. Suddenly, Isabel smiles. "I know what we’re gonna do."

"Why am I suddenly afraid?"

"We’re going to a party."

"I don’t get it."

"One of the guys we went to school with is having a party before he leaves for college. You and I are going."

"How’s that gonna help?"

"I’ll feel like myself again. I’m Isabel Evans. Men want me and women wanna be me. Kyle Valenti has a screw loose and doesn’t count."

"Are you sure you wanna do this? I mean, we could just say we’re going to the party then go for a drive. Maybe Kyle will be jealous."

"I don’t care if Kyle’s jealous, he doesn’t matter anymore. If you don’t wanna come-"

"We’ll go if you want. Help me pick out somethin’ to wear."

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

At the Valenti house, Maria looks fearfully over her shoulder before knocking.

Jim answers. "What can I do for you Maria?"

"Hide me," says Maria, pushing past him.

"Who’s after you? I’ll call Max-"

"No! I’m hiding from him and Alex."

"What’s goin’ on?"

"They’re smothering me. At first, I thought it was cute how they were always there if I needed somethin’. I thought it was sweet when they brought me breakfast every morning. I miss Liz, and cool as she’s been, I know Tess wishes I wouldn’t lean on Michael so much. So having Max and Alex around stopped me from missing them so much."

"What changed?"

"They won’t give me a moment’s peace! Wherever I go, there one of ‘em is. Even the bathroom isn’t safe. If I’m in there too long, they knock to see if I’m all right. They’re driving me crazy."

Jim barely smothers a laugh. "They care about you, and they’ve never done this father thing. Plus, there are special circumstances."

"I know that. This kid’s growing inside me, I know better than anyone. But they need to let me breathe a little."

"You want me to talk to them?"

"Please! But not yet. Can I sit on your sofa and watch TV for a couple hours?"

"Sure. You want anything to eat?"

"Always. Thanks."

"You’re welcome."

After a few minutes, Jim brings in a snack.

Maria looks at the plate and gives a blissful sigh. "How’d you know?"

"Kyle’s mother liked peanut butter and pickle sandwiches when she was pregnant."

"In case I haven’t said this, you’re a really great person."

"Thanks."

"I’m sorry all this made my mom put you in deep freeze."

"If the situation were reversed, I’d have wanted her to tell me Kyle was involved with Max and all the rest."

"Yeah, but…I’ll talk to her."

"You have more important things to worry about. If things are meant to work out, they will. Now eat your food."

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

Kyle’s with Liz in her room. They’re lying on her bed making out.

"Maybe we should stop," says Kyle.

"I don’t wanna stop," says Liz.

"Then we should at least slow down. We don’t want this to go too far, too fast."

"When I want you to stop Kyle, I’ll tell you."

Liz pulls his head back down to hers. Kyle’s thoughts jump to Isabel. He quickly shoves her image from his mind.

In the meantime, Liz tries to bury herself in the cocoon of Kyle’s body. She hopes that if she gets lost enough in him, the memory of Max caressing Maria’s pregnant stomach earlier that day will disappear.

There’s a knock on the bedroom door. Nancy Parker’s voice comes through. "Liz, honey? Could you come downstairs please? I have a few questions about your inventory from last night."

"I’ll be right there Mom," yells Liz. She gets from under Kyle and straightens her clothes and hair. "I’ll be right back."

Kyle nods. When she leaves, he goes to the balcony to think.

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

Michael’s in front of the Crashdown taking a break. He sees Alex and Max talking in front of the UFO Center but ignores them. He groans when they walk over to him.

"Hey Michael," says Max. "Have you seen Maria?"

"Not today," says Michael. "Is she missing?"

"We’re not sure," says Alex. "She yelled at us about smothering her, then went to the bathroom. When she didn’t come out, we went to check and she was gone."

"She probably wanted some time alone. Give it a couple hours then call Valenti."

Max nods in agreement. "How’ve you been?"

"Good. You?"

"Okay. My parents are walking on eggshells around us. It’s really hurting Isabel."

"She seemed fine when I saw her."

"You know Is."

"Yeah."

"And the thing with Kyle isn’t helping," says Alex.

"What thing?" asks Michael.

"Him and Liz," says Max quietly.

"You mean he and Liz are…"

"Yeah."

"Sorry Maxwell."

"How are things with you and Tess? Isabel said they were tense."

"They’re fine, we’re just having a difference of opinion…" Michael’s voice trails off when he sees Tess and Isabel walking toward them.

Tess is wearing a tight blue top that’s low-cut and clings to her figure. She also has on a knee-length, black leather skirt with a slit up the thigh. Open-toed four-inch heels made of black leather complete the look.

Isabel has on a top similar to Tess’s, except it’s red. She’s also wearing shoes like Tess’s, and tight black leather pants.

Alex and Max turn to see what Michael’s staring at. Both their mouths drop open.

"Good thing I’m not earth’s leader," mutters Alex. "I’d surrender the planet to them in a minute."

As one, Michael and Max reach up and hit Alex on the back of the head.

"Hey guys," says Isabel when she and Tess reach them.

"Tess, why are you out dressed like that?" growls Michael.

"Isabel’s taking me to a party," says Tess. "I’ll be home late."

"You can’t go to a party looking like that!"

"What’s wrong with the way I look?"

"Not a thing," says Alex with a low whistle. He moves out of Michael’s range as he’s about to hit him again.

"There’s nothing wrong with what Tess is wearing," says Isabel.

"You two can’t go out like that," says Max. "Those clothes’ll get you in trouble."

"We have alien powers Max, we can take care of ourselves."

"Why don’t you say that a little louder, I don’t think the people in the next block heard you."

"Bite me."

"Is, what’s wrong? You’re not acting like yourself."

Before she can answer, a car pulls up to the curb. In it are two guys.

"You and your friend ready Isabel?" asks one of them over the blaring music.

"Yeah," says Isabel, moving toward the car.

Michael grabs Tess’s arm. "You’re not going with them."

"Would you rather Isabel go alone?" asks Tess. "Because she will."

"I don’t want either of you to go."

"That’s not a choice. I’ll see you later."

Tess kisses Michael before getting into the car.

One of the guys leers at Tess. "Has anyone told you that you have great legs?"

Alex steps in front of Michael as Michael lifts his hand at the guy. "Not in public."

The car drives off, both Isabel and Tess laughing. Michael stares after it a moment before storming into the Crashdown.

"This is bad," says Alex.

"Let’s hope it doesn’t get worse," says Max. "Let’s find Maria."

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

From his position on Liz’s balcony, Kyle’s able to see the front of the Crashdown. His fists clench when he sees Isabel laugh and whisper in the driver’s ear as they head off.

Liz steps outside and sees the tense look on Kyle’s face. "What’s wrong?"

"I need to go," says Kyle, heading for the ladder.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, I just…I don’t know what we’re doing Liz. Whatever it is, I don’t think we’re doing it for the right reasons. I think we need to cool off before we ruin our friendship."

Liz bites her lip and slowly nods in agreement. Kyle gives her a half smile before climbing down the ladder.

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

Later that night, Michael’s sitting in the dark on the sofa in his apartment. Tess walks in.

"Do you know what time it is?" yells Michael.

"Not really," says a disinterested Tess. "I was enjoying the party too much to pay attention."

"Were you enjoying it with anyone in particular?"

"Why’s it so hot in here?"

"The air conditioning’s out."

"So fix it."

"I can’t, the whole building’s out."

"Oh." As she walks into the kitchen, Tess takes off her top to reveal a blue lace bra that matches her eyes. She opens the refrigerator door and leans in blissfully, closing her eyes.

Michael watches her for a moment before moving to stand behind her. "That feel better?"

"A little."

"What happened at the party?"

"I just danced. They had working air conditioning."

"Who’d you dance with?"

"I didn’t catch their names," says Tess, moving her hands behind her back. She unzips her skirt and lets it fall to the ground.

Michael’s eyes salivate at the sight of the lacy thong that matches her bra. He moves his hands to her waist. "There was more than one?"

"Would you rather I spent all night with just one guy?"

"My choice was that you not go."

"Good thing I didn’t let you vote."

He turns her to face him before lifting her up. Her legs lock around his waist. "Don’t do that again."

"You don’t get to tell me what to do Michael."

"Only reason you went out dressed like that was to get to me."

"Did it work?"

"Yes."

Michael takes her mouth, ravishing it. He lowers her to the kitchen floor. "Am I hurting you?"

"Don’t stop," says Tess, pulling his lips back to hers.

They make love on the kitchen floor. Afterwards, Tess reaches up and smoothes back Michael’s sweaty hair. "Now aren’t you mad at yourself for waiting so long?"

"I love you Tess."

"I love you too."

Tess flips Michael onto his back. Handcuffs appear in her hands.

"Where’d you get those?" asks Michael.

"From Jim. I plan to keep my promise Michael. You’re gonna be chained to my bed before this night is over."

Michael smiles as the cuffs slide down his body. Suddenly, he hears insistent ringing. He frowns but it won’t stop. His body twists and he feels himself falling.

As he hits the floor, his eyes open. He groggily looks around and realizes he’s on the floor by the sofa. He groans in disappointment when he realizes it was a dream.

The phone, which stopped ringing for a moment, starts again. Michael heads to it and picks it up. "Hello?"

"Michael, it’s Max. Is Isabel there?"

Michael looks at his watch and sees that it’s almost four am. "No, and neither is Tess. They never came home."

"Damn. Isabel’s not answering her cell phone."

"I’ll try Tess’s."

"I already did, she’s not answering either."

"What do you wanna do?" asks Michael, fully awake and alert.

"They could still be at the party. Do you know who gave it?"

"No but Kyle might. I’ll call him and get back to you."

"All right."

Michael hangs up from Max. He pushes away his worry and calls Kyle.

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

TBC…

The continuation of this night will be out next week. If you’re of age, email me for the NC-17 version. It’s not actually that smutty, in my opinion, but is a little more graphic.