Title: Defining

Author: Dontia

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

Spoilers: Nothing, goes AU before 1947 in Season 2. Takes places during Season 2 so everything in Season 1 happened.

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Tess and Michael talk about their friendship.

Notes: Sequel to "Costumes."

Feedback: Thanks to the people who replied. This one’s for you.

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Michael’s walking towards his motorcycle after he gets off work. He spots Tess entering the park and goes to catch her. "Hey."

"Hey Michael," says Tess, smiling.

"Haven’t seen you around. You been avoidin’ me?"

"Kinda."

"Why?"

"I’ve had enough death stares from Maria and Isabel. I don’t think they liked us goin’ to the Halloween dance together."

"Why would they care? You and I are just friends."

Tess laughs. "You know nothing about women do you? They hate me for showing up in Roswell and complicating things. They hate me for distracting Max from Liz. Now they hate me because they think I’m goin’ after you cause I can’t have Max."

"Are you?"

"Get over yourself. You’re cute and all, but…"

"But?"

"But I still believe in our destiny. I’m not gonna start feelin’ more than friendship for you then have my heart broken when you and Isabel hook up."

"You still think you and Max will get together?"

"No. Max doesn’t keep me at a distance because he doesn’t want our destiny. He’ll never be with me because he’ll never allow the alien part of himself to come out. As much as I love him, I won’t spend my life playing ‘let’s pretend’."

"So what’re you gonna do with yourself?" asks Michael.

"I’m gonna find out who I am, separate from destiny or Max. I’m applying to college."

"To major in what?"

"I’m not sure yet, maybe astronomy. What’s your major?"

"Nothin’, I’m not goin’ to college."

"Why not?"

"I can’t afford it. I’m barely makin’ rent each month."

"Why didn’t you say so? I’ll write you a check."

"Tess, I don’t want the money Nasedo left you."

"It’s not my money, it’s our money. Part of it’s yours, just like part of it’s Max’s and Isabel’s."

"Don’t you ever wonder what he did to get it?"

"I try not to think about the things he did in the name of protecting us. You’re my friend, my only friend, and I want you to have a future. We all deserve a future separate from our destiny. Please let me help you."

Michael considers for a long moment. "I’ll pay you back, every penny."

"Fine. You can cook, I need to learn how."

"I meant pay you back with money."

"I don’t need money Michael. I need my friend to teach me human survival skills."

"I thought you didn’t wanna pretend to be human more than necessary."

"I don’t, but who knows how long it’ll be before we go home. Nasedo taught me to be an alien and how to eat out. I need to know how to fake being human and how to take care of myself. Please?"

"Fine. You’re teachin’ me about my alien self, I’ll teach you about your humanity."

"Thanks Michael."

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THE END