Author: DocPaul

Email: DocPaul2002@yahoo.ca

Rating: R

Spoilers: After Sexual Healing

Warning: Never beta’d. So grammatical errors designed to explode grammar nazis heads. Health risk. Enter forewarn.

Disclaimer: Not mine, but I borrow them from time to time.

Summary: Michael and Maria finish a connection between them that started in The Balance. It changed everything between them.

Author’s note: This story was my first. I felt that from the episode The Balance that when RiverDog said that The Balance could change you…that there should have been more to it. And the fact that M&M kissed on that dream plane created a special connection between them. The story also explored the double standards of the show, especially in Heatwave where everyone was more than happy to tell M&M why they weren’t a good idea, but then turned around by the end of the episode to be together. Namely Max and Liz.

FINDING THE BALANCE

Maria had left over half an hour ago. Michael couldn’t stop watching the closed door that she had walked out. How was he to feel about all this? He couldn’t stop seeing the images of Maria as a child crying after her father left. But it was the images that he hadn’t told her about that still violated his mind. How could he tell her that all those things he saw made him even more vulnerable to her? Endless parades of men in and out of her life as her mother’s train wreck of a life shaped Maria’s. It was the men who smiled at her and tried to touch her that scared him the most. How could her mother leave her small defenseless child vulnerable to these people? Her life really wasn’t that different from Michael’s life. The only comfort he could find was the knowledge that despite the attempts and come-ons, Maria had remained unmolested.

Thank God. Michael could hardly contain the rage inside him at merely the thought of her in harm, but if he had to relive a violation from her past his rage would have broken free. He too had been spare sexual abuse, but the amounts of physical abuse still scarred him. He wondered if that was why Maria was not getting visions like Liz. His past had taught him to hold himself in reserve, to keep parts of him hidden from everyone, even Isabel and Max. The closer Maria came to break through his reserves the more he pushed her away using coldness and just plain nastiness to put her at a distance. She had no idea how close she had come to getting in, to opening all the doors. He felt his heart lighten and then open, and quickly as possible, he shut it again. When she had lied about the vision he had been relieved that she was able to access that information without all his walls tumbling. But, after she confessed, Michael was just too angry to be reasonable. He wanted to be in on the hunt for his past and needed visions for that. He needed Maria. He had hoped for a small amount of time that it was possible to achieve visions without given away too much.

Michael could feel himself weakening to Maria. With just a moment of honesty and vulnerability she managed to open Michael up. How was he to walk away from the first person that has ever wanted him, ever wanted a deep close relationship with him? Max and Isabel have always had each other and shared a closeness that was only possible between two people raised as brother and sister. They had a past, experiences and parents together, things that Michael could never have with them. He could feel Isabel and Max like parts of his soul, but Maria moved even deeper. She wrapped around him like warm smoothing waters merging into him so when they were together he wasn’t always sure where he ended and she started. Michael had felt lonely and alone almost all his life, but when Maria left he felt more alone than he could ever remember. You don’t miss what you never had unless you touch the dream for a while and then have it walk away.

Michael woke to the knocking at his door. Maria? Max stood at the door waiting for Michael. “Hey, what’s with the face?” 

“Sorry, Max, just thought you were someone else.”  Max and Michael looked at each other for a few minutes until Michael moved to the side to let Max into the apartment. Max calmly waited for Michael to ask him about last night. He waited and waited, but Michael remained silent. Okay.

“So aren’t you going to ask me about Liz and the visions?”

“No, actually I was going to ask you where the hell you went last night that prompted a phone call from two sets of hysterical parents early this morning. I especially loved the way they assumed that if heavy mating was occurring that you two would be here doing it.”

 “Actually Michael, that’s exactly what you and Isabel expected us to do when you left us here alone last night. So why so put out?”

“Nothing really, I guess when they called I realized that you and Liz once again were out there searching for clues. This has always been my quest and I guess I felt a little left out.” Michael stretched and popped his back. He was going to have to do something about not sleeping on his couch. “Anyway, did you discover anything new? Or do you to tell me about a change in your life like no longer being a virgin?”

Max reached into his bag and pulled out the alien orb and passed it to Michael. There came a knock at the door. Michael passed the object back to Max to place in his bag and went to answer the door. A very irate Isabel pushed past Michael to stop in front of her brother.

“I can’t believe that you just took off without me, Max. First you’re out all night, I have mom and dad asking me questions early this morning. Then, you take off without even telling me anything. What is wrong with you? I can’t believe that...” Isabel stopped talking as Max drew the object out of the bag and placed it in her hands. The three stood staring at it in silence. Now what?

~~~

Maria had an early shift this morning at the Crash Down. Tips were usually great on the weekends especially on Sunday. The advantage to living in a town like Roswell was that to rural communities around you, your town was considered a large commerce area. Surrounding areas come into Roswell on the weekends to stock up supplies for the week, women come to shop, families to catch a movie or some type of entertainment, and then there is the usual tourist trade. Yep, Sunday shift at the restaurant could be quite lucrative.

Neither of Liz’s parents spoke much this morning and Liz was decidedly absent from her usual shift. Maria was hoping to sneak upstairs during a break to see how Liz was and get some of the story about yesterday. So Maria continued to work and collect tips while daydreaming about Michael.

Finally around 2 p.m. Maria got the opportunity to take a break. To be sure that she didn’t get Liz in anymore trouble she decided to ask Mr. Parker if it was okay to go upstairs. “I was just going to take a quick break. Is Liz upstairs?”

Mrs. Parker came around the corner hearing Maria’s question. “If she knows what’s good for her, she better be.” Maria looked at Liz’s mom closely. She could still see the cold anger burning in her eyes, but if you looked closely you could notice the slight pink to her eyes. Liz’s mom had been crying.

“I just wanted to make sure that we were going to study for our test tonight. I really didn’t want to put it off until tomorrow.”  Mr. Parker pulled his wife into the kitchen.

“Go ahead Maria, you can go upstairs.” On her way up Maria noticed Mr. Parker pulling his wife close and talking in her ear while smoothing her back.

~~~

“Liz, it’s me, Maria. Can I come in?” Maria waited outside Liz’s door until it finally opened. “Hi, I missed you downstairs today.” Liz finally looked up at Maria. It was obvious that Liz had been crying. Her eyes were red and her nose had that blown too many times look. “You want to talk about it?”

“I am not allowed to see Max except at school. No eraser room, no lunches, and no after school activities forever if my mom has any say in it. I am on probation.” Maria went to sit on Liz’s bed. “I’ll be lucky to date again when I’m thirty. It doesn’t mean anything that Max and I haven’t had sex, but my mom doesn’t care. All she sees is her little girl is growing up and there is nothing she can do about it. He’s it. He’s the love of my life and I am going to lose him because of my family. I swear Maria, when I leave for college; I am never coming back. I’m so tired living my life to please everyone else. I mean no matter how much you give and give it will never be enough.”

“Liz, your parents are just concerned. I would be more worried if they weren’t. I mean we are only sixteen. It’s our job to push away and try to create individuality and our sense of self, and it’s their job to try to keep us safe from harm. At this age it’s not unusual that these two goals tend to clash. Just give it sometime and try to talk to them again after they calm down.”

“I know your right. I hate hurting and worrying my mom like this. It’s just I have these feelings. They’re so strong. When I see Max my heart quickens, my palms sweat, and my mouth is dry. I just can’t keep him out of my head. I see him when I close my eyes.”

“Look Liz, I know that many kids our age are having sex and experimenting in different things. But, I know that you and me will not do anything until we feel we are ready. Know that, it doesn’t matter when we are ready, because our parents will never be ready. It doesn’t matter whether we are thirty, twenty, or eighteen. Parents and their children’s sex life will always be a subject of taboo. Look at how my mom reacted when I let Michael spend the night.”

“You’re right again, but I really think I’m ready. The problem is that I don’t think Max is. I mean, if something had happened the other night it’s not like I could come back later and have Max not regret it. And if I want to be honest, I would admit that I was afraid that afterwards Max would remember who he is and who I am and break up with me again. Then I would spend the rest of my life wanting something I can never have.”

“It’s tough, kid. Look I better get back downstairs. You want me to come over tonight so we can begin studying for our test on Wednesday?”

“You know, I think I need sometime alone tonight. Can we make it a mega-study session on Monday? The test isn’t for a few more days, so we still have time.”

“No problem. I’ll call you later tonight to see when you want to get together.” Maria got up slowly pulling her CrashDown uniform down. “See you later.”

“Hey, Maria?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you ready? I mean, with Michael, you know, if things were different?”

Maria laughs and gives Liz a wave on her way out the door. “Babe, with that man, I was born ready.”

After Maria returned downstairs Mrs. Parker came from around the door to watch Maria’s retreating back. It was nice that Liz had a friend that she could talk to about boys, school and sex, but the mother in her wanted her only child to feel close enough to confined in her. Maybe it was time to really think about Liz and her relationship with Max and make some concessions. Children growing up are as inevitable as the sun rising in the morning. Maybe Max’s mom would have some ideas or even Maria’s. Liz has her support group. Maybe it’s time for the parents to create their own group.

~~~

Michael spent the next weeks watching Maria from afar. It was as if she had decided to make an effort to avoid him. It hurt more than he could admit. He was the one who pushed her away. She made it very clear that all she really wanted was to be close to him, to share a part of her life with him. Michael felt that he was his own curse. Wanting her and yet never able to accept the gifts her love offered him. Over the past few days he had to hold himself together to keep from walking up to her and manipulating her feelings for him to his own purpose.

He realized that he needed to keep himself apart from others, so that when it came time to leave that strong attachments would only make it harder. But lately doubts began to grow inside him. If they could leave or return to their home planet, then why did Nasedo stay here all these years? What if this is their home forever and there is no going back? What if he spends his entire life keeping apart until he finally dies and he had never really lived? He just waited and waited for something that never came. How could he live with himself for throwing away someone like Maria for a dream that never became reality?

“Michael?” Michael looked up to see Maria waiting for him with her order pad open and pen poised. She looked tired and reserved. When did she become so quiet? God, she is so beautiful. Michael could feel a wave of coldness and despair washing over him? What the hell was that? He felt the emotion inside him, but it seemed to actually come from Maria.

“Just a cheeseburger with the works and a large cherry coke, Maria.” He noticed how she flinched when he said her name.  He liked tacking her name into sentences now. Her reaction was interesting and got that look in her eye like she liked knowing he was noticing her, or something. Hell, if they were younger it would be like him pulling her braids or at the very least dipping them into an inkwell.

“You know, Michael, far be it from me to tell you how to live your life, but now that you have your own place, you may consider eating there instead of here.”

“What? Don’t you want to serve me anymore?”

“That’s not what I am saying. I just mean that this food is okay once in a while, but it is hardly healthy staple diet. Too much of this stuff and you are going to need start exercising to keep the middle trim.”

“Are you saying that I am getting fat?” Michael began to rise in volume and people turned to look at them.

“Shush! Stay here, I’ll be right back.” Maria left a slightly outraged Michael sitting in the booth glaring at people around him.

“Mr. Parker?” Liz’s dad turned around to look at Maria. He had been concerned about her over the past week. She had lost weight, which was something she did not need to do. “I was wondering if you mind if I left early today? I have a bad headache and the place is quiet tonight.”

“No, go ahead Maria, take the rest of the night off. And as a favor to me, could you try to eat something?”

“Sure, no problem Mr. P.” Maria quickly gathered her stuff and headed back to Michael’s table. He watched her approach with her jacket over her arm. She reached down and grabbed his hand. “Come on, let’s go.” 

“Where are we going? Maria, what about my order?” Michael let himself be led out of the Crashdown. Her hand seemed so small in his, so much more delicate than he remembered. Not that he really spent much time holding hands with her. Michael almost felt lightheaded from standing so close to her, her scent, the feel of her, and the sound of her gentle breathing.

Michael followed her to the Jetta getting in the passenger side. Maria drove a few blocks to the nearest grocery store. “I am assuming that you have very few groceries at your place. Am I right?”

“I have some stuff, mostly cereal and milk and some junk food. I don’t need your help.”

“To bad, Buster, this is my good deed of the week.” Maria grabbed a basket pushing Michael behind it taking off towards the produce department. Michael raced after her pushing the cart.

“Maria, I don’t have that much cash on me and my next check doesn’t come for another week.”

“I’ve got you covered. Your money will go farther if you cook at home and eat leftovers. My mom and I have perfected the process of making money stretch. So do you like pasta, lasagna, and spaghetti? They are the best foods for leftovers and so is homemade pizza. The best thing about homemade pizza is that it is more filling than takeout and it reheats really well.”  Michael was watching Maria talk about food and realized that he had spaced out while she rambled on about homemade pizza?

“Maria, I can only cook a few things like omelets, cold cereal, and a pretty good meatloaf. Oh yeah, instant potatoes, I do instant almost anything. That’s it.”

“Don’t worry, I can cook, so I’ll give you lessons. We’ll start with lasagna. That should give you a few days of leftovers. This weekend I teach you to make a spicy Cajun bean casserole with sausage. You’ll love it. You can use as much Tabasco as you want.”

“Maria, I can’t let you….” Michael trailed off as Maria just kept shopping. “Hey, what’s with all the fruit? I really don’t eat fresh vegetables. Why don’t we just get some canned ones?”

“Because canned ones are not as good for you, and fresh vegetables and fruit are necessary to keep you lean and fit.” Maria took off again leaving Michael standing with a scowl on his face.

“Are you saying I’m getting fat, again?” Michael chased after Maria.

Later in Michael’s apartment they put away the groceries while Maria searched for something to cook with. “You might want to invest in a few more pots and pans. I’ll check our kitchen and see if there is anything we can donate to the cause.”

“I don’t need charity. I do okay on my own.”

“This isn’t charity, Michael. It’s about sharing with a friend stuff that you never use or would otherwise throw away. It’s about making an economic choice to recycle. So just put your pride away and save it for the times when I really wound it.” Michael looked at Maria realizing that she was right. That he should accept offers from his friends instead of using all of his resources to furnish his new home. It really is all about economy.

Maria continued talking through the whole lesson making Michael do most of the work on his own with her instructions. When they had finally created the lasagna and it was cooking in the oven Michael began to dig in the refrigerator for a snack.

“Great, you can get the salad going since the lasagna will be ready in about 30 minutes.”

“I wasn’t making a salad. I was looking for a snack.”

“No way, I did not take off, go shopping, and spend the last hour teaching you to cook to have you destroy your appetite with Tabasco coated potato chips. You’ll just have to wait.” Maria reached over and removed the bag of chips from Michael’s hands. Whoever heard of anyone storing the chips in the refrigerator anyway? The two began wrestling over the chips when the knock came at the door.

“You get the door and I’ll check out your facilities.” Maria hurried off into the back bedroom and hopefully the bathroom. Oh my God, what a disaster. Looking under the sink for cleaning materials Maria quickly cleaned the bathroom sink and toilet. The bath and shower would need a stronger solvent to remove the years of water stains and soap buildup. Putting all of Michael’s clothes into what she hoped was a laundry basket Maria finally felt the bathroom was clean enough to use. It would have to do for now. As she washed her hands she noticed the soap was the same one she used at home. That’s strange. She got her soaps from her mom’s new age shop.

Michael watched Maria going into his back rooms stifling a groan. Why didn’t he pick up his dirty clothes this morning? How was he to know that he would have company this evening? Had he known he would have at least tried to pick up a little? Moving to the door as the knock was repeated he opened his door to Max and Isabel. Oh, this is just great.

“Michael, I thought we had the wrong apartment. There is a distinct smell of something Italian and edible coming from in here. Did you get order out from an Italian restaurant?” Isabel pushed past Michael breathing in the air with great gusto. Max smirched as he followed his sister into the apartment. “Isabel is right Michael, something smells great.”

“It’s lasagna and it won’t be ready for another twenty minutes or so.” Michael moved into the living room and pick up clothes and blankets he had lying about. “So to what do I own this honor?”

 “We just came by to see if you wanted to catch a movie with us. Had we known you were going to cook and that you could even cook, Max and I would have been over sooner. Mom made some new recipe with black-eyed peas and hominy in it for dinner. It was different.” Isabel moved into the kitchen to peak into the oven. Michael could cook? Would wonders ever cease?

“Actually Is, the casserole wasn’t that bad. You should have given it a chance.” Max turned towards Michael’s bedroom as he heard footsteps. In walked Maria without noticing Max and Isabel.

“Really Michael, that bathroom should be bombed. I hate to think of what is living in there.” Seeing Isabel and Max, “ Oh, hi you two, I guess you were the knock at the door. Did you come for dinner?” Maria walked into the kitchen to check the timer and began to pull out vegetables for the salad. Michael walked into the kitchen to stand next to her as she pushed the vegetables towards him. Without thinking he began to wash the lettuce and cut up tomatoes as Maria searched for a small bowl to make Italian dressing in. Max and Isabel watched silently as the two worked like a team in the small kitchen. Isabel’s mouth opened wide in astonishment as Maria tried to reach the olive oil on the top shelf without success and Michael had to help her. Michael’s arm came around her waist pulling her back against him as he reached up for the oil.

Max cleared his throat made eye contact with his sister. “So, I guess since you have yet to eat that you aren’t interested in a movie this evening?”

“No, I don’t think so Maxwell. Maybe some other time.” Michael removed himself from Maria and moved to the door to show out his two best friends. “I’ll see you at school in the morning, okay?”

“We need to talk, Michael.”

“Later Max, okay?”

Michael turned after he shut the door to watch Maria finish making the salad dressing. She looked up to make eye contact with him as he leaned against the door. “They didn’t leave because of me, did they?”

“No, they just stop to see if I wanted to go to the movies.” Michael moved away from the door to move back by Maria’s side. “So how did you make this dressing?”

Michael stopped in his tracks as he watched Maria dip her pinkie finger into the mixture and then taste it. She quickly looked at him and smiled. The darkening of his eyes left her in no doubt to how intense he was feeling at this moment. That was the problem with them. Intense at this moment, but when the moment was over then they were back to square one. Maria decided to push the envelope a little. Dipping her index finger back into the dressing she reached up and coated Michael’s lips and then put her finger in his mouth when he opened it. Maria couldn’t hold back the groan that escaped her throat as Michael sucked on her finger while he kept eye contact with her.

“What do you think? Does it need anything else?” Maria was surprised that her voice actually sounded almost normal. Michael slowly released her finger and a small smile played around his lips. “No, it tastes perfect.” Slowly the two of them moved towards each other as Michael moved his hand to frame Maria’s face. As their lips moved closer together, Michael could just breathe in Maria’s breath. Then the oven timer went off. The couple jumped apart and Maria quickly turned to hide her reaction.

“You take out the lasagna and I’ll set the table, umm, ping pong table.” Michael looked for potholders and slowly took out the lasagna. As he set it down he turned to watch Maria finish setting the table. Then she slowly walked around the room lighting candles that Michael had left in place from the night that Max and Liz used his apartment. Walking over to the stereo Michael quickly looked for music to play while they ate. Okay, his music selection was lacking in the romance area, but finally he spotted one of Isabel’s CDs. That should do it.

They sat down as Maria served the food. Michael picked up his fork and tried the first bite. His eyes closed as the warm food was swallowed. He couldn’t believe that he had actually made this feast. It was damn near perfect. He opened his eyes and met Maria’s. In her hand waving before his eyes was a bottle of Tabasco sauce. Michael fell in love, head over heels for the first time in his life. No question about it, no denial, all those feelings of confusion he had felt around Maria finally gave themselves a name. He would never be the same, no more running.

“How is it? Do you like it?” Maria waited patiently as Michael coated his lasagna with the sauce and took another bite. She was confused. He never stopped looking at her and the look on his face was strange.

“Michael, is it okay?”

“It’s perfect.” Michael leaned over and gently kissed Maria on the lips. “Thank you, Maria.” Maria smiled and slowly put down her fork.

“I really should be going. My mom is out of town and I need to get home just in case she calls.” Maria stood over Michael and reached down taking his face between her hands. Bending down she kissed him deeply before breaking the kiss and walking towards the door. Michael was in shock. His whole body felt on fire and she was walking away again. Without thinking he reached out and pulled her near while moving his chair back to face her. She straddled his hips as his lips found hers in a passionate kiss. Michael’s beautiful hands moved over her body pulling her as close as he could get her.

“Don’t leave me. Stay.” Maria looked into his eyes closing hers as his mouth plunged hers again. She felt him. She saw only him. Maria became Michael. All that Michael was feeling flooded into her body leaving her weak and needing to merge herself into him. Every cell in her body realigned to match his, heating up and vibrating. Michael reached around her hips, shocked at how small and fragile she felt in his arms. Holding her firmly against him he stood up taking her with him to the sofa.

“This isn’t about sex, Maria. I doubt that we are ready for that step. But, I need to feel you, to feel your hands on me.” Michael surprised himself as a groan came from deep inside. Maria had found a spot behind his ear that took his control into orbit. If they didn’t slow down it was going to be about sex whether they were ready or not. Looking down at Maria and where she resides against his body, Michael watched her finish opening his shirt. His whole body arching and pulling Maria with him as her mouth found his nipple. Oh yeah, that is definitely good. Her hands were roaming his body occasionally rasping his skin with her nail. The scratches had a slight bite to them that did more to heat up his response.

“If it’s not about sex, Michael, then what is it about?” Maria slowly moved her mouth towards Michael abdomen, which was twitching under her touch. She felt the pull of his hand on her head and looked up into his eyes. They were so beautiful and clear without a touch of remorse. “It’s about us, Maria. It’s about me wanting us to be close, now and forever. It’s about the sense of you is so embedded in my soul and I know that I will never be complete without you.” 

Maria could feel the tears behind her eyes, quickly clearing her throat she gave Michael a shy smile, “Okay, so it’s not just about sex.” Michael laughed aloud pulling her tighter into his arms. Finally, he finally understood what belonging really meant. “You want to get some more food and watch some television? I think there’s a hockey game on in a few minutes.”

“Sounds like a good plan. Michael, you’re not going to change your mind later, are you?” Michael took Maria’s hand and helped her off the sofa pulling her back into the kitchen. Holding her chin in his hand he looked deep into her eyes and smiled. “No Maria, I am not going to change my mind. I don’t know where this is going to lead us, but wherever we go, we go together. Okay?” Maria nodded her agreement and picked up their plates letting Michael grab drinks and the Tabasco.

~~~

Isabel and Max remained quiet as they left Michael’s apartment. Neither was sure what to say about the situation they had just observed between Michael and Maria. Isabel did know that she felt uncomfortable. It was just becoming clear to her that she had spent so many years being the only female in both Max and Michael’s lives. The relationships they were building were effectively cutting her out of the loop. Maybe it was time for her to consider creating new relationships. They were all getting older and though they would always be connected and together, they couldn’t be everything to each other.

“Max, what was that happening in Michael’s apartment? I’ve never seen him connect to anyone else, but us. Do you think that they are, intimate?”

“I don’t know, but let’s just not worry about it until we can talk to Michael. We all agreed long ago that we were not to get so attached to others. I don’t think Michael even knows how attached he is to Maria. He’s always pushing her away and just being Michael. I think if we mention to him how attached he appears he will end it immediately.”

“Do you think it’s still necessary for us to hold our selves in such isolation?”

“Of course I do Isabel. Why else would I try not pursuing a relationship with Liz? This isn’t any easier for me than it is for Michael. But, we don’t know how our physical connection to humans can change them or if it will in anyway harm them. We can’t take the chance. We have to be strong.” Isabel looked at Max and realized that maybe things they thought of when they were younger were easier to agree to then, than they are now. How could they have known how they were going to feel about humans and being in love? Maybe this was how they were meant to live their lives by connecting with human mates.

Both Isabel and Max were lost in their own thoughts and kept quiet on their way home. It was too much to think about to worry about trying to sit through a movie. Isabel went to her room to think. If she were never to learn about her real home, and where they came from would she be happy to stay here? Yes, yes she would, because Isabel was honest enough with herself to realize that she wanted to stay with her parents, her friends, to find someone to love, and to love her. She wanted to find that special person that she could tell all her secrets to and they would still love her. Unconditional love, it had to be out there for her. Both Max and Michael have seemed to have found it with Liz and Maria, so why not her?

After Isabel went to her room, Max tried to order his thoughts. Michael and Maria’s relationship was wrong. It couldn’t continue without possible consequences that none of them were willing to face. As Max came to the conclusion he could feel his heart becoming heavier. All he could see was Michael’s face and the sense of peace that was radiating from him as he worked side by side with Maria. Max had never told anyone, but he could feel the chemistry and pheromones that Michael and Maria gave off around each other. It was intoxicating in its own way. He hated to admit it, but sometimes he purposely steered him and Michael into collision course with Maria just for the emotional kick. Michael’s pain wasn’t present yet, but Max could feel it on the horizon. It just didn’t seem right taking Maria away from Michael when she was all he ever had.

Max couldn’t take his thoughts any longer. Grabbing his jacket and keys he headed over to Liz’s home. Liz was surprised to see Max. He was the last person she expected after the trouble they have gotten into from both of their parents. Opening her window she looked out at him. Trouble, it had to be big trouble, because Max’s face usually was very closed and hard to read, but now he looks as if he had just lost his best friend.

“Max, what are you doing here? Is something wrong?” Liz quickly locked her door and then went out her window to join Max on the deck.

After Max had left Liz turned off her lights and continued to sit outside in a chair. She didn’t know how to feel about what Max had told her. They as a couple had come a long way in a short amount of time due to the visions she received. Liz had hope that they would continue to go forward at a more reasonable rate than the one they had before. But after talking to Max it was apparent that he still had taboos about human and alien relationships. If she really looked deep inside she would realize how hurt and jealous she was of Michael and Maria. They wanted to go for it; they went for it. Neither really had parents to deal with in regards to how their relationship was shaping up. But, the most biting fact was that both Maria and Michael had disliked each other on sight, and now they were creating something more. It just didn’t seem fair. It was her and Max that were soul mates destined to be together, not Michael and Maria.

~~~

Michael woke to the feel of Maria lying on his back just like last time. Her arm was wrapped around him, holding him safe in the night. He couldn’t help but smile at the feel of Maria’s naked body pressed tightly against his. It was perhaps for the best that he was sleeping on his stomach since parts of his anatomy were definitely awake. It seemed the only real sleep he has ever gotten in his life has been while sleeping with Maria.

Last night had been wonderful, so wonderful that real words couldn’t express how he really felt. He could feel Maria’s feeling moving over him and it made him smile even more. Just as quickly he sobered and felt tears behind his eyes. She had become to important in such short period of time, but now their feeling moved freely between them. How was he to know that it would be like this? If he had any idea, he would have never fought so hard and hurt her so many times. Thank God for a strong woman who was even more stubborn then him.

They sat in each other’s arms last night, feeding each other lasagna and salad, and arguing over the hockey game. Halfway through the game Maria began feeling his body, moving her hand over his chest and neck, placing kisses behind his ear and finally on his mouth. He really wasn’t that interested in the game, and all thoughts left him when her small hand found its way into his pants. In some ways he never really thought of Maria that way. He was totally into her passionately, but some parts of his brain still saw her as an angel. She wiped that thought from his mind completely last night. His woman was definitely part angel in her saving grace of him, but inside there lived a wild devil, born to push a certain man to the edge.

Michael couldn’t decide what had been the most erotic, Maria with passion swollen lips, the feel of her hand bringing him to completion, or watching her lick his cum from her hand and placing some in his own mouth. Dammit, Michael quickly rolled over pulling Maria completely on top of him and his morning erection. Maria had already been awake. Michael’s emotions had pulled her from sleep, and she continued to lie upon him while sharing his memories of the night before. To bad he broke so soon, he hadn’t made it to their first shower together or Michael’s brilliant efforts at oral sex. They may have to reconsider their decision to wait for complete consummation until they were more ready. Her man definitely felt ready to her. But for now, Maria decided it would be a great time to return the oral stimulation. Oh Lord, Michael had his own ideas about both of them receiving at the same time. They could talk later.

~~~

“Good morning, did you sleep well?” Michael looked at Maria’s smug satisfied smile. He decided to let her keep her smugness; she deserved it, because his brain was still fried. His bedroom definitely needed clean sheets and a good airing out before he let anyone else into his apartment. Stretching and pulling Maria in for another good morning kiss; Michael never noticed his own smug smile.

“Come on, Michael, let’s get a move on it. We have to clean up this place, get showered, and get to school.” Michael sat back and watched a very naked Maria head for his bathroom. It was a lovely view. Maria’s head came back around the door. “Aren’t you going to join me?” She moved back into the bathroom as Michael jumped out of bed laughing.

~~~

Liz saw Maria standing at her locker getting her books for first hour. She looked good; actually she looked better than good. Finally Liz realized that Maria had a huge grin on her face. Her friend hadn’t smiled much lately, but last night with Michael seemed to change that. “Hey Maria, how’s it going?”

“Liz, babe, I wish I could talk right now, but I’m going to be late. I’ll see you for lunch?” Before Liz could answer a slight commotion in the hall drew her attention and Maria’s. Walking down the hall was Michael in all his glory; wearing a black coat, tight black T-shirt and jeans, and a pair of sunglasses. Women, girls, and even some guys stopped to watch him pass. Liz couldn’t believe her eyes, Michael was never conspicuous, but he seemed to change overnight. He walked taller and straighter with a sense of presence. Liz heard a gasp behind her and turned to see Alex, Isabel and Max. Michael made it to their group, pulled Maria into his arms and kissed her passionately. It was as if time stood still for the observers in the hall, as the couple kissed each other, groans and sighs could be heard from the audience. Michael pulled away from Maria and removed his glasses and looked deeply into Maria’s eyes reaching for a notebook she had in her hand.

“Thanks, Honey.” Then with a cheeky smile, Michael Guerin walked off to his first hour. Maria quickly shook herself out of her stupor, faked nonchalance and grabbing another notebook; Maria headed off to her first hour humming under her breath. The audience stayed trapped in a pause as the couple disappeared.

“Michael, Michael, wait up.” Michael turned to watch Max run towards him. He knew that Max would track him down sooner or later. He was hoping for later.

“Max, something you need?”

“Michael, what going on with you and Maria? I thought we had all agreed that becoming too involved was not an option for us.”

“Excuse me Max, but I don’t see where my relationship with Maria has anything to do with you or Isabel. You want to talk about getting involved? Fine let’s examine your relationship with Liz. Just a few days ago the two of you were dry humping each other’s legs in public. So what’s with that? It’s okay for you to get involved, to fall in love, but the rest of us have to stay unattached for the cause?”

“There is a big difference between my relationship with Liz and yours with Maria. Liz and I have this connection that is bigger than the whole, and it only seems to grow over time. But, what you have with Maria is physical, and I’m not saying it’s not intense or important, but we both know it can’t go anywhere.”

“Maxwell, don’t even pretend to try to understand my relationship with Maria. It’s not just physical; it’s more. It’s everything. I am tired of you implying that all I am interested in is sex and a quick tumble. You’re supposed to be my friend, you should have a better opinion of me.” Max looked shamefaced as he recognized how his opinion made him appear.

“Michael, I am just saying that I can’t see this relationship ending anyway, but badly for both of you. I just don’t want to see you or Maria hurt.”

“Being away from Maria hurts me, Max, and it hurts Maria. If you want what is best for us then try leaving us alone and letting us make our own decisions. We’ve got to live our lives the way we feel is right for us. It may not be right for you, but it’s right for us.”

Maria sat on the ground under the tree watching Michael and Max in the distance arguing. She knew she could trust Michael. But, the amount of emotional connection Michael had with Isabel and Max could make him let them persuade him into giving her up. Maria closed her eyes and searched for Michael. She could feel his rising anger and sadness. Maria opened her eyes to see Isabel join the two men. Michael’s anxiety level rose even higher along with his anger. Closing her eyes she sent him calming waves of support. Michael would do what was right, but regardless of the choice he had to make, Maria knew that he would not leave her again.

“Maria, can I sit down?” Maria looked up at Liz.

“Sure Liz, take a seat. So have you seen Alex today? He was wandering around earlier. I thought he was going to join us for lunch.”

“Maria, what is going on with you and Michael? I thought you decided to call it off with him.”

“I did. Thing change sometimes Lizzie. You should know that more than anyone. Michael and I talked last night and came to an understanding so I guess you can say that we are together and we plan on staying that way.”

“Did you sleep with him Maria? Max told me about you being at his apartment last night cooking and the two of you looked really cozy.”

“Listen, Liz, this is really no one’s business, but mine and Michael’s. I really don’t feel I need to explain or justify my relationship with Michael. Is it physical? How do you mean by physical? Did we make love last night, and then yes it is physical. Did we go all the way with our relationship? Then no, we didn’t go that far, but we were as close as we could get without doing it. Does that satisfy your questions?”

“My God, Maria, what happened with worries about them using us to mate or make contact and then eating our heads? You were the one who cautioned me about taking the plunge and then you go off and do it yourself.” Liz stopped talking as she noticed Maria seemed to have tuned her out. She was staring off across the grounds at Isabel, Max, and Michael as they came closer to them.

“Come on Maria, let’s get out of here. I need to talk to you.” Michael reached down and took Maria’s hand to help her up. They walked off without looking at the three. Alex walked towards them, but they didn’t seem to notice.

“Hey, guys what’s up with those two? Will someone tell me what is going on?”

Liz looked at Isabel and Max. Neither alien looked in very good shape. “Max, what happened?”

“We told Michael to break it off with Maria.” Alex looked at the group with confusion and a sense of growing fear.

“Why would you do that? Maria is the only person that has ever reached Michael other than you two. Why should they stop seeing each other? Or do aliens have rules against happiness?”

“You don’t understand Alex. Maria and Michael spent the night together. They are getting close and that’s something we can’t allow to happen.” Alex couldn’t take his eyes of Isabel. This was insane.

“Liz, do you agree with them? Do you think Michael and Maria should end their affair?”

“Alex, you know how Michael treats Maria. He is always running hot and then cold on her. I don’t think she will survive another breakup. I just don’t want to see her get hurt.”

“So as a group you are giving Michael orders to break it off now so she doesn’t get hurt later. Do I have this right? What did Michael say, Max? Did he agree to break Maria’s heart so you can rest easier tonight?”

“He wasn’t happy, but we finally made him see reason. Alex, it’s really for the best in the long run.”

Alex looked at the group that he called his friends. How could he have been so wrong about them? They all seemed so sure that this was the right action for Michael and Maria. This was insane; it was so wrong.

“You know, it just occurred to me that I really don’t know any of you. I know that the group of you decided long ago that you couldn’t be involved in human and alien relationships. But, did it ever occur to you that maybe you were engineered for that very purpose? How do you know that you will ever find your way home, and even if you got there, how do you know that it too won’t be another foreign land? I can’t believe that you throw away happiness like it’s an easy commodity. I really can understand the doubts you have, but I can’t believe the double standards. Why is the love between Liz and Max okay? Is it somehow washed in purity so that it can work?” Alex watched his friends look at each other. This was so crazy.

“How about you Liz? You’re supposed to be Maria’s best friend. How can you support an action you know will break her heart? How can you judge her love as being less important than yours, and how would you and Max feel if Michael demanded you never see each other again?” Alex paused and looked at each of them directly. “I don’t really know you, and you know what, I don’t think I want to.”

Isabel felt her stomach drop at the disgust she saw in Alex’s eyes. The disgust was no less than what she felt for herself as she remembered how Michael looked as they ganged up in him. The worse feeling was that she had lost Alex that somehow she had managed to cheapen his feeling for her. Alex gave them all one last long look and turned and walked away.

~~~

Michael and Maria walked in silence. It was a short walk to Michael’s apartment. Maria could still feel the violent nature of Michael’s emotions. Whatever happened, it wasn’t going to be good.

“Maria, are you hungry? I can warm us some lasagna?” Maria turned as she shut the door to the apartment. Moving across the room to stand next to Michael, she reached up and gently kissed him. He grabbed her in his arms and held her as close as he could.

“Tell me, Michael. Tell me what they want us to do.” Michael closed his eyes and held on for dear life. He could feel the pain already. He swore to himself that he would never hurt her again, and already he was going to break that promise.

“They want me to break it off. They want us to stop seeing each other.”

“I see. And what do you want?”

“You know what I want. I want you, only you.”

“Okay, I can hear the but in your answer, so what is it?”

“I told them I would break it off.” Michael felt her body jerk and she started to pull away. He held her tighter, refusing to let her go just yet.

“Why, why Michael? Why would you do that? I thought that we were going to stick together through thick and thin, or did I just dream that last night.”

“Listen to me, Maria. We can’t be separated. Not after last night, not ever. It’s no longer possible. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do. But, they don’t know that. They don’t know that we are bonded and mated. This isn’t a thread that can just be cut. If we try it may kill us. But, we both know that we could argue ourselves into an early grave and they will not hear us. So we split up. We let them pick up the pieces and feel our pain that they cause. We give them time to understand exactly the nature of our relationship.”

“Michael, I can’t do this. It already hurts inside and we haven’t even separated yet. I don’t want to do this.”

“I don’t want to do this either, Maria. But, I can’t lose them. If I had to choose between you and Max and Isabel, I’d choose you. But I need them, too Maria. They’re the only family I have. I don’t know what else to do. I tried. I really, really tried to get Max to understand that our relationship isn’t just physical. He won’t listen. I can’t lose you.”

“Shush, it’s okay. I know. I know. You don’t have to tell me. I know.”

“I won’t leave you, okay? I’ll send you my love everyday. I’ll miss you every moment you are not at my side. I’ll visit you in your dreams and sleep with you there. I’ve never dream walked before, like Isabel. But I think our bond is strong enough that we can meet on the dream plane where you found me when I was sick. I know it won’t be enough, but it will have to do until we can convince our friends that we belong together.”

“What if we don’t make it? What if being apart harms us.”

“I’ll call a stop to it if it becomes to much to bare. I know this sounds like an extreme measure, but we have to do it this way, Maria. If we don’t break up, they will pick at every aspect of our relationship. They will put roadblocks in our path to challenge our love. They will pick at the fabric of what we are until it unravels. They’re not bad or spiteful. They just fear what they don’t understand. We have to make them understand. They’re our family, Maria. I don’t want to give them up if we can find a way to keep them. But, don’t worry baby, I’ll walk away from them before I will take a chance at losing you. We have to at least try.”

Maria leaned into Michael. Her tears ran freely down her face coating his shirt. This was going to be too damn hard. She tightened her arms around her lover as if it would be the last time she would ever be able to do that.

“Make love to me. I mean all the way with nothing held back. Take me to bed and stay with me until morning. In the morning I’ll do what you ask, but I need this now. I need something to sustain me. Michael, I need to feel your hands on my body. Can we take this time for just us?” Michael pulled Maria from his arms and led her into their bedroom closing the world out on the outside.

They didn’t sleep all night. At dawn, they watched the sunrise holding the other tight. Finally Maria stretched her body along Michael’s for one last time. It was time to leave. Making love with Michael left her body tender and sore, but it felt right.

“I can still taste you in my mouth.” Michael gasped at Maria’s words. He could have sworn that he was completely spent, but once again his Maria proved him wrong. Kissing never felt this good before. He loved the sound of her name on his lips, the sounds that only she could draw from his body. He would have never considered himself a very vocal lover, but once again, he never planned on Maria. Michael memorized every detail. He watched her dress with a growing sense of doom. They weren’t going to survive this.

“I love you.” With a final kiss, she was gone. Michael waited until he heard the front door close behind her before he turned on his side and curled into a fetal position. He pulled as many of the bed sheets into his arms that held her scent. As the sun finally made the new day, Michael’s tears dried on his cheeks.

~~~

Max had spent the night calling Michael’s apartment. But the phone was obviously off the hook since he could only get a busy signal. Liz called to let him know that Maria hadn’t showed up for work. Nor had she called about studying for their test on Friday. Max felt himself worrying that Michael and Maria would take off together. But, despite many things Michael has done in his life, he had always kept his promises to Max and Isabel. Maybe Michael would show up for school.

“Michael, Michael, wait up.” Michael had expected Max to find him sooner or later. He was surprised to see Alex moving towards him. Great, one of the chosen few was closing in to check on his obedience to Ruler Max.

“What do you want, Alex.”

“Man, I tried to call you all night. Couldn’t find Maria either.”

“I wasn’t in the mood for idle chit chat.”

“Michael, just tell me that you didn’t break up with Maria. Tell me that you decided to tell the goon squad to fuck off.” Michael looked at Alex in surprise. Alex’s support wasn’t something he even considered. He just assumed that Alex would follow Isabel blindly.

“We broke up yesterday.” Michael didn’t see the fist coming his way so he had no warning to avoid Alex’s punch.

“You sorry, son of a bitch, how could you just drop her because of them? She deserved better, a hell of a lot better than this. I guess I was wrong about you too. I thought you loved her.”

“I do love her. I will always love her.” Michael rubbed his jaw where Alex’s punch had clipped him. Damn, the little geek may have broken his jaw.

“I didn’t want to break up with her Alex. But, we talked. We knew that if we stayed together that the rest of them would pick at our relationship. They would wear us down until we destroyed what we have. So we decided to cool it until we can find a way to convince the masters of the universe. They’re my family, Alex. All I ever had. I can’t lose them, and I can’t lose her. This was all I could think of for the moment.” Michael removed his hand from his cheek and rubbed it over his eyes.

“You heard what happened last winter during the heat wave. Liz starting working on Maria about how she didn't see us together and did we ever talk, and how we shouldn’t give in to basic instincts and just go for it. Max was just as bad. He reminded me that we were supposed to discuss our urges before we gave in to them. I told him that for something so wrong, that it felt so right, that it was more than just a kiss. It was” Michael lowered his head and looked at the ground, his voice became quieter, “everything.”

“Maria agreed to this?”

“Yes, Alex, she agreed.  I would have never done it unless she did. I just don’t know how I’m going to make it. I already feel like I can’t breathe.” Alex felt bad about hitting Michael all the sudden. The bleak despair in his eye was like an open wound. For the first time since talking to Michael Alex looked closely and saw the pain. Michael already had a grayish look beneath his skin. How the hell was he going to survive if he looked this drawn after only a few hours? Alex could only imagine what Maria looked like. Those bastards should have to pay for this.

“Michael, just don’t give up, okay? If you need me, I’m here. Sorry about the jaw.” Alex looked up seeing Isabel and Max approaching fast. Time to exit fast. Giving Michael a quick wave Alex took himself off as fast as he could.

“Michael, we’ve been trying to contact you all night.”

“What do you want now? Haven’t you done enough damage in my life? You know Maxwell, why don’t the two of you just leave me the hell alone. Just slip any orders you have for me under my door.” With that Michael took off toward the art room leaving a quiet Isabel and Max behind.

“He doesn’t look good, Max.”

“Give him some time, Isabel. You know that Michael needs time to adjust to changes. Let’s give him some space.”

Liz searched school all day for Maria. Alex was ignoring her and she couldn’t find Max or Isabel. After calling Maria’s home a few times Liz gave up. Maybe she would come in to work tonight, then they could talk. Liz was afraid that she hurt her friendship with Maria and that was something she didn’t want to happen.

Liz came down the stairs to start her shift at the CrashDown. Maria was at her locker putting away her stuff. She was dressed in her uniform ready to work.

“Maria, Maria?  Are you okay?” Liz couldn’t stop her gasp when Maria turned around. Her eyes were swollen from crying and she had lost her color. But what shocked Liz the most was the look a pure hatred Maria gave her.

“No, I’m not okay. But why should you care? I hope you’re happy now that your “pure” love is once again the only special thing in the universe.” Maria started out the door.

“Maria, wait. I’m sorry, I was just concerned about you.”

“Just shove it Liz. I can’t talk to you right now. I am just so angry. I thought you were my friend. I guess I never thought of you as a jealous type.” Maria left Liz standing.

“I am your friend, Maria.” Liz said as Maria disappeared through the doors. She just didn’t feel very much like a friend at that moment. The pain in Maria’s face and eyes was cutting. Oh God, what have we done?

~~~

The next few months passed without much changing. Maria and Michael stayed away from each other. They also stayed away from everyone else. Maria stayed in her room and slept. Michael did very much the same. Neither seemed to have much energy. Their friendships suffered the most.

Liz and Maria were back on speaking terms, but the closeness that once existed was gone. Liz felt the loss of Maria deeply along with the loss of Alex. Alex refused to talk to any of them except Maria and Michael. He came into the CrashDown when he knew Maria was working and watched her during her shift. Liz was watching Maria, too. She had lost so much weight, her hair was limp, and her color was bad. The Parker’s were becoming very concerned of her health. Maria’s mother made her go to the doctor. She was anemic and had mal-nutrition. The vitamins and blood builders didn’t seem to be helping. Sometimes while Liz was standing next to Maria she could feel the girl shiver despite the heat radiating off her body. Liz was convinced that Maria was dying.

Max and Isabel were equally concerned. They watched Maria as she worked. Her movements were slow and labored as if the energy of her life was drained. They had seen the same signs in Michael. Michael had finally started talking to them again, but he had changed. He slept all the time whenever he wasn’t in school. Max and Isabel couldn’t remember the last time he actually ate. His clothes were draped over his frame and his hands and wrists were skin and bone. They looked up as Michael walked into the CrashDown. He hadn’t been there since he and Maria broke up. Tonight he promised Max and Isabel that he would meet them there for dinner. He knew that they were concerned about him, but he couldn’t find the energy to care. He just wanted to sleep, to dream, so he could hold Maria. Lately, he barely had the energy to make it to the dream plane, and when he did they were so tired that they feel asleep in each other’s arms.

Maria looked up as Michael walked in. All the color drained from her face as their eyes met in despair. The hunger and need moved like a wave between them. Michael could feel his body leaping at the sight of her. He sat down heavily in the booth beside Isabel as he became dizzy. Maria had quickly turned and fled the room. She could feel herself becoming dizzy and feverish from being close to Michael without touching him. It had been too long. They were dying.

“Michael, are you okay?” Michael could hear Isabel’s voice, but he lacked the energy to respond. He felt her cool hand press to his forehead. He closed his eyes as darkness moved over him.

“Max, catch him, he fainted. Oh my God, Max, he’s so hot.” She looked up at the hands that caught Michael seeing Alex. Alex had seen the condition that Michael was in before he had fainted. He reached him just in time. “Alex, help us, we need to get him home.”

Liz tried to help the three friends get Michael out of the café. He looked as bad as Maria, if not worse. As soon as the friends were gone Liz turned to go find Maria.

“Mom, where did Maria go?”

“She’s upstairs resting. I sent her up there a few minutes ago when I found her getting sick in the bathroom. I was just going to call her mom to let her know that Maria was ill.”

“Her mom’s out of town till the end of the week. Let me go upstairs to see her and I’ll see if she wants me to take her home, okay?”

“That’s maybe a good idea, Liz. She doesn’t look strong enough to hold her own weight. Will you call me to let me know how she is?”

“Sure, Mom.” Liz quickly ran up the stairs to find Maria sleeping on the sofa. Her face was sweaty and pale. Liz quickly took her pulse. It was too fast. Finding a thermometer, Liz took Maria’s temperature. Oh my God, it was over 106 degrees. She needed to get Maria to Max and Isabel before Maria went into seizures and her brain fried. Helping her friend stand, they slowly made it down the stairs. Even with all the weight Maria had lost, it was still an arduous task. They needed to get to Michael’s as soon as possible. As soon as Liz put Maria into the Jetta she passed out. The last thing she said was Michael’s name. As Liz drove to Michael’s tears streamed down her face. What have they done? What have they done?

They finally got Michael into his apartment. Moving into his bedroom they gently laid him on his bed. As soon as his body touched the bed he cried out in pain, his arm wrapped around his stomach.

“Take my clothes off, they hurt.”  Isabel and Max quickly stripped Michael’s clothes and put him in the bed. Alex watched from the door with growing concern. Michael opened his eyes looking past Isabel and Max at Alex.

“Alex, Alex, get Maria. I need Maria.” Alex gave Michael a nod and left to get Maria. He never made it to the door before it flew open. There stood Liz frantic with tears running down her face.

“Alex, my God Alex, you have to help me. It’s Maria. I can’t wake her. She’s in the car and her temperature is too high. She started convulsing on the way over.” Alex pushed Liz to the side running for the door and yelling Max’s name. Max quickly followed. They had left it too late.

By the time Alex and Max got Maria upstairs her convulsions had stopped, but her fever continued to rage on. Alex took Maria from Max and carried her into Michael room. Without stopping to think, he began stripping her of her clothes.

“Someone go run a bath of cold water. Liz, go get some ice. As many bags as you can.” Alex looked up at Liz who seemed dumbstruck. “Now, Liz.”

Isabel returned from the bathroom in time to see Alex placing Maria’s naked body next to Michael. He motioned for Max to help him. Together the two men lifted Michael from his bed and took him into the bathroom. Isabel watched in horror. Michael’s frame was long and lean lacking any body fat. His state of starvation was appalling. But Maria, my God, Maria looked worse. She was such a small person to start with and didn’t have much to lose from the beginning. She looked half dead, a living corpse.

A few minutes later Alex came into the bedroom and lifted Maria from the bed. Isabel followed him back into the bathroom. She watched as Alex placed Maria in the bathtub of cold water with Michael, carefully arranging her to lie on top of Michael. As soon as the Maria and Michael’s bodies touched they both moaned. Michael reached out for her, pulling her deeper into his arms. Alex stayed kneeling next to the bathtub. He looked up at Isabel and Max.

“Go see if Liz is back with the ice. Isabel, we’re going to need some glasses of water. We need to hydrate them as quickly as possible.”

Within the next half-hour they watched as Maria and Michael slept in each other’s arms in a bath of ice water. Michael was slowly coming awake. His hand began to stroke Maria’s back, though his eyes remained shut. Alex motioned the others out of the bathroom while he stayed to watch over them.

As Isabel, Max, and Liz left the bathroom they paused in Michael’s room. Isabel’s gasp drew their attention to Michael’s room. Every inch of wall and space was covered with pictures of Maria. Pictures that Michael had done in charcoal, pastels, watercolors, ink, and acrylic paint. Under the pictures the wall was covered in a mural with endless pictures of Maria. It was like he was insulating himself with thoughts of her to protect himself from the pain of separation. He had captured every aspect of Maria. The friends noticed the talent and beauty that was Michael’s gift. He drew Maria with such emotion and love that they were shamed for having doubted the extent of that love. The Maria he had drawn was the Maria that they had killed over two months ago when they demanded Michael break up with her. All three of them could feel the implications of their actions.

Isabel turned and looked back toward the bathroom. In the door stood Alex, he silently watched them understanding the realization they had finally reached.

“It’s about fucking time. Did you have to be so stubborn for so long? They could die.”

Alex sent the others to clean the living room, remake the bedroom, and check the kitchen for food. They need to get some food into Maria and Michael. As far as anyone knew neither has eaten in the longest time. He heard Michael moving around in the bathroom.

“Alex, help me get Maria into bed. We have to sleep.”

“Michael, can Isabel and Max heal you?”

“No, we can do it. Just get me the crystals that River Dog gave us out of my top drawer. I only need two.” Alex quickly helped Michael and Maria back into the bedroom. The bed had already been freshly changed. He carried Maria while Michael slowly made his way to the bed. Alex heard someone come to stand in the bedroom doorway. Somehow he knew it was Max.

Michael quickly crawled into the bed and reached up for Maria. Alex once again lowered Maria’s body onto Michael’s. They seemed to instinctually sense the other and realigned themselves together.

“Michael, before you go to sleep, you need food.”

“No, Alex, just put one of the crystals in Maria’s hand and give me one. We’ll eat when we wake up. Don’t worry, we’ll be okay as long as we are together.” Michael looked into Alex’s eyes. “Thank you Alex, you have been a good friend. Maria and I will never be able to thank you enough.” With that said, Michael closed his eyes and curled his body around Maria’s.

Max’s body flinched when he heard Michael’s words to Alex. It hurt to realize that Michael was right. Alex had been the best friend to Michael. He had trusted in the power of Michael and Maria’s love from the very beginning, and through the past few months had supported them both in their time of need. And finally, tonight he probably saved their lives. Alex exited the bedroom closing the door behind him. He looked over at the gloomy group.

“They need to rest so they can heal. I am not sure how long it will take so if you want to leave I’ll stay and keep an eye on them.” Alex could see his word cutting into the three friends where they sat on the sofa.

“We’re not leaving, Alex. I know that you don’t think much of us lately. And maybe you are right in that assessment, but we love them. We won’t desert them again.”

Isabel felt tears coming into her eyes as Alex turned to look at her. It had been so long since he had even acknowledged that she was alive. She had missed having him in her life. Losing him had hurt more than she ever could imagine. She watched as the ice in his eyes melted. It would take sometime to mend the bridges, but Alex was worth the effort.

“Okay, Isabel, you can stay if you like. But I warn all of you, if I even catch you trying to run Michael and Maria’s lives for them again I will personally kill you. How any of you could miss the connection they had was beyond me. For God sake, when he was sick and we helped him heal, he kissed her in his dream. They have been connected since.” Max looked up at Alex with confusion in his eyes.

“What are you talking about, Alex? They kissed in Michael hallucination?”

“It wasn’t an hallucination, Max. I saw it too. Michael shook my hand, and then he kissed Maria, hugged and kissed Isabel, and started to hug or shake your hand when you noticed Liz joining the circle. How come I saw that and you didn’t?”

“I don’t know, maybe because your help and friendship was given to a stranger without thought, whereas the rest of us did it because we loved Michael? I just don’t know. He kissed her during the balance? As his body realigned itself?” Max stopped to mull over the consequences of such an action. No wonder Michael was unable to keep away from Maria. He helped her when she needed help. He went to her for comfort when he could find it nowhere else. Maria was the only calming factor Michael ever found in his life. God help them all because those two fought like cats and dogs despite having a stabilizing effect on each other.

“Then they aren’t just mated. They are also bonded together.”

“Finally, someone give the boy a biscuit. Houston, we have takeoff. Jeez, this has been the longest two months of my life.” Alex threw himself into a chair and quickly nodded off to sleep.

“This is our fault isn’t Max.” Max looked up at Isabel and nodded his head.

“Yes, it’s my fault. Michael tried to explain his connection to Maria to me. I just didn’t listen.”

Liz looked over at them confused. “What’s the difference between being mated and bonded?”

“You mate with a person, but they don’t necessarily have to be bonded to you. Bonding is a mental link that can exist between non-mated persons and mated persons. When you are both bonded and mated it is the strongest link possible. It’s more than being two halves of the same soul. It’s like being each other in every way.” Isabel looked over at Alex sleeping, wanting to have the right to join him, take comfort from him.

“Max, isn’t that the same as soul mates? I mean aren’t they like joining a split person back into one being?”

“Yes, and no. The bond allows for nonverbal communication. They mate for life and the bond keeps them joined mentally no matter how far they are parted. It’s the mating that pulls them back together. They need the physical contact, because the mental can never be enough. It is really hard to explain. It usually occurs in nature with animals that mate for life, like wolves. They can locate their missing mates hundreds of miles removed. They can tell when their mates dies, and usually they follow quickly. There was book about it called something like, Bonding of the Primitive, but it felt that this instinctual mating and bonding pairs were evolutionarily advanced. They served a purpose among the clans and tribes. A sort of messenger class or protectors that could mentally transmits danger and information necessary for survival. They were types of warriors, kind of like sentries at the gate. Isabel knows more. She really liked the book and read it a few times.”

“Isabel? Isabel is this what is happening to them?”

“No. Yes. I don’t know. I think when we entered the Balance that RiverDog was right, that the Balance could change us. When Michael and Maria kissed, they must have built the bond since they were already mated it just strengthened what was already there. Michael seems to understand it instinctually. He knew this would happen if they remained apart.”

“I don’t understand. If they knew that it was dangerous for them. Then why did they let this happen? They both suffered unimaginable pain and anguish from being apart. Why?”

Max looked up at Liz, “Because of us. Michael knew choosing would cost him either Maria or us. He can’t be separated from Maria any longer, so she was the only choice. This was his way of not making a choice, but to find a way to make us understand. He did it for us, to keep us in his life.”

Alex continued to sleep in a half hedgehog position in the chair. His energy reserves were almost as low as Maria and Michael’s. Over the past few months he worked hard keeping away from Isabel and Liz. His continued support of Maria and Michael also was driving him. He kept an eye on the both of them, growing more and more concerned over their physical state. At first they seemed to handle the separation all right until one day it was if they ran out of energy. The downhill slide came fast, faster, then any of them expected. It happened so quickly that the two couldn’t come together to fix it.

Isabel watched Alex sleep from the other chair. Max and Liz were sharing the sofa. They were being very distant in their interactions. It was as if they had pushed their love as the pinnacle of what love was and sacrificed Maria and Michael’s as unimportant. They held themselves in reserve as a sort of retribution. Isabel slowly got up from her chair to go check on the two in the other room. They had been asleep for hours without movement. Opening the door to the bedroom Isabel couldn’t stop her cry of fear as she observed Michael and Maria.

“Alex, Max come here. Hurry, come here.” Both men were startled from sleep and quickly moved towards Isabel at the bedroom door. Inside, on the bed lying wrapped around each other were the naked forms of Michael and Maria. Their bodies were covered in a protective cocoon with Michael’s chest glowing from where Maria’s hand rested on it and Maria’s back glowing from where Michael held her. Alex quickly grabbed Isabel and pushed her and Max out of the room and closed the door behind them. He quickly went to check the thermostat setting to make sure that his two naked friends didn’t become chilled.

“Alex, we need to go back in there. We need to heal them like we did Michael before, before it’s too late.”

“No we don’t Max. We need to leave them alone and let them heal themselves. Michael has the stones. He seems to know what to do, so why don’t we just butt out and let them work this out.” Alex looked over at Isabel and watched her silently cry for a few minutes before walking over and taking her in his arms. Regardless of how pissed Isabel made him at times, Alex knew that he would never leave her. She was his destiny.

“Don’t worry Isabel. You have to trust me. You have trust that Michael loves Maria so much that he would never let her come to harm. If he needs our help, he will ask.”

“Alex, what if he’s too weak to ask for help? What if he needs us to help, but doesn’t have the energy to ask?” Alex looked at Liz. Her eyes showed the strain she had been under for the past two months. She had thrown away her friendships with Alex and Maria for her love of Max. Now she was beginning to understand that maybe the sacrifice had been too much, and maybe even unnecessary.

“Leave it alone, Liz. Michael would have told me if he needed help.” Max, who had been staring at the ground, quickly looked up at Alex’s words.

“He would have told you? How, Alex, how would Michael have told you?”

“I guess the way all aliens do. He talks to me in my head. After he and Maria finally made their connection, I feel Michael sort of in my head. He told me that the connections we all made during his illness had built links between us, but because his emotions have always been unstable, he couldn’t open those links. Well, I guess Maria gives him the balance he needs to use his powers. He’s been talking to me in my head since you made him break it off with Maria. That’s why I go to the CrashDown while she works. Michael sent me to keep an eye on her for him. It’s just that they both went downhill so quickly that they couldn’t get together fast enough to stop it. They lost all their energy.”

Max and Isabel let the implication of Alex’s word sink in. Somehow during this whole action, they had let Michael down so much that his strongest connection were no longer with Max and Isabel, but rather Alex and Maria. Max sat down heavily as despair swept over him. How could he lose so much control, so much of his self? He had lost Michael and hadn’t even noticed. Isabel across the room in Alex’s arms continued to weep. Liz tried to connect to the others, but her link was the weakest. During the healing she had stayed out of the circle too long and just joined at the last minute.

Both Max and Isabel grew still, and Liz could feel something knocking inside her mind. She cleared her mind and searched for the knocking. In her mental room she opened a door, there stood Maria with Michael behind her with his arms around her waist and his hands over her abdomen. Maria opened her arms for Liz. Liz quickly moved forward and was enveloped in both Maria and Michael’s embrace. The feeling of peace and love surrounded her. She opened her eyes to see that Isabel and Max had the same expressions. Michael and Maria were reaching along their links to comfort their friends. It was going to be okay, they just needed to give it time.

Around 2 a.m. the group had settled for the night. Alex and Isabel had quickly taken the sofa, leaving Max and Liz the floor. No one woke to the sound of the shower in the other room or the sounds of the bed being changed. It was the appearance of Maria at the bedroom door that finally woke Max and then the rest. Maria was still wet from the shower and wearing one Michael’s shirt half buttoned. She looked like she was still half-asleep. Michael came through the door behind her also wet and wearing only a pair of sweats. Alex, Liz, Isabel and Max were appalled at Michael’s overly thin body and Maria’s tiny form. They had lost so much weight. The two headed straight for the kitchen opening cabinets and the refrigerator. Max, Isabel, Alex, and Liz watched in amazement, as the two consumed everything they could find to eat. Michael poured a large glass of cherry coke and Maria put Tabasco in it and took the first drink.

Michael watched as she tore pieces of cold chicken and ate them quickly. He reached over and grabbed her hand eating the chicken and then licking her fingers. Their eyes meeting in deep contact drawing them into an incredibly sexual kiss that also looked like feeding. The two continued to eat ravenously, feeding each other, and occasionally kissing. Just as quickly as they started eating, Maria’s eyes began to close. Michael quickly picked her up and carried her back into the bedroom. The group watched as Michael stripped his shirt from her and put her back to bed. He then removed his sweats and climbed back into bed along side her. Their bodies wrapped themselves around each other, and then they were fast asleep.

Alex walked over to the door and watched them slumber for a few minutes, and then he shut the door. He looked over at the others and noticed their combined silence. Confused by their reaction he returned to Isabel’s side. Reaching out, Alex tilted Isabel’s head up and looked into her eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“It nothing really, Alex. It’s just that they move so together and sensual without even trying. I just never knew that we could build such strong bonds with humans. I guess I have to think about this some more.”

Liz hadn’t said anything in a while. She had sat quietly in her own remorse and guilt in the part she played in Michael and Maria’s illness. You always see yourself a ce