Title: Talking Turkey

Author: Dontia

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

Spoilers: Everything in Season 1 happened.

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Michael and Tess talk the day before Thanksgiving.

Notes: Sequel to "Honoring the Memory".

Feedback: It keeps me writing and thinking of new stories.

Dedication: To all the people who read and respond to my stories. This wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without you.

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Tess and Michael are sharing a pizza in Michael’s apartment. "I don’t see why you’re so excited about dinner at the Evans’ tomorrow," says Michael. "It’s just Thanksgiving."

"Exactly," says Tess. "It’s a day of giving thanks."

"Yeah, the settlers had a lot to be thankful for. All they had to do was kill a bunch of Native Americans to get a lot of free land. I’m glad they’re not MY forefathers, I’d be ashamed."

"A socially conscious Michael Guerin, who knew?"

"Cute, real cute. What do you think’s so special about this holiday?"

"It’s a day you take time out to cherish the good things in your life. I’m thankful I’m still alive although elements in my environment are constantly tryin’ to change that. I’m thankful I have Tobasco for my food and a safe place to sleep. Mostly, I’m thankful for my friendship with you."

"I don’t know what to say."

"Don’t say anything. How’re things going?"

"It’s cool."

"Well there’s a non-answer. I thought we were past that."

"What do you want from me?"

"I heard about the fight you and Max had yesterday. Maria told me. Actually, she yelled at me for being the reason you and Max were fighting."

"I’m surprised you let her get away with yelling at you."

"She was the only one talking and I wanted to know what was goin’ on. What happened between you and Max?"

"It’s no big deal."

"Tell me."

"He’s angry we went to the Pod chamber a couple days ago."

"Why would that make him angry?"

"That’s right, you weren’t there. He gave an almighty order that with the Skins lurking around, he didn’t want any of us to accidentally lead ‘em to the granolith."

"He didn’t tell me anything like that."

"When’d you talk to Max?"

"Right before we went. I didn’t mention the chamber, but told him we were gonna try to retrieve your memories of our past. I’m sorry I’m the reason you’re fighting with him."

"It’s not your fault. Somethin’ else is goin’ on with him."

"What do you think it is?"

"I don’t know and I’m beginning not to care."

The phone rings. Michael answers it. "Hello? Uh huh, uh huh. No thanks, I have plans. See you tomorrow, bye."

"Who was it?" asks Tess.

"Isabel. She wanted to know if I was busy."

"Still avoidin’ the destiny thing, huh?"

"Isabel’s not interested in pursuing that any more than Max is."

"Then why’d she ask you out?"

"She didn’t. She’s tryin’ to set up Maria and me. She wanted me to go over Liz’s so we could all watch movies together."

Tess puts down her pizza. "My invitation must’ve gotten lost."

"I’m sorry Tess."

"Don’t be, it’s not you."

"You wouldn’t have wanted to go and watch Max and Liz all over each other anyway."

"No, but I’d like for them to give me the option. I’ve done everything I can to show them I’m not tryin’ to take Max from Liz anymore. I don’t know what else to do."

"Maybe you should try dating."

"Dating? How would dating help?"

"If they saw you actively pursuing a relationship with someone other than Max, maybe they’d relax and cut you some slack."

"Who am I supposed to date?"

"I don’t know. Who do you like at school?"

"I never really thought about it. I spent my whole life learning not to get attached to anything or anyone except the idea of Max. I don’t really think of human boys that way."

"Then you should start. Find someone you like and ask him out."

"Then what?"

"What do you mean?"

"Nasedo raised me so I’m not exactly a normal teenage girl. Do you honestly think he let me date? He wanted to make sure I saved myself for Max."

"You’ve never been on a date before?"

"Study dates where we actually studied. Group dates where no one was really with someone. But a one on one actual date? Does a trip to the library with Kyle count?"

"No. Tess…"

"What? You, Max, and Isabel got more freedom because you didn’t know who you really were or what was expected of you. I didn’t have that luxury. I didn’t get the option of exploring my humanity or any life plan that didn’t include Max."

"Basically you’re telling me that even if you got a date, you wouldn’t know what to do."

"Basically."

"Okay, what you need is a dry run. A safe pretend date so you can figure out what to do."

"And who do I do this dry run with?"

Michael sighs. "I think I’m elected."

"I don’t think that’ll be a real test. I mean, you’re my friend, I’m already comfortable with you."

"That’s why it’ll be perfect to ease you into it."

"When would we do this?" asks Tess.

"How about this Saturday? I have the night off."

"Okay. Can we please not go to the Crashdown?"

"We won’t. I’ll pick you up at seven."

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THE END