It was his first time sitting with the group since his initiation. He'd been nervous about coming here this morning. Not sure what to say or how to act. It was odd… Knowing that nearly half the people around him knew every intimate detail about him. About how to please him, how to make him cry out in unbelievable pleasure - and vice versa. He'd expected it to be awkward, and it was, but in some ways it wasn't. In some ways this coming together was completely comfortable, like a favorite robe. The whole situation was confusing as hell.

Alex was sitting sandwiched between Isabel and Max. Isabel was half turned toward him, cuddling against his side. He loved the feel of her breasts pressing against him. Her scent was washing over him, reminding him of last night when she'd finally let him in. Into her heart. Into her soul… into her body. His own body grew semi hard at the memory of what she'd said and done to him in those long, long hours he'd spent with her in her bed. He was amazed at how unreserved she'd been. When Isabel decided to commit herself to him, she didn't do it in half measures. Of course, she'd known what he'd had to go through to get to where he was and that knowledge was an added security blanket for her. She knew that prior to coming to her bed he'd had to spend an evening with Max and Michael in his. She knew, of course, because she'd sent them to him.

And therein lay part of the reason for the awkwardness this morning.

Max had his arm stretched out along the back of the booth, his fingers idly brushing against Alex's shoulder in a feather light caress. Alex was not surprised to find he was ok with that. He'd learned a lot about Max the other night, and, first and foremost, Max was a sensual person. He liked to touch, stroke, fondle, kiss, lick or bite anything within reach. Michael was more of the rough and ready kind. Michael would fuck you until you thought you were going to die of bliss. And then he'd fuck you some more. Max was more gentle. More persuasive. More seductive. Alex couldn't decide which he preferred, and was glad he didn't have to. Max and Michael were both his. The same way that Isabel was his. And he was theirs. Like he said, comfortable.

The rest of the reason for Alex's awkwardness was sitting across from him in the booth.

Tess had her arms around Kyle and was happily nuzzling his neck. Kyle was as lost in the embrace as she was, but it hadn't started that way. When Max had slid into the booth next to him with a soft, "Hi", across the way, Kyle had raised his eyebrow at him in question. Alex had blushed.

It was one thing to do all the things he'd done with Max and Michael during his initiation, but it was another to sit across from someone - an outsider to the event - who knew, too. And there was no doubt that Kyle was aware of every hot, lusty thing he'd been a party to two nights ago. Kyle knew that the two aliens had come for him to take him into the amazing realm of hybrid sex and that Alex had enjoyed every single heart-stopping moment of it as the two aliens tag- teamed him into orgasm after orgasm. Alex knew that Kyle knew, because Kyle had been initiated, too.

Through his blush, he raised one eyebrow in return and squeezed Isabel's hand a little harder, reminding himself why it had been necessary. Looking steadily into the other human's eyes, his own full of the knowledge that Kyle himself had spent a similar evening, he watched as the other boy's eyes turned away and wave of hot embarrassment rose up his face.

Tess, sensing her chosen one's discomfort, set about distracting him.

Kyle was in the same boat as Alex. Torn between extreme shame and satiation he wasn't sure which way to go. He was Kyle Valenti, class stud, all around sports hero, the "Bo knows" of W. Roswell High. If anyone ever found out that he'd gone willing down the path of faggotty degradation with their two resident aliens… Ok, maybe, it wasn't willingly at first, but he'd been theirs to do with as they pleased after the first fifteen minutes. Someone must have used Hoover parts in the construction of Michael Guerin, he'd decided. That guy could suck dick like nothing he'd ever felt. Less than ten seconds after the alien's lips and tongue had wrapped themselves around his erection, Kyle had stopped struggling. His arms had stopped trying to push the other boy away but instead had pulled him closer as he'd thrust eagerly into his hot mouth. His only lingering embarrassment came from the knowledge of how fast his first orgasm had ripped through him. It was almost without warning. Michael had been ready though and had eagerly swallowed down every drop of the moisture he'd called from him.

And Kyle discovered his world had turned on its axis - again. Damn aliens.

On the other hand, now there was Tess. Tess, who'd apparently decided she'd wanted him and only him for all future 'wick trimmings'. The fact that he'd been able to go to her only after receiving King Max's seal of approval didn't bother him as much as he thought it would. And she'd been incredible. They'd hardly left his/her room for the last 24 hours. She was insatiable and he'd been there with her every step of the way. There wasn't an inch of her delectable body he'd hadn't kissed or licked since he'd finally been allowed free reign to all of the desires burning inside him for the small waif who'd found her way into his heart as easily as she'd come into his home.

He felt like dropping to his knees in front of Max and giving him the thanks he so richly deserved for initiating him into their family - into their pack. And the best thing was that, since the other night, he knew exactly the kind of thanks Max would appreciate most and that on his knees would be the best position to be in to give it. Kyle felt his cock throb an "amen" to that. He growled in his throat as he pulled Tess tighter into his embrace.

"Aren't you two past the lovey-dovey stage yet?" Michael groused while watching the two of them out of the corner of his eye. He was sitting on Tess's other side in the booth, and their sudden groping was making him uncomfortable.

"Bite me, Guerin," Kyle ground out, shooting the alien a look over Tess's shoulder.

Michael's eyes flashed in sudden heat as he sent a half smirk at him, but he didn't say a word. He didn't have to. Kyle froze as the words "be careful what you ask for" rolled around in his head. And the amazing thing was, he didn't know if the implied retort was meant as a threat or a warning of pleasure to come. Kyle had to swallow past a sudden tightening in his throat before he could look away. Taking Tess's hand, he relaxed in the booth.

The jingling of the bells over the entrance door to the CrashDown caught everyone's attention and they looked over to see Maria walk into the diner. Spotting her friends, she quickly stepped over and pulled up a chair near Michael.

"Hey guys, what's going on?" Her tone reflected a slight concern. It wasn't often the whole group gathered like this. And when they did, usually it was a bad thing.

"Absolutely nothing," Alex answered with a grin.

Max told her, "We're just sitting here enjoying a stress-free morning. No evil aliens or government agents to worry about. It's almost weird."

"So, what were you talking about?"

"Pretty much nothing," Kyle joked. "Without our two favorite topics of conversation, we've discovered we don't have anything to say to one another."

"Now that I can believe." Maria slipped off her windbreaker and hung it over the back of her chair. Michael's eyes were drawn straight to the nice display of cleavage she'd given him. Her cotton t-shirt was snug as usual and clung to her tiny frame, emphasizing the rounded curves of her breasts.

Michael licked his lips, which had become mysteriously dry as Isabel complemented Maria, "That's a cute top."

Maria met her gaze for one second before blushing and whispering, "Thanks." She grabbed Michael's hand and clung to it like a lifeline.

Alex found himself scrutinizing the girl he'd been friends with for as long as he could remember. There was something different about her today. He couldn't tell what it was. Her hair looked the same as ever. No piercings or tattoos to mention. Whatever it was, he couldn't put his finger on it. She was… she was just, pretty, he guessed was the word he was looking for. Yeah, that was it, Maria looked especially pretty today. He wondered why.

He found himself surreptitiously looking at Isabel out of the corner of his eye. The other night when they'd come over, Max and Michael had let it slip that Maria had been initiated into the fold a while ago. Alex had been pissed to think that Michael had allowed Max to sleep with Maria, but they'd set him straight immediately by telling him that Isabel had initiated Maria. His beautiful, loving Isabel, who'd exhausted him to a near comatose state with her passionate demands, had spent a night seducing Maria into the family.

All of a sudden his brain was flooded with images of the two women wrapped over and around each other, bare limbs tangled as mouths and hands sought to drive each other to a higher state of completion. Isabel's sultry voice calling Maria's name as she had his only a few hours ago rang soundlessly in his ears. He had to blink to clear his vision. What the hell? He'd better put a stop to that immediately. Maria was Michael's, and Alex no more wanted to even think about her naked as he would Liz or his mom. Even if it was with Isabel in every man's fantasy. Maria was his friend and nothing more. Taking a deep breath, he made an effort to cool his rampaging libido. That's it, he decided. No more sneaking a peek at the porn channel when his parents weren't around. It was the only explanation he could come up with for his sudden voyage into nympho dreamland.

Completely in tune to the human sitting beside him, Max felt Alex's sudden discomfort and was able to guess at its cause. He brought his warm hand to the back of Alex's neck and began to lightly rub his tense muscles, sending small currents of soothing energy into him and in no time, Alex was once again completely at ease and relaxed, the incident almost forgotten. It was done so casually that no one except Isabel noticed. She smiled at her brother while lightly tracing small patterns against the back of Alex's hand.

Maria stood saying, "I'm thirsty. Anybody want anything?"

The whole group nodded, and she stepped behind the counter to the soda fountain.

While she was gone, Kyle asked, "Is it just me, or does she look different today?"

So much for Max's efforts. With warning bells sounding the alarm in his head, Alex sat up and asked, "What do you mean 'different'?"

"I don't know. Just different."

Michael and the others shared a brief look before he said, "No, she looks the same as ever to me." His dark eyes held a mysterious glow as he inspected his pixie girlfriend from the top of her golden head past the alluring curves of pert breasts, past her belly and the beautiful curve of her hip. Down, down, down the long length of her legs to her delicate ankles. And back up again. It was a wonder she didn't ignite from the heat of his gaze upon her.

"How can you not see it?" Kyle asked. It was as plain as day. Now more than ever. There was something off about Maria. "She's…" Again an exact definition of what was different about her eluded him. "She's… well, I don't know. She's something, that's for sure."

Tess said gently, "Kyle, I'm sure it's nothing."

Alex stuck up for him. "No, Kyle's right. I noticed it, too."

Max shot Michael a dark look full of command. Michael reluctantly complied and turned his head away from his perusal of Maria's gorgeous attributes and concentrated on… Well, there was the old stand by - Mud.

"I'm telling you," Kyle insisted, "she's…" and then it suddenly struck him what was different about her. With a click, his mouth snapped shut and he tossed a hesitant glance Michael's way. It had been on the tip of his tongue to announce to the room in general that Maria looked different today because she was beautiful. Her full, pouty lips begged to be ravished. Not just kissed as in a hello-it's-nice-to-see-you way, but plundered as in an I'm-gonna-fuck-you-hard-and-deep-until-you-cum-screaming way. He could see the outline of her nipples even through her t-shirt and bra. They weren't standing up calling attention to themselves, but he could see them just the same and he wanted to see what they look like when they were hard nubbins pressing against her shirt, her bra, his hands and his lips. Her hair was slightly mussed from the wind blowing outside, but he was certain if it were even more mussed, like it would be against his pillow after a round of hot sex, it would be even sexier than it was now.

Oh shit. He wanted to sleep with Maria DeLuca. What the hell was happening to him? He'd never wanted Maria in that way in his whole life. Now, after a sexual marathon first with Michael and Max, then Tess, he suddenly wanted every girl he sees? Oh fuck. What if there was something wrong with him? What if something happened during the initiation and now his libido was permanently switched on? What was he going to do? What is Tess going to say when she discovers he's going to drool over everything with breasts and legs that walked by for the rest of his life? Kyle thought in a panic.

"Kyle, what were you going to say?" Alex asked, his concern for Maria growing.

"Nothing. I don't know what I was saying. I'm sure there's nothing different about her. I mean what could be different? She's just Maria. You know, the same ole Maria she's always been, right?" He couldn't hide the desperation in his voice.

Max, after shooting another look at Michael who'd nodded that he'd done all he could, said calmly "I still don't see anything different. Kyle, look at her again. It's just Maria, like you said."

Hesitantly, Kyle shot a glance toward her, then frowned as he looked harder. Max was right. She was back to being the way she always was. Maria. Liz's best friend. Not the lusty sex kitten he'd perceived a few moments ago. Praise Buddha. He was quick to shove the erotic fantasies that had sprung forth unbidden back into the dark recesses of his brain.

Alex looked, too, and was surprised to see that Max was right. Maria had gone from being a glorious temptress back to being his friend and confidante. He sincerely hoped she'd stayed that way. He wasn't sure how long he could stand having to deal with the other one.

Unaware of the havoc she'd caused during her absence, Maria came back over to their table carrying their drinks on a tray. She set everything down, slipping into her waitress mode. Without being asked, she plunked a bottle of Tabasco sauce down in front of Michael.

"Thanks," he mumbled without looking up.

She sighed in silent misery as she sat down next to him. Michael always blew so hot and cold around her. When she'd first arrived, she could have sworn on a stack of Bibles that he'd been glad to see her. But now he was back to being his old distant self. Sometimes she didn't know why she tried.

Even the initiation thing was a bust for them. He didn't say anything but she knew she'd somehow failed that little test. She must not have pleased Isabel enough. Little surprise there, she told herself unhappily. 'I mean, look at you compared to her. You're short, no breasts, not slender and petite like Liz.' She'd been naturally insecure right from the beginning, even after Michael explained that before they could be together she had to go through a trial run with Isabel first. It reminded her of those palace slaves who had to taste their master's food before it was deemed worthy to be passed on to him.

Maria had obviously been found wanting by the Ice Bitch because despite Maria's participation in the initiation, she and Michael hadn't yet had sex. Part of her was hurt, wounded, and another part was humiliated. When she remembered everything she'd done to Isabel's beautifully curved body, and everything she'd allowed her to do to her own, her cheeks burned with shame. What had she done wrong? Had she not fucked her hard enough, long enough? She remembered Isabel's passionate cries ringing out in the stillness of the dimly lit bedroom. Had she been faking it?

Neither Isabel nor Michael ever actually came out and said she'd flunked the test. Maria supposed she was grateful for that. After all, what could they say, "I'm sorry Maria, but you're not a good enough lay for Michael"? So Maria pulled in her pride, put her chin up and decided, 'to hell with the both of them, then. Who needs them?'

The truth was, she did. She wanted to belong to Michael - in every way. To be a part of his family. To belong to the group. She supposed that was what kept her coming back to him despite however many times they pushed each other away. They always came back together like two magnets. She needed him. She needed him to need her.

One day, she swore to herself, one day soon, she was going to go to Isabel and beg for another chance. And this time, she was going to get it right. Maria chewed her lip as she contemplated her next move. She was going to need some help, she knew, but she wasn't sure how to ask for it. It was this uncertainty which had held her back all these months. She and Liz were as close as sisters, but they'd never crossed the line with each other before. They'd had Alex for their kissing practice buddy, but she couldn't go to him for this one. She needed another woman, if she was going to learn how to please Isabel, and the only person in the world she could turn to was Liz

Maria had been at a loss at how to broach the subject. It wasn't exactly an everyday topic. "So, how'd you do on that Trig test? And by the way, will you let me make love to you? You see, I need the practice." Which is why she was still sitting here, close enough to touch Michael, but unable to do so. Because she was unworthy.

She looked to where Isabel was sitting so close to Alex. There was an air of intimacy about them that caused Maria's heart to drop. From the looks of things, Alex had been initiated and he'd passed. Maria squashed the jealousy that accompanied the realization. Of course Alex had known how to please her. He was a man, Isabel was a woman. He could go with his instincts. Maria had been completely out of her league.

The full dynamics of the initiation rite hadn't been explained to Maria when Michael had brought Isabel by his apartment that night. All he'd said was that they couldn't be together until she'd been accepted by Isabel first. Maria was just thankful it hadn't been Max with Michael that night. While it would have been easier, less awkward for her, Maria just knew she couldn't have done it. There was no way she could consent to something that would devastate her best friend as soon as she found out about it. It somehow seemed less sinful to be with Isabel than it would have been to be with Max. She didn't waste a lot of time trying to figure out why that was.

Seeing how happy Alex was now, Maria decided that it was time to screw up her courage. She wanted Michael and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do to get him. It was time to talk to Liz.

 

As if on cue, the door leading to the kitchen opened and Liz stepped into the diner. Max spotted her first and his eyes drank in the sight of her.

Liz was in a short summery dress that left her tanned legs bare. It nipped in at her waist revealing its tiny circumference. Her breasts swung freely underneath the fabric and friction against the cloth had caused her nipples to stand out proudly. She had pulled her dark glossy hair up and back with a large clip which revealed the delicate curve of her neck. Her dark eyes were drawn across the room to Max immediately, but when she caught him watching her, she looked away quickly.

Spotting her friend, Maria jumped up and went to her.

There was a stunned silence at the table. All six eyes were trained on Liz's small form as she turned to greet Maria with a welcoming smile. Michael, Isabel and Tess were the first to look away. Michael had his fists clenched tightly and he appeared to be fighting an internal battle.

Alex dimly noted this as he tried to remember to breathe. Liz Parker, his best friend since the fourth grade, was a goddess. There weren't enough words to describe her beauty. She was innocent, sexy, alluring, and he wanted nothing more than to push Max out of his way, go to her and capture her mouth under his. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind, than he was plunged into a fantasy the likes of which he'd never forget.

He could feel Liz's surprised reaction to see him standing so suddenly in front of her. Without giving her time to guess his intentions, he dropped his lips to hers and pulled her into his arms. The kiss was violent with need and she seemed unable to respond at first, but soon her arms were snaking around his neck to pull him closer. His tongue thrust greedily into her mouth. She welcomed it with a sound of desire which only added fuel to the already raging fire inside him. He allowed his hand to run up and down her sleek body. Coming to her breasts, he cupped them softly, the first sign of gentleness from him. She moaned loudly as she pressed even closer to him.

Uncaring of their audience or location, Alex ran his hands down her legs to the hem of her short skirt and back up again taking the cloth with him. He briefly stroked the rounded globes of her ass through the cloth of her panties, enjoying the satiny texture and the heat of her skin, before tugging the small scrap of fabric away, pushing it down her body as far as he could reach. With a small movement, she allowed gravity to finish the job, and her underwear fell to the floor. Through it all, the kiss went on and on.

With one arm under her butt, the other around her waist, he picked her up easily and deposited her on the edge of one of the bar stools at the counter. He dimly noted that her hands hadn't been idle and his shirt now hung open and she was running her fingers across his chest in an eager caress. When she brushed against one of his sensitive nipples, he gasped.

Her lips freed from his, Liz quickly began a series of nibbles and bites down his neck and across his collar bone.

Reaching under her skirt again, he pushed the fabric completely out of his way so he could gaze down at the dark curling hair that hid her most private secrets from his eyes. Parting the hair gently with one hand, he pulled her hips even closer to the edge of the stool with the other. Her position had become precarious, and her legs clung to his hips even harder. His erection was thrusting painfully against his jeans and he wanted nothing more than to free himself and press it into her receptive body.

'Slow down, Whitman,' he cautioned himself then nearly laughed out loud. It was too late to slow things down. He was going up in flames, and so was she. The hand between her legs explored her sensitive flesh delicately. She was wet and waiting for him. His name on her lips was both a cry and a plea. She wanted him, he was certain.

Eagerly, he reached for his zipper.

"Maxwell!" Michael growled and kicked his friend for good measure causing Max to jump. The disturbance brought Alex out of his reverie as the alien's warm body next to him jostled his own suddenly overheated body. Alex sat there in a haze of desire, trying to comprehend what had just happened. Looking around the table, he assessed his friends trying to see if they'd noticed his sudden departure to Lustville. Michael was breathing heavily, his eyes closed. Kyle seemed to have the same shocked/puzzled look on his face that Alex just knew was on his own. Every muscle in Max's body was tense and a quick peek told Alex that the alien's cock was throbbing against the fly of his pants. Tess and Isabel seemed to be unaffected, for which Alex was grateful. Apparently, Isabel didn't know he'd suddenly been lusting after his best friend, Liz. Thank god.

What was wrong with him today? he wondered. First Maria and now Liz. His mind quickly came up with the explanation. Of course. The initiation. Max and Michael had told him that having been engineered as an alien/human hybrid had created some interesting side effects. One of which had been the cause for the initiation. In order for him to be with Isabel, he'd had to be accepted by the other males in the foursquare, namely Max and Michael. Max had said that they each wanted heterosexual mates/partners/lovers - whatever you wanted to call it, but before they could become intimate with their chosen one, that person had to be fully accepted by the members of the same sex within the group by way of an all night orgy. First Maria, then Kyle had gone through the process. Alex had had his turn last Saturday in the wee hours of the morning.

But there had been something else Max had said. Because Isabel had wanted him, her desire for him had been planted in the other three aliens. So, since Isabel wanted him, Max, Michael and Tess wanted him, too.

Everyone in Roswell knew that the one person Max wanted more than life itself was Liz Parker. Somehow, Alex realized, he was feeling Max's desire for Liz, and earlier had felt Michael's desire for Maria. If he'd felt it, then that meant… "Isabel?" he'd asked softly.

"Yeah." She answered his unspoken question. "You sorta have to get used to that."

"You're kidding me right? I mean, that was… and I…" At a loss for words, he grabbed her hand and placed it against the hard flesh straining against his fly. "Tell me how I get used to this. And that was Liz. Liz!" He repeated as if just by saying her name, he defined how wrong the whole thing had been. "This isn't right," he stated just to make it clear.

Across the table, Kyle was able to piece together what Alex was saying. Apparently, the other boy had had the exact same reaction to seeing Liz that he had. Kyle was secretly relieved he wasn't alone in this, even though it meant he wasn't going to be able to walk anytime soon. He looked at Max in amazement. "Christ, Evans. That was you?"

Max flushed and looked away, studiously keeping his eyes away from where the two human girls were chatting at the counter.

Tess rubbed his back and said, "It's ok, Kyle. Isabel's right. You just get used to it after awhile."

Ignoring her, Kyle looked to Michael for support. "Does… does that happen often?" he asked softly.

Michael sighed and let the last of the tension flow out of his body. He nodded and said, "Every time."

Alex and Kyle both had the same comic look of stupefaction on their faces as they repeated, "Every time?"

The resigned look in his eyes was answer enough. Alex asked tentatively, "And do you… get used to it?"

Shooting a burning glance at Max, Michael growled, "No," before he stood and left the CrashDown without another word to any of them.

Alex and Kyle locked eyes, silently communicating the panic coursing through them. This wasn't good. No, this was very, very bad.

Just then, the girls came over.

"What happened to Michael?" Maria asked.

"He had to go," Isabel replied. "You know Michael. He can only take social outings in small doses."

Forcing his voice to return to some semblance of normal, Alex asked, "So where are you two off to today?"

"The mall. There's a big sale at the music store," Maria replied.

Liz offered, "Isabel, you can come with us if you want." Realizing she was being rude, she turned to include the girl who was sitting next to Kyle, "And you too, Tess," she said with a forced smile.

No one was fooled.

"No thanks. Kyle and I have already made plans. Thanks for offering though."

"Isabel?" Liz questioned Max's sister.

"Sounds like fun, but I'm making dinner for Alex tonight, so maybe next time?"

Liz smiled at her friends. She was surprised and a little hurt when neither Kyle nor Alex would meet her eyes. "Sounds great. Well, ah, we'd better get going. See ya guys." She gave Max one long lingering look. "Bye, Max."

"Bye, Liz" he answered, his eyes screwed tightly shut. He knew if he dared to look he'd be unable to tear his eyes away from her face until she turned around. He realized poor Alex and Kyle must be pretty freaked right now, and he was trying to control himself for their sakes. He listened as she went out the door with Maria at her side.

Kyle and Alex once again found the air knocked out of their lungs as desire coiled fiercely inside them. Max didn't even have to look at Liz for his raging hormones to spill over into the other two boys. Just the husky sound of her voice had done it.

As soon as the girls were out of earshot, Kyle gritted his teeth saying, "shitshitshit."

Alex whole-heartedly concurred. He reached out and placed a hand tentatively on Max's arm, half afraid of being rebuffed. "Max, why don't you do something about this? I mean how long has this been going on?"

"Since the shooting," Isabel answered when Max didn't. "We've always had the desire for her, but it's only been this intense since the shooting. Proximity makes it worse. Being in the same room with them like this…"

"What can we do?" Kyle asked.

Tess offered, "It would get better after the initiation, but…"

"What do you mean 'better'?"

"I'm not having any urges to beg Alex to do me this morning, which is a nice change."

"WHAT?!"

Isabel was nodding, "Yeah, same thing for me with Kyle. The desire is there, but not as sharp."

"Oh my god," Kyle buried his hands in his face.

Alex pushed back images of Kyle and Isabel in order to ask, "If it's been this bad, why on earth haven't you initiated her yet?"

Tess flushed guiltily. "That's my fault," she admitted. "Isabel alone can't accept her, remember? It has to be both of us. You saw how she is around me. There's no way she'd let me get that close to her, and Max refuses to ask."

"Wait a minute," Alex said, remembering everything Tess had done to break up Max and Liz upon her arrival in Roswell. A look of confusion crossed his face.

Tess, realizing where his thoughts had gone, quickly explained, "Nasedo didn't realize that being a hybrid would cause us to have different needs from either the people of his planet or humans. I didn't know anything except what I was told: Max and I belonged together. When I first came to town, I could feel his desire and assumed it was for me. I told myself he was fighting his feelings. Then we started having these dreams over the summer. All of us. They were confusing but eventually we came to realize what our psyches were trying to tell us. That we were different than either species we resembled. It took a little getting used to.

"We screwed up with Maria. We didn't realize that it had to be both me and Isabel with her, so her initiation didn't work. She and Michael still can't be together."

"Couldn't you, I mean, if you… What if you skipped the initiation for now? You could do it later after she's feeling more comfortable. Maybe that would help. You know, take the edge off," Kyle suggested.

"We can't," Max said. "We can only go so far, then everything shrivels up. My psyche won't let my body complete the act."

Max remembered a whispered conversation he'd had with Liz at Michael's apartment one night:

'No, Max. We can't do this.'

'I know.'

He hadn't realized yet how prophetic the words were. As much as he'd wanted to, there was no way his body would have let him make love to Liz the night they'd found the orb.

Kyle didn't bother making a joke about Max's prowess as a lover. He knew from first hand experience that the alien didn't have any trouble getting it up and keeping it up and besides, this was too important. His sanity was at stake.

"What can we do?" he asked.

"Nothing," Max said with a sigh. "I can't force her. In fact, I'm afraid to tell her. You know Liz. She was raised with strong morals and a good sense of right and wrong. I can't see her agreeing to this, and I don't want to lose what small part I have of her by asking." He stood up, suddenly wanting to get out of there. This conversation was depressing the hell out of him. "Look, I'll see you guys later."

With that, he hurried out the door and into the lazy New Mexico sunshine.

"Come on, Alex, I told mom we'd stop by the grocery on the way home." Isabel pushed her boyfriend out of the booth and stood next to him.

"Yeah, we should get going, too." Tess said as she and Kyle slid out of their seats.

Kyle and Alex shared a look that clearly said, 'We'll talk about this later' before allowing themselves to be hauled out of the CrashDown.

 

It was nine thirty that night when Alex answered his phone. "Hello?"

The caller didn't bother to identify himself. "So, what'd you come up with?"

Alex ran a hand through his short hair as he sighed, "I don't know. Nothing that'll work, I guess."

"Geez, Whitman. I thought you were supposed to be the smart one here - aside from Liz of course."

"Can it, Valenti, unless you've got something…?" Alex couldn't help the hopeful tone of his voice. Even the mention of Liz's name caused a twitch in his nether regions.

"As a matter of fact, I do. As I see it, we've got three separate problems: Lack of trust and too much desire are the first two. Liz doesn't trust Tess. She would rebuff any attempt on Tess's part to get closer. That means no initiation. And secondly, Max wants her so much that he's afraid of losing her so he won't even tell her about the initiation. And lastly, and this is the big one, there's Liz's modesty. I just can't see her unbending enough to let Tess and Isabel get that close to her."

"Yeah, I'm with you so far. What's your plan?"

"What are your plans for tomorrow after school?"

"I was gonna hang out here with Isabel. My folks are in Florida visiting my aunt, so we've got the house to ourselves. Why?"

"The way I see it, we can kill two birds with one stone here by making Liz spend some quality time with Tess and Isabel. That way she can get to know the girls a little better, you know, work on the trust issue. Why don't you invite Liz to join you guys - for a couple of hours?" he hurried to add before Alex could make some sort of comment about cramping his love life. "While she's there, I want the both of you to invade her personal space. If we can get her used to Isabel and Tess's presence then maybe the idea of the initiation won't be such a shock."

What do you mean by 'invade her personal space'?"

"What do you think, Whitman? Just go slow. Don't scare her off."

"What about you?"

"I'm going to invite her over to go swimming on Thursday." Alex could see the possibilities there. "We'll keep going at her until she's completely accepting of Tess and Isabel in her circle. Then we'll worry about Max and getting him to agree to the initiation. What do you think?"

"It could work. Let's give it a try."

* * * * * *

Maria nervously led Liz into her bedroom and firmly shut the door. The sound of the lock was loud in the hushed stillness. She'd invited Liz back here because people didn't tend to barge in on her unannounced as much as they did to Liz.

"Ok, Maria," Liz said as she set her purse down and sat on the edge of the bed. "Spill. You've had something on your mind all day."

Maria didn't answer right away. Instead, she stepped over to her window and made sure it was locked before pulling the curtains tightly closed. Turning on the small desk lamp that barely illuminated one corner, she turned back to her friend. "Liz, I have this thing and I really need your help with it. Now I know it's a lot to ask, but we've always shared everything every since we were in grade school and I know it's a terrible thing to put on you, but I really need your help."

"Maria, of course, whatever it is, I'll help you. Is this about Michael?"

With a sigh, Maria nodded. "I want to be with him so badly, but I can't, I mean he won't let me. And I know it's because I'm not good enough for him, Liz and I just can't stand knowing that one day, he's gonna leave me and find someone who is worthy of him," she ended on a whisper, "just like my dad."

Liz rushed to embrace her friend. While she stroked her hair, she reassured her, "Of course you're good enough. You're the best thing that's ever happened to Michael Guerin and he knows it, Maria. He isn't going anywhere."

"You don't know that, Liz. You don't know what happened."

"Tell me, " Liz implored.

Maria thought about telling her everything, but in the end decided against it. "I can't. Please just trust me on this one. You don't want to know."

"How can I help you if you won't tell me what's wrong?" Liz asked.

Maria moved out of the warm circle of her arms. It didn't feel right asking what she was going to ask her friend while standing in the warm comfort of her embrace. Taking a deep breath, she let the words rush out of her before she changed her mind. "I want you to show me how to be a better lover."

"WHAT?" Liz was shocked and not a little confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I need…" Unable to find the words she needed, Maria stepped forward and taking Liz's face between her warm hands pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

Liz's reaction was swift, and exactly what Maria had been expecting. The shorter girl jumped away and backed toward the door. "What was that?" she asked.

Maria licked her lips. God, she could taste Liz's strawberry lip gloss. Her best friend was staring at her like she was an alien. Maria almost laughed at the thought. Ten to one, Liz had never looked at Max the way she was looking at her now. Turning away and sitting dejectedly on the edge of her bed, Maria whispered, "I'm sorry, Liz. It was a stupid idea. Just forget it." She hid her face in her hands and added, "Please just go. We'll pretend that none of this happened."

Liz couldn't bear seeing her friend like this. Slowly she took a tiny step forward, then another until she was standing next to the bed. "Maria, I want to help you. I do, but I can't do what you want me to. I mean, I just can't." Her voice pleaded for understanding. "We've been friends forever and I know some girls are close like this, but I've never wanted… I mean, the only person I want is Max. I can't pretend otherwise."

"I know." She raised her wet eyes to her friend's. "I'm so sorry, Liz. I just couldn't think of any other way. I want him so badly, I'll do anything. I shouldn't have brought you into this."

"No, it's ok. We just need to figure out another way." She wanted to hug her friend in reassurance, but suddenly, she felt awkward to be near her. Trying not to think about it, she focused instead on the problem at hand. "Let me just get this straight; what you need is to learn how to be a better lover. And we're not talking specifically about pleasing Michael in particular."

Maria nodded.

"OK. Let me think about this tonight, and we'll talk some more tomorrow. And Maria," Liz said while reaching out to stroke her soft hair, "no matter what, I've got your back, ok? We'll figure this out."

The next morning dawned bright and sunny. Liz had spent a restless night but the answer to Maria's problem had finally come to her about four in the morning. She couldn't wait to talk to her friend, but there was someone she needed to talk to first. Grabbing her books for first period out of her locker, she went in search of the person who could be the answer to Maria's prayers. Spotting him talking to Isabel by his locker, Liz hurried over.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey, Liz."

"Parker." Alex said by way of greeting. "Where's DeLuca this fine morning?"

"Are you kidding? The first bell hasn't rung yet. She's probably just now getting out of bed."

Alex grinned at that accurate guess.

"Look, Alex, I need you to do me a really huge favor. You know how you get every channel on the planet? Would you mind if Maria and I went to your house for lunch today? There's a program on that we need to watch for a project, only we don't get the channel at my house. Please?"

"Well, sure. My folks are in Florida and you know where the spare key is right?"

Liz hugged him enthusiastically. "Alex you're the best."

"That's what they keep telling me," he said, waggling his eyebrows at his girlfriend. She rolled her eyes in return.

"Oh," he said, "We wanted to invite you over tonight. We were talking and decided that although we know you've had good reason, you've been pretty distant lately, and it's time to stop hiding and rebond with your friends."

Liz blushed, "I know. I'm sorry, Alex. It's just with…"

"The destiny thing?" Isabel finished for her when she trailed off.

"Yeah."

"Liz, trust me when I say you don't have to worry about that. Tess and Kyle are officially going out now. There's nothing standing between you and Max but your own stubbornness."

"I'm not sure, Alex."

Isabel hurried to assure her, "Max is not invited. Just you. This isn't a trick, Liz. We miss you and it's time for you to rejoin the group."

"So," Alex broke in, "You are expected to be on my doorstep at six o'clock sharp and we're not taking no for an answer."

She smiled at him, at both of them, and said, "Well, since you put it that way, and I feel so welcome…" she couldn't help but tease, "Ok. I'll see you guys at six."

After she walked away, Alex turned to hug his girlfriend. "Thanks Is. You're the best."

"Well, it was your idea. I have to admit, this is better than anything Tess and I came up with."

"Oh really? What were you two thinking?"

"Bondage."

Alex nearly fell over.

 

"Tell me what we're doing here again."

"You'll see. The answer to your problem lies inside these walls."

"Liz, we're at Alex's," Maria felt compelled to point out. She was pretty sure that Alex didn't have anything that would help with the current situation.

Liz just smiled at the disgruntlement in her friend's voice. "Would you just trust me? This is gonna work. Come on." Liz opened the front door with the key the Whitmans always left under the flower pot by the garage.

The two girls snuck into the house and Liz led the way up the stairs and into Alex's bedroom. Maria climbed onto the bed and fluffed the pillows against the headboard while Liz fiddled with the TV remote control. "I realized what was fundamentally wrong with your suggestion yesterday, that I should help you become a better lover…"

"What, that I was insane to think it?"

"No. Well, yeah. Besides that," Liz grinned at her friend. "The problem was that I don't know any more about what's good, you know, sexually, than you do. What possible help do you think I could have been? What we need is a little professional advice."

With that, Liz turned on the TV and quickly flipped through the channels until she found the one she wanted. The moaning and panting assured her it was the right one.

She looked over her shoulder to watch Maria's reaction. "Liz!" she squealed while hiding her face in her pillow.

Liz stole it away from her and pushed it behind her back as she found a comfortable position next to her best friend. "Come on, Maria. You can do this. Geez, you were calmer while trying to make a pass at me yesterday."

"That was different." Maria said as she peeked one eye open then froze. Whatever she'd been about to say died on her lips. On the screen, a woman who looked similar to Isabel - tall, blonde, beautiful - walked seductively over to a man sitting at a bar. Without a word, she sat down next to him and reached across him for an ashtray making sure her breasts brushed his arm in the process. And the seduction had begun.

Maria felt her own nipples tighten in response to the woman's erect breasts. When the man removed her shirt in order to feast on her bounteous flesh, Maria had flashes of herself doing the same to Isabel's beautiful skin. Their voracious kisses had Maria licking her dry lips in response. Soon the man had moved between her thighs and was eagerly pumping away to the sounds of delight falling from the woman's lips. Maria's own hips were moving in accordance to what she was watching on the screen, but she was completely unaware of it. Her clit was being stimulated by the stiff fabric of her jean shorts and the slight movement created a delicious friction. Maria could feel the secret parts of her body growing damp, but she didn't care.

As the interlude came to its inevitable close, Maria turned to Liz only to find her friend in the same state she was. Arousal was stamped on her face in large letters. Seeing Maria looking at her, she quickly jumped up and stammered, "I'm just going to get something to drink. Why don't you just stay here and… take notes or something."

Maria wanted to object but knew it wouldn't do any good. Instead, she focused on the screen again, only to find two women in this new scenario. Maria watched avidly as the two of them quickly went from 'hello' to 'I want you'. She memorized every movement the two women made as they each pleasured the other. Again, flashes of her and Isabel floated across her subconscious, but she ignored it. Her own body was again responding to the stimulus she was getting from the screen and with a quick glance at the closed door, Maria slid one hand down her front to bury it between her raised thighs. It was difficult to rub her clit in just the right place with her shorts in the way, but she was afraid of Liz interrupting. Her friend had been subjected to too many shocks in the last two days for Maria to want to push her luck and have her catch her with her shorts pulled down. So, she made do.

Liz slowly made her way up the stairs with a glass of ice water in her hands. She'd puttered around downstairs for a few minutes, trying to regain her equilibrium. For one teeny tiny infinitesimal moment, as she lay next to Maria, she'd thought about yesterday's kiss. Then, she turned her head to find the other girl looking at her, her eyes lit with passion. An urge to cross the space between them and press her mouth against Maria's full lips had come over her and Liz had obeyed an urge to flee. She hoped she was sufficiently back in control now as she reached for the door handle to Alex's room.

A quiet moan stopped her. That didn't come from the TV. Holding her breath, Liz quietly turned the knob and pushed the door open just an inch or so. She spotted Maria on the bed just where she'd left her. What was different was Maria's hand quickly stroking between her legs. She moaned again and Liz felt an answering throbbing start in her own core. Somehow, watching Maria get off even through her clothes was more exciting than watching the strangers in the show. Careful not to make a sound, certain that Maria would stop if she knew Liz was nearby, she watched her friend try to bring herself to completion.

The final peak was eluding her and Maria was nearly insane with need. She knew the problem was her shorts. The thick denim was muffling the sensations but Maria was too afraid of Liz walking in to remove them. She was never going to cum and she needed it so badly. Just the thought of returning to school and having to make it through the rest of the day before she could go home and finish this in the privacy of her own room was enough to make her scream in frustration. She wildly tried to come up with another option.

Seeing the bathroom door, she was struck with an inspiration. With a groan, she flung herself off the bed and rushed into Alex's bathroom, slamming the door behind her. Quickly, she stripped off her shorts and underwear. Laying a clean towel on the counter, Maria hopped up and picked up where she left off. Only now, instead of watching the TV, Maria found that she was watching herself in the vanity mirror directly across from her. It was exhilarating. Holding her nether lips open, her slowly pushed two fingers into her soft opening, biting the inside of her lip to hold back the moan from the burst of pleasure. Forcing her eyes to remain open, even though they wanted to slide closed in bliss, she watched her glistening fingers work in and out of her core. Bringing her other hand into play, she quickly stroked her sensitized clit. It was just a matter of moments before she was drowning in wave after wave of pleasure as her much needed orgasm rippled through her.

Slowly, she slipped her fingers out of her tingling flesh and brought her knees together. 'Oh my god,' she thought, meeting her own eyes in the mirror. 'What was that?' 'That, my friend,' she answered herself, 'was incredible.' A soft giggle escaped her as she climbed down from the counter. Turning on the faucet, belatedly realizing that maybe she should have left the water running the whole time to help muffle the sounds she'd made, she washed her hands as thoroughly as she could using the bar of soap that was sitting there. She wet down a washcloth and gently wiped away the moisture between her legs.

She redressed, grimacing at the soaked condition of her undies, and tidied the room before, as casually as possible, returning to the other room. Liz was sprawled on the bed, eyes glued to the set, seemingly unaware of what had taken place less than ten feet away from her.

Without looking up, Liz asked, "You wanna go? We've got time to watch another if you want."

Maria came over, aware in some new way of the seductive swinging of her hips as she walked. Climbing back into her former position, she said, "Oh, I guess we could stay. If you don't mind, that is."

With a 'cat that ate the canary' grin Liz replied, "I don't mind, but I get the bathroom next," causing Maria to blush.

The two girls were an hour late getting back to school because Liz had insisted on taking a turn in the bathroom before they could leave. Both girls were thankful that they happened to have spare underwear in their gym lockers.

* * * * * * *

That evening, at the Whitman's Isabel came over to Alex, who was fixing a snack in the kitchen, and said with a teasing grin. "Hey, I didn't know you got the porn channel." School had gotten out over an hour ago and they were killing time waiting for Liz to show up.

"WHAT?" he practically shouted with a blush stealing up his cheeks. Quickly, he stammered, "Yeah, well, we've got it, but I don't watch it. I mean, I've got you, not that I think of you as a porn star, what I meant was…"

"Alex," Isabel kissed him to cut off his babbling. Soon he was gripping her tightly as she rubbed her hands over his shoulders and down his chest appreciatively. "I'm not mad, you know," she said as they finally broke apart.

"You're not?"

"Of course not." She leaned up to whisper in his ear, "I think it's kinda sexy."

Despite his blush, Alex smiled at her, "Oh really?"

"Really."

"Hmm, something to keep in mind, you know, after Parker leaves."

"Why wait? Liz won't be here for another hour or more," Isabel pointed out while allowing her hands to run lower until they were brushing his sudden erection through his pants.

She didn't need to say it twice. Alex had her by the hand and was pulling her up the stairs and into his room. He didn't even notice that his usually straight-as-a-pin bed was rumpled before laying Isabel down on it and they proceeded to make the most of the next hour.

By the time Liz knocked on the door, Alex was back downstairs, and Isabel was getting dressed after a quick shower.

Alex pulled open the door with a big welcoming smile, "Hey, Liz."

She stepped inside, saying, "Hey, Alex." She looked around and asked, "Where's Isabel?"

"She's in the bathroom."

Liz couldn't stop the blush that rose up in her cheeks. The phrase, 'in the bathroom' had taken on a whole new meaning this afternoon. She and Maria had teased each other unmercifully about it until school ended.

Alex watched her reddening cheeks in amazement. "Uh, Liz? Care to share?"

Blushing even more, Liz just shook her head.

 

“Oh, that feels sooo good,” Liz groaned.

 

Isabel whispered, “Don’t worry, I won’t stop.” She deliberately leaned forward so that her full breasts pressed into Liz’s back. “Alex could you hand me that other one? The one with the long handle? Thanks.”

 

Alex struggled to bite back his own groan as Isabel’s desire for Liz slowly poured over into him. The whole initiated-connection thing was still new to him and he was trying to come to terms with the secondhand desires he was feeling for a girl he’d only ever thought of as a friend. The desire he was getting from Isabel was different than what he’d felt yesterday from Max. Softer, gentler, less focused. In the CrashDown, Max’s passion had sent him on a white-knuckle ride of need, which Alex felt he’d barely survived. Isabel’s desire, on the other hand, conjured up images of candlelight and wine and languid seductions. The contrast was startling, and in a moment of clarity, he realized how men and women were different when it came to passions of the flesh. He tucked that thought away to mull over later.

 

Liz was sitting sandwiched between him and Isabel.

 

A short while ago he had asked his friend innocently if she would mind giving him a back rub, which she had immediately agreed to, as he knew she would. Liz had long been known in their small circle for her incredible back rubs.

 

They’d eagerly sat down on the floor, Liz with her back resting against the sofa and he between her spread legs, and the back rub had begun. A few minutes had gone by, broken by his happy sighs and moans, when Isabel had asked, “Liz, do you think, I mean, would you mind if I brushed your hair?”

 

Liz had been startled more at Isabel’s uncertain phrasing than at the request itself. She’d smiled at the other girl and answered, “Of course not. I love to have my hair brushed.”

 

Alex had added, “Yeah, I’ve been known to put her to sleep just by brushing her hair.” Without waiting for permission, he’d jumped up and retrieved his hair brushes. Having two girls as his best friends had taught him the finer points of feminine pampering and he knew that there were two brushes needed for this chore.

 

He’d handed the soft bristled brush to Isabel before he sat down again between Liz’s legs after they’d scooted forward to make room for Isabel to slide in behind Liz.

 

Which was why he was now hearing the occasional moan coming from behind him mingling with his own. As Isabel brushed out Liz’s hair, Liz had worked on his back until gradually her hands fell limply against his sides. She softly groaned in pleasure and Isabel sensed it was time to switch brushes, so she’d asked for the stiff bristled brush that would stimulate the dark -haired girl’s scalp.

 

Alex idly picked up one of Liz’s relaxed  hands and pressed a small kiss to its back. Turning it over, he pressed another to its palm and lightly tongued the pulse beating languidly in her wrist. It was something he’d never done before, but she didn’t seem to mind; either that or she was too far gone to notice. “Thanks. My back feels great.”

 

“Hmmm? Oh, you’re welcome.” Liz didn’t even open her eyes to answer him.

 

With a grin, he shifted position so that his head was lying in her lap. He kept a grip on her hand and ‘absently’ played with her fingers, alternately stroking them or massaging the tired muscles there.

 

Isabel switched back to the soft bristled brush. It was all she could do to keep from kissing Liz’s neck, throat, forehead, lips. Her hair was so soft and silky. It was a different texture than her own hair, and the fragrance wafting up from it was entrancing.

 

She’d been envious of Alex's back rub earlier, not jealous, mind you. But she’d been feeling a little left out. That was what had prompted the offer to brush her hair. Isabel was not regretting it. The other girl was completely relaxed, nearly asleep as Alex had warned. It was disconcerting, the amount of trust Liz had for her. Isabel couldn’t fall asleep with anyone except Max or Michael and now Alex. Even after her attempted initiation with Maria, Isabel had remained awake, watching her friend as she’d slept languidly.

 

She wasn’t sure what to do with Liz now.

 

“Alex?” she whispered.

 

“Hmm?”

 

“She’s sleeping.”

 

It took a moment for his thought processes to work. They couldn’t leave her sitting up like that. Alex got to his feet, picked Liz up and easily lifted her onto the sofa. He covered her up with a light blanket. Taking a pillow off the chair, he lay back on the floor with Isabel in his arms. There was a movie playing in the VCR which they’d pretty much ignored, but now the two of them watched it idly as they each enjoyed their closeness. “What now?” Isabel whispered in his ear.

 

“She’ll sleep for about an hour,” Alex predicted. “Then it’ll be time to send you two home. Tomorrow is a school day.”

 

Isabel petted his shoulders and belly lovingly. She wanted to do more, but she could imagine how embarrassed Liz would be if she woke up to find the two of them having a heavy make-out session two feet from her. Kyle’s idea had been a stroke of genius, and Isabel would be sure to tell him so in the morning. Liz had started out a little shy and withdrawn but had ended up giving in to her senses, trusting Isabel and Alex to take care of her.

 

Isabel knew that Kyle and Tess would have it harder than she and Alex did. First there was the ex-boyfriend awkwardness to get through, then there was the situation with Tess. The blonde alien seemed to bring out all of Liz’s insecurities. It wouldn’t be easy to surmount those two obstacles, Isabel knew. But they had time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. They had plenty of time to break down Liz’s fortress. Tonight just proved that it was possible to get behind Liz’s defenses. It was a good sign.

 

* * * * * * *

 

“Good morning, Ms. DeLuca.”

 

“Liz, I didn’t expect to see you this morning.”

 

“Yeah, I know. I was up early and thought I’d offer Maria a ride to school for a change. Is she up yet?”

 

“Yep, she’s just getting into the shower. Why don’t you go on back and wait in her room.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Liz hurried down the short hallway and stepped into Maria’s room. She’d awakened with a very naughty inspiration for Maria, and couldn’t wait to share it with her.

 

“Liz, what are you doing here?” Maria exclaimed upon discovering her friend sprawled out on her bed waiting for her. She clutched her towel tightly around her body.

 

“Last night I thought of something that might help, you know, with the project. Sometimes sensuality has to come from inside you. If you feel sexy on the inside, then you’ll be perceived as sexy on the outside. Right?”

 

Maria sounded doubtful but she agreed, “I guess.”

 

“No, really, I’m serious. Did you ever hear about ‘Gone with the Wind’?”

 

“Book or movie?”

 

“Movie. They spent thousands of extra dollars on costume production because the director insisted on the women wearing real silk and satin, even under their dresses where no one would ever know the difference because he said the women would know and it would show in their performances. And he was right.”

 

“Is there a point here, Liz?”

 

“Yes. We need to get you feeling sexy on the inside so that Michael can see you as sexy on the outside.”

 

Maria grinned, “I like the sound of that. What did you have in mind?”

 

Liz leaned over to whisper her idea into her friend’s ear. Maria’s eyes got huge as she listened. “No. Absolutely not.”

 

“Come on. No one’s gonna know except us. Trust me.”

 

“No.”

 

“Maria,” Liz warned, “Do you want my help here or not? Now, I’m telling you: you gotta do this.”

 

“Fine,” Maria capitulated. “But only if you do it, too.”

 

Blushing, Liz started to object. “Wait, now Maria…”

 

“You got my back or what? I’m doing this only if you do it with me.”

 

Liz sighed. “Fine.” She slid off the bed. “Get dressed. I’ll be right back.” The things people did for friendship, she muttered to herself as she made her way down the hallway to the bathroom with her book bag in her hand. She was blushing furiously as she returned, but as she met Maria’s equally red face, the both of them started to laugh.

 

Amy stuck her head in the room. “Hurry up girls. You’re going to be late to school.”

 

“I know mom, we’re going.”

 

The girls giggled all the way to Liz’s car. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Maria groused good-naturedly.

 

“Come on, admit that you’re getting a little turned on over there. It’s all over your face.”

 

“How am I supposed to get through an entire day like this?” Maria wailed in a near panic as she realized that Liz was right: she was getting turned on and it wasn’t even first period.

 

Liz suddenly realized she was in the same boat as her friend. She was also starting to feel a burning begin in her extremities. It was going to be a very long day indeed. She licked her lips and offered, “Alex's parents are supposed to be gone all week. We could go back over there for lunch…”

 

Maria tossed her a glance out of the corner of her eye, noticing how pretty her friend looked with the flush creeping up her cheeks. Not all of it was from embarrassment, she knew. “Count on it,” Maria told her.

 

At school, they walked with some difficulty to their lockers. Collapsing against the cool metal, Maria gasped out, “Liz, I don’t think I can do this.”

 

“Do what?” Kyle asked, appearing at their side.

 

“Hey guys,” Tess ventured when it appeared neither girl was going to answer him.

 

Liz was happy to swing her gaze from the burning suspicion in Kyle’s eyes to Tess’s calm blue orbs. “Hey.”

 

“Did you study for the science test today?” Tess asked in an effort to make small talk.

 

“Um, yeah.” Liz wondered at the speculation that suddenly appeared on the other girls face. She didn’t realize that her and Maria’s arousal was so obvious to the alien’s heightened senses.

 

Next to them, Liz heard Kyle tell Maria, “You look… different today. Good, I mean.”

 

She shot a flustered look at Liz before answering, “Uh, thanks, Kyle. Well, I gotta get going to class. Liz, I’ll see you later. Later, Tess.”

 

“Bye.”

 

“What’s with her?” Kyle asked as he watched Maria walk off toward her first class. He couldn’t seem to pry his eyes away from her hips as she moved.

 

“Hmm?” Liz tried to play it off. She hoped Maria would settle down and enjoy herself today. At least Liz knew she was trapped at school. That had been part of the plan in offering to drive this morning. It’s not like the girl had ‘naked under my clothes’ stenciled to her forehead or something.  There was no way anyone in the school could figure out that neither girl was wearing her panties, which was the only reason they’d agreed to do this.

 

Liz had to admit that the effect the titillation was having on her libido was more than she’d counted on. She might have to get a tampon to soak up her juices before first period began at this rate, else she was certain to have a wet spot on her shorts when she stood up after class. Turning up her lips in a secret smile, she asked, “Was there something you two wanted, or did you just stop by to say hello?”

 

“A little of both,” Kyle asked, a bemused expression on his face. He could feel Tess’s desire for Maria and Liz spilling over into him, but it was mixing with his own desire for them. He wanted Maria – again. He looked around, but Michael was nowhere in sight. Did that mean that he really did want Maria himself? he wondered. Well, he was a guy, he conceded, and she did look especially hot today. As did Liz, he noted with a slight stirring in his private regions. Her nipples were pebbled against her dark t-shirt and suddenly, he ached to touch them.

 

He chose to clench his hands into fists instead. Especially after he saw his girlfriend notice the same thing and lick her lips appreciatively.

 

“We, uh, wanted to invite you over tomorrow night. We’re having kinda a small pool party and we really want you to come.” Uh, was that a pun? “T-to it… with us,” he managed to stammer out.

 

Liz was already shaking her head ‘no’, when Tess placed her hand softly on Liz’s arm and softly implored. “Please Liz. I know we didn’t hit it off, and I know it’s completely my fault. You have every right to hate me for what I did to you and Max. I’m really sorry, and I wish we could start over. You know, try to be friends for real. I realize it was wrong to treat you like I did when I first got here and you have every right to hate me, but I’m hoping you’ll let me make amends. Please?”

 

Liz’s good nature wouldn’t allow her to throw Tess’s request in her face, despite the devil in her that wanted to. She found herself nodding.

 

The openly relieved smile that broke on Tess’s face told her she’d made the right decision.

 

“That’s great,” Kyle said. “So, tomorrow. We’ll see you right after school, ok? Bring your swim suit.”

 

“Sure.”

 

The two of them grinned at her in thanks before walking off hand in hand. Liz had to hurry to take care of certain things before first period.

 

It was about twenty minutes before lunch period when Max happened to glance out the window of his social science class, which faced the student parking lot. He watched in disbelief as Liz and Maria walked towards the cars. They were obviously intent on sneaking off a little early for lunch. Desire coiled through him and he admired the seductive sway of Liz's hips as she walked. Then he froze, for just a moment, his eyes fixed to her ass. There was something different about her today. Her walk was more relaxed, languid. Sitting up, he peered at her more closely.

"Sweet Jesus!" he cursed as quietly as he could. As far as he could tell, Liz Parker wasn't wearing any underwear under her snug shorts. And by the way she was walking, he could tell that she was enjoying the sensation. Just the thought that she'd been walking around the halls all morning like that had stars floating in front of his eyes. His cock was immediately standing painfully erect. He needed to get out the classroom before he did something to embarrass himself. Raising his hand, he quickly asked, "Can I get a bathroom pass?"

On the other side of the building, Alex had been standing up in front of his English class giving an oral report, when desire slammed through him so hard and fast, it nearly knocked him off his feet. 'Shitshitshit,' he thought as visions of Liz naked and writhing beneath him shocked him speechless. His boxers were doing nothing to contain his sudden erection, so he doubled over and began coughing like he was going to die, which he thought he might. "I'm sorry," he croaked out, holding the book that had been the subject of his oral report firmly in front of his crotch. "Could I… *cough, cough, cough* go get a drink of water?"

"Of course Alex," his teacher said sympathetically. "You can continue with your report when you get back." As he fled the room, barely able to stand, he heard her calling someone else to the front of the room.

In the gym, Kyle had been working on his wrestling moves with his friend Larry when the sudden arrival of his erection knocked the wind out of him. He'd never come to attention that fast before. One second his cock had been flaccid, his mind focused on his moves, the next, his head was spinning as all of his blood rushed to a certain part of his anatomy. As he twisted away from the other boy, lust belatedly roared through him. Dimly, he heard Larry asking, "Kyle, Kyle are you ok?" Then, before he could prevent it, his friend was shouting, "Coach, Kyle's hurt!" Soon there were sixteen guys standing over him wondering what was wrong. Kyle Valenti, their friend as well as the team's best man, lay on the hardwood floor in apparent agony, curled up over himself.

Kyle was doing his best just to keep breathing. He'd never before been caught in the grip of this much desire. All he could see when he closed his eyes was Liz Parker's lips, her skin, her hair. He remembered the mysteriously sexy smile she'd given him this morning before school. He remembered every kiss they'd shared when they'd been going out. Their stolen kiss in the janitor's closet at the end of freshman year.

He had to find her *now* and bury his aching flesh inside her. He knew that only she could ease this ache inside him. He had to ride her until he owned her completely, until she called him master and came dutifully to heel.

Coach Hopkins was kneeling next to the sweating boy. "Valenti, what's wrong? Where are you hurt?"

It was all Kyle could do to grit out between his tightly clenched teeth, "Cramp." Which was almost true - he was having a pain in one of his 'muscles'. As soon as he could move, he was going to kill Evans, he swore to himself, certain that the alien was completely responsible for what was happening to him. Damn connection. Damn aliens.

Focusing on the thrashing he was going to give Max next time he saw him allowed Kyle to diminish the lust somewhat. It was still there, but he could breathe again. "Just give me a minute, 'k coach?"

"Why don't you hit the showers early, Valenti? You're done for the day."

"Thanks, Coach."

Mercifully, Hopkins distracted the other boys as Kyle climbed painfully to his feet and sort of waddled to the locker room. No one noticed the bulge in the front of his loose gym shorts pointing the way.

Less than ten minutes later, Kyle saw Alex sitting morosely in the quad, drinking a cola. He jogged over, thankful in a small way that most of the mobility had returned to his extremities.

Alex grimaced at his approach, figuring out that what had happened to him must have happened to Kyle, too. "Hey, Kyle. You seen Max?"

Kyle looked at him assessingly. Finally he asked, "You too, huh?"

Alex nodded as Kyle sat down. "'Bout ten minutes ago. I was standing up in front of my whole English class trying to give a report on "Into the Woods" when 'little Alex' decided to make himself known. I was never so glad to have a textbook in my hands in my life."

Kyle scoffed. "You're lucky."

Alex didn't bother to comment other than by raising one eyebrow. He could easily imagine how it could have been worse. "Why? What happened to you?"

"I was in a wrestling stance over Larry Jensen. You know, completely draped over his back when, 'hello there'." He swallowed a drink of his soda. "You know, it's a damn good thing that my class isn't co-ed, or I'd be sitting in one of my dad's cells right now." He rubbed his hands across his face in agitation before continuing, "I didn't know that things were going to get this weird when I agreed to this, you know." He couldn't stop the bitter tone in his voice. "I mean, here I am, completely in love with the sexiest girl on the planet, and I can't stop myself from wanting…" Kyle searched for the right words to describe what he was feeling but eventually settled for, "…more."

Alex nodded. "I know what you mean. I'm so afraid of screwing things up with Isabel that I don't know which move is the right one. I want her more than anything but I want Max and Michael, too. And now, Liz and Maria. It's freaky. I wish I knew what the ground rules were."

"I wish I could tell you," the voice of Max Evans said from behind them. They quickly made room for him to sit between them on the cement bench. "We don't know what the rules are, either. None of us have any answers, you know."

Alex hastily asked him, "Max, what the hell happened just now?"

The alien looked a little startled as he met their gazes. "Uh, you felt that?"

They both nodded, unwilling to elaborate. They figured it wouldn't be the best move on their part to admit to Max that they'd both wanted to have sex with Liz until she screamed out their names in sensual release.

Max blushed and told them, wanting to be as honest as possible with them, "I saw Liz and Maria sneaking out of class a little early. They were obviously going somewhere for lunch or something."

Kyle tried to joke, "And what? Was Maria still doing that 'fuck-me' walk I saw her doing earlier?"

That brought Alex's head around, "Excuse Me?!"

"I didn't notice Maria, but Liz sure had it down."

"Why? What's going on?" Alex asked. Maria occasionally walked on the wild side, but to hear 'fuck-me' and Liz's name in the same sentence was disconcerting.

Max closed his eyes and remembered the exact moment he realized what was different about Liz today and his desire brimmed anew.

And rolled over into the other two boys.

"Goddamn, Max! Just spill it," Kyle wasn't certain if he was asking for an explanation or something else all together.

Trying to refocus his gaze on the other two, Max had to swallow past the dryness in his throat before informing them, "Underwear was apparently an optional item this morning."

"What?" Alex asked, his amazement clear.

Kyle remembered his earlier encounter with the girls, and all kinds of steam whistles began to echo in his brain. So many things became clear. Kyle was going to explode in his shorts as his own lust wrapped itself around Max's desire inside his body. "Holy shit," he was barely able to breathe.

Just then a pissed-off Michael Guerin stalked over. "Damn it, Maxwell, what did I tell you about doing that in school? I got a goddamned detention because of you." Without giving Max time to answer, he took in all of their expressions and couldn't help but grin. "You guys, too, huh?" he asked Alex and Kyle casually.

They nodded dismally.

With a glint in his eye, he caught Max and Alex's sleeves. "Well, come on. We're going to be late getting back as it is."

Alex and Max stood obediently as Kyle turned to ask, "What are you talking about Guerin?"

"I say we need to have a little meeting. We need to show King Max here that he can't go around giving all four of us hard ons just because he catches a glimpse of Liz from across the room. Besides, do you guys want to spend the rest of the day like that?" He gestured toward their semi-erect cocks. All four of them. "Trust me when I tell you it ain't going away and could, in fact, get worse."

"Michael…" Max said warningly only to be ignored, not counting the burning glare Michael shot his way.

"What do you mean worse?" Kyle asked, getting to his feet.

Michael stood really close to Max and whispered, "You remember that little bottle of bubble bath you bought for Liz? Maria told me she used the very last of it last night. She even held the empty bottle under the running water to make sure that none was left inside. Nope, she didn't want to miss a drop as she slid her naked body into the warm bath surrounded by the scent that reminds her of you."

"Jesus, Michael!" Max said in his calmest voice, which wasn't calm at all. Michael always knew which buttons to push…

Michael grinned unrepentantly at the suddenly choking Kyle and Alex. "See what I mean? You just have to mention the word 'strawberries' when he gets like this and…" he listened in satisfaction to the trio of inhalations as a wave of lust stormed the group, "bam! Here you are again. Fortunately for us, my apartment's nearby." He reached over and grabbed Kyle by the back of his neck as he growled, "Besides I still owe you for that 'bite me' crack from two days ago."

Without another word, the four of them headed over to the jeep. Each was secretly plotting ways to make Max pay for their near-embarrassment. Even though Kyle and Alex felt no lust for one another, they figured they would have their hands too full with their alien friends to worry about being embarrassed with each other.

 

The girls giggled all the way to Alex's room, but once they'd closed the bedroom door, they felt suddenly awkward with one another. Liz, as always, was the reasonable one, willing to tackle the problem head on - so to speak.

"Ok, look," she said to Maria. "We came here for one reason, ok two reasons, to watch TV and to 'go to the bathroom'." Here Maria snickered and Liz struggled to continue. "It doesn't have to be this big deal. Let's just get under his blankets this time, swear that neither one of us will pay the slightest bit of attention to what the other one is doing. And, you know…," she blushed, unable to complete the thought.

Maria tried to keep a straight face as she solemnly nodded, "Agreed."

"Ok, fine."

With that, the girls made themselves comfortable and Liz flipped on the TV. Amazingly it was still on the channel she'd left it on yesterday. After adjusting the volume, Liz settled back to watch. They were just in time for a new vignette to start.

There was a lady executive sitting at one end of a long, polished table in an elaborate boardroom. She was wearing dark framed glasses and her brown hair was pulled up in a bun. She looked studious. In fact, she looked a little like Liz. The dialogue was: budget this, budget that, corporate takeover, yadda yadda yadda. The girls tuned most of it out; after all they weren't here for the dialogue. The lady stood slowly revealing a skirt so short and tight fitting even Maria would have thought twice about wearing it. She slowly, seductively walked her way to the other end of the table to where a handsome man sat regarding her.

"Hey, he looks kinda like Max."

Nodding, Liz licked her lips in anticipation. Realizing Maria was so engrossed in the show she hadn't seen the movement, she forced herself to say, "Yeah. Kinda."

Truth was, if she squinted just a tiny bit, she couldn't tell the difference. She felt moisture flood her insides as he stood to join the lady. More sexy love talk, but the girls got a feeling that while she had it bad for the guy, he was just toying with her.

Maria was the first one to say, "Don't listen to him babe. Get out while you can. Run while you still have your dignity."

Stepping closer, the man unbuttoned her fitted pin-striped suit jacket and spread it wide to reveal the flounced shirt underneath. It was white and nearly sheer. He wasted no time unbuttoning the pretty garment, whispering to her about how good it was gonna feel and how she had to trust him.

Did she want him?

Yes.

Did she?

Yes.

How much?

I'll do anything, she promised with a sexy smile as she ran a hand over his crotch.

Anything? he asked while removing his tie. Liz and Maria were tense, certain he was up to no good. They watched him fingering the material of his neck garment suggestively. "Oh this cannot be good," Maria whispered.

"Come on, Maria. What can happen?"

The scene shifted and suddenly the woman was wearing the necktie as a blindfold. She was now sitting on the table, her legs spread wide as the man tongued her dripping core. Her cries of pleasure rang out effusively. The man slowly pushed two fingers into her and she begged for more. So he obliged her with another as his tongue and teeth worked at her clit.

Under the cover of the blanket, Liz slowly pulled her zipper down and slid her hand inside the restricting fabric. Belatedly, she realized that she should probably remove the garment all together. "Maria, take your shorts off," she ordered.

"Huh?"

"Just do it, or we'll have to explain to Alex why we had to borrow some of his later."

"Oh," Maria exclaimed, realizing what Liz was getting at. Their shorts were going to be as soaked as their undies were yesterday. The two girls quickly removed their bottoms, leaving the blanket intact.

Liz returned her hand to where she wanted it the most - between her legs, rubbing her clit. Her eyes were glued to the screen while she watched the guy who looked like Max finger fuck a girl who looked like her. It was intoxicating. She wished the camera would show the guy more. Was he enjoying it? Was he getting pleasure from his woman? From the sounds he was making, she figured he was, but she wanted to watch his face. The cameraman disappointed her however as the angle rarely strayed from the woman's blindfolded face or body.

Maria was concentrating on the woman. She looked so much like Liz, she thought. In her mind's eye, she recast herself as the guy and imagined she was the one sucking and licking on Liz's clit. What would she taste like? Maria wondered. She'd never forget the taste of Isabel in her mouth, and suddenly she was having a craving to find out what flavor Liz came in. Blocking out all the reasons why it was wrong, Maria went with the fantasy, her body igniting as lust poured through her. Helpless against it, she slid one hand down to massage her clit, barely suppressing a moan as she did so. The secret place between her legs was dripping wet from four hours of stimulation and now this. Maria thought she might just combust.

Back on the TV, the lady was nearing her peak when the man pulled away from her. Without a word, he helped her climb down off the table. Amazingly, she was still wearing her heels. Turning her around to face away from him, he bent her forward over the table. He unzipped his fly, and pushed his throbbing cock into her soaked passage. All three girls moaned in unison. Then he was fucking her with gusto causing her freed breasts to quiver and bounce against the cold, polished surface of the table as he plowed into her from behind.

Liz had two fingers buried into her own sweet canal as she watched the screen. It suddenly occurred to her that she had a problem. She was about thirty seconds away from orgasm, but the bathroom was sooooo far away. She knew she'd never make it. Plus there was the fact that to get there she'd have to cross the room naked from the waist down. That wasn't going to happen. Now what? she asked herself, unable and unwilling to forgo the pleasures her fingers were giving her.

Next to her, Maria was having the exact same problem. Seeing no other recourse, she finally panted out, "Liz, babe, close your eyes and cover your ears cause there's no way I'm stopping now."

"Ditto," Liz ground out through clenched teeth, and thus having given each other fair warning, they both climaxed together, Liz's dark sighs mingling in tandem to Maria's husky cries as they each stroked themselves to completion. Opening their eyes, they slowly focused back on the screen again. They'd apparently missed the grand finale. The man was pulling his now flaccid cock away from the lady's reposed body. He'd pulled out and cum against her back. She was gonna be a mess later, and the girls winced in sympathy for her. "Bastard," Maria whispered.

With a delicious smile, the woman rolled over, seemingly uncaring that her lover was an insensitive jerk. Their lips met in a thorough kiss to which Maria disparaged, "Oh, so now he kisses her."

Liz just shot her a look as the woman sexily removed her blindfold only to discover that the man who'd just had sex with her wasn't the first guy at all. It was some nerdy, dweeby, ugly guy. The camera pulled back to reveal that the sexy Max-a-like had resumed his seat at the head of the table once the blindfold had been put on allowing the other man to take his place. He had apparently sat there and watched the whole show.

"Oh my god," Liz breathed. "That was gross."

"Tell me about it. I told you that guy was up to no good, Liz."

The other girl just huffed. As far as Liz was concerned, she was ready to go. That had pretty much killed the mood for her. Maria sensed this and decided to head this one off at the pass. "Come on, the next one has to be better than that one was. And besides, you may not approve of the ending, but it certainly got the job done. Right?"

"I guess," Liz said begrudgingly.

Maria laughed. "You guess? Are you not sure because that's not what it sounded like to me."

"Maria!" Liz exclaimed, humiliated now.

"What? Liz we both did it less than a foot from each other. What did you expect? Come on, I have to tease you a little. Besides, turnabout is fair play," she cajoled.

"Fine," Liz huffed, sinking back against the pillows. "I'll stay but I'm not going to enjoy any more of these stupid… How can people watch this stuff?"

"Yeah, whatever," was all Maria said. Her body was still tingling in the afterglow. Liz's 'no underwear' idea had been a stellar success after Maria had gotten used to the idea. Liz had been right, she HAD felt sexier, and people around her had seemed to notice and respond accordingly. Brett James had *actually* flirted with her in second period. He didn't usually give her the time of day.

In third, it was a trio of guys that flirted with her. Tomorrow, she decided, they were going to leave their bras at home, too.

Turning her attention back to the TV, Maria saw two guys working out all by themselves in a gym. She sat up at attention. Ooh, now this could get interesting, she thought. Beside her she sensed Liz watching, too and couldn't hide her grin.

* * * * * *

Amazingly enough, the two girls ran into Max, Michael, Alex and Kyle in the parking lot as they were returning to school. All of them were late to their next class anyway, so they stood around talking for a minute.

"So where'd you guys go for lunch?" Maria asked, sounding causal as possible for someone who was *still* basking in the afterglow and once again in public without her underwear.

"Uh, we went to Michael's."

"Really?" Maria knew there wasn't much in the way of food there, not counting cereal, so she couldn't help but ask, "What'd you eat?"

Kyle and Alex turned an interesting shade of red, while Michael said straight-faced, "Actually we didn't. We had a situation that needed discussing. And we discussed it."

"Thoroughly," Max put in with a teasing glint in his eye.

"And since the issue seems to have been resolved, than I say my work here is done." The human boys had to agree with Michael's assessment. They were all too sated to be drooling over anyone, including Liz and Maria.

Kyle asked, "What about you ladies? Where'd you go for lunch?"

Liz put a hand to her mouth, "Oh my god. Alex, I'm so sorry. We, uh, do you remember the project I said Maria and I were working on yesterday?" Their friend nodded. "Well, it wasn't quite done yet, so we snuck back over to your house. I'm sorry I didn't ask first. It kinda just came up that we needed to do more research."

"Hey, that's ok. You didn't set anything on fire did you?" he asked teasingly.

Liz heard Maria mutter, "Only your sheets." She nudged her and covered with, "No. No, nothing like that. We just watched a little TV."

"Yeah. It was very educational," Maria added with a slight smirk.

"Ok," Liz cut her off. "Well, we've got to… and you have to… So, I guess we'll see you later?"

"Later," everyone agreed.

"Bye, Liz," Max couldn't help but add.

"Bye, Max."

Michael and Maria just exchanged burning glances before the girls turned away.

The four guys watched appreciatively as Liz and Maria walked back into the school. They all silently agreed on exactly three things: One, neither girl was wearing any underwear. Two, Liz *was* moving her hips in a seductive fuck-me kind of way. And three, an hour and half hadn't been anywhere near long enough to wear Max completely out.

They heard Kyle mutter, "Damn aliens" as he stomped away. The effect was slightly broken by the lack of swagger in his normally brash steps. Kyle's body currently bore several teeth marks, including a ring of them circling the base of his tightening cock.

Michael smirked at Max, who simply raised his eyebrows in all innocence.

 

"Are you ready to do this?" Kyle asked, rubbing his girlfriend's back and shoulders.

She nodded, too relaxed to make actual conversation.

"'Cause we don't have to, you know, if you're not ready."

Rousing herself, she propped herself up on his chest and looked down at him. "Kyle, I'm ready. Everything is going to be fine." Looking him over, she frowned. "You're the one who looks nervous. Are you sure *you're* ok with this? I know it's a lot to ask, and you've been great about this whole thing so far," Tess said, gesturing to include their general state of nudity. They had been cuddling after a particularly steamy session of sex when Kyle had finally decided to voice what'd been on his mind for the last two days. "We could cancel. We don't have to do this today if you're not completely comfortable with it."

"No," he quickly denied. "Trust me, the sooner we get Maria and Liz initiated, the better off we'll all be."

"This is really bothering you, isn't it?"

Kyle started to deny it, but thought better of it. "Yeah. A little, I guess. I mean I am so into you. You're cute, funny, sexy as hell," he growled as he leaned up for a kiss, then continued, "but this thing with Liz is freaking me out."

"Because I have to be with Liz like this?"

"No, because I want to be with Liz like this," he told her honestly. "And I don't *want* to feel that way. I don't want to do anything to hurt you. I want to want only you, but I don't. I want you. I want Max and Michael, and now there's this thing with Maria and Liz. I'm terrified I'm gonna wake up tomorrow wanting Ms. Hefler."

Tess couldn't contain a soft laugh. "I think you're safe from that happening."

"How can you be sure? The only  person I know that I don't want to jump is Isabel."

"It's the same for me. I'm connected to Isabel and through her, Alex. I don't want Max or Michael, but because of them I want Liz and Maria. It's very confusing."

Kyle gently lifted her off of him and sat up. "You guys mentioned before about Alex." He said tentatively. "And… Isabel, she said she wants me."

Tess also sat up, holding a sheet against her bosom. "Yes. Isabel's desire for Alex is in me, and mine for you is in her," she clarified.

"Ok, let's play a game of 'what if'. What if you and Alex found yourselves in a time or place where you wanted to act on those urges. What if Isabel and I wanted to be together? How would you feel? Would it be right or wrong? I mean, maybe it's because of the whole initiation deal, but the thought of you with another girl doesn't bother me. But when I think of you with Alex or Max or Michael I… I just… I don't think I'd be ok with that," he admitted softly taking her small hand in his. "And you said you're ok with what happened between me and the guys on Wednesday, but what if Isabel had been there? Or Liz? Or Maria?"

Tess frowned, seeing where he was going. "You're right. I don't think I would like that." She got quiet as she thought it out. "I think we need to call the gang together for a meeting before we bring the girls in."

Kyle sighed in relief. He was looking for a few ground rules. If it was ok to lust after everyone in their group, then hey, he was all over that, but if opposite sex lusting outside of Tess was a big no-no then he needed to know before the fantasies he'd been having about Liz and Maria got him into more trouble than he could handle.

The initiation had changed something inside of him. The result was leaving him confused as hell. The only thing he knew with any certainty was after having known the bliss of Tess's embraces, he was sure as hell not going to do anything to get his passport to this new paradise revoked. To be kicked out of their group would be akin to Lucifer being kicked out of heaven. Or whatever the Buddhist equivalent was.

The ringing of the doorbell brought him out of his thoughts. Glancing at the clock, he said, "That'll be Liz." He quickly tugged on his swimming trunks.

Tess watched him for a moment, appreciating his finely muscled form before a frown puckered her brow. "Another thing I'm going to mention at the meeting is Michael marking you like this." She stood and quickly healed a few bruises she spotted on his skin. Kyle still had one or two marks left from his 'punishment' the other day at Michael's hands. She'd healed most of them earlier, but apparently she'd missed a couple.

Kyle grinned in embarrassment before tugging on a shirt. "Don't worry about it. I asked for it."

"Kyle, one 'bite me' doesn't deserve the kind of marks he left on you."

Red faced, Kyle admitted, "Actually, it was several 'bite me's and a couple of 'yes'es that caused all of those marks."

They heard Liz's voice calling them before he could explain, so he kissed her lightly on the lips and hurried out into the hallway calling out, "Come on in, Liz."

Tess's mouth was left hanging open as she worked through the mental image that brief explanation gave her.

Liz was standing in the living room, clutching her bag, looking very uncomfortable when Kyle joined her.

He noticed it immediately and asked, "Are you ok?"

"I'm just… this is just a little… weird."

Kyle didn't say anything to contradict her. He nodded instead and said, "I know. I'm glad that you came. It means a lot… to both of us. It's time we put the past behind us and begin moving forward, and I feel that the only way we can do that is if you and Tess work through what ever it is that you need to work through."

Liz said honestly, "I'm not sure I can, Kyle. You don't know what it was like for us when she got here. She hurt me and she hurt Max and I don't know if I can let that go."

"So why are you here?" he asked softly, already knowing the answer.

She closed her eyes briefly and when she opened them again, that determined light he knew so well was burning in their chocolate depths. "I guess I'm willing to try. It was all a long time ago. Seems like a whole lifetime ago, really. So much has happened since last spring."

Kyle smiled his agreement with a wry turning up of the corners of his mouth. "Yeah, tell me about it."

They stood in silence for a moment before he asked, "Can I get you something to drink?"

"An iced tea would be great."

"Coming right up," he said while heading into the Valenti kitchen. "Why don't you go on out back? Tess is changing into her suit. She'll be out in a minute."

"'K."

Liz slid open the door to the patio and crossed to one of the lounge chairs. Setting her bag down, she quickly stripped off her shorts and shirt to reveal her swimsuit and made herself comfortable. It was a beautiful day. The hot New Mexico sun was beating down onto her skin. Her body greedily absorbed the golden sunshine like it was a tangible thing. In no time at all, she felt the first trickle of sweat begin to roll out off her hair across her forehead.

As quietly as he could, Kyle crept outside and held the glass of iced tea aloft her warm body. Condensation was rapidly forming on the glass, and it was only seconds before the first cold drop dripped from the bottom of the cup to splash onto her heated skin.

With a gasp, she opened her eyes. "Kyle!"

"Sorry, did it drip?" he asked as innocently as possible.

She glared at him before answering. "You tried the same thing twice two summers ago and it didn't work then, what makes you think it's gonna work now?"

"Third time's the charm?" He watched in interest as she took the glass from him and set it down carefully on the table next to her chair.

"More like three strikes and you're out," she warned him before leaping to her feet and shoving him toward the pool.

He was ready for her, and easily lifted her into his arms. She struggled futilely as he asked, "Now, what were you saying?"

Knowing there was no way to escape the inevitable she told him, "I was saying you were an insensitive jerk who would think nothing of taking advantage of someone smaller than you."

"Uh huh," was all he said as he tossed her into the cool water of the pool.

Her shriek was cut off by the sound of a large splash.

Before she could surface, Kyle was startled by the sound of the backyard gate being thrown open. Max and Michael stood there looking ready for battle.

"Kyle, what's going on? I heard Liz screaming."

Kyle knew he was in serious trouble. If seeing Liz across the parking lot at school was enough to cause Max to incapacitate him with lust, Kyle didn't want to know what Max's reaction to seeing her nearly naked and dripping wet would do to him. Hurriedly he said, "Max, you've got to go. Now!"

"Why? What's going on?"

Behind them, Kyle heard Liz's head break the surface as she gasped for air.

Max spotted her. "Liz?"

Kyle stepped between them and ordered, "Liz whatever you do, DO NOT get out of that pool."

"Max what are you doing here? What's going on?"

"That's what I'd like to know." Max growled.

Liz easily swam to their end of the pool, but when she braced her arms on the edge in preparation of lifting herself out of the water, Kyle barked, "Liz, STOP. Stop right there. Please, just stay in the water."

"What's going on here, Kyle? Where's Tess?" Michael asked.

As if called, Tess chose that moment to step through the patio door. "Hey guys." Interpreting the various expressions on everyone's faces that ranged anywhere from terror to suspicion she was quick to react. "Max, I'm glad you're here. I need to speak with you about something." Nobody moved so she ordered, "Now."

Max shot Kyle a look that said, 'we'll talk about this later,' before following Tess into the house.

In the pool, Liz was getting worried. "Would someone tell me what's going on?"

"Actually, nothing," Michael said. "We stopped by to see if you guys wanted to hang out tonight. We thought you were in trouble when we heard you screaming, so we ran back here."

"I wasn't in trouble, unless you count that Neanderthal," she pointed at Kyle, "throwing me into the pool." Again, she moved to heft herself out of the water.

Kyle stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. He was keenly aware of every sensation of her soft, cold wet skin felt against his and he had to fight to keep his passion under control. "Ok, we're going to play a game you and I," he told her. "The game is called 'Kyle would like to live to see tomorrow' the rules are simple: you stay in there until Evans is gone."

"Kyle, what are you talking about? Max isn't going to hurt you just because you've invited me to go swimming."

"Trust me, Liz. I know what I'm talking about."

Michael's interest was peaked. He looked her over suspiciously. From where he was standing, he could see the straps of her swimsuit top. Taking a step forward, he told Kyle threateningly, "She'd better be wearing bottoms in there."

Overhearing, Liz was outraged. "Michael Guerin, what exactly do you mean by that?'

"I mean that if you're half naked in there, Kyle isn't likely to win this game."

Her mouth hanging open in shock, Liz demanded, "What makes you think I'd go running around in public without my… without my…" she couldn't even say it to his face. Blushing, she finished lamely, "you know."

"You've done it before," Michael retorted. "Or have you forgotten last Wednesday?"

Liz's eyes got big as saucers. "How did you… When did… Who told you?"

Michael smirked at her, "No one had to tell me. I got eyes in my head."

Mortified, Liz rested her head against the sun-warmed cement on the lip of the pool. "Oh my god."

Kyle punched Michael in the arm, glaring at him. Liz didn't listen to anything he was saying as she quickly pulled herself out of the pool. Embarrassed didn't begin to cover what she was feeling at this moment. All she could think of was fleeing into the house away from Michael's knowing grin.

Michael caught her movement out of the corner of his eye and glanced at her only to be frozen in place. Liz Parker's tiny body was gorgeous. Her red one piece suit was modest by any standards, but it clung to her every curve, faithfully outlining every bit of her softness for their lustful gazes to drink in.

"Jesus," Michael breathed.

Kyle didn't even have the breath to agree with him.

From inside the house, suddenly Max's voice broke them out of their spell. He was coming back outside. If he saw Liz like this… Kyle was starting to see stars just in anticipation. What to do? he asked himself. Suddenly, he had an idea. Admittedly, it was a bad one, but it was better than no idea at all.

"Shit," Michael said and attempted to brace himself against the inevitable surge of lust he knew was coming. Belatedly, he realized why Kyle wanted to keep her into the pool away from Max's eyes. Max was going to lose it if he saw her like this.

Kyle was in motion before Max had his hand on the knob. With his fast athletic reflexes, he leapt over the lounge chair and caught Liz close against his body.

"Kyle let go of me! What do you think you're doing?"

"Sorry, Liz. I'll make this up to you later, I promise," he said hurriedly. It was all the warning she got before he tossed her back into the pool.

* * * * * * *

"You should have seen the look on your face," Michael told her later as he reached for a slice of pizza.

"Tess, would you please tell Michael that I am not interested in hearing anything he has to say?" Liz asked haughtily. To say she was still pissed was an understatement.

Enjoying the infantile game, Tess happily complied, "Michael, Liz said for you to shut up."

Kyle chided, "Come on Liz. How long are you going to be mad at me?"

She answered him with a glare. "That long, huh?" he asked wryly. Truth be known, he'd rather have Liz angry than to face whatever consequences would have been waiting for him had he not done what he did.

As Max had returned to the patio, Michael had grabbed his arm and hurried him out of there before Liz could catch her breath. He was still amazed at some of the things she'd yelled at him when she finally did.

It had worked out though. Siding with Liz, Tess had worked the situation to her advantage causing the girls to bond in the age-old battle between the sexes. Kyle's explanation, which even he recognized as flimsy, was that there had been a bet between him and Michael. He wouldn't say what it was - not able to come up with anything good, but that having lost the bet, he'd had to toss Liz into the pool - twice. It was all he could come up with on such short notice. And it put Michael in the dog house right along with him.

After having climbed back out of the pool - again - Liz very nearly grabbed her stuff and went home, but Tess took that moment to join them with some munchies and it reminded Liz why she was there in the first place. So, ignoring Kyle completely, she sat back down and began the process of getting to know Tess.

Pretending to pout, Kyle was secretly pleased with how things were working out. When Michael returned, alone, an hour later, the other boy gratefully joined him in the living room.

After the sun had set, they'd ordered a pizza, and the four of them had sat around the table in the living room, eating and making small talk. By the time they were done eating, Liz had calmed down, and he eagerly waited for the next stage of his plan to begin. Clearing away the plates and cardboard boxes, he returned to the table with two pairs of dice.

Michael asked suspiciously, "What are those for?"

"Truth or Dare, Roswell style."

 

"Are you sure you want to play, Michael? This could get personal."

"Yeah, it's cool. How do you play?"

Kyle shook the dice and said, "Ok, I'm changing the rules a little. Everyone gets one die, and every round, we all roll. The person who rolls the highest number gets to ask the person who rolls the lowest a question. If there's a tie for either highest or lowest, those two will roll again. If you're really against answering the question, then you can choose to perform a dare instead."

Everyone nodded to show they understood. Kyle continued, "Now, since this is a get-to-know-each-other-better game, each person can choose only one dare from now to midnight. And since we know that there are certain subjects that are kind of taboo, let's roll the clock back two years. All of your answers must come from the truth as it stood before, you know, that day at the CrashDown."

"Is this some kind of Buddhist thing?" Liz asked skeptically. "I'm not even the same person I was two years ago."

"Yeah, but this is your chance to learn about where we all are coming from, and I think you might be surprised how much you learn about yourself, too." He quickly passed the dice around. "Got it? Are we ready?"

There was a chorus of agreements, as everyone shook their dice and let them roll onto the table. Before they'd stopped moving, Kyle scooped them back up and pointing his finger at Tess and Michael, he said, "And your solemn promise that there will be no cheating or using of powers of any kind throughout the game." Tess rolled her eyes with a beleaguered sigh. They both nodded. The dice were passed around again and the game was on.

It went on for hours, and they all got to know each other better. As odd as it sounded, the two year taboo thing worked out rather well. Kyle was right: Liz and the others really got to see how much they'd changed since the day Max had healed Liz in the CrashDown. They all got glimpses into each other's lives, and it helped to dispel any lingering suspicion and anger between Liz and Tess. For the first time, Liz was getting to know the girl who was raised with Nasedo as her only family, and her heart went out to her.

The game ended abruptly at eleven o'clock, though, when the tenor of the questions changed and got decidedly personal.

It started with Tess who asked Liz, "Who was the first boy you ever kissed?"

Liz grinned as she replied, "Alex."

Michael and Kyle both frowned. "Alex?" Michael asked. "What were you doing kissing him?"

"Practicing. You know, not all of us are just born knowing how to kiss. Some of us had to learn and practice." She looked pointedly at Michael as she answered.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You figure it out."

Kyle and Tess shared a look. "Ok," the blond alien said in the tense silence, picking up her die. "Let's see who's next."

"No. I want an answer to my question," Michael persisted.

"The answer is off-limits. Two year rule, remember?"

"Ok, fine." Michael said and shook his die. When everyone rolled, he allowed his powers a tiny push and gave himself a six… and Liz a one.

"Michael…" Liz said warningly.

"What? I didn't do it," he lied.

Liz sighed, not sure if she believed him. "What's the question?"

"How do I kiss? Am I a natural?"

"How am I supposed to know, Michael?"

"Well, doesn't Maria ever say anything about it?"

"Maybe," Liz hedged. As far as she was concerned, her and Maria's conversations about Max and Michael were private, especially since Maria seemed to be having some sex-related problem with him right now. She didn't feel right talking about it. "Did you kiss Maria before two years ago?" she asked, knowing the answer.

"No."

"Well then, two year rule still applies."

"Liz, there's no reason not to answer, is there? No one here is gonna get upset over it." Kyle declared. "I say the rule doesn't apply here. You either have to answer, or I guess you choose to do a Dare. Which is it?"

Liz folded her arms stubbornly. "Dare, then." It was the first dare of the evening, and, as it turned out, the last.

"Ok, fine." Michael agreed easily. He didn't even have to think to come up with a dare for her. Trying not to sound too eager, he announced, "You have to kiss someone in this room other than Kyle for a full thirty seconds."

Liz froze. "You're kidding, right?" Michael shook his head, a naughty gleam in his eye. "But that leaves you or Tess." He simply quirked an eyebrow at her assessment.

While the girls had been outside earlier, Kyle had filled him in on his and Alex's plan to help along Liz's initiation, and this seemed like as good a time as any to start breaking down some of the perfect Miss Parker's boundaries.

Kyle glared at him. He'd told Michael that he and Tess were going really slowly with Liz for obvious reasons. This was *not* what he'd had in mind for his game, and he let Michael know it. "Guerin, that's uncalled for."

"What? It's just a kiss."

The casualness of his answer caused more heat to fill her already flaming face.

Tess leaned over and touched Liz's arm softly. "You don't have to. We'll stop right here. Forget it ever came up. I'm sorry I even mentioned kissing in the first place." She shot Michael a nasty look. They were supposed to be making Liz more comfortable not less comfortable around her.

Liz didn't want to ruin the fun they'd been having, but this… This was strange. No way. She couldn't do it. She couldn't kiss Michael. Maria would never forgive her. But the alternative… to kiss Tess. She didn't think she could do it. 'It's just a kiss,' Michael's voice taunted her. Suddenly a scene from one of the pornos she and Maria had watched earlier in the week flashed through her head. Two women kissing, touching themselves and each other; their soft moans, their soft lips, their soft hands… Something about the whole thing had been extremely erotic to Liz.

'It's just a kiss…' The oh-so brief kiss that Maria had pressed on her lips last Saturday had lingered in her consciousness for hours after the event. Once the shock had worn off, Liz had started thinking that it hadn't been so bad. Then on Monday, lying next to Maria on top of Alex's bed, seeing the look of dazed passion in her friend's eyes just before she'd fled the room, it had stirred something in her. That same something was coming to life again right now. Looking deep into Tess's eyes, she thought she saw an answering fire there. Somehow it didn't frighten her as much as she might thought - if she'd ever let herself wonder about this 'what if' scenario.

Coming to a decision, Liz said, "No, it's ok, Tess. I can do this."

Michael grinned outright and said, "Kyle, you gotta be the timer. You let us know when thirty seconds have gone by."

"You can do it," Liz informed him. "It's your Dare," thus letting him know that he wasn't the one she'd chosen to kiss. Coming to her knees, she crawled around to where Tess was sitting next to Kyle on the sofa. She glanced briefly at her former boyfriend to gauge his reaction to the odd turn of events, and was glad to see he was ok with this. In fact, he looked more than ok. Desire was burning in his eyes, and a warm flush was starting to climb up his cheeks.

Tess scooted to the front of the sofa. Wanting to pull the other girl close and devour her mouth after months of unrequited desire, she forced herself to keep her hands on the tops of her thighs.

Liz's tongue nervously darted out to moisten her lips. 'Can I go through with this?' she asked herself in a sudden panic. 'It's just a kiss…' <Shut UP Michael!> She looked searchingly at the alien's beautiful face and saw the anticipation and need stamped on her features. She didn't know where it was coming from, but it was all the impetus she needed.

Cupping Tess's face between her soft hands, Liz softly pressed her lips to the other girl's. It was the softest of caresses, barely there at all.

Tess held herself perfectly still, waiting to see what Liz would do next, not wanting to scare her away. It was exquisite torture. All of her senses were focused on just that one place they were joined. She'd never felt anything like it.

Liz slowly moved one hand into the other girl's soft hair, and lightly fingered the soft strands. Feeling her tremble under her touch, Liz pressed her lips more firmly against Tess's mouth. Then she pulled back a little only to return at a slightly different angle and repeated it another time again.

Merging their mouths fully with a slight suction, Liz caused Tess to sway slightly forward, wishing she could press her body against the slender human's warmth. Her hands slid slowly forward until she could touch Liz. Wanting to stroke her beautiful body all over, she settled for just resting her palms lightly on her hips allowing her thumbs to rub back and forth gently.

Liz moaned at the caress, a barely audible sound, and slowly rubbed small circles at the base of Tess's head, a move she'd seen at Alex's. Tess seemed to like it because she sighed into her mouth.

Pleasure was starting to hum across nerve endings and into Liz's brain. She was beginning to wish she could pull Tess closer into an actual embrace, but couldn't bring herself to move. She was frozen by her own inhibitions. Unsure how to or even if she wanted to progress, she restricted herself to touching Tess with only her lips and fingertips.

Watching them, it was everything Kyle could do not to join in. Multiple desires were swirling darkly inside him, some were his own, but some were Tess's. A few were Michael's. This kiss hadn't been part of the plan, but he couldn't say that he regretted it. Seeing the contrast of Liz's dark hair against Tess's light hair was something he'd never forget. The sounds they were making teased him. If he hadn't been siting six inches from them, he wouldn't have heard them at all. As it was, the entire world faded away until there was nothing except these two angels, one fair, one dark, caught in a delicate caress softer than a butterfly on a rose.

Kyle was so engrossed that he failed to notice the movement to his right as Michael stood. All he knew was that suddenly, Michael was kneeling behind Liz. Lightly pulling her hair away from her ear, he whispered, "Time's up." He gently sent his lips to her neck where he pressed a series of soft kisses accompanied by tiny nibbles. "My turn."

With a small gasp, Liz pulled away from Tess. It was what Michael was waiting for. He turned her quickly and buried his lips in hers.

Already lost to sensation from the previous kiss, Liz threw her arms around Michael's neck and pressed herself against him. Opening her mouth, she welcomed the hungry thrust of his tongue and reciprocated with her own.

Passion swamped her senses as she lost herself to Michael's embrace. He clutched her hips and pulled her firmly against his arousal as his lips left hers to blaze a trail to the sensitive spot behind her ear. As she gasped aloud in pleasure, stars started to dance against the back of her eyelids. The burning points pulsed with the same rhythm of her racing heartbeat growing brighter and brighter until they coalesced into a flash of white.

As it faded, a series of images of the reclusive alien paraded themselves across her mind.

*Michael watching Max watch her. Kissing Maria in the janitor's closet. Michael staring at her, Liz, in one of the few classes they'd shared. Michael's pain and fear as he saw her laying shot on the floor of the CrashDown. Going to Maria the night he'd left Hank's for good. Sneaking into her room and stealing her journal. Sitting in a motel room with Maria quoting James Joyce. Watching Liz greet Max with a passionate kiss in the CrashDown, his anger with Max for kissing Tess. Holding Liz close in comfort the night Max was taken by Pierce. Seeing Liz approach in his healing dream. Him telling Maria, "Before we can be together, there's something you gotta do."*

With a gasp, Michael was the one who'd pulled back. They stared at each other in shock for a several seconds before they both jumped to their feet and moved to opposite sides of the living room. "Michael, I…" Liz began, trying, wanting to tell him what she'd seen and felt in those flashes. She'd seen him. He loved Maria profoundly, every bit as much as she loved Max, but he wanted Liz, too. Passionately, deeply, resolutely. It was all so confusing. Liz needed a moment to gather her thoughts, but she didn't get it.

Liz wasn't the only one to see things. "What the hell have you and Maria been doing this week?" he asked, his voice harsh and puzzled at the same time.

"What?"

"I saw you. I saw the two of you going over to Alex's at lunch and what you did there. I saw you going shopping to buy lingerie, but not all of it was for you. Some of it was for Maria. What was that, Liz?"

Liz gulped.

Kyle and Tess also jumped to their feet at this unexpected turn of events. "What are you talking about? What do you mean you saw her?" Kyle asked.

"I got a flash. She and Maria have been sneaking around, doing god-knows-what this week."

Liz put up her chin, temporarily blocking out all of her own unanswered questions and confusion to tell him, "What I've been doing is putting her back together after you did whatever it is you did to her - again. She won't even tell me what happened between the two of you this time, but you've made her feel inadequate and unloved." Liz was pointing at him empathetically as she spoke.

Realizing she was as close to losing her temper as she'd ever been, she continued in a quieter tone, "Now, I know you love her, Michael. How could you have hurt her like you have? She actually feels like she's done something to not deserve you, when we both know it's the other way around. If anyone's undeserving, it's you… and me." A sickness roiled around in her stomach as she suddenly realized the enormity of what she'd done. She'd managed to betray Max and Maria at the same time, the two people she loved most in the world. Raising a hand to her mouth, she felt like she might lose her dinner. "Oh god! What have I done?" She looked at Michael and he was staggered by the pain and hurt he could read in her expressive eyes.

He took a step forward, "Liz, I…"

Shaking her head, she back up, exclaiming, "Stay away from me Michael."

Kyle sensing that she was about to fall apart in a way that would be difficult if not impossible to repair, grabbed her arms gently, forcing her to look at him. "Liz, look at me. As far as everyone in this room is concerned, this never happened. Max and Maria will never need to know what happened here. It was a mistake. I'm so sorry I let things get so far out of control."

"You're wrong, Kyle. This did happen, and Max is gonna find out, there's no way to stop it." Shrugging out of his grasp, she snatched up her bag and fled the house.

Tess sighed heavily as she sank back down onto the couch. "I can't believe it, but we actually made it worse. She's never gonna forgive us for what we did tonight."

"Alex is gonna be so pissed," Kyle agreed.

"Are you guys kidding?" Michael asked. "You don't know Liz at all, do you? This is better than you could have hoped. The biggest thing she and Max have in common is her willingness to step up and accept blame for almost anything. She may not like it, but she won't be able to deny that she wanted to kiss us. It's a place to start. She's embarrassed now, but she'll get over it. And then she'll be ours."

A short silence fell.

"Ours?" Tess spoke up. "Don't you mean 'Max's'?"

Michael shook his head. "Tess, I've wanted Liz since the third grade. Long before I ever knew Maria. Once she's initiated, it'll just be a matter of time before she comes to me."

Tess and Kyle shared a disturbed look. They definitely needed to schedule a meeting with the others and it had better be soon before this got any worse.

 

"So, chica, you wanna go do something tonight?"

Liz could barely bring herself to look Maria in the eyes as she answered, "Actually, I was thinking I'd stay in, you know just take a long bath and write in my journal. Have some quiet time."

Maria rounded the corner of the counter at the CrashDown to ask her friend worriedly, "Are you ok? I mean did something happen?"

"What? No, Maria, nothing happened," Liz said maybe a little too quickly. "What makes you ask that?"

"The combination of you taking a bath and writing in your journal usually means there's something going on. Did something happen with Max yesterday?"

'I wish,' Liz thought morosely. "No. I didn't hardly even see him. It's not him."

"Then what is it?"

"It's nothing, Maria. I just don't feel like doing anything."

"Well, I'm going out, and I guess I have four hours to convince you to come with me." It was said in a tone Liz had heard a hundred times before. Liz was on a sinking ship and she knew it. Still, there might be time to catch a lifeboat…

"Maria," Liz said warningly.

"Liz," she mimicked. "Come on. You know you want to go. We'll go to that club out by the mall. We'll wear something sexy and have all the guys drooling over us." Seeing her friend about to decline, Maria played her trump. "Come on, Liz. I need you with me. This will be a part of our 'project.' Just think of it. I'll need your help managing all those guys."

Liz sighed, knowing that she was defeated, lifeboat or no. So much for staying in and trying to come to terms with what had happened last night, she thought. Maria came first, especially now with all the guilt Liz had heaped on her shoulders.

"Ok, I'll go…" Maria squealed and hugged her. Seeing a way to salvage the night and turn it into something special for Maria, Liz admitted, "I have a present for you, too. You can wear it tonight if you want."

"A present?" Maria asked, puzzled. "What present?"

"Let's just say that tonight we *will* both be wearing our underwear."

Understanding dawned across Maria's face. "Oh my god, you didn't."

Liz said nothing, but grinned at her best friend. The smile faltered as she wondered how much longer Maria would be speaking to her once she found out what had happened with Michael last night. Somehow she didn't think Michael's 'Just a kiss' argument was going to do her any good. A customer was approaching the cash register, and Liz hurried over to wait on him trying unsuccessfully to push the unexplained event to the back of her mind.

* * * * * * * *

The door to the CrashDown opened and Isabel and Tess entered the bustling restaurant. They quickly moved to seat themselves at the counter because someone was sitting in their usual booth. In fact, people were sitting in all of the booths. Isabel couldn't remember the last time she'd seen the place so crowded. Wait, yes she could, it was the night she'd offered to help Maria out just before Liz's grandma had died.

The two aliens watched their human friends bustle around waiting on customers left and right. It was a minute or two before Maria swung to the other side of the counter looking at them for the first time. "Oh, hey, guys. I didn't realize it was you sitting here. What can I get for you?" With it being so busy, Maria didn't waste any time or energy being embarrassed in Isabel's company. Besides, she was coming to terms with what had happened between them. She was feeling more confident about herself, thanks to Liz and her sexual schemes this past week, than she had in a long time. She knew it was just a matter of time before she got up the nerve to approach Isabel again.

Isabel was so happy to see Maria looking at her without the customary shadows under her eyes that she couldn't even exchange pleasantries. Her earlier argument with Michael was still ringing in her ears.

"What do you mean you didn't tell her anything? You must have told her *something*…"

"Like what? We didn't know at the time why the initiation had failed. It was weeks before we realized what went wrong. By then, she was barely even speaking to me. What was I supposed to say?" he defended himself. The pod squad plus Alex and Kyle had gathered in Michael's apartment for the emergency meeting to discuss the events of the previous evening.

"God, Michael! You just let her think that somehow it was her fault?"

Isabel had drawn an accurate picture of Maria's state of mind from both Tess's retelling of Liz's outburst from last night and Michael's description of the flash he'd gotten from Liz. Isabel thought that Maria had had the right idea: she wasn't currently speaking to Michael now either. It pained her to think of what Maria had suffered because of her.

Looking back at the one night she'd spent with Maria DeLuca, Isabel still shivered in pleasure. The small blond girl had been incredible, loving and thorough in her willingness to please her. Isabel got tears in her eyes when she realized that to Maria, that amazing night was a source of shame and humiliation. She was determined to right the wrong they done to her as soon as possible. The sooner the better.

Accordingly, she asked, "So Maria, what are your plans tonight?"

"I just talked Liz into going clubbing with me."

"Really? Where're you going?"

"Hanger 54."

"No kidding? Tess and I were planning on going there tonight, too. Weren't we?"

They'd had no such plans, but Tess easily backed her up, "Uh huh. In fact, that's kinda why we're here. To see if you and maybe Liz wanted to come out with us. Kind of a 'girls night'."

Isabel quickly added, "But if you've already got plans, then maybe we'll just see you there." She didn't want to scare Maria away, or cause her to change their plans. The idea of getting to dance with Liz and Maria on a crowded dance floor held a sudden appeal. The four girls hadn't danced together since that night in this very room right after Liz had returned from Florida, before Nasedo had died.

Maria looked at them, puzzled. Tess wasn't usually a big joiner, and with the awkward state things between her and Isabel had been in, the invitation seemed a little out of the blue. The sincerity in their faces calmed her somewhat and she found herself agreeing, "Yeah, ok. I guess we'll see you there."

"If you'd like, Tess and I will get a table by the dance floor big enough for the four of us."

"Sure." Maria agreed, hoping Liz wouldn't be too mad about having to be stuck with Tess for the evening. "We'll probably get there about eight."

Isabel curved her lips up into her most beautiful smile as she stood. "Great. Tell Liz we're looking forward to seeing her there."

Tess got up and followed Isabel out the door. She felt a small pang that Liz hadn't noticed her the whole time she was there. Tess knew that if Max had walked in, Liz would have known instantly, and dropped whatever she was doing to rush to greet him. It saddened her on some level that Liz was able to completely block her out.

She would have been surprised to discover that the truth was just the opposite. Liz had been very aware of the small alien as soon as she'd entered the CrashDown. She still wasn't sure where she stood with what had happened last night and decided avoidance of the issue was the way to go right now. She'd kissed Tess. Ok, it had been on a dare, but nothing would diminish the fact that Liz had *enjoyed* the kiss. So much so that when Michael intervened, Liz had needed an outlet for her burgeoning desire and had eagerly allowed it to flow into him. And to make matters worse, she'd *really* enjoyed kissing Michael.

What was wrong with her? She loved Max. Wholly, unconditionally. Despite everything that was keeping them apart at present, nothing could diminish the fact that he was the other half of her soul and she wanted him above all others. But apparently not to the exclusion of all others. Therein lay the point of all of her confusion today.

With Tess and Kyle going so strong right now, all of the reasons for why she'd been staying away from Max suddenly seemed less insurmountable. Perhaps it was time to stop pining at for him from afar, tell him what she really wanted and let nature take its course. She wanted him with every fiber of her being, and she couldn't fight it forever. Perhaps, if she could look to Max for the love that was missing in her life, these disturbing feelings for Michael and Tess which were surfacing would disappear as if they never were.

She knew she would need to think about it more before making a final decision, and it probably wouldn't be tonight. Tonight was about Maria, and helping her get over whatever Michael had done to her. She'd worry about the rest tomorrow, just like Scarlett O'Hara, she thought with a grin.

Thinking about Maria caused her to smile. Liz couldn't wait to see the look on her face when her friend saw what she'd bought her from Victoria's Secret.

* * * * * * *

Staring at herself in the mirror, Liz wondered where the modest young woman she'd always perceived herself to be had gone. Having unwittingly joined Maria on her quest of sexual awakening, Liz discovered a whole new side of herself she'd never known existed. The sexy, alluring side.

That side was on display for all the world to see right now.

On Wednesday after school, Liz had made an impulsive stop at the Victoria's Secret in the mall to find something sexy for Maria, and had wound up buying something for herself, too. Hers was a black, lacy garter belt complete with sheer silk stockings, matching thong and demi bra. How was it possible that she was dressed, yet still felt completely nude. She'd put off pulling on her skirt and blouse until the last minute, wanting to enjoy the heady sensation for as long as possible, but for some reason, she'd reached into her closet and pulled out her nicest pair of black heels. Wearing just her shoes and underwear was the most decadent thing she'd ever experienced. It also brought to mind the vignette of the lady executive who'd managed to keep her shoes on through everything that guy had done to her. Liz had to admit she was turned on just from remembering it and wondered if anything half as sexy would ever happen between her and Max.

She piled her hair on the top of her head in a deceptively casual twist. The flattering style looked like one innocent touch would bring it all down around her shoulders, but Liz knew it would actually hold up all night. As she was putting the finishing touches on her make up, the phone in her bedroom rang. Checking to make sure the coast was clear, no dad at the door, no Max at the window, she hurried across the room to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hey girlfriend. You coming over or what?" Maria was getting impatient for their night to begin.

"Yeah. I'm almost dressed. I'll be there in a few minutes." As she spoke, she turned to stare transfixed at the vanity mirror. From this distance, the view was practically full length, and Liz was once again astonished at herself. Who am I? she wondered. The demi bra set off the curves of her breasts to perfection, barely covering her nipples. The garter belt and stockings framed the apex of her thighs and the thong was practically invisible; it was so tiny.

"What are you wearing?" Maria asked through the phone.

Absently, Liz answered, "Nothing." Catching herself, she amended it to, "Uh, I mean I was just looking through my closet. You know, trying to decide."

"Well, hurry up then."

Liz could hear the eagerness in her friend's voice and smiled. "See ya in a few."

"Ok. See ya."

Going to her closet, she pulled out a black leather skirt, which would reach mid-thigh, thus covering the tops of her stockings and a short red scoop necked blouse that would leave her midriff bare. It was perfect. Liz dressed in short order, spritzed herself with her favorite perfume and headed out the door, the small bag containing Maria's gift clutched in her hand.

* * * * *

"Liz, are you sure you can't see anything?" Maria asked worriedly.

Without looking at her, Liz assured, "No, Maria, you look great."

Maria tugged worriedly at her shirt, whispering, "It's just that I feel so… undressed."

"That was kinda the point," Liz assured her as they pushed their way through the crowd toward the dance floor.

"Yeah, well, I don't want to *look* undressed," she stressed.

"Maria, you look fine. Come on, let's find a place to put our stuff down."

"Oh, I almost forgot. Isabel and Tess said they'd be coming here tonight, too. They said they'd try to find a table near the dance floor." Looking around, Maria spotted the two blonde aliens. "There they are," she exclaimed. Grabbing Liz's hand, she pulled her friend over.

'They were WHAT?' Liz thought frantically as she was yanked across the room. "Maria!" she hissed. "You didn't tell me they'd be here." But then it was too late to object and there they were.

"Hey guys," the fair human greeted them.

Isabel turned from the floor with a welcoming grin. "Hey!" Casting her eyes over Maria's luscious form, she said, "You look great!" in a sultry tone which caused Maria to blush profusely.

Beside them, Liz and Tess looked each other over, unsure what to say to one another. They each settled for "Hi," and let it go at that.

Looking around the table, none of them knew what the night would bring, but before the sun rose again in the morning, the score was going to be three down, one to go.

 

"Hey Max, can I talk to Isabel?" Alex asked into the phone.

In the process of grabbing his keys off the counter, Max answered, "She's not here. I thought she was over at your place tonight." His parents were staying overnight in Santa Fe and he was off to convince Liz that they belonged together once and for all. After the revelations from the meeting earlier, Max needed to talk to her about what'd been going on with her and Maria. Plus an empty house could mean some quality make-out time, provided he could finally convince her to give up the whole break-up-with-Max-for-his-own-good scenario for a more favorable one that involved her being naked and in his bed.

"Nope. My parents are back from their trip to Florida and we're having family bonding fun. Complete with slides." Alex's tone indicated it was more of a torture session than fun. "You know how it is. I was hoping she'd come share the misery with me."

"Well, I haven't seen her, but I'll tell her you called."

"Thanks, man."

Leaving a note for his sister on the fridge, Max hurried out of the house.

* * * * * * *

With the sounds of Ricky Martin's "Shake Your Bon Bon" pounding through the speaker system, Liz and Maria were happily bumping and grinding on the floor with everyone else in the place and catching quite a few eyes in the process. Maria's long blond hair was in its customary ringlets cascading down her back. The dark blue sleeveless silk blouse she wore brought out the color in her eyes, and her tight knit skirt accented the curve of her ass and hips, as well as called attention to her long, shapely legs. She looked exquisite, especially next to Liz's stunning appearance.

Sitting at their table, Tess and Isabel sat watching the two human girls enjoy themselves. Their eyes were glued to swaying hips and reaching arms. They each noticed every glance bestowed upon the two beauties by the hungry men in the crowd as well as the secretive smiles exchanged by the girls themselves.

"I'm a desperado underneath your window…" Maria sang along with Ricky, really enjoying herself for the first time in a long while. This was how things should always be, she thought as she rolled her hips. Shake your bon bon, shake your bon bon… She and Liz out on the town. No danger or creepiness lurking anywhere. Just the two of them, loud music and about a hundred guys to tease. "We'll go 'round the world in a day. Don't say 'No.' No, shake it my way, oh."

When the guy behind her 'accidentally' bumped into her for the third time, Maria turned to face him. With a sexy smile on her face, she danced a little closer, looking into his dark eyes. He was tall, maybe as tall as Michael, but lanky like Alex. His cologne was a little overpowering, but Maria forgave him. He seemed surprised at first when she turned around, but when it became apparent that she wasn't going to yell at him for trying to cop a feel, he grinned wolfishly and she discovered that he had a dimple in his right cheek.

Left without her partner, Liz eyed the guys dancing on either side of her. Both of them had been trying to catch her attention for the last few minutes, but she'd ignored him. Now, she turned and backed up a step to let them into her circle.

Eyeing each other askance, both boys decided, 'what the hell,' and allowed themselves to be pulled into her web.

* * * * * * *

At the CrashDown, Max was surprised to see neither Liz nor Maria working. Catching Michael's eye through the pick-up window, he waved his friend over. At his inquiry, Michael told him, "I don't know. They both got the night off, and they weren't here when I clocked in. They're probably at the library or something."

Max was about to get up to look for them there when Kyle entered the diner.

"Hey, Kyle. I figured you'd be at home tonight."

Shaking his head, Kyle informed them, "No, Tess went out with Isabel. They were supposed to be hooking up with Liz and Maria for some girl bonding time."

"No way," Michael said, the possibilities swirling around in his head. 'Are we talking bonding or *bonding*,' he wondered, 'and if so, which was the lucky guy who was gonna get to claim his mate, me or Max?'

"Yeah, Tess said she might be out late, so I'm on my own tonight."

"Do you know where they went?" Max asked casually. He was afraid his plans were about to be shot to hell, but he wasn't giving up that easily.

"Someplace to dance. That's all I know."

"Thanks." He hurried out the door, mentally listing all the underage clubs in the area. There was one in Roswell, and two others not too far away. If the four girls were at any of them, it shouldn't be too hard to find them, he thought.

* * * * * * * *

Seeing another guy join in the ever-growing circle around Liz and Maria, who were dancing back to back, Isabel decided enough was enough. Liz and Maria were *theirs* and it was about time all these Romeos knew it. "Come on," she said to Tess as she stood up.

The two girls had to elbow their way into the group and soon they were all dancing together in time to the driving beat of the music coming through the speakers. They were delighted when the song changed to "Smooth" by Santana. The lyrics and the beat were both provocative enough to suit Isabel's purpose.

The taller alien danced her way a little closer to Maria, who smiled in greeting.

"Hey, it's about time you wallflowers decided to join the fun," she chided.

"Yeah, well, we were admiring the view."

Maria eyed the gathered crowd appreciatively. "Yeah, I bet. Anyone catch your eye?" she teased, only to be surprised at Isabel's answer.

"One or two."

"Really."

"Yeah. I'm thinking there's one I might even want to take home."

That answer stunned Maria, since she was aware Isabel and Alex had gotten officially together. "You're kidding, right?"

"Dead serious. That's not to say I'm going to. But it's fun to think about." Isabel of course had no intention of taking home anyone except for either Liz or the blonde temptress in front of her, but she didn't want to scare Maria off by admitting that fact. So she asked instead, "What about you? See anything you like?"

"Maybe."

Isabel smiled wickedly. "You wanna really have some fun?"

"What do you mean?"

"Just watch." With that, Isabel moved up behind Maria and lightly placed her hands on the other girl's hips.

"Isabel! What are you…?"

"Just watch," Isabel commanded. Sure enough, as the two of them, danced, their sleek movements completely in sync with each other, the guys who were watching practically began to drool.

* * * * * * *

It was about ten o'clock when Max entered Hanger 54, Roswell's hottest - and only - underage nightclub. He'd spotted the Parker's sedan and Tess's little foreign car in the parking lot, so he knew he was in the right place. As he pushed himself through the crowds, he heard some guy say to a buddy, "Hey man, you gotta come check this out. There's a couple of hotties getting down on the dance floor. And I mean *getting down.*"

Another guy, looking toward the dance floor exclaimed, "I am *so* in love."

His friend answered, "Take a number."

Intent on finding Liz, Max didn't pay much attention to them. All he knew was that the press of bodies surrounding the floor made it difficult for him to see. Finally, he made it through to where he had a clear view of the people dancing and found himself joining the crowd of dumbstruck men in the room.

Maria and Isabel were dancing. Together.

No, Isabel was seducing Maria out there on the dance floor while a roomful of men stood around and gawked. She had the smaller girl's arms raised above their heads, a position which emphasized her beautifully shaped breasts, while keeping their hips pressed together back to front as they did a slow grind. The position of their arms had Maria leaning back into Isabel so that there wasn't an inch of space between them from collarbone to knee. The lighting provided an excellent view of Maria's profile and it was no secret that her nipples were standing out proud and erect against the silk of her blouse. It was an incredible sight and, for just a moment forgetting his true purpose for being here, Max stared at them. He was wishing Michael were here to see this. They were so beautiful. Max felt his body begin to respond to the visual stimulus it was being treated to.

Maria was in trouble and she knew it. She'd started out wanting to tempt and tease all of the gorgeous men they'd attracted, but now, she realized it was she who was panting with desire. She didn't know what Isabel was up to and she didn't care. Somewhere in the last five minutes, Maria had fallen under Isabel's spell. Feeling her lover's generous curves pressing against her, she decided that she was ready to give the initiation another go. Ready, willing and able, to be more specific. After her adventurous week with Liz, she figured she was as prepared as she was gonna get, and tonight seemed to be the perfect opportunity, if only she could get Isabel to agree.

As Maria turned her head, Isabel released her arms in order to splay her hands across her midriff.

"Isabel?" Maria's voice was husky with desire, but there was nothing she could do about that.

"Hmmm?" It was practically a purr in her ears.

"Um, can we talk? I… I mean, not here, but go somewhere - private… to, you know, talk."

Rubbing her hand slowly across Maria's abdomen, while their hips continued to move to the rhythm of the song playing, Isabel questioned, "Talk?"

"Yeah."

"Sure." Her casual tone belied the sexual tension filling her body. After hearing what Maria had been up to with Liz this week, she suspected she knew what was coming. It was sooner than she'd thought, but Isabel wasn't complaining. She wanted Maria too badly to play games with her. If the other girl was going to ask her to take her home, Isabel would eagerly oblige her. They still needed to straighten out what had gone wrong with the first initiation, specifically the fact that Tess had needed to participate. Isabel was afraid Maria would shy away once she knew, so she wasn't planning on telling her until the last possible second. Once Maria was nearly incoherent with lust would be time enough to spring it on her. "Come with me," she said, releasing her hold on Maria's body and heading in the direction of the ladies restroom.

As it happened, the song was ending, so their sudden departure from the dance floor wasn't too obvious.

Tess and Liz watched them going, one concerned, one curious. They'd both seen their friends hamming it up for the guys around them as they'd continued to dance. Neither one had even contemplated trying to talk the other into mimicking them. Tess knew Liz wasn't ready for that kind of show, and Liz was still unsure how things stood between them. They slowly made their way off the dance floor to their table only to find Max waiting for them.

"Max! What are you doing here?" Liz asked, stunned. This was the last place she'd ever expected to see him.

"Looking for you, actually." He turned to the other girl. "Hey Tess."

"Hey Max."

"Is something wrong?" Liz asked, worried.

"No. Yes," he quickly amended. "I needed to talk to you."

"Right now?"

"Yeah. Do you mind?" he asked, aware that he was cutting her girl's night short, but for what he had in mind, he hoped she wouldn't mind.

Liz wanted to talk to him, but… "I'm here with Maria. I drove."

Tess intervened to put her hand lightly on Liz's arm. "It's ok. Isabel and I will make sure she gets home."

"You sure?" Liz asked, clearly torn between wanting to go and wanting to stay.

"Yeah. You and Max go have your talk. We'll catch up with you tomorrow."

She smiled shyly at the blond girl. "Thanks."

"Anytime."

Bending over, Liz retrieved her purse from where she'd stashed it underneath the table. While she was out of earshot, Tess gave Max a mischievous grin, before adding softly, "And you… Be good."

He rolled his eyes. "Like I have a choice," he muttered for her ears only. Seeing Liz was ready, he followed her outside the club where he invited, "If you want to follow me back to my house… my parents are out, and we should have some privacy."

Liz felt a small thrill at that. Privacy was exactly what she wanted for the kind of talk she wanted to have with him. Earlier she'd been confused over the two kisses, but the more she'd thought about it, the more she realized that regardless of what had happened between her and Tess and Michael, it was Max she loved, Max she wanted. She figured this would be as good a time as any to let him know that she wanted to be with him. Maybe, she thought, if the talk went well, she'd be able to put that legendary control of his to the test. She hoped so. She was ready to claim one Max Evans as her own.

 

Their talk had been amazingly short.

As soon as they were in a quiet corner of the club, Maria turned to Isabel and said, "Look, I know we never really talked about what happened between us… or what didn't happen," Isabel winced at the hurt seeping through Maria's voice, "but I wanted to ask you if it was possible, that you'd give me a second chance to, you know, get it right. I know you're with Alex and all, but he won't mind once he understands that this needs to happen so I can be with Michael. And, that's what this is about, right? Me getting the chance to be with…"

Isabel had heard enough. She stopped the words tumbling from Maria's mouth by the expedient method of kissing her. Putting her hands on Maria's shoulders, she pulled her friend closer and teased the closed seam of her mouth with her tongue. As soon as Maria let her in, Isabel slowly allowed her tongue to slide into the hot cavern of her mouth for one foray before pulling back.

Looking directly into her friend's eyes, Isabel said, "Yes."

Stunned, Maria asked, "You mean it?"

Nodding solemnly, Isabel said, "Of course I mean it. But I need you to know, this isn't just about Michael. It's about 'us' too. I didn't realize that Michael did such a crappy job explaining things to you last time. I guess I should have known." Isabel couldn't resist rolling her eyes. "I want you to know everything about what's happening. But not right now," she said, indicating the crowded club. "I promise I'll tell you everything. Do you trust me?"

"What?" Maria asked in disbelief. "Of course I trust you."

Isabel lightly stroked down the side of Maria's face. "Good, good. Let's find Liz and Tess and get out of here. My parents are gone tonight, so we'll have the house to ourselves."

Maria couldn't resist staring in awe at her for a moment before following the taller girl back to their table where they found Tess sitting by herself.

"Where's Liz?"

"Uh, your brother just came in and swooped her up."

"Did he say where he was going?"

"No, but by the looks of things, I'd say back to your house."

"Damn," Isabel swore. Tess sent her a silent inquiry to which Isabel nodded slightly. Maria would be theirs, if they could come up with a place to go to.

Biting her lip, Tess tried to think of somewhere they could go for some privacy. Isabel briefly considered then ruled out going to Liz's room - since she obviously wasn't using it; but her parents would be there, besides which there was no telling when she'd return. Same thing with Alex and Kyle. Too bad the old Harding residence wasn't available… That left either a motel, or Michael's.

Isabel looked at Maria wonderingly, unsure if Maria would agree to go through with this strange ritual in Michael's apartment on Michael's bed. It was a lot to ask.

Or maybe not. Maria had apparently come to the same conclusion, and was pulling her cell phone out of her purse. She gave Isabel a smile of anticipation as she hit the speed dial button and listened to the phone ringing on the other end.

It was answered immediately. Using her free hand to cover her other ear in order to hear over the loud music, Maria shouted, "Mr. Parker! Hi. Hey, can I talk to Michael for a minute? Thanks."

* * * * * * *

Less than twenty minutes later, Isabel was opening Michael's door to admit Maria. They'd dropped her off at her house and immediately pulled away to come here. They'd arrived two minutes earlier, so Maria didn't know that Tess had hidden herself in the apartment.

As soon as the door shut behind them, Maria became the aggressor. Dropping her purse on the floor, she grabbed Isabel to her and pulled the other girl's head down for a searing kiss. Her body, still humming from their earlier dancing, ignited and Maria wanted to drag her over to the sofa immediately, but one of the things she'd learned this week was that anticipation was part of the game. In retrospect, Maria suspected that that fine point of lovemaking was part of the reason she'd failed the last initiation. They'd rushed each orgasm, greedily claiming as many as they could from each other as the night went on and on.

Well, she wasn't making that same mistake tonight. There was no way she was blowing this second chance because she doubted Isabel would be generous enough to grant her a third. So, she ended the kiss and stepped away.

Isabel looked at her uncertainly. 'She hasn't changed her mind,' she suddenly wondered. Needing to know, she stepped forward and touched her friend's shoulder. "Maria?"

Maria took her soft hand in her own and lightly pressed a soft kiss to its back. "There's no hurry, right?"

Relieved, Isabel agreed. "Right."

"Let's make ourselves at home."

Liking the sound of that, Isabel agreed.

Maria stepped over to the radio while Isabel pushed the coffee table up against the wall and pulled Michael's blankets and pillows from the sofa onto the floor, arranging them carefully. There were a couple of candles scattered around, which Isabel lit with a snap of her fingers.

Impressed, Maria said, "Hey, now that's handy."

Kneeling down on the nest she'd made, Isabel held her hand out invitingly. "Come here."

* * * * * * * *

At the Evans', Max held the door open for Liz to step into his bedroom. Trying and failing miserably not to notice the most prominent piece of furniture in the room - namely, his bed - Liz had to force back a rush of longing and desire.

As Max shut and locked his door, he tried to think of the best way to approach her. "Liz…" he started haltingly.

Turning around to face him, Liz looked him square in the eye and said, "Kiss me, Max."

Not needing to be told twice, Max pulled her into a tight embrace and buried his lips in hers.

Clutching his shoulders, she immediately opened her mouth to allow his tongue to penetrate its dark recesses. Moaning softly, she pressed closer, glorying in the full body contact after having been denied for so long. Her hands moved restlessly over his back and shoulders, enjoying the warm flex of his muscles beneath his shirt. Soon, it wasn't enough. She needed his bare skin against her. Without asking for permission, she made quick work of the buttons she found and eagerly spread the fabric back so that his wonderful golden skin was hers for the taking.

"Liz?"

"I can't do it, Max. I can't stay away from you any longer."

It was all he needed to hear. Picking her up, he took the two steps necessary to bring them to the side of his bed where he laid her down gently. Straightening he looked at her in awe. "You're so beautiful," he murmured. Before joining her, he stripped off his shirt and kicked off his shoes.

"Me?" she asked. "Compared to you, I'm nothing. Without you, I'm nothing." She held up her hands invitingly. "Make love to me, Max."

"Oh, God." Needing no further encouragement, he joined her on the bed. He cursed the fact that he couldn't make her his tonight. She would need to go through the initiation first, but he would make sure she had no regrets of her decision. And perhaps by giving her a glimpse of what being with him like that could mean, she'd be more willing to allow Isabel and Tess to take her through the ritual.

With that thought firmly in mind, Max covered her mouth with his, fanning the flames of her desire while his hands stroked lovingly all the skin he could reach.

* * * * * * * *

"Good Lord, what are you wearing?"

Maria giggled. "It's a present from Liz. Do you like it?"

"Are you crazy? This is beautiful. It's like you've been gift wrapped just for me, all complete with ribbons and bows."

Isabel had just removed Maria's silk blouse and skirt only to discover the sensuous underwear the other girl was wearing beneath her clothes. Liz's gift to Maria was a matching bra and panty set. The red bra was sheer where it covered her nipples, so that every detail was visible, the edges of the bra were trimmed in red lace that matched the lace of the panties. The scandalous thing about the set was it was all held together by silky little ties. There were bows on either side of Maria's hips, and another between her breasts and at each shoulder. It would only take seconds to untie each of those bows, thus rendering her completely nude. Isabel's breath caught at the thought.

"That has to be the sexiest thing I've ever seen," she declared huskily as she reached over and lightly tweaked one of Maria's pebbled nipples.

"T-thanks," she gasped out.

"I'm gonna need a picture of this," Isabel said and watched Maria's eyes fly to hers in consternation. "But not tonight," she added with a smile of anticipation. She lightly fingered the small bow that held the front of the bra closed.

Maria held her breath, waiting in silence. It was difficult for her to hold still, but she sensed that Isabel had something in mind and Maria had willingly switched from being the dominate to being the submissive partner. The wait was killing her, however. She groaned in disappointment when Isabel's hand left the ribbon intact to trail down her flat abdomen. It didn't last long, for her lover's hand kept going south until she was stroking the lace of her underwear. With a sigh that was Isabel's name, Maria shifted her hips, opening her legs slightly in preparation for what was to come.

Isabel's whole body was beginning to tremble. It was time to get Tess and lay their cards on the table. Isabel's plan was to draw Maria onto a rack of unfilled desire before making her an offer she couldn't refuse. But first, a small bit of deception was in order. "Maria, I told you before that I was going to tell you everything, you know, about what went wrong the last time, and I am. I want to tell you right now, but I don't think I can deal with you looking at me while I do it."

Raising her eyebrows, Maria thought, 'Isabel Evans, shy? Who would have thought it?' Raising up, she asked, "So, you want me to turn around or something?"

"No. No, nothing like that. Just…" Reaching into her purse, she pulled out a silk scarf she normally used to tie back her hair. The human's eyes widened in comprehension, and as Maria watched, she changed the color of it so that it matched her red lace underwear. Smiling seductively, Isabel asked, "Can I?"

Unable to form a coherent thought, Maria simply nodded and closed her eyes as Isabel gently but firmly tied the scarf so that it blocked her vision. Within moments, Maria found herself on her back with her arms thrown over her head waiting in agony to discover what Isabel was going to do next.

 

"Michael, it looks like we're all done here."

"Ok, goodnight, Mr. Parker." Michael waved to Liz's dad as he got his helmet out of his locker in the back of the CrashDown. The restaurant was finally closed, and he could leave. Not that he could go home or anything. Michael could barely contain his happiness. Even Mr. Parker had commented in Michael's unusually good mood this evening. Knowing that Maria was soon to be his… Thoughts of what she might actually be doing at any given moment with Isabel and Tess had kept a sexy smile on his face for the last hour (not to mention what it had done to the rest of him). Desire, not all of it his, hummed through him, pooling in his groin, which throbbed in anticipation.

He carefully climbed onto his motorcycle and pulled on his helmet. Resisting the urge to swing past his place to peek in the windows, he instead headed over to Max's knowing he could sleep on his friend's floor tonight.

* * * * * * *

"Tell me I'm not dreaming," Max whispered in awe at the sight before him. "Are you real?" he asked.

"I'm real, Max," Liz said, reaching for his hand. "I'm right here, and I'm never leaving you again." Taking his hand, she placed it gently against her breast. He reached out with his other hand and lightly grasped her tiny waist to pull her closer to him.

A few minutes earlier, after kissing and petting each other until their lips were red and puffy, Liz had pulled back with a small, nervous smile. "I bought something I thought you might like," she'd whispered.

"You brought me a present?" he'd asked.

"Not quite," her grin had turned mischievous. "Close your eyes," she'd commanded.

He'd obediently shut his eyes and waited expectantly as she left the bed. When she didn't walk over to her purse where he figured she'd stashed it, he was confused. When he heard the rustling of her top as it fell to the floor, he frowned. When he heard the muted zipper on her leather skirt being lowered, his mouth went dry. "Liz?"

"Ok," she answered, her husky voice caressing his ears. "You can open your eyes, now."

When his eyes opened, he thought he knew what to expect. He was wrong. Liz Parker, considered to be nerdy and bookish by most of W. Roswell High, was beauty incarnate. There was nothing to compare her to. No way to describe his reaction to her delicate body clad only in black lacy lingerie. He was afraid to touch her. What if she disappeared, and this was all only a dream? So he had to ask her if she was real.

Now, feeling her warm flesh beneath his fingers, her heart beating against his hands, he had no doubts. She was real, and she was his. He allowed his fingertips to graze lightly over every piece of exposed skin he could reach - which was practically all of her.

At his continued silence after her declaration, Liz began to get nervous again. It had taken all of her confidence to just undress like that for him, and now, all he did was sit there, staring at her. What if he didn't like it? Was she being too forward? She knew her body was small, her breasts were tiny, was he displeased? Was he comparing her to Tess? That last thought alone was enough to douse her budding passion. Her arms came up to belatedly shield her breasts from him and she took a half step back.

The movement was enough to snap Max out of his daze. Standing, he took her wrists in his and pleaded quietly, "Don't." His eyes left her body to lock with hers.

His velvety voice struck a chord in her and she obediently dropped her arms back down. Looking deep into his golden gaze, she saw there all the reassurances he'd been too tongue-tied to give her. In his eyes, she was beautiful.

Still, she needed to hear the words, and he wanted to tell her. "Liz, don't be shy. You're incredible. Everything about you is perfect. Even in my most erotic fantasies, I never dreamed you could look like this. I'm…" he smiled ruefully, "I'm just scared that I'm gonna wake up from this and find that tonight's just been a strange, wonderful, sexy dream."

Sliding her hands up his chest, Liz leaned into him fully and whispered, "If this is a dream, then I hope we never wake up."

The warm contact of her body against his was all he needed to send him over the edge. His never-ending passion for her flared up as he grabbed her to him and began kissing her for all he was worth. Her fingers moved up to slide into his hair as she rubbed delicately against him.

Max ran his hands down the soft skin of her back, feeling the lace and elastic of her bra. He hesitated over the closure for a moment, then moved on. At her hips, he discovered the same fabric that made up the garter belt. Beyond that, he felt… skin. Warm, satiny skin. Raising his head, he looked toward his window. As he'd suspected, between the darkness outside and the bright light inside, the glass was reflecting perfectly like a mirror. He could clearly see the indention of her spine, her hair as it fell in silky strands across her shoulders, the black band of the garter belt he'd just been exploring around her waist, and the pale globes of her ass framed between black lace and silky stockings.

Puzzled momentarily, because he knew she was wearing panties, the full frontal view she'd treated him to was indelibly imprinted on his brain, Max rubbed his warm hands upward again and as they neared the belt, his fingertips, which were nearly touching on either side, encounter the thin strap of her thong across the small of her back. Enlightened, he traced it's path back down to where it disappeared between the dark folds of her skin.

He had a whole new appreciation of the 'more is less' outtake on life. In this case, less was… breathtaking. "Liz," he asked huskily.

"Hmmmm?" was her response from where she was nibbling on his neck.

"Where'd you get this?"

"D'you like it?"

"Yes," he sighed as he moved his fingers down to stroke the tops of her stockings.

"Victoria's Secret in the mall," she answered his question.

"Remind me to write them a 'thank you' letter."

He felt as much as heard Liz's husky laughter. "That good, huh? I wasn't sure, I mean, I've never bought anything like this before."

He smiled into her hair. "You have no idea." Looking at the window, Max came to a quick decision. He pulled back slightly and placed a soft kiss on her lips before saying, "But I think I can show you. Turn around."

Obediently, Liz turned around to stare agape at their mirrored reflection in the window. For a moment, she didn't even see herself. All she saw was Max standing tall and hungry behind her, his dark eyes burning as they met hers. The skin of his chest and shoulders gleamed enticingly at her. When he slowly brought one hand to her ribs, she finally focused on herself and was mesmerized.

Unable to help himself, Max moved the half step forward needed to press his front into her back and his erection pressed warmly into her backside. Unable to help herself, she settled back into him. At her reaction, he whispered, "See what you do to me?" She saw his reflection smile as he added ruefully, "And that's on any given day. To see you looking like this, it's like the beginning of every fantasy I've ever had about you. You're a dream made flesh. My ideal. My dreamgirl. Mine." He lovingly ran both hands from her shoulders to her fingertips and back again.

"You are so perfect for me, in every way," he declared. "Look at you. I love how your head is the right height to nestle into my shoulder." He ran his hands down the front of her arms, his skin barely grazing the dark fabric of her bra and her nipples tightened in reaction. "See how you respond to my slightest touch? Do you know what this does to me to know that I can affect you like this?" His hands came up again this time to lovingly cup her softness and lift their slight weight. He brushed his thumbs across her nipples as he admitted, "Last year when we were together, I would plot ways to make you aware of me just so I could see this happen." 'This' being the way her puckered skin stood out against the black lace bra that was barely covering it. "You pretended not to notice but you could never fool me. I know you were as aware of me as I was of you and that always got my blood flowing. God," he said, "You make me feel so alive. I never lived before you. And I stopped again after you left me last summer. I crawled into a place inside myself and only existed there until you returned." His eyes locked with hers reflected in the window. "In all my years of hiding, I've never felt so alone as I did once I'd lost you."

"Me neither," she whispered, her voice hoarse with tears of love and regret. Turning to face him, she clutched at his middle. "I'm sorry for leaving you. I thought I was doing the right thing, what was right for you and right for your planet by letting you go. It was so hard. Everyday I wanted to die without you, but I told myself I was doing what I had to. I just had to be strong for both of us." She looked deeply into his eyes as she continued, "We've wasted so much time chasing around something that didn't even matter. I'm sorry…"

He stopped her words with a finger against her lips. "Shhh. It doesn't matter now. All that matters is that you're here where you belong." He picked her up as he continued, "In my arms…" He lovingly placed her in the middle of his bed before following her down. "On my bed." Soon, he promised himself. Soon she would be completely his, but for tonight, this would be enough.

She touched a hand to his face. "I'll never leave you again."

"Never leave me again," he breathed against her skin. It was a plea and an order.

"Never," she affirmed as she pulled his lips to hers and they kissed one another like they had a lifetime of kissing to make up for. Passion flared hotly between them once again and Max's beautiful hands caressed all the skin he could reach.

It wasn't enough. He rolled them to their sides so that he could get to more of her as his mouth continued to plunder hers.

* * * * * * *

Michael backed silently away from Max's window. The perfection of Liz's small body revealed in the lacy black nothing she was wearing was permanently etched into his brain and only added fuel to the fire that was already burning through his veins. When he'd come around the back of the house, this was the last thing he'd expected to see, and he'd stood frozen, entranced. Enthralled. She was gorgeous. And seeing them together was … indescribable.

He belatedly realized that through their connection he could feel Max's desire for Liz coming through loud and clear. It was a palpable sensation. How could he have missed it? He had been so caught up in his own erotic fantasies over what was happening in his apartment with Maria as well as making plans for how he was gonna wake up his little love goddess in the morning that he hadn't realized that his Max lust-o-meter was off the scales. Now that he was tuned into it, holy shit!

Part of him wanted to leave, to go find somewhere to sleep tonight, maybe the Valenti's couch, since Tess wasn't there tonight. He wanted to dream about Maria and bask in the anticipation curling through him. Some of it he knew wasn't his, some of it belonged to Tess and Isabel. Had the girls gone through this waiting and wanting as he and Max had initiated Kyle and Alex, he wondered?

Another part of him wanted to stay. What would they do if Michael shoved open the window and stepped inside? Would they be shocked, outraged, or something else entirely? Would they make room for him on Max's wide bed?

Did he want to stay? Hell yes.

Would he stay? A picture of Maria floated through his mind. Tonight should be all about her. He couldn't let anything mar her memory of tonight and that included spending a few hours tangled up with Max and Liz however great the temptation. She would be pissed if she found out. Still, the temptation was great. From inside the house, Michael heard Liz give a small cry of pleasure and his stomach dropped as desire twisted fiercely inside him.

He backed up another step and tripped over a small ceramic goose decorating Diane Evans' yard. Arms pin wheeling madly, he lost his balance and ended up on his ass, which did nothing to alleviate the aching fullness of his groin. He grunted in discomfort. Just when it looked like things couldn't get any worse, there was a sound of running water just before the automatic sprinklers turned on, drenching him instantly.

Climbing to his feet, he all but ran to his motorcycle. Pulling his helmet on over his dripping hair, he gunned the engine and headed for the Valenti's wondering if Buddha had any words of wisdom for a situation like this.

* * * * * * *

Back at Michael's apartment, Isabel stood and motioned to Tess, who was peeking out of the bathroom to come and join them. She had already undressed down to her panties and Isabel got to see her naked form for the first time, and while she could objectively state that Tess was nicely shaped and all, she couldn't compare to the vixen who was waiting submissively at their feet. Isabel quickly stripped down to her underwear, too and the two aliens knelt down side by side next to Maria.

Tess reached out and lightly trailed a hand up Maria's thigh across her stomach to her breasts where she began torturing the human girl with gentle squeezes and loving circles. Maria gasped and arched into her touch, silently begging for more. Then Isabel began to speak.

"Last time you and I did this, we were still figuring out what it meant to be a hybrid. We aren't alien and we aren't human. We're some weird combination of the two and we have different needs, sexually, than either species. It was our dreams that showed us what was missing. What did Michael tell you about all this when we did this before?"

As Isabel silently waited for the answer, Tess took the opportunity to lean forward and capture the nipple she'd been teasing the whole time Isabel was talking into her mouth. She lightly bit down, thoroughly enjoying the sounds Maria made as she tried to come up with an answer. Moving her mouth to the tiny bow between her breasts, Tess caught it gently between her teeth and slowly untied it. Nuzzling the cloth aside, baring Maria's soft curves to their eyes, she pulled back to admire the view. She stroked one pale, silky globe while Isabel touched the other one.

"Maria," Isabel repeated, "what did Michael tell you about us, about *this* last time?"

"N-nothing," Maria was barely able to gasp out. That warm mouth had felt incredible on her skin, and she could barely think beyond the sensations crashing through her. "He… he only said t… that we couldn't be together until I… and you… That's all he said." Her mouth turned down, "I know… I wasn't good enough for you, I guess, but this time…"

"Shhh," Isabel said before moving down to capture her lips with her own. Sucking lightly, she thrust her tongue inside. Maria started to throw her arms around Isabel's neck to pull her in closer, but Isabel would have none of it. Holding her friend's wrist firmly, she returned them to their place above Maria's head.

Maria whimpered slightly as Isabel kissed a trail to her small ear. "It wasn't you, Maria. It wasn't. You were perfect, much more than I would have ever dreamed. Please don't think that there was anything you did wrong that night." As Isabel spoke, Tess trailed a hand down between Maria's legs and began to stroke her lightly. Maria lifted her hips, trying for a deeper contact only to be denied what she wanted… no, *needed*.

"Isabel," she implored, still unaware of Tess's presence and maddening exploration of her body, but not for long.

Isabel moved back down so that she was next to Maria's right hip, but still not touching her. Tess slid further down so that she was positioned between Maria's open legs. Glancing at Isabel for permission to continue, Tess slowly undid first one tie then the other on either side of her panties.

"It wasn't you, Maria," Isabel repeated one more time as she enviously watched Tess stroke her lover's mound, coming closer and closer to the seam in the middle. "Your initiation failed because of us. We still didn't know what we needed to have happen… there was something missing, something important, something we needed in order for this to work."

Watching Tess, Isabel lost her train of thought. God, Maria was beautiful, exactly like she'd remembered.

At Isabel's silence, Tess took the opportunity to stroke her fingers down the path that led from vagina to clit. Spreading Maria's nether lips with her fingers, she eagerly placed her mouth on Maria's wetness and greedily began to lick and suck on her delicate skin. Unable to resist, Isabel's soft hand reclaimed the breast she had been loving earlier.

Maria was in heaven. Her hips were moving against Tess's lips of their own will. It seemed as if Isabel was everywhere. Her brain was quickly turning to mush, but she needed to make sure she understood everything this time so that there would be no mistake. Struggling to control herself, she panted, "But you've got it this time, right? The thing that was missing, you have it?" As if in answer, Tess thrust her tongue into Maria's core. Maria thought she was gonna explode. Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod. Her arms were trembling with the effort it took to keep them in place above her head.

Holding her free hand to the back of Tess's head indicating that it was ok for her to continue what she was doing, Isabel began to speak. It was the first indication Maria might have gotten that she and Isabel weren't alone if she hadn't been too far gone to notice.

"You see, before Michael can be with you, all of the female members of the pack, if you will, must accept you as one of their own; to initiate you. I alone couldn't do it."

"Oh," Maria panted, thinking some response was needed from her, she wasn't sure what, though. Her mind was completely focused on what was happening between her legs, and she hadn't really heard what Isabel had said.

Tess left Maria's opening to search with her tongue for the tiny bundle of nerves hidden in the swollen flesh in her curls. Finding it easily, Tess drew it into her mouth and bit down gently, while sliding two fingers into her.

Maria arced off the blankets with a cry, trying to get even closer to the source of all the pleasure running through her. She was so close to cumming. She could feel it starting to build in her womb. Her sleek muscles were grasping the small fingers that were buried inside her.

Watching all this, Isabel knew that it was time to stop playing. "Maria, we want you. So much." Isabel sucked on one of Maria's erect nipples punctuating each sentence, driving the odds further into her favor. "Please, let us make love to you. Please, say you'll stay with us here. If you will, then tomorrow morning, Michael will be all yours."

"Yes," Maria immediately agreed. "Don't stop. Please, don't stop now."

"Don't worry, we won't unless you tell us to."

That caused something between a chuckle and a gasp to escape Maria's mouth. "Not gonna happen."

It was now or never. At a sign from Isabel, Tess sat back and released her hold on the other girl's humming flesh. Isabel reached up and removed the blindfold that had hidden Tess from Maria's sight. "Look at us, Maria. Look at us and tell us what you want."

Maria's heavy lashes lifted and she stared into Isabel's beautiful face. She opened her mouth to answer, when several things clicked at once. First of all Isabel had said 'we' and 'us' in her last few statements. Secondly, she'd said something about all of the females in the pack, and thirdly, there was a small, warm hand lightly stroking one of her ankles. Lifting her head, she met the pleading blue gaze of Tess from where she sat between her spread legs.

Realization dawned as she glanced from blue to brown and back again. A hundred thoughts flew through her head. Surprise, anxiety, wonder. Anger was absent. She didn't feel upset about the way they'd sprung it on her. Quite the opposite in fact. Judging from the looks on their faces, they were desperately worried that Maria would get up and leave them there.

Maria would have laughed if she could. The fire in her body wouldn't let her move now if she'd tried. It was a fire they'd put there.

She wanted this. She wanted them. Although Maria had been prepared for a twosome with Isabel, the idea of Tess joining in was far from objectionable. While they'd never really been friends, Maria knew that ever since she'd fallen in love with Kyle, the small alien had been nothing but nice to the others in their group. Whether it was a sign that Kyle's feelings for her changed her in some way, or that she was growing beyond the sheltered, not to mention screwed up existence she'd had with Nasedo as her only family, Maria didn't know. And she didn't care. All she could see was the result: Tess and Isabel were willing to do this for her. They knew that Maria loved Michael and in order for her to be with him, she needed to be with them first. They were here and they didn't have to be. Tears lightly burned the back of her eyes at their generosity, even as her body thrummed with the desire they'd put there.

Leave them? Not bloody likely.

Sitting up, she trailed a hand lightly down the side of Tess's face. Turning to look at Isabel, she whispered, "Initiate me."

TBC

Liz's Initiation will be in the fic currently titled "Saving The Best For Last" (Could be subject to change…)