Maria glared at him as she rolled her sleeves up. She could do this, she assured herself, because-because she was Hurricane Deluca! Who did he think he was, telling her it was impossible? She'd been the terror of bullies everywhere her whole life! Michael Guerin was as intimidating as a puppy compared to some of them.

Michael was trying to be strong, but how could he when she was looking at him like that? He strengthened his resolve and crossed his arms. He practically bit a hole through his lip trying to be silent. He knew she could do alot of things out of sheer stubbornness, but he didn't want her getting hurt.

"Maria-" He started, but was cut off.

"Not a word, Guerin! You no longer get a say in the matter. I'm right about this; you're wrong, so deal!" She turned and stalked across the room, picking up a very large pan. Michael gulped, suddenly very nervous. This could not end well.

"Maria, please-" She ignored him, coming closer until she stood directly in front of him. She raised the pan-

And BAM, it slammed down onto the counter, next to the frozen lasagna. She couldn't believe he was being such a baby! It was just lasagna. All you have to do is put it in the oven for an hour and a half!

She conveniently forgot that last time she'd made "just lasagna," the Crashdown oven blew up and Mr. Parker threatened to sue her if she ever tried to cook in his kitchen again. Which was why she and Michael were at her house while she cooked a romantic meal for their one-year anniversary.

Maria placed the lasagna-filled pan in the oven and set it on twice as high as recommended to get it done quicker. As Michael started to walk over to check on things, she grabbed him and pulled him into a passionate kiss. He soon decided that she was much more important than dinner.

They were so absorbed in the kiss that at first they didn't notice the smoke. Michael finally did when he realized Maria wasn't the only thing making him breathless. He turned to see sparks flying from the oven and had to mentally kick himself to remind him that they weren't for Maria and him.

He sprang into action, quickly running to the pantry to grab the fire extinguisher. He grabbed it and ran back down the hall, trying to figure out to use it without having to read the instructions. Finally, he pointed it at the oven and the room filled with the white substance.

After the fire was out, he turned to check on Maria and frowned, concerned. Maria stood exactly where he'd left her, tears streaming down her lovely face. He dropped the extinguisher and pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair.

"Hey, it's OK, the fire's out. Everything's all right now."

She shook her head, "No, it's not! I ruined my our anniversary, my mom will ground me for life for ruining her oven, and how are we going to afford a new one?" She started sobbing again, picturing the great anniversary they could have had, if she'd listened to him just this once.

Michael grabbed a Kleenex box and handed it to her, eyes thoughtful. "We could always go to that expensive French place you keep hinting about." He glanced at his watch; "It's only five now. I'll call Max and ask him to come over to fix this place up before your mom gets home. Go get dressed and we'll leave as soon as possible."

Maria had finally stopped crying and looked up at him, awed. She started to say something, but stopped herself. Instead, she gave him a kiss and started down the hall. Before she walked into her room, she turned back. "I love you, Spaceboy. Happy Anniversary."

He smiled, "Ditto." Michael waited until her door had shut to move to the phone. He dialed quickly and gave a relieved sigh when it picked up. "Hello?" Came Max's voice.

"Hey, man. Plan B is in effect." He didn't need to say more.

Max laughed, doubling over. "She really blew up the oven?" He didn't wait for an answer, "Okay, I made reservations at Chez Pierre for 6:30, so you'll be able to make it if you hurry. And I'll be over to fix the oven in an hour."

Michael smiled, "Thanks, Maximillion. I really appreciate your help. I want to make this the most perfect anniversary ever. Bye." He hung up the phone and sat down, waiting for his enchantress to come out, so they could begin their evening.

Meanwhile, a robed Maria set down the extension phone, stunned. Maria willingly admitted to being a snoop, so she wasn't ashamed for listening in on her boyfriend and his best friend. At first, she'd been angry that he'd been expecting the worst. But now as the shock of his sweet words wears off, her heart fills with love for her spiky-haired Dorkbutt.

Maria hummed to herself as she finished getting ready. She was glad that she'd stopped trying to change him into Max. Her Michael was wonderful just the way he was.

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