Michael closed his eyes and relaxed. Finally they were on the road. This minute couldn't come fast enough today. Because he had to work second shift, both he and Max couldn't leave in the morning with the girls and Alex, who were probably at the cabin by now. He grinned as he imagined what the week should turn out to be. He and Maria, next to a fireplace in the cabin in the woods. This scenario had definite possibilities.

All six of them needed their rest, but he more than others. The last few months have been difficult. A lot of difficult life-changing decisions have been made even though in the end everything went back to the way it was. No FBI hunting them. No evil-alien attacks. Max and Liz have gotten back together. Alex and Isabel pursued their relationship as well.

So did he and Maria but it was a little different now. They simultaneously took a step forward and step back. They were surer in their feelings for each other and yet at the same time he closed off even more and she didn't push him, knowing that he was going through uneasy changes. She learned to recognize and respect his 'silences', which came more and more often in these days. He wasn't sure if he was happy or upset about it. Because those silences were anything but silent. Deep in his mind he was fighting major demons and he had a sinking feeling that they were winning.

***

Maria gasped at the magnificent view. The cottage looked like something out of fairy tale. It belonged to Alex's uncle who, after a few hours of intense begging, gave the permission for Alex and his friends to spend the winter break here while he was on vacation. Thick layer of snow on the roof and all around it somehow made it appear even cozier and more hospitable. Even the trees surrounding it, despite their almost surreal winter nakedness gave off a friendly vibe. She exchanged impatient looks with Liz and Isabel who occupied the back seat of her Jetta. Neither one of them could wait to get out of the car and check out the rest of the place.

Alex carefully parked the car, not really used to driving in the snow, and exclaimed, "Welcome to my castle."

Maria swiftly opened the door and jumped out. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. The air was cold, crisp and smelled of pines, reminding her a little of her cypress oil. She felt someone push her.

"You can enjoy breathing later. Right now help us get all this junk into the house." Maria chuckled at uncharacteristically irritated Liz. They were all tired but seeing all the beauty reenergized her. It obviously didn't work for Liz who unhappily stared at the large pile of luggage tied to the roof.

Isabel didn't sound too happy about it either. "Well now I know why Max insisted to be the one to drive Michael. It had nothing to do with whose car it was. He just didn't want to deal with this."

Alex threw his hands around Isabel's and Liz's shoulders. "Ladies, ladies. No need for pessimism and aggravation. I'm sure we'll finish unpacking in no time and than we'll get to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this incredible area while they'll *still* be stuck driving. Plus I put the heaviest bags in your mother's car so they'll be the ones to deal with them."

That accomplished to light up a smile on Isabel's lips, while Liz just muttered an aggravated "Whatever. We might as well get this over with."

***

After they managed to get everything in, Alex gave them a quick tour. A kitchen with a comfortable dinette, and a living room occupied first floor. A fireplace was built into one of the walls and was surrounded by a couch and two overstuffed chairs with loads of pillows on one of them. Across from it were two speakers, amplifier and some other musical equipment.

Alex walked up to it, explaining. "My uncle George is the reason I got into the whole music business. He used to play his guitar whenever we came for a visit." He opened a guitar case and ogled at the instrument. "This baby is his pride and joy."

Isabel came up behind him. "May be you'll play for us later?"

"Sure." He regretfully closed it and motioned for them to follow him. "Come on. We still have to decide who gets which bedroom."

Two bedrooms were located on the second floor but the one that got Maria's attention was the one in the basement. It wasn't as bright and romantic as the other two but it offered more privacy and it's personal fireplace. Granted, smaller than the one in the living room but it was still better then nothing. She checked the room over one more time. Light-gray plush carpet, giant and unusually low bed covered with black silky bedspread and white mixed with gray gossamer canopy, expensive looking stereo system in the corner, loads of books, CD's and candles covered the shelves on two opposing walls and the mantel. This room gave off a slight designed-for-seducing-bachelor-pad vibe and somehow she thought that Michael would love it. She smirked and admitted that she loved it as well. It was... liberating.

"I claim this one. You don't mind, right?"

"Good choice. Good choice indeed, DeLuca." Alex wiggled his eyebrows. "Planning a romantic make out session in front of a fireplace?"

Maria rolled her eyes. "Please, the day Michael wants to do something romantic is the day I join the circus."

"Do I detect bitterness?"

Maria shrugged. "No... well may be a little."

Liz rested her arm on Maria's waist. "Come on chica, you know he means well. He's just.. you know..."

"Romantically challenged?" Isabel suggested with light sarcasm.

Maria mumbled, "That's a nice way of putting it." and continued a little louder, "anyway, since my boyfriend is the romantically challenged one, I think I at least deserve the romantic room."

Liz shrugged. "Fine with me. I don't think this one is actually romantic and I liked the one with the Jacuzzi better anyway."

"Great, I wanted the one with the antique furniture." Isabel smiled. "It's got more closet space." Her smile faded. "Does this mean we have to start unpacking?"

Synchronized groan was the answer to that question.

***

Maria exchanged stunned smiles with Liz. They finally finished unpacking and came to the kitchen to be greeted by a vision they never thought they'd see. Isabel cooking. Alex was sitting on the counter grinning smugly every time he managed to steal a bite.

"Hey, Isabel. Need some help?" Liz offered.

Isabel smiled, "I pretty much have everything under control, except..." she quickly slapped Alex's hand away from carrots she just cut. "a certain young man who'll be sorry if I catch him one more time."

Alex feigned innocence and pointed at himself, "Who? Me?"

Isabel shot him a warning look and turned back to Liz. "Actually could you wash and cut the apples? I was thinking of making an apple pie for desert."

Maria chuckled. "Well my system can't handle any more work. I'm going for a walk. Anybody wanna come with?" girls only shook their heads. "Ok, see ya in a short while."

Maria walked outside and stopped to enjoy the view. It was getting dark and under the red rays of setting sun the forest changed, obtaining almost magical yet dangerous appearance. The temperature dropped significantly and she shivered, instantly doubting that a walk was such a great idea. She bent down and picked up a handful of snow. Suddenly she had an inspiration for something better than a walk.

***

"This must be it." Michael slowly drove up to the house and opened his mouth at the sight that greeted them. Max chuckled when he saw the 'welcoming committee' too.

Maria heard the car and stepped away from her creation, happy that she had enough time to finish. She looked it over and smiled contently. Even though she couldn't feel her hands or her face from the cold it was worth it.

Michael slowly got out of the car, unable to look away from a strangest snowman he's ever seen. Not that he's seen many but he knew that it wasn't supposed to look like this.

Maria was fighting laughter as she looked at his expression. She winked at Max, who couldn't stop chuckling, and with the most angelic face she could master she came up and hugged Michael.

"Maria? What the hell?"

"Well hello to you too spaceboy."

"We already exchanged pleasantries this morning. Now do you care to explain?" he let the end of the question hang in the air and pointed.

"What's there to explain? I call him... SnowCzech. You know, short for snowczechoslovakian."

Michael stared at her as if she just turned into a unicorn and then turned his attention back to the SnowCzech. Who could've looked like any regular snowman if it weren't for the oversized weird shaped head and two giant black eyes that made it look like something out of UFO museum. And for some reason it also had loads of short spiky sticks coming out of the top of it's head.

***

"So is this another perk of being an alien?" Maria noticed confused glances. "Ya know, being a good cook. I mean this meal is great and Michael... well I admit he's no Jacques Pépin but I've seen worse."

Michael ignored her comment and continued eating in silence. Isabel however couldn't let this one pass and replied with a smirk.

"If it was than Max should be of a different species. Poor boy can't boil an egg."

"Hey! I can too."

"Sure you can, if someone stands next to you with instructions."

Maria tuned out their friendly banter and observed Michael. He's been giving her cold shoulder since the whole snowman incident. So ok, may be it wasn't as funny as she firstly thought. Even though Max and Isabel thought it was hilarious. But Michael was always more in touch with his 'alien side' and those spiky things might've been a little too much. Still, it was only a joke and he had no right to be this upset. She sighed and hoped that he'll get over it soon. She didn't want to spend the night fighting.

Michael felt her watching but refused to acknowledge it. Deep down he knew that he shouldn't be mad but he couldn't help it. They always made fun of each other so why did it get to him this time? May be he was just tired from the long drive. He put down the fork and rubbed his face with his hands. Someone once said that in every joke there is an evidence of truth hiding. Did it apply this time? Was it really how she saw him? As a weird alien freak with the strange hair? No that there was something wrong with that... that's how he saw himself. But coming from her it hurt. Or may be he was reading way too much into it and it was nothing more than an innocent prank?

"Michael?" Maria's concerned voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked up and raised his eyebrow questionably. "You OK?"

"For someone whose entire species just been insulted surprisingly decent." He snapped and regretted it almost immediately.

"Michael." Max tried to be the voice of reason as usual. "It wasn't that bad."

Maria felt exasperation rising in her chest. She was trying to be nice and he lashed out at her again.

"Damn it Michael. I already apologized like a hundred times. It was a JOKE."

"Yeah and a pretty damn funny one too." he cursed himself inwardly for his inability to control his anger and got up. He knew that if he stayed here, in the same room with her, the irritation would take over again and he'd say things he'll regret later. Things she didn't deserve to hear. "I'm going to bed." He faltered, "does anybody care to remind me where it is?"

"If you keep this attitude up pal, right here on the couch."

"What?" he turned around abruptly. The hostility in his voice startled Liz into dropping her fork. The sound forced him to snap out of angry stupor. He looked at Maria. She was sitting with her hands crossed on her chest and her eyes were dangerously squinting. He put on his 'bored' face and slowly walked toward her. Inwardly he was screaming at himself to stop being such a jackass and let it go. But her comment was a low blow, an attack on his pride and ego, and she knew perfectly well what it would do to him. He leaned over her and pinned her hands with his to the arms of the chair she was sitting in.

"You got it." Along with iciness his voice contained something that Maria has never heard directed at her before. Disgust. She flinched and felt her stomach contracting, making it hard to breathe.

Before anyone could move, Michael briskly walked out of the kitchen.

"Michael." Max got up and followed him, stopping at the doorframe that separated kitchen with living room. "Michael, where are you going?"

A loud slam of the front door was the only answer. He sighed and was about to turn around when another bang, just as loud, but this time coming from the door that led to the basement, made him jump.

***

Two hours later a thoroughly freezing Michael tried to occupy himself in front of the house. He's been pacing there for fifteen minutes, trembling yet unwilling to get in until he was sure that everyone went to sleep. He didn't want to deal with Max's lectures, Isabel's and Liz's disapproving looks, Alex's sarcasm or Maria's pain. He acted like a real bastard. Again. But that comment was still uncalled for. She humiliated him and bruised his ego and he wasn't ready to forgive and forget yet. He heard the lock being turned and stopped. The door opened and Maria walked out.

"Hey."

"Go back in. it's cold." He tried to keep his voice cool and even, but some of his bitterness still leaked through.

She shivered but shook her head.

"Not until you get in."

"Maria..."

"Listen buddy, you can be as mad at me as you want to but you can't sleep out here. Look at yourself. You've already turned at least six shades of blue. Now I'm not getting in until you do and unlike some other species I know I can get sick and it'll be your fault."

Michael stared at her for a moment and followed her into the house. He hesitated, not sure of what his next tep should be. Maria silently slipped her hand into his and dragged him after her down the stars into the basement. The thought that he should stop flashed in his mind but he vetoed it. He really didn't want to spend the rest of the night on the uncomfortable couch alone.

Once in the room, Maria stopped and turned to face him. She spoke softly but a little erratically.

"Before you go into your macho outbursts or something, let me speak."

He refused to look at her but didn't make a sound. Maria took it as a good sign. At least he was willing to listen.

"Um... I'm sorry. That comment was... uh... unfair and completely out of boundaries. I'm not sure what came over me. It just slipped out before I realized what I was saying. You have to believe me when I say I really didn't mean it."

He squinted a little and leaned forward lightly, staring at her pleading eyes. His mouth opened and he was about to say 'then you shouldn't have said it' but couldn't. He didn't want to fight. All he wanted was to crawl into the bed with Maria lying next to him as close as humanly possible. He moved his lips silently and gave up. He reached forward with one hand, grabbing her waist and drawing her into a tight embrace. His other hand found its way into her hair.

Maria chuckled with relief and circled his waist with her hands. She leaned forward and rested her head on his chest, listening to the beat of his heart. She knew that this argument wasn't over and she could feel that he was still mad but even a short interlude was welcome.

After a few minutes they released each other but only until they changed and got in bed. Maria snuggled closely to Michael and they both fell asleep almost the moment their heads fell on the pillow.

***

"Damn it Maria. What the hell do you want from me?" Michael threw his napkin on the table in frustration.

The six of them were having lunch the next day in a nice little restaurant they found close by. A few minutes ago everything was perfect. Things were a little strained between Maria and Michael but at least they were talking. No one was sure why or how it all started. They were discussing plush kitten that Max bought for Liz. Maria threw in a sarcastic comment about Michael not being romantic enough to even buy her a plastic snake and of course he blew up, still a little ticked about last night. In one blink of an eye Michael and Maria were yelling at each other, attracting attention not only of the stuff but also from the hand-full of patrons.

"I'm not asking for a goddamned star from the goddamned sky." Maria clenched her teeth to stop the tears from falling. "All I ask is that once in a while you do something sweet and romantic. Not even original. Hell, we wouldn't want you to hurt yourself thinking."

"Didn't we already have this argument?"

"This is different."

"How?"

"It just is."

"Amazing. Do you know EXACTLY what day you turned psychotic?"

"The day I agreed to go out with you jumps to mind."

"What? What the hell is wrong with you? Is it nature's special time?" "OK you know what Michael, bite me so hard for that."

"Guys. Please. There are people around us." Isabel's voice was quiet but pleading.

"Hey, don't look at me. I didn't start this. I was enjoying my lunch when blond here decided that she suddenly needs romance."

"Suddenly?" Maria was yelling full force now and didn't care. "Last week was our anniversary Michael and what did I get? Big fat nothing. Does the word mean *anything* to you?"

"Yeah, so what the hell do you want me to do about it? *YOU* were the one who said NO PRESENTS."

Maria groaned loudly, "Don't you get it? I don't *WANT* a present. But would it kill you to at least do a something traditional once in a while and at least give me one SINGLE FLOWER!!!"

He got up abruptly, tripping his chair.

"Traditional? You want traditional?" his voice dropped, seething with venom. "I may not be a specialist in traditions but I gave you something I never gave to anyone. My love and my trust. And I don't mean the whole secret thing. I mean I gave you my personal trust. I told you things about me I've never told anyone. I TRUSTED you with my heart and soul. I guess I MUST be out of this world because I was stupid enough to believe that it meant as much to you as it did to me when you entrusted me with YOUR personal things. I believed it brought our relationship to the point when you don't need some STUPID flowers to know how I feel about you. And you rather have TRADITION?"

"Oh give me a break. When was the last time you even spoke to me? I mean for real not just 'how was your day' and then completely ignoring me for the rest of the night? It's been months Michael. Months. I mean obviously something is eating you but you much rather play your I'm-a-tough-lonely-stonewall act than talk to me."

Michael stared at her in silence for a moment. She was right but this was the last thing he wanted to deal with at the moment. In the mood he was in, they'd end up killing each other instead of talking.

"You know what Maria? Why don't you go find some other poor shmuck who'll give you your goddamned traditions. I'm outta here."

He picked up the chair and threw it against the table, almost knocking the glasses over. Maria watched him ran out of the restaurant through the tears and whispered.

"Oh my God. What have I done."

***

Maria opened her eyes and frowned confused. After the huge fight she had with Michael yesterday, they all went back to the cabin, not really in the mood for farther explorations of the little town. That is all except Michael who never came home. She waited up for him again and must've fallen asleep on the couch. She didn't remember getting to bed where she was at the moment and, she peaked under covers, changing. 'Michael must've done it', the thought flashed, raising hope. May be he saw her point of view and wasn't as mad anymore. She got up and took a quick shower. Twenty minutes later, she barged into the kitchen. Michael was there reading a book. He glanced at her and got up. Without giving her a second look he walked out into the living room.

Maria's hope went crashing down but she had to talk to him. She needed to make him try and understand how hard it is for her and that she didn't mean and didn't want to pick a fight with him yesterday. But even though it didn't take the best turn, in some way she was glad that it finally came out. She took a deep breath and followed him. She nodded good morning to Max and Liz who were cuddling on the couch, looking through 'Scientific American' and discussing it quietly.

"Michael."

He already made himself comfortable on one of the chairs and didn't even bother looking up at her, pretending to be engrossed in the book.

"Michael. You're avoiding me."

That statement forced a sarcastic sneer out of him.

"Gee, what gave it away?"

Maria bit her lip but continued in an even tone, determined to talk this out.

"Why?"

"Why?" sarcasm gave way to disbelief and he finally looked at her astonished. "Yeah." "Take a wild, flailing shot in the dark, Maria. Take an absurd, hundred-bucks on the line bet at why I might be avoiding you." He stared at her, his eyes hurt and angry. She turned away unable to handle it. Neither one of them noticed the other couple sneaking out of the room.

"If I knew I wouldn't be asking. But I'll take a guess since you insist. You're mad at me because you think I tried to pick a fight with you yesterday and you don't understand why."

"Wow. You're pretty good. It's not exactly it but it's but close enough. So now do you care to elaborate why you were trying to pick a fight with me or would you prefer just choose something else to fight over?"

Maria crossed her hands and tried to control her irritation.

"Than tell me exactly why you're mad."

He silently stared at her. She gave in.

"Fine. I wasn't trying to pick a fight with you."

"Could've fooled me."

"Will shut up for a minute and let me finish?" Maria's patience was wearing thin. He was making it as hard on her as possible and it was pissing her off. He clenched his jaw and winced but didn't say anything. She sat in front of him and tried to soften her tone.

"I wasn't trying to pick a fight with you. You have to understand something Michael. I... uh... I don't care about what Max and Liz have. It's not about that. It's about what we *don't* have. I know that you're not a romantic type of guy but I need you to be every once in a while. It's not some kind of selfish wish because I'm a spoiled brat or something. I'd never ask you to spend loads of money on me. May be a simple flower or... I don't know it's not important, just something that will show me that you still want me and still love me since you never tell me anymore. I guess that I just need a little reminder every now and then. Do you understand what I mean?"

He looked up at her sadly and tiredly, anger unexpectedly gone. "I understand. You want something I can't provide..."

"Michael no, that's not what I..." he raised his hand silencing her.

"That may not be what you mean but that is what this all comes down to. You want romance. I can't give it to you. Not because I don't want to. I wish I could. I want to make you happy. But I can't. I am who I am and I'm not gonna change. Even for you. And I can't ask you to change and forget what you want." he hesitated and turned away from her. "We tried to make this work but I will never be good enough for you Maria. And it's all right. We both knew this from the beginning."

"No, no no no no. How did you manage to twist everything I said?" she got up and started pacing, gesturing with her arms angrily. "First of all, where did this 'I am not good enough for you' bullshit came from? Have I *ever* given you a reason to think so?"

He got up and tuned away, leaning on the mantel. "Let's face it Maria, you're... you. Beautiful, bight and sunshiny, granted, incredibly irritating at times yet sweet and lovable. And I'm... well me." he shrugged with pretended indifference, "Stubborn, troubling, moody alien... freak with strange hair and more scars and problems than you should bother dealing with."

"What? First you're not good enough and now you're a freak?" Maria's voice was laced with concern and angry shock. "You... you don't really think that... that I... feel that way, do you?"

He didn't reply. Maria came up and took his chin with her hand, forcing him to face her.

"Michael, look at me. Michael." she pleaded softly, "Please."

He reluctantly locked his eyes with hers.

"What have I done to make you think that I feel that way?" he just swallowed and kept silent. "I mean I tease you about being an alien all the time but you do know that it's not serious... wait... it's not because of that idiotic snowmen... is it?"

He averted his eyes again and finally spoke. "Not really. I mean I've always thought of myself as different... It just..." he shrugged unable to word his feelings.

"Oh my God. Do you know how stupid you are? No no no, you're not stupid. You're moronic." He opened his mouth to speak but she pointed her finger at him, silencing him. "Not a peep out of you. I'm not through talking yet. I can't believe I was so wrong about you again. I mean I knew that underneath all that porcupine exterior and rude behavior is deeply wounded and vulnerable guy... but I didn't expect that you were that much... and damn... is your self-esteem really that fragile? I mean God! You always act like this superior... thing and like nothing gets to you and ... I just assumed it's true. How many doors do I have to go through to get to the real you?"

He stared at her, dazed by her outburst. She started pacing again.

"What in the world have ever made you think that you're a freak? I mean yeah, you're different but that doesn't make you a freak... it doesn't make you a bad person."

He muttered quietly, "May be not, but everything else about me does."

"Oh really, do tell." She stood in front of him with her arms crossed on her chest and eyebrows raised questionably.

"Well, how about my constant screw ups? My ability to drag everyone I care about into trouble? Or killing a man? And of course there is my 'wonderful' childhood... should I go on?" his voice rose a notch with exasperation.

"Well I'm still waiting for a reason what makes you a big bad."

"Did you even hear what I said?"

"Yeah, I did Michael. And sorry pal, but none of them qualify you to be the villain of this story. Yeah, you screwed up but so has everyone else in life. You've never dragged anyone into trouble, we always go in willingly, and I know we give you a hard time afterwards but it's only because we never thought that you'd take it seriously. And you know that killing Pierce was an accident."

"No it wasn't. I wanted to kill him..."

"Yeah, and I've wanted to kill *you* a few times. But there is a giant gap between wanting to kill someone and meaning to kill someone. And I know, just as well as you do that you didn't *mean* to."

Maria stopped in front of him, speaking quietly but firmly, her gaze gentle and understanding, "Listen, I know better than anyone that you've gone through some deep shit in your life." he flinched but she continued forcefully. "But guess what? You're not the only one. Uh uh uh. I said not a peep. I'm tired of this self-loathing and self-pity shit. Each one of us has been passed an unfair hand or two. Each one of us has wondered at least once in our lives what we have done to deserve it. Each one of us has done something terrible. Each one wondered what can we do to redeem ourselves... to be forgiven. But that doesn't make you any less of a person. For all that matters, it actually makes you better. Because you survived. Because you didn't brake. Because you didn't loose your true self. But you have two choices now. You can remember the past and continue moving on with your life, without letting the past ruin it. Or you can continue reliving it, letting the dark... the despair ! pull you in a little more every time. I can't make the choice for you. No one can. But before you do, look around you. Look at what you have and can loose with the wrong choice. You have a brother who might disagree and argue with you ninety five percent of the time but who'd give up his life for you just as you would for him. You have a sister who might be overbearing at times but would gladly rip the throat out of anyone who'd hurt you. You have a loyal friend in the face of Liz, who might be a little bit afraid of you but trusts you as much as she trusts Max and somehow, I don't know how cuz believe me it's not an easy task, you managed to earn Alex's respect. And you have me. Who's all of the above and than some. Sometimes I feel that I'm not enough for you. After all you have this alien-save-the-world destiny and I'm only a human girl like many others. Hush. Don't interrupt." She sighed, "That is why I pressure you into that romance thing. I need you to show me that I'm s! pecial to you. Just as you need to be reminded that I love you, I need to be reminded that you love me. Just as you need to know that you're good enough for me, I need to know that I'm good enough for you. I love you Michael. I love you the way you are. I love you with all your faults and perfections. I love your stubbornness, your passion, you loyalty, your protectiveness... I love the need and desire you arise in me and comfort and tenderness you provide. I love you for making me feel alive. You have the biggest most loving heart Michael but you can't hide it forever. You have to let people in. And you have to open yourself to them. And unless you will... I will not stay and watch you drive yourself into depression. I can't. I love you too much." with that she planted a soft kiss on his lips and walked out of the room.

***

Michael stared in astonishment at her retreating back and hit the back of his head on the wall a couple of times.

"You know this isn't your apartment. You will have to fix it if you break it." Michael opened his eyes and looked at lightly grinning Max.

Max motioned toward kitchen. "I was evacuated. Seems Liz and Maria had a sudden urge for ice cream fest." He dropped on the couch. "Women. Who else would be crazy enough to enjoy ice cream when it's zero degrees outside." He glanced at Michael. "Wanna talk about it?"

"What am I gonna do Maxwell?"

"Knowing your choices might help me in giving you an advice."

Michael shook his head.

"That was a rhetorical question. I don't think you can help me on this one."

"Try me."

Michael crossed his arms on his chest and sighed.

"I already know the right answer. I think I've known it all along. I just don't know how to get there."

Max inspected his friend and frowned. Something about his posture and haunted look in his eyes hinted that this was more than a regular lovers' quarrel.

"Well if it helps any, if there is a way, I'm sure you'll find it. And if you need help..."

"Was that an actual encouragement?" Michael didn't bother hiding bitter amusement.

Max smiled a little sheepishly. "Why is that such a shock?"

"You mean besides the fact that the only 'pep' talk I usually get from you is 'this is too dangerous' or 'it's a mistake' and let's not forget my personal favorite 'don't do anything stupid'."

Max winced at thick sarcasm. "That's not true. I just... you know... worry..."

Michael was silent for a moment.

"What do you think of me Maxwell? What do you really think?"

Max's eyes shot up in shock and he gulped. "What?"

Michael stared at him for a second and shrugged, "Forget it." They thought in silence for a few minutes. Michael completely lost in doubts and Max watching him and wondering what brought this question on. Finally he decided that whatever it was, it must've been important enough, considering that most of the time Michael would rather shoot himself than talk about feelings.

"You're my brother."

"What?" Michael's bewildered expression forced another sheepish grin on Max's face. Talking about feelings with Michael was hard for him as well. He always accepted that they were family and had a special bond. He never tried going in deeper to understand his true feelings for Michael or Isabel. What he found didn't surprise him as much as he thought and he tried to place those emotions into words.

"I know that we fight a lot and sometimes ready to kill each other. But when it's important... when it really counts I know that you'll be right by my side and I'll be by yours. And none of that leader and second in command junk. But as partners. I may not trust you to pick up my dry cleaning, but no matter what happens around us I would trust you with my life. And not just mine. I would trust you with Izzy's or Liz's. You're my best friend. And you're my brother. No matter what the book or destiny or anyone else says. Sometimes being a family is not about blood. It's about having a special bond and we have it. The three of us." he purposely left Tess out. He looked at a content half-smile on Michael's face and his own widened. "You do realize that you and I are more alike that we both care to admit."

"Really." Michael wasn't convinced and Max continued in a lighter tone.

"Yep. Both headstrong, bossy, controlling and protective. If you ask Izzy I'm sure she'll throw in a few more similarities but they'll be a little less favorable." They both chuckled.

"I'm not controlling."

"Yeah, I don't think I am either. But the public seems to think so."

"May be you're right."

"I know it." Max hesitated, afraid to ruin this rare nowadays moment of connection between them but he decided that it's better to ask now. Who knows when will be the next time Michael going be in the mood to discuss something personal. Ever since they found out their so-called destiny, or rather since the day when Michael labeled himself a murderer, he was becoming more and more withdrawn, shutting everyone out. Even going back with Maria didn't help him much. It worried all of them but there wasn't much they could do, except hope that he'll get over it soon. "Michael. You know how you always act on impulses?" Michael's expression changed to defensive almost immediately and Max winced inwardly but there was no backing out now. "Do you... I mean... do you ever think about consequences?"

Michael's answer was so quiet, he almost missed it. "Always."

If Max was surprised by his answer he didn't show it. "And yet you still do it. Why?"

Michael averted his gaze to the window and thought for a moment before answering. "Because I always believed that I have more to gain if I succeeded than I had to loose if I didn't."

Max nodded, understanding. "This is something I've always envied about you."

Michael's eyes jolted at Max's face in amazement. "*You* envied that about *me*? But... wha... I mean..."

"I was always so afraid of consequences that... I always ended up watching things pass me by. Izzy once told me that I can't always do a 'Max' on something, meaning waiting passively. You on the other hand..." he waved his arm, "if something interested you, you jumped right in, taking risks but getting results. Sometimes bad results that involved me getting you out of whatever mess you ended up in but at least forcing me to act in the process."

"That's understandable Maxwell."

"How? I mean..."

Michael shrugged again. "You always had more to loose. And that's another reason why I acted out so much." he looked at Max's questioning gaze and explained. "There were things that had to be done. Sooner or later. Like meeting Topolsky or breaking into the sheriff's office. I figured that I should be the one to take the risk because... you know..."

Max couldn't hide his surprise this time and finished for Michael. "Because me and Iz had more to loose. But what if Iz and me wouldn't have gotten to the sheriff's on time? You'd been caught and put us all at risk." He avoided discussing Topolsky because he was still feeling guilty for hitting Michael that time, even though Michael assured him that he didn't hold the grudge.

"Not really. Sheriff didn't suspect me in anything. I mean I have a wonderful image of this weird... juvenile delinquent. People practically expect me to screw up. The worst possible scenario was if I got arrested, sheriff calling Hank and Hank actually bothering to bail me out and beat the crap out of me for wasting his beer money. You getting caught on the other hand would've rose much more suspicion."

"You did give a lot of thought to it."

"No need to sound so surprised Maxwell. I'm not a complete idiot."

"I never said you were complete idiot... I always thought that few parts were missing."

Michael sneered, but his eyes were shining with mirth. "Cute. As if I don't get enough insults from blondie."

"I'm sure you two crazy love birds will work it out."

"Crazy love birds?"

"Well you are."

"Uhuh... and what makes the rest of you normal?" They were both relieved at the humorous turn the conversation has taken.

"Well the fact that we're not crazy might do the job."

" 'We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe.' Johann von Goethe. Sorry Maximillian but you're just as crazy as I am."

"Great. Now I have to shoot myself. But I'm gonna go check on my girlfriend first. Care to join me?" Max got up and waited for Michael's answer.

"Nah. I gotta sort some stuff out first. I think I'm gonna go for a walk. See you at dinner." He went to get his jacket.

"Michael, it's not even noon yet."

"So it'll be a long walk. Oh and Maxwell... you know that stuff you said about us being brothers?" Michael waited for Max to nod and smiled, "Ditto. Except I would trust you with my dry cleaning... if I had any that is."

"Hey Michael."

"Yeah?"

"You're wrong about something. You do have a lot to loose."

As he was walking out, Michael turned, looked at Max, who was still watching him and flashed another smile. "So I've been told." With that he shut the door behind him, leaving peculiarly content and grinning Max alone in the room.

***

After dinner everyone found their own perfect spots around the fireplace. Max and Liz cuddled on one end of the couch with Maria on the other. Michael threw himself on one of the chairs. Isabel sat with her feet curled up in the second one. Alex plugged in his uncle's guitar from upstairs and started playing around with it.

"Mind if see that?" Michael walked up and nodded toward Alex's guitar.

Alex looked at him, stunned. "You wanna see mu...my uncle's guitar? Not to imply anything but.. why?"

"Not to imply what exactly?" Michael stared at obviously squirming Alex with well-hidden amusement. He liked intimidating people. It usually made him feel stronger and less vulnerable somehow but this time he also felt a twinge of guilt. After all Alex has been nothing but good force in their lives, especially Isabel's. With a light smirk he decided to let Alex off the hook.

"Relax Whitman. It's not like I've never handled a guitar before."

This pretty much floored not only Alex but the rest of the group as well.

"Hmmm. Gibson. Not too shabby." As Michael took the guitar out of Alex's hands everyone sat gape mouthed. But that was nothing compared to shock they felt when he actually started playing. It took him a few minutes to warm up and find the accords he needed, but once he did he wasn't half bad.

Michael half-closed his eyes and discreetly looked around the room through the eyelashes. Alex and Liz were pretty surprised but not as much as Isabel or Max. They knew there was a lot about him that they didn't know. They just didn't expect it to be a music playing ability. Now look on Max or Isabel's faces was priceless. It's not that he never did something that stunned them before. As a matter of fact he did that a lot. But this was probably the first time when the shock wasn't mixed with disappointment or fear or hurt. He finally rested his eyes on Maria. She was looking at his hands and he could see that she was surprised. But the little smile on her luscious lips emitted more than that. He just couldn't quite catch what. As if she expected something like this from him. Nothing less. At least she wasn't as upset with him anymore. He felt a light jolt run through his body and broke his gaze off. Before he dropped the damn guitar and dragged Maria into the bedroom a-la cave! man style.

He sat on the arm of the chair, leaning on the back and closed his eyes as he let his hands to remember. For a second he wondered if they all would be able to live through a higher state of shock because he was about to send them there. His hands attacked the strings and the music that escaped was slow but with a little edge to it.

Maria stared at Michael's hands. She's seen people play guitar before. Her best friend played guitar hundreds of times while she sang. Never has anyone made it look so... sensual. He handled the guitar like it was beautiful and fragile. His hands danced on the strings fiercely yet gently. The same way they used to touch her. Almost impossible combination of animal passion and loving tenderness. For a second she imagined what it would feel like to be that 'guitar' again. And the familiar heat arose in the bottom of her stomach. Her eyes wondered up to his face and she marveled at his handsome features just as she did many many times before. His eyes were closed but for once his face showed an emotion that wasn't anger or irritation. She's seen glimpses of this expression on him when she furtively watched him paint. As if just for a moment he erased everything from his memory that made his life a living hell and achieved what he so much longed for. Peace with himself.

Michael licked his lips and with a quick thought 'Here goes nothing' started singing softly.

Lay beside me, tell me what they've done
Speak the words I wanna hear, to make my demons run
The door is locked now, but it's open if you're true
If you can understand the me, than I can understand the you

Maria bit down a gasp when Michael started singing. She didn't know which part to marvel at first. That Michael played the guitar. That he was good at it. Or the fact that he could sing. Sure he was no Andrea Bucelli or even Ricky Martin, but his voice was pleasant to say at least. A little raspy and slightly unsteady but the emotion behind it was raw and powerful. She found herself smiling in awe and felt an urge to pinch herself.

Lay beside me, under wicked sky
The black of day, dark of night, we share this paralyze
The door cracks open, but there's no sun shining through
Black heart scarring darker still, but there's no sun shining through
No, there's no sun shining through
No, there's no sun shining...

He was afraid to open his eyes. Afraid to see mockery or even worse fake pleasure that covered pity in his friends' faces. But he had to make sure that Maria knew what he meant by the next passage.

What I've felt, what I've known
Turn the pages, turn the stone
Behind the door, should I open it for you....
What I've felt, what I've known
Sick and tired, I stand alone
Could you be there, 'cause I'm the one who waits for you
Or are you unforgiven too?

His eyes bore into hers. Anxious for her to understand why he chose this song. Begging to understand how much of him was in it. Pleading to see that he has made his decision and that was him showing it to her.

Lay beside me, this won't hurt I swear
She loves me not, she loves me still, but she'll never love again
She lay beside me, But she'll be there when I'm gone
Black heart scarring darker still, yes she'll be there when I'm gone
Yes, she'll be there when I'm gone
Dead sure she'll be there...

Maria had to admit it. He did it again. He took a perfectly confusing image of him she envisioned and twisted it into something new and just as unexplainable. And even more bewildering and desirable.

What I've felt, what I've known
Turn the pages, turn the stone
Behind the door, should I open it for you....
What I've felt, what I've known
Sick and tired, I stand alone
Could you be there, 'cause I'm the one who waits for you
Or are you unforgiven too?

Lay beside me, tell me what I've done
The door is closed, so are you're eyes
But now I see the sun, now I see the sun
Yes now I see it

Her eyes were shining with passion and comprehension. She smiled and Michael realized that she knew. She knew that this song was dedicated to her. And she knew *why*. He won't have to stand alone anymore. Michael added a little more force to his voice and closed his eyes again.

What I've felt, what I've known
Turn the pages, turn the stone
Behind the door, should I open it for you....
What I've felt, what I've known
Sick and tired, I stand alone
Could you be there, 'cause I'm the one who waits,
The one who waits for you....
Oh what I've felt, what I've known
Turn the pages, turn the stone
Behind the door, should I open it for you....
Oh, what I've felt....
Oh, what I've known....
I take this key
And I bury it in you
Because you're unforgiven too....
Never free....
Never me....
'Cause you're unforgiven too....

Michael let his hands finish the last accords and gathered his courage. Last time he exposed this side of him was when he proudly showed his painting to Max and Isabel. Their reaction was anything but favorable. Not that he blamed them, they were right after all. But it still hurt. He turned his head toward warmth of the fire and finally opened his eyes.

His hesitation to look at either one of them didn't go unnoticed by anyone.

Max couldn't make a sound. He knew that there was a reason Michael chose this particular song and realized that this was probably one of the hardest emotional things his best friend has done. He knew that he should reassure him somehow but the shock pretty much still dominated in his system.

Isabel felt compelled to say something. To let her second brother that she understood and how much this meant to her and everyone else. But she knew Michael well enough to say that if she'll make a big deal out of it, he'll feel embarrassed and run. That was the last thing she wanted. She looked at Max helplessly and had to suppress a laugh at almost comical expression of shock on his face.

Maria remembered her fear to sing in front of public and realized that this was nothing compared to what Michael was feeling at this moment. Saying simple 'thank you' was always a difficult task for him and just now he let down his guard and showed them much more than a slight glance inside his head and his soul. Her heart went out to him and she made a decision too.

Suddenly guitar was dragged out of Michael's fingers and before he realized what was happening, he was thrown against the chair with a force he didn't know the blond pixie on top of him had.

She waited until he caught his breath and looked at her. She whispered, "You never cease to amaze me" and then attacked his mouth with hers. Maria didn't care that they had 'an audience'. She didn't care that they were fighting. She wasn't afraid that he'll reject her once more and she didn't care that she might get hurt. She knew the perfect way to show her love and admiration and she boldly seized it. She released the passion she repressed in the last couple of days and allowed it to take over.

Michael's hands tightened around Maria's tiny waist and he felt his body responding to her closeness. He felt one of her hands digging into his hair, pushing him even closer and he submitted to her passion by freeing his own. Everything but his feelings for Maria vanished and at this moment nothing else mattered.

They came up for air couple of minutes later and stared at each other. Neither one needed to say anything. He gave her one more tender kiss and, after settling more comfortably, pulled her onto his lap. Finally he was ready to face the rest of people in the room. At least he thought he was. Because he was sure as hell he wasn't ready for the round of applause that filled the room. His lips moved but no sound came off. He felt his cheeks heat up and realized that he was probably blushing. Michael did the only thing he could since running was out of the question. He buried his face in Maria's chest.

Maria started laughing at his obvious discomfort. Her laughter was quickly replaced by a squeal when she felt his tong make contact with the sensitive skin between her breasts. She tried to move away but his strong hands held her in place. She gasped as he started digging his face deeper into the low cut of her sweater.

She quickly grabbed his hair and dragged his head up with fake anger.

"Oh no you don't buddy. Keep your tong where I can see it."

He feigned aggravation and stuck his tong out.

"Ith thith thether?"

Maria couldn't resist. She leaned forward and captured his tong with her lips, sucking slightly. His sharp gasp sent shivers down her spine.

Isabel's amused voice interrupted their kiss.

"Get a room you two."

Michael started to get up with Maria in his arms. "I believe we already have one."

"Oh no you don't. Not until newly found Santana here answers a few questions."

Michael glared at Isabel but dropped back in the chair.

"Ask away."

Isabel stumbled. There were a million things she wanted to know but for some reason she couldn't form one question. She glared at Max and when she saw that he's looking at her nodded toward Michael. Max chuckled and jumped in.

"Ok. Who are you and what did you do to Michael?"

"Great. I knew this was a mistake..." before Michael finished a pillow flew into Max's head, hitting him right on the face.

Satisfied Isabel smiled and murmured "Good to know my aim is as good as ever." She picked up another pillow and glared at Michael with one eyebrow raised, "Thinking of going somewhere mister?"

Michael stopped smirking at Max's misfortune and shook his head vigorously.

"Good. Now where was I? Oh. How come none of us knew that you could play a guitar?" Michael shrugged. "You never asked."

Max threw cautionary glance at stunned Isabel and dared to interfere. "Never asked? Michael, this isn't exactly something that comes up in a conversation. How were we supposed to ask, 'how're you doing today? Oh and by the way did you learn to play a guitar this weekend?'"

Michael nodded toward Alex. "You knew he can play."

"That's easy. He carries that thing all over school."

"Fine. You didn't know that I could play not because you didn't ask. You didn't know because I didn't carry one around. Happy?" Isabel sighed. "Ok, so if I ask you'll answer, right?"

"Don't I always?"

Isabel emitted a sarcastic snigger.

"All right, so I don't like to volunteer information but have I ever avoided a direct question?"

High-pitched "HA!" that mustered out from Maria's lips forced him to wince. He closed her mouth with his hand.

"God, don't *do* that. You trying to make us deaf or something?" she moved his hand away and opened her mouth but before she made a sound he interfered. "Uh uh. Not a word. I can't deal with the two of you yakking at me."

"Fine. Than why don't you tell us how you learned and when."

"Jane." Was the only word that left Michael's lips. His voice was quiet and a little strained.

"Jane? Who in the world is Ja... wait a minute. As in Hank's Jane? The one that played the guitar in the band?" Isabel sounded stunned but with a hint of amusement as she remembered. "The same Jane you used to have a crush on?"

Michael chuckled, "You noticed that, huh?"

Isabel rolled her eyes, "Oh please, you were 12 years old. Your little crush was about as subtle as a submarine in a desert."

"Wait a second." Maria was unable to conceal enjoyment in her voice. "Michael had a crush? This is gotta be good. You told me you don't get crashes."

"Not since her."

"Hmm. So what are you trying to say? That you're a one-woman man?" Michael smiled at her frivolous teasing.

"Depends on a woman."

"So what kind of woman was she? She must've been something special to get your attention." "Not really."

Isabel intervened again. "Would you two *please* stop that flirting. You're grossing me out."

Maria ignored her and nudged Michael a little. "Come on Michael. You gotta give us more than that."

He just rolled his eyes and grumbled something inaudible.

Max decided to support Maria.

"I remember you used to talk my ear off about Jane. But you haven't even mentioned her name since the day she left. What happened?"

"She left. There is nothing else to say."

"Michael. There must've been more than that. You've changed back then. I mean you've never been too obvious with your emotions but after she left.... it was as if... I don't know... as if you decided that the rest of the world is your enemy and acted accordingly."

"Don't go all psychiatric on me, Maxwell. Yeah, I changed." Michael was quiet for a second. This was one of the things he swore he'd never talk about but Maria was right. He had to open up and let people in. His eyes scanned the room and he continued without exasperation, in a softer tone. "She was sweet and caring and had a great sense of humor. She told great stories and she loved playing her guitar. She hated cooking but everyday when I came from school she had something special waiting for me. One day she had a fight with Hank and she decided that she couldn't take his shit anymore. So when I came back from school she was gone." His chuckle was filled with bitterness. "Just like that. She didn't bother saying good bye. Not even a damn note." He rubbed his face and glanced around a suddenly quiet room. "You know she was probably the closest thing to a mother I've ever had? I mean that crush was just..." he shrugged. "It doesn't matter now. Anyway, the only thing she left me was her guitar. She taught me a lot in the six months she lived with us. I picked up the rest myself."

"So how come you never mentioned anything? I mean do you still play? I've been to your house but I've never seen a guitar."

Michael looked away from Maria's questioning eyes. He contemplated lying but decided that he already told so much it didn't matter anymore. Plus they already knew that Hank was a bastard. Both his voice and gaze were firm. "No. A few months later Hank decided that the guitar contains too many memories and would be much better used as a... bat." He flinched at the memory but ignored Maria's and Isabel's gasps. "This guitar was ruined and as you guess I couldn't really afford buying a new one. So I kinda... just forced myself to forget."

"You should've told us."

Michael looked at Max and replied, his voice thick with acidity. "And you would've helped how? You were 12 Max. And so was I. Definitely not old enough to understand the healthiness of a nice therapy session. Anyway it doesn't matter now. This topic is closed."

"Micha..."

"Maxwell. Which part of 'this topic is closed' did you miss exactly? Cuz I'd be happy to clarify." Michael squinted his eyes and stared at Max sending a silent hint. He might be ready to expose some parts of his past but not everything and not all at once.

Isabel nudged Alex a little and he got the message.

"So wait a second Michael, are you saying that you haven't touched a guitar in almost four years?"

Michael finally tore away from Max and nodded.

"And you just picked up and started playing? That's like impossible."

"I have good memory."

"Plus he'd pretty good with his hands." Maria figured out that Alex was trying to ease the tension by changing the subject and decided to add a little teasing to it. "Just hands?" with a completely serious face Michael stuck out his tong. "wath athoth thith?"

Isabel groaned. "Ok, if you two won't stop flirting I'm gonna do something drastic. And you don't want me doing anything drastic. Am I making myself clear?" with that she picked up the pillow again.

Maria raised her arms laughing. "We give. We give. We'll be good. But I still say we're much more enjoyable than goo-goo-lovers over there." Liz glared at her and tried to suppress a smile, "Hey at least we don't make public scenes. I mean only you two can go from kissing to yelling and back in less than ten minutes."

"Yep. And that's what makes us so unique and entertaining. Your staring thing is just... dull."

Liz comically growled and turned to Isabel. "Would you mind loaning me that pillow?"

"Sorry Liz, but I kinda agree with Maria here. You two are even more sickening than fiery couple."

"Oh and what exactly makes you and Alex so interesting?"

"Oh, I don't know... how about the ability not to flaunt our relationship to every single person around us?"

"Hmm, and that's not dull how?"

"Hey, I'm the one with a weapon here, remember?" Isabel weighed pillow threateningly.

Alex mockingly flexed his muscles.

"Guys, I think it's time for us to remember that we are da men and ... run like hell outta here."

Michael shook his head.

"And miss a cat fight? No way man. I'm sitting here trying to come up with a way to somehow bring jello wrestling into this... ouch! Just kidding honey." He ducked away as Maria tried to swap the back of his head again and grabbed her hands.

Isabel threw her hands in the air.

"Here they go again. And he called her honey. It's all over..." suddenly an innocent smile appeared on her face. "Oh, Michael.... So have you been holding out your music tastes on us too?"

"What?" Michael almost choked and immediately released struggling Maria.

"I mean come on. That song sounded more like Marc Anthony or Ricky. It certainly didn't sound like the usual loud obnoxious junk you listen to. What's-his-name, Beck or Creed or whatever."

"You right Iz. I confess I'm a closet Ricky Martin fan." He rolled his eyes. "The day Ricky sings something like this would be the day when Max will stop drooling over Liz."

"I do NOT drool." Max snapped.

"Whatever. Want me to pass you another box of tissues? Cuz your girl there is gonna need an umbrella soon."

"Ah, sarcasm is thy nature. But what is hiding behind it? Why is he trying to avoid the question?" Alex spoke into an imaginary microphone and Isabel giggled.

"If you have to know. But you have to promise not to laugh." Michael looked around suspiciously and lowered his voice, "It wasn't really Ricky. It was... it was...." he leaned toward Isabel and whispered dramatically. "Metallica" with that he covered his face with his free hand in phony shame.

"You're kidding, right?"

Michael shook his head.

"Nope. Called 'Unforgiven II'. Told you to give 'em a chance. Now I'm gonna kiss my girlfriend. And if anyone..." he glared at Isabel. "I repeat *anyone* interrupts me again there'll be consequences."

Maria giggled and wrapped her hands tighter around his neck.

"Oh, and do I get a saying in this?"

Michael's only reply was a trace of light kisses up her throat until he almost reached her lips and kissed around them. Maria tried to reach his lips with hers but every time she tried he teasingly moved away. Finally she growled and grabbed him by his hair again, holding him still and assaulting his mouth.

They were so engrossed in their kiss that they didn't see Isabel getting up and with an evil smirk moving toward the door. Alex grasped what her plan is and shook his head furiously, mouthing 'no'. She just waved him off and quietly opened the door. Liz and Max watched grinning. Maria suppressed a moan as Michael lightly bit her lower lip and started sucking it. Suddenly Michael broke away and started cursing. At that moment she realized that her face was covered with snow. As she shook it off she glanced at Michael and joined the gang in laughter. Isabel did a much better job on him. His whole head was coated with snow, his spiky hair almost invisible under a thick layer.

Michael stopped cursing and Maria found herself sitting in the chair by herself as he started slowly advancing toward doubled in laughter Isabel. Isabel saw him moving and the expression on his face quickly extinguished her enjoyment. She raised her arms and started backing away, pleading with him at the same time.

"Michael. It was just a joke. Honestly. I promise I'll never do that aga..." he jumped toward her and with a loud yelp she ran outside. He hastily followed her and shut the door behind him.

That brought a new round of laughter from the remaining in the room friends. Maria wiped away tears and asked Alex.

"Aren't you gonna go save your girlfriend?"

He looked at her with mock horror.

"What am I crazy? Did you see how pissed he was? I'd rather face a vampire after I cut myself shaving than deal with him right now. There are only two people I know who can handle Michael when he's like that. One of them is running outside for her life. And you're the other one. So the question is, are *you* gonna go outside and help my girlfriend?"

Max interfered, "Hey, and what am I? Chopped liver?"

A loud squeak came from outside followed by an even louder "Michael, NOOOO!!!".

Alex sniggered and raised his eyebrow at Max.

"Well if you volunteer..." he let the rest of the sentence hang in the air.

Max threw an uncertain look toward the door and shuddered.

"I'd rather be chopped liver than a dead alien. Izzy can handle him and anyway she brought it on herself."

A few minutes later they started looking worried. No sounds came from outside for a while.

Alex was the first one to suggest.

"May be we should go outside and check if they killed each other yet."

Max got up.

"I'm sure they're fine but you're right. We should check. They've been out for some time and even if we don't get sick they should be freezing by now."

He gave Liz a quick peck on the cheek.

"Why don't you two stay here?"

Maria jumped up and stretched.

"No way. I'm bored and could use a nice walk."

Liz walked up to the closet and taunted Maria while Max helped her put on a jacket.

"Hmmm. Nice walk, huh? My bet would be you can't get back to doing what you were doing before Isabel interrupted you."

Maria caught her parka from Alex and replied grinning. "Jealous?"

"Why would I be jealous? My boyfriend is right here."

"And still doing nothing except making googly eyes." With that Maria stuck her tong out at Liz and quickly opened the door.

Surrounding their house forest was quiet and mystical. Maria hesitated for a second and strained her eyes trying to notice familiar figures. She didn't see any movement. She felt someone tapping on her shoulder and moved a little to the side, allowing Max to pass.

"Michael. Isabel." Max started to worry. It was typical for Michael to disappear without mentioning anything but Isabel always made sure that someone knew where she was. Plus it was already dark and this wasn't exactly a well-populated area. Who knew what could happen if those two got lost. He walked farther away from the house without letting go of Liz's hand. "Michael!"

Alex glanced at Maria. She had a strange expression on her face.

"Maria? What's wrong?"

Before she could answer Max and Liz were pounded by at least twenty snowballs, flying one right after another. Liz screeched and tried to hide behind Max without much luck. Maria and Alex started laughing just a tad too soon. One of the attackers, they couldn't see whether it was Michael or Isabel, switched attention to them. Instead of trying to shield themselves passively like Max and Liz, Maria gave off a loud Tarsan yell and ignored snowballs hitting her while she formed her own with Alex's help. In a matter of seconds they had an arsenal waiting.

Maria taunted loudly as she started throwing snowballs into the general direction of assault.

"Oh, Michael, Isabel. How about showing yourselves and fighting like humans."

Max and Liz were caught at the crossfire and decided to follow their example. They squatted and joined the fight, attacking both groups. Maria saw a dark figure move and hide behind some trees. Outline of spiky hair pointed out who it was. She picked up a bunch of snowballs and ran toward the last place she saw him, ignoring Alex's warning calls.

Maria weighted a snowball in her hand and stepped up to the trees cautiously.

"Hey, spaceboy, come out come out wherever you are."

Suddenly a pair of strong arms enveloped her from behind and she shivered when his hot breath tickled her ear as he whispered, "Be careful what you wish for."

She turned around and repressed a not-so-unexpected wish to kiss him, instead rubbing his face with snow she was holding. Michael jumped back and with a loud, "You little vixen," fell in the snow, pulling her on top of him. After a quick struggle she laughingly surrendered. She scooted a little higher so that her face was right in front of his and their eyes locked in a loving stare. Maria slowly leaned forward and licked his nose, drawing another round of chuckles out of both of them.

"Your nose is cold." She stated still giggling.

"That's strange. Us being on a beach in Florida and all." She stuck her tong out at his sarcastic tone. He repeated her earlier move and captured it with his mouth, sucking on it lightly. She moaned as he released it and caught her lower lip instead. She feverishly responded to his kiss. Maria started caressing his face with her hand when she was snapped back to reality by coldness of his skin. She moved away slightly and smiled at his questioning gaze.

"Michael, we should really get inside. You're freezing."

He refused to let her up.

"They gonna interrupt us again. I'll be fine."

Maria sniggered.

"After what you pulled on Isabel I highly doubt anyone would dare. From the silence I figure they all already went inside anyway and probably busy if you know what I mean." She wiggled her eyebrows, causing Michael to smirk and he finally allowed her up. She drew out her hand, helping him to get up as well.

"Come on, spaceboy. I feel a sudden urge to be warmed up by someone." Her voice was low and seductive as she ran her hands over his chest.

Michael groaned. "Watch it blondie, or we won't make it to the house." His mouth was warm as he placed a wet kiss on her neck. "I might start warming you up right here."

Maria pushed him away.

"Let's go, before I officially change your name to hornyboy."

He pretended to consider it.

"Has definite possibilities... might bring you a few strange stares if used in public."

"Me or you?"

"You of course. I get strange stares anyway." He wrapped his hands around her and they briskly walked to the house.

Back to Area 51 (Section I)