Rating: PG-13

Category: M&M, M/L, T/K, A/I, basically foof with a plot

Summary: Okay this takes place next season in their Junior year but since it is my little fanfic universe then all the couples are together. That means M/L, M/M, A/I, and T/K. So this is from a semi-challenge by Lauren that came from a chat one night. The humans are getting pretty fed up with being ignored and they're not going to take it anymore.

Spoilers: None

Disclaimer: not mine do not sue

Author's Notes: Once again thanks to the amazing Sheli for her help! And this one has a sequel I have started called Smack My Ass & Call Me Sally.

On Strike Prologue

"Argh! This is getting ridiculous!" Maria pulled open her locker with determination. She was getting sick and tired of Michael canceling their plans to meet with Nascedo or practice his powers with Tess. "This is the third time this week!"

"Maria, I'm sure that he doesn't mean to cancel but..." Liz trailed off not knowing really what to say because the truth was that Liz was getting a little fed up herself. Max had been so distracted by everything alien lately. She wasn't worried about him and Tess because Tess and Kyle were involved. But Liz would like to spend some time with her boyfriend without thinking about the weight of the world on his shoulders. In fact, Liz thought that maybe some actual relaxation would help him.

"But nothing Liz! I am getting pretty pissed off at this! I know that they have a purpose and a destiny or whatever, but it wouldn't kill him to spend on hour with me in the eraser room!" Maria blushed as she realized that she had been screaming at the top of her lungs. The students passing by snickered and laughed at her embarrassing outburst.

"Trouble in paradise?" Kyle smirked at Maria as she hid her head inside her locker. He and Alex joined the girls at their locker. Alex rubbed Maria's back comfortingly.

"No, Maria's just mad because Michael and Tess are off practicing again." Liz smiled at Kyle. She was so glad that they were friends again. And even more than that she was thrilled that he and Tess were dating. It wasn't just because Liz wanted Tess away from Max but this brought both Tess and Kyle closer to the group now. It went from three and three to six to eight.

"What do you mean they're off practicing? I was supposed to meet Tess in the band room." Kyle pursed his lips in slight anger. Maria finally poked her head out of her locker.

"Yeah well, sorry buddy but you got ditched too." Maria shrugged her shoulders and slammed her locker shut loudly. Her eyes rolled as she saw Max and Isabel approaching them. "Twenty bucks says that they are canceling lunch today or dinner tonight."

"Maria. It's not like that I'm sure." Liz tried to sound confident but she and Alex had both noticed how preoccupied they had become with dissecting the message from their 'mother'.

"Hey guys." Max greeted his friends and gave Liz a kiss on the lips. Maria rolled her eyes and leaned next to a sulking Kyle on the lockers. "Listen Liz about lunch today, I'm really sorry but Isabel and I are meeting with Michael and Tess to try and hone our" Max let his voice drop to a low whisper, "powers."

"You both are?" Alex asked Isabel with his puppy dog eyes. She winced slightly at the sad sight but nodded all the same and kissed him as he and Max walked off. Maria held out her hand.

"What?" Liz asked her and then slapped her hand. "I am not paying you twenty bucks."

"Fine don't. But this is getting out of hand. I mean they haven't learned anything more in a year and at this rate we're going to die old and gray and alone. And you know what? I am fed up with it! From this moment on I am on strike! That's right people! No more nookie for Michael Guerin until he learns that he cannot take advantage of me. I will not be a doormat that welcomes every time he feels like coming around!" Maria had herself all worked up now and was waving her arms around frantically. Kyle ducked before she smacked him in the nose.

"You know what the blonde bubble is right. I am tired of Tess fitting me into her schedule whenever it happens to be convenient for her! I am taking a stand today! I am going on strike!" Kyle stuck his hand out and Maria placed hers on top of his. They looked at Alex and Liz questioningly and with anticipation.

"Yeah. Yeah! You know what you guys are right! We just follow them along and if they happen to want to spend some time with us then we just go right along. Isabel says jump and I parachute out of a plane. But no more because Alex Charles Whitman is on strike!" Alex slapped his palm on top of Kyle's and Maria's and turned with them to look at Liz. She bit her lip and slowly started nodding along with them.

"You know you guys are right. I mean, I am always there just waiting for him and it stops today. I am saying no! Liz Parker is joining your strike." Liz placed her hand with her friends and the four of them smiled with satisfaction. See how the aliens liked things now.

On Strike part 1

"Okay now, they say that they are coming over tonight to watch a movie." Maria made a face as Kyle emphasized 'say'. "Now remember, this is a strike! But we're not going to tell them that we are on strike."

"Why not? I mean if we tell them then Ma-, they can all apologize and not do it again." Liz looked at them and cocked her head to one side.

Maria and Kyle shared a look. "Lizzie, honey. See the point is for them to spend time with us and want to be with us on their own. You know make them miserable, make 'em suffer for a while. It doesn't count if you have to tell them about it. Michael needs to realize on his own that he needs to spend more time with me and this way it will be his idea, not mine. See?" Maria smiled triumphantly at her plan. Now it was Alex and Liz that shared a look. The two of them were starting to have some regrets about their new strike.

"Uh huh. No way are you two backing out on this. You agreed to the strike and this will be a lot more effective if they all realize that they can't just ditch us at every whim." Kyle pointed at the wavering duo. Alex looked back at Liz and then at Maria and Kyle again. He nodded his head in agreement and Liz sighed before agreeing as well.

"Good. Now come on Liz. We're gonna make them suffer." Maria laughed as she pulled a semi-willing Liz away with her.

"I don't even want to know what she is planning." Kyle laughed as Alex watched his two best friends leave.

"Did you guys think that Liz seemed a little...cold today at the Crashdown to us?" Max asked his friends with a slight nervous tremor in his voice. Tess and Isabel were playing with nail polish colors and ignored him. Max looked up at Michael.

"I dunno. Why are you asking me?" Michael shrugged and went back to watching the television. Max should know better than to try and talk to him while 'The Adventures of Spiderman' were on.

"It's just that she didn't kiss me goodbye after school and when I asked her what was wrong she just smiled and left with Maria." Max kept talking despite the fact that no one was listening to him.

Isabel looked up at this. "Actually Alex did the same thing. I mean he never misses a chance to kiss me."

"Too much info Isabel." Michael waved his hand in disgust as he kept his eyes on the cartoon.

"Whatever. The point is that Max may be right. Maybe they're just mad about us canceling things earlier today. I'm sure it's no big deal." Isabel went back to her toenails and dismissed her inconsequential worry. *Please Alex never stays mad at me for long! I'm sure it's no big deal.*

Max let the subject drop now. *That must be it. Well, that's no big deal. Liz never stays mad at me for long.*

"What time are we meeting everyone at Kyle's?" Michael finally joined the living as the show ended.

"Oh, um eight I think. Kyle is picking up some movies so I said we would get the snacks." Tess answered him as she played with changing the color of Isabel's lipstick.

"Eight huh? Well, it's ten till eight now." Michael pointed to the clock on the wall of his apartment.

"Michael the clock says that it's ten till seven." Max let the slight panic at this rise in his vocalization.

"Yeah well I never changed it. I just know that it's an hour off." Michael shrugged and scratched the back of his head, not really understanding what the big deal was.

"Michael!" All three voices expressed their annoyance at him.

"What? God, sorry." Michael shook his head to himself and went to put his shoes on to go over to Alex's. He didn't understand why Isabel and Tess were frantically trying to get their make-up back to normal with their powers. But because they were flustered it kept changing wrong. Finally they gave up and went into his small bathroom together to fix it the hard way. Max paced impatiently waiting for them.

"I can't believe that they are late! And after ditching this afternoon! See, I told you that they have absolutely no appreciation for us! This just proves it!" Maria fumed from her spot on the couch. She was so angry that Alex and Liz felt just a little bit sorry for Michael. Kyle wasn't much happier with Tess.

"You know, every time she broke off our plans to meet with them to practice their powers, I understood. Really I did. But this is the fifth time in a week! You know what, Maria is one hundred percent correct. They just expect us to sit here and wait for them. Well, let me tell you. Kyle Valenti doesn't wait for anyone." Kyle pointed with his finger into his chest for emphasis.

As Kyle and Maria quieted from their rampages they heard the door open and three apologetic looking aliens and one nonchalant standing on the other side. They were met with two non-expressive faces and two very angry ones.

"Um, sorry we're late?" Tess smiled unsurely and held up the snacks they stopped on the way over to get, making them even more late when the cashier ran out of change. Max finally told him to keep the change and raced back to the jeep, hoping that they wouldn't be too mad. At this point it didn't look like he was going to get his wish.

On Strike part 3

"Hmm, and only by half an hour. Gee, how nice of you." Maria cocked her head to the side and Michael groaned as he recognized the fire behind her words, and not the good kind either.

"Spiderman was on." Michael snatched the bag from Tess's hand and pushed his way past the other three into the Valenti's living room. "What movie did you get?"

Maria focused her eyes and sneered at Michael. *Oh, he is just making this easier and easier isn't he? No sorry, no nothing. Just "Spiderman was on". That's his excuse? Spiderman? And knowing him it was the cartoon one too. Even Tess managed to say I'm sorry.* Her eyes held an evil little glint that, if he had been watching, would have scared the devil himself. "We got 'Wild Things'."

Michael smirked back at her. Last time they had rented that movie neither one could tell you much about it beyond the first half-hour. It was then that he took full notice of her outfit, or lack thereof. Maria had chosen the exact same cut-offs and tank top as the night at the Crashdown, as in *the night* during the heat wave. Max looked beyond and sucked in his breath sharply as he saw Liz's own revealing outfit.

"Sorry. We just, lost track of time." Max lifted his shoulders guiltily and refrained from glaring at Michael. Liz just nodded and turned back around to the kitchen with Maria following at her heels.

"Kyle, wanna..." Tess eyed towards his bedroom and 'nodded' her head oh so unsubtle. Kyle smirked back at her with his sarcastic little smile. *Not gonna work this time Tess.*

"Not really." Tess reddened as Kyle shot her down in front of their friends. *Sucks to be ditched doesn't Tess?* Kyle patted her condescendingly on the head and snagged the bag of snacks, following the girls into the kitchen.

Alex shuffled his feet and whistled to himself, staring up at the ceiling as if it were the Sistine Chapel. Being the last human in the middle of four very confused Czechs was not the most comfortable position for him to be in, particularly with Isabel in her red tank. *Red! Why did she have to choose red?* Isabel watched Alex with some sense of trepidation that confused her. Surveying Alex as he deliberately avoided eye contact with her, she saw that he had buttoned his shirt all the way up to the top button at the neck. For some reason that little gesture was all it took for Isabel and she knew. Maybe Max was right about the sudden chill among them all. She didn't know exactly what was going on here, but she was determined to find out. *Oh I see how it is. Fine. You play hardball Alex, then get ready for the major leagues.*

"Alex? Can I speak to you in private please?"

"Um, um well you see, uh" Alex hemmed and hawed and suddenly Maria appeared at his side.

"We need his help. In the kitchen. Now." And then only the four Czechs were left alone to stare at the swinging kitchen door and their own thoroughly confused faces.

On Strike part 4

"Okay, something is definitely going on with them." Isabel turned to her friends, hands on hips. "And I think that it has to do with your girlfriend."

Michael shrugged as Isabel pointed her manicured nail into his chest. But inside he was worried. Isabel was right, something was definitely up with them, and it probably originated with Maria. He scratched the back of his head and looked back to the door of the quiet kitchen. Michael suddenly felt like he was in some teen horror movie and he was the next victim, only he had no chance to save himself.

"Look maybe all we need is some time away from each other." Tess spoke up, her cheeks still blazing red from Kyle's dismissal of her. "That's why this weekend with Nascedo will be a good thing to do. You know, give us all some space."

"I don't know Tess. It seems like maybe they are mad about something. I can't imagine Liz just ignoring me for no reason." Max kept his eyes on the door, hoping Liz would emerge happy and smiling from it and straight into his arms.

"Oh, Maria is mad at me. And it probably is for no reason knowing her. Or some reason that I'm just supposed to know. Yeah, like anyone could figure out what goes on in that warped little brain of hers." Michael turned away and mumbled under his breath so that no one could hear him. "That's why I love her."

"Well, I am not just going sit back and take this. Alex Whitman is in for a bumpy ride if he thinks that ignoring me is going to get him anywhere." Isabel flounced over and sat down on the couch, arms and legs crossed. Just then the door to the kitchen opened. Liz and Kyle carried the snacks and sodas as Maria stood slightly in front of Alex. Isabel thought that it almost looked as if she were blocking him from something.

"So…." Kyle started looked around at the jumpy aliens in his living room. "Why don't we start the movie?"

Tess and Kyle sat down next to Isabel on the couch as Max and Liz both sat with their backs up against the couch. Maria glared at Alex briefly as he went and sat on the floor in front of Isabel. Michael watched Maria with some trepidation. Her shoulders were tense and somehow he had a feeling that he would not be loosening them up any time tonight. After an extremely long awkward pause Maria gestured distractedly for Michael to sit in the remaining lazy-boy.

"Oof." Michael groaned as Maria plopped herself indelicately on his lap. She casually elbowed him in the ribs as she squirmed around to get comfortable. "God Maria, don't you think it's time to file down the elbows?"

Maria sneered and slowly turned to face him. Kyle and Alex groaned and shook their heads. Michael really was not helping his situation any. Kyle smirked and muttered to himself, "Guerin makes me look like Romeo in comparison. And I suck at romantic crap."

Tess watched Kyle talking under his breath as Maria pushed back in to Michael, unsubtly digging her shoulder blades into his shoulders. Michael decided to keep his mouth shut this time and counted to ten in his head while breathing deeply. By the time he had finished Kyle had found the remote and started the movie.

Half an hour passed without incident. That is until Tess leaned over to blow gently across Kyle's neck. Watching the goose bumps of pleasure crawl across his skin, Tess took the initiative and leaned further to him, just as Kyle bent forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Tess pitched forward and fell headfirst into Isabel.

"God Tess!" Isabel looked at her as Tess blushed furiously again and sat back up. Kyle didn't even blink as she glared at him. He kept his eyes glued to Denise Richards on the screen.

Max never even watched the television screen as he concentrated on Liz sitting next to him. His eyes focused her expanse of neck exposed to him. Max unconsciously drew closer to her, as his eyes remained focused entirely on her. Liz smiled slyly to herself. She could feel Max creep closer to her. As soon as he was literally a breath away Liz picked up the popcorn bowl and shoved it in his face. Max pulled back, coughing up popcorn pieces. He blushed almost as much as Tess and sat back away from Liz. *Something is definitely going on here.*

Isabel coolly took all this in around her. She spied on Alex as he tried to focus his eyes solely on the movie in front of him. Isabel knew from several of her dream walking escapades that Alex had a little thing for Denise Richards. *God she is so obvious though. She probably would pose for Maxim practically nude!*

Alex inhaled sharply as he felt Isabel bare foot brush against his arm. Her manicured toes, that matched the nails, slowly rubbed tiny circles along his wrist. Isabel giggled quietly and licked her lips in anticipation. Slowly moving her foot up and over his arm, Isabel could hear as Alex's breaths deepened and his head rolled back slightly.

Maria and Liz also eyed Alex as they saw him sinking into the Isabel abyss. Just as his head lolled back and a small groan emitted from his lips, they both jumped up and flicked on the harsh over headlights, bathing everyone in the unflattering fluorescent glow.

"Okay that's it! What the Hell is going on with you guys?" Isabel popped up and squared off with the other two girls.

Liz smiled sweetly and shrugged her shoulders. Maria shook her head as if she were confused. "I have no idea what you are referring to Isabel."

"Oh yes you do. What is going on with the disses here tonight and that is the coldest my lap has ever felt with you sitting on it!" Michael stood menacingly over Maria, using his towering height to his advantage.

"Well if you don't know then I'm not going to tell you!" Maria screamed back. She was getting more and more frustrated with Michael. This was the most they had talked in days. Granted they never actually talked much to begin with but he could have approached her without yelling.

"Liz?" Max whined softly to her causing Kyle to wince at the pathetic sound. His biggest pet peeve is guys whining.

"Listen we all obviously need some time away from each other." Tess forced herself to smile as she spoke. "That's why we are going away this weekend with Nascedo. So we will just see you all on Monday and we can forget all about this little hissy fit."

"Hissy fit?" Alex exclaimed sounding angrier than anyone had heard him in a while.

"Wait. You're leaving this weekend?" Liz turned quickly to Maria who had a wall of tears built up under her eyelids.

"We just talked to Nascedo earlier today. He has some free days away from the FBI and he thought it would be a good idea if the four of us went away with him to practice our powers together, to see how much combined strength we have." Max explained it all gently to Liz, not quite understanding why Liz, Alex, and Maria seemed so shocked and angry over this. Kyle just stared at them wide-eyed.

Maria closed her eyes and pinched them tightly shut. "Michael," her voice was strained as she spoke, "Back in that supposedly advanced alien brain of yours, I mean way back, is there any reason you can possibly think of for why leaving this weekend is not a good idea?"

"What the Hell are you babbling about now princess?" Michael snapped at her defensively.

Maria's eyes snapped open, red from anger now and not tears. "Well, I guess that answers my question doesn't it?"

Liz and Alex both turned to Maria and wrapped her up in a hug. The three of them left the living room and went into Kyle's room. The aliens jumped as the door violently slammed behind them. They all turned to Kyle for an explanation, or even better a reasonable explanation. Kyle shook his head. "Man, I gotta say that for being supposed best friends with them. You guys really are blind. And stupid! Did I mention stupid?"

Liz and Alex exchanged worried glances as they watched Maria seethe. "Maria?" Liz bit her lip, unsure of how to continue. Maria turned around and laughed bitterly.

"I can't believe they forgot my birthday is this weekend."

On Strike Part 5

Michael sat in his apartment, hands behind his head staring at the ceiling deep in thought. This whole fight with Maria was driving him insane! And he didn't know what to do about it or how to fix it. Normally he would have gone to Max or Isabel for advice but it seemed that they had their own problems to deal with. If Michael hadn't had Maria and her frost bitten attitude to deal with then he wouldn't be there alone in his apartment while thinking about a girl that he wasn't even supposed to care about or get close to. Not only was he thinking about her but also he was thinking about how to make things up to her.

"God this is ridiculous! How am I supposed to know what is going in that nutty head of hers? Okay and now, I am talking to myself." Michael pushed himself up off the couch, grabbing his jacket and left the apartment.

Max sat in his room staring at the packed duffel bag at his feet. He really didn't want to go on this trip this weekend but knew that Nascedo thought it was important for them. Max gazed soulfully at the picture next to his bed of Liz. Her hair had dropped down in front of her eyes and she was brushing it back behind her ears as she studied a book in front of her. Alex had taken the picture when he was experimenting with a new camera he had gotten. Isabel and Alex gave the picture to Max for his birthday in a dark wooden frame.

"Max! Snap out of it." Isabel scolded Max. She held her bag in her hand and stood there at the doorway looking at him disapprovingly. But before she could continue Michael vaulted himself through the window.

"Hey." He deadpanned and plopped down on the bed next to Max.

Isabel sighed and rolled her eyes. "Listen, we cannot just sit here and mope over this all weekend. If they wanna play then we are going to make the rules." Michael and Max exchanged uneasy glances as Isabel smirked and raised her sculpted brow at her brothers. "And it starts with this weekend. Please! After a weekend without us they will be begging us to come back. What is Alex going to do without me? I will have him begging."

"Yeah Isabel that may work with Alex but uh, Maria…she's not gonna be that," Michael searched for the right word, "easy."

"Yeah Isabel, I just, maybe we should stay and I can apologize." Max shrugged glancing over at the photograph again.

"No!" Michael and Isabel both jumped at Max.

"Look, I don't know what the blonde's problem is but I will be damned if I just fall all over her for it. Last time things got frosty, they got worse. I am just gonna wait this one out." Michael rolled his eyes as he remembered their disastrous first date. He did not want a repeat of that little misadventure.

"You ready? Nascedo is out in the car." Tess walked into the room. She looked at the three of them expectantly.

Max sighed and picked up his and Isabel's bags. "Let's go."

On Strike part 6

"Morning, Maria. Happy birthday, honey." Amy peered into the darkened room and crept over towards the bed. "You don't want to sleep your whole birthday away, do you Maria?"

"Yes." Maria grumbled her reply as her mom opened the curtains to let the bright sunshine stream into her room.

"Come on honey, time to get up. I made your favorite pancakes with the blueberry syrup."

"Whoopee." Maria buried her face into her pillow again as he mom started singing to her. "Kill me now. Please just kill me now."

"Hey Maria girl!" Liz's voice broke through the dark could of Maria's mood. "Happy birthday."

"Yeah, name one thing that's so happy about it."

"Well for one Kyle and Alex are on their way over and are driving us to Albuquerque because I have been ordered by my parents to buy you a new jacket for your birthday. I thought we could go to that one store in the mall there that you love." Liz winked at Maria and gave her a little shove. "Come on, Maria."

"New jacket, huh?"

"Yup! You know you're their second daughter."

"How exactly did you convince Kyle and Alex to come shopping with us?" Maria sat up, rubbing her eyes to focus.

"Consider that your birthday present from Kyle and I just told Alex I still know his most embarrassing secret and wasn't above telling it to Isabel." Liz smirked, very un-Liz like.

"Lizzie!" Maria shrieked at her and threw a pillow at her best friend before her face fell again. "You know, I am really not that surprised at Michael forgetting my birthday. Really I'm not! And Tess too. But I have to admit that I thought at least Isabel or Max would remember. I mean Max doesn't forget anything. It's like against the laws of nature or something. And Isabel is the one that picked out the restaurant for my birthday dinner tonight and made the reservations!"

"I think you and Kyle were right Maria. They are taking us for granted and I think that we need to get you out of this bed and go have some fun! I mean we have two hotties coming to pick us up now and I will not let you sit in this bed and mope! You hear me young lady?" Liz smiled as she threw the bedcovers off of Maria and dragged her legs over the bedside.

"Hotties?" Maria shot Liz an unbelieving look. Liz shrugged and the two laughed together.

"Well, at least it sounds like she isn't that mad in there." Alex whispered to Kyle as they sat at the kitchen table while Liz got Maria up and Mrs. DeLuca fixed breakfast for everyone. Kyle shrugged, ignoring Alex and the laughter as his stomach growled from the delicious smelling breakfast.

"So boys where are the rest of you guys? It seems like these days that the eight of you are inseparable." Amy absentmindedly asked as she bustled around the kitchen.

The two boys exchanged a look from behind her back. "They were detained."

"Oh, well as long as everyone is back for dinner tonight. I know how much Maria has been looking forward to it. And don't worry this old mom won't be there. I'm going out with your father tonight Kyle, so you kids can have fun without us getting in the way."

"All right. I'm up. Let's get this party on the road." Maria slumped down into the chair next to Alex. He grinned at her and both Kyle and Alex leaned forward into Maria. Each boy planted a wet, sloppy kiss on her cheeks as she squealed from the attack. "Okay! Okay! I didn't need the extra shower guys!"

"Well, here you go! Pancakes for all." Amy set the plates down at the table as Kyle attacked the stack first. She laughed as he and Maria fork wrestled for the first pancake. But her mind couldn't help but wonder what was so important that Maria's other best friends and boyfriend couldn't make it.

On Strike part 7

"Hey Michael?" Max queried his friend as they drove to the desert campsite that Nacedo had picked out for their weekend training session. Max glanced over at Michael as he drove, Tess and Isabel were both sleeping in the back seat. It was still a little early in the morning and the only reason Michael was awake was because his mind was occupied with Maria.

"What?" Michael responded quietly as he kept his eyes focused out the window as Max drove into the warm desert morning.

"We are missing something." Max spoke up suddenly as if his mind was spinning around the various possibilities. "I know it but…I just feel we are missing something here."

Michael shook his head in exasperation. "Look Maxwell, we just need to concentrate on this weekend all right? We have more important things to worry about then whether or not they're mad at us. I mean, how the hell am I supposed to know what she is thinking? What am I, psychic? If she wants to tell me something then she needs to tell me. These games are bullshit and you know what Max? It's out of my mind. I'm going to spend the next couple days concentrating on our mission. I suggest we all do the same."

Sighing, Max turned his full attention back to the road. But he couldn't help the tickling at the back of his head, as if his brain was itching at his memory. *What could I be forgetting? Why is Liz mad? It has to be something. I can't imagine Liz being so, so frosty. *

"Michael? Max? We there yet guys?" Tess stirred in the backseat as she awoke slowly. Her dream had been a romantic dinner with Kyle at an expensive restaurant. The darkly lit, candlelight meal was accentuated by the extravagant atmosphere of the private corner where she and Kyle sat completely at ease in their intimacy. * I realize that is a complete fantasy because hello Tess! It's Kyle! Granted not the most romantic guy in the world but come on! The one thing we have had is a good relationship physically and we are so compatible personality wise. But this is so unlike him. I just don't understand what is going on with him. Maybe we do need some time away. I just…I just don't want to lose him. I like what we have and I don't want anything to hurt that. *

"Huh? Oh no, not yet Tess. So Nascedo said he was going to meet us there?" Max looked back at her through the rearview mirror.

"Yeah. He'll there by noon. He told me that we should start practicing on our physical powers first. You know, pretty much the usual." Tess shrugged. It was obvious that everyone's mind was pre-occupied with the status of their relationships with their respective partners. Max's question was one out of habit not out of actual curiosity or need to know.

"Um, Kyle? You done pigging out yet? Because the rest of us have been ready to go for a while now." Maria raised her eyebrow as Kyle reached out for the last pancake left of the stack. He had eaten more then the other three combined. Alex and Liz both looked a little ill as he ate the pancake in one large bite. Liz swore that was his twelfth pancake.

"Okay, let's go." He took one last large gulp of orange juice and grabbed his keys off the table.

"Have fun kids! I'll see you when you get back." Amy smiled and waved as she watched the four teenagers leave out the back door.

"Okay so first we hit the mall and then back to Roswell for a fabulous birthday dinner for yours truly." Maria smiled and turned on the radio in Kyle's mustang.

"Um, excuse me? But what exactly do you think you are doing?" Kyle stopped the car and turned to look at Maria.

"What?"

"You are not listening to Britney Spears in my car. No way. Uh huh. I don't think the speakers can handle the assault on their sensitive sensibilities." Kyle flipped the station back to his pre-set.

"Oh yeah, okay Kyle. And Limp Bizkit is just so easy on your speakers delicate abilities." Maria made a face and switched it back to the teenybopper station. Kyle flipped it back and Maria made a grab for the dial again.

"Guys! Guys! Listen can't we compromise or something." Liz leaned forward from where she and Alex had been observing the fight from the back seat. "Look, Kyle don't you have a Blink 182 CD in here? Maria, you like them too."

Kyle rolled his eyes at Liz's mommy display and Maria giggled with him. But he still put in the CD that everyone could agree on. Maria sung along loudly as Kyle pulled onto the highway to Albuquerque.

Max pulled off the highway and threw the Jeep in four wheel drive as he headed towards their desert spot to meet with Nascedo secretly. The ride had been quiet because everyone was still thinking about how things had been left with their friends. Even Michael who claimed to concentrate on the training weekend only had kept quiet and stared off into the distance. His mind was occupied with the small angry blonde and he didn't like it one bit. He didn't know which part he hated more: the fact that he couldn't keep his mind off of her or the fact that she was angry with him. Tess smiled to herself as she remembered her dream of Kyle. She hated to admit it at first but she was becoming more and more attached to not just the other three aliens, and not just her boyfriend now. But to all of them and it hurt her to think that they were mad at her, at any of them. Isabel still slept soundly in the back. She was the only one who didn't seem concerned or worried about the situation at home. After her little 'Alex could never resist me' speech it seemed to the others that she truly believed it and her mind set relaxed about it all. Of course, that may be true about Alex. But Max still thought that things wouldn't be quite as easy when they returned as the rest of them wanted things to be.

"We're here." Max pulled up slowly to the formation of rocks that signaled their camping area. He and Michael jumped out of the Jeep and starting pulling out the gear and setting up camp.

Isabel yawned and stretched her arms above her head. "We here already?"

Tess laughed a little. "Yeah, well, it goes faster when you sleep for three hours. Come on, let's help set things up and then we can start practicing."

"Hey Kyle?" Liz asked quietly from the backseat so as not to wake up Alex and Maria, both of who had fallen asleep about 20 minutes after the music argument.

"Yeah?" Kyle glanced back at her through the rearview mirror.

"I'm glad you and Tess are together. And not because of the whole destiny thing. Just because it's the two of you." Liz smiled softly at him and Kyle smirked back. He nodded and went back to driving.

Max and Isabel lay in the shade of the rocks as they took a break from their long day of practicing. They both smiled as Tess and Nascedo talked quietly together. Even though Nascedo had no human emotions, it was obvious to all the attachment that both felt for the other. He was the only father Tess had ever known and these weekends that she got to spend with him were few and far between, but she wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

While Nascedo was concerned with all of their progress and their lives, it was only with Tess that any humanity seemed to show in his alien soul. Every time he had a weekend away it was spent with the four of them, but the others always arranged it so that he and Tess could have some time to themselves. Usually Nascedo brought a present for Tess to put in her apartment that she now lived in. Last time he had brought her a handmade oak chest from North Carolina after the FBI had sent him there to 'investigate' a UFO sighting. This time he handed her a small velvet box about the size of her palm. Tess smiled grandly at him and bit her lip in anticipation as she opened the gift. Her breath was taken away as she surveyed the beautiful gold chain that lay in the velvet folds.

"It's beautiful. Thank you." Tess couldn't help herself as she reached out and hugged Nacedo. "Thank you so much."

"Well, you didn't think I would forget your birthday, did you? I know it's not for another couple of months, but I am never sure when I will be able to get back, so in case I can't get here I wanted you to have this now." Tess smiled again and turned to show Isabel the gorgeous necklace she had gotten. As she turned halfway Tess stopped and thought.

Max and Isabel both watched as their friend hugged Nascedo happily. Seeing her open the gift from him was a rare glimpse into the life she had before coming to Roswell. It was nice to view the humanity of Tess. It also helped with Max's guilt that he and Isabel had been given to a wonderful family while Michael and Tess had been left alone. * A present. A present, something about a present. Why should I know this? *

"Max? I have this feeling that we have forgotten something." Isabel whipped her head around to Max. Watching Tess open the present had jogged her memory.

"Oh my God. We forgot Maria's birthday." Max, Isabel, and Tess all whispered at once as the realization hit them all.

Michael had climbed up to the top of the rocks to get away from the others for a while. He wanted to be alone and think without distractions. His mind had been occupied with his small golden girl all morning and he couldn't explain the hurt in his chest each time he remembered the hurt look of her face as she whirled around, angry at him for another of his casual barbs that he used as a defense when he didn't know what do or how to act. As he watched the scene below him his brain started nagging his senses again. Michael took full advantage of these weekends with Nascedo to practice his powers and work on his control because he had a motivation for that. And as much as he would like to convince himself that it was for his destiny and the message from his planet, if he really sat and thought and listened to his heart instead of his brain he knew that it was for Maria. The more control he had over his powers the safer she would be and the safer he could keep her.

"I am dead. Oh my god. I can't go back to Roswell ever." Michael degraded himself as his brain suddenly kicked in. Thinking of Maria had finally allowed his head to start thinking and now he knew why she was so mad at him. He had completely ignored her for a week and now, now he had left her on her birthday.

"Michael?" Max asked him tentatively from behind. He had been designated the one to tell Michael after the other three had remembered.

"I know, Max. I know." Michael sat facing away from his with his legs dangling over the edge. His head rested in his palms.

"I'm sorry. I should have remembered. It's just that we have been practicing so much recently and then with…I'm sorry."

"I really did it this time, Max. I managed to screw up the one good thing that happened to me in my lousy life here. Who am I kidding? She is my life. I wake up every morning and all I look forward to is being with her. I mean, I love you and Isabel but-"

"But it's not the way that you need Maria to breathe and be whole, the way that your entire body comes alive when she is near and every bit of you needs her and when she leaves it's like a part of you is dormant until she wakes you up again." Michael looked up at Max then and just nodded, knowing that Max would understand. And now it was Michael that understood. He finally knew how Max felt all those years that he watched Liz and felt that he couldn't be a part of her. Now that Michael knew what it felt like, it was the worst torture in the world to be taken away.

"We should get back. We can make it just in time if we hurry for dinner at the restaurant." Max gave Michael a hand up. The two stood for a moment and it was then that they felt complete understanding of the other; despite all their differences and similarities, it was two human girls that made them understand.

"Let's go. We have four relationships to save." Max smiled as Michael mumbled to himself.

"I think saving our home planet will be easier."

On Strike part 8

"This is absolute torture." Kyle moaned as he and Alex sat in the 'husband' chairs of the store, waiting for Liz and Maria to finish trying on whatever new fashions they decided to try next. They had even been tricked into holding the girl's jackets and purses for them. Kyle hid his head. For once he was thankful that he had driven the girls all the way to Albuquerque for shopping, where he didn't know anyone to be spotted in this embarrassing situation.

"I think I actually feel myself getting dumber as we speak. Literally my brain cells are committing suicide from the overdose on bubble gum pink and Britney Spears." Alex shook his head and tired to plug his ears from the barrage of the pop music overload in the store.

Liz and Maria giggled as they tried on various tops and pants. Liz's mission for the day was to make Maria laugh and have as much fun as possible. It didn't hurt that it took Liz's mind off of Max either. Granted, Kyle and Alex had been bored out of their minds and bitching and moaning at every moment possible, but it still helped to keep all of their minds off of the alien quartet.

"Ooh Liz! You have to try the blue skirt on! It'll be perfect for dinner tonight!" Maria jumped around in her excitement and Liz grinned to herself as she watched her friend's infectious giddiness. Liz knew that it wasn't all real and that Maria was much more hurt than she had actually led them all to believe, but it was still nice to see her smile.

"Okay, okay! I'll try it on! But then you have to try that slinky black backless number." Liz raised her eyebrows at Maria, who giggled and took the dress from Liz as they hurried back into their dressing rooms again. Kyle and Alex sighed as they hung their heads back and waited.

Maria's smiled faded as she sunk back against the door to the dressing room. She had been keeping her happiness up and a smile on her face for the others' sakes. They had all been trying to keep not only their own minds off of their relationships but Maria's off of her birthday. * You think I would be used to faking by now. But I thought I had gotten past that with Michael. Damn you. Why did you have to forget? I know that you aren't the perfect boyfriend but it's my birthday. * Maria sighed as the tears started to well up in her eyes. She shook her head and brushed them away as she pulled off her shirt to try on the dress that Liz had picked out for her. She had to admit that it was very sexy. Michael would have an alien heart attack if her saw her in it. * Well, maybe I can still make him suffer a little. *

"Okay guys I am all ready. You ready, Liz babe?"

"Sure am."

"Finally! Thank God. I was falling asleep here." Kyle rubbed his eyes and stood up. "Well, we should make it back in time for you two to spend another hour getting ready for dinner and then we can finally eat."

"First of all, how could you possibly eat anymore? And secondly, you know that we'll look good and every second will be worth it." Liz kissed the air at Kyle and she and Maria flounced out of the store with Alex and Kyle following behind.

Alex leaned over and whispered conspiratorially to Kyle. "Never bring up clothes or make-up to girls during shopping. They don't need to get any other ideas. Trust me, I have been doing the role of 'guy shopper friend' for way too long to make the rookie mistakes."

"Can't you drive any faster Max?" Isabel yelled at her brother over the roar of the wind from the back seat.

"What's the matter Isabel? Not so confident now, are you?" Michael smirked back at her.

"Oh shut up Michael. I know that I messed up with forgetting her birthday but I think that you are the one that should be thinking of how to explain to your girlfriend just how you not only forgot her birthday, you left her on her birthday."

"I know! All right, I know!" Michael turned and shouted back at Isabel. Max placed his hand on Michael's shoulder to calm him.

"Look we all messed up. We all did with all of them and we just need to…we'll talk to them when we get back." Max focused on the road. * I'll make it up to you Liz. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I left you all week and then forgot Maria's birthday. *

"Are you getting a sense of déjà vu as well?" Kyle sighed as he and Alex sat in the Parker's living room, waiting for the girls to finish getting dressed. "Man, it's like dating Liz again. I had to wait for an hour in here one time."

"Oh please. I date Isabel. You would think that her powers make it easier right? Wrong. Takes twice as long when you can create any color lipstick that you could possibly imagine." Alex picked up the magazine that he had already read through twice before.

"We're going to miss the reservations if they aren't out here in the next five minutes."

"Oh, keep your pants on, Kyle. We're ready. And, might I add, that we look fabulous!" Maria did a little twirl to show off her new slinky, black dress. Liz spun next to her to show her new skirt and top as well. The guys clapped and whistled at their beautiful 'dates'.

"Shall we Miss DeLuca?" Alex bowed and offered her his arm.

"Why thank you Mr. Whitman." Maria kissed his cheek and accepted his arm. Kyle brushed his hand through his hair and stood awkwardly looking at Liz.

"Don't worry Kyle. I wouldn't want you to strain that one romantic bone in your toe. Come on. Let's go to dinner. I am sure that the poor baby is just starving." Liz grabbed his hand and the four friends left the Parker's apartment.

"I am starving. I haven't eaten in an hour."

"Oh shut up Kyle."

"There they are." Isabel pointed to the table in the corner. She breathed in and out slowly to control her nervousness. It was an uncomfortable feeling for her and she hated being unsure of her relationship with Alex. But she still had enough confidence in herself, and her flirting skills with Alex, to work her way out of the doghouse with him.

"I can't do this." Michael stopped and walked back outside.

Max ran after him. "Michael what are you doing? You can't leave now. It's your girlfriend's birthday. You have to get back in there."

Michael fingered his hair and shook his head negatively. "How can I? I know Maria, and if you think that things were ever frosty or difficult between us before…just imagine now."

"Look Michael, I'm going in there and I am giving Maria her birthday present and I am doing whatever I can to get Liz to forgive me. We have been ignoring them all week and then we left when we knew that they were mad at us. How do you expect them to react?"

"Throwing knives comes to mind. Or a face full of something messy and gooey. Or how about a lap full of ice water?" Michael sighed. "Just give me a minute. I'll be in."

Max nodded and walked back in to rejoin Isabel and Tess. Michael walked around the parking lot slowly. He stared up at the sky, eyeing the familiar five star constellation that drew his eye every time. His hand felt for the small square package inside his jacket pocket. He had been holding onto this present for Maria ever since they had gotten back together after the destiny message. He would never forget the hurt and scared look in her eye as she stood at his doorway. Michael had wanted to be able to slam the door and shut her out of not just his apartment but his life and his heart too. But like the time before when she showed up at his apartment asking him not to be cold or mean, he let her in. This situation reminded him of how he knew that just by being who he was, what he is, that Maria would hurt. He hurt her. Michael pulled out the small white box from his pocket and traced the edges of the box with his fingers, feeling the smooth white paper he wrapped it with under his fingers. He had drawn small silver stars along the top of the box and Isabel had changed the string into a sparkling silver curling ribbon. Michael pocketed the gift and walked back towards the restaurant.

Re-entering the restaurant, Max placed one hand on both Isabel's and Tess's back and ushered them in.

"Holy shit." Kyle laughed.

"What?" Liz asked, swirling her head around to the front of the restaurant. "Oh, thank you Max. But…"

"Where's Michael?" Maria asked, looking to Liz for the answer that she didn't know.

"Would you like to dance Maria?" Alex stood and held out his hand to her. Smiling gratefully, Maria grasped his hand and accepted the offer as the two walked out to the dance floor.

"Hi." Max spoke quietly to Liz.

"Hi." She bit her lip and waited for the apology.

"I'm sorry. We're sorry. And we're going to apologize to Maria too, actually to all of you. We realize that we have been ignoring you all and forgetting her birthday is unforgivable. But I hope that you can because I love you, and I'll go crazy without you. Please forgive me Liz. I will never take you for granted again. I love you, Liz Parker, and I want to spend every waking moment with you. I am sorry about the past couple of weeks. I've missed you." Max held out his hand to her. "May I have this dance with the most beautiful woman here?"

"Never again? You won't forget about me any more?" Liz asked.

"I could never forget you. You're my life." Max raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "Never again. I promise you."

Liz beamed at his sweetness. "I'm going to make you keep that promise Max Evans, because I love you too."

"Then dance with me." Max grinned at her and led her away to the dance floor. She was so happy that Liz had almost forgotten.

"Where's Michael?"

Max's smiled faded briefly before he saw a figure move out of the corner of his eye. "Here he is now. And we need to dance. I can't wait another minute to put my arms around you."

"Hey." Tess and Isabel stood awkwardly after Max and Liz left for the dance floor, even though Isabel wasn't listening to whatever mushiness was coming out of her brother's mouth. Isabel's attention remained on the other dancing pair as Maria rested her head on Alex's shoulder.

"Yeah, hey." Kyle barely acknowledged Tess and Isabel still standing at the table. After a few extremely uncomfortable minutes, Kyle smirked at the two girls. "Well, you gonna sit or run off for the weekend again? No wait, I know, you're saving that for Liz's birthday."

"Actually, there's someone I need to speak to on the dance floor right now." Isabel excused herself.

"So you're that mad at me?" Tess asked Kyle. He looked her directly in the eye and a giant grin broke out on his face.

"Tess, let me ask you something, why did you guys come back? I mean, now for the dinner. Why?"

Tess looked at Kyle puzzled for a moment. "Because it's Maria's birthday and she's my friend. And because, because I had this dream."

"A dream?" He asked incredulously.

"See, you don't understand. Dreams for us are different than they are for you guys. They are meant to teach us. Dreams are more than what is left over in your head at the end of the day when you go to sleep. I had a dream of the two of us." Kyle raised one eyebrow suggestively. "Not like that you pervert. But that can be arranged later. Anyway, I liked it a lot because it was of the two of us. And that's when I realized, I realized I can't take you or this," Tess gestured between the two of them, "for granted. And I was doing that and I'm sorry."

"Wow." Kyle sat in silence. "Okay, well, cool. Sounds good to me."

"That's it?"

"Yeah, sure, why not? You were wrong, admitted it, apologized for it, and promised not to do it again."

"Actually, I never promised not to do it again. Because when Nascedo has free time for me, I will be leaving again. Only for a few days, but still…"

"Yeah, and then you'll just have to rely on your dreams then." Tess pretended to be shocked at Kyle's implication. "Oh, get off it. Oops, there I go again. Damn, my bad."

"All right, I get it. Oh, wait, no I haven't been, you've been on strike. So have we successfully renegotiated the contract and ended the strike?" Tess grinned back at Kyle and leaned in closer to him. As her lips were merely millimeters from his, she spoke into his lips. "You're not gonna lean away this time are you?"

Laughing, he shook his head and kissed her.

Alex smiled sadly down at Maria and kissed the top of her head. He whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry."

"Me too." Maria lay her head on his shoulder. Her birthday, the one day that was supposed to be magical. And Michael didn't show up.

Isabel straightened her shoulders and walked up to the couple dancing. Tapping Maria on the shoulder, "Mind if I cut in?"

Maria backed away from Alex. "Sure, go ahead."

"Thank you. And I'm sorry Maria. I can't believe I forgot your birthday. Happy birthday." Isabel smiled with a slight trepidation at Maria and Alex.

"I'll just," Maria looked around her, Liz and Max danced closely looking deep into the other's eyes in their patented soul mate stare and Tess and Kyle were making out at the table. * Ugh. Not going to be able to eat now. And here I am all alone. * "Go stand in the corner alone since you guys aren't even listening to me now anyway." Maria mumbled as Isabel licked her lips seductively at Alex, who caved at the sight of her. But what did Maria expect from him. He became limbo boy, the man with a bendable backbone, around Isabel. Maria knew her bitterness wasn't entirely fair to him and not entirely true. But she really didn't care that much as she walked out to the restaurant patio, alone on her birthday.

"Alex, I just want you to know that it will never happen again. I never really appreciated how much you do for me until I was afraid that I would lose it. " Isabel sighed and placed her head where Maria's had previously occupied the spot on Alex's shoulder. Alex smiled contentedly at her. That was all he needed to hear, because Alex never wanted to lose Isabel either. "Oh, and Alex?"

"Hmm?" He held her tighter to his lean body.

"I wore red just for you." Isabel seductively whispered into his ear. Alex looked down at her dark purple dress in confusion. "It's up to you to figure out where."

Alex groaned as he realized what she was saying. "Oh. This strike is definitely off. And your dress will be too."

"Alex!" Isabel pulled back as her mouth dropped open in shock. He grinned slyly back at her and pulled her in for a slow, wet kiss. She melted into him. "Mmm, so no more strike huh? Good."

"I'll be good. Will you?" Alex cracked as Isabel nibbled on his ear.

Michael stood back at the entrance watching the scene unfold before him. He knew that Maria wasn't even aware of how seductively she walked. Every curve of her hip swung sexily, calling out to him. He inwardly groaned at her dress. It was tight and black and as she turned her back Michael saw that it was a completely backless dress. Her smooth expanse of skin glowed in the soft candlelight of the restaurant. Michael had to admit that he liked to watch her from across rooms, when she didn't know he was studying her. Every movement was alluring and beguiling and Maria didn't even seem to know how every male eye turned to watch her gorgeous body.

Maria sat down on the bench outside. Resting her elbows on her knees Maria dropped her head. She had secretly been hoping that Michael would remember and show up but now it appeared that she could file that away as another dream that would never come true for her. She should be used to the disappointment by now. Dreams were for other girls, like Liz and her Prince Charming. Maria gets the toad. An adorably cute one, but a toad none the less.

The night sky was clear and dark, speckled with a thousand twinkling stars. Closing her eyes, Maria swore that she could feel Michael as her skin pricked and tingled from the electricity in the air that charged whenever he neared. Writing it off as a trick of the night, Maria opened her eyes and sighed. Making a move to stand Maria paused as she felt a warm, strong hand rest on her shoulder.

"Michael." She whispered and turned. The familiar warm brown eyes stared back at her. Maria's myriad of emotions boiled through her veins. She felt the simultaneous surge of anger, hurt, lust, and confusion. Her face portrayed each of these emotions. Maria's head argued with her heart as she reminded herself that she was angry with him and he deserved it. Her boyfriend had forgotten her birthday. But he was here now, she reminded herself. * No I won't let him just waltz over this. He can't keep doing this to me. Stay strong, girl. *

Michael felt his voice catch in his throat as he opened his mouth to speak. Her eyes trapped his attention every time. They were the true windows to her soul and conveyed every emotion her sensitive nature felt. What could he possibly say now to her? How could he begin to go about asking for her forgiveness? He forgot her birthday. * I have got to be the worst boyfriend ever. Wait. I just admitted I was her boyfriend. Damn. I have turned into Max. *

"Well, if your through with this scintillating conversation then I think I am just going to go back inside now and watch all our friends who have actually managed to say they were sorry. Well, at least they have said anything to me. Hello? Michael!" Maria stood there expectantly as Michael stared down at her intensely. "Great. Well, see ya around Michael."

"Maria, wait!" Michael reached out and grasped her elbow as she brushed past him.

"Why should I, Michael? Explain to me one reason why I should stand here and listen to you." Maria crossed her arms and tapped her foot as she waited impatiently. Michael's brow crinkled and he opened and closed his mouth but still did not know where to begin. "Good bye."

"Maria, I'm sorry."

She laughed softly to herself and turned back around to face Michael. "Well, that must have nearly killed you to say, huh?"

"Not as much as it hurts me to see how I have hurt you."

"Now, that's not fair." Maria kicked at a pebble with her high-heeled sandals angrily.

Michael hung his head in frustration and confusion. "What's not?"

"How much you are hurting, how this makes you feel, what you have had to go through. Well, let me tell you something, Michael, you weren't the one left on your birthday by your best friends and boyfriend. Excuse me? What was that?"

"What? Nothing."

"No you were mumbling something. What was it? Come on Michael. Spit it out." Maria pursed her lips and waited. But she definitely wasn't prepared for what he had to say.

"I said I don't ever want to leave you. Maria, I messed up. I know it; hell you think the two of us would be expecting it from me. I'm not Max. I'm not perfect."

"Michael, it's just that…that you have been leaving me all week, for two weeks, in fact. Can you even remember the last time that we spent time together? And other than right now, when you were yelling at me during movie night was the first time that we had spoken in over a week. I just don't know if I can do this. It's gets tiring. And I'm tired of it. And I don't want Max; I want you. I don't think that asking you to not only remember my birthday, but also to not ditch me on it, isn't asking you to be perfect. It's asking you to be considerate. I need to know that you think of me, that I am important to you because, Michael, sometimes it seems that you only want me around when it fits in between meetings with Nascedo and Tess. Or if Max and Isabel aren't around then you'll make time for me. But with you I feel like everyone else is more important. I mean let's think back Michael. You told me that Isabel and what was happening to her was the only thing you cared about. That was all that mattered to you. I'm just some stupid human girl that fills up space around you that's good for one thing and one thing only. And when that wasn't happening, that's when you noticed something was wrong. What does that say, Michael?" Warm, salty tears now flowed freely down her face as she spoke.

"Maria-" Michael couldn't believe the hurt that filled the vibrant pixie. Hurt that he had caused, hurt he had filled her with.

"When Tess first came last year, you were prepared to do whatever you had to when Max needed you. Did you ever think that I need you sometimes, too?"

"Guys?" Alex poked his head through the door to the patio. "We're all sitting now and ordering." Maria nodded and followed Alex through the doorway.

"Damn it." Michael whispered to himself. "How could I let her think that she wasn't important to me?"

"Is everything okay, Maria?" Liz whispered to her quietly in her ear as Maria came in with Michael trailing behind her. Maria just shook her head and sat down at the table. A few moments later Michael sat down next to her. Liz noticed how stiffly they both sat and the sad expressions on both of their faces.

"Hi, I'm Mark and I'll be your server tonight. I understand that someone is having a birthday tonight." The tall blue eyed waiter smiled affably and looked around the table. Alex nodded to Maria, indicating that it was her birthday. Mark turned to the girl, who looked more like her puppy died than was out with her friends on her birthday. "Well, happy birthday. I'll do anything I can to make it your best ever. Anything you need, just let me know."

Michael sneered and his nostrils flared as he watched this, this guy stand there in front of him and have the nerve to flirt with his girlfriend. He then watched in shock as Maria flirted back!

Maria roamed her eyes up and down, licking her lips, at the tall cute guy that was paying attention to her. "Anything? Hmm, that's an offer I may just take you up on."

Mark laughed, a little too loudly Michael thought, and said, "Well, you just let me know. Just snap your fingers and I'll be here."

Maria blushed and looked down at the table as he walked away to serve another table. Her head snapped up as Michael snapped at her. "What are you doing?"

"What are you talking about?" Maria raised an eyebrow back at him.

"You're flirting with him. That's what I am talking about." Michael accused her and crossed his arms angrily.

Rolling her eyes, Maria huffed. "Oh, please. Jealousy is so unbecoming on you, Michael."

"What? I'm not jealous." Max and Liz exchanged a look at that. "I'm not! She can do whatever she wants with whoever she wants 'cause I don't care."

"Oh really? Fine, then." Maria threw her napkin in his face and stormed away from the table. He felt the sting of regret at his harsh words that once again flew out of his mouth before his brain could catch up.

"God, Michael!" Isabel threw her own napkin on the table and got up to follow Maria. Liz and Tess did the same leaving the guys at the table.

"Don't even say it." Michael warned Kyle, who raised his arms in mock defeat and tried to bite down his laughter.

"Hey, I didn't say anything. Especially not about how stupid you are. I'm just sitting here keeping my mouth shut." Michael lunged at Kyle and Max held him back by his shoulders.

"I cannot believe him! Who the hell does he think he is? Why do I put up with that?" Maria stormed around the Ladies restroom and vented her anger at her boyfriend. "I don't even know if it's worth it anymore. I must be a masochist because otherwise I wouldn't stick around when I know he doesn't care about me."

"Maria, that's not true." Isabel felt a rush of sadness for her friend.

"Oh, please. I am sick to death of having to second-guess myself when it comes to Michael. But I'll tell you that there are plenty of guys out there that will know exactly what they have and I'll be happy to give it to them!"

"Maria DeLuca! Stop it right now. You know that you don't mean that." Liz admonished. "Look honey I know that there is no excuse for forgetting your birthday," Isabel and Tess had the grace to look embarrassed at this, "but one thing I do know is how Michael looks at you. Do you remember when you said that Max and I had the whole soul mate look into the other's eyes thing? Well, you do too. Michael looks at you and a part of him that he never shows to anyone else lights up inside."

"It's true, Maria. I should know, he's my destiny, but we all know that he belongs to you." Isabel walked up behind Maria slowly. "And I understand if you never forgive any of us for forgetting your birthday. I am sorry, Maria. I'm sorry that we have all been a little distracted lately," At Maria's and Liz's pointed look she acquiesced, "Okay, more than a little distracted. But I hope you guys realize that we all would have been lost by now without you."

"Don't we know it." Maria snorted and they all smiled at their memories.

"I am so sorry about forgetting your birthday. I may have learned a lot about being human this past year with the help of all of you, but this was bad even for me." Tess smiled as Maria laughed at the small joke. "But one thing I do know is that out at that table are four guys that all love you, and for one of them you are his life. You just need to believe it."

"So, do you forgive us?" Isabel broached the subject slowly.

Maria rolled her eyes. "Yeah, okay I forgive you guys."

"So if you can forgive us, then why can't you forgive Michael?" Isabel asked.

"I just don't get how she can think that I don't care about her." Michael shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair, a sign of his frustration.

Kyle rolled his eyes. "Gee I wonder."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Michael narrowed his eyes.

"Look, I know that we haven't always exactly been friends. And I know that the only reason we are now is because of this omerta."

"What are you talking about?"

"Omerta. It's the Sicilian code of silence. The honor code of keeping a secret and taking it to your grave. That's what we have here. Our own code of silence. We all sit around fawning at the feet of Don Evans. Over here we have his right hand man, Michael "The Hammer" Guerin. And of course we can't forget your own consiglieri, Sheriff Valenti. I don't pretend not to know that my place in all this is accidental. And you never let me forget it either. Maybe Maria feels the same way, that if you had the chance you would drop her in an instant. Listen, Maria, Liz, and Alex have put themselves on the line for you guys over and over again. You two were supposedly together last year and I can guarantee you that no one knew. There were rumors about that hallway kiss but mainly no one believed it. It's not like you were ever around her or even talked to her. For the longest time there were rumors about you and Isabel being together." Alex's head snapped up at this one. "Don't worry Alex. Once you and Isabel got together those ended. Look my point here is that if you're with her then it wouldn't kill you to show it." Kyle snorted then. "Damn, you must be hard up if I'm giving you romantic advice."

"I've gotta talk to her." Michael stood and walked with determination towards the restroom.

"All I am trying to say is that I am do not want to sit around Molly Ringwald style and wait. This isn't Sixteen Candles and I can promise you that Michael isn't going to show up in a Trans-Am with a birthday cake. He forgot my birthday. My boyfriend! Last year we weren't together on my birthday. We broke up the first time before Christmas, Valentine's Day isn't even in his vocabulary, and I know it's stupid but all I wanted was one day for him to remember." Maria was in full Maria mode now. She didn't even pause in her rant as the door to the restroom opened. "Heaven forbid he thinks of me! I'm just his girlfriend! God, who am I kidding? He's never called me his girlfriend. He's never even called me a friend. Why else would he leave this weekend?"

"You want to know why I left?" Michael walked the rest of the way in.

"Michael, this is the women's restroom. You can't be in here." Maria crossed her arms defiantly and glared at him.

"I'll tell you why I left, why I practice all the time with Tess and Nacedo or to study the message with Max and Isabel. I do it for you."

Maria looked at him in her confusion. "For me? Well you know what Michael? Stop doing me any favors!"

"God would you just listen for once!" Michael rubbed his eyes and tensed as Maria fumed at him. "I do it for you because I know that the sooner we save our planet, the sooner I can come back to you. I practice for you because I want to be able to come back knowing that I can be with you and keep you safe. I'll spend every waking moment practicing because I know that better I am, the sooner I'll be free. Free to be here for you."

Maria stood in what could only be described as complete and utter shock. Michael had just admitted to her that he not only wanted her but also thought of a future with her. Everything that she had ever thought about Michael, all her dreams, could not come close in comparison to his admission to her now. The blood rushed in Maria's ears and she felt faint at the mere thought of Michael's words. He stood away from her with his hands shoved in his pockets and looking at the floor in embarrassment.

Liz cleared her throat and Michael and Maria both looked as if they were caught red handed as they realized that this moment wasn't exactly private. "We're just going to go to the table now."

Michael watched as Isabel, Tess, and Liz filed out of the restroom quickly. He looked over at Maria who still wore a stunned expression on her face, with a slight smile on her lips. He kept his eyes locked on her and walked over to her. "Maria, I'm sorry. I uh, I…" His voice trailed off as he was at a loss for words now. There was still so much that he needed to tell her but didn't know how. Maria laughed softly at his loss and reached out for his hand. She interlaced her tiny fingers with his and squeezed his hand. Michael looked at her in amazement and asked in bewilderment. "How come you don't hate me?"

"I never hated you, I never could. I am really, really mad at you. And don't think that you are in any way off the hook for forgetting my birthday. My birthday, Michael! I just can't believe that you would not just forget but leave!" Michael swooped down then and captured her lips with his. Maria felt her knees weaken and her thoughts turned to mush as Michael wrapped his arms around her then and pressed her body tightly to his. Michael traced her mouth with his tongue and she opened her lips to him. Their tongues brushed against one another as their bodies molded together.

"Ahhhh!" A woman screamed as she entered the ladies room and received the shock of a couple making out in front of her. Maria and Michael broke away from each other and Maria giggled, pulling Michael out into the restaurant.

She traced his knuckles with her fingers and ducked her head. "Michael?"

"Yeah?" He asked with curiosity. "I know why you have been practicing so much recently but, but it still really hurts that you forgot my birthday. I meant what I told you earlier outside. I need to know that you think of me and that I am important. I love you, Michael. And I can't even tell you how happy hearing that you think of me and coming back to me. But, but I need the little every day things. Just to know that I am in your mind."

"I'll work on it." Michael promised sincerely and earnestly.

"Really?" Maria's smile filled her face. Michael nodded and led her back to the table.

"Come on, it's your birthday dinner. But I don't like that waiter guy. And you were flirting with him." Michael accused her.

"You said you didn't care what I did or with who." Maria reminded him sharply.

"Yeah well I lied. I do care." Michael whispered in her ear. "I care a lot."

Max watched in satisfaction as Michael and Maria came back to the table with their hands entwined. He smiled over at Liz and squeezed her knee gently. Her cheeks blushed a beautiful red that made Max think naughty thoughts about her in her new sexy skirt. "I'm glad that we came back. I've missed you." Max whispered into her ear. Liz felt her skin tingle and the goose bumps prickled her skin from his intimate breath on her lobe. Max laughed and looped his other arm casually around her shoulders.

"Okay, I know that is usually tradition to open your birthday presents after dessert but since we all suck and forgot…why don't you open your presents now?" Isabel grinned and placed a beautiful and meticulously wrapped package in front of Maria. "Mine first."

"'Kay." Maria's face glowed with her large and effervescent grin. It finally felt like her birthday was falling into place. With her friends around her and Michael by her side, Maria allowed herself to capture a tiny piece of her dream. She ripped into the brightly colored paper. Her friends found her enthusiasm contagious as large grins spread to all around the table.

Liz couldn't help but feel happiness for her best friend. Hearing Michael admit to Maria that he thought of her and yearned to be with her brought Liz a sense of relief that she didn't know had been needed. Realizing now that she had always felt a little guilty that it seemed Michael was incapable of fulfilling Maria's needs and insecurities. She didn't have to worry about that any longer, though. Max seemed to share Liz's relief at the calm surrounding the eight of them now. This also made Liz beam with happiness. Part of her worry about Max working so hard and often was her fear for his burn out, but as long as they had their friends around she felt contentment and knew everything would be all right.

Isabel sighed in tranquillity as Maria enthusiastically opened her present. She had put careful thought into the gift. Looking back now Isabel could not believe that she had forgotten about Maria's birthday. She bought the gift almost a month ago when she and Max had gone with her parents on a weekend trip around New Mexico. As soon as she saw the gift Isabel realized how perfect it would be for Maria's birthday. Alex watched Isabel watching Maria. He felt so lucky to have her and every day spent with Isabel was a gift to him that he cherished. As if Isabel could read his thoughts, she leaned closer into his arm that held her loosely around her waist.

"I love you." Isabel spoke into his lips and kissed him gently. "I am so lucky to have you."

"Oh, Isabel." Maria gasped as she opened the box and pulled out the suede sleeveless shirt. It was light tan and soft supple suede with delicate yet intricate turquoise beading around the collar. Isabel had bought it at one of the reservations they had visited and knew instantly that Maria would appreciate the gift. "Thank you so much!"

Maria jumped up and ran around the table, hugging Isabel profusely. "Your welcome, Maria."

"All right, enough of the girly moment. Mine next." Kyle shoved a small box wrapped in a dark blue paper at Maria. She smiled at him and cocked her head to the side in thought.

"But Liz said that the shopping trip was your birthday present to me." Kyle looked embarrassed as Tess squealed.

"You went shopping with them? Oh, I so know what you are doing next weekend." Tess huffed and turned her back on Kyle.

"Thanks, Maria. Thanks a lot. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help." Kyle waved his hand at her. "Just open the present now."

"Did I mention that we went shopping in Albuquerque?" Liz looked at Tess innocently who smacked Kyle on the shoulder.

"Ow! That's the last time I ever do a favor for you two." Kyle rubbed his shoulder and rolled his eyes at Tess's pouting display. He pointed at Maria menacingly. "Open it."

"Okay, okay! Sheesh!" Maria giggled and finished opening Kyle's gift to her. Her eyes opened wide at what was inside. She looked at Kyle in surprise. "How did you know?"

He merely shrugged and looked a little disturbed by the gleam of tears in her eyes. Maria mouthed the words 'Thank you' to him when she found that her voice was slightly shaky.

"What did you get?" Tess asked her and looked back and forth from Kyle to Maria.

"The Giving Tree." Maria smiled sadly at the bright green cover. "My dad used to read this to me. I haven't read it in years, probably not since he left. Thank you, Kyle."

Kyle nodded to her. "I just thought that you would like it."

Michael watched as Maria teared up as she flipped through the thin book with the giant message. He felt the nervous knot coming back into his stomach. * Even Kyle gave her something sweet. Damn it, what if she doesn't like my present? What if she thinks it's stupid? I can't afford to get her something nice like everyone else. *

"I loved this book. Thinking about the tree and his selflessness, it always made me cry." Maria stared at the book with a far off glazed look in her eye. Max noticed that Michael looked upset about something. Wanting to avoid a fight, Max spoke up.

"Open mine now." Max reached under his chair and pulled up the bag. Maria brushed a tear away and smiled openly at Max. "Here you go. I hope you like it."

Maria giggled as she opened the bag, pulling away the tissue paper. She clapped her hands excitedly and did a little happy dance in her seat. "Liz helped me pick them out."

"Well, she has good taste. They are perfect Max. Thank you." Maria kissed his cheek and gave him a small hug. She loved the essential oil set that he had bought for her. Of course Liz knew which ones that Maria would want but it was really very sweet of Max to want to get her something that she would like.

"All right now I wasn't sure what to get you so if you don't like it then just let me know and I can find something else." Tess passed the present across the table and watched nervously as Maria tore into the gift. Maria burst out laughing at the present. Tess tried to fight her own giggles, but Maria's laughter was infectious. She passed the gift around for everyone to look at. Isabel started laughing so hard that her face turned bright red and tears streamed down her face. Liz had the good graces to look embarrassed, but Maria knew her reaction would be different if Max weren't sitting right next to her.

"You are not keeping that." Michael crossed his arms and Maria laughed at his pouting behavior.

"Why not? Thank you Tess. I'll be sure to use it every day." Maria and Tess exchanged wicked smiles.

"I don't even want to know where you found that thing." Kyle shook his head.

Tess giggled viciously. "Well, honey, you were on strike. What did you expect a girl to do?"

"Yeah, but did you have to get the 'Naked Man a Day Calendar?" Michael groaned and made a pained expression on his face. Isabel just laughed harder at his obvious uncomfortable feelings. Kyle's face mirrored Michael's in unease.

"Oh my God, that's fantastic. I have got to get myself one of those." Isabel dried her tears and grabbed the book calendar to flip through again. Alex snatched it out of her hands and tossed it back to Maria. "Well, I'll just get my own if you're going to be that way."

"I don't even want to know about that." Alex covered his ears and Max and Michael also looked pained now.

"Too much info again Izzy. We really didn't need to hear that." Michael looked grossed out and Maria giggled again and kissed his cheek.

"Well, I don't know if I want to have to follow that gift. But I guess I will anyway. Happy Birthday, Maria. You know I love you." Alex pulled out the small, flat, and square package.

"Well, it looks like a CD. And it is but, wait…Alex, is this what I think it is? How on Earth did you do this without me finding out?" Maria could not believe that Alex had gotten her a recording of the band. It was a Whit's CD and the cover looked fantastic. It was a picture of Maria singing on stage at the last concert they had played with the guys in the band gathered around her.

"I've been recording our practices and concerts. I wanted it to be a surprise for you. I think you'll like it. I played it for Liz and she was really impressed. At least she said she was, if not then I don't really want to know." Alex shoved her playfully and Liz pretended to look insulted.

"Alex, this is great! Are we going to be selling these or is this a one of a kind?"

"I don't know. Why don't you listen to it first and let me know what you think."

"Well, I already know the answer to that. I love the way I sound. Oh yeah, and the band too." Alex swatted at Maria and they laughed affably.

"Now, now kids. I want Maria to open up my present." Liz and Maria both squealed excitedly and Michael and Max rolled their eyes at the overly girly display. "Oh, shut up you two."

"I didn't say a word." Max innocently batted his eyes at Liz and snuggled her under his arm.

"Okay that's enough smoochy smoochy. It's my birthday. And I love getting presents! Just kidding. Sort-of." Maria winked and tore open Liz's perfectly wrapped present to her. She placed the bow on top of her head and it bounced around with her enthusiasm. Maria gasped at the present Liz had given to her. "Lizzie! Thank you so much, babe. It's beautiful, even if Quasimodo is in the picture." Maria playfully ruffled Michael's hair as he ducked away from her hand. Liz had given Maria a silver frame with a picture of Michael displaying a rare tender moment. Maria's head was bowed and her hair hung down the side. Michael's hand was brushing back the golden strand and her cheek was cupped in his palm as he did this. A small, nearly invisible smile played across his lips and his forehead was lowered to her own. Maria couldn't help but feel another piece of her hostility break away at him. Having evidence of his feelings really did help. As much as Maria would like to admit that she knew he loved her and was secure in this, she needed to know. She needed to hear the words and see the look in his eyes.

Michael felt a trickle of sweat gather around his brow and his foot was shaking. His hand instinctively searched his pocket again. He held onto the small box tightly in his fist. Every question ran over and over through his head. * What if she doesn't like it? It's not like everyone else's gift. I can't get her nice things like Max does. Damn it. This wasn't a good idea. * Michael snapped back to reality as he noticed everyone was looking at him in anticipation. Max nodded encouragingly to him. When Michael first approached Max about what he had in mind for Maria's present, Max couldn't have been happier for his friend. This seemed to finally prove beyond any doubt or any protests from Michael that Maria had cemented her place in his life.

Maria watched Michael carefully. He sucked in his lower lip nervously and she could feel his leg shaking nervously next to her. Placing her hand on his knee stilled him. * Okay, no big deal, Maria. So what if he didn't get you anything? It doesn't matter. Really, it doesn't. * Maria sighed and reached for her drink. She let the cool water trickled slowly past her lips. * I'm such a liar. * "Um, we should probably order now."

Max looked at Michael and kicked him sharply from under the table. Michael glared at Max and rubbed his shin. With a very pointed and direct look, Max nodded back and forth between Maria and Michael. Finally Michael sighed and pulled out the gift from his pocket. Maria's face lit up in anticipation. Michael's nervous behavior intensified as he saw the hopeful glow behind her clear green eyes. * She's going to hate it. * "Here." Michael shoved the gift into her hand abruptly. This time Isabel kicked him in his other shin and glared at him. "Oh, um, happy birthday."

Maria fingered the white paper, still hot from Michael's tight grip on it earlier. The silver stars captured her attention and she felt the sparkly silver burning forever into her cornea. Her fingers played with the shiny curling ribbon that sprang back after each touch and pull. Maria bit her lip and giggled at her own nervousness. * It's just a present Maria. Michael's already proven to you tonight that he wants to be with you and thinks of you. Just open it. * She didn't tear into this paper like she had with all the other presents. This time Maria carefully sliced through the tape with her nail and peeled back the paper. Pulling off the ribbon and paper, Maria studied the plain white cardboard box. It was small and not very deep but it was heavy for it's size.

Michael held his breath as she delicately unwrapped the gift. Watching her take her time and with careful attention paid to the wrapping didn't settle his nerves any. It only caused Michael to worry more about what expectations Maria had placed on this gift and whether or not he could live up to her needs. The needs that she deserved to have fulfilled by someone who wasn't constantly putting her in danger or being too rude without even realizing it.

Maria lifted the lid slowly and stared down into the white cotton bed. Her eyes blinked rapidly as she carefully lifted the necklace out of the box. It was the necklace Isabel had found at Atherton's dome. "Michael."

He looked away. "I couldn't afford to get you anything nice."

"Oh my God, Michael. This is amazing. But are you sure that you want me to have it?" Maria bit her lip from her insecurities.

Michael lifted his head in confusion. "Why wouldn't I want you to have it?"

"Because it's, it's from your home and I know how protective you are of everything that is Czech related. I just don't want you to regret giving it to me." Maria sighed as she fingered the cold metal necklace.

Michael sat in a stunned silence, unsure of how to assuage her fears. His hand reached out slowly and removed her fingers from it. Maria sucked in her breath trying to control her disappointment. She was so busy studying the table-cloth in front of her that she didn't notice as Michael stood behind her. She jumped in surprise as the cold metal dangled between her breasts. Michael leaned down to her ear. "I'll never regret you."

Maria leaned back in her chair content. Her birthday hadn't exactly worked out as she had planned * Though when does anything that the Czechs are involved in go smoothly? * but Maria had a wonderful birthday. Even Spaceboy surprised her by being almost human boyfriend-like. She listened to her friends laugh and joke. Maria had never felt such a feeling of completeness before. *Geez, now I am starting to sound like Liz and her drooling over Max. Damn, is this what being whipped is like? No wonder Michael gets cranky all the time. * Maria laughed to herself.

"What's so funny?" Michael's warm breath tickled her ear. Maria just bit her lip and shook her head. She didn't think that he really needed to know what was going on in her head. *After all, I have to keep him on his toes. * Just then she heard the chorus of the restaurant staff behind her singing Happy Birthday in horribly off key tones with some bizarre clapping mixed in between. Maria just grinned and let herself enjoy the selfishness that is allowed on your birthday.

"Happy birthday, Maria." Mark, her cute waiter, placed an intricate dessert in front of Maria and smiled warmly at her. He cleared his throat nervously and leaned in closer to her. "So what are you doing after dinner?"

"Going home with me." Michael placed a possessive arm around her and glared at the little twerp of a waiter. Maria could no longer contain her giggled at his He-Man display. Liz joined in her laughter quickly. Mark backed away from the table and slunk back towards the kitchen. Michael's eye never wavered from his as he followed his movements away from his girlfriend. As reality sunk back in, Michael felt the embarrassment creep up as he realized that everyone was laughing at his macho display.

"That was very subtle, Michael." Isabel tried to maintain her straight face but the sarcasm just couldn't hold her smiles in.

Tess nodded, her blonde curls bouncing as she poked fun at Michael. "I'm sure that we can find you a club next time so you can hit her over the head and drag her back to your cave if you want. She girl. Girl yours. Ugh. Girl good."

"Advanced species, my ass." Kyle muttered and Tess poked him. "Hey! Oh, yeah. Well, I didn't mean you."

"I'd watch it if I were you." Tess warned Kyle and Michael as well. "After all, I think we all know how much a nookie strike makes guys cranky."

"Well, I am perfectly happy with my advanced species, and an enlightened one at that." Liz squeezed Max's hand and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Maria and Tess both shared a look and rolled their eyes.

"Yeah, Alex isn't that bad either. I mean for a lower species and all." Isabel ducked as he tossed the pink and blue sugar packets at her. "Kidding! Kidding!"

"I think there is something to be said for the romantically challenged. We may not always know what to say-" Kyle was interrupted by Tess and Maria.

"Now that's an understatement."

"Oh, I'll say it is. Try they don't know what to say-" Maria started to rattle off a list and Tess joined in.

"How to say it."

"Where to show it."

"When to share it."

They both huffed. "Men."

"Okay Kyle did you have a point to all this, or did you just want to them mad at us again?" Michael glared at him.

"I had a point." Kyle protested.

"I'll say you did." Tess stuck her tongue out at him.

"Somehow I don't think she is talking about the one on top of his head." Maria smirked and the table groaned at the banter.

"Anyway…," Kyle continued, "we may not be a natural romantic schmoe like Max or puppy boy on a leash over there," he gestured to Alex, who looked offended until he realized that it was probably the truth, "but when we get it right, it says a lot. And it means we are trying."

"Yeah good point, I guess, Valenti." Michael conceded. Kyle just rolled his eyes at Michael. Despite the closeness that the eight as a group had found, he and Michael never saw eye to eye on anything. Kyle doubted they ever would. Besides, he meant what he said earlier. Michael never wanted Kyle to be a part of this group and Kyle never forgot that.

After dessert they all agreed to forgo more dancing. It had been an exhausting evening emotionally for them all and sleep was desperately needed. Sleep and making up for the strike that is.

"Izzy and I will drive Liz and Alex home. Tess, you going with Kyle in his car?" Tess nodded and laid her head on Kyle's shoulder as he brushed a kiss on her forehead.

"You two need a ride?" Kyle nodded to Michael and Maria.

"Sure." Maria started towards the mustang but Michael held her back.

"Actually, we'll walk." He shared a look with Maria who conceded rather quickly.

"Yeah, figures." Kyle mumbled and Max glanced back and forth between the two guys with concern. But Liz's tug on his elbow brought his attention back to his beautiful date.

"Okay, well, happy birthday Maria." Max opened the door for Liz and helped her in. Isabel and Alex sat in the back seat. Her head rested on his shoulder and Alex ran his fingers through her hair.

"Thanks guys." Maria waved as the two cars pulled out of the parking lot, leaving only her and Michael. "So, Michael, what's up with the midnight stroll?"

He ran his hands through his hair and shrugged. "I just wanted to spend some time with just you, that's all." His voice dropped to barely a whisper but Maria still heard him. "I missed you."

"Oh." Her voice was surprised but happy. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her tippy toes. "I missed you too. And unfortunately my mom is going to be waiting up at home for me. So I can't go back to your place but how about we spend the day together tomorrow? Just the two of us."

Michael glanced down at his toes when he answered her. "Actually, there is something I have to do tomorrow." He rushed to continue before Maria could get bent out of shape again. "But I really want you there with me. There is something that I need to do; something that I have needed to do for a long time now. And I want you with me. Say you'll come?"

"Michael-"

"Just say that you will be there with me." His rich brown eyes pleaded with hers, saying the words that his mouth was afraid to say.

Maria nodded. "Okay, Michael. I'll always be there for you."

"Thank you."

She laughed at him now and buried her face in his strong chest. "Oh, my God. What is the world coming to? An apology and a thank you from Michael Guerin in the same night? Am I dead?"

"Oh, just shut up and kiss me." That was an order that Maria didn't argue with.

The next morning Michael woke Maria up early and dragged her out of her house. "Michael, where are we going?"

"You'll see." That was the only answer he had been giving her all night last night and now this morning. Maria was starting to whine now.

"Miiiichael!"

"We're here, all right?" He waved at the door in front of them.

"Michael, this is Tess's apartment." Maria stared at him in disbelief. * I cannot believe him! What? Did he forget the whole argument we just had about how all he ever does is practice his powers with Tess? Why do I even bother? He's hopeless! *

"I know it is and what I need to do is here. And I want you here with me." Michael was growing frustrated with her now. This wasn't easy for him. * Can't she see that I am trying? *

Maria took a deep breath and tried to explain things to her ever dense alien boyfriend. "Look Michael, I know that you are new at this whole 'think of other people than yourself' issue. But we just had a fight. Do you remember that? You know, about you spending all your time with Tess practicing your powers and spending none of it with me? Any of this ringing a bell?"

"That's now why I am here." Michael stated plainly and knocked on the door. Maria just stared at him open mouthed.

"Hey guys! Come on in." Tess opened the door and motioned for Michael and Maria to enter. "What are you doing here?"

"Beats me." Maria mumbled and threw her hands up.

"Hey." Kyle came up behind Tess and wrapped his arms around her waist. "What are you doing here?"

"That seems to be the question of the day."

Michael played with his eyebrows and scratched the back of his head. Maria watched him as his nervous habits drew her attention. "I just thought that we could, I dunno, watch the hockey game together. You know, if you want."

Kyle did a double take at the unusual request for Michael. "Yeah, yeah I just turned it on. The pre-game is about to start." Kyle gestured back towards the television in the living room and Michael nodded and followed him back. The girls still stood in awe in the foyer as the guys looked like they were actually becoming friends.

"That's it. I know I am dead now. He has been acting so un-Michael like. Can you guys be possessed? Because that would explain a lot."

"I have to say that I am surprised. But really happy about this, I know that Kyle has felt out of the group, especially where Michael is concerned."

"So what are we going to do while the game is on?" Maria turned her nose up at the remote chance she would be subjected to another hockey game.

"Well, maybe you could help me. I am trying to bake a pie like your mom makes. Kyle literally drools over the chocolate cream pie of hers, and part of my post-strike penance is learning to make a pie. Wanna help?" Tess smiled hopefully at Maria.

Maria blushed slightly. "Well, I'll try but to be honest, I, um, I'm not allowed to touch anything in the kitchen anymore. Things have a tendency to blow up when I am near."

"Oh come on. You can't be that bad." Tess ushered her back to the kitchen.

* You have no idea. * Maria thought to herself.

"What are they doing?" Michael thumbed towards the girls as they walked through the living room into the back.

"Hmm? Oh, Maria's probably going to help Tess make a pie." Kyle kept his attention focused on the screen. He didn't notice Michael's grimace.

"Maria? In the kitchen?"

"Yeah? What about-oh." The light bulb over Kyle's head finally went off as he remembered the day the Crashdown had to be closed when Maria thought she would help cook. The fire department had told her to never go into another kitchen with the intentions of cooking again. "You know there is a TV in there, too."

"Let's go." And the two boys rushed back into the kitchen just in time to see Tess quickly putting out a fire with her powers as Maria tried to explain.

"I swear, I don't know how the chocolate chips caught on fire!"

"Tell you what, I'll help Tess while you two clean up." Michael and Tess used their powers to clean up the brown sticky mess as Maria watched her friends. The group of eight had come a long way in a year and she liked the direction it seemed to be continuing. So far it was a great start to another birthday.

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