AS IS Category Michael/Maria, Michael/Tess Rating R Summary Takes place after 'BTM'. Everything has happened, but nothing is really as it seems. Spoilers Season 3 Part 1 I groaned as yet another infomercial flickered and flashed brightening the darkened room. I turned down quickly as the sound of a high pitched and rather annoying voice rang through the room. Standing up, I dropped the remote control to the floor and stretched out my stiff body. I walked over to the fridge and pulled out a soda. I leaned over the sink and grabbed a bottle of Tabasco sauce. I flipped open the top and watched as a few drops of the spicy sauce dripped into my drink. I savored a long sip as I heard a faint knock at the door. "Now what?" I groaned. I flung open the door and stood frozen as I gazed at her. Her eyes hair shined and her eyes twinkled. She smiled as she pushed me back into the room and slammed the door behind her. "Did you miss me?" She asked as she closed the agonizing gap between us. She leaned in slightly and I caught the faint sent of rain. I smirked, "Nah." She pouted and her lip quivered slightly as she reached out for me. I drew in a quick breath as her hand touched mine. I had forgotten what it felt like to touch her. Her soft fingertips drew small circles on my hand sending a wave of pleasure down my arm and over my body. "Are you still mad at me?" She purred as her hand traveled up my arm. "Yes," I groaned as her other hand lingered on my chest and traveled down. She dipped her hand into my pants, and I tried to suppress a moan as her cool fingers brushed against my heated flesh. "It's been a long time," she whispered. I nodded in agreement, unable to speak as she worked her magic on me. I have never been able to resist her and I didn't want to. "What do you want?" I gasped as she pulled away breaking contact with me. She only smiled in response and started to undress as she walked back to my room, her milky skin radiating under the soft light. //flash// My fingers ran through her silken curls. "Are you sure?" I groaned as our lips parted. "With everything that I am," She moaned as she pulled away. She smiled and her eyes twinkled as she unlaced her bodice, exposing her creamy skin. I moaned in response as I drank in her bare skin. She guided my hand to her exposed skin, my heart racing as I struggled to breathe, her lips attacking mine. "I should not," I replied against her lips. "This is a sentence of death." "Please," she moaned as she pulled at my shirt. //flash// "Coming?" She asked standing naked at my bedroom door. My heart skipped a beat as my gaze locked with hers; I've missed her so much. "Michael?" I quickly closed the gap between us. Our lips met hungrily and she tugged at my clothes. Her lips lingered on my neck and her tongue flickered softly against my skin. I wrapped her in my arms and pulled her closer to me. We paused slightly as our gazes locked. //flash// I looked up feeling her heated gaze upon me. I glanced around the room to see a pair of blues eyes starring at me from the behind the draperies. As our gazes locked she smiled and then turned away. I knew something was wrong. My heart quickened as I returned my attention back to the council of men in front of me. "That's all for the evening," I replied hastily. "We'll reconvene in the morning, at dawn." The men nodded in reply and I returned to my room where I knew she would be. "Ava?" I whispered as she appeared from the corner. My heart clinched as I noticed the tears in her eyes. "I- I am-" "What is wrong?" I whispered as I wrapped my arms around her. "I am with child." //flash// Her body stiffened and she pulled away slightly. "Did you hear something?" She asked alarmed. "Huh?" I mumbled as I pulled her closer to me as we resumed the rhythm. I couldn't get enough of her, her smell, her kisses, her warmth. My breathing quickened and I captured her mouth with mine. I felt her body stiffen once again, "did you hear that?" She panted against my ear. "What?" I groaned as I struggled to concentrate on her request. I heard shuffling of papers in the living room. "It's probably Max." "What?" She cried out with alarm and pulled away from me wrapping a sheet around her chest. Fuck. "Max?" She cried slightly above a whisper as she pressed her back against the wall. Her eyes flickered with fear. "What? Why?" "He's living with me now, don't worry," I whispered as I tried to soothe her. I pulled her into my arms as she relented and relaxed slighty. "He'll just assume that I'm with Maria." Her eyes narrowed, "Maria?" Fuck. She pulled away again as tears welled up in her eyes. "You’re still together?" "Not exactly." "Michael!" She pouted, "I did everything you asked of me. Everything!" "Tess, we aren't together, she broke it off." "But," she sighed. "You want to be with her." "I- well-" I mumbled as she continued to stare at me. "Fuck you." She cried and pushed me away. "I love you and you’re in love with her, aren't you?" She scrambled and picked up her clothes. "After everything I did for you!" "Tess," I groaned as she pulled on the last of her clothing and ran out the door. Fuck. I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. "Michael!" I heard her cry from the other room. Max. I pulled a pair of sweat pants on and ran into the room. "What happened?" I asked a stunned Max. I glanced quickly around the room to see Tess lying on the floor. My heart sunk and I felt my mouth go dry. "What did you do?" "I stopped her," He replied as I knelt beside her. "Why would you care?" I glared at him as I pulled her into my arms. She moaned softly and I let out a quick breathe, she’s ok. I brushed a golden strand off her face as I looked at her tenderly. "Tess?" I whispered as her eyes fluttered open looking briefly at me before her eyes closed once more. "Michael?" Max questioned as he stared at me. "Fuck off." I replied angrily as I picked her up and walked back to my room, slamming the door in his face. "Michael!" I heard him yell. I blocked out his questions as I concentrated on Tess. She looked so helpless, so lost. //flash// I looked down at her lying lifeless in the bed. No. My body trembled as I knelt down beside her, touching her hand softly. Her hand was still warm; death had not fully taken her. "Ava," I groaned as I leaned over her and cupped her face softly. The soft glow of her skin hid the faint blue that was forming around her lips. I closed my eyes at the memory of her kiss and I traced her lips with my fingertip, knowing I’d never feel her soft lips on mine. The hot tears burned as I tried in vain to blink them away. "She was a good queen," Zan’s voice whispered harshly into my ear. "But she lacked as a wife." I stiffened and turned to him. "Well, you were a lousy King and a husband." //flash// "Michael?" I heard a voice ring out. Fuck, he called Isabel. I stood up and walked over to the door, glancing once more at Tess before I opened the door. "What?" I growled. "Max said Tess was back," Isabel whispered, a hint of tears in her eyes. "Is she, Michael?" "Yes." I replied as I closed the door behind me. "Where’s my son?" Max asked as he pushed Isabel aside. "Would you finally can it?" I barked, "There is no son, there was no baby." Both eyes shot up at me. "What?" They both cried out. I couldn't help but smirk. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, "I said there was no baby, there never was, she never had sex with you. She may have fucked Valenti, but she would never let you touch her again." "Huh?" Max replied as I could see the confusion etched into his face. "She killed Alex!" Isabel cried out. "No, Khivar killed your precious Alex. It was all planned, he was no longer useful, he had to go." An awkward silence filled the room as I leaned back against the door. A smirk played across my face, I didn't plan on telling them this way. But, they were bound to find out soon anyway. "This doesn't make sense. Why would you protect her, why are you telling us these lies?" "Lies?" I chuckled. "You really have no clue." I looked at them in amazement, they never suspected. "I think you have some explaining to do," Max commanded. "Why don't you go ask Valenti. I'm in no mood for your games." "Valenti?" Max gasped as I turned away from them and opened the door. "You heard me," I snapped as I looked at them one more time. "And Maria?" Isabel asked harshly her voice quivering with unleashed tears. I stood frozen as her name repeated in my brain. Fuck. Maria, I love her. I need her- as I do Tess. Fuck, why can't I have both? Maria's my home, my future. Tess' my family, my past. Ugh. "Michael!" Max urged, breaking past the inner battle that waged in my mind. "Huh?" I groaned turning back to them. "What's going on?" Isabel demanded her voice cracking ever so slightly. She wrung her hands and started to pace back and forth. I rubbed my eyebrow out of habit, wondering if I should just tell them and get it over with or just lie. An awkward silence settled, only to be broken by the front door swinging open. Kyle appeared at the door and walked through. He glanced at me before his gaze landed on them. His glare pierced through Max and lingered on Isabel. "Hey," he grunted as he walked past them. "Hey," I replied as he proceeded to push past me and open the bedroom door. As the door closed, I saw Tess sitting on the bed behind him. She smiled weakly- wait. Was the smile meant for me? Or for him? "Ugh," I groaned under my breath as I suddenly felt a wave of jealousy. She had called him. Of course, she'd call him- her 'fuck buddy'. I felt the heat radiate on my skin and a rush of energy pulsated around me. The dishes rattled and the cupboards flung open. I snapped to attention as I heard a gasp, I turned and glared at the clueless aliens standing in my apartment. "Why are you still here?" I snapped. "Don't you know that you're not wanted." "Michael?" Max cried as I noticed a flash of anger in his eyes. Poor Maxwell. Was he angry? Probably- but, I frankly didn't care. "What?!" I managed to reply as I heard a faint giggle. I turned back towards my bedroom. I felt the heat on my arms start to raise- fuck. "What the fuck is going on?" Max shouted as he waved his arms in the air. "Tell me now." I rolled my eyes in response. "Fine." A leaned back against the wall as the tension peaked. "Well?" Max cried. "Do you really want to know?" "Yes," they answered in unison. "Are you sure?" I inquired as I studied the two in front of me. I felt an urge to laugh, but I managed to suppress it. They glanced at each other and then nodded in reply. Yeah, sure you do. "Back home, Rath and Ava were lovers. This past summer when Tess and I worked on our powers, we got closer. Things started to happen, we started to remember the past, the truth." "Why didn't you say anything to us?" Max inquired, stepping closer to me. "We had our reasons." I replied gruffly as they continued to stare at me in disbelief. "Then why the charade, Michael?" Isabel asked bitterly. "Why?" "It's what he wanted," I shrugged. "Who?" Max demanded. "Khivar," I smirked. "Khivar?" Isabel repeated. "He's our enemy." "He's not my enemy," I replied as Max's eyes widened. "That's what Tess said before she left," Max gasped. "You made a deal?" "I didn't have to make a deal," I replied. "No?" Max gasped in reply. "But Nesado did, he set it all up." "Nesado, did no such thing." I growled. "He lied to us. He tried to manipulate Tess into thinking that it was you that she wanted, and not me. He told us of the destiny he wanted, but not as it really was." "But, Tess said Nesado made a deal." Max protested. "Do you really think that if he made a deal, that they would have killed him? That he would have warned you?" I laughed. "Uh," Max groaned as he tried to think of an excuse, a pliable explanation. "See, that's your problem." I groaned, "You think too much, but you don't think at all. You think it’s all about you-" "Then why?" Isabel interrupted. "Because, family comes first," I explained in a softer tone. "What does that have to do with Khivar?" Max snapped. "Everything." "Everything?" Max questioned. "Everything," I repeated. "Khivar's my family. He's my brother." Silence. Wow, they took that a lot better then I expected. But, then again. One, two, three- "WHAT?!" Max cried as he launched towards me his hands landing on my chest. He pressed me against the wall and glared at me. "Ugh!" I groaned as I pushed him away. "Get out!" "You're lying." Isabel cried out. "You can't be." "What didn't you understand?" I choked out, my anger starting to rise. "It's all true," A husky voice stated behind me. I glanced at Kyle and smiled. Back up. "How would you know?" Max gasped as he glared at him and then looked at me. "I think he asked you to leave," Kyle restated. "I think you should do what he says." "No!" Max replied angrily. "Max," Isabel whispered. "I think we-" "No." Max growled. "I'm not leaving until get some answers." "I think it's best if you leave for everyone concerned." Kyle replied harshly. "What did he do? Why are you taking his side?" Max asked Kyle as he glared at the two of us. "Nothing," Kyle replied as I rolled my eyes. That much was true, I did nothing to him- Tess just fucked him, a minor detail. "Michael," A voice called out from the front door. "I got your mess-" Her voice trailed off as she noticed us and we turned to her. Maria- Oh, fuck. "Maria!" I called as I rushed over to her. "What are you doing here?" "What is everyone doing here?" Maria asked sounding a little hurt. "Liz isn't here," I added quickly and pushed her more to the side. "Besides it's alien crap- you said you wanted to get a break from that." "Not, if it involves everyone," Maria replied as Max smiled. "Michael just told us the big news!" Max explained and I shot him a death glare. "Big what?" Maria asked as she looked up to me, her emerald eye glimmering. She laced her hand around my waist. I gasped slightly at her touch, I wanted her to touch me more- I craved it. "What? Hasn't he told you?" Max questioned as he stepped closer to Maria and I. "Max!" Kyle interrupted as he grabbed Max's arm. "It's not your place to say anything." I blinked trying to focus. My thoughts raced and my head pounded. "Max." I warned harshly. Maria pushed me aside- "No." She stepped up to Max, "I want to know." No! Fuck- if there is a God, please let something stop him. "Max," A voice whispered from behind. My head snapped up and looked at Tess. Tess noticed Maria and I winced. I opened my mouth to say something when I noticed Tess squeezing her eyes shut. Oh, fuck. "Oh, I got to go," Maria announced suddenly. I looked at her as she gave me a peck on the cheek. "I'll see you all later." "Bye," I replied as I watched her leave. I glanced back over at Tess as she snuggled up against Kyle's chest. Bastard. "You mindwarped her into leaving!" Isabel accused Tess. "Don't you know that can kill her?" "No, it won't!" Tess snapped. "Does your dreamwalking cause people to die? I don’t think so!" "What?" Isabel gasped. "Oh, and hello Isabel- nice to see you, too." Tess smirked, "At least you didn’t hit me like your idiotic brother." "Idiotic?" Max repeated his voice booming against the walls. "Idiotic, really suits him," Kyle added as I rolled my eyes. "That's it! Everyone out!" I yelled. "Now!" "Fine!" Max replied, "But this isn't over." "Fine," I agreed as I watched Max and Isabel leave. Max slammed the door behind him and I turned towards the others, only to find the room empty. Wait, where did they go? Tess’ giggles rang out from the other room. Damn. Kyle, good for nothing Buddhist jock. "Kyle!" I growled as I opened the bedroom door. "What?" Kyle questioned as I looked at the two curled up on my bed, and I really didn’t want to know where Tess’ hands were. "Aren't you going to check up on your little precious angel?” Tess whispered. "Make sure I didn't brake her?" I raised my eyebrow ever so slightly, check on Maria- good idea. Wait, but that meant leaving him to 'fuck' my girl. "Umm-" "Why don't you think about it outside the room?" Kyle replied as he lifted his hand and the door slammed in my face. Fuck. I keep forgetting that he has powers, and it was my idea to hide them. I sighed and headed for the door- I needed some air, I needed to see Maria. ~ Maria's my future, my home, my love- I made it over to her house in record time. She'd have to be ok, right? Tess wouldn't hurt her- well, not intentionally. She wouldn't dare. I stopped in front of her house and crossed over to her window. I glanced through and watched her carefully strum a few chords on her guitar- Alex's guitar. How can I tell her? How will she react to me- to the truth? "Michael?" Maria asked pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked intently at her as she in turn glared at me. "What do you want?" "Um, how are you?" I whispered as she stared at me in an awe like silence. "I'm fine-" she replied as she placed down the guitar. "Why did you come over?" She inquired crossing her arms in front of her, closing me off once again. "Just checking," I managed to mumble as she just shook her head in reply. "I know what this is about, and Michael- you can't just come over like this, we aren't together." I sucked in a quick breath as her words cut through me. Damn. "Uh-" "No, Michael-" She replied quickly. "I think you should go." Dumb founded I stood there wanting more then this, wanting her. "Michael," she stressed as she continued to shake her head. "Tess is back," I growled. "I just thought you should know." "Tess?" Maria repeated as her arms fell to her sides, her eyes registering fear. "Why?" I shrugged, not really wanting to tell her the truth. "Does Max know?" She asked softly her lips trembling ever so slightly. Her lips- her soft, sweet lips. I ached to touch her and make her mine, again. She crossed over to me and brushed her hand across my arm. I groaned inwardly, "yes-". "And, Liz?" She gasped as she turned away from me and started to pace back and forth. "I assume so-" I replied not really knowing- but, knowing Max. "I'm pretty sure Max went and told her everything." "Everything?" Maria gasped. "Is there more?" I hesitated and looked away. "What?" Maria inquired. "What is it? What are you keeping from me?" I took a deep breath. I can do this. I exhaled slowly, "Tess came back because of me. She never slept with Max, there is no son." I explained as my gaze locked with hers. "Tess and I worked together, with my brother, Khivar. And Tess and I were lovers in our past lives." Maria stared at me, she blinked. "And now?" "Now?" I repeated, my mouth going dry. My heart ached as a single tear fell from her eyes. "Is she your lover?" "Not exactly-" "Where you with her before me?" she asked her voice cracking ever so slightly. "Maria," I whispered. "It's not what you think. She's a part of me that I can't deny, she's my past-" "And what was I?" Maria snapped as tears fell from her eyes. "You're my home, my future." "You and Tess ?" Maria cried out. "The fucking bitch that destroyed Liz's life! The mind warping bitch that killed Alex!" "She didn't kill Alex. Khivar did-" "But you knew, you've known all this time!" Maria yelled as she pushed me away. "Maria-" "Get out!" she screamed. "Maria, I love you-" "Don't say that!" She cringed and pushed me against the window. "Get out." I nodded and left her as I heard her muffled cries- just great. God, can't anything go right for me? In a daze, I returned back to my apartment. I quietly opened the door and looked over to my bedroom. The silence was overwhelming. I tiptoed to my bedroom door and peaked in. I felt tears sting my eyes as I noticed the disarray of my bed and their entwined limbs. The looked at peace, sleeping in my bed. They were too close to each other, for my taste- but at least they were still dressed. I sighed and walked back into the living room. It was now early morning, my head was pounding. So much had happened, in so little time. My secrets had been exposed, I had lost Maria for sure- and Tess? "Guerin," a whispered voice called to me. I quickly spun around to see Kyle standing behind me. "What?" I growled. "What are your intentions towards Tess?" Kyle inquired harshly. "Tess?" I gasped. "She's- I mean she's my-" "Buddha, forgive me- but, I'll so kick your ass if you hurt her," Kyle growled. For a second I just stared at him. Kyle, had never attempted to threaten me before. "Watch it, Valenti-" "No, you watch it. I'm tired of seeing you hurt her like this. She gave you everything; she helped you and your psycho brother." Kyle paused, his eyes flickering with anger. "For what?" "What?" "Fuck, you." Kyle growled as the electricity snapped between us. Damn, his powers- I keep forgetting about them. He probably could kick my ass and win. Fuck. "Have you even asked her what your precious brother did?" Kyle asked as he stepped closer to me. "Huh?" I replied as the bedroom door slammed shut. "What are you two doing?" Tess asked as we jumped apart, playing the nice routine we normally played. "Nothing," I replied as she looked back and forth between us. "Right-" she replied softly. "Kyle?" She whispered and motioned for him to come to her. I strained to hear what she whispered into his ear. Kyle nodded and walked to the door. "Later, Guerin." Tess walked over to me. Her skin looked paler and her eyes were red and puffy from crying. "Tess?" She looked up at me and forced a smile upon her lips. "Do you love me?" I shook my head in response at her ridiculous question. "Tess," I whispered as I pulled her close and pushed my lips upon hers. "No-" she stiffened and pushed me away. "Not sexually. Do you love me?" "Huh?" I groaned. "Michael! Damn it! Can't you answer a fucking question? Do you love me?" Tess cried, her eyes swimming with tears. "How could you think, I don't?" Tess laughed bitterly in reply. "Why didn't I see it before?" She laughed again, wiping the tears from her eyes. "It's always been about her , Maria. Your fucking precious angel- that could do no wrong." "Tess," I warned. "And see, you defend her now and she even dropped your alien ass," Tess groaned. "I loved you Michael. I gave up my chance to be human for you. Fuck you. God, even your brother, he-" Tess voice trailed off. "What?" "I give up," She whispered. "I can't fight you anymore. I can't be her." Tess looked up at me and leaned in. She kissed me softly. "Tess-" She walked away from me. "Oh, and Michael-" Tess whispered from the door. "I never slept with Kyle." "What?" I cried as she disappeared behind the door. "Tess!" I yelled as I ran after her. I watched her speed off with him- but, he wasn't what I thought. He wasn't her 'fuck buddy'- he was what, just a friend? She wasn't with him? She'd been faithful to me the whole time? "Fuck," I groaned. Nothing was as it seemed. I screwed up- and I didn’t know if I could fix it. ~ My world had been turned upside down and all I could manage to do was sit on my ass. It wasn't suppose to be like this- I closed my eyes briefly, my body aching for sleep. I tried to erase my thoughts of Tess, of Maria, and of the whole night- "Michael!" I heard Max cry. I sighed and rubbed my eyes- What now? I glanced at Max as he barged into the room and glared at me. "She isn't here," I replied as his eyes flickered in anger. "I know," he growled. "Since when?" "Since when, what?" "Since when has Kyle had powers?" He gasped as he rubbed his chest. "What did you do?" I chuckled as a picture of Kyle kicking Max's ass played through my mind. "He- I-" Max mumbled as he sat down with a perplexed look on his face. "You healed him, Max," I smirked. "Why do you think?" "That's not," he replied shaking his head. "What about Liz?" "This isn't about Liz," I replied. "But, I honestly don't know about her." "But, I healed her too-" Max whispered. I rolled my eyes. "But, there was a difference-" "Yeah, I loved Liz and I didn't care for Valenti." "Damn it, Maxwell- this has nothing to with love or Liz. It has to do with the fact that you brought him back to life by healing his lungs and his heart." "And?" Max replied as he rubbed his head. "You created new tissue- from your power, your essence. Part of him is Alien." "But, powers?" Max gasped and I rolled my eyes in response. "His heart pumped blood with 'alien' tissue. It molded the blood to correlate, to work with his heart and lungs. The alien tissue enhanced his blood," I explained. "In turn, his enhanced blood, enhanced his brain. It opened parts of his brain that we think control our powers, thus-" "Giving him powers." "Good boy, Maxwell!" I snapped. "Wanna a cookie?" Max glared in response, "Since when?" "I dunno, a while-" "A while?" Max repeated as he stood up and started to pace. "And you didn't feel like saying anything to us- to me?" "Thought it would come in handy-" I chuckled. "Michael!?" He cried. "What has happened to you? Who are you? Why these lies, these betrayals?" I shrugged. "Michael!" Max growled as he stopped and stared at me. "Tell me what you hoped to accomplish, to gain with all of this?" "A family-" I whispered as Max laughed in response. Max questioned. "Looks like you screwed up any chance of a family-" "No, Tess will come back to me. She loves me and I love her." "Funny,” Max sighed. “I thought you'd say, Maria." "That's what I said," I replied. Didn't it? "And we weren't?" Max whispered catching me off guard. "Weren't what?" I replied trying to refocus my thoughts. "You said you wanted a family-" Max repeated. "But, Isabel and I, we are your family." Max paused and looked at me "I've always considered you as my brother." I looked away from his gaze, feeling a pang of guilt. "It's not the same." "Why? You destroyed us, you tore us apart- for what?" Max cried. "For a nonexistent family?" "No-" I objected. "Khivar is my brother." "How? How do you know he isn't lying to you?" //flash// "He killed her, I know he did!" I cried as I threw a goblet of wine across the room, shattering it against the wall. "Does it matter? He's the King-" Khivar replied as he ran a hand through his sandy hair. "You should go back- you are marked for death by showing up here." I felt a sudden swell of tears, "I have lost the only women I have ever loved to his greedy hands." "He is my enemy-" Khivar whispered. "Our father was foolish to have sent you to him. A peace offering, that Zandor did not appreciate." He paused and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Rath, you have to go back. You have to sent him straight, before-" "Before what?" I cried, choking back tears. "How can I be his second in command when I want him dead." //flash// "Michael?" Max voiced called to me as I blinked away images of my past I studied Max. I know he is nothing like his former self. "I remember our past, I remember my brother." "He's the enemy, he's-" I rolled my eyes in exacerbation and I glared at him. "I hated Zan. I wanted to kill him." "What?" Max gasped. "Why?" "He was a spoiled brat, a young prince that became King. He got everything he ever wanted and if he didn't, he'd take it no matter what the costs or consequences. He started a fucking war because he could." I paused to catch my breath. "Ava god, I loved her. But, to Zan she was a possession- he didn't love her. He couldn't love anyone, but himself!" "Shut up!" Max cried pressing his hands against his ears. "You're lying-" "I remember, I've seen the past." I whispered. "Khivar was able to make contact with me. He's not the brother I remember, he's a bit harsher and a little more hostile. But, it was all because of Zan and his damn war and this- all this, was his idea- Zan's plan to live again." "Stop!" Max protested. "Why?" I cried feeling another bolt of adrenaline surge through my body. "God, it feels great to finally tell you the miserable truth, who Zan really was." "It's Tess- she put these memories in your head." Max growled. "Tess helped open my eyes-" I replied. "I love her." "If you love her so much, why did you do all this? Why have her practically seduce me and-" "Revenge-" I whispered harshly. Max blinked at me and stared off into space. "You hated Zan that much? Hated me, that you would-" "You never seemed to care too much of what I thought or did- everything was about you- you and Liz. You're no different then Zan at times, it's all about you and your needs." "I'm sorry-" Max whispered in response. I stood in shock over his apology. An awkward silence filled the room. My head raced and my heart ached, yet again secrets of the past had emerged and lives were altered- "I don't understand, I may never." Max replied softly breaking the silence. "I'll take everything as is-" "Max-" "No," Max interceded. "I can accept what you've done, what I’ve done." Max sighed and glanced at me. "Is there anyway for us to start fresh?" I sighed. "I honestly don't know." Max nodded and left me alone. I looked at the dawning sun and my mind drifted towards Tess- and suddenly I knew. I just hoped it wasn't too late. ~ I was a fool, an idiot. Can she forgive me? Will she accept me? My mind raced as I hurried over to Valenti's. I scanned the driveway and noticed that Jim's car was gone- so, that meant that they were home alone. Ugh, I hope I'm not too late. I opened the door and quickly went to his room. I stopped in my tracks as I glanced through the open door. The door was slightly ajar, just enough for me to see in- to see him fucking my girl. My lungs ached as I realized I had not taken a breath, I pushed myself against the wall and I stared at them. Her back glistened in the dim light, his hands ran down her back as they continued to rock, their whispered moans echoed in my ears. My blood boiled, my mind raced- I felt my powers ignite with in and I hit the wall behind me. The wall began to tremble under my touch. Fuck. "Michael!" I heard a voice cry, cutting through my jealous rage. I looked to my side to see Kyle standing there. I stared blankly at him and then immediately looked back through the open door, only to see Tess curled up on the bed sleeping. "What the fuck?" Kyle smirked and bit into his apple. He turned and walked back into the living room. "What did you do to me?" I cried as I watched impatiently as he sat down and dropped a few drops of Tabasco sauce onto his apple and took another bite. "What did I do?" Kyle repeated, as his gaze met mine. "Nothing that you didn't deserve." "What the fuck is that suppose to mean?" I growled as I stepped closer to him. "What do you think?" He countered as he crunched down, taking another bite of his apple. I glared at him- I had no clue. The air around us snapped with electricity and I knew that most of it was coming from him. At that moment, I realized I had no clue what his involvement was- "You have no clue do you?" Kyle replied after a lingering pause. "Why?" I asked. "Why did you help me- us?" "That's funny Guerin, like you don't know." He replied harshly as he tossed the apple away. "I don't," I managed to whisper as thoughts and reasons ran through my head, but nothing fit- His gaze locked with mine. His crystal blue eyes stormed and I felt currents of tension radiate off him. I watched frozen as he crossed to me. He roughly grabbed my arms and pulled me closer to him- I gasped as his lips touched mine, it was so unexpected- I was entranced, his lips were firm and his touch was brutal. His lips were spicy and I wanted more. "Michael?" I heard her voice ring out. My head snapped back and I took a deep breath. "Tess?" I moaned as I looked up to see Kyle sitting across the room with a smirk on his face. What the fuck? "What are you doing here?" She inquired as she sat down beside Kyle and I watched with envy as he wrapped his arms around her. I closed my eyes, my head was pounding and I was so confused. "Stop playing with my head!" I cried as I opened my eyes and glared at him. My gaze drifted from his eyes and lingered on his lips- what the fuck is going on with me? "What are you talking about?" Tess inquired, confusion written across her face. "He wanted to know, why I helped." Kyle replied softly as Tess giggled in response. "Yeah, like he doesn't know," she laughed as she looked back at me. "Ugh!" I growled. "I don't know what the fuck is going on!" Tess' smile faded and she looked back at Kyle. He shrugged in response and whispered something into her ear. "You really don't have any clue do you?" She gasped. "I bet, if you weren't fucking her, you'd know- you would’ve seen-" "This has nothing to do with, Maria." I whispered harshly as Tess flinched at the sound of her name. "It has everything to do with her. She side tracked you- she used you and dumped you." Tess replied bitterly as she clung onto Kyle. "I chose you, why do you think I'm here-" "You chose me?" Tess gasped. "For how long? A day, a week?" "Tess-" "It's not that simple-" Tess snapped. "What about Kyle?" "What about him?" I questioned as I noticed him stiffen. "He's a human, he helped us and now-" "Now, what?" Kyle inquired as he flinched. My heart ached at the sadness apparent in his eyes. "Michael, please-" Tess pleaded as she looked between the two of us. "After everything I have done for you?" Kyle whispered. "Was my pain and heartache for nothing? My loyalties meant nothing to you." He continued his voice soft, but firm. His gaze penetrated mine. A flicker of anger flashed across his features. "Fuck, I should've learned the last time-" "Last time?" I repeated. "The three of us coming together was no accident. Try to remember-" Tess whispered as she moved away from him and took my hands. "Remember what?" I questioned as I looked down into her eyes. //flash// "Rath," Khivar looked at me with sadness in his eyes. "Father, is sending you to serve under Zandor." "What? Why?" I gasped in shock. "I thought Father hated the royalty and didn't want anything to do with them." "He thinks it will strengthen our ties with the royal brat." "I do not want to go-" I replied as I turned to my trusted friend. "What do you think of this?" "It is not up to you, Rath. Maybe this is the far better way for you to help out in this ghastly war." Aerick responded. "Be his advisor, his second in command." "Would you come with me?" I asked as my gaze locked with his brilliant blue eyes. His eyes glazed over as he contemplated my request, "if you wish." //flash// I gasped as the flash dissolved around me. I glanced at Kyle, his blue eyes hauntingly familiar. "I don't understand." "Do you remember?" He asked. "Aerick?" I whispered as Kyle’s face lit up. "But, how? You're human-" "I lived once. Memories of a foreign world and of a life haunted my dreams for years." Kyle replied as he crossed over to me. "These dreams intensified after I was healed by Max. The trigger effect of the healing manifested a change in me as well as opening the feelings and thoughts of my past." "He confided in me," Tess interrupted. "He thought he was going crazy, he wanted to know if I remembered anything else about my life- his life." I nodded, my head swimming with the new revelations. Kyle placed a hand on my arm and instantly formed a connection- Flashes manifested and danced in front of me- his life, our friendship. The loyalty and love- We were more then friends, but not quite lovers. A closeness that resulted because of nights in each others arms- a calming effect needed amidst the endless nights of battle. Kyle's touch lingered as he let go, "the images I made you see earlier, were real once upon a lifetime." "Aerick and Ava?" I inquired as the images of him and Tess replayed in my mind. "Yes. You, appointed him as my protector. You were afraid that Zan might try to do something to me." Tess whispered as she looked lovingly at Kyle then at me. "He was there for me when you were gone, I seduced him into my bed. He was faithful to you, he was afraid to hurt you-" I nodded. I looked at them, my heart and my thoughts racing. Everything was clearer- but, nothing was as it seemed. Questions lingered. Is this how it was meant to be? The three of us, against the world? I touched his neck and pulled him closer to me. I rested my forehead on his and I sighed. I breathed in his familiar scent. I leaned in and kissed his lips, a sense of calmness overcame me as I pulled away and looked into his eyes. "Michael," Kyle whispered with a hint of sadness in his voice. I glanced at Tess and noticed a sadness in her eyes as well. A feeling of dread overcame me; we were supposed to be happy. We were supposed to be rejoicing, we were together again. "What's wrong- what haven't you told me?" I asked. Tess' encircled her arms around me and buried her head into my chest. "Khivar's changed more then we thought. I know he's your brother-" she paused as she looked up at me, tears streaming down her face. "He's coming soon- to take Izzy and to kill Max." "But, he's always threatened that-" "But, this time he threatened Tess and you as well-" Kyle replied gravely. "He wants to punish you for failing and he wants revenge against Max. He even-" his voiced trailed off as he looked down at the floor. My head pounded, not my brother- "he even what?" I asked not wanting to know. "He tried to rape me," Tess gasped as she pulled away from me. "What?!" I cried, feeling as if I was punched in the chest. I sucked in a deep breath. "My own brother?" "He's changed dramatically since the last time I saw him," Tess whispered. "What do you want to do?" Kyle asked as he wrapped his arms around Tess. "We'll leave-" I replied hastily as my mind raced. "What about Max?" He questioned. "What about him?" I replied harshly. "He's a big boy he can take care of himself." "He saved me. I can't just leave him out there- I owe him that much." Kyle responded and I nodded. "Ok," I whispered. "I'll warn them and you two will go to my place." They nodded and I sighed. I can do this, I can face Max one more time. I turned and left them. I had to find Max. ~ An hour had passed and there was still no sign of Max. I tried everywhere, the Evan's, the Parker's, and I even talked to Izzy. Not that she wanted to talk to me. I drove out to the caves and there was still no Max to be found. I pondered for a second the only place that I had not looked was back at my place. "Great-" I mumbled as I dialed my number. "They've probably been there forever now and here I am-" my voice trailed off as the answering machine clicked on. What the fuck? "Tess, Kyle? Will someone pick up?" I whispered as a feeling of dread washed over me. They had to be there by now, "Guys, if you are there pick up." I urged as I heard the phone pick up. "Hello? Tess, Kyle?" I mumbled as I heard the rustling of fabric and then nothing. "This isn't funny!" I cried as I turned my bike around and hurried back to my place. ~ I stopped at my door, noticing that it was slightly ajar- I placed my hand on the door. "Tess?! Kyle?!" I cried out as I entered the room. I felt the air rush out of my lungs as I glanced around the room. The room was in a total disarray- "Michael?" I heard a small cry from the bedroom. I looked up to see Tess standing there tears in her eyes; she brushed the tears away as I noticed the red tinge on her clothes and on her hands. "What happened?" I asked as I wrapped my arms around her. She clung unto me as her sobs worsened. Her body trembled under my touch. "Tess?" "Khivar-" She whispered as she pulled away. She looked down at her hands and trembled even more- I knew the red stains on her hands and clothes were blood, but who's? "Where's Kyle?" I asked as a pit formed in my stomach. Tess responded with a strangled cry as she ran back into the bedroom. I followed quickly- I froze as I took in the scene before me, Kyle. Oh, god- He was so still, his chest didn't rise- his blood. It was his blood. I pulled Tess away from him as I inspected the bullet wounds. My fingers traced his cool flesh- //flash// "Should we tell him?" Kyle asked softly as he pulled on his jeans. "It's not like we have to hide. We are connected," Tess whispered as her head snapped to attention. "Did you hear something?" "It's probably Michael," Kyle replied as he stood up and opened the bedroom door. Kyle stood frozen as he looked at Khivar. "Can I help you?" Kyle inquired as he motioned for Tess to stand behind him. "Ava, my love- have you seen my brother?" Khivar asked sweetly as Tess cringed. "He went out." Khivar stepped closer to Kyle and studied him- //flash// I pulled my hand away, my body trembling. The scene played back and forth in my head. I didn't want to know- I didn't want to see. "I tried-" Tess moaned. "I tried so hard to heal him-" I turned away from his body and pulled her into my arms. Tears formed and the emptiness pulled at my heart. "I know-" I whispered as I held her tight. In a moment of need my lips grazed hers. She pressed harder against me, needing something to fill in the void we both felt. //flash// "He's not here-" Kyle repeated as Khivar’s eyes lit up with recognition. "Aerick!" He gasped as a smile formed at his lips. Kyle flinched as Khivar reached out to him, grabbing his chin. He continued to study Kyle's face. "Khivar-" Kyle growled. "Fucking bastard- how did you manage to ruin my brother again?" Khivar growled as shoots rang through the air. Kyle was thrown back at the sudden blow to his chest. Tess cried as she ran to him, "Kyle?" //flash// I gasped and pulled away from Tess- the fresh images playing through my head. "My own brother-" I cried. "How could he kill someone I loved." Tess shook her head and wrapped her arms around me. The warmth of her embrace and her love seemed to dull the ache. We sat their in silence, tears were are only words- I had no idea what to do next, I felt lost- betrayed. The phone rang, bringing me out of my state of shock- my state of grief. "What?" I growled into the phone. "Michael?" Max's ever questioning voice rang through the air. My hand trembled as my anger sparked. It's all his fault- if I wasn't out looking for him, Kyle would be alive. Kyle would be safe with us. Tess looked up at me as she felt my anger peak. She pried the phone out of my hand, "Hello?" She whispered. She pulled away from me and crossed over to Kyle's lifeless body- "Khivar's back and um, Kyle's-" Tess whispered softly, her voice wavering with unspent tears. "Kyle's dead-" she managed to reply, as her body trembled. A moan escaped her lips, as she dropped the phone. I pulled her into my arms as the dial tone rang through the deathly silence. "He's gone-" Tess sniffed. "He's really gone." I nodded and held her close, "I can't lose you too." I whispered. She looked up at me, her bright blue eyes lifeless and red. "I can't bear to lose you too- I love you." "As I love you-" I whispered. She smiled as a hint of life awakened in her eyes. "Oh, Michael!" She cried as she wrapped her arms around me and held me close. "I've waited so long-" she moaned as her lips grazed mine. //flash// "Kyle-" Tess cried. "I need you to look at me-" Kyle moaned in response as he cringed in pain. "Kyle!" "Ava-" Kyle gasped as he looked up at her. "Ti emoria Rath, ti emoria es-" Tess blinked as the haunting melody of her natural tongue lingered in the air. Tess placed her hand on his chest as she tried to form a connection. Kyle placed his hand on hers, "no dianias-" Kyle gasped. "No dianias-" "No!" Tess cried as she felt the connection linger and break. "Kyle- please, you can't leave me! You can't leave us." //flash// I blinked as his words ran through my mind- I knew it was our language, but I didn't know the meaning. "Ti emoria Rath? Ti emoria es?" Tess smiled, "I love Rath, I love you-" "No dianias?" I whispered softly as I ran my hand through her hair. "No regrets-" Tess replied softly. "No regrets-" I repeated as I pulled her tighter to my chest, needing to feel the warmth of her skin. "Oh, My god!" Max cried breaking the comforting silence- he pushed us aside and leaned over his body, searching for his missing pulse. As I looked up at him, I felt my anger resurface. "This is all your fault!" I barked as Tess pulled away from me. "How do you figure that?" Max inquired. "Your loving brother killed him." His sarcastic words stung. "You are no help here-" I cried as our hated gazes locked. "Oh- god!" A strangled cry lingered in the air, breaking my thoughts of Max and his former self. I turned to face Jim, his face was pale and the strong force of life within him was absent. "I'm so sorry!" Tess cried as she ran to him. "I tried to heal him." Jim nodded as silent tears ran down his face. He held onto Tess' form as he starred at his son on the floor. "We will say it was a robbery that went bad, I will call the authorities-" "He can't have an autopsy," I stated harshly. "No blood tests, no tissue samples-" Jim blinked as he tried to understand the meaning behind my words. "He wasn't quite human any more," he paused as he looked at me. "Was he?" I nodded in response as Jim turned to Max. "I'll never forget that you saved him-" Jim paused as his voice wavered slightly. "I gained more time with my son-" A jealous pang ripped through my heart, his father would never know the love that we shared. He'd always be grateful to him and not me. ~ Hours passed by quickly as the cops came and left. Tess gave an 'alien free' statement that seemed to please the authorities. I was glad that she had the former sheriff at her side, Jim. He'd lost so much because of us, and now his son was gone. Max fumed and left, stating that he had to inform the others and think of a plan. I sat frozen in place, and time seemed to stand still. I wanted more then anything to go back six hours- just six hours ago he was alive. "Can I go home with you?" Tess asked as she looked to him for acceptance. "Am I still welcomed?" Jim, pulled her to his body and kissed her forehead, "You are welcome at any time, I've always thought of you as family-" he replied softly as he stroked a strand of hair from her face, then lightly touched the side of her face. "What's wrong?" I asked as I noticed the alarm on his face. "She feels really hot-" he replied as I jumped up and pulled her into my arms. "I'm fine," Tess whispered as she swatted at my hands. "I'm fine-" she repeated, trying to convince me as I continued to inspect her. I gasped as I felt the heat radiating off her skin. "No, you are not-" I mumbled. I looked at Jim as my thoughts raced. We don't get sick- "I just feel a little drained," Tess explained as she pushed me away. "After everything today-" "We all feel the same," I replied quickly. "But, I don't feel like a furnace." Tess gasped at the harshness in my voice. "I- I'm fine!" She protested as I noticed a slight waver in her voice. I glanced at Jim as he took her hands and escorted her to the couch, he cradle her wrist in his hand. "Michael, come here," I quickly walked over and sat down beside him. He took his hand and checked my pulse. "Huh?" I gasped as Jim looked up at me. "I wasn't sure if you had the same pulse rate as well, you know-" Jim explained as I continued to watch her. "Can, you turn down the lights?" Tess asked softly as she closed her eyes, "It's so bright in here." My heart stopped as I looked around the room, the room was nothing but dark. Something was wrong. "Her pulse is doubled the rate of yours, her breathing is more labored-" Jim stated as he looked at me. "You sure you don't get sick? What can it be?" "I don't know. We've never been sick-" I replied quickly. "Except-" he began as he looked at me. "When we thought she was pregnant." I looked at him and then glanced at her, "but that was fake." "I know, but did it hold any truth?" He paused as he looked at her. I followed his gaze, and I noticed that she had fallen asleep. "Could she be?" "No," I gasped. We had not been together since she got back, there was no way she could be. "Are you sure?" he inquired as he placed a hand to his forehead and rubbed his temples. "It's the only logical explanation." I looked away as a fragment of an earlier vision resurfaced. Kyle. They were together. "Oh, shit." Jim looked at me with concern, "Michael?" he inquired as I knelt in front of her. I lifted her top and my fingers grazed her abdomen. //flash// "Kyle," she moaned as their lips met. "It's been so long." "Too long," he replied as she pushed him back onto the bed as his hands roamed her body. They pulled their clothes off in between hungry kisses. "Tess," he moaned. "I love you." She looked up at him and smiled, "as I love you." //flash// I gasped at the intensity of the flash. They were together, merely moments before his death. Tears formed at the thought that it was the first and last time that they would be together in this lifetime. "Kyle-" Tess moaned as her eyes snapped open. She frantically looked at the two of us. "Where's Kyle?" she gasped. "Tess," I whispered as her face paled even more. "No-" She wailed as she pushed me away and ran to the bedroom. I followed as she fell to her knees. I wrapped my arms around her and felt her hot tears sear my flesh. "Shh-" I whispered. "I don't feel so good," she mumbled in between her tears. She glanced at me briefly, before she pulled away from me and ran into the bathroom. My heart cringed as she threw up in the bathroom. I glanced over at Jim, he looked like he was trying to hold it together for our sakes. I turned my attention away from him, not wanting to see the pain that we caused, that my brother caused. My heart ached at the loss, but a glimmer of hope remained. Just maybe- Kyle did not die in vain. He may have left a little piece of him in his child. Tess emerged from the bathroom and wrapped her arms around me. "I think I'm pregnant," she whispered as I wrapped my arms around her. I pulled her close, "I know." ~   I looked up at the ceiling, my thoughts racing as Tess slept in my arms. I had to protect her, I had to make sure her baby would be safe. Tess turned closer into me, as I heard noises coming from the other room. It's just Jim, I tried to convince myself. I looked around Kyle's room and sighed. Tess felt safe here, this was her home. It was my home now, since Kyle's blood was shed in my room. I felt a sudden push of electricity in the air. Something was up. I carefully pulled myself away from her arms and covered her with the blanket. I kissed her softly on her forehead and went to inspect the noises coming from the other room. "Rath," a harsh voice muttered. I looked up and into my brother's eyes. I stood frozen, not knowing what to do- what to say. "Is that any way to respond to your brother?" he sneered as he wrapped his arms around me, his death like grip suffocating me. "Are you glad to see me?" I pushed him away as my anger focused. "You killed him!" "Who?" He laughed in response. "Aerick?" "I loved him, and you knew it. Why?" I cried. "Because he betrayed me," he replied harshly. "He betrayed you." "What?" I gasped, my heart plunging. No- not him. "In the end, he turned to Zan." He whispered. "He betrayed your trust." "You're lying!" I spat as I felt a rush of tears. It couldn't be true- "Am I?" he sighed. I turned away from him, Aerick loved me as I loved him. We protected each other in battle, we shared a bed of love. I stiffened as he wrapped his arms around me. "I am your brother, we are family." "I know," I managed to reply, my head spinning. "Where is Zan?" He whispered against my ear. "He has to pay for what he did to us, to our family." "Zan, is dead." I whispered softly, "Max doesn't remember, he doesn't know." "He still has to pay," he growled as he let go of me. "Michael?" Tess' voice gasped. I turned to her as she stared blankly at us. "You!" She whispered harshly. "You killed him!" Tess cried, lunging for Khivar. "That wasn't part of the deal!" I grabbed her and held her close to me as she let out a strangled sob. "Ava- dear," he sighed. "You know he betrayed us." "What?" Tess gasped as she looked up at me. "You don't believe him do you?" "Aerick joined Zan's rule, he betrayed us." "No, he didn't-" Tess cried out. "He never joined his side. He loved us-" "My spies never lied. They saw him conspiring with Zan." Khivar yelled. "No, you don't understand. I made him-" Tess cried as she pushed me away. She trembled slightly and collapsed to the floor, "I killed him." "Tess-" I whispered as I gathered her in my arms. "You didn't kill him." "Yes, I told him we needed a spy in Zan's camp. We made it look like he joined Zan's alliance." Tess confessed, "he didn't betray us." I nodded and kissed her softly, "I know. I know he wouldn't have betrayed us." I glared up at my brother. "Why didn't you tell me? He could have been helpful!" Khivar snapped. "No difference, he's gone. We can't change the past." "I want you to leave-" I stated harshly. "I don't want to be apart of your plan." "Rath, this was our plan-" he replied softly. "We are so close." "It was your plan-" I accused harshly. "Do what you have too, but leave us out of it." "Fine," he replied as he disappeared in front of us. "Tess?" I whispered. "Are you okay-" "Yes," she mumbled as she turned to look at me. "You defied him- your brother." "He's no longer a brother to me," I sighed. "You and our baby is all that matters to me, now." Tess smiled and her gaze drifted, "what about Maria?" Maria? I sucked in a quick breath- "Maria?" "You still love her," she whispered under her breath. I stiffened as her words sunk in. She pulled away slightly as she looked into my eyes. "Tess-" I whispered as I ran a hand through her hair, cradling her face in my hand. She lifted her hand to mine, "I love you." "I love you," I whispered as tears fell down her face. I tenderly kissed the tears away, "let me love you- let me make up to you, the time we lost." She nodded and wrapped her arms around me. My heart swelled with happiness that she was in my arms, that she chose me after all that I've done. She pulled away from me and walked to the phone. I looked at her with confusion as she smiled at me. She turned away from me as I heard her voice ring out, "Max?" My heart skipped a beat- what the fuck? "Michael and I are leaving Roswell- if I was you, I'd leave too." I smirked as she hung up the phone and crossed over to me. "It's what Kyle would have wanted us to do." I nodded as I held her close to me. "I know." Tess wrapped her arms around me and I held her close. "Where do you want to go?" I asked as she looked down to the floor. "Anywhere, but New York-" Tess whispered as she trembled in my arms. I tightened my arms around her, wanting her to feel safe and complete in my arms. She kissed my neck and caressed my face, "I need you." She whispered and my heart skipped a beat. "Now?" I gasped as she started to undress me. She smiled and answered me by kissing down my chest, sending currents of passion through my body. I felt lost in her touch, craving- needing to be in her. To be complete. "It's been so long." She giggled as I picked her up and carried her to the bedroom. "Michael!" She gasped as I lowered her to the bed, nibbling at her neck and suckling her tender flesh. Our bodies merged and became one, this wasn't a quick fuck or just sex. This was a bonding of our hearts, soul, and bodies- it was love. ~ The morning sun rose basking us in the dawning light. I groaned and looked down at her beautiful sleeping form, "Tess?" "Mmpph-" she mumbled against my neck. "I still have to pack a few more things at my place," I whispered into her ear as she shifted against me. "Ok," she sighed as she gazed up at me. "Go, on ahead and I'll finish up here." Tess sighed, "I need to talk to Valenti." "About the baby?" I inquired as I rubbed circles on her flat abdomen. "Yep," she giggled. "He's the grandpa- and he's been the closest thing I've ever had to a real father." "For me too-" I whispered as I reflected on the impact the Sheriff had on us. "Do we have to leave?" She inquired, looking up at me with hope in her eyes. "For now-" I replied as I sat up. "We can come back, in time." "Good," she sighed as she sat up and kissed me. "Now- go, pack." I laughed and gazed at her in the sunlight. "You won't be too long, will you?" "Not too long," She replied. ~ I quickly finished packing up what I needed to take with me and I realized I didn't need that much. An hour passed, and I couldn't help but wonder when Tess would get here. I glanced up at the clock  as I heard the door open. I looked up expecting to see Tess. Instead, I saw her. Maria, the one I thought I wanted. Maria crossed over to me with a smile on her lips. "Michael?" She whispered as she touched my arm. I flinched slightly at her touch. Images of our past relationship and of our love flickered past my eyes. "Don't go," she pleaded her eyes flashing with unshed tears. "What do you want from me?" I asked not understanding her request. "I thought you couldn't handle this alien crap?" "Stay with me," she replied as she rubbed her hands up my arm. "I've missed you-" "Why now?" I snapped, unable to move away from her touch. "After all this?" "Kyle's gone and I realized that I didn't want to lose anyone else that I loved." She whispered her arms encircling around me waist. "I love you." I stood frozen, unable to respond. I wanted this moment, I had craved it- but, it's different now. This can't be. "Maria," I began to reply as she pressed her lips to mine. The familiar electricity sizzled and quickly faded. I pulled her closer, deepening our kiss. Maria moaned in response to my touch, but I didn't feel a thing. I no longer harvested feelings for her, or of our past. I heard a crash and broke away from our kiss, feeling refreshed and renewed. I no longer needed or wanted her. I looked towards the door and noticed a box that had the words, 'baby stuff' scrawled on it with hearts and flowers. "Fuck," I grumbled as I pushed Maria away. Tess- she dropped the box, she was here. "What's the matter?" Maria asked softly as she wrapped her arms around me. I pulled her arms away from me, feeling repulsed by her. I had to find Tess. I had to tell her it wasn't what she thought. "Fuck." I groaned as I ran after her. I looked for her for a few minutes on foot; she had left the car here. She couldn't have gotten too far. Fuck. I quickly packed the last few remaining items into the car and drove to the Valenti's, hoping that she went there. I searched the house and there was no sign of her. I drove around and checked everywhere I could think of. Fuck, the last time I went off searching for someone- someone ended up dead. "Tess!" I groaned as I banged my hands against the steering wheel. "It wasn't what it looked like." Where can she be? Damn it Tess- where are you? I can't lose you too. I drove past the Evans' house and slammed on the breaks. The Evans', was the only place I hadn't looked. I knocked on the door and Max looked at me with a slightly amused look on his face. "Where is she?" I demanded as Max blocked the entryway. "I don't think she wants to see you-" he smirked and a glimmer of his former self manifested in his eyes. //flash// I opened the door expecting her, but instead Zan gazed at me. I glanced at Ava cowering in the background. "Let me see her-" I replied as I tried to advance into the room. "I don't think she wants to see you-" he laughed as he pushed me back. "Ava?" I called out as she looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "What did you do to her?" I growled. He pressed me against the wall, his hand around my throat. I gasped for air. "I know, about you two-" he whispered harshly into my ear. "I'm still your King." His challenging gaze penetrated mine. "You'll never be my King," I gasped as his grip tightened against my throat. "Stop it!" Ava cried as she pulled at his arm. Zan threw her back like a rag doll. I gasped for air as I gazed at her still form. //flash// "Where is she?" I gasped as fear crept into my heart. "Damn it, Zan!" Max blinked at me at the sound of that name, fuck. "Max," I implored as he turned and walked away from me. He stopped in his tracks. "You never even gave me a chance-" he accused me as he turned to me. "I'm not Zan!" "Does it matter now?" I cried. "What's happen has happened. There is no turning back-" "I killed him," he whispered. What? "Killed who?" I inquired, slightly confused. "You're brother-" he whispered looking down at the floor. "My what?" I gasped. No, that's not possible! He was stronger- "You're brother," Max replied with malice as he looked up at me, a smirk playing at his lips. I opened my mouth to shout- to scream. Not my brother! "How?" "Seems like he developed some sort of conscious and was willing to offer me a deal," Max shrugged. "He mumbled something about you and the past not being as it is." "Why?" I choked out, fighting the tears that threatened to flow. "Why?" Max gasped. "Why do you think? He wanted me dead. He killed Alex, Kyle- Why not?" I glared at him, "Max wouldn't kill him- but, Zan would." Max smirked. I lunged at him and pinned him to the ground. "I almost thought we could be brothers," I growled. "Almost." I felt the electricity around us build and escalate. "Michael!" I heard her voice linger in the air. "Don't!" She cried as she pulled me away from Max. "Tess," I whispered as she wrapped her arms around me. "I thought I lost you again." "I'm here," she whispered. I felt relief and pain mingle in my heart, my mind raced and tears pricked at my eyes. "Touching," Max replied. I glared at him as Tess pulled me closer to the door. "Let's go," Tess whispered harshly. "He's not worth it." I nodded and followed her out to the door. I pulled her to me and pressed her body into mine, craving her, wanting her. "It wasn't anything, it wasn't as it seemed." She looked deep into my eyes, "I know-" "You know?" I gasped, "then why did you run?" "I saw and I ran," Tess replied looking down. "Then I decided, I'm a big bad alien and I was going to fight for my man-" "Your man?" I chuckled as she looked up at me. "Yep," she giggled. "My man." "And?" "And I marched back to your place and I found a stunned Maria standing there. She looked at me and accused me of stealing you and for ruining her life. So-" "So?" I gasped. "What did you do?" "I punched her," she smiled. "It felt so good- I've always wanted to do that." "I love you-" I whispered against her lips. "I love you," she replied as she looked back at the house. "Is it true? Did he kill Khivar?" "He says he did- but, it can't be that easy." I replied trying to piece everything together. "What do you want to do?" She asked softly, looking up at me. "I want to move, get out of here-" "To forget the past," she added as I opened the car door. "Let's go," I cried as I helped her in and then rounded to the other side. "Good bye, Roswell-" Tess whispered as she raised a hand to the passing scenery and then placed her hand to her abdomen. Good riddance! Everything I want or will ever need is here with me. I glanced at Tess and smiled, this was all I needed. The End

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