Kyle begrudgingly went to his health class for the first time since he started skipping the class to be with Tess. He flirted a little with the older female professor and used a little bit of the old Valenti charm until she was more then happy to let him make up the work he missed and finish off the semester as scheduled.

He settled into his seat and tried to concentrate on the food pyramid being presented by the professor, but all he could think of was Tess and the night prior. He knew this material, it was one of the reasons he chose to take the class in the first place- it was an easy 'A'.

As the class came to an end his cell phone vibrated against his hip. Grinning he reached for his phone, expecting to her Tess' voice on the other end as he answered it.

"Kyle?" Maria's voice rang out.

"Hey, sis," Kyle smiled as he began to gather up his things. "What's up?"

"Just wanted to make sure you are coming home this weekend, since you didn't come home last weekend." She drawled and Kyle could picture her shaking her head, her hand on her hip.

"I'm coming home," Kyle assured her as he picked up his bag and headed out to the main quad.

"Really?" Maria questioned. "If you don't, I'm going to kick your ass."

"I'll keep that in mind," he smiled, knowing that he could easily kick her ass in return but would never try. "I'll be bringing my girlfriend as well." Kyle added and readied himself for the onslaught of questions.

"Your girlfriend?" She repeated a little too incredulously for his sake. "What's her name? How did you meet? How long have you been going out? Kyle Valenti! Why didn't you tell me that you had a girlfriend?"

Kyle chuckled. "Her name is Tess and we are in the same Biology seminar, we've been dating for about a week or so- and she is the reason I didn't come home last weekend." Kyle explained with a smile on his face. "She's looking forward to our visit."

"Tess?" Maria hummed. "Is she pretty? Well, of course she is, you're dating her!" She snorted. "I bet she's a brunette."

"Nope." He laughed, shaking his head over the absurdity of the comment. "Where did you get that from?" He questioned as he started walking back to his dorm room.

"Well,” Maria began. "Liz was a brunette and you were together for awhile-"

"And that didn't work out," Kyle replied dryly. "Tess has blonde hair and has blue eyes."

"Oh," Maria giggled. "A cheerleader. It's fitting."

"She's not a cheerleader," Kyle sighed, shaking his head. "And she may take offense to that."

"Oh, so she's smart too?" She laughed. "Sounds like she's my type of girl."

Kyle paused, considering the thought. "Yeah, she is."

"We'll have to have a dinner party for her!" Maria exclaimed and Kyle groaned. "I'll have to call everyone and-"

"Try not to scare her off," Kyle pleaded. "I really like her."

"Kyle!" Maria gasped. "I wouldn't do such a thing and I'll make sure Michael is on his best behavior."

Kyle inhaled sharply at Michael's name- he hoped that he and Tess will get along perfectly. "Tell dad we'll be there around 6 on Friday."

"No problem." She whistled. "I'll make sure everyone knows you'll be here."

"I'm sure you will." He sighed. "See you Friday."

"Yes!" Maria exclaimed. "And tell Tess we are looking forward to meeting her."

"I will," Kyle smiled, hoping that Tess would be welcomed with open arms.

"See you both soon," She cooed. "Bye, bye."

"Bye." Kyle replied as he hung up and jogged up the stairs to his room.

He threw his book bag onto the bed and glanced at the clock. He had about an hour to swing by Tess' and say hello before he had to head to practice. Kyle smiled at the thought as he closed his eyes and teleported to Tess' apartment.

"Tess?" He called out, glancing around the apartment. "You here?"

"Hey," Tess smiled as she stuck her head out of the bathroom door. "I didn't hear you come in. I thought you had practice."

"I have about an hour," Kyle grinned as he crossed over to her, leering at her as he noticed that she was only wearing a towel.

"I spilled my coffee-" she began to explain as she realized that his eyes hadn't strayed from her bare skin. "You see something you like?" She questioned as Kyle nodded. "What are you going to do about it?"

Kyle flashed her a feral grin. "This," he exhaled as he leaned in and kissed her.

"Kyle," Tess moaned as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer. "Do you have time for-"

"Not exactly," he groaned as he pulled away, licking his lips. "You are so addicting."

"But you love me anyway," She teased as she nipped at his lips, before pushing him away. "Go to practice."

Kyle groaned, but he knew he had to if he wanted to make it to practice at all. "I'll see you later."

"Naturally," she smiled as she shooed him out of her apartment. "Bye."

"Bye," he called back as he jogged down the stairs and all the way to the stadium. It was going to be a long practice.

~

Later that night, Kyle and Tess lounged in front of the TV, cuddling as they watched nothing in particular flicker across the screen. Tess sighed, relaxing further into Kyle's touch as he ran his hand through her hair, playing with her curls.

"There's nothing on," Kyle grumbled as he flipped through the channels. Tess laughed, grabbing for the remote.

"Show me your power," Tess suggested as she turned off the TV and turned her full attention to Kyle.

"Huh?" Kyle grunted as he blinked at her, slightly confused for a moment until he recalled their earlier conversation. "Oh, yeah."

"Yeah." Tess giggled, leaning in and kissing him. "Oh, and Liz. What's her power?"

"Liz," Kyle smiled. "She has a unique gift, clairvoyance."

"Clairvoyance?" Tess mused. "So she can see into the future?"

"Sort of," He sighed. "She gets flashes when she touches things or people. Sometimes they are completely random and really have no effect on anyone's life- she kinda explained them as a déjà vu like experience. And some times they are life changing events." Kyle explained, pausing a moment to gather his thoughts. "She tries to block the later, but occasionally they slip through. She would prefer not to know- she has come to believe that it's wrong to change what could be."

"I don't know if I'd want to know," Tess agreed. "It be hard to know if you should do something to change it or not. It's almost like playing god or something."

"Exactly," Kyle nodded.

"She must be a very strong woman," she commented as she traced her hand over his.

"I think so," he nodded, flashing her a small grin. "That's one of the reasons I dated her."

"You dated Liz?" Tess gasped. "But, how- why?"

"It's a long story," Kyle laughed. "And it was a long time ago."

"Better be," she added, tapping his chest with her finger. "You're all mine now."

"All yours," Kyle smiled. "I like that."

"Good." Tess nodded as she kissed him, deepening the kiss as Kyle wrapped his arms around her. "Now tell me about you," she whispered as she reluctantly pulled away from the passionate kiss and smiled up at him. "I showed you mine." She teased lightly.

"About me," he smiled as he sat up a little straighter. "Well, I have two. Teleportation and telepathy."

Tess gasped her eyes widening. "Teleportation and telepathy?" She repeated as she pulled even further away from him, staring at him. "Telepathy- so you can read my mind or something?" She questioned harshly, her body stiffening at the thought.

"Not exactly," he quickly reassured her. "I can feel what you are thinking- your general feelings. The stronger you feel a certain emotion the more I can feel it too and if you focus your thoughts onto one thing and you project it, than I can hear it-"

"So right now, what am I thinking?" She asked as she continued to stare at him.

Kyle sighed, closing his eyes briefly as he dropped the barriers and let her thoughts wash over him. "Don't be afraid," he whispered as he opened his eyes and looked at her.

"I'm not." She quickly amended, but Kyle knew she was lying. She was suddenly afraid of him, of him reading her mind, her thoughts.

'Love you', he projected with his thoughts and Tess gasped, her eyes widening even more. "I heard you in my mind." She stammered as she closed her eyes.

'Yes,' he thought, projecting his thoughts to her once more.

'How?' She suddenly questioned with her mind and Kyle smiled in response.

"Just like that," he whispered as he leaned in and kissed her softly.

"Oh," she gasped as she shook her head. "I- wow. That's weird."

"Tell me about it," Kyle chuckled. "At first I thought I was going insane. I cold feel and hear everything around me, it wasn't until I focused and figured out I could block it that I felt semi-human again."

"It's weird to think my boyfriend can read my thoughts-" Tess whispered. "I mean, I guess. Wow."

"Yeah," Kyle sighed, shaking his head. "I won't invade your privacy- if that's what you are worried about. I can control it."

Tess nodded, but Kyle knew she was uncertain.

"And here I thought you'd be more interested in my teleportation abilities." Kyle chuckled, trying to get her thoughts away from his other power.

"Teleport?" Tess began as she returned her gaze to his. "Like Star Trek- beam me up, Scotty?"

Kyle laughed, "something like that."

Tess laughed, shaking her head. "How does it work?"

"No idea really," Kyle shrugged. "All I know is that I have to have been there before- I can't teleport to a place I've never been. The further I teleport, the more it drains me."

"So," She drawled out. "Can you teleport home?" She questioned as she studied him briefly.

"In theory, yes, but I haven't tested it yet." He replied honestly.

"Oh," Tess nodded. "Can you teleport back to your dorm room?"

"Yeah," Kyle smiled and closed his eyes, concentrating his energy and teleporting to his room with ease. He grabbed a book he borrowed earlier and teleported back.

"Oh, my god!" Tess gasped as he fully materialized in front of her. "That's- amazing."

"Here's your book." He replied sheepishly as she took it from his hands and studied it.

"Can you take me?" She asked putting the book aside. "Have you tried that?"

"I don't know," Kyle stated as his eye briefly glanced at the kitchen counter and he remembered the previous night. "But, I might be able to."

"So, you've not tested it?" Tess pondered as she ran her fingers over his arms. "Does it hurt?"

"No, it tingles- I've just been afraid I'd hurt someone. I still don't know how I do it- I just do." He explained as he leaned into her touch. "Last night we jumped from the kitchen to your bed."

"Not like it was far," she shrugged as her fingers stilled and her gaze snapped to his. "But, you were able to do it?"

"I think I might have tapped into your powers without realizing it- we were kissing." Kyle tried to explain as she leaned in and brushed a kiss to his lips.

"Care to experiment?" She questioned as she nibbled on his lip and he wrapped his arms around her.

"In the name of alien science," he chuckled as he kissed her, deepening the kiss. He felt a spike of electricity as he used all his concentration and visualized teleporting them to his dorm room.

"Kyle!" Tess gasped as she pulled away slightly. "You did it!" She continued as she glanced around them and Kyle followed her gaze.

"It worked," he chuckled with amusement as he glanced at Tess. "You feel okay?"

"Never better," she smiled as she leaned in and kissed her. "Amazing."

"Yeah," he sighed as he suddenly felt the need to sit down. He stumbled beside her and sat down on his bed.

"Kyle?" Tess asked her voice full of concern as she sat down beside him. "Are you okay?"

"I will be," he whispered. "I just used too much of my power- just a little drained."

"Oh," Tess paused, frowning. "I feel great."

"Good." He smiled as he leaned in and kissed her. "I didn't want to hurt you-"

"We can rest," she offered as she pushed him back onto the bed, wrapping her arms around him. "I'll take care of you."

Kyle chuckled, kissing her in reply as he briefly closed his eyes.

~

"Kyle?" Tess called out, running her hands over his chest. She glanced at the clock, feeling more nervous for him as the minutes ticked by. It had been almost two hours since he passed out. "Kyle?" She urged, leaning in and kissing him.

Kyle blinked up at her, giving her a small smile before closing his eyes once more. Tess sighed and went to move away from him when the phone rang. "Get that," Kyle groaned as he attempted to sit up and Tess nodded.

"Hello?" Tess tentatively answered his cell phone.

"Who's this?" A male voice replied and Tess sat up straighter.

"Tess," She replied hesitantly as she glanced at Kyle.

"Oh. Kyle's girl, guess he wasn't making you up." The voice replied with a chuckle. "Is he there?"

"Yeah," she nodded as a wave of familiarity hit her. "Michael?"

"Yeah," he grunted. "How did you know-"

"Hey," Kyle interrupted, grabbing the phone from an awed stricken Tess.

"Hey," Michael stated and Kyle waited a second for him to continue but he didn't.

"What?" He sighed. "You don't usually call."

"Yeah," Michael agreed and paused once more. "I just- did you just use your powers or something?"

Kyle froze, sharing a brief glance with Tess. "Not now."

"No, like two hours ago-" he sighed. "I just talked with everyone else. It had to be you."

"How did you-"

"I felt this huge surge of power- I'd never felt anything like it before." Michael explained. "It was like someone tapped into my powers or something."

"Or something," Kyle repeated as he briefly studied Tess. "Have you felt it before?"

"No." Michael sighed and Kyle frowned in response. "Well, once."

"Once?" Kyle urged, wondering why he suddenly felt his powers, miles away.

"Yeah," he replied. "When we went to Marathon- I had a surge of powers."

" Marathon?" Kyle repeated, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, I wouldn't know about that. I wasn't there- remember?"

"I was," Tess whispered and his gaze snapped to hers.

"Can I call you back?" Kyle began, suddenly needing to talk to Tess. "Or can this wait until I come home this weekend?"

"Guess it can wait," Michael replied after a slight pause. "See you later."

"See you later," Kyle stated quickly as he hung up the phone, turning his attention to Tess. "Explain."

"I was in Marathon. Remember when I told you I ran away?" She began as she traced her hand over his.

Kyle nodded. "Yeah."

"It was sophomore year-" Tess continued as she closed her eyes. "I was in class and suddenly felt this overwhelming need to go to Marathon, Texas. Something was calling me there. I ended up at this weird dome and there was a woman there, Topolsky I think it was."

"She was an FBI agent." Kyle added, suddenly feeling the need to wrap his arms around her, to hold her close. "She was after them, knocked out my father from what I've been told- what happened with you?"

"Your father was there?" She quipped, losing her train of thought. "Oh, the sheriff? I saw her knock out the sheriff, she never saw me there, no one did. I had to use my powers to mask myself from them- I had a feeling that they couldn't find out I was there."

"You just missed them, the others. They were under the dome from what I've heard- you think Michael felt you?" Kyle questioned as he studied her. "He's feeling you."

"I- we- yes." Tess gasped, her eyes widening in awe. "Siblings can share their powers- they are linked and twins generally have a stronger link. But I didn't know if we would, since we've been apart for so many years."

"I see." Kyle nodded. "Have you felt him?"

Tess shrugged, shaking her head sadly. "Apparently not."

"But you have, going to Marathon was Michael's idea. He thought there would be answers-"

"He thought there would be answers to our past, to home." Tess supplied, smiling as she turned into Kyle, kissing him. "And he loves that Maria girl."

Kyle laughed. "Yeah, he does."

"Now I know who that Maria girl is." She giggled. "I'm connected to my brother- all these years and I didn't even realize it. I just thought those random feelings were just a figment of my imagination."

"If you and Michael feel each other- how come Max and Isabel don't feel each other?" Kyle asked after a slight pause.

Tess frowned, shaking her head. "Why would they?"

"Aren't they brother and sister?" Kyle questioned as he sat up. "We've always thought they were- and Nasedo never mentioned it either way. But then he never told Michael or the others that you were his sister. All we knew was that you were the queen."

"Vilondra and Zan were not siblings by blood, they were cousins. Her parents died when she was a baby and they adopted her into their family. They were very close, even more so than most siblings," Tess replied, her eyes widening. "I didn't know I knew that- I mean I've only had vague feelings and thoughts of the past, but this feels so real. Ask me something else!"

Kyle chuckled. "Maybe being able to speak freely about it has let you open your mind to the past- none of the others remember anything."

"We grew up apart, we were supposed to remember together-" Tess whispered. "To think we wasted so much time."

"Everything will be rectified this weekend. You'll be able to reconnect with your family, your past." Kyle whispered as he leaned in and kissed her.

"This weekend," Tess smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "I can't wait." She sighed as she interlocked her fingers into his. "But, first, you get to meet my parents."

"Parents?" Kyle swallowed. "I- what? When?"

"Tomorrow," she supplied as she leaned up and kissed him. "We are going to have lunch."

"We are?" He replied as he felt every muscle tense. "I- I don't know Tess. That seems like a big step-"

Tess snorted as she turned to face him, "and me going home with you for a full weekend isn't?"

"That's different," Kyle argued and promptly dropped the discussion as he noted the heated glare from her. "Okay, not so different-"

"It'll be fine," she smiled, kissing him. "I want them to meet you- and my dad wasn't thrilled of the idea of his little girl going off with some stranger."

"Okay," Kyle chuckled. "Lunch."

~

Kyle half listened to Tess ramble on about her parents as he drove to the restaurant and pulled into the parking lot.

"Kyle!" Tess gasped, slapping at his arm playfully. "You aren't even listening to me."

"Yes I was." He protested as he parked the car and turned to her. "Your father is an alumnus of the university and he follows the football team," he replied flashing her a smile. "And that's why you knew my name."

"Okay," Tess grinned. "Maybe you listened a little."

"Your father is a local business man and your mother is a doctor." He continued as he reached over and ran his fingers through her hair, pausing to rub her neck. "They were driving through New Mexico when they found you wondering on the highway- although I shouldn't mention it, they don't like to discuss that you were even adopted. Did I miss anything else?"

Tess smiled. "Nope. You're pretty good at that."

"I've had practice." Kyle chuckled, shaking his head.

She laughed, leaning over to kiss him. "Well, we should head in."

He sucked in a quick breath, nodding. "Yeah."

"I promise they won't bite," Tess giggled as she opened the car door and got out of the car.

"Yet," Kyle groaned as he made himself take a deep calming breath. "I can do this, I've done this a million times before- they are only her parents," he mumbled to himself as he got out of the car and circled around to meet Tess.

"Come on," she smiled as she grabbed his hand and lead her into the restaurant.

Kyle fidgeted, feeling nervous as they waited to be seated. He glanced around the restaurant and paused as he noticed the richly dressed couple that he recognized from Tess' pictures. He had no doubt that they were her parents, just gazing at them, he would have never have guessed that Tess was adopted. They looked very much like a regal Hollywood couple- her mother was a petite blonde, with striking blue eyes and her father was taller with broad shoulders and dark black hair with a sprinkling of gray hairs at his temples.

"There they are," Tess grinned as she pointed to the couple he had just noticed a second before. Kyle forced a smile to his face as he glanced at the couple smiling back at them as they approached. "Mom, Dad." She began as she squeezed Kyle's hand in hers. "This is my boyfriend Kyle Valenti."

"Valenti," her dad repeated as he stood up and reached out a hand to Kyle. "Ah, you're one of the new football recruits."

"Yes," Kyle grinned at Tess before turning his attention to her father. "It's nice to meet you." Kyle stated as he shook his hand. "Mr. Harding."

"It's a pleasure," he replied softly. "And please call me Ed. Mr. Harding makes me feel so old."

"Ed." Kyle nodded as he dropped his hand and reached for Mrs. Harding's hand.

"Claire," She supplied as Kyle leaned down and kissed her hand. "And a gentleman too?" She purred as she winked at Tess.

"Mom," Tess drawled as she sat down beside her mother, leaving Kyle to sit between her and her father.

Kyle paused slightly, immediately recalling the image Tess sent her the other day and suddenly felt a little uneasy. He smiled at her father and took his seat, trying to forget the image her recalled.

"I was just stating an observation," Claire grinned as she studied the two of them. "You do make a very attractive pair."

"Mom!" Tess groaned, shaking her head as she glanced at Kyle. "Don't listen to them."

Kyle chuckled. "I think we make an attractive pair too, don't you?"

Tess blushed, shaking her head. "You're incorrigible."

Kyle leaned in and placed a small kiss to her brow, "but you still love me."

"Maybe," Tess grinned, blushing even more as her dad clapped his hands.

"So, tell me how you two met," Ed began as he picked up his glass of ice water and took a sip. "I find you very interesting, Kyle. My daughter has never been very fond of football players before."

"Daddy," Tess gasped as Kyle laughed, knowing that their meeting had nothing to do with his football abilities.

"She said hello and the rest you can say is history," he began as he interlocked his fingers with Tess. He continued to tell Tess' parents how they met, making sure to leave out the alien involvement. He locked his eyes with Tess and squeezed her hand lightly. "And it's like I've known her all my life- she completes me in ways I never knew were possible."

Tess blushed, bringing her free hand to her mouth. "Oh, Kyle." She sighed as she jumped out of her seat and kissed Kyle, ignoring the fact that they were in a fancy restaurant and that her parents were only a few feet away.

Claire smiled and leaned into her husband. "I think she's found the one."

"They do make a cute couple," he remarked as he reached over and squeezed his wife's hand. "I couldn't ask for anything more than my daughter's happiness."

"I am happy, daddy," Tess smiled as she turned to glance at her father, leaning heavily into Kyle.

Kyle smiled, nodding at her father. "I'll do anything in my power to keep her happy."

"That's all I ask, son." He smiled. "That's all I ask."

~

"Guess it wasn't as bad as I thought," Kyle remarked as they walked back to the car and they got in.

"It went perfect," Tess grinned as they drove off and her cell phone rang. "Hold that thought." She smiled as she answered it and Kyle drove back to her place.

Kyle followed her in and closed the door behind them. He sighed as Tess continued her conversation on the phone and he glanced at the clock. He groaned as he realized that he had approximately two hours before he had to be at practice.

"My parents loved you," Tess gushed as she hung up her phone and turned to him. "They thought you were caring and charming. I can't thank you enough-"

"Thank me?" Kyle questioned, slightly confused. "For what?"

"For being you," she purred as she crossed over to him and kissed him, running her hands down his chest.

"Tess," He hissed as her hands brushed against the crotch of his pants, his body instantly responding to her touch.

"Kyle," Tess whispered as she continued to rub her hands over his growing erection. "Do you want me?"

Kyle moaned, unable to form a coherent response as her fingers dipped into his pants and grazed her fingers over his boxers.

"All the signs point to yes," She mused as she leaned up to kiss him, her lips meeting roughly against his.

"No more talking," he insisted as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his body, his hips moving up into her touch.

"Not. A. Problem." Tess gasped in-between kisses and pushed him toward the couch, neither caring if they made it to the bed.

Tess yanked at the fly of his pants and Kyle couldn't help but groan as she pulled the rough denim down over his growing erection. Kyle stumbled back against the couch as he eagerly tried to help her take them off.

"Tess," he moaned as he grabbed at her blouse and pulled it roughly off her shoulders. His fingers brushed over her chest, teasing her nipples under the satin bra.

"Oh, Kyle," she gasped as she pushed him onto the couch and straddled him, kissing him as her fingers trailed down his chest.

Kyle nipped at her lips as he pulled her closer, moaning as she rocked her hips into his. His fingers tips brushed against her thighs and hiked her skirt up higher, giving him better access.

She continued to rock her hips into his as they kissed. "Want you," she panted against his lips as Kyle's fingers slipped under her panties and teased her clit. "Kyle!" She cried as she bucked up into his hand.

He smirked, rubbing his fingers against her slick folds before he slipped a finger into her. She gasped as he inserted a second finger and thrust in and out, rubbing his thumb against her clit.

"God," she cried as he increased his ministration, bringing her close to the edge. "Kyle," she gasped, her eyes fluttering close as she continued to rock her hips into his touch.

Kyle nearly came just watching the ecstasy wash over her flushed face. "You are so beautiful." He whispered as he nipped at her lips.

Tess moaned against his lips as he inserted another finger. "Kyle," she gasped as she dug her fingernails into his biceps and arched up against him. "Oh, Kyle," she cried as her orgasm hit and she trembled in his arms, momentarily resting her head against the crook of his neck.

"Tess," he whispered as he kissed her softly. She whimpered slightly as he removed his fingers. "Tess," he repeated more urgently as she smiled and sat back up, their eyes locking as he thrust up into her, no longer able to resist her.

"Kyle!" Tess moaned as she wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and pressed against him, encouraging him. "More," She urged as she kissed him.

Kyle growled, pumping into her slowly before they found a rhythm to completion. Their breathing hitching as Kyle increased his pace. "Tess."

"Kyle," she began softly, chanting his name over and over.

"Fuck," he grunted as he thrust up and Tess cried out her muscles clamping down around him as her orgasm hit once more. Kyle groaned and quickly followed after her. "Tess," he exhaled as they collapsed back against the couch.

"Oh, Kyle," Tess sighed as she kissed him lazily, still holding onto him. "Love you."

"Yeah," Kyle agreed, kissing her back. "Love you too."

She sighed with contentment and glanced at the clock. "Do you really have to go?"

"I rather stay here with you," he murmured. "But, I have to go. I can't lose my scholarship, remember?"

Tess nodded. "I remember," she sighed. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it." She pouted.

Kyle kissed her pouting lips, laughing lightly. "I know. I know."

~

The rest of the week flew by and soon Kyle and Tess were on their way to Roswell. Kyle glanced over at Tess as they drove down the road. She kept her gaze out the window, her mind obviously on the others.

"Can we stop?" Tess suddenly asked, breaking Kyle from his train of thought. "Now."

"Tess?" Kyle questioned as he slowed his car down and parked on the side of the road.

"I can't do this," she whispered harshly as she turned her gaze to him. "What if he hates me, won't accept me?"

"Him?" He repeated, frowning. "Don't you mean them?"

"No, yes, no." Tess sighed. "All I can think of is Michael- what if he doesn't want anything to do with me?"

Kyle paused. "I doubt that- besides we only have about ten miles to go." Tess sucked in a quick breath and shook her head. "What can I do to make this better- easier for you?"

Tess glanced out the window, "can you call him?"

"Call who? Michael?" He questioned as he studied her. "I can."

"I have an idea," she whispered as she reached out to touch his hand.

"Will this make you feel better?" He asked as she flashed one of her brilliant smiles. "Okay."

Tess quickly explained him her plan, it was simple in execution. She just wanted a chance to see him alone, away from the others before the dinner. And Kyle knew that once they got to their destination there wouldn't be time for her to be alone with her brother.

"What did you do this time Valenti?" Michael groaned as he parked his bike and crossed over to the stalled car. "I thought you were good with cars." He stated as he nodded at Kyle who was leaning back against the car.

"I never claimed I was," Kyle shrugged as he waved his hand to the popped hood. "You are the only one I know in town that might be able to help out." He continued, winking at him.

"True, I don't see Maxwell or Whitman helping," he chuckled as he glanced at the engine, pausing as he felt a tickle of electricity on his arms. He ran his hand over the sensation and looked up, his eyes locking on the girl in the front seat. "That your girlfriend?" He questioned.

"No," Kyle chuckled. "I just bring home random girls for the hell of it," he drawled, shaking his head. "Of course she's my girlfriend." He continued as Michael glared at him.

Michael turned his gaze back to the girl in the front seat- there was something familiar about her. He tensed slightly as he watched her get out of the car and crossed over to him. "Hi." She smiled and Michael just stared at her.

"Michael, this is my girlfriend Tess," Kyle began as he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Tess, this is-"

"Have we met?" Michael questioned abruptly, interrupting Kyle's introductions as he continued to stare at her.

"No," Tess replied as she turned away, pulling Kyle with her. "He doesn't like me," she whispered into his ear.

Kyle chuckled. "He's being Michael."

Tess sighed, her gaze returning back to Michael's incredulous stare. "What's he thinking?" Tess asked softly. "Kyle. Please."

Kyle sighed, glancing at Michael briefly before he closed his eyes. He lifted his mental barrier and he was shocked at the strong emotions coming from his friend. "He's remembering," he whispered as he kissed her softly, blocking the rest of their thoughts from his mind.

"Kyle." Michael stressed as he stared at them, scratching at his eyebrow. "What the hell is going on?"

"It was my idea," Tess interjected, turning to him. "I wanted a chance to speak to you-"

"Who are you?" He snapped, his voice dropping slightly. "How do I know you?" He shook his head and then glared at Kyle. "Stop messing with my head."

"I'm not." Kyle snapped in reply. "Just trust your feelings," he insisted. "You know her."

"It's not possible," he whispered, his eyes widening slightly. "Ava?"

Tess gasped, nodding her head. "Yes."

"How?" Michael asked as he took a step closer.

"It's a long story-" she smiled. "Do you remember me, Rath?"

Michael blinked at his name and inhaled, closing his eyes briefly as memories from a time he had forgotten flashed before his eyes. "Yes," he whispered, cocking a smile. "Ava and Rath were siblings- twins."

"Oh, Michael!" Tess squealed as she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close. Michael stiffened in her arms and Kyle stepped back, almost waiting for Michael to push her away, but was delighted that he responded to her hug.

The hug lasted a few seconds when, Michael suddenly turned to Kyle. "You're sleeping with my sister?" He growled in a protective manor.

Kyle froze, before he offered him a smirk. "Like you're not sleeping with mine?"

"That's different," he interjected as Tess giggled, slapping Michael's arm.

"Does it really matter? Kyle brought me home." She offered and Michael paused, flashing him a rare smile.

"Guess he did." Michael smiled as he reached over and squeezed Tess' hand. "I have so many questions- I don't even know where to begin."

"So do I," Tess smiled as she squeezed his hand back. "But we have all weekend."

"We'll have to make sure we have a few moments to ourselves- Maria has the weekend planned out for us." Michael chuckled. "A dinner, a tour, a party, oh and she wants to have some girl bonding time with you."

"Really?" Tess giggled, turning to Kyle. "I like the sound of that- I've not had many girlfriends."

"Well, you are in for a treat," Kyle smiled as he leaned in and kissed her.

Michael coughed, turning away. "Maybe we should head to the house? I believe the small dinner party is going to start soon." Kyle and Tess pulled apart, smiling at Michael. "You could warn me first."

"What fun is that?" Kyle chuckled as he steered Tess back to the car. "See you at the house?"

"Yeah," Michael nodded as his eyes narrowed onto the car. "I thought-"

"It's fine," Kyle called back. "We just wanted you to come to the rescue- Tess' plan."

"Ah," Michael nodded, smirking. "See you back at the house."

~

Kyle grabbed their bags as Tess waited for him at the beginning of the walkway. She nervously glanced up at the house. "I can do this," Tess whispered as Kyle joined her.

"Of course you can," he smiled as he wrapped his free arm around her. "They'll love you."

"I've never done this before," she whispered as she leaned into him. "Meeting the parents- you're the first I've seriously dated."

Kyle grinned, kissing her brow. "I couldn't love you more."

"Kyle!" Tess gasped, pulling away. "What if they don't like me?"

"I don't think that's possible-" he smiled. "If Michael liked you, then I think my parents will love you."

"Michael has to like me," Tess protested. "He's family-"

"And so is everyone in that house- we are your family." Kyle insisted as he kissed her once more.

Tess smiled, "my family."

"Are you guys going to come in or not?" A voice called out from the front door.

Tess glanced back at the door and Kyle smiled, "I assume that's Maria."

Kyle followed her gaze. "Yep." He chuckled as they started to walk toward the house. "Hey, sis."

"Hey, yourself." Maria smiled as she crossed her arms over her chest and glanced over at the two. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your girlfriend?"

"Maria, this is my girlfriend Tess." Kyle grinned as he leaned in and kissed Tess' cheek. "Tess, this is my pesky little sister, Maria."

"Hi," Tess giggled as Maria rolled her eyes. "It's good to finally meet you."

"Ditto," Maria grinned as she offered her hand to Tess. Tess took her hand and Maria pulled her into the house, wrapping her arm around her in a huge hug. "Thanks for putting up with my obnoxious little brother."

Tess laughed, hugging her close. "He's not that bad."

"I'm standing right here," Kyle protested, pouting as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"He's kinda cute, I guess." Maria drawled, winking at Tess as they pulled apart from their hug.

"Yeah, and he has a body to die for," Tess purred as she turned and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him softly.

"TMI, Tess, TMI." Maria chuckled as she shooed them into the house. "Mom! Dad! They finally stopped making out."

Kyle couldn't help but smile as Tess blushed at Maria's comment. Kyle dropped their bags by the stairs and wrapped his arm around her waist as he escorted her into the main room.

"You'll be fine," Kyle whispered into her ear as he kissed the nape of her neck. She sighed, pushing him away as she glanced at the expectant faces.

"Everyone this is Tess," Kyle began as glanced at his family. "Tess, I'd like you to meet my father, Jim Valenti," he stated as he pointed to his father sitting on the couch next to Amy. "His wife, Amy, my stepmom and Maria's mother- and of course, you've meet Maria."

"Hi," Tess smiled as she waved at them.

"Hey," Michael added as he walked into the room, waving back at Tess.

"Don't you know how to knock?" Maria questioned as she crossed over to him.

Michael shrugged. "Do you want me to go?" He questioned dryly as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Nah," Maria chuckled, shaking her head and glanced back at Tess. "This is my boyfriend, Michael."

"We've met," Tess smiled as Maria stared at them in confusion. "He came out to help with the car earlier."

"Oh, yeah," Maria nodded.

"It's nice to meet you," Jim cut in as he reached up and shook her hand. "I don't think I've seen Kyle this happy in years."

"Yeah," Maria winked, her gaze locking with Kyle's. 'Sex does a body good,' she directed her thoughts to him, slipping easily through his barrier.

"Maria!" Kyle groaned and everyone glanced at him in confusion as Maria laughed.

"What?" Tess questioned as she squeezed his arm.

"Nothing," Kyle insisted as he glared at Maria.

"Well," Amy began as Jim helped her up from the couch. "Welcome to our home," she smiled as she crossed over to Tess and hugged her. "We are glad to have you."

Tess smiled, "I'm glad to be here."

"Good," Amy smiled, rubbing her hand over her rounded abdomen. "Michael," she nodded as she waddled past him and disappeared into the kitchen, with Jim following closely behind her.

"I believe dinner will be ready soon," Maria added as she linked her arm into Tess'. "Let me show you to the dining room."

~

Dinner was a light affair as the couples talked about their week. Kyle smiled as Tess easily joined into the conversation, like she was meant to be there, like one of the family.

After dinner they settled back into the family room for coffee and dessert, the conversation turning to the upcoming birth that would officially unite the Deluca and Valenti blood lines.

"It's been a nice evening," Jim smiled as he wrapped his arms around his wife's shoulders. "But, I think it's time we went to bed. Don't stay up too late," he winked as he turned to leave.

"Good night," Amy added as she followed her husband up to bed.

A chorus of voices shouted out a variety of salutations in return.

"Good night," Amy and Jim chuckled as they disappeared up the stairs, leaving the small group to their own devices.

Tess leaned into Kyle and smiled. "You're parents are so cool."

"Thanks," Maria and Kyle replied at the same time, sharing a smile.

"So," Michael began as he shifted his weight and turned more to Tess. "When are you going to tell the others?"

"Tell the others what?" Maria interrupted as she glanced between Tess and Michael. "Okay, what's going on?"

"Tess is the fourth," Michael replied with a slight shrug.

"The fourth what?" Maria repeated, furrowing her brow as she studied Tess. "Oh, the fourth alien-" she babbled, her eyes widening. "The fourth," she stressed. "The queen."

"Yes," Tess smiled and Maria blinked.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Maria gasped, hitting Michael in the arm. "Didn't you think it was pertinent information to share with your girlfriend? We've been looking for her for years- I have to call Max."

"That's Tess' call," Michael replied. "It's her choice when we tell the others."

"Why did she tell you?" Maria questioned as she glanced at Kyle. "How long have you known?"

"I'm right here, Maria." Tess interjected. "You can ask me."

Maria paused, glancing down at her hands, "sorry."

"I chose to tell Michael, because he's my brother." Tess continued as Maria mouth dropped open. "I plan to tell the others soon, but I wanted a chance to connect with my brother first."

"Your brother?" Maria gasped as she turned to Michael. "You have a sister Michael!"

"Yeah," Michael grinned as he shared a glance with Tess.

"Nasedo didn't say anything," Maria paused. "Geez, if he didn't share that important detail, goodness knows what else he's hiding."

"I didn't think of that," Michael grumbled. "Maybe we should check out the pod chamber later."

"Pod chamber?" Tess questioned, crinkling her brow as she glanced between Michael and Kyle.

"It's where you were born," Kyle supplied and Tess sucked in a quick breath, the memory of that moment flickering in her mind and she trembled slightly.

"It was so cold," she whispered, rubbing her hands against her thighs. "I was all alone."

"We left the chamber as soon as soon as we emerged," Michael added. "We didn't know."

Tess shivered as Kyle wrapped his arms around her, offering her the comfort she needed. "It's okay." She replied quickly. "Everything turned out okay-"

"No, it's not." Michael grumbled. "We should have waited. We were supposed to be together-"

"No," Maria quickly protested, wrapping her arms around him. "Would you want her in Hank's hands or perhaps she would have been forced into another foster family, like yours?"

Michael stiffened at the thought as he glanced at his sister. "Do you have a good family?"

"Yes," Tess smiled. "They are very good to me-" she paused as she squeezed Kyle's hand. "I just wish I could tell them the truth- I gather both of your parents know. You are so lucky to have such an open relationship with your parents."

"Well, the only reason my Dad knows is because Max healed me in front of him-" Kyle began. "Although, he was pretty close to figuring it all out on his own at that point."

"And the only reason we told my mom is because Kyle teleported into the shower while she was in it!" Maria laughed, causing Kyle to blush.

"You didn't!" Tess giggled as she studied him. "What happened?"

"I was just learning how to teleport- and, um, I was off by a few feet." Kyle mumbled as Michael and Maria continued to laugh. "Hey!"

"Oh, my poor Kyle." Tess smiled as she leaned in and kissed him. "Better?"

"A little," Kyle grumbled as he flashed the other couple another glare.

Tess laughed, kissing him once more. "Back to our previous topic- so no one else knows?" Tess asked as she turned her attention back to Michael and Maria.

"No one outside the group knows." Maria replied. "Does anyone know about you?"

Tess shook her head sadly. "Kyle was the first one I told," she smiled. "Well, technically, he told me."

"How did you know?" Maria asked, glancing at Kyle.

Kyle smiled, gazing at Tess. "When we kissed, I had flashes."

"You did?" Tess gasped, surprised at the news. "Of me?"

"Yes and of your previous life-" Kyle confessed. "It wasn't until you showed me your drawings that I knew for sure that you were the fourth."

"Drawings?" Maria repeated, smiling as she glanced between the siblings. "Like Michael's?"

"Exactly," Kyle nodded as he traced Tess' hands with his. "You know the picture you have in your room, the one of Antar? It's almost identical to one of hers."

"You must have similar dreams," Maria mused. "So, what else do you have in common?"

"We have plenty of time to figure that out," Michael stated as he stood up. "But, I think I need to show her the pod chamber first."

"Okay," Maria sighed, shaking her head. "Don't be out too late- we have a full day planned for tomorrow."

Tess stood up, following Michael's lead. "Are you coming?" She asked as she turned to Kyle.

He shook his head as he stood up, wrapping his arms around her. "No, this is for you two," he smiled as he leaned in and kissed her.

"Are you sure?" Tess asked, glancing back at Michael.

"Yes," Kyle nodded as he kissed her brow. "Be careful."

"I'll take care of her," Michael assured him as he turned to leave.

"You better," Kyle huffed as he pulled away from Tess. "I'll see you two later."

The Fourth - Part 3