#and just hope and pray that the keep her FAR away from michael and alex and malex getting back together

[lovecolibri]

I have a suspicion/fear the show is going to try and push the idea that m*ria is the "hero" and she is "instrumental" and "important" in getting Malex back together because she "sacrificed her own happiness" and broke it off with Michael for Alex’s sake, and Alex and Michael will both have to thank her for helping them get together, and maybe stay away for awhile to protect her “delicate” feelings.

So, in case people forget, I have some reminders about the kind of “friend” m*ria is, which is going under the cut because this is more salty than I usually get so, enter at your own risk and all that.

First, before we get into the Michael and Alex of it all, we are told m*ria loved Rosa like family and went to her grave all the time, but when Rosa came back from the dead m*ria was...nowhere to be found. And I get her being pissed at Liz and the Pod Squad and wanting nothing to do with them. But none of that should have kept her from visiting with Rosa who is back from the dead after a decade. If she was truly a “good friend” and Rosa was truly “her family too” she could have made it work while still making her feelings clear to Liz. Now, on the the Michael and Alex portion of the salt show!

m*ria only broke it off with Michael after SHE decided for him that someone else could "make Michael happier". And this only came up after Michael spent a lot of time and effort, but never quite performed "boyfriend" correctly enough for her. She knew that Alex felt hopeful about Michael, but she never considered for a moment that maybe Alex could make Michael happier than her, until she decided that Michael didn't make HER happy. She is the one with the "psychic" senses which makes it all worse because she could sense how both of them felt but ignored it because she wanted a toy that she had never been interested in before, until she learned it might be someone else's. And only after she played with it and found it lacking did she decide she didn't want it anymore. She didn't “sacrifice her happiness” and "let Michael go" because she thought someone else could make him "happier". She dumped him because he was difficult, and challenged her, and she didn't want to deal with it anymore.

Part of the issue too, is that they wanted to have m*luca be the fun, funny, banter couple but that doesn't work when one character is fresh from horrific trauma and has a deep history of abandonment and abuse that the other character either refuses to acknowledge, or puts the blame on the first character by making snide comments about their history or the way the smell. (The choice to have her comment about the way Michael smells will never not send me into a rage. Like yes, let’s pick on the guy who was a homeless teen without consistent access to a shower, and now does outdoor manual labor. Way to endear m*ria as a character right off the bat 🙄)

The Malex banter works not only because Tyler and Vlamis are actually friends and have great chemistry, but also because Alex and Michael know each other. They understand (at least in part) what the other has suffered. And even then, their banter doesn't always land because they haven't figured out the right way to navigate their pain and trauma responses with each other- they haven't been in the same place long enough to. But their banter come from a place of love and understanding, where as with m*ria it always seemed to come from a place of superiority. 

Because every time m*ria mentions anything about Michael it's usually with an air of vague disgust and, when it comes to her “feelings” for him, shame. She never gives any indication that she even LIKES him as a person and not just a sex object/someone to boss around and prop her up. She calls him names (Uuuuugh, he’s such a “Chad” says the woman who is literally a psychic and should be able to pick up on Michael’s screaming internal pain from losing his mother and his brother Max, and Noah, the man he thought of as a brother and trusted to look after his sister), and refuses to entertain the idea that he may have valid reasons for making the choices he does, and goes crying to Alex until he does the heavy lifting for her. She never looks softly at him, she’s always looking down at him or looking calculating. 

So whyyyy did she even go after him? Why, if not to just prove that she could? Why, if not to prop herself up because Michael is an absolute mess inside (which, as mentioned above, her psychic senses would have told her), and willing to bend over backwards for any scrap of attention? Like, I am genuinely confused about why she was so hell bent on throwing herself at Michael in 2x01 when he was so clearly going through something and she’s had nothing but disdain for his behavior and previously made him promise he wouldn’t tell anyone that they slept together, but now she’s patting the seat next to her as he stumbles drunkenly into a funeral? While she’s sitting right near Alex? You know, the man she promised that nothing would happen again with Michael now that she knew HE was Alex’s museum guy that Alex was feeling hopeful about? 

And then her whole thing about not saying they are together, but making Michael promise not to kiss anyone else?? It just give me big “you don’t dump me, I dump you!” vibes. Like she could not handle scruffy, town drunk, “sex in a truck, smells like a river, never introduce him to your mamma” Michael Guerin NOT falling all over himself for her, so she pushed and pushed until she got what she wanted and once she had him, she could not care less about him as an actual person.

Also, let’s not forget she spent the season flaunting her pursuit of Michael and their relationship together in Alex's face, and went so far as to make Alex not only watch Michael have sex with her, but be a participant in her and the love of his life having sex (even if Alex didn’t physically have p/v sex with her, or they never touched each other’s bits, he was still involved). And she did it as a way to prove that Michael would pick her over Alex. She is a woman Alex has no sexual feelings for, which she knows, and they have known each other since childhood and are basically family. There is no reason she should want to have Alex around when she is having sex, or want to be around him having sex. You know, like how Isobel recoils when hearing about Michael or Max’s sex life, or the way Max does not want to hear about Isobel or Michael’s sex lives? Despite having no idea if they are actually related or not? Or the way Michael makes jokes about their sex lives or his own as a false sense of oversharing so they don’t probe or notice that he’s hiding something by not actually telling them anything about Alex, the love of his life? There isn’t really a way to read that scene except as a manipulation by m*ria to get something she had no right to (Alex), and to take what Alex wanted, just because she could.

And I am going to stick this here since I’m already talking about 2x06 and this will save me from making a separate post. It wasn't about the story or the character's journeys, it was written so carina could tick off  checkboxes like one for a "love triangle" but spicy because the dude in the middle is bi, a checkbox for "homage" to the OG show, but in a way that honored nothing about the OG story or characters, a checkbox for “threesome on national tv where the woman was the one in control”, but with no regard to the character's backstories (”every time I touched a woman I was trying to disappear” anyone?), or trauma histories. 

There’s a reason the post 2x06 interview wasn’t with Tyler or even Vlaims. Because that scene wasn’t about Alex and it wasn’t about Michael, it was about giving the female character the control in a sexy situation for “feminist” reasons and so c*rina could get a threesome on tv for woke points. It didn’t matter to her that Alex is gay, or injured, or that he and Michael are both deeply traumatized and their trauma responses involve them not standing up for themselves when they are uncomfortable or think they might upset someone. It didn’t matter. because it wasn’t about them at all. It was about m*ria getting to call the shots and be in control. But you can’t be applauded for giving one character agency if you take that agency from others. In framing m*ria as initiating the threesome to give her the agency, took it away from Alex, and from Michael. You also have the issue with m*ria being given the agency in breaking up with Michael and having Michael argue against it, because he can’t really chose Alex over m*ria if she isn’t a choice. And you also have Michael taking back that agency and deciding he isn’t ready to start things with Alex, but by having them not talk to each other about it, it takes away Alex’s chance to make a real choice to go after Forrest, since again, he can’t really chose if he doesn’t know Michael is an option.

And finally, if you think after Alex was the one reminding Liz to be a better friend to m*ria, hung out with Mimi, helped put up fliers and went on long drive to follow up some random lead on Mimi being missing even though m*ria was currently screwing the love of his life with zero remorse or apology and kept dragging him into it to flaunt it in his face, and then got stabbed for all his trouble and manipulated while injured and unable to leave into a questionable sexual situation, while the only “support” m*ria has provided is to tell Alex home can be a person before preceding to date said person in front of Alex, knowing he’s still in love with Michael, that ALEX is the one that needs to be a better friend to HER? That there is any scenario where he needs to step up and be better for her?! Then I don't know what to tell you.

[litwitlady]

A Soft Landing

They have spent every day for the past week together. Morning, noon, and night. But they’ve told no one. Wanting to take their time with each other first. So, tonight’s group meeting to discuss the escaped Mr. Jones will be the first time they are together in a room with other people. And they are both stupidly nervous for some reason they cannot figure out.

Michael is late to Max’s house. He parks beside Alex’s Explorer and heads inside. Eyes immediately landing on Alex and his whole day is better. Instantly, like a punch in the gut. He tries to keep the silly grin off his face, but he mostly fails. Alex fails too. Just two dopey lovesick faces surrounded by the furrowed brows of their concerned friends.

No one notices at first. The way the air in the room has suddenly changed.

There’s an empty spot between Alex and Kyle on the sofa. Michael intends to plant his ass squarely in the middle. But he wants to be inconspicuous, so he mingles a bit first – kissing Isobel on the cheek, squeezing Max’s shoulder, smiling at Liz. Goes to the kitchen to grab a beer, looking over his shoulder to make sure Alex already has one.

He pops the cap off the sweating beer bottle and heads back out to the living room. Stops to chat with Maria – just a quick hello, how are you. And then slides smoothly onto the couch, elbowing Kyle on the way. ‘Move over, Valenti.’ He doesn’t once look at Alex. It’s the kind of restraint that is so often beyond him. He holds the cold beer against his neck. Tries to concentrate on what Liz is saying.

But then he accidentally stares down at the place where their thighs are just shy of touching. And his heart begins to race. The heat of Alex seeping into his skin.

Maybe the sofa wasn’t the best idea after all.

Max is now droning on and on about ‘the savior’ and ‘the devil’. Michael tunes him out. The blood coursing through his veins is too loud to hear over anyway. Pressure builds all throughout his body. He flattens his palm on his thigh and stretches out his pinky. But Alex is too far away. He licks his lips.

‘Michael?’ Isobel’s voice breaks through his stupor.

He clears his throat loudly. ‘Um, what?’ He can feel Alex’s eyes on him now. It makes him slightly dizzy and his palms turn clammy.

‘Do you think we should take the chance or wait until we have a better plan?’ Michael has no clue what she’s talking about. So, he does what he normally does in these situations. ‘I agree with you, Iz.’

She smiles, satisfied. ‘Then we wait.’ Max groans. Michael goes back to ignoring everyone.

Except Alex, of course. Who has taken the opportunity to press his shoulder into Michael’s. And it’s like the whole world sinks away as they concentrate on the feel of each other. Silly grins locking back into place.

Michael risks a quick glance at Alex out of the corner of his eye. He’s wearing a tight black t-shirt and his hair is tousled. But not quite sex tousled. Michael deeply, deeply wants to change that. Already imagining his fingers threading through Alex’s thick hair and hanging on tight while he fucks him into wreck and ruin. Can already taste the salt of him on his tongue. Can feel his filthy moans echoing down deep in his bones.

He shuts his eyes tight. Tries to even his breathing. Swears at himself inwardly and wonders if they will always be like this. He hopes so. Prays so. What’s growing between them the very thing that he’s been chasing all his life. First, in the stars. And now, seated right next to him.

Alex doesn’t seem to be faring much better. He’s busy rubbing his own palms up and down his thighs. And his legs have spread wide enough to knock his knee against Michael’s. Neither one noticing the way Isobel, Maria, and Liz have all narrowed their eyes at where they sit on the couch.

They both slide a hand down their leg. Pausing at their touching knees. Pinkies rubbing against each other. It’s not nearly as subtle as they think.

Isobel smirks. ‘You two going to fuck right there on Max’s sofa? Give everyone a little show? I’ll pop some popcorn. Just give me the word.’  

All of the air is sucked from the room. Everyone goes deadly silent. Michael and Alex jerk away from each other. Kyle snorts.

‘Anything you’d care to share with us?’ Liz tries to soften the moment. Six pairs of eyes stare at them. Rosa giggling from the back corner.

Michael and Alex both take deep breathes. Alex speaks first. ‘We are working through things. And it’s going well.’ He smiles softly at Michael and takes his hand. They both sigh at the relief that one simple touch brings them.

‘I, ah, I also basically moved in with him. So, that’s where you can find me from now on.’ He no longer cares to stop himself. So, he leans over and kisses Alex on the cheek. Soft and sweet – finishing with a gentle nose graze along Alex’s cheekbone. The silly grin returning.

‘I get to plan the wedding!’ Isobel squeals gleefully, clapping her hands and bouncing up and down. Everyone shakes their head at her while Alex and Michael both blush. ‘Oh, what? We all know that’s coming sooner rather than later. I give it a year. Tops.’

Neither Alex nor Michael attempt to deny the truth in her words as the group descends on them, hugging them into laughter.

[stayextrafrosty]

I’m Dying for a Taste of You

Summary: Alex Manes is a vampire hunter tasked with hunting down rogues who kill humans. His next target is Michael Guerin. Known to sometimes over-indulge at the blood balls and was placed at the most recent scene by witnesses. But this might be more than Alex bargained for. Top Michael. Bottom Alex. Alex POV. PLEASE READ WARNINGS

A/N: I just wanted an excuse to have the two of them flirt while a weapon is pressed between them. Because reasons. I’ve left this open for continuation but I want to finish my other AU before starting a whole new one. There are the beginnings of a plot but this truly is just porn. Cute ending though.

Warnings: Please be aware that the kinks featured in here get intense. Light masochism, biting, blood drinking, overstimulation, marking/claiming, Dom/sub, Predator/prey, possessive behavior. There are some soft moments but it is very much a rough and dirty sex fest. Read at your own discretion.

Read on AO3 // Masterlist

-

Alex was no stranger to the smell of blood but this place made even him want to gag. Scantily clad men and women wandered around shamelessly, blood dripping from various wounds on their body. More power to them he supposed but how anyone could enjoy being sucked within an inch of their life by a vampire was beyond him.

Blood balls were the equivalent of drug dens. Except these were technically legal. Alex looked back at the police officers positioned at the doors and around the room. No one was supposed to die here but someone clearly missed that memo.

He knew he was overdressed. As a donor at least. He wanted to cover as much of his skin as possible without drawing suspicion. He didn’t need his target sniffing him out before he had time to take the shot. Not to mention he needed to keep his gun concealed. There was also a retractable knife slid into the side of his boot.

He looked down into his glass, the whiskey inside colored red from the lights surrounding him. He hadn’t seen his target yet. Then again, maybe he was already here, back in one of the private rooms drinking and being sucked off by his next victim.

“Hey there. You must be new,” a sweet, feminine voice said. He looked up as the young woman sat across from him. Her corset pushed her boobs up in a way he was sure drove any straight or bi man crazy. Long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Tall, slender. She was beautiful. Or at least she was until he noticed the blood dribbling from the side of her lips.

“Sorry. I’m just observing today,” he said shyly, hoping it would get her to go away.

“Oh honey. Careful with that one. Remember where you are.” How could he forget. Her nails tapped on the table a couple times before she grinned at him, flashing her fangs. She made her way around the table to stand in front of him.

“Just a tip, the best way to know if you’re into this or not, is to jump right in. I’d be happy to go easy on you. Or, if I’m not your type… I know some sweet guys who would treat you right.”

His shoulders tensed. Not that this was a place where he should be nervous about being gay. Most vampires didn’t seem to care one way or another. The woman leaned in close, the smell of her perfume covering the blood pretty well.

“I also recommend leaving that gun tucked away,” she teased. His eyes darted around the room, checking to see if anyone heard her. But if she noticed, chances are the others did too. Was his cover blown before he even started the mission?

“Maybe you can help me then.” She raised an eyebrow. “I’m looking for a rogue vampire. He’s been killing women he takes home from this place.”  She hummed and looked around.

“Does this vampire have a name or are you throwing around baseless claims, hunter.” Her voice was still sweet but there was an edge now. The nails on her fingers could almost certainly rip his throat out before he had time to react.

“The suspect is named Michael Guerin. Do you know him?” She barked out a laugh.

“You must be delusional. Michael wouldn’t hurt anyone. In fact, no one at this club does that kind of thing. If they do, we dispose of them ourselves.” He was taken aback. The woman played with the edge of her corset.

“I recommend you get out of here. You won’t find what you’re looking for,” she said, crossing her arms. He clenched his fists and stood slowly.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you.”

He turned and ran into a hard chest that didn’t budge. He gazed into golden brown eyes. A sharp jaw and a scruff that clearly hadn’t been shaved in days. A crown of curls sat atop his head and a lazy grin sat on his lips.

His shirt had the sleeves rolled up and buttons left undone. There was an unmistakable red stain covering the shirt. His slacks hung low, button and zipper left open. Alex wanted to drool at the sight. He mentally scolded himself. There was nothing attractive about a vampire.

“Someone looking for me?” His voice warmed Alex in places he knew it shouldn’t have. This was his target. “Should we go to my private room? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable on your first time,” he said, shamelessly looking Alex up and down. His cheeks warmed and he couldn’t think of anything to say.

“Careful there brother. He’s a hunter,” the woman said.

“Thanks Izzy. I got this. I think that beautiful girl I saw you flirting with earlier is waiting.” Alex assumed she left. He couldn’t take his eyes of Michael. He must be using a charm of some sort. It was the only explanation. He was a professional damnit.

Alex shook his head and broke eye contact with him. Not all vampires could control minds that way but it was better safe than sorry.

“Please. Follow me,” Michael said, turning away from him. Alex’s head jerked up to watch him go. He shouldn’t follow. It was safer surrounded by people. But he was inviting him to be in close quarters, making it easier to kill him.

The two of them walked away from the slow throbbing music. They passed a couple. A man leaned over another, licking up the blood that had run down the other’s chest. The man being fed on was clearly into it. Their moans were vulgar and Alex turned away from them. How could anyone just do that in front of others?

Michael led him to a door, even going as far as to open it for him. He wanted to reach for his gun but pulling to early would compromise the mission. He had to wait until his guard was down. Vampires enter an intoxicated like state after feeding. That was his opening. If he had to spill a bit of blood to complete the mission then he would.

The door led to a long hall with several doors lining the walls all the way down. Michael walked down about halfway before stopping in front of another door. It had his name scrawled on a golden plaque.

“I’m afraid you’re going to have to give me your gun mister hunter. I’m sure you can understand why. I’d hate to have to kill you before we get a chance to talk so best to just comply.” Alex met his stare for a brief moment before reaching inside his leather jacket to the holster for his gun.

He handed it over cautiously, praying that he didn’t just shoot him. Then again, Michael liked to drain his victims. There was never a single drop of spilled blood on the scene. Michael smiled and stepped inside the room. Alex followed him in and looked around.

The lighting in here was more normal though it still had a red tint. A loveseat sat to the side and a bed in the middle of the room, headboard pressed against a wall. Alex didn’t know what to do. The bed was too intimate. The loveseat reminded him too much of a casting couch from porn.

Michael fiddled with glasses at a small bar filled with various hard liquor and wine. He set the gun down next to an open bottle of bourbon. He must have been pretty confident to think that Alex couldn’t get it back from there.

“Well don’t just stand there. The bed and couch are cleaned between visitors.” Michael handed him a glass. He wasn’t going to drink it.

“I just have some questions for you. It wont take long,” he said.

“The first thing you say to me is a promise that I won’t get to enjoy this for long? Tell me, do you like to torture men?” Alex rolled his eyes but as hard as he tried, his flirting was getting to him.

“I just want to know if you’ve seen this girl,” he pulled the folded photo from his pocket and handed it to Michael. He looked at it for a moment and then shook his head.

“Can’t say that I have. Then again I don’t keep track of every person that comes here. And some guests opt to wear masks if you hadn’t noticed.” He had noticed. Which made this even harder. But this man had to be the killer. He was placed at multiple scenes by witnesses.

“How often do you leave with your food for the night,” he said, letting his disgust sneak through.

“Oh, I see. I’m a suspect.” Michael let out a heavy sigh, not seeming bothered by his comment in the slightest. He seemed more disappointed than defensive.

“Just answer the question,” Alex ordered. Michael’s nose twitched. He was moving into dangerous territory. This man could easily kill him if he wasn’t prepared. He shouldn’t be trying to piss him off but he couldn’t stop himself.

“For your information. We have rules.” He stepped closer. “We don’t leave with the donors. They all leave first.” Another step. “And we stay behind.” He was just a few inches away. “It’s also frowned upon to seek out donors outside of blood balls.” Alex’s breath hitched in his throat as he leaned in. Michael cursed under his breath and let out a heavy sigh. The tips of his fangs reflected the light.

“I don’t think you know how good you smell,” he muttered. Alex felt his cheeks flush. He tried backing up but his legs hit the loveseat, making him stumble back on it instead. Michael hovered over him, placing his hands on either side of his head. Alex couldn’t sink any farther into the couch.

Michael placed a knee between his legs on the couch, leaning into him. His eyes showed hunger and lust. Alex tried to squash down his own excitement. It was fucked up. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. He should be repulsed. But his body just wouldn’t listen.

Not wanting to ruin his jacket (at least that’s what he told himself) he shrugged it off and tossed it to the side. His heart raced when Michael groaned and ran his tongue over his teeth.

“I knew you liked teasing. I promise to be gentle.” Alex gripped the couch as his head moved to the crook of his neck. He tried to stay still but he wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around him and pull him closer. Michael’s breath tickled his neck. “You can ask me to stop,” he said, voice shaking with need.

He wanted to. He didn’t want to.

This man was a murderer and he needed to end this before he was the next victim. Alex stamped down his desire and shoved Michael back. He wished he could have appreciated the surprise on his face longer.

He grabbed the knife in his boot, flicking the blade open. He tackled the vampire to the ground, straddling his hips, knife pressed to his neck. Michael just laughed and watched him.

“Now that you have me like this what exactly do you intend to do?”

“You will die here. You didn’t show mercy to those girls and I refuse to show mercy to you!” He pressed the blade into his skin, drawing a line of blood. This was it. All he had to do was pull and he would die. At least long enough to put a bullet in his head.

So why did he fucking hesitate?

“One second too long hunter.”

He was flung back. Or rather carried by Michael. His back hit the wall, knocking the air from his lungs. His hand wrapped firmly around his neck. Michael snarled at him, fangs on full display for Alex to see. He twisted the knife from his grip.

“Kill me if you want! There’ll just be more,” Alex threatened. Michael traced the point of the knife down Alex’s face, never pressing hard enough to draw blood. He shook his head.

“I don’t want to kill you. It would be a waste of a beautiful face.” he responded. His eyes flicked down. “Your body is far better suited for pleasure.” He knew he was blushing. What was this game they were playing? He dragged the knife over his neck and down his chest. His muscles tensed and he hated the way his cock responded. This had to be a spell.

“You don’t know shit about me! It’s not real pleasure if you have to put someone under a spell.” Michael’s eye twitched with annoyance. He pulled the knife away and released his grip on his throat.

What the hell?

“I don’t use that shit. It’s better if they actually want it.” He paused and shook his head. “I didn’t hurt those girls either. But you’re going to believe what you want.”

Michael turned away from him and moved back to where he had set the gun down. He picked it up after retracting the blade of the knife. He walked back to stand in front of Alex, holding out both weapons in front of him.

“Just leave hunter.” He took the gun and knife from him, wide eyed. They never taught them what to do when the vampire gives the weapons back. Especially not with a face that looked so crushed. Michael was back to pouring himself another drink

“Alex,” he found himself saying. Michael’s head turned slightly.

“What?”

“My name is Alex. So you can stop calling me ‘Hunter.’”

“Why tell me? We’re never going to see each other again,” he said with a humorless laugh.

“Well that would be a shame,” Alex joked back without thinking.

He wanted to eat his words. For a second he forgot he was dealing with a vampire. He didn’t want to flirt with him. But the way the muscles in his back flexed at his words made it hard to regret. He watched his hands grip the bar, knuckles turning white.

“Leave Alex. Or I might do something you don’t want.”

Alex should leave. He knows it. But that look was so lost. So broken. And so familiar. He’d seen that look on himself in the mirror. He dropped his weapons on the couch, watching Michael’s shoulders jump at the sudden noise.

He took slow cautious steps toward the vampire, watching his breathing grow more erratic with every step.

“Please, don’t come any closer,” he begged. Alex stopped. He was close enough to touch him but didn’t want to upset him further. “I told you that you smelled good. That was an extreme understatement.” Alex stood there quietly for a moment, heart racing.

“What do I smell like,” he asked quietly. Michael let out a strained whine.

“Like fucking heaven. Vanilla, leather, alcohol and about a million other things. I can hear your heart racing you know. I’m scared that if I were to taste you, it would never be enough.” Alex swallowed.

“Why?” Michael spun around and stepped into his personal space, their noses nearly touching. His fangs were fully extended

“Because I can tell. You’re blood would be like top shelf drugs. There’s other vamps out there that can smell you and are pissed they can’t have you. Don’t let any vampire have you, understand? Claiming would be inevitable.”

He had only heard the most basic information about a vampires claim. They usually did it with another vampire but sometimes they would claim a human. It was the equivalent of marriage. He didn’t know much about the actual process.

“I understand.”

Michael stepped back again, running his hands over his face, probably trying to make his fangs go away. Alex knew that wasn’t easy. Once they had been pushed that far, it was either feed or starve until you can distract yourself from it. Like an even worse form of blue balls.

The thing was. If Alex left right now, Michael would go back out there and find some other donor to satisfy him. The thought made him clench his fists. Why was he jealous? It wasn’t like Michael was his. He didn’t want anyone to drink his blood. Even if it was someone as beautiful as Michael.

Alex turned away from him to grab his jacket and weapons. They would never see each other again after tonight. He would keep looking into the deaths of the girls. But he knew for certain it wasn’t Michael. He picked up his jacket and held it on his arm. He looked down at the knife. Then the gun. Then the knife again. He dropped his jacket.

He picked up the blade and flicked it open.

Am I really going to do this?

Yes. He was. He pressed the blade to the pad of his hand. He sliced.

The knife was flung out of his hand and he was pressed against the wall once again. Michael’s eyes were filled with fury and hunger. Heat shot straight down to his groin.

“What the fuck are you doing? I just said—”

“Drink.” Blood dripped down his arm. Michael’s eyes were wide and desperate.

“Alex,” he groaned.

He pushed his hand closer to his face. Michael just turned away. Fighting every natural instinct he should have. Alex pulled his hand back, pressing his own mouth to his wound. His blood was warm and tasted coppery. Though he knew it would be different for Michael.

Michael gasped like he was in pain. Maybe he was. Either way he didn’t hold Alex down hard enough to restrict his movements. He lifted his non-bleeding hand to turn Michael toward him again. Their eyes met briefly. Alex leaned in slowly, wanting to give him the option to back out.

The blood on his lips should have repulsed him. Yet he was finding that none of this was repulsing if it was Michael. Their mouths pressed together. Michael tried to keep his tongue from licking at the blood on his mouth but it was no use.

A shudder ran through Michael. Then he was yanking Alex flush against him, tongue driving past his lips to taste his own. Alex whimpered as his fangs grazed over his bottom lip. Suddenly he was laying on the bed, Michael positioned between his legs and hovering over him.

“I’m sorry,” he said desperately. He leaned to lick up the blood that had dripped and Alex’s hips rolled of their own accord. Michael groaned, pressing his hips against Alex in return.

Michael sealed his mouth over the cut, tongue running over the shallow wound and sucking gently. His teeth scraped but never pierced skin. Alex pushed his shirt off one shoulder and Michael yanked his arm out and the other followed. He tossed it somewhere in the room and moaned when Alex ran his hand over his torso.

He watched Michael in awe. It looked like he was kissing his hand. It was beautiful.

After a minute or so, Michael pulled away, a drop of blood still on his lips. Alex leaned up to kiss him again, wrapping an arm around his neck. His hands found the hem of his t-shirt and pulled up. They broke apart to toss it away as well.

Their skin moved against one another so easily, like they were made for this. For each other.

Michael broke the kiss again, resting his forehead against Alex’s. His teeth still hadn’t retracted. Alex, stroked his face softly. Then he turned his head to the side, exposing his neck.

“Fuck Alex. I said don’t let anyone have you. That includes me,” he said, tracing his fingers over his pulse point. His mouth may as well have been watering.

“But you need it don’t you?” Alex glanced back at him, angling his head further, encouraging him. Michael pressed his mouth against his neck, licking slowly. He kissed and sucked but never bit him. Alex rolled his hips again.

“I can find another donor. I won’t hurt you,” Michael pleaded. His voice was strained. It was taking everything he had to resist. A stab of pain in his heart. He shoved Michael back and grabbed his face, forcing him to meet his eyes.

“I don’t want you to find another donor.” His eyes flashed red, bloodlust taking over him. Alex leaned in close, pressing a hard, fast kiss to his mouth. He wasn’t afraid. This beast could kill him but he wasn’t afraid. He dragged his lips down Michael’s jaw and neck until he got to his pulse point. Then he bit.

Alex was yanked fully onto the bed, arms pinned above him. He couldn’t move even if he wanted to. Pure power rolled off Michael in waves. Alex knew the dangers of triggering bloodlust but he did it anyway. He wanted it more than anything. Wanted Michael to just take what he needed. But he knew, somewhere in the back of his mind, Michael wouldn’t hurt him either.

“You want this, Hunter? Fine. But we do it my way.” He laughed, burying his face against his neck, teeth scratching gently. Alex’s jeans were too tight and he wanted nothing more than to have them ripped off of him. Literally. “Never thought I’d see the day a hunter would beg for it like this,” he teased.

“Shut up and kiss me before I change my mind,” he ordered. Michael just shook his head, leaning close.

“Bossy, bossy.” He kissed him again. All the vampires he had interacted with until now had been almost cool to the touch. But Michael… he was as warm as Alex. Maybe it was the bloodlust or the desire but fuck if he didn’t love it.

He dug his nails into his back, pulling him in. Other guys he had been with hadn’t been into that but vampires were different. They lived for the pain. Or rather, as he was learning, the line between pain and pleasure.

Michael moaned and nipped at his bottom lip. This time though, he let his fang catch, letting a drop of blood form before licking it away. His body shuddered at the taste. Alex didn’t know how he could be turned on but if he went to hell for the things he was feeling right now, then it would all be worth it.

Michael released his arms, dragging his hands down his body to the waistband of his jeans. His nimble fingers undid the button and zipper, yanking them down quickly. He broke the kiss again, making Alex whimper from the loss of contact.

“Patient hunter. I know you can be.” The nickname was no longer filled with suspicion and annoyance. Rather it sent another shot of need to his hard dick.

Michael went to pull his jeans completely off but stopped short of his knee. Alex froze. In all the tension and fighting, he had completely forgotten about his missing leg. He had never been so gone to forget that. What was this man doing to him? He looked down at Michael, worried this would make him stop all together.

“On or off?” It was such a simple question. But the fact that he had asked, while still very much in bloodlust had Alex relaxing back against the bed again.

“I can move better with it on. But if you want it off so you can have your wicked way with me…” Michael laughed and pressed his head against Alex’s thigh, nuzzling him.

“If you’ll let me, I’ll take care of you,” he assured. Alex nodded and sat up, beginning the process of removing the prosthetic. Michael moved to a different part of his body. He crawled around behind Alex and was kissing his shoulders, hands roaming all over his biceps and torso.

Alex tried to not get distracted but damn that mouth. His tongue darted out every now and then, wetting his skin. When he finally got it off along with the sock, Michael took it from him gently, setting it on the floor.

He resumed his attention on his shoulders and neck. Alex relaxed against him, whimpering sounds slipping from his mouth. Michael had found his pulse point again and was paying special focus on that one spot. His hands wandered down to his underwear and the very noticeable bulge. Alex groaned when he cupped him through the fabric. Michael didn’t tease long before he had pulled him out of the constricting material, rubbing him slowly.

“Fuck,” Alex sighed out. He felt Michael’s grin on his neck. Alex reached behind him, tangling his fingers in the beautiful curls, pressing his mouth over his artery. This pulled a moan from Michael.

“I’m dying for a taste of you. Please, can I have you,” he begged. Alex felt his teeth again and his cock jumped in anticipation.

“Yes,” he breathed out.

Michael didn’t go straight in like he thought he would. He pulled away from his neck, a tight control on his movements. He readjusted so that he sat behind Alex, legs on either side, body pressed flush against Alex’s. His slacks did nothing to hide his obvious arousal and it pressed against Alex’s lower back.

“Lean back against me and relax as much as you can,” he ordered gently. His hand continued stroking him, though it was more a second thought. Alex did as he was told, running his hands over what he could reach of Michael’s arms.

Michael’s free hand held his jaw gently, tilting his head to the side. He locked his lips over the spot again but still didn’t bite. He sucked and massaged with his tongue, serving only to work Alex up, making him thrust into the hand still wrapped around his cock. When he was satisfied, he pulled away, speaking low next to Alex’s ear.

“This might hurt at first. But it’ll get better. Trust me.” And he did. Alex didn’t know why, but he did.

Michael licked his neck again. Desire coiled in his stomach. A light pinch, then a throbbing pain. He gasped as Michael’s teeth sunk into him. His first instinct was to yank himself away but the warmth spreading throughout his body called for a different reaction.

His hand found its way into Michael’s curls again, holding him in place. His eyes fluttered shut, getting lost in the feeling of having Michael attached to his neck. He felt more than heard him groan. His hips jerked up into his hand again.

The dizziness set in quick, as though he had been drugged. Every part of his body felt like a nerve ending and all he wanted was Michael’s hands everywhere. The hand wrapped around his cock stroked with more purpose. Alex moaned loudly, not caring if anyone heard. Maybe even wanting people to hear.

He could feel Michael’s tongue licking at his neck where the blood dripped. His hips stuttered, struggling to keep up with the pace Michael set. Alex cursed and tugged on his hair. Desire twisted in his stomach and every muscle in his body flexed.

His orgasm hit harder than he expected. His back arched away from Michael though he was held in place. White stripes spurt over his torso and Michael’s hand. His body shuddered as he kept working him, overstimulating to the point of pain.

“Fuck! Michael…” he gasped out. He felt Michael detach from his throat. He pressed his tongue to the wounds, slowing the bleeding. He released his cock, running his hands up over his torso and through the cum. Alex whimpered at the touches. Every nerve in his body screamed for more while simultaneously making him want to run away for a bit of relief.

The waves kept rolling through his body, as though he hadn’t come down from his orgasm. He dug his fingers into Michael’s head and twisted his other hand into the sheets. The small moans only seemed to urge Michael on. He ran his hands over every part of Alex he could reach. He pressed gentle kisses to his neck.

“Shh… it’ll pass. Just relax,” he whispered to him.

“What… did you… do…” Alex panted out as his cock attempted to reharden.

“It’s my venom. I use it to take away the pain.”

Vampire venom. Sold on the black market as a party drug. When used in excess, it can put someone out for almost a day. In small doses, an aphrodisiac. When injected straight into the bloodstream…

“Fuck I feel everything… it’s too much, damnit!”

“It’ll wear off in a couple minutes. I’ll let you go until then.” Michael released him. He moved fluidly, not even brushing against Alex as he got off the bed. Alex scratched at his skin. He reached in the direction of the vampire. His fingers brushed against strong abs.

He refocused his eyes and took in the beautiful sight of him. His slacks still hung low and open. Enough that Alex could tell he didn’t have any underwear on. His muscles tensed under his fingers. He dragged his gaze up his body and finally landed on his face. Blood dripped from his lips and his pupils were dilated. His teeth had retracted so they only looked slightly longer than normal.

Alex grabbed his wrist, pulling him back onto the bed and on top of him. Michael let his surprise show when Alex grabbed him and kissed him. He hesitated at first but soon he was kissing Alex with all of his pent up need.

Alex grabbed his slacks, yanking them down to free his cock. He needed Michael inside him. Prep be damned.

“Fuck me. I need you to fuck me,” he pleaded, trying to pull him closer. He kicked off his own underwear in the process. Michael groaned and kissed him again. Alex felt the prick of his teeth.

“Damnit,” he cursed, pulling away from the kiss and hiding his face. Alex had caught the briefest glimpse of his teeth. Alex reached up to pull the hand away from his mouth. The teeth were already back. “I knew you would be a fucking addiction. I’ve had you and now... It doesn’t help when you say things that make me want to claim you,” he growled as he nuzzled against his shoulder. Alex’s heart flipped. He knew it shouldn’t have but this man turned out to be an addiction for him too.

“I need you Michael,” he mumbled again, taking his hand and dragging it down his body. His cock was half hard again. He was ready. Michael felt this and gave a low laugh.

“Who am I to deny you, hunter?” Michael was gone for less than a second before he was settling between Alex’s thighs, a bottle of lube in his hand.

Michael kissed his thighs as he coated two fingers with lube. Alex tried to keep as still as possible but the venom still working its way through his system had him thrusting toward wherever Michael touched him.

Michael rubbed around his puckered hole, the cool temperature of the lube a startling contrast to his own body. He pushed himself up on his elbows so he could watch Michael. The sweat that had formed on his neck rolled down his chest.

“Fuck, you smell even sweeter down here. But I feel like you’ll be pissed if I mark you up too much,” he said, nuzzling the soft inside of his thigh. He pressed a finger inside him, moving slowly. Teasing.

Alex let out a strained moan, the sound catching in his throat. He had to know what he was doing. How drawing this out drove him so crazy. He’d always been a patient person but with Michael, it wasn’t fast enough. He grabbed Michael’s hair, forcing him to look up at him.

“Mark me up as much as you want. But move your damn fingers faster or I might kill you,” he threatened. A sinful smirk grew on his face.

“You really know how to get a guy going,” he teased back. Alex would have responded but the finger that had been teasing him curved up, pressing against his prostate. His head rolled back as he released Michael’s hair and a second finger pushed in with the first.

The damned things fucked him open as he felt Michael’s tongue on his thigh. A quick nip then the sharp pinch of his teeth. The pain was hardly there compared to the first bite. The warmth that had been subsiding roared back to an inferno. His brain didn’t know what to focus on.

Michael decided for him as he scissored his fingers and began pushing a third in. He massaged the muscles, rubbing against Alex’s prostate more with every thrust. He was close again. Twice in less than ten minutes. It had to be a record. For him at least.

“Gunna… come…” He mumbled out. His hips moved with the thrusting of his fingers, forcing them deeper. Michael groaned and lifted the leg he was attached to over his shoulder, opening Alex up and giving him a better angle.

Michael seemed to bite down harder, sending a sting of pain through him. The not unwelcome feeling made his cock jump. He panted, reaching down to tangle his fingers in Michael’s hair again. He cursed as the fingers buried inside him spread him open. They twisted and curled to press against all the right places.

It was the press of a fourth finger that sent him spiraling over the edge again. His vision went white as it pushed in with the others. A choked sob ripped from his throat as his hips jerked, adding to the mess covering his torso. Alex fell to the bed, back arching as he gripped the sheets and Michael’s hair.

He felt Michael detach himself from his thigh, licking at the wounds to stop the bleeding. He pulled his fingers out of Alex’s ass slowly, careful to not press against any more sensitive areas. Alex’s head was spinning. Was it the orgasm or the loss of blood?

His hand fell from Michael’s hair as he crawled up his body, hovering over him. Alex’s half lidded eyes let him take in the beautiful man. He looked every bit like a predator deciding how to kill its prey. The blood that ran down his jaw and neck only made Alex want him more. He belonged to this man now. There wasn’t a single doubt in his mind.

Michael leaned in close, nuzzled the side of his neck that he hadn’t bit. Alex whimpered as his head rolled to the side. He would let this man kill him if he wanted. Michael exhaled a laugh, pressing soft kisses to his jaw and over his cheek. A gentle finger turned Alex’s head back to face him. Michael kissed him gently.

“No more. Don’t need you passing out from blood loss.” He brushed a piece of hair off Alex’s forehead, smiling sweetly. “You ok?”

Alex didn’t know if he could give an answer. He felt more than ok but also very obviously not thinking clearly. His body burned from the venom but he found that it wasn’t like before. He wasn’t desperate for more but Michael’s hands on his body were a welcome feeling rather than a painful one.

“I think so. What did you do,” he asked slowly when he found his words again.

“I took back some of the venom. While another vampire might be able to handle going a third round right away, I’m well aware you’re just a human,” he joked, rolling off and propping himself up on his elbow.

Alex looked over at him in all his naked glory. He was still rock hard and Alex felt bad that he hadn’t gotten off yet.

“You saying I’m not as good as another vampire,” he teased half-heartedly. Michael rolled his eyes and leaned in, speaking low against his ear.

“You far surpass any vampire. But if you were one… I could fuck you all night.” His heart hammered in his chest. Michael’s fingers traced patterns over his arm and torso, placing featherlight kisses to the spot under his ear and his jaw.

“You’re saying you want to turn me?” Michael froze in his movements, his body tensing.

“Careful Alex. Even suggesting it - especially when I’m high on you - the temptation is there. The idea of having you with me forever… fuck I want it. But you don’t deserve that kind of life.”

His heart skipped a beat. The idea didn’t exactly make him cringe or feel disgusted. Anything to keep this man next to him. His brain wasn’t in a right state and he knew it. As much as he wanted to believe it was.

He didn’t respond to the words. Just turned to face the vampire. He pushed him to his back slowly, pressing kisses to his collarbone and moving down his torso. Michael sighed happily, gently running his hand through Alex’s hair.

He nipped at the muscles on his sides, earning him a mixture of laughs and quiet moans. Alex wrapped his hand around his hard cock, rubbing slowly as he kissed his abs and down to his hips.

“Fuck Alex,” he breathed out. He felt himself grin. He moved and licked the head of his cock. Michael groaned and rolled his hips slightly. Alex took him into his mouth, using his hand to control how deep he went. The weight was heavy on his tongue and the salty taste made him moan. He hadn’t given head in a long time and he was remembering why he loved it so much. Then again, maybe it was just Michael.

Alex moved his tongue to massage the length of him. Michael rocked his hips slowly, never rushing him, just petting his head softly. He occasionally pulled but never hard. Alex relaxed his jaw, taking in more of him every downstroke. The head eventually hit the back of his throat. He held him there for a moment, loving the feel of him throbbing in his mouth.

Alex looked up at Michael through his eyelashes. He groaned and his hips jerked, making Alex gag slightly.

“Your mouth is a sin, hunter. I don’t know how long I can keep from fucking it.” The words sent desire straight to his cock. Though he wasn’t quite ready to have Michael abusing his ass again, he could at least give him a good blowjob.

Alex moaned around his cock, removing the hand wrapped around the base to run over his thighs. He dug his nails into the soft skin and scratched. Michael’s hips jerked again but he didn’t gag this time.

“You want me to fuck your mouth? Use you? Take what I want?” Alex groaned at the thought. That was exactly what he wanted. Michael pulled him off his cock. He released him with a wet pop and smirked at the vampire. He shook his head before climbing off the bed and standing at the edge.

“Lay down you damn brat.” Alex positioned himself on his stomach in front of him. He looked up at him, waiting for instructions. Michael ran a hand through his hair and down his face, looking at him almost lovingly.

“Tap my leg twice if it’s too much.” Alex nodded. “Words,” he ordered. Alex shuddered at the demanding tone.

“Ok.” Michael smiled and leaned down, pressing a kiss to his mouth. He pulled back slightly, still close enough for their lips to touch when he spoke.

“Now open your mouth and look at me the whole time.” Alex watched him as he stood up. He opened his mouth as ordered, waiting for any further requests. There were none as the fingers in his hair tugged gently and Michael was slipping his dick into his mouth.

Alex wanted to let his eyes close to focus on the feeling of him but he didn’t want to disobey him. Somehow he thought he might regret it. Michael moaned and started rocking his hips, slowly at first. He did the same as Alex had done earlier, working himself all the way in as to not choke him. Though Alex wouldn’t have minded it.

Michael hit the back of his throat and he shuddered at the feeling. His fingers tightened in his hair and he thrust his hips forward. Michael moaned and did it again. Curses tumbled from his lips as he fucked into his mouth. Alex groaned around him, causing his hips to stutter in their rhythm. Alex’s eyes fluttered shut.

“Look at me.” The order was practically growled at him. His eyes popped open and Michael forced his cock deep, triggering his gag reflex again. He gripped Michael’s thighs, attempting to control his thrusts. Unsuccessfully.

Michael thrust into him hard and fast. His own cock was starting to feel neglected and he rubbed himself against the sheets, looking for friction. Michael laughed and smirked above him, never faltering in his movements

“Is your cock hard already? You’re so fucking good for me. I don’t know how I’ll ever let you go. Maybe I won’t.” Alex moaned again, rocking his own hips. Michael panted above him, watching him the whole time.

Alex glanced down at his slightly elongated canines. They weren’t like before but Alex knew he was craving something. He met his gaze again and Michael growled placing a hand over his eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that.” Alex didn’t know what he saw but he didn’t have time to dwell. Michael’s thrusts were losing their pattern, getting deeper and harder.

Then he was calling out. Moaning loudly and shoving himself to the back of Alex’s throat. Hot spurts coated his mouth as he swallowed as best he could. The throbbing against his tongue had his own hips picking up speed. He was past the point of caring that he was dry humping the bed like a teenager.

Michael pulled away and was hauling Alex up to his knees, crushing his mouth to his. His tongue darted out to taste himself. Michael wrapped his arms around his waist, keeping most of his weight off his legs. Alex groaned at the pressure of his cock being trapped between them, pressing against Michael’s abs.

“You’re so sexy... So responsive… Drives me crazy,” he punctuated each phrase with a kiss. Alex took his face in his hands, running his fingers over the stubble. He pressed his forehead against Michael’s, just breathing him in. He smelled like rain. He ran his thumb over his lips, and when Michael’s mouth opened, slipped one inside.

He brushed it over his tongue and back out. He did it again, this time pausing to catch his thumb over one fang. Michael took in a shaky breath, as though this was the most intimate thing they had done since meeting.

Alex could no longer imagine his life without Michael in it. He refused to have this be the only time they saw each other. Despite all his training to kill people like him. He was beginning to think it was all a lie. What had these people really done? Just because they drank blood from willing doners? Sure some of them killed people and they should be held to the laws of the government, just like anyone else. But to generalize a whole group? That sounded too familiar.

The pad of his thumb caught on the point of his tooth, drawing blood. He hissed, more out of surprise than pain. But Michael didn’t see it that way. He took Alex’s hand and pulled it away from his mouth, holding it to his chest.

“Sorry. You shouldn’t mess with those. I don’t want to hurt you unnecessarily.” Alex smiled and shook his head. He tugged his hand out of Michael’s and pressed his thumb to his lip, just as he did earlier with his palm.

He kissed him softly. Michael whimpered as he licked at his lip. Alex found himself being lifted then placed on his back on the bed. Michael had settled between his thighs and he could feel him poking his hole. Michael bent his legs back to have easier access.

“I need to be inside you before I do something stupid,” he said with barely contained restraint.

“Stupid like what,” Alex couldn’t help but ask.

Michael leaned over him, kissing and nuzzling his marked neck. Alex turned his head as though it was instinct now. He couldn’t stop it even if he tried. Michael moaned quietly.

“You’re making it really hard not to claim you.” Alex wrapped his arms around his neck. Some part of his brain thought through his next words but it certainly wasn’t the rational part.

“Then do it.”

Michael jerked back from him, an almost terrified look on his face. But even that couldn’t hide the joy dancing in his eyes. He shook his head.

“Alex. You don’t know what you’re saying.” Alex blinked and sat up, running his hands over Michael’s torso and shoulders.

“Maybe. But it feels right, doesn’t it?” He leaned forward, pressing kisses to his chest. Michael groaned softly then pushed him back down to the bed, bending his knees back

“It’s the venom talking. If you still feel that way after I fuck you, then I’ll consider listening.” Michael pressed himself against his ass again. He grabbed the lube bottle again and coated his dick.

He used the excess on his fingers to slip them back into his hole. One finger, then two, then three, making sure he was still ready. Alex moaned but knew not to get too used to it. Michael pulled his fingers out and guided his cock to replace them.

He pressed forward slowly. Alex’s back arched as he stretched around him, marveling at the fact that just the head could make him feel so good. He heard Michael curse from above him as he tried to go slowly. Alex’s fingers twisted into the sheets.

Michael thrust forward firmly but not rough. Alex groaned and tried to move his hips toward him but Michael held him in place. He pushed again and the head of his cock rubbed against his prostate, making him whimper and moan.

“I’m fine, Michael. Fuck me,” he pleaded. Michael trembled as his hips thrust forward roughly. Alex yelped in surprise. He felt so full and his cock leaked with precum.

“Do you have any idea how good you look right now? Spread open on my cock, leaking, begging me to fuck you.” Alex moaned when he thrust forward as he spoke. Everything faded to the back of his mind except for Michael and the way his body moved against him.

His thrusts picked up speed and he grunted with the force he used. Alex could hardly think about anything other than the way he pounded into him. He tried to watch Michael above him but every thrust was sending shockwaves of need through his body. His eyes fell closed as he got lost in the feeling.

Little moans slipped out every time Michael sank into him again. The headboard of the bed bumped against the wall. Alex felt a hand wrap around his throat, fingers carefully avoiding the bite. He opened his eyes to Michael staring at him a small smirk on his face. He lifted his hand to cover Michael’s, squeezing his fingers around his neck.

“You are so fucking perfect, Alex. How has no one snatched you up yet,” he said, leaning forward as he squeezed the sides of his neck. Not giving him time to respond, Michael kissed him with an open mouth. The dirty sound of them separating made Alex whine. “You are mine now. Do you understand?”

Alex normally hated this kind of entitlement. He always insisted that he didn’t belong to anyone. But something about it coming from Michael’s mouth made him want it more. These were obvious red flags but he couldn’t help himself. He moaned against Michael’s mouth.

“Yours,” he gasped out.

After a few more hard thrusts, Michael pulled out, though Alex didn’t have time to complain. He flipped him over and pulled him up on his hands and knees. He pressed down on his shoulders, forcing him down on his forearms.

He spread his ass and slid into him again, not bothering to go slow. Alex buried his face in the mattress in an effort to muffle his moans. Michael grabbed his hair and pulled him back up.

“Don’t you dare. I want to hear you. I want the whole place to hear you.” Alex shivered and his own cock jumped. Michael fucked him ruthlessly though he was almost sure he was still holding back. The desire that coiled inside him was ready to snap.

“Michael,” he moaned out, only managing his name. Then he was being pulled up so his back was against his chest. Michael wrapped one had around his cock and stroked. The other was in front of his lips, bleeding from a small bite on the heel of his hand. The same place Alex had cut his own.

Alex pressed his lips to the wound, licking at the blood. He should have been disgusted but again he wasn’t. Michael pressed his lips against the spot he had bit earlier, grunting out his words.

“Tell me you want this. That you want me to claim you.” His voice was pleading. The rational part of his brain told him to say no. But every other part of him screamed yes.

“Please. Claim me,” he whimpered out.

Michael’s teeth were sinking into him before he even finished talking. It wasn’t as intense as before but there was a dull pain. Then the warmth was spreading again. So much hotter than before and taking over every part of him. Michael fucked him hard and he could feel every groove and twitch of the cock inside him.

Alex’s third orgasm rocked through him, making him call out Michael’s name repeatedly. He came all over the sheets but his body wouldn’t stop burning. Michael detached himself from his neck and pushed him forward again. He seemed to let himself go, slamming into him at an abusive rate. Alex’s cock tried to come again but there was nothing left as it twitched helplessly. All he could do was moan and take whatever he gave.

With one last deep thrust, Michael cursed and came inside him. He ground his hips against him, using Alex to milk his cock. He rocked his hips gently a few extra times before pulling out. Alex’s legs shook and he felt Michael trialing kisses over his spine.

He let himself down slowly, laying on his side and panting hard. The burn had turned into a dull smolder and was quickly fading. Michael curled around him, leaving kisses wherever he could reach.

“Are you ok,” he asked after a moment. His mind was starting to clear. What had just happened? He lifted is fingers to run over the bite mark on his neck. At first, a panic started to build, but it was overtaken by comfort.

“Yea. I’m just… processing.” They were silent for a couple minutes.

“You regret it,” he said, a sad certainty haunting his voice. Alex felt him start to pull away. He turned toward him immediately grabbing his hand and holding it to his cheek.

“No. I don’t regret it. The whole thing was just—”

“Intense,” Michael finished for him. Alex nodded. He glanced down at his mouth. Before he could think better of it, he kissed him. Their first non-desperate, lust filled kiss. Michael held him gently and Alex ran his fingers through the curls. They broke apart after a moment.

“I suppose now would be a bad time to make you promise not to kill me, hunter,” Michael joked. Alex snorted and ran his hands over his arms, feeling the muscle.

“I promise.” He paused. “What did you do to me exactly?” Michael sighed and propped himself up on his elbow. He ran his fingers over the mark on his neck.

“They don’t teach you that in training? Man, the academy is sure going downhill.” Alex rolled his eyes. He wanted a real answer.

“Michael,” he scolded gently. He sighed again, running his hand through Alex’s hair.

“Basically, my blood will heal you if taken alone. But I also injected you with my venom. Well over the amount needed to cause a blackout, mind you. But with my blood in your system, it forms a bond instead.” Alex nodded, covering Michael’s hand with his own. He smiled and leaned in close, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“No other vampire will dare to touch you unless they want to deal with me. I can keep you safe.” Alex chuckled as the vampire planted kisses all over his face and down his neck, eventually landing on the mark.

“I hardly know you,” Alex pointed out.

“But this feels right. And I can’t wait to get to know all of you,” Michael responded, lifting his head and gazing down at him with the softest expression Alex had ever seen. He pulled him in again, kissing him lovingly.

Alex was essentially married to this man. A man he was supposed to hate but didn’t. He knew nothing about him except that this wasn’t a mistake. That maybe he was finally making the right choices.

Alex ended up falling asleep. He didn’t know how long. Just that when he woke up, he was covered in clean blankets and Michael was right next to him.

[adiwriting]

(gif by the lovely @darlingnotso)

PSA: As I’ve stated before, I will be putting money towards the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Relief Fund every time that I post Malex fic. 

********Please don’t reblog*********** 

This is going to be the last Sunday Morning fic for awhile. Leaving it untagged with the hopes that it remains just for my followers and doesn’t attract more harassment. If you want to comment, reply or DM me please instead of reblogging.

Week 16

When the puppies start barking at their usual 6:30am time, Alex instantly regrets all of his life choices. His head is pounding, his leg aches, and his stomach is a mess. It doesn’t help in the slightest that Michael is plastered to his side, hot as hell, and making Alex sweat. 

“Why did we get a dog?” Michael grumbles, nuzzling his nose into Alex’s neck and making him feel even worse. 

“Why did you let us get four?” he asks, pushing at Michael’s body. “And why the hell are you so hot?” 

“‘s cold,” Michael says, throwing his arm over Alex’s stomach. 

Alex pushes him away. “You’re a thousand degrees and I already want to die. Roll over or something.” 

Michael groans and Alex swears he hears him curse under his breath, but he thankfully rolls over and Alex feels like he can breathe a bit as cool air hits his overly heated skin. The relief he feels is only temporary though as his mind then zeroes in on how much his stomach is swirling and twisting. 

The puppies continue to bark. It’s too loud and the sun streaming in through the window is too bright. Everything is just too much right now and Alex needs it to stop. The mattress shifts as Bell jumps up onto the bed, making the world spin and Alex’s stomach does a dangerous tilt. He’s not even sure if he could make it to the bathroom fast enough to throw up if he had to, and so he prays he doesn’t need to. 

Michael loves him, but he doubts Michael would love it if Alex threw up in their bed. 

Bell pushes her head against his shoulder, demanding cuddles. Any other day, Alex would be more than willing to give into her demands. He loves cuddling with Bell in the mornings. But right now, he can’t focus on anything aside from not vomiting. She gives up and moves to do the same to Michael, who lifts his arm up and allows her to crawl on top of him and lay down. 

“Please tell me you’re as hungover as I am,” he complains, closing his eyes against the sun and willing the world to stop. He regrets not springing for blackout curtains when Michael was redoing their bedroom.  

Michael chuckles and it makes the bed shake, causing Alex to groan. “No, but I had about five beers and six shots less than you did,” he says. 

Alex cracks his eyes open just enough to give him a doubtful look. 

“Hey, I’m not the town drunk everyone thinks I am,” Michael protests. “And somebody had to make sure that everyone got home okay. Liz and Max were a mess. Only one of you guys who held their liquor with any dignity was Maria.” 

That’s probably fair. Alex doesn’t remember a lot of last night after the first two hours. Isobel had challenged him to a drinking game that he outright refused to lose on principle. But even the first two hours, he could tell that it was going to be one of those nights. He can’t blame his friends. It’s been a long few weeks of one alien drama after another but yesterday had been a surprisingly drama free Halloween night for them and they’d all just let loose. What he can remember of Michael though, is that he’d taken things slow most of the night, taking on the role of caretaker for everyone. 

“You had fun though, right?” he asks, worried that Michael had perhaps seen it as his duty to take care of everyone else instead of partaking in the fun himself. Part of the argument for having the party at their place was so that they could both enjoy the party rather than having to worry about getting home or taking care of the dogs. 

“Yeah, it was nice,” Michael says with a smile, running his hands over Bell, who looks perfectly content. Alex is jealous. He knows that there are few places more comfortable than Michael’s chest, but right now the thought of being anywhere near the furnace that is Michael sounds awful. 

“Don’t tell Isobel I said that,” Michael adds. “I already told her we are not having Thanksgiving here under any circumstance… Which probably means I should start working on making that table I’ve been wanting to build for out back, because I’m pretty sure my protest means that we’re having Thanksgiving here.”

Alex laughs before it causes his head to pound even more and whines. “Don’t make me laugh. It hurts.” 

“I bet,” he says. “I’m not sure why you thought you could out drink my sister. On her lightest days she polishes off two bottles of wine a night.” 

“Because she gets annoying and smug when she wins and I refuse to put up with it,” Alex says and Michael just laughs. “Is Bell still wearing her wings?” 

Michael runs his hands over the fairy wings that Bell had worn yesterday as part of her Tinkerbell costume. They’d dressed all the dogs up in Peter Pan costumes to match their namesakes. It had been adorable, if Alex does say so himself.

“She didn’t want to take them off,” Michael says with a shrug. 

“Oh yeah? She tell you that herself?” he teases. 

“As a matter of fact, I tried to take them off last night and she whined and moved away, so yes she did,” Michael says. “And the puppies were asleep when I came back inside so I left their costumes on as well.” 

Alex reaches over tentatively, careful not to move too much of his body so that he doesn’t reignite the nausea, and pets Bell. “She does make a really cute fairy.” 

“Of course she does. She’s the most beautiful fairy in the world,” he agrees, lifting his head to kiss Bell’s nose. She licks his face in return. Michael turns to look at him, “Look at what Rosa taught her yesterday when they were both hiding out in here.” Michael looks back at Bell and says, “I do believe in fairies.” 

Bell howls twice as if to say, ‘I do, I do.’ 

Alex smiles, holding back his laugh for fear of making his stomach twist even more. Bell’s howl causes the puppies to go crazy from their spot in the kitchen though and suddenly everything is far less cute. Alex’s head pounds and he’s back to hating the world and wanting to curl up and die. 

“I guess I should go walk them since you’re clearly useless today,” Michael says. 

Alex throws his arm over his eyes and doesn’t bother arguing. 

He hears Bell protest before the bed shifts again, making Alex suck in a breath as he fights against his body’s urge to hurl. “Why don’t you try and shower? I’ll bring you breakfast in bed when I get back from walking them.” 

“Can we spend the entire day in bed?” Alex asks, hopefully. 

“I’ll even let you pick the movies we watch today,” he promises, placing a kiss to Alex’s forehead. 

“You smell like a distillery,” Michael says. 

Alex has a flash of Isobel breaking out a bottle of whiskey as they played Two Truths and a Lie with Maria. He’s sure that he’s got liquor coming out of his pores at this point. He doesn’t even remember the last time he drank this much. Perhaps the one time he’d gotten plastered before shipping off to Iraq the last time? The time they’d gotten into that nasty fight over Alex’s decision not to tell Michael he was being deployed again. Michael had had to hear it from Maria and had been none too pleased. 

Michael flips on the light and Alex whines. “I regret all of my life choices.” 

“Surely not all of them,” he teases. 

“Why didn’t you stop me last night?” Alex asks. 

Michael snorts. “Oh, I tried. Several times. You told me that you were a grown ass man who didn’t need a babysitter.” 

Alex grimaces, he doesn’t remember saying that, but he’s sure he probably did. “Sorry.” 

“You’re fine,” he says. “Max was way worse and far less cute while telling me to back off. You’re good.”

“It doesn’t sound like you had a good night,” Alex says, pushing Michael despite his earlier words, wanting to make sure that he truly did enjoy himself and wasn’t miserable.

“I promise, I enjoyed myself,” he says. “Rosa and I had a nice long talk. She’s gonna start working at the junkyard for me. I wouldn’t mind having somebody help run the office side of things. She loves her dad but needs some independence.” 

“That’s understandable,” Alex says. 

“Yeah, then Liz and I nerded out over science before Max stole her away. Kyle, Maria, and I played poker and I won $150. And I ended up watching Hocus Pocus for the first time and making cookies with Rosa once everyone got too shitfaced to form coherent sentences.” 

“You’ve never seen Hocus Pocus?” Alex asks, shocked. 

“Okay, first of all, why does everyone react like that when I say that? I watched it last night with Rosa and it was cute but it does not deserve that reaction out of people,” he says, grumpily. “And second of all, you know that I didn’t have any of that shit growing up.” 

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” Alex says, kicking himself for always doing that. Always reacting to experiences Michael says he didn’t have growing up with shock. Alex knows better. He himself grew up in a home void of normal childhood experiences. But he had the Ortechos and the DeLucas to help give him happy holiday memories. He always assumes that Michael had that in the Evans family, but he’s regularly proven wrong. 

“Hey, listen, go walk the dogs,” Alex says. “I’ll hop in the shower. After breakfast we can watch all the holiday movies you never got to see growing up.” 

“Can we start with Home Alone?” he asks, that light, happy tone back in his voice. 

“Of course, followed up by A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” Alex promises. 

Forty-Five minutes later, the entire family is piled in their bed, warm and comfortable. Alex is slowly eating the pancakes that Michael prepared him, keeping his plate away from Peter’s thieving paws as best he can. His stomach is starting to settle and his headache is muted thanks to the ibuprofen that Michael left for him before he took the dogs on their walk. Home Alone is playing on the TV screen and Michael is curled up with a sleeping Bell and John, smiling soft and content. 

And right here, in this exact moment? Life feels utterly perfect.

[alexandermanes]

ghost whisperer - rnm fic

hey so here’s the ghost malex au/human au fic  wrote but didn’t post on halloween week bc i was unmotivated

hope you like it :)

ao3

Chapter One - Ghosts

“First, you need a location”, declared the man, Tom, also known as MythCatcher on Youtube

Michael nodded then furiously scribbled down in his scrawny handwriting “Location”

“Then, you need to do research- Research is a very important part of paranormal investigation. You need to fact-check myths, learn about history of the place you’re looking for poltergeists”, he informs Michael via the small screen of his phone, “Learn about the deceased’s, their name, their story”

He stops the video to write “Research” on the notebook, underneath “Location”, obviously.

“After that: planning. What kind of gear are you planning on taking? Camera? Infrared night vision goggles? An Ouija board to facilitate communication? What kind of questions will you ask, with or without the board? What time are you going? What time are you going to visiting the haunting site? What are the alleged time of the apparition’s sighting?”

Those are too many points, Michael observes and writes “Planning” as a third bullet point in his “How to ghost hunt” list. Tom (MythCatcher) doesn’t appreciate the term “ghost hunter”, he thinks it’s demeaning since people don’t take ghosts seriously. The paranormal, though, that they fear and believe in. Idiot, he muttered as he pressed play on the video again. He does not care about Tom’s sensitivities.

Michael isn’t delusional, he knows most paranormal investigators are as genuine as his will to admit when Max’s right, which is non-existent. But, amongst the sea of “myth catchers”, Tom is the one that makes the most sensible points, despite the fact that he earns money by making Youtube videos in his 40s and advertises for “high-end ghost hunting gear”. Needless to say, he takes Tom’s points with a grain of salt.

         “Once you have a list of equipment to take with you and a scripted way to approach the site, the hows and when, then you’re ready for the next step: Communication”, Tom states, “Now, this is a crucial step. To communicate with the paranormal, you must be respectful”

Michael isn’t sure what constitutes as being respectful amongst investigators of the paranormal but invading their space, often the site where they died in, and demanding their participation in whatever nonsensical conversation they have planned doesn’t seem like very cordial behavior.

“No mocking, no inviting dangerous entities to that space, address them by name and be polite. Also you must be protected, always be straightforward about the kind of entity you allow to be in your vicinity. If there’s any funny business going on, send it away immediately. Bring your salt with you. ParanormalActivityStore has a ten percent discount if you use my code for a personalized-“, he is interrupted by Michael closing the app

“That’s enough dead brain cells for a single afternoon”, he reminds himself., after that he scribbles “Communication” as a final bullet point in his list.

Michael Sanders isn’t sure when his obsession with ghosts started, although he doesn’t appreciate his interest and curiosity being labeled and an obsession, thank you very much, despite what everyone else has voiced in the past; that’s why he keeps it to himself these days. No, in fact, he actually knows when this journey began, he can pinpoint it.

See, Michael is a man of rational thinking and little faith, a man of science and not religion which is why he believes in ghosts. Every night for a year he sees his mom, not in dreams, and with no previous history of mental illness, not in delusions. Every night religiously for a year his mom has visited him. When it started he believed himself to be dreaming but that wasn’t the case. She never says much, kneels by his bedside, cradles his face with one hand, caresses his cheek and smiles at him, teary-eyed and whispers. “Manes Residence”, those words haunt him but with a foreign intent. Though it’s a balm to his soul seeing his mother smile at him even when her eyes are so woeful, even proffering such ominous words.

It is a mystery to him as to why, ten years after her death, a brain aneurysm that took her unexpectedly from his arms, she began to visit him during the night and why she whispers those words. He has exhausted every method he’s ever heard of: Ouija boards, calling out to her, lucid dreaming, leaving candles and objects for her to communicate through, he even considered hiring a psychic but that somehow seemed too extreme. He tried praying and still prays at any given time during the day but that doesn’t seem to have been successful. At first he assumed he wasn’t doing it correctly, but then again, at the ripe age of eleven years old, in one of the foster homes he inhabited lived a family of religious fanatics, so he doubts he’s doing prayers incorrectly. Especially when hesitating or stuttering during prayers resulted in punishment. This situation is a big enigma to him and it pesters him on a daily basis. He needs answers. If this was any ordinary mystery he wouldn’t have bothered this much but he has bone-deep certainty that this, whatever it is, is very important.  So keeps trying to contact his mom. He tries unrelentingly.

-

Until one day. He makes his way to the Crashdown, Isobel and Max by his side. After a long day of school (he was thankful it was his senior year), they all decided they needed a well-deserved milkshake with a side portion of french-fries. As they entered the diner and the small bell rang overhead, they noticed an unusual amount of patrons for a Thursday afternoon. Oh, well, he thought. They sauntered towards the counter and waited in line, a single person in front of them, a truly serendipitous event. In the indistinct chatter he picks up two words: Manes Residence.

“Sorry?”, he says loudly, turning towards the person who emitted them

Rosa Ortecho asses him with an unimpressed, and frankly disgusted, expression and continues talking to Liz, disregarding him as if he were a vexing fly.

“So anyways. Lydia told me that now the house is haunted. Sargent Psycho took off with hs ten kids or whatever to nowhere land during the nightly hours. Not a soul saw them ever again”, she points out, “dude murdered his wife after she tried to leave him, buried her than grabbed his five sons and fucked off”

“It’s just a rumor, Rosa!”, Liz replied, laughing purely out of amusement and disbelief

“So this Manes House”, Michael chimed in, “where is it?”

“Michael, stop barging in in people’s conversation”, Max reprehended him, an honest to God blush creeping in

“I’m sorry”, Michael looked from Liz to Rosa, “He isn’t usually this rude”

Michael gave him an eye-roll that screamed Fuck off, Max. Rosa just mimicked him while Liz smiled, a bright and toothy smile.

“It used to be Master-Sargent’s Jesse Manes residence, he lived there with his wife and four sons. Then one day they disappeared off of the map and the house was put up for sale. No one ever saw them since, I think, the fourth of July fair last year”, she informed him, “The house was never sold, probably because of rumors that it is haunted. I can give you the address, me and Rosa used to be best friends with one of his kids, Alex”

“Yeah, right up until the moment the left and just like poof, never called or texted”, Rosa supplied

“He probably just didn’t find the time or-“, Liz tried to explain

“For a year, Liz?”, she replied with a very irritated tone, “Either he is ignoring us, completely forgot us or is dead”

Liz gave her a good-natured eye-roll and simply told her she was being dramatic.

“Can you give me an address?”, Michael asked suddenly feeling anxious

Liz acquiesced then ripped a sheet of paper from her notepad and wrote the address.

“You’re one weird little dude”, Rosa told him, though Michael completely disregarded her

He thanked Liz and almost forgot about the shake and fries, the original reason for his appearance at the Crashdown. As they waited, Max and Isobel engaged in conversation but Michael was far too distracted to hear any of their words, instead, his mind raced, making plans about when to visit the residence. Something akin to energy traveled through his veins, similar to electricity, his heart sped-up, he felt restless and suddenly very aware of his surroundings. The movement of brown paper bags being set on the counter snapped him out of his gaze. He immediately took one, knowing they order essentially the same dish, and strode to the door.

“Michael!”, Isobel called out, drawing heads to her, “where are you going?”

“Sorry. Forgot I had something to do at- um, the junkyard. Talk later”, he immediately turned his back on his friends and exited the diner.

He scrambled for his keys inside his pocket, growing more frustrated by the second, until the skin-warm metal found his finger tips and at last, picked up his keys. He unlocked his baby blue beat-up truck and tossed his food on the passenger seat, subsequently starting the engine. He felt possessed, moving by this ominous force, an urgent feeling, but regardless of his feelings amongst other things, he was hell-bent on finding the Manes residence at that very instant.    

[echo-bleu]

Vacation

Alex and Michael are on vacation in Paris. This is pure, self-indulgent fluff.

For @acomebackstory, whose prompt was "Malex on vacation in France. Michael keeps attempting to speak bad french with a terrible accent and all the locals hate him and Alex is giving everyone apologetic looks"

This went a little off prompt, but I hope you like it! Every single location and random fact mentioned is real :)

Read on AO3

"First real day of vacation,” Michael says, stretching in the huge hotel bed.

Alex props himself up on his elbow and smiles. “You excited?”

“Yeah! Paris, baby!”

Michael punches the air, and they both laugh. “It's gonna be amazing,” Michael says more quietly.

“You've ever been on vacation before?”

Michael bites his lip. “Not really. Never had someone to go with, or jobs I could take time off from. I took the Airstream out to a couple of places overnight back when I first got it, but that's it. Yesterday was my first time flying.”

Alex feels a little sad at that. He'd pieced it together, from Michael's anxiousness over this vacation and what he's told him about his life in Roswell over the last decade, but it's another thing to hear it confirmed.

“What about you?” Michael asks.

“I've been stationed in different places, and I usually went to explore if I got a chance,” Alex answers. “Mostly on my own, sometimes with the guys from the base, but I've never done something like this.”

“You mean going on a vacation as a couple?”

“Well, yeah, but also picking a place and deciding to go there just to have fun.”

Neither of them asks if they went on vacation as a child. They have something of a tacit agreement not to bring up their childhoods for no good reason, though they've spent many hours talking about the things they've been through. There's just no point ruining their fun by bringing up bad memories.

“So what's the plan for today?” Michael asks. “You said we wouldn't go see the Eiffel Tower until the last day, what are we doing until then?”

“Don't worry, there's plenty of other things to do in Paris. I thought we walk around here, maybe go see Notre-Dame?”

“Didn't it burn down?”

“Only the roof. It's closed to the public, but it's mostly interesting from the outside anyway.”

“How do you know all this? You've been here before?”

“No,” Alex shakes his head, sitting up. “I just did my homework. I like having a plan. You want the shower first?”

“Nah, you take it so you can do your PT while I shower.”

“Thanks.”

Alex is quick as always in the shower, a lifetime of military showers only slowed down a little by the need to sit down. Thankfully, he made sure that the hotel room was accessible before he booked it. By the time he's done, Michael is ready to take his place, and he's even pushed away the armchair to make space for Alex's slim PT mat.

They go down to breakfast half an hour later. The hotel restaurant is lively but not too noisy, and their table is in a corner. They're immediately served croissants and a choice of drinks.

Alex sweetly thanks the waitress in French and she smiles back, answering in kind.

“How do you speak French so well?” Michael asks.

“I told you, I was based in Tunisia for a while,” Alex answers, turning back to him.

“And you learned all the languages of the places you were in? Wait, don't Tunisian speak Arabic?”

“And French. Tunisia was a French colony. I had enough high school French to get by, and my Arabic was really bad, so I took Arabic classes in French.”

“Why would you even do that?” Michael grumbles. “You're such a nerd.”

“That's why you love me,” Alex snorts.

“Who says that's why? I may be secretly hoping to siphon the nerd out of you.”

Alex shakes his head. “You're just as much a nerd as I am. Why do you think I've planned for us to go the Palais de la Découverte tomorrow? They have a huge space exhibition and a conference on exoplanets.”

Michael throws up his arms. “Okay, you've got me. Exoplanets, really?”

“Yeah. I doubt there's going to be anything on telekinetic aliens, but I thought it worth checking out anyway.”

“You're amazing.”

Michael leans in to kiss him, but Alex pulls back, laughing. “Hey, you have a mouthful of croissant!”

“What? They're so good!”

Alex takes one crutch with him when they leave the hotel. He's going to need the support if they're on their feet all day, and he can only pray that his leg with hold up to the end of the week. Michael stops by the front desk in the lobby and butchers some French at the receptionist, grabbing a few pamphlets.

“So,” he starts when they're both standing on the sidewalk outside the hotel. “Where to?” He unfolds one of the pamphlets, which turns out to be a map. “Notre Dame is...there, and we're…can you help me out here?”

Alex watches him with amusement. “Are you actually using a paper map? Who even does that anymore?”

“I do,” Michael says sullenly, struggling to refold the map.

Alex pulls out his phone and brings up Google Maps. “We need to go in this direction,” he points.

Paris, or at least its center, turns out to be a real maze, though. After only a few minutes, they realize that they've been going in the wrong direction, and nothing is making sense, despite the blue dot on Alex's phone supposed to tell them where they are.

“Shit,” Alex beats himself up. “I'm supposed to be trained in this.”

“Not everything is enemy territory,” Michael shrugs. “How about we ask someone?”

Alex bites his lip. He's not quite ready to admit that stopping someone in the streets to ask for directions features in some of his nightmares−it's so stupid. It's a simple thing, yet he can't bring himself to do it.

“Pardon, ici c'est le rue Moon-gee?” Michael loudly asks a woman passing them before he can make a decision. (Sorry, here it is the Moon-gee street?)

The woman looks bewildered and Alex groans, dipping his head in embarrassment.

“Excusez-nous,” he says, summoning his courage. It's easier once the first contact has been made. “Nous cherchons Notre-Dame.” (Excuse us, we're looking for Notre-Dame)

“Descendez la rue jusqu'au bout, et vous la verrez sur la droite,” the woman answers without hesitation. (Go down the street to the end, and you'll see in on your right)

“Merci beaucoup,” Alex smiles at her. (Thank you very much)

“What did I do wrong?” Michael asks.

“It's pronounced 'Monj',” Alex says.

“But why? That doesn't make sense,” Michael complains.

“French spelling actually makes a lot more sense than English once you learn the rules.”

“That can't be true. All those letters that aren't even pronounced?”

Alex shrugs. “Believe what you will,” he smirks.

“Are you making fun of me?”

Alex goes to answer with something flippant, but there's an edge to Michael's voice that wasn't there before. “I'm not,” he says honestly. “I admire that you're bold enough to speak French even though you don't know much of the language. I really do. And there's nothing wrong with a paper map.”

Michael deflates. “I just...I want to get the full experience, you know?”

“I get that,” Alex says. “So do I.” Timidly, he holds his hand out to Michael.

“You think we can do that here?” Michael asks.

“There are so many tourists around, no one is paying attention,” Alex insists.

Michael grabs his hand and holds onto it tightly.

“Just relax. Enjoy the moment.”

“I love you,” Michael says in his ear.

Alex squeezes his hand with a smile.

Notre-Dame's parvis is packed with tourists, so Alex and Michael just take a few moments to admire the huge front, then decide to tour the island it stands on. Behind the front towers, the whole roof is missing, and the stones seem to be held up by scaffolding and no little amount of luck.

They walk hand in hand on the riverside, soaking in the spring sun. The tip of the island, where the two arms of the river meet, has a weeping willow overlooking the water, and they sit for a while on a bench under it. They're even daring enough to kiss.

Alex starts feeling his leg pull after walking for a couple of hours, despite their frequent breaks and the crutch. He tries not to feel guilty about slowing them down, and instead takes them to a small café on the other side of the bridge.

He lets Michael order them coffee in French, only speaking up to provide him with the vocabulary he's missing. The café's little patio overlooks the Seine and it feels a little like paradise, sitting in the sun together, admiring Notre Dame's towers and Paris's architecture from afar. They end up staying for lunch as well.

“We can go get ice cream for desert, I saw that the place that supposedly has the best in Paris is not far from here,” Alex offers.

“Ice cream sounds good, but I want to try crêpes as well,” Michael says.

“We have a week, we can try whatever you want. Did you know crêpes can make up a full meal too? Breton restaurants make buckwheat crêpes that are stuffed with just about anything you want.”

“Okay, then we have to try that.”

The ice creams, from a tiny place on the twin island, are amazing. Alex and Michael lick at their cones while ambling along, playfully stealing each other's ice cream.

They walk a little further along the river, finding barges that actually seem to be lived in, and then a park with blooming flowers at the water level. They end up in the Jardin des Plantes, admiring the color-themed flowerbed and the rare trees, the flora as different from the New Mexico desert as it can be.

Michael steals Alex's phone and looks up every plant they come across.

“I didn't know you liked plants so much,” Alex tells him.

“Not many to geek about in the desert. I've always been curious, but I've never seen so many species in one place before. Or that much green, really.”

“I'll have to take you out more often,” Alex laughs, thinking of the landscapes and forest of Oregon and northern California where he was stationed.

“Did you know there was another river flowing under here once?” Michael reads from the phone. “The...Bee-ye-ver?”

“Bièvre,” Alex corrects, looking over his shoulder. “Almost.”

“Whatever. It was buried under the city because it became too dirty. Seems like a strange idea. Oh, they have a mineralogy exhibition!”

“You mean like stones?”

“Yes! Can we go?”

Michael is giddy with excitement, almost jumping up and down. Alex laughs and nods. How can he say no to that face?

The exhibition turns out to be fairly small, but beautiful, made up of crystals and gems of all sizes. Alex finds Michael staring at large meteorite fragments.

“It's stupid, but I feel a sort of kinship with them,” he explains. “Not like we came from the same place, but there aren't a lot of stuff on Earth that came directly from space.”

“No, I get it. It's like…going to a foreign country where no one speaks English, and running into an Australian?”

Michael laughs. “You know, I actually have no idea if that metaphor is good or not. This is the first time I've been out of the US, beside, you know, before the crash.”

“Right. Definitely have to take you out more.”

“I'll hold you to that. Do you want to go back to the hotel?”

Alex frowns uncomprehendingly at the sudden change of subject. “Why?”

“Your limp is getting worse. It might be time to call it a day, no?”

Alex sighs. “I feel like we've barely done anything.”

“Alex, it's been an  amazing  day. I mean it. But I really don't want it to end with you in pain.”

“Okay,” Alex nods, biting his lip. “Yes, I probably need to rest my leg. Maybe we can go back out for a walk after dinner, or at least find a nice place to eat.”

“Sure. Hey, taking care of you is also part of this vacation, and it's something I'm going to enjoy, okay? You're not taking anything from me, or whatever you're thinking.”

“I know,” Alex sighs as Michael pulls him closer. “I still need some adjusting, I guess.”

Michael puts an arm around him. “Then we'll adjust together.”

“I love you,” Alex murmurs into the hug. He doesn't say it often, and he feels Michael squeeze him tighter. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too. I couldn't be happier to be right here with you.”

[thephantomofthe-internet]

A Kiss from the Afterlife

Rocker!Billy Hargrove x Holloway!Reader

Word Count: 3,989

Warnings: death mention!, alcohol, swearing, angst

Author’s note: I haven’t written in awhile, hope you guys still like me and my stuff, I like this story a lot personally

Tag List: @carolimedanvers​ @hotstuffhargrove​ @thechickvic​ @alex--awesome--22​ @lilmissperfectlyimperfect​ @so-not-hotmess​ @hawkeyeharrington​ @sunflowercandie​ @kaliforniacoastalteens​ @songforhema​ @spidey-pal​ @mickmoon​ @buckybarneshairpullingkink​ @marvelismylifffe​ @baebee35​

The assignment was clear. It was stupid, but it was clear. A fluff piece for the Indianapolis Tribune, reviewing local Indiana bands for state pride or some shit. It felt totally out of your element. You should be reviewing the latest new wave flash in the pan or whatever Michael Jackson single had been dropped and hit high enough on the top one hundred to pay attention to, which was almost every single. Much more important work than some garage bands going to open mic nights on the weekend and would break up in a month over a girl who everyone else would call their Yoko Ono.

This wasn’t worth your time.

But what Chris said go. Chris, your editor, was working under the assumption that fluff pieces about local work get more local readers. A sort of self-flagellation for a crappy state. So, you did as little research as possible to find three up and coming acts from around greater Indianapolis, finding three of the most boring seeming hair metal bands that might get successful, and found gigs to watch.

You promised yourself that you weren’t going farther than Gary, but Chris insisted on you going down to Carmel, apparently the band there was really popular and missing them would get too many letters to the editor. You begrudgingly agreed, but only because Carmel was just far enough from Hawkins to keep your mind at bay. You found solace knowing that the band would probably be the worst. Amateur bands with really good names always failed, it was the rule. Good bands got good names later.

And Crown of Thorns was a really good band name.

You’d found a slew of fans to interview in Carmel, according to them they were like Guns n’ Roses had a baby with Madonna’s Like a Prayer video-all religious imagery and hard rock sensibility. Sounded too good to be true. No garage band was that good. You wondered what they actually liked. Usually, the intense fans were either friends with or fucking the band members; groupies don’t just appear they start as girlfriends and boyfriends and buddies from high school looking for free booze. You don’t how many ex-girlfriends, boyfriends, and friends you’d talk to for your interviews for the dumb piece.

You wondered how many ex-girlfriends you’d interviewed for the preamble for Crown of Thorns. All their fans seemed to be women, at least the ones who wanted to be interviewed were. It was strange, usually there was a couple beer bros wandering around looking to talk about how some band so fucking awesome or whatever.

Still, you didn’t bother to question it. There was one perk of this assignment and that was not having to work the awful nine to five in stuffy professional attire. Well worn jeans and a baggy tee shirt beat blazers and heels any day of the damn week. You wandered into the venue late that night, the bar called The Muddy Duck which looked as terrible as its name was; you made a note to describe the place as kindly as you could.

The bar was dim and awful. It stunk of beer spilled hours ago and puke. So much puke. The place smelt so bad you wondered if they filled the walls with the stuff instead of insulation. The floor was sticky under your boots and people kept bumping against you. The band hadn’t even come onstage and someone had already spilt a drink on you, sticky liquid trailing down your back and making your skin crawling involuntarily. Some sloppy girl muttered “Sorry…” dropping her sugar crusted martini glass on the counter before stumbling off. You pulled the drenched material off your back before pushing your way to the front. The crappy lights above the milk crates the place was calling a stage had flashed on and the entire room fell into a hush. You pulled out your notepad, jabbing your pencil behind your ear.

Three hulking men took the stage, each scruffier than the last, most hunched over with their instruments strung around their backs; bass guitar and guitar and drumsticks shoved as far away from their person as possible. They all looked as if they didn’t want to be seen, you wrote that down, noting their homemade band merchandise and stringy unkempt hair.

Then, the crowd cheered. The forth member was climbing the steps, fluffy mullet bouncing with each of his steps. He turned to the audience, throwing up the horns in a dramatic pose, hands held in a ‘v’ over his head and head tipped back up at the ceiling. The ring of feminine screams washed over your ears, causing you to throw your hands over your ears, trying to save your ear drums from their squeals.

An elbow jabbed into your ribs, bringing your attention to a spiky looking Siouxie Sioux knockoff who was smirking down at you “If you can’t handle that, you aren’t going to be able to handle this show.” She said, her voice carrying over the sound of the crowd.

“Thanks for the tip.” You called back, writing down the quote, making a note to find her before you left, to get one good interview out of this mess.

The drummer had taken his seat, the guitarists pulling their instruments to the front of them. The singer took the microphone in his hands like it was his lover, his eyes scanning the scene. They met yours for the briefest of moments and recognition hit you like a freight train.

Billy god damn Hargrove. You wanted to die.

Of course you had to interview Hargrove. Of course he had his own shitty hair metal band even though it was 19 god damn 91 and hair metal was dying off like flies on fly paper. Of course he was trying to fuck the audience with his eyes. You prayed he didn’t recognize you. You prayed you could get through this interview without any spill ups. You just wanted to disappear from Hawkins bullshit and the people who made it awful. Billy Hargrove made it awful.

Billy Hargrove destroyed your family.

Heather was your little sister, your bratty baby sister who stole your clothes and destroyed your makeup and followed you around helplessly. She was your stuck up, immature, callus, popularity obsessed sister. She was a kid. You left Hawkins to go to college, to get away from your fighting parents and your mother’s slow descent into alcoholism. You went into journalism because it was the only thing you could relate to your father about and you wanted that praise. You stayed away from your family when you could, the mess growing too big for you to tackle. You tried to keep up with Heather, but she didn’t want check in from her older sister. She was too old for a babysitter, to be babied by her older sibling. She stopped answering your calls, so you stopped calling.

And then, she was gone. They were gone. Lost to some stupid fire in a stupid mall. Your whole family, just gone. There were a handful of survivors, and you didn’t blame them, but in your heart one person shouldn’t have been saved. And that was Hargrove. Why did the universe save a philandering womanizer with a penchant for bullying get to live when your baby sister had to die? How was that fair? If you’d ever fully believed in God, you lost your faith in them the day you found out about your sister.

And you never forgave Hawkins. You turned your back on the place, sold your family home and the newspaper, packed up what was important and gave the rest to Goodwill. Life wasn’t in Hawkins anymore, it was anywhere else. Indianapolis didn’t feel far enough yet, but it held a decent paying job and a life away from what hurt you.  A small change did more than enough to feel free of the ghosts chasing you from a joint grave plot.

The intro to their first song blared from the lead guitarist’s amp, filling the room with screeching metallic notes, far too fast to be the start of a song. You waited for the crash of cymbals or the mellow sound of the bass or even a note from Hargrove. The song opened with a minute long solo. You absolutely hated that, it stunk of the seventies psychedelic rock your older cousins would blast in the basement during Christmas parties, all claiming to be Satanists and against the holiday until their parents let them each have a beer. The sound left a sour taste in your mouth.

What didn’t help was the pure, wordless wail Hargrove let out as the guitar cut out. The audience was deathly silent, on the edge of their seats waiting for something. What it was, you weren’t sure, but you watched his hands as he adjusted his grip and pulled himself in close, his lips almost touching its centre, his icy blue eyes lowering to meet the gaze of the room again.

“I watched the blood pour from your eyes…” he crooned out, his eyelashes fluttering as if he’d sung something romantic. His voice wasn’t strong, but the way he held the microphone. There was a phrase for it; a term…it was on the tip of your tongue. It found you by the end of the song, which seemed to solely about watching the one you love fall out of love with you, which dark imagery.

As the room applauded, you found your mind again, his stupid stare and the way he held the audience in the palm of his hand. Frank Sinatra syndrome. You might have made up the term, but it made too much sense. Sinatra was a dreamboat in the forties and an emotional singer who owned a room and the hearts of his fan base, a majority of which were women. It said that in the cramped, warm venues of his early career of the late twenties and early thirties that you could smell the pheromones coming off the girls in the room. It seemed Billy Hargrove had found a way to do the same. He had the whole room wrapped around his little finger.

Now it made sense why you’d only been able to find women who were interested in the band, no straight man would ever be interested in them. And no gay man would get caught by reporters looking for a story, too dangerous. Now it made sense why the bar was so shit and the girls here were so hot-straight girls would go anywhere for a peak at a hottie like Hargrove, you remembered how the girls chased him in high school, how desperate they were for just a peak at him in his gym clothes or shirtless at the pool.

Billy Hargrove still had a way with the girls.

They managed four more songs, only one a cover, which impressed you a fair bit. The amount of kids you’d listen to play AC/DC and Metallica and Motley Crue in the week alone was enough to make you hate any song with an electric guitar in it. Hearing original songs, albeit trite drivel about love and losing girls and sex under God’s eye, was almost a breath of fresh air. Almost. If it hadn’t been Hargrove, it would’ve been completely worth the trip down.

But you had to deal with Hargrove.

His performance ended and the crowd erupted into uproarious applause as the group shuffled off the stage, save Hargrove who jumped off the front of the stage, landing directly in front of you.

“You the chick from the Indianapolis Tribune?” he asked, looking you over with a lazy look, half-hearted in both its intention and its purpose.

You tucked your pencil behind your ear, looking at him in pure annoyance “You see anyone else taking notes?” you asked. Billy chuckled drily, running a hand through his sweaty looking hair, pulling a black hair elastic off his right wrist, right above the black leather cuff he had on both his wrists, and pulling his tangled curls off the back of his neck.

“The boys are at the bar, come over when you want an actual interview instead of bitching.” He replied shortly, stalking off as a small hoard of girls followed behind him. He already had groupies. Oh my fucking god.

You took a deep breath, swallowed your pride, and walked over to the bar, ordering yourself a beer before pulling up a stool. Billy smirked slightly as he saw you turn to the group. He slung an arm over a girl in a tight leather skirt, causing the other girls to walk off; apparently, Hargrove had made his choice for the night and the other girls accepted it without verbal complaint to him.

“Guys, this is the chick from the newspaper.” He grabbed his brown bottle off the sticky rail and pulled it to his lips, taking a long sip, his eyes never leaving you.

“Hi, Y/N Holloway, I just have a couple of questions for you guys and then I’ll get out of your way.” You smiled. You watched out of the corner of your eye as your last name caused recognition flashed in his baby blues. In that moment, he knew you. Well, he knew your family. And he became a wallflower. You asked your simple questions, which were mostly about how they met and what their goals were, which the drummer declared to be ‘world domination’ while elbowing Billy in the abs, as if he would’ve laughed. He didn’t. In fact he didn’t speak at all; he just sort of stared at you, mouth open just a little, just enough to show the shock he felt. That was a confidence boost, knowing you could still shock.

You finished the interview with a sweet smile, tucking your notepad into your heavy black bag and hopped off your stool, grabbing your beer as you went. “Alright, best of look boys, see you in the papers.” You said with a wave, walking into the crowd. You had to find that spiky goth, she seemed to know more than anyone else in that room.

You found her in the corner of the room at a tiny table, fingers laced with a tiny mousy looking girl with short ash brown hair and a lazy looking smile. When you walked up, she dropped her hand out of the spiky girl’s, who simply smiled at you.

“What’s up, Holloway?” she asked, turning to fully look at you.

You furrowed your brow “You know me?”

She chuckled “Fellow Hawkins escapees don’t show up so close to hell that often, although I know you don’t recognize me. Samantha Baker.” She held out her hand for you to shake. After hearing her name, you did recognize her as the school’s only sullen goth.  

“Hey,” you shook her hand, turning to address the little mouse. She seemed oddly familiar “Aren’t you Neil Buckley’s little sister? Robin right?” you asked with a grin. Neil Buckley was your first boyfriend; you spent most of your afternoons in freshman year at his house. Robin nodded, choosing to pull the cherry off her mixed drink and popped it in her mouth, pulling the red stem off and knotted it with fingers.

You turned your attention back to Samantha with a genuine grin “Look, I’m here doing a piece on local bands, specifically Hargrove’s group. You seem to know a bit about these crowds, can I get a couple quotes from you?” you asked, pulling your pad from your back pocket.

“Grab a seat, I’ll tell you anything you want.” Samantha chuckled once again.

“Sammy, what’s she want?” a strong, angry voice asked from behind you as you pulled out the high stool. You knew it was Hargrove, but you didn’t turn around.

“A couple quotes about the crazy girls who stalk you around.” She replied “You care?”

“I wanna listen and make sure you don’t say shit about me.” He muttered, grabbing an empty chair from a nearby table and pulling it close to yours. The blonde he’d been with before was gone now, to your surprise, and he was pouting in the chair next to you.

“The only thing I have to say about you is that you don’t write your own music.” Samantha replied with a shrug that made Robin roll her eyes.

“Who does?” you asked, pulling your pencil out from behind your ear.

Samantha’s chest puffed out proudly “I do. I’m their lyricist and composer.” You jotted that down fast, making a mental note to credit her for anything you liked in their music.

“Why don’t you just perform this stuff yourself then? There’s an open market for angry, gothic girl rock, much wider than the boy’s market.” You asked.

“Yeah, I can’t do what Hargrove can do to a crowd.” Samantha replied, watching as Hargrove puffed up with pride again.

“Specifically to the girls, that man can turn even the most devoted wife or girlfriend to cheat on their husbands.” Robin added with a smirk. There was clearly a story there, but you didn’t try to pull it out of them, letting sit on the surface of their knowing smiles.

“You gotta understand, these girls-they aren’t here for the music, they’re here for him. They can’t get enough.” Samantha explained, smacking him in the chest as she gestured to him. Samantha might have had too many drinks.

“So it’s just like high school again?” you chuckled, leaning your elbows on the table. You smiled at him, against your initial thinking. Sure, he was still a cocky fuck, but he wasn’t being an absolute ass now that he knew who were.

“Except, now all his songs are apologies to like three girls,” Samantha said “Instead of sex songs about whoever he’s with that week.”

You furrowed your brow “And who are these three girls?”

“Oh, that’s easy: the first one is me, his truest love thus far, a gold star lesbian,” Samantha held up fingers as she counted them off “His mom, gone but never forgotten, and Heather Holloway.”

Your mouth went dry as you between the trio. Robin looked to you apologetically as she took the martini glass from her hand. “You’ve had enough, sweetie.” She muttered.

You didn’t feel like you knew what to say, but words came tumbling out of your mouth. “What gives you the right to use my baby sister as your fucking muse? Her death isn’t something to write fucking songs about.” You snapped. Your whole body felt like it was vibrating, you were so upset.

“I didn’t know you didn’t-Hargrove you told me that she knew that she was the only one who knew.” Samantha sobered up fast, looking at Hargrove with blown out brown eyes.

“Of course you’re still a liar, Hargrove.” You scoffed, pushing yourself off the stool. You were done with this interview, screw this town and the band and any of the other ‘Hawkins escapees’ out there looking to market off your family’s pain. You pushed your way out of the awful bar and into the dark night. It had begun to rain and the air was humid. Well, there goes your hair, the rain and humidity would ruin it. You crossed your arms over your chest, protecting your bare skin from the cold rain giving you goose bumps.

“Y/N, wait a second, alright?” You turned to see Hargrove running up behind you. You wiped your face, ready to blame rain for your running mascara.

“What do you have to say now?” you bit out, slicking your wet hair back from your face.

“Look I thought Heather had told you…” he muttered.

“How the hell was she supposed to tell me about your band? She’s fucking dead.” You wiped your nose angrily, rolling your eyes at your own tears.

“No, not about the band, about…us.” He tried again and you raised an eyebrow at him. Billy sighed, his hand coming to rub the back of his neck. He looked away from you into the dark streets. There wasn’t a cab in sight. “I loved your sister. We were…seeing each other. Sort of. We weren’t official, but we were going to be. I was gonna ask her and then so much shit went down, you don’t even know the half of it. And then…she was gone.”

You didn’t know that. Heather hadn’t told you any of that. You wondered if it was in the diary from that summer. You had all her diaries bundled together in your apartment, you’d never read them; it felt too invasive to her privacy, even from beyond the grave.

“I lost my whole family, I lost my baby sister…” you muttered to yourself, unsure what else to say.

“I know and I’m sorry. But I lost her too.” Billy replied, placing firm hands on your shoulders, forcing you to look at him. For the first time, he looked like a man, not a teenage boy imitating adulthood. He looked strong and as if he knew who he was. He looked handsome, although that be the beer and raw emotion talking.

“I’m sorry…I didn’t know.” You muttered “You must miss her…”

“Yeah, sometimes…when something reminds me of her.” He replied “Like you, you remind me so much of her. Can I show you one song? It’s the one that means the most to me.” You nodded at his request and let him drag you back into the bar. He put you near the front of the stage and grabbed his guitarist, taking the microphone back into his hands.

“Hey, sorry everyone, I’m gonna do one last song. We’ve got a reporter here from the Indiana Tribune, gotta show off our best stuff, ya know?” the audience laughed at his week attempt at a joke as his bassist brought up two chairs for Billy and the guitar guy, whose name you’d forgotten.

The song itself was sweet enough, about a girl with big doe eyes and hair that always smelt like chlorine. It was totally your sister; if they’d played that first you would’ve been just as furious as you were outside, except you wouldn’t have finished the interview. This time around, you listened. You smiled at the line about her lavender perfume and how it was so strong it made you dizzy and held your breath at every chorus as he wailed “You’re all gone, you’re all gone…” with his hands holding the microphone for death life. It didn’t feel like a love song, but a dirge to a long gone muse, never forgotten and screaming from the depths of one’s soul, begging to be remembered, to be put into art. You never liked to think about your sister that way, but deep within your heart you knew this was how she wanted to be remembered. She wanted to be a model, a soap star and spokesperson. She wanted to be remembered for her beauty, to be admired. Being the muse of a budding artist would be good enough for her, she would’ve loved that.

You clapped when it was done. You let Billy pull you away from the crowd. You let him kiss you like he would’ve your sister, the lingering smell of lavender and vanilla on your skin a reminder to both of you of her. You let him hold you. It was nice to be held. It was nice for him to get to say goodbye.

You knew you looked strange to the groupies and bar goers, but he needed this. And in a way, so did you. You held him like he was your father, like you were hugging him for the last time. You didn’t like that your mind associated the two men, but you let it. You both said goodbye to your ghosts.

And were left with strangers in their places.  

[dacrethehalls]

Rejected

Summary: The Wheeler’s favorite cousin, Savannah is in town for winter break and Billy has his eyes set on her. Too bad she’s not Interested.

A/N: *RE-POSTED FROM MY OLD ACCOUNT* Hope you like it!

******

December. 19th, 1984

"How are you almost taller than me!" I asked, pulling my cousin into a hug. "You were like 5 inches shorter over the summer."

Mike chuckled into my shoulder.

"I have so much to tell you," He whispered, "About Eleven and the upside down."

I guess my reaction was some mixture of horror and shock because Mike instantly held his hands up, shaking his head.

"Everyone is okay...for the most part. And now we have a new party member! At first, I hated her because it seemed like she was trying to replace El, but she turned out to be a total badass."

"Hey! Language!" I warned, ruffling his hair. I turned around as Nancy jumped into my arms hugging me tightly to her. "Awe Nance, I've missed you too. It's only been like four months but I still missed you."

I picked Holly up snuggling her to me,

"Miss Holly Jolly I missed you the most!" I placed kisses all over her face as she burst out into a fit of giggles and squeals as I blew on her tummy making fart noises before sitting her back on her feet.

I wandered into the living room looking for any signs of an adult in the house. To no surprise, my was asleep in his chair, and my aunt was sitting in the kitchen on the phone.

I tiptoed to my Aunt taping her shoulder. She instantly jumped turning to look at me. She opened her mouth a loud squeal leaving her lips.

"Oh, Savannah! I didn't realize you walked in!"

"I just got here, maybe 5 minutes ago. That ride was awful. I am in need of a bottle of wine as soon as possible." I fumed leaning on the counter.

"Oh honey, I was so busy today I haven't had time to go to the store."

I gasped placing my hand over my heart,

"Aunt Karen! You forgot the wine?!" I fell over on the couch dramatically. "What are we going to do?!"

"You are going to go to the store and get a couple of bottles." She looked over at my sleeping uncle in his recliner, "Ted, give Savannah your card so she can run to the store."

He remained asleep snoring louder.

"TED!" Aunt Karen yelled making him jolt up with a loud grunt.

"Savannah! You made it! Welcome home!" He bellowed, pushing himself up and hugging me.

"Ted, Savannah needs to go to the store give her your card."

My uncle patted himself down grabbing his wallet.

"Don't spend too much money!" He joked handing me his credit card.

I turned to my aunt smiling,

"Enough wine for the weekend?" I asked.

"Sounds good!"

I shuffled out to my car headed in the direction of the only store in Hawkins, almost getting in a car crash when a blue Camaro came out of nowhere cutting me off.

I stuck my hand out the window flipping the owner the bird as I passed the car pulling into the parking lot.

Once inside, I all but ran to the wine aisle looking at the small selection I had to choose from.

"Hi."

I turned to see a boy standing next to me scanning the selection of red wines in front of us.

"Hh...Hi?" I mumbled grabbing two bottles of Merlot, one for me and one for my aunt Karen, both of which would be gone before the night was over. The women on my mom's side of the family took our wine very seriously.

"I've never seen you around here. Are you new? What's your name?" He asked giving me a flashy grin.

I looked him up and down letting out a small laugh,

"No. I'm not. And my name is Savannah." I ambled down the aisle, grabbing two bottles of Chardonnay putting it in my basket.

"That's a lot of wine." The boy noticed, following me as I grabbed another bottle of Merlot.

"Why are you whining about my wine? You're not the one drinking it." I quickened my pace to the next aisle, praying to myself that he wouldn't follow me.

"How come I've never seen you around if you aren't new?" He asked.

"There's this awesome place some people go after high school called college."

"Hi, Billy!" A gaggle of girls beamed walking by us and giving me the death glare.

"Ladies," He greeted, giving them a wink and a smile. This dude must be the new panty dropper of Hawkins High School.

I continued to walk down the aisle grabbing a block of Gouda and Gruyere cheese.

"You're in college?" He asked, following me.

"Yeah. I graduated four years ago. I'm just here to see my family for Christmas."

He hummed smiling at me,

"What college are you at?"

"Go Tigers!" I hinted looking down at my purple sweatshirt with the words Clemson University sprawled across it giant orange letters

"How long are you here-"

"Nope we are not going to do this," I interrupted.

"Doing what?"

"I'm not interested." I retreated back to the wine aisle, grabbing one more bottle of Merlot before heading to the cash register.

"Come on princess, you're not even giving me a shot." He whined.

"Your mullet has more personality than you do and that's saying a lot because your hair is hideous."

He let out a deep chuckle following continuing to follow me.

"So at one point you lived here but now you don't because you're in college. Mhmm. Do you have any siblings?"

"I have three cousins and they are like my siblings. My parents travel for a living so I live with my Aunt and Uncle." I explained as we stood in line.

"Who are your cousins? I could know them." He asked taking the wines from me and helping to place them on the conveyor belt.

"Nancy, Mike and Holly Wheeler." He perked up smiling.

"My little sister Maxine is good friends with Mike. He's a great kid!"

"And let me guess, you go to school with Nancy?" I proposed as he shook his head.

"Nah, I'm 23, I've been here for about a year."

I laughed out loud, snatching the wine bottle out of his hand. "That's such a lie. You're way too tan to live here for a year. I'd say you are about 17 years old and have been here for maybe six months."

"Okay, okay. You got me on that. I moved here four months ago. But I am 23."

I rolled my eyes moving up in line,

"Okay well if you're that old then why don't you buy me a bottle of wine. You're old enough to make alcoholic purchases."

Billy stared at me, jutting his tongue out between his lips, more than likely trying to figure out an excuse to why he wouldn't be able to buy the wine. Finally giving up he sighed.

"Fine, I'm 17. I'll be 18 before April. Age is just a number."

I paid for my things walking out leaving the boy behind. I trudged out to my car, putting my things in my trunk.

"SAVANNNNAH" I turned around to be tackled by a floppy-haired boy.

"Little Harrington!" I squealed wrapping my arms around his neck. He hugged me tightly to him.

"You're back!"

"I am!"

I had known Steve since he was born, being the kid brother of my best friend, Alex.

******

December 22. 1984

I parked my car in front of the Arcade getting out with Mike and Will. "This is what you guys do for fun now? I was ready to play D&D with you." I moaned making both the boys laugh.

We all walked up as a blue Camaro pulled up and a tiny redhead got out.

"Bye Maxie! Love you! Hi Savannah!" A voice chimed as we walked to her.

"What the fu-" Mike began,

I flicked his ear, causing him to yelp out in pain.

"Michael, language." I bent over looking at who was in the car, rolling my eyes instantly. It was the kid from the store from the other night

The boys introduced me to Max and El, both girls being ecstatic to meet me, especially El. Not only did Mike talk about me, so did my uncle Jim. He wasn't actually my uncle, he had worked with my parents for years at the station before they both decided to retire and travel after I graduated.

******

"Hey, Savannah" Keith giggled, standing beside me.

I ignored him keeping my focus on Galaga and beating the number one high score.

"You know, I keep asking Mike to set me up with you or Nancy but he won't." He alerted, poking me on my arm.

I turned, punching him in the bicep and making his bag of cheese puffs fly everywhere,

"That's because Mike loves and cares about Nancy and I's well being."

I heard a deep chuckle as arm slinked around my shoulder.

"Beat it freak, she doesn't need a loser like you bothering her."

I looked over to see Billy.

"You should take your own advice" I suggested, moving Billy's arm as Mike and Will walked over to me, both squeezing between each of my tormenters.

I smiled placing a kiss on both boys cheeks,

"My bodyguards."

Both boys simultaneously wiped their faces with a groan. I chuckled at their disgust before looking at Billy and Keith who was still standing there looking at me.

"Can we go home and play DnD now? Please?" I begged as the rest of the kids made their way over to us.

"I'll talk Aunt Karen into letting us all have a sleepover, the girls can sleep in mine or Nancy's room."

Their eyes lit up at the idea of a DnD slumber party. They all but pulled me to my car leaving my two tormentors behind.

******

December. 31st, 1984

"Apparently he is the new keg king" I whispered to my friend, Alex as we watched Billy beat his chest like Tarzan after doing another keg stand.

"Is that how lame we looked when we were in high school?" I asked, grimacing at all the teenagers that showed up uninvited to the party we were having for our friends we graduated with.

Billy wiped his mouth on his sleeve, eyeing me and strutting over.

"So...are you drunk enough to think I'm hot."

"There is no amount of alcohol in the world that will make me drunk enough to find you attractive. Listen, bud, I'm so far out of your league that we're not even playing the same sport. So will you please give it a rest."

"You playing hard to get just fuels my fire, princess." He slurred, sloppily leaning forward and puckering his lips.

"Call me princess one more time and I'll make you wish you hadn't," I warned, taking Alex's cup and drinking the contents of it.

"Oh, come on, princess."

I reached out grabbing both of Billy's nipples, twisting them making him jump away in pain.

"The princess is kinky.. I love it."

"I am not drunk enough for this."

Alex busted out laughing, earning him a sharp glare.

"Harrington, I won't hesitate to kill you" I mumbled.

Billy looked between Alex and I, confusion setting in.

"Harrington? As in Steve?"

"No, Harrington, as in leave."

Alex kept laughing, sticking his hand out.

"I'm Steve's older brother Alex. And if I were you I would leave Savannah alone...or it'll get ugly."

"There isn't anything ugly about you," Billy smirked at me.

I groaned, turning to Alex and grabbing his shirt, pulling him to me and pressing my lips to his. The kiss was revolting, like really really bad, neither of us was into it...especially Alex but he got what I was trying to do so he went with it until Billy walked away.

I scrunched up my nose, wiping my face,

"That was bad. I'm sorry, but he won't leave me alone." I apologized.

"I have an Idea on how you can make him stop."

"What?"

"Beer Pong. Give him a taste of Queen Savannah." Alex smirked.

It wasn't that bad of an idea. Back when I was a student at Hawkins High School, I was considered the Queen. My only legacy being the undefeated champion of beer pong. Which now, looking back, seemed really lame.

I made my way through the crowded house until I spotted the taller, lankier version of Alex.

"Stevie! You're on my team!" I mused, grabbing his arm and pulling him to the beer pong table.

"Listen here you little shit," I yelled pelting a ping-pong ball at the cocky mullet wearing dickbag's head. "I have a proposition for you. We play around of beer pong. You win I'll go on a date with you. I win, you leave me and my family alone. That includes Steve. He's my like my little brother"

Billy cracked his knuckles licking his lips. "Sounds like a deal to me, princess."

******

We lost. 6 cups left. I was beyond drunk but still not drunk enough to be able to bring myself to go on a date with Billy.

"Can I have your number so I can call you?" He asked with a smile.

"No, I'm going home," I muttered looking for Nancy and her newest boyfriend, Jonathan.

"But the rules were you lose you go on a date with me." He reminded, walking behind me.

I let out a long groan before turning around,

"Okay fine, but you still have to leave my family and their friends alone. Got it? my aunt's number is 605-475-6968." I grumbled, grabbing a pen from my purse hastily writing my number down in the worst possible way I could.

"Got it. I'll be calling you soon princess, to set up a date."

"I can't wait."

******

January 2nd, 1985

"Okay, I believe I have everything." I huffed, hauling my suitcase down the stairs. I hugged Mike and then Nancy. "Love you guys"

I placed a kiss on Uncle Ted's cheek who was passed out in his chair before giving my aunt Karen a hug.

"I'll call you when I get home. I love you" I announced, hugging her tighter.

"I love you too baby girl. Drive safely and we'll see you in April for spring break!"

I gave each of my family members one last hug before heading out to my car.

"Thank you booger. I hope I'm not forgetting anything, it really feels like I am."

Mike just gave a shrug, putting my suitcase in the trunk.

"That just means you have to come home sooner" He grinned, hugging me one more time.

******

Later that day

Driving back home, I still had the sense that I was forgetting something back in Hawkins

And then it dawned on me.

I forgot about Billy.

I forgot about the date I promised him I would go on if I lost a round of beer pong against him.

I started laughing uncontrollably at the thought of Billy showing up to my Aunt and Uncle's house expecting me to be there. More than likely dressed in his best attire, a button up shirt that wasn't buttoned up enough and a pair of waist-high jeans that were tight enough to make him look like he has an ass.

There was always spring break.

Or summer break.

Or never, which was the idea that I liked the most.

[drakefanfiction]

The Ex Factor Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Raven's Pov

I spent the entire ride home trying to wrap my mind around this news. Not only did my doctor confirm that I'm pregnant, but she also let me know that I'm 6 weeks, which means Michael is the father. I knew that there was a chance, but deep down I was praying that this baby would be Aubrey's. We're finally back on good terms in our relationship and now this. It's like every time we take a step forward, the universe knocks us back three. I don't know how I'm going to tell him let alone, Michael. We ended in such a bad space, now this is only going to make a messy breakup even messier. Knowing that he still has feelings for me, it's going to be like pouring salt on an open wound.

I sat, parked in my car about a block away from Aubrey's, contemplating my next words. He'd been calling for the past hour and quite frankly, I don't know what to say to him. I'm always preaching about honesty and not keeping secrets, I'd be a hypocrite if I did the same. Although it's not like I can keep this one a secret for long,

"Just go in there, sit Aubrey down and tell him." I coached myself while staring into the rearview mirror.

After a minute or so, I started the car up and drove the rest of the way to Aubrey's. The gate opened, and I entered; here goes nothing. As I entered the house, I mentally prepared myself for every reaction possible; worst case scenario Aubrey kicks me out and tells me he wants nothing to do with me. The place was surprisingly empty, which was a good thing, but I didn't see or hear Cam either. What I did hear was Aubrey on the phone, engaging in what seemed to be a heated argument with someone. Great, just what I needed. I fully entered the kitchen, finding Aubrey standing by the island counter with a drink in his hand. Not wanting eavesdrop, I cleared my throat to make my presence known. Aubrey's eyes lifted from his intense conversation and found mine.

"Look, I gotta go, but I meant what I said. We'll talk about it later." He hung up the phone, not even saying goodbye and took a long drink, finishing the brown contents of his glass.

"Long day?" I asked, as I approached him and wrapped my arms around his waist from behind.

"You have no idea," Aubrey replied with uneasiness in his voice. He turned around in my arms and leaned down, giving me a kiss on the lips. "What took you so long today, I thought you were just grabbing lunch with Tiana?" He asked. This was my chance to tell him everything.

I let go of Aubrey, taking a step back to lean against the countertop. "Aubrey, we need to talk." I simply spoke, knowing that what we were about to get into was far from simple.

"Yes, we do. I actually sent Cam to hang out with Chubbs so we could have a moment alone." He responded, to my surprise.

"Okay, you go first." Aubrey took a deep breath, running his hand down his face. I don't know why but those mere actions made a lump form in my throat. Why was he so nervous?

"Well... you know that I love you and Cam more than anything," said Aubrey as he reached out, taking my hand in his. I nodded my head, letting him continue. "I don't want to keep secrets from you, especially since we're starting over. Therapy has taught us to be open, even if that means you stop talking to me, or want nothing to do with me... I just can't lie to you and hurt you again." His brown eyes bore into mine and I could see a genuine fear there; a fear of losing me which confused me.

"Aubrey, you're scaring me. What is it?" I asked, waiting for him to blurt out whatever it was. We've only been back together for a little over a month, I know he didn't cheat on me.

Once again, another deep breath left his lips. His hold on my hand loosened as his mouth opened to speak. "Ava's pregnant, and it's mine." He blurted out, looking me dead in the eyes. I paused for a second; next thing I knew, I was laughing. I know the Universe wouldn't possibly be that cruel to me.

"Baby, I'm not joking, she's pregnant," Aubrey responded in a very serious tone. I stopped laughing long enough to get a good look at the serious expression on his face. Just like that, I was speechless. "Your silence is killing me right now, please say something."

My hand slipped away from his, trying to process this information. "Aubrey, I don't know what to say... How far along is she?"

"16 weeks. I just found out not too long ago. I wanted to tell you as soon as I got the news, but Ava's been tripping. She doesn't want you to know or be involved, she's even threatening to keep the baby from me. That’s who I was on the phone with when you came in, but I told her that you’re going to be in my life and there’s nothing she can do to stop that.”

"Wow." Was all I could say. This was turning out to be a day of bombshells.

"Raven, I'm not losing you again. If she wants to go to court, we'll go to court, but I need you in my life... that's if you still want to be in it."

"I can't lie, this has me completely thrown off balance right now, but I would never want you to not be in your child's life, especially because of me. I see how you are with Cam, and I know you want more children--

"But I wanted them with you." Aubrey placed a gentle hand on my belly, not knowing that I have Michael's baby growing inside of me. This only made me feel guiltier than I already felt.  

"Aubrey, I know this isn't the ideal situation for us to be in, but shit happens. I love you and I'm going to stick by you for whatever happens next. Even if that means I have to deal with your baby mama drama." Knowing exactly how he feels right now, I couldn't bring myself to walk away from him. Especially after justifying to myself on the ride here that he wouldn't do that to me.

"I don't know what the hell I did to deserve you, but I glad that your mine." Aubrey stepped closer, leaning in to kiss my lips. When he pulled away there was a slight smile on his face. "I have to be honest, you're a better person than I am because I wouldn't be able to do it." He joked... I hope.

"Well, I mean it's not like you cheated on me. You were two consenting adults in a relationship." I reasoned, hoping he would see it my way and return some of my open-mindedness.

Shrugging his shoulders, he continued on. "I guess, but me personally, I know I wouldn't be able to deal with another man getting you pregnant; I haven't reached that level of maturity yet. That's why I don't deserve you." Aubrey kissed me once more, paying no attention to the disillusion on my face as his words sink in. I could literally see the panic leave him and relief settle in, but I couldn't quite say the same.

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" He questioned in wonder. I thought for a second, weighing my options. How am I supposed to tell him I'm pregnant by someone else after he clearly just said he wouldn't be about to handle it. My only choice as of now is to keep my mouth shut until I figure out my next move.

"I wanted to know if you booked the Marvel characters for this weekend? Cam's really excited about having the Avengers at his party." I answered, and Aubrey nodded his head telling me he took care of everything. So I lied. I know I'm making the wrong decision and I should tell him now while he's being truthful with me, but honesty is easier said than done, especially when it can potentially put a permanent end to our relationship. I just need time to think and figure out how to tell him.

------

This was the last week of the promo tour for our film and I couldn't be more excited. For one, this morning sickness was kicking my ass and almost every smell disgusted me. Not to mention it was so awkward being around Michael. He was serious when he said he wasn't going anywhere. I was getting flowers and teddy bears sent to my house and almost every interview and photoshoot we had to do, which only made that one more thing I had to keep from Aubrey. He was adamant about knowing if Michael tries to cross any lines, but that would only cause more drama to my already chaotic situation.

Today we were in LA sitting down with an online blog, answering questions about Creed 2; all the while I had to smile and ignore Michael's covert attempts of seduction and subtle placement of his hand on my thigh. As soon as we wrapped, I flashed another fake smile to the interviewer, shook her hand and headed straight for my dressing room, while Alex followed behind me. When I got inside I noticed the newly placed black box of red roses on the vanity. Alex went over to the box and picked up the tiny card that was tucked away.

"I know you're getting tired of the gifts. One dinner is all I'm asking for and I'll let you go for good... if that's what you want." Alex read the note aloud.

I ran my fingers through my hair, letting out a frustrated sigh. "He just doesn't give up."

'Yeah, but it's cute though, in a stalker-ish kind of way." Alex smiled, smelling the roses. They were beautiful, but I knew I couldn't take them home with me.

"Alex, can you get rid of those for me?"

"Actually, my mom's birthday is tomorrow, do you mind if I regift these?"

"Be my guest." I shrugged my shoulders letting him take them. At least they weren't going to go to waste. Alex grabbed the box from the vanity and left the room to take the flowers to the car.

I needed a drink so bad, but since I can't, I decided that venting would have to suffice. Since Tiana is the only person I can vent to about my current situation, I grabbed my phone from my bag and sat down at the vanity to give her a call. It ring a few times, and just as I thought it was about to go to voicemail, she picked up.

"Hey, are you busy?" I asked, hearing heavy breathing on the other end of the phone.

"Nope, my afternoon class just ended. What's up?" She answered in an upbeat tone.

"My blood pressure. I swear Tee, lately, I've been feeling like my life is a mess and I'm just getting this adulting thing all wrong."

I could hear Tiana let out a sigh on the other end. "Is Michael still calling nonstop?"

"Calling, texting, sending gifts. I don't know what to do at this point."

"Raven, I know you don't want to hear it, but have you thought about abortion? Things are only going to get worse once he finds out you're pregnant and it's his."

"The thought did cross my mind, but it just doesn't feel right. I know I have to do something soon, but with the way things are going, I can't tell Michael I'm carrying his child."  

"What did you just say?" My head snapped around in the direction of the door, hearing a voice that I knew for sure wasn't Alex's.

Michael was standing there with a tiny stuffed pink rabbit in his hand, jaw clenched, eyes filled with questions that I knew were about to come spewing from his mouth. I swear my brain stuttered for a moment, as every part of my body went on pause to give my thoughts a chance to catch up with my mouth. I couldn't even form the words to say bye to Tiana, I just hung up on her.

"How long were you standing there?" I asked. Alex must've not closed the door all the way because I didn't even hear it open.

"Long enough to know you're pregnant. Is it mine?" Michael ignored my question, giving me one of his own. Knowing that the answer is about to change my life forever, I could only look away feeling a lump in my throat. He stepped closer to me, gently turning my chin so that I would look at him. "Raven, is this baby really mine?"

"Yes... it's yours." I hesitated with my response, not knowing how he would react.

Michael's hand fell from my face. He backed away from me, leaning his body against the wall. There was nothing but silence as he stared at the ceiling. Michael ran his hand down his face and then turned to me with a slight smile. "I'm gonna be a father..." As the words left his lips, his smile grew wider.

"Michael please, you have to understand that this is a very complicated situation. You can't tell anyone I'm pregnant." I begged him. The last thing I need is Aubrey finding out from Michael.

"I take it Drake doesn't know?" He questioned and then shook his head, getting his answer from my silence. "So what is your plan, wait until your stomach is poking out and have him thinking he's the father?"

"I didn't say that," I argued back, even though I had no clue as to what I was going to do.

"Well, what are you saying, because I'm not gonna--"

"Hey, the car is out front." Alex stumbled into the room interrupting our conversation. If I could feel the tension, I know he could. His eyes bounced back and forth between Michael and I. "Is everything okay?" He asked with a look of curiosity.

"I'll call you later. so answer your phone." Michael demanded, his attitude slipping through with each word. He sat the stuffed rabbit he was holding down on the vanity and exited the room. I sank back into my chair, while Alex looked clueless to everything that was about to blow-up in my face.

Aubrey's Pov

It was the day of Cam's birthday party and I was busy at Raven's, trying to get everything in order. The house was hectic, to say the least. Decorators were coming in and out, setting up his carnival in the backyard. Not to mention wild animals making all types of noise from his petting zoo. I don't know why, or how I let Raven talk me into this. She's been throwing up, off and on since yesterday so I've been doing most of the work. For a second, it crossed my mind that she might be pregnant, but that thought faded away when I remember that she's on birth control and chalked it up to bad Chinese food. Cam was spending the day out with his grandmothers while I got everything set up. Tiana and Chubbs came by to help, but they were doing more arguing than helping. I was readying to tell them to take that shit home.

Karris was checking on Ironman, who was the only Marvel character currently missing from the party. I paid for six Avengers, and six Avengers better be here. After I got finished stuffing these prize bags Raven wanted for the carnival games, I glanced up and saw Karris with her phone in her hand.

"I handled it. Ironman went to the wrong address, but he'll be here in 20 minutes." She reported.

"Thank you. The last thing I need is for Ironman to not show up." I looked up and saw Raven dressed in a black sweatshirt with Cam's picture on the front, ripped jeans, a pair of white Air Max 90s; and her hair was now curly which was a change from her bonnet and pajamas she had on an hour ago.

She stepped further into the backyard with her hands on her hips as she examined the work that had been done.  "It looks good out here."

"I told you I had it under control." I said as I walked over to where she stood. "You feeling any better?" I asked. The last time I saw her, she was curled up with a bucket next to the bed.

"Much better, thank you. Did the cake--"

"The cake arrived and it looks exactly like you imagined it," I assured her. Raven ordered a three-tier over the top cake that resembled a carnival. I'm surprised it made it here without any damages.

She nodded, but I could still see the wheels turn in her head. "Okay, what about the rides and the caterer? Did they--

"The rides are all up and running, I even had OB and Ryan test them out to make sure they're safe for the kids, and the caterers have all of the food set up over there." I pointed to a large white tent that had all of the food on display. I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer. "See, it's all handled. Nothing to worry about."

Raven smiled, finally giving up her micromanaging. "I will give it to you, you did a great job." Raven sighed and relaxed in my arms. "You know, seeing all of this is making me think about what our wedding would've looked like." I looked down at Raven in my arms and noticed her staring off in the distance. I guess all the planning she's done for Cam's party reminded her of all the wedding plans she was making four years ago.

"We can still make that happen. Why don't we just tell the judge we decided to stick with our marriage, then we can have that ceremony you always wanted."

Raven turned around in my arms to face me. "Honestly, I have thought about it, but I still think it's too soon to know for sure if we're actually ready to make this marriage a permanent thing."

"True, I didn't hear a no though..." I said with a grin, making her smile. Raven placed her hand on my chin, bringing my lips to hers. "The party doesn't start for another hour. You wanna sneak away a minute." I whispered in her ear, leaving kisses on her neck. She nodded her head yes, and I took her by the hand to lead us back inside the house for some privacy. There's a video I found in my phone that I've been wanting to show her, but Karris's voice stopped us before we could get a good five feet away.

"Uh-un, y'all are not about to leave me with Ike and Tina." Karris complained with her hand on hips. Raven and I both looked over at Chubbs and Tiana who was once again yelling at each other instead of blowing up balloons. We shook our heads, going over to separate them. This was the third fight I to break up today.

-----

An hour later the backyard was filled with a bunch of kids and their parents. Besides the crew and our family, I don't know who half these people are, but I do know that Cam is having a good time. He just got his face painted like Ironman and was currently dragging Raven to the dunk tank. Just seeing the smile on their faces made me feel like I was doing something right, despite everything that had gone wrong. When I found out that Ava was pregnant, I thought for sure that was going to be the end of me and Raven, but she surprised the hell out of me and stuck around. I'm so used to her running, so this is definitely a change. Now Ava wants me to come out to Toronto to be at the next couple of appointments, but I'm not sure how Raven is going to react to that. I haven't said anything to her yet, because this is all still new for us and I didn't want it to distract from Cam's birthday party, but it got me thinking. Once this baby comes, I'm going to be dividing my time between LA and Toronto, missing moments with both of my children. I never saw myself as being a part-time dad and here I am about to do it again.

"Aubrey, honey I left my glasses in the car, can you get them for me." My mom's voice interrupted my thoughts.

Her car was parked out front so I knew she didn't feel like walking to get them. I took the keys she held out and left the backyard, walking back through the house and to the front door. I opened the door to step out, but to my surprise, Michael was standing there with a gift bag in his hand getting ready to ring the doorbell. I know this nigga done lost his mind.

"You need to turn around and leave right now," I spoke, stepping in front of Michael. I know he doesn't think he's just about to walk in here right past me without it being a problem.  

"Nah, I'm cool. I'm here to see Raven. Now if she wants me to leave, then I'll go." Michael grilled me down. I know it's my son's birthday party and it's not the time or place, but the only thing I could think about is all the disrespectful ass text messages he thinks I don't know about. Everything in me was telling me to lay hand on him right here and now.

[spaceskam]

way up here there’s galaxies

Summary: teenage alex and michael laying in the back of his truck and talking. inspired by listening to Boy by Willow Smith for a week straight. 

ao3

“I told my mom about you.”

Alex expected confusion from his confession, but Michael simply gazed over with a thoughtful expression.  The moon reflected in Michael’s eyes, something it really only seemed to do when they parked on the far side of Foster’s Ranch.  They came out here most nights since the shed was no longer an option.  However, cuddling up in the chill of summer nights in the desert in the bed of his truck wasn’t exactly the worst way he could spend his time.

“Oh yeah?  What’d she say?”

“Nothing.  But she never responds, so…” Alex said, turning his gaze back to the stars.  He couldn’t even count the number of letters he’d sent to her.  Or, rather, his grandmother in hopes she knew where his mother was.

“I told my mom about you too.  She can’t say anything.  She’s somewhere there, I think.” Michael admitted, pointing to the dark sky.  Alex looked over at him, wondering if his mother was dead or if he just didn’t know.  Maybe that’s how he coped.  Sometimes Alex would pretend his mom was dead too.  That was easier than to think she just up and left him.  He wouldn’t blame Michael if that was the case.

“I’m sorry,” Alex mentioned, gently resting his hand against Michael’s shoulder.  He dropped his hand back to his chest, still staring aimlessly into the sky.  Michael didn’t look sad, though.  In fact, he had a smile on his face.

“Nah, don’t be.  I already know what she’d say about you.” Michael declared.  Alex watched him for a moment, his heart thudding a little faster as he waited for him to speak.

“What’s that?”

“She’d say that she loves you,” Michael said simply, turning to look him in the eye.  Alex thought he was going to combust.  “She’d say… that I went above and beyond, hit the jackpot by getting you.  That I should be careful so I don’t lose you.  And that you’re the strongest person in the galaxy.  That I… I could trust you with the stars.” Michael grabbed Alex’s hand with his good one, bringing it to point to the stars together.  “She’d love you so much.”

Alex had to focus on his breathing.  Michael always had a way of saying things that made it harder to breathe.  They were always these simple declarations that sounded specially tailored to get him laid.  Alex had to constantly remind himself that he wasn’t special, that Michael probably fed the same lines to every girl or guy he was interested in.  They just felt so real.

Every line Michael gave seemed like a carefully crafted ‘I love you’.  Each one pushed Alex closer to saying he loved him, to pleading him to stay with him forever.  Countless nights he’d thought about asking to run away together before he was thrown into the military, to get out while they still could.  But Alex knew he couldn’t possibly take what Michael said as truth, no one could see him that way.

Besides, Alex had been the reason his hand was destroyed.  No one could love someone after that.

“There’s a whole world out there that’s just waiting for us, you know.  A place where no one hates us, where we can love and be loved.  It’s like, uh… it is written.” Michael whispered, silently adding ’Alex & Michael’ as he wrote it in the air using Alex’s finger.

No words came to Alex’s mind as he stared at him.  In fact, he felt braindead.  How was he supposed to respond to that?  Especially when Michael brought their hands down and cradled them against his heart.  God, Alex was in love.  Badly, hopelessly.  So, instead of ruining Michael’s words by trying to come up with his own, he just turned on his head and slid his hand up to Michael’s chin.

“You’re beautiful, Alex,” Michael whispered a second before Alex pressed a kiss to his lips.  “You make me feel safe.” Alex kissed him harder.

Michael smiled as they kissed which fueled Alex to kiss deeper.  He didn’t have the words Michael did, he could only hope kissing him and touching him could show him how in love he was.  Even if that love was one-sided.  Nothing in his mind would ever accept that someone like Michael Guerin would love him.  Or anyone ever.

Alex moved on top of Michael, pushing his hands beneath his shirt.  Michael brought his damaged hand to the back of Alex’s head, holding him there with what little force it could produce.  It had been two months since that night in the shed, but Michael still kept it tightly wrapped.  Alex was too scared to ask about how bad it looked.

Soon enough, their clothes were off and pushed to the side.  There was no point in feigning modesty, not when they knew they were alone and that no one would be looking for them.  Besides, there was nothing better than getting lost in each other.

Alex thrived on the little sounds Michael made.  For a man that carried himself as ruggedly and manly as possible, he was unbelievably soft and quiet when he got him alone.  Alex liked it, though.  The soft kisses, bites, moans all felt unreal and intoxicating.  He was everything.

An hour or so later, Alex found himself dozing off in the bed of the truck with Michael laying bare on his chest, drawing mindless shapes on his stomach.  Those were his favorite moments.  Well, any time with Michael was favorite, but the quiet moments where they could pretend there were no worries in the world were the ones he’d happily live in for the rest of his life.

“When I get rich from my fancy engineering degree, I’m gonna take you far away from this stupid place,” Michael said.  Alex closed his eyes to the sound of his voice, imagining the impossible promise he was making.  Michael didn’t know that in less than a two weeks, he’d be off to basic training and this would have to come to a complete stop.  He’d be watched daily by his father or his father’s friends.  Not even letters were an option.

But he would still happily listen to Michael’s hopes for as long as he could.

“Oh yeah?  Where to?” Alex asked, letting his fingers graze the slope of Michael’s bare back.  Though he worked with cars and on a farm and lived in his truck, his skin was softer than humanly possible.  It made it that much harder to keep his hands to himself.

“Anywhere.  Paris, Rome, hell, even Albuquerque is better.  But maybe one day we can go meet the stars.  I think you might shine too bright for them, Alex.” Michael said softly, tracing circles and lines into his chest as Alex chuckled.  His drawing felt deliberate as if it should mean more than it did to Alex’s mind.  Maybe one day he’d understand.

“You’re so cheesy.  I’m not going to be outshining any stars.” Alex said.  Michael propped his chin on his chest, giving him a sweet smile paired with a look in his eyes that made Alex want to both cry out in joy and throw up. How did he ask for Michael to never stop looking at him that way?

“Maybe.  To me you do.  I wouldn’t want to explore galaxies with anyone else, though.” Michael paused, pressing a soft kiss against Alex’s heart and placing his hand flat over the same spot.  The world around them ignited with the heat that burned in Alex’s body, isolating the two of them completely in what he could only describe as pure ecstasy.  “There’s so much negative shit that comes with being here.  I always feel so… trapped.  I don’t belong here.  When I’m with you, though, I feel like I have a chance to fit somewhere.  I fit with you, Alex.  I really mean it when I say I want to go where there’s a place for us, where we can have a place of our own.”

Alex’s eyes began to burn with tears.  He prayed to every God in existence that Michael was telling him lies.  If they were all lies, it would make it much easier when he had to leave him.  The idea of Michael waiting for a future with him while he was off in the Air Force made him feel sick.

“Michael…” I’m joining the Air Force where my father will be keeping close tabs on me and I probably won’t ever see you again.  Just say it.  Don’t give him false hope.

“Sorry if that was too much.  You make me want to word vomit.” Michael admitted shyly, his fingers going back to tracing that same drawing into his chest.  Alex swallowed hard.

“No, no it’s not too much.  I just…” Say it.  Tell him. “I can’t wait to leave with you.”

Coward.

Michael smiled so bright it took out the sun.  Shakespeare needed to rewrite his sonnet.  There was no comparing him to a summer’s day‒that was nothing in comparison to Michael Guerin’s smile.

Hot lips pressed loving kisses from Alex’s chest to his neck to his jaw to his lips.  Alex grabbed handfuls of Michael’s hair, holding him close as the other boy got on top of him completely.  He could only hope that if he held him close enough, kissed him deep enough, Michael wouldn’t notice the fact that he was crying.

If he did, he never mentioned it.

Two weeks later, Alex left without a goodbye and with false promises that Michael Guerin was nothing but a liar.

[lilywoood]

Parabellum 2/?

?Author Note : Part 2 of my Ao3 Malex fiction, it was meant to be a two part fics but the more I wrote, the more it felt like two parts wouldn’t be enough, so here is part two of many more, hopping you’ll like it.

Rated : T

Word count : 4090

Summary : Silence and darkness engulfed the room, despite the red lights and blaring sirens, despite Jesse’s grunts and Kyle scream, everything went still around Michael, the moment Alex’s eyes closed, the moment his body went limp, the moment he stopped breathing, everything paused, hushed, vanished…

Warning(s) : Blood, depressed characters

Musical Inspiration : I Gave You All - Mumford & Sons

It was the most deafening scream Kyle ever heard, the most bone crushing sound he ever witnessed, shattering his heart, tearing his soul, destroying him. He never heard so much rage, so much desperation and misery in all his life, never thought he will heard it one day, it was so suffocating and painful he couldn’t support himself anymore, soon falling to his knees…

He could feel Michael’s desolation in his core, his hands were trembling, his breath heavy, his eyes full of unshed tears.

He apprehended what he will find, feared to get up, dreaded to find them, still he made an oath and even if reality would be harsh to face he had to go, had to raise and run, run to him, run to them, hoping, wishing there was still a chance, praying he could still save them.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silence and darkness engulfed the room, despite the red lights and blaring sirens, despite Jesse’s grunts and Kyle scream, everything went still around Michael, the moment Alex’s eyes closed, the moment his body went limp, the moment he stopped breathing, everything paused, hushed, vanished…

Everything went silent, not quiet, not calm, silent. As if the world died with Alex, as though all good things disappeared. First Max now Alex, he was starting if there were things worth fighting for, wondering if maybe he was cursed, perhaps his foster families had been right all along calling him the devil spawn.

He was slumped over his body crying and begging the universe to give them one more chance, screaming for the world to give him back… He sniffed and sobbed in his chest, heart breaking, arms still tightly gripping him, he couldn’t let go, he couldn’t accept it, it wasn’t supposed to end this way.

-Don’t go please, he croaked shaking with sobs, you promised Alex, his voice was quivering with each words, you told me you were done leaving, he inhaled deeply trying his hardest to stop crying, I though Manes weren’t oath breaker, he laughed bitterly hiding his face on the crook of Alex’s cold neck, I can’t do it without you, he breathed, so please, please I beg you Alex come back, please, he prayed.

Michael never prayed, not once in his life, he never believed in an almighty force up there, he stopped believing they were a justice to this word, but for Alex he could do it, he could be a freaking believer, could pray days and nights non-stop, could believe good things happened to those who wait, he could be all that and more, just to have five more minutes with Alex.

Alas nothing came, the sirens were still blaring, the red lights were still blinding and Alex wasn’t moving

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was heavy, so heavy, painful and suffocating, the fear, the anguish, the hope…Kyle didn’t know how to deal with all those mixed emotions, didn’t what was awaiting him, didn’t know how he would react, how he could help, how he kept on running until he found the most disturbing sight he ever saw, finally understanding why it wasn’t right to tend for those you cared for…

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Alex closed his eyes he felt everything and nothing at once, he could feel Kyle’s hands wandering through his body in a desperate way to cauterize the wound, could hear him pray between his teeth, could reckon Michael’s rage and guilt, . He could feel Jesse’s pride and satisfaction, could feel his glee for finally achieving one of his goal, for getting rid of one more obstacle… When Alex closed his eyes he suddenly became aware of everything and everyone around him, everything except for himself, he was starting to glide, like some emptiness took over his soul, keeping him from fighting, pulling him further dawn into darkness, soon Michael’s voice became a distant echo akin to parasite noises, ensuingly Kyle’s touch became a far memory. He could feel it know, could sense that he was diving, drowning, dying…

Time was running out but he was too tired to fight.

.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fifteen minutes, fifteen minutes that’s all they had, only fifteen minutes to save Alex, to keep him from slipping even more, to decline Death from giving him her first and last kiss.

It was taking a toll on Kyle’s nerve, he knew that he had to dissociate himself from Alex, knew that in order to save him he had to overlook their friendship, Alex was his patient now, and he had to save him.

-I did my best, Kyle panted after six minutes, I somehow managed to cauterize the wound but, he trailed drying his blood stained hands on Michaels ruined flannel.

-But what, the blond retorted anxiously bile and fears twisting his stomach.

-We have to get him to the nearest hospital in less than ten minutes, Kyle replied rolling his sore shoulder, he lost approximatively thirty five percent of blood, he explained tugging his collar, meaning that he have a slim chance to survive if we get him rapidly to the hospital, he pursued taking Alex’s legs and gesturing for Michael to take his upper half.

Alex’s skin was turning dangerously pale almost grey, his body was getting colder by the minute, close to hypothermia, closer to death. Things weren’t looking great for him and if they didn’t got him to the near hospital in less than ten minutes Kyle knew that his chance of survival would drop from seventy percent to thirty, and thirty wasn’t a viable solution.

-What about him, Michael asked interrupting his thoughts.

-What about who, Kyle retorted following Michael’s gaze fixed on Jesse’s limp form, we’ll deal with him later, he answered sorely, for now Alex is our top priority.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He could feel Michael’s arms tightening around his body, could feel his tears wetting his cheeks, could sense the sheer agony and sorrow the other man felt. It was destroying him, tearing him apart, poisoning his blood, killing him faster than his wound, still there was nothing he could do, his body was to weak,  and the pain too excruciating, impending him from opening his eyes, averting him from reassuring Michael.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The ride to the hospital was stressful and painfully quiet, Kyle was focused on the road, driving faster than the limited speed trying to occupy his spirit from Alex’s body on the backseat, while Michael was still processing everything that happened, looking at his hands, shaking bloodstained hands, not knowing what to do or how to conceive what was happening in front of him, trembling and suffocating, Alex cold body still in his arms thought he couldn’t release it.

-Why are you so stubborn, Kyle wondered drawing in a long breathe.

-What do you mean, Michael croaked treading his hands through Alex’s hair.

-It’s clear to anyone having eyes that you’re both miserable without the other, Kyle responded drily slapping his hand on the wheel, so why, he gave a bitter laugh, why did you left him.

-I’m not having this conversation with you, Michael retorted somberly hands tightening into fists, are we there yet, he sighed changing the subject.

-Two and a half minutes, Kyle gritted putting on the gas.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The drive was disturbingly silent after that, none of them willing to restart a conversation, Kyle was trying to stay focused on the road, while Michael tried to reach Isobel.

The silence was awkward, deafening and foreshadowing, like the calm before the storm, none of them aware of the fourth passenger, neither of them forecasting that death would be claiming what was rightfully hers.

Everything happened so fast, fear and panic were clouding their mind, one minutes Michael was holding Alex’s body and the next one blood was tainting his jeans and Alex was convulsing.

-Valenti, Michael called chest rising and falling with rapid breaths.

-Shit, shit, shit, the other man responded shoving his hair back away from his face.

-What the fuck is happening Valenti, Michael demanded trying to stop Alex’s convulsions, you told me we had time, you told me that you closed the wound, he pleaded his lower lip quivering, I can’t…I can’t Valenti, he sobbed pressing his hands to the now reopened wound.

-Guerin snap out of it, Kyle barked gritting his teeth, he had to think fast but Guerin’s breakdown wasn’t helping, we still have time, he mumbled frowning slightly, we still have a chance to save him ok but for that I need you to calm down ok, he announced softly trying to help Michael through his attack, do you think you can do it, he wondered.

-Tell me what to do, he croaked, I’ll do anything, he sniffed passing his hands through his hair.

-Ok, Kyle nodded eying Michael into the rear-mirror, put your hands on the wound and press on it as much as you can, he instructed, we’re not far and his shirt is soaked your hands would do, he added.

-Ok, yes, right, Michael babbled pressing hard on Alex side, praying for it to work, hopping that Kyle was right, that they had still a chance, they still had time.

That’s when he felt it, a ticklish sensation on the tip of his fingers, a warmness coursing through his veins, a deep rumble in his soul, then he saw it the glow, the light emerging from his hands, the hope.

-Guerin what the fuck, Kyle shouted abruptly veering to the right, what are you doing, he shrieked trying to avoid the glass breakage

-Putting my hand on the wound like you told me, he roared back gritting his teeth still focused on his duty.

-Guerin look up, Kyle retorted swerving the wheel abruptly avoiding a falling street light.

He was so focused on the task in front of him that he didn’t hear Kyle shouting at first, didn’t notice how every lights were exploding from his sudden burst of energy, didn’t react with the car weaving constantly, he didn’t notice how Alex stopped convulsing, didn’t remark how the wound stopped bleeding all together. It took Kyle abruptly avoiding the street light for Michael to acknowledge what he’d done, for him to release Alex and look in awe at the now damaged avenue.

-How’s Alex, Kyle asked softly shaking him up from his slumber.

-He…he uh he stopped convulsing, he cowed tiredly gaze still focused on the street, we still have time, he jilted.

-We’re there, Kyle answered getting out the car….

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael didn’t know how to feel anymore, he was lost, confused, numb… It was as if something broke inside of him, no words could describe the state he was in after they arrived, no one could understand the impact of that night, hell he couldn’t understand it either, he never felt that way it was both scary and disturbing…

Shaking his head, he tried to turn his attention back on what Kyle was saying, he tried to focus, tried to force himself to stop thinking about Alex in surgery, tried to force himself to stop remembering his blood on his hand.

He was like a ghost wondering through the busy hall, he felt like a stranger, like his place wasn’t there, he never felt at ease in hospitals, it always screamed danger for him, as if everyone knew his secret, as if they were waiting for him to slip and reveal himself, he loathed hospitals, still he forced himself to stay, he needed to stay, to be strong for Alex.  

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He felt empty without him, as if he couldn’t feel anything anymore, their bound was weakening, disappearing and it killed him... Because he had given all he had, all he was and it probably hadn’t been enough, he hadn’t be enough.

He shook his head trying miserably not to cry again, he didn’t want to shred another tear, didn’t want to lose hope, he couldn’t afford to imagine the worst.

He missed him, his smile, the way he scrunched his nose when something bothered him, the way his laugh would make his eyes smaller, he missed his constant nagging, and their fights, he yearned him, it's only been two hour but it felt like an eternity…

Michael didn’t know how to feel anymore, he was lost, confused, numb… It was as if something broke inside of him, no words could describe the state he was in after they arrived, no one could understand the impact of that night, hell he couldn’t understand it either, he never felt that way it was both scary and disturbing…

Shaking his head, he tried to turn his attention back on what Kyle was saying, he tried to focus, tried to force himself to stop thinking about Alex in surgery, tried to force himself to stop remembering his blood on his hand.

-Can we talk about it now, Kyle asked tiredly running his hand through his face

-I told you I don't want to talk about it with you, Michael grumbled sigh fixed on the clock above them, there is nothing to talk about, he added reluctantly.

-Yeah, Kyle chuckled shaking his head, I beg to differ, he took a deep breath before turning his attention toward the other man, you know every singles thing Alex done for the last ten years were for you, he revealed leaning forward.

-He did it for himself, Michael corrected twisting his lips, he told me, he countered before Kyle could cut him, he told me he was tired of losing, he sighed squinting his eyes.

-I know, Kyle breathed, he told me all about your little chat, he pursued lips, he lied though, he became a good liar that for sure, he snorted bitterly.

-What do you mean?  Michael wondered keeping his voice low.

-I…Kyle started, I asked for the footage of Jesse’s disappearance, he whispered glancing sideway.

-And, Michael pressed chewing his bottom list, what did you see, he commanded distress clear in his voice, Kyle, he called seeing the other man attention drawn elsewhere.

People were running past them, doctors and nurses screaming orders at each other, sirens and red lights blaring, making them remember, making them dread��

-Something is wrong with Alex, Kyle claimed raising to his feet following the crowd toward Alex’s room.

-Kyle, Michael hollered his breath shallowing with distress.

-Something is wrong with Alex, Kyle repeated closing the distance between them keeping an eye on the team running toward room 187, I don’t trust any of them with him, he confided lowly, until I figure out what’s happening there you have to go, he nodded squeezing the blond shoulder, it’s not safe for you, he insisted over Michael’s refusal to leave, I’ll call you, he assured.

-What about the footage, Michael croaked tiredly.

-I already sent a copy to your phone, Kyle smiled patting his shoulder, now go, turning around he jogged toward his best friend room, leaving a confused and distraught Michael behind.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michael wasn’t a waiter, he wasn’t known for his patience, wasn’t known for his ability to sit and wait for a sign, he used to be one thought…

When he was younger, when he sneaked to the crash place wishing that his people would come and find him, wishing that if he was nice enough, lenient enough, they would come, they will fetch him and take him away from the pain and misery of Earth…

But the more he aged, the more his patience dwindled, and his hope and faith for a better life died down, thus when Kyle asked him to go home and wait his first reflex was to rebut him, to tell him that he didn’t do good with waiting, he wanted to tell him that he didn’t give a fuck what people would said about him being there, however the moment Kyle expressed doubt about his co-workers being corrupted he swallowed his pride and accepted the fact that this time he had to back out and wait.

And wait he did, four hours, four hours of passing back and forth in his trailer, four hours of worrying without having the possibility to share his pain with anyone, four hours of imagining the worst, four hours until Kyle called him, begging him to come put some sense back in a fully awake Alex Manes…

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He almost expected Guerin to punch him in the face after he touched him, he was expecting him putting a bigger fight, expected him to cause a ruckus, but nothing, he was surprised to see that for once the cowboy listened to him, that he accepted the fact that this time he had to let Kyle handle things...

It was bigger than them, bigger than the alien conspiracy, bigger than project Shepherd, it wasn't only the military, wasn't only Roswell, it was deeper than that, he knew it, he felt it and after viewing Jesse's footage he was sure that his awakening hadn't been caused by Alex still he played a big part in it and he needed to know why.

He waited a good quarter before going inside Alex's room, he didn't know what Morris did to him, didn't know why the alarm on his door blared two hours after he came back from surgery nevertheless he was fixed on uncovering the mystery floating around his best friend strange demeanor.

He made sure the cost was clear and that all the nurse had left Alex's chamber before entering, as expected he wasn't asleep, wasn't in pain, wasn't connected to machines, he was laying on his left side purposely ignoring Kyle's presence, a blood transfusion on his right arm.

-You ruined everything, Alex gritted the minute Kyle set foot in his bunk, I had everything under control and you ruined it, he spitted turning his cold stare toward him.

-We saved you, Kyle voiced exhaustingly taking a sit on his left, now are you going to tell me why you vanished from the surface of the word for two weeks, he pondered gripping tightly the plastic of his chair.

-It's none of your business, Alex responded full of venom.

-It's my business when I found that you are the reason why one of our patient suddenly vanished, he chuckled dryly shaking his head in disbelief, fine you don't want to talk with me, Kyle nodded at Alex's unwillingness to converse, maybe Guerin would manage to put some sense into you, he announced pulling his phone from his back pocket.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As soon as he arrived he could hear loud voices coming from Alex’s room, rushing toward the place he was met with a bewildered Kyle trying to reason with a stubborn and grumpy Alex.

-Why didn't you fight back, Kyle asked after a minute of silence treatment from his friend, I know you, I know you could've disarmed him and put him back in coma, he demanded.

-Because it was quiet, Alex whispered not meeting Kyle’s eyes, it felt quiet, he repeated taping his temple.

-Why didn’t you tell me, Kyle croaked, I could’ve help…I…you know it, he begged

-Because I didn’t want help, he chuckled dryly, I didn’t want to get better, didn’t want to move on or forget, he pursued, I just wanted some quiet.

-Death is not quiet, Michael interrupted signaling for Kyle to leave them, you know that of all of us you’re the one who knows that death is everything but peaceful and quiet, he hissed.  

-It was for me, he retorted, and you took it away, he snarled, do you enjoy depriving me form everything that I need, he pursued, until I’m left alone and waiting.

Michael knew he could always retort that he wasn’t the one who always found an excuse to leave, that he’d waited and waited for Alex, that they were cosmic but he’d needed space from the supernova that their feelings and memories were, but he didn’t, he knew Alex, he knew his copping mechanism, he knew that he was a dick when he wanted to avoid certain subjects…

Still he couldn't do it, as much as he wanted to hear his reason, as much as he desired to understand why he woke Jesse, why he disappeared for two weeks, why he avoided every single soul of Roswell, he didn't have the courage nor the strength to handle the truth, nor an angry and hateful Alex, it was better to leave, to go, to breathe.

-I was tired, Alex admitted quietly, I’m still tired, he sighed.

Michael only nodded, accepting that answer for now, he threw a quick glance to Kyle who acquiesced back before leaving the room, emptiness overcoming him the minute he set foot outside...He wasn’t sad or depressed, he was just empty, hollow and unable to feel anything anymore...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-He saved your life, Kyle half yelled after Michael departure, not understanding Alex’s sudden coldness toward him.

-No...Alex snarled, he made it worse...I’d rather be dead than feeling like that...he chucked darkly

-Like what, the doctor asked exasperation clear in his voice

-Feeling like them...he yelled, experiencing what feeling they’re developing for one another, he croaked, he marked me by bringing me back...now the connection is stronger than ever but I’m the only one feeling like shit so excuse me for being ungrateful...I didn’t ask any of you to come to me...you ruined everything...Alex repeated facing the window tears falling freely on his cheeks

-Alex...I’m sorry...I didn’t realize it was like that, Kyle apologized, still I don’t regret anything...and I don’t think he regret it either, he added, and I don’t think he lied when he told you the L word, he added remembering the brief discussion he and Michael had  minutes before.

-He lied because I asked him to...Alex whispered, Listen I knew what I was getting at when I woke Jesse, I had planned everything, he insisted

-Clearly not everything since you got sho… he started interrupting himself when Alex turned his head back a dark glint in his eyes, no...no, he wobbled shaking his head, no...Alexander Tristan Manes don’t tell me that it was a suicide mission, he asked

-Why do you care? , snarled avoiding eyes contact, he felt as if he couldn’t feel anything anymore... Because he had given him all he had, all he was and it hadn’t been enough, he hadn’t be enough...He took it all leaving him with nothing but a void in his soul, a hole in his chest, and an emptiness he desperately tried to fill with dismantling his father project...

-You’re my best friend Manes, that’s why I care, Kyle responded passing his hand through his hair, and I’m not leaving this room until you tell me why you decided to go on a suicide crusade against the government alone, he added sitting at his bedside, Alex, he called softly.

-Because I had to, he responded quietly, because I had to, he repeated voice hoarse and cheeks wet from all his crying, I owe it to them, he explained swallowing the lump in his throat, I’m the reason he lost everything, he croaked.

-Alex, Kyle started heartbroken at the sight of how broken the other man was, you’re not… he tried before interrupting himself.

-But I am, he insisted, I understand now, he smiled shrugging slightly, I get why he choosed her, he pursued.

Shaking his head, he tried to turn his attention back on what Kyle was trying to say, he tried to focus, tried to force himself to stop thinking about how he had search for Michael after he dashed out of the airstream, how after hours of searching he found him tongue deep in Maria’s throat, tried to forget how his heart broke in thousand pieces when he realized how right they were for one another.

No words could describe the state he was in after witnessing such a scene, no one could understand the impact of that betrayal, hell he couldn’t understand it either, he never felt that way before, never felt so much pain and despair it was both scary and disturbing…

-Alex, Kyle called once more trying to shake him from his slumber.

-I have to protect his happiness, Alex explained finally facing him, I’m the only one who can do it, he affirmed.

-Why, Kyle asked confused, why don’t you trust us? , he demanded grabbing his shoulders.

-It’s not about trust, Alex responded, it’s about keeping you safe, he sighed.

-Safe from what, Kyle insisted squeezing Alex’s shoulders, Alex, he called, safe from what, he repeated desperately.

-From me, Alex answered finality in his voice.

[planetsam]

This is for @alexmanes in honor of @roswellprompts‘s crashfest! It involves malex, kylex and maribel as requested and then I went a little wild with Orpheus and Eurydice lore. Specifically from the musical Hadestown because Alex and Michael seemed to fit the roles perfectly and everything else fell into place. @alexmanes I hope you enjoy and I am so glad you are in the malex fandom!

***

The fog is stifling.

“Are you looking for Michael?”

Alex nods.

“He’s gone,” says the voice.

“Gone where?”

“With Death.”

Alex freezes, the guitar is suddenly very heavy. The song feel like it’s slipped away. Winter is cold, it’s always cold, but now it’s bitter as he looks around. Instead of Michael’s bright smile and curls, there’s a tall man with tanned skin and broad shoulders. He’s dressed like Death and a rich man you would see on the street. Alex feels dirty next to him, even before he falls to his knees and stares into the fog where Michael went.

“I can tell you how to get to him.”

Alex looks up from his misery and over at the god who stands there. Messenger, he’s a messenger and a trickster. Never what he seems, Alex knows the stories. Alex knows not to trust him. But he said he can tell him how to get to Michael. Alex has to get to him, he has to explain. If Michael understands then maybe he’ll want to come back with him, maybe he’ll want to come home. The fact that means Alex has to go into the underworld and face down Death himself seems to be an equally monumental task. Convincing Michael and facing down death. He figures that since they both seem equally monumental there’s no use in getting worried over either.

“Why would you help me?” He asks.

The god shrugs his broad shoulders. Alex doesn’t look away like he knows he’s supposed to. Everything is wrong from what it’s supposed to be. He’s supposed to be with his Michael, they are supposed to be dreaming of their future. Instead he’s alone with a messenger trickster god and Michael is long, long gone. What he’s not expecting is for the trickster to reach down and give him a hand up off the cold tracks that lead into the fog and to where Michael is. Alex takes the god’s hand. This is a compromise he can do. The god helps him to his feet.

“Let’s just say I love a good song,” he says, “the question is how far are you willing to go for him?”

“Anywhere,” Alex says.

The god smiles.

He tells him how to get to where Michael is. Things Alex is not supposed to know. It seems like a lot for a good song. Though there was a time a few hours ago when Alex would have trusted his music to do anything. Now he isn’t sure. His faith has  been fractured. But if the way to the dead is an acceptable trade for a song, then maybe his music is an acceptable price for Michael. No it is an acceptable price and Alex believes in music the way some believe in gods. More, actually, since the gods are right there.

“I’ll be watching,” the god says.

“Why?”

“I love a good story too.”

Alex nods and shoulders his guitar, making his way towards the fog.

“Hey, what should i call you? In the song?” Alex asks.

“Magoo,” the god says, “its what my father calls me.”

He’s worked stranger things onto a song.god tells him, “that’s what my father calls me.”

Alex has worked stranger things into songs.

He follows the god who likes to be called Magoo’s instructions. He makes his way along the path, through the fog that’s so thick he can’t see a hand in front of his face. He bribes the dogs and denies he has any name as he makes his way deeper and deeper. On faith, he supposes, if he walked back along the same way he’d find himself back where he was, but the truth is that it’s not where he wants to be. He wants to be with Michael, wherever that is. Wait, he prays. Wait for me, I’m coming.

The fog says nothing and no-one he encounters wishes to do anything but stop him.

But he pushes on. He may have nothing but a song, but he forces himself to keep going. A song is nothing compared to the loss of the one he loves. So he keeps walking, one foot in front of the other. It feels like he’s walking on a river, sometimes. Though he can feel the solid ground under his feet, his boots disappear in the fog as he goes. He’s glad that if he has no money, his guitar has survived worse than this. But the entire way, he keeps his hand on the belly of the instrument. Despite knowing that he isn’t supposed to make noise, he starts humming. The song he was working on, the song for Michael, he didn’t finish it but he was so close. Music won him the boy, did it cost him the boy as well?

He makes it past the guards, past the dogs and after a lifetime of humming and walking, he makes it where he wants to go.

Now he just needs to find Michael.

He sees him before Michael turns. It’s impossible to miss him. He’s still warm and golden, still shining with the world that Alex left behind. The dirt is smudged on him but he uses his tools well. Of course he does. Michael has always been good with his hands. He works off from the others, but Alex waits until he’s moving to the next section, farther away still. Where no-one can hear them. He watches as Michael’s features crack and all he can think is how Michael doesn’t belong in this place. Not like this.

“Come home with me,” he says.

Michael’s entire body stiffens and he turns, his features breaking in surprise.

“It’s you,” he breathes.

“It’s me,” Alex confirms.

“Alex—“

They close the distance, colliding into one another. He doesn’t think he’s ever been held so tight in his entire life. Michael is still as warm as he was up there. Warmer, he’s always been warm. Alex grips the back of his overalls and clings to him. He thanks every god, even the strange ones, for their help in finding Michael as soon as he did. That he found him at all.

“How did you get here?” Michael demands.

“I walked,” Alex says.

“You walked?” He repeats and looks over his shoulder, as if he can see how far away it is, “all this way?” Alex nods, “why?”

“Come home with me,” Alex repeats, “Michael, come back with me.”

Michael hugs him again.

Alex wraps his arms around him, swept up in the feeling that Michael is in his arms rather than his lack of reply. It’s going to be okay. It has to be okay. Michael is here in his arms. That’s the only thing that matters. Except far too soon Michael pulls back. Alex grips him tightly and doesn’t let him go. He can’t. Michael looks down and away and anywhere but at him.

“What is it?” Alex pleads, “come home with me, we can be together. We can figure this out.”

“He can’t leave.”

 They turn to see the god Magoo standing there, looking almost regretful. He sighs and tucks his hands into the pockets of his long coat. Michael looks down as if he wants to go lower and Alex pulls him close.

“What do you mean, he can’t leave?” He repeats. He loos at the man in his arms, “Michael?”

“I can’t leave,” he says, “I signed a contract. I belong here.”

“The hell you do.”

The words slip out of his mouth so fast and so hard that even Michael looks surprised. Alex wonders what he did to make Michael think he would just accept this, but he refuses to do it any longer. If this is his chance to prove to Michael that he is here for him, that he is coming home, then he’s going to do it. He’s not giving up Michael without a hell of a fight, not after he slipped away when Alex didn’t notice. He turns to the god.

“What do I have to do?” He asks.

“Alex, no—“

“Yes,” he says, turning back to him, “you’re coming home with me,” he repeats, “we’re going home.”

“Good luck with that.”

Alex turns to see Isobel saunter by, hair still tangled with flowers. Barely alive, but alive none the less. It hasn’t been that long since fall, it’s just felt like a lifetime since Michael slipped away. Isobel towers over them and turns her gaze to them, looking at the three in rapid succession. Alex feels Michael pull back but he refuses to let go until Michael shakes him off and goes to the goddess.

“What’s he doing here?” She asks.

“He came after me,” Michael explains.

“It’s little late for that,” she says in that beautiful and cruel way of hers, “but it’s a little late for a lot of things around here,” she sighs, looking at Michael, “don’t feel too bad, my wife loves pretty young things.”

“She love you,” Michael says, “and you love her.”

Isobel scoffs.

“That was a long time ago,” she looks at the pair of them, “you’ll see one day how things are down here,” she looks at Alex, “or one of you will.”

“Don’t listen to her,” Alex says and cups Michael’s cheeks.

“She’s right.”

“No she’s not,” he says, “look at me, she’s not. I’m here. We’re going home.”

Michael looks at him silently and Alex can tell he doesn’t believe him. Alex refuses to let his stomach drop. He refuses to let Michael down. He kisses him, even though he shouldn’t, even though it means he can begin to feel the cold seeping into Michael’s skin. He kisses him like he can breathe life back into him. Like he can put his own warmth in the man. Michael hesitates only a moment before kissing him back, and Alex can almost taste the guilt on his lips.

“It’s not going to work,” Isobel chimes in.

“Please, let me try,” Alex says.

Michael grips him tighter.

Isobel looks over at the god who likes to be called Magoo and shrugs.

“Good luck.”

Death goes by the name Maria. Her tongue is sharp and if Alex had to pick a god to believe in, it would probably be her. She drapes across her throne and refuses to look at her wife when she brings them to her. She arches an eyebrow at Michael’s disobedience and curls her lip at the god who likes to be called Magoo and then focuses on Alex. Michael, he came for Michael. He focuses on that with every fibre of his being and not on how inadequate he feels in her presence. Everything here, it’s hers. This world of stability and being full, of being warm and knowing where you belong. It fits, it’s monochromatic but it fits in a way that is against everything that makes Alex who he is.

“You’re trespassing,” she says, looking from him to her wife.

“I know,” Alex says.

“I could have you killed for it,” she reminds him.

Alex swallows the retort that he now knows there are things worse than death.

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Isobel snaps, sitting in her own throne. Maria glances at her wife. It would be cursory save for how she shifts her posture, “he loves him,” Maria rolls her eyes.

“That’s not a crime,” Magoo points out.

“When he’s trespassing it is.”

Magoo looks at him, then at the gods and Alex sees his cue. He brings the guitar forward. Hope flares on Michael’s face. The rest of them look with varying degrees of interest. Even when Alex’s faith is shaken, the rest of the world hangs on his every note. It isn’t his love story he needs to reach for though. It’s the one between the two gods in front of him. He has to bring hope to this most hopeless place. Music is the only way he knows how to do that. He half wishes his fingers felt incompetent as he curves them around the neck of the instrument and a world that doesn’t breathe seems to hold its breath.

He sings.

An incredible thing happens when he does, it’s always been this way.

He plays and the world listens.

He plays and the world believes.

As he plays Death relaxes and Spring surrenders to her emotions. Magoo goes peaceful and the shame leaves Michael’s eyes. The others around pause as well, all listening to the world his music allows them to see. When Alex opens his eyes, Maria is upright and Isobel has turned to look at her. As the last notes fade, Maria looks back at her. And for the first time since it was shaken, Alex feels the first fleeting feelings of hope.

“Leave us,” Maria says. Alex reaches for Michael’s hand, “he stays,” Death snaps, “you. Wait outside.”

Alex looks at Michael desperately, and Michael clenches his hands by his side to keep from reaching back. Any chance of this working, it requires them to have Death on their side. So Alex has no choice but to step back and out into the fog. Even that, though, seems lighter somehow. He waits. He waits and fights not to sing the whole time. He waits and then finally the god who likes to be called Magoo steps out and looks at him. Alex tries to crane his neck but he can’t see in the place where ehe just came from.

“What did she say?” He asks.

“You can leave,” the god says, “and you can have Michael,” Alex chokes on the hope that floods him until Magoo holds up a hand, “but you must walk back and not turn. If you turn and look at him, he stays here.”

“What?” Alex frowns, “but how will I know if he’s with me?”

The bargain goes against everything he thinks. Alex loves chaos, but faith in things besides from his music are not easy to come by. He’s never had them. Maybe that has always been his fatal flaw. He believed in Michael too late, he believed in them too late. Even now the idea of just accepting this bargain is baffling to him. Even if it means that he will have Michael back.

“You won’t,” Magoo says, “but if you trust him as much as you claim to, you should believe that he is.”

“I trust Michael,” Alex says, “I don’t trust Death.”

“Do you have a choice?”

Alex realizes he doesn’t.

He’s got no choice but to accept this proposal, which makes him feel sick. But all he can do is nod. Magoo smiles and points into the fog. It’s the direction that he’s to walk in. His throat tightens. He doesn’t even get to see Michael before he starts out. He just has to go. Sometimes, he supposes, this is how the world ends. With a whimper. And whether or not a new one is born out of the ashes depends on faith. Alex takes a deep breath and turns towards the way Magoo points.

“You let them go,” Spring says.

“I gave them a chance,” Death corrects.

Magoo watches the fog swallow them whole.

A chance is something.

[stayextrafrosty]

I am Your Future, I am Your Past: Chapter 10

A Roswell New Mexico Soulmate AU

A/N: We finally crossed 100 pages and 50000 words for this story! My inconsistent updating remains consistent. I hope you enjoy anyway!

Read on AO3 // Chapter 1

-

“As much as I wish I could just manifest a bike out of thin air, I do have my limits,” Tessa said as she held Alex steady. And as much as he wished, he could only put on his prosthetic so fast. Putting it on wrong would hurt the rest of his leg but what choice did he have? There was no time to waste with technicalities.

“Why do you need a bike when you can basically fly?” She shrugged as he slowly put weight back on his leg.

“Style, I guess. You good?” Alex nodded, and he was weightless once more. The desert was nothing more than a tan blur. He didn’t used to get motion-sick but nausea was creeping up fast. He tried closing his eyes.

“Get ready to tuck and roll,” she called over the wind. How the hell was he supposed to prepare when he could hardly feel his body? They began to slow down, and he hoped this would make the stop less jarring.

He opened his eyes just enough to see how far the truck was. The black box rushed toward them at an alarming rate. Keeping his panic in check wasn’t easy. How the hell was he supposed to react to the possibly of a supernatural car wreck?

He tried to call to Tessa but his words were swallowed by the wind. Feeling was returning to his body. Her grip on his torso was loosening. Five seconds and they’d crash.

Four. He reached out his hand.

Three. He was falling.

Two. The doors burst open.

One…

He grabbed the handle of the door, the momentum yanking his arm up. Alex hissed. Tessa grabbed the other handle and his free arm. She hauled him up to get his footing. The car lurched forward. He could hear curses coming from the front.

Dust kicked up into his face. He stumbled forward, tripping over a body. Tessa kept him from falling face first but his leg gave out beneath him, landing him on top of a motionless Michael. The brakes of the car complained loudly at the sudden stopping.

Alex pushed himself up as fast as he could checking Michael for any serious injuries. Tessa threw the armed guard out the back door, sending him at least ten feet. The driver reached for the gun at his hip as he spun toward the back. Alex gripped on to Michael and Tessa grabbed the guard, yanking him out the back, wresting the gun away from him.

Pushing himself up again, he ran his hands over Michael’s face gently. He trailed his fingers down his neck, checking his pulse. It was still there but faint. Whatever they had given him to knock him out was intended to last.

A dried trickle of blood from his nose caught his attention. Rage bubbled again and tears threatened to fall. Alex shook his head and pressed his forehead to Michael’s. Yelling from the door pulled his attention back to Tessa.

“Alex, they called back-up! We gotta go! Drive!” He didn’t want to leave Michael’s side but he had to trust that she’d keep both of them safe. He pushed himself up with no small amount of pain. The prosthetic was not on right.

He watched her shove back another guard, before scrambling to the front seat. Not bothering with the seatbelt, he cranked the key hard enough he thought it would break. The car roared back to life as he shifted gears and slammed on the gas. The wheels spun for a second before it jerked forward. His leg screamed but he just gripped the steering wheel and focused on the desert in front of him.

“I recommend finding a road,” Tessa called as she slammed the door shut. He glanced in the side mirror. A small black dot was gaining on them.

“No, what I fucking need is some cover. That’s a bit hard to come by if you hadn’t noticed.” He thought he heard her snicker. “Please, just watch Michael. Try to wake him up,” he pleaded.

The gas was pressed as far as it could go. The gas was full but if he happened to be going the wrong direction that wouldn’t help them. He could drive for miles and there would be no civilization. And without water, he and Michael were done for.

“Turn to the left slightly,” Tessa said, poking her head into the front seats. He turned slowly as to not flip the car. The black dot in the distance was slightly bigger but wasn’t gaining ground fast enough. They could make it to Roswell before they caught up.

“Can’t you just fly him back to Roswell?” His voice cracked with worry.

“I could but if you get caught again what would be the point? He’ll just come after you without resting. I’m no doctor but I think they broke his leg. Even with the accelerated healing, it still needs to be set.” He would kill his father. He set this up and now Michael had to suffer. A hand rested on his shoulder. “Don’t get too in your head Manes. Distractions lead to casualties.”

He nodded and focused on the vast space in front of him. The heat of the sun burned his hands on the wheel. Just off to the left he could make out the shining of a green sign. Which meant a road. The radio in the car crackled to life, making Alex jump.

“Alex, please stop. The car has a tracker. We’ll find you wherever you go.” Forrest’s gentle voice floated through the speakers. He wanted to scream. Maybe punch him. What had he done to deserve being used like that? Alex grabbed the radio.

“Go to hell,” he growled back. Slamming the receiver down and looking for some kind of off switch proved difficult while doing eighty on dirt. Tessa rested a hand over his.

“Hey. I got it. Just drive.” He glanced at her but returned his one hand to the wheel, heading straight for the green sign. The radio never cracked again.

They hit a particularly rough bump, making the equipment in the back shake and crash in their places. Alex heard a soft groan. His head jerked, needing to see if Michael was ok.

“Michael,” he called back cautiously.

“He didn’t wake up. The bump probably just moved something too much,” Tessa said back.

The road rushed toward them, black stretching along the horizon. He prayed the change from dirt to asphalt didn’t flip the car. The black dot in the rearview mirror kept pace with them. If he knew where the tracker was kept, he could disable it. Although with his luck recently, it would be on the outside of the car somewhere.

Alex cursed under his breath. When they got to Roswell, they would have to ditch the car and walk. Or was it fly? He didn’t know the limits of her powers. He shook his head and willed the car to go faster. He just needed to break the line of sight long enough for them to bolt and catch an uber or something.

He laughed to himself. An Uber? They were in a life or death situation and they needed to rely on an Uber. No one could have predicted this twenty years ago. Hell even ten years.

“Brace!” He yelled to the back as the road stretched before him. He jerked the steering wheel and felt the car tip slightly. His heart pounded and his stomach dropped like he was in free fall. It tipped back and more equipment in the back crashed.

The metal of the car groaned at the stress but then it was speeding up again. He breathed a sigh of relief as it pushed past eighty. He glanced in the rearview mirror. He didn’t immediately see the other car but that didn’t mean it wasn’t there. As long as there was a tracker, they wouldn’t get away.

He glanced at the radio again. Wait…

“Tessa! Unhook this radio and throw it out the window,” he ordered. He swerved around a minivan, ignoring the agree honking from behind.

“I would love to but I’m kind of busy making sure all this equipment doesn’t crush your boyfriend.” His heart skipped and he wanted to correct her. But did he really? They weren’t dating. Alex had made that very clear. But hearing it phrased like that… his heart could have exploded.

“Ok well just move him up to the front seat. But we have no chance if we don’t get rid of the tracker.” He heard shuffling from behind him as he swerved around another car.

“Damnit Manes, learn to drive or you’re going to kill us all,” she scolded as she – as gently as possible – heaved Michael into the front seat. Tessa yanked the seatbelt across him and he groaned as they hit a particularly nasty bump.

She grabbed the seat, bracing herself as she knelt in front of the radio receiver. She started yanking wires and jamming her fingers into the spaces, trying to pull it out.

“What makes you so certain this is where it is anyway?” The car jerked and she stumbled into his seat, elbow hitting his leg. He flinched but made no other sound of distress.

“Just a feeling. And even if it’s not there, at least we don’t have to hear their stupid voices,” he spat out. Specifically Forrest.

He could feel her eyes on him but she didn’t say anything more. She had always trusted him. Of course, maybe she knew the outcome.

“Hey, can’t you tell me if we’ll get out of this or not?” She laughed as she yanked more wires.

“Doesn’t work like that. Even if I could, telling you would change the outcome. Haven’t you seen any time travel movies?” He shook his head. Was now really the time for joking? He felt himself grin anyway.

Tessa gave one final tug at the radio and it popped out of the dash. She pulled out the remaining wires and leaned over Michael to roll down the window. She tossed it and Alex watched it break further in the side mirror.

There was no guarantee that it worked so he couldn’t slow down. Another sign zipped past, and he swore it said Roswell. Almost home. He was gaining on a car in front of him. He prepared to shoot ahead of them but he saw the lights sitting on top of the car. There’s no way they wouldn’t pull him over.

“Shit. I can’t get out of a speeding ticket at these speeds. And not with Michael looking like that.” He looked back at Tessa as he let his foot off the gas. She glanced between him and the cop.

“Actually. Michael is exactly what we need to get out of this. Pull up behind the car and honk.” He glanced out the window to the mirror. He still couldn’t see a car. He hit the breaks as soft as he could, pulling up and tapping the horn a couple times.

The driver flipped their lights on and pulled to the side. Alex followed, turning on his hazard lights. He glanced at Tessa as he rolled down the window. She gave him a reassuring smile. Alex trusted her with his life before. He could trust her with Michael’s too.

Alex watched the cop’s door open. A familiar blonde stepped out of the car. Without a doubt in his mind, he knew it was Jenna, Max’s partner. He let out a sigh of relief.

She blinked at him through the open window. Or maybe it was the sun?

“Alex Manes? What are you doing all the way out here?” Tessa poked her head out from behind Alex.

“Ma’am we need help. He’s hurt and needs a hospital,” she rushed out in her best scared voice.

Jenna looked to Michael in the passenger seat. Dried blood still trickled from his nose and a bruise was forming on his cheek. Alex didn’t want to think about the bruises that had transferred on his back.

“What the hell happened,” she exclaimed. Alex gripped the steering wheel.

“Please Jenna. We just need an escort back to town. Preferably quickly,” Alex begged. He chanced a look in the mirror again and sure enough, a car in the distance gaining on them. It could have been a car they originally passed but somehow, he doubted it. She nodded in understanding.

“Stick close to me.” She jogged back to her car. The sirens rang out and off she went, Alex following close behind her.

Soon enough, they were back up to their original speed. The town rose from the horizon and Alex allowed himself to relax just a bit. He looked over at Michael in the seat. He looked like he was sleeping. But it wasn’t natural. The hard lines of his face remained, as if he wasn’t resting at all.

Alex could only hope he wasn’t in pain.

They had to slow down as they approached the town. Didn’t need anyone else getting hurt because of this mess. The hospital was conveniently in the middle of town with the most traffic. Alex cursed under his breath. People in other cars did the best they could to move but the roads weren’t exactly made for high speed traffic.

They made it to the parking lot and Alex screeched up to the front doors, a sense of déjà vu coming over him. He went to unbuckle Michael but Tessa was way ahead of him.

Alex jumped out of the car, hobbling on his leg. He yanked the passenger door open, supporting Michael as best he could while Tessa climbed out after him. She took on most of his weight but never told Alex to let go.

He looked for Kyle as soon as they were in the front room. He was talking with the receptionist about something but jumped when Alex called his name. He took in the situation for a moment but never asked questions.

He rushed up to them, taking Michael and pulling him toward a gurney that was being rolled out. He checked for responsiveness from Michael then turned to Alex.

“What happened,” he asked?

“He was given some sort of sedative. I don’t know how much.” His voice cracked. For a second, He thought he saw pity in Kyle’s eyes but it was gone just as quick. He turned back to Michael and they rolled him away for tests.

Alex dug his nails into his palms, fighting the pain in his leg. A hand landed on his shoulder. Tessa tugged him toward the chairs. He let her pull him but kept his eyes on the door Michael had disappeared through.

“Alex come on. Let me fix your prosthetic. I know you’re in pain,” she said softly.

He finally met her eyes, nodding slowly as he sat down. He rolled up his pant leg and leaned back into the chair. Her fingers were careful and precise. The pressure released and after a brief stab of pain, it faded completely. She set it to the side. He opened his mouth to object but she cut him off.

“Trust me Alex. You’ll feel better if you leave it off for a while.” The panic of not being able to move on his own set in. What if he needed to fight someone off? A smile settled on Tessa’s face. “I know what you’re thinking and I can take care of it. If I need it, you’re more than capable of kicking ass with or without a leg.”

He did his best to squash any anxiety that came with being mostly immobile. He tapped his fingers against the arm of the chair, only looking away from the swinging doors when someone said his name.

“Can we talk,” Jenna asked?

“Yea,” he answered cautiously. She sat on the wooden table, being careful not to bump his leg. His eyebrows drew together.

“Care to tell me what’s going on?” He looked around to make sure no one was nearby.

“Someone abducted me and then hurt Michael.” He hoped it would be enough to stop the questions but nothing was ever that easy. She sighed and spoke quietly.

“Manes. That car was reported stolen by a branch of military that deals with terrorists. Technically I shouldn’t even be asking questions.” He cursed. Of course they reported the car stolen. Had it been anyone other than Jenna in the car, they would have been arrested.

“I know how it looks but please, just believe me. Someone is using their power in the Military to torture Michael and I,” he pleaded.

“Can you give me a name?” Before he could speak, Tessa did.

“Jesse Manes.” Alex’s head snapped toward her. She knew what an accusation like that could do. She needed proof and they didn’t have it. He was going to give Forrest’s name but would that have been any better?

“That’s quite an accusation from someone I’ve never seen before. Who are you?”

“Commander Theresa Morris. Air Force.” She pulled a small clip out of her pocket, taking an ID and showing it to Jenna. She blinked and looked back at Alex. Where had Tessa come up with an ID when she’s been missing for a couple years?

“We’ll look into it,” she said shortly. She proceeded to salute and walk back out the front door. He looked over at Tessa, a million questions on his tongue.

“Kept it from my time serving. And I know I wiped myself from the system but I can put it back if she decides to look into me. Which she probably will.” Alex let out a short laugh of disbelief. He never really knew her.

“Alex.” He turned toward Kyle’s voice. He moved to push himself to stand but Kyle shook his head. “Just stay sitting. Whatever’s working its way through Michael’s system, it’s strong. He’ll be out for a day at least. More likely a few days. His nose is broken but nothing serious. He also has extensive bruising over his back, shoulders, and face but no internal bleeding.”

Alex flinched at the memories of being slammed against the wall. He shouldn’t have fought it. Michael was suffering for his choices and he hated it.

“Where is he?” He reached for his prosthetic.

“You should go home. He won’t be up for a while and you look like you could use some good rest yourself.”

“I’m fine. I just need to see him,” he insisted, pressing his leg into the metal.

“Alex…”

Once it was snuggly on - correctly this time - he stood to face Kyle. He looked worried. What did he care anyway? Not like they were ever friends.

“Just take me to him.” Tessa grabbed his hand and Kyle sighed, signaling for them to follow.

“You really should listen to the doctor, Manes,” she mumbled as they walked. He couldn’t focus on himself right now. If they wanted him to leave they would have to drag him out.

Kyle pushed open a door, allowing them both to step inside. Michael laid there, hooked up to a saline drip, a thin bandage over his nose. Alex pulled away from Tessa, grabbing a chair and setting it right next to his bed. He sat. And he would be right there when Michael woke up.

He heard Tessa and Kyle talking but didn’t try to pick out what they were saying. He looked over his body. The rise and fall of his chest was slow and steady. The tattoo peaked out from under the hospital gown.

He pulled the collar of his own shirt down. Still four petals. This seemed ‘trial’ worthy to him but maybe the damn gods had other ideas.

“If it was a trial. I ruined it.” She spoke quietly, pulling up another chair. Alex’s eyebrows drew together.

“I’m not supposed to interfere. Get you out of things, protect you. But this has to end with you two. The curse is supposed to end when the original lovers find their way back to each other. And they have. But if you don’t make it through the trials then it’ll keep going and who knows when it’ll happen again.”

“What do you mean original lovers? The slave boy dies saving the princess and I assume she dies of old age. Not to mention it was a couple thousand years ago.” She laughed and took Alex’s hand.

“Alex. You’ve got the story all wrong. The original lovers… are Thomas and Samuel. This princess you speak of, is a prince. And my god, you and Michael, look exactly like them.”

Alex was trying to wrap his head around it. She wouldn’t have any reason to lie, right? Those visions he and Michael had. That journal…

“So… you’re saying we’re, what? Reincarnations?” Tessa thought.

“You could call it that. Doppelgangers, reincarnation, future self. All a similar idea. But yes. You two are identical to the originals and the curse is supposed to end with you. You two share the souls of Thomas and Samuel, like past incarnations, but it runs deeper than that. Hence your resemblance.”

Alex ran a hand through his hair. Just how warped are the stories? And why were they changed? Dumb question. He thought to himself. Homophobia wasn’t a new concept.

“Your father… I don’t think he knows this… Is also a reincarnation. The biggest obstacle in keeping the lovers apart was always the prince’s father. Just as it is now.” Alex dug his nails into his palms.

“You know I’m trying to get away from him,” he said quietly. Tessa took his hands in hers.

“I know. But you’ll have to face him head on sooner or later.”

-

Black was the only thing he could see. He tried to dream. He tried to wake himself up. His body simply refused. Michael could feel the tugging in his chest.

He felt nothing. Heard nothing but his own breathing. And his only instinct was to follow his heart wherever it took him. Probably to Alex. As so many other things in his life did. Always toward Alex.

-

The overly clean smell assaulted Michael’s nose first. Then it was the scratchy clothing. Fuck. Not again. This place was becoming for familiar to him than his own trailer. How long was he out? How much money did he owe this damn place now? Not to mention he hadn’t been working. Too preoccupied with other things. His back ached and a dull throb came from his nose.

He pried his eyes open, flinching at the bright light shining through the window. His head was foggy but the memories slowly came back.

Forrest stabbed him in the back. Literally. A complete 180. He had stopped for a second, thinking he had fallen behind. Then a pinch right at the top of his spine. An arm around his neck. Then black. And now here.

He knew there was something off about the whole situation but he ignored it anyway, thinking that maybe he really cared about Alex. He would never make that mistake again. He was the only one who would protect him.

“Michael,” a female voice said. He lifted his head, looking around the room. His eyes fell on a body curled up in a chair, brown hair messy, prosthetic sitting nearby. Alex? He looked to where he heard the voice. Tessa sat on his bed.

“How…”

“I interfered.” Michael’s shoulders sagged. She had saved Alex. But she also might have made a bigger problem by doing so.

“Why?”

“Because they were going to kill you. Then Alex presumably.” He did his best to push himself into a sitting position. He couldn’t be mad at her for interfering. He would have done the same thing.

“So what happens now? The next trial pushes us both to our limits? Lightning comes down to strike us dead,” he asked sarcastically. Tessa shook her head.

“I don’t know. But it would probably be best for you and Alex to stay close from now on.” Michael looked up at the ceiling. Alex would hate that. And the last thing he wanted him to think was that Michael was a babysitter. “The trials are going to come whether you want them to or not. I just figure it would be easier to overcome if you two are together.”

“What about Forrest,” he asked?

“I wish I knew. He seems different. I don’t think he knows the full extent of what’s going on.” He cursed under his breath. That means he’ll still be around. Did he help save Alex?

Rustling clothes pulled his attention back to where Alex was sleeping. His eyes cracked open and stretched out his legs. Running a hand through his hair, he seemed disoriented. He looked around before his eyes met Michael’s. Michael smiled at him.

“Hey there, Captain.” Suddenly he was fully awake. He pushed himself up from the chair. Tessa was by his side in less than a second, making sure he didn’t fall over.

She helped Alex to his bed, though it was clear he wanted to move faster than she was allowing. Michael’s heart raced. How long was he out for Alex to be this worried? He stumbled slightly, bracing himself on the edge of the bed before practically launching himself at Michael.

Michael didn’t even bother to fight the urge to return the hug. They wrapped their arms around each other. Alex buried his face in his neck and he could feel his breath on his skin.

“I’ll give you two a moment,” Tessa said quietly before walking out of the room.

They sat there for a moment, just holding each other. Michael ran his hands through Alex’s hair, noting the tangles. His heart jumped into his throat when Alex’s lips brushed over his neck as he spoke.

“I’m so sorry,” he mumbled. He squeezed him gently.

“What have I told you? You’ve done nothing that you need to apologize for,” he said.

“You keep ending up here. That’s reason enough.” Michael pushed him back gently, forcing Alex to look at him. He took one of his hands and placed it over his heart where the mark would be.

“As long as you stay safe, I wouldn’t do anything differently.”

Alex blushed and looked away. He could feel both of their hearts racing. Alex had told him that they were no good together. And while it hadn’t been a lie, he knew it wasn’t the complete truth. Had his beliefs changed?

Michael didn’t press the matter. Instead he asked Alex what happened. He explained that he had been knocked out and taken to the bunker. He talked about fighting to get away on his own, which is why there was now a bruise coving his back.

He explained that Forrest had turned on them. That Tessa saved him. And that they basically stole a car from the military and then proceeded to rip out the radio with him in the back. Michael couldn’t help but chuckle. But he also wanted to scold him for being so reckless.

“Just how long have you been in that chair,” he asked once he was caught up?

“Since you were brought in a couple days ago. Tessa refused to bring you back here without me because she was worried you would do something stupid.” Michael tilted his head. Not a lie but…

“Why though?” Alex wrung his hands together, bouncing his leg, chewing on his lip. “Alex.”

“I was worried. I thought you wouldn’t wake up.”

Michael took his hands again, rubbing his thumb over his knuckles comfortingly. Alex was too good for him. Someone who has been through as much as he has shouldn’t care so deeply. But he does and hell would freeze over before Michael let anyone take that away from him.

A few quick knocks at the door made them both turn. Alex went to pull his hands away but Michael refused to let go. A quick glance back at him and then his shoulders relaxed again. And Michael was on could nine. Just from the man in front of him allowing him to hold his hand.

“Tessa let me know you were awake. I just want to check your injuries then I’ll be out of here,” Kyle said, stepping into the room. Michael just nodded. He walked to the other side of the bed, not giving a second glace to their entwined fingers or bothering to ask Alex to move.

“Sit up for me,” he said. Michael listened without complaint. Was this really the guy that tormented Alex all those years ago? Kyle pushed the scratchy gown off his shoulders and partway down his arms. He pressed lightly on the parts of his he assumed were bruised.

Michael hissed in a breath. What was this supposed to accomplish? Other than putting him through pain.

“It’s healing slowly. You don’t have any broken ribs but the bruising is deep. It’s going to hurt for a while. There’s also not much we can do for your nose. Try not to run face first into anything for a while,” he said lightly. Michael actually let himself chuckle.

“Whatever you say, Doc.”

“Oh just listen to the guy,” Tessa said, leaning against the doorway. “I handled the paperwork. Is he free to go?” Kyle shrugged.

“Well considering there’s not much we can do for him, yes. I prescribed those painkillers if you need them but make sure to take them with food and no more than twice a day.” He moved to leave.

-

There wasn’t much talking until they made it outside. The sun beat down, though the wind kept the temperature bearable. Tessa twirled some keys around her fingers. Speaking of…

“So I know this might be a stupid idea, but I’d really like to get my truck back from the middle of nowhere.”

“Already done. Left it at Alex’s house,” Tessa said without turning to face him. Why had she left it there?

“Why my house,” Alex asked?

“I told you both that you needed to stay close. Why not just move in together for now?” Michael’s heart flipped, or was it Alex’s? He glanced at the airman. “You guys have had roommates before. This isn’t any different.”

Michael had wanted to move away with Alex when they were younger but now it was different. He still wanted to move in together, he just wished it was under different circumstances. He thought that maybe there was something good going between him and Alex. He worried this would ruin it.

They stopped at a larger SUV with tinted windows. Tessa unlocked the door and stepped into the driver’s seat. Michael chanced a glance at Alex, who looked away as soon as their eyes met. They walked to the other side and Alex took the passenger side. Pulling out of the parking lot, Tessa spoke again.

“After I drop you two off, I’m leaving.”

“What, why,” Alex asked?

“I’ll be punished for interfering in your trials. And I don’t know what will happen next so I want to see what the other gods are saying.”

“But what about all the stuff you told me,” he pleaded?

“You’ll have to explain it to Michael. But the longer I put off my punishment then the worse it’ll be.”

“Wait, tell me what?” Tessa gripped the steering wheel.

“Short version? The stories you’ve been told are all wrong. You never did read the original scrolls did you? That’s why you wanted Alex to hack into his dad’s things? Because you think he stole them?” Michael leaned forward, bracing himself on the seat in front of him.

“You’re probably right. But Jesse Manes wouldn’t make copies of those things. He wants to destroy any evidence of the curse. Of the lovers. That’s always been his role. If he took the scrolls, then they were destroyed.”

He leaned back and cursed under his breath. Jesse Manes continued to be the definition of evil even into his adult life. He should have killed him when he had the chance.

The rest of the short ride was silent. And sure enough, his truck sat to one side of Alex’s driveway. Michael hopped out of the car, followed by Alex. Tessa opened her door and stepped out but didn’t follow them up. Alex jogged back to her.

“Don’t you dare disappear on me again,” he heard Alex tell her. A smirk settled on her face.

“I hadn’t planned on it. I’ll be back soon with more information. Until then, please stay safe. Both of you,” she said, looking over Alex’s shoulder at Michael.

Then he pulled her into a hug. She seemed surprised at first but quickly reciprocated. Michael felt himself smile. Alex trusted her and she had saved his life more than once. That was good enough for him.

She pulled out of the driveway and disappeared down the street. Alex walked back to Michael, glancing at him and then heading for the front door.

It occurred to him that this might not be the safest place to be. They caught him here once and there was no reason to think that they wouldn’t try again. He reached forward, grabbing Alex’s arm. He pretended to not notice the way his pulse spiked.

“Hold on. What if they’re in there. Let me go first,” he warned. Alex glanced between him and the door.

“If they’re in there then I will personally kick all of their asses for hurting you,” he said before turning back to the door. He pulled the keys out of his pocket, jiggling the doorknob before the door swung open.

They moved slowly, listening for any hint that someone was in the house. It was silent. Both of their shoulders relaxed as they moved to the living room. Michael kicked his shoes off as Alex grabbed his crutch. He sat on the chair and removed the prosthetic, rubbing the tension out of his knee.

“You alright,” he asked?

“Yea. Just been wearing it for a while.”

He sat on the couch across from him, remembering the last time they were in this space together. Everything was new. It still was, now that he thought about it, but it’s like they had been doing this their whole lives. Maybe in a way, they had. Once his leg was off, he leaned back and ran a hand through his hair.

“I wish she hadn’t left this to me, but I’ll do my best.” Michael nodded slowly.

Alex launched into the story about how the original scrolls would have told the same story Michael had told him. Only with a prince instead of a princess. The rest was generally the same but that means the lovers were disgraced for reasons other than what he had been told. Samuel and Thomas were indeed the original two and the two of them were reincarnations.

“So your father is cosmically required to make our life a living hell? I shoulda known,” he tried to joke at the end. Alex shook his head, running his hand though his hair again.

“We need to get out of here,” he said suddenly. Michael just blinked. Had he heard him right? “You were right earlier. They know where we live and if we stay here then we’ll just be easy targets.” Hard to argue with that logic. “Tessa’s right, too. We’re better off together,” he mumbled at the end.

He wanted to joke to try and lighten the mood but figured it wouldn’t be the best time. Maybe when they were out of this shitty situation. But Alex Manes was asking if he would run away with him. And god it was all he ever wanted.

“Any places in mind,” he asked instead?

“There’s an old cabin about a half hour from here. Middle of nowhere. We can tell your family and stuff but otherwise, no one knows about it.” He nodded slowly.

“Ok.”

“Ok?”

“Of course. It’ll be safer and that’s all I care about.” Another blush creeped onto Alex’s cheeks and he looked away, making Michael grin. Alex pushed himself up, leaning on his crutch.

“I’m going to go shower. I feel disgusting,” he said nervously. Michael leaned back on the couch and smirked at him.

“Need any help?” Alex’s gaze shot toward him before looking away almost immediately. He opened his mouth to say he was kidding but the feeling in his chest stopped him.

Consideration. Want. Denial.

“Very funny. You’re welcome to eat if you can find anything. I don’t remember the last time I went shopping. I’ll be done quickly.”

Michael watched him disappear down the hallway, weighing in his head if it would be a good idea to follow him or not. This wasn’t the time.

He only stood when he heard the water turn on. He needed to distract himself from the knowledge that Alex was close yet so far. He wandered to the fridge and laughed at how accurate Alex’s offer was. There really wasn’t much in there.

A knock at the door made him frown. He was going to ignore it but whoever was on the other side persisted. He looked around the kitchen for a weapon and settled for a steak knife he found in a drawer.

He could deal with this before Alex got out of the shower. No need to worry him.

Michael moved toward the front door quickly but silently. He cursed doors that didn’t have peepholes for this reason. He grabbed the knob as whoever it was knocked again.

He yanked the door open, knife poised and ready.

[nobodyzhuman]

Roswell: NM (part 3: End)

Okay. So, this probably needs to be beta read haha. But I wanted to finish it before I got side tracked with my day. Here you guys go. 

Roswell: NM (Part one) and (Part two) 

Maria frowned at him.

“Why not ask him now?” She said, looking over at where Michael was sitting. Alex sighed, “I don’t see that going well. Michael doesn’t like complicated. Us. We’re complicated.” he said finishing off his beer.

Maria went to say something but he cut her off with a wave of his hand.

“Not tonight. My head is starting to hurt, and I don’t want to make it worse.” She rolled her eyes at him and took away his empty bottle.

“I should head home.” He said, pushing away from the bar. He didn’t say anything but his head wasn’t the only thing started to bother him. He needed to get off his leg.

“You okay to drive?” She asked.

He thought about it. He was feeling a little buzzed. Fuck, maybe he shouldn’t drive.

“Thought so.” Maria said, holding out her hand for his keys. He rolled his eyes but handed them over.

“Need me to find you a-”

He waved his hand, “I’ll figure it out.” Wishing her goodbye he wondered outside. The fresh air helping his head. He leaned back against the front of the building and pulled out his phone. He skimmed through his contacts trying to find someone he could ask for a ride. But there weren’t many people outside of his family. Which he would not call. His finger hovered over Kyle’s name, when the door opened and Michael walked out. Alex’s keys in his hand and smirk on his face.

“Need a ride?” He asked, looking far to adorable for Alex’s less the sober brian. With a sigh he pushed away from the building and headed for his truck. He didn’t ask Michael how he got his keys or how he planned on getting home. Because he was pretty sure he knew the answer to both. He knew Maria and he could feel the desire and arousal already building inside the other man. Yeah he knew where the night was headed and he didn’t mind.

Though Maria’s question rang in his ears. Did Michael feel the same? Or was this all just a casual thing?

He slumped in his seat, head resting against the cool glass of the window. His hand dropped to his lap and he felt his bag. He almost sat up when he remembered what he had been carrying around with him all night. How could he have forgotten about it? Okay, dumb question, random mind reading abilities could distract anyone. He pulled the bag closer.

“What no snappy comments about my driving?” Michael asked after a few minutes.

Alex snorted, “ You’re driving sucks and you know it.” He turned to look at Michael.

The other man seemed more relaxed than he had at the Wild Pony. Less angry. It made Alex wondering it it was him. Did he help calm down Michael? Or was that just wishful thinking.

He tried searching for Michael’s feelings like he had at the bar with Jenna. Unlike her it didn’t start slowly. One second he was wanting to know what Guerin was feeling and the next he knew. Michael was nervous but excited, there was a sense of longing and hope all tied together with wariness. But when Michael looked over at him with that adorable smirk that always did Alex in. Alex was drowned want, love, and an overwhelming possessiveness. He sucked in a shocked breath that quickly turned into a coughing fit when he could get air.

“Manes?” Michael asked, concern washed over him. Alex held up a finger telling the other man he needed a second.

“Breathed in funny.” He muttered when he could breathe again. Unable to look at Michael again, he started out the front winder. Michael hummed in understand but there was still a lingering of something coming off him, doubt maybe. The feeling lessoned and Alex got the impression Michael had buried it. He frowned, not liking that Michael was that good at hiding his feelings.

He looked over a Michael who took his eyes off the road for a second to look at him. Their eyes met and Alex knew without a doubt that Michael loved him and that it scared the hell out of the cowboy.

Holy fuck, his mind raced. How had he missed it? He always knew how he felt. It was the biggest reason he had joined the military. His fear of what else his father would do to Michael if he ever found out how important he was to Alex. That and his own fear of his feelings. He had panicked, telling himself that he was to inexperienced, to young, to be that in love.

Of course, Michael being impossible to read didn’t help. Michael never wanted to talk about feelings or the future. Alex had just figured Michael didn’t want more than what they had. A tentative friendship and great sex. But had it been Michael’s way of protecting himself? Alex swallowed over a lump in his throat. How much damaged had he down every time he took off again?

How long had they been dancing around each other, hiding their true feelings just to keep what they had. He felt guilty for all the times he had left. No wonder Michael never hinted at wanting more. Alex hadn’t been ready to stay. He sighed.

“You’re quiet.” Michael said as they pulled in front of Alex’s cabin.

“Long day.” He replied, because what else could he say.

“Manes,” Michael said, just as Alex was about to open his door. He stopped and looked back at Michael. “You want me to call Max, he can come pick me up?”” Alex smiled. Michael for all his distance and snark was one of the kindest most caring people he knew, the man just hid it well.

“No Guerin.” He said grinning, “I want to see how fast you can make me cum.” Michael’s eyes blazed and arousal surged through Alex.

No words were spoken as they got out of the truck and into the cabin. Not even when Michael shoved him back against his kitchen table, pushing and tugging his jacket and shoulder bag off him and dropping them onto the floor. Alex winced at the treatment of the bag but didn’t stop the other man.

He moaned when Michael kissed him, feeling an echo of what Michael felt from the kiss. He reached one hand up to grab Michael’s curly brown hair and pulled. The rush they both received from the act caused both men to moan. Michael pulled back, unbuttoning his shirt and tossing it away from them. Alex unable to stop himself leaned forward and pressed a kiss at the center of the other’s chest. Then he kissed upwards until he was at the hollow Michael’s throat. He moved left over the collarbone and up his lovers throat. He nipped and tried not to moan at the need that coursed through Michael. He hadn’t known biting was a kink for the cowboy, but now that he did, he bite down again. This time a little harder and fuck he couldn’t hold back the moan at the shot of electricity that raced through both of them.

“Alex.” Michael moaned and he felt hands in his hair pulling his face away from and towards a waiting mouth. They kissed again this time slower more sensual. All way they pulled each other as close as they could. He could feel how hard he was and from the bulge he felt along his thigh, he knew Michael was too. He spread his legs, letting the other man slip in between them. He wrapped his arms around Michael, who used his own hands to lift Alex onto to the table. Alex silently prayed it would hold. He was so lost in some bursts of pleasure he was receiving from Michael and his own body, that he missed Michael unbuttoning his pants. He just groaned and tried to pull the other man closer.

Then there was a sudden pressure in his head. It buzzed in such a way, he had no words to describe it. It lasted a second before it felt like a dam broke and it was gone.  He gasped and pulled back from Michael.

“What the hell was that?” He asked before he could stop himself. Panic flooded the other man, who tried to back away, Alex tightened his arms around Michael stopping his retreat.

“What was what?” Michael asked, trying to smile. It went unnoticed by Alex because of the agony, fear, and dread that waded through Michael emotions. Alex froze, because he didn’t want to scare Michael away, not after finding out about how he felt. But that feeling, whatever it was. It had been intense and strange and he wanted to know about it. This nagging feeling in his mind told him that he needed to know about it. He leaned up and pressed a gently hopefully reassuring kiss against his cowboys lips. He wanted to tell Michael that it was okay. Michael let out a relieved breath and kissed him back. When Alex pulled back again, he saw Michael wince. The fear that had been fading returned and he made sure to keep his arms locked around the other man's waist.

“Michael,” He said softly, “talk to me.”

Michael shook his head and tried to pull away again. Alex sighed and kept his hold tight. The panic and distress increased and Alex’s world spun as it turned into desperation and terror.

“Fuck.” He cures, “Guerin calm the fuck down.” He shouted. Michael froze.

“Okay.” Alex muttered, trying to think of a better way to do this. Then he had an insane idea.

“I’m psychic.” he blurted out. He had expected anger or annoyance at him joking at a moment like this instead. Michael looked him in the eye and paled.

“How?” Michael whispered. Alex took a breath, “Tell me what you did? And I’ll tell you.” He insisted. He could feel Michael’s unease. But he could also feel Michael’s desire to tell him. He gave Michael an encouraging smile. Michael pushed at his arms.

“I need space.” He said, “Please.” Feeling how badly Michael needed it, Alex released him.

The cowboy didn’t move far away from him, just out of arm's reach. Then he looked down at Alex’s jacket and narrowed his eyes. It took a second but that pressure was back and when the buzzing started, the jacket moved. It slowly raised off the floor and then hoovered a few feet off the ground. Alex gasped and the dam broke again. The jacket fell to the floor.

“Holy shit.” He muttered. “How?” he asked. Had Michael been around the strange glass thing too? Did it give--

“I’m an alien.” Michael said looking at the ground. Alex froze. Not just because of the words but because of what Michael was feeling. The man was being a hundred percent honest and he was thinking about running, flight instincts kicking in as adrenaline and anxiety flooding him. Alex jumped off the table and grabbed Michael’s hand before he could run.

“Was not expecting that.” He said. Pulling Michael toward him. “It’s okay. I mean I have about a million questions but it’s okay.” He whispered, “It’s okay.” Over and over as he leaned in and kissed Michael’s cheek and neck, slowly Michael calmed down and leaned into him.

When he was sure Michael wasn’t going to take off he pulled back. He gave Michael a brief kiss and then walked over to his bag. He could feel Michael’s  trepidation as he pulled out pillow case wrapped glass. He slowly unwrapped it. When the multi colored glass fell out, Michael gasped and moved towards him.

“Where’d you find this?” The alien asked, and boy was that going to be weird to get used to.

“A bunker under the cabin.” He said. “What is it?”  A flurry of emotions washed over Michael to many for Alex to understand, though he got the impression this was important to his lover.

“A piece of our ship.” Michael whispered as he ran his hands over it. It glowed brighter than it had when Alex touched it.

“Our?” He questioned, already suspecting. Michael cared about two people, well three if he counted himself, Max and Isobel. Michael looked up at him, worry was there but also trust. Alex smiled.

“Max and Iz.” Michael said, “And they are going to kill me.” he sighed and dropped the glass on the kitchen table. Then he moved to drop down on Alex’s recliner. Alex waited a second then decided, ‘what the fuck,’ and dropped down onto the alien’s lap. Michael let out a relieved breath and pulled him close.

“Psychic?” Michael asked burying his nose into Alex’s neck.

Alex snorted. “I think you pretty alien glass did it. I found it today and ever sense. I’ve been feeling what other people are feeling.”

“Think it’s permanent?” Michael asked, kissing his neck.

Alex hummed and tilted his head to the side. “No idea.” He said. Michael nipped and sucked at his throat for a second before licking the tender flesh, “Do you want it to be?” The alien asked, brushing his nose up Alex’s neck and nipping at Alex’s earlobe.

He moaned, “It’s useful.” He breathed out and had to shift his body as the hard on he had before quickly returned.

Michael chuckled. “I bet.”

They never made it to his bed, at least not until the early hours of the morning. Even then they didn’t go to bed. He laid there his head resting on Michael’s chest as the alien told him everything. Him, Max, and Iz waking up in their pods, which he totally wanted to see. About what their abilities, which were awesome, and hesitantly about what happened to Rosa ten years ago. Alex was left conflicted about that. And he told Michael that he wanted to be kept in the loop as they tried to figure out everything that happened.

As he fell asleep, tucked comfortably against Michael that morning, he wondered if his new abilities would be there when he woke up.

[dontshootmespence]

Through the Lens

Part 7

When you left Spencer’s apartment and returned home by yourself, you felt like shit. This was exactly what JJ had been afraid of – you didn’t want to call it quits outright, after all you knew to an extent what you were getting into, but you needed to step back and learn to make peace with the fact that your life was going to be invaded constantly.

The second you returned to your apartment, you looked at the window to see some of the paparazzi from JJ’s place; they’d followed you here. It was all legal though – and the thought made you want to throw up.

Pulling out your phone, you wiped a tear away, the invasive headlines flashing before your eyes before you had the chance to text Spencer and Luke.

Y/N: I truly do appreciate both of you opening your home to me. Please take care of JJ for now, I’m just…I’m just really having a hard time with this.

L: I’m more like you �� a behind the scenes guy, but I will say that you get used to it.

L: Well, you learn to tune it out. We’re out by the way. I don’t know if you saw the headlines.

Shit. You pulled up the Internet on your phone and gazed at the plethora of headlines now also including Spencer and Luke.

Model Spencer Reid Seeing Designer Luke Alvez – How Long Have They Been Dating?

Is Spencer Reid Dating Jennifer Jareau or Luke Alvez? Click for Details about the Lurid Love Triangle.

How Will This Effect His Career? Spencer Reid is Gay!

It went on and on and on.

Y/N: Holy fuck, I’m so sorry.

S: It’s okay. We were prepared.

Y/N: How do you deal with this? Don’t you find it invasive?

S: Absolutely. But it’s not what’s most important.

Y/N: What do you mean?

S: I mean I push beyond it because of who I’m dating.

L: What he means is if you want each other enough you will find ways to work though it.

Despite the nature of the situation, you found yourself smiling. They were really good together; it seemed effortless, like they just fit together. Did you feel that way about JJ? You assumed so, but you were going to need to reflect on things for the next few days – you had to determine whether or not you wanted to put in the work to make this relationship thrive.

Y/N: Thank you both again. Please take care of JJ while I figure this out, okay?

S: Absolutely. Stay strong.

L: Will do.

Apparently, she’d left their apartment for a moment, because as soon as you let the phone fall to your side, still clutched tightly in your hand, JJ called. “Y/N?”

“Hey, JJ,” You said, resigned. “I’m sorry I left so abruptly. I just…” Your throat felt scratchy; it brought tears to your eyes. “I knew this would be hard, but it’s harder than I thought. I underestimated things.”

Though she was trying to be strong on the other side, you could hear the small sniffles. “I understand.” The way she said it broke your heart. In her voice, you could hear the reflections of her past. First, she’d lost Kate, and now she felt like she was losing you too. “Please, just know that I want this to work.”

“I do,” you replied. “And I promise, I’m not calling things off right now. I just need to learn on my own how I’m supposed to deal with this new life.”

Swallowing hard, she repeated that she understood. Before she hung up, she started to say something that sounded like I love you, but she stopped herself. “Bye, babe,” she said softly.

Although she’d hung up, you could practically hear her sobbing at Spencer’s apartment and it made you feel weighed down, so with a heavy heart, you went to bed, praying that the answer you your problems would come to you in your dreams.

---

Over the next few weeks, you had little to no contact with JJ. Every time you felt like you could talk to her and start figuring things out, you’d go out and come across another paparazzi that took pictures as you covered your face, or tried to upskirt you, or ask you questions about how JJ was in bed. You stormed passed these people, not giving them a piece of your mind however tempting it was. Each incident was disheartening and made you hesitate to call her again.

On top of that, you watched the headlines unfold between regarding Spencer and Luke. The pictures were plentiful at first, and then became few and far between. They’d taken to wearing the same one or two outfits when they went out, which left the paparazzi having little to work with.

With the lack of pictures to go by, the headlines evolved. People started claiming everything under the sun about their relationship, saying that “sources” gave them exclusive information all of which you knew to be untrue.

You remained inside for the most part, asking Blake to put off work for a few more days and then a few more days and then a few more, unable to muster the courage to go outside and face the onslaught of bullshit. “What’s keeping you from making a decision?” Blake asked.

“I don’t know. I want her. I really do,” you replied, curling into a ball on the couch. “She’s amazing. JJ is beautiful, but that’s so little of why I love her, I mean she’s funny, she’s sweet, she’s kind and intelligent. She’s carefree, she’s thoughtful, she’s confident but not cocky about who she is and what she does. She makes me feel like the most important person in the world despite the fact that I’m just a random fashion photographer that happened the cross paths with her. I get this pitter patter, butterflies in the stomach feeling every single time I see her, I mean…” You trailed off, coming to a realization.

“Do you realize what you just said?” Blake asked.

“I said I love her.”

You could almost hear Blake’s smile on the other side of the phone. “You did. You do. You love her. Do the paparazzi suck? Absolutely. Are they going to try and invade certain parts of your life? Definitely, but if she loves you as much as you love her, I truly think you can find a way to work through it all.”

“Thanks, Alex,” you replied. “I’ll call you later?”

“Yes, please. Let me know what’s up and when I can put you back to work. I have a promising new talent under my employ and I want her to push the boundaries. Cool?”

“More than cool. Love you.”

“Love you too, sweetheart.”

Alex was the coolest boss in the world.

Placing the phone on the counter, you ran to pack some clothes, hoping to talk things through with JJ tonight. She was back at her apartment, so you ran down the stairs and to your car, passing a few paparazzi and giving them a smile. As the windows blocked you from the cameras, you picked up your phone once more to call JJ.

You were horrified by what you saw.

Since walking out nearly a month ago, the headlines had continued, but died down as the days went on. Apparently, Michael Hastings was pissed about not getting all the headlines he wanted, because that was the only reason you could think of for what you saw – it was vindictive. On the front page of numerous websites was a picture of JJ sunbathing on the balcony of her apartment. And she was topless.

JJ had never done nude photos before. Lingerie yes, but never nudes. It was where she crossed the line, wanting to model the clothes on her body and not her body itself. If she hadn’t already seen this, she was going to be devastated. Angrily, you threw the phone into the passenger’s seat and made your way to her apartment.

When you arrived, you ran up the stairs. She still had no idea you were coming. Hopefully, she’d want to see you, but you wouldn’t have been surprised if she didn’t; you’d gone nearly a month without speaking.

You knocked on the door and called out. “JJ, it’s me. You there?”

She opened the door, your heart breaking as the tears rolled down her face. “What are you doing here?” She asked, a look of relief washing over her. “I’m sorry, I’m just so…”

“I saw,” you said. “Hastings took that picture?”

“Yea,” she said, collapsing into your shoulder.

“I’ll kill him.” You were livid that he’d violated her like that. “I’m so sorry.” About everything, leaving her, talking so long to come to such an obvious realization, Hastings taking advantage of her like that – all of it. She rested her head in the crook of your neck and backed you into her apartment. “I’m not going anywhere, okay. We’ll get through this together.”

Through tears, she looked up and pressed a kiss to your lips. You wanted to scream from the top of your lungs that you loved her, but you’d save that for another time. For now, you’d come up with a plan of attack to combat against the invasiveness that was waiting just outside her doors.

@coveofmemories @sexualemobitch @jamiemelyn @unstoppableangel8 @iammostdefinitelyonfire26  @marvelfanlife @amarislestrange @obsessed5sosfreak @sonhadoraativa @1enchantedfantasy1 @ace-and-rosey @twelveyearoldchildprodigy @offbrandcursewords @entelechysymphony @milkandcookies528 @pugs-cats-bb-8 @davidr0ssi @sarahkay-19 @alexialoveseverlark @gigglyprentiss @myhogwartslibrary @stunudo @the-slytherin-ice-queen @ultrarebelheart @arizonalovesher @tarciau @the-awesome-one-with-pigtails @introspectivecrab @twisnies

If you want to be tagged in future installments, please like this post!

[daresplaining]

Do you think Matt is better suited as a prosecutor, or a defence attorney, as he seems to have been most of the time? Which, in your opinion, does he seem to prefer?

    This actually doesn’t come up as much as you might think, so it’s hard to point to a specific panel and say “Hah! Yes, Matt prefers ____”. There’s also not a ton of consistency, and he will occasionally jump from defense to prosecution from one case to another without explanation. But his general trend is toward defense, and since that’s the type of law he’s practiced for most of his career, we can assume that’s what he’s most comfortable with. He hasn’t shown a particular talent for one over the other either. He’s a good lawyer no matter which side he’s on, but overall, he’d rather spend his professional life keeping innocents from going to jail than throwing bad guys in jail– which is part of the reason why he does the Daredevil thing in his off-hours. That way, he is able to balance out the occasional instance of defending people he knows are guilty. And that leads right into your other question, so we hope you don’t mind if we go ahead and answer that here too…

    All the time. There’s a reason he’s been disbarred so many times. (Actually, there are two reasons, but we’ll leave the Kingpin out of this for now. The problem is mostly Matt.)

Judge: “Our issue is less with your sabotage of the Ogilvy case than with Nelson & Murdock’s now-disclosed history of ethics violations. Your past activities as a vigilante, as well as the questionable actions you and your partner have taken to preserve that identity, leave us no flexibility. With a heavy heart, this court hereby disbars Matthew M. Murdock and Franklin P. Nelson.”

Daredevil vol. 3 #36 by Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, and Javier Rodriguez 

    Matt is a moral guy but a very unethical lawyer, simply because he does operate on both sides of the law. Every single case he takes on is tainted in this way, because he nearly always uses his Daredevil identity and powers to gather evidence and determine guilt. At this late point in the Marvel universe (and with the exception of the period when the Superhero Registration Act was being enforced), being a vigilante doesn’t seem to be quite as illegal as it is in our world, simply because there have been so many dang superheroes around for so long. However, Matt is put on trial for vigilante activity– which we’ll be talking about later in the post– and it’s still a clear breach of legal protocol, and not what a lawyer should be doing. There’s also the factor of his powers, which he uses on a regular basis to give himself an edge, and on which he relies to an unwise degree. He hates defending guilty clients, and has gotten himself into trouble before by trying to determine guilt via heartbeat. All of this isn’t just a Matt problem, by the way– though it does tend to come up more with him than with other superhero lawyers. There’s a great issue of She-Hulk, for example, (She-Hulk (2004) #1, to be specific) where Jen loses a winning verdict because she saves the world while the trial is going on, and the judge rules that this biased the jury in her favor.    

   But Matt is the Unethical Lawyer poster child when it comes to this sort of thing, and this conflict has been a major theme in Daredevil comics, particularly within the last decade-or-so. With this in mind, we’re going to be providing just a few examples, rather than a comprehensive list of offenses.  

   The “Worlds Collide” story from volume 4 #15.1 focuses specifically on this dichotomy of legal work versus superhero work. Early in both his legal and… extralegal careers, Matt is assigned to defend a man who he apprehended as Daredevil. While spending his nights trying to ascertain whether his client is actually guilty, in court he is put in the position of arguing against the concept of superheroes.  

Matt: “What are his motives? What does he want? I want to know who this man, this ‘Daredevil’– who is, essentially, accusing my client of murder– I want to know who he is. Other than a criminal. We know he’s at least guilty of assault… and, in the case of the defendant, involuntary imprisonment. Consider the facts… An unknown man in a disguise attacks someone… tackles him to the ground… and yet it’s the person who was assaulted who gets arrested? This isn’t justice. And it’s not how the justice system is supposed to work.”

Daredevil vol. 4 #15.1, “Worlds Collide” by Marc Guggenheim, Peter Krause, and Matt Wilson  

   Matt is fully aware of the irony of making this argument and yet continuing to try and determine his client’s guilt as Daredevil. He knows what he’s doing is wrong, and he cares deeply about his career as a lawyer. That’s an important point that we want to make clear. It’s not just a cover/source of intel for his secret life, as jobs occasionally are for superheroes– he genuinely loves being a lawyer and cares about the legal system. But even in this story, at this early point in his career, he feels justified in taking massive liberties with the law for the sake of ensuring that justice is actually done. He’s a self-assured enough person to believe that he knows best, and that his interventions as Daredevil are fair and necessary. That doesn’t mean they are– but that’s his mindset, and it always has been.

Matt: “A man murders. He leaves clues. He did it. He’s guilty. He’ll pay for the crime. Simple. That’s the beauty of justice. Daredevil tracks him, Matt Murdock makes him pay. Simple, gorgeous justice. When I’m poor, blind Matt Murdock, it’s easy to believe in the law, in the courts. Why is it, soon as I put on this suit– I feel that belief cracking? Doesn’t matter. Tonight will be different. I’ll reel the killer in, and the courts’ll get him locked up for life. Pure, beautiful justice.”

Daredevil vol. 1 #251 by Ann Nocenti, John Romita, Jr., and Christie Scheele

    (By the way, this is a good example of what we were referring to in response to your first question. Matt is thinking like a prosecutor here.)

    To explain his willingness to cross these lines– if not to necessarily justify it– we need to look back at his origin story. A key part of his decision to become Daredevil in the first places was the fact that his father’s killers didn’t go to jail for their crime– and I’m partial to renditions of his origin that make clear that he only goes after the Fixer and friends himself after they’ve been put on trial.

Matt: “We did it all by the book. The police weren’t surprised that Sweeney and Slade were involved and it wasn’t long before they were arrested. But, on the day of the bail hearing, suddenly, they had some Park Avenue attorney. His hair gel cost more than what Foggy and I were wearing.”

Daredevil: Yellow #1 by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale   

   He sees justice fail, and so steps in to pick up the slack. Whether this was a good move on his part is up for debate. He unintentionally causes the Fixer to die of a heart attack long before he has a chance to go to jail, for instance, which is a moral issue all on its own. But with this inciting, highly personal incident always in the back of his mind, and as his legal career continues to show him the gaps and weaknesses in the system, he feels continually justified in filling in the cracks with his own brand of crimefighting.

    But credit where credit is due– right now, at this very moment in the current run (spoiler alert!), Matt is taking steps to address this issue. He and the D.A.’s office are attempting to set precedent for allowing superheroes to legally contribute their skills and testimony to criminal investigations, without being forced to reveal their identities.  

Matt: “Slug’s gang escaped, but we got him, and I picked up plenty of evidence with my super-senses. If the judge lets me testify, I can put him away, and maybe get him to turn over on his crew. It is legal. I’m sure of it. And if I can pull this off… if I can testify without taking off my mask, then we all can. Any secret identity hero. Spider-Man… even Blindspot. […] It could change everything. Our powers let us gather evidence the cops just can’t. If we can present it in court, legally… no more tying up bad guys, leaving them for the police and praying the system can get a conviction. We can be part of the process from start to finish.”

Daredevil vol. 5 #22 by Charles Soule, Goran Sudzuka, and Matt Milla

    This still doesn’t seem to address the fact that Matt is both a superhero and a lawyer, and is still free and willing to interfere in questionable ways in his own cases with no oversight– but hey, it’s still a big deal.  

    Generally, the instances of Matt behaving unethically that are emphasized within the narrative specially for being unethical, involve Matt trying to protect his life as Daredevil. His identity has been leaked to the press twice. The first time, fortunately, the journalist was discredited before the story got too far or Matt had to make any big moves. But the second time, when his secret identity is printed on the front page of the Daily Globe (not to be confused with the Daily Bugle) during Bendis’s run, he is forced to choose between accepting the charges or lying, both in public and in court. He opts for lying (with Foggy’s full-if-uncomfortable support), and the two of them even go so far as to sue the Globe for libel.

Foggy: “Working either side of the law? This means Matt Murdock defrauded the American justice system by faking a trial against Daredevil. And that’s just the most recent example. Matt– you can’t. You can’t come clean. You can’t come out. First? You’ll get disbarred. And then… then you go to jail. You know I’m right, pal. So the thing we do? We fight this. […] We get up on the highest tree and we scream: liars! We sue everyone in sight until their heads spin off their bodies.”

Daredevil vol. 2 #33 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, and Matt Hollingsworth

    When he is put on trial for operating as a vigilante, Matt contemplates fighting his way out of the courtroom and just running away, before deciding to plead not guilty. He does, notably, feel bad about all this later, and reflects on it in volume 3 #36 when he finally decides to out himself as Daredevil. But that certainly hasn’t stopped him from lying and playing with the law since.

    Arguably the most egregious– and certainly the most memorable– example of Matt’s shaky legal ethics (which Foggy references in the excerpt above) is the “Playing to the Camera” arc (DD vol. 2 #20-25). This plotline centers around Matt and Foggy getting hired to sue Daredevil, allegedly for causing some major property damage. Matt knows he didn’t do it, and is affronted that his honor is being impinged by some troublemaker pretending to be Daredevil. Despite the obvious immorality such a thing would involve, and Foggy’s protestations, Matt takes the case to keep control of it and prevent other lawyers from snooping around in Daredevil’s business.    

Matt: “Foggy, if we don’t take the case, Griggs’ll keep at it until he finds someone who will. Like Claude Unger. And the last thing Daredevil needs is Claude Unger poking around in his life.”

Foggy: “We can’t do it, Matt! It’s insane! To say nothing of the ethics! Allowing yourself to be hired to sue yourself– it’s illegal! You could be disbarred!”

Matt: “It’ll die on the vine. Remember, the case has no merit. Once we investigate and I find this imposter, it falls apart, end of story. It’ll be over inside of a week.”

Daredevil vol. 2 #20 by Bob Gale, Phil Winslade, James Hodgkins, et al.

   Surprise– it’s not over inside of a week, and it does go to court, and Matt finds himself in the position of having to sue himself. He manages to be in two places at once by convincing Peter Parker to pretend to be Daredevil, going behind his (DD’s) lawyer’s back in the process. It’s a hilarious, utterly unethical mess– and one Matt is perfectly willing to undertake for the sake of protecting his identity.  

    In short: lawbreaking is inherent in the superhero genre, and Matt’s position as a lawyer and devotion to the proper functioning of the justice system in no way prevents him from bending legal ethics to their absolute limit.