#background kysobel

[jule1122]

Malex Fic - I’m a happy idiot

Trying to write my way out of a slump with some secret marriage fluff.  No warnings just lots of love.

I’m a happy idiot on AO3

Summary: 4 times Michael and Alex almost told someone they were married and 2 times they didn't have to. 

Title from "Happy Idiot" by TV on the Radio 

Michael’s half asleep, boneless and fucked out when he feels Alex’s lips on his forehead.

“See you later, love you,” Alex whispers into his hair.

It’s the smell of coffee that gets him to open his eyes.  Michael turns his head and watches Alex set a mug on his nightstand, steam curling in the cool air of their bedroom.  He reaches out and barely catches Alex’s hand, their fingertips tucking into each other.  “I love you, you should marry me,” he says, thinking about how he wants mornings like this for the rest of his life.

Alex’s eyes widen for a moment, but he steps closer to the bed and smiles.  “Ok,” he says as if it’s that easy.

But that’s the thing.  It is that easy,  has been that easy since Michael kissed him on an empty patio.  So he doesn’t ask Alex if he’s sure, just sits up and pulls Alex down on the bed next to him, the adrenaline from the realization that he’s going to marry Alex waking him up.  “Call off work while I shower.  The courthouse opens,” he squints at the clock, “in an hour.”

“You want to get married today?” Alex asks, laughing.

“Can you think of a reason to wait?” Michael counters.  They never really talked about marriage.  Michael assumed they would get there eventually, but now that it’s a possibility, Michael’s never wanted anything more.

Alex bites his lip, smile still showing through, and shakes his head.  

“I didn’t think so,” Michael pulls him down for a kiss.  “Now get moving.  The sooner we get married, the sooner we can start our honeymoon.”

Sanders

“I’m guessing by that smile on your face you didn’t call off yesterday because of some alien crisis.”

Michael jumps a foot in the air, hitting his head on the hood of the car he’s working on.  “Why do you always do that?” he complains, glaring at Sanders.

“Because it never stops being funny,” Sanders laughs.  “You’d think by now you’d have learned to pay attention to your surroundings, makes me wonder just how useful your powers are if a gimpy old man can sneak up on you.  Now back to my question.  I know you weren’t sick so what was so important I had to tell Ethel Myers her car wasn’t going to be ready for another day?”

“Ethel Myers should have stopped driving five years ago so the extra day was a blessing to everyone on the road,” Michael argues, hoping to distract Sanders.

But Sanders just stands there, arms crossed and foot tapping, waiting for Michael to answer.  And shit, he and Alex really should have talked about what they were going to tell people, but they’d been too busy celebrating.

“Alex and I had, uh, stuff to take care of,” he finally mumbles.

“Stuff?” Sanders repeats with a disbelieving snort.

“Yeah, you know, house stuff,” Michael makes a vague gesture with his hands.

“You’d think after a few years your ‘house stuff’ would stop interfering with your work,” Sanders rolls his eyes.  “But I guess that explains the limp.”

“Oh my god!”  Michael feels his face heat up.  “That’s not what I meant!”  But before he can come up with a better explanation. Sanders walks away, shaking his head.

Eduardo

When Alex gets to work, he finds a note on his desk asking him to report to the director’s office.

He knocks lightly on Eduardo’s open door.  “You wanted to see me?” he asks when Eduardo waves him inside.

“Yes, come sit,” he gestures to the chairs in front of his desk.  “I’m glad you are feeling better.”

“Thank you, it was just one of those twenty-four hour bugs,” Alex shrugs, holding Eduardo’s eyes so he doesn’t appear evasive. 

“I’m sure you have things to catch up on so I won’t keep you,” Eduardo says with a too bright smile, handing Alex a file and a pen.  “But I wanted to handle this in person.”

Alex opens the file and finds a form labeled “Change in Employee Status.”  It’s completely filled out except for his signature, listing his status as married with an effective date of yesterday and Michael’s name filled in for spouse.  Alex freezes before slowly looking back up at Eduardo.  “How?”

“Alex,” Eduardo chides, “we probe the mysteries of the universe.  The Roswell Courthouse hardly presents a challenge.”

When Alex doesn't respond, Eduardo sighs and continues.  “I have alerts on all my high level operatives’ names and social security numbers in case a mission gets them into trouble.  It’s not often, I get good news.  And this is very good news.  Congratulations to you and Michael.”

“Thank you,” Alex gives Eduardo a genuine smile.  He signs the form, but hesitates before handing the folder back.  “We haven’t told anyone yet.”

“I think I’ve proven I can keep a secret as long as necessary,” Eduardo accepts the file back, but then it’s his turn to hesitate.  He takes another folder from his desk, weighing it in his hands before giving it to Alex.  “I can expedite a name change, if that’s something you are interested in,” he says gently.

Alex just nods and stands up without opening the folder, but he takes it with him as he leaves.  It’s something he and Michael didn’t talk about yesterday as they let the joy of being married carry them through the day.  But Alex knows what he wants.  Once he tells Michael, he’ll let Eduardo handle the logistics while he lets go of the weight of the Manes' name and embraces what it means to be Alexander Guerin.

Isobel

Michael closes his eyes as the credits of Land Before Time start scrolling, Isobel’s hand stroking his hair almost lulling him to sleep.  Alex and Kyle both had to work late so Isobel has suggested a movie night for the two of them.  It has been an unusual chill evening by Isobel’s standards, and Michael is too relaxed to even consider moving.  Maybe he’ll text Alex to come pick him up on his way home.

“Tell me a secret,” Isobel says quietly, surprising Michael into opening his eyes.

He bites his lip to keep from telling her the truth.  It’s been a week since he married Alex, and he’s dying to tell someone.  But Liz is at a conference in New York and Max went with her, renting a car to drive back so they can have their long delayed road trip.  He and Alex agreed it was only fair to wait until they returned to tell everyone so as much as he wants to, he doesn’t confess.  “You first,” he says instead.

Isobel’s hand stills in his hair.  “I’m pregnant.”

Michael sits up so fast his head spins.  Isobel’s eyes are comically wide and her hand is clasped over her mouth.  “Iz?”

“I can’t believe I said that!  I haven’t even told Kyle yet.”

He looks at her carefully, feeling like this is something he should be able to see. “A baby?” he finally asks.

Isobel nods, her eyes filling with tears.

“That’s. . .,” he shakes his head.  “Amazing.”

“Terrifying,” she says at the same time.

“I can’t wait to tell Valenti I knew before he did,” Michael says just to make her laugh.

It works, and she shoves him gently.  “Stop it.”

But she still looks a little terrified, so he takes pity on her.  “He’s going to be over the moon, you know that.”

“I do,” she nods.  “He’s going to be such a great dad.”

“If you say so,” Michael teases with a shrug before pulling her in for a hug.  “You’ll be a better mother.”

Isobel squeezes him tightly before pulling back and wiping her eyes.  “Do you ever think about how happy we are - Max and Liz, me and Kyle, you and Alex - and get scared.”

“Sometimes,” Michael admits.  “I used to worry I didn’t deserve it, all this happiness and love.  But Alex does, and my happiness is his happiness.  Or at least that’s what he says,” Michael shrugs, struggling to explain it.  “My happiness matters to him, he wants me to be happy, does what he can to make me happy.  Not letting myself enjoy it, fighting my own happiness started to feel like I was fighting him, rejecting him and that hurt us both.  So now I let myself enjoy it.  I deserve to be happy and so do you.”

Isobel rests her head on his shoulder, “Thank you.”  When she sits back up she looks at his face and laughs.  “Love makes you sappy.”

“I know,” Michael smiles.

“You love him so much it’s disgusting.  But he loves you just as much so I guess it works.”

Michael thinks of the rings they ordered, the words they choose to have engraved, and his smile widens.  “You have no idea.”

Maria

“Mimi seemed really good today,” Alex looks over at Maria as they walk back to her truck.

“She did, didn’t she,” Maria agrees, her smile only a little wistful.  “Heath’s treatment seems to be working.  I mean I’ll never get her back completely, but at least I’m not losing her anymore.”

“Don’t count Liz out yet,” Alex squeezes her hand.  “Now that she and Heath are working together without keeping secrets, a cure is a real possibility.”

“And don’t think I forget how much of a difference Deep Sky’s resources are making in their progress,” Maria swings their joined hands.

“Eduardo is happy to help,” Alex deflects her attempt to credit him easily.

Maria just gives him a knowing look, but doesn’t say anything as they get into the truck, and she heads back to Roswell.  After a few minutes, she turns the radio down and glances over quickly at Alex.  “Speaking of doing well, are you going to tell me what is making you so happy?”

“What?” Alex feigns innocence. 

“Come on, Alex, don’t play dumb.  Psychic, remember?”  She cuts him off before he can even try and argue.  “And before you say anything about cheating, Greg’s noticed too.  So what is it?”

“Just had a great day with two of my favorite people, that’s all,” Alex tries to distract her.

“Alex, as much as you love spending time with me and Mimi, we both know it’s more than that.  You’re so happy you’re practically glowing.  And your aura,” Maria shakes her head.  “It’s never looked like this. I love seeing you so happy, I just want to know why.”

The softness in her voice and the kindness in her eyes are too much for him.  Alex is just about to tell her the truth when his phone beeps.  He looks down quickly, ignoring Maria’s grumbled, “Saved by the bell.”

He finds a text from Michael, “Look what came in the mail!” followed by a string of heart emojis.  He can’t hold back a quiet,”Oh” when he opens the attachment and finds a picture of their marriage license.  Alex quickly turns off his screen and looks out the window to hide the tears in his eyes.

“Everything ok?” Maria reaches over and takes his hand.

“Yeah,” Alex quickly reassures her.  “Michael just needs me to stop at the store on the way home.”

“Alex!  You don’t honestly expect me to believe that.”

“Oh look, we’re back.”  Alex breathes a sigh of relief when Maria pulls into the Pony’s parking lot, stopping next to his car.

“You’re lucky I love you,” Maria laughs.

“Love you, too,” Alex kisses her cheek before opening the door.

“Hey,” Maria catches his attention as he unlocks his car.  “You’ll tell me eventually, but until then, just know I’m happy for you, whatever it is.”

“Thanks,” Alex smiles and blows her another kiss before getting in his car.

Dallas

Michael runs into Dallas at the farmer’s market.  He’s walking past one of the floral booths when he spots Dallas with a bouquet of roses in one hand and lilies in the other.

“Hot date?” Michael asks, coming up to stand next to him.

“No,” Dallas startles slightly at Michael’s voice.  “I have a wedding this afternoon.  Really sweet couple, but they don’t have much money so I thought I would spruce up the chapel.”

“That’s nice,” Michael says neutrally. He never knows how to respond when Dallas mentions his church.  

“You know,” Dallas turns away from Michael, flowers still clutched in his hands.  “I can perform marriages outside the church too.  Backyards, restaurants, even bars.”

“That’s nice,” Michael’s not sure where Dallas is going with this until he follows his line of sight and realizes Dallas is looking at a booth a few aisles away where Alex is contemplating different varieties of honey.

“Thought you might want to know.”

Michael hasn’t looked away from Alex, but he doesn’t have to know Dallas is smiling.  As if sensing they are watching him - and knowing Alex he probably does - Alex turns and waves at them.  Michael can’t do anything to stop the smile that spreads over his own face as Alex looks between him and Dallas and sends Michael a questioning look when Dallas waves back at him still clutching a bouquet of flowers.

“So weddings,” Dallas clears his throat to regain Michael’s attention.  “They are really easy to customize.  Some people like to write their own vows, but there are plenty to choose from including a lot that aren’t tied to any religion.  In case you were wondering.”

Michael can’t resist one more linger look at Alex before turning back to Dallas.  “I’ll keep that in mind,” he says, squashing the twinge of guilt he feels at lying to him.  He and Alex have no intention of having a ceremony, but he can’t really tell Dallas his offer’s too late without explaining why.

“You do that,” Dallas sets the roses down and claps Michael on the shoulder.  He looks so happy at the idea of marrying Michael and Alex that he almost confesses, but Dallas turns to the cashier before Michael caves.

“I’ll take the lilies.  Leave the roses to the happy couple.”

Michael picks up the bouquet Dallas discarded, “I’ll take these,” he says pulling out his wallet.

“I thought you might,” Dallas looks back over at Alex, eyes twinkling when he catches Michael blushing.

Arturo

Michael and Alex walk hand in hand toward the Crashdown.  Max and Liz have finally returned and everyone is meeting for dinner to hear about their trip.  

“We should tell them tonight,” Michael says as they approach the diner.

“I don’t know,” Alex wrinkles his nose.  “Tonight is supposed to be about Max and Liz.  Let’s wait until our rings are ready and see who notices first.”

“I love you,” Michael laughs at the idea of letting everyone figure it out for themselves.  “My money’s on Liz.”

“I vote Rosa,” Alex disagrees before kissing Michael just as they reach the door.

“Guess we both lose,” Michael says when they walk in and come to an immediate standstill.  

“Surprise!” Everyone yells as Michael and Alex stare at the large banner hung over the counter.  “Congratulations Alex and Michael” is written in script and framed by wedding bells on each side.

“Who did you tell?” Alex whispers to Michael.

“No one,” Michael assures him. “You?”

Alex shakes his head, but his eyes slide to Eduardo who holds his hands up in innocence.  “I promised I would keep it a secret.  I had nothing to do with this.”

Michael looks over at Isobel and narrows his eyes, “Iz, did you break into my head.”

“No, I did not,” Isobel protests.  “We were all just as surprised as you when we saw this.  Well, more surprised since we didn’t even know you were married.”

“Someone ordered that,” Michael argues, pointing at the banner.

“You know,” Arturo steps out from behind the counter, “The Roswell Daily Record publishes vital statistics.  Births, deaths, marriages.  Reading the paper with a cup of coffee is the perfect way to relax after the morning rush.”  He holds up a newspaper, smiling triumphantly and pointing to the entry he circled in red listing the date of their marriage.

“Given away by a newspaper, who would have thought,” Alex looks over at Michael and they both start laughing.  

Before they can say anything else, everyone rushes forward and they are engulfed in a massive group hug, congratulations and questions coming from all directions.  Even in the chaos, their hands remain clasped and.they smile into a kiss as the celebration begins around them.

[piccolina-mina]

Fandom: We just want better for Maria and Heather ... 😌

Heather: *Lists some of the few episodes where she actually has a decent amount of screentime and an actual storyline as her favorites*

Fandom: What an insensitive B!+€%!!!! 🤬

????

And I'll add:

Y'all are so effed up about the 3some that you keep forgetting that everyone hyped that episode up and everything that was in it. And some of you either forgot what all was in it or didn't bother to watch the whole thing.

Echo got cute romcom stuff and a real date.

It was one of their best episodes that utilized their location filming.

Y'all actually got all that kybel/kysobel content you're always going on about.

QUEER Isobel rights. She was living her best life.

Glitter Kyle dancing in a gay bar and actually having a good, fun, carefree time for once in this damn series.

Marlex friendship. Hello, that was some of the best content, scenes, and background for their friendship. I mean know people just willfully choose to ignore that entire car scene of them discussing just how much they clearly loved each other. But it was the first real time we heard about their friendship and the history between them.

We met Buffy

The official origins of Forlex like ... seriously, y'all? It's what made people officially fall for the ship.

It was like a horror flick with all the fun tropes that everyone had a ball filming.

Maria found out where here mother went. She also got to be super badass!

David Anders guest starred.

Whether you like it or not, it was a big episode that marked Alex's growth and individual journey with some of his best introspection on the series to date. He realised what he wanted and how he wanted to be. He was coming into himself.

Malex confirmed yet again what they mean to each other.

Damn near everyone was in the episode and actually used well or in an entertaining way.

SO much actually happened that you're willfully choosing to ignore while you holler about one scene.

If you took one damn second, for ONCE, and removed your shipper goggles, and consider thinking about what this episode looks like for literally everyone else instead of projecting just your shite over one scene, then mayhaps you'd simmer the hell down.

And if you think for a second that Lily wouldn't list this episode as one of her favorites because of Isobel exploring her sexuality and the fun. Or Trevino because hell it was one of the only times he was shown all season. Or Jeanine having the audacity to *gasp* think about the episode from her perspective and that of her character and the primary relationship because golly gee mayhaps for everyone else everything isn't just about Malex, then y'all would chill.

But y'all have none of that.

Yet, if Lily wouldn't be dragged or considered the antichrist for hyping that same episode, only Heather. Cool, cool. Transparent AF. But noted. Again.