#for the like 10 people who follow me who have watched roswell nm hehe <3

[onward--upward]

all roads still lead back to you

Michael/Alex, 11.7k, rated G || ao3

“I’m sorry,” Alex says, because the look on Michael’s face is kind of heartbreaking – the mixture of concern and expectation that Alex can’t fulfill. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s happening. I don’t know how I got here, I went to bed at home.” “Home,” Guerin repeats. “Alex. This is home.” or: 16-year-old Alex Manes wakes up in the future.

07.28.24, 22:15. DON’T BE LATE.

The alien artifact has his handwriting on it. Alex Manes has been over the strange, glowing box a million times since it had made its way into Deep Sky, and it’s undeniable: that’s his handwriting. A date, a time. Don’t be late. The date is in a couple days, which is intriguing. The only problem is, Alex has absolutely no recollection of writing it. 

“Maybe it’s something you’ve blocked out,” comes Michael’s voice, canned through the phone speaker. “Like. Trauma.” 

“I don’t think so,” Alex says drily. “Can you come take a look at it? It’s more your area of expertise than mine.” 

“Yeah, yeah.” He can hear Michael’s smile through the phone. “I’ll come look at your ugly-ass handwriting tomorrow.” 

“Good.” Alex tweaks the edge of the box where it’s sitting on the desk – it’s strangely warm. “Do you want me to pick up dinner on the way home?” 

“Nah,” his husband says. “Don’t worry, I know you’re going to be fixating on your puzzlebox, there. I’ll make somethin’.” 

“Alright. Don’t burn anything down. Love you.” 

Michael’s laugh, as always, makes his chest feel warm. “Love you too. See you later.” 

And then it’s back to the drawing board, Alex’s own handwriting threatening him not to be late. Michael’s right: it’s a puzzle. But Alex is very good at puzzles. 

continue on ao3