#malex fanfiction

[oatflatwhite]

new rnm fic! read her here :)

[manesalex]

nothing starts without you (we become the stories we’ve always wanted): chapter 3/3

When Alex’s former bandmate, Rosa Ortecho, asks him to write a song to help kickstart her solo career, Alex finds himself struggling to write anything at all. Until, that is, he meets Michael Guerin. Or, a loose Music and Lyrics AU. for @alex-guerin @malexsanta​

Warnings for suggestive comments, references to past abuse, and references to addiction. Not Maria Deluca friendly.

***

“I love it!” Rosa responds immediately after hearing the part of the song that Michael and Alex have finished. She turns to Michael, “You’re sure you’re okay with me singing it? I mean, you’ll be getting royalties and everything for it, but I know that some writers can have an issue with someone else being the face of their material.”

Alex is so grateful Rosa understands without him having had to say anything about it. He had always been relieved to have her be the face of his songs, to be able to distance himself publicly from his own experiences, but he’s so glad she realizes that Michael may not feel the same way.

“No one wants to hear me sing,” Michael laughs. “As long as you’re crediting me, I’d love to get my work out there.”

“I think a lot of artists will be calling you up and asking you to write for them once this one gets out,” Rosa grins. “Thank you.”

Michael is about to speak when his phone rings. He quickly excuses himself.

And Alex really shouldn’t be surprised with how quickly Rosa takes advantage of the opening, like she’s been itching for the opportunity to interfere in his personal life. “He’s hot,” she says, elbowing Alex.

“I didn’t think he was your type,” Alex replies, being deliberately obtuse. He knows she can read his feelings all over his face. He may be able to hide them from Michael, but Rosa has known him since he was a child and has witnessed every crush he’s ever had.

“You should ask him out,” Rosa ignores the comment.

“I’m pretty sure he’s straight,” Alex admits. “And he used to date Maria Deluca. I’m pretty sure that, even if he were into guys, she put him off of musicians.”

Rosa frowns, takes a moment before saying, “You deserve to be happy, Alex. If anyone deserves to be loved, it’s you. I think you should see if he’d be interested. But, even if he isn’t, I really wish you’d let someone in.”

Alex is about to object when Michael returns. He turns to Alex immediately, saying, “My sister wanted me to invite you to dinner. Tonight. Assuming you’re free?” He almost sounds hopeful.

“I’ve got plans with Kyle,” Alex responds, tone apologetic. “Or I would.” He may have spent the entire day with Michael, but that isn’t nearly enough. Not for him. Alex may have just met him, but he’s pretty sure he’d happily spend the rest of his life with Michael.

“I’m sure Isobel would be happy to have him join us too,” Michael replies. He looks down before meeting Alex’s eyes, “She’s kind of been a fan since your first album. I’m pretty sure she won’t forgive me if she misses her chance to meet you.”

And that explains it. Michael is just a good brother who is trying to make his sister happy. Of course that’s all this is. “Yeah, I think I can talk Kyle into that.”

“Good,” Michael grins at him. Alex feels his heart swell in spite of himself. He’s so screwed.

***

Michael isn’t sure whether his sister was flirting more with Alex or Kyle during dinner. So, when he gets her alone in the kitchen, he says, “You know he’s gay, right?”

“Kyle too?” Isobel sounds disappointed. “I mean, I’d be happy to think about those two hooking up because, wow. There has to be something in the water in this town. They’re both way too hot. And those cheekbones!”

“No, Alex. I’ve known Kyle about as long as you have.”

“Of course I know Alex is gay. And I wouldn’t pursue someone you’re making actual hearteyes at anyway.”

“I’m not-”

Isobel cuts him off, “Michael, I’ve known you my whole life. And I’ve never seen you look at someone like that. Like you’re imagining your wedding to him.”

“He’s way out of my league, Isobel,” Michael argues.

“Did he say that?” Isobel asks, sounding like she already knows the answer. “Look, I know Maria did a number on you, but that man has been returning your adoring looks all night and it would actually be kinda sickening if I didn’t have Kyle here to look at instead.”

“You really think he’d be interested in me?” Michael asks. He knows it’s not a good idea and is sure he wouldn’t survive Alex realizing that Michael isn’t good enough for him, but he can’t help but want it anyway.

“Yes, Michael. He’s obviously interested in you. And I think you should go for it. Tonight, ideally. Leave me alone with the sexy doctor.” Isobel’s grin is positively evil. And, in spite of himself, Michael really wants to take her advice.

***

“Drive you home?” Michael offers in little over a whisper. And Alex wants this to be more than it is, just the friendly offer from the man who drove them both here.

“You do know I’ve been staying with Kyle, right?” Alex asks, giving Michael the option to rescind the polite offer.

“Yeah, I know,” Michael replies, perfectly calmly. “Did you want to wait to get a ride home with him or would you rather let me drive you home?”

Alex is pretty sure he takes far too long to respond. “Let me get my jacket.”

Michael just holds it out to him and waits as Alex puts it on, offering his hand to Alex to help him up.

Alex considers for a moment, but takes it. And then, to his surprise, Michael doesn’t let go, simply leads him toward the front door, shouting, “See you tomorrow, Is!”

“Have fun!” she shouts back. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

“Is there anything you wouldn’t do?” Michael shouts at her.

They’re out the door before Isobel can reply.

Before they reach his truck, Michael stops them in the middle of the sidewalk, hand still holding Alex’s. He looks like he’s about to speak and Alex is absolutely certain that, whatever he says, it will kill the fragile bit of hope that’s building inside of him. The hope that, just maybe, Michael might want him after all.

And, suddenly, Michael’s lips are pressed against his and it feels like time stops, like nothing exists outside of the man in front of him, the way his lips are parting, the way his free hand presses against Alex’s lower back, pulling him closer, kissing Alex like he’s precious, like he cares about him more than anyone ever has.

Michael pulls away a couple of inches and Alex opens his eyes to see Michael’s already focused on his own eyes.

And then Michael smiles at him like he’s feeling everything Alex is feeling, like he’s jumped off the edge of a cliff only to start to fly.

***

The last week has been the best week of Michael’s life, waking up next to Alex, getting to kiss him awake, to spend hours in bed, kissing and talking and exploring each others’ bodies. They’ve been taking time to write together as well and, really, every moment Michael spends with Alex, no matter what they’re doing, makes Michael feel happier than he’s ever felt before.

Sadly, he hasn’t been working on Alex’s cabin, but he spends every hour he’s at work counting down to the moment he can be with Alex again.

Tonight, however, he’s going to Rosa’s concert. Alex has some kind of surprise for him and he can’t wait to see whatever it is. Some small part of him hopes he’s going to see Alex get onstage with Rosa to play their song.

He and Isobel get to their seats in the front row, but, to his surprise, Isobel isn’t even looking up from her phone to tease him about how he’d disappeared for the last week.

“Who’s got you so distracted?” he finally asks.

“Kyle,” Isobel admits. Michael is pretty sure she’s actually blushing. “He’s really hot. And a surprisingly generous lover. He went down on me for-”

“Isobel! I don’t want to hear about your sex life!” he objects quickly.

“Your loss,” she shrugs. “You could learn some things.”

“Nothing I’d want to learn,” he replies.

“What about you?” she asks. “Been too busy in Alex Manes’s bed to give me the details?”

“He’s amazing,” Michael smiles. “He’s so kind and smart and-”

“Those aren’t the details I’m looking for,” Isobel tells him.

“I’m not describing his dick to you,” Michael shakes his head.

“You’re no fun!” she pouts for a moment before breaking into a smile. “Seriously though. I’m glad you’re happy. You deserve someone who treats you well.”

“Thanks. So do you.”

He’s incredibly grateful that the house lights lower, preventing Isobel from sharing more unsolicited details about her sex life.

Rosa walks out onstage, grabbing the mic, waiting until the cheers die down. And then she speaks. “I know you were expecting to just see me tonight, but I have a friend here and he’s going to sing a song he wrote first, if you’re all okay with that.”

The crowd cheers, but Michael’s heart drops. A song Alex wrote. Not that they wrote together. He had really thought Alex was so much better than that, so much kinder, that he could trust him. He can’t believe he opened his heart up, that he finally took a chance on someone, only for this to happen again.

He stumbles up the aisle, desperate to get out, to get away from the crowd.

Everything sounds like he’s underwater and he’s pretty sure he’s crying. Until Alex’s voice breaks through all of it.

It’s not the song they’d written. He stops still, turns around to see Alex sitting with his guitar, strumming it and singing into the mic. Singing something Michael has never heard before.

It’s raw and lovely and more vulnerable than anything Michael had heard from him or Rosa before. It’s the most beautiful song Michael has ever heard in his life.

He’s still crying, but no longer tears from a broken heart. The crowd fades away and it’s like it’s just Alex singing directly to him, letting him know about all of his insecurities and fears and hopes.

And, yeah, Michael is definitely in love with this man.

Alex’s eyes find him and he smiles hopefully at Michael and all Michael can do is nod in response.

Alex’s responding grin is brighter than the sun.

Michael’s eyes don’t leave Alex until he’s done with the song and off the stage entirely. And then Michael rushes toward the door, flashing the backstage pass Alex had given him at the guard, desperate to see Alex.

He finds Alex standing backstage in a dressing room, looking like he’s worrying about something.

Michael wants to reassure him, to let him know that there’s no reason for concern. “That was amazing.”

“You really think so?” Alex asks. “It wasn’t too much?” It almost sounds to Michael like he’s asking if he’s too much, if all the vulnerabilities he shared in his song are too much for Michael.

“Yeah. You’re amazing.” He wishes he could show Alex what he sees when he looks at him, how truly gorgeous he is, how amazed Michael is that his heart is still so beautiful after everything he’s gone through. “When did you find the time to write that?”

Alex blushes, looking at the floor, “When you were working.”

Michael steps right in front of him, hand on his jaw, tilting it up so he’s looking Michael in the eye. And all he can do is tell Alex exactly how he feels, even if it’s too soon. “I love you.”

Alex takes a moment to respond, looks like he can’t quite believe his ears. And then he’s smiling and saying, “I love you too.”

They’re both quiet for a moment before Alex realizes, “You’re going to miss Rosa singing your song.”

Michael just shrugs, “Doesn’t matter. I’d rather be here with you.” And it’s true. Before he met Alex, Michael had so desperately wanted to hear his songs sung for crowds of people who all knew he wrote them. But now he’s happy just to be here with Alex.

Alex grabs his hand and Michael smiles in response, intertwining their fingers and squeezing Alex’s hand. And then Alex leads Michael to the stage, right outside of the audience’s view. “Now you can have both,” he says so quietly that only Michael can hear his voice. “You shouldn’t miss this.”

Rosa is standing there in front of the crowd, “This next song was written by Alex and a man named Michael Guerin. I think you’re going to hear a lot of his work in the years to come. Maybe you’re already familiar with some of his stuff.”

Alex seems to anticipate Michael’s question, because, when Michael turns to him for answers, he says, “You’re talented. And you have a very distinctive voice. Rosa figured it out on her own.” And Michael finds himself relieved by that answer, by the knowledge that maybe Maria hasn’t fully gotten away with stealing his work, that maybe people will figure out the truth on their own, without him needing to prove a thing.

Alex gave him that. And so much more than he ever knew he wanted.

Michael turns back toward the stage, watching Rosa sing the song he wrote with Alex, the song that brought the man beside him into his life. He’s not sure if he’s ready for the attention that Rosa implied he’ll be receiving soon, but he knows he’ll be able to handle it, as long as Alex is here at his side.

[kmr2268]

Quick Glance Into Malex's Future

Forrest took a deep breath as he looked down the familiar block. It was just over three years since he had last been back in Roswell. —It had been a good few years but returning he had been hit anew with how much he had missed having Alex Manes in his life and suddenly, there was Alex loading bags into the back seat of his car. It had to be a sign.

“Hey Manes” Alex didn’t turn so Forrest dashed down the block and tapped his shoulder “Alex” 

Alex turned to face him and smiled “Forrest—how’ve you been?”

”Good—would you have time to grab a cup of coffee and catch up?” 

There it was—Alex’s face softened and his eyes were filled with so much love—everything Forrest ever hoped to see so it took a split second for him to realize Alex wasn’t looking at him. He was looking over his shoulder — passed him.

Forrest turned part way to follow Alex’s gaze to see a tall man with a black cowboy hat. The man was walking slowly while he carefully balanced a tray with two coffees in his right hand and tilted down to the left to hold the hand of a toddling little girl proudly carrying a Crashdown bag.  

As they got closer, Alex bent down with his arms opened wide. The cowboy let go and the little girl excitedly held the bag out as she ran forward “Papa dough”, she cried.

Alex scooped her up and laughing met the cowboy’s eyes “I thought Daddy wasn’t going to get doughnuts” 

He smiled. “It wasn’t me—this one” he affectionally ruffled the little girl’s hair “has Arturo wrapped around her little finger—she looks at him, smiles and doughnuts appear” 

Alex smiled tenderly—“Well she does have your smile” 

Michael met his smile and gently caressed his shoulder “I always thought it was because she has your eyes.” 

The scene was so intimate it hit Forrest like a gut punch. He managed to steady himself with a “Hey Guerin” 

Alex turned slightly as he suddenly remembered Forrest and Michael nodded but before he could answer the little girl chimed in “Dats us” 

Alex smiled, “That’s right my smart girl that’s our family. Can you tell our friend Mr. Forrest your name?” “

“I Nowa Alexandwa Guwin” 

Forrest felt the last vestages of his hopes slip away—“How old are you?” She raises two fingers. 

“Two wow— you’re a big girl.” Forrest turned to Alex, “I can’t believe your a father, it seems…

“Go see brudder. Share Doughs” Cried the little girl to her dads. 

Michael laughed as took the squirming toddler. “Aunt Bonnie will probably love a donut . To Alex he said, “I’ll get Nora into the car — they are going to be waiting for us.”

Forrest looked at Alex - “Brother?”

“Our son is due in a week or so — we are on the way to a doctor’s appointment to see a sonogram but I would like to catch up. Why not come by the house — we’re always there these days.”

“I’ll see — It’s good to see you Manes.”

Alex smiled — “Actually, it’s Guerin, now.”

Forrest stood watching as the family pulled away. Alex Manes really was gone…

[gaymasonjar]

Will You Meet Me In The Middle? Part 11

Preview of Chapter 11: Through Your Eyes

“So, he’s not sleeping and yet you’re letting him go to work”, Isobel repeated back to her brother. The blond was perched on top of one of the many boxes in the living room. All of the furniture they ordered was still packed away in the boxes. Isobel was wearing one of Kyle’s university tshirts over a bright pink sports bra and black leggings that were dusty from work.

Michael let out a sigh and set his hands on his hips, “Look- he’s sleeping a bit better since going back. But yea, sleep isn’t easy lately. It’s not his fault.”

“PTSD is no joke”, Kyle agreed as he wiped drywall dust off the wall he finished screwing into place, dust covering the front of his old band tshirt and old jeans. “He came home originally with a pretty strict medication regime. I think he was also supposed to be going to meetings but I don’t know if he ever did. And while he was dealing with the radiation and acute poisoning after- he didn’t have any of his medications for a long time. Not until you both came back from your honeymoon anyway.”

“He never really talked about it when he first came back from the states”, Michael shrugged subtly while wiping his sweaty hands against the back of his jeans. “But we weren’t on the best terms. I know he’s back on some stuff, but I couldn’t tell you if he’s missing anything.”

Isobel raised an eyebrow as she crossed her legs from her perch. “You haven’t asked him?” 

“I don’t like to pressure him to talk. Trauma sucks. And I can feel how it is…He’s scared of it. That kind of fear is paralyzing. He’ll talk about it when he’s ready to.”

“And between you and him? You guys have enough trauma for multiple lifetimes.”

“Thanks.” He rolled his eyes pointedly and Isobel merely shrugged.

Michael helped Kyle lift up the next piece of drywall, leaning against it to keep it in place. Kyle expertly started to screw it into place. With the extra help, they were putting up the final pieces of drywall. The place was about ready for paint and flooring. Isobel had way too many large boxes shipped to the house with everything they were going to need for the last touches of the renovation. 

“And what about you”, Kyle glanced at Michael as he picked up another screw from his belt pouch. “Are you having nightmares?”

“No”, he replied too quickly before pursing his lips. “Well, maybe like once or twice this month. But it’s not that bad. It’s just kinda weird to adjust to the peace.”

“I know what you mean”, the blond muttered as she picked at her thumbnail.

“Maybe something is triggering Alex”, Kyle continued on with his thought. “You would know the best out of all of us.”

“Lately, it’s been sounds. Like he’s associating it with a previous event.”

“That’s pretty common.”

“Any tips on how to help him?”

“I’m not a therapist”, Kyle wiped away more dust with his hand and moved on to the next spot. “But I have taken basic psychology. The supportive stuff you do for him now? That is the best you can do.”

“I don’t feel like that is enough.”

“And that’s ok. You’re his husband, not his therapist. Really the only recommendation I could give is going back to therapy or finding a support group. There are plenty out there for veterans. I know a few guys that I could recommend.”

Michael raised his brows at the thought. It wasn’t a bad idea. Personally, Michael wasn’t a huge fan of going to therapy himself. No one ever really understood what he went through between being a foster kid and an alien that covered up a murder. But when he talked with Dallas, the man of the cloth had understood. He had gone through the foster system himself. It was honestly nice to be around him. Michael missed him.

If Alex could connect with other veterans, it was likely that he could find some comfort as well. Serving in the military was traumatizing enough. Alex only did it because of his abusive father and it cost him a leg. 

“I’ll talk to him about it.”

“Good. You both look like zombies with the lack of sleep you’re getting”, Isobel commented as she pushed herself off the counter. “I’m going to start priming the walls while you two install the windows.”

Isobel pressed a brief kiss to Kyle’s cheek before heading out of the kitchen. Michael gave the man a simple look. Kyle cleared his throat as he fought the blush trying to appear on his cheeks. It made Michael smirk. He patted Valenti on the back before they headed out to unpack some of the windows.

“So, you and my sister. How has that been?”

“Well, it’s nice. She’s nice. I feel relaxed and cared for when I’m around her.”

Michael nodded slowly, “I wasn’t going to judge you if you said she was a handful because I know she can be.”

Kyle smirked and breathed out a laugh, “Yea, well, we all have our quirks. I’m dating a badass alien warrior. Everything else is a plus.”

“Man, you are whipped.”

“Says the guy who pinned over the same emo kid for over ten years.”

Michael pointed at him, “I never said I wasn’t.”

They both laughed. Each picked up the ends of a large window and headed through the front door to install it in the living room. The living room and upstairs common room both had ceiling-to-floor windows. Despite the giant sizing, they were fairly simple to install. They slid right into place in the frame and just needed to be secured. 

Read More on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45325099/chapters/115952008

[dreamer-of-ships]

This Is Our Sanctuary Playlist

It’s been almost a year since I finished this fic. I honestly loved writing it so much, and am so proud of how well it turned out. 

The music that inspired it still lives rent free in my head, which is why I keep going back to listen to this playlist. Was feeling nostalgic so thought I would share it again.

If you haven’t read the fic, you can do here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/34593895/chapters/86113501

[humongeouslover]

Hi all, I am looking for a Fanfiction - where Michael and Maria got engaged because everyone tells Michael it's the next thing after dating. but Michael breaks it off at the last Moment and goes to Alex, who asks to start slow but end up getting married next day.

When everyone looks for Michael they come to Alex's cabin and find out they are married. Everyone has different reaction. It's a long story with approx 8-10 chapters.

Can someone please help me find it!! thank you!!

[charliewrites99]

You've heard of OTP (one true pairing) now get ready for... ATP (Adenosine true pairing)

[meggiejolly]

Best Friend's Boyfriend's Cousin - A RNM Malex Fanfic

Happy Holidays @bloggingbisexually! Here is your @rnm-secret-santa gift, I hope you enjoy it. It's a canon divergent AU where Michael never went back to Roswell and didn't meet Max and Isobel again until after High School. So Michael and Alex never met and when Alex plans to move to New York to pursue his music, Liz and Max think it would be a great idea to move in with Michael, who is in New York to go to NYU. As far as Alex knows, Michael is a cousin of Max and Isobel who they found through one of those DNA test kits and databank. I hope this fluffy roommate AU is to your liking, I certainly enjoyed writing it. Read it on AO3 (The formatting doesn't really translate onto Tumblr, so I recommend reading it on AO3)

“This is a terrible idea. I don’t even know this guy.”

“You don’t know anyone in New York. At least you know someone who knows him.”

“To be honest I barely know Max and Isobel, so it's more that I know someone who knows someone who knows him." Alex argued. "And what if I don’t get along with him? Then that will be much more awkward than if he was a random stranger with no connection to me or anyone I know.” 

Liz rolled her eyes, “Oh come on, give him a chance. Where else are you going to find a roommate that already has an apartment lined up?” 

Alex sighed, he didn’t like the idea of living with some relative of Liz’ boyfriend. It seemed too complicated and there was just something off about the whole situation. This Michael guy Liz wanted him to live with was supposedly a long lost cousin that Max and his sister had found through one of those online DNA test kits a few months ago and that they were just getting to know each other now. Michael was about to move to NewYork because he had a scholarship for an engineering program and was looking for a roommate. Alex was planning to move to New York as well to pursue his music and Liz, Isobel and Max had gotten it in their heads that that was the perfect coincidence and meant Alex and Michael should be roommates. Alex was not convinced and he had no idea what Michael thought about the whole idea. 

“What if he turns out to be a homophobic dick?” Alex asked in an attempt to convince Liz that this wasn’t the perfect idea she thought it was. 

“Iz and Max know you’re gay. They wouldn’t recommend him as your roommate if he’s gonna have a problem with your sexuality.” 

"Do they even know him well enough to know how he feels about queer people?"

Liz looked a little uncomfortable, "I think so."

Alex just raised an eyebrow at her in response and she rolled her eyes. 

"Oh come on, as if you would know if a complete stranger you found on the internet was homophobic or not."

Alex was about to reply, but Maria, who had been silently following their conversation for a while interrupted him. "Stop arguing you two. You both have good points, but honestly Alex, Liz is right, your chances in finding a good roommate in New York from a distance aren't any better than taking a chance on Max' cousin. Just ask for his contact info and set up a meeting or a call or something before you agree to live with him."

With a sigh Alex agreed, “I guess, but I’m blaming you two if this goes wrong. You four, actually.”

Liz grinned and pulled out her phone to get the contact details from Max. “I have a good feeling about this, so I’ll take that risk.” 

“Nope, stop. One of you with psychic feelings is enough,” Alex said with a groan which Liz and Maria only laughed at. 

Max replied with Michael’s contact information soon after and even though it took Alex a few days, he eventually reached out to Michael. They didn’t end up meeting, but they texted back and forth for a bit and had a short conversation over the phone. The convenience of it all won out in the end and Alex agreed to share the small two bedroom apartment that Michael had lined up in New York. 

A little less than a month later Alex arrived in New York. He'd been there only once before when Mimi had agreed to take him, Liz and Maria after they had saved up for it for months when they had been 15. They had gone to an open mic thing at a small coffee shop/bar place that Alex still wasn't sure three 15 year olds should have been allowed in, but Mimi had known someone there and gotten them in. It was that night that Alex' dream to someday be a musician in New York had been born and now it would finally become a reality. Hopefully.

He pulled out the key that Max had given him on behalf of Michael and opened the door to the apartment building. Michael had texted earlier that he was out and that Alex should just make himself at home, he would be back later and bring pizza. 

Alex was actually pretty relieved that he had the first few hours to himself. He walked up the multiple flights of stairs to the apartment, glad that he only had a backpack, a duffel bag and a suitcase. Apparently there were perks to having so little stuff to call his own. 

He unlocked the apartment door and stepped inside of his new home.

After exploring the apartment and unpacking his things, Alex ended up sitting on the couch, aimlessly scrolling through his phone and feeling awkward. He didn't have the wifi password yet, so he couldn't get any of his work for the remote programming course he was taking done, he didn't feel up to working on his music and he didn't want to miss Michael coming back, so exploring the neighborhood was out as well.

Half an eternity of boredom later - or at least it felt like that -, Alex was just about to go out after all, when he heard keys in the lock and quickly sat up straighter to make a good first impression.

The door opened and Alex' mouth went dry because, damn Michael Guerin was hot.

He had expected someone who looked like Max or Isobel, who were, in Alex' opinion, good looking but not his type at all. Their cousin on the other hand... Alex took in the grease stained jeans that looked well-worn and hung low on Michael's hips. He was wearing a slightly frayed but soft looking button up shirt that had more buttons undone than strictly appropriate for just coming back from work. To round out the look he was wearing a cowboy hat. In New York. And it didn't look pretentious at all, he just looked like a cowboy, which Alex supposed, he was. He was from New Mexico after all.

Michael set down the pizza box he was carrying, took off his hat and revealed messy, slightly sweaty curls that made Alex consider sitting on his hands to keep himself from reaching out to run them through Michael's hair. Fuck that guy was hot. This had been a spectacularly bad idea. He was in New York to become a musician, not to develop a crush on his roommate who also happened to be related to his best friend's boyfriend.

Michael smiled at Alex and pushed his curls back before extending a hand to Alex. "Hi, you must be Alex. I hope you found everything ok."

Alex stood up quickly and shook Michael's hand. "Yeah, it was no problem. Thanks for setting everything up." 

"No problem, it wasn't much. Just some cleaning and a few general repairs. The previous tenant was a bit… optimistic in his assessment of the furniture they left behind."

"Don't worry about it, we'll figure it out," Alex said with a shrug and realized he was still holding Michael's hand.

He quickly pulled his hand back and cleared his throat. "Uhm, I brought some beer to go with the pizza. I'll go get it."

"Oh sure, thanks. Let me just go wash up, I'll be right back."

Alex grabbed some napkins and a beer for each of them and then pulled out his phone to text Maria and Liz. 

05:43 pm

This was a terrible idea

Why did no one tell me he's hot?

Michael came out of his room a few moments later and sat next to Alex on the couch and Alex handed him a beer.

"Thanks, I went with plain cheese pizza, I hope that's ok. I wasn't sure what you like."

"Cheese is always good, thanks for getting it." 

"No problem, Isobel probably would have had my head if she found out I didn't do anything to welcome you."

Alex laughed, he didn't know Isobel Evans that well, but that sounded like her.

"Sounds like you three have gotten pretty close in a short time."

Michael shifted slightly uncomfortably and Alex regretted bringing it up instantly. It was way too personal a question for someone you met less than half an hour ago. He was about to take it back when Michale answered.

"Yeah well, they're the only family I've ever met, so…"

Alex took a swig of his beer to get a second to come up with an answer. "Well, it's really good you guys found each other through that DNA thing then."

"Yeah…" Michael nodded and took a swig as well, "What about you, are you close to your family?"

Alex couldn't help but laugh. "No. Not at all. That's part of the reason why I'm here. But let's not get into that tonight, ok?"

"Yeah, of course. Sorry to bring it up."

Alex just shrugged and they both ate their pizza in silence for a moment. Alex felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, probably with answers from Liz and Maria, but he chose to ignore them for now. 

The silence was starting to become awkward and Alex was racking his brain to come up with a good topic, when Michael spoke again: 

"So, Max said you're here to make music? What kind of music?"

That proved to be a shared interest as Michael played guitar as well and they fell into an easy conversation of their favorite music and bands. Alex told Michael about his plans for getting into the New York music scene and soon the pizza and beer was gone.

Once they both went to their respective rooms, Alex had a chance to check his phone. 

Liz Ortecho

05:57 pm

Is he? I haven’t met him yet.

Maria DeLuca

05:59 pm

Send us a picture!

07:19 pm

I can’t just take a picture of him, that’s weird. Ask Max or Isobel if they have one. 

Liz Ortecho

07:21 pm

Hold on, I’ll text Max.

Marie DeLuca 

07:22 pm

How’s the apartment besides the hot roommate?

07:22 pm

Pretty good It’s nothing fancy obviously. I definitely need a new mattress but it has everything I need.

Michael and I just had pizza and beer and talked for a while. I think we’ll get along fine. 

As soon as I get over how hot he is. 

Liz Ortecho

07:24 pm

Max sent me this picture of the three of them. He’s cute

07:25 pm

Okay, now picture him in grease stained work clothes and a cowboy hat. 

Marie DeLuca 

07:27 pm

I can see that I just didn’t know that was your type. I thought you were more into the brooding musician guy

07:28 pm

Yeah well I didn’t either. Maybe it’s just really early homesickness or something

Also he does play guitar. 

Maria DeLuca

07:29 pm

😂

Liz Ortecho

07:29 pm

😂

Good luck with that! Do you want me to find out if Max knows if he’s into guys?

07:31 pm

No! Don’t you dare! 

He’s just hot, I’m not starting anything with him. He’s my roommate and related to your boyfriend. That’s just way too much drama. 

I’m sure I’ll find other hot guys to hook up with in New York

Liz Ortecho

07:34 pm

Oh sure Still… the convenience… ;)

07:35 pm

LIZ!

Maria DeLuca

07:36 pm

😂 

07:38 pm

I miss you already. 

Liz Ortecho

07:39 pm

❤️

Maria DeLuca

07:40 pm

We miss you too! ❤️

07:42 pm

I should get some work done though so I can explore tomorrow. Talk to you soon! 

Alex put away his phone and pulled his laptop out. Michael had given him the Wifi password, so he could get started on his programming homework. 

Their life as roommates went pretty smoothly. Michael wen't to class and to his job, and Alex did his remote course work, worked on his music (so far none of the neighbors had complained), and he had also found a part time job at a little record shop. In his spare time he checked out as many bars, coffee shops and clubs that were known for letting newcomers play there as he could find. So far he hadn’t been brave enough to sign up for any open mics or anything similar, but he was starting to make some connections. The networking was his least favorite part about the entire thing, but it was necessary.

Since they were both busy and their schedules didn’t always line up, they didn’t actually see each other that much, but when they did, they got along great. From time to time they played music together, Alex had been able to organize Michael a cheap guitar from the record shop, and that really helped when Alex was hit with music block. It was also just a lot of fun, he hadn’t had many people to just jam with back in Roswell. 

Sometimes they tried to cook together. Neither of them had really had the chance to learn growing up, so now they were trying to teach each other. The kitchen usually looked a mess after they finished, but so far they had only managed one truly inedible thing, to both their surprises. 

Tonight they were attempting to make soup and since lots of sources on the internet had said they could basically just throw in vegetables and broth, cook it and then puree it, they weren’t using a recipe for the first time. 

“Okay, we have potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, peas, tomatoes and broccoli. Do you think it matters what we start with?” Alex asked, looking over all the produce that was spread out in their kitchen, which was too small to hold it all. 

Michael shrugged, “I don’t think so, I mean we’re cooking and pureeing it all together, so we don’t have to keep the different cook times in mind, right?”

“Probably not. Okay, I’ll start peeling the potatoes.”

“Good, I’ll tackle the broccoli.” 

They both got to work, luckily they had invested in some decent knives but even with those they were both cursing. Who knew it was so hard to peel sweet potatoes and cut broccoli?

“How do these little green bits get everywhere? I’m pretty sure we’ll still be finding them by the time we move out.” 

“Eh, I’m sure ants or something will get them. Maybe mice.”

“Don’t even joke about that.” 

Alex laughed and then somehow launched the sweet potato he was battling across the room. That stopped him short until both he and Michael doubled over laughing. 

“How the hell did you manage that?”, wheezed Michael. 

“I have no idea. That thing is surprisingly slippery.” Alex went to retrieve the sweet potato, rinsed it off and removed the last bit of skin before starting to cut it. 

“How can something that turns to basically mush when you cook it, be so hard when it’s raw?”, he grunted as he leaned his weight onto the knife to cut the thing. 

Michael chuckled, “We could probably find some pretentious life lesson in that, if we wanted.” He had finished with the broccoli and deposited the pieces into the big pot. “What next?”

“You could do the bell peppers.”

“On it. How is your sweet potato battle going?”

Alex dumped a batch of orange cubes into the pot. “I think I’m winning.” 

After the sweet potatoes, the regular potatoes were a piece of cake and Alex had them peeled and diced in no time. 

When they were finished with all the vegetables, the pot was much fuller than expected. 

"Uhh… how are we going to puree this when it’s done cooking?”

“I don’t know, it might shrink some during cooking?”

“Yeah… maybe.” 

Michael got the broth they had bought from the fridge and dumped it into the pot with a little too much force and some of it spilled. “Oops…”

Alex laughed and got a cloth to wipe it up, before peering in the pot. I don’t think that’s enough liquid. Maybe we should add some water?”

“You’re probably right”, Michael got the water and poured it in more carefully. Then he lit the stove and stepped back.

“I think we earned a beer.” 

“Good plan, but we should use the cooking time to clean up some of this mess”, Alex gestured at all the peels and vegetal bits on every kitchen surface and even the floor. 

Michael sighed, “I guess… But beer first.”

Alex laughed and handed Michael a beer who took a healthy swig before starting to get rid of the mess. 

The vegetables did not shrink significantly and they had nothing they could put over the pot and still have space for the stick blender they had borrowed from one of their neighbors. They looked at each other at a loss. 

“I guess we’ll just have to be really careful and clean up everything that spills after”, Michael said with a  shrug and handed Alex the blender.

“Why me? Admit it, you just don’t want to be responsible for the mess”, Alex complained but took the blender anyways. Michael just winked at him, which was severely unfair. Alex had managed to build up some defenses against the way Michael looked, but not against winks and smirks. He sighed silently and carefully put the blender in the pot. For some reason Michael hovered right behind him and watched the pot in concentration as Alex started to blend. It made him nervous. 

“Are you trying to telepathically keep the soup from splashing out?”

For some reason that question startled Michael, which in turn startled Alex and made soup splash out of the pot and all over their shirts. 

“Fuck!”, they cursed at the same time, thats stuff was hot. Alex quickly turned off the blender. 

“You ok?”, they asked, again in unison and then laughed. 

“Yeah, I think so.” Michael pulled open his shirt to check for burns and Alex’ mouth went a little dry. 

“Doesn’t look like an actual burn. You?” Michael looked up at Alex who quickly averted his eyes and pulled up his own shirt. There was a slight red spot, but nothing serious. 

“I’m good too.” He looked up just in time to see Michael quickly look away just as he had done. Huh. Was he maybe not the only one appreciating the view? Sometimes it seemed like Michael was flirting with him. He still didn’t know if Michael was into guys. The few times he had brought someone over, it had been women, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be into guys too, right? He definitely didn’t seem to mind that Alex was gay. Alex had come out to him a couple of days after he had moved in, to avoid any ugly homophobic scenes later and Michael had been cool with it. He also hadn’t seemed to mind the one time Alex had brought someone home. 

“Good,” Michael’s voice pulled Alex out of his thoughts “let’s try again. Maybe without talking this time.”

Alex nodded and they got back in position. For some reason again with Michael hovering behind Alex and focusing on the pot. Alex did his best to ignore it and carefully blended the soup. Surprisingly, nothing more splashed out. It looked like it would a couple of times, but then somehow it didn’t. Alex decided not to question it. 

When they were done blending, they added in a little heavy cream, since Alex had read somewhere that it made the soup creamier. Then they started with the seasoning. Very carefully, because they had added too much or too little to their first few attempts at cooking. They took turns trying the soup, asking what was missing, adding a little and repeating the process over and over. Eventually they were happy with the result and looked at the finished soup. 

“Okay… that’s much more than expected. I think we might be eating soup for the next week straight”, Michael said. 

“Yeah… Maybe we can bring Mrs. Welly some when we return her stick blender?” 

“Good idea. Let’s eat some first, though. Who knows if it’s actually good if you have a full bowl.” 

It was surprisingly good and once they cleaned up, they went over to Mrs. Welly who was very grateful for the soup. She told them they could borrow her kitchen appliances any time, made them take two huge pieces of a delicious cake she had apparently baked earlier and promised she would have them over for dinner soon. All in all a successful evening.

Michael was a good roommate, but there were some things that were… a little strange about him. 

For one thing, he always kind of smelled like rain. Even when it hadn’t rained in a few days. Alex was pretty sure it wasn’t some sort of aftershave or lotion or something, they shared a bathroom after all. 

And somehow, it was a specific rain smell, one that kind of reminded him of going to the Reservation with his mom when he was a child. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why, he didn’t have a clear memory of it smelling like rain there, but sometimes, when Michael was standing close to him, he breathed in a whiff of that smell and it was like being back at the Res. Memories linked to smell were weird like that. 

Besides the rain smell, Michael sometimes smelled like nail polish remover, which was even stranger. Alex had never seen him wear any nail polish. Alex did sometimes, and he had bought a bottle of remover when he’d first moved in. The bottle was still standing in the little cabinet over the sink in the bathroom, but Alex could swear that the fluid level changed constantly. It was never empty, but sometimes it was fuller than other times. And he had seen an empty bottle of nail polish remover in the trash a couple of times. What was Michael doing with it? Did he need it for school, or for work? Alex had no idea why though, there had to be better solvents at a fancy science lab and a mechanics shop than regular nail polish remover. 

In the end he mostly chose not to question it. Michael was already distracting enough without analyzing strange smells. 

It felt like Michael became more distracting every day. The more comfortable they became with each other, the worse it got. Michael would tease Alex in an almost flirtatious way, which was a little unfair, if you asked Alex. 

Sometimes he brought whatever he was tinkering on into the living room and worked on it while Alex did his course work, or messed with his music. Alex loved watching Michael tinker, he was so focused and he would mumble things under his breath that Alex couldn’t make out, but enjoyed hearing anyways. It wasn’t like he would understand a word Michael said, even if he could hear it properly. Michael was a lot smarter than him and really talented with his hands. Sometimes it seemed like the parts Michael was putting together slotted perfectly into place without him even touching them. 

Alex had to be careful that he didn’t watch too long, because eventually he would start to wonder what else those hands could do… 

And, if he stopped playing music, or clack away on his computer, Michael would eventually look up with a questioning look and a smile and ask him if he was stuck on something. If it was music, he’d offer to help and if it was programming, he would suggest that they take a break and go out for a bit, or watch an episode of whatever show they were watching currently. Because yeah, they had become the kind of roommates that always had a TV show project they were slowly watching together and one person was not allowed to watch a single minute of the show without the other one there. Alex had never thought he could ever be someone who did that, but it was nice. It was time they spent together and a great way to wind down after a long day. 

Had they fallen asleep on the couch once or twice and woken up leaning against each other with a crick in their necks? Maybe. Did Alex secretly wish that would happen more often. Yeah, well… He was only human after all. 

A few times he had dosed of on Michael's shoulder and had woken up to Michael watching him with a look on his face that made Alex wonder if maybe starting something with Michael was worth the risk after all. Alex' slight oh-fuck-my-roommate-is-hot-crush had certainly grown into something more serious lately. 

There were moments when Alex thought Michael might feel the same way. When they were watching TV together, when they played music together, when they vented to each other after long days, when they stayed up too late because neither really wanted to go into their respective bedroom alone and leave the comfortable togetherness of the living room. Neither of them ever made a move though and so their lives just went on.

Alex' music was coming along pretty well actually, with Michael cheering him on. He had enough original songs for a small set now. Not that he was ready to perform an entire set of original songs yet, but he was considering signing up for his first open night. It was at a little coffee shop called Sip & Sing that he and Michael hung out at sometimes. He knew most of the regulars there and had become friends with one of the baristas. They had open mics once a month and the next one was coming up in two weeks. 

“You should do it Alex. Come on, you know you’re good enough. And you’ll know almost everyone there, it’s low risk”, Michael encouraged him one night when Alex had opened and closed the sign up page on their website for the fourth time that day. 

“Yeah but what if I tank and then I can never go there again?”

“First of all, you won’t. And second of all, Lucy forgot the text twice last month and everyone still welcomed her back there the next day. Everyone there will be supportive no matter how you do.”

“Isn’t that cheating then?”

Michale snorted. “Now you’re making excuses. Finding a friendly audience for your first live performance is not cheating.”

Alex sighed, Michael was probably right. “Okay, I guess… But only if you promise to come.” 

Michael put an arm around him. “Of course I’m coming! You couldn’t keep me away.” 

Alex smiled and leaned into him just a little. “Okay, I’ll sign up. And then you’re helping me pick out which song to perform.” 

“Which you will then change fifteen times until the actual night.” 

“Yeah well, everyone needs a system”, Alex said with a huff and pulled up the sign up for the fifth time. This time he actually filled it out though and even submitted it. Even though Michael had to threaten to do it for him before he finally hit enter. 

“Oh fuck, I’m gonna regret this, aren’t I?”, he said with a groan and buried his face in Michael’s shoulder, who was still sitting next to him. 

Michael laughed softly. “Yeah, multiple times probably. But you’ll be glad you did it in the end.” 

Alex regretted it that night in bed and even more the next day when he stopped at the Sip & Sing to get a coffee before heading to work and Rema, the owner, spotted him. 

“Alex! I saw you signed up for the next open mic! That’s great, I can’t wait to hear your song!” 

They insisted on giving him a coffee on the house and gushed about how great it was that he’d be performing. Alex kind of wanted to sink into the ground in shame. Especially when Lucy, one of the regulars, came in and heard Rema. She started to reassure him that he’d be great and that he definitely wouldn’t forget any lines. 

Alex was very glad when he managed to get his coffee and escape with the excuse that he was running late. 

Alex had decided not to tell Maria and Liz about the open mic. He knew they would try to come and honestly, that was too much for him for the first time. Maybe the second or third. He would text them the day of and risk their wrath. Michael would be there and a few friends from the coffee shop. That would be nerve-racking enough. 

He spend every free second working on the song (and just as predicted by Michael, changing his mind which song to perform almost every other day), which was finally too much for their very patient neighbors and they got a noise complaint. Alex was forced to not play between 11pm and 6am and to avoid playing around noon, which was probably for the best, he was starting to be a bit obsessive. Michael threatened to hide his guitar and music sheets regularly. 

When the day of the open mic finally came, Alex was a nervous wreck. 

6:36pm

Don’t be mad at me, but I’m performing at my first open mic tonight at 8. 

Liz Ortecho

6:38 pm

And you didn’t tell us?!?! Rude!

6:39 pm

I’m sorry! I’m nervous enough as it is, I promise I’ll tell you next time so you can come.

MariaAwww DeLuca

6:40 pm

It’s ok Alex, we understand. Good luck tonight! You’ll kill it! 

Liz Ortecho 

6:41 pm

Of course we understand. But I will ask Max for Michael’s number and pester him into recording it of us. 

He is coming right?

6:42 pm

He is, I wouldn’t have made it without him. 

Marie DeLuca

6:43

Aww, aren’t you glad we forced you into moving in with him?

6:44

Shut up!

… Yes, thank you. 

The alarm that Alex had set to get ready went off and Alex nervously rushed to the bathroom. He was already dressed and his nails were painted, he just needed to do his hair and put on his eyeliner. 

When he was done, way too early of course, he stepped out of the bathroom to find Michael waiting for him. He gave him once over and let out a low whistle. 

“Damn, you clean up nice Manes.”

Alex hoped his blush wasn’t too noticeable. “Shut up Guerin.” 

Michael laughed and slung his arm around Alex’ shoulder. “You’ll do great. Come on, I know it’s early, but if you sit around here, you’ll just drive yourself crazy. We’ll take the long way there and maybe get a milkshake on the way or something.”

Alex was really glad to have Michael to support him today. Something about him was very calming and maybe his crush on him distracted him a bit from his nerves. 

They got their milkshakes and an order of fries to dip in them. Michael always complained that it was weird, but he did dip his fries as well, so Alex had stopped listening months ago. 

By the time they arrived at the Sip & Sing, Alex was much more relaxed. Michael had kept him distracted the entire way there by telling him funny things that happened in class or at work, or quoting things from the group chat with Isobel and Max. 

Alex' phone dinged with good luck messages from Liz, Maria, Arturo, Mimi and surprisingly even from Max and Isobel. He smiled at his phone and put it back into his pocket. It was nice to know they were all thinking of him. 

“Hey, did Liz convince you to record my performance?”

Michael laughed, "She wanted me to livestream it for what felt like half of Roswell. You're popular." 

Alex groaned, "Please tell me you won't."

"No, don't worry. I'll record it and send it to her and then she can distribute it to whomever she wants." 

"That's only slightly better", Alex said with a sigh and went over to greet Rema and find out when his turn was. He was number three of six performers tonight, which suited him fine. 

Rema told him where to put his guitar and to give any needed details to Luke, who handled the technical side of the performances. 

When he got back to Michael he had gotten them drinks and found a table. Alex sat down and took a sip from his drink, his nerves were starting to come back. Michael seemed to notice and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Alex smiled at him thankfully. 

Rema came onto the little stage area and introduced the first performer. She was good, Alex had heard her here a few times before and two months ago there had been a flyer on the pin board advertising that she was part of the lineup for a mini pop-up concert in a nearby park. 

He didn't catch much of the second performance, it was a duo, but that was about all that stuck. When they were done, Michael squeezed his shoulder and whispered a quick "Good Luck!" to him as Alex stood up and made his way to the stage. 

"Our first first-timer for tonight is Alex Manes, who most of you know, I think. He's performing an original song. Give him a hand!", Rema introduced him and Alex nervously sat on the little stool and adjusted the mic and his guitar. 

He focused on Michael for the entire song, who was smiling widely and encouragingly while holding his phone up that represented all the other people in his life that loved and supported him through this. Suddenly he almost regretted not inviting Liz and Maria and swore to himself he would invite them next time. 

He got through the song without any problem and got a satisfying amount of applause and cheering from the audience, topped by Michael's best, earsplitting cowboy whistle. Alex couldn't help but grin from ear to ear on his way back to the table and when Michael greeted him with an equally wide grin and a hug, something in him clicked and he pulled Michael in for a kiss instead. Which was met by an enthusiastic response both by Michael kissing him back and the audience cheering. 

They were interrupted by Rema "Okay you two, there's time for that after the show. Now let's move on to our next performer…" 

Alex blushed and sat back down, a little closer to Michael than before. Michael smiled at him in a way that gave him butterflies and he couldn't wait for after the show. 

For now he settled in to listen to the rest of the performers, but not until he pulled out his phone.

8:23 pm

I kissed him. 

He kissed me back

8: 25 pm

The open mic thing went great, btw.

He was met by a ton of celebratory emojis from Liz and Maria and put his phone back into his pocket with a grin. 

[oatflatwhite]

wrote my first rnm fic :') read her here

[manesalex]

nothing starts without you (we become the stories we’ve always wanted): chapter 1/3

When Alex’s former bandmate, Rosa Ortecho, asks him to write a song to help kickstart her solo career, Alex finds himself struggling to write anything at all. Until, that is, he meets Michael Guerin. Or, a loose Music and Lyrics AU. for @alex-guerin @malexsanta​

Warnings for suggestive comments, references to past abuse, and references to addiction. Not Maria Deluca friendly.

***

“Can you get someone in soon to start making the changes?” Alex asks into his phone, looking around the cabin Jim Valenti left for him in his will. He hasn’t been here in at least a decade, but it’s his now and, while it’s almost exactly what he needs, it’s not exactly accessible.

“I’ve already scheduled someone to get started. He’ll be there the day after tomorrow. Is that soon enough for you?” Alex’s lawyer, Noah, asks.

“It’s perfect,” Alex laughs. “Kyle will be happy to be rid of me.” He’s joking. He knows that, for some reason, Kyle loves that he’s staying with him, loves the chance to catch up for so long. But, really, they both need their own space, if only so Alex can actually sleep in for once.

He’s barely hung up the phone when it rings again and he answers without looking, assuming it’s Noah again with something he’s forgotten.

“Hey, Alex,” Rosa’s voice surprises him.

It’s not that he’s avoiding her, not really. It’s just that, after everything fell apart, he’s surprised to hear from her. “Rosa,” he replies. “How are you?”

“Good. I’ve, um, I went through rehab. And I wanted to apologize. I’ve been sober for two years, actually.”

“That’s amazing.” He’s glad that something good could have come out of their band’s very painful public implosion.

“Yeah, and, like I said, I need to apologize. I said some truly awful things to you and I know you-”

“We were both struggling back then,” Alex brushes it away. “I forgave you long ago.”

Rosa is silent for a moment and then, “I’ve been working on some new music lately.”

Alex frowns. He can’t do this, not again. Not after what happened. “I’m glad. You’ve always been an amazing singer. But, if you’re calling about getting the band back together, I’m sorry, but I’m enjoying my privacy.”

“No, I know,” Rosa replies. “I just… I’m working on a new record and I need a ballad. I was wondering if you’d consider writing one for me.”

He shouldn’t be surprised at the request. He wrote most of their bigger hits, after all, even if Rosa was the face of it all. But he hasn’t written anything new since the band broke up and he’s not sure if he’s ready to go back to mining his trauma for music. He’s not sure if he even can write anything good again. “Can I think about it?”

“Of course,” Rosa answers quickly. “I mean, if you do write something, I’d love to play it at my concert on Saturday night, but– I can wait.”

“I’ll get back to you,” Alex promises. “And Rosa? I’m really glad you’re doing so well now.”

***

Alex wakes to the smell of coffee and bacon the next morning and comes out of Kyle’s guest room to find his friend busy at the stove. “I should be out of here soon,” he says, using his cane to get himself over to the table.

“You know I don’t mind,” Kyle says, handing him a cup of coffee before returning to the stove. “Having you here reminds me of our senior year of high school.”

“Dealing with all my shit?” Alex asks, careful to keep his tone joking.

“Having a brother. And knowing you were safe.”

Alex wraps his hands around the mug, eyes on it when he says, “I’m not going far. Just to the cabin Jim left me.”

 “I’m sorry he never got around to making it accessible for you,” Kyle says, still focused on the stove.

“He did more than enough for me,” Alex brushes it off. “And it’s not like he wasn’t busy with everything else.” He pauses, taking a sip before he says, “Noah is sending someone over tomorrow to get started on it. Well, that and making some necessary updates because I’m not going to rely on that ancient fireplace for heating. Not to mention all the other things that haven't changed as long as we’ve been alive.”

“Good.” Kyle is silent for a moment before he says, “Rosa called me last night. She was worried she overstepped.”

“She didn’t,” Alex replies simply. In truth, he’s pretty sure Rosa couldn’t. At least not with him. She’s been as much of a sibling to him as Kyle has been since they were kids. More than his own siblings. Rosa has been there for him through so much that he’s more than willing to give her as much grace as she needs.

“She said she asked you to write a song for her?”

“Yeah. And I know I should. She deserves it. And the second shot at a music career. I just–” Alex sighs, “I don’t know if I have it in me anymore.”

“Well,” Kyle says, putting a fork and a plate on the table in front of Alex before grabbing his own. “For what it’s worth, I think you should. And not because of what Rosa needs or deserves. It’s what you deserve.” Before Alex can interrupt, he explains, “I know you don’t want to go back to the industry, but, when you left it, I know you lost touch with a lot of your friends. And you deserve to get that back. Those friendships. Or new ones, if that’s what you want. I just– I don’t want to see you spend the rest of your life as a recluse just because some asshole told the world his version of your trauma.” He stops to smile at Alex, “And I know you don’t want to let Jesse Manes win.”

Alex laughs, picking up a piece of bacon and saying, “You’re right about that.”

***

Before the band broke up, Alex never had trouble coming up with lyrics for his songs. But now, he finds himself struggling. He has the start of a tune, but everything he comes up with is terrible.

He was working at Kyle’s house yesterday, but today he has to be at the cabin to let whoever Noah is sending inside and answer any questions they may have. So he’s not expecting to get very far today either.

He gets up when he hears the knock on the door and opens it to find a truly unfairly handsome man standing there, holding a box of tools. “Alex Manes?” he asks and it takes far too long for Alex to nod in response. “I’m Michael.”

“Nice to meet you,” Alex replies, finally offering his hand to Michael’s to shake.

Michael’s hand is warm and his grip oddly comforting and Alex maybe holds it for a moment too long before letting go, judging by the uncertain look on Michael’s face when he lets go and the way he runs his hand through those gorgeous curls.

“Um, the bathroom is just through there if you want to get started on it,” Alex gestures. “If you have any questions, I’ll be over there,” he points to the couch. “Trying to write some music.”

“It might get kinda loud. If you want me to come back later or something–”

“Honestly, the noise probably couldn’t hurt at this point,” Alex laughs.

Michael nods and Alex returns to the couch, trying to work on the song, but mostly getting distracted by Michael walking in and out of the cabin with tools and supplies, paying far too much attention to the way Michael’s jeans ride so low on his hips, the relaxed way he walks, and that damn belt buckle to do more than repeatedly strum the tune he’s already written.

Even when Michael is out of sight, though, busy working on installing bars in the bathroom, Alex can’t seem to get anywhere. It’s not Michael, after all, but him. After having his private problems aired to the entire world, he can’t seem to use them to write a single thing.

He finally just gives up, setting his guitar in its case and picking up his phone, turning his attention to his messages. Unsurprisingly, there are none. After all, he doesn’t really have any friends or family other than Kyle anymore. And that’s his own fault. He was more than happy to disappear from the public eye. He lost a lot of friendships when he cut the rest of the world off.

He’s just about to put his phone back down when he hears Michael singing something to the tune that Alex had been playing.

He gets up as quietly as he can, walking towards the bathroom, curious about what Michael is singing.

Once he can hear it clearly, he knows it’s good. Better, maybe, than anything Alex has written. And he can’t help but wonder why Michael is here, installing bars in his bathroom when he could be writing hits.

“That’s really good,” he finally says, leaning against the wall across from the bathroom door.

“Oh, shit,” Michael curses, dropping the bar he had been holding, looking back at him.

“I’m sorry. I just… I heard you singing and I– You’re very talented. Have you ever considered songwriting?”

“Once or twice,” Michael shrugs. “Long time ago.”

“Well, if you’re interested, I could actually really use your help. I’m trying to write a song for my friend, Rosa Ortecho, and–”

“Thanks for the compliments and everything,” Michael interrupts, tone cold, eyes looking almost pained. “But I’m just here to make this place accessible.”

“Oh. Okay,” Alex frowns. “Sorry for interrupting. I’ll let you get back to work.” He turns around and rushes back to the living room, trying not to think about the look on Michael’s face, trying instead to focus on his guitar and the song he’s been trying and failing to write.

***

Thanks for reading! Chapters 2 and 3 will follow later today!

[comment-exchange]

318. Best Friend's Boyfriend's Cousin (Roswell, New Mexico)

Title: Best Friend’s Boyfriends’ Cousin 

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52505590

Platform: AO3

Creator: MeggieJolly

Work Type: Fanfic

Fandom: Roswell, New Mexico

Rating: Teen and up

Pairing: Michael Guerin/Alex Manes

Word count: 5891

Warnings: Some swearing, very very minor mention of homophobia

Number of comments: 9

Completion Status: Complete 

Short summary/description: 

AU where Michael never moved back to Roswell and didn’t reconnect with Max and Isobel until after High School.

Alex is moving to New York to become a musician and needs a place to live. Liz suggests that he moves in with Max’ recently found “cousin” Michael who is moving to New York to go to NYU.

-

The door opened and Alex’ mouth went dry because, damn Michael Guerin was hot.

He had expected someone who looked like Max or Isobel, who were, in Alex’ opinion, good looking but not his type at all. Their cousin on the other hand… Alex took in the grease stained jeans that looked well-worn and hung low on Michael’s hips. He was wearing a slightly frayed but soft looking button up shirt that had more buttons undone than strictly appropriate for just coming back from work. To round out the look he was wearing a cowboy hat. In New York. And it didn’t look pretentious at all, he just looked like a cowboy, which Alex supposed, he was. He was from New Mexico after all.

Written for @bloggingbisexually for the @rnm-secret-santa 

[greygullhaven]

A little WIP I am plugging away at

Title: Who Cares if One More Light Goes Out?

Fandom: Roswell New Mexico

Rating: Mature

Warning: violence, abuse, torture, injuries, hospitals, major whumps

Pairing: Alex and Michael

 “So where in this godforsaken town is Michael?” Alex spat as he kicked at an empty beer can that sat on the sidewalk. “His truck and trailer are still here. But even Sanders hasn't seen him in nearly a week. If Michael is hiding out for some reason, then why hasn’t he contacted us? Why hasn't he used his connection with you and Isobel to reach out?”

“It’s Michael… you know how he can be. This isn’t the first time he has disappeared,” Max said, trying to calm his friend down, though he had to admit the whole situation unnerved him a great deal as well.

“Every other time he’s disappeared for more than a few days, he’s either taken the truck somewhere or he's gone off the grid but lets us know he's at least safe,” Alex said, shaking his head. “He’s had someplace to go, someplace to be safe. This time… this time no one knows where he is or what has happened. No one saw him leave town or anything. It’s like he’s been…”Alex paused, still unable to bring himself to say the words that had been bouncing in his head and filling his heart with fear for days now- it’s like he’s been abducted. 

That idea alone was terrifying, given Michael’s long list of past exploits and the laundry list of people who could want to come after him for revenge. And even worse was the fear that his father had found out the truth about Michael and had kidnapped him and... Alex shook his head to clear away the thoughts yet again. He wasn’t going to give up his search that easily. This was the closest they’d gotten to finding Michael. He had to be fine, they had to find him.

Keep reading- https://archiveofourown.org/works/43789527/chapters/110114763

[skinsharpenedteeth]

i miss writing Undisclosed Desires.

i wanna write more vampires and reincarnation and monsters and shared dreams/memories...

le. sigh.

[theonlyblackcanary]

I may be writing a Shadowhunters gender swap au. Already figured out Malec, Alexandra (hilarious considering Matt's sister lmao) and Magnolia aka Maggie

@atiny-angel @swifteforeverandalways @axelwolf8109

[burntotears]

One(ish) Line, Any Fic

Rules: Pick any 10 of your fics, scroll somewhere to the mid point, pick a (few) line(s), and share it! Then tag 10 people. Anyone interested in participating is welcome. :)

Embody the Stars [Roswell New Mexico; Malex; WIP - currently 11,483 words]

“What happened? What’d they do?” he asked instead of arguing fruitlessly about it. He could do that later–he was definitely going to do that later.

“Kicked me out of the ISA. I’m a civilian again.” Alex tried to keep his tone light, but Michael could see that he was upset by it and he hated that for him.

He lifted their joined hands and kissed Alex’s knuckles lightly. “I’m sorry, Alex.”

The Road to Albuquerque [Roswell New Mexico; Malex; 1,399 words; Marriage Ain't Easy series]

“It does suck that he’s leaving and I will miss him so much,” Michael moved back and brushed Alex’s hair back from his face, “but I am not alone right now. I’m not breaking because I have you with me for the rest of my life and that makes me the strongest fucking person on this goddamn rock.”

Alex released a watery laugh which made Michael smile warmly at him. He grabbed at Michael’s wrists and held onto him.

“You don’t need to worry about me. And I’m not saying I won’t need your help in the future, but for right now I can promise you that I am okay and I’m exactly where I need to be.”

Hopeful Hands [Roswell New Mexico; Malex; 2,356 words; Marriage Ain't Easy series]

“Hey.” Alex smiled weakly and fidgeted uncomfortably in the bed. “Ugh, I feel like I got shot.”

Michael let out a choked sob and his hands started to shake. “That’s not fucking funny, Alex.”

“It’s a little funny.” Alex used his free hand to cup Michael’s face and push through his curls. “I’m alright.”

In My Veins [Roswell New Mexico; Malex, Kybel; 9,583 words; Marriage Ain't Easy series]

“Thank you, Dr. Valenti. I’ve been curating this collection for quite a while. I’m proud of it, but there are new pieces I’d like to add and I don’t have the space for them, as you can see.” Álvarez gestured around the room.

“Our agreement is for Item 54, but would you mind us taking a look around?” Alex asked. “Just curiosity, of course. We didn’t realize your collection was quite this vast.”

Álvarez narrowed his eyes, but the look morphed into amusement just as quickly. “Already plotting for future investments, Captain Manes?”

“I’m no longer Air Force, and it’s Guerin,” he said, a little too harshly. “But you have the measure of me. Once a businessman, always a businessman.”

The Texan Job [Roswell New Mexico; Malex, Kybel; 14,609 words; Marriage Ain't Easy series]

“It’s not really the plan itself that concerns me,” he admitted, setting down the tea and mussing his hair, “it’s the crushing disappointment if this was all for nothing. Wasting everyone’s time, putting you guys in danger, and for what?”

“For hope, you idiot,” Isobel chided and shoulder checked him. “I don’t know why you and Michael think that hope is such a dangerous commodity.”

“Because when it doesn’t work out–”

“Anything in life can fail, Alex,” Isobel said, cutting him off. “You’re no Atlas; you can’t shoulder the burden of tribulations for everyone. We all need to have our own hope, even if grief is at the other end of it. Otherwise we wouldn’t be living our lives at all.”

Project Týr [Roswell New Mexico; Malex, Kybel; 17,225 words; Marriage Ain't Easy series]

The way Isobel’s eyes darted away from him was disconcerting. “Um, maybe because it’s a little… intimate?”

“What do you mean, intimate?”

“Not like that, obviously!” She flapped her hand at him. “It’s just… it makes us very close and he might be worried that you would get upset.”

Michael felt queasy and his face was flushed. He didn’t know if he was angry, embarrassed, or jealous–maybe he was all three. “That doesn’t sound any better, Isobel!”

Unsuitable [Merlin; Merthur; 57,861 words]

"Then why does Arthur think it was his fault?" Merlin could not help but ask.

Gaius sighed. "Arthur feels responsible for a lot of things, Merlin. He blames himself for not finding you sooner and saving you the pain. He blames himself for treating you badly and for any other hurt he has ever caused you since the day he met you. Arthur, like I told you before, is your friend and he cares quite a great deal for you, Merlin. You should not be so quick to throw aside his friendship."

Merlin found it a little ironic that he would be the one getting rebuked when he lay in bed unable to walk. Gaius was right, of course, but when had Merlin ever been happy about Gaius being right? He wasn't going to start now. "I know," Merlin reluctantly replied. "Can you call for him to return so I can talk to him?"

Before the Dawn, the Darkest Hour [Teen Wolf; Stisaac; 11,540 words]

Mr. Stilinski walked up behind Scott and put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing a bit harder than he normally would. “Scott. I think he needs to rest now.”

“Yeah, yeah it’s fine, Mr. Stilinski. I was just going,” Scott said and walked out of the room.

“You alright, son?” Mr. Stilinski sat on the edge of the bed.

“Um, I’m... yeah, I’m okay, I just... did you get suspended from work?” Stiles turned his head toward where his dad was sitting.

Take Me, Don't Leave Me [Teen Wolf; Stisaac; 7,103 words]

An eyebrow quirked above an endlessly blue eye, and Isaac sat up on his knees (one was placed very dangerously near Stiles’ crotch and he had a feeling that was entirely intentional on Isaac’s part - bastard) and looked down at him. “Shouldn’t?”

Why was Stiles acting like such a fucking chick tonight? Probably the profession of love, the fact that he hadn’t heard it in return (he was trying to ignore that and failing miserably), and now these words that were falling from his lips, “We just had a fight...”

“Exactly,” Isaac said without missing a beat. He grinned wickedly and reached his hand out to ghost fingertips along Stiles’ stomach that was exposed thanks to his shirt riding up.

The Redolence of Stiles Stilinski [Teen Wolf; Sterek; 6,006 words]

“Sit up,” Derek said quietly as he sat up himself and was going through the motion that Stiles’ brain took much too long to process as the action of pulling his sweater over his head.

All Stiles could really do was balk at him, because he was stuck between his past experience of rejection and the expanse of skin that was now staring him in the face. “Uh...what?”

Derek rolled his eyes. He grabbed Stiles by the shirt and lifted him off the bus floor, then proceeded to strip him of his shirts. Stiles was still a bit too dazed to react and just allowed it to happen, but it really hit him when he was pressed back against the floor and Derek’s mouth was - “Oh fuck.” Wait, did he just say that out loud? Fuck shit!

[the-innefable-idiot]

As of 15 minutes ago I just got my first hate comment in a RNM Malex+Forrest fanfic I wrote in 2020 and I feel so honored!

First I want to thank the academy for such an honor, and also my mom who has always loved and support me, and, of course, all the readers that made this dream possible 😭

Take a look at this AUSGAISHAISH it's so funny I don't know where to start