#Michael and maria are good friends for each other

[lowkeycasanova]

summer camp

plot: Vinnie and Y/N are camp counselors

thanks to @vhackerrs and @takecareluv for helping me out with this one!

masterlist

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A summer camp with a bunch of little kids was the last place that anyone would find a tattooed college student. Vinnie's mom, Maria, had suggested it to him. And he laughed at the idea. But she told him that the pay was good and he'd have the nights and weekends to himself. He honestly couldn't think of anywhere else to work. Plus, it was the first place that hired him.

"Who's that?" your friend Amelie asked as she pointed into the distance. You turned to see a guy with shaggy brown hair that you've never seen before.

You shrugged. "Not sure."

All the counselors knew each other and you and Amelie have been working here for the past three years. So you would recognize a newbie.

Because Vinnie was new, he didn't know anyone and felt left out. The only person he talked to regularly was Amber, the director, despite literally sharing a room with a guy his age named Jesse. He also wasn't counting the twelve year old girls who had a crush on him. Asking where he went to school, what he did for fun, and what his social medias were.

One afternoon as Vinnie was doing a basketball activity with the kids, he was getting frustrated. He was constantly telling them to stop doing things and play by the rules. Near the end, he was kinda just letting them do their own thing because he didn't know the best way to correct them. Amber watched from afar and could tell that Vinnie was having trouble being an authoritative figure. So she had gone to you and asked if you could please take him under your wing. He didn't have a solid history of dealing with children and she knew you could help.

**

One early morning, Vinnie was by himself, setting up the area for relay races when you walked over.

"Need some help?"

Vinnie set the last flag down that marked the finish line. "Nah, I just finished. You're Y/N, right?" He wiped his forehead as it was humid outside and he was starting to sweat a little and would much rather be in bed rather than thinking ants were on him every thirty seconds.

"Yep, how's it going?"

Vinnie shrugged. "It's...going. I'm not really good at this stuff though."

"Did you have a job before this?" you asked.

"Yeah, I worked as an electrician with my dad."

Since he was finished doing what he was instructed to do, he started to walk back towards the main cabin and, to his surprise, you followed suit.

"An electrician? Really?"

"Yeah," he scratched the back of his head. "You sound shocked."

"No no no, I just didn't expect to hear that."

Vinnie stifled a laugh. "What did you expect?

"Not an electrician, that's for sure." you bumped his arm. "Is this your first time working with kids?"

He nodded, the sound of damp grass underneath your shoes.

"Can I give you some advice?"

"Please, because I feel like I'm not doing well."

"Well, first and foremost, you have to be patient with them. They are kids at the end of the day and have short attention spans and can get rowdy, but don't let yourself get stressed out. Keep it entertaining, be creative and enthusiastic. I believe it helps keep them motivated. Oh and also, try not to criticize them a lot." you explained.

"Oh yeah, I try not to do that because I'd feel really bad." Vinnie replied.

"But do show authority when needed." you pointed out. "But other than that, there's not much else left to say. The kids are great and they really like you."

His eyes flickered from the ground to you. "What?" he asked like he couldn't believe it.

You nodded. "Grace says that she likes when she's in your group and Michael said that he likes that drawings on your arm. Did they hurt by the way?"

"Um, I have a tree on the side of my ribcage, and that hurt like hell. So did the one near my v-line. And the spider on my chest."

"What do they look like?" you asked but then immediately regretted it because of how it sounded.

"Oh you wanna see 'em?" he raised his eyebrows suggestively.

"I mean...not like that but if you wanna show me-"

"Alright." He cut you off and started to lift up them hem of his shirt but you stopped him, laughing. Vinnie's lips twitched into a smile.

"No! Just finish your explanation." You said. But you were actually curious to see them as you had only seen the ones that were visible on his arms.

"Well other than that," Vinnie examined his arms. "not too painful. Looking back, it's not as bad as I thought.”

"What was your first one?" you inquired.

He pointed to his left arm to the two hands. "The Creation of Adam. I was freshly eighteen and just moved out when I got it."

As you two walk, you grab a hold to his arm to look at it and ran your thumb across it. He's surprised by your sudden touch but he doesn't pull away. He finds it comforting and he's not sure why.

Then, as you two are walking closer tot he cabin, your friend Amelie comes out and sees you with Vinnie.

"Hey, we were looking for y'all. Staff meeting is about to start."

Vinnie barely payed attention during the meeting. His mind kept wandering to his conversation with you.

**

A few hours later, Vinnie was in the grassy area, playing football with the kids. He said "fuck it" to the actual rules and they all just ran around together.

"Touchdown!!" Vinnie shouted with a big smile and threw the ball on the ground as he reached the 'end zone'.

"Not fair, you cheated." Grace laughed.

"Girl, ain't nobody cheated. You're just slow." Vinnie replied and poked her stomach.

She poked him back with turned into a game of tag between them. He pretends to be tired and catch his breath and their game attracted some of the other kids and they came at Vinnie in all directions and started to jump on him, pulling him down.

"You guys are too strong for me!" Vinnie said as they began to topple over him.

You admired the scene in front of you as you watched from the sidelines. Vinnie was a natural and they loved him.

The days went by quickly and Vinnie developed quite a few friends that made this whole experience so much better.

Jesse was his closest guy friend as they did share a room. They both liked gaming and anime so that was something that they could share.

Peter was by far the most hilarious and it was always a good time when he was around.

Maya and Jason actually go to the same school as Vinnie and they made it a point to hang out one day.

Brandon was someone that Vinnie was the least closest to. They never talked much, and when they did, Vinnie initiated conversation and was always nice, but for some reason Brandon didn't reciprocate, even though he was very talkative with everyone else.

The most significant relationship that Vinnie had with anyone was with you. You two spent a lot of time together. You showing him the ropes in certain situations and always having his back when needed. When the both of you with with your own group of kids, you'd tease each other from a distance.

**

That Friday, you had walked into the laundry room with a bucket full of towels to fold and found Vinnie doing the same, nearly running into him.

"Oof, sorry." You muttered and step aside, setting your basket on the counter. Vinnie came next to you, looking you up and down and you caught his eye.

"What?" you questioned and became a little annoyed when he started chuckling.

"Nothing." he said firmly. "I just didn't know it was twin day."

You were a little slow and it wasn't until Vinnie tugged on your sleeve when you understood.

Every counselor gets a variety of t-shirts to wear in different colors, and you could wear whichever color you wanted. But not only were you and Vinnie wearing the same color shirt, but also sported matching white shorts and shoes.

"Oh god." you groaned which made Vinnie laugh again.

You two folded the towels in comfortable silence. You watched his precise movements, taking such a simple job seriously.

You had been meaning to ask him something all week but didn't know how to bring it up in conversation. Now that it was nearing the end of the shift, you knew you needed ask now before it was way too late.

"Are you going to the lodge tonight?"

"Hmm?" he replied, having to take a second to process.

"Maya's family's lodge. She's having that get together thing tonight."

"Oh yeah, she did invite me to that and Jesse mentioned it too. But...uh, I don't know." He mumbled. Vinnie tended to keep to himself and watch tv or play video games.

Maya's family owned this resort style lodge nestled in the perfect location within the trees a few miles away. She frequently invited everyone over and it was always a good time.

"You should come." you urged. "We never see each other outside of work. It'll be fun."

You then started to feel nervous like he might turn you down, even though you weren't the one who technically invited him.

"Are you going?" he asked.

The question caught you off guard since you had already expected him to say no at this point.

"Yeah, told Peter I'd be there."

"Well if he's going, then I might go too." He teased and you just chuckled in response.

As you folded your last towel, you used that as an excuse to be done.

"Well looks like I'm finished. Hope to see you around this weekend."

“Oh yeah, see you Y/N.”

After Vinnie's conversation with you, it didn't take much convincing to get him to go. He even went to the extent of trying to pick the best outfit, settling on a plain gray tank top (that exposed way more of his tattoos than the short sleeve he was supposed to wear for work), blue jeans, and some white and blue Nikes. He walked out the house with his hair still wet from the shower.

Upon arriving, he let himself inside since the door was unlocked. He followed the sound of talking and laughter until he reached the living room/kitchen where everyone was. And he could tell he caught them by surprise.

“Vinnie!”

“What’s up Vinnie?”

“Hi Vinnie!”

They all greeted.

He actually came, you thought.

You smiled at him and waved. He came over to you first and gave you a hug as you were the closest to him. He waved to everyone else and gave Peter and Jesse those bro hugs that guys always do. The sight warmed your heart, seeing how he’s become so comfortable around everyone.

“You could’ve knocked you know.” Maya told him and playfully punched his arm.

“Knocking is overrated.” He joked. “Nice place you got here.”

He admired his surroundings. It was mostly wood, so a good use of brown. Lots of glass windows, trees around the house, and even a lake nearby with a boardwalk leading to it that you could see out the living room window.

“It’s my parents’, so I can’t take all the credit, but thanks.”

Everyone then headed over to the huge couch in the living room. Maya picked up the remote to the smart tv and started flipping through her streaming services to find something to watch.

Vinnie glanced over at you as if to say, “you coming?”. You were still at the kitchen island trying to get your drink together. You gave him a look back that said, “in a second.”

You finally walked over and saw that the space next to Vinnie was empty. With confident strides, you headed over just for Bianca to sit there instead. You couldn’t be mad, it’s not like it was a saved seat, but still. He looked over his shoulder and gave you an apologetic look.

No big deal, you just sat next to Maya, a few feet across from them. You didn’t know Bianca all that well. You didn’t see much of her at work due to the fact that she usually worked with the older kids, but you two were friendly when you saw each other.

You overhear her tell Vinnie that she’s glad he’s here and from that point on, it’s like you can’t even pay attention to what everyone else is saying because you’re so focused on the two of them.

Bianca asks Vinnie is he works out, feeling his bicep in the process. Like no shit he does.

It bothered you that she was being so flirty. If you had to guess, you would’ve thought that Vinnie didn’t really talk to her, but they obviously hung out a lot or something in order for her to be that comfortable.

You kept zoning in and out. Peter mention something about watching American Horror Story and then somehow the conversation was about ghosts, with everyone sharing anything supernatural that occurred in their life.

Perking up for the first time in a few minutes, you shared a story about when you were a kid and you heard someone calling your name in your house. Although you and your mom were the only people home and she said it wasn’t her.

Making eye contact with Vinnie, you finally got his attention, as he started listening when you began talking. His eyes were wide upon hearing your story but you shrugged it off like it was no big deal.

Bianca quickly wanted the attention back on her and she tapped Vinnie on his shoulder to get him to look at her. Slumping in your seat, you frowned as she frilled her pin straight hair over her shoulder.

She seemed to be only making conversation with Vinnie and if you were honest, it was a little rude that she didn’t make an effort to talk to anyone else. You slumped in your seat and folded your arms over your chest.

Their whole engagement made you bitter. Bitter enough to admit to yourself that yes, you had a crush on Vinnie. One bigger than you’d like to admit. Seeing them talk and flirt together made you realize that you don’t want to see him with another girl.

What you didn't know, was that Vinnie wasn't flirting back with her. He genuinely thought she was just being nice. He also kept glancing over at you to make sure that you were doing okay, after seeing the grimace on your face.

Doing your best to try to ignore them, you grabbed the remote to the tv and tried to find some music to play. Everyone was throwing song names and artists at you. You turned to Vinnie see if he had any input, but Bianca was taking a selfie with him.

A few moments later, she asked Vinnie if he wanted to go check out the lake, maybe even go for a swim.

Vinnie looked past her, out the window, to see small waves from the lake being illuminated by the moonlight. "But I don't have a swimsuit." he told her.

"Neither do I." she answered and raised her eyebrows suggestively.

He just looked at her, dead serious. "So I guess we can't go then. Not to mention that it's nighttime, prime bug time." He laid further back into the couch to get comfortable and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

Bianca looked at him with confusion until she got up from her spot. "Suit yourself then." she mumbled and walked off.

Jesse had eyed the whole interaction.

"What?" Vinnie questioned when they made eye contact. Jesse sighed in disbelief, then started laughing.

That got the attention of everyone else.

"What's so funny?" a girl named Gabby asked. "I wanna laugh too."

Jesse looked around to make sure that Bianca was out of earshot before he recapped what had just happened.

“Ain’t no way you didn’t pick up on that.”

“So embarrassing for her.”

“She definitely wanted to go skinny dipping with you.”

This was your last straw.

You shot up out of your seat, fuming but tried your best to hide it. “I’m gonna go get another drink.” You told everyone but walked off before they could answer. You make your way to the kitchen, trying to calm yourself down.

Vinnie’s worried gaze instinctively follows you and all of a sudden he can’t hear the people around him. He gets up as well a few seconds later. “Yeah, imma get one too.” He tells them.

Gripping the refrigerator door with your hand, you don’t even know what you’re looking for. Thought after thought running through your mind. Shutting the door, Vinnie’s tall frame leans against the counter and the sight of him startled you for a moment.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, his voice careful.

You folded your arms over your chest. “Why do you care?”

“Because you seem upset. I’m concerned.”

Fighting the urge to roll your eyes, you said, “Because…I thought we…” then you paused. “You know what, never mind.”

You turn to walk away but he grabs your arm to stop you.

“Seriously? You were the one who wanted to hang out outside of work but I haven’t spoke to you since I got here.”

“Hmm, I wonder why that is.” You stated and looked at him directly in the eye.

He then avoided your gaze and sighed. You glanced at the others and tried to make it look like you were doing something they wouldn’t wonder what was going on.

“Look,” he started. “I wasn’t flirting with her. And if I’m honest, I didn’t even know she was flirting with me until Jesse said something. I’ve been bad at picking up stuff like that. And maybe you’re bad at picking up hints too because if you haven’t noticed…I’m kinda crazy about you.”

The way that he was looking at you with so much care made you realize that all of the thoughts about ignoring him for the reminder of your time was ridiculous. Whether you liked it or not, he had you wrapped around his finger.

“I actually thought I was reaching the signs wrong. I thought that you and Bianca had something going on.”

Vinnie shrugged. “Maybe she thinks that, but no. In fact, I was disappointed when you couldn’t sit next to me.”

“Well if it’s any consolation…I like you too.”

You hated being so cheesy.

Now that it was all explained, it made sense. He inched closer and opened his arms for you to walk into, which you did. You liked how warm he was.

“I’m sorry for making you uncomfortable.” He mumbled into your hair.

“Don’t worry about it.” You responded.

He pulled away and gave you a soft kiss on your cheek. He then pulled out two drinks from the cooler and passed on to you.

“Cheers.” He smiled and clinked his glass with yours.

You two made your way back to your friends, hoping they didn’t see any of that because you really didn’t need an earful from them. They were still having a good time, the laughter and music blended together. The boys setting up a table for beer pong. You sat down on the couch while Vinnie took his spot next to you.

[tlou-reid]

The Show Must Go On - Stick Season

♡ DISCLAIMER: this story deals with heavy, dark, and triggering themes. warnings will be included on each chapter. this story is 18+, minors do not interact. (also i can not guaranteed my timeline is exactly right but i am doing my best)

♡ DISCLAIMER: i am incapable of writing songs so reader's music will all be from noah kahan's stick season. songs used in each chapter will be linked at the beginning, and the character is inspired by the story he creates throughout the album.

♡ WARNINGS: alcohol consumption, takes place in a bar, jesse and ellie get drunk, ellie being a Simp

♡ fem!musician!reader x ellie williams (eventually)

❥ prologue ❥ next part

“Come on, Ellie,” Joel rushed her out the door, lightly pushing her back, “I thought you’d be excited for this.” It was Ellie’s 18th birthday, something she’d been looking forward to since they can came to Jackson. And honestly, Joel was excited too. While there was no official set of laws, it was general knowledge that you had to be 18 to be able to go into the Tipsy Bison and have a drink. Joel was excited to see Ellie in this kind of environment, and he couldn’t wait to embarrass her in front of everyone.

“Dina and Jesse are gonna meet us there, right?” Ellie asked, making sure she’d get to spend her birthday with her best friends. Joel nodded yes, and they continued their trek to the bar.

The saloon-esque doors opened and Dina and Jesse’s hands shot in a wave to Joel and Ellie almost immediately. Sitting along with them was Tommy and Maria. Ellie smiled at her found family and raced over to them. Joel could only chuckle as he followed behind. A few other people were there, acquaintances of the groups. They all cheered for Ellie, wishing her a collective happy birthday.

It wasn’t until she reached her friends when Ellie noticed the music. She followed the sound to the small stage set up in the very back of the bar, where her eyes on landed on you. She paused for a second to listen. This wasn’t one of the songs she’d ever heard on the radio, or even had on cassette to listen to. You went into the next verse and she stopped to listen to the words you were singing.

“So I thought that if I piled something good on all my bad, that I could cancel out the darkness I’ve inherited from dad.” She noticed how beautiful you looked with your eyes closed and a slight smile on your face as you continued your song, “No, I am no longer funny, cause I miss the way you laugh. Once called me forever now you still can’t call me back.”

You and Ellie made eye contact as your eyes opened for the chorus. The strums of your guitar after each line made Ellie smile, and, much to your amusement, she was nodding her head along. “And I love Vermont but it’s the season of the sticks and I saw your mom, but she forgot that I existed…”. Joel tapped her shoulder, making her reluctantly take her attention off of you. Behind her back, Dina was smirking at Ellie’s reaction to the singer.

“So what are we drinking?” Joel asked, excited to give her what he thought was her first drink. “Hamblen whiskey,” Ellie answered with a proud smile on her face. “How the hell do you know what that is?” Joel asked as he waved the bartender over. Ellie just answered with another smile, before turning to her friends.

“Who is that?” Ellie asked, gesturing to where you were finishing up your song on the stage. Jesse told her your name, and explained how you sang here on Fridays, and how often Seth complained about it. “It brings more people in, so he puts up with it.” Jesse finished with. “Why have I never seen her before?” Ellie inquired.

“You guys kinda run on opposite schedules, like with patrol and stuff.” Jesse explained. “And she kinda keeps to herself. She writes music, the songs she sings are hers. Her and Michael are good friends, they’re patrol partners most of the time.” Dina added on while Joel passed Ellie her drink. It was definitely not the whiskey she asked for, but it was alright.

“Thank you guys! See you next week!” You announced as you pulled your guitar off your shoulders. Ellie couldn’t help but watch as you rested it on a stand, presumably for you to grab when you leave. Much to her surprise, you started making your way towards her and her group. Her eyes raced up and down your body, unabashedly checking you out as you came over.

“I heard it was your birthday,” you smiled at her, “why don’t you let me buy you a shot to celebrate?” Ellie was dumbfounded. She was sure her mouth was hanging open, as if she been approached by a celebrity. She could feel her cheeks warming at your words, already forming a little crush in her own mind. You let out a chuckle when she nodded. “C’mon then,” you reached out towards her, grabbing her wrist and pulling her closer to the bar. Dina and Jesse let out a laugh when you two walked a few steps away. Ellie turned and glared at them over her shoulder.

“I’ve, uh, I’ve never seen you around here,” Ellie started as you flagged down the bartender. “I’m Ellie, I’ve only lived in Jackson for a few years now.” She was proud of herself, the way she could form an introduction. You introduced yourself, telling her your name. “I sing here every week, you’ve never come in before. I would’ve noticed a pretty girl like you.” Once again, she was at a loss for words. When your attention turned away from her to tell the bartender what you wanted for the shots, she took the opportunity to check you out again.

Ellie couldn’t deny how attracted she was to you already. Up close she could see every detail that was hidden from her when you were on the stage. She could see the necklace that dangled from the way you leant over the bar, the small freckles that spread across your cheeks, the chipped paint on your fingernails that shined in the light as you waved to the bartender. She was so enthralled by you, she didn’t even have the chance to wonder how you got nail polish in a literal apocalypse. All of your little details had her memorized all the way through. She could feel her head getting lighter, her heart beating fast, her pussy getting wetter, and her fingers tapping harder against her thigh.

“Yeah, I just turned 18, Joel said I had to wait to come hang out here.” You laughed as you handed her the shot. “So this is your first shot?” You asked. She nodded. “Okay, let’s get to it then.” She nodded again, watching you and following your actions as she took her first shot. Her face winced up at the taste. “What is this?” She asked, reaching for the drink Joel had given her. “I don’t know, I asked the bartender for the nastiest shit they have. It’s a rite of passage.” You laughed and she flipped you off, very quickly, from behind her glass.

“You didn’t even react!” Ellie squealed, still trying to recover from the taste. She wasn’t sure if it was the nastiness of the alcohol that raised her voice two octaves, or if it was how close you were standing to her. “Oh,” you laughed, “I don’t drink. I told him to put a little bit of water in my shot glass.” Ellie’s mouth dropped, “that’s not fair!” You laughed, the sound filling her chest with warmth.

“It looks like the party’s over here!” Jesse yelled, slurring his words a bit. His arms wre thrown around yours and Ellie’s shoulders, as Dina laughed behind him. Ellie rolled her eyes at his interruption. “Ellie, this is y/n. Y/n, Ellie’s been checking you out since we came in!” Jesse drunkenly rambled. Ellie’s face was heating up again as your gaze turned to hers. “Is that so?” You asked with a smirk gracing your beautiful face. Ellie couldn’t tell if she was embarrassed or turned on. “Well, the feeling is mutual.” You said with a wink, before pushing Jesse’s arm off of your shoulder, “I’ll see you guys around, I’ve gotta get the stage cleaned up before the bartenders shift switches. Happy birthday, Ellie.”

And just as quickly as you’d shown up, you were gone. Ellie turned to socialize with her group, letting everyone wish her happy birthday and buy her a few drinks. Her eyes kept drifting to the stage, where you were organizing everything on it, and putting your guitar into its case. She was unaware of the way your eyes drifted to her, checking her out as well.

“Jesse,” Ellie slurred later in the night. Jesse was half-conscious, drunkenly stooped over a table in the bar. Most of the people had left, leaving a few stragglers and Ellie’s group. Dina was the most sober, taking care of everyone. Tommy and Maria had retired home, calling it a night. Joel was sat in the corner, sipping on a drink and keeping an eye on the kids. “I need a favor.” Ellie finished. Jesse let out a disgruntled groan, not excited about the sound of her voice in his ear. “I need to be put on patrol with y/n. You gotta be a wingman here.” Jesse let out another groan, one that seemed to be of agreement.

Later in the night, as Joel helped Ellie stumble into her bed, all she could think about was you. She’d never had such a crush on someone who was relatively a stranger. She’d never been approached by anyone, let alone someone who was so confident and seemed to be interested in her. All she could do as she passed out from the amount of alcohol in her system, was hope and pray that Jesse would remember the agreement he’d made. All she wanted to do was see you again.

Unfortunately, that didn’t last long for Ellie. In the morning, her focus was entirely on the pounding headache and upset stomach she was nursing. This was her first hangover, so she laid around most of the day. Until Dina came knocking on her door. “Els,” Dina shouted, making Ellie groan, “come on, let’s go get the kids all set up.”

Ellie had totally forgotten she was movie duty tonight, taking care of the children and setting up the film with Dina. With a groan, she got up to open the door. Dina yelled out something along the lines of, “you’re not even dressed!”, but Ellie was too focused on shushing her to really understand what she said. Ellie got herself together as quickly as possible before heading to the community center to set the movie and snacks up.

When she passed the stables, she saw your figure emerging. You guys held eye contact for a second, and you brought your hand up to wave at her. Ellie’s cheeks flushed a shade of pink as she smiled and waved back. Dina chuckled from next to her. “You like her? For real?” Dina asked, not in a teasing tone. She was asking if Ellie liked her, or if she was just attracted to her. “I don’t really know her.” Ellie answered, ever the mysterious type. “But you want to?” Dina didn’t miss the rosy blush that reappeared on Ellie’s cheek, despite her silence following the question.

Luckily for the girls, Jesse had shown up and started getting things together. Dina helped seat the kids as Ellie went to set up the film. Soon, everything was running smoothly, and the three were standing in the back of room. “Jesse,” Ellie whispered, leaning into his side, “do you remember the deal we made yesterday?” Jesse’s eyebrows furrowed, answering her question without saying anything. “The girl, the uh, the singer from last night,” Ellie nervously started. What if he made fun of her for asking? What if he ran off and told her that she asked for this favor?

“Could you maybe, uhm, set us up on patrol together?” She finished. Jesse’s face broke out in a smile, “yeah, of course. I’m a great wingman. It’ll just be a while, the schedule’s made for like two weeks or something. You’ll have to go on a night patrol, since that was she does. You think Joel will let you?”

Ellie didn’t know how to say, ‘I don’t really give a damn what Joel has to say about it, I’m going on that fucking patrol’ without sounding like an asshole. Instead she said, “yeah, I’ll make it work. Just make it happen for me.”

The night passed and Ellie made sure to follow-up with Jesse almost everyday until he confirmed that they were scheduled together for 15 days out. Ellie marked the date in her journal, outlining it with little hearts.

[meggie-jolly]

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. 

[aydann-runs]

Even though event planning isn't her thing anymore, Isobel jumps at the chance to organize their fifteen year high school reunion. The alien drama has settled down, Max and Dallas are back from Oasis more often than not, and if she’s being honest with herself, she’s a little bored.

None of them had really had much fun at prom the first time around, and so Isobel decides that she’s going to throw the best damn prom Roswell has ever seen for their reunion. She wants to do it for her family, for herself.

So, she spends three months planning, locking in the DJ and catering, working out a deal with Maria to provide the booze and bartenders. Convincing her brothers that Yes, you do have to go and Yes, you do have to dress up and No, Michael, you can't wear jeans even if you did for your wedding.

This is probably the last event she'll plan, because Socialite Isobel isn't who she is anymore, and never really was, but it's all worth it to see Liz climbing out of the limo and taking Max’s arm. She’s wearing an emerald green dress this time around, and it suits her, bold and vibrant, just like Liz. When they pause under the arch wrapped with faerie lights for a photo, Max catches Isobel's eye and smiles.

It's all worth it to see Maria standing at one of the cocktail tables with Dallas, her eyes sparkling with laughter as they take a break from the dance floor to enjoy a moment of relative privacy. Their relationship is still new, but they seem to complement each other, and Isobel's happy to see them happy.

It's all worth it when she looks across the room in time to see Alex standing next to where Michael's seated, hands extended in invitation. Michael ducks his head, and Isobel is sure if she were closer, she'd see the smile he's hiding. She watches as Michael takes Alex's hands and lets himself be pulled to his feet and out to the dance floor. Alex gathers Michael close as they sway to the music, Michael following his husband's lead. Isobel loves her brother, and he has many talents. Dancing isn't one of them, but Alex takes good care of him, and they move together smoothly, like they were always meant to.

And it's definitely all worth it when Kyle slides his arm around her waist and pulls her close. They stand in comfortable silence for a few minutes, watching their friends and family, until Kyle squeezes her hip and says, “Thanks for another chance at this. Everyone looks happy.”

“They are,” Isobel agrees, and she doesn't even need her empath abilities to know it's true. They're all happy these days. Happy, settled, content, and whole.

And then Kyle pulls her out of her thoughts and onto the dance floor. Maria and Dallas join them first, but Max and Liz aren't far behind, and they all crowd Michael and Alex. It's a tangled, joyful mess, and Isobel couldn't be happier.

[jule1122]

Malex Fic - You know I love you so

Written for the @yearoftheotpevent June challenge of “(accidental) love confessions.”  I wanted to give Michael and Alex some time to enjoy getting back together and to tell people about their new relationship so I added a few days to 3x09 between Kyle being released from Deep Sky and Alex getting sucking into the Lockhart Machine.  This really just some fluff about them telling everyone they are in love.  Their are brief references to past Miluca and Forlex.  As always, this is a Maria friendly fic.

You know I love you so on AO3

Title from “Yellow” by Coldplay

Summary:  There first date is still a few days away.  It's too early for Alex and Michael to say "I love you."  At least to each other. 

Michael sits at the bar, fiddling with his empty beer bottle until Maria comes over.

“Want another,” she asks, already handing him a new bottle.

“Good to see you back in action,” Michael smiles.  “But are you sure it’s not too soon?”

Maria rolls her eyes.  “I wish everyone would stop asking me that.  I’m fine, 100% fine, even certified by both Liz and Kyle.”

“Alright I’ll back off,” Michael holds out his hands in surrender.  “But you can’t blame us for caring about you.”

Maria’s stance softens, and she smiles at Michael.  “I’m lucky I had so many people on my side, I know that.  But what about you?  I heard you and Alex had quite an adventure of your own.”

It’s an opening Michael can’t ignore, but instead of the carefully worded explanation he planned, he blurts out, “ I love him, Alex, I mean.”

“I know,” Maria’s smile gentles.  “He loves you too.”

Michael blushes and ducks his head, but doesn’t deny it.  Alex hasn’t said the words - neither of them have which makes Michael’s confession even more awkward - but Michael feels them.  He feels them in the way Alex kisses him, the way he smiles at Michael’s dumb jokes and the way he holds him in bed, no space between them.

“It doesn’t mean I didn’t love you too,” he says.  And Michael knows that is what he’d really come here to say.  Alex comes before and after - and hopefully forever after - but he doesn’t want Maria to feel like she was just a pit stop along his way back to Alex.  

“I know that,” Maria takes his hand off the bottle where he’d been picking at the label and squeezes it.  “I loved you too.  A relationship doesn’t have to last forever to be important.  We had a good thing together, it was what we both wanted and needed at the time.”

“And now?”  Michael can’t help but ask.

“And now we’re friends.  You’re where you need to be and I,” Maria hesitates for a second.  “I’m figuring it out.”

“We have a date this week,” Michael confesses, a disbelieving thrill of excitement in his chest just from talking about it.  “We wanted to tell you first before you saw us or heard about it from someone else.”

“That’s great,” Maria’s smile is wide and genuine.  “I shouldn’t have said when I did before, but I really do expect an invitation to the wedding.”

Michael knows he should brush it off, but he can’t bring himself to pretend it’s not what he’s always wanted so he draws an “X” over his heart, “Promise you’ll be first on the list.”

“I’d better be.  Now go bother your siblings,” Maria points to where Isobel and Max are sitting, having come in sometime while they were talking, “so I can get some actual work done.”

“Here you go,” Kyle sits next to Alex and sets their drinks on the table.  “Boring beer for you and a Pomegranate Pluto Martini for me.”

Alex makes a face when he sees just how bright Kyle’s drink is.  “So this is why you wanted to meet here instead of the Wild Pony?  Because Maria won’t make you drinks that glow.”

Kyle throws back his head and laughs.  “Just wanted to celebrate my clean bill of health. There’s nothing like Taylor Swift Drag Night to make you feel alive.”

It’s a fairly quiet Tuesday at Planet 7, no drag queens in sight yet, but Alex thinks he understands what Kyle is trying to say.  “I’ll drink to that,” he agrees, tapping his bottle against Kyle’s glass.

“I’ll have you drinking one of these by the end of the night,” Kyle says, quickly downing his drink and signaling one of the bartenders for another.

Alex just shakes his head.  He’s been to Planet 7 a few times with Forrest, but it’s not really his kind of place.  Kyle, on the other hand, seems completely comfortable.  He knows most of the staff by name, has glitter highlighting his cheekbones, and Alex is pretty sure he’s wearing lip gloss.  He doesn’t know what to do with any of that, but tonight is supposed to be about Kyle having a good time so he’s trying not to think too much.

“So tell me what I missed,” Kyle prompts him once his new drink has been delivered.

Michael is the first thing Alex thinks because Michael is all he thinks since their kiss on the patio.  He tries to push away the images of Michael’s smile after they kissed and the way his body looked spread out over Alex’s bed.  “Nothing much,” he answers as casually as he can..

“You got laid,” Kyle’s eyes widen, and he points at Alex.  “Who was it?  Is he here?”

Alex looks around quickly just in case Michael showed up while he wasn’t looking even though he knows Michael is at the Wild Pony with Max and Isobel.  He’d declined Alex’s invitation to join him, sending him off with a kiss and a promise to take pictures if Kyle did anything embarrassing.  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he says, doing his best to stonewall Kyle.

“Don’t lie to me.  I know that look.  It’s the same look you had after you hooked up with Forrest.  Is  it Forrest?  Did he come back because he can’t live without you?   He didn’t convince you to run away with him did he? I just got out of coma, don’t leave town again.”

“What is in that thing?  Alex eyes Kyle’s drink suspiciously.  “You shouldn’t be this drunk after one and half drinks.”

“It’s more like four.  I had few before you got here.  Devon makes a mean martini,” he waves his hand carelessly in the direction of the bar and the bartender winks at him.  “But don’t change the subject.  You definitely got laid, and I want to know if you’re running away with some cute guy and leaving me behind.”

“I’m not running away with anyone,”  Alex admits with a huff.  

“So it’s not Forrest.  Who is it?  If you don’t tell me I’ll just get Isobel to get it out of you.”

Alex winces because nothing the Air Force taught him would prepare him for being interrogated by Isobel  “It’s Guerin.  Michael,” he corrects.

“Oh, thank God,” Kyle sighs dramatically.  “The sexual tension between you two was getting uncomfortable.”

“There’s no sexual tension,” Alex protests.

“Maybe not now,” Kyle wiggles his eyebrows.  “But the last time we were all out together, and he was playing pool, the things he did with the pool stick to get your attention were very suggestive, educational too, but mostly suggestive.”

Alex blushes, “It’s not like that.”

“It’s not sexual?”  Kyle sounds doubtful.  “Because I know you got laid”

“Ok, yes I got laid,” Alex cuts him off.  “But it’s not just sex.  I love him,” he admits without meaning to.

“Oh,” Kyle’s brow furrows for a second before a bright smile blooms on his face.  “That’s awesome, dude.  I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks, I’m pretty happy about it too,” he admits, finding it easy this time to say just how much Michael means to him.

Michael walks away from his conversation with Maria smiling and wondering if he should text Alex even if it means interrupting his night with Valenti.  When he gets to their booth, Max and Isobel are having a whispered conversation that stops once he sits down.

“What’s up?” he asks when they both turn to look at him.  He really hopes it's not another Jones emergency.  He wants his date with Alex before the next pile of shit hits the fan.

“Nothing,” Isobel says too brightly.

“You and Maria looked like you were having a pretty intense conversation when we got here,” Max says.

“Not really,” Michael shrugs.  Intense seems like too strong of a word, important yes, but it’s not like they were fighting.  “Just wanted to talk to her about something.  And make sure she’s feeling alright.”

“It’s nice that you are so concerned, but we don’t want you to get hurt,” Isobel reaches across the table and takes his hand.

“Ok?”  It’s a question because Michael really has no idea what she’s talking about.  He feels like he walked into the middle of the wrong conversation.

“Michael,” Isobel sighs and sits up straighter, taking her hand away.  “You know Maria is seeing Greg Manes.”

“Greg’s not the Manes I’m in love with so I don’t see why that would be a problem,” Michael shrugs.

“You mean Alex, right?”  Max asks.

Michael rolls his eyes, “I sure as hell wasn’t talking about Flint.”

“Does this mean we can finally talk about your secret, sordid teenage affair with Alex Manes instead of just hinting about it?” Isobel leans forward eagerly.

“No, and it wasn’t,” Michael makes a face and Isobel raises one brow at him, “sordid.”  He’ll give her secret, but there was nothing sordid about how they felt about each other.  Sure, they fucked it up later, but when he fell in love with Alex it made him feel lighter and hopeful.

“Does he know how you feel or are you still waiting for the right time?  You know the weird emo poet guy is gone,” Isobel tells him.

“Oh, he’s very aware,” Michael smirks, thinking of how thoroughly he’d demonstrated his feeling this morning.

“So you’re back together,” Max, ever the romantic, smiles.

“No,” Michael corrects, but he feels bad when Max’s face falls and Isobel rushes to comfort him.

“Maybe he just needs time,” she says.  “He wrote you a love song after all.”

“We are together,” Michael admits.  “Just not back together.  What we had before is over, and we need to start fresh if this is going to work.  Can’t keep looking back.”

Max winces a little, and Michael knows he’s thinking about his own complicated history with Liz.  

“So when did it happen?  Who made the first move?  Was it romantic or one of those fighting until your kissing moments?” Isobel bombards him with questions, most of which he has no intention of answering.

Michael leans back in the booth and sighs.  “It’s still pretty new, and it’s still not sordid,” he makes another face at that word. “Although the sex is,” he trails off and lets out a low whistle.

Max drops his face into his hands, but Isobel claps her hands, “Tell me everything,” she demands.

“Iz, no,” Max looks up and glares at her.

“What, even you can admit they are hot together.”

“And it’s not secret this time,” Michael says, drawing their attention back to him.  “We have a date this week.”

“That’s awesome, man,” Max beams at him.

“When is it?” Isobel asks.  “I���ll need an hour, no two hours, to get you ready.”

“I can dress myself,” Michael objects, looking to Max for support.

Max laughs, “Don’t look at me.  She has a whole section of my closet marked off for date clothes and knows if I don’t use them.  I’m thrilled she has someone else to torture.”

“I wouldn’t have to do that if I could trust you to get changed before you go out,” Isobel scolds Max.

“Hey, I thought women liked a man in uniform.”

“Not that ugly brown uniform you wear.  Now, I remember how Alex looked in his dress blues for the parade,” she smiles dreamily and turns to Michael.  “Does he ever wear that for you?  Because he should.  The role play possibilities are endless.”

It’s Michael’s turn to cover his face with his hands.  “Maybe we should have kept this secret,” he groans, but no one believes him.

After their respective nights out, Alex and Michael went back to their own homes, and while they exchanged texts about how their evenings had gone, they hadn’t seen each other.  Alex was surprised by just how much he missed Michael even after only a few days together, and pleased at how he isn’t afraid to let Michael know it.  So it was no hardship for him to leave early enough to pick up three coffees instead of one and stop by the junkyard on the way to work.

He leaves his own coffee in the car and heads toward the garage with the other two.  As expected it’s Sanders who he sees first.  Alex isn’t sure if he has an alarm system on the driveway entrance or he just spends all his time watching for cars, but he always appears the minute someone gets out of their vehicle.  

“Car trouble?” Sanders asks as he makes his way to Alex.

“No, sir, just stopped by to see Michael.”  Alex lifts the coffee cups a little higher in the air.

“So you’re coming by in the daylight now, out in the open, instead of sneaking around hoping no one sees you?”

Alex feels a flush of shame on his face.  He was never embarrassed to be seen with Michael, just afraid, but he knows how he looks.  “You’ll be seeing a lot of me now.  I’ll do better by him,” he says as confidently as he can.  “I love him,” he adds because Sanders is Michael’s family, and Alex wants him to know he’s serious.

“I could have told you that.  One eye,” he taps his patch, “but I’m not blind.  Don’t know why I have to keep reminding people of that,” he grumbles.  “And you’ll both do better because you’re not a couple of scared kids this time.  You’re not hiding from that no good daddy of yours, and he’s not so used to secrets he wouldn’t know the truth if it slapped him in the face.”

Alex laughs because he’s not wrong, but “No, now we're just dealing with his,” Alex pauses and reconsiders his words because he can’t bring himself to call Jones Michael’s father in front of the man who really should have that title.  “Now we’re dealing with Jones and all my bullshit from a decade in the Air Force.”

“Never gonna be perfect,” Sanders grunts.  “But you’re better together than you are apart.  Start with that.”

“Thanks,” Alex shifts on his feet. He wasn’t expecting to have a heart to heart with Sanders so soon.  It makes his anxious to see Michael, to be reassured he hasn’t fucked things up already.  “Here, this is for you,” he thrusts one of the coffee cups at Sanders.

He sips it cautiously then smiles before narrowing his eye at Alex. “Michael tell you how I take my coffee?”

“Nope, he told me you take it black.”

“Idiot,” Sanders mumbles under his breath.  “Guess coffee runs are your job from now on.”

“I can do that,” Alex agrees easily.  Sanders' approval is worth the hours he spent reviewing the footage he hacked from the coffee shop to find out Sanders preferred coffee is a double espresso latte with half vanilla, half coconut and almond milk.

“Best be on your way before Michael glares a hole in my back waiting for me to let you go.  Guess I know why he’s been smiling like a loon these last few days.  Probably explains the limp, too.”

Sanders walks away leaving Alex choking on air.  But he spots Michael waiting in the doorway of the garage, and his smile is worth the embarrassment.

[heelbucks]

bc im trying to have dreams of chuck taylor (dustin) or cash wheeler (daniel);

could a bestie get smut of either? the kinkiest, dirtiest shite you could think of, then that sweet, tooth decay aftercare?

oh baby - c. wheeler

pairing: daniel (cash) wheeler x fem! reader

warnings: minors dni, heavy smut (breeding kink, public sex, oral [m receiving], road head, [please be careful y’all], ), established relationship, use of real names!! (dax = david, wardlow = michael),

notes: i am an absolute SLUT FOR HIM so ofc i picked cashie bb enjoy ! takes place post trios match at all out! also look at this gif of him he’s such a cute lil shit. do you guys like me writing fully out of kayfabe with their real names? let me know!! maybe i’ll do it more :) also!!! this is easily the longest thing i’ve written in a while so it’s taking me a bit of time!

you sat in guerrilla position with david’s wife and daughter at the edge of your seats. you can see maria slightly cringe every time he lands awkwardly and sells a move perfectly. “i know he’s not seriously hurt, but i’m so proud of him, he’s such a good actor.” she says when she can finally breathe again as michael tags in.

you two get so wrapped up in watching your partners that the tiny harwood almost misses her cue. tony khan gently rushes her outside and you can’t miss the look of awe on her mothers face as the men in the ring let her get her “first win”.

daniel was always so good with his goddaughter, he really would do anything for her

as the boys file backstage, daniel drops his belts and swoops you up into his arms. “there’s my favorite cheerleader. whatcha think of the match babydoll?” he asked you in between kissing you all over your face. “amazing as always, danny.” you giggled as he placed you down.

you both looked over at the family next to you and shared the same thought. “i really do love how sweet you are with kids. i can’t wait to have a baby with you.” you whispered in his ear, placing a quick kiss below it. his adrenaline and testosterone already pumping through his veins, daniel pulled you closer to him via a tight grip on your ass. “is that so doll? why don’t we get a head start on that then? can’t wait to come home and see you being my cute lil housewife.” he was practically growling in your ear when you physically dragged him away. “sorry we’d love to stay for the after party but these cramps are killing me. maria, text me when you guys get in okay? congratulations again david and michael!” nobody had time to register what has happening, but david knew his best friend and he sat there laughing to himself while you two sprinted to the cars, making a quick stop for him to change out of his gear.

barely making it into the large rental car, you two couldn’t keep your hands off each other. daniel’s large hands wrapped tightly around you lifting you up with ease. “tell me why i can’t take you right here again?” his words come out breathlessly as he places kiss after kiss down your neck. before you could answer you heard a few camera clicks and laughed. “that’s why. don’t need other people to witness our first kid getting made.”

daniel opened up your door and ran to the driver side and started the drive to the hotel. the entire time his hand was clenching your thigh and yours was sliding across his lap. as you passed over his cock, you gave it a little squeeze. “babydoll, don’t start something you’re not gonna finish, or i might have to pull over right now.”

looking up at him with a smirk, you unbutton your seatbelt and lean across the center console. “who said i wasn’t gonna finish?”. you pull down the waistband of his sweatpants and boxers in one swift motion. his length bounces slightly against his tummy and you lean down to give a little kiss to the tip. you slowly take little by little into your mouth, your boyfriend above you gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles are white. “fuckin hell baby.” you hear from above you.

as you hollow out your cheeks and get into more of a rhythm, daniel finally starts to relax, one of his hands making it’s way to the back of your head to hold it down. not paying full attention, he drives over a speed bump, sending his cock against the back of your throat. “shit, sorry doll. damn that felt good.”

as you two pulled into the hotel parking lot, you sat up straight, wiping the spit and precum from your mouth. “that, was fun. we’re doing that again when we get home.” you smiled at your boyfriend while he adjusted himself and made it slightly less obvious he got one of the best blowjobs of his life.

————————————————————————-

once inside your room, daniel locked the door and dropped everything. “let’s get a baby in you then, future mrs. wheeler.” he pulled you in close, his large hands easily gripping onto your waist and pushed you gently onto the bed. as you landed with a bounce and a giggle, you get up on your knees to kiss him. he pulls away to peal off his shirt and practically rips yours off. you lay back and pull down your leggings and roll over so your ass is in his face.

daniel quickly gets rid off his pants again, and you feel the bed dip as he climbs onto it. “normally, i’d have you ride my face until you’re crying. but tonight, you’re not leaving this bed until you’re knocked up.” his voice is deep and sends a chill down your spine as he pulls your panties to the side and slowly pushes one finger in. “oh you like that don’t you? you just can’t wait for me to fill you up, get you nice and full with my kid?”

to be continued?

[sleekervae]

Yoü & I [2.6]

Masterlist

A/N: The finals season is wrapping up and I'm almost finished all my projects, but I still got lots of content I'll be banging out over the holiday break. Thanks as always for sticking around!

Warnings: none

--

Charlotte could draw many parallels between Toronto and New York: tall-ass skyscrapers, streets shrouded with people all with more important places to be, homeless who begged for money on every block and a niche of street food and culture to indulge in. 

After the two hour flight into Canada, the bands took the day to decompress before their show the next day. The hotel they were staying at was beautiful, and a perk to staying in a gorgeous hotel in the dead of summer was the rooftop pool -- which Maria practically begged the girls to come with her for a 'pool day'. 

A pool day sounded like just the thing Charlotte was due for. Her hands were cramped from clutching pens and her fingers were blistered from working on the guitar so much -- a break was overdo. 

She stood in the illustriously well-lit bathroom, admiring her slim physique in the little black bikini she'd slipped on. It was a newer piece that Maria had picked out for her on a recent shopping trip, and while Charlotte wasn't so keen on how little it covered at first, the more she looked at it on her the more she liked it. 

Tying her hair into a half-assed bun, Charlotte exited the bathroom to find Chloe still lying on the bed, texting and smiling like a mad man. She didn't pay much attention to her bandmate, but Charlotte didn't mind. She watched the galaxy-haired drummer with a coy smile as she slipped on a yellow sundress.

The last time Chloe looked this giddy was just before the band had taken off -- about three years ago, now. She hadn't had much luck in the way of romance since her career had skyrocketed, much like the other girls, she was always busy traveling, tracking, writing. And when she did meet a potential interest, it didn't forego more than a week when Chloe would either loose interest or she would be ghosted for no apparent reason. 

"Who ya' talking to, Smiley?" Charlotte asked.

"Jeff the Killer," Chloe replied.

Charlotte nodded, "Well, maybe you can take two minutes away from Eva and go get your swim suit on? Before we get assaulted with Amber alerts?"

At the mention, Chloe set down her phone and glanced at the singer, "Do you think it's too early to be sending bathing suit pics?" she asked. 

Charlotte simpered, "Um -- it's been about a week, so I'd say so. Does she follow your insta?"

"Yeah,"

"Then just post it there," 

Chloe smiled, "Ah ha! The subtle thirst trap! You're a genius!"

I'm not so sure 'subtle' is affiliated with any social media, Charlotte thought to herself.

"Thank you," she replied. 

Chloe changed into her own electric red one-piece and shorts, and the girls quickly went to meet their friends at the pool. They caught a glimpse of the elevator just as it was beginning to close, growing cause for the girls to sprint. 

"Hold the door!" Chloe called. 

A hand extended out of the gap and held the doors open for the girls to rush in. And lo and behold, Luke and Michael were in the elevator as well. 

"Hey, fancy meeting you guys here," Luke grinned.

"Funny how we just keep running into each other," Charlotte smirked, "As it by fate,"

Chloe meanwhile glared down at Michael's swim trunks, "Nice shorts, Mikey," 

Michael glanced down at his blue swimmers, printed with little silhouettes of fish and turtles -- sure, at first glance they may have been more suited for a child rather than a twenty-year-old man. But Michael liked them, so what?

He, as well as Luke and Charlotte, waited anxiously for another snarky remark from Chloe, but she just looked straight ahead. She said nothing. 

"And?" he asked. 

"And what?" Chloe turned to him.

"No follow up?" 

Chloe smiled, "Oh, I have a follow up. I'm just in a good mood right now," 

"Oh,"

"... If I wasn't in a good mood, I'd ask why you were skimming through the children's section at Walmart for swim trunks," Chloe went on.

Luke snapped his fingers, "There it is," 

The pool wasn't the only highlight of the hotel's rooftop. Aside from umbrella seats, a canopy bar and a hot tub, the kids had a stunning view of downtown Toronto. Not as infinite as Tokyo and not as imperialistic as Vienna, the skyline of glass buildings reflected off of one another, creating a beautiful ripple of blues and teals that crashed against the cloudless sky above. 

Maria and Kimberly were already laid out on deck chairs, soaked in sunscreen, rays and bikini clad. Across from them were Ashton and Calum, partaking in a game of ping pong. There were no other guests on the deck, meaning they had the pool to themselves for a while.

 Kimberly pried her eyes open when she felt a shadow fall over her, scrunching her eyes and blocking the sun with her hand to find Charlotte and Chloe standing over her. The material of her own navy blue two-piece glinted in the rays.

"Yes?" she raised an eyebrow at them, prompting Maria to look over.

"You guys are no fun," Chloe chided.

"No fun? We were waiting for you," Maria said, her voice a little gravelly. 

"Our bad, but somebody just couldn't stop texting another particular somebody," Charlotte winked at the girls. Kimberly awed up at Chloe.

"Aw, how's Eva?" she asked.

"Wishing she was here instead of Syracuse, I imagine," Chloe replied, taking the deck chair next to her. Charlotte took the one on the other side of Maria, both of them stripping back down to their bikinis. 

"You guys have been talking for how long, now?" Maria asked.

"Just under a week," Chloe replied.

"And it's constant," Charlotte remarked, "I think we have reasons to be optimistic," 

"We can start getting optimistic after the three week mark. If you don't scare her away, I'll be so proud of you," Kimberly told her.

Chloe simpered back, "Your confidence in me is astounding," 

At the other end of the pool, Luke was just pulling off his t-shirt and unpacking his backpack. He had his iPhone with an audiobook he thought he would try out. He could hear his mom's voice in his head, reminding him to be sure he put on lots of sunscreen. It was ironic how he came from one of the hottest continents in the world, and yet he was as pasty as a soy bean. 

When he turned back around, reaching as best he could to slather sunscreen on his back, his line of sight fell on Charlotte. Her yellow sundress had disappeared and she was clad in a black triangle bikini, contrasting against her natural olive skin that seemed to glow under the sun. Her shapely legs crossed one in front of the other as she hunched over to shake out her hair. He had to swallow the lump in his throat when she suddenly swung around in his direction, not realizing that he'd been caught staring when his eyes locked with hers. If he had a clear view of Charlotte than she had a clear view of him. 

He smiled sheepishly and waved, a tint of blush covering his face. Charlotte shook her head at him with a little smirk and put up her middle finger. Though she wasn't exactly innocent in the staring department either, and how could she not be?

"Eyes to yourself!" Chloe suddenly shouted, having caught Luke staring, too. Her outburst drew the attention of everyone else. 

Ashton giggled to himself, therefore missing Calum's backhand. The ping pong ball whizzed right by his face.

"I win!" Calum declared.

"You do not!" Ashton countered, "That went out of bounds,"

"We didn't set an out of bounds!" Calum argued. 

Ashton pointed to one of the potted plants behind him, "Yes we did. We agreed if it landed after the tree on my side, or the towel rack on your side, then it's out. Besides, Chloe distracted me,"

"Oh, boo hoo," Calum chided back, "Sore loser," 

With the others distracted, Michael took the opportunity to take a running start and do a cannon ball into the pool -- effectively splashing everybody within a metre of him. Maria and Kimberly were violently ripped from their sun bath with icy cold water droplets, while Chloe hid behind her deck chair and Charlotte covered her head. 

"Michael!" Kimberly scolded, sitting up in a huff. The guitarist remerged from the water, rubbing chlorine from his eyes and shaking out his drenched hair.

"The water's fine, guys! Come on in!" he replied.

Luke shook his head at his hyperactive friend, mouthing a 'sorry' at Charlotte before jumping in himself. Charlotte made good to stand back this time -- the other girls weren't so lucky.

"Oh, come on guys!" Maria whined, wiping cold water off her legs, "A little warning would suffice!"

Charlotte couldn't help but laugh at her friends. Sure, they were trying to have a relaxing afternoon in the sun, but hey, a pool was a pool. And since no one else was around...

Kimberly saw it coming this time, and she moved off the deck chair just in time as Charlotte jumped in after the boys. Maria grimaced when more water splattered across her face.

"Where's my --" Chloe then cannon-balled in, sending water everywhere once again, "... towel?"

There was an assortment of balls and blow up floats for the bands to fool around with -- though given the colours of the toys they were very well meant for little kids. Never the less, a game of volleyball ensued in the pool, with Charlotte and Chloe on one team and Luke and Michael on the other. Calum and Ashton's ping pong game was still in full swing, considering that Ashton demanded a rematch. Kimberly kept the score this time around and they set the boundary lines. 

Luke pitched the rubber ball to Chloe, who bunted it over to Charlotte, who spiked it back at Michael. However, Michael miscalculated where the ball would land and ended up getting knocked in the face. He fell back into the water.

"Oh, shit!" but he emerged quickly, rubbing at his nose and eyes. All attention around the pool was directed at the sudden injury. 

"You okay, mate?" Luke swam over to him. 

"Mike, I'm so sorry!" Charlotte exclaimed, thinking the worst she'd done was bruise his eye or cheek. And God knows they'd have fun explaining a heinous mark to their managers.

Michael pushed the water off his face with his hands and pushed back his sopping hair, looking dazed as he glanced around the pool, "Where am I?" he then glanced at Luke, "My God, are you gorgeous," he then broke out into a smile. Luke rolled his eyes.

"He's fine," he assured the girls, grabbing the ball and handing it to him, "Your serve,"

Meanwhile, the ping pong game was getting heated. Kimberly's head was practically moving in sync with the little white ball as it bounced between Ashton and Calum. Ashton was determined to knocked the ball past Calum but he was a swift opponent. At the next pass, Calum batted the ball just a little too hard however.

The little white ball whizzed past Ashton's head this time, only instead of hitting the ground it flew over the deck and over the railing... over downtown. The boys were stunned, Kimberly was at a loss for how to call the game. 

"So... who wins?"

They both stared down a stunned Kimberly, who only shrugged as she racked her logic, "Okay... the ball is technically... definitely out. Ashton wins by default," she decided. 

"Yes!" Ashton rejoiced, throwing his hands up. 

Calum just shook his head and threw his paddle down, going instead for the neon green floatie, "It's too hot for ping pong anyway," he slipped the floatie around his waist and took off in a little run.

"Go Calum!" Michael chanted. Calum reached the edge of the pool, but instead of a grandiose jump he simply chose to hop in. He didn't even get his head past the water thanks to the floatie. The boys broke into fits of giggles.

Maria just shook her head, "What? You afraid to get your hair wet?" she called.

Calum smirked at her, "Are you, Little Miss Sunshine?"

Maria rolled her eyes, opting to stand up and proudly show off her purple bikini set. Calum subconsciously licked his lips, which didn't go unnoticed by Luke. Maria stood at the deep end of the pool, did a little bow, and dived in gracefully. She emerged a few seconds later, shaking out her raven black hair. 

"Beat that, Marty Mc-Floatie!" she smirked at Calum. 

Ashton did some flexes and bending before he took his running start, ready to make another big splash. However, he didn't count on Michael. hucking the rubber ball at him as he jumped in. The ball nailed him square in the chest and instead of a pencil dive he just flailed in. 

"Michael!" the girls scolded. Ashton made a quick recovery, glaring over at his bandmate.

"Fuck you!" he pretended to cry, clinging to Luke in pity. Luke held him tightly.

"It's okay, honey, he didn't mean it," 

Kimberly pushed some of her dreadlocks over her shoulder, nervous to get them wet. It wasn't so much getting them wet that was the problem, but the drying process could be pretty tedious depending on the day.  

"Come on, Kim!" Chloe urged.

"Do you know how much of a bitch it is to do my hair when it gets wet?" she replied. 

In his peripherals Luke spotted another large floatie: a raft, to be specific. He had a brilliant idea, then. He swam to the other edge of the pool and retrieved it, pushing it towards Kimberly.

"Here!" he called, "Use this!" 

Kimberly smiled at him, "Thanks Luke," she quickly tied back her dreads and sat on the edge. Luke and Calum held the inflatable raft steady so she could wiggle on top, laying on her stomach and paddling over to meet her friends. Her hair was safe. 

Much of the afternoon was spent splashing about. They played a couple round of volleyball and then tried to play a game of Marco Polo. Emphasis on tried to. Poor Calum was picked to 'Marco', but the others devised to slip out of the water quietly all while shouting 'Polo'. 

"Marco!" he called tirelessly, his eyes squeezed shut as he hopped from spot to spot.

"Polo!" Chloe called back, helping Kimberly off of the raft. 

"Marco!" Calum called again.

"Polo!" Ashton quietly sat back on a deck chair and threw his hands behind his head. Calum's patience was wearing thin. He should've at least tapped someone out by now. Calum waded through the pool for a good five minutes before he realized everyone was cheating. 

"You wankers," he muttered, understandably miffed when his friends started laughing. 

At some point, Charlotte took to clambering back to the edge of the deck for a dry spell. She sat on the ledge and let her feet dangle in the water. Just as soon as she slathered on some more sunscreen, Luke had come to sit beside her. He had with him a cold bottle of water that he offered to her.

"Thanks," she smiled at him, "You want some SPF 50?" 

"I'll pass," he shook his head politely. Charlotte raised an eyebrow at him, having heard those words many a times before Luke would be complaining of sunburn hours later.

"Famous last words," she teased. Luke stuck out his tongue. 

Chloe and Ashton were still in the pool, facing off against Maria and Calum in a fierce game of chicken. Kimberly just watched from her raft, sipping a bottle of orange juice while Michael played referee. 

Luke kept his glance on Charlotte, she couldn't help but shiver as water droplets slid down her spine. She was a sight to behold under the sun, her golden skin ablaze against the sharp black fabric of her bikini, and she had some makeup that stained beneath her eyes but Luke didn't point it out. She looked really cool, actually.

"How're you doing?" he asked, not having much of a chance to talk to since they took off again. Really talk, the way they used to. 

"I'm wet," Charlotte replied, unable to keep the smug smile off her face. Luke rolled his eyes.

"No shit," he grinned, "I mean really, though. What's going on with you?" 

Charlotte shrugged, "Nothing. I'm stuck on the road with a bunch of crackheads for three whole months. Other than that... I guess I'm just -- existing,"

"Existing?" 

"Yeah. I'm here, but lately I feel that I haven't been here," she pointed to her head. 

Luke's smile fell a little, "Has Ben been bothering you again?" 

"No," she shook her head, "No, I think he finally got the hint,"

Luke sighed and looked down at his hands, his face tinting red but not from the sun, "You know..." he spoke after a small moment of silence. Charlotte glanced at him and sipped from her water. He laughed nervously, "You're gonna think I'm a cheese puff or something but -- I'm really fucking grateful for you, Char," 

Charlotte broke into a flattered smile, "I'm really grateful for you, too,"

"But seriously," Luke said, "I feel like I don't thank you enough for everything you do for me. No one else would do the things you do for me, no one else tries me happy like you do and you have no idea how much you mean to me. And I know I dicked around on ya a couple weeks ago --"

"-- Water under the bridge," Charlotte said, her heart burning in her chest. She had no idea where this was coming from. 

"But the fact is I don't know what I did to deserve you and I need you to know how fucking grateful I am for you... even when I don't deserve to have you in my life. And if you feel like you can't talk to me about shit 'cause I'll judge you, I won't. I'll always take care of you. You're my best friend and I don't know what I'd do without you," 

Charlotte bit the inside of her lip, willing away the stinging sensation in the back of her eyes, "Jesus Christ," she wrapped her arms around him. She never expected him to say anything like that to her, especially because it was the exact way she felt about him. 

"Am I corny?" he chuckled, hugging her tightly. None of them cared that they were just skin-to-skin in midday. She smelled so sweetly of grapefruit intermingled with bitter chlorine.

"No, you're perfect," Charlotte laughed, "If anything, I'm the one that's grateful for you. No one puts up with my stupidity and shit like you do. I don't know how you do it, honestly,"

Luke snickered and shook his head, pushing some of her wet hair behind her ear, "You're not stupid. You're far from it, Shorty," 

Charlotte smiled and punched his arm, "If the others heard us they'd take the piss out of us so hard right now," 

Luke rolled his eyes, "Like I told you before, they're just jealous of us, "

"Always gotta' be a fucking optimist, don't ya?" Charlotte huffed.

"Always gotta throw in a fucking curse, don't ya?" Luke shrugged. 

Charlotte glared back, and before Luke knew it he had been shoved into the pool. When he resurfaced Charlotte was in a fit of giggles while he sputtered and coughed up chlorine. 

"And here we were having a moment!" 

[gra-sonas]

Better order one last Little Green Men milkshake at the Crashdown Cafe, and get ready for a final close encounter with the "Pod Squad" during tonight's (Sept 5) series finale of Roswell, New Mexico.

From the very first episode, Roswell, New Mexico has featured queer characters. Even though the central relationship between Liz (Jeanine Masters) and Max (Nathan Parsons) was featured on the show's posters and billboards, #Malex is the couple the fans fervently tweet about when a new episode airs.

Ever since Michael Guerin [Michael Vlamis] and Alex Manes [Tyler Blackburn] shared a passionate kiss in the pilot, viewers have been shipping Malex, but fans were disappointed during this season when Alex sank into the liminal space dimension and disappeared for multiple episodes — leaving fans to wonder if the couple would blast off happily ever after.

Alex remained missing for most of Season 4 before finally reuniting with Michael in Episode 11, with Alex proposing to Michael and the two almost getting married in a makeshift ceremony in the alien alternate universe.

Now with the series finale about to air, Michael and Tyler spoke with Logo about their characters' cosmic love story, what it was like filming their epic reunion, how they never visited Roswell's gay bar, and if they would be up for a Malex spinoff.

The Malex reunion scene in Episode 11, what was it like filming that after all your time apart?

Michael: It was a long, long time coming. We picked up right where we left off. Tyler's just so open as a performer. So, there's never any rust when you show up to play off and work off him. It literally was just like, "About time you're back" and we just got right to it. I don't know, it was easy.

Tyler: Yeah. We really do just have a natural ability to snap each other into where we need to be. I mean, truly, it's one of my favorite people to do scenes with in my entire life. So, I agree. Super easy, and it felt momentous Also, Heather Hemmens [who plays Maria] was directing, and that was also very special. I remember we did one take of that scene, and Heather came over with a tear in her eye and she was like, "It's so good, it's so good." And I was just like, this feels good, this feels right.

I wanted to ask about Heather directing. That must have been nice to have someone you're so familiar with behind the camera when you were doing that scene.

Tyler: Yeah, absolutely. The thing with TV is a lot of times you don't get too many of the same directors more than once, but Heather had been part of the show as an actress throughout the entire series. So she really does know the story and the characters, and it just really did make it feel a little bit more grounded, in my opinion. Plus, I just found her energy to be so calm. She's such a calm person. She just is really good at being a human being, I would say actually.

Michael: And you want to do good work for her. You want to do your best for her.

You two have such good chemistry together. Was that always there from the beginning? Or was that from hanging out for these past few years?

Tyler: I think it was always there, you know? It's funny because I feel like the chemistry that we have on screen is actually more so because of how we allow each other to explore during scenes. When we're just hanging out or talking as friends, we're kind of just idiots together. I mean we get along really well, but the chemistry, I think, is just something that we can turn on because we're on the same page as far as what we want to do for our characters, and for each other as the characters. I think we both just knew exactly what needed to happen from day one. I feel like you [Michael] showed up knowing exactly what you needed to do and where you needed to go, and so did I. We had just made a decision. We barely even got to talk about it as two actors, we just showed up and it was like, here we go. And it was innate.

Michael: I always feel like chemistry just comes from people being open. When you have insecurities, when you're worried about how you look on screen or something like that in the moment, sure, we all want to look good, but once the camera is rolling, all that matters is you are here to act, you're here to receive what happens, doesn't matter how you look. It matters how truthful the scene is. So when two people who operate that way, Tyler and myself are together, no matter who the actors are, if they both operate that way, then they're going to be basically one. And that's when people do their best work. And Tyler's just, if I do something different, if I hit his shoulder, he's going to do something back to me like that. And he's just always ready, always on his toes. And I try to do the same thing, whatever you put up, or put down, I'm picking up, no matter what.

So Tyler, the night of the episode where Alex returns, you tweeted out about your health issues that kept you from being in a majority of Season 4. What was it like sharing that? And what was the reaction from the fans like?

Tyler: So really, I guess the reason I wanted to just be transparent was, obviously I was missing from much of this season, and I had just caught wind that a lot of fans were coming in pretty hard on the creators and the writers and stuff. And I found that to be pretty unfair, because this wasn't a choice that they made. They actually were trying to figure out how to create this season without my character, because I needed time. So, I wanted to just tweet out because I felt the need to absorb, I guess, a little bit of that responsibility, and it wasn't anyone else's decision. That was the main intention. And I'm not someone who looks at a lot of my comments and stuff, but I saw some really nice things, and that felt really great for me to feel supported, just like I did throughout the filming.

I also wanted to ask you about your tweet that said you're forever grateful to "the human beings who made this show." Why did you tweet that? I thought it was such a nice thing to say.

Tyler: Well, just because I was going through a tough time, and I never felt like I was not supported. And that really says a lot, to have people show up and be there for you. A lot of what I was dealing with was physical issues. I had to show up in pain a lot of the time and to have people accommodate me, or help me, or literally holding onto Vlamis' shoulder while walking to set to shoot. Those little things just make you feel... I'm going to get emotional. They make you feel safe. Because at the end of the day I wanted to uphold my responsibility and the agreement that I made on this show. And I had to fight through some shit, but I felt supported. And that was so important for me to validate, and let people know that what goes on behind the scenes is also really important too. And the humans on that show, I say humans almost jokingly, since this is a show about aliens, but seriously though, everyone was so great on that show.

And Michael, I'm guessing your social media for most of the season was just people asking, "Where's Alex, where's Alex?"

Michael: The whole time.

What's that been like for you?

Michael: Well, I felt bad because I knew that they were going to continue to ask, and they weren't going to get what they wanted. Just like I wanted more Alex. But I care about Tyler more than I care about Michael Guerin and Alex. And we end up having a great ending to this season and I think it all worked out the way it was supposed to and everything came together. I could just go on and on about how much I love working with Tyler. So I wanted it too. I was there feeling the same, "Oh, it'd be good to do a scene with Tyler today. Haven't done one with Tyler in a while." I honestly just felt bad for him, because I knew how long it was going to be. And I couldn't say anything and people have been asking for, they asked for eight or nine episodes straight, but that's what happens.

In last week's episode where you had the makeshift wedding ceremony with the "Malex Forever" banner behind you, what was it like filming that scene?

Michael: That scene was really cool. It was just fun being in that barn. It was fun to be at a wedding that you really want, but at the same time you have to deny. I was like, man, he's so close to this finally happening, and now I just got to do this. So, it was cool just to have [co-stars] Zoe [Cipres] and Quentin [Plair] there. I became close with both of them. And having Tyler back, it was a fun scene. It's fun to play in the turmoil of it all. I enjoy those scenes more sometimes than the really lighthearted ones.

And without giving much away or anything, can you tease what's ahead for the series finale?

Michael: Oh. What could we say to tease?

Tyler: I would say it's a happy ending. Let's just say that.

Michael: Yeah, I think that's a great thing to say. It's a happy ending. Finally.

When you were filming these episodes, did it feel like this could be the end? What was it like on set?

Michael: People weren't really acting that way, but I had this strange feeling. It was so weird, because every season you say bye to everyone. Some people give wrap gifts to each other. The actors, we usually get the cast and crew something. And when we were giving those out and saying our goodbyes, it felt like goodbye, goodbye. And I didn't really understand that. But part of me was like, well, the way the season ends, a lot of storylines... Yeah, there are some cliffhangers, but a lot of the storylines get to a place that people are going to be really happy about, and they're going to be comfortable with where we're leaving characters. So yeah, I felt like it was time. It was time that it was going to be done. I was still a little surprised when the cancellation happened, but I also wasn't. But once it happened, I thought back to those feelings I had on that last week of shooting. It was like, "Oh, I think this is it."

Tyler: But I think also too, one big difference was between [seasons] two and three, we knew before we've wrapped that we were going to be coming back. So then this was like, we didn't know. And we didn't know when we were going to know. It did feel a little bit ominous, but I'm a strong believer in ending something on a high note. I think for me, even if I was just viewing this show, I'd be like, I think this is the right time. I feel like it just felt right. I don't know if the writers wrote with that in mind. I think they had to, in case we didn't get picked up, they were like, we have to end this in some way that's really great. But I agree, I think everything is kind of wrapped up in a nice bow.

And Tyler, I'm guessing we aren't going to hear you sing on the show again?

Tyler: No, but it's great because I feel we each get our moment with music. You're [Michael] playing guitar in this last episode. I think it's fun that we shared that commonality as well as characters.

I was also sad that we didn't go back to the gay bar, Planet 7

Tyler: I never got to go there.

Michael: I was going to say, why didn't we get to go there?

Tyler: The two out, outwardly gay characters don't even go to the gay bar!

Michael: Ridiculous.

That should have been in Season 5.

Michael: We'll go with Kyle Valenti.

Tyler: Guerin could have been wearing only chaps and a cowboy hat. You have a nice ass.

Michael: Thanks, man. Appreciate that, you too.

When the show began, Liz and Max's relationship was the central love story, but as the seasons went on it seems like it became Malex. Was that talked about on set or between you and the other actors?

Michael: That's interesting. People on set did not talk about it. Of course, you get Liz and Max on the billboards around town and all that stuff. So you just think about that being the couple, that's the relationship. But from the beginning, social media has been going crazy [for Malex] in a way that was so surprising, and it was so fun for us. I don't know if it was surprising for Tyler, but for me, I had never experienced anything like this before. It has felt like we were always loved by the fans, and not that we were the number one ship on the show or anything like that, but that we were loved and supported. That has never felt like it's changed at all. Every year it just feels the same, and maybe it is growing and becoming more intense, but it's always been that way since the beginning. It is amazing how hard the fans came out immediately.

Tyler: I think that's just indicative of how times have changed too. The fact that a gay relationship is something to celebrate, and talk about, and root for. I think it came at the right time in television. So I think that has a lot to do with it. I think, how many times have you heard older actors say, "I wish there were more people out when I was growing up and had someone to look up to, it's like, now that exists." So you have a platform where all of these younger people, who are queer, can watch and celebrate. Then you have people who are not queer, who are watching and celebrating even, because they realize how valid it is, and how important it is. At the end of the day, you have two human beings who are so deeply in love. And if you're at all a normal human being, you know that feeling. So you watch two people on screen, and you feel that.

Michael: Yeah, no matter who they are.

Tyler: So I think there's a lot to it. But I was surprised. It was just celebratory, and sort of soothing for me, once I realized it was a really big deal. But you know what's funny, is in the pilot when we shot the scene where we kiss, do you remember all the people at video village were just like, cheering, literally cheering?

Michael: Yeah, I do remember that.

Tyler: As if they had already been watching this relationship, and it was like they were celebrating it already. This was the pilot.

Michael: That's a good point. Everybody was there because it was the last thing we shot I think.

Tyler: Yeah, yeah. So it was an interesting moment because I felt like, I don't know, maybe it was a little foreshadowing.

That chemistry.

Michael: That was the beginning, dude. That's crazy to think about.

Tyler: I know, I know.

Well, it must be cool because I think Malex is one of the great queer relationships on TV in recent years.

Tyler: I know. And I wonder sometimes too, and this is in no way a dig at all towards anyone, but I just wonder if this was a more, I don't know, adult network or show, would it have been a bigger deal even? I feel like a lot of people turn their nose up at the CW, or a show about aliens, and it's like, at the end of the day, we're pulling out some dope shit. We're fucking bringing it hardcore.

Michael: We did. There were times where I was just like, man, this scene is so fucking real. So truthful. This is happening on shows that are getting Emmy noms, and the scenes between us, the acting that we were doing, the chemistry that we had, the stuff that we were representing, I can only hope that more people find the show as it progresses, because it deserves that. Our scenes man, we put some stuff down where we were exhausted, we were sick, we were depressed. We felt... We made it real dude. We made it real, and I believe that deserves to be watched. But if it's never watched, we put it out there for us, and that's all that matters. So we'll see what happens.

Tyler: It lives on in this day and age though.

Michael: It lives on.

Tyler: It's somewhere. Yeah. But no, I mean, I agree with that so much. I think... And it's also a testament to the writers, and how they were able to really tap into the foundation of what the relationship was. I mean I just, I hope that people feel the importance of it for sure.

Michael: Shout out to [creator and former showrunner] Carina MacKenzie... Malex is her baby.

Well, hopefully, she likes how it ends, however it ends.

Michael: I think Carina will be happy too. We can tease that.

So is there a Roswell group chat going on, or are there any plans for a Roswell real-life reunion? Have you all been keeping in touch?

Michael: A bunch of the castmates are actually teaming up with us on our next Vlambase merch launch actually, which is cool. But other than that, there's still a fantasy football league that's going around. I don't know if you're in that Tyler, but I got that email.

Tyler: I literally don't know one thing about football.

My last question is: Is there anything that you want to say to these Malex fans now that the series is ending?

Tyler: I think that they should know they were pivotal in the way that we played the characters too because I think that we listened to what they were saying. I think the writers did as well. I think that they love the ship, they celebrate the ship, but the ship became what it is in large part to their support. So it's this cyclical dynamic that I hope they understand how important they were in that.

Michael: Yeah, I think straight up, the fans in a way, changed my life. That sounds pretty dramatic, but truly, over four years, you're going to change regardless, right? But they were always there supporting, pushing us, driving us in a way with love and care, and compassion to do the best work we can. So we just continued. I couldn't wait to see what people thought about scenes that I knew meant a lot to both of us. It was such a joy to know that I can go on Twitter, whether stuff is bad or good. I remember when the first trailer came out for Comic Con, and it was so funny. I got stoned and read all the comments. I had never been on TV before, and I'm just getting trashed as the new Michael Guerin. I thought it was awesome. I'm not offended by any of that stuff. Just bring it, I'm still going to do my thing. But the fact that you could go on Twitter and see what is resonating, see what they're turning into gifs and special moments. That was so cool, and so propelling for me specifically as a younger actor, new to the game, coming up. So it's just a big thank you to them.

I love that. Well, Michael, Tyler, I always love talking to you, and I guess this will probably be the last time, until there's a Roswell revival or something in 10 years.

Tyler: The Malex spinoff!

Michael: Yes, yes!

[misslavenderlady]

The Boys Who Wouldn’t Grow Up - Chapter 20

Summary: Marko, Dwayne, and Paul are ready to take down the head vampire and restore David and Maria's mortality. Even with their combined skills, things could still go wrong if they're not careful.

WARNINGS FOR THIS CHAPTER: CHARACTER DEATH (character is a kid), Violence, Blood, Stabbing, Burning, Threats

Credit to bonniebird for the gif (which is of Sam in that awful LB sequel lol)

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

The day had finally arrived. The day when all vampires would die. To think that mere days ago, the Johnson family had just come to California for an uneventful summer with Grandma. Now one son was corrupted with vampirism while the other was ready to take down the monsters who turned him in the first place. 

It wasn’t going to be an easy task to complete. Between Marko still training to fight and David being weak in the day and still very new to his powers, the odds weren’t entirely in their favor. They were most certainly going to need the help of some professionals if they were going to solve this vampire pest problem.

After a restless night, Marko woke up at the crack of dawn to call Dwayne and Paul again. He gave them all the information Maria had shared with him and David the night before. They needed to know all about the powers Michael had if they were going to plan accordingly. The two brothers took note of everything their friend had to tell them, and after packing supplies and weapons accordingly, they devised a plan.

“We’ll come get you both at 6 pm,” Dwayne explained. “It’s cutting it pretty close, but we really can’t afford to have the shop closed another day. Just use that time to train like we taught you”

“Yeah! And tell your big bro to get some shut-eye,” Paul added on. “He’s gonna feel like shit when he wakes up, but at least he can rest when he can”

Marko looked over at his brother on the bed. Even with the blackout curtains fully closed, he was buried deep under the blankets. The deeper he was in the darkness, the better. He must have gotten comfortable enough because he was fast asleep. 

It was a good thing their father would be busy today because the last thing Marko needed was a distraction. 

"Got it. I'll see you guys then"

After hanging up the phone, he decided to leave David for a while. A look of worry was stuck on the curly-haired boy's face as he gathered a stake for his practice session in the yard again. 

It was only made of wood, yet it weighed down his hand as if it were the heaviest iron. Vampires were going to be slaughtered today, and some could be at his own hand. 

Whatever it takes to save my family, Marko thought to himself as he gently shut the door. 

It was a nerve-wracking few hours, but at least Dwayne and Paul were good on their word. At 6 on the dot, they were riding up the driveway, their motorcycles kicking up clouds of dirt as they went. 

Marko wasted no time in dragging David out of bed. Despite sleeping all day long, the eldest sibling moved like he hadn't gotten any shut-eye in days. Groans and curses were thrown Marko's way as he helped David down the steps. For the sake of the situation, he would ignore any complaints. 

"Jesus Christ, your brother looks like hell," Paul noted. 

He and Dwayne were fully ready for battle. Each set of hair was tied back and their faces were marked with light camouflage makeup. They wore thick boots and gloves with packs of weaponry in their bags. It made the naval dirk Marko has stashed in his pocket look like a toy. 

"Thanks, I feel like I was just there," David replied sarcastically. 

"Remind me again why I don't just leave your ass here to sulk in private?" Marko sassed him. 

Even still, he helped David properly sit down on a chair by one of their grandmother's suits of armor. He was already winded just from the steps. 

"Because we'll need all the help we can get. Even as a lookout, it's important to have everyone ready if need be," Dwayne explained. 

"Besides, I need to get Maria out of there. She's not one of them, she's a prisoner…" 

The other three looked at each other while David pouted over his lover. He clearly cared about her despite everything that happened. In a way, it further proved that he wasn't one of the monsters. He could still be saved with the humanity that lingered. 

The Murray brothers sat beside Marko and David, the expressions on their faces now much more sympathetic. This wasn't just a search and destroy mission, it was also a rescue mission. They weren't to take that lightly. 

"We'll get the lady outta trouble," Paul assured him with a friendly smile. "Just tell us what the leader looks like. We find him, stake him, and the others are destroyed too"

It made David's stomach churn to think of Michael. The boy he thought was his best friend was instead a force of chaos that corrupted everything in sight. To think about the reality of how Michael manipulated him left and right still infuriated him.

"His name's Michael," David mumbled. "Around my height, brown curls, blue eyes, and he's the oldest one. You'll know him when you see him"

That was all the hunters needed. With a nod to each other, they gestured for Marko to follow them. The only problem was that Marko couldn't get his brother to move. David was barely clinging to consciousness. 

"There's absolutely no way he's gonna stay on the back of your bike, Marko," Dwayne pointed out. "We're gonna need a different ride to their hideout"

While the other three were wondering what to do, Marko knew right away what they could use at a time like this. He'd be in serious trouble, but desperate times called for desperate measures. 

"Grandma's gonna kill you when we get home," David mumbled from the passenger seat. 

“Rather it be her than a bloodsucker”

Marko was at the wheel of their Grandmother's Eldorado. Though guilt for taking her car was overwhelming him beyond words, it truly was a matter of life and death. David was slumped over in the passenger seat up front while Paul and Dwayne stayed perched in the back. He silently hoped his Grandfather wasn’t turning over in his grave as a result of this.

The sun was beating down on them all, bright and hot. It wasn’t anything new to the human boys, but for David, it was like being suffocated. Though it was insufferable, he’d do his best to stay strong and endure it. He wasn’t going to stay like this forever, nor was he going to let Michael go and poison the life of someone else. 

“When we get there, we all stick together,” Dwayne ordered. He was sharpening his stake with a pocket knife, getting it ready for whatever monster he came face to face with. 

“Don’t anybody try to be no hero! If your ass is in trouble, get the hell outta there,” Paul added. 

While sleepily giving his brother directions, David wondered just how this was going to play out. Surely if he was feeling weak, so would the Lost Boys. He still hated the idea of Marko going in there to face those demons, but his little brother had his heart set on being the one to free him. They had been through so much together, and if this was all going to end, he had to have faith in Marko. 

He used to see a sweet, scrawny kid whenever they were together. Now with determined eyes and a focused expression, David truly saw how grown up his brother was.

The car was parked in the dirt at the top of the cliff. Dwayne and Paul each had to hold him up so he wouldn't stumble and fall down the worn-out staircase. Marko led the way, finding the main entrance that David had only ever navigated through at night. Sunlight was streaming inside, showing off all the worn-out features of the dilapidated resort. 

"Yeah, this is definitely a vampire nest," Dwayne said. "They love settling down in abandoned places like this"

David remembered how much he worried the boys were homeless and that this was the best they could do. Turns out this was the perfect place for them. 

Before he could even think of moving further, something caught his eye. 

A white piece of fluff hidden in a corner of the room. Curious, he broke free from the others and slowly made his way over to the item. Getting close enough allowed him to see what it really was. 

It was the teddy bear he gave Maria the night they all went to play games on the boardwalk. But now it had a new, gruesome feature. A claw had sliced at the throat of the stuffed animal, blood staining the fur surrounding it. 

This was a message. A threat. Michael must have done this to frighten Maria enough to the point where she wouldn't leave. You try something, you die. 

"You guys go kill that son of a bitch," David sneered. "I'm gonna find Maria and get her out of this hellhole"

Nobody questioned him. Paul and Dwayne took off first to find an entrance to a lower level in the cave. Marko gave David a pat on the shoulder before following them. Though thoroughly exhausted, David managed to stay on his feet long enough to search the cave for Maria. If she was still half-vampire like him, then he could get her out of this place for good. 

To his utter relief, she was in her room. Just like after their night together, she was snuggled up under her blankets, trying to ignore the pain of the sunlight streaming in order to get some proper rest. David had been barely comfortable with the black-out curtains. He couldn’t imagine how miserable she was feeling.

“Maria?” he whispered. He kneeled over her on the bed, gently nudging her so she’d wake up. Her beautiful brown eyes peeked open, making David feel a sense of relief. “Hey, sweetheart. I’m getting you out of here. We gotta go now”

Though exhaustion was what most clearly presented on her face, a hint of panic overwhelmed her. She knew just what Michael and his sadistic little brothers were capable of, and she was scared of what they’d do to David if they found out he was here.

“N-No…I can’t…”

“Yes, you can,” David urged her. 

He didn’t hesitate in taking action. Fighting back the pain in his muscles, David scooped Maria up into his arms, carefully holding her as he made his way back to the entrance they all came in. She whimpered softly in his hold, discomfort and fear overwhelming her senses. It was all such a scary situation. There were no second chances. If they were caught, it was all over.

David grunted in agony from the number of steps outside the cave he had to climb. If he was still fully human, he could have carried her with absolutely no problem. But the sun above was brutal, and it made his legs buckle and shake. It was a miracle that he was able to set her body down on the seat in the back before he collapsed beside her. 

All of his energy was gone. If Marko and his friends were going after those vampires, they were on their own.

*********************************

“Watch your step! The rocks here are sharp!” Paul warned the others, taking the lead down. While he and Dwayne moved around rather gracefully, Marko was a bit clumsy, not always finding the best footing as he followed them. 

Still, they all stayed close together, always making sure everyone was safe the further they went into the cave. The air was icy, as no sunlight would ever touch such an area. It was the ideal space for a vampire to hide away when the sun was out, and if there were vampires around, they all had to be on their guard. 

Once the last sliver of light was gone, the boys all got their flashlights out. Powerful beams spread out, allowing them to explore the space better. Marko kept his light on the ground so he could see where he was stepping, but Dwayne and Paul had their lights pointed up at the cave ceiling. They were on the lookout for the monsters.

“Vampires have the features of vampire bats in their blood,” Dwayne explained to Marko. “It’s what lets them fly, gives them sharp teeth to bite, and claws to grab onto things better. Not to mention it helps them sleep”

“Sleep? What do you mean by that?” the curly-haired boy asked. 

"You’ll see what we mean once we find the fuckers,” Paul chimed in. 

Marko was still determined to find these creatures, but he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. This was still so new and overwhelming. All he wanted was to protect his brother and father. If he panicked at any point, he would be potentially putting their safety at risk. He needed to be brave, no matter what. 

He wanted to ask how much longer they needed to travel through the caves. If they were getting closer. But just as he opened his mouth to talk, Dwayne slapped a hand over it, silencing him completely. Marko was baffled by such an act. That was, until he looked up.

Four boys. Sound asleep…..and hanging upside down from the rafters. 

It was a good thing Dwayne had covered Marko’s mouth because the smaller boy immediately began screaming into the palm from the sheer shock of the sight. Vampires did exist. Sure, he had seen David with such changes, but now everything felt so much more real. Those were the vampires who went after his brother, and they had to kill the leader. 

Dwayne let go when Marko had calmed down enough to stop shouting. His heart was still pounding rapidly, but at least he could keep quiet. While Dwayne and Paul looked for the right weapon in their supplies to use, Marko didn’t dare look away from the monsters. 

David wasn’t joking when he said they were just kids. The three boys next to the eldest were so young and innocent looking. But if David said they were killers, then he wasn’t going to question it. Looks could be deceiving. 

“Gotta make this quick, clean, and silent,” Dwayne explained, his voice low in volume. In his hands was a sleek-looking crossbow. Paul helped load an arrow into it, making certain it was as sharp as possible. 

“We shoot the leader, we get the hell out. The kids will be destroyed once Michael is gone, so we won’t have to worry about being chased afterward,” Paul added. 

Marko nodded, backing up to give the brothers some room. Dwayne pointed the crossbow upward, ready and focused to strike. Paul held his arms in place for extra support. The more steady the aim, the better.

There was only one problem. Marko was so focused on getting out of the way, he wasn’t paying attention to where he was going. Without warning, a loud bang came behind him, the sound of a massive rock pile crashing down from his foot knocking it out of place.

Though Dwayne shot right away, it didn’t take even a second for everything to go wrong. The closest vampire to Michael woke up from the sound of the rocks. His golden eyes locked on the three humans and the weapon aimed at his brother. Though the speed of the crossbow was fast, the boy was faster.

Without hesitation, the blond-haired boy threw himself in front of Michael, taking the arrow straight into his chest. 

“AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!”

An inhuman screech echoed across the cave, rattling the walls and piercing the eardrums of the humans on the ground. Thick, dark blood poured from the wound in the kid’s chest, spewing onto the rocks and dirt below like a waterfall. The three other vampires woke with a start, immediately overcome with horror at the sight just inches from them. 

Their shrieking was demonic. Loud and ferocious. It overwhelmed Marko, Dwayne, and Paul to the point where they cowered in fright, terrified of what to do after missing their target. Dwayne fumbled with the crossbow in desperation to reload it and shoot again. Unfortunately, the vampire that he hit came down fast and hard, nearly landing on top of them with blood splattering all over. There was no way they could attack with the thick, sticky liquid coating their fingers. 

That was a big problem, considering Michael had them right in his sights. He had a fire in his inhuman eyes, and it burned them to the very core.

“I’M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU ALL!!”

Not wanting to stick around to give him the chance, the three hunters took off as fast as they possibly could. They shrieked in terror as they frantically ran over the rocky passage they had come through. The walls of the cave rumbled around them, still unstable from the vampires and their screams. 

“OUTSIDE! We gotta get outside where the light is NOW!” Paul urged Marko, dragging him along to keep up with him and his brother. The vampire screeches were close behind them, as Michael was hot on their trail. 

The beam of light from the outside space was so painfully close. It was harder to move with their shot nerves, keeping them unbalanced and clumsy, but they couldn’t give up. Paul and Dwayne led the way, urging their friend to keep up with them.

Marko was able to do just that until a clawed hand pinned his leg down. 

“FUCK! HE’S GOT ME!!” the curly-haired boy cried out. He stumbled to the ground in a panic as the vampire held his leg in place. 

Dwayne and Paul immediately began to work to pull Marko towards the light they were so close to touching. They urged their friend to fight and do anything to get Michael away. He screamed and kicked the monster repeatedly in the face with no success.

“Let me go! PLEASE!”

“YOU’LL NEVER ESCAPE ME, CHILD,” Michael hissed, a long, serpentine tongue slipping past his fangs. 

Marko's stomach was twisting and his heart was slamming against his ribcage. Sweat poured from his forehead as he tried to think of a plan. He needed a weapon. Anything. 

The naval dirk. The one his grandmother gave him. While Paul and Dwayne kept trying their best to break free, Marko dug a hand into his pocket, grabbing at the weapon. 

With great swiftness, he swung downward and thrust the blade into the flesh of Michael's hand. The monster howled in pain, the same dark, inhuman blood flowing from the wound. Marko wasn't going to let go now. He tugged Michael's hand in the opposite direction, using the blade handle to bring him closer and closer to the light. 

"GUYS! HELP ME PULL HIM INTO THE SUNLIGHT!!"

Dwayne and Paul grabbed on tighter than ever, giving their all to pull the vampire into the sunshine. With Michael in a weakened state, they moved his arm with more ease. His wounded hand was pulled out of the darkness and ignited in flames when it was hit by the light. 

Any fight Michael had was destroyed as he released Marko and cowered back into the shadows of the cave. His wound was cauterized by the fire, and now instead of bleeding, he was badly burned. There was no way he’d be following them now. The hunters didn’t waste any time taking the chance to run back to the car. 

As they climbed up the stairs and used the car to take off in a panic, Michael watched silently from his hiding place. The humans may have won the battle, but the vampires would win the war once the sun went down. All he had to do was wait a couple of hours. 

“See you boys soon…”

Tag: @britany1997

[sunnyie-eve]

Special Bond || 5. Peer Pressure

Paring: Paul Lost Boys x Original female character Emerson cousin!

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: none

Last: Would you? | Next: Made for Each Other

During the day when the sun was up time seemed to fly by for Katherine since every day she looked forward to seeing the boys. Plus with Lucy working at the store with her and Maria makes things go faster and smoother with three people working. At the moment she was walking around the boardwalk with Michael. "You hoping to see my friend again? Who's beauty caught your eye." She laughs nudging him. "Is she going to be here?" He looks at her. "80% of the time she comes with the boys so Laddie can get out." She tells him, "So I'm gonna say you have a good chance of seeing her." Katherine smiles walking off from him. As she walks around she spots Star, "You looking for my cousin?" Katherine laughs as Star looks around. "Does it look like I'm doing that?" Star chuckles. "You find him good-looking, don't you? I don't blame you. He's grown A LOT since the last time I saw him." Katherine laughs then sees him in the distance. "He's over there." She points him out to her. "Yours is over there." Star smiles walking off while Kat goes over to the boys.

"Kitty." David gives her a smile. "I have a question for you and I want the truth." She walks right up to him. "Tell me the question." He eyes her smiling. "I know Star finds my cousin attractive but is she also playing bait for you?" Katherine crosses her arms. "We just want to make new friends and he looks about right. Not to mention he's your family. I wanna get to know him." David just smiles making her roll her eyes at him. Paul extends his arm out so Kat could take his hand to get on his bike. As she takes his hand into her he gets a big smile making Marko make fun of him. "Shut up." Paul leans over to shove him. "You never ride with anyone. It's always Paul." Marko tells her causing her to laugh, "David's given me a ride home so I've ridden with him."

As a few of them were chatting about things David sees Star with Katherine's cousin so he gets the boys' attention to ride up on them. "Where you going Star?" David asks her while Michael looks at him then sees Kat with Paul. "For a ride. This is Michael." Star introduces him. "Let's go." Michael grabs her hand but David says her name. They share a look then both look at Kat confusing her but she brushes it off as Star gets on David's bike. Paul chuckles at the situation making Kat hit his back. "You know where Hudson's Bluff is overlooking the point?" David looks at Michael. "I can't beat your bike." Michael tells him. "You don't have to beat me, Michael. You just have to try and keep up." David gets ready to go. "You know what that means Kitty Kat." Paul leans his head back on Katherine.

As David heads off the rest follow hollering out loud. "Come on, Mikey!" Kat looks back smiling at her cousin. Going down the steps onto the beach, Katherine holds onto Paul. As they ride along the beach everyone was cheering having fun while Michael tried to keep up. "WOOO!" Katherine shouts leaning her head back and holding one arm up in the air while her other was still holding onto Paul. Paul laughs at her letting loose more having fun. Over the three months, she's gone from holding on for dear life because of the way he drives to now barely holding him. "Big bump!" Paul lets her know so she can hold on.

On the cliff Paul, Marko, and Dwayne fall back some while David and Michael keep heading for the drop-off. As they all pull up Kat sees Michael on the ground close to the edge because charging at David. The boys run over to them while Kat went over to Laddie holding him close to her. "How far are you willing to go Michael?" David smirks at him. Michael just stands there looking at him while everyone waits for an answer. "He could've just died, David. That wasn't fun or funny." Katherine speaks up so they look over at her. "It was just a game, Kitty."

Michael ends up agreeing so everyone heads to the cave. "Is he stupid enough to fall into his trap?" Star leans towards Katherine as David talks to Michael. "When we were young he gave into peer pressure easily." Katherine looks at her. "I know you don't or you would have drank that blood a long time ago." Star starts to walk away. While Marko goes to get food for everyone, the others try to have fun to pass time. "Dance with me." Paul pulls Kat over to him. "I don't wanna dance." She giggles as Too Shy starts to play so they move to the music.

Tongue tied or short of breath Don't even try Try a little harder Something's wrong You're not naive, you must be strong Ooh, baby try

"Hey girl, move a little closer." Paul says the lyric pulling her closer to him making her laugh harder holding onto him.

You're too shy shy, hush hush eye to eye Too, shy shy, hush hush, eye to eye Too shy shy, hush hush eye to eye Too, shy shy, hush hush

Katherinedancesaround the cave singing the lyrics not caring that some of them were just watching her. When the song changes she sings walking over to Star grabbing her hands making her dance with her.

We just heard of a brand new wave And we hope it's here to stay We'll have to wait and see If it's half of what they say

We heard he opened up a brand new door Well, you know that's what I'm looking for We'll have to wait and see If it makes you shout for more

Star laughs making Kat look over at Paul as they dance because of the lyrics coming up.

How do you like him so far? How do you like his show? How do you like the way he rocks and the way he rolls? How do you like his image? How do you like his style? How do you like the way he looks and the way he smiles?

The kid is hot tonite Whoa, so hot tonite But where will he be tomorrow? The kid is hot tonite Whoa, so hot tonite But where will he be tomorrow?

Laddie starts to dance with the girls so they each grab his hand, and soon Dwayne and Paul join in while David and Michael watch the five. After a couple more songs they all decide to relax a bit.

"Kat, when did you become friends with them?" Michael speaks up as she sat with Laddie. "Three months ago. They kept coming into my job bugging me." She says making the boys chuckle agreeing. "And Grandpa is okay with this?" Michael makes her laugh, "He deals with it. And he's technically met Paul so." She shrugs her shoulders.

"Feeding time. Come and get it, boys." Marko shows up with Chinese food. "Over here, bud." Paul motions for his so Marko tosses it to him. "Kitty." He hands Katherine hers. "You're finally having a meal with us." Dwayne jokes. While everyone eats David messes with Michael and the food. "Maggots, Michael. You're eating maggots. How do they taste?" David asks making the boys laugh while Kat shakes her head. Michael looks down at his box then spits out his food dropping it causing the boys to laugh more. "David..." Kat stares at him but he jokes that the noodles were worms. "That's enough." Kat tells him. "Chill out." Paul tells her so she huffs.

David whispers to Marko and Katherine knew what he was getting. Everyone watched David take a drink then hand it over to Michael. "Be one of us." David says so Katherine looks at Michael getting up and take it from David. The boys start to chant his name so Kat gets up going over to him, "Michael, you don't have to. You don't know what you're getting yourself into." She tells him. "Kat's right. It's blood." Star tells him. "Yeah, sure. Blood." He chuckles then drinks it causing the boys to cheer.

The girls and Laddie back away while everyone jumps around still chanting Michael's name. "Told you, gives into peer pressure easily." Katherine looks at Star with mixed emotions on her face. "What's wrong?" Katherine asks her. "I don't want him to be like them. He seems nice. But at time same time I want him to be one because maybe it will help you." Star looks at her. "Help me? With what?" Katherine asks confused. "Deciding to become one of us. You wouldn't be alone if you had a family too." Star explains to her. "You don't have to drag family into this. I said I wanted to but not yet." She explains. "But David wants you to do it soon. He's trying to rush you." Star says so Kat looks over at the boys.

"Sorry, I can't take you home. We won't do anything too bad for Michael." Paul kisses Katherine's cheek before leaving with the boys. "How am I getting home?" Katherine asks sitting alone with Star and Laddie. "I can swing by dropping you off." Star says as Laddie walks over to the bottle without the girls noticing. He was a little boy but he knew what some conversations were about. He picks up the bottle going over to Katherine holding it out to her. Katherine just stares at it and Star takes it from him. "What are you doing?" She asks. "I want Kat to be like us. It would be more fun to have her always around. If you were one of us I would be more happy being a vampire." He pouts.

"Laddie, it's not time yet. But I promise I will be just like you. Then we can spend time together all the time." She gives him a smile putting her pinky out so he takes it with his while Star smiles at them. "Go put this back so we can take Kat home." Star hands him the bottle back. "I never break my promises. Not to mention, I've seen it so." Kat laughs. "You saw a vision of yourself?" Star smiles so Kat nods her head. Star was excited that Katherine was ready going to become a vampire. Her dislike of being a half-vampire slowly disappeared over time getting close with Kat, but knowing her visions are never wrong... Star was now excited to become a full vampire just because of one friend. She wouldn't be alone anymore. "I'm ready to go." Laddie rushes back over to the girls.

[dorokora]

Chapter 14 Episode 2 Part 3:

We start with narration about the Gurus. The guild master, named Sanzou, is an active student However, like the his master, Tianzun, he is almost absent from the school and is a person who does not show up at all. Maybe it's because of the influence of the guild master's ethos, but the other members are all self-reliant and go their own way. Some of the neighbors even call it just the infamous Yankee Guild. Each of the guild members is always playing with their friends and acquaintances somewhere, slacking off, or arguing and raising children. If there is one thing that all these disparate members of the Gurus have in common, there is only one thing. And that is the teaching of the "way" of the Umamichi Academy, which is the base of the Gurus. There is no end to this “road” that we’re on, and it goes on and on and on, endlessly. That's what it means. Our 'road' is 'further and bigger than this walled Tokyo'. For those who think on the scale of this world, the whole picture cannot be grasped, and it is invisible. Don't stay false. Not just good or bad. Don't stop at life and death. Even if life, blood, and the "memory" of someone remembering you die, the "way" will never end. It is salvation, hope, and in some ways even more terrifying than evil. We don't know where the "road" leads. "I don't know" is the most frightening thing.

We cut Barrong, who received a message that the Gurus and Missionaries are resisting. Barrong thinks it will be fun to head there. Back to the Gurus, who are trying to hold back the Entertainer and Rule Maker Mobs while also trying to evacuate the children from the area. Taishakuten also shows up to help. But not just him, Gabriel and some of the missionaries angels are here to help. The angels want to return to the missionaries. They ran away out of the terror of Michael but they received Gabriel’s voice, so they want to fight together again. Tianzun uses his ability to hide the children. Motosumi said they’ll fight these guy in the Guru style.

After the fight, we see Barrong and Amduscias. Amduscias isn’t sure about this and ask Barrong “Are we the bad guys?”. Barrong throws a question about “What is a villain” there’s no such thing as an outsider in Tokyo. There is no one on this stage who is not a participant in this performance. Gabriel talks to Maria and ask her about the loop memories she received from Jacob. When thinking about how MC died in the loops. If you compare it to a detective story, each person is a criminal of a case. The World Reps understand this. That's why they made the world loop. Because there was no "trophy" to fight for, the "game" was restarted and the next loop progressed. Those who are World Reps have that power. Because they have the power to hold the majority of the world and manipulate the majority. That’s how it’s seen from the front, but those who came to see this stage from the backside saw things different from the World Reps. The majority of the World Reps have not seen it. No, they couldn't see it in principle. No one can see the same thing from the front and back at the same time. Even the World Reps are no exception. There are people who have seen this "game" that has been played in Tokyo from a standpoint that is not a player. For example, it could be the people on the management side (Entertainers) or the wandering Jacob. and or someone who’s have been behind the scenes of this "game" for a long time (Mononobe).

Back to Christine vs Beowulf, Beowulf tells Christine “No matter how good you are as an actor, the villain's monologue is about to reach its limit.” Beowulf calls Wyrm saying it will takes two people to finish this all at once. Christine says Depending on the point of view, the definition of a villain and the way tragedy and comedy are seen change in any way. Those who stand on the stage never know how they are seen from the outside, no matter how long it takes. Suddenly Beowulf is knocked back, it’s Ahura Mazda.

[thealmightyemprex]

Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

In this 2023 film,Rocket (VOiced by Bradley Cooper ) is mortally wounded and on the brink of death ,as the Guardians struggle to save their friend ,we get flashbacks to Rockets orgins at the hands of the HIgh Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji)

SO......I havent kept up with the MCU ,after Endgame,I have only seen Spiderman Far From Home,Werewolf By Night ,a few episodes of What if and Spider Man No Way Home.....But I love the Guardians of the Galaxy so I rewatched the first two films ,plust the Holiday special (DOnt have much to say about it,its just sweet and funny and I love that to cosmic folks actors are viewed as repulsive ).I think the first film is a fun sci fi romp ,second one I prefer due to the performance of Michael Rooker,soundtrack, Kurt Russel being a phenomenal villain and a tearjerking ending

As for my oppinions on this 3rd film.....I'll have to let it simmer a bit ,but I like it as much as the second film,and I like that film a lot.....I also think this both the most emotional of the three and kind of the darkest .....HOwever if I have an issue,the film isnt as accessable as the first two films ,cause the film follows up on Infinity War and Endgame where (Spoilers) Gamora dies ,and the Gamora in this film is a past Gamora from before the begining of Guardians .Also the Holiday special established Mantis is Peters sister and the gangs base is Knowhere-Look I get when people say modern comic book movies are too complicated .That said its not too complicated and is a good film worth a watch

Now I am doing this review cause @ariel-seagull-wings asked me why I considered this film the most emotional ....WEll for one its all about Rocket ,more accurately what Rocket means to his friends and what he means to himself ,The Guardians are afraid to lose him .....And for Rocket we learn his hidden pain ....In that we meet his first group of friends and learn of the horrors inflicted upon him by the High Evolutionary.....I'll get to him later.Add to that each Guardian has their own baggage ,especially Peter ,and there is just a sense of finality to this one ,that the guardians as we know them cant last

NOw I usually go into the cast...But considering the core actors have been playing these roles off and on for 10 years ,these actors are good .I was impressed by the anguish Chris Pratt could convey,KAren Gillian was possibly my second favorite of the main performances ,Sean Gunn gets some time to shine ,Dave Bautista is fun as always,I think Pom Klementief has really come into her own as Mantis ,Zoe Saldanna is basically playing a diffrent version of a character she has played for years so its a unique performance ,Vin Diesel is solid ,and Bradley Cooper is really solid as one could argue this is the Rocket Racoon movie over being a Guardians movie

OTher highlighted characters,Will Poulter brings himbo energy to Adam Warlock and I love it ,Nathan Fillion is a pretty fun punch clock bad guy for a few scenes ,Maria Baklova brings an adorable energy to Cosmo the space dog (Love her dynamic with Kraglin ) and Linda Cardalini is heartbreakingly good as Lyla,Rockets friend

....So lets talk about the High Evolutionary ,cause I think he is one of my favorite MCU villains.Hes not the strongest,not the most clever,nor is he the most complicated.Hes basically a mad scientist with a god complex ......But wow do I DESPISE this bastard,in a good way ,this raving narcistic egomaniac is one of the most vile villains in the MCU ,especially with all the horrors he subjected to Rocket but hes still fun to watch due to a wonderful scene chewing performance by Chukwudi Iwuji

Overall,I love the movie,worth a watch

@ariel-seagull-wings @the-blue-fairie @amalthea9 @theancientvaleofsoulmaking @themousefromfantasyland @princesssarisa @greektragedydaddy

[synergysilhouette]

Choices review: High School Story

Continuing on with my reviews, I'm doing one of the fan-favorites: High School Story! In the first trilogy, you play a sophomore going to a new school and you have to navigate new friends, new bullies, an evil principal, and a school rivalry. For the second trilogy, captioned "Class Act" you play a freshman who's school life focuses mainly on extracurricular activities, namely drama and helping friends run for class president. Don't worry--it's not as boring/cliché as I make it sound. And I have a habit of listing drawbacks to things rather than positives, so don't assume I hate the book! Make sure to check out my overall feelings at the end of each review.

Book 1 was really great. While the plot didn't intrigue me like other stories and the media's usual portrayal of high school made the relationships in the book feel very PG by comparison, but the characters were probably the best part of the book. Something that kind of annoyed me is how Michael is labeled the "bad boy," even though he really isn't. He's more of a loner who occasionally breaks rules--and I'm glad, considering I'm not big on bad boys. I do think it sucks that you can't pair Emma and Caleb together if you're not romancing them--maybe not in book 1 since Caleb is still processing his breakup, though. I do wish we had more extracurricular options, but I understand this is in the earlier days of the app, and they did well with what they had. I feel like Zoe and Brian's arcs in this series are A MESS, though. Zoe cheated on Caleb since Summer vacation and Brian had some kind of feelings for her, but when Caleb finds out, she tries to go back to him, and it felt very flat. Brian also gave a weak apology, and it looks bad because you decide whether or not Caleb forgives him, which makes it feel like MC allowed room for Caleb to excuse Brian's actions again. I'm just glad the writers didn't make Brian and Caleb become friends again, considering what comes later. Another thing I'd have enjoyed was explaining why MC transferred to Berry High, as well as their relationship with their parents; half of their dialogue with Scott is just "Dad/Daaaaad/Dad!" Overall, it was a good book, even if it didn't immediately have me wanting more.

Book 2 covers how the principal is caught in a scandal and is replaced by the vice principal, who is not only totalitarian, but also scamming the school. In comparison to the previous installment, it felt better and inferior in my opinion; It was too bad that despite us being able to make Emma and Luis a concrete couple in book 1, we don't have the option to lock down a relationship until the end of book 2. I also wish MC got the option to work at the school station during the winter season, and the friction in the school felt unfair towards students like Caleb who didn't think anything bad of Principal Isa's hall monitors. Those who fought against Isa were really insensitive to those who followed her rules like they didn't understand those who were raised to respect authority (even to extremes) and were being abused themselves. And lemme just say: the road trip gave me "The Freshman" vibes and I wish we'd gotten to have more fun like that outside of our "High School Story." And why were Maria's dads the only parents who were suspicious of Isa?

Book 3 was probably the best book in the OG trilogy--and shouldn't the last story in an arc always be the best, from a writing perspective? After a fire burns down the rival school, they come and stay at your school--and rivalries inflame the school. I will say it was kind of weird how deep this rivalry was, given that how you act affects the attitude of the freshman students from your rival high school. Speaking of them, I'm glad we can pair up some of our rejected love interests, though they brought up something I wished we could've discussed more in the series: sexuality and identity. It's rare to discuss sexuality in GOC books with main characters since everyone is playersexual, but Cameron talking about being nonbinary and Emma talking about coming out as bi had me wishing that we'd gotten to address this earlier (especially since many modern genderlocked Choices books try to work sexuality into the mix). For example, if in book 1 you go to homecoming with someone of the same sex, your dad doesn't know it's romantic and you have the option to come out to him in book 2 (honestly I'm surprised Aiden didn't have his own Kaitlyn Liao moment by coming out to his helicopter parents). I also wasn't the fan of the main villains being from the rival school (and how they look like college students, even if some high schoolers look like that). If they had to go that route, make Zoe and Brian the villains, both of them further spiraling after Caleb's disassociation from them--or have Skye be the villain with Brian to give off a Cheryl and Jason Blossom vibe, and after Skye's beat, she becomes the better person we see in book 1 of Class Act. I kinda wish these books were spaced out during several school years rather than one.

Class Act: Book 1 has you play a Freshman character at Berry High, and your original main character makes occasional appearances, with mention to their dating life and extracurricular activities if you choose to import them. The book primarily focuses on how you navigate your crush on your childhood best friend Rory and auditioning for the school play. NGL, it was messed up how we get blamed for our original MC getting hurt while auditioning, and I HATE slow burns, so the crush on Rory and cold shoulder from Ajay was annoying, to say the least. But it was satisfying--but you know what would've been super interesting? If this book kicked it up a notch and focused on investigating how MC got hurt (or maybe a random character is hurt/killed). Though I will admit part of this desire is fueled by wanting Daniele to be punished for her actions. It's mentioned later that she's going to therapy, so maybe that could've been court-mandated? And the twin dating Amber felt kind of out of nowhere; I feel like Amber didn't need to be a factor in this in that the twin could've had their life together better than MC, but that's just me.

Class Act: Book 2 wasn't as fun for me as book 1. It focuses on how MC's twin and Rory are running against each other for class president. It was super icky, especially if you're romancing Rory. Your twin's feelings of betrayal feel (almost) unjustified since they expect you to help them win simply because you're related. It's super ugly and Ajay's issue with his parent's divorce felt like a B-story despite how it affected him. But I do want to praise the fact that we see the characters wear new outfits for the winter season!

Class Act: Book 3 focuses on your spring musical going to an international convention in London! Honestly it's the most fun I've had in the CA trilogy. You also find out that MC and their twin have a biological family member living in London. I don't recall it being mentioned before that they were adopted. Was this addressed in the previous books? Maybe I missed that, but it was fun to get to know more of your character's family--though I do hate how it feels like a missed opportunity to cement MC's ethnicity; oftentimes, MC is customizable but their race is ambiguous. It'd be nice getting to know more of their British culture (along with Asian or African, depending on their race). But a BIG issue I have is with Rory's dad. Throughout the book, he sneaks around with one of MC's teacher, and it's revealed that he's been going through some emotional things that he couldn't bring to his wife...and we all don't dig deeper than that. I won't fault him since it's a "toxic masculinity" topic, but the fact that his wife forgave him so quickly felt a bit off, I guess? And Skye is being manipulated by her parents since they're financing the school play and it's future in London is in their hands. It was a really good arc, though in my alternate idea for "HSS: Book 3," it would've been interesting to see more Brian in the book. Even if he's awful, it'd make more sense. Overall, it was an enjoyable book.

HSS was a long series! Honestly I find "Class Act" more interesting story-wise, but the original trilogy had 5 love interests (not that having the option of Rory being a handsome male theatre nerd completely secure with his masculinity wasn't AMAZING), so in that aspect, it's superior. Both trilogies are replayable and as a franchise, a fun time, though the changeable extracurricular activities and various love interests in the original series makes it somewhat better, imo.

[moni-logues]

~tag game~

list eight shows for your followers to get to know you

I was tagged by @quarter-life-crisis2 and I am tagging @minttangerines @simp47koreancrackheads @daechwitatamic @jeonqkooks @xjoonchildx @sailoryooons

this got really fucking long so I'm going to put it under a cut but if you want to read me rambling about TV shows then, here you go!

(Spoilers ahead for Roswell, if you care about spoilers for a show that is like, twenty years old lol)

Angel the Series. You might say I should have chosen Buffy because that is where I first saw and fell in love with him, but Angel is the choice because 1) it's his own whole show 2) the theme music is incredible, even after all this time 3) I Will Remember You is one of my favourite episodes of TV of all time 4) the evolution of Wesley Wyndham-Pryce. Is the fourth series some of the worst TV that's ever been written? Yeah, probably. Is it still one of my favourite shows of all time? Yeah, definitely.

Grey's Anatomy. Yes, I am a basic bitch. I am not caught up (I think I got to somewhere around series 15 when I stopped subscribing to any services that streamed it and I did not care enough to do so illegally), but the first eight series of that show are fucking phenomenal (I know some people think it jumped the shark at series five, but idk how you can miss out the Lexie and Mark of it all, so I say series 8). PICK ME, CHOOSE ME, LOVE ME? ICONIC!!!!! SO much so that honestly, writing this now makes me think I'm gonna start re-watching it.

Roswell. (not the reboot they did at some point??? the OG Shiri Appleby, Jason Behr, fucking Katherine Heigl version). I watched this when it first came on TV. I have re-watched it a lot. My sister and I both own the box set. Am I into alien things? No, generally. But am I into forbidden love and secrets and couples against the world? HELL Yes. It gets weird in the third series (WHY does Isobel get MARRIED?!) but WHAT. A. SHOW. The christmas episode where Max heals all the sick kids??? crying. When he shows up from the future and Liz has to break up with him in the present? crying. When he proposes with a lump of coal that he turns into a diamond? crying. When Maria breaks up with MICHAEL, world's most useless but trying puppy??? CRYING.

Parks and Rec/The Office. I'm putting these two together because they are very similar, in vibe, in purpose, in genre etc. I kind of don't even feel like I need to explain because everyone knows, y'know? We all watch and love these shows (generally speaking; you don't need to tell me if you are the exception!). They are fun and comfort.

The Class. Did it run for one series and then disppear completely? Yep. Do I still think about it? Yep. It would probably have ended being lumped in with the two above, as it was a comedy about a guy who proposes to his girlfriend (whom he met in second grade) by organising a second grade reunion, and then she says no lol. But it brings people back together etc. and things ensue. Would honestly pay my own money to have that show back again.

Scrubs. A lot of the jokes have aged badly, ngl, but I love this show. My sister and I still quote it to each other. And yes, I own the box set.

The Great [Insert Craft Here] Show. That includes Bake Off, Sewing Bee, Pottery Showdown and Blown Away. Bake Off has got less good over the years, but generally like, nice competition shows where people do their craft and make amazing things and it's all pretty feel-good and inspiring.

Supernatural. It would be dishonest of me not to include this. I am, as with Grey's, not caught up (I'm somewhere around series 10 or 11? I don't remember because I very much lost interest but I would like to finish it one day). This is probably the first thing my little sister and I truly bonded over? We both went mad insane in 2010-11 when we first discovered this show and the earlier series are still good. Shout out to my friend who made me watch the first episode at her house and got me into it!! Or I'd have still insisted it looked too scary (LMAO). Oh also, What Is and What Shall Never Be is also one of my favourite episodes of TV.

I feel like this list gives you a very clear insight into the shit I like to watch on TV and no, none of it is hard-hitting documentaries or complicated dramas. TV time is brainless time, thank you very much.

[aydann-runs]

Growing up, Michael had tried so hard to be good.  Good enough to be wanted, kept.  For a long time, he thought that meant keeping his head down, working hard at school.  Staying out of trouble.  Sacrificing so that the people he cared about wouldn't have to.

But it hadn't been enough.  It had backfired so spectacularly that even Max, who knew the truth, had found it so easy to see the worst in him when he’d started living down to everyone's expectations.  Isobel had pitied him.  And Alex, he'd given Alex plenty of reasons to keep walking away.

So for a long time, he'd given up trying to be good, whatever that even meant.  There were bar fights and stays in the drunk tank.  One night stands with tourists blowing through town and lonely Roswell housewives alike.  Sanders putting up with his hangovers and surly attitude for far longer than Michael had deserved.

And then Alex had come back to Roswell, and Michael had desperately wanted to be worth sticking around for.  But he'd learned the hard way that hope only hurt, and so he'd hidden behind his macho cowboy swagger, and they'd danced around each other, fucking and fighting, until Michael just couldn't anymore.

I want to be good for somebody, he'd said before walking away.

He'd tried to be good for Maria, and he liked to think he was.  He'd loved her and done his best to make her happy, to take care of her.  But Maria had needed to find her own way, and Michael was set adrift again.

It would have been easy to say Fuck it, I tried, and go back to being the town drunk.  But Michael still wanted to be good.  To feel like he deserved Isobel's love, to keep rebuilding his relationship with Max.  To be someone his friends could rely on.

To be the person Alex would stick around for.

When Alex had gotten back to town, they'd had a rocky start, and it would have been easy to give up then, too.  But Michael had come too far to throw it all away, and so he pushed through, until eventually he and Alex had gotten it right.

And now, Michael gets to fall asleep every night with Alex beside him, and ease out of bed in the morning to make coffee so it's ready when Alex wakes up.  They spend lazy Sundays on the couch watching Netflix, or driving out to the desert just because, or having family dinner at the Crashdown with Iz and Kyle, Max and Liz.

And if Michael ever doubts whether he's good and wanted and kept, Alex reassures him with the weight of his body as he pins Michael to the bed, with the press of his lips on Michael's skin, with his deliberate care as he takes Michael apart and then puts him back together.

With Alex, Michael always knows he's good.

[pendragonsandbuckleys]

Beside you in blinding bliss

Summary: “I can’t believe my little brother is getting married before me.” 

Alex took the suit jacket as it was handed to him and put it on, grateful to have something to do with his hands, if only for a moment. Initially Gregory’s offer of help had surprised him, but now he was glad of the company, his brother’s presence dulling the nerves that were swirling in his stomach. 

“Well, if you wanted to get married first, you should have done it sooner.”

-

Set in s04e13. Gregory helps Alex get ready for the wedding.

Word Count: 986

[Also on AO3]

-

“I can’t believe my little brother is getting married before me.”

Alex took the suit jacket as it was handed to him and put it on, grateful to have something to do with his hands, if only for a moment. Initially Gregory’s offer of help had surprised him, but now he was glad of the company, his brother’s presence dulling the nerves that were swirling in his stomach.

“Well, if you wanted to get married first, you should have done it sooner.”

Greg scoffed as he grabbed the flower resting on the dresser, twirling it between his thumb and forefinger a few times as he waited for Alex to finish. The jacket was new, but it fit perfectly. Actually, the entire outfit was new, courtesy of Isobel Evans of course. The second Michael had announced him as his fiancé, she had wedding plans flying out of her ears, condensed timeline be damned. They didn’t want to wait any longer and she had obviously been planning it in her mind for long enough to know exactly where to buy everything in the limited time they had given her. How she knew Alex’s size though, he would never know.

Her support was heart-warming. In fact, the excitement radiating off all his friends at the thought of going to their wedding was something he never imagined he’d see. Liz, Maria, Kyle, they’d all pulled together to make it happen and he couldn’t quite put into words how appreciative he was.

Asking Greg had been a shot in the dark, knowing full well that his brother was busy with his studies, but he shouldn’t have been surprised to see him turn up at his doorstep. Not after everything they had been doing recently to make sure they were there for each other.

“Thank you.” He said quietly. “For being here.” 

“Like I’d be anywhere else.” Greg replied around the pin clenched between his teeth. Alex could have laughed at the determined look on his face, his brows pulled low in concentration as he tried to line the flower up perfectly above the jacket pocket. “You know Clay would be here if he could. 

“And Flint?”

Greg was silent for a moment, taking a breath as he pinned the flower in place.

 “…He’ll come around eventually.” He smiled sadly, his downcast eyes lifting to meet Alex’s. “Us Manes men can be very stubborn when we want to be.”

Alex scrunched his nose at the reminder of that age old saying and all the baggage that came with it. Well, maybe that won’t include me for much longer, he kept to himself. Greg wasn’t wrong though; they all had that stubborn streak in them.

And his had almost been his downfall not twenty-four hours ago. 

“There. Perfect.” Greg beamed, unable to resist straightening Alex’s tie before directing him to the mirror.

Alex didn’t know what he had expected. It wasn’t like this was the first time he’d ever worn a suit before, there were occasions dating all the way back to high school where he’d had to don the formal attire. But looking at himself now, he felt the butterflies return in full force.

He looked…good. 

He’d managed to style his unruly hair somewhat nicely, his skin no longer held the deathly pallor he had returned through the portal with and his suit, his wedding suit, sat perfectly atop his shoulders, all ready for the next chapter of his life. 

He smiled cheekily as he spoke to Greg through the reflection.

“Is it bad that I kinda wish dad was here to see this.”

“Yes.” Greg gave him a pointed look, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth. “Even if the look on his face would have been priceless.”

“He’s probably turning in his grave. Not only am I marrying a guy, I’m marrying an alien…” Alex trailed off slowly as a realisation suddenly slammed into him full force and Greg, observant as ever, instantly noticed the change in his brother’s demeanour. 

“What’s wrong?” He asked, stepping closer.

“I’m getting married.”

“…Yeah?”

“Like— this is actually happening.” He couldn’t hold back the nervous chuckle, nor the confused grin growing on his face. Greg clearly couldn’t hold back the eye roll either.

“I didn’t think this would ever happen.” He continued after a moment, his voice almost a whisper as if the words were a closely guarded secret—one that he had never admitted to anyone out loud before. “And not just because I didn’t think I was making it out of the pocket dimension. I just mean…” 

He gulped, the words suddenly getting stuck in his throat. This moment right here had been an impossible daydream for so much of his life, for so many reasons.  His father, his family, his own inability to let himself be happy. You name it, he faced it, but here he was, free of everything that had been holding him back.

He ran a gentle finger along the twisting flower petal, noticing how the white stood out against the dark gray of the suit, how it reminded him of Michael, his light in the dark through everything that had come before.

Greg squeezed his shoulder in silent understanding. Of course his brother didn’t need to hear the end of his sentence. Though their father had targeted them in different ways, they had both lived through his torment and everything that had followed. Greg had witnessed Alex’s decades long struggle to become his true self and though he hadn’t been able to help much when they were younger, having his brother here now meant more than he could say.

“Come on,” Greg patted him on the back just as he felt his eyes begin to water. He was already halfway out the room as he called back, “we don’t want to leave your future husband waiting.”

Husband.

Yeah, he liked the sound of that.