Good Things Come...(ML / Adult) (Complete)

[Applebylicious]

Alrighty, back with a new part. I'm afraid this part may not be as funny... but I swear the next part will be better. I promised no angst... but these characters just went one way while I tried to go another way... grrr! I promise it won't get outta control. You may all lock me into a room and make me watch the part where Max helps take off Tess's clothes over and over if this doesn't remain fluffy. Besides, I can't write angst... we all know this.

Oh! In case anyone is interested... this has about ten more parts left. And after that... due to popular demand... I'm writing a Nick fic. It's still in the early stages, but so far it's going to be called "A Day in the Life of a Studmuffin." And that's all I'm gonna impart... Enjoy the new part... and hope to hear from you all - even if it's just to say I suck!


<center>Part 11 - Workin' it Out...?</center>


“Maria, listen… it wasn’t anything like that. Maria…” Michael sets his jaw in irritation as he paces the floor of my living room, cell at his ear. From the squawking over the line, I assume that Liz has already filled in her friends about the debacle of the evening.

Nick sits on the couch with his head against the wall, having already received his lecture from Tess. He glances at me and rolls his eyes, pouting as we listen to Michael try to get a word in edgewise.

“Baby, listen… it was a misunderstanding… what? No! Look… God, fine!” he pulls the phone back and makes a huge show of pushing the off button, then punches it several more times as if needing something more to vent his irritation.

“You could always throw it at the wall,” I offer sarcastically.

“Don’t tempt me,” he bites off, running a hand through his hair, making it stand even more on end. “I’ve been summoned to Maria’s, under penalty of no sex. Sorry Maxwell, but I have to bail. This is serious. Don’t worry about Liz, she’ll come around.”

I snort, crossing my ankles as he leaves. “Whatever.”

“Look, we’ll talk to her, okay?” Nick says, turning to address me. “We’ll tell her it was our idea. It’ll be fine.”

“At this point, I don’t think it will make a difference,” I say honestly. “Liz and I have been heading for this point for awhile now. This fucking Harvard crap has had my teeth on edge. Chris was just the catalyst that brought all the anger out.”

He nods, but his eyes are troubled. “Well… for the record. Sorry I pushed you into this. I feel like everything is all my fault.”

“Nah, it’s cool. You just wanted to help,” I thump him on the back. “You can’t help that you’re a complete moron.”

He gives me the finger. “Well, I better get going. I have a feeling Serena may lock me out if she gets home before me. Crap, those women are merciless,” he sighs, standing up to stretch his legs. “See you at work tomorrow… assuming I live to see another sunrise.”

I quirk my lips, but the smile doesn’t quite reach the edges of my mouth. “Later.”


<center>***</center>


“Max. Get outta here.”

I look up from methodically stacking shot glasses and see Joe studying me. “I’ve got another hour ‘til closing,” I mumble, returning my attention to the shelves in front of me.

Working has gone a little way towards helping me forget the fact that since the distaster two nights ago, Liz hasn’t attempted to contact me once, even just to tell me it’s over. The fear of not knowing is driving me crazy, even as I dread hearing what she has to say.

I don’t know how many times I’ve picked up the phone to call her, only to slam it back down before I even finished dialing. The one time I managed to get through, I got her answering machine and it just seemed too impersonal to apologize over a recorded message.

“Besides,” I grunt, bringing myself back to the present and the curiously watchful eyes of Joe, “if I leave, Ben will be here by himself.”

“It’s a slow night… we’ll be fine with one bartender,” Joe continues easily, leaning against the bar as he surveys the club. “Ben can handle things, can’t you, Ben?”

Ben looks up a few feet away, grinning sheepishly as he’s caught eavesdropping. “Er… most definitely.”

“Great,” Joe walks around the counter, taking the glasses from my hands and shoving me gently. “Go home. Have the night off.”

“Maybe I don’t want the night off,” I mumble, even as he pushes me out from behind the bar.

“Nevertheless, you’re getting it.” One final thrust and I’m standing on the other side of the bar, staring at a smiling Ben and Joe.

“Fine,” I throw my hands in the air, forcing myself not to stomp as I walk past the soundbooth.

Kyle catches my eyes and waves at me to come over. “Max, dude I heard what went down.”

“If you say I told you so…” I warn him, but he shakes his head.

“No, but I thought this might help take the sting away.” He thrusts something into my hands, and I look down, arching a brow.

“Kickin’ Country,” I read aloud, studying the CD with bemusement.

“That’ll have you feeling better in no time,” Kyle promises, tapping the cover. “Have a drink, kick back and listen to this… it’ll all come pouring out. Trust me.”

I scratch my eye. “Kyle… I hate country.”

He blinks at me, then shakes his head. “It’s okay, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”

“Whatever, look I gotta go,” I shove the CD into my back pocket and head out of the bar.

On the ride home, I make a split-second decision and stop by Toddies Beverages. A few minutes and a couple of bucks later, and I leave with a bottle of tequila.

I let myself into the apartment, pulling my shirt over my head as I flop onto the couch, sitting in the dark living room.

Stretching my legs out, I take out the bottle of Jose and finger the label. “Alone at last,” I murmur wryly, and take a swig. Scrunching my face at the richly sweet taste, I swish it in my mouth then swallow.

Shifting, I feel a sharp press in my lower back and reach back with a frown, pulling out the country CD. Taking another long sip, I shrug and walk over to turn on the stereo.

A minute later, Tim McGraw’s mellow voice drifts from the speakers, and my lips twist ironically as I recognize the song.

“She left more than just her lipstick,
When she walked out.
Her memory keeps haunting me,
That's why I'm hunting you down…”

<center>One hour later…</center>


“Senorita… Margarita… I'm as lonesome as a man can be!” I cry out loud as the song repeats, spinning in a circle as I alternate drinking the tequila and singing into it. “I still love her, I still need her, I'm just hopin' you can comfort me…”

I trail off, forgetting the words in my drunken haze and settle for humming as I drain more of the tequila. “Whooee!” I shake my head at the burning in my stomach. “I have to find Kyle… and thank him.”

Stumbling over to the coffeetable, I look underneath it. “Kyyyle… are you there buddy?” A hiccup escapes my throat and for some reason, the feeling makes me laugh hysterically.

A sudden wave of fatigue overwhelms me and I lay down, staring at the ceiling as Tim croons in the background. “God… if you’re up there, could you send down some salt and a lime?”

Nothing.

“Cheapskate,” I mumble, emptying the last of the liquor into my mouth. I hear a faint pounding, but ignore it as I lift my fingers and begin conducting the song.

“Max?”

I blink, frowning at my fingers, then glance at the ceiling again. “God? Is that you? Why do you sound like Liz?”

“Oh my God,” the voice mumbles.

“You shouldn’t take God’s name in vain,” I say wisely. Then frown. “Then again, you are God.”

“Max, how much have you had to drink?” Liz’s face suddenly looms over my blurred vision and I let out a sigh at her sheer beauty.

“Are you an angel?” I slur, lifting my hand to tangle into her dark, dense hair.

“An angel?” she echoes, her lips quivering. “Oh baby, you didn’t drink all of that yourself, did you?” she nods towards the empty bottle at my side.

“Kiss me, oh celestial one,” I pucker my lips and drag her head down lower. “Damn, you even smell like her. Am I in hell? Are you really Satan disguised as an angel disguised as Liz?”

“Max. Sit up.”

“No,” I whine, pulling her closer until our mouths are only a breath away from each other. “I want you to lay down,” I whisper huskily, sliding my hand through her hair as I nuzzle the side of her neck. “Mmm…”

“Max, we… we need to talk,” she lets out a whimper. “Max, stop…”

“I can’t,” I answer honestly, thrusting my hips up into hers as she straddles my waist. “Don’t make me stop… please…” I beg like a little boy, raising my hands to cup her breasts. “I love you.”

She sighs, resting her forehead against my own. “Oh, Max… how can you make me so mad one minute and the next… make me want to kiss you silly?”

I seriously ponder her question, then flash her a drunken smile. “Because I’m cute?”

She sighs again, but there’s a hint of laughter in her voice. “Yes… you’re very cute. For a drunken idiot.”

“Wanna know how a drunken idiot tastes?” I murmur, then cover her lips boldly with my own. “Liz… oh, God…”

I roll over, pressing her into the carpet as the kiss deepens. I run my lips across her face, always returning to suck her tongue deeply into my mouth. My hands slip underneath her shirt, teasing and molding her flesh.

“Max… wait…” she moans, and I quickly kiss her again to block out whatever she’s trying to say. My clarity is returning and with it, a sense of desperation.

“Shh…” I press my lips against her forehead. “Just let me…”

We stare at each other, desire flaming. I run my hands up her sides, taking her shirt with me as she hooks her toes into the elastic band of my pants. I gaze at her through heavy lids as I position myself to slip inside her… when the phone starts ringing.

We both jump at the unexpected sound, and I drop my forehead to hers. “Ignore it,” I whisper, claiming her lips roughly.

She melts beneath me and I drive inside her, causing us both to gasp. “Maax…”

“I know, baby…” I rasp, sucking on her neck. “God… you feel so good. I’m so sorry, Liz.”

“Hi, this is Nick. No, don’t worry… you didn’t dial the wrong number. Max is just too lazy to record his own message. But hey, you’d rather hear my voice anyway, right? If you’re interested in talking to a real man, dial 623-53-”

Liz rolls her eyes as the message cuts off. “I can’t believe you still have that on there,” she whispers.

“He’s right, I’m lazy… what can I say,” I answer, thrusting inside her. “Mm…”

“Honey, are you there?”

We freeze at the sound of my mother’s voice. Liz shakes her head at me. “We can’t do this while your mom is… is standing there listening!”

“She can’t hear us,” I point out, but I feel a little queasy, too. “Dammit, someone up there is really laughing their ass off.”

“Max, I called the bar and Joe said he’d sent you home for the night. Is everything all right, sweetie? I heard about you and Liz’s fight… baby, I hope you aren’t sitting there moping when you should be out there apologizing. Men. You must get it from your father, because I know I taught you better than-”

I grab the phone, flushing darkly. “Hi, Mom.”

I glance at Liz and see her fighting a smile, and my eyes glaze over as she reaches over to pull her shirt back on. I completely miss whatever my mom says next due to the jiggling coming from next to me. “Uh… yeah, sure, Mom.”

“Maxwell Zander Evans. Don’t think I can’t tell when you aren’t paying attention to me.”

I wince. “Sorry, I was just…” About to bang my girlfriend on my living room floor? “Cleaning,” I blurt out, squirming as Liz bends over and I get a glimpse of the lacy thong covering her ass.

“Honey, are you okay? You sound awfully strange.”

“Yeah, I’m f…fine,” I say earnestly. “Mom, can I call you back? I love you.”

Before she can respond, I set the phone back in the cradle… then think again and take it off.

“We really need to talk, Max,” Liz sets her shoulders, a crease between her brows. “No… stay over there. I… I can’t think with you this close.”

“You shouldn’t give away your weaknesses,” I murmur huskily, taking another step forward.

“Max, please.” I freeze at the fatigue in her voice. She looks at me out of wounded eyes. “Why did you do it? Why didn’t you trust me enough, Max?”

Sighing, I fall back on the couch, my jaw clenched. A moment passes before I look back at her. “I don’t know what you want me to say,” I admit. “Why didn’t you tell me he was gay?”

She looks honestly confused. “What does that have to do with anything?”

I raise my brows incredulously. “Oh, I dunno… maybe it would have saved me a whole lot of concern?” I shoot back, feeling my anger start to rise. “Liz, you all but flaunted this guy in my face… preached about his many numerous qualities… what did you expect me to think?”

“Oh, I dunno,” she mocks me, eyes flashing. “Maybe I was suffering under the delusion that we had faith in each other!”

“I do have faith in you,” I sigh, massaging my temples. “But baby… I’ll admit, it’s hard to handle you hanging around with goodlooking guys. Maybe that makes me overpossessive, but I can’t help it.”

She sits on the recliner, staring at the ground. “Is this how it’s going to be?” she wonders out loud. “You constantly wondering about what I’m doing… where I’ll be and who I’ll be doing it with. And I’ll be wondering the same about you?”

I rub my eyes, feeling tired as well. “I hate that you’re leaving.”

As soon as the words are out, I realize how much I’ve wanted her to know. She looks up at me with surprised eyes, and I know I should feel guilty… but I don’t.

“I hate it, Liz,” I continue hoarsely. “I… I’ve tried to be happy for you, I really have. And I’m so proud of you, baby… but I hate this. I hate knowing you’re going to be thousands of miles away. I hate that you feel like you need to leave Roswell to be happy. And… and I hate that I feel this way, because I know it’s what you want.”

My voice catches and I look away, blinking furiously as tears threaten my gaze. I’m not afraid to cry in front of her… no matter how manly I am. I just don’t want to add more to the guilt trip I’ve suddenly found myself delivering. “God, just forget it,” I say roughly, standing up and turning my back, wiping my arm across my eyes.

“I can’t forget it!” she cries, and I turn back to see her lips trembling. “Max… why haven’t you said anything before now?”

“What did you want me to do?” I demand hoarsely. “You’ve been so damn happy about this, Liz. Was I supposed to just tell you and ruin this special time for you?”

“Yes!” she takes a step forward. “Yes, you were, Max. That’s what being in a relationship means! You talk about things. I could have gotten into UNM.”

“And then you could resent me for being unsupportive?” I shoot back, coming nose to nose with her. “You’d have hated me, Liz.” I reach out a hand and cradle her face, using my free arm to crush her to me. “I can handle you being in Boston, baby… I’ll hate it, but I can handle it. What I can’t handle, is being the reason why you give up your dreams.”

“So I’m supposed to let you resent me instead?” she whispers. “I’m supposed to go off to Boston and live my dreams, as you put it, all the while knowing you’re here and hating the fact that I’m in Boston?”

I open my mouth to answer, and realize I don’t have an answer. I rest my head on her shoulder, closing my eyes. “I don’t know.”

We hold each other for a long moment, then she whispers, “Tell me what to do, Max. I don’t want this to come between us.”

“I know,” I answer softly, my tongue feeling thick as I pull back to stare at her. “But it is, Liz. God, it already is, and I can’t take it anymore.”

“What are you saying?” she blinks, tears glistening on her lashes. “Are you… are you breaking up with me?”

No! my mind screams, but my mouth has a mind of its own. “I think it would be for the best,” I can hear myself saying, even as I feel the urge to claw my own eyes out as I gaze at her injured expression. “Maybe we both need some time apart to figure out what we want.”

“Time apart,” she echoes. “You want time apart…?”

I force myself to nod, and have to look away lest she see the pain in my own eyes. “I don’t want to stand in your way.”

I don’t know what I was expecting… for her to start crying or maybe even yelling. But instead, she does the one thing I wasn’t expecting.

She starts laughing. All out hysterics, holding onto her stomach as if in pain. “You… you want time apart!” she gasps in between giggles. “Oh, my God…”

“Liz?” I frown, feeling slightly hurt as I watch her continue to crack up. “This is serious.”

“I know,” she wipes her eyes, bursting into a new round of laughter. “This is just… this is my nightmare come true. Oh, God… why can’t I stop laughing?”

“Liz… maybe you should sit down,” I say worriedly, reaching out a hand. This time, I definitely wasn’t expecting her to lash out.

Her fist clocks me right under the chin, and thanks to a still wobbly composure due to the tequila, I land right on my ass.

“Get up, you bastard!” her lips tremble and now the laughing has turned into blubbering. “Get up, so I can hit you again!”

“I think you dislocated my jaw,” I answer, rubbing my chin as I stare at her. “God, baby.”

“Don’t call me that!” she snaps, brown eyes flashing. “I’m not your baby. Got it? I’m not your anything.”

With that, she turns her nose up into the air and with one last derisive look in my direction, she flounces… literally flounces out of my apartment. Then stalks back in, yanking my head down to hers.

She kisses me deeply, dragging a groan from my throat as her tongue tangles with mine, her lips nibbling. Just as my arms come up to hold her, she steps away.

“Remember that, when you’re laying in your bed tonight thinking of what’s best for us.”

I follow her as she stalks across the room, and grab her hand before she reaches the door. “I don’t think so,” I say darkly, and she whirls around. Her arm comes up and I catch it easily, dragging her to me. “You want to get physical?”

“Don’t touch me,” she spits out, but her eyes darken as my hand drops to clench her behind. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Time apart is over,” I answer succinctly, and lift her leg to wrap around me. My mouth crashes down on hers, and we both nip at each others lips with anger.

“Let… me… go,” she pants between kisses, her arms coming up to my shoulders to push me away. But instead, they curl and draw me closer.

“You’re the one holding on,” I answer gruffly, pulling up her other leg and shoving her against the wall. “Look at me. Look at me, dammit!”

She lifts her gaze, bright with desire and fury, and I drive my fingers inside her, pushing aside the flimsy lace. Her eyes go wide and she moans as I capture her lips again.

“I want you to be happy,” I whisper harshly, working her with my fingers as I pour my heart out. “I thought I could let you go… let you figure out what you wanted. But I can’t. I’m not letting you go, and we’ll damn well deal with this. I fucking love you.”

“I fucking love you, too,” she mimics me, tangling her fingers in my hair and bringing my head to rest against her breast. “You idiotic moron.”

“I’m going to love you so good, you won’t even be able to think about anyone else when you’re in Boston,” I rasp, positioning myself to pick up where we left off earlier. “You’re going to be aching for me… for this. Just like I’ll be aching for you.”

“Oh, Max…” she sighs, running her hands down my tense arms. “I always ache for you.”

“I can help ease the pain, baby,” I promise darkly, and thrust inside her to the hilt. “Oh yeaaah…”

We make love twice more before collapsing into my bed just after two. Holding onto her as she sleeps, I run my fingers through her hair and wonder what the future holds, now that we both know where we stand. Whether we'll truly resolve this mess we've created.

[Applebylicious]

Okay, I only have part of the chapter done... but I'm just gonna go ahead and post it, if anyone is even still reading this story. I'll post the rest tomorrow, if anyone's interested.

For all you Nick lovers out there, I don't know if you've heard but there has been a forum started that is dedicated to our boy. Check out the Official Nick Gannon Forum.

Hope you all enjoy this part...



<center>Part 12 - Gorgeous, Blonde and Buff</center>


I wake up to the feel of Liz lying against my chest, her head resting on my outstretched arm. I take a moment to stare down into her face as she sleeps, silently inventorying every contour and texture.

Unable to resist, I place a light kiss on her lips and she snuffles, shifting closer. I kiss her again, applying firmer pressure against her mouth, my tongue coming out to trace her bottom lip.

She sighs my name as I position myself above her, nuzzling her neck with my lips and teeth. Tangling my fingers in her hair, I thrust inside her warm, waiting body.

We both groan, and her eyes fly open to lock with mine. “Good morning,” she murmurs through a sleepy smile. “How’s your head?”

“Fine,” I manage as she lifts her hips, pulling me deeper. “Right now I can’t feel a thing.” Grabbing hold of her thighs, I shift to kneel on my knees, wrapping her long legs around my waist. “Oh yeah… how’s that?”

“Good,” she moans, stretching beneath me. “Hurry, Max.”

I shove her thighs apart as far as possible and completely lose myself in her sighs and moans, moaning myself when her inner contractions drive me past the point on control.

Minutes later, we’re wrapped together and gasping for breath. But of course, reality decides to intrude at that exact moment.

A loud pounding sounds at the door, followed by exclamations of, “Max Evans! Open this damn door right now!”

Liz and I exchange glances. “Did you lock the door,” I ask pleadingly. “Tell me you locked the door.”

Her guilty expression causes me to groan. “She’s going to kill me for coming over here,” Liz admits, looking green at the prospect. “I was supposed to stay mad at you until you came crawling back on your hands and knees, begging like a puppy.”

“Liz!” I frown, completely unsatisfied with the image her words bring forth. Then I remember how close to begging I had been. “Puppy, my ass,” I mumble crossly.

“Max!” the voice calls again, sounding closer. “I’m coming in, so you better not be naked or anything that might make my virgin eyes go blind!”

I roll my eyes at the same time I hear another voice reply, “Maria, you’ve already seen us all naked. Remember Tijuana?”

I turn deep red at the memory as Liz snickers.

“Oh, you keep your baby face outta this!” Maria growls. “I don’t know why you had to tag along.”

“Tag along? You woke me up and told me to get my happy ass in the Jetta or else you would cut off my dick and shove it up my ass. I remember that vividly.”

“Oh, for the love of… I’m in here,” I call, shoving Liz beneath the blankets. “Just keep quiet,” I say to her.

She lies very still underneath the covers, splayed out across my hips as I lift a pillow to hide the lump of her head at the same time the bedroom door flies open.

Maria stands there, hands on hips as she glares at me. Nick stands behind her, scratching his head and appearing pained. “Just what do you have to say for yourself?” Maria demands, stalking towards me. “You thought Liz was going to cheat on you with Chris?”

I wince as her tone grows louder, and press a hand to my head. “Please… I have a headache.”

“You’re gonna have more than that if you ever do something so asinine again!” she shouts, and Nick and I both watch in fascination as her hands fly around in punctuation. “I’d expect this of Mikey, Max… we all know he’s a moron.”

Nick snickers, then lets out an oof when Maria drives her elbow in his stomach. “Owie,” he mumbles, rubbing himself.

“I’d even expect this of Nick, Kyle, or Alex,” she continues darkly. “As well-meaning as they are, they can be talked into anything. But you… Max I would have thought better of you.”

“Hey, wait just a minute,” Nick says as the insult sinks home, but Maria merely raises her elbow and he shrinks back. “Never mind.”

“Look, I know I fucked up,” I sigh. “But this is between Liz and I, not all of you.” I bite back a groan as I feel her place a kiss to my thigh beneath the covers.

“Wrong!” Maria sings, tapping her foot. “You made it about all of us when you brought Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum into your ingenious plan.”

“I’m Tweedle Dee,” Nick says quickly. “Right?”

I fight to keep a straight face as Liz’s mouth moves higher, skimming over the ridge of my rapidly increasing erection. “Uh… what?” I squeak, my eyes nearly crossing as she takes the head of my cock between her teeth. “Oh… shit.”

“Oh shit, is right,” Maria continues to rant. “You are in so much trouble.”

“Yeah, I know,” I murmur, although it isn’t the kind of trouble I think she’s talking about. I shift, but her lips follow me across the bed.

Nick looks at me suspiciously. “Are you okay?”

“Actually, I’m feeling a little…” I trail off, breathing hard as she sucks deeply, and fight the urge to lift my hips. “I think I’m gonna hurl,” I quickly improvise. “And I’m naked. Butt naked.”

Maria and Nick stare at me in horror, and then quickly say goodbyes, running out of the apartment posthaste.

As soon as I hear the front door slam, I throw back the covers and see her grinning wickedly up at me. “Why did you do that?” I manage to say between gasping bursts of arousal.

“Consider it a form of payback,” she tosses back airily. “For embarrassing me in front of the entire restaurant the other night. You're not off the hook yet, Evans.”

I start to point out that sucking me off isn’t the best way to make me suffer, when she suddenly stands up as if nothing had happened. She grabs her clothes and pulls her hair back, all the while humming a tune.

“Liz…” I stare at her, splayed out across the bed with my penis jutting at the ceiling, pulsing with unsatisfaction. “What…”

“Payback, baby,” she repeats dragging her clothes on. “I’ll see you later. I’m late for work. Love you.”

With that casual dismissal, she tosses me another airy smile and leaves.


<center>***</center>



“I can’t believe this crap,” Michael mumbles, glaring across the length of the Crashdown. “It’s like they forget he had anything to do with it.”

I glance up and see the girls laughing and joking with Nick at the counter, ruffling his hair as he grins sheepishly. “They always treat him like that,” I point out, rolling my eyes as he wraps his arms around Isabel and Serena on either side of him.

“It isn’t fair!” Michael pouts, glancing over as Maria walks by. “Hey, babe…” he trails off as she turns her nose up, pointedly ignoring him as she heads towards the counter.

“You guys are so screwed,” Kyle shakes his head, slurping through his straw. “Bad karma.”

“What he means to say is ‘I told you so’,” Alex smirks, stuffing his mouth with french fries. “And I have to agree. Max, what the hell were you thinking? You let Michael and Nick talk you into one of their hare-brained schemes?”

“Watch it, Whitman.”

Before I can answer the front door chimes and Chris walks through, the late afternoon sun glinting off his burnished locks.

“Well, shit,” Michael whistles, slinking deeper into the booth as Isabel, Maria and Serena all turn to glare towards us before calling out to Chris. He waves with a smile on his lips, but declines their invitation, heading towards our table.

“That’s him?” Kyle asks, staring in shock. “He looks like an-“

“Underwear model,” Michael and I mutter in unison.

“He’s coming this way,” Alex says under his breath, and Kyle elbows him in the ribs.

“Thanks for the newsflash, Captain Obvious.”

Just then, Liz steps out of the backroom, a tray of glasses in her arms. She looks up and appears startled as she almost runs into Chris. He reaches out and grasps her arms to steady her. He speaks and seconds later they’re laughing.

I remain calm, aware of all the sets of eyes currently trained on me. I take a studied bite of my hamburger, chewing and swallowing as if I haven’t a care in the world.

“Hey, guys.”

I glance up at the sound of his voice, and find myself staring into his smiling blue eyes. “Hey,” I mumble, feeling decidely embarrassed as I recall the scene from the other night. “Uh… have a seat.”

“Nah, I’m not staying,” he says easily. “I just wanted to talk to you for a second. If you don’t mind,” he adds pleasantly.

I shrug, gulping down the rest of my cherry coke before standing up and following him outside, ignoring Nick’s inquisitive gaze as I pass by. To my surprise, he stops next to a shiny black Harley. “This yours?” I ask, not bothering to hide my obvious admiration.

“What?” he looks distracted. “Oh, the bike. Yeah… I’m kind of a motorcycle freak.”

“Nothing to be ashamed of,” I murmur, resisting the urge to stroke the glossy lacquer like a new lover.

“Listen, Max,” he rakes a hand through his hair, absently pulling it into a tail at his neck. “I want you to know, nothing happened between me and Liz. I never even thought of taking advantage of her, and she wasn’t interested in me anyway.”

“I know, you’re…” a flush rises in my cheeks and I look away from his intense gaze, feeling young and idiotic. “You’re… you know…” I motion with my hand, scratching my eye with the other.

“Gay?” he offers, a small smile on his lips. “You can say it. I’m gay, homo, queer, a cocksucker…”

“Oh my God!” I know my jaw’s hanging open as he continues to list terms for homosexuals.

“-faggot, fudge-packer, butt-pirate,” he ticks off on his fingers, “queen, fairy… Max, are you okay?”

“I’m… I think I’m choking,” I manage between gasps, clutching my throat as if I can force out the air. He hits me hard between the shoulder blades, nearly knocking me back a step and informing me that he isn’t just a pretty boy after all.

“Uh… thanks,” I mutter as I’m able to breathe again. “Are you related to Nick Gannon by any chance?”

His blonde brows furrow. “Is he the gorgeous, buff blonde guy at the counter? One of the guys who was there the other night?”

Amazing. Chris has been here all of five days and he already knows Nick by name. “Yeah,” I say, bemused at agreeing to someone’s description of one of my friends as gorgeous and buff.

“Sorry, no relation,” he quirks his lips. “Is it the blonde hair and blue eyes?”

“Similar personality traits,” I answer vaguely, thinking that Nick is the only other person who’s ever managed to make me choke on my own spit.

“Oh, okay,” he shrugs. “So… he’s dating that little curly-haired blonde who hangs out around the bar sometimes, right?”

“Yeah, Tess.”

He lets out a dramatic sigh. “The gorgeous ones are always taken,” he grumbles goodnaturedly.

“I’m sure he’d be flattered,” I bite back a grin at the idea of seeing Nick’s face if he could be privy to this conversation.

Chris just continues to smile at me, and the smile fades from my face and discomfort settles in as he stares. “What?” I ask uncertainly.

“Hmm?” he shakes head. “Sorry… I was just thinking of something Liz mentioned once…”

Now I know I’m beet red as his gaze drops fleetingly to the crotch of my pants. “Er…”

He laughs as I take a step back. “Don’t worry, goodlooking. I’m not gonna jump you and have my wicked way with you,” he winks. “I like my men willing and ready to be used. Something tells me you’d want to be in control. But hey, one can dream.” With that he reaches back and lightly pinches me on the ass.

I let out a shrill sound that has him laughing even harder. “Did you just pinch my ass?” I demand hotly, glancing around in case anyone happened to walk by and witness the event.

He looks innocently back at me, but there is mirth lurking behind those blue eyes. “Who, me?”

I scowl, rubbing my left cheek. “Don’t do that again,” I warn. “For God’s sake.”

“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” he grins again. “Listen, I am sorry about what happened. But you should know, Liz thinks the world of you. She spent the whole time mooning over you when we were together.”

Instantly I step closer. “Really?”

“Oh yeah,” he murmurs. “She’s in love with you. And my guess, she’s rethinking this whole move to Boston. But hey, that’s just my opinion. Take that and do with it what you will, Casanova,” he pats my butt again and slings one leg over the motorcycle. Pulling on a helmet, he salutes me with two fingers. “See ya, Max.”

I’m thinking about his words so hard that I don’t even remember to be righteously indignant by the ass tap. As he speeds off, I turn around and catch eight faces plastered to the front window.

The guys are all grinning at me and shaking their heads, while the girls are giggling. I roll my eyes and walk back inside, fighting the urge to blush.

“Well, fuck me and call me a virgin,” Nick sings as I walk by. “Got something you want to share with the class?” he flutters his lashes. Kyle, Michael, and Alex snort. "What did Chris want with you, Max?"

“Actually,” I return pleasantly, “he wanted the gorgeous, buff blonde guy at the counter’s number.”

He turns dark red and scowls as everyone starts laughing.

[Applebylicious]

Okay, I decided to just make this a new chapter, lol. Because this fic is moving so fast and I needed more chapters . Also, this part does NOT mean Nick is gay in any way. It was just a little fun, and we all know how guys feel the need to prove their prowess. Nick is straight, except in Ménage when he's in love with Max. Enjoy everyone!

ETA: If anyone is reading the Ménage series... Part 2 is now up.

Hugs,

Linds


<center>Part 13 - Less Than Average?</center>


“So then, he just grabs Max’s ass and speeds off into the sunset… astride his black charger… er Harley,” Nick grins, reclining on his elbows against the bar. “It was a Kodak moment.”

“No shit?” Aidan’s teeth gleam. “You bad boy, you,” he tsks, slapping me on the back.

“Bite me,” I return, arranging shot glasses and refusing to let the flush rise to my cheeks. “He thought Nick was fine, too.”

“Well, that’s a given,” Nick says smugly, stretching his legs and crossing his ankles, his chest swelling.

Aidan and I exchange a glance, then simultaneously reach over and twist his nipples through his thin cotton shirt. He lets out a shriek and jerks away, slapping his hands over his chest.

“Why you feeling yourself up?” Joe asks, one heavy brow raised as he steps out of his office to see Nick rubbing his abused nipples.

Aidan and I laugh as Nick’s face turns dark red. “I’m not feeling myself up. Just… don’t ask.”

“Where’s your sexy cousin?” Aidan wiggles his brows as Nick scowls. “Aye, I’m a single guy… I need the eye candy.”

“Serena’s not in tonight,” Joe says distractedly, surveying a clipboard in his hands. He scratches his brow and mumbles to himself, jotting things down on the paper. “It’s just us.”

“What’s up, Joe?” Nick cranes his neck to try to read over Joe’s shoulder.

“Hmm?” he looks up, his cobalt eyes faraway. “Oh, just looking over some details for a possible expansion.”

“Expansion?” Aidan looks worried. “This place is perfect the way it is, J. Why do you want to make it bigger?”

“Nothing drastic,” Joe assures, placing the clipboard beneath the bar as he starts to stack glasses next to me. “Just maybe a larger stage… some more foot room.”

“I think it’s a good idea,” Nick says loyally.

Aidan opens his mouth to reply when his eyes catch on something across the room. His jaw drops and his eyes glaze over as he lets out a long whistle. “Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Gorgeous blonde alert.”

We all look over to the front door, and sure enough a tall-leggy blonde stands framed in the door, the early-evening sunlight spilling across the silky dress clinging to shapely curves.

“Holy shit,” Nick murmurs, raising both brows as she removes a pair of silver sunglasses from her nose, her eyes searching the bar. “Joe, check this out.”

The sound of breaking glass brings our attention towards Joe, who stands next to me with a strange look on his face. A shattered shot glass scatters across the floor next to his feet. He quickly bends and starts picking the glass shards up.

The blonde woman glances over at the sound, and her eyes widen as they fix on Joe. She visibly swallows, then takes a hesitant step forward.

At the sound of her approach, Joe stands up and watches her with unreadable eyes. She stops a few feet from the bar, and glances at the three of us quickly before focusing her eyes on Joe.

Her lips lift slightly, and she says in a soft voice, “Hello, Joe.”

He doesn’t answer, simply continues to stare at her, but I notice the way his jaw tightens as does his grip on a jagged shard of glass in his palm.

“Joe?” Nick asks worriedly, also noting the sudden tension in the room.

Joe snaps out of whatever daze he’s in and glances down at his hand, seeing the blood dripping. “Shit,” he mutters, throwing the glass into a nearby trashcan and quickly sticks his hand under the faucet.

“Oh my God, you’re bleeding!” the woman gasps, clutching the strap of her purse and hurrying forward.

“I’m fine,” he finally speaks, his tone gruff and stopping her in her tracks. “What are you doing here, Kathleen?”

My eyes widen. Kathleen? I glance over at Nick and see his eyes narrow, his jaw clenching. He looks ready to explode. Aidan looks confused, but interested as he slides his gaze from Joe to the blonde.

Kathleen looks torn, fiddling with the strap as she glances at us all again. “I… I’m back,” she tries for a smile that falls flat as Joe continues to stare at her. “I was hoping to talk to you.”

“He’s busy,” Nick breaks in coldly, and Aidan raises his brows. We’ve never heard Nick speak that way to any beautiful woman, so naturally it would raise a few questions.

“Nick,” Joe says warningly, reaching over to grab a paper towel to blot his wound. “I can handle this myself.”

“But, Joe,” he growls when Joe cuts him off with a glare. “Fine,” he snaps, sitting back and glaring at Kathleen.

“You must be Nick,” Kathleen swallows, her lips quivering. “Joe’s told me so much about you. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Nick says flippantly, causing two spots of red to burn in her cheeks. Aidan jabs him in the ribs and sends him a what the hell are you doing? look.

“You wanted to talk to me,” Joe breaks in, answering her earlier question. “About what?”

She lets out a sigh, tucking a few strands of honey-blonde hair behind her ears. “I was hoping… we could talk alone…?” she says quietly, not meeting his gaze.

Joe stares at her a moment longer, then shrugs as if he couldn’t care less. But the tension in his posture says differently. “Sure, let’s go into my office. Max, watch the bar.”

“Sure Joe,” I answer as he leads Kathleen back to his office. When the door shuts behind him, questions start flying.

“Who was that?” Aidan demands. “And why did Joe look like he was about to either yell or start crying?”

“It’s Joe’s ex girlfriend,” Nick bares his teeth. “And if she thinks she’s going to show up and start shit, she’s got another thing coming.”

“That’s Joe’s ex?” Aidan whistles. “Aye, he has taste, that’s for sure.”

“Stay out of it, Nick,” I warn, wiping a few drops of blood from the counter. “After what happened with Liz and I… don’t you think you should just stay out of it?”

“I’m not going to let her hurt him again!” Nick says angrily, slamming his fist down as he jumps up to start pacing. “Dammit, she can’t just walk in here after years of no contact and decide she wants Joe back in her life.”

“You don’t know that’s the case,” I point out, recognizing the warning signs of a full-blown Nick temper rising. “Just let Joe handle himself.”

His jaw juts out at a stubborn angle, and he glares at the closed office door for a long moment before he curses under his breath and stomps away to the opposite end of the room.

“A little over-protective, is he?” Aidan murmurs, one brow raised.

I sigh, resting my elbows on the gleaming counter. “You have to understand Nick. He doesn’t let people in easily, but once he does… he’s like a pit bull. He doesn’t like for anyone he cares about to be hurt, and he cares for Joe more than anyone in the world.”

Aidan looks like he wants to ask more, but instead turns towards the television behind the bar, watching the hockey game playing across the screen. After a few minutes, the door to Joe’s office opens and Kathleen steps out, wiping her eyes.

She says a soft goodbye as she quickly passes bye, but I see the tears on her cheeks. Glancing over to where the door the office door is still open, I see Joe sitting at his desk, rubbing his forehead.

He glances up and meets my gaze, and the unhappiness etched into his face makes him look exhausted and older than his short thirty years. Without a word, he stands up and gently closes the door.


<center>***</center>


“What the hell did she say to him?” Nick growls for the hundredth time, pacing across the floor as people continue to spill into the bar hours later. “Damn it, he never holes himself up in there like this.”

“He came out and said he had to do some inventory,” I remind him, not mentioning the blank look in his eyes when he’d done so. “I’m sure everything is okay.”

Nick snorts. “It’s not okay. Don’t you think I realize that he’s avoiding me? Shit, he doesn’t want me to know what’s going on, because he thinks I’ll fly off the handle or something.”

“Now why would he think that?” I ask blandly, then let out a groan as Chris walks through the door. “Oh, you have got to be kidding me.”

“What?” Nick asks, then looks over his shoulder and spots the newest arrival. A wide grin stretches across his lips. “Oh… I’m sorry, am I interrupting a lover’s tryst?”

“Asshole,” I mutter, a welcoming smile on my lips as Chris appraoches. “What’s up, man?”

“Not much, cuties,” he says, deliberately standing way too close to Nick, who goes stiff as Chris’s arm rubs against him. Chris pretends not to notice, but the twinkling in his blue eyes deepens as Nick tries to step away.

I feel a reluctant smile cross my lips. Damn, I might just like this guy after all. “What’s your pleasure?” I drawl, pulling down a clean mug.

“Oh, I think you know,” he winks jokingly. “But until then… I’ll just have a Guinness, if you can manage that handsome.”

“Yeah, I think I can manage that, ass-queen.” I smile innocently as Nick chokes.

Chris laughs and nods his head approvingly. “Good one.”

“I think I’m gonna… go count the kegs,” Nick stammers, jabbing a thumb over his shoulder.

“Don’t be too long, lover,” Chris drawls, and to my shock and amazement he leans over and presses his lips firmly against Nick’s. Nick jerks and yanks back, his face dark red.

“What the hell! You just kissed me!” he wipes his hand across his lips and stares at Chris.

I start laughing hysterically as Chris shrugs, accepting the beer I set in front of him. “Just curious.”

“But… but…” Nick rakes a hand through his hair. “You kissed me!” he cries out, pointing his finger. “On the lips, man. On the lips!”

“Mm… and what lips they are,” Chris winks, taking a sip of his beer. “Too bad the kiss was less than average. You’ll understand if I don’t call?”

With those parting words, he nods his head and walks off to join the crowd, leaving Nick standing there sputtering.

“Less than average?” he says out loud, “Less than average?! The bastard thinks he can insult my kissing technique? I don’t think so!”

With that, he storms off and sends me into a choking fit when he taps Chris on the shoulders, spins him around and plants a solid kiss on his surprised lips. People hoot and holler around them until Nick pulls back, wiping his lips and glaring.

“Less than average my ass!” I read his lips as Chris stares at him with a mixture of shock and admiration. “And I ain’t gay, buddy.”

“Maybe not,” Chris condedes with a wide grin, “but you sure as hell know how to kiss a guy.”

[Applebylicious]

Aloha! You guys ready for the new part? Okay, warning... this chapter is completely random. Once again, I hate it. But I always do, lol, so maybe it isn't as bad as I fear. You guys will let me know, right? Right?! Thanks for all the tremendous FB! I love you all.

Hugs,

Linds

WARNING: MINOR ANGST AHEAD!



<center>Part 14 - Aw, Nuts!</center>



“Whaddaya mean you ain’t got no nuts?!”

I glance over at the loud exclamation, not sure if I want to know the reason behind it, and find Aidan squaring off with an obviously drunken gentleman.

Aidan makes a face, desperately trying not to roll his eyes as the man stumbles against the bar. “Sir, I’m afraid I’m gonna 'av ter ask yer ter calm down,” he says, his brogue thickening deliberately.

That’s Aidan’s way of handling patrons who have decided to… over imbibe, shall we say. He starts talking like a leprechaun and has them running circles to try to figure out what he’s saying, messing with their minds so they never even know what hit them.

Sure enough, the man blinks. Then, “What the hell did you just say to me, son?”

With a small smile on his lips, Aidan replies, “Oi said, de size av yer arse exceeds de size av yer mind, aye dat it does.”

The man’s ruddy face flushes and he raises a meaty fist. “Look here, laddie, stop talking in riddles and tell me where the damn nuts are!”

I quickly make my way over, tapping the man on the shoulder. “Is there a problem?” I query politely.

He spins around and glares at me through beady eyes. His mouth opens and… oh God… the smell…

I try not to fall over as the scent of alcohol hits me with every word he utters. “What the hell kinda bar don’t have no goddurn nuts?!” he slurs angrily, and his voice draws the attention of Nick and Gus, who are hanging out by the door and pretending to work.

“Nuts, sir?” I ask, once again polite even as Aidan smirks at me from behind the bar.

“Nuts, boy!” the man exclaims, slamming a hand down on the bar. “You got some goddurn nuts or what?”

“Yes sir, I do,” I answer blandly, ignoring the snickering coming from the patrons watching this strange spectacle.

“Is there a problem?” Nick drawls as he walks up, hands in his pockets.

I fight the urge to roll my eyes as he slowly, methodically cracks his knuckles every way they can be cracked, trying to appear intimidating.

“I want to find my goddurn nuts!” the man shouts, slamming another hand down and jostling a few beers. “Lemme speak to your manager, boy.”

“That would be me,” Joe says from behind me, and I turn to see him standing there with a confused look on his face. “Is there a problem?”

Oh Jeez.

“Yeah, there’s a problem!” the guy snarls, sticking out a finger to poke Joe in the chest. He barely makes a dent as Joe raises one eyebrow. “I want to find some-”

“Goddurn nuts,” Aidan, Nick and I chorus.

To his credit, Joe doesn’t even blink. “Now, Jack… does your parole officer know you’re in here raising hell?”

Jack? I mouth silently, catching Nick’s gaze. He shrugs, looking just as confused as me.

Jack juts his chin out defiantly. “I’m not raising no hell, Joseph Thorton. I just want my bar nuts. What’s the world coming to when a man can’t even get a good bowl of peanuts, I ask you?”

“Is this guy for real?” Nick sings under his breath, whistling and making a cuckoo sign next to his ear.

“Jack… you need to calm down and use your head,” Joe says in a firm voice. “You’re already violating your parole, coming in here under the influence. Do you really want to add drunk and disorderly to that? I can have LT on the phone in ten seconds.”

Jack curses a mean streak, glaring at Joe from beneath lowered lids. “All right, I can see when I ain’t wanted!” he cries, stumbling as he turns to leave. “Just wanted a few nuts,” he mumbles, tripping over himself as he walks out the door.

Nick suddenly lets out a hoot. “Was that Wacky Jack? The guy who sleeps under the steps at the library?”

“God, yes,” Joe rubs his forehead and I notice that he still looks tired. I wonder what the hell went down between him and Kathleen.

“Did you see how close I came to having to toss him out on his ass?” Nick elbows me in the ribs, pantomiming tossing someone out on their ass.

At least, I assume that’s what the wild jumping movements mean.

“Nick Gannon! I leave you alone for five minutes and I find out you’re kissing men in a bar?!”

Nick freezes mid-crouch and grimaces as he catches sight of Tess standing there, tapping her foot against the floor with one blonde brow raised.

“That wasn’t how it was,” he mumbles, glaring at Aidan and I as we choke back snickers. “I was just… proving my manhood. Look, you didn’t hear what he said!”

“I’m all ears,” she cooes in a dangerously sweet tone, although I notice the sparkle of amusement behind her blue eyes. “Do explain to me how kissing Chris could possibly restore your… manhood.”

“Aw, man…” he whines. “There’s no way I’m not going to look stupid here.”

“Darling, that’s never a concern.”

“Ouch,” I mock grimace, laughing as he glares at me. “Listen, Tess… Nick is going through an experimental time in his life. Don’t take it personal.”

“You are so dead,” he promises in a low tone. “And it didn’t mean anything. God.”

“Honey, if I thought otherwise, you wouldn’t be left with a manhood to reclaim,” Tess says sweetly.

Aidan erupts into a coughing fit, and I grin widely as Nick turns every shade of red in the rainbow.

“How would you feel if you found out I was making out with Liz at the Crashdown?”

Nick’s eyes widen. “Oh, man… don’t they have a security camera there? Sweet.”

“Nick!”

He flashes her a grin that has her shaking her head. “Come on, baby… don’t be mad. I’ll make it up to you… I’ll do that thing you like so much. You know, where I nibble on your-“

“Nick!” she punches him in the shoulder, her cheeks red.

“Oh, please continue,” Aidan drawls with a chuckle.

With as much dignity as she can muster with scalding cheeks and a wickedly grinning boyfriend, Tess tosses her hair back. “I actually came to deliver a message for Max.”

“Huh?” I ask, leaning a hip against the bar. “A message for me?”

“From Liz,” she purrs, and a strange light comes into her eyes, one that makes me slightly nervous. “She wants you to meet her at your apartment after you get off. She says come straight home.”

“Someone’s still in trouble,” Nick sings in my ear.

“And as for you, if I catch those lips on anything they shouldn’t be, the only thing you’ll be kissing will be my ass,” she throws at Nick, then sniffs and struts away.

Nick shakes his head, holding a hand over his chest as he gazes after her with pride. “Be still my heart. What a woman. She’s incredible.”


<center>***</center>


Three hours later, I find myself the last one to leave. I wave goodbye to Aidan as he heads out and grab the next dirty glass to stuff into the sink.

After a long night of loud music and even louder people, the bar seems eerily quiet. I hum a mellow Dave Matthews tune under my breath while doing the regular closing duties.

The sound of soft voices catches my attention as I’m cashing out the evening’s earnings. Having thought I was the last one to leave, naturally my ears perk to detect who would still be here at two-thirty in the morning on a Thursday.

“What do you want from me?”

I raise a brow as I catch Joe’s frustrated voice through the walls. I slow my counting, breathing softly.

“Joe, please.”

A feminine sob echoes through the room and I swallow uncomfortably, wondering if I should make some noise so they’ll know they aren’t alone.

“You have the nerve to cry after what you did? After what you just told me?” Joe’s ragged voice sounds so unlike Joe that it stills me again. “Damn you, Kathleen. You are one cold-blooded…” He cuts himself off and curses. “Get the hell out. I can’t… I can’t even look at you right now.”

“Joe, I’m so sorry… I never meant to hurt you.”

A cynical laugh follows. “Didn’t you? You knew I was going to ask you to marry me. To be my fucking wife. I loved you, dammit. I loved you and you left me high and dry, not even a word of warning or a goddamn note on the bedside table. I woke up, ready to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me… and the sheets were cold. Do you have any idea what it feels like to have your heart ripped from your chest and ground into the dirt?”

“Yes,” she answers in a pained voice. “You have to understand. Please…”

“Understand what?” he suddenly bellows, and I hear the sound of something crashing to the floor. “Understand that you lied to me? That not only did you leave me… but you stole a part of me as well? You were fucking pregnant, Katie. I should have been there… dammit… I should have known!”

“Oh shit,” I mutter, my fingers clenching around the cash tray. I quickly shove the tray back inside the register, preparing myself to make a stealthy exit, when Nick suddenly walks back inside the bar.

“Hey, I forgot my keys,” he says cheerfully, smiling sheepishly as he heads towards me. “Have you seen them?”

I know I must resemble a deer-in-the-headlights. “Uh…”

“I wanted to tell you!” Kathleen’s voice breaks into my stammering attempt of a reply, and Nick goes rigid.

“What is she doing here?” he asks in a low voice, raking a hand through his hair. “Is she bothering him?”

“Nick…”

“What stopped you?” Joe yells, quieting us both. “How long did you know? Did you know when you made love with me at night? When you told me you loved me? How many opportunities were there, Katie?”

“I just… I couldn’t be here, Joe!” she sobs. “You don’t understand. You love this town… you always have. I’ve lived here since I was a little girl, and I just… I had to get out. I knew you would never leave, so I did what I thought was best for both of us.”

There is nothing but silence for a long moment. My head spins as I realize the similarities between what’s happening between Joe and Kathleen… and Liz and I.

Then Joe laughs brokenly.

“What was best for us?” he mocks softly. “You thought deserting me without a word was doing the best thing for us? You thought robbing me of the chance to see… to hold the child we created… was doing what was best for us?”

Nick’s face goes deathly white, his expression one that a person might wear when they’ve just seen an incredible horror.

“I have a family, Katie. A family we created, whether or not you wanted me to be a part of it.”

“That wasn’t it,” she says quickly. “God, Joe… I never stopped loving you.”

“Shit..." Joe trails off. "I want to see my son. Where is he?” he asks flatly. “We can figure out whatever the hell we’re going to do later. I want to see my son. God… my son. How is it possible that I can hate you so much… and still love you for giving me what I’ve always wanted? I've been so alone, Katie.”

“I… I need my keys,” Nick mumbles, swallowing rapidly as he looks around blindly. “Where the fuck are my keys?”

“Nick,” I start, unsure of what to say to my friend as his jaw quivers. My chest feels tight as I watch him fighting back the emotion that threatens to overwhelm him.

“Where the fuck are they?” he snaps, raking a hand through his hair. “Shit!"

“Nick?” Joe’s shocked voice sounds seconds before he appears, and when he sees both of us standing there like statues, his face flushes then turns a sickly pale. “Nick.”

“I… I forgot my keys,” Nick says in a small voice. “I need to leave.”

“Nick, wait,” Joe sighs, raking his own hand through his hair. “Just a damn minute.”

“I’m late. I have to… sleep.”

With that, he grabs the keychain from my hand and ambles out of the bar.

The look of frustrated anguish on Joe’s face has me quickly averting my eyes as he muffles a violent curse.

“I’m just going to…” I thumb over my shoulder. “I didn’t finish cashing out.”

“Leave it, I’ll handle it,” he answers after a moment. “And Max… would you…”

“Sure,” I answer quickly, resigning myself to the fact that I’m going to have to make an excuse to Liz and possibly get myself tossed into the doghouse again. “I’ll find him, make sure he doesn’t do anything crazy.”

“Fuck me,” Joe groans, rubbing his forehead. "Why did I even get up today?"

[Applebylicious]

K, here's the latest installment. The part's are going to be shorter in length so as to draw this out as long as possible. Look for this fic to be ending this weekend. There may be possible double posts, so keep checking.

Hugs,

Linds


<center>Part 15 - Screw Dignity</center>


“What do you mean, Joe has a son?” Liz demands as I continue driving down the deserted streets, looking for any sign of Nick’s car. Somehow I just know he’s out there… not tucked away at his apartment. Call it a friend’s intuition.

“Well, this Kathleen chick… apparently she was pregnant when she left,” I continue, quickly trying to bring her up to date on the facts. “She walks in tonight and tells Joe, Joe’s freaking out and says something about how he’s been alone all this time. And Nick overheard him and ran off.”

“Oh, poor Nick,” she gasps. “He doesn’t know that Joe doesn’t really mean it. He… he’s never truly accepted that Joe feels anything for him besides duty. Oh, Max… you have to find him!”

“That’s what I’m doing,” I answer grimly. “But baby… I have no idea where to start.”

She’s quiet for a moment, then says in a soft voice, “The elementary school.”

“What?” I frown. “I don’t understand…?”

“He told me once… that was where Joe first told him he was a Thorton,” Liz explains gently. “He said it was the first time he ever felt like anything more than a burden to anyone. He’ll have gone there.”

“I hope you’re right,” I mumble, pulling a sharp turn and heading in the opposite direction for Roswell Elementary. “Liz… I know you were expecting me to come by, and I know we need to talk…”

“Max, it’s ok,” she cuts me off. “Nick is more important. He needs someone right now.”

“He needs you, Liz,” I point out, feeling sad for my friend. “You always know what to say.”

“Right now I don’t think he’d appreciate my form of coddling,” she answers. “If I know Nick, he’s going to be spoiling for a fight, Max. You two have grown really close the past few months. I think he’d listen to you. Make him understand.”

Her words echo in my ears as I pull up in front of the school and see Nick’s Land Rover pulled off to the side of the road, parked at a crazy angle. I pull up alongside it and switch off the ignition, staring out into the night as I prepare myself for what I want to say.

Finally, I get out and head across the lawn. I see a figure hunched over in one of the swings, his back to me. As I draw closer, I’m horrified to hear the sounds of broken sobs.

I hesitate, then make as much noise as possible as I approach. His back stiffens but he doesn’t turn to look at me.

“Hey, buddy,” I say uncomfortably, sticking my hands in my pockets and rocking forward on my feet as I wait for him to respond.

“What are you doing here?” he asks in a dead tone. “Leave me the hell alone, Max. Tell Liz or Joe or whoever the fuck sent you that I don’t need a bodyguard, okay?”

“And if I came because I was worried?” I ask, ignoring his harsh words and taking a seat on the swing next to him. “Come on, Gannon. Cut the crap, it’s me here.”

He finally glances at me and the sight of his red-rimmed eyes nearly punches a hole in my gut. It’s not that guys aren’t supposed to cry. I know that’s what we’re taught to believe, but to me… this is more about a friend feeling so torn up inside that he feels the need to break down in a deserted playground alone.

“I feel like I’ve been fucking steam-rolled,” he sighs, wiping his nose with his arm, a completely masculine response despite the fact that he was sobbing beforehand. “He never told me he had a kid,” he adds after a long moment.

“He didn’t know,” I point out quietly, looking up at the sky.

“What does it matter?” he grunts, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “Being pushed aside is nothing new for me. Truthfully, I’ve been waiting for this to happen. I’m surprised it took this long.”

“Nick,” I say warningly. “Stop it. You know that’s bullshit.”

“Didn’t you hear what he said, Max?” he fires back, jumping up and shoving his hands through his hair. “He’s been so alone… well, fucking hell. Sorry to hear that, Joe. I guess I wasn’t good enough for you, either.”

“Shut up,” I growl. “Just shut the hell up. Now I know everyone else coddles you, Nick, because they all love you so damn much and they don’t want to upset you. But you’re being a damn idiot right now.”

He turns to look at me in surprise. “Excuse me?” he asks in an offended tone. “What the hell do you know, Max? You have the perfect family, you and Liz will probably end up married and live the American Dream in Pleasantville, USA.”

“Maybe you’re right,” I shrug, pushing back my sympathy for the wounded expression in his eyes. I see what Liz had meant now. Nick doesn’t need another person telling him everything will be okay. He needs a firm kick in the ass. “But you don’t think that sometimes I don’t feel good enough, either? You think there aren’t times when I wish I could change something about my life? Well, I wish a lot of things, Nick. I wish I could understand why a guy that has everything going for him, whether he realizes it or not… a guy with a personality that leaves everyone he meets wanting to be his new best friend… I wish I could understand how he could be so damn insecure.”

“Fuck you!” he cries out brokenly, his jaw quivering and his hands clenching. “You don’t know… what the hell you’re…” He turns away. “Get out of here, Max,” he whispers. “Leave me a little fucking dignity.”

“Screw your dignity,” I snarl, fed up as I plant myself directly in front of him. “Go ahead, Gannon. Cry. Let me see you bitch and moan,” I continue roughly. “You’ve never hidden before, don’t start now.”

He attacks me before I finish speaking, knocking me to the ground as we begin to roll over the grass. Grunting and swearing, we exchange hits and insults. He gains the upper hand, grasping my collar and shoving my head into the dirt. I reciprocate by using my legs to twist out from under him, knocking him flat on his back.

“Give up?” I pant harshly, watching the anger growing in his eyes. “You fucking pussy.”

He roars, his fist boxing my ear and making me see stars. Momentarily startled, I sit back as he scrambles out from under me. His arm wraps around my neck in a headlock, and we began to struggle anew.

“Give up?” he mocks, squeezing until I start to grow dizzy.

“If it makes you feel any better.” I grit out, dropping any offense as his grip tightens.

His angry breathing slows, and his arms fall away. He scoots away, dropping onto the ground as he stares up at the sky. “Actually, kicking your ass period made me feel better.”

My eyes narrow, but I let the dig slide. After all, we both know what that was really about. “Call Tess, Nick. Don’t shut her out when you need her.”

His eyes turn guarded. “I can handle myself,” he snaps, standing up to brush off the dirt our scuffle caused. “I’ll see you later.”

I watch with a sigh as he walks off.


<center>***</center>


“I can’t believe you just let him walk off!” Liz fumes, pacing the length of my bedroom as I lay across the bed, holding an ice pack to my blackening eye. “What if he does something stupid?”

I open my mouth to speak, and wince as it pulls at my raw lip. “Liz… you have to let him make his own mistakes. He’s not a little boy,” I point out. “I don’t think he’s going to do anything stupid.”

She turns to glare at me. “You obviously don’t know Nick!”

I raise a brow at her defensive tone. “Uh… am I missing something? Wasn’t it you who an hour ago was talking up how close we are and how the last thing he needs is to be pampered like a little baby?”

“No… yes…” she sighs heavily. “Max, I hate when he’s hurting. He’s so good at keeping it all locked in, I just worry what will happen if it ever truly gets out.”

I finger my swollen lip with a grimace. “I think I have a good idea what.”

“Oh, are you okay?” she murmurs soothingly, sitting next to me and gingerly touching my cheek. “I can’t believe you actually fought him,” she shakes her head.

“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” I cry, my eyes narrowing. “It’s not like he beat me or anything…”

“Of course not,” she glares. “But you shouldn’t have taken advantage of his mood.”

“Oh for the love of…” I toss aside the ice and thrust out my lip. “What’s so damn special about that guy… that has my own girlfriend more worried about him than she is over me?” I mock growl.

“Aw… are you jealous?” she teases, and giggles as I shove her back against the bed.

“Extremely,” I murmur, our lips meeting in a kiss that… “Ouch!” I pull back, rubbing my sore lip.

“Oops.”

[Applebylicious]

Told you guys I'd be back! Only about five more parts after this, including the epilogue. Just as a reminder... this is the second update of the day, so if you haven't read the previous part... go ahead and check it out so I don't confuse ya.

Okay, Linds...that part was freakin' spectacular but I've got to admit something to you... The whole time I was reading the Max and Nick interaction my mind was...elsewhere. Ehem. I don't think I need to explain that statement, do I, lol? Now every scene I read between them has undertones. Do you see what you've done?

Don't feel bad, Dee. It was hard for me to write. I kept thinking... something isn't right here... shouldn't they be gettin' it on? Yeah, I've corrupted Nick in my mind. He'll forever belong with Max. Lord help me, my fave ship doesn't even really exist!!


<center>Part 16 – The Breaks</center>


“Max Evans to see Lieutenant McGraw, please.”

The pretty dispatcher smiles at me and pages LT while I wait in the lobby of the police station. I wander over to the wall and glance at the many plaques and trophies that decorate the room.

I smirk as I recognize a nineteen year-old Joe, grinning into the camera along with other high school volunteers from the class of nineteen-ninety three. He has his arm slung around a pretty blonde girl who I immediately identify as Kathleen.

They both look so happy.

I frown, studying the way she smiles up at him from beneath his muscled arm, at the utter devotion that is obvious in her eyes. What could have changed that?

“Max?”

I turn around and see Lt. McGraw smiling at me. He sticks out a hand for me to shake and I do so, smiling back. “Sorry it took me so long to get down here,” I begin to apologize.

“Say no more,” he brushes off my excuse, running a hand through his dark blonde hair. His face is tanned and weathered, capable of kindness and mercilessness, whichever the moment calls for. “Step into my office.”

I follow him inside, and take a seat in a comfortable leather chair that faces his desk. Admiringly, I glance at the posters of the US Marine Corps that decorate the walls. I had known LT was prior service, and it didn’t take a genius to see what branch he’d stemmed from.

“So your paperwork is ready,” he calls out, rummaging through a stack of papers on his desk. “Assuming I can find them… ah. Here we go.” He shoots me a quick grin, pulling out a stapled leaflet. “This will tell you everything you need to know about the Academy itself. Everything you’ll need… books, uniforms… they’ll be provided for by the department, so long as you don’t wash out. You’re in peak physical form so I don’t think the PT will kill ya, but I’d get used to getting up at oh-dark-thirty and working out.”

“I guess it’s a good thing I’m a morning person,” I joke, and we share a chuckle. “Sir… what’s the best thing I can do in preparation?”

He sits back and sighs. “Honestly, Max… I can’t tell you that. Every person has to find out what works for them when it comes to making it through. This isn’t the Marines… but it’s the closest thing for a civilian. The instructors will expect for half of the class to wash out within the first week. I guess the best thing you can do… is keep your chin up and know that no matter what, you can get through it. You can earn that badge, if you want it hard enough.”

“I want it,” I say immediately. “I’ll work for it.”

He grins. “That’s the attitude you need. You want something badly enough, you’ll do whatever it takes to get it. Remember that, son.”

His words echo through my mind on the drive to work. The breeze floats through my hair, brushing my jaw as the soft strains of Dave Matthews sound from the stereo.

As I walk in, I immediately catch the tension in the air as several pairs of eyes turn to stare at me. I pause, brows raising as I regard Kyle, Serena and Tess. “Uh… what’s going on?”

As if in answer, I hear Nick’s voice from inside Joe’s office. “You can’t keep me here. You aren’t my fucking father, remember?”

Tess closes her eyes, looking away as Serena nibbles her lip worriedly. Kyle glances at me and shrugs uncomfortably.

“How long have they been in there?” I ask quietly.

“Since Nick got here,” Kyle admits. “Max… Nick wants to quit.”

My eyes practically bug out of my head. “What? No way… Nick loves this job.”

“I’m not just letting you walk out,” Joe’s angry voice sounds, making us all wince. “And don’t take that tone with me, boy.”

Kyle lets out a low whistle, and wraps an arm around Serena. “Don’t worry, babe… Nick’s just blowing off steam,” he tries to comfort her, but she pushes away from him and goes into the bathroom.

“Damn Gannon pride,” he mutters, watching with sad eyes.

“You and Nick fought last night,” Tess’s soft voice catches my attention. I glance over to see her studying me with shadows under her eyes. “He… he didn’t tell me what happened, but judging from the battle scars on both of you… I guess it’s safe to say you weren’t playing PS2.”

I pick up on the bitterness in her tone and find myself not quite sure what to say. “I… we just had a misunderstanding,” I settle for, shoving my hands inside my pockets.

She lets out a shaky laugh, standing to tuck her blonde curls behind her ears. “A misunderstanding. Right. Whatever. Hell, I can’t get him to talk to me about anything, why should you?”

“Tess…” I’m cut off when Nick comes storming out of Joe’s office, fire in his eyes as he strides towards us.

“Come on, let’s get out of here,” he mutters to Tess, who turns to him with stiff shoulders. He raises a brow when she doesn’t move. “Tess?”

“Why didn’t you call me last night?” she licks her lips, eyes brimming with hurt. “You said you were with Max.”

“I was with Max,” he laughs shortly. “And I didn’t call you because there was nothing to talk about.”

She flinches, but stands her ground. “You led me to think you two were just crashing at his place… not beating the hell out of each other in the elementary school playground,” she answers curtly. “And if you think there’s nothing to talk about, then you’re blind as well as rude.”

All eyes ping pong back to Nick, whose face has turned slightly red at Tess’s confrontation. “Why are you bringing this up now?” he asks through his teeth.

“When should I bring it up?” she throws her hands in the air. “When we’re alone you brush off anything that isn’t completely superficial. The closest you’ve let me in, Nick Gannon, was when you told me you preferred bacon bits to croutons on your salad!”

“Tess,” he shoves a hand through his hair in frustration, glancing over his shoulder as Joe appears, a dark look in his face. “I can’t talk about this right now, okay? Now, are you coming with me or not?”

She stares at him, and something flickers in her eyes as she takes a step back. “No. I’m not.”

His mouth falls open and he looks ready to argue. Then he presses his lips together, white lines appearing at the corners as he nods jerkily. “Fine. Then I’m out of here.”

With that, he leaves without a glance back. The sound of squealing tires sound outside the club, and disappear seconds later. Tess’s lips quiver and she blinks rapidly before picking up her purse.

“I have to go,” she whispers shakily. “Joe… I’m really sorry to have caused a scene.”

Joe’s watching her with sympathetic eyes. “It’s all right, Tess.

She nods, mumbles a goodbye our way and stumbles out of the bar blindly. No one speaks for a long minute, then Joe lets out a savage curse and kicks the bar so hard that it would be a miracle if he didn’t break his foot.

“That damn kid,” he whispers. “He’s so stubborn. He just quit on me, boys. Just walks in and hands me his two week notice like it was a permission slip to sign for a class field trip back when he was in junior high.”

He stares at the wall, shoulders slumped as Kyle and I exchange unsure glances. “He just quit on me,” he murmurs again, then hangs his head and breathes harshly.


<center>***</center>


Later that night, I’m laying in my bed when I hear a pounding on my door. Frowning at the time, I sit up with a grunt and make my way to the door. When I open the door, I’m nearly plowed over as a drunken Nick falls inside.

“Max!” he laughs hysterically. “Max Evans! I know youuu…” he sings, shaking a finger at me and trying to step forward, but trips over his feet and lands on his ass in the living room. “Owie.”

I’m not exactly surprised by his condition after hearing the news that Liz told me earlier. I reach down and take his arm, helping him up and leading him to the couch. “How much have you had, Nick?” I ask, wincing at the strong scent of whiskey permeating his clothing. “Jesus, did you bathe in it?”

“Accident,” he mumbles, laying his head back against the wall with a thump. His eyes are wide and confused. “Max… where’s Tess? Why can’t I find her? I keep looking… but she’s never there.”

His words don’t make sense, but I catch the drift. “Nick… you and Tess broke up,” I reply gently, reaching over to pry the flask from his hands. “She’s staying with Liz tonight.”

“Broke up…” he repeats, obviously pondering the implication. “Well, that would explain why she won’t answer my calls,” he adds thickly. “I thought for sure she was just lost.”

I sigh, rubbing the bridge of my nose. “Come on, I’ll get you a pillow. You aren’t going anywhere tonight, buddy. You could use a toothbrush, too,” I add as I catch a whiff of his breath. “Christ, that’s foul.”

“I wish it didn’t hurt so bad,” he murmurs, eyes heavy with sleep and alcohol. “I wish I could make it stop.”

“Yeah, I know,” I answer, sitting next to him as we both get lost in our own problems. “Liz is leaving for Boston in a few days,” I grunt. “To check out the campus and finalize her enrollment.”

“Yeah, well Tess thinks I’m a shallow, rude bastard,” he returns. “Women. Who needs them?”

“Hey, there’s always Chris,” I joke, and he sends me a one-eyed glare. “Sleep it off, Gannon. You’re gonna have a helluva headache in the morning.”

[Applebylicious]

Back with the next update. But first, I thought I'd address a few concerns and comments.

And I agree with.. I think MamaDee said this... whenever I was reading the Nick and Max scene.. I had Menage motives running through my head! *lol* I was like "NO! Wrong Fic!" *lol*

Ladies, ladies... must I remind you all yet again, that this is NOT Ménage?? Make sure you check the thread titles before your mind starts wandering...

Whenever I was reading the part with Max talking to the Lt. I was like 'Yeah.. stuff I understand!' *lol* But.. they guy came outta the Marines?! C'mon! Be a man! Be in the army!!! *lol* (Sorry.. I*ma army wife)

Er... I can't say anything because my hubby's in the Chair Force. LOL! I love the rivalries between the branches. It makes me laugh.

i have to say that i think that youre going of write a history of dreamers to write history of Max and Nick . In the first part of the history , you make see the relation of Max and Liz ; and in this sequel all i can see is the relation of Max with Nick (Now i consider this a good thing , because that two guys make me very hot )
I know this history is from Max POV , and he have his life with his friends,
but the thing i want to know is it that ¿is this a dreamer fic of are you going to chance the final in a overroated testosterone?

alana, don't feel bad for asking! No, this is not going to be a Testosterone Overloader fic, lol, except for in the friends sense I guess. The reason that Nick is appearing so often lately, is because I'm leading up to his story, which will be after this one. It's purely transition, so no worries. I just wanted to portray his friendship with Max growing.

Only five parts left no... tell me there's a sequel or at least more fluff from you to come.

J

Janelle, this is ME you're talking to here. Of course I have something else planned! Just the thought of ending this series sends me into a catatonic state. So yeah, next up is Nick's fic which is tentatively titled A Day in the Life. Not sure when it will be up and going, but I can promise it will happen.

Will we be seeing Kathleen again? Will Joe finally get to meet his son? And I don't know what to think about Max and Liz. Only five more parts?

On the bright side, things can only start to look up now, eh?

I hate to spoil you guys... but all these questions won't be addressed until Nick's fic. Sort of a way to keep people reading, I guess. Love those cliffies.

poor nick he's not giving joe a chance, he's stubburn, hardheaded, and stupid, stupid, stupid!!! gosh i just love him!!!!! but i want to smack him!! what's it going to take to get through to him??? i thought max did a pretty good job....guess it didn't sink in!

Michelle, I know you didn't mean that you disliked Nick... but I wanted to address this statement in case anyone else out there is feeling unfriendly towards my baby pooh at the moment. It was not my intention to make you guys hate Nick, if anyone does. Frustrated, yes. As you've all seen, Nick is a pretty conflicted guy and right now he's going through a time of figuring out what he wants and who he is. He's no longer able to hide behind his personality to keep people from getting close to him, and his past issues are starting to rear up and bite him in the ass. I'll go ahead and tell you all... this fic will NOT end prettily for our fave boy. But keep your faith in him, and I swear he'll redeem himself. After all, he's StudlyG!


<center>Part 17 – Back in Time</center>



I’m awakened the next morning by a loud male scream. I sit straight up, blinking sleepily. “Wha…?”

“Max, there’s a giant demon porcupine in your living room!” I hear Nick call out, and I roll my eyes in exhaustion.

“What now?” I mutter, standing up and stumbling towards the door. I find Nick propped on the sofa, one hand clasped against his eyes as he bares his teeth in a painful scowl.

Michael raises a brow at me from across the room. “Morning, Max.”

“Oh, God… don’t talk so loud,” Nick whispers, laying back against the sofa and gingerly testing his eyes again. “I think… I’m dead.”

I hold back a chuckle as he shoves a pillow over his haggard face to block out all sight and sound. “There’s Advil in the bathroom.”

“Won’t help,” his muffled voice answers. “I need a new head. One that… still works.”

“Good luck with that,” Michael smirks, propping his feet on the coffeetable as he chews on a toothpick. “Maxwell, I’m here to cordially invite you to Lizzie’s going away party at the club tomorrow.”

My smile fades. “What? Going away party… what are you talking about? She doesn’t leave for a few days…”

He shakes his head. “Her orientation got rescheduled. Didn’t she tell you? She leaves tomorrow afternoon for a month.”

My mouth falls open, but no sound comes out. Tommorow afternoon? My mind spins at this knowledge. Suddenly, I recall Liz’s urgent news she’d wanted to share with me the night before… everything happened.

“Shit,” I mutter, raking a hand through my hair. “Um… no, no we haven’t had a chance to talk… about it,” I mumble, leaning against the couch. “A month?”

Nick and Michael just watch me silently.

“I have to go,” I say suddenly. “I’ll see you guys later, okay?”


<center>***</center>


“Max, what are you doing here?” she asks, surprise coloring her face as I stand on her front step. She brushes her tangled hair back from her face, exposing the imprint of her comforter on one cheek.

Usually the sight would make me smile, but right now I’m filled with a single-minded desperation. “You’re leaving tomorrow?”

Her sleepy eyes grow aware and she clears her throat. “Yes, well… that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Max, I might be gone awhile-”

“Like a month?” I ask pleasantly, although there’s nothing pleasant about the fear that fills me. “Liz, school isn’t even out yet.”

She sighs and looks down. “I know. I already have it arranged with the principal to finish up my classes in Boston, and I’ll be back in time for graduation.”

I just stare at her. “Well,” I clear my throat. “I… I guess you have it all worked out, then,” I answer thickly.

“Max,” she starts worriedly, but I cut her off with a finger to her lips.

“So what, we have today, right?” I ask, studying her as she nods. “Well, then spend it with me.”

She stares at me, not answering right away as she catches the hard determination on my face. “Max… we need to talk,” she lays a hand against my cheek.

“Don’t wanna talk,” I mumble, pulling her closer and kissing her. “Liz, I know you have to leave. But for today… let’s just pretend everything is the same, okay?”

She nibbles her lips, then smiles. “Okay.”


<center>***</center>


“Where are we going?” she asks over the sound of Guns N’ Roses pumping out of the stereo. I glance over to see her long hair whipping in the breeze. She offers me a smile. “Hi,” she says shyly, brushing back a tendril that flies into her face.

“Hi,” I grin back, reaching over to tangle our fingers together on top of the gear shift. “And it’s a surprise,” I add in response to her question.

“Ooh…” she giggles, shifting in the seat to study me. “I’ll get you to tell me, you know.”

My lips quirk. “Sorry, honey.”

“Oh, come on…” she runs a hand down my arm. “You know you want to tell me.”

“I do? That’s funny, I could have sworn I said I wasn’t going to,” I return playfully. “Now sit back and stop pouting.”

She sticks her tongue out. “You’re no fun.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

She rolls her eyes, but sits back. A minute passes before she starts whining, “Are we there yet?”

I resist the urge to laugh. “Almost. Don’t you recognize this place?”

She wrinkles her nose, glancing around at the scenery. “It looks like the…” she trails off, understanding dawning in her eyes. She turns to me with soft eyes. “It’s the lake.”

“Yeah,” I answer huskily. “Surprise. We’re going to reenact the day I fell head over heels in love with you, only this time… I guarantee different results.”

“Oh, Max…” she sighs, smiling as I turn off onto the exit, driving us down the smaller dirt road that leads to the Bitter Lakes State Park. “I forgot how beautiful it is out here.”

I turn off the ignition, and glance at her. “Let’s go,” I grin, holding out my hand as she slides over the gearshift towards me. I lift her while she wraps her arms around me, and step out of the car. Our noses bump and she laughs as I slowly release her, letting every inch of her brush against mine on the way to the ground.

I catch her hand as we head towards the Visitor’s Center to reserve a canoe. Minutes later, we’re out on the lake, tucked into a quiet cove as the sun beats down and the birds chirp around us.

“This is a little different from last time,” she teases impishly, sliding her fingers through the silky water. “No Michael… no sailboat…”

“I did the best I could on such short notice,” I grunt, hefting the heavy paddles inside the canoe and stretching my muscles. “The Michael part was deliberate, though.”

She just laughs, slipping out of her shoes and stretching her legs. Her toes brush against my thigh, and I turn to see her watching me with inviting, sultry eyes. “So, if you could have changed anything about that day… what would it have been?”

I drop my hand to circle around her ankle, stroking the silky flesh as her eyes darken. “C’mere, and I’ll show you,” I murmur, tugging lightly on her foot. She comes willingly, and I pull her into my lap as our lips meet a breath apart.

“I would have definitely done this,” I whisper, and touch my mouth to hers in a light, teasing kiss. She shivers, starting to deepen the kiss, but I pull back. “Slow down,” I murmur huskily, stroking her cheeks. “This is our first kiss, after all.”

“Max,” she breathes, eyes dark and face flushed as she wraps her arms around me. “Shut up and kiss me.”

This time there’s no teasing in the embrace, simply molten desire as our lips meld together and tongues tangle. I bury my hands in her hair, pulling her more firmly into my lap as she wraps her legs around me, grinding against the aching hardness tenting my shorts.

I let out a groan as her hands travel down my shoulders to my arms, caressing as though it was the first time she’d ever touched me. “Liz…” I whisper, pulling back to angle a kiss against her neck. “Touch me, baby. Please.”

“I’ve always wanted to touch you,” she answers thickly, and at that moment… we’re taken back in time. “But I never thought you’d want me to.”

In answer, I take her hands in mine, and slowly bring them down to rest on the taut zipper, our foreheads touching as we both breathe in excitement. “I want you to,” I catch her mouth, tugging on her lower lip with my teeth.

Instead of immediately releasing me from my shorts, she slides her hand lower and brushes across my erection, causing a gasp to escape my throat. “You’re so big,” she whispers, a naughty hint arising in her voice. “Just like in my dreams.”

“This isn’t a dream,” I clarify gruffly, arching my hips as she begins to mold my flesh through the barrier of my shorts. “I love your hands on me,” I admit, hissing through my teeth as her small fingers squeeze.

“Will you… touch me, too?” she asks softly, and I look up at her through heavy-lidded eyes.

“Damn straight I will,” I growl, and suddenly I’m laying over her, crushing our lips together as my hand slips inside her shirt to close over a plump mound. “Oh, God… you’re so perfect,” I whisper achingly, trailing my lips down her neck.

“Oh, please… please touch me…” she whimpers, burying her hands in my hair as I shove her shirt high, revealing her breasts to my hungry gaze.

“I’m going to make you feel so good, baby,” I answer thickly. “Trust me, Liz.”

She doesn’t answer with words, merely moans as I easily release the catch on her bra, allowing her breasts to spill forth. Without a moment’s hesitation, I catch a ripe nipple in my mouth, relishing the keening cry that sounds as I suckle her flesh.

“Ohh… yes!” she sighs, her hips working against mine. “Oh, Max… “

“I love you so much,” I say gruffly, switching to her other breast as my fingers are busy unbuttoning her shorts. I slide the material down her legs, along with the scant piece of lace that hides what I desire.

She lies before me, completely nude and flushed from head to toe as the sun highlights every luscious curve to my gaze. I feel sweat beading on my bare back as I slide down her body.

“So soft,” I murmur darkly, spreading her open with my thumbs and licking my lips. “I bet you taste sweet as honey, huh Lizzie?”

She gasps and swallows hard, unable to answer with words as I dip a finger into her channel, using it to coat her flesh as I prepare myself to feast.

The first touch of my tongue to her clit and she erupts, letting out a broken sob as her pleasure ripples through her body. Seeing just how hot she is has me about to blow my top as well, and I close my eyes and my lips around her, suckling strongly and riding out her intense orgasm.

I’m so lost in the sensation that it takes me a moment before I realize she’s begging me to stop.

“Max… please… I can’t… oh God, it’s too much,” she gasps, even as she pulls my face closer to her. “I need more!”

“I’ll give you more,” I growl in a lust-filled tone, sitting up and stripping off my shorts, grimacing as the zipper eases over my hard cock. Her eyes widen at my impressive erection and I have to admit even I’m awed by the thickness. Every vein stands out in relief, testament to the arousal that has overcome me.

I position myself over her, brushing back her hair and kissing her softly. “Are you ready?” I whisper, rubbing against her slick entrance. “I need to be inside you.”

“I need that, too,” she answers softly, sliding her hands down to cup my butt. “Please, Max…”

With a sigh of relief I sink inside her, and the tight clasp of her body crosses my eyes as I begin to thrust. “Oh… Christ, you feel amazing.”

“I love you,” she whispers, pressing a kiss against my forehead as I collapse against her, pumping wildly. “I love you, Max.”

I tense as an unsurmountable wave washes over me, and let go with a harsh groan as I spill myself inside of her, my body jerking with pleasure.

I can vaguely feel the contracting of her walls around me, evidence of her own climax. I turn my head, searching for her lips as we tremble together.

[Applebylicious]

I know Nick is taking most of your time now, but you still like Max and Liz, right? You are not going to let your dreamer reader down?

Silly billy!

And oh my God, Tess and Nick have broken up!!!! That is just wrong on so many different levels. Are we going to have to wait until A day in a life until they get back together? I'm in complete shock, I just can't form the words. Tess and Nick broke up

I'm afraid so, Ruby. I know it stinks... but just think, Nick's gonna have a helluva time getting her back.


Sorry I don't have time to reply to everyone... but a big shoutout to my Ho's and everyone else reading! This is the beginning of the end - one of two parts I'll post today. The finale will be posted sometime later... and then the epilogue/teaser tomorrow. Hope you all enjoy!

Hugs,

Linds



<center>Part 18 – Bye Bye, Baby</center>


“What are you doing here, sitting on your ass Max?” Michael snaps as he throws open the door to my bedroom. Nick, Kyle, and Alex follow close behind, arms folded and disapproving frowns on their faces.

They resemble an execution squad, a collective unit against one Maxwell Zander Evans. I roll over, burying my face in a pillow as I struggle against the thickness in my chest.

“Go away,” I groan, picturing Liz stepping onto an airplane at this very moment, flying far away from me. “I’m in hell, and I want no visitors.”

“Are you a complete idiot, Max?” Alex drawls, and walks over to yank open the drawn curtains, bathing my room in bright afternoon sunlight. “Boys, you know what to do.”

“What the fucking… hey!” I cry out as I’m suddenly seized by two pairs of male arms, jerked forward and tossed onto the floor. Michael’s face looms before me, silhouetted by the sunlight.

“Do you love Lizzie or not?” he demands, cracking his knuckles and neck like a prize fighter ready to do battle. “And think very hard before answering, Maxwell. I’d hate to have to hurt you.”

“Whaa…?” I blink in incredulity, then frown fiercely. “You dumbass, of course I love her! What the hell makes you ask that?”

“He may be a dumbass, but he has a point,” Kyle pipes in. “Max, you didn’t even show up to her going away party at Heavens Door. She looked ready to cry.”

I look away, a pang of guilt slicing through me at the news. “I… I thought it would be easier,” I explain thickly, and wince as I realize just how stupid my plan seems in retrospect. “This is hard enough as it is, I didn’t want to have to say goodbye.”

I’d said my goodbye in another way… making love to her last night until we’d both nearly passed out from pleasured exhaustion.

“Wake up, Max,” Nick speaks gruffly, and for the first time my eyes are drawn to where he stands in the corner, looking out the window with a faraway look in his eyes. “Wake up before you fuck up and lose it all.”

His words seem to quiet us all, and then he turns to face me. “Get dressed. We’re going to the airport. On the way, you’re going to make a decision, Max. And once you decide, you’re going to catch Liz and tell her you love her and want to come with her and all that sappy romantic drivel. I’m not going to stand by and watch you both suffer.”

With that, he throws a shirt and pair of shorts at me. I catch the clothing at my chest, still staring at him with raised brows. Gone is the ever-present grin stretching his lips, the mischief lurking in his eyes. “Uh… okay…?” I leave it as a question, because I’m still a little shocked that he knows exactly what’s been going through my mind.

He stares at me a moment longer, then the corner of his mouth lifts wryly.

“It could already be too late,” Alex points out. “Her flight is supposed to leave within the hour.”

“Then we’ll have to haul ass,” Kyle rubs his hands. “That’s where I come in.”


<center>***</center>



Minutes later, we all sit in a long line of traffic.

“Explain to me how this can be considered hauling ass,” I ask through my teeth as Kyle honks again.

“I forgot it was rush hour,” he retorts.

“We’re not going to make it,” Alex says worriedly. “Even if we get there in time, there’s the security check. We’ll never make it in time. They’ll take one look at Michael and demand a wand down.”

“Ha ha,” Michael snarls.

“We’re never going to make-” Alex trails off as Nick slaps a hand across his mouth.

“If you say that again, I’m going to be forced to gag you,” he jokes, slowly releasing his hand. Then he turns towards me and shrugs his shoulders. “We’re never going to make it, Maxwell.”

“Oh, for God’s sake… the airport is a block from here. I’m walking,” I say, and yank open the door. I jump out, squinting in the sunlight as people begin honking at me. I start weaving my way through the line of cars and trucks, careful to keep one eye on the traffic light ahead of me.

When I reach the safety of the sidewalk, I break out into a brisk jog. I hear the faint sound of Michael and Nick behind me, calling for me to hurry. My breath picks up as the noise from the flight line approaches, the plane tower becoming visible.

“Thank God this dinky airport only has one terminal,” I mutter, pausing to catch my breath as I reach the departure gate. Nick and Michael catch up with me, clasping their knees as they struggle to breathe.

“What are you waiting for?” Nick motions, wiping his forehead. “Let’s go!”

“Where’s Kyle and Alex?” I ask, leading the way inside.

“Kyle’s parking the car, and Alex is caught between an SUV and a Miata.”

I pause at Nick’s words, glancing over at him. “What?”

He grins and thumbs over his shoulder. I look and have to laugh as I see Alex hopping back and forth between two cars, apologizing right and left as horns blare.

“Okay, what was her gate?” Michael demands as we enter the hubub.

“She’s in number ten,” I murmur, scanning the area for the tenth gate. My eyes light upon it at the very end of the terminal. Of course. “Come on!” I yell, taking off across the building.

I have the passing thought of me throwing my arms wide and yelling, “Liiiiz!” in a slow motion drawl as I plunder through the crowd.

“Excuse me sir, do you have a ticket?” a uniformed official questions in a firm voice as we approach the security point. She looks down her nose at the state of my unshaven appearance. I realize I must look similar to Wacky Jack at the moment.

“No, ma’am,” I say in as respectful a tone I can muster considering I’m close to losing my mind the closer it comes time for Liz’s plane to leave. “But, I have an emergency. I have to get through that gate. Ma’am.” I flash a charming grin along with my words, hoping to maybe appeal to her softer side.

She shakes his head. “I’m sorry. Only ticketed passengers are allowed past this point,” she drones in a voice that tells me this isn’t the first time someone’s attempted to get past security without a ticket. “You boys are going to have to leave now.”

“Wait,” I call out in desperation. “Ma’am… please, this really is an emergency. See, my girlfriend… she’s about to get on that plane and go to Boston. And she’s going to leave without ever knowing how I really feel about her. Please. You have to let me through. I won’t cause any trouble.”

She cocks her head, eyes narrowing as she studies me. I swallow, trying to look as innocent and non-threatening to US security as I possibly can. Then she shakes her head again. “No.”

My smile falls. “What?” I ask, my heart sinking as I realize I’ve lost my chance. “But…”

“Excuse me,” Nick steps forward smoothly. He sends the woman a melting grin that sure enough, has her eyes widening and her hands coming up to brush back a few loose strands of hair into her hat. He leans against the x-ray counter, as close as he can possibly be to the woman without skirting a sexual harrassment suit. “Juliet, is it?” he purrs with a glance at the woman’s nametag. “That’s a beautiful name. Very Shakespearean.”

Michael and I exchange looks, roll our eyes, and sit back to enjoy the show.

The woman titters, eyeing Nick the way a dieter eyes a piece of chocolate. “Do you like Shakespeare?”

“What’s not to like?” he asks, sidling a bit closer so that his arm brushes hers. Her face turns red as he tosses another Gannon grin at her. “All that mystery… romance… what’s your favorite story?”

“I can’t believe this. Liz’s plane is about to take off, and he’s discussing classic literature with the airline official,” I grumble. Michael only shakes his head, watching with observent eyes as Nick works his magic.

“Well, I guess I would have to say Romeo and Juliet,” the woman answers, obviously smitten. “It was just so… beautiful. And heartwrenching.”

“You’re right,” Nick nods solemnly. “It was tragic. Jules, if I may…” he shifts, motioning towards me, “see my friend here, he has his own tragedy about to occur. If he doesn’t get through this gate and stop the woman he loves from getting on that plane… he might as well be poisoning himself to death. Could you be a doll and help us out?” He flashes her a wink as we all hold our breath.

“Well…” she looks hesitant, glancing back and forth between us all. “It’s against the rules to allow non-ticketed passengers through,” she repeats.

I set my shoulders, ready to headbutt the woman and make a run for it, but Nick shoots me a warning look, all the while continuing to smile at the woman.

Then she sighs and smiles. “Oh, what the hell. I’m a sucker for a true love story.”

Michael guffaws in amazement as Nick shoots us both an arrogant smile, gesturing towards the gate. “After you, Romeo,” he grins, and I surprise us both by reaching over and hugging him tightly.

“Thanks,” I mutter, slapping his back. “Thanks a lot, Nick.”

“No problem, buddy,” he replies in a quiet voice, obviously overcome with emotion just like I. Then he adds, “Max… is that a keychain in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”

I pull away, glaring at him. “Let’s just get through the damn gate,” I roll my eyes as he chuckles. “Dickhead.”

I take off my watch and pull out my keys, throwing them in a tray as I step through the metal detector. I wait on the other end as Michael follows suit, then Nick.

He walks through, and immediately sets off the buzzer. With a sheepish grin, he goes, “Oops.”

“Nick, did you empty your pockets?” I growl, my feet growing antsy as I glance over at the passengers beginning to board the plane. “Come on!”

“Sir, I’m going to need to ask you to remove any metallic objects in your possession and step through again,” another official announces as he walks over to observe the flashing lights. “May I see your ticket, please?”

“Max, go on! I’m not going to make it!” he cries out, backing away as the official continues to descend upon him. “Ruuunnn!”

I don’t look back as I take off for the boarding gate. The woman behind the desk looks up as I slap my hands down on the counter, letting out an oof as Michael skids to a stop behind me.

“May I help you?” she asks, raising a brow at our heavy breathing.

“I need to get on that plane,” I manage, hitching a thumb towards the door. “It’s an emergency.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” she smiles. “That plane is already taxing down the runway. If you need to get to Boston, there is another flight departing in an hour from gate three…” she trails off as a funny gasping sound begins to come from my throat. “Sir… sir, are you all right? Sir!”

I watch through narrowing vision as Michael and the woman stare at me in horror. Through the ringing in my ears I hear Nick call out, “He’s gonna drop! Timber… fore… lookout!”

And then everything goes black.

[Applebylicious]

I see I won't be leaving anyone hanging for too TOO long. LOL, here's the conclusion to what has to be my most popular story EVER... and the most fun one I've ever written. Thanks you guys for taking the time to go along on my crazy ride, and loving this fic as much as I do!! As I said, there's still an epilogue to come tomorrow, but it won't be in Max's POV, so this is the end of that. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Hugs,

Linds



<center>Part 19 – Coming Home</center>



“I think he’s coming around,” I hear a faint voice whisper, and wince against the pain as I open my eyes.

I see Michael’s nose right against mine, and let out a surprised cry. “Ah!”

“Ah!” he echoes, falling back in surprise. “Damn, Max! You scared the shit outta me!”

“It’s like the horror version of sleeping beauty,” I mutter, blinking as my vision returns. “What the hell am I doing on the floor, anyway?”

“You fainted,” Kyle calls out helpfully, and with great effort I turn my head to see him, Nick, Alex and the woman from the security gate watching me with various emotions.

I flush as I feel the back of my head where a good-sized knot is slowly appearing. “I did not faint,” I growl defensively.

“You swooned like a milksop,” Nick grins, and easily ducks the flailing punch I toss his way.

“I passed out,” I correct with a growl, struggling to sit up. “Where’s… where’s Liz?”

The humor leaves his eyes as he glances at the guys. Then he turns back to me, placing a tentative hand on my arm. “Her plane already left, Max. It’s too late.”

I stare at him, trying to fight back the panic rising in my throat and think clearly. The longer I stare at him, the more worry enters his eyes.

“Hey, Max… you aren’t going to faint again, are you?” Michael calls out.

“She’s gone?” I demand gruffly, ignoring my best friend’s comment as I gaze at Nick. “She… it’s too late?”

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, Max.”

I lay back down, staring at the ceiling as I inwardly curse myself. The words it’s too late, and it’s too bad echo through my mind, ridiculing my stupidity.

And now I will suffer for it.


<center>***</center>


On the way home, we’re all pretty quiet. Alex gets dropped off first, and throws me a sympathetic glance before saying he’ll see us later. I murmur goodbye along with the others, but don’t look away from the window where I stare at the sky, wondering where she is and how far away from me she’s gotten.

“You can still go to Boston, Max,” Nick points out as Kyle drives us towards my apartment. “So you didn’t catch her this time. Show up at Harvard and sweep her off her feet. It isn’t too late. Don’t give up.”

“I can’t think right now,” I answer, rubbing my forehead tiredly. “I just… need sleep. Maybe a year or two’s worth.”

Which is exactly what I plan to do when I enter my apartment minutes later. With a muffled oath, I stick the key in the lock and jiggle, reminding myself to make a trip to the locksmith later that week.

Pushing open the door, I walk inside the dark living room. I never even see it coming.

“You idiot!”

I fall to the ground for the second time today, only this time it’s not my fault. The blame belongs to the petite form standing above me with her hands on her hips and fire in her eyes. I stare at her in amazement. “Liz?”

“Were you expecting someone else?” she growls, and if I hadn’t been so shocked I might have noticed the anger in her voice. As it is, I’m overcome with relief as I sit up and hug her stomach, placing openmouthed kisses against her.

“Oh, God… you didn’t leave! You’re still here. You didn’t leave…” I mumble, pressing my cheek against her as my hands start to shake. “Why didn’t you leave?”

“Would you have let me?” she asks in a soft voice, and I look up to see the tear stains that mar her cheeks. “When you didn’t come to the party… I assumed you didn’t really care whether I stayed or went.”

“No,” I shake my head, pulling her arm so that she kneels with me on the floor. “Baby, no… I’m such an idiot,” I murmur, tangling my fingers in her hair as I brush her lips with my own. “Why didn’t I realize…?”

“Realize what?” she whispers, her own fingers tracing the contours of my face as she kisses me back. “What didn’t you realize, Max?”

I kiss her again, then pull back to gaze at her. “That I want to be with you. Wherever that takes us, Liz. I want you, and I’m not letting you leave without me.”

Her eyes widen as I speak, and when I finish my passionate declaration she asks, “Are you saying… what I think you’re saying?”

I swallow, allowing a fleeting pang of regret for all that I knew I’d miss about this town. But I’ve finally come to realize that while I love this town and everything about it, I could live without it. The one thing I couldn’t live without was pressed up against me, gazing at me with brown eyes filled with tears and question.

It was no contest.

“I’ll go anywhere to be with you, Liz Parker,” I breathe, my own eyes filling with emotion as I nuzzle her nose. “Whether it be Boston or California, or hell, even Africa. I just want you. I want to love you forever, to marry you and live in a house with a white picket fence. I want those big-eared brunette babies Nick was teasing me about. I want to wake up in the morning and know you belong to me.”

I can’t believe the words tumbling from my mouth, but I don’t stop them. I suddenly realize that everything I’ve held inside me for months has finally built up until I can’t hold any of it back. And I don’t want to.

She gasps, a hand coming to her mouth. “Max… did you just propose to me?”

“Why not?” I ask roughly, grasping her hips and pulling her closer. “I love you, dammit. I want to spend my life with you. Why not start now? What’s holding us back?”

She lets out a shaky giggle. “Oh, I don’t know… my God, Max, are you serious?” A tear slips down her cheek as she hurries to brush it away. I catch her hand before she can, and lean down to brush the drop away with my lips.

I release one of her hands, and use both of mine to hold the other as I swallow. “Liz Parker… I’ve loved you as long as I can remember. There will never be another you. Whether I die tomorrow or fifty years from now… it’ll still be you. No one will ever love you like I do.” I pause as tears begin streaming down her cheeks, too many to brush away. When I speak again, my voice is gruff with emotion. “Liz… will you marry me and let me love you forever?”

“What about your job?” she whispers, nibbling her trembling lip. “What about college, Max?”

“I can go to the academy anywhere, baby,” I murmur, stroking her cheeks with the pads of my thumbs. “And we’ll live off campus. I’ll work while you go to school. We can make it work, Liz.”

“What about our parents?” she continues, brown eyes huge.

I make a sound. “What about them? My parents love you… my mom will probably be on the phone calling the closest fifty relatives within five minutes of giving her the news. Now, your dad just might kill me..”

“Max,” she laughs, sniffling as she wraps her arms around my neck. “My dad loves you. Just like I do,” she adds, placing a light kiss against my throat.

My heart leaps. “Is… is that a yes, then?”

She nips the place where my pulse thuds. “You dumbo, with ears like yours you don’t know an acceptance when you hear one?”

For a long moment I can’t do anything but stare at her as she leans back to smile at me. Then her name escapes from my lips in a ragged sigh and I drag her into my arms, wrapping her in a tight embrace. “I love you, so much. And I know we can make it work. I don’t care about Boston, baby… I just don’t give a damn anymore. I’ll call the LT in the morning and ask about any possible transfers north…”

She cuts me off with a soft, “That might be a problem, Max.”

I frown, pulling away to stare at her. “What do you mean?”

She swallows, offering a small smile as she tucks her hair behind her ear in a nervous gesture. “Well… if you go to Boston… it’s really going to irritate me. Especially when I just got done harrassing Chris to transfer me into the molecular biology internship he’s starting at UNM.”

I blink, unsure whether or not I actually heard her words correctly. “Excuse me?” I manage to ask, shaking my head slowly. “I… I don’t get it. UNM? Chris…?”

She shrugs. “Turns out he’s been planning to settle down in a small town for awhile now. After his trip here, he fell in love with Roswell and decided he didn’t want to leave. He’ll still commute to Harvard every once in awhile, but he’s been licensed to teach here in New Mexico. And he wants me,” she grins shyly. “He said as long as he has you and Nick around to ogle, I can stay.”

“Oh, Good God,” I mutter, releasing a hoarse chuckle as I grin stretches my lips. “That…”

“Fag?” she teases, giggling as she watches the amazement cross my features. “Admit it… you have a soft spot for him.”

“I’m thinking about naming our firstborn son Christopher, actually,” I admit. “I… you’re really staying? But what about needing to get out of here and see what there is outside of Roswell?” I question. “Liz… if this is just because of what I said, I changed my mind. I love this town but as long as I’m with you, I’m home.”

“Oh, Max… I know,” she whispers, kissing me tenderly on the mouth. “But you’ll never truly be happy anywhere but here.” She places a finger against my lips as I begin to argue. “And neither will I,” she adds softly.

Any dispute dies on my lips at the sheer honesty in her tone. “Liz… are you sure?” I ask gently. “I don’t… I don’t want to be the reason you don’t get to follow your dreams.”

“My dreams?” she laughs. “My dream is you, Max. My dreams have always been you. Now make them come true and be with me.”

She drags me down on top of her, our lips meeting in a fervent mesh of desire and happiness as hands roam, stroking and alighting a fire that threatens to consume us.

As I position myself to slide inside of her, I tuck a finger beneath her chin, our eyes locking. I’m overcome with memories of her, from the first time I saw her as a tiny baby to the first time I realized I was in love with her.

The first time we made love on her birthday, in a hot cloud of desire.

I bend my head, brushing her lips again, teasing her mouth with my tongue. “Why did I wait so long?” I ask rhetorically, shaking my head with amused derision as I think about the time I’d wasted before I finally told her how I felt.

And the time I wasted after, when I was too afraid to take a chance.

“Oh, baby… don’t you know?” she giggles, tugging my head down to whisper in my ear. “Good things always come to those who wait.”

I groan in reply, and lose myself inside her.


<center>The End... or is it?</center>

[Applebylicious]

Epilogue time!! But first... the number one question seems to be "Will I continue this series?"

The answer? YES!! Next up in my little universe, is Nick Gannon's story, A Day in the Life. After that, I might do a look into the future with Max and Liz - I have a vague idea about writing a story about their kids. Not quite sure yet, but I know I can't give this world up just yet.

Now, I told you all that this wasn't going to be pretty... but remember it's leading up to something. Poor Nick...


<center>Epilogue</center>


(Nick POV)



“You taste so good, baby…”

Liz moans lightly as Max trails his tongue down her neck, coming dangerously close to her breasts. She reaches a hand up and pulls him closer as his lips close over one ripe nipple.

God, they’re beautiful together. I’ve always thought so. Both dark and dusky… so different from my own fair features....



<center>Riiiiiiiiiipppppp!!!!!!</center>


:smilecolros: AHAHA! Okay... so admit it... how many just went and checked the thread title? And how many of you didn't even give a damn, and were dancing in their seats ready for some Ménage action?

Okay... here's the REAL epi...


<center>***</center>



“Married? Wow…” I grin, reaching over to hug Liz as she smiles back at me. “That’s… that’s wonderful, you guys.” I’m sincere, but I have to admit that it’s hard to keep up a happy expression knowing what’s about to happen.

“Thanks,” she giggles, glancing over at Max. “We’re shooting for sometime after Max gets out of the academy… so next year, I guess.”

“That’s completely her deal,” Max answers, unable to tear his gaze away from his new fiancee. “I would marry her this second if she’d have me.”

“Luckily, Liz is smarter than you,” I rib him. A figure entering the café grabs my attention, and I take a deep breath. “Uh, there’s something I need to do…” I stand up, unable to take my eyes away from her as she sits down at the counter.

Max’s eyes follow my gaze and he grows quiet. “Sure, Nick.”

I catch his gaze, and he nods subtly as he realizes my intentions. After talking it over with him the night before, I know he's not happy with my decision, but being the friend he is… he’s supporting me one hundred percent.

Liz looks between us, eyes narrowing. “What’s going on?” she demands. “Nick…?”

I turn to her, and the worried look on her face sends a pang through me. I know that out of everyone, Liz Parker is going to be one of the people I’ll miss the most. “Take care of yourself, Parker,” I try to joke, but the sound of my voice falls flat as her eyes grow alert with understanding.

“Nick… no,” she shakes her head, determination making her voice hard. “No.”

“I have to,” I answer in a low tone, trying to ignore the sad look on her face. “I have to… figure out what I’m going to do about some things.”

“You can’t do them here?” she asks in a small voice that nearly breaks my heart. “Nick… please.”

I offer her a shaky grin, and chuck her chin the way I’ve done hundreds of times before. “I’m going to miss you, Liz. You’ve… you’ve been the best friend I’ve ever known. Thanks for everything.”

She just stares at me as I force myself to turn around and walk towards the counter.

She looks up, blue eyes widening in surprise. “Nick.”

“Tess,” I answer in a hoarse voice. “There’s uh… something I’d like to say.”

She looks unsure, fingers tightening on the bar as she glances down at the bar. “What do you want to say?”

I take a deep breath, running a hand through my hair. “I’m sorry that I hurt you,” I whisper as her attention snaps back to me. “You deserve better than me, baby. I’m glad you figured that out, because I wouldn’t have been able to walk away from you. I’m not that strong.”

She doesn’t answer, just continues to study me as I feel my heart shattering into a thousand pieces right there in the middle of the café. “I… I just wanted to say goodbye,” I mumble, reaching out to stroke her cheek as I attempt to smile. “You’re incredible, Tess. I hope you find someone who treats you the way I should have. The way I wish I could have.”

“What are you talking about?” she whispers, her eyes glistening as she nibbles her lips. “Goodbye… you’re leaving?”

I look away, leaning my elbows on the counter as I nod. “I’m taking the summer to… figure some things out. Maybe it’s time I was by myself, time I dealt with some stuff. I just… I have to get out of here, Tess,” I answer gruffly, meeting her gaze as in horror I realize my own eyes are filling.

“Nick… you don’t have to do this,” she pleads, her lips trembling. “What about Joe? He needs you right now-”

“He already knows,” I answer softly. “I… I told him when I quit Heaven’s Door.” I leave out the fact that the unflappable Joe Thorton had cried at the news. If I start to think about that, I just might break down for real.

“And he’s just going to let you walk away?” she hisses, a tear sliding down her face. “What about Max? What about Liz? Are you going to miss their wedding? What about… what about… me?”

“Tess…” I whisper, rubbing a hand down my face as she blubbers. “Please… please don’t…” I’m begging her because if anyone could make me stay behind and not deal with the shit going on in my life, it’s her. “I have to do this.”

“Go then!” she cries out, standing to her feet. “Go look for whatever it takes you to be happy, Nick. I honestly hope you find it. I…” she bites her lip, then sets her shoulders and looks me directly in the eye. “Good luck.” She offers a shaky hand to me, which I stare at in absolute fascination.

“Good luck?” I repeat gruffly, slapping her hand away as I pull her closer to me. “That’s all you have to say to me?” I search her eyes frantically, almost praying to see some sort of sign that she wants me to stay. Maybe that way I can justify my actions.

“Yes,” she whispers, pulling away from me. “Goodbye, Nick.”

She turns away, picking up her purse and leaving the café without glancing back. I watch her leave, and for the first time… I’m unable to hide behind a shield of flippancy as Max and Liz come up behind me.

I feel Max’s hand on my shoulder and Liz hugging my side as I continue to stare at the door. “Goodbye,” I murmur, pulling away and leaving in the opposite direction.


<center>TBC in.... A Day in the Life</center>